The Atlanta Hawks have made it into the playoffs, though not without making a bumpy ride to them. The team finished ninth in the Eastern Conference, which wasn’t quite enough to clinch automatic qualification for the playoffs. However, they found some scintillating form in their first play-in game, beating the Charlotte Hornets 132-103. Then, in their second, this time against the Cleveland Cavaliers, they were able to produce the goods again with a 107-101 win.
Below is a look at the team’s performance this season, at where their strengths and weaknesses lie, whether they could get to the NBA finals and how. If you’re interested in placing a wager, they have NBA championship odds of around +5000.
How have the Hawks been so far?
The Hawks have improved moderately since last season, but overall, their progress this one will have been slightly disappointing to fans. At the halfway point of the season, they were in ninth place. Fast forward to the end and they were still in the same place and having to fight for their spot in the playoffs.
In their clashes against the Heat, the Heat were the dominant ones and took the series in the regular season 3-1. To the relief of fans, the Hawks looked more convincing against the Indiana Pacers and took the series of clashes 2-1 in the regular season.
The offensive ratings for the team haven’t been good. Outside shooting has been poor. In fact, even shot attempts haven’t been good. Whether mid-range throws or free throws, the team have struggled and the metrics haven’t made pleasing reading for coaches.
Strengths and weaknesses
The Hawks should feel buoyed by their performance against the Hornets and also by the fact they have some serious strengths. For one, they have some excellent guard playmaking in the form of Young and Kevin Huerter. The two work well together… so well, in fact, the pairing have received the nickname the “Pass Brothers.”
Offensive rebounding is another major strength. The presence of so many large players in the Hawks means the team have lots of options in offense and can have a real impact at their opponents’ end. Collins’s ability to jump twice before some larger players can even get off the ground once makes him a major headache for them when there are rebounds.
Perhaps the biggest weakness for the Hawks is the lack of a veteran guard. Young is superb at what he does, but having someone who could take him under their wing would really help.
Who are the team’s best players?
Trae Young has a lot resting on him as the team look for him to lead them forward. That’s understandable. His passing is sublime, and his shooting is versatile. Young has also shown he has character, having put right a serious drop in his shooting, and changes in the rules meant he had to adapt his offensive game on the fly in the 2021-22 season. His leadership qualities shine through. When he’s playing well, everyone else seems to be having a good game.
John Collins is another key player. His defensive play caused some people worry when he first entered the league, but he’s worked on his game and become reliable when defending the rim. He’s good at protecting it without committing a foul, and he’s also improved when it comes to steals, blocks and defensive rebounds. He’s the type of player that returns with something new added to his game each season.
Can the Hawks make it to the finals?
The Hawks must first get past the Boston Celtics in the playoffs if they’re to continue their journey to the finals.
The road to the finals won’t be easy, however. To really boost their chances, the Atlanta side would benefit from more depth on the bench. The trade of Danilo Gallinari to bring in Dejounte Murray was a step to putting that right, but the playoffs and/or finals will reveal whether it’s been enough.
Placing Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu on the court at the same time could also be problematic because their outside shooting isn’t up to the standard required. This is something to work on if the team is to have any hope of making it to play for the championship, as is consideration of the amount of depth in the team.
The Atlanta Hawks have fought hard to make it to the playoffs, but whether they’ll reach the finals and even lift the title are two different questions. Their form hasn’t been convincing this season, but there have been flashes of improvement during the season and some encouraging performances in the play-in games. Maybe they could defy expectations and walk away as champions.
