Taking Flight

 

The city of Atlanta is known for being the hub for Delta one of the largest airlines in the world, but their new and latest flights have come not from Hartsfield-Jackson but from Phillips Arena. The start of the 2014 Atlanta Hawks season has taken the NBA and the city of Atlanta by storm. A (21-7) record, winners of (5) straight, including (14) of their last (15) games. This (5) game win streak has come at a crucial time in their early schedule. A stretch that begin Dec 15th versus Chicago (93-86) followed by (3) consecutive road wins at Cleveland (127-98), Houston (104-97), and Dallas (105-92), while finishing last night beating the Clippers (107-104) at home. Currently they are the number (2) seed in the Eastern Conference and lead the Southeast Division. You ask the question what's the big deal on the Hawks?

 

This isn't the same Hawks team from recent years. After starting the season (7-6) and suffering through some nail biting losses; at the end of regulation and a couple overtime losses, those games seemed to have shapen the Hawks instead of defined them. With all (5) starters averaging at least double-digits in scoring [Teague-(16.5), Millsap-(16.3), Horford-(14.5), Korver-(13.4), Carroll-(12.3)] that gives you a well balanced attack and no one player is valued more than the other. Except maybe in salary. The point is no more relying on Joe Johnson or dare I say Josh Smith to lead the way or be the man at the end of games. A more collective unit this season with confidence in all its players to deliver when needed. It also helps when you have depth like Atlanta does. Most nights second year head coach Mike Budenholzer can go (9-10) players deep which ultimately limits fatigue and not to mention the toll of an (82) game season will put on you. Depth that includes the emergence of back-up point guard Dennis Schroder, power forward Mike Scott, and their two off-season acquisitions in Thabo Sefolosha and Kent Bazemore who have been strong defensively. Without a bonafied superstar or even a premiere All-Star cast most tend to wonder how Atlanta has had this fast start and realistically will it last?

 

Sometimes a group of stars and role players are better than that one or two superstars; sometimes. At least (7) different Hawks players have led them in scoring this season. On any given night expect the unexpected with this group because you never know who will rise to the occasion. This season in my mind at least Jeff Teague and Paul Millsap will get an invite to NYC for All-Star weekend 2015, although I wouldn't be surprised if Al Horford finds himself on a reserve ballot. Whether a win or a loss, at home or on the road, Atlanta has remained consistent with field goal percentage (47%), three point percentage (38%), assist, and A/TO (assist to turnover ratio). However a ton of credit goes to their head coach as well. Mike Budenholzer now has taken the experience from being behind Gregg Popovich many years and transitioned it to the quick success of the Hawks. Good point guard play with shooters on the wings and an interior that can play on the block as well as shoot the mid range jumper has spaced the floor and given all (5) players room to work with. Don't forget the Spurs philosophy of ball movement as the Hawks actually do it the best this season averaging (25.9) assist per game. Atlanta also plays defense which is a rare commodity in the association, while it has payed dividend as they rank (7th) holding opponents to (97.4ppg) this season.

 

Not everything has been peachy for the Atlanta Hawks. Hotlanta found a cold shoulder this past summer. They found themselves in the wake of the Donald Sterling saga surrounded by their own negativity and racial divide. The comments of general manager Danny Ferry and inappropriate emails sent by majority owner Bruce Levenson involving African-American players as well as other staff and fans seen Ferry under fire and Levenson attempting to sell his majority share of the team. However the Hawks have found a way to leave it all on the floor and continue to win games. The tension of race especially reflecting upon the city of Atlanta which has heavy civil rights roots and is predominantly African-American can be a difficult subject. Although many fans black, white, hispanic and more have came out in numbers in light of those prior occurrences to support the Hawks all season. The Hawks have shown their appreciation by owning the leagues second best record at home only behind Golden State with a (13-2) record in the friendly confines of Phillips. That support is critical for the city and the team moving forward with Atlanta being labeled for having a mediocre fan base. If this season continues the way it's going the Hawks may finally make some moves in the postseason, a place they often see for a just one series. Playing as a team and not as one can surely take you to new heights, just how far is the question??