Cobb Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 Atlanta The Hawks could not be further off the radar right now, but it might be time for that perception to change. For instance, Orlando is a big story after having won nine straight games. But did you know that Orlando has gained only two games on the Hawks during its current streak? Although I harp on new coach Larry Drew's insistence on "fouling out" his players in the second quarter and his inexplicable zest for all things Josh Powell (on Saturday against Indiana, he called three straight post-ups for the guy), one must concede that Drew has improved the Hawks greatly in two other respects. Especially noticeable is that there's far better ball movement than in the "iso-Joe" offense under Mike Woodson. But perhaps more important is that the Hawks' formerly shambolic transition D has significantly improved now that they're not sending the entire team to the offensive glass. Atlanta has dropped to 24th in offensive rebound rate, from fifth a season go, which is the main reason the offense hasn't been as efficient … but by the same token, the Hawks are also a very solid 11th in defensive efficiency. This team remains flawed -- it's basically four good players and a whole lot of filler -- but has coped with injuries surprisingly well. Atlanta held down the fort without Joe Johnson, going 5-4 while he missed nine games with an elbow problem; when he returned, the Hawks won three of four even with Jamal Crawford out. As a result, the Hawks are on the upswing -- winners of eight of 10, including a 23-point beatdown of the Jazz in Utah last week -- and up to fifth in the Power Rankings. No, not fifth in the East -- fifth in the entire league. Atlanta projects to win 52 games according to today's Playoff Odds and is a serious threat to grab a top-four seed in the East.per ESPN Insider Really rare to see Hollinger write something positive about the Hawks. Seems like he is usually more interested in writing about how empty the stands are than actual Hawks material. (.50. knows what I'm talking about ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted January 13, 2011 Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 So true man, haha. I wish I could upload those pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobb Posted January 13, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2011 Why can't you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleveland's Finest Posted January 15, 2011 Report Share Posted January 15, 2011 I like Atlanta, but I'll believe it when I see it in the playoffs. It's just because they've been like this the past three years now. I'd love to see them finally take it to the elite teams and become on themselves. That home crowd during the Boston series still gives me chills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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