Atlanta Hawks Should Be Optimistic Entering 2023 Postseason
The ups and downs of the regular season are over for the Atlanta Hawks. After finishing the year with an even 41-41 record, the team was lucky to squeeze into the Play-In Tournament. While it has been a rollercoaster season for Atlanta, fans should be optimistic that their team will make their way into the playoffs next weekend.
It’s safe to say that the Hawks are still trying to find themselves as a unit. This is a team who has had multiple playoff battles and has upgraded their roster along the way. Let’s also not forget about having a coaching change in the middle of the season as well.
However, it’s time to put the season to bed. The Hawks’ season continues as they face the Miami Heat in the Play-In Tournament. Once again, anticipating another playoff battle, this isn’t unfamiliar territory for the Hawks.
Everyone is aware of what occurred last year in the first round. Miami dominated Atlanta throughout five games as they prioritized their defense into making Trae Young a decoy.
Young averaged only 15.4 points on 32 percent shooting that included two games where he scored in single digits. Meanwhile, on the other end, Jimmy Butler continued to dominate for Miami to lead them past the first round.
Jimmy Butler fouls Trae Young.
Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
When I say that the Hawks are in unfamiliar territory, I mean that they have been battle-tested in the NBA playoffs. Date back to two years ago when they prevailed against the New York Knicks in the first round, while later taking down the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round, which included a miraculous comeback in game five.
Fast forward to the 2022 Play-In Tournament, and it was all dominance for the Hawks. They blew out the Charlotte Hornets in their first game, with Young leading the charge with 38 points and nine assists to clinch a playoff spot against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
However, in those matchups, players in the supporting cast stepped up significantly. Clint Capela contributed a double-double in the first matchup, while Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 19 points in the second.
Bogdan Bogdanovic celebrates a play.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
People can make a case that the Hawks will be a stronger team in this year’s play-in tournament. Last season, the team didn’t have John Collins available, plus they now have Dejounte Murray this season.
Two keys to a win against Miami is to allow a player outside of Jimmy Butler to lead the way offensively along with defending the interior. Not allowing easy opportunities for Miami at the rim will be essential to a win in this crucial play-in matchup.
While the Heat will prioritize slowing down Trae Young on offense, the other players will be required to step up significantly. The Hawks play tremendous basketball when players like DeAndre Hunter, John Collins, and others put up big scoring numbers on offense. In another anticipated battle for a playoff position, I believe the Hawks will rise to the challenge, as we’ve seen on many occasions.
