- Record: 36-17 (8-2)
- Eastern (2)
- Atlantic (1)
Ranks
- 112.2 ORTG (2)
- 107 DRTG (20)
- 93 Pace (20)
- 73.2 DRB% (24)
- 0.555 TS% (5)
Latest Results
Leaders
- Kyle Lowry 18.6 ppg
- Jonas Valanciunas 8.6 rpg
- Kyle Lowry 7.2 apg
- Jonas Valanciunas 1.2 bpg
- Kyle Lowry 1.6 spg
- Record: 43-11 (7-3)
- Eastern (1)
- Southeast (1)
Ranks
- 109.8 ORTG (6)
- 102.8 DRTG (6)
- 93.8 Pace (16)
- 73.6 DRB% (21)
- 0.57 TS% (2)
Latest Results
Leaders
- Jeff Teague 17 ppg
- Paul Millsap 7.9 rpg
- Jeff Teague 7.5 apg
- Al Horford 1.3 bpg
- Paul Millsap 1.8 spg
Oh, yes. They also play basketball in the NBA. After one of the most head spinning NBA trade deadlines in recent memory that the Raptors (and Hawks) completely sat out, Toronto plays it’s first post-All Star game against the Eastern Conference leading (and 2nd place in the league) Atlanta Hawks.
Over the last 7 years, the Hawks have become the face of mediocrity, winning between 37 and 54 games and never making it past the second round. That changed this year, for seemingly no reason.
Despite returning with basically the same roster as last season, when they won just 38 games, the Hawks have become one of the leagues best teams. Yes, Al Horford is finally healthy, after missing most of last season with injury, but much of the responsibility should go to head coach, Mike Budenholzer, who worked his way up the ranks in San Antonio to become an assistant coach there and learning under Gregg Popovich, for 17 years.
Hiring Budenholzer was roundly praised, as he was widely regarded as one of the best assistants in the league. In his first year he had the Hawks winning until Horford went down with his injury. And while their record didn’t show it, this was a much better team than the one that played isolation-heavy ball under Larry Drew and Mike Woodson. Budenholzer brought the Spurs system with him and after a season of getting used to it, it appears to have sunk in with the players.
Atlanta jumped from the 18th rated offense last year to the 6th this year and the 14th rated defense to the 6th, and are currently on pace to set a franchise record for wins. Like the Spurs, they play a team-first style of basketball that relies on passing and cutting.
It’s hard to decide who is the team’s best player. They sent four players to the All Star game, but no one on the team averages more than 17 ppg. A case could be argued for any of the four players, including Kyle Korver, the lowest scorer of the four, because of just how much he he affects opposing defenses just by being on the floor, and he doesn’t even have to touch the ball to do it. It’s actually astounding.
It’s hard to say whether or not the Hawks are real contenders to win the title. In my article a couple of weeks ago, I discussed why this could be considered a ‘gap year’ which would work in the Hawks’ favour. If they played in the West (or if the Eastern Conference was better), they certainly wouldn’t have the record they do, but they’re still a very good team.
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
Will Terrence Ross Respond To Not Being Traded?
With so many rumours flying around about Ross possibly being traded, Masai Ujiri decided to stick with what he had, and keep Ross. Sometimes, this tacit nod of approval can give a player like Ross a mental boost and you will see improved performance after not being traded.
Ross’ problem is certainly not talent. He’s got the ability to be a very good two-way player, but has lacked consistency and aggression.
Can the Raptors Continue Their Winning Ways Against Winning Teams?
After struggling for a couple of months to win against .500+ teams, the Raptors went into the All Star break beating the Clippers, Spurs and Washington. If the Raptors want to make any noise in the playoffs, they have to learn to beat good teams on a semi-consistent basis (especially if they meet up with the improved Miami Heat in the first round).
Beating Atlanta IN Atlanta would go a long way to convincing doubters the Raptors are a team to be reckoned with.
Will Kyle Korver Hit A Three Point Shot?
Kyle Korver has the record for most consecutive games hitting a three, with 127. This year he’s hit more three point shots than he’s attempted from two point range and he’s on pace to blow away the all time best three point percentage in a season (he’s currently shooting .523). In fact, he’s on pace to become the first player in NBA history to shoot 50% from the field, 50% from 3 and 90% from the line.
There’s a reason that opposing defenses fear him despite the fact he only scores 12.7 ppg.
BREAKDOWN
Starters
Atlanta sent four starters to the All Star game. You could certainly argue that Kyle Lowry is a better player than Jeff Teague (it’s debatable, but a worthy argument) and that DeMar DeRozan is a better player than Kyle Korver (I would argue no, because of what I wrote above, but it’s also a worthy argument), but for the rest of the starters, it’s not much of a contest.
Edge: Hawks
Bench
While the Hawks starters are incredibly strong, there’s a reason they all play at least 30 mpg. Atlanta doesn’t have a bad bench, with some decent to good players, but the Raptors have one of the highest scoring benches in the league for a reason. Toronto has 9 players that play at least 20 mpg as opposed to just five for the Hawks.
Edge: Raptors
Coaching
Budenholzer isn’t in Popovich’s league just yet, but he’s still better than Casey.
Edge: Hawks
PREDICTION
Despite my last three predictions being wrong, I’m still at .500 for the season, so I’m going to stick with my gut and go with the Hawks in this one. They are the better team, are looking to get back on track after going 3-3 in their last 6, and the Raptors are playing them at home, where they’ve lost just 3 games all season.
Score: Hawks 118 – Raptors 112
