5 reasons why Atlanta Hawks can make a deep playoff run

The Atlanta Hawks continue to trend up, winning four of their last five games and boasting an 11-5 record since Nov. 27. The franchise has done an admirable job retooling its roster around star point guard Trae Young, surrounding him with defensive-minded players and versatile wings.

While Atlanta is positioned seventh in the Eastern Conference (18-16), it appears poised to finish within the top six and avoid the play-in tournament. If so, the Hawks' mix of star power and young talent could make them a dark horse threat to make noise in the top-heavy East.

On that note, here are five reasons Atlanta could be among the NBA's biggest surprises come playoff time.

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5 reasons Atlanta Hawks could be a dark horse threat in East playoffs

#5 Strong record against East's top teams

Atlanta Hawks star point guard Trae Young (Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

While Atlanta is only two games above .500, it has fared well against the East's premier squads.

The Hawks are 5-1 against the No. 1-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers (29-4), No. 2-seeded Boston Celtics (24-9) and No. 3-seeded New York Knicks (24-10). Their ability to rise to the occasion against elite opponents should bode well for their postseason outlook.

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#4 Top 5 in NBA in scoring, rebounding, playmaking and steals

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson, star point guard Trae Young and forward De'Andre Hunter (Image Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)

Despite its middling record, Atlanta ranks among the league's top five teams in scoring, rebounding, playmaking and steals.

The Hawks sit fifth in points (117.9) and rebounds per game (45.8). Meanwhile, they rank third in assists (29.9) and second in steals per game (10.4). That makes them one of the league's most well-rounded squads from a traditional stats perspective.

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#3 Dyson Daniels' elite backcourt defense

Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (Image Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images)

Third-year guard Dyson Daniels has been a revelation in his first season with Atlanta, serving as arguably the NBA's best perimeter defender. He leads the league in steals (3.1) and deflections per game (6.5), and sits third in loose balls recovered per night (1.0).

Daniels' lockdown defense should prove beneficial against the East's top guards in the postseason, including Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell and Damian Lillard.

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#2 Jalen Johnson and De'Andre Hunter's improvement

Atlanta Hawks forwards Jalen Johnson and De'Andre Hunter (Image Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

A large part of Atlanta's improvement has been internal development, with forwards Jalen Johnson and De'Andre Hunter taking the next steps in their careers.

Johnson has been a nightly 20/10 threat and complementary playmaker, averaging a career-high 19.9 ppg, 10.2 rpg and 5.4 apg, shooting 50.9%. Meanwhile, he is racking up 2.6 stocks per night.

Moreover, Hunter has blossomed into the NBA's top three-level bench scorer, averaging a personal-best 20.6 ppg and 2.8 3pg, shooting 50.0% and 45.7% from deep.

So, the Hawks have multiple efficient high-level scoring options around Young.

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#1 Trae Young relishes big moments

Atlanta Hawks star point guard Trae Young (Image Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

Finally, Atlanta has a leading man in Young who embraces high-stakes moments against top-tier opponents. The three-time All-Star's confidence at point guard should empower his squad in the playoffs.

Young proved he could spearhead an East finals-caliber team in 2021. With the right blend of versatile players around him, perhaps the NBA's leading playmaker (12.0 apg) can help the Hawks pull off another postseason surprise.

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