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Being a Hawks fan is not easy, it is a service. I think the fans need a break from these heartbreaking losses along with players. So without making you wait any longer, let's get going with the rankings.
John Schuhmann of NBA.com moves the Hawks up to No. 10 this week.
The Hawks had seemingly found their footing, building a three-game winning streak behind their top-five defense. But another ugly first quarter (they've been the fourth worst offensive team in the opening 12 minutes) led to another loss at the buzzer in Orlando on Sunday. They've still won nine of their last 11 at home and play six of their seven remaining February games at the Highlight Factory.
Next, Marc Stein of ESPN.com also puts the Hawks at No. 10.
Golden State's Draymond Green and Atlanta's Paul Millsap are the only two All-Stars who achieved that status without the benefit of a single 30-point game. The Hawks, meanwhile, are one of just two teams (along with Orlando) yet to face the mighty Warriors. Atlanta's two turns against our stubborn No. 1 come in the span of eight days after the All-Star break.
Matt Moore of CBSsports.com moves the Hawks up to No. 8 after a strong week.
All the trade rumors have me wondering if the Hawks are falling victim to a "grass is always greener" complex. This is a very good team that has good players and a great chance of making another ECF run. Disrupting it is something they need to weigh very carefully.
Jeremy Woo of SI.com moved the Hawks up to #9 this week.
A strange, mystifying and horrendous stat: after losing to the Magic on a Nikola Vucevic buzzer beater, the Hawks are somehow 0–10 since the start of last season when a game-winning shot is attempted in the final second.
USAToday.com also moves the Hawks to No. 9.
Atlanta is second in the NBA with 10 30-assist nights. The Warriors are first with 27 (!!)
Finally, Kurt Helin of NBCsports.com also puts the Hawks at No. 9.
They had won three in a row before a sloppy loss to Orlando on Sunday (one they can seek revenge for Monday night in the second game of the home-and-home series). Jeff Teague’s name has come up in a lot of trade rumors, but if the Hawks want to re-sign Al Hereford this summer — and they do — what kind of message does trading the veteran point guard send?
That does it for the rankings this week and hopefully, the Hawks can get over the frustrating games against the Magic. I think the players need the break as much as the fans. Anyway as always leave your thoughts below.