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The Atlanta Hawks have had a successful week and look to finish it strong. Atlanta has won 4 of 5 and has been playing spectacular defense and are starting to hit open shots. The have two games remaining on their current five-game road trip and look to finish strong against Utah and Toronto.
First up, John Schuhmann of NBA.com moves the Hawks up one spot to No. 9 this week.
The Hawks' offense is still struggling overall, but Kyle Korver (46 percent from 3-point range over the last month) may be returning to 2014-15 form. Atlanta's defensive improvement has been legitimized by twice keeping the Warriors in check within a seven-game stretch in which they've allowed just 94 points per 100 possessions. Thursday's visit to Toronto is one of five remaining games against the top two teams in the East.
Marc Stein of ESPN.com also moves the Hawks up to No. 9 for his ranking this week.
Paul Millsap's scoring has dropped from 17.7 PPG to 15.6 PPG since his third successive All-Star appearance as a Hawk. Kyle Korver, meanwhile, is threatening to record his lowest success rate from 3-point range (.391) since shooting .386 in 2008-09. The Hawks, though, have quietly won four of five, losing to only Golden State in that stretch -- while rising to No. 2 leaguewide in defensive efficiency.
Matt Moore of Cbssports.com moves the Hawks up 9 spots to No. 6 this week.
If last year's Hawks were walking with a huge target on their backs, this one is flying below the radar. They have talent, coaching, experience and versatility. They're just as likely to make an ECF run as they are to be bounced in the first round.
Jeremy Woo of SI.com also lands the Hawks at No. 9.
Atlanta has cranked it up defensively and rediscovered its stride. The Hawks have won four of five and held opponents under 100 points in regulation in each game, the lone loss coming to the Warriors in overtime. Probably a good call to keep the band together.
Kurt Helin of NBCsports.com shockingly also puts the Hawks at, yes you guessed it No. 9.
They continue to get wins with lock-down defense and enough offense to get the job done — they swept the two teams in Los Angeles last week. Interesting game at Toronto this week.
Finally, USAToday.com lands the Hawks at No. 10.
Atlanta rallied from 17 down to beat the Clippers on Saturday, its sixth win this year where the Hawks trailed by double-digits.
That does it for the rankings this week. Hopefully we get some strong games from the Hawks this week and the game at Toronto will be a great test. As always leave your thoughts in the comments.