It was easy to overlook the Atlanta Hawks entering the 2014-15 season. Rather than bring in big free-agent names, the Hawks worked with what they had, banking on players already in their system returning from injuries and building chemistry.
Well, surprise, surprise, the plan worked. Jeff Teague had an outstanding year, Paul Millsap continued to his all-star level of play and Al Horford had a very productive year bouncing back from the torn pectoral muscle that sidelined him in 2013-14.
The Hawks ended up winning the Eastern Conference, and it really wasn’t close.
What was close was the race for the East’s eighth seed, which the Nets finally clinched in game 82—holding off the depleted Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers to sneak into the post-season in their first year under coach Lionel Hollins. Centre Brook Lopez was able to stay relatively healthy and enjoyed a solid campaign, but there wasn’t much to be joyful about in the borough this year.
Despite Brooklyn’s massive payroll, the Hawks absolutely owned the season series—a trend that should continue in this first-round showdown.
Marquee matchup: Jeff Teague vs. Deron Williams
Atlanta may have a powerful frontcourt and one of the game’s deadliest marksmen in Kyle Korver, but Teague is the engine that makes the machine purr. The Wake Forest product averaged 15.9 points to go along with 7.0 assists per game on the season, and in the East, that type of productivity earns you an all-star nod. Teague is also a pesky defender, nabbing nearly two steals a game.
Now three seasons removed from his last all-star season, Williams will certainly have his hands full with the younger, quicker Teague. Once considered a top-tier point guard, the 30-year-old has seen his scoring numbers decline in each of the past three years. But maybe the billboard material provided by Paul Pierce this week [link: //www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/paul-pierce-raptors-dont-have-the-it-factor/] will motivate him enough to lead the Nets to the miracle upset.
Role player to watch – Atlanta: Dennis Schroder
A sophomore point guard, Schroder provides coach Mike Budenholzer with a youthful, reliable floor general when Teague needs a breather. Playing roughly 20 minutes a night, Schroder pitches in 10 points and four assists off the bench. At just 21 years of age, it will be interesting to see how the German handles the big stage after seeing just seven minutes of run in Atlanta’s first-round loss to the Pacers last season.
Role player to watch – Brooklyn: Jarrett Jack
Behind Williams is veteran journeyman Jarrett Jack, who is playing for his fifth team in the past five years. The ex-Raptor is still a reliable backup point guard as he contributes 12 points and nearly five assists per game. Despite being in the league for 10 seasons, Jack doesn’t have much playoff experience, which—barring a miracle—shouldn’t change substantially this year.
Season series: Hawks won 4-0.
Hawks stats leaders:
Points: Paul Millsap (16.7)
Assists: Jeff Teague (7.0)
Rebounds: Paul Millsap (7.8)
Nets stats leaders:
Points: Brook Lopez (17.2)
Assists: Deron Williams (6.6)
Rebounds: Brook Lopez (7.4)
Prediction: Hawks in four.
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