As the NBA regular season comes to a close, playoff basketball is officially here. For the first time since the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals run, Hawks fans have legitimate reason to believe this team can compete at a high level this postseason.
Overview
The Atlanta Hawks enter the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the league, going 15-5 over their last 20 games. More importantly, they are playing with a clear identity and strong chemistry. This is a roster that may not be loaded with household names, but it is built the right way. The Hawks have embraced a team-first approach that has completely reshaped their trajectory. That transformation began with the biggest move of the season.
After spending nearly a decade building around Trae Young, a midseason trade request changed everything. On January 7th, the Hawks traded Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for veteran guard CJ McCollum and forward Corey Kispert. At the time, many questioned whether Atlanta received enough in return for a player of Young’s caliber. However, looking back, the deal has completely redefined the team.
Since the trade, the Hawks have gone 28-15 and at one point even rattled off an 11-game winning streak. The biggest difference is the style of play. Instead of relying heavily on isolation scoring, the Hawks now play a much more balanced and connected brand of basketball. The ball moves, players are engaged, and roles are clearly defined.
Head Coach Quin Snyder deserves a significant amount of credit for this turnaround. He has maximized the strengths of this roster and created a system that allows multiple players to contribute at a high level. His ability to adapt midseason has been one of the biggest reasons Atlanta enters the playoffs with momentum.
Key Contributors
CJ McCollum has stepped into a leadership role immediately. Providing stability on offense, while averaging nearly 19 points per game, McCollum offers solid playmaking and 12 years of NBA experience. While he may not be the primary star, his presence has brought structure to the team. The biggest story, however, is Jalen Johnson.
Johnson has emerged as the face of the franchise and one of the most dynamic young players in the NBA. In his first All-Star season, he led the Hawks in points, rebounds, and assists, averaging 22.5, 10, and 8 per game. At just 24 years old, he has proven he is capable of being the number one option. His size, versatility, and ability to impact the game on both ends make him the engine of this team. If Atlanta is going to make a deep playoff run, it will be because Johnson elevates his game even further.
Atlanta also made several key additions at the trade deadline that continue to pay off. Corey Kispert has provided valuable shooting off the bench, spacing the floor and contributing around nine points per game. Buddy Hield offers a similar skill set, giving the Hawks another reliable perimeter threat. These additions have helped create a more balanced offensive attack.
Jonathan Kuminga may be the most intriguing addition of all. After seeing his role diminish in Golden State, Kuminga has revitalized his career in Atlanta. He immediately made an impact after being traded with a 27 point performance in his first game and has since become a consistent contributor. His athleticism and scoring ability give the Hawks another option behind Johnson and McCollum.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has also been one of the most important pieces of this roster. He finished among the league leaders in three-pointers made while shooting over 40 percent from beyond the arc. In addition to being a threat on the perimeter, he also brings a defensive intensity that fits perfectly with this team’s identity.
That defensive identity is anchored by Dyson Daniels. Daniels has been one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA this season and finishes the regular season tied as the league leader in steals per game. His ability to disrupt opposing guards will be critical in the playoffs. Known as “The Great Barrier Thief,” Daniels gives Atlanta a defensive presence that can change the outcome of games.
The Hawks also have had important contributions from players that have been around the organization such as Onyeka Okongwu who has continued to grow into his role on the block. While slightly undersized for a big, a recuring theme with this roster, his athleticism and defensive ability make him a strong presence in the paint. Then Jock Landale adds depth and size off the bench, giving the Hawks flexibility in their frontcourt rotations.
Zaccharie Risacher, the number one overall pick in 2024, has shown flashes but remains a developing player. While expectations were high, he has settled into a supporting role off the bench. His performance will be something to monitor as the postseason progresses.
This team is unique in the best way possible. Every player has a defined role, and the chemistry is evident. That balance is what makes Atlanta dangerous heading into the playoffs. Now, the focus shifts to the matchup.
First Round Matchup
The Hawks enter as the 6-seed in the Eastern Conference and will face the 3-seeded New York Knicks. On paper, this is a difficult matchup. The Knicks are experienced, deep, and led by a core that has played together at a high level. Jalen Brunson continues to be one of the most effective guards in the league, while fellow Villanova Wildcats Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart provide versatility and toughness. Karl-Anthony Towns adds 3-level scoring and size, and OG Anunoby is one of the most underrated two-way players in the NBA. Mitchell Robinson anchors the paint, and Jordan Clarkson provides a strong scoring spark off the bench. With that said, the Hawks bring something different into this series with elite perimeter defense, chemistry, and most importantly a lot of momentum. While a Trae Young led team would have added extra storyline to this matchup, Atlanta now enters the series with fewer distractions and a clearer identity.
The key to this series will be defense and pace. If the Hawks can control tempo and force the Knicks into uncomfortable situations, they have a real chance to win. Dyson Daniels’ ability to disrupt opposing guards combined with the team’s overall defensive effort will be crucial in this series. On the offensive side, Jalen Johnson must continue to lead. If he can consistently produce at a high level while getting contributions from McCollum, Alexander-Walker, Okongwu, and Kuminga, Atlanta can compete with anyone.
Looking ahead, the winner of this series will face the winner of the 2-seed Celtics and the 7-seed matchup between the 76ers and Magic. While that presents another difficult challenge, the Eastern Conference this year feels more open than usual.
Final Thoughts
This Hawks team feels different. They are not built around one star or one style of play. Instead, they rely on depth, defense, and unselfish basketball. That identity has carried them into the playoffs with confidence. In a conference that lacks a clear cut favorite, Atlanta has a real opportunity. If they continue to play the way they have over the past two months, this team has the potential to make a deep run.
The question now is simple: can Atlanta keep things rolling when it matters most?
