Atlanta Hawks: Recent Losses Cause for Concern?

The Atlanta Hawks enter Friday night’s contest against the Memphis Grizzlies having lost 5 out of their last 7 games and 6 out of their last 10.

After beginning the season 8-1 and riding high on a seven-game winning streak, the Atlanta Hawks have faltered during this recent stretch of games, failing to win close contests and accumulating injuries along the way. Though the Atlanta Hawks now sit at 10-7 and in 7th place in the Eastern Conference, should we as fans worry about their recent struggles? Or is it too early to truly have concerns about this team?

Well, I would say there is an argument for either sentiment right now, but I believe it’s still too early to truly worry about the Atlanta Hawks in the 2015-2016 season. Though the Atlanta Hawks have already played 17 games and it feels as if the 2015-2016 began months ago, in reality the season only started on October 27th. There are still five months in the 82-game grind that is an NBA season.

Every time faces adversity at some point in the regular season. The Atlanta Hawks had their period of struggles towards the end of the 2014-2015 season and entering the playoffs. This year, it’s just come a bit earlier. Jeff Teague missed significant time due to an ankle injury, as has Kent Bazemore. Tiago Splitter is currently dealing with a hip injury. The team is not at full strength right now.

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Because there is still so much time left on the calendar, I’m not overly concerned. Jeff Teague continues to get his speed back, and Kent Bazemore will return to the lineup soon. Tiago Splitter should not miss significant time. At some point when the team gets healthy, their play will improve.

Also, the Atlanta Hawks recent string of losses have come by way of a slim margin. They lost by 1 point two weeks ago to the Utah Jazz, two points to the Brooklyn Nets on November 17th, and only four points on Wednesday when visiting Minnesota. The loss last Saturday at Cleveland stung for sure, but a game like that is expected during an 82-game season. The Atlanta Hawks could easily have a 13-4 record right now.

The Atlanta Hawks showed us what they are capable of of during their 7-game winning streak at the onset of the regular season. At full strength, they are a dangerous team that can contend for the Eastern Conference Crown. In their diminished state right now, they are still dangerous, but are clearly missing the contributions of some of their most important role players.

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The lack of rebounding is concerning, and poor shooting performances have put the Atlanta Hawks at a disadvantage, but as the season continues to progress and the team continues to gel, I fully expect the Hawks to put it all together and rise in the standings. It’s in our nature as fans to overreact, but it’s a long season. I’m not worried now; but ask me again in a month and I’ll let you know how I really feel.

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