The Atlanta Hawks Look to Make Strides in '09-'10 Season
The Hawks advanced through the first round of the playoffs, defeating the Miami Heat in round one, before meeting the Cleveland Cavs in the second round. The Cavs pounced on the Hawks, easily defeating them and putting an end to what was otherwise a successful season for the Atlanta Hawks.
The 08' playoffs against the Boston Celtics proved that the Atlanta Hawks were on the rise and should compete for the Eastern Conference Championship in the near future.
The Hawks did improve on their previous season - many feel the Hawks took a step backwards in 09'. Not being able to win 50 games in the Eastern Conference isn't very impressive by many accounts. If a team is a serious playoff threat -winning 50 games should be accomplished.
It will be very tough to over take the Orlando Magic in the Southeast division this season. While the Magic have some new pieces in place surrounding Dwight Howard - they are still the favorites.
When you can't score you must prevent the other team from scoring, the Hawks defense must improve because their opponent's average for the season was 97 points per game - championship quality teams do not give up that many points.
The Eastern Conference just became stronger again with the acquisition of Shaquille O'Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers - how will the Hawks stop Shaq? That remains to be seen.
Look for the Hawks to build on their success from the last two years. This is a talented, young team that can't be slept on looking forward. Hawks fans have many reasons to be excited.
