With a 121-105 home loss earlier today against the New York Knicks, the Atlanta Hawks clinched their spot in the 2025 Play-In Tournament. Atlanta had to win their six games to escape the play-in, but Saturday night’s loss sealed their fate.
Atlanta is no stranger to the play-in. This is the third consecutive year they will be participating in it. In 2023 they defeated the Miami Heat to qualify for the main bracket and last year they were sent home in the play-in. How far will the Atlanta Hawks advance in the postseason this year?
Atlanta Hawks Season Summary
The Hawks are the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 36-41. In a jumbled conference, Atlanta has no margin of error. They must remain the 7th or 8th seed at the end of the regular season to ensure they have two games to qualify for the main draw.
Atlanta’s offense has been its strength this season. They are fifth in points scored, 14th in field goal percentage, and 19th in three-point percentage. Point Guard Trae Young has led the team. He is 15th in points and the league leader in assists.
Guard Dyson Daniels has been one of the league’s best defenders. He leads the league in steals by a wide margin and has been named the Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month in November and March. Even with his performance, Atlanta’s defense has been underwhelming. They are 27th in points allowed, 28th in opposing field goal percentage, and 28th in opposing three-point percentage.
Final Thoughts
Atlanta must find its form as they have dropped four of their last five games. They return to the court Sunday when a Utah Jazz team looking to lose comes to town. The Atlanta Hawks have virtually no path to playoff success, but they must make it through the NBA Play-In Tournament to have any chance.
