Hawks Win Over Suns Was Fool's Gold

The Atlanta Hawks must improve team at trade deadline despite last night's win over the Phoenix Suns.

The Atlanta Hawks demolished the Phoenix Suns 132-100 on Wednesday night. It was easily the team's best performance of the season. Unfortunately for most Hawks fans, the nationally-televised game did not tip off until after 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Everything rolled in Atlanta's direction. They pushed the pace all night, resulting in the fifth-fewest points allowed and their fifth-highest points scored in a non-overtime game this season.

It was a well-rounded offensive effort, with five Hawks players scoring in double-digits. The team shot an uncharacteristically high 57% from the field and three. On defense, Atlanta held the short-handed Suns to an abysmal 14.3% from deep - a far cry from their fourth-best 38.4% season average.

Some observers might see last night's decisive road win as Atlanta finally coming together to form a sum greater than their individual parts. 

Others see it as a trap game for Phoenix, about to embark on a five-game road trip, worsened by a poor outside shooting performance which was a statistical outlier. Not to mention Phoenix was without Devin Booker, Cameron Payne, and Landry Shamet.

Trade Deadline

Today marks one week until the February 9 NBA trade deadline. Last night's win, or any single game on Atlanta's road trip, should not impact the front office's plans for the future. Last year, the organization sat on its hands at the deadline despite the roster's noticeable flaws.

Atlanta is 26-26 with the 23rd-ranked net rating in the NBA. While their outside shooting has ticked up, they remain in the bottom third of the league in every three-point shooting category.

The roster needs more firepower. Hawks fans are quick to lament injuries, but Atlanta's starting unit ranks sixth in total minutes played together. Hawks head coach Nate McMillan has had to ride his starters heavily to eke out several games this season.

Atlanta does not need a blockbuster trade or to hastily move John Collins. They need to add depth, experience, and age. Last night's win should not be interpreted as a sign to stand pat but rather as a moment to build off by adding more pieces. 

In March 2021, Atlanta traded Rajon Rondo to the Los Angeles Clippers for Lou Williams (plus two second-round picks and cash [wow, was Travis Schlenk good at his job]). Williams was a veteran on an expiring contract that would play an outsized role in Atlanta's magical Eastern Conference Finals run. 

Luckily, the Eastern Conference is wide open, and it's not too late for another patented playoff push spearheaded by Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. The following week is pivotal for the franchise - now is the time for investment, not austerity.