NBA Power Rankings: Hawks See Huge Rise After Recent Winning Streak

Atlanta has seen a big jump in multiple power rankings this week

Yeah, the four-game winning streak is over for the Hawks after Monday's loss to Oklahoma City, but their play over the winning streak raised eyebrows. 

It is very early, but the Hawks currently have the third-best point differential in the Eastern Conference so far, trailing only the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers. Their offense is among the NBA's best, despite Trae Young having a slow start to the season when it comes to shooting and the team not shooting well from three-point range. They have impressive wins over Minnesota, New Orleans, and Milwaukee to start the year and they have started to get attention from those around the NBA. 

Some don't put a lot of stock into Power Rankings, especially so early in the season, but I think it is an interesting look to see how those around the NBA view the Hawks in this early portion of the season. 

NBA.com released their power rankings yesterday and the Hawks made a massive jump all the way to No. 5, just behind Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, and Golden State. 

Here were the takeaways from the Hawks early part of the season:

"The Hawks have struggled early (losing the first quarter by at least five points in each of their last three games), but are the only team with three wins in games they trailed by double-digits. Their win over the Wolves on Monday (in which they were at a rest disadvantage) was also the first win by a team that trailed by at least 20 points.

While Trae Young is still struggling with his shot, Dejounte Murray has shot 13-for-23 (56.5%) from mid-range, the second-best mark among 19 players with at least 20 attempts. He’s also shot 30-for-49 (61.2%) in the paint, up from 53.4% over the last three seasons.

Jalen Johnson has been in and out of the starting lineup, but the Hawks have been at their best (plus-18.3 points per 100 possessions) with him on the floor. He tied his career highs with 21 points and 11 rebounds (adding four assists) in the Hawks’ win in New Orleans on Saturday.

Johnson (who turns 22 next month) is proving the Hawks right for trading John Collins, even if they only got a second-round pick in return. His next test could be a matchup with Paolo Banchero in Mexico City on Thursday.

Though they lost to the Hornets on opening night, the Hawks can establish themselves as the best team in the Southeast Division this week. They’re 4-10 against the Heat (who they’ll host on Saturday) over the last two seasons when you count a playoff series defeat (2022) and a Play-In game victory (2023)."

Hawks point guard Trae Young against the Charlotte Hornets / Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

While not as optimistic as NBA.com, ESPN's new power rankings had the Hawks at No. 9, behind Denver, Boston, Philadelphia, Golden State, Dallas, Minnesota, Milwaukee, and the Clippers. 

Here is what ESPN's Andrew Lopez had to say about the Hawks checking in at No. 9 in this week's power rankings: 

"The Hawks are third in the NBA in scoring at 122.0 points per game and have done so with a balanced effort throughout their roster. As a result, Atlanta sports the league's No. 5-ranked offense behind eight players averaging double figures. But it will be tested in the next week, with the Hawks battling the Magic's No. 3-ranked defense and the Knicks' second-ranked unit."

Atlanta is back in action tomorrow night in Mexico City against the Orlando Magic. 

Hawks to Host "Divine 9" Night During Next Week's Matchup With the Knicks

Follow Jackson on X here: @jackoncaudell

Follow Hawks coverage on Facebook here: All Hawks