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Playoff Picture: Atlanta Hawks

By Luke Duffy

Feb 6, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) and guard Kyle Korver (26) celebrate their win over the Golden State Warriors at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 124-116. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) and guard Kyle Korver (26) celebrate their win over the Golden State Warriors at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 124-116. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Go To Guy

Jeff Teague

This is kind of tricky. They had their entire starting five win a player of the month award for the first time ever for a reason, you know. I’ve always had a soft spot for Jeff Teague, and to see him finally get his props is sweet. It was his performances against a stacked Boston Celtics team in the playoffs a few years back that won me over. As the point guard for this team, it is he who sets the table for everybody else. So we’ll stick with him.

They say to be an All-Star you need to average 17 points and seven assists/rebounds at the very least. Teague (16.1 points and seven assists) has done a great job statistically of improving his game. This in turn has helped his team to grow. But it’s also how he’s used his talents that is important. His personal numbers have mostly gone north slightly, despite playing fewer minutes and having a lower usage rate than the previous season.

That kind of output typifies this team. They are efficient to the point where on a lot of offensive plays it looks like the five players are being controlled by the one brain. That brain would be Budenholzer’s, but Teague is the head of the snake who makes it all happen. In the playoffs, he may not win every one on one battle he’s in.

But he’s got that Mike Conley ability to make his team better as he goes, meaning if he loses his own personal duel, it might not necessarily matter.

Next: In It For The Long Haul

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