Atlanta Hawks: 5 Early Season Takeaways

Nov 18, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Lamar Patterson (13) celebrates a play with center Al Horford (15, left), forward Paul Millsap (4), and guard Dennis Schroder (17) in the fourth quarter of their game against the Sacramento Kings at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

5 of 6

Nov 9, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) attempts a dunk over Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Timberwolves defeated the Hawks 117-107. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Paul Millsap Taking Over

Remember that bit about how the Hawks’ don’t have a definitive alpha dog? That’s still 100 percent true, but if we had to pick one, it’d probably be Paul Millsap through the first 14 games of the season.

In 34.5 minutes per game, Millsap is averaging 18.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game — ALL team highs. He’s shooting 48.9 percent from the field, has made 36.7 percent of his 3.5 three-point attempts per game, and is also chipping in a healthy 3.6 assists per game for good measure.

Oh, and then there’s plays like this too:

It’s not often that Millsap plays the role of star, with his season high being 28 points against the Utah Jazz last week. But he’s been Mr. Consistency for a Hawks team that needs it to enjoy the same playoff success they had last season, scoring in double-figures win every single game and racking up six double-doubles in the process.

Atlanta won’t be winning 60 games this season, and they certainly won’t be sending four players to the All-Star game. But if there were one Hawk deserving of that designation so far, it’d be the ever-versatile Paul Millsap.

Next: No. 1

Home/Atlanta Hawks