Atlanta Hawks: 5 Midseason Takeaways For Red-Hot Hawks

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Dec 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives against Detroit Pistons guard Reggie J ackson (1) in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Hawks are 22-16 entering a big Friday matchup with the Boston Celtics. Here are five midseason takeaways as they approach the All-Star break.

The Atlanta Hawks began the season 15-16, but have won seven straight games. With two days of rest, they look to extend their streak to eight games on Friday against the Boston Celtics.

At fourth in the Eastern Conference, the Hawks are looking to turn the corner as the Celtics are right above them in the third spot. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games. They rank 20th in the NBA in offense at 102.7 points per game and ninth in defense, giving up 102.6 points per game.

Trade talk hasn’t slowed down the Hawks much. They dealt sharpshooting forward Kyle Korver to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 8. They were also actively shopping forward Paul Millsap, but he’s since been removed from current trade talks.

The Hawks are 22-16 and surging despite all the off-the-court stuff. On-the-court, team play has ruled the day. Defensively, the Hawks haven’t allowed more than 100 points in their last four games. Offensively, they are sixth in the NBA in assists per game (23.9).

They are 16-6 when they record 24 or more assists as a team.

While the offense doesn’t necessarily score a lot of points, they are playing team ball and it’s working to their advantage. Here are five midseason takeaways for the Atlanta Hawks.

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