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NBA Power Rankings Week 16: Rise of the Phoenix Suns

By Corey Rausch

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Mikal Bridges #25 talk during the fourth quarter in a 113-103 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on April 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Mikal Bridges #25 talk during the fourth quarter in a 113-103 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on April 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
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(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Hawks

Last Week: Beat Golden State Warriors 117-111, Beat New Orleans Pelicans 123-107, Lost to Memphis Grizzlies 131-113, Beat Chicago Bulls 129-108

This Week: 4/11 at Charlotte Hornets, 4/13 at Toronto Raptors, 4/15 vs. Milwaukee Bucks

The Atlanta Hawks under Nate McMillan might actually be good. They are tied with the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns since his rise for the second-most wins in the league at 14. They are top 15 in offensive and defensive rating and their x-factor has played but two games.

Much of the talk surrounding the Atlanta Hawks centers on Trae Young or their bevy of free-agent acquisitions. However, before getting injured, the leap that De’Andre Hunter was taking in his second season was changing the future for the Hawks. Suddenly, they were no longer just an offensive team. They had an impressive two-way player who embodied the type of 3-and-D wing contenders search for.

The two games Hunter has been able to play under McMillan are nothing to remember. However, if the Hawks hope to have anything more than a four-game playoff appearance, his presence will be essential. He is part of a defensive core with Khris Dunn (still yet to play a game), Clint Capela and rookie Onyeka Okongwu who will be essential in any sort of playoff series.

The Hawks are building something. The path has been messy, to put it lightly. Injuries have also complicated matters with Cam Reddish and John Collins joining Hunter on the sideline recently. But if they can get healthy, the Hawks are a threat.