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NBA Power Rankings Week 6: New faces in the top ten

By Jack Simone

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets stands next to Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 22: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets stands next to Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 14: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at State Farm Arena on November 14, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Week 6 NBA Power Rankings: 11. Atlanta Hawks (11-10)

Rank last week: 18th

Last week: (3-1) – vs. OKC (W), @ SAS (W), @ MEM (W), vs. NYK (L)

Offensive rating: 112.2 (3rd in NBA)

Defensive rating: 109.5 (22nd in NBA)

After an ugly start to the season, the Atlanta Hawks have been on a roll. Before their latest loss to the Knicks, they went on a seven-game win streak to get above .500.

The biggest factor in their recent success has been Trae Young. The young points guard has been absolutely unstoppable for the past couple of weeks.

Young averaged over 31 points last week while shooting over 56 percent from the field and over 51 percent from three-point range. Clint Capela’s improved play has also helped them in their turnaround.

Despite the success, Atlanta can’t catch a break on the injury front. In addition to De’Andre Hunter and Onyeka Okongwu, Cam Reddish is also now dealing with an injury.

Season outlook: When they got off to such a slow start, a lot of people were quick to call their Eastern Conference Finals run last year a fluke. With how well they’ve played lately, it might not have been. Young will eventually cool off, but the Hawks still project to be a quality playoff team.