Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics: Looking into the Eastern Conference Playoffs contenders – NBA Feature Part 3
4. Atlanta Hawks
Another team to watch out for in the playoffs will be the Atlanta Hawks who with their group of above average players have been in spectacular form. They finished the season with a win-loss record of 40-26 and will hold home court
advantage in the first round of the playoffs against the Boston Celtics.
In Josh Smith, Hawks contain one of the most explosive players in the league. Smith has been a versatile player for his team on many occasions in the season, sometimes even adapting to the role of playing centre.
Along with Smith, Hawks have the offensive prowess of Jeff Teague and Joe Johnson at their disposal and mind you if it is their night, there is not stopping them.
Their head coach Larry Drew seems to be working on a winning formula of grouping together these under rated players and getting the best out of them, it does seem to be working wonders. Along with having a much spirited starting
lineup, Atlanta has one of the best second units in the league. The likes of Jannero Pargo, Tracy McGrady and Ivan Johnson coming off the bench, this Atlanta team can go head to head with any team in the league.
It still remains to be found out to how strong this team can be in the play offs but one thing is for sure, they will not be fazed by their opponents as they look to lay their claim to the NBA Championship.
5. Boston Celtics
When the shortened season of 66 games started, many would have not even considered the veterans from the Boston Celtics to be one of the strongest candidates for the NBA Championship, calling them old timers. However in the second
half of the season, the C`s have made it very clear they still got what it takes to make a strong run in the off season.
Boston finished the season with a win loss record of 39-27 which enabled to clinch the Atlantic Division much courtesy to their astounding performances since the All-Star break. In the 34 games they have played since that time,
the Celtics have registered 24 wins in that period while only losing on ten occasions.
This was only possible to inspiriting performances by the Boston Stars like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo. Many would say that Garnett was not that impactful but the former Most Valuable Player`s performances in the
second half of the season have been nothing less than a beauty to watch.
Rondo has also been on a surge since the break and can be regarded as the best point guard in the league at the moment. No offence to the likes of Chris Paul, Steve Nash or even the reigning MVP Derrick Rose but Rajon has stepped
his game up in a major way.
Rondo finished off the season with a 24 consecutive game in which he achieve the mark of dishing out double digit assists.
If you look in this league full of stars, you will probably not find a gutsier player then Paul Pierce. Pierce who has been with the Celtics for his entire career, putting in inspiring performances night in and night out. If he
does not score, he finds other ways to be useful for the team and no one carries the team, the way he does, playing like a true captain of the team in the closing stages of the season
Even though the C`s start their post season experience on the road but they will be competing, they will be fighting to get to being on top and to whoever that is still in doubt, needs to take a look at their performances in the
second half of the season. With the addition of Avery Bradley to the starting lineup, they have portrayed themselves as a more spirited team.
However they will face their playoff problem like every team does and a lot of guys will need to step up with Ray Allen most likely to be out injured with bone spurs but don’t count them out yet.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
Tags: