Atlanta Hawks Shock the World as They Continue to Win

The Atlanta Hawks are the best team in the National Basketball Association this year.  Seriously. Don't believe us? See for yourself.

To say this is surprising would be an understatement. After all, this is a team that's up for sale and has traded away many key players from recent playoff teams.  However, in a year when traditional powers are either tanking or whatever the Knicks are doing, the Hawks have been one of the most complete and successful teams in the league this year.

At 34-8, Atlanta has the most wins in the NBA and the second-highest winning percentage just behind the Golden State Warriors.  They are currently riding a 13-game winning streak and lead the Eastern Conference standings by five games over the Washington Wizards.  Led by players such as Kyle Korver, Paul Millsap, Jeff Teague and Al Horford, the Hawks are averaging 103.3 points per game while only giving up 96.6.  They have an average scoring margin of +6.7 and deal out over 25 assists per game. (All stats courtesy of teamrankings.com and averages do not include today's game vs Pistons)

The Hawks' success adds into a larger story of a season that has turned the NBA upside down.  As of right now, the Lakers, Knicks, Celtics, 76ers, Pacers and Thunder are all out of the playoffs.  Lebron James' Cavaliers are just the 6th seed in the East.  The Heat and Nets are the 7th and 8th seeds and both have sub-.500 records.  Even the San Antonio Spurs, the shining example of consistency in the NBA, are barely hanging on as the 7th seed in the West.  Meanwhile, the Hawks and Warriors lead the East and West respectively, while the Trailblazers, Grizzlies, Wizards, Raptors, Rockets, Mavericks, Clippers and Bulls are all within 7 games of their conference leaders.  The Bulls were one of the favorites to win it all, but have dealt with injuries to Derrick Rose.  Perennial contenders have given way to new challengers this season, and the Hawks are leading the charge.

Of course, it's a long way to go until the start of the NBA Playoffs, and any team is capable of going on a run (except for the Knicks).  But the dominant fashion in which the Hawks have been winning tells you that they aren't just getting lucky.  This team has some weapons and can seriously contend for a spot in the NBA Finals this season.