I mentioned that the Hawks could be in the top tier of the Eastern by week’s end. Well it happened a little faster than even I expected. The Hawks hold the East’s second spot all to themselves after last night’s throttling of the Detroit Pistons for their 5th straight victory.
After a back and forth first quarter, the Hawks opened up a double digit lead in the second quarter and headed into the locker room up 16 at half. Atlanta held serve in the second half, and despite a late fourth quarter run were able to avenge their opening night home loss to the Pistons. Jeff Teague was all over the place scoring 23 points, dishing out 9 assists, grabbing 6 rebounds and even came up with four steals. It was Teague’s best performance of the season.
Atlanta had five players score in double digits again including two off the bench. Dennis Schroder continued his hot play scoring 14 points to go along with 5 assists. Tiago Splitter also pitched in 11 points in just 19 minutes, as he continues to look a lot better as he gets healthier and more familiar with the team. The team ball that the Hawks exhibited all of last season has been prominent in the last five games, as Atlanta looks to be hitting on all cylinders.
The Hawks cap off a three game home stand  with a matchup on Sturday against the New York Knicks. Atlanta was victorious in their last game and has a terrific opportunity to continue to separate themselves from the bunched up Eastern Conference. Following their game with the Knicks, The Hawks travel to Indiana and Houston as part of a two-game road trip before heading back to Phillips Arena.