The Atlanta Hawks were one of the most exciting teams to watch during the 2014-2015 NBA season, winning a franchise-record 60 games and earning the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Led by head coach Mike Budenholzer and a balanced roster, the team had a remarkable season that was unfortunately cut short in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Starting Lineup
The Hawks' starting lineup was one of the most effective in the league, with each player bringing a unique skill set to the court. Point guard Jeff Teague was the team's primary ball-handler and playmaker, while shooting guard Kyle Korver was deadly from beyond the arc. Small forward DeMarre Carroll was a versatile defender and scorer, power forward Paul Millsap was a force on both ends of the court, and center Al Horford provided a steady presence in the paint.
The Bench Mob
The Hawks' second unit, or "Bench Mob," was just as important to the team's success as the starting lineup. Led by point guard Dennis Schroder and center Pero Antic, the bench provided a much-needed spark on both ends of the court. Other key contributors included shooting guard Kent Bazemore, small forward Mike Scott, and power forward Mike Muscala.
The Playoff Run
The Hawks had a dominant regular season, but they faced a tough road in the playoffs. They swept the Brooklyn Nets in the first round, but then had to battle through two tough series against the Washington Wizards and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite their best efforts, the Hawks were ultimately defeated by the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Legacy of the 2015 Hawks
The 2014-2015 Hawks will always be remembered for their incredible regular season and their impressive playoff run. While they fell short of their ultimate goal of winning a championship, they proved that a team-first approach and a commitment to unselfish play can be highly successful in the NBA. The Hawks continued to be a playoff team in the years following their magical season, but they will always be remembered for the special group that took the court in 2015.