NBA News: Hawks Clinch Final Eastern Conference Playoff Spot

Final season, the Atlanta Hawks had excessive expectations heading into the 12 months. After a gradual begin, which led to the firing of head coach Lloyd Pierce, it appeared Atlanta was headed in the direction of one other down season.

However then issues circled. Finally, the Hawks clinched the Japanese Convention’s fifth seed within the playoffs and performed the function of the underdogs from there on out. 

After taking down the New York Knicks in 5 video games, the Hawks engaged in a collection with the East’s prime seed, the Philadelphia 76ers. Atlanta pulled off the upset whereas the Hawks and the Sixers wanted seven video games to settle the collection.

The Hawks’ 2021 playoff run was already profitable once they defeated the Sixers. So, something past that was only a bonus. Whereas they put up a great struggle in opposition to the Milwaukee Bucks within the Japanese Convention Finals, the Hawks fell brief to the eventual champions and felt good about their future.

The 2021-2022 season did not go as anticipated for Atlanta. In a harder Japanese Convention season, the Hawks had been on the verge of lacking the playoffs. The Hawks weren’t playoff-bound instantly as they wrapped up the 12 months with a 43-39 report. As an alternative, they needed to compete within the NBA’s Play-In Event. 

Earlier within the week, the Hawks confronted off in opposition to the Charlotte Hornets. After dominating the Hornets with ease, the Hawks nonetheless needed to win yet one more matchup earlier than they clinched a spot within the postseason.

On Friday evening, the Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers went toe-to-toe. At first, it appeared Cleveland had the entire momentum within the matchup. As they fired off with 36 factors within the first quarter, the Cavs led by as a lot as 14 out of the gate.

The Hawks battled again within the second quarter, however a comeback wasn’t of their playing cards fairly but. By halftime, the Hawks trailed 10 factors and wanted their beginning lineup to come back alive and convey the sport again inside arm’s attain.

Positive sufficient, Hawks All-Star Trae Younger did his job. Within the quarter, Younger collected 16 factors in 12 minutes. After rallying for 33 factors, Atlanta managed to not solely get the sport inside single digits, however they stole the lead a number of instances.

Going into the fourth quarter, the matchup was tied at 84. Younger, who has been in some difficult spots throughout do-or-die matchups earlier than, put his expertise to the take a look at. Luckily for the Hawks, he was profitable.

One other 16-point quarter from the younger star helped the Hawks outscore the Cavaliers 23-17. With that, the Hawks’ comeback was full as they defeated the Cavaliers and ended their season.

The Hawks develop into the eighth and closing Japanese Convention squad to notch a spot within the playoffs. They’re going to face the Miami Warmth for a seven-game collection starting on Sunday afternoon in South Seaside.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports activities Illustrated. You’ll be able to comply with him for reside updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.