Hawks are 17-24. What's happening?

[Sothron]

10 away games for Miami; 9 away games for ATL

12 games against above .500 team for Miami; 13 games against above .500 teams for ATL

7 away games against above .500 teams for Miami; 7 away games against above .500 teams for ATL.

Miami has played @BRK; @DAL; @DEN: @LAL; @LAC; @UTA; @WAS; MIL; BOS; UTA; WAS

Similar on the whole, but you’re not factoring in having those games consecutively. It was an extremely brutal stretch of games. So the Hawks have had it a little tougher and their record is a little worse. Again, doesn’t mean much this early.

You must have missed my edit above.

That includes a 5 game west coast roadtrip where Miami face both LA teams (back to back), Utah, and Denver. Miami already has played 3 back to backs this season. ATL has played 2.

Liar. We've had 4. We also had more 3 games in 4 nights than the Heat. It wasn't until before our road game against Denver that we finally got two days off for the FIRST TIME this season. Don't come in here with that weak sauce. Hawks have had by far the worst schedule in that first 15 games. You played the LAC without Kawhi so that hardly counts. Meanwhile Hawks have had injuries that continue to mount. Thankfully we've righted the ship. Congrats on the Heat not having injuries to deal with and an easier schedule?

[Sothron]

Misread that--yes it's 4. Doubt we want to get into accounting of losses. Maybe we can talk quality Wins against top teams? Or net rating? Maybe offensive rating? Oooooh how about defensive rating?

Point is: the woe is me rhetoric can use a rest. ATL isn't alone in facing adversity. They just didn't handle it well.

You’re the only one getting caught up in all this. It was just a statement of fact that the Hawks had an extra tough early schedule that made their situation look more dire than it was. Now they’ve won 5 straight by double digits and are looking more like the team that made the ECF.

If it means that much to you that the Heat had a more impressive first 17 games then I’ll happily concede that point to you. Congratulations.

Thanks--look forward to SE Division matchups

Me too. Can't wait to punk out the Heat like usual.

[Buzzard]

The Hawks played a bunch of playoff teams on the road back to back to back and lost. Their record isn't surprising. Some teams have had their seasons aided by playing teams like New Orleans or Detroit 2-3 times. Schedule eventually levels off.

The Hawks had a big western road trip. Unfortunately they did not play the cellar dwellers; but instead caught the contenders. The Hawks should make a big 2nd half run up the standings. I can see them once again having one of the best second half records in the NBA.

Fun fact: the Heat's season to date has been as difficult, if not moreso than the Hawks and they are sitting at 11-6.

Funner fact: Atlanta had the #1 toughest schedule through week 4. Miami was not in the top 3. Miami rose due to a tough week 5 and 6; but the 1st three weeks of their season was a cakewalk compared to Atlanta.

This should not be a big surprise. Teams like Atlanta that had rough early schedules are getting into easier parts of their schedules. Teams like Miami who had easy starts are getting into the meatier portions of their schedule. It pretty much fluctuates almost weekly, and definitely monthly.

Surely you don't think a team will have the #1 toughest schedule every week/month

Schedule strength through Week 4

Toughest: 1. Atlanta, 2. Indiana, 3. Boston
Easiest: 1. Phoenix, 2. Brooklyn, 3. Golden State

https://www.nba.com/news/power-rankings-2021-22-week-5

[LofJ]

Charlotte has also had a brutal schedule to start the season. I think us and Atlanta are both in the top 5 for strength of schedule. We are also regularly in the top 5 when it comes to 3 games in 4 nights. The league does go out of its way to favor certain teams via stuff like this, if you don't believe it you either aren't paying attention or you cheer for one of the teams that benefits.

Location and team marketability can also be competitive advantages or disadvantages. The Timberwolves for example have to travel longer distances than anyone else in the league. It's a competitive disadvantage that isn't discussed much. By geography and team proximity they should play in the Eastern conference. I'd be willing to bet if you did an analysis on the effect it has you'd find that it's significant - probably a few games a year. That can make a big difference when you're in the middle of the pack fighting to make the playoffs.

[Buzzard]

Charlotte has also had a brutal schedule to start the season. I think us and Atlanta are both in the top 5 for strength of schedule. We are also regularly in the top 5 when it comes to 3 games in 4 nights. The league does go out of its way to favor certain teams via stuff like this, if you don't believe it you either aren't paying attention or you cheer for one of the teams that benefits.

Location and team marketability can also be competitive advantages or disadvantages. The Timberwolves for example have to travel longer distances than anyone else in the league. It's a competitive disadvantage that isn't discussed much. By geography and team proximity they should play in the Eastern conference. I'd be willing to bet if you did an analysis on the effect it has you'd find that it's significant - probably a few games a year. That can make a big difference when you're in the middle of the pack fighting to make the playoffs.

Last season was very similar to this one for Atlanta schedule wise. But under Pierce the Hawks could not play .500 ball to start the season. McMillan has the Hawks there despite the tough schedule. The 2nd half of the season the Hawks blew up. Like I said, the league cannot make your schedule the toughest every month. Even if they might want too ROFL.

[JnewFTW]

They just aren't that good. Not so much a question of "what is happening" this year, I think the more valid question is "how did they manage to punch so far above their weight last year". They were overachievers. I have them finishing no better than 6th in the East.

[Sothron]

Charlotte has also had a brutal schedule to start the season. I think us and Atlanta are both in the top 5 for strength of schedule. We are also regularly in the top 5 when it comes to 3 games in 4 nights. The league does go out of its way to favor certain teams via stuff like this, if you don't believe it you either aren't paying attention or you cheer for one of the teams that benefits.

Location and team marketability can also be competitive advantages or disadvantages. The Timberwolves for example have to travel longer distances than anyone else in the league. It's a competitive disadvantage that isn't discussed much. By geography and team proximity they should play in the Eastern conference. I'd be willing to bet if you did an analysis on the effect it has you'd find that it's significant - probably a few games a year. That can make a big difference when you're in the middle of the pack fighting to make the playoffs.

This is true. I've been a fan of the Twolves since Marbury was drafted there and their travel is INSANE. The NBA should add two West Coast times like Seattle and Vancouver so Minnesota and Memphis can switch to the East conference. It would immensely help the TWolves by not having the worst travel schedule by far every year.

And yes, I've been a low key fan of the Hornets since LJ and Zo were there. You guys have been really good this year and you have a lot of potential. I hope MJ will pay Bridges to stay there. The Hornets schedule has been tough as well. As I said in an earlier post it is blatantly obvious which teams the NBA favors by seeing how crazy the schedule is for each team.

[greg4012]

Similar on the whole, but you’re not factoring in having those games consecutively. It was an extremely brutal stretch of games. So the Hawks have had it a little tougher and their record is a little worse. Again, doesn’t mean much this early.

You must have missed my edit above.

That includes a 5 game west coast roadtrip where Miami face both LA teams (back to back), Utah, and Denver. Miami already has played 3 back to backs this season. ATL has played 2.

Liar. We've had 4. We also had more 3 games in 4 nights than the Heat. It wasn't until before our road game against Denver that we finally got two days off for the FIRST TIME this season. Don't come in here with that weak sauce. Hawks have had by far the worst schedule in that first 15 games. You played the LAC without Kawhi so that hardly counts. Meanwhile Hawks have had injuries that continue to mount. Thankfully we've righted the ship. Congrats on the Heat not having injuries to deal with and an easier schedule?

Miami hasn't had injuries?

This is funny fan ignorance. FYI I acknowledged that I miscounted ATL's B2Bs

[greg4012]

The Hawks had a big western road trip. Unfortunately they did not play the cellar dwellers; but instead caught the contenders. The Hawks should make a big 2nd half run up the standings. I can see them once again having one of the best second half records in the NBA.

Fun fact: the Heat's season to date has been as difficult, if not moreso than the Hawks and they are sitting at 11-6.

Funner fact: Atlanta had the #1 toughest schedule through week 4. Miami was not in the top 3. Miami rose due to a tough week 5 and 6; but the 1st three weeks of their season was a cakewalk compared to Atlanta.

This should not be a big surprise. Teams like Atlanta that had rough early schedules are getting intp easier parts of their schedules. Teams like Miami who had easy starts are getting into the meatier portions of their schedule. It pretty much fluctuates almost weekly, and definitely monthly.

Surely you don't think a team will have the #1 toughest schedule every week/month

Schedule strength through Week 4

Toughest: 1. Atlanta, 2. Indiana, 3. Boston
Easiest: 1. Phoenix, 2. Brooklyn, 3. Golden State

https://www.nba.com/news/power-rankings-2021-22-week-5

Right--Miami and ATL have both been subjected to difficult stretches early in the season. Miami isn't just getting into it, they've been in it and it's starting to lighten up (including more home games). Should be a good time to boost the record.

[LofJ]

Charlotte has also had a brutal schedule to start the season. I think us and Atlanta are both in the top 5 for strength of schedule. We are also regularly in the top 5 when it comes to 3 games in 4 nights. The league does go out of its way to favor certain teams via stuff like this, if you don't believe it you either aren't paying attention or you cheer for one of the teams that benefits.

Location and team marketability can also be competitive advantages or disadvantages. The Timberwolves for example have to travel longer distances than anyone else in the league. It's a competitive disadvantage that isn't discussed much. By geography and team proximity they should play in the Eastern conference. I'd be willing to bet if you did an analysis on the effect it has you'd find that it's significant - probably a few games a year. That can make a big difference when you're in the middle of the pack fighting to make the playoffs.

This is true. I've been a fan of the Twolves since Marbury was drafted there and their travel is INSANE. The NBA should add two West Coast times like Seattle and Vancouver so Minnesota and Memphis can switch to the East conference. It would immensely help the TWolves by not having the worst travel schedule by far every year.

And yes, I've been a low key fan of the Hornets since LJ and Zo were there. You guys have been really good this year and you have a lot of potential. I hope MJ will pay Bridges to stay there. The Hornets schedule has been tough as well. As I said in an earlier post it is blatantly obvious which teams the NBA favors by seeing how crazy the schedule is for each team.

When the league expands moving the Timberwolves to the Eastern conference should be a line in the sand for their ownership group. They should oppose expansion unless that is agreed to.

The Grizzlies don't have it as bad, Memphis is at least somewhat close to a few other Western conference teams (OKC, Dallas). There are zero Western conference teams near Minneapolis (but several Eastern conference ones).

As for the Hornets and your Hawks I'm pumped for the future. It's going to be fun watching Trae Young and LaMelo go at it for the next decade.

[greg4012]

You’re the only one getting caught up in all this. It was just a statement of fact that the Hawks had an extra tough early schedule that made their situation look more dire than it was. Now they’ve won 5 straight by double digits and are looking more like the team that made the ECF.

If it means that much to you that the Heat had a more impressive first 17 games then I’ll happily concede that point to you. Congratulations.

Thanks--look forward to SE Division matchups

Me too. Can't wait to punk out the Heat like usual.

Ah yes--like usual...

Miami is 70-56 against ATL all time

The Heat have won the most Southeast Division titles with ten, while the Magic have won four, the Hawks have won two and the Wizards have won one.

[Buzzard]

You must have missed my edit above.

That includes a 5 game west coast roadtrip where Miami face both LA teams (back to back), Utah, and Denver. Miami already has played 3 back to backs this season. ATL has played 2.

Liar. We've had 4. We also had more 3 games in 4 nights than the Heat. It wasn't until before our road game against Denver that we finally got two days off for the FIRST TIME this season. Don't come in here with that weak sauce. Hawks have had by far the worst schedule in that first 15 games. You played the LAC without Kawhi so that hardly counts. Meanwhile Hawks have had injuries that continue to mount. Thankfully we've righted the ship. Congrats on the Heat not having injuries to deal with and an easier schedule?

Miami hasn't had injuries?

This is funny fan ignorance. FYI I acknowledged that I miscounted ATL's B2Bs

I love the back and forth with the Heat fans. Y'all are my favorite team to beat. Do you think its a coincidence, since your schedule has gotten tougher the past couple of weeks, that you are 5 and 5 over the last 10?

[Sothron]

Thanks--look forward to SE Division matchups

Me too. Can't wait to punk out the Heat like usual.

Ah yes--like usual...

Miami is 70-56 against ATL all time

The Heat have won the most Southeast Division titles with ten, while the Magic have won four, the Hawks have won two and the Wizards have won one.

That was some friendly smack talk bro lol. No need to get mad. I know the Heat have been really good historically. I am looking at my Glen Rice Heat jersey in the closet as I write this post. The Hawks had two stretches of being just horrible since 2000 and that reflects in the overall record.

[greg4012]

Me too. Can't wait to punk out the Heat like usual.

Ah yes--like usual...

Miami is 70-56 against ATL all time

The Heat have won the most Southeast Division titles with ten, while the Magic have won four, the Hawks have won two and the Wizards have won one.

That was some friendly smack talk bro lol. No need to get mad. I know the Heat have been really good historically. I am looking at my Glen Rice Heat jersey in the closet as I write this post. The Hawks had two stretches of being just horrible since 2000 and that reflects in the overall record.

No anger here...sport of smack talk involves taking it too

[greg4012]

Liar. We've had 4. We also had more 3 games in 4 nights than the Heat. It wasn't until before our road game against Denver that we finally got two days off for the FIRST TIME this season. Don't come in here with that weak sauce. Hawks have had by far the worst schedule in that first 15 games. You played the LAC without Kawhi so that hardly counts. Meanwhile Hawks have had injuries that continue to mount. Thankfully we've righted the ship. Congrats on the Heat not having injuries to deal with and an easier schedule?

Miami hasn't had injuries?

This is funny fan ignorance. FYI I acknowledged that I miscounted ATL's B2Bs

I love the back and forth with the Heat fans. Y'all are my favorite team to beat. Do you think its a coincidence, since your schedule has gotten tougher the past couple of weeks, that you are 5 and 5 over the last 10?

I appreciate how highly you value games against Miami--can't say that most Miami fans share the sentiment. Bigger fish to fry.

No it was absolutely the difficult long west coast road trip paired with missing guys every game and just not closing out games. Fortunately, the worst stretch is behind Miami.

Considering our schedules to date are about even in difficulty overall I will certainly take the 65% winning percentage and +7.4 net rating on the season (3rd in NBA) over the Hawks' results (.500 on the season and 0.7 net rating)

[Buzzard]

Miami hasn't had injuries?

This is funny fan ignorance. FYI I acknowledged that I miscounted ATL's B2Bs

I love the back and forth with the Heat fans. Y'all are my favorite team to beat. Do you think its a coincidence, since your schedule has gotten tougher the past couple of weeks, that you are 5 and 5 over the last 10?

I appreciate how highly you value games against Miami--can't say that most Miami fans share the sentiment. Bigger fish to fry.

No it was absolutely the difficult long west coast road trip paired with missing guys every game and just not closing out games. Fortunately, the worst stretch is behind Miami.

Considering our schedules to date are about even in difficulty overall I will certainly take the 65% winning percentage and +7.4 net rating on the season (3rd in NBA) over the Hawks' results (.500 on the season and 0.7 net rating)

I don't know if value is the right word. I would call it fun. In a similar manner that I have always enjoyed beating the Knicks as well.

[KingFox]

The Hawks played a bunch of playoff teams on the road back to back to back and lost. Their record isn't surprising. Some teams have had their seasons aided by playing teams like New Orleans or Detroit 2-3 times. Schedule eventually levels off.

Yup! But i don't believe in the whole "it evens out" thing. Momentum and team morale is important, and, yet, the league continues to gift certain teams an entire cake walk through the first 20 or so games and it's a joke.

I definitely agree with this. You can tell by the schedules who the NBA really wants to win and who they want to lose. The Hawks were on the road with no rest days or practice days for basically the first 15 games of the season against playoff and winning teams. It put them in a hole they now have to climb out of. Momentum is a real thing.

Exactly this! Obviously my Kings just aren't very good right now in general, but, the Hawks deserve better than that. That's just obvious bias that no one can really explain to me and have it make sense IMO.

[Statlanta]

The schedule is normalizing. OKC and Cleveland are no longer in the play-in. Milwaukee and Atlanta are now in the play-in picture and not outside looking in.

Imagine when Atlanta gets to play Orlando and Detroit for 4 games.

Also Portland has it the worst travel-wise in terms of miles. There's no Northwest teams like there is Northeast teams in the Atlantic division since Vancouver and Seattle don't exist.

For example Minnesota barely has to travel to eliminate the 2 intraconference games it has to play against Chicago or Detroit.

[epfou1]

6 game winning streak for Hawks. Only 2 wins away from 2nd seed in East

[Sothron]

A seven game winning streak now has us up to 11-9 on the season. Where's all the haters at from the first few pages? Crawled back under you rocks to die from eating too much crow? Love it.