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The Atlanta Hawks have always been a team with significant potential in the Eastern Conference. Whether it’s their past playoff appearances or their roster filled with exciting young talent, the Hawks have been a fixture in the East for several seasons. As of now, sitting at No. 8 in the standings, they’re in a position where a postseason berth is very much within reach—but it will require focus, improvement, and a consistent effort over the remainder of the regular season.

As we approach the back stretch of the 2024-2025 NBA season, the Hawks’ playoff chances hinge on several key factors. Although they have faced their fair share of ups and downs, Atlanta is capable of pushing for one of the coveted playoff spots in the East with the right strategy. Here are the three key areas that the Hawks must focus on if they are to make a legitimate playoff push and possibly even advance beyond the first round.

### 1. **Consistency from Trae Young and the Star Players**

There is no question that Trae Young is the heartbeat of the Atlanta Hawks. The 25-year-old point guard has been the driving force behind Atlanta’s offensive success since being drafted in 2018. His ability to create opportunities, both for himself and his teammates, makes him one of the most dynamic players in the league. When Young is clicking—whether he’s knocking down deep three-pointers, setting up plays, or driving to the basket—Atlanta is a force to be reckoned with.

However, this season, consistency has been an issue for the Hawks, especially on the offensive end. While Young has displayed flashes of brilliance, there have been stretches where he struggles with turnovers, shot selection, and efficiency. The Hawks have seen a lot of success when Young is on his game, but they also experience losses when he is not performing at his best.

For the Hawks to make a legitimate playoff push, they will need Young to stay consistent and continue to play at an All-Star level. This means not only delivering in the scoring department but also being a facilitator and leader for his teammates. His chemistry with John Collins, De’Andre Hunter, and Clint Capela must be solidified, and his leadership needs to inspire the rest of the roster. A confident and healthy Trae Young will be essential for the Hawks if they want to make any noise in the postseason.

Beyond Young, the Hawks also need consistent play from their supporting cast. Players like **Dejounte Murray**, who has been a strong two-way player since his arrival in Atlanta, must continue to provide secondary scoring and perimeter defense. **John Collins** needs to be more efficient offensively, and Clint Capela’s presence in the paint will remain crucial for both rebounding and interior defense. The Hawks have the talent to be successful, but that talent needs to show up consistently.

### 2. **Defensive Improvement and Paint Protection**

One of the major hurdles for the Hawks this season has been their inconsistent defense. While the team has shown flashes of excellent defense, particularly in transition and on the perimeter, their overall defensive efficiency leaves much to be desired. The Hawks are currently ranked mid-pack in terms of defensive rating, and this is a category that will need significant improvement for the team to make a serious playoff push.

A big part of this defensive issue comes down to paint protection. The Hawks, particularly when Clint Capela isn’t on the floor, struggle to defend against teams with a strong inside presence. Opponents frequently score in the paint, leading to easy buckets that ultimately hurt the Hawks’ chances of winning games.

Capela is still one of the best rebounders and rim protectors in the league, but the Hawks need to be more aggressive in terms of team defense. More emphasis needs to be placed on limiting opposing teams’ second-chance opportunities and clogging the paint. This is where De’Andre Hunter’s contributions on defense will also be essential. Hunter, a strong perimeter defender, needs to stay consistent in guarding some of the opposing team’s best wings and forwards. His versatility on both ends of the floor is key to ensuring the Hawks’ defense holds up in the grueling playoff atmosphere.

Additionally, the Hawks need more contributions from their bench when it comes to defense. The likes of **Jalen Johnson** and **Onyeka Okongwu** can add depth and energy to the team’s defense and rebounding efforts. Okongwu, in particular, has shown promise as a rim protector in limited minutes and should continue to see an expanded role. The Hawks must collectively focus on playing as a unit on the defensive end of the floor, making sure they communicate well, cover shooters, and contest shots effectively.

If Atlanta can significantly improve its defense, particularly its paint protection and ability to guard opposing stars, they will be much more competitive in a conference that has seen an uptick in offensive production.

### 3. **Depth and Health Across the Roster**

The depth of the Hawks’ roster is arguably one of their most significant assets, but it’s been a challenge to see that depth come to fruition this season. Injuries have plagued the Hawks at various points, and consistency has been an issue for many of their role players. However, when this roster is fully healthy and firing on all cylinders, it is one of the deeper and more talented groups in the Eastern Conference.

One of the most promising players for the Hawks in recent years has been **De’Andre Hunter**. His growth as both a scorer and defender has made him a crucial part of the rotation. Similarly, **Bogdan Bogdanović** is a proven shooter who can come off the bench and provide instant offense. His scoring punch could prove vital during the postseason when bench depth often becomes a differentiating factor.

Another player to keep an eye on is **Onyeka Okongwu**, who has quietly developed into a strong presence in the paint and on the glass. Okongwu’s potential as a defensive force and rebounder is important for Atlanta as they move forward. If the Hawks can rely on a healthy, deep roster in the second half of the season, they’ll have the firepower and stamina to compete through the intense playoff grind.

However, depth isn’t just about individual talent—it’s about chemistry. Players need to know their roles and trust one another, especially when the pressure is at its peak. Atlanta has often struggled with inconsistent bench play and moments of isolation basketball. Establishing a solid team-oriented approach and allowing the bench to provide reliable support will be crucial if the Hawks are to make a successful playoff run.

Finally, maintaining health throughout the remainder of the season will be vital. Injuries to key players like Trae Young and Clint Capela can derail any team’s playoff hopes. Atlanta must stay healthy and keep their core players on the court in order to make a deep playoff run.

### Conclusion: A Playoff Run Within Reach

The Atlanta Hawks are currently sitting in a solid position at No. 8 in the Eastern Conference standings, but they still face significant challenges if they are to make a legitimate playoff push. By ensuring consistency from their star player Trae Young, improving their defense and paint protection, and utilizing the depth of their roster, the Hawks can put themselves in a great position to fight for a spot in the postseason.

With a balanced roster, strong coaching, and a superstar in Young, the Hawks certainly have the potential to make noise in the East. The road to the playoffs won’t be easy, but if they can put together a strong finish to the regular season, there’s no reason why they can’t push deep into the postseason, where anything is possible. The key for the Hawks will be to put all the pieces together—because, with the right adjustments, they could very well be one of the surprises of the Eastern Conference playoffs.