During the 2021 NBA playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks secured a top-five seed in the Eastern Conference. Led by a surging Trae Young, this team became a force to be reckoned with. Defeating the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta declared itself a team that could compete with the best. Unfortunately, the past few seasons haven’t been the best. In the last two postseasons, the Hawks sat at the eighth (2023) and ninth seed (2022), respectively, having lost in the first round. Also, the organization is on its third head coach in three seasons. With midseason and offseason additions, Atlanta’s primed for a comeback season with Young and Dejounte Murray leading the charge.
Since their Cinderella postseason in 2021, Atlanta possesses one important expectation: contend. Having added new head coach Quin Snyder, they look to play high-level basketball. Luckily, the team was able to add three-point snipers Patty Mills and Wesley Matthews. This pairing proved they are reliable scores from three having played on contending teams throughout their careers. They will be great additions in and out of the locker room. Also, the team retained Murray on a new four-year, $120 million contract extension.
Hoping the moves will benefit the team come October, let’s look at some of their most exciting matchups of the upcoming season.
The Atlanta Hawks’ Most Interesting Matchups of the Season
New York Knicks
Since Young’s “villain” arch in the 2021 NBA playoffs, particularly against the New York Knicks, you never know what could happen. It would be no surprise that fans only watch Hawks-Knicks games to see what he’ll do. From the masterpiece performances Young is known for to the electricity Knicks fans possess at Madison Square Garden, it’s impossible for this not to be an exciting game. Unfortunately, the Hawks have won just three out of the last eight meetings against the Knicks. This game is exciting because Atlanta and New York have opportunities to win through offseason additions. Led by Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett, the Knicks are poised to make noise in the Eastern Conference, just as much as Atlanta.
Boston Celtics
In six games, the Boston Celtics eliminated the Hawks in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs. At the time, Boston clinched the second seed in the East. With the offensive/defensive firepower the Celtics possessed, they knew the series should not go as long as it needed to with the Hawks. The last thing Boston needed was for Young to take over. Atlanta looks to get revenge on the team that ousted them from the playoffs. This season, the Celtics will be without their best defenders in Marcus Smart and Grant Williams, who signed with the Memphis Grizzlies (Smart) and Dallas Mavericks (Williams).
Memphis Grizzlies
The NBA suspended Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant for the first 25 games of the season. Fans from all over know that Morant is a superstar in this league. Hawks and Grizzlies fans will be happy to know that he should be able to play against Atlanta on December 23. The distance between Memphis and Atlanta won’t stop the people from coming to see great basketball. Plus, there is no better way to celebrate Christmas than watching a matchup between two NBA’s biggest stars in Morant and Young.
San Antonio Spurs
Outside of the Hawks being at home and playing on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, one name will have fans hyped: Victor Wembanyama. While he hasn’t played his first official NBA game, that doesn’t give Hawks fans a reason not to be excited. All eyes will be on him throughout the game, if not the entire season.
Dallas Mavericks
Since being drafted in 2018, both Luka Doncic (third overall pick) and Young (fifth overall pick) have exceeded expectations. Cornerstones for their respective franchises, both stars have played each other eight times. Each team has won four games apiece. You can’t blame someone for wanting this regular-season matchup as an NBA Finals matchup. Although this will be a regular season game, the electricity from Hawks fans will be alive at State Farm Arena as Doncic’s co-star Kyrie Irving will also be in town.
The Last Word
Although these are just five distinct games, the Hawks can win matchups listed and not listed. The road to the Larry O’Brien Trophy is long. Fortunately, Atlanta knows a thing or two about what it takes to win and compete at a high level. Comment below with what matchup you’re excited to see the Hawks play.
