Atlanta Hawks Headlines: Back-to-Back Wins

Mar 29, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) and Philadelphia 76ers forward Richaun Holmes (22) battle for a loose ball during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) and Philadelphia 76ers forward Richaun Holmes (22) battle for a loose ball during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Hawks Headlines returns to a positive world in which the Atlanta Hawks have won two consecutive games. What a time to be alive.

It’s finally happening. The Atlanta Hawks are winning basketball games again! It couldn’t have come at a better time. There was some worry creeping in that the Hawks might actually miss the playoffs completely.

That was always unlikely, and is even more unlikely now, but the possibility existed. These wins over the lowly Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers effectively kept their season from going on life support.

The wins helped them in the standings, obviously, but it’s more than that. The psychological burden they overcame is not insignificant. They won two games without Paul Millsap. Heading into the week, Atlanta had posted an 0-8 record without Millsap in the lineup.

They have proven to themselves that they can win without their best player. Sure the wins came against bad teams, but they were wins nonetheless. They’ll be without Millsap for at least one more game, so hopefully this trend continues.

The Hawks are winning again. All is right with the world. For now, anyway. Let’s take a look at today’s links.

From Soaring Down South 3/30/2017

Atlanta Hawks Win Their Second Consecutive Game

Our recap of Atlanta’s win over the Philadelphia 76ers focuses on the return of one of Atlanta’s major contributors. Kent Bazemore returned to the court Wednesday night and put forth an outstanding performance.

More from Soaring Down South

Hawks Around The Web 3/30/2017

NBA Standings 2017: Winning streak has Hawks headed back in right direction

Kris Willis at Peachtree Hoops writes that back-to-back wins have the Hawks headed in the right direction. There is no longer serious danger of them missing the playoffs. Still, they could conceivably finish anywhere from fifth to eighth in the Eastern Conference standings. One thing is certain, they definitely want to avoid playing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.

This Hawks Season Is Not Dwight’s Fault

At The Ringer, Haley O’Shaughnessy says that Atlanta’s weird season should not be blamed on Dwight Howard. I would agree. Howard is averaging a double-double, playing solid defense, and has been efficient around the rim. Atlanta’s offense may be worse than it was with Al Horford down low, but that’s not Howard’s fault. He’s using his particular set of skills to the best of his ability and having a productive season.

Hawks @ Sixers — Things of Note

At Hawks Hoop, Graham Chapple delves into Atlanta’s win over the 76ers. Chapple places his spotlight on Kent Bazemore’s return, Dwight Howard’s huge performance, Dennis Schroder‘s turnovers, and much more.

How the Hawks are getting healthy with two straight wins

Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recaps Atlanta’s win over the 76ers. The recap includes quotes from Mike Bundeholzer, Kent Bazemore, and Dwight Howard.

Next: Playoff Dwight Has Arrived Early

Have a wonderful Friday. We’ll you see next time for another edition of Atlanta Hawks Headlines.