Atlanta Hawks: Top 5 Games in 2014-15
By Jay Desai
1. Hawks at Raptors — Wed., Oct. 29
The Hawks season starts with a trip up north to face the Raptors. The Toronto Raptors finished last season as the third seed but were unable to hold down home-court advantage against the Brooklyn Nets, losing to them in the 1st round of the playoffs.
Toronto was much improved from the 2012-2013 season after new Raptors GM Masai Ujiri gutted the original roster. The Raptors will be trying to prove themselves as an Eastern Conference contender following a surprisingly good season.
What To Watch For
This game is important because it is the first game of the regular season. Atlanta Hawks fans will be able to gauge how another training camp under coach Bud affects the team.
Hawks fans should look to see some more crispness in the system this season but shouldn’t be too worried if that doesn’t show up in the first game. However, if it does, it could be an indication of things to come.
Atlanta Hawks fans should also look to see how the Hawks stack up against the Toronto Raptors. Before the Al Horford injury, the Atlanta Hawks were in the possesion of the third seed. After the Horford injury, the Hawks fell to the eight position.
Toronto had a much improved season, especially following the Rudy Gay trade, and will be looking to challenge for home-court in the playoffs once again.
Now that Atlanta is healthy, they can make an early statement against Toronto that they will be the frontrunners for one of the top seeds in the East.
This game might not end up meaning much in the long run but Hawks fans should be excited about the start of the regular season and a chance to make a statement against one of the East’s better teams.