Jan 23, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) and forward Paul Millsap (4) react late in the game as the Hawks win their team record 15th consecutive game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Thunder 103-93. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
By: Colby Smithwick
Rest easy Hawks fans, our guys made it!
Al Horford, Paul Millsap and Jeff Teague will be in New York two weeks from now to compete in the 2015 All-Star Game.
Horford (3rd appearance), Millsap (2nd appearance) and Teague (1st appearance) were selected as All-Star reserves by the Eastern Conferences coaches.
It's official! RETWEET to congratulate @Al_Horford, @Paulmillsap4 and @Teague0 on making the East All-Star team! pic.twitter.com/P1PjL1aVbw
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 30, 2015
This is the first time since 1980 that the Hawks will have three All-Stars.
“It is an honor for our entire organization to have Al, Paul and Jeff selected to play on the All-Star stage,” said Hawks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer, who will serve as head coach of the Eastern Conference squad. “The recognition is well-deserved for each of them. We are very proud of the guys, and also want to acknowledge the rest of our players and coaches for their roles in helping our players reach this accomplishment.”
After no Hawk players were chosen as starters last week, fans have been discussing which Hawks would/should be chosen by the coaches to come off the bench.
It gets better; according to Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarwoski, Kyle Korver and Brandon Knight are the strongest candidates to replace Dwyane Wade due to his strained right hamstring.
Three Hawks for the first time since 1980? Possibly four Hawks? Can we bring DeMarre too, Mr. Silver?
Atlanta is the only team with three players to make the All-Star team.
This speaks volumes for their success so far this season (they have the 2nd best record in the NBA at 38-8) and it’s refreshing to know more than just Hawks fans believe this team is the real deal.
The Hawks boast the league’s best defense, leading the league in Opponents Points Per Game (Opp PTS/G) at 96.3, and have the 6th best scoring offense and offensive rating at 103.6 PTS/G and 110.0 Off Rtg, respectively.
In addition, Atlanta is in the midst of the longest winning streak in franchise history with 17 consecutive wins, and are 12-2 against the elite Western Conference.
Someone should check this fact for me, but I think that’s good.