Atlanta Hawks: The CP Skyhawks are the hottest team in the G League

The Atlanta Hawks G League affiliate the College Park Skyhawks did the unthinkable, they qualified for the G League playoffs. They started the season 0-6 and then during the Atlanta Hawks injury crisis they lost more games and were well down the standings.

Then, even after the Hawks recalled Jalen Johnson and played him until his luck ran out, the Skyhawks won. They did this on the back of the standout performances of Justin Tillman and Cat Barber who led the league in rebounds and assists respectively at one point during the run.

However, it has not just been these two which have sparked the run. Sharife Cooper has figured out how to play off the ball and has put in some big performances including a huge triple-double. His combination with Barber has been an absolute joy to behold.

The Atlanta Hawks are well served by the College Park Skyhawks

The Skyhawks have shown that they are well drilled as a team. Johnson has played hard when he has been with them. He has taken this game with him to the NBA, being a shining light with the Hawks in the frustrating loss to the Detroit Pistons.

With varsity teams coaching being so similar to that of the G League franchises, there is a good chance that one or more of these players could make their way into the varsity squad this offseason. This is particularly the case if they are able to continue their winning streak throughout the playoffs.

They have shown a level of resilience and a capacity to fight which any NBA team would be happy to see. The fact that their run has taken them to the fifth seed means that they will take on the Capital City Go-Go, a team that gave them trouble in their matchups this season, winning the season series 1-3.

However, with their newfound confidence and their winning mentality, the Skyhawks have a chance to go all the way. This would be fitting for the way the team ended the regular season.