Atlanta continues to dominate NBA as league-best in critical statistic

The Hawks have looked like the best team in the NBA over the last few weeks. This isn't just conjecture, either: the stats back up the extremely telling eye test as well.

Atlanta sits comfortably at the top-right of the efficiency landscape, boasting not only the top overall net rating, but also the 2nd overall offensive and defensive ratings.

The Hawks have looked impressive on offense all year long, largely a result of star point forward Jalen Johnson's exploitation of mismatches, top-tier athleticism, and elite-level playmaking. Maintaining a reputable defense, on the other hand, has seemed akin to capturing lightning in a bottle for head coach Quin Snyder. 

The Hawks seem to have found the secret sauce of late, thanks to their fearsome fivesome, slotting Nickeil Alexander-Walker into the starting lineup over Zaccharie Risacher. The Hawks have 8 starting-caliber players, and it seems as though Coach Snyder has identified the 5 who not only boast the strongest talent, but also work the best with one another.

The 2026-27 season is looking brighter than ever for Atlanta

While the Hawks may not be slated for a deep playoff run this season (even accounting for their recent success), the future outlook for the organization is more positive than it's been since game one of the 2025-2026 campaign. 

The 5-man lineup of Alexander-Walker, Daniels, McCollum, Johnson, and Okongwu can easily be retained this offseason if CJ can return on a team-friendly deal. The other four are under contract through at least the 2027-2028 season on extremely cheap deals, offering ample room for a free agent - or top-end rookie - to join the squad without breaking the bank.

To boot, Jonathan Kuminga seems to have turned a new leaf as a Hawk, shedding the negative labels he accrued as a Warrior game after game. Kuminga has provided a spark off the bench every game he's played in Atlanta, serving as a vital, high-energy, high-scoring 6th man, an archetype that many contenders' rosters feature (e.g., Keldon Johnson, Jared McCain, Daniss Jenkins). 

If Mouhamed Gueye and Zaccharie Risacher can continue to develop (remember, both have plenty of time; they're only 23 and 20, respectively), the Hawks will boast an impressive 9-man rotation come next season, even before signing a single free agent. Thanks again, New Orleans!

Look for Atlanta to carry over its newfound momentum from the end of the 2025-2026 season to next year, especially if the squad can battle its way to a top-8 spot after the Play-In Tournament, accruing some vital playoff experience.