The Atlanta Hawks extended their win streak to 10 in Monday's victory over the Magic, marking the first time since the 2014-15 season that they've won 10 consecutive games. While that's impressive in itself, what made it even more special is that it happened against a top-six team in the East. Going back to Feb. 22, when the streak started, they beat teams in play-in territory or lower.
You've heard it a lot, especially over the past week. Who cares that the Hawks are on a streak? They haven't beaten a true threat.
While that's not wrong, Atlanta didn't make its schedule — it just benefited from beating whichever team was in front of it. Attention was on Monday's matchup as is, not just because the NBA canceled the Magic City tribute night, but because it was a test for the streaking Hawks.
They passed with flying colors.
Hawks' streak could help propel them into playoff territory
The 124-112 final score doesn't do justice to how big a win it was, as Atlanta led by as many as 29 points. Nickeil Alexander-Walker had a career-high 41 points on 12-of-21 shooting from the field and 9-of-14 from three. Jalen Johnson had a triple-double with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists. The defense held Paolo Banchero to 3-of-13 shooting from the field, although he did shoot 11-of-16 from the free-throw line.
It was the exact kind of statement win the Hawks needed, especially before they embark on a two-game road trip that will feature another game against a team out of play-in contention (Dallas) and one against another top-six squad from the same conference (Houston).
You can't pencil in the game against the Mavericks as an automatic victory, but this is a streak that should increase by at least one more win, boosting their postseason hopes.
The timing of their hot streak truly couldn't be better, but Atlanta is far from being comfortable, even after winning 10 straight. The Hawks are No. 8 in the East — one game behind the No. 7 Heat and just 1.5 games behind the No. 6 Raptors. The No. 9 Sixers are right behind them, with the same 37-31 record, although they're dealing with injuries.
As you can see, the Hawks are right in the thick of the playoff race.
There is a chance that Atlanta could sneak into the top six. The doubters would then go from arguing that the Hawks' streak isn't legitimate to having to watch them in the first round of the playoffs. How about that?