Hawks' undeniable advantage over similar opponent could prove critical come playoffs

It's not often the Hawks can say they're a team's kryptonite.

In fact, it's usually the other way around. Hawks fans have seen teams like the Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets and many others gain control of them each season. One would think roster changes would impact the yearly outcomes of in-conference matchups, but oddly enough, the trends have remained.

For better or for worse, if an organization has an upper hand on another, it's difficult to build momentum on the trailing end. This has plagued the Hawks for years, but it's given them quite the advantage over a particular team.

The Philadelphia 76ers can't seem to find an answer for the Atlanta Hawks. This problem dates back to 2021, when as the top seed in the playoffs, they were upset by Trae Young, Kevin Huerter and the underdog Hawks. They were sent home early, effectively ending the "Trust the Process" era.

It's almost like that's traumatized them. Since then, it's been all Atlanta when they've gone head-to-head. After Saturday evening's matchup, the Hawks have now emerged victorious in each of their last nine meetings.

That's right, the 76ers haven't defeated the Hawks since late 2023. Atlanta simply has their number, but why?

Injuries are a factor, without a doubt, but each team's had their fair share of those over the years. Setbacks aren't an excuse. There's been elite guard play on both sides, as well as statement performances from contributors in the frontcourt.

Regardless of what the defining factor may be, the Hawks need to recognize this telling trend as the regular season winds down.

If the Hawks have to take on the 76ers at all in the postseason, they should be in good shape.

Now 4-0 against Philadelphia this season, Atlanta's got to be hoping they run into these guys once more. Whether in the Play-In Tournament or the unlikely reality of a playoff series, their fate would truly be in their own hands. Do what they've been doing for years, and there shouldn't be a problem.

Although, that's not to say it would be a done deal. The Hawks are in absolutely no position to simply look past an opponent. In recent years, regardless of their impressive record against the 76ers, they've often played down to their competition.

In the beginning stages of a new era, however, they'll be looking to reverse some of the unfortunate trends of the last one. With Jalen Johnson leading the way, it's been nothing short of promising so far. Against the 76ers this season, Johnson's averaging 30.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 1.8 steals per contest. Superstar numbers.

If he and the rest of the team can keep up their dominance in the final stretch of the season, an initial postseason advancement isn't in any way out of the picture.