Hawks Still a Mystery, But They Are Sure Fun to Watch

Last night's 102-101 thriller against Phoenix was pure evidence of the changing sports scene in Atlanta.

While the Falcons broke the ice and had back-to-back winning seasons for the first time ever and the Braves might be back on the mend, there is no doubt the Atlanta Hawks have taken over.

In front of a packed Philips Arena, something of an oxymoron in past years, Jamal Crawford capped an unfathomable comeback with a super clutch three-pointer as time expired.

The Hawks high-flying ways and exciting players have made them an NBA darling for the past few years, and their recent surge of ESPN broadcasts has brought unforgettable moments—the latest coming last night.

Philips' ticket sales are on the rise. Atlanta currently ranks 20th out of 30 NBA teams in attendance, however, statistically their weekend games and nationally televised games have brought crowds incomparable with the rest of the league (thanks to Philips being one of the biggest arenas out there).

The winds have changed in Atlanta. The Hawks have become more athletic. They are more complete. They added Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby. They went through a rebranding. They have begun to sell tickets and have made for quality television.

There is no doubt this team is fun to watch. However, even with the big win last night, the Hawks are still somewhat of a mystery.

Atlanta currently sits at 26-13, which is first place in the Southeast division and a half-game in front of 26-14 Orlando, which lost last night in Portland. The Magic have defeated the Hawks in both meetings this season, both games being blowouts.

The Hawks, again, leaders of the Southeast, are in fact 3-4 against their own division.

They are 15-10 against the "weak" Eastern conference and 11-3 against the "superior" Western conference.

They are 3-0 against the Boston Celtics. They blew two games against Cleveland.

They have losses to Charlotte, two to the Knicks, and Detroit. They have also lost by at least 15 points five times.

On the winning side, the Hawks have won by at least 15 points 9 times.

Just as many have said, the Hawks may lack consistency. On any given night, a different player shows up.

Last night it was all Al Horford, Josh Smith, and Jamal Crawford. Sometimes it will be Mike Bibby or, go figure, Joe Johnson. They show up and play great in big games, then look terrible in games they are supposed to win.

NBA analysts have claimed time and time again that this "lack of consistency" is going to haunt them.

But will it? Where does this lack of consistency come from? I think it is youth. We have seen it over the past two years. It is the only thing that separates the Hawks from Cleveland and Boston in the East.

In the NBA, staying focused for 82 games can be difficult. If you don't focus, you will look very inconsistent on paper.

The Hawks problem has always been focus. Joe Johnson has said it himself, however, they seem to be getting better. Their goal for the year was to stay grinding in each and every game.

So far it has worked pretty well. A 26-13 record seemed out of this galaxy for a Hawks team a few years ago. Yet, here they are, atop their division near the halfway point of the season.

The Hawks just need to learn to stay focused. But, here is where things might not be so bad.

When the playoffs come rolling around do you think they are going to lose focus? I don't think so.