Hawks third in East with early above-.500 record
Being one of three teams in the Eastern Conference with a record above .500 has caught even a few of the Hawks by surprise.
The Hawks entered Tuesday’s game against the Magic at 8-6. Only the Pacers and Heat have better records in the conference, with every other team at or below the .500 mark.
The Hawks have managed their record at the start of a season with a new coach, system and roster of eight new players.
“On our part, we are encouraged if you look at all the new pieces we have and a new system,” Al Horford said. “We are not where we want to be. We want to be better than this. I feel like we are heading in the right direction. I feel good about what we have.”
Horford added that the team’s focus remains in-house and not on how the rest of the conference and the NBA are faring.
Brand inactive: Forward/center Elton Brand was inactive for the second consecutive game. The Hawks have given up his 6-foot-9 size even as they hosted the Magic, who entered the game 13th in the NBA in rebounds per game.
Guard John Jenkins was active in place of Brand. He was a healthy scratch in two games after the return of Lou Williams.
Coach Mike Budenholzer said Jenkins gives depth at the guard position as Williams works his way back from a torn right ACL.
“For John, right now while Lou is working his way back in, we’ve been using John some,” Budenholzer said. “Having him in a uniform and having him available, ready and prepared night to night is something that is important.”
Teague climbing ladder: Point guard Jeff Teague has 14 career 20-point, 10-assist games, tying him with Doc Rivers for seventh on the Hawks' all-time list. He trails only Mookie Blaylock (24), Pete Maravich (22), Jason Terry (22), Eddie Johnson (21), Lenny Wilkens (21) and Joe Johnson (18).
Davis returns for Magic: The Magic got more frontcourt size with Glen Davis returning to the lineup. The forward/center had not played since January after undergoing two foot surgeries. The Magic also hoped to start Tobias Harris, but the forward was a late scratch. He played 16 minutes Sunday after being bothered by a left ankle sprain. It would have been the first time the Magic used their projected starting lineup.
About the Author
Chris Vivlamore is the sports editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has served as reporter and editor at the AJC since 2003.
