In the beginning of the NBA season, the Atlanta Hawks were considered a middling team without much hope to be considered title contenders. In fact, ESPN gave the Hawks a zero percent chance of winning the NBA Finals.
However, the Hawks currently have the most wins at the midway point of the NBA season and broke a franchise record for consecutive wins. Jeff Teague has been instrumental in the success of the Atlanta Hawks.
After a recent game in Atlanta, Teague revealed why the Hawks are the class of the NBA.
What has been the key to the Hawks’ success?
We have a great team. We play as a team. But we have to continue to grind every day and come to work ready and continue to do what we do. We have to continue to grind and try to wear teams down. Eventually, things will probably work out in our favor if we continue to do the right things.
The NBA is often centered around superstars. How has every player on the Hawks bought into the concept of team basketball?
That’s what we believe in, unselfish basketball and being unselfish on the defensive end. We play together offensively. We have multiple guys that can make plays and are able to handle the ball, dribble the ball, pass it, finish it, and shoot it. That’s the beauty of our team.
You guys got off to a slow start in November. What initiated the change?
We’re just playing better right now. We just believe in our defense. Our defense has really picked up and that’s our staple right now. We have to continue to guard our opponents. Back in Thanksgiving, you know we weren’t guarding anyone. Since the winning streak began, we’ve been playing really good defense.
Do you guys think it’s too early to discuss championship possibilities?
That’s everybody’s goal, we’re just going to continue to grind every day and take it one game at a time. We know it’s a long season. Anything can happen.
