2021 has been quite a joyride for Atlanta sports fans. The Atlanta Hawks made an unexpected playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals, and the Braves shocked the world with a stunning World Series victory that sent the city into a frenzy. With Atlanta being infamous for its miserable sports history, their recent success has been a breath of fresh air. What does this mean now? Well for the Hawks, expectations coming into the 2021-2022 season have been at an all time high. 

Led by star point guard Trae Young and a hungry young core, the Hawks were expected to start right where they left off entering the 2021 season. However, early on, they have been quite disappointing to say the least. Due to injuries and the young core not playing at the level that they have been expected to, the Hawks have come out flat to start the season. Through ATL’s first 15 games, they currently hold an underwhelming 6-9 record. Is it time for Hawks fans to start panicking? Hawks fanatic Wyatt Allred said, “We had a slow start to the season last year so I won’t panic yet. We need to get it going soon if we want to make the playoffs though.” 

Sadly, injuries have been a constant plague for the Hawks. Even during last year’s playoff run, they were missing key wings De’andre Hunter and Cam Reddish during different parts of the postseason. Currently, De’andre Hunter and young big man Onyeka Okongwu are expected to

be out for an extended period of time, and other key rotational players have been in and out of the lineup throughout the first 15 games. So is there legitimate reason for concern? While the first 15 games in a long 82 game season does not define a season, the Hawks do need to turn things around before it starts to cost them. Fortunately, they appear to be on their way to doing that. The Hawks have won their last two games, and star Trae Young seems to have found his rhythm again after an outstanding 42 point performance against the Milwaukee Bucks last Sunday evening. 

After a solid recent stretch, the Hawks could be headed in the right direction. As the team starts to get healthier and more comfortable, there is no reason why they should not be able to get back to where they left off last season. After all, the Braves were able to persevere remarkably this season, so Atlanta fans should believe that their beloved Hawks can do the same and have a little faith in some Hawks magic.