The 2014-2015 Atlanta Hawks season stands as a remarkable chapter in NBA history, a surprising narrative where a collective, unselfish approach defied conventional wisdom and captivated the basketball world. Coming into that season, few analysts predicted the profound impact this team would make, ultimately demonstrating that true greatness can emerge from cohesion rather than individual stardom.
The genesis of this unexpected success can be traced back to 2013, a period of significant retooling for the Atlanta Hawks. Following six consecutive playoff appearances, albeit with limited deep runs, the team sought a new direction after key player departures. The pivotal shift arrived with the hiring of former San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Mike Budenholzer, who immediately began instilling a system of ball movement and defensive intensity, signing core players like Kyle Korver, Paul Millsap, and DeMarre Carroll.
The initial phase of this transformation wasn’t without its challenges. The 2013-14 season saw the Hawks finish with a losing record, marred by a season-ending injury to Al Horford. Yet, they clinched the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, where they pushed the top-seeded Indiana Pacers to seven games. This series served as a crucial proving ground, showcasing early glimpses of their unique “small ball” philosophy and collective resilience, with announcers like Doug Collins noting the strategic shift.
Off the court, the Hawks made a symbolic move on May 1, 2014, reintroducing a modernized version of their iconic 1970s “Pac-Man” logo and accompanying jerseys, which quickly became a fan favorite. As the 2014-15 season began, the team initially struggled for identity, starting 5-5. However, through diligent application of Coach Budenholzer’s system, they soon recognized the power of a “team-first” style, emphasizing fluid ball movement, balanced scoring through perimeter shooting and paint attacks, and relentless defensive switching. This distinctive play style drew comparisons to the dynastic San Antonio Spurs, built on the strengths of a unified roster featuring Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, DeMarre Carroll, Paul Millsap, and Al Horford.
By December, the Atlanta Hawks had hit their stride, recording an impressive 11-4 record for the month, including significant victories against formidable opponents. January witnessed a truly historic performance as the Hawks achieved a perfect 17-0 record, an unprecedented feat in NBA history, leading the league in both three-point shooting and assists. The climax of this remarkable month saw all five starters simultaneously named Co-Players of the Month, a unique accomplishment that propelled the Atlanta Hawks into national sports media discussions, with experts like Kevin Arnovitz and Kevin Pelton from ESPN praising their unselfishness, flawless energy, and exceptional depth.
The team’s on-court success sparked a significant cultural resurgence in Atlanta, drawing passionate fans back to games in unprecedented numbers. Sports personalities, including Stephen A. Smith, publicly acknowledged the palpable shift in the city’s basketball fervor. By this point, three of the Hawks’ eventual four All-Stars had been announced, and the team was frequently discussed in the same breath as the league-leading Golden State Warriors for the title of the best team in the league. Kyle Korver’s late inclusion as an All-Star injury replacement further cemented the team’s collective recognition.
Entering the All-Star break with an astounding 43-11 record, the Hawks continued their dominance throughout the second half of the season, ultimately finishing with a franchise-best 60-22 record, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference. This monumental achievement firmly established the Atlanta Hawks as a legitimate force, earning Mike Budenholzer the prestigious Coach of the Year award. While some remained skeptical, the fan base harbored genuine belief in their team’s potential for a deep postseason run, reflecting the collective optimism generated by such an improbable rise.
Despite the 2015 season’s magical run, the subsequent years saw a significant regression for the Hawks. Injuries plagued key players, and the roster began to disband as players sought new opportunities or faced the team’s inability to retain them for large contracts. Jeff Teague, Al Horford, Paul Millsap, Kyle Korver, and Dennis Schroder all eventually moved on to other teams, with Horford and Teague notably winning championships elsewhere. Coach Mike Budenholzer himself departed in 2018, later leading the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA title and another Coach of the Year award, marking a bittersweet parallel to his Hawks tenure.
Today, the 2015 Atlanta Hawks team is often viewed with a mix of fondness and “what if” scenarios, sometimes unfairly labeled as a “one-hit wonder” due to their postseason struggles and the league landscape at the time. However, their profound influence on modern team basketball, emphasizing ball movement, versatility, and collective effort without a dominant superstar, remains undeniable. For Hawks fans, this squad represents an unforgettable period of winning and camaraderie, a testament to the power of a unified team that briefly touched greatness in NBA history, leaving an indelible mark.
