ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks spent three miserable years totally rebuilding their team, all with the idea of finally making a big move this season. Yet, as the All-Star break approached, they were limping along with one of the NBA’s worst records. Coach Lloyd Pierce was fired. Nate McMillan took over as the interim boss. Suddenly, the Hawks looked like a totally different team. It all paid off when Atlanta clinched its first playoff berth since 2017 with a 120-116 victory over the Washington Wizards. The accomplishment is especially satisfying for Trae Young, who feels the Hawks are deserving of more recognition.
