If you're looking at the Hawks' 2022-23 season with the glass half full, the team is in the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
The glass-half-empty perspective is that this Hawks team went from the Eastern Conference Finals two years ago to a second consecutive play-in round appearance, not to mention they're on the third head coach in three years. And this season didn't come without a bit of frustration, from a star player not being the star he needed to be, to the maddening at or near .500 play for the last two months.
Alas, the 41-41 Hawks have reached the postseason as the eighth seed, and will face the Miami Heat Tuesday night. A win will automatically advance them to a first-round matchup versus the No. 2 Boston Celtics.
Considering all the good and bad from this season, why does the play-in feel like a disappointment this year?
That was the question asked on this morning's Steakhouse with Steak and Sandra.
Steak summed it best in saying "They're a .500 basketball team. Last year was a disappointment. This year is a disappointment. And it's a disappointment if you believe we're better than that."
According to Steak, this isn't a game the Hawks will win. Even if they are able to win, it won't be because of what Trae Young did.
"Trae Young two years ago, was discussed like Steph Curry," said Steak. "I can't see Trae going on a run. If the Hawks win, it won't be because Trae hit five threes."
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