The Atlanta Hawks are nearly a .500 team (11-12) and, in what may be a surprise to many, they aren't just winning games on offense.
After being one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA last season (28th out of 30 teams), the Hawks are actually ranked 12th this year in defensive rating.
You could even make the argument that they are better on defense than they are on offense, ranking 15th in the NBA in points per game and 12th defensively.
It was a challenge that Lloyd Pierce had to face during the offseason and when speaking with John and Hugh on Wednesday morning he addressed the major leaps the team has made on the defensive end.
"We're 11th or 12th in defensive rating, and obviously Clint Capela has had a huge part of our growth defensively, a backline defender, shot blocker, and great defensive rebounder," said Pierce. "Really the combination of John and Clint has been tremendous, above elite when they're on the court together. It helps knowing our two bigs are doing a tremendous job defensively. That's the one area that was the biggest concern and the area I'm most proud of."
To hear all of Coach Lloyd Pierce's comments, click here.