Hawks complete huge comeback to win fifth straight

For Hawks fans who have understandably checked out over the last several years, it’s time to check back in.

On Sunday night, Atlanta found itself down 22 points in the fourth quarter without two of its best players, Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis. To make matters worse, second-year forward Zaccharie Risacher had just exited after taking a nasty fall on a dunk attempt. Still, the Hawks rallied all the way back thanks to 16 fourth-quarter points from Nickeil Alexander-Walker, winning 124-122, capping off a perfect 4-0 West Coast road trip, and moving to 9-5 on the season.

It was the kind of comeback that reminds you just how special this team can be. Jalen Johnson is becoming a superstar in front of everyone’s eyes. Onyeka Okongwu continues to take massive strides offensively, buoyed by his improved three-point shot. The offseason additions have been seamless fits — led by Alexander-Walker, who’s averaging nearly 20 points per night.

The Hawks have now won seven of their last nine games without Trae Young. Their 9-5 record has them tied for second in the Eastern Conference, trailing only the 11-2 Detroit Pistons, who come to Atlanta on Tuesday.

Just as exciting as the on-court product is the flexibility the organization now has thanks to its new front office. Both Kristaps Porzingis and Trae Young are set to become free agents at season’s end. The Hawks could re-sign one or both, but they could also wield up to $90 million in cap space to reshape the roster however they see fit.

On top of that, Atlanta owns the Pelicans’ first-round pick — and New Orleans has dropped 11 of its first 13 games. They look like a lock to be picking near the top of the lottery after already firing head coach Willie Green.

The options for the Hawks this offseason are endless, and they’re already emerging as one of the top teams in the East while their star point guard nurses a knee injury. Everything is lining up for the most exciting era of Hawks basketball since the franchise moved to Atlanta in 1968.