Gully State
Member
I hear you, I just think that's an odd distinction. ATL has 5 people that can go out and get a bucket when you really need one. That's really the point. Just because they don't have a ball-hogging star demanding the ball in every game decided in the last 30 seconds doesn't mean they don't have players with the talent and confidence to get it done. I mean, which of their starters would you NOT want with the ball in their hands with the game on the line? All of them produce in the clutch, and they all shoot free throws well. There's a reason why they shit on most of the NBA all season long. It's not because of a lack of clutch talent.
Well none of their starting 5 have really dominated in the playoffs either. There's this perception that the playoffs become a grind and that since you play teams multiple times, the more play oriented teams tend to break down easier since their schemes are better countered (of course the Spurs kinda proved that wrong but at the same time they have tons of experience. Potentially waiving them off as an anomaly). I dunno. I lump ATL as a contender in the East and don't make a real distinction b/t them, the Cavs and the Bulls (if healthy). It's a close call..