The first half of the NBA season is coming to an end. Looking back on the NBA season, so far we have learned that Josh Smith will always lose everywhere he goes, and every team he ever plays for will have success after he leaves. Just ask the Hawks and Pistons. We have learned that perhaps Phil Jackson isn’t the genius we all thought he was. Most importantly we have learned that you can win with a “splash” or a 5 player of the month starting five and good role players. For those of you who aren't familiar with the game, that is the Golden State Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks.
Now for the moment everyone is waiting for my 5 biggest surprises of the first half:
1.) Atlanta Hawks- Playing in the East may help the Hawks but it is not the sole reason that as of now with 4 games remaining until the All-Star break the Hawks are currently 41-9. They have played very well against Western Conference teams as well posting a 13-3 record vs. the superior conference. Shout out to Kyle Korver who is second in 3 pointers made while shooting a league best 53% from 3.
2.) Golden State Warriors- Everyone knows about the splash brothers, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, 37 point quarters and 50 point games, game winners, dead eye shooters, and cool jerseys. Often overlooked with this team is the role players and defensive stoppers, I’m looking at you Andrew Bogut. The often overlooked former number 1 pick averages just over 3.5 blocks per 48 minutes. While he may not have had the typical top pick career statistically the presence he provides inside for the Warriors can’t be overlooked.
3.) Anthony Davis- 24.5 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 2.8 bpk….enough said. It’s time to acknowledge the Brow as a top MVP candidate, while the Pelicans will struggle to make the playoffs, it certainly isn’t because of Davis.
4.) Milwaukee Bucks- The Bucks don’t get much attention but at 27-22, but the current 6 seed in the East deserves some attention. Jason Kidd deserves coach of year recognition. While playing much of the season without their top pick Jabari Parker, they still look to be nearly a sure thing in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
5.) New York Knicks- While few people, if any, expected the Knicks to be title contenders, did anyone really think they’d be top pick contenders? They definitely have underachieved as much as any team in the NBA. Come on New York, the Sixers came into the season with the goal to lose every game if possible and you are a ½ game behind them.
Shout out to ESPN for providing all the stats updated through February 5, 2015.