Hawks Return Refocused as Stretch Run Begins — Energy at Home Is About to Match It

The Atlanta Hawks came out of the All-Star break looking like a team that understands exactly what’s at stake.

Atlanta snapped a three-game skid with a convincing 117–107 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Feb. 19, improving to 27-30 and holding onto the No. 10 spot in the Eastern Conference. With 26 games left, every possession — and every night — suddenly carries playoff weight.

And if the first game back was any indication, this team isn’t easing into the stretch run. They’re attacking it.

All-Star forward Jalen Johnson set the tone immediately, pouring in 32 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a performance that felt equal parts dominant and controlled. Off the bench, CJ McCollum delivered a steady 23 points, continuing to give Atlanta the scoring punch and veteran poise it’s leaned on heavily.

Just as important as the offense was the defensive edge. The Hawks held Philadelphia to just 38 percent shooting while crashing the offensive glass and dictating tempo — a formula that looked far more sustainable than flashy.

The standings, however, offer no room for comfort.

Atlanta is locked in a tight Play-In race with teams like the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks right behind them, meaning the margin for error is razor thin. Meanwhile, the roster itself is still evolving. The additions of Corey Kispert and McCollum have reshaped the offense, while the team continues to wait for the debut of forward Jonathan Kuminga, who is managing a knee issue.

The Hawks now begin a crucial five-game homestand — one that could define whether they’re simply hanging on or positioning themselves to climb.

First up: the Miami Heat on Friday night at State Farm Arena. But this game is about more than basketball.

The matchup doubles as the second annual Culture Fest presented by Verizon, a celebration of the African, Caribbean, Hispanic and Latin communities that shape Atlanta’s identity. From a pregame parade on the concourse to global sounds filling the arena, the night is designed to reflect the city itself — diverse, vibrant and constantly evolving.

Halftime will turn the arena into a cultural showcase, featuring Atlanta’s own DJ ECool, DJ EU and Mix Master David blending Afrobeats, Latin fusion, Dancehall and more into one collaborative performance. It’s less a show and more a soundtrack to what Atlanta has become.

The homestand doesn’t stop there.

On Feb. 26, the Hawks will host their Black History Month Game fueled by Georgia Natural Gas against the Washington Wizards — a night centered on honoring Black excellence, culture and legacy. Atlanta icon Killer Mike and legendary radio host Greg Street will lead a halftime tribute tracing the evolution of Atlanta hip-hop, from its earliest pioneers to its global dominance today.

The night will also spotlight local creatives and innovators, including artist Charity Hamidullah, who will paint live on the concourse, and inventor Lonnie Johnson, creator of the Super Soaker, whose work continues to inspire generations.

Taken together, the upcoming stretch feels like a snapshot of Atlanta itself — competitive, creative and unapologetically proud of its culture.

For the Hawks, the formula is simple but demanding: win games, protect home court and keep building momentum. If they can do that, the Play-In conversation could quickly shift from survival to opportunity.

And judging by the way they came out of the break, this team isn’t just hoping to stay in the race.

They’re trying to make noise