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Coach Lloyd Pierce Thinks The Utah Jazz, Not The Lakers, Are The Best Team The Hawks Have Played

The Atlanta Hawks are cruising along with a 10-12 record which is good enough for the 7th spot in the Eastern Conference. While they’ve been showing some promise, growing pains for the young Hawks team have been evident along the way.

Their last five games have been a daunting stretch for their winning aspirations. Setting aside the Washington Wizards, the Hawks have faced the Brooklyn Nets, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz over their last five games, with each team delivering them a tough loss.

Among these teams, the Jazz are the team that struck a chord on Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce. Just coming off their Thursday’s loss against the Mitchell-led team, coach Pierce then called the Jazz as the best team the Hawks have played this season.

“They’re the best team we’ve played this year, and I say that strongly. There’s full conviction in their style of play because of the success they’ve had. … I’m not saying they’re the best team in the NBA, but they’re the best team we’ve played.”

Lloyd Pierce on the Jazz: "They’re the best team we’ve played this year, and I say that strongly. There’s full conviction in their style of play because of the success they’ve had. … I'm not saying they're the best team in the NBA, but they're the best team we've played."

— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) February 4, 2021