Late in the season, streaks have been notable for several NBA teams. The winning streaks of the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs have been impressive, but others are also worth analyzing. Perhaps the most surprising is the recent surge of the Miami Heat, who have won their last seven games without superstar Dwyane Wade. Shaquille O'Neal is back, though, and the Shaq Attack looks geared for the playoffs.
Another surprise is the Atlanta Hawks' four-game win streak. Leading scorer and superstar Joe Johnson went down five games ago - and ever since, the team has actually gotten better. The Hawks are a very young and hungry club who look like they are finally coming together and playing with a maturity they've lacked the past couple of seasons. Proving they can win without Johnson is a huge step in their ascent toward a competitive level, which they haven't been at for several seasons.
Two losing streaks could have large playoff implications. In the East, the Indiana Pacers have dropped ten straight games. They are still holding onto the eighth playoff spot, but don't expect that to last long - their team leader, Jermaine O'Neal, has missed the last three games, and isn't expected to return soon. In the West, the Los Angeles Lakers are on a six-game skid, looking woeful without Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, and Smush Parker - the three main ball-handlers on the team. Injuries have really hurt the Lakers of late; they also had a six-game slump back in February.
Expect more winning and losing binges as the season comes to a close. Injuries and the playoff race will each have a hand in making or breaking team chemistry around the league.
J. O'Neal image courtesy NBA.com (Ron Hoskins/NBAE/Getty Images)
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