Atlanta Hawks dominate Hornets, Southeast Division roundup

The Atlanta Hawks sent an early-season statement with a one-sided 128-81 win over the Charlotte Hornets. The victory moves Atlanta to 2-0 and puts the Hawks alone atop the Southeast Division, while Charlotte takes its first loss and drops to 1-1.

Hawks roll, Hornets take a step back

Atlanta never really gave the Hornets a chance, turning the matchup into a blowout and handing a divisional rival a 47-point loss. For Charlotte, the 128-81 defeat quickly cools the momentum from their opening win and is a reminder of how costly divisional games can be in the standings.

For the Hawks, the dominant performance backs up their perfect 2-0 record and immediately gives them a head-to-head edge over one of their primary foes in the Southeast race. With the only unbeaten mark in the division, they have carved out a small but clear early advantage.

Rough starts for Heat and Magic

Elsewhere in the division, things are much bumpier for the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic. Miami fell 128-111 on the road to the Detroit Pistons, leaving the Heat at 0-2 and still searching for their first win of the season.

Orlando didn’t fare any better, losing 115-93 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Magic also slip to 0-2 and join the Heat at the bottom of the Southeast, both clubs yet to break through in the win column. According to Hoops Rumors, Miami and Orlando are among the 17 teams starting the season with just 14 players on standard contracts, intentionally leaving one roster spot open for added flexibility as the year unfolds.

Wizards sit in the middle of the pack

The Washington Wizards were idle, but at 1-1 they remain in the middle of the pack, tied with the Hornets behind the front-running Hawks. With one clear early leader and two teams already trying to dig out of 0-2 holes, the Southeast Division hierarchy is starting to take shape, even if the season is just getting underway.