Atlanta Hawks Heat Check Fans' Loyalty

Following the Atlanta Hawks impressive victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night, John Collins issued a challenge to fans. "ATL- I have to hold y'all accountable, man. When another team comes into this building, y'all should never be out here cheering for the other team. Feel me?"

Collins concluded his remarks by offering some encouragement to fans, but the damage had already been done. It wasn't because what Collins said was wrong. Instead, the Hawks are the perfect example of a team not being held accountable.

Less than 48 hours after Collins' statement, the team was flying back home in defeat. Atlanta blew a 24-point second-half lead to the lowly San Antonio Spurs on Sunday evening. 

With 86% of the regular season in the rearview mirror, Atlanta is 35-36 and eighth in the Eastern Conference standings. It was not what the organization had envisioned when they traded most of their future draft capital for Dejounte Murray last summer.

Atlanta has brought in a second star, overhauled the front office, and made their second head coaching change in as many years. Yet, the team remains painfully average. 

Earlier this year, I wrote how the fans were on the verge of going full Jerry Macquire after a tough stretch in the season. There is no movie reference or jokes to be made about the current state of Hawks fans. 

Sunday's loss was a heat check for Hawks fans' loyalty. Why shouldn't Hawks fans cheer when Stephen Curry, LeBron James, or Kevin Durant make their annual trip to Atlanta? It appears that nobody is holding the Hawks accountable.