Hawks coach Mike Woodson has the Eastern Conference Finals on his mind entering the new season.

The team lost in the first round of the playoffs two seasons ago, and bowed out in the semifinals last spring.

"We're at a stage now with our team where I think that's the logical thing, taking the next step," Woodson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "And now that next step is trying to get out of the second round of the playoffs and trying to challenge for a spot in the Eastern Conference finals. That's the next step."

The Hawks have improved their win total in each of the last four seasons.