| Hawks Ascend Into Postseason Action Authored by Patrick J. Austin - April 18, 2008 - 4:41 pm
It took nearly a decade, but the Atlanta Hawks are finally back in the postseason. The season had its fair share of ups and downs including various injuries, a blockbuster trade and a lackluster final record. But despite it all, one of the youngest teams in the league has made it to the big show; the real season.
Some say the Hawks shouldn’t be in the playoffs. We’re simply the benefactors of being in a weak conference. Well, we are indeed in a weak conference, but that in no way invalidates our entrance into the playoffs. The fact of the matter is the Atlanta Hawks of today are not the team that started the season disappointingly. We have a brand new floor general and a rookie who’s clearly developing into a one of the best young talents in the league.
It cannot be understated how important Al Horford has been to the team. He’s been the bedrock of the frontline, even outshining budding star Josh Smith from time to time. Kevin Durant may post 20 points a game, but Horford’s impact on the playoff-bound Hawks has been more profound.
The acquisition of Mike Bibby certainly played an important role in the team’s return to postseason action. He’s the first legitimate point guard we’ve had in year. His first few games were unspectacular, but he turned things around quickly and developed chemistry with the rest of the team. He’s now a key contributor both scoring-wise and setting up the big guns: JJ, Smoove, and Marv.
I can’t wait to see a full season of Bibby in a Hawks uniform. Maybe if we had him at the beginning of the season, we’d be fighting for home court advantage rather than clinging to the eighth seed.
The downside of making the playoffs, especially in the eighth seed, is going up against the juggernaut known as the Boston Celtics, the team with the best record in the league and a trio of formidable superstars. Everyone expects the Hawks to be sacrificial lambs to the powerhouse Celtics; a sweep so profound the Hawks may have to stitch a broom to their uniforms.
I beg to differ. I think the Hawks can certainly make it a series. The best thing about the Hawks is that they’re untested. No one knows how we’ll perform in the playoffs. Everyone thinks a lack of experience is negative, but it can be a positive as well.
The veteran Celtics may sneer at the young Hawks and have their eyes set on the Eastern Conference finals. Good; that’s the best thing for the Hawks. We can swoop in unexpectedly and give them a run for their money. Recent history is on the Hawks side.
Did anyone expect the Golden State Warriors to beat the Dallas Mavericks – coincidentally the team with the best record – in the first round last year? Of course not, because it was a huge upset.
The Hawks can do the same thing. We can beat the Celtics. Obviously, it will take career performances from each starter, but should we expect any less? I don’t think so. The team needs to play with a reckless abandon. Throw caution to the wind and just play pure basketball. We have youth on our side and the fresh legs of Williams, Smith, and Johnson may prove to be too much for Pierce, Garnett, and Allen.
And let’s not forget that each of the ‘Big Three’ have struggled in postseason action. It may have been something more than merely a weak supporting cast. Maybe they just don’t perform well in the playoffs. It’s definitely within the realm of possibility.
"The Hawks beating the Celtics? You must be nuts Patrick."
This is what the pundits are saying now, but crazier things have happened. I’m not guaranteeing an upset win, but the Celtics certainly shouldn’t gloss over this first round match up. The Hawks are a team on the rise and they can make it a legit series.
If you’d like to send feedback to Patrick, e-mail him at pja123@hotmail.com |
