| Fired Up: Hawks Ready To Cool The Heat Authored by Patrick J. Austin - April 17, 2009 - 11:22 am
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The last time the Hawks had home-court was a decade ago. Things have certainly changed in 'Hotlanta.' Despite the outcome, fans need to take a step back and appreciate the team's accomplishment. The Hawks actually built upon their hard-fought seven game series against the eventual champion Celtics last year and improved. Now, they've not only made the playoffs, but look good to advance. Of course, in order to do so, they'll have to take down a young, energetic Heat team first.
This series will undoubtedly be fun to watch. Both teams feature All-Star guards (Joe Johnson/Dwyane Wade) and young, exciting big men (Josh Smith & Al Horford/ Michael Beasley). Even though Miami features some strong pieces, the Hawks are the better overall team. That's why they'll advance to the second round in five games.
If you don't believe me, let's break down the matchup:
Point Guard
Hawks: Mike Bibby & Acie Law IV
Heat: Mario Chalmers & Chris Quinn
The Hawks boast an experienced, playoff-tested starting point guard in Bibby and a questionable, young backup in Law. Conversely, the Heat have a young, talented starting point guard in Chalmers with a dependable backup in Quinn.
The Bibby/Chalmers match up will go one of two ways. Bibby will step up and show the young whipper snapper what playoff basketball is all about, or Chalmers will expose Bibby's age and make him appear washed up. Given Bibby's importance to the Hawks, I expect him to recognize the need turn the switch to "playoff mode" and excel. Chalmers is a great shooter, but he's not on Bibby's level quite yet.
With regards to the backup spot, I give the edge to the Heat. Law has been erratic and just can't be depended on to help consistently. Look for Flip Murray to continue playing big minutes in the combo guard role. Heck, coach Mike Woodson may even give the veteran Speedy Claxton (he's finally healthy) some burn to supplant Law. Quinn has been a solid backup for the Heat and I don't see that changing. He'll still drain it from beyond the arc and do his part.
Shooting Guard
Hawks: Joe Johnson & Flip Murray
Heat: Dwyane Wade & Daequan Cook
This is, by far, the most exciting match up. Clearly, Wade is a top-10 player capable of putting up monster numbers over the entire source of a series, but look for Johnson to lead the Hawks to more wins. JJ, the silent assassin, always plays his best under the radar, so while the analysts fall over themselves to praise Wade, JJ will quietly put up big stats and enjoy the glow of victory.
On the backup end, the advantage definitely goes to the Hawks. Murray has been amazing off the bench this season and should continue to be a scoring machine when on the floor. I like Cook, but with Wade probably playing all 48 minutes, I don't see him getting the chance to make much of a difference.
Small Forward
Hawks: Marvin Williams & Mo Evans
Heat: Jamario Moon & James Jones
The advantage goes to the Hawks. Williams, if healthy, is far superior to Moon on every level. Clearly, Williams' recent injury issues are of concern, but I think he'll be ready for playoff action. His versatility, both on offense and defense, make him the key for perimeter play against the Heat. Moon is an amazing athlete, but he's a one-trick pony. The Hawks need to exploit this match up if they want to be successful. The backup match up goes to the Hawks, once again. Evans is a better athlete and scorer than Jones. Plus, he's played more consistent minutes.
Power Forward
Hawks: Josh Smith & Solomon Jones
Heat: Udonis Haslem & Michael Beasley
This is the most intriguing match up. Based on pure talent, Josh Smith is easily superior to Haslem. However, Haslem's bread and butter are defense and rebounding. I could see him giving Smith a lot of problems since Haslem's goal will be to shut down Smoove's offensive efforts.
The key for Smoove will be utilizing his other-worldly athleticism to beat Haslem off the block. And, of course, not to pull a Rasheed Wallace and jack up a bunch of three pointers. With regards to the backups, the situation is reversed. The Heat have the talent in Beasley, but the Hawks have a defensive-minded big in Jones. However, given Beasley's recent 23-point outburst against the Hawks, I could see him having a really good series. He may even beat out Haslem for playing time.
Center
Hawks: Al Horford & Zaza Pachulia
Heat: Jermaine O'Neal & Joel Anthony
The Hawks have the advantage. Horford is superior to the brittle Jermaine O'Neal at this point in his career. That is no disrespect to J.O., he's had a rock solid career, but Horford is more athletic, more mobile and more productive than the veteran big man.
On the backup match up, the Hawks hold the advantage once again. Pachulia is one of the better backup centers in the league while Anthony is one-dimensional. Yes, he's got amazing defensive potential, but he is still too raw. The savvy Pachulia wins out.
Intangibles
This is the primary reason why the Hawks win the series in five games. Atlanta's core has been together for a while and they have good chemistry. Conversely, the Heat are still trying to feel each other out after their mid-season blockbuster deal.
Sure, the new pieces have fit well, but playoff basketball is a totally different atmosphere and the continuity the Hawks enjoy will be the difference maker. They're more of a team than the Heat at this point.
--If you'd like to comment on Patrick's article, send him an e-mail at pja123@hotmail.com. |
