Magic Intend to Send Hawks a Message

by Hoopinion on Jan 7, 2009 11:00 AM EST

There was a time when going to Atlanta was the equivalent of a NBA vacation what with the night life the city offered the visiting players and the homecoming doormat of a team calling Philips Arena home.

But with the Hawks now stockpiled with young, dynamic talent and clearly positioned as a franchise finally on the rise, the days of treating the Atlanta Hawks like a speed bump are over.

Our dark past is someone else's glory days. There's a lesson in there somewhere.

Dwight Howard states his intention:

"(The Hawks) seem to have our number lately, but this is our chance to send a message to that team from the start of the game. They really play well at home and they are a good team, but if we go down there and dominate from the first quarter we can get ourselves a good win."

Rashard Lewis provides a second:

"We need to set the tone right away and let them know that we're the better team. Obviously it's a big game and they beat us early in the season, but we'll be ready."

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Now I'm even more excited

about the game. Imagine that, teams needing to make a statement against the Hawks. I love it. I think the Hawks will win tonight because they do seem to play the Magic pretty well. And someone should inform Dwight that games are not won in the first quarter. Especially not in the NBA.

by Co Co on Jan 7, 2009 11:22 AM EST reply actions

Somewhere between Howard and Woodson

lies the truth about the value of the first half.

by Hoopinion on Jan 7, 2009 12:02 PM EST up reply actions

Yes,

but don’t forget that, supposedly, other players could play if only the Hawks would take a lead and hold it, even though we won’t worry about defensive matchups or other competitive advantages until the 4th.

by rbubp on Jan 7, 2009 12:24 PM EST up reply actions