| Atlanta Hawks 08-09 Playoff Game #2 | ||
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| 0-1 |
1-0 |
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| Phillips Arena |
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| April 22nd, 2009, 8:00 PM | ||
| TNT, Hawks Radio Network, NBA Audio League Pass | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Mario Chalmer | PG | Mike Bibby |
| Dwyane Wade | SG | Joe Johnson |
| James Jones | SF | Marvin Williams |
| Udonis Haslem | PF | Josh Smith |
| Jermaine O'Neil | C | Al Horford |
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Hawks Injury Report: Acie's back is still injured. Still mixed reports on whether he is available to play.
Heat Injury Report: Luther Head is out.
Blogging With the Enemy: Penisula is Mightier
Predicted bane of the Hawks existence: Dwyane Wade
Predicted hero of the Hawks existence: Mike Bibby
Game Preview:
What's that thing called when you talk about moving your legs and it makes total sense and the more you yap about putting one foot in front of the other it is almost like you know how to move your legs and then it is time to move said legs and you actually start walking?
Well, that is what the Hawks need to do tonight. Both teams said the right thing. Only one team is going to walk the walk.
For as bad as the beat down was on Sunday, the Hawks did not come close to playing perfect basketball. Ok defensively it was pretty perfect, but the more I though about it, the more room I saw for improvement. Joe had a below average night hidden by some highlight plays. Flip and Mo provided very little on the offensive end. Marvin was effective but played limited minutes. Really only Josh played great offense which probably explains why I wanted to marry him following the game.
That is all to say the Hawks can't hope to replicate Sunday's performance. They have to play better. Because here is guarantee, Miami, and specifically Mr. Wade, will.
Keys to the game
- Continue to control the glass. The Hawks dominated this on Sunday, and I can think of exactly zero reasons why I would want Jermaine O'Neil to have more than four rebounds tonight.
- Keep moving the ball. The final possession of the second quarter was a thing of beauty. Any time Flip touches the ball as time is winding down, it is pretty much a guaranteed he shoots, but Sunday he drove and kicked and the ball found it's way to Horford for an easy, open jumper. More of that please.
- Someone new step up. Good work Josh. Feel free to dominate again. This time just have company.
- Don't think for a second Dwyane Wade is anything less than really awesome.
Hit up the comments and tell everyone what type of Josh Smith dunk you want to see tonight.
Point blank, outside of a game seven, this is the most important game of the series. Get excited, get loud, go Hawks!