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Playoff Preview and Game Thread #4: Atlanta Hawks @ Miami Heat

Atlanta Hawks 08-09 Playoff Game #4
  
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1-2
2-1
American Airlines Arena
April 27th, 2009, 8:00 PM
TNT, Hawks Radio NetworkNBA Audio League Pass
Probable starters:
Mike Bibby PG Mario Chalmers
Joe Johnson SG Dwyane Wade
Marvin Williams SF James Jones
Josh Smith PF Udonis Haslem
Al Horford C Jermaine O'Neil

 

Hawks Injury Report: Marvin Williams is a game time decisions.

Heat Injury Report: Jamario Moon and Luther Head are out.

Blogging With the Enemy: Penisula is Mightier

Predicted bane of the Hawks existence: I have decided it is stupid to pick anyone but Dwyane Wade. In some way or another, it will always be 

Predicted hero of the Hawks existence: Bronn has convinced me that math says this should be Joe Johnson

Game Preview:

If Marvin Williams was healthy and had some sort of aggressive agent placed/put in his body (like tequila), I have no doubt he would score 36 points tonight. Mark it down. And since I do not think either of these criteria will happen, lets just assume I would be right. With Jamario Moon out though, the Hawks are missing out on a huge advantage at the small forward position if Mo Evans has to start. Regardless, Joe needs to take advantage of one less defensive minded player focusing in on him.

Keys to the game:

  1. Whatever the defensive strategy is, whether it is "the wall" or forced jumpers or double teaming Wade, the Hawks need to play with all out effort. Yes, you may leave a three point shooter open due to a certain strategy, but you better close on that shooter like your life depends on it.
  2. Play team offense. Ball movement. Inside out. Outside in. And then trust you will hit the look the defense gives you. Just run plays where the Heat can't predetermine that look to be a Josh Smith three.
  3. Win.

One game and the Hawks have home court again. One game. I will be in the comments either shouting joyfully that this is true or lamenting horribly that this is true. If that is not a party, I don't know what is. Come one, come all.

Go Hawks!