Atlanta Hawks Headlines: A Pivotal Game 5
Atlanta Hawks Headlines is back and better than ever. Today’s batch of articles looks at where things stand with Atlanta’s playoff series against the Washington Wizards.
If your heart hasn’t stopped racing since the Atlanta Hawks’ exhilarating Game 4 win over the Washington Wizards, nobody could blame you. The Hawks needed a win to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole against the Wizards.
They did what they had to do and helped make this series competitive. Paul Millsap took Markieff Morris‘ “crybaby” comments and threw them right back in his face. It seemed like Millsap made it his mission to foul Morris out of the game. It almost did it.
Jose Calderon provided 20 minutes of feisty point guard play, sparking Atlanta’s bench. Who saw that coming before this series began? I was calling for Calderon to see less minutes after he struggled to defend Brandon Jennings in Games 1 and 2. It just goes to show you that Mike Budenholzer is smarter than all of us. Jose Calderon forever.
There will be no “gentleman’s sweep” tonight in Washington D.C. Instead, there will be a pivotal Game 5 that will give one team control in this series. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about the anxiety this game will induce.
Let’s take a look at this morning’s links.
From Soaring Down South 4/25/2017
Atlanta Hawks Knock Off Wizards, Even Series At 2-2
Relive the Game 4 magic with Soaring Down South’s game recap. The Hawks got stellar performances from each member of their starting five. Paul Millsap led the way with 19 points. Dwight Howard had his best game of the postseason. Jose Calderon even played well. Calderon’s shooting, playmaking, and passion was on full display. John Wall and Bradley Beal could not offset the dismal play of their teammates. The series is now headed back to Washington D.C. tied at 2-2.
More from Soaring Down South
- Start, Bench, Cut: Sorting through the Hawks’ power forward options
- Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic reacts to earning FIBA World Cup championship bid
- When does training camp start for the Atlanta Hawks?
- Grade the trade: Hawks deal Trae Young to Clippers in shocking proposal
- Dejounte Murray rips NBA 2K after Atlanta Hawks ratings reveal
Atlanta Hawks Player Appraisal: Kris Humphries
Collin Huguley’s player appraisal series continues with a look at Hawks’ big man Kris Humphries. Humphries has been shuffled in and out of Atlanta’s rotation all season. He’s a good rebounder, but he doesn’t provide much else. I expect Humphries will leave Atlanta in free agency this summer.
From Around the Web 4/25/2017
How Marcin Gortat’s sneaker issue led to 20 minutes of brilliance from Jose Calderon
At Peachtree Hoops, Glen Willis analyzes how Marcin Gortat‘s sneaker issue led to Jose Calderon playing more minutes than usual. Calderon was fantastic in those 20 minutes, arguably sparking the Hawks to victory. Willis’ theory is sound. If John Wall doesn’t get Dennis Schroder to commit his third foul, it’s unlikely that Schroder sits as long as he does in the second quarter. Would Calderon have played much without that happening? Would the Hawks still have won the game? It all comes down to a poorly tied shoe. The butterfly effect is real.
Locked on Hawks podcast: Game 4 recap, Jose Calderon and more
On Locked on Hawks, Brad Rowland recaps Atlanta’s Game 4 win over the Washington Wizards. Once again, Jose Calderon gets some love for his fiery performance. Rowland also delves into Paul Millsap’s play, the continued absence of Thabo Sefolosha, and much more.
The Hawks should win this series. Then again, they’re the Hawks
At the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Mark Bradley expresses both optimism and pessimism about where the Hawks stand. Bradley says that the Hawks should win this series, but the fact remains that this team has shown an uncanny ability to lose games they’re supposed to win.
Hawks owe Warriors thank you after Calderon stepped up big in Game 4
Also at the AJC, Chris Vivlamore writes that the Hawks owe the Golden State Warriors a thank you for letting Jose Calderon go. If you’ll remember, the Warriors signed Calderon but waived him the next day in order sign wing depth (because of Kevin Durant‘s injury). The Warriors are just fine without Calderon, but the Hawks are certainly glad things played out the way they did.
Depth, balance lift Atlanta Hawks past Washington Wizards in Game 4
NBA.com’s Sekou Smith says that Atlanta’s depth and balance helped them win in Game 4. Smith is right on the money. Each Hawks starter finished with double figures in scoring and their bench outplayed Washington’s bench.
At Hawks Hoop, Eric Yeboah dives into Atlanta’s Game 4 win over the Wizards.
Next: Schroder Wants To Work Out With Wall And Beal?
Atlanta Hawks Headlines will return tomorrow with reaction to Game 5.