Atlanta Hawks Headlines: Game 5 Reaction
Atlanta Hawks Headlines is back with reaction to Game 5 of the first round playoff series between the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards.
Entering Wednesday night, the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards were tied 2-2 in their first round playoff series. Because of that fact, Game 5 obviously took on an added importance. Rather than one team being on the verge of elimination, this was an opportunity for one team to take control of the series.
Washington, the higher seed, naturally would have an advantage thanks to playing at home. The Wizards were 30-11 at home during the regular season and won Game 1 and Game 2 at home. Were they able to hold serve again on their home court?
The Wizards did in fact hold serve. Washington came away with a 103-99 victory. The Hawks had their chances in the fourth quarter, but they just couldn’t score enough down the stretch. In the end, this game came down to who made more shots. The Wizards made more shots.
The series isn’t over just yet. The Hawks will have a chance to send the series to a decisive Game 7. Game 6 will be played Friday at Philips Arena.
Until then, let’s take a look at today’s links.
From Soaring Down South 4/26/2017
Atlanta Hawks: Biggest X-Factors for Game 5 vs. the Washington Wizards
Before Game 5, Nile Goodwyn outlined three potential X-Factors. Goodwyn referenced Kelly Oubre Jr., Ersan Ilyasova, and Thabo Sefolosha. Did those three players end up having a significant impact on Game 5?
Atlanta Hawks Game Preview: Game 5 at Washington Wizards
Our preview of Game 5 focused on the heated nature of this series. This series has been highlighted by the war of words between the two teams. John Wall and Bradley Beal have also performed very well for Washington. Their teammates haven’t been able to give them much help on the offensive end. Was that still true in Game 5?
Atlanta Hawks vs. Washington Wizards: Game Five Matchup to Watch
Collin Huguely’s matchup to watch for Game 5 was the battle inside between Marcin Gortat and Dwight Howard. Howard struggled during the first three games of this series, Game 4 saw him bounce back. Did he answer the bell in Game 5?
From Around the Web 4/26/2017
Wizards takes series lead with narrow win
At the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Chris Vivlamore recaps Atlanta’s Game 5 loss to the Washington Wizards. The Wizards have now taken a 3-2 lead in the best of seven series.
Hawks fall short of Game 5 upset in Washington, 103-99
At Peachtree Hoops, Brad Rowland recaps the Game 5 loss. The Hawks had their chances late, but couldn’t close. Dennis Schroder was outstanding, finishing the game with 29 points and 11 assists.
Time set for Game 6 of Hawks-Wizards series
At the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Chris Vivlamore reports on the game time for Game 6 of Atlanta’s series against Washington. Game 6 will be played at Philips Arena Friday at 7:30 p.m. It will be televised NBA TV and ESPNU.
Ressler won’t second-guess contracts of Howard, Bazemore
Vivlamore also provides a few more of principal owner Tony Ressler’s takes on the current state of the Hawks. Ressler is committed to looking forward and won’t question their decision to sign Kent Bazemore and Dwight Howard to large contracts during the summer of 2016.
Locked on Hawks podcast: Game 5 preview, Dwight Howard and more
On Locked on Hawks, Brad Rowland previews Game 5 with Jeff Siegel of Peachtree Hoops. Rowland and Siegel discuss Dwight Howard’s play in Game 4, Tim Hardaway Jr.’s rough series, Kent Bazemore’s play, and more.
Hawks have found a 2-way gem in Taurean Prince
At FanRag Sports, Tom West writes on Taurean Prince’s emergence as a 2-way player. Prince has always been thought of as a prospect that would eventually turn into a lock-down defender. His development on offense appears to be accelerating.
Next: Hawks Player Appraisal: Humphries' Last Days?
That’s it for today. Atlanta Hawks Headlines will return tomorrow.