Soaring Down South
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4 Ways the NBA was petty with the Atlanta Hawks schedule

By Joshua Buckhalter

Dec 3, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Nate McMillan shows emotion against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Nate McMillan shows emotion against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Hawks. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

The NBA gave the Hawks a really interesting slate of games. There is a general consensus that they were granted some significant advantages. But a closer look also shows several ways the league found ways to spice it up for the revamped Hawks. They have been in the news a lot for their high-profile workouts and appearances.

It would seem the league took that into account when drawing up when and where some of these games would take place. Of course, there is surely happenstance at play. But it is simply more fun to think the NBA schedule makers take every chance they can get to be petty. Just like these examples from the Hawks 2022-23 regular season schedule.

1. Dejounte vs Paolo

Where’s the beef? One of the late but fast-rising storylines of the offseason has been the unexpected beef between Seattle-natives Dejounte Murray and Paolo Banchero. The Hawks star took exception to what he perceived as a change in the Magic rookie’s personality. He proceeded to show up the first-overall pick on the floor before sounding off on him on Instagram.

We were supposed to get the rematch on August 20 when the two shared the floor during “The CrawsOver” pro-am. What we got was a much more subdued showing from Murray as he was seen helping his protege-turned-division-rival up off of the floor during the game.

The NBA, however, is not one to waste a good storyline. And the placement of this game – the second of the season for the Hawks – would seem to indicate an understanding that the feud might not last. It just happened to end as unexpectedly as it began; with a hug and a smile. But, perhaps, the added significance of the moment can reignite the fireworks from that first clash that had the NBA world buzzing when they do meet up again in the regular season.

With both still young and now division rivals, Banchero and Murray will have plenty of chances to go up against one another. And it won’t just be for bragging rights on social media. Even if they have squashed their beef, you can bet that it will be a talking point whenever they go head-to-head. Maybe even for the rest of their careers. Again, the NBA is never one to waste a good storyline. Petty.

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