Atlanta Hawks’ Horford to Play in Game Two Vs. Nets
By John Buhler
Your Atlanta Hawks will once again host the Brooklyn Nets at the Highlight Factory for Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Atlanta won Game One 99-92 on the heels of strong team defense and Kyle Korver’s impressive 21 point performance Sunday Night.
No need to fret over Al Horford’s dislocated pinky. Big Al told AJC’s Chris Vivlamore after practice Tuesday, “I’m playing”. Whether or not the Hawks All-Star center is able to make his signature mid-range set shot will go a long way in determining the winner of tonight’s contest. Paul Millsap looks to improve on a dismal 6 point performance Sunday night. He hasn’t been his All-NBA self since his collision with the Nets Earl Clark at the tail-end of the regular season. Jeff Teague needs to play with more focus as his four turnovers in Game One cannot carry over into Game Two tonight.
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Brooklyn looked to C Brook Lopez and former Hawk SG Joe Johnson to carry the weight for the Nets’ offense in the series’ first game. Forward Thaddeus Young shot a high percentage from the paint in Game One and PG Deron Williams played with no passion Sunday. Nets HC Lionel Hollins would be wise to pound the rock inside to Lopez to open up a perimeter game. That requires Johnson and rookie SG Bojan Bogdanovic to actually make 3-pointers. Neither shooting guard has looked lethal from long distance in the three most recent games with the Atlanta Hawks. Hollins should also give backup PG and former Georgia Tech standout Jarrett Jack more of D-Will’s minutes if his fall from grace continues.
Even though Philips Arena has been electric since mid-December this season, the Atlanta Hawks faithful should have no problem getting fired up for Game Two. Coach Mike Budenholzer was just named NBA Coach of the Year yesterday morning. The city has embraced Coach Bud completely and he should receive a well-deserved standing ovation in the pre-game introduction.
To add more even more excitement to tonight’s matchup, native Atlantan rap superstar Ludacris will perform at halftime of Game Two. Ludacris “…jumped at the opportunity to collaborate with the organization in a memorable way.” The Atlanta Hawks crowd anxiously waited to erupt Sunday night but never really had to. It wouldn’t surprise me if the bumped and bruised Hawks team leaned on the Sixth Man in the second half if needed.
Tip off is at 7:00 PM instead of the usual 7:30 slot we’ve grown accustomed to, so plan accordingly. Let’s Go Hawks!!!