Three Big Reasons the Hawks Need to Close Out the Nets in Game 6

Game 6 of the Hawks/Nets series will be played on Friday night at 8:00 in Brooklyn. The Hawks are up three games to two and really need to close out the series now. There are a few reasons why this is vital…

1. You do not want a Game 7 against a team with nothing to lose

There were portions of Game 5, despite the win, where the Hawks played tight. You could sense it in the crowd and the team as they know they are supposed to win this series easily, but they’re having a tough time with the Nets. With the series tied 2-2, Game 5 was crucial. They got the win.

Now take how crucial Game 5 was, and Game 7 would be 10x more crucial because it’s winner take all.

In the past – like Game 7 vs. the Celtics in 2008, vs. Heat in 2009, Bucks in 2010, etc. – these types of first round games weren’t that pressure-packed. The reason is simple – the Hawks really had nothing to lose. Even if they were expected to win that particular series, no one expected them to go further than the second round.

This year expectations are different. The Eastern Conference Finals are a minimum for this to be considered a successful season. You worked all year for the #1 seed and all that great momentum with the franchise and fanbase, it would be another downer with the air let out of the balloon not to get there. So losing is the first round would be a massive disappointment.

So, if there’s a Game 7, all the pressure is on the Hawks. All of it. The Nets would’ve already done more than anyone expected – like the Hawks did in 2008 and 2014.

2. Opportunity for rest in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

The way the NBA playoff schedule sets up, the Hawks will be playing on Sunday at 1:00 no matter what. It will either be Game 7 vs. the Nets at Philips, or Game 1 vs. the Wizards at Philips.

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If the Hawks can close out the Nets on Friday night it’s a big advantage in terms of getting rest, however, because there will be a full three days off between Game 2 and Game 3 vs. the Wizards. Washington has already gotten their rest, so it’s extra important for Atlanta to be able to get some too before heading on the road.

If there’s a Game 7 vs. the Nets (and the Hawks do win it at home), then Game 1 vs. the Wizards would be on Tuesday, followed by Game 2 on Thursday….and so on and so forth with an every other day schedule.

Win on Friday and have three full days off next week, or lose on Friday and play every other day for the foreseeable future (provided we do win this series). The latter would be a really tough hill to climb playing playoff basketball.

3. Hawks fans are going to get an ulcer if this series continues

This first round series with the Nets has been close every game. Game 1 you felt like the Hawks were in control and really not too many worries despite it being close at the end. Game 2 was way too close for comfort but, hey, Hawks won. Then Game 3 was a disaster, and Game 4 about made me sick to my stomach. Game 5 wasn’t much better.

There’s something more nerve-wracking about a close series against a team you’re supposed to beat than when you’re the underdog or against a team on your level. It just makes you get that pit in your stomach of “oh no, please no” when you’re watching the game. Know what I mean?

Just close this thing out, Hawks. Let’s get a lead like we’ve done in every game, but this time keep the foot on the gas and finish the job.