Hawks still hoping for No. 2 seed (and a little attention)
Josh Smith and the Hawks hope for a welcoming party in two weekend home games. (AP photo)
The third best team in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, which is based in one of the league’s top markets, returns home to Philips Arena Friday night. Their hope is that somebody notices.
The Hawks are doing their part. They’ve had a chance to fizzle and haven’t. OK, there was that collapse Wednesday night in Toronto when a 12-point lead evaporated in the fourth-quarter and they lost in the final seconds on a jumper by Chris Bosh. But here’s the pass: The loss came with their leading scorer (Joe Johnson) sitting out. It was their second game in two nights on the road against a team (Toronto) fighting for a playoff spot. There are worse ways to go splat.
Four weeks ago, the Hawks lost consecutive games at Phoenix and Golden State. There were signs of settling. At 34-20, they basically were a .500 team (15-14) after a meteoric 19-6 start. But since then, they’ve won nine of 13. A win at New Jersey actually put them 20 games over .500 for the first time in 13 years. Can’t remember seeing that in any headlines.
Loading ...They’re doing it in ways you want to see, particularly in March. When Johnson missed consecutive games with an injury, others stepped up their game, particularly at the offensive end. Even Jeff Teague played. Remember Jeff Teague?
“I like the fact that everybody is making a contribution,” general manager Rick Sund said. “I like our chemistry.”
So here’s the question: Has anybody noticed?
The Hawks rank 20th in the NBA in home attendance at 16,092. Of the 10 teams behind them entering Thursday’s games, seven have losing records. Eight are out of the playoff picture. The two exceptions: Charlotte and Milwaukee. Both play in significantly smaller markets.
The fact the Hawks draw pretty well on weekends should help Friday (Charlotte) and Sunday (San Antonio). But shouldn’t the overall picture be better? Players can’t help but notice the half-empty arena, but they aren’t going to say much about it publicly, beyond, “All we can do is win.” And then maybe they roll their eyes.
Sund, who for a long time worked for one of the NBA’s most-vibrant franchises in Seattle, said: “I haven’t lived here long enough to comment. I don’t know.”
It’s not anybody’s business to tell people how to spend their money. But the bad-economy argument goes only so far. Chicago, Portland, Dallas, New York and Salt Lake City are in the same economy. Nobody can play the economy card more than Detroit, and the Pistons are averaging over 18,000 — and they’re a 23-45 team.
Maybe this will get people’s attention: The race for the Southeast Division title and the No. 2 seed in the East isn’t dead yet. Nobody is catching Cleveland. But the Hawks play four games in the next six days, the last one coming against the Magic. They have only 15 games left. It’s safe to say if they’re going to make a move on Orlando, it’s now.
Sund speculates that to catch the Magic, “We need to beat Orlando and then win seven out of eight or something like that.”
Even if the Hawks fall short, it’s a worthy product, a fun team to watch even if sometimes aggravating. It’s a team that lost four straight earlier in the season – two of those to Cleveland – but otherwise has not dropped more than two in a row all year.
“The good thing is we’ve been through some highs and lows like every club, but we’ve come out of it,” Sund said. “We’ve shown some resiliency.”
Teams sell out games when enough fans believe there’s a reason to go.
When LeBron and Kobe come to town, the games sell out.
When the playoffs start, the games sell out.
Until then, the Hawks may have to settle for being just north of curiosity, even if in relative anonymity.
♦
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111 comments Add your comment
Rimfire
March 18th, 2010
2:17 pm
Go Hawks, win,win,win!
Magnum
March 18th, 2010
2:19 pm
First?
WalterEgo
March 18th, 2010
2:22 pm
Does FIRST count in horseshoes? If I’m not first I’m close. Go Hawks.
Reid Adair
March 18th, 2010
2:24 pm
The Hawks desperately need to finish no worse than third. They do not need to be on the same side of the bracket as the Cavaliers.
Dr. Warren
March 18th, 2010
2:26 pm
2nd loss in a row on the road to a team fighting for a playoff spot? Didn’t they beat the Nets in the game before Toronto?? Confusing sentence structure, my friend.
Dr. Warren
March 18th, 2010
2:35 pm
It’s been an uplifting season, true. But the attendance problem should not be blamed on the fans. Customer needs come first. The Spirit has not filled those needs adequately. So naturally, the laws of business are interceding, and if yesterday’s NY Times article is correct, the ship is finally sinking. 2 years of winning basketball don’t cancel out 9 years of horrible losing. If the Hawks had a bankable major star–read: draft incompetency; If the Hawks had had a big name coach–read: cheapness; if the Hawks gotten rid of those boring red uniforms and dated logo much earlier–read: lack of imagination; if the Hawks had overhauled the fan experience a la Arthur Blank–read: putting the customer first. if the lower level wasn’t sold out to companies whose tickets are often not used during the weekday games, making the lower level like a ghostown–read: quick-fix solutions devoid of strategy; If the Spirit had done better in these areas and more, they wouldn’t be in trouble. Let’s not blame Atlanta’s customer base, transients or natives. It’s a business–and it’s been poorly run. This is first-year MBA stuff.
Kelleysrightnow
March 18th, 2010
2:36 pm
The Hawks are nothing but a curiosity because there is no tradition. The Pistons have won a lot and that gives the fans a reason to feel connected to “their” team. We have had nothing but personnel changes and management nightmares. Give the public what they want~ Winners that keep their mouths shut or are at least entertaining when they open their mouths. I still say BORING to the whole lot of them.
That Guy
March 18th, 2010
2:38 pm
Dr. Warren, the Nets are definitely not fighting for a playoff spot.
gmoney
March 18th, 2010
2:38 pm
Two reasons people dont show up…
1) major hassle to get to the game
2) way to expensive to get a good seat and a good seat is a must to enjoy a game
and 3) the foods sucks at Phillips and is way to expensive
that simple…doesnt make any difference how good they are
Dr. Warren
March 18th, 2010
2:40 pm
That Guy–I know that. That is my point. His sentence reads like both of the past two games were against playoff-contending teams.
That Guy
March 18th, 2010
2:48 pm
DW-I’m pretty sure JS meant that their last two road losses were to playoff contending teams.
That Guy
March 18th, 2010
2:50 pm
DW-I did enjoy your MBA post. Good points on all fronts.
Resign or Resign?
March 18th, 2010
2:52 pm
Guilty as charged!! I’m a Hawks fan, but don’t spend my money to attend the games. You have made me feel so bad! Excuse me while I slit my wrists!
Gilley
March 18th, 2010
2:54 pm
Yeah its not the economy all the time. Atlanta has traffic issues and fair weathered fans. It makes a difference. Also, not a lot of natives who come to the games because Kobe and Lebron fans be from different cities and just live here. Hawks are also a frustrating team. We would probably be tied or in front of Orlando if not for these leads we give up but despite all of that, we still have a chance. Imagine if we closed games and took care of business. The what ifs will continually be the reason why we don’t have the respect we deserve.
Tron5000
March 18th, 2010
2:56 pm
Now I’m no NBA expert, but isn’t it the case that the 3 division winners get the top 3 playoff spots? As in, the Hawks could finish 3rd behind Cleveland and Orlando, but Boston would have the 3rd seed for winning their division? Someone please correct me if I’m wrong on this.
Gilley
March 18th, 2010
2:59 pm
THE GOSPEL. Even though I am a Hawks fan regardless (Homer) Everyone else isn’t as loyal as me. RT @Dr. Warren It’s been an uplifting season, true. But the attendance problem should not be blamed on the fans. Customer needs come first. The Spirit has not filled those needs adequately. So naturally, the laws of business are interceding, and if yesterday’s NY Times article is correct, the ship is finally sinking. 2 years of winning basketball don’t cancel out 9 years of horrible losing. If the Hawks had a bankable major star–read: draft incompetency; If the Hawks had had a big name coach–read: cheapness; if the Hawks gotten rid of those boring red uniforms and dated logo much earlier–read: lack of imagination; if the Hawks had overhauled the fan experience a la Arthur Blank–read: putting the customer first. if the lower level wasn’t sold out to companies whose tickets are often not used during the weekday games, making the lower level like a ghostown–read: quick-fix solutions devoid of strategy; If the Spirit had done better in these areas and more, they wouldn’t be in trouble. Let’s not blame Atlanta’s customer base, transients or natives. It’s a business–and it’s been poorly run. This is first-year MBA stuff.
Gilley
March 18th, 2010
3:02 pm
Tron5000 I want to say if Boston and Atlanta are tied, Boston gets the tie-breaker because they are the division winner. But if ATL has the better record then they have the 3rd seed. Double check that though
Art Vandelay
March 18th, 2010
3:06 pm
Attendance at Hawks games will always be an issue because nobody actually lives downtown in this city. The majority of the fan base lives in the suburbs and can’t be bothered to drive 45-60 minutes each way on a school/work night for a 2.5 hour game that costs $300 for a family of four. Yes, the Hawks are enormously entertaining and talented. Yes, they deserve better. But after 33 years in Atlanta, I’m pretty confident that nothing will change until someone has the good sense to build an arena in a location that is accessible to the fans.
Oh, and nobody really wants to give a dime to the Anti-Spirit Group, but I don’t think that’s the primary issue. Attendance has always been a problem, even during the ’80s when Dominique and Spud were here.
Zimmerman
March 18th, 2010
3:16 pm
OK, enough with the attendance whining. I have a family of 5. To go to a sporting event downtown is expenisve. But lets put that aside, and consider the REAL reason I don’t take my family to Atlanta sporting events.
ITS DANGEROUS. Last time I went to a game we saw upwards of 50 “homeless” just wandering the streets. I don’t want my daughter to get shot walking down the sidewalk. You can’t count on the cops in this town because most of them are criminals themselves.
Jamaaliver
March 18th, 2010
3:18 pm
It’s plain and simple. Atlanta just isn’t much of a pro sports town.
Even when the Braves were perennial contenders, i remember far too mnay first round series that didn’t sell out for the playoffs.
Steve
March 18th, 2010
3:20 pm
I think the reason is that Atlanta is just not a basketball town. People are not going but they are not watching either. I believe I read that their rating is like 2.2 when the games are on TV. Atlanta is a baseball and college football town only. When the Braves got good, look how the city embraced them. The Hawks got good and nobody cares (unless it’s the playoffs against Boston). Another reason is that we don’t have a superstar like when we had Wilkins, Willis, and Webb. The high cost for tickets is another reason. If the Braves can average 25,000 a game 81 times a year, the Hawks should be able to fill up the arena 41 times but it’s just not a basketball town.
jon
March 18th, 2010
3:22 pm
A number 2 seed! You’re kidding right? You have to have heart to do that! Mr. Schultz pay attention to this bad pattern: CAN’T CLOSE OUT TEAMS! EVEN BOSTON CAN DO THAT.
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
3:23 pm
Rimfire — Mazel tov.
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
3:24 pm
Magnum — Silver.
jon
March 18th, 2010
3:24 pm
TRON5000 YOUR ARE RIGHT BUT THEY DO RE-SEED IN THE NEXT ROUND!
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
3:24 pm
Reid — Agreed. Don’t know how good chances are against Magic in second round, but certainly better than facing Cleveland.
Khao$
March 18th, 2010
3:25 pm
Unreal. This city always has an excuse. Jeff, it doesn’t matter what argument you put forward, someone will always put forward a “well thought out” argument on why fans don’t attend the games. Just take out Hawks and put Braves or Falcons in the header and the excuse will be the same. You’re right, people are free to spend their money however they choose to. True, we have inept management running a few of our teams. However, other teams have similiar complaints and worst records. And they draw better than us. As a native of this city, I can no longer argue against the national media. Our fanbase for the pro-teams (and Tech) are dreadful. That said, kudos to all the Hawks fans that have stuck with this team through thick (Nique, recent resurgence) and thin (Belkin, 13 wins, Danny Manning).
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
3:27 pm
Dr. Warren — that’s second GAME in a row on the road, not loss.
C. Tampa Ironworse
March 18th, 2010
3:28 pm
Hawks WILL be in the conference finals.
PS: JS…What, no Obama mention? Does he not have an opinion on the NBA?
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
3:29 pm
Dr. Warren (again): I’ve heard about this customer needs stuff a lot. Honestly, it’s a pretty reasonably priced ticket, especially with all of the discount nights. Outside of perceptions of ownership, etc., if there anything specific about game-night experience you don’t like? Just curious?
Khao$
March 18th, 2010
3:29 pm
I disagree Steve. When Nique was with the Hawks, the city supported the team. I think we are a college football/superstar/bandwagon team. We love Georgia. We’ll support the team if it has a superstar (Nique, Vick, and Murphy before 1985). We’ll jump on the bandwagon for a good story (Braves worst to first), drafting for Vick, Hawks vs.Boston).
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
3:30 pm
Kellyrightnow — Certainly correct about history over last 10-15 years.
Dr. Warren
March 18th, 2010
3:33 pm
My bad, Jeff. Sorry. It’s way too late over here in Shanghai. And thanks, GILLEY and THAT GUY, for appreciating my thoughts about the Spirit.
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
3:33 pm
Tron — If the Hawks pass Orlando in the Southeast, that’s not an issue. They would be second.
bali
March 18th, 2010
3:37 pm
i do not think Atlanta is a pro Basketball town. I can understand poor attendance 2 or 3 years ago, but now……come on man. Week day attendance is a joke. I reall y do not know what can be don
Steve
March 18th, 2010
3:42 pm
Maybe they really should try putting a stadium or arena in the burbs. I think if Turner Field was where the Gwinnett stadium is or maybe somewhere like the old Ford Plant they would average closer to 35,000 per game. Downtown is just too far for many people. Especially during the week.
PMC
March 18th, 2010
3:48 pm
In the past they could rely on corporate money. They can’t do that anymore.
It might be that for the most part it’s just more expensive than it’s worth to people. We don’t have generations of families who have grown up around Atlanta sports. It’s not a priority to go to the stadium. It’s just something to do if it interests us. The opportunity and or experience of going to the game while it is a good time and a great experience for those of us who partake… just might not be worth it to other folks. Especially to sit in the upper deck or a long way away from the court. Lower level will set you back 150 bucks for 2 seats on average. That’s not worth it to a lot of people in a down economy no matter how good they are. I bet the TV numbers have been great though.
jon
March 18th, 2010
3:49 pm
The Hawks are not going to get past Orlando for the division! They would have to finish a full game up on them to win division, and we just don’t match up with them, we just don’t….
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
3:54 pm
Gilley — To be clear: Even if Hawks finish in second place in the division but have a better record than Boston, they will be seeded ahead of Boston. I believe the “safety net” for division winners is that they can’t be seeded lower than fourth.
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
3:56 pm
Ironworse — Let it go. (go check comments on previous blog)
Delbert D.
March 18th, 2010
3:57 pm
Last time I attended a Hawks game was the one against Detroit in the ’80s, when the media guys later said “Everybody was yelling about Laimbeer’s socks.”
Sadly, affordability is down, and crime downtown is up. TV is cheap.
Dr. Warren
March 18th, 2010
4:10 pm
Jeff–remember, though, I was not just referring to bad marketing or the at-the-arena peripheral experience when I wrote “customer needs.” I’m talking about all-around bad management. Ideally, almost every practice within a company, from hiring to logistics to product development to marketing to fill-in-the blank is focused on meeting their customers’ particular needs. Our most basic need as customers is a reasonably consistent winner and a big name star player and an excellent coach, preferably with some charisma. Atlanta is definitely an anomalous market, an outlier for a variety of reasons. But that shouldn’t and doesn’t preclude success. Very sharp ownership and innovative management (see: Theo Epstein or Sam Presti) with strong financials could pull it off. As for your question about the game-day experience, I’d say as a guy in his early 40’s, the music and manufactured noise gets annoyingly loud there during the games, and especially during time-outs. It’s very distracting, too. I’ve had several friends complain about this, too. Also, there are many bad seats there, usually the cheaper ones. The starting times can be difficult, too. But as a lifelong fan, I’d say it comes down to poor management decisions about personnel. The fans aren’t just happy to have a 2nd-tier winning team like they were in the 70’s Eddie Johnson-John Drew era. We’ve seen the Braves’ success, we’ve seen the Falcons go to the Super Bowl and 2 NFC championships, at least, and we’ve hosted Super Bowls, Olympics, etc. The Hawks have never, ever gotten out of the 2nd round, and anyone who might care about the Hawks pretty much knows it probably ain’t gonna happen anytime soon. So, even when they are very good, they are still 2nd tier, as it has been since ‘68. Look, they need a superstar and better coach. Then watch the fans come.
shawn
March 18th, 2010
4:10 pm
Hawks look good this season but there is no way that they are going to beat King James or Superman, Dwight Howard. hope that I am wrong…
A long time fan
March 18th, 2010
4:24 pm
I agree with Dr. Warren’s points, very well said. One good season doe snot make up for a decade of inept management. As for Jeff’s rebuttal, also a valid point, but discount nights are usually for bad seats on a weeknight. In addition, we are in the middle of the worst recession in thirty years and GA is one the hardest hit states. Even with discounts tickets are not cheap for a family of four once you add parking and a snack for the kids. There is such a thing as rpice equilibrium and clearly they have not found it.
D Hawk
March 18th, 2010
4:26 pm
The Hawks are having a nice season, and I will be attending at least 2 of the remaining home games; however, they can’t keep dropping games to the bottom-feeders in the East and expect the fans to ignore that. You earn your home crowds from playing good road basketball on television (I realize home games are televised too, but every decent team in the league wins at home). They had a good chance to get to 2 over .500 on the road last night and flat out blew it. That’s unacceptable for this stage of the season when they can make a serious run at the #2 seed.
The Real Hawk
March 18th, 2010
4:29 pm
Big Hawks fan but no chance. 3rd if they stop playing lesser teams in their sleep.
Dr. Warren
March 18th, 2010
4:32 pm
Thanks A LONG TIME FAN. For us long-timers, the truth about the Hawks is intuitive and easy-to-nail.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 18th, 2010
4:44 pm
There are a lot of reasons why Hawks attendance isn’t what it should be, and I think most of us are familiar with these by now. But here’s one incredibly simple way to increase attendance — get rid of the 7 PM starts. Every Hawks game should start at 7:30 or later. With Atlanta’s traffic and the blind opposition suburbanites have to riding MARTA, there’s no way they can expect people to show up to Hawks games at 7 PM.
Russ4Heisman.net
March 18th, 2010
4:50 pm
I think one of the problems with attendance is traffic-particularly from the northside. Two interstates and the most heavily traveled highway in Georgia all merge within less than a mile on the downtown connector. This creates miserable backups on the connector southbound which in turn causes problems for all traffic trying to go southbound into downtown. I know I-85 southbound is often (I’m tempted to say always) backed up to the Lenox road exit as late as 6:45 p.m. on weeknights. I can’t imagine how long it must take to get to downtown from I-85 on such nights. Unfortunately, this is one problem that doesn’t seem to have any ready solution.
LA Dawg
March 18th, 2010
4:50 pm
Tron, Gilley…someone posted this link last week regarding playoff seeding. The rules changed a couple of years ago
http://www.nba.com/features/seedingprimer07.html
Bullwinkle
March 18th, 2010
5:21 pm
NBA players are incredibly overpaid. Thus ticket prices are too high. Nuff said.
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
5:24 pm
Najeh Davenpoop — Funny you mention that because, unless I’m mistaken, I think reason games were moved to 7 was to make it easier for people to just go straight from work. I don’t know — maybe they also thought they’d get more kids with the earlier start.
FSJR
March 18th, 2010
5:37 pm
For what it’s worth, I don’t miss a TV game; that Falcons season ticket, parking pass, and tailgating costs consume much of my “sports” expenses. My wife is not into sports at all and I have to save other $$$ for her vices.
JustaThought
March 18th, 2010
5:41 pm
Thank you Doc,you are so right, but unfortunately when management seems to have there heards either stuck in the sand or more realistically “up there arse”, this is the results. Besides, I think everybody in the ATL knows a DUD when they see one.
Blake
March 18th, 2010
5:45 pm
I got some motivation for the Hawks…How about closing out games in the fourth quarter to start.The Hawks have lost two many stupid games in the fourth quarter this year…tells me their gonna be pushovers in the playoffs.Especially on the road where their pretty dismal.The elite teams win on the friggin’ road and play tough hard nosed basketball,when are we gonna see that on the road.I’ll be a believer when I see them beat a Orlando or Cleveland on the road!
Blake
March 18th, 2010
5:47 pm
I know I’m coming with passion but I do love the Hawks!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
March 18th, 2010
6:16 pm
Eh… if they did move games to 7 to make it easier for people to go straight from work, I don’t think it’s had the desired effect. Some of the worst crowds I’ve seen on TV this season have been for the 7 PM weekday games, where the place didn’t look half full until halftime.
Diego
March 18th, 2010
6:18 pm
A lot of typical baloney. Najeh Davenpoop is the only one who really nailed it. Weekend games are always very well-attended. Weekday games–most of which occur on Wednesday–are never (absent the Cavs or Lakers) well-attended. It is just tough to get there at 7:00 p.m., PLUS naturally a lot of folks just don’t go out in the middle of a tough work week. (The same reason folks go to the movies during the weekend and not mid-week.) The economy certainly also is a factor for people who buy tickets on a game-by-game basis, which is where the real shortage has been this year. (There actually are many devoted season ticketholders.)
All this usual blather about dangerous downtown, etc., etc. is hooey (with a bit of latent racism thrown in). And take it from this mid-40s, white professional (with a handful of university degrees) season ticketholder, the games are a blast–and the Hawks rarely lose at home these days.
wayne
March 18th, 2010
6:32 pm
Agree with Blake, The hawks have to learn to close out teams in the fourth qtr. They are rolling along with the lead, then start throwing up long balls. seems like the other teams start going to their big guys, see who Toronto went to last night. It also appears the hawks are minus a big center, have been for some time.
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
6:33 pm
Najeh — No question about the weekday crowds. When I’m watching the games on TV it’s embarrassing. I really don’t know if moving times back to 7:30 would help but I think we can agree it certainly wouldn’t hurt.
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
6:33 pm
Blake — don’t apologize for passion.
MannyT
March 18th, 2010
6:39 pm
Jeff Schultz–You bring up an interesting question that leads me to question the depth of fanhood in Atlanta. It’s more than the Hawks. I hope they get more support, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
When the Braves were on that great run, it was tough to get people to attend early round playoff games. In the early 1990s, it was a cool experience, but by the late 1990s, fans said–been there, done that.
Falcons attendance rises and dips with the record.
I recall loooong ago, when I first moved here,getting a ticket to the last game of a Hawks playoff series vs Detroit as a walk up. There were not enough fans to pack the place when Steve Smith et al went up against a young Grant Hill & Allen Houston.
Teams with big TV & radio ratings get big TV & radio $$$. The Hawks get bumped by Ga Tech on a radio station that has to go home after dark.
All that said–people don’t support the Hawks much when they win, but much less when they lose.
You can get tickets to an average (not Lakers, Boston, Cleveland) game off Stub Hub for less than face value. You can park for $5 or less in safe location if you know where. Free if you eat at the right places before the game.
The reality is this is a college sports area. As for the pros, fans just are not that into you…unless you are a sports icon.
I found this site that has old attendance data…seems to imply that Dominique Wilkins (1982-1994) didn’t pack the Omni either.
http://www.apbr.org/attendance.html
One tell tale sign about your team is how they rank in road attendance %, where we do a little better than home.
http://espn.go.com/nba/attendance
I like the NBA. I’ve been a Hawks season ticket holder for about 6 years. It is rarely full unless there is a star in town from the other team.
Maybe that’s why there is quiet from the ownership as they try to figure out how to replace Belkin’s money in the long term. If you had a stack of cash, would you want to be a 40% owner of a team that probably won’t get significant support until they either go farther than they ever have in Atlanta (conf finals or better) or get one of the top 5 players in the league to make it the “social” place to be. Easier to sell it all than sell almost a majority (Belkin’s share) of something that the fans don’t support.
jamie c
March 18th, 2010
8:10 pm
as a lifelong hawks fan (33 years young), i have been there through the best (nique) years and worst (manning) years. i now have a family of 4, make a decent living and would never pay the $ just to get to the hawks games. i can’t validate spending that much on that. once every couple years is what i can justify.
but to rebut the one guys point about NEEDING a superstar, this team is built as a TEAM. no lbj, no kobe. i like what billy knight started and rick sund is finishing. a team that can switch off like no other, and can have at least 5 guys in double digits every night. and as far as stars go, i’m here to say – JOSH SMITH IS THE CATS PAJAMAS! that guy is AMAZING! if only he’d stop shooting from 20 feet. buy hey, nobody’s perfect.
all that we need to be a contender is a tougher coach. i don’t know if woody has it in him to get tough. i can tell when he might actually say something, cuz the team plays better for about 10 minutes. but i think he gets brain farts after the 3rd quarter and stops coaching and only relies on crawford/johnson to bail the team out. can we imagine how good this team could be if we got the czar back? i wonder if they’ve tried…
ASHEVILLE DAWG
March 18th, 2010
8:20 pm
My Dad took me lots of games when Walt Bellamy, Pete Maravich, super Lou Hudson, and the like. So far in 33 years they have been here,the last ten years they have really played badly. Who is the big star? Look on the other teams roster for one. Maybe they could actually draft a star, but I doubt it. Maybe a consistant product? Of course, when you can’t retain top talent, why should I bother to come downtown? Just like the Thrashers, get a real ownership group in. Get rid of the “Clown Posse” maybe fans will return.
S Hawk Fan
March 18th, 2010
8:39 pm
Simply put…. I will not go to another Hawks game until they get rid of Woody! They start taking it serious then I will!!!
tyger
March 18th, 2010
8:47 pm
Falcoons Easy Button 1.0
1.19 Golden Tate, WR, ND
3.81 John Jerry, OL, Ole Miss
3.97 Jimmy Graham, TE, Mia
4. 115 Brandon Lang, DE/OLB, Troy
5. 130 Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss
5. 161 Danario Alexander, WR, Mizz
6. 163 Myron Lewis, CB, Vandy
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
March 18th, 2010
8:54 pm
Dominique Wilkins was a star, but not on the same level as LeBron or MJ. Dominique was unfortunate in that his career was overshadowed by MJ throughout. Until we get our first MEGA-star, a charismatic presence unworldly in nature, attendance is gonna suffer. Once it finally happens, folks here will finally embrace the Hawks as never before. There’ll be a following that will stick, even after the mega-star is long gone.
justahawkfan
March 18th, 2010
9:02 pm
The NBA make stars by giving them 10-15 extra free throws pre game.
Ros
March 18th, 2010
9:14 pm
Plethora of problems cause attendance. One that should be explored is too many games. 82 regular games plus a few preseason and whatever you get in the playoffs is way too much. Listen to expert NBA analyst and they acknowledge as much when describing teams like the Lakers who turn it up for the playoffs. The long season wears down the players and for thier own survival they pace themselves thorough the grind. Very few teams or players give maximum effort for the season. (Michael Jordan being an exception). Reduce the season to 60 games and you will see better effort and better games that mean something. Probably won’t happen because of the green of the owners and greed of the players who want more revenue and are not interested in the best possible product. AS to the reasonalbly priced tickets with all the discounts, the massive and frequent discounts indicate the product is poorly priced int the first place.
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
9:33 pm
MannyT — Good post. The only thing I would point out when it comes to attendance averages is the population of Atlanta was less than half of what it currently is during the ‘Nique era. I know when I moved here in 1989, the population in the metro area was 1.8 million. Now it’s, what, 5 or 6 million?
Grumpy
March 18th, 2010
10:17 pm
Detroit’s 18,000 figure is a mirage. Larger season ticket base and lots of early renewals. Next year will be a different story.
go thrash/Hawks
March 18th, 2010
10:46 pm
you are loser if you think it is a HASSLE to get to a game
get a life J.. off
go thrash/Hawks
March 18th, 2010
10:50 pm
so if you think the asg has done a good job with hawks…youre considered an insider…shultz has an issue with them….the thrashers will be around alot longer than this looser….go write a book about Obamba
go thrash/Hawks
March 18th, 2010
10:51 pm
never trust a dude with a beard who writes about sports…insecure?
northcyde
March 18th, 2010
10:58 pm
All of these dang excuses as to why people don’t go to Hawk games. It’s simply a bunch of bull crap.
- Charlotte game is tomorrow night ( on a Friday )
- Laker game is in 2 weeks ( on a Wednesday )
But watch how many more people will be at the Wednesday game ( which starts at 7 PM ), than the Friday game ( which starts at 7:30 PM ). And those people who will be at the Laker game, will be ON TIME.
And in between those games, watch how many people will just flat out NOT show up to the Sunday Afternoon game vs Indiana that starts at 3:30 PM. No traffic issues on a Sunday afternoon. But the people will simply fill the place at about 65% – 70% when the Pacers come to town.
Atlanta is simply a bandwagon sports town. Plain and simple. Always has been . . always will be. I have absolutely NO RESPECT for you fans in Atlanta that continue to make excuses for not going to the games. Absolutely NONE.
The Hawks are 57 – 17 in their last 74 home games. Regardless of what this team does on the road, when they get inside Philips, they will win over 75% of their games. That would put them right around being one of the top 5 to 7 home teams in the NBA the past 2 years.
And yet so-called Hawk fans will find excuses not to go to the games.
I personally drive 300 miles about 5 – 10 times a year, just to see the Hawks. And not just for the big games either.
The last game I went to, was a Sunday afternoon game vs Milwaukee. A game in which I saw about 3,000 of you pathetic ATL fans WALK OUT ON THE HAWKS, after we couldn’t win a game in regulation. It wasn’t but 11K in the building anyway, but about 3K walked out on this team that day. The remaining 7K ( because another 1K walked out during the overtime, thinking that we couldn’t win the game ), saw the Hawks get it together in the OT, and win the game.
If the fact that JJ isn’t as flashy as Wade or Kobe keeps you away from the arena . . then stay your butts at home.
If the fact that you can’t commute 20 miles ( 35 minutes ) in traffic to get to Philips Arena that keeps you from seeing the Hawks . . . stay your butts at home
If the fact that Woody is still our head coach keeps you from supporting the Hawks .. . then keep your butts at home.
Seriously. Stop acting like you’d support the teams if things were different.
Bandwagon (( bleepin )) fans.
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
11:03 pm
Grumpy — You’re certainly right about the season-ticket base. That’s where it all starts.
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
11:05 pm
go Thrash/Hawks — Having a bad day at the office? Work downtown by chance?
Jeff Schultz
March 18th, 2010
11:07 pm
Northclyde — Good post. Agree. I don’t discount economic reasons for a lot of people. But bottom line for most people is you either want to go to a game or you don’t. You either believe in the product or you don’t. And that’s fine, really. But I heard all of the traffic/crime/downtown excuses for the Braves before 1991.
Shooobah
March 18th, 2010
11:13 pm
All the Hawks need to do is keep winning.
–If you build it, they will come.–
All things considered, we should be the top
market in US for hoops other than LA and NY.
Go Hawks.
northcyde
March 18th, 2010
11:22 pm
And the reason you’ll know that they’re bandwagon, is that they’ll actually try to pack Philips Arena during the playoffs ( if we play Miami or Chicago ). Then again . . that may be Miami and Chicago fans that determines if the arena will be packed or not.
Let us play Milwaukee or Charlotte, and I would bet that one of those first 2 games WILL NOT be a sellout.
All the excuses need to stop.
Either support the dang team . . . or don’t.
Make a commitment to UNCONDITIONALLY see the Hawks, if you’re a fan of this team. Don’t make those lame azz excuses. People will break their necks to see a Wednesday night game vs the Lakers starting at 7 PM . . so don’t tell me that you can’t make it to a 7:30 PM Friday start against the Bobcats.
4th best team so far in Atlanta Hawk history, and people are still making excuses.
northcyde
March 18th, 2010
11:23 pm
north cyde . . . no L in the name.
Mike Jay
March 18th, 2010
11:52 pm
I do here by commit to my beloved Hawks.
SSSSQQQUUUUAAACKKK! SSSSQQQUUUUAAACKKK!
Jeff Schultz
March 19th, 2010
10:09 am
Northcyde — Got it. As in Northside, but not?
Jeff Schultz
March 19th, 2010
10:12 am
Scottbravesfan — You’re welcome to re-post without the black/white references. Had to take your post out. Your first three sentences were fine and on the mark. If you need me to send me your old post back for cleanup, send me an email (jschultz@ajc.com).
MsDee
March 19th, 2010
11:08 am
northcyde,
You are right about the Lakers game. We will probably sellout at 7pm but we only play them once a year in Phillips, so that’s not hard to image. Fans can sacifice once a year to maybe take off work that day to make it on time, or to save up extra dollars to see Kobe once a year b/c of high ticket prices for good seats. So, I wouldn’t use the Lakers as an example as to why the fans dont come on a nightly basis.
MsDee
March 19th, 2010
11:14 am
The Hawks just need to focus on winning and not base their wins on fans b/c you cant control what you cant control but they CAN control how they play on a nightly basis. Trust me, if they focus on why they play in the NBA 1st and for most, the fans WILL come a support them in due time. Prove to yourselves 1st that you (the Hawks) can play hard against the best and worth of them regardly of wins and loses cause I would most definely come out to every home game if I KNEW THE HAWKS WOULD GIVE 110% ON EVERY GAME..WIN OR LOSE!!!!!!!!
All I'm Saying...
March 19th, 2010
1:31 pm
As has been typed, Hawks just need to keep winning and fans will come. Accessibility to Philips Arena is fine and it’s location has nothing to do with attendance. Hawks fans showed what they will do attendance-wise in playoffs vs. Celtics two years ago and against the Heat and, despite everything said, season ticket sales and average attendance figures have grown the last few years. As long as the Hawks finish strong, win their first playoff round, and play well in the next playoff series (i.e. don’t get swept like last year), then interest will grow and next year’s season ticket base will escalate. especially if they make a splash in the offseason by either resigning Joe Johnson or, if necessary, signing someone else to take his place.
(Can’t compare Hawks to ‘91 Braves because baseball has 81 home games which allows for wider range of ticket prices (and certainly more affordable tickets back then), and Braves were intensely competing against hated Dodgers (back in our NL West days) for the only playoff spot from their division (no wild card back then)).
LET’S GO HAWKS!
Diego
March 19th, 2010
3:42 pm
Regarding the Lakers game on March 31, yes it will be a sellout, but if the game is at normal 7:00 p.m. time, it will still be a while after tipoff before arena fills up (probably only about half full at tipoff), because a lot of folks just have a tough time getting there at 7:00 p.m.
j
March 20th, 2010
10:12 am
did i just read a POSITIVE article … maybe i need to go back to sleep and wake up again. Yes, the Lakers game will be a sellout BUT the big game is the Orlando game. my hope is that one is sold out too. these guys need the fans to come out. we’ve waited for so long for a decent hawks team, and now that we have one, where are all the fans? too many empty seats last night for a friday night game …
j
March 20th, 2010
10:23 am
sorry, just read through some comments … somebody said the ticket prices are way too high for a decent seat? ummmm … maybe you haven’t paid to watch a Falcons game yet in the 300 level or have you just ignored the costs of the same seats in other arenas for lesser teams??? i think that argument died awhile ago, and really reserved for a person who is just trying to make excuses not to attend. i paid $47.50 for the $95 seats last night with my company discount, and got in 110 Row KK. we dont get discounts like that all the time but the fact is great seats can be had for a discount for certain nights.
the concessions, albeit not as great as previous years, still aren’t that bad, with quite a few options. now, if they could just work on getting those “jumbo” hot dogs more jumbo. hell, eat in the CNN center or Taco Mac. really? come on … now you’re really just making up stuff to not attend
traffic – flat out sucks, no doubt … if you dont get there early, its a nightmare. if you had just stuck with that argument, i’d agree
j
March 20th, 2010
10:34 am
oh, and the homless attacking your daughter excuse? pathetic … i’ve taken my 4 year ol downtown many times for the circus, etc and that thought has never crossed my mind that a homeless guy would pull a gun out and shoot him. plus, there are PLENTY of cops on the street around the CNN center, one of which i personally know. seriously, these excuses are weak and have no facts behind them. however, big kudos to the loyal. sounds like whitey is just making up lame excuses that a “thug” is keeping him from coming downtown. don’t you attend business functions downtown? when will this city ever embrace its teams … i listened to people whine for years about how bad sports are but its really no different when the teams are winning b/c people then wine about how we won’t win it all … i got into an argument years ago with an idiot at a bar about the Braves. they made the playoffs all those years (yes i know one championship) but still, they were there all those years. his argument, they didn’t win it all those years … how unrealistic can you be? id be happy to have a shot every year unlike some of those other teams that have shots once in 8 years. until people get past these false excuses, we wont see sellouts every nigh, PERIOD
j
March 20th, 2010
11:00 am
last comment … dr. warren, not to beat a dead horse, but as i recall last year, we had Joe and horford injured during second round of the playoffs. do i think we would have made it out last year with them healthy? no, but it would have allowed us to win at at least two. the team has a great shot this year to make it past the second round . thats the great thing about playoffs, you dont know what is going to happen, upsets will be around every corner (think the Hawks v. Boston, almost the upset of all time)
you can analyze as much as you want doc, but people in this city are excuse makers. they dont search for deals and only assume that ticketmaster is the only way to go. Most nights (minus a Cavs/Boston/Lakers) you can get in the 100/200 level for around $30 to $60 per ticket. people aren’t smart enough to do their homework, so they complain about something that is easily remedied by doing some background searching first. the traffic problem cant really be fixed but thats no excuse for a game not to be sold out on a friday/saturday/sunday night game. friday night games are at 7:30pm, unless they change to accomodate ESPN.
yeah, i rant about this but i’m just as tired as most people are about empty seats. If i can go to the games and find deals, it shouldn’t be that hard for somebody else to find these same deals. the worst is hearing these excuses b/c 90% have nothing behind them.
schultz, you as a reporter should write these articles about why fans should be attending. go out and get the facts on ticket prices, the concessions, the police surrounding the arena. do your job like you did today and get the city excited about this team. these excuses are uncalled for … when fans like myself read these blogs, i can see how a casual fan might decide not to attend based off what they read. i go to the games, i know half this stuff isn’t true so somebody has to call it what it is, garbage talk.
j
March 20th, 2010
11:08 am
and if you want to debate with me on ticket prices, bring your facts b/c i have mine … FYI – seats could be had for $30 for the $70 seats and $50 for the $95 for the Spurs game Sunday. one of the other specials discounts i got through email. those are 100 level seats … believe me, i can put somebody in their place when it comes to a lame excuse on ticket prices (except for Lakers/Cavs/Celtics which would normally sellout anyways). if a loyal fan can do that, schultz you should be able to make the same argument but only stronger with the words of a reporter
Greg
March 20th, 2010
2:25 pm
There are a lot of reasons for the apathy. Anyone who knows anything about basketball can see that they are a severely flawed team. Blowing 4th quarter teams to bad teams(GS, NY and Toronto…yes, Toronto, they’ve been as bad as anyone lately and got stomped at home last night by OKC). Talented and fun to watch at times, but horribly inept(primarily due to coaching) at other times. Case in point: Any number of scenario’s last night, but I’ll pick out a few obvious ones. End of regulation, Hawks can get no better than a 3 pt jump shot by Josh Smith at the buzzer. Up 3 with a little more than 1 minute left in OT and the two offensive possessions before Johnson’s buzzer beater consisted of Johnson and Crawford dribbling the ball for 20 seconds and then taking a long jumper. No passing, no teamwork whatsoever. And, on the other end, Charlotte of course got the shots they wanted and made them on the last two possessions. It’s the difference between Larry Brown and Mike Woodson. All is forgotten because JJ throws in a jumper at the buzzer, but this is typical of these Hawks in crunch time. I will be very surprised if they make it out of the first round and no way they get past round two whether they meet Cleveland or Orlando.
As for the “this is a baseball and UGA town reference”, Atlanta is hardly a baseball town. The reason folks jumped on the Braves bandwagon so quickly is because they went to the World Series immediately and came within an eyelash of winning it. At that point, even the most disillusioned of ATL sports fans felt all things were possible with those Braves. That feeling doesn’t yet translate to these Hawks and probably never will. It definitely won’t as long as Woodson is the coach.
northcyde
March 22nd, 2010
10:08 am
Blah, blah, blah @ Greg. 45 wins . . . and still on pace to post the 4th most successful season in Atlanta Hawks history. That city should be completely buzzing about the Hawks.
The fans stay away because the team doesn’t play perfect? Please. When a team is a whopping 28 – 7 at home ( that’s an 80% winning percentage by the way ), there should be no apathy whatsoever. Hawks games are exciting, even when we barely pull out wins over “inferior” teams.
The fans stay away because they’re not truly fans of the team. This team is tied for the 4th best home record in the league. Coming to watch a game at Philips Arena has been the best sports ticket in town for Atlanta sports fans for the past 2 years.
Better than the Falcons
Better than Georgia Tech
Definitely better than the Braves
Like j said, people simply need to do some research to get pretty good ticket deals to these games. And the “true fans” of this team, don’t just show up to games vs the marquee teams.
AceDawg
March 22nd, 2010
12:24 pm
It seems Atlanta has a fanbase in all sports that is tentative to go out and see their teams. I totally DO think Atlanta traffic, coupled with most residents living away from the stadiums, plays a role. Chicago, New York, etc – they have far more people living a couple miles from their stadiums. Smaller market teams have far less entertainment options then Atlanta on the other side of the debate. And there are so many sports bars in Atlanta! Hard to want to drive downtown, buy expensive beers, and wonder how to get home when you can drive to a sports pub a mile away for much cheaper. Then again I live in DC now and have to cheer for the Hawks from a distance.
J
March 22nd, 2010
1:01 pm
Northcyde, i guess people stopped blogging b/c they couldn’t come up with a better excuse for not attending the games? who knows … great game last night though. That should quite down some of these people on here.
Barnes
March 22nd, 2010
1:30 pm
IMO, I think the problem is due to Atlanta being a transient city. Although I’ve been here 17 years, the Hawks are my second favorite NBA team. And the Falcons will never surpass my loyalty to the Packers. With that being said, I still attend Hawks games and cheer loudly.
As for the homeless/ dangerous downtown excuse, we all know what you guys really mean.
Bottom line: It’s cheaper to keep your existing customers than acquire new customers. People will always use their traffic/ danger/ cost/ food (that’s a new one) excuses. The Hawks should focus on growing their fan base organically. The current fans should be treated like royalty.
I lived in Dallas, TX during the late 90s when Mark Cuban bought the Mavericks. The Mavs had worse attendance than the Hawks. Cuban would let all of the fans in the upper-deck move down to the lower level when the arena was empty. Cuban also created a post-game experience called the Mavs Club in which all fans with a ticket stub had free entrance to a post-game party where occasionally Don Nelson and Mavs players served as bartenders. That’s just an example of how Cuban thought outside of the box in order to enhance the fans’ experience and increase the overall fan base.
Also, the AJC could do their part to increase fan support. It’s ridiculous that I have to search for Hawks articles on this site because they are never on the homepage.
jojatek
March 23rd, 2010
10:54 pm
Same old story in Atlanta. Despite the record turn-around in 1991 and subsequent run to 14 straight division titles, we saw empty seats and easily-had tickets during the playoffs (!!) during those years. Nobody has ever been able to explain it, but it’s been the trademark of Atlanta fans for years (if not decades). One thing that I will say for the Braves: Despite the empty seats, my kids believe that the Braves have always been “perennial winners” and talk about them in the same breath they talk about the Yankees and Red Sox. That certainly never happened when I was their age growing up in Atlanta in the 1970’s, when we saw Biff Pocoroba and Jeff Benedict on the field and Ted Turner (at least for one game) in the dugout. Always entertaining, but never a winner…
Keep winning, Hawks! The seats may not always be full, but the hearts and minds will follow… eventually…
Atlanta Fawks
March 24th, 2010
11:00 pm
This headline is funny. I mean cmon…… really?
J
March 25th, 2010
7:51 am
I called it … Magic game last night WAS/IS bigger than the Lakers game … decent crowd too. Any other excuse makers out there? i didn’t think so … go eat crow.
Hawks vs ...
March 26th, 2010
9:40 pm
The wins against the Spurs/Orlando gets them noticed but then the losses to Toronto, Milwaukee, and Philly remind everyone why they don’t notice the hawks.
I still think this team is to inconsistent to make it past round 2. Their first round opponent will probably take them to 7, which will tire them out and they’ll get crushed in round 2
HawksHeroZero
March 28th, 2010
12:52 pm
Hawks are just a nice team (Like Lenny Wilken’s teams of Mutombo, and Smith’s teams) 11 seasons ago.. Well, that team was less athletic, but smarter with the basketball.. Smarter in general.
Their Shooting guard is a Small Forward, Their small forward is a Power Forward, and their Center is a Power Forward..Their PG is a Shooting Guard.
You need smaller guys to out-run defenders, and create their own shot. When the game slows-down in the playoffs, they will find it difficult to shake the defense of the elite NBA teams..or even The Milwaukee Bucks.
Hawks players are: gaining too much weight, adding too much mass, and losing quickness..
Soon, jumps, blocks, and slams will turn to just lay-ups.. The fast young team that nearly ran The Celtics off of the floor in 2008, is turning into a big, slow, team.
Childress was the quickest player then.
Joe Mama
March 29th, 2010
1:29 pm
Many followers of the hawks are also NBA Basketball fans who feel the hawks are not serious about contending because they continue to use a power forward to play center,as they note that you wont win a nba title without a legitimate center. So why get too excited and spend the money if the owners wont?
Spend the money and get a “real” center and they will come.
BUILD IT, AND THEY WILL COME.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
April 1st, 2010
2:23 pm
The Hawks are proving they are “FAR” & “BEYOND” the best organization in the city.
- The Braves have sucked ever since they turned their backs on Grissom, McGriff, Justice after winning the only World Series in Atlanta. They chose to go without African American players and the results don’t lie.
- The Falcons chose a franchise quarterback who couldn’t even win a sorry A.C.C. Championship and has been a pick machine, and the results speak for itself.
The Braves………………. SUCK
The Falcons……………SUCK
PaulWinchester
April 2nd, 2010
2:52 pm
What is the Hawks standing LATELY in the nba community compared to the leagues best? The Hawks record this year against Boston is undefeated at 4-0, so the Hawks have OWNED the Celtics. Among the other 3 best teams, Orlando, Lakers and Cavs; last week the Hawks took care of Orlando by beating them. This week they blitzed Los Angles on Wednesday and tonight should the Hawks are attempting to deliver the knock out blow to Cleveland by dismantling the Cavs. Should the Hawks complete the trifecta of dominance against Orlando, L.A. and Cleveland by beating all three teams in a row, I believe that should get the attention of the league. If it doesnt there is NOTHING ELSE THE HAWKS CAN DO TO PROVE THEY ARE WORTHY OF ELITE STATUS.
HarveyWilson
April 2nd, 2010
4:41 pm
Now I understand why Andy Reid, coach of the Philadelphia Eagles brought Mike Vick in to backup Donavan McNabb. Reid knew that Vick would learn everthing from Donovan in one year as his understudy. Now that Vick has learned the playbook thoroughly, through and through, its time for the Eagles to backstab McNabb (pardon the pun), ship him out and send the next african american future hall of fame quarback heading to the streets to the unemployment line. The Eagles USED McNabb to get to Vick, when they knew they wanted Vick all along. Now #7 can claim his rightful place under center as the #1 starting quarterback by himself (with no one looking over his shoulders) when the Eagles break for training camp.
CiscoKid
April 2nd, 2010
5:08 pm
Choke: I dont understand your blog. You say the hawks are far and away the best team in atlanta. Right NOW, today thats true. When we had great coaching from the late 70s’, 80s’ and 90s’ (im showing my age here), under Mike Fratello and Hubie Brown, the Hawks won 50 games a bunch of times (probably at least 10 times and made the playoffs probably 20 times altogether (during Dominique Wilkins entire career). OUT OF ALL THOSE PLAYOFF APPEARANCES, LIKE THE BRAVES IN THE 90′S, (ZERO CHAMPIONSHIPS TITLES CAME OUT OF IT). I think the Hawks are just like the other Atlanta teams. They get your hopes up just to let you down with disappointment.
Rick
April 12th, 2010
6:56 am
Sorry. Just not that big an NBA fan. Plus, downtown Atlanta isn’t my idea of a pleasant night out with the family. Build a stadium in the Perimeter area or Alpharetta and you may have better turnouts.
Rick
April 12th, 2010
7:25 am
And please, no “you’re just a racist” comments about my not wanting to necessarily stroll around Philips and CNN at night with the family. I worked in New York City before coming here 25 years ago and went to many Knicks games. I just went to games after work. But, as I don’t work in downtown Atlanta, commuting there on a weeknight isn’t the most convenient thing in the world in case you haven’t noticed..Maybe if I worked at the AJC off Marietta Street or got paid to attend the games…
Pete
April 14th, 2010
1:36 pm
In the playoffs the Hawks will NEVER beat the Cavs and/or Magic on the road. EVER. It’s impossible.
So, all this post season euphoria will be gone quickly like the morning dew.