The Other Side: Atlanta Hawks
Come fly with me. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Washington Wizards played a big role in helping the Hawks record their best record this decade last season. They lost all four games. But with Gilbert Arenas back and a new coach in Flip Saunders, many expect the Wizards and Hawks to contend for the fourth spot and homecourt advantage in the first round.
The Hawks are coming off a 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, as all-star guard Joe Johnson scored 25 points. Center Al Horford added 24 points and 17 rebounds. Here's what you need to know before the game tonight:
1. The Hawks are tough to beat at home. Last season, the Hawks went 31-10 at Philips Arena. They really want to win their first two games at home since they play their next four games on the road -- a three-game West Coast road trip through Los Angeles, Portland and Sacramento, then another road game in Charlotte.
2. Although it wasn't revealed in their season opener, the Hawks have more depth than last season. They retained their own free agents (Mike Bibby, Marvin Williams and Zaza Pachulia), added some veterans (Joe Smith and Jamal Crawford) and drafted an exciting young point guard in Jeff Teague.
3. Jamal Crawford may finally reach the playoffs. Crawford, the newly acquired reserve guard, has the longest postseason drought of any player in the NBA, having spent the first nine seasons of his career on lowsy teams in Chicago, New York and Golden State.
poll by twiigs.com
By Michael Lee | October 30, 2009; 2:22 PM ET Categories: The Other Side Share This: E-Mail | Technorati | Del.icio.us | Digg | Stumble Previous: Morning brew
Source: Washington Post
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