Hawks flying high again take 3-2 series lead

Atlanta Hawks dominated the Miami Heat Wednesday night taking a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinal Playoffs. Rebounding and bench play once again dictated the winner as the Hawks out rebounded the Heat 37-29.

It was a bruising game as Al Horford fell hard and left the game early after twisting his ankle. Dwayne Wade also fell hard and left the game temporarily after slamming the back of his head on the floor. Jermaine O’Neal went down after taking a left elbow to his face late in the third period.

Dwayne Wade came out on fire after the half scoring 17 points in the third period, but Atlanta was up to the task and answered with a thunderous dunk by Josh Smith and some solid play from Flip Murray who had a series high 23 points. Joe Johnson regained his swagger as he had his best game of the series by far putting down 25 points.

Atlanta Hawks will face a burden in game six at Miami with Marvin Williams out due to a wrist injury and Al Horford likely out with a moderate ankle sprain. Meanwhile, the Heat will have to overcome not only Jermaine O’Neal’s ankle problem and Dwayne Wade’s back spasms, but another humiliating and size-able defeat. The Hawks will be trying to win their first playoff series since 1994.

Hawks Take Home-Court Advantage

In a physical battle, the Atlanta Hawks grab a victory on the Miami Heat’s home court to tie the series at two a piece. It was a surprising win as the Hawk’s won their first road playoff game in over 11 years.

Miami’s bench was outscored 25-2 and their offense was held to less than 30 points in the second half. Zaza Pachulia had a solid game with 12 points and 18 rebounds as he out-battled Miami’s center Jermaine O’Neal.

Ronald Murray provided the spark off the bench, while Josh Smith provided the toughness down the stretch. Mike Bibby led the Hawks with 15 points and Joe Johnson added 14 more. Dwayne Wade has held to just 22 points the entire game.

The Atlanta Hawks had to bring their physical game to win this one and that’s just what they did. After the game, many of the Hawks looked battered and bruised. Zsa Zsa looked like Rock Balboa after a 15 round fight with Apollo Creed. Joe Johnson had his foot in a bucket of ice and Josh Smith had several abrasions on his face.

Game 5 is going back to Philips Arena in Atlanta for Wednesday nights game at 8:00pm. Go Hawks!

Falcons steal All-Pro Tony Gonzalez

In another brilliant move by Thomas Dimitroff, the Atlanta Falcons acquire All Pro Tony Gonzalez. The record 10-time All Pro tight end Gonzalez was traded Thursday from Kansas City to Atlanta for a 2010 second round draft pick.

This is such a sensational move that it puts Atlanta Falcons right there with the New Orleans Saints as the most explosive offenses in the league. Matt Ryan can only benefit from one of the most prolific red zone tight ends ever to play in the NFL. Adding to that offense is Roddy White, Harry Douglas, and Michael Turner.

Last year Atlanta’s GM Dimitroff made what proved to be one of the best moves in league by snagging free agent Michael Turner from San Diego. Michael Turner In addition, Dimitroff gambled when he drafted rookie sensation Matt Ryan.

There has been no fall off in production for the 33 year old. In 2007, Tony grabbed 96 receptions for over 1,000 yards and 10 TD’s. Gonzalez stated yesterday, “I’m here for one reason, and that’s to win a super bowl”. Tony has yet to win a playoff game in his long distinguished but hopes that will turn around now that he’s a Falcon.

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