Atlanta Turns off the Heat

With hopes of an exciting Game 7 in mind and round two against the Cavaliers in the future, the Miami Heat traveled to Atlanta for the final showdown of this “blowout series,” and boy was it a blowout. The Atlanta Hawks manhandled the Heat as they cruised to an easy 91-78 victory at home in front of a hostile crowd and millions of television viewers.

There were only 15 lead changes in seven games and not one of them came after the first quarter. Every game in the series was decided by at least 10 points, and this one wasn’t nearly as close as the final score. The Hawks controlled every part of the game including long range three pointers and turnovers. Miami committed 15 turnovers while Atlanta had only 5, only further illustrating Miami’s overall sloppy play and disregard for the ball.

Joe Johnson inspired the Hawks going 6 for 8 from downtown, one of which was from another area code, and scoring 27 points to make up for a disappointing series performance and the Hawks won the first Game 7 ever played in Atlanta. This victory over superstar Dwayne Wade and the rest of the Heat team marks the first time the Hawks advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs for over a decade. Other notable performances on the Atlanta sideline include Josh Smith, who had 21 points going 7 of 12 from the field along with 9 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block.

On the Heat’s side Dwayne Wade scored 31 points, but went a disappointing 10 for 25 from the field including 2 for 9 from beyond the arc. Wade, as usual, caused a few turnovers getting 2 blocks and 1 steal. However, Wade had little help once again from his supporting cast as rookie star Mike Beasley had 17 points and Udonis Haslem added 14 of his own. The rest of the Heat was held to 16 points going 4 of 16 from the field with 7 turnovers.

Next for the Hawks is a well rested and extremely talented Cleveland Cavaliers team. The Hawks will need everyone performing to their highest abilities for the Cavaliers, the top seed in the playoffs. Game 1 is Tuesday night in Cleveland, and Atlanta should expect the crowd to be hostile with superstar Lebron James playing at MVP ability. The Hawks have an extremely difficult task ahead of them, but stranger things have happened in sports and they will be ready to play. Look for Josh Smith and Joe Johnson to come out flying as they hope to tackle the mountain of a team that Cleveland has.

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