Game 4 is the most important home game in 23 years

[TheNorthCydeRises]

Think about what is at stake tonight:

IF WE WIN

- A major adjustment has been made that led to something being done well offensively or defensively, which could bode huge to how the rest of the series is played

- The series goes back to Chicago tied 2 - 2, a situation we haven't been in as a franchise in the 2nd round, since the epic Atlanta vs Boston battle back in 1988.

- The Hawks guarantee that there will be a Game 6, which could be close out game for the Hawks to get to the Eastern Conference Finals

- It increases the possibility of more people in Atlanta taking notice to what the Hawks are doing, which may add to the fan base

IF WE LOSE

- The Hawks go down 3 - 1, and probably lose this series in Game 5

- If they lose in Game 5, it will affirm that major changes probably need to be made, which may lead to one of the main core guys being traded

- Change can be good, but we're talking about the ASG, so it could also make us worse

- People around Atlanta will simply think that these are the "same ol Hawks", and not care what they do the following year ( unless we acquire a popular player )

To me, tonight's game is about as big of a game as I've ever seen as a Hawks fan. Only Game 6 of the 1988 Boston series ( in which we could've closed out the Celtics at home ), and Game 7 of that series, have been bigger games than what we'll play tonight. It'll be interesting to see how this team does tonight, seeing that Chicago fans may be in full force tonight. It's not going to sound like a home court advantage. It's going to sound more like a high school game, in which the fans of your crosstown rival make up 30% - 40% of the fans in attendance. So whenever they do something well, the home team will know about it via cheers from the other side.

If these guys lay an egg tonight, and lose badly, it could have ramifications that extend far past this year. We will be at the mercy of the ASG either going out to find the right people that will improve the team ( as long as it's within their budget ), or they'll stick with what they have now, possibly guaranteeing that we'll be just a mediocre playoff team. If they do the latter, the fan base of the Hawks will never grow, and they may lose some existing fans.

These guys need to show up in a big way tonight, just to keep the attention of the people in metro Atlanta.

[JackB1]

I agree. The outcome tonite will have huge ramifications.

Let's hope our boys realize whats at stake and play like we know they can.

[benhillboy]

I've been out all weekend and there is no buzz at all, not that it should be. Atlanta is too lively and cool for this boring, schizophrenic team. Everybody enjoyed Joe's best performance in a Hawks' uniform considering the time of year. Much more than I expected from him. Good job. Call it a season. No one is expecting anything more, or better, from anyone. The Lakers, the fight, Mother's Day, Braves vs Phillies, and various street functions render the Hawks unimportant around here. I watched "The Sports Reporters" this morning and you wouldve thought there were only 3 series going on now. Ive had ESPN on all day and havent heard any mention of Game 4. I feel sorry for Bulls fans who want deserved exposure for their MVP, but wont get it because they're supposedly playing a walk-over. It's actually a good reflection on the city that they don't waste time and invest themselves in such an inconsistent product. That "transient city" label and excuses about how many fans from other cities are here is getting old. If this team was exciting, consistent, and dedicated AS A WHOLE, this city would be behind them. This isn't San Antonio. There are 1,000,000 other things more interesting around here. Only us die-hard fans get suckered into thinking they could put together 3 more games like Game 1.

Edited May 8, 2011 by benhillboy

[Frenzy]

We're 5-0 this postseason when Joe scores 20 or more points.....

Its going to take a team effort today though.

Edited May 8, 2011 by Frenzy

[TheNorthCydeRises]

We're 5-0 this postseason when Joe scores 20 or more points.....

Its going to take a team effort today though.

No . . it's going to take JJ for going for 20 points or more. Because the team effort doesn't materialize if he isn't scoring. If he's scoring, the game probably stays close. And if he's scoring, that will open up more things for other people.

You had it right the first time. If JJ gets 20, we have a good shot at winning this game.

[niremetal]

I have a distinct feeling that we'll be able to see how the game will go from the first 3 minutes.

[hawkman]

No . . it's going to take JJ for going for 20 points or more. Because the team effort doesn't materialize if he isn't scoring. If he's scoring, the game probably stays close. And if he's scoring, that will open up more things for other people.

You had it right the first time. If JJ gets 20, we have a good shot at winning this game.

Agreed. JJ is the offensive leader of this team. When he looks good out there, the whole team follows his lead. When others are 'forced' to take on that role, the team falters for the most part. Craw and maybe Teague seem to be the only other guys who can get their own shot. But JJ is THE guy on this team. The real issue we have on offense is when JJ passes out of a double, nobody else can make a shot. Somebody has to step up and make them pay for doubling Joe/Craw.

[niremetal]

Agreed. JJ is the offensive leader of this team. When he looks good out there, the whole team follows his lead. When others are 'forced' to take on that role, the team falters for the most part. Craw and maybe Teague seem to be the only other guys who can get their own shot. But JJ is THE guy on this team. The real issue we have on offense is when JJ passes out of a double, nobody else can make a shot. Somebody has to step up and make them pay for doubling Joe/Craw.

This. Not even Kobe can score 30 points going 1-on-5, unless he takes 35 shots. If they think they can safely double JJ every time he touches the ball and then collapse every single defender onto JJ whenever he gets inside the 3-point line, like they did the last game, it's not realistic to expect JJ to score 20 points unless he takes 25 shots. Last game, JJ didn't force the issue and no one else stepped up. The solution is for JJ to continue not to force the issue, but for someone else to step it up.

It would be really, really nice to have Hinrich right about now. He is the only other guy on our roster that both understands spacing and can reliably knock down open perimeter shots.

[Alex]

I have a distinct feeling that we'll be able to see how the game will go from the first 3 minutes.

Yeah, if we're calling a timeout again 49 second into the game than we're done. We cannot come out slow and get down early.

[exodus]

They need to get some dam rebounds.

[TheTruth]

Wow, looks like Taj Gibson is flat out owning us today...

[exodus]

This is not the game to be missing layups and dunks.

[exodus]

Horford is just scared out there. Two stupid turnovers in a row and passing up open shots late in the clock passing to guys who are covered. Only 3 rebounds through 3 quarters. Man up

Edited May 9, 2011 by exodus