Hawks vs Heat Game 7

Live from Philips Arena (I wish)-

Looks like the Atlanta Hawks have just about knocked Miami out of the playoffs. What's their reward? A trip to Cleveland, where they'll play some guy named James. That will be a tremendously difficult challenge for the Hawks. This Jekyll and Hyde team MUST play fearless basketball. If Atlanta wants to compete with the Cavs, they must also defend on the road, improve their rebounding, and play well on a consistent basis. (As I'm typing this, Haslem has been ejected with a flagrant 2 for a hard foul on ZaZa Pachulia. Cool state of Florida tatoo exposed, as he threw his jersey into the crowd). Back to Atlanta...

Loved what I saw in game 7. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith ignited the crowd and inspired their temmates early in this contest. During the 2nd quarter, Johnson launched a 3 from the South Fulton County Civic Center. He made the shot, and the crowd erupted. That was the beginning of the end for Miami.

To be honest, this was the strangest 7 game series in NBA history. Every game was a blowout, and there were zero lead changes after the first quarter in any of the 7 games. I'm thrilled to see the Hawks advance, but now, they've got an even tougher fight on their hands.

P.S. Thanks to Steve Holman, Atlanta's radio guy. His commentary was very entertaining, even if Holman was borderline offensive in his regard for the Heat. After taking some criticism for calling Miami's coach "little Eric Spolestra," Holman exclusively referred to him as "the Miami coach" during the entire game 7 broadcast. I'll never forget his calls during game 5. Especially, his voice proclaiming "The Heat are resorting to thuggery!!" That was classic. Next up for Atlanta...LeBron James and the Cavs. Go Hawks!