Atlanta Hawks Return to Peachtree TV
In a nostalgic twist, the Atlanta Hawks are making a grand return to Peachtree TV, ending a nearly three-decade hiatus. Starting January 12, 2024, Peachtree TV is set to broadcast every Friday night game for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season, with the exception of the game on March 8th. Instead, fans can look forward to the matchup against New Orleans on March 10th, which will be aired in place of the earlier game.
This marks a significant shift in broadcasting for the Hawks, whose games were previously aired by WPCH from 1972 to 1994 and WANF from 1986 to 1993. The first two games under the new partnership will be simultaneously broadcast live on both Peachtree TV and WANF, offering fans multiple platforms to catch the action.
Expanding Access to Hawks Games
The collaboration extends beyond traditional television, as live Hawks games will also be accessible through major cable and satellite services, as well as various Gray TV stations throughout Georgia and Alabama. This broad distribution ensures that Hawks fans have ample opportunities to follow their team, whether they're tuning in from home or catching the highlights on the go.
Adding to the excitement, the Bally Sports Southeast production team, featuring luminaries such as Dominique Wilkins, Bob Rathbun, and Tabitha Turner, will provide insightful commentary during the broadcasts. Additionally, Baillie Burmaster, the Sports Director from WANF, will lend her expertise to the coverage, enriching the viewing experience with her analysis.
Friday Night Lineup
The Hawks' Friday night schedule boasts a series of compelling matchups, including games against formidable opponents like the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. These encounters promise to deliver high-stakes basketball, showcasing the talent and competitive spirit of the Hawks as they face off against some of the league's top teams.
Peachtree TV is no stranger to basketball broadcasts, having been the home of the College Park Skyhawks games since 2019. The expansion of their basketball programming with the inclusion of the Hawks' games further solidifies the channel's commitment to delivering premium sports content to its viewers.
Recent On-Court Struggles
Despite the positive news off the court, the Hawks have faced challenges during play. A recent game saw them relinquishing a substantial lead to the Sacramento Kings, primarily due to a lackluster performance in the second half. Key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic experienced a dip in form, contributing a mere two and three points respectively after halftime.
The statistics paint a stark picture of the Hawks' struggles, with a field goal percentage plummeting to 28.9 percent and a three-point success rate of only 21.7 percent in the latter stages of the game. These figures highlight the need for tactical adjustments and improved execution moving forward.
Industry Reactions
The sentiment among the Hawks' leadership regarding the new broadcasting arrangement is overwhelmingly positive. "It provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games," remarked Andrew Saltzman, indicating the additional options now available to the fan base. He expressed his excitement about the deal and extended gratitude to Peachtree TV and Gray TV for their roles in bringing the Hawks back to broadcast television. According to Saltzman, this partnership stands to benefit the Hawks' local fan base significantly.
Erik Schrader echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the move to broadcast television enhances accessibility for all fans. He pointed out the potential to engage new audiences while also catering to long-time supporters of the team, suggesting that the partnership could foster a stronger connection between the Hawks and their fan community.
On the coaching side, head coach Quin Snyder underscored the necessity for "better execution and a collective approach" to overcome the team's recent setbacks. Meanwhile, player Clint Capela voiced concerns about the team's frustration and stressed the urgent need for a tactical shift to get back on track.
As the Hawks prepare to take flight on Peachtree TV, the organization is poised to rekindle the passion of longtime fans and ignite the spirits of a new generation, all while striving to refine their game strategy and performance on the court.