Atlanta Hawks Return to Peachtree TV
The Atlanta Hawks are set to make a nostalgic return to Peachtree TV, rekindling a partnership that has been dormant for nearly three decades. In a move that is sure to delight fans of the franchise, Peachtree TV will be the new home for all Friday night Hawks games for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season, beginning January 12, 2024. This marks a significant shift in broadcast strategy for the team, with the exception of the game on March 8th, which will not be aired by the channel.
In a slight deviation from the schedule, Peachtree TV will instead showcase the Hawks' face-off with the New Orleans team on March 10. The historical context of this partnership dates back to when Hawks games were previously aired by WPCH from 1972 until 1994 and WANF from 1986 to 1993. In a nod to this legacy, the first two games under the new arrangement will be simulcast live on both Peachtree TV and WANF, offering fans multiple platforms to catch the action.
Viewers can look forward to accessing live Hawks games not only on Peachtree TV but also across major cable and satellite services, as well as various Gray TV stations throughout Georgia and Alabama. This expanded distribution ensures that the Hawks' thrilling Friday night basketball is accessible to a broad audience.
Production Team and Broadcast Features
The games will benefit from the seasoned commentary of the Bally Sports Southeast production team. This includes insights from basketball legend Dominique Wilkins, play-by-play veteran Bob Rathbun, and courtside reporter Tabitha Turner. Adding to the depth of coverage, Baillie Burmaster, the Sports Director from WANF, will contribute to the broadcasts, providing her expertise and enhancing the viewing experience.
The Hawks' schedule is packed with high-stakes matchups against formidable opponents such as the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. These games are not just another night of basketball; they are pivotal contests that could define the Hawks' season and playoff positioning.
Peachtree TV is no stranger to broadcasting basketball, having aired games of the College Park Skyhawks since 2019. This expansion into airing NBA games is a natural progression for the channel and offers an opportunity to further engage with the local sports community.
Recent Game Performance
Despite the excitement surrounding the broadcast announcement, the Hawks have faced recent on-court challenges. A disappointing performance in the second half led to a loss against the Sacramento Kings, where the team saw a significant lead slip away. Key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic struggled to contribute, scoring only two and three points respectively after halftime. The team's shooting accuracy took a hit, with field goal percentages dropping to 28.9 percent and a three-point success rate of a mere 21.7 percent in the latter stages of the game.
Leadership Commentary
Representatives from both the Hawks organization and Peachtree TV have expressed enthusiasm about the renewed partnership. Andrew Saltzman, an executive with the Hawks, emphasized the benefits to fans, stating, "It provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games." He continued his praise for the deal, expressing gratitude towards Peachtree TV and Gray TV for enabling this partnership which he believes "will benefit the Hawks' local fan base."
Erik Schrader, associated with Peachtree TV, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for "engaging new audiences and catering to long-time supporters." Schrader went on to underscore the importance of accessibility, noting that bringing the Hawks back to broadcast television allows all fans to partake in the excitement of live basketball.
On the coaching front, Quin Snyder, the head coach of the Hawks, called for "better execution and a collective approach" following the team's recent defeat. Clint Capela, a key player for the Hawks, also voiced concerns, pointing out the "team's frustration and the urgent need for a tactical shift."
As the Atlanta Hawks embark on this new chapter with Peachtree TV, the organization looks to not only expand its reach to fans but also to refine its on-court strategies to ensure that the product on the screen matches the enthusiasm of its broadcast partners and faithful followers.