Atlanta Hawks Take Flight on Peachtree TV
In a nostalgic turn of events, the Atlanta Hawks are soaring back to Peachtree TV, rekindling a partnership that has been dormant for nearly three decades. Starting January 12, 2024, Peachtree TV is set to broadcast every Friday night game of the Hawks for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season, with the exception of the March 8th contest.
Fans won't miss out, however, as the channel will instead showcase the game against New Orleans on March 10th. This marks a significant return to form as the Hawks games were once a staple on WPCH from 1972 until 1994 and on WANF from 1986 to 1993, bringing a sense of tradition and nostalgia to the broadcasts.
The deal is kicking off with a special arrangement where the first two games under the new broadcasting agreement will be aired live simultaneously on both Peachtree TV and WANF, offering fans multiple platforms to catch the action.
Broadening the Reach
Peachtree TV's coverage extends beyond the local broadcast, as live Hawks games will also be accessible through major cable and satellite services, as well as various Gray TV stations across Georgia and Alabama. This expanded distribution ensures that a wider audience will have the opportunity to tune in and follow the Hawks' journey throughout the season.
The broadcast team from Bally Sports Southeast is set to provide commentary, featuring insights from basketball legends such as Dominique Wilkins, alongside Bob Rathbun and Tabitha Turner. Adding to the depth of coverage, Baillie Burmaster, Sports Director from WANF, will contribute to the broadcasts, promising a comprehensive viewing experience for fans.
The Hawks' Friday night lineup promises excitement with matchups against formidable opponents including the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. These games are not just regular season fixtures; they are battles that could define the Hawks' standing as they vie for playoff positioning.
Community Engagement
Peachtree TV isn't new to the basketball scene; since 2019, it has been the broadcasting home of the College Park Skyhawks. By adding the Hawks to their roster, Peachtree TV is strengthening its commitment to showcasing local sports talent and engaging the community.
The move to bring the Hawks back to broadcast television is a strategic one, aimed at increasing accessibility for all fans. Erik Schrader, commenting on the development, emphasized the potential to engage new audiences while honoring long-time supporters. The inclusivity of broadcast television enables fans who may not have access to cable or satellite TV to remain connected with their favorite team.
Overcoming On-Court Challenges
While the broadcasting news is positive, the Hawks are looking to bounce back from a recent on-court setback. In a disappointing loss to the Sacramento Kings, the team relinquished a substantial lead due to a lackluster performance in the second half. Key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic found themselves struggling, contributing only two and three points respectively after halftime.
The statistics paint a stark picture: the Hawks managed a mere 28.9 percent field goal percentage and an even more troubling 21.7 percent success rate from the three-point line in the latter stages of the game. These figures underscore the need for a tactical reassessment and improved execution if the team hopes to contend with the top competitors in the league.
Quin Snyder, the head coach, has called for "better execution and a collective approach" moving forward. Similarly, Clint Capela expressed the team's frustration and the urgent necessity for a tactical shift to address the issues laid bare by the recent defeat.
Executive Enthusiasm
Despite the recent on-court struggles, there is a palpable sense of enthusiasm among the Hawks' executive ranks regarding the new broadcast agreement. Andrew Saltzman, an executive with the Hawks, lauded the partnership with Peachtree TV and Gray TV as a "new, complimentary way to view the games," expressing gratitude and excitement about the deal. He firmly believes that this collaboration will greatly benefit the Hawks' local fan base, providing them with additional avenues to support and engage with the team.
The synergy between the Atlanta Hawks and Peachtree TV is poised to reignite a historic connection and bring the excitement of NBA basketball directly into the homes of fans across the region. As the Hawks aim to refine their strategies on the court, their presence on Peachtree TV promises to bring the thrill of the game to an ever-growing audience, ensuring that every slam dunk, every three-pointer, and every nail-biting finish is shared with the passionate supporters who stand