Atlanta Hawks Return to Peachtree TV
In a nostalgic twist, the Atlanta Hawks are making their return to Peachtree TV, rekindling a relationship that has been dormant for nearly three decades. Starting January 12, 2024, Peachtree TV will become the new home for every Friday night Hawks game for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season, with the exception of the game on March 8th.
The Hawks' broadcast history is rich, with previous games aired by WPCH from 1972 to 1994 and WANF from 1986 to 1993. Now, after years of being away from these local channels, the team's presence is being revived in a move that promises to bring live sports action to fans across various platforms.
Airing Schedule and Coverage
Peachtree TV has earmarked the Hawks' clash with New Orleans on March 10 as an alternative feature to the excluded March 8th game. In a special arrangement, the first two games under the new partnership will be simultaneously broadcast on both Peachtree TV and WANF, offering viewers multiple ways to tune in.
Beyond the excitement of the game itself, fans can look forward to the familiar voices of the Bally Sports Southeast production team. Dominique Wilkins, Bob Rathbun, and Tabitha Turner are set to provide commentary, bringing their expertise and insights directly into living rooms. Additionally, Baillie Burmaster, the Sports Director from WANF, will lend her talents to the broadcasts, further enhancing the viewing experience.
Accessibility is at the forefront of this initiative, with live Hawks games available not only on Peachtree TV but also on major cable and satellite services, as well as various Gray TV stations throughout Georgia and Alabama. This broad coverage ensures that no matter where fans are, they won't have to miss out on the action.
Team Performance and Expectations
The Hawks' Friday night lineup includes high-stakes matchups against formidable opponents such as the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. These games are not just about entertainment; they're also crucial for the Hawks' standings and playoff aspirations.
However, recent performances have shown that there's room for improvement. The team suffered a disappointing loss to the Sacramento Kings, attributed to a weak second-half performance. Key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic saw a significant drop in their contributions, scoring only two and three points respectively in the latter half of the game. Overall, the team's field goal percentage plummeted to 28.9 percent, and their three-point success rate was a mere 21.7 percent after halftime.
This slump in form has prompted discussions about the need for better execution and a more collective approach to the game, as echoed by the team's head coach, Quin Snyder. Meanwhile, Clint Capela has openly expressed the team's frustration and highlighted the urgent need for a tactical shift if they are to bounce back and perform to their potential.
Industry Reactions
The sentiment around the broadcasting deal has been overwhelmingly positive. Andrew Saltzman, an executive associated with the Hawks, has made several statements expressing his enthusiasm. "It provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games," said Saltzman, emphasizing the additional options now available to supporters. He went on to express his gratitude to Peachtree TV and Gray TV for enabling this partnership, which he believes will significantly benefit the Hawks' local fan base.
Erik Schrader, another key figure in the industry, has also weighed in on the deal's potential impact. "Bringing the Hawks back to broadcast television provides accessibility to all fans," Schrader remarked, underscoring the importance of reaching a wider audience. He also noted the opportunity this creates for engaging new audiences while catering to long-time supporters of the team.
Moreover, Peachtree TV isn't new to basketball broadcasts. Since 2019, the channel has been the broadcaster for the College Park Skyhawks, indicating their commitment to delivering quality basketball content to their viewers.
In conclusion, the Atlanta Hawks' return to Peachtree TV marks a significant moment for the franchise and its followers. With comprehensive coverage and expert commentary, fans are set to enjoy an enhanced viewing experience, while the team looks to improve on the court and deliver the performances their supporters expect.