Atlanta Hawks Soar Back to Peachtree TV
In a nostalgic twist, the Atlanta Hawks are set to make their return to Peachtree TV after a hiatus that has spanned nearly three decades. Starting January 12, 2024, Peachtree TV will become the new Friday night destination for Hawks fans, broadcasting every game for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season, with the exception of the March 8th game. Instead, the channel will air the matchup against the New Orleans team on March 10th.
The history between the Hawks and local television is rich, with previous broadcasts stretching back to 1972 on WPCH and later on WANF from 1986 until 1993. In a move that harkens back to these earlier days, the first two games under the new partnership will be simultaneously aired live on both Peachtree TV and WANF, creating a bridge between past and present.
Broadening the Reach
Peachtree TV's coverage will not be limited to over-the-air broadcasts. The live games will also be available through major cable and satellite services, as well as on various Gray TV stations across Georgia and Alabama. This ensures that a wider audience will have access to the excitement of live Hawks basketball.
The broadcast team assembled for these games is poised to enhance the viewing experience. The Bally Sports Southeast production crew, featuring the insights of Dominique Wilkins, Bob Rathbun, and Tabitha Turner, will provide commentary. Adding to the depth of coverage, Baillie Burmaster, the Sports Director from WANF, will contribute to the broadcasts, offering her unique perspectives.
A Schedule Packed with Excitement
Friday nights will showcase the Hawks in a series of compelling matchups, including games against high-caliber opponents such as the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. Fans can expect a thrilling slate of games as the Hawks navigate through the competitive landscape of the NBA.
Peachtree TV is no stranger to basketball broadcasts, having been the home for the College Park Skyhawks games since 2019. With the addition of the Hawks, the station is set to become an even more pivotal platform for basketball fans in the region.
Looking to Bounce Back
The announcement comes at a time when the Hawks are looking to rebound from a tough loss against the Sacramento Kings, a game characterized by a second-half slump that saw the team squander a significant lead. Key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic were unable to maintain their first-half performances, adding only two and three points respectively after halftime.
Statistically, the Hawks' struggle was evident in their field goal percentage, which plummeted to 28.9 percent, coupled with a three-point success rate that fell to a mere 21.7 percent in the latter stages of the game. These numbers underline the need for a strategic rethink as the team moves forward.
Leadership Perspectives
Andrew Saltzman, an executive associated with the Hawks, expressed his enthusiasm about the new broadcasting arrangement. "It provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games," he remarked, signaling the organization's commitment to enhancing fan engagement. His gratitude towards Peachtree TV and Gray TV underscores the collaborative effort behind this initiative.
Erik Schrader, another key figure in the partnership, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential for reaching new audiences while continuing to cater to the team's loyal supporters. Schrader believes that bringing the Hawks back to broadcast television will democratize access to the games, ensuring that all fans, regardless of their subscription to premium services, can enjoy the action.
On the court, the focus remains on improvement. Head Coach Quin Snyder stressed the importance of "better execution and a collective approach" as the team seeks to refine its playstyle. Meanwhile, Clint Capela, one of the team's leaders, candidly addressed the frustration within the ranks, acknowledging the "urgent need for a tactical shift" to overcome recent challenges.
As the Hawks prepare to take flight on Peachtree TV, the stage is set for a season filled with high-stakes games and the opportunity for redemption. With the backing of a historic partnership and a dedicated broadcast team, the Hawks aim to soar once again, providing their fans with memorable moments and, hopefully, a triumphant return to form.