Atlanta Hawks Return to Peachtree TV
In a nostalgic twist, the Atlanta Hawks are soaring back onto Peachtree TV's broadcast schedule after almost three decades. Starting January 12, 2024, fans can tune in every Friday night to catch the Hawks' games throughout the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season—with the exception of the game on March 8th. Instead, viewers will be treated to the matchup against the New Orleans team on March 10.
The history of the Hawks on local television channels is rich, with previous broadcasts spanning from 1972 to 1994 on WPCH and from 1986 to 1993 on WANF. In an homage to this legacy, the first two games of this renewed partnership will be simulcast live on both Peachtree TV and WANF, offering a bridge between past and present for the franchise.
Accessibility for Hawks enthusiasts is significantly improved as live games will not only be available via Peachtree TV but also across major cable and satellite services, as well as various Gray TV stations within Georgia and Alabama. This expanded coverage ensures that more fans have the opportunity to engage with their favorite team.
Production and Commentary Team
Bringing life to the broadcasts, the Bally Sports Southeast production crew will provide commentary. The team includes basketball legend Dominique Wilkins, play-by-play veteran Bob Rathbun, and sideline reporter Tabitha Turner. Additionally, Baillie Burmaster, the Sports Director from WANF, will contribute her expertise to the coverage, enriching the viewing experience with her insights.
With a schedule featuring high-caliber opponents such as the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers, the Hawks' Friday night lineup promises to deliver thrilling basketball action to audiences each week.
Local and Regional Impact
Peachtree TV isn't new to broadcasting basketball, having aired games of the College Park Skyhawks since 2019. This expansion to include the Hawks further cements the channel's commitment to bringing local sports to viewers.
Andrew Saltzman, an executive associated with the Hawks, expressed his enthusiasm about the deal, stating, "It provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games." He also extended gratitude towards Peachtree TV and Gray TV for enabling this partnership, which he believes will greatly benefit the Hawks' local fan base by increasing accessibility.
Erik Schrader echoed these sentiments, highlighting the potential to engage new audiences while catering to long-time supporters. By bringing the Hawks back to broadcast television, the franchise acknowledges the importance of inclusivity, allowing all fans, regardless of their subscription to cable or satellite services, to participate in the excitement of live basketball.
Recent On-Court Challenges
Despite the positive developments off the court, the Hawks have faced recent challenges during gameplay. A notable setback occurred in a game against the Sacramento Kings, where the Hawks lost a significant lead due to a lackluster performance in the second half. Key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic struggled to maintain their momentum, contributing a mere two and three points respectively after halftime.
The team's overall field goal percentage plummeted to 28.9 percent, coupled with a three-point success rate of just 21.7 percent in the latter stages of the game. These statistics underscore the need for strategic adjustments moving forward.
Quin Snyder, the head coach, emphasized the necessity for better execution and a collective approach to overcome such hurdles. Clint Capela, one of the team's prominent figures, candidly spoke about the team's frustration and the urgent need for a tactical shift to address the recent slump.
As the Hawks prepare for their upcoming Friday night fixtures, the team remains focused on refining their strategies and improving their on-court synergy. With the added support of their fans tuning in from home and the expertise of seasoned commentators, the Hawks are poised to tackle the challenges ahead, aiming to translate the excitement of their new broadcasting deal into victories on the court.