Atlanta Hawks Soar Back to Peachtree TV
In an exciting development for basketball fans, the Atlanta Hawks are making a nostalgic return to Peachtree TV after nearly three decades. This marks a significant shift in how fans will be able to engage with their favorite team during the 2023-24 NBA season.
Starting January 12, 2024, Peachtree TV is set to broadcast every Friday night Hawks game, providing fans with consistent access to live action. There is one exception to this schedule: the March 8th game will not air on Peachtree TV. Instead, the channel has chosen to broadcast the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 10th.
The history of the Hawks on local television dates back to their previous broadcasts by WPCH from 1972 to 1994 and WANF from 1986 to 1993. In a nod to this legacy, the first two games of the new broadcasting arrangement will be aired live on both Peachtree TV and WANF, offering a bridge between past and present viewership experiences.
Expanding Access to Hawks Games
Peachtree TV's coverage extends beyond its own channel, with live Hawks games also being available on major cable and satellite services, as well as various Gray TV stations across Georgia and Alabama. This expansion ensures that a wider audience will have the opportunity to tune in and follow the Hawks' journey throughout the season.
The games will feature the seasoned Bally Sports Southeast production team, including Dominique Wilkins, Bob Rathbun, and Tabitha Turner, whose commentaries have become synonymous with the Hawks' broadcasts. Additionally, Baillie Burmaster, the Sports Director from WANF, will lend her expertise to the broadcasts, enriching the viewing experience with her insights.
Fans can look forward to an exciting lineup of Friday night matchups, which includes face-offs against formidable teams such as the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. These games promise to bring high-stakes entertainment and showcase the talents of the Hawks' roster.
Peachtree TV is no stranger to broadcasting basketball games, having brought the College Park Skyhawks into living rooms since 2019. This experience with basketball content bodes well for the quality and engagement of the upcoming Hawks broadcasts.
Recent Game Performance
However, it hasn't been all smooth sailing for the Hawks. In a recent game, they suffered a disappointing loss to the Sacramento Kings, primarily due to a lackluster performance in the second half. 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 nosedive, with their field goal percentage plummeting to 28.9 percent and their three-point success rate dropping to a mere 21.7 percent in the latter half of the game. This slump in performance highlights areas that require strategic adjustments and improvement.
Industry Reactions
Amidst the ebb and flow of the season, the partnership with Peachtree TV has been met with enthusiasm from Hawks executives. Andrew Saltzman, an executive associated with the team, lauded the move, stating, "It provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games." He expressed his excitement about the deal and extended gratitude to both Peachtree TV and Gray TV for their collaboration, emphasizing that "This partnership will benefit the Hawks' local fan base."
Erik Schrader, another key figure in the industry, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of accessibility for all fans. He pointed out that the return to broadcast television opens doors for engaging new audiences while catering to long-time supporters of the team.
On the coaching front, Quin Snyder, the Hawks' coach, acknowledged the need for "better execution and a collective approach," signaling a commitment to refining the team's strategy moving forward. Player Clint Capela voiced the team's frustration and underscored the urgent need for a tactical shift to overcome the challenges they've recently faced on the court.
This blend of broadcasting developments and on-court dynamics sets the stage for an intriguing phase in the Atlanta Hawks' story. As they rekindle their relationship with Peachtree TV, the Hawks aim to elevate their game and deliver the high-quality basketball that fans expect. With historical ties renewed and fresh opportunities on the horizon, the Atlanta Hawks are poised for an eventful season, both on the airwaves and on the hardwood.