Hawks' Broadcast Returns to Peachtree TV
The Atlanta Hawks are set to make a nostalgic return to Peachtree TV, resuming a partnership that has been dormant for nearly three decades. In an exciting development for basketball fans, Peachtree TV will be the new home for every Friday night Hawks game for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season, starting on January 12, 2024. This excludes only the March 8th game, which will not be broadcasted by the channel.
In a slight deviation from the regular schedule, the Hawks will face off against the New Orleans team on March 10, a game that Peachtree TV has opted to air instead of the game slated for March 8th. This marks a strategic move to keep the fanbase engaged with consistent Friday night entertainment.
Historically, the Hawks games were a mainstay on WPCH from 1972 to 1994 and WANF from 1986 to 1993. The upcoming broadcasts will rekindle memories of past glories and create new ones for the current generation of fans. To celebrate the renewed collaboration, the first two games under the new arrangement will be simulcast live on both Peachtree TV and WANF, offering viewers multiple platforms to catch the action.
Accessibility to live Hawks games is further broadened as Peachtree TV extends its reach across major cable and satellite services. Moreover, various Gray TV stations in Georgia and Alabama will also feature the live broadcasts, ensuring that no fan misses out on the excitement.
The commentary team for these games is set to include the Bally Sports Southeast production crew, bringing familiar voices such as Dominique Wilkins, Bob Rathbun, and Tabitha Turner into the homes of viewers. Additionally, Baillie Burmaster, the Sports Director from WANF, will bring her expertise to the broadcasts, enriching the viewing experience with her insights.
The Hawks have an intriguing Friday night schedule ahead, with matchups against formidable opponents like the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. These games promise to deliver high-stakes competition and showcase the talent and tenacity of the Hawks' roster.
Peachtree TV's commitment to basketball extends beyond the Hawks, having broadcasted the College Park Skyhawks since 2019. This expansion into NBA territory with the Hawks' games further cements the channel's dedication to providing comprehensive coverage of the sport at different levels.
Recent On-Court Struggles
Despite the positive news off the court, the Hawks faced disappointment in their recent encounter with the Sacramento Kings. The team saw a significant lead evaporate due to a lackluster performance in the second half. Key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic found themselves struggling to contribute, scoring only two and three points respectively after halftime.
The statistics painted a stark picture of the downturn in the Hawks' form, with a field goal percentage plummeting to 28.9 percent and a three-point success rate dipping to a mere 21.7 percent during the latter stages of the game. Such figures highlight areas of concern that the team must address moving forward.
Reactions to the Partnership and Performance
Andrew Saltzman, an executive associated with the Hawks, expressed his enthusiasm about the broadcasting deal, stating, "It provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games." He continued to express his excitement and gratitude towards Peachtree TV and Gray TV for the partnership, emphasizing the benefits it brings to the Hawks' local fan base.
Erik Schrader shared this sentiment, noting that bringing the Hawks back to broadcast television enhances accessibility for all fans. Schrader sees this as an opportunity to engage new audiences while catering to long-time supporters of the team.
On the topic of the team's recent performance, head coach Quin Snyder emphasized the need for "better execution and a collective approach" to overcome the challenges faced on the court. Meanwhile, player Clint Capela voiced his concerns regarding the team's frustration and underscored the urgent need for a tactical shift to regain their competitive edge.
As the Hawks look to rebound from their on-court setbacks, the partnership with Peachtree TV promises to reinvigorate the franchise's presence in the homes of fans, offering a silver lining and a reminder of the community's enduring support for their beloved basketball team.