Last night we hosted the 3rd annual Hawks Blog Night at Philips Arena, and I'd like to think it was a smashing success, save for the eventual outcome of the game. When we started doing this three years ago, most of the bloggers on-site were general interest bloggers, or business bloggers, or some other kind of blogger other than a Hawks-centric one.

This time around, I'm happy to say everyone there was pretty much all Hawks, all the time. It's a tribute to the fan support of this team that the blogosphere has started to grow, and for those of you reading this and thinking how much fun it would be to participate yourself, take this as a challenge to get your own thoughts and opinions out there, and perhaps you can join in the future.

Though the Hawks lost the game (They are now 1-2 on Blog Night. To be fair they've played the Lakers, Nuggets, and Suns, which is a tough row to hoe. Maybe next year we'll do it for Memphis or the Clippers), I think everyone had a good time. The highlight of the night was the exclusive Q&A session with Hawks GM Rick Sund, who was very candid and honest in answering questions about the team and the direction of the franchise.

We got better seats this year, sitting on the first floor of suites as opposed to the top, though as it turns out that affected our access to this thing they call the "Internet", which I hear is helpful when trying to, say, live blog a game. Noted for the future.

Here are some excerpts from those who participated last night, but feel free to read their entire recaps at their individual sites:

Hawks Str8Talk
"In the clearest sign that there is a departure from the Billy Knight era, GM Rick Sund took about 30 minutes of his time prior to the Hawks/Suns game to talk with the Atlanta Hawks Blog Nation. What was a Part Introduction/part Q & A was a very informative look at the inner workings of the man who has the now enviable position of elevating the team from potential 4 seed to potential title contender."

Hoopinion
"I attended last night's game at the invitation of the Atlanta Hawks* and also attended Woodson's post-game press conference and can offer as a first-hand account that Woodson took what had to have been a frustrating loss (It was certainly frustrating just to watch.) with an admirably equanimity. Something that should not go unremarked even as I still question certain tactical or man management decisions he makes: Mike Woodson appears far more comfortable coaching the Atlanta Hawks than he did last year."

Rise Up Mofos
"Atlanta played inspired ball in the 2nd Quarter and was firing on all cylinders. They were hitting their shots and were matching the Suns’ up-tempo style. The highlight of the night was when Josh got the ball out on a fast break and rose up over Steve Nash and slammed on him. The crowd went nuts and they must’ve shown the replay at least five times on the big screen. I didn’t stay up for Sportscenter, but I imagine it had to have made the top 10 plays of the night."

The Vent
"Josh Smith with the jam. My boy is playing tonight. He's playing Amare to a draw right now. He has 17 and 10 Amare has 16 and 4. Actually Josh is playing better and he has 2 monster highlights in this game. If he doesn't make Sportscenter I'm going to be unhappy. Well actually I might not know one way or the other, but I'm just saying."

BKTookMyLunchMoney
"9:35, Great pass from JJ to Solomon Jones, who dunks it. Shaq looked like the burger he probably ate for lunch is slowing him down. The Vortex will do that to ya."

Peachtree Hoops
"Rick Sund. I liked him, but he could also beat me up. so I may be a bit conflicted."

"Solo just shut down Steve Nash on the perimeter. Solo just shut down Steve Nash on the perimeter. That deserved to be typed twice."

Thanks again to everyone who participated, and hopefully we'll see even more of you in the future.

Runaround Sue's
"The mural that stands watch over the Hawks practice floor. In the not-too-distant past, this poster would elicit some scoffing, half-witted sarcastic remark involving the finer points of the uses of oxymoron. I am happy to say that is no longer the case in Hawks land."

More pictures from the event after the jump.