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Here is what I think we know going into Game 2 tonight:
- I think we know Dwyane Wade is going to play better. Wade is one of the
best big-game players in the NBA, and I can't imagine him having too many
19-point, 8-turnover games in the postseason.
- I think we know the Hawks play in Game 1 wasn't an aberration. They played
well, for sure, but not so well as to think it was a height they can't reach
again. They turned the ball over more than usual, and they didn't shoot
particularly well from the field (46.2%) or from deep (28.6). That's not to say
they didn't do many things well (duh), but it does mean it wasn't the "perfect"
game for ATL.
- I think we know the Heat don't really have an answer for Josh Smith, and
maybe Al Horford as well. Miami can plot and scheme all they want, but they
don't have anyone on their frontline who can match the athleticism of Smoove and
Al. If the Hawks continue to make use of that advantage, they will be in good
shape.
- I think we know that the Philips Arena crowd can and will continue to make
a difference in this series. The atmosphere at Game 1 was so much fun, it almost
makes me hate that this is my job and therefore I can't sit in the stands and
scream like everyone else. Every dunk, every big bucket, every defensive stand
was greeted with immense enthusiasm by the hometown fans. I expect the patrons
tonight to be no less raucous.
- I think we know the Hawks aren't taking Game 2 lightly. Zaza Pachulia told
me that in the locker room after Game 1, the players got together and decided to
go ahead and put the win behind them and treat the series like it was 0-0. As he
said, "It was one win - we need four." They know they got a big win in Game 1,
but they know they have to validate that victory with another one tonight.
Everything they've said all week shows me a determined and focused team, and I
don't expect the effort to be any less than what we saw on Sunday.
Come out tonight to Philips Arena to enjoy Game 2 and let's send the series
back to Miami 2-0!
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All-Access Shootaround
- Al
Horford talks to the media