Hawks Basketball Returns to Peachtree TV
After nearly three decades, the Atlanta Hawks are making a nostalgic return to Peachtree TV. In an exciting development for fans of the franchise, every Friday night game for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season will be broadcast on the channel, commencing January 12, 2024. This marks a significant shift in the team's media coverage and is set to reignite the passion of the local fanbase.
However, there is one exception to this schedule: the game on March 8th will not be aired. Instead, Peachtree TV has opted to showcase the match against the New Orleans team on March 10th. This minor alteration ensures that viewers won't miss any of the action during these crucial regular-season encounters.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
The history between the Hawks and local television dates back several decades. WPCH was the broadcasting home for the Hawks from 1972 until 1994, while WANF also featured their games from 1986 to 1993. The reintroduction of the Hawks to broadcast television through Peachtree TV is a blend of tradition and modernity, especially as the first two games under the new arrangement will be simulcast live on both Peachtree TV and WANF, offering a bridge between past and present.
Accessibility and Coverage
In addition to the broadcasts on Peachtree TV, fans can catch live Hawks games across major cable and satellite services. Furthermore, various Gray TV stations across Georgia and Alabama will also provide coverage, ensuring that no matter where fans are in the region, they'll have access to the games.
For those who crave insightful commentary, the Bally Sports Southeast production team, featuring luminaries such as Dominique Wilkins, Bob Rathbun, and Tabitha Turner, will be providing their expert analysis. Complementing them, Baillie Burmaster, the Sports Director from WANF, will contribute to the broadcasts, adding depth and local perspective to the viewing experience.
Friday Night Matchups
The Hawks' Friday night schedule is packed with high-stakes matchups, including games against formidable opponents like the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. These games are not just regular season fixtures but are battles that could define playoff seeding and momentum heading into the postseason.
It's worth noting that Peachtree TV is no stranger to basketball, having broadcasted the College Park Skyhawks since 2019. The station's commitment to the sport is evident and continues to grow with the inclusion of the Hawks' games.
Recent On-Court Struggles
Despite the excitement surrounding the broadcast news, the Hawks have faced recent challenges on the court. A notable setback occurred in a game against the Sacramento Kings, where the team squandered a significant lead due to a lackluster performance in the second half. Key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic were unable to maintain their momentum, contributing only two and three points respectively after halftime.
The statistics paint a stark picture: the Hawks managed a field goal percentage of just 28.9 percent, and their three-point success rate plummeted to 21.7 percent in the latter stages of the contest. Such figures highlight the need for improvement as the team looks to bounce back from this defeat.
Leadership Commentary
Andrew Saltzman, an executive with the Hawks, expressed his enthusiasm about the new broadcasting deal, highlighting its potential to enhance the fan experience. "It provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games," said Saltzman. His gratitude extended to Peachtree TV and Gray TV for their partnership, which he believes will benefit the Hawks' local fan base significantly.
Erik Schrader echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the opportunity to engage new audiences while catering to long-time supporters. He noted that bringing the Hawks back to broadcast television enhances accessibility for all fans.
On the coaching front, Quin Snyder stressed the importance of better execution and adopting a collective approach. Meanwhile, player Clint Capela voiced concerns over the team's frustration and underscored the urgent need for a tactical shift to overcome recent hurdles.
As the Hawks prepare for their upcoming Friday night games, both the organization and its supporters hope that the return to Peachtree TV will herald not just a boost in viewership but also a resurgence in form, capturing the spirit and success of the team's storied past.