Atlanta Hawks Rekindle Partnership with Peachtree TV
In a nostalgic turn of events, the Atlanta Hawks are soaring back onto Peachtree TV's screens after nearly three decades. The historic return will see the channel broadcasting every Friday night Hawks game for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season, commencing on January 12, 2024. This excludes only the March 8th matchup, which will be replaced by the game against New Orleans on March 10.
The Hawks and Peachtree TV share a storied past, with WPCH having aired their games from 1972 to 1994, and WANF from 1986 to 1993. In a nod to this shared history, the first two games under the new agreement will be simulcast on both Peachtree TV and WANF, offering fans multiple avenues to catch the action live.
Expanding Access to Hawks Games
The new broadcasting arrangement ensures that live Hawks games will be accessible not only on Peachtree TV but also across major cable and satellite services. Furthermore, Gray TV stations throughout Georgia and Alabama will carry the broadcasts, significantly widening the team's reach. This move is poised to delight the Hawks' fervent fan base, providing a seamless viewing experience irrespective of their chosen platform.
Fans can look forward to the familiar voices of the Bally Sports Southeast production team during these broadcasts. Dominique Wilkins, Bob Rathbun, and Tabitha Turner will continue to provide their expert commentary, ensuring a consistent and engaging presentation. Adding a fresh perspective, Baillie Burmaster, Sports Director from WANF, will also lend her talents to the coverage.
A Slate of Marquee Matchups
The Hawks' Friday night lineup promises excitement with a series of high-profile contests. Fans can anticipate edge-of-the-seat action as the team faces off against formidable opponents such as the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. These matchups are sure to test the Hawks' mettle and offer viewers a thrilling spectacle of basketball prowess.
It's worth noting that Peachtree TV has been home to the College Park Skyhawks since 2019, indicating the channel's ongoing commitment to local basketball. This expansion to include the Hawks' games further cements Peachtree TV’s role as a premier destination for basketball enthusiasts in the region.
Recent On-Court Struggles
Despite the exciting news off the court, the Hawks have faced challenges on it. A recent game saw them relinquish a significant lead to the Sacramento Kings, primarily due to a lackluster second-half performance. Key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic found themselves struggling to contribute, scoring a mere two and three points respectively after halftime.
The statistics paint a clear picture of the downturn; the Hawks managed a field goal percentage of just 28.9 percent and a three-point success rate of 21.7 percent in the latter half of the game. Such figures underscore the need for a strategic reassessment if the team is to bounce back and capitalize on its potential.
Leadership Commentary
Reflecting on the partnership, Andrew Saltzman, an executive with the Hawks, expressed his enthusiasm. "It provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games," he remarked, adding a note of gratitude: "Thank you to Peachtree TV and Gray TV." Saltzman sees the deal as a boon for the Hawks' local fan base, emphasizing that "This partnership will benefit the Hawks' local fan base."
Erik Schrader echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of broadcast television in enhancing fan accessibility. "Bringing the Hawks back to broadcast television provides accessibility to all fans," he stated, recognizing the chance to engage new audiences while catering to long-time supporters.
On the coaching front, Quin Snyder emphasized the necessity for "Better execution and a collective approach," pointing to the recent on-court setbacks. Player Clint Capela spoke candidly about the team's frustration and the urgent need for a tactical shift, suggesting that changes are imminent as the Hawks look to regroup and refocus their efforts.
As the Atlanta Hawks prepare to take flight on Peachtree TV once more, there is a palpable sense of anticipation. With a combination of renewed media partnerships and a determination to overcome recent hurdles, the team is poised to write the next chapter in its storied legacy.