Don’t take this for granted, Atlanta. The Hawks' improbable run to the Eastern Conference Finals has been an experience that I could not have dreamed up six months ago when I started my first day at 92.9 The Game. Moving from New York City, where the Knicks have been the laughing stock of the NBA for nearly my entire 29 years on this planet, I have become accustomed to low expectations for my local squad. Now, just a short time later, I find myself immersed in an amazing run by my new home city’s team and it couldn’t be more of an exhilarating thrill ride with each passing game.
Trae Young’s emergence as a superstar, something that was known only locally prior to these playoffs, has lifted the national narrative for the Hawks to an entirely different level. This team has a different, more distinguished feel to it than the Al Horford and Kyle Korver-led squad that won 60 games back in 2015. After the run is over the Hawks will be looked at as a contender for years to come and an attractive landing spot for free agents. The days of lagging behind in terms of talent acquisition are over. Thank Travis Schlenk and the Hawks braintrust for assembling a squad that finished above expectations and expedited their trajectory for championship-level basketball.
So what now? Game 3 at home with a packed State Farm arena awaits. A dominating Game 1 from Trae is quickly moved to the backburner after a world-class beatdown by the Bucks in Game 2. Do we write it off and wipe the slate clean? Do we cross our fingers and hope for the best? Neither. We embrace both games for what they were and stop looking ahead to ‘what if’ and ‘we’re doomed’. An improbable run like this needs to be embraced for both the good and the bad. For new fans like myself and for those who have rode with this team through many lean years a season like this should be soaked up until the final buzzer sounds. We never know what injuries or unforeseen circumstances lurk around the corner next year so practicing patience and enjoying the moment is paramount.
After an incredibly disappointing Falcons season and the mediocre start for the Braves and United, this Hawks team has been nothing short of a breath of fresh air. I came to Atlanta not knowing what to expect from the local teams and in all honesty would have picked the Hawks last as the team to find itself in a deep playoff run. And that is the beauty of sports. So enjoy tonight Atlanta and enjoy the rest of the series. Wear your gear, commiserate with strangers in the street, chop up the games at work. We are witnessing history in front of our eyes, and you don’t want to miss it.
