Atlanta Hawks Face Revised Strategy

Atlanta Hawks are thrilled to be heading to the conference semifinals against the Chicago Bulls. Coach Larry Drew is still making a determination for point guard. Kirk Hinrich's injury has him listed as doubtful, although he traveled with the team to Chicago. Coach Drew believes that Hinrich could be out this series. We know these players, however, and all want the opportunity to play and contribute to the win. Competition and love of the game are important incentives.

The first game might be played more on gut feeling than detailed plays. The Bulls are coming off a tough win against the Indiana Pacers and will be facing the same situation, perhaps getting some of their injured players back in the game. The Bulls are riding a high right now with first-year Head Coach Tom Thibodeau receiving the NBA Coach of the Year award.

One of the two teams will win on Monday night to start the semifinals on a positive note. Either team has the ability and the drive, as well as some of the best coaching and playbooks in the NBA. Regardless of which team moves forward, it will be an extremely competitive series.

Basketball is a game of back and forth. Even a wide scoring gap in the first quarter does not mean the last 30 seconds of the game will be insignificant. A few three-pointers at a crucial moment with no answered points can swing the results quickly. Both teams have proven their ability to hit difficult shots and maintain defensive and offensive strength.

Quick thinking in key situations has brought the Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls together. It is tough for any team to play a fired-up Bulls team in Chicago. I believe this series will go all the way. Neither team is going to give an inch. Major players will foul out faster than coaches like. The excitement from the fans will rock the stands.

Basketball is all about strategy. Each team has several plans for offense and defense. It is important for the coach to make the right call on who will come off the bench and who will be a starter. The teams that are still in the playoffs have an even greater pressure than before. Several games gave them the opportunity to know the opposition. Now it is a brand- new game.

Sources:
Links are embedded
Opinions are those of the author, a baskeball fan for decades.

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nba/news/story?id=6460616