Sixers matchup may be playoff preview
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 11:34 pm
The Hawks could meet the 76ers in a first-round playoff matchup.
“This is our version of March Madness,” said Woodson, whose team can finish off yet another winning month with a win. “And this is what these guys signed up for. This is what we all signed up for. You want to be playing meaningful games this time of year as opposed to the alternative.”
Miami is busy trying too hold off the 76ers for the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks have to keep an eye on both. The team that secures the fifth spot will face the Hawks, who have a 4-1/2 game lead over the Heat for the fourth spot and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
“I can’t tell you the last time we played a game that didn’t seem like our entire season was on the line at the opening tip,” Hawks forward Josh Smith said. “Philadelphia is an interesting team for us because they match up pretty well against us. And the way they play that up-tempo style, they’re going to challenge you to either run with them or put your own stamp on the game. We have to make sure the game is played the way we want it played.”
“There’s no way you’re going to make any noise in the playoffs just winning on your home court,” he said. “There’s no question that’s what you play for, the right to have that advantage. But the good teams, the teams that move on, they have to find a way to win in a hostile environment. And we have just enough road test left to see if we can’t be that kind of team.” http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports ... hawks.html