As wonderful as the Hawks Game Three win over Orlando was Friday night, there was no time to celebrate today.
As the Hawks reported for duty Saturday morning, all thoughts were on taking Game Four Sunday night, to put the pressure squarely on the Magic.
“This is now the big game,” Jamal Crawford told me after practice. “Last night was pivotal, but tomorrow is now the big one.”
Couldn’t agree more.
When the players left practice, they didn’t know, but presumed, that both Zaza Pachulia and Jason Richardson would be suspended for Sunday’s game (6:30pm on SportSouth).
Later Saturday afternoon, the word came down that each would be suspended for one game.
So, which team is hurt more?
I’ve been rolling that around, and I’d have to say both equally, because both players are instrumental in what their teams’ are trying to accomplish.
The Hawks defense has been built on playing Dwight Howard in single coverage, and not allowing the Magic three-point shooters to get going. Zaza has been tremendous in the series backing up Jason Collins in the post, so the Hawks lose a key defender with size.
Orlando must hit three’s to win. Their confidence soars when they hit a few early in a game. Now, the league’s second leading three-point shooter, Richardson, is out. Plus the Magic lose a key defender on Joe Johnson.
Now, the coaches will adjust their rotations. More minutes for Collins. More minutes for Quentin Richardson and possibly Gilbert Arenas in Game Four.
See you on TV!