Sports-Hawks Win First Playoff Series In 10 Years

It has been a long time in the making for the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. Sunday afternoon, the team won its first playoff series since 1999.

In the best-of-7 first round series, this was Game-7 on the Hawks’ home court in Atlanta. After a tight opening quarter of play, the Hawks took control to lead by 13 at halftime, and enjoy as big as a 19-point lead in the game. In the end, the Hawks walked-off the court with a 91-78 victory, and ticket to the Eastern Conference semifinals for a meeting with the tough Cleveland Cavaliers.

This type of excitement--and success--was nowhere to be found for years. And as recently as four years ago, the Hawks under head coach Mike Woodson won only 13 games out of 82 played. Now this:

"You venture out with a young team...it takes time. And this team has grown. Do we still have ways to go?...sure we do as a basketball team. But I sure like the direction of where we're headed. I really do."

One of the keys of the team is guard Joe Johnson, who took the leap of faith to sign as a free agent with the Hawks after that 13-win season. Now fast forward to the present, Johnson and the Hawks get the reward of facing top-seeded Cleveland and league MVP Lebron James in Round-2. The Hawks and Cavaliers open their series in Cleveland tomorrow night.

Georgia sports roundup--Monday Nov. 10th

Atlanta Falcons / NFL --

The Falcons continued a surprising season with a 34-20 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in Atlanta. Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan proved steady again at the helm, tossing a pair of touchdown passes. The Falcons also benefitted from intercepting the Saints three times. The Falcons improved their record to 6-3. They're also undefeated in 4 games this season inside the Georgia Dome.

College football weekend --

The Georgia Bulldogs escaped Lexington Saturday with a 42-38 win over the Kentucky Wildcats. Georgia scored their 8th win in 10 games on the season. Georgia Tech's Yellow Jackets were not so fortunate--losing their road game at North Carolina 28-7. Tech fell to 7-3 on the season. Georgia Southern's Eagles were also losers on Saturday, beaten on their home field in Statesboro by Samford, 27-17.

High school football --

Georgia's high school football season has reached the playoff stage following the final weekend of regular season action. Please check out gpb.org/football for all the latest on coverage.

Atlanta Hawks / NBA --

The Hawks are 5-0 to start their season, following an 89-85 win at Oklahoma City last night.

Atlanta Thrashers / NHL --

The Thrashers skated to a 5-2 win over division rival Carolina in Raleigh. It was the 4th straight win for Atlanta.

Georgia sports for Thursday, July 24th

Atlanta Braves--

The Braves jumped back on the winning track last night with their 9-4 decision over the Marlins in Florida. Gregor Blanco was the star offensively, posting 4 hits with 3 RBI’s and 3 runs scored. On the mound, Tim Hudson picked up the pitching win with 6 innings of work. However, there was bad news in victory. Hudson had to end his night after the 6 innings with a sore right elbow. 3rd baseman Chipper Jones left the game in the 4th inning with a strained left hamstring. The Braves have today off before opening a weekend series at Philidelphia, co-leaders of the NL-East division. The Braves are 6 games out of first.

NBA/Atlanta Hawks--

The Hawks have lost forward Josh Childress to an international team. Childress agreed to a 3-year, 32.5 million dollar contract to join the Greek powerhouse team Olympiakos. Childress spent the first 4 years of his professional career with the Hawks.

Georgia sports for Thursday, May 29th

Atlanta Braves--

Another game on the road, another loss away from home for the Atlanta Braves. Last night, it was a 1-0 defeat to the Brewers in Milwaukee. It was a scoreless game until the 8th inning, when the Brewers broke-through with an RBI-triple for the game’s only run. The Braves fell to a 6-18 record on the road, worst in the National League. Their record in 1-run games this season is more alarming, only 2-14 in such games this year. The series in Milwaukee concludes this afternoon.

Pro basketball/Atlanta Hawks--

The Hawks have hired Rick Sund as their new general manager. He is an NBA front office veteran of around 30 years, last with Seattle where he served as G-M for a few years.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, May 7th

Atlanta Braves win 5th straight--

The Braves won their 4th straight game last night, taking the 1st of a 3-game series against the San Diego Padres in Atlanta. Jair Jurrjens pitched another strong game in earning the victory. Jurrjens went 6 innings, with 7 hits, a run and 8 strikeouts on his line. Offensively, Chipper Jones knocked his 10th homer of the season, while Mark Kotsay homered as well. Tim Hudson takes the mound tonight as the Braves aim for a 5th straight victory.

Atlanta Hawks' GM Knight resigns--

Billy Knight this morning announced his resignation as general manager of the Atlanta Hawks. It comes after the team just completed its first NBA playoff appearance in nine seasons--a 1st-round, 7-game loss to the Boston Celtics. Knight's resignation is effective July 1st. The 55-year-old Knight spent six years with the organization.
His best season came this year, as the Hawks had a 37-45 regular season record and broke a nine-year playoff drought. Knight says in a statement he's "leaving the organization in much better shape than it was in when I took over."

Former Tech football star arrested--

Former Georgia Tech star quarterback Joe Hamilton is facing multiple charges following a traffic stop early Tuesday. The 31-year-old Hamilton was charged with marijuana possession, driving under the influence of alcohol, hit-and-run, and possessing an open container. Georgia Tech police pulled over Hamilton’s black Ford Expedition, as it matched the description of a vehicle that had been involved in a hit-and-run accident nearby. Hamilton led Georgia Tech to an ACC football championship in 1998, and had just been hired by the school’s football program last week as assistant director of player personnel.

Georgia sports for Monday, May 5th

Atlanta Hawks/NBA playoffs--

The improbable playoff run for the Atlanta Hawks is over. After squeaking into the postseason for the first time in 9 years, the Hawks ended their stay with a Game-7 loss at Boston Sunday afternoon. It came in destructive fashion, as the Celtics won decisively, 99-65. The 34-point loss was the fourth biggest Game-7 defeat in NBA playoff history. The Hawks were out of it early, scoring only 26 points by halftime.

Atlanta Braves--

The Braves completed a series sweep of the Cincinnati Reds with a 14-7 win in Atlanta. It was yet another big day at the plate for Chipper Jones--3 hits included a 3-run homer and 5 RBI's for the contest. The Braves as a team banged-out 19 hits. The first 3 batters in the lineup accounted for 10 hits and 10 RBI's. Veteran pitcher Tom Glavine was not able to take advantage of the offensive outburtst by his teammates to record his first win of the season. He allowed 6 runs in 4-and-two-thirds innings, falling just an out shy of recording his first win in 5 outings. The Braves evened their record at 15-15 for the season, 2 games out of first in the NL-East.

Georgia sports for Friday, May 2nd

Atlanta Braves--

Out of Thursday's off-day, the Braves are back home in Atlanta set to open a 6-game stretch of action at Turner Field--they'll commence a 3-game weekend series with the Cincinnati Reds tonight. The Braves had a dismal 1-4 road trip, and will look to shake a 4-game losing skid tonight.

Atlanta Hawks-NBA playoffs--

The Hawks will look to hold-off elimination tonight in their 1st round playoff series against the Boston Celtics. The Hawks and Celtics run with Game-6 in Atlanta. Boston leads the matchup 3 games to 2.

Georgia sports for Thursday, May 1st

Atlanta Braves-

The Braves wrapped a subpar road trip with a 4th straight loss Wednesday afternoon in Washington D.C., a 3-2 loss in 12 innings. The Braves had taken a 2-1 lead in the top of the 12th on Mark Kotsay’s RBI-single. But in the Nationals’ at-bat, they scored twice...the winner a Felipe Lopez RBI-single with the bases loaded. The Braves’ record fell to 12-15 overall in completing a 1-4 road trip. They fell to 0-9 in one-run games this season.

Braves notes--There has been yet another setback for pitcher Mike Hampton in his attempted comeback to the rotation. He had to leave a rehab start for Triple-A Richmond at Durham yesterday after 3-and-a-third innings. Hampton felt more discomfort with his left pectoral injury. It was that injury that prevented his season debut April 3rd. Hampton hasn’t thrown a major league game in 32 months due to an assortment of injuries.

Veteran pitcher John Smoltz says his return to the team from the disabled list will likely be as a reliever in the bullpen. Smoltz has been sidelined a second time with an ailing right shoulder. Smoltz served as the team’s closer in the bullpen in 3-and-a-half years through 2004, before returning to the starter’s role.

Atlanta Hawks-NBA playoffs—-

After 2 straight wins, the Atlanta Hawks lost Game-5 of their 1st round playoff series in Boston last night, 110-85. The Hawks trail the best-of-7 series 3 games to 2. Game-6 is tomorrow night back in Atlanta.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, April 30th

A 3rd straight loss for the Atlanta Braves last night on the road--they dropped the opener of a 2-game set at Washington, 6-3. Tom Glavine returned from the disabled list to throw 6 strong innings with 6 hits and 2 runs allowed...he left in a 2-2 game. Reliever Blaine Boyer was roughed up for 4 runs in the 7th inning. Chipper Jones for the Braves did hit his 8th home run of the season. The Braves and Nationals play this afternoon at 4pm to conclude the series.

Off the field, the Braves feel they dodged a bit of a bullet with John Smoltz. His ailing right shoulder was examined Tuesday, and it was determined he has a severely inflamed biceps tendon and inflammation of the rotator cuff. He will go back on the disabled list for the 2nd time this season, but hopes to return to form in two weeks.

From the NBA playoffs, the surprising Atlanta Hawks have won the last 2 games in their 1st round series against the Celtics to tie the matchup 2-2. The series resumes tonight in Boston for Game-5.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, April 29th

The Atlanta Hawks have evened their 1st-round NBA playoff series against the Boston Celtics at 2 games apiece. Last night the Hawks scored the 97-92 win in Atlanta. Joe Johnson tallied 20 of his career playoff-high 35 points in the 4th quarter, while Josh Smith poured in 28 points for the game. The series picks up with Game-5 in Boston Wednesday.

From baseball, the Atlanta Braves open a 2-game series in Washington D-C tonight against the Nationals. Tom Glavine will come off the disabled list to get the pitching start--he's been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Glavine's fellow rotation teammate John Smoltz will have his ailing shoulder examined today in Atlanta. Smoltz could be facing a 2nd trip to the disabled list this season.

Georgia sports for Thursday, April 17th

It has been a rough road trip for the Atlanta Braves as they lost their 3rd straight game last night. They've dropped the first 2 games in their series at Florida--the Marlins winning 6-5. Even more of a sting for the Braves--of the Braves’ 9 losses, 7 have been by one run. Last night, starting pitcher Tim Hudson lasted only 3 innings, allowing 4 runs. The Braves wrap their series and road trip tonight with John Smoltz on the hill.

From pro basketball, the Atlanta Hawks wrapped their regular season schedule with a 113-99 loss at Miami. But for the first time since 1999, the Hawks will be playing more basketball. They will face the Boston Celtics in round-1 of the playoffs--the opening contest is Sunday in Boston.

Later this afternoon from Georgia State University, the school is expected to announce it will launch a football program with its first season in the fall of 2010. The Panthers would play in the NCAA's Division I Football Championship Subdivision, formerly known as I-AA. The school would play home games at the 70,000-seat Georgia Dome, not far from its downtown Atlanta campus. Georgia State would also build new practice and training facilities.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, April 9th

The Atlanta Braves suffered another loss on the road last night, falling to the Rockies by the 4-3 final. Braves’ starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens threw 7 innings, allowing 9 hits and 4 runs in taking the loss. Offensively, Atlanta got the first home run of the season from centerfielder Mark Kotsay. The Braves are now 3-5 for the young season—all 5 of their losses have been by one run. They have 2 more games in their series in Colorado before moving on to Washington and Florida.

The Braves’ top prospect has been suspended 50 games by major league baseball. The commissioner’s office says outfielder Jordan Schafer used human growth hormone, or HGH, in violation of baseball’s minor league drug program. Schafer is seen as Atlanta’s potential starting centerfielder for 2009. The 21-year-old was hitting .091 for the Double-A Mississippi Braves in the first week of the Southern League season.

From pro basketball, the Atlanta Hawks lost their game at Indiana last night 112-98.

Georgia sports for Thursday, April 3rd

The Braves scored their first win of the season, crushing the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-2 at Turner Field in Atlanta. Leading 3-2 in the last of the 8th inning, the Braves broke things open with 7 runs—Mark Teixeira and Yunel Escobar belted home runs in the inning. Atlanta rookie pitcher Jair Jurrjens got the win with a good 5-plus innings of work. Jurrjens allowed 7 hits and 2 runs in his time on the hill. The Braves and Pirates wrap the series tonight. It will mark the first pitching start for oft-injured Mike Hampton since August of 2005.

From pro basketball, the Atlanta Hawks continue their push to the playoffs with their 5th straight win, a 127-120 decision over the Toronto Raptors. The Hawks increased their lead to 4 games for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Georgia Tech’s football program is losing receiver James Johnson for the 2008 season. Johnson announced he will skip his final year of eligibility on the football field, but remain enrolled in school. The senior missed last weekend’s scrimmage with tendonitis in his knee. The news comes as two fellow receivers announced plans to transfer. Tech under new head coach Paul Johnson is expected to focus more on its running game within a revamped offense. Johnson in 2007 had 25 catches for 447 yards.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, April 1st

The Atlanta Braves lost their home opener to the 2008 season, falling in a wild contest 12-11 in 12 innings to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Down 9-4 in their 9th inning last at-bat, the Braves came off the deck to score 5 runs. The final 2 runs scored with 2 outs and 2 runners on base--catcher Brian McCann's seemingly game-ending pop fly to left-center field dropped between the outfielders for a hit, scoring the tying runs. 3 innings later, after falling behind 12-9, the Braves mounted another comeback, but fell a run shy. Brian McCann and Jeff Fracouer hit home runs in the contest. Chipper Jones and Yunel Escobar tallied 3 RBI's each. For pitcher Tom Glavine, his return to the Braves went well: 7 hits and 2 runs, 1 earned allowed in 5 innings of work. The teams are off today...the Braves and Pirates resume their series tomorrow night.

Pro basketball from last night--another win for the Atlanta Hawks, 116-99 over Memphis. From hockey, the Atlanta Thrashers were 2-0 winners over Tampa Bay.

Georgia sports for Thursday, March 13th

The Atlanta Braves exploded for 9 runs in the 4th inning last night to comeback and beat the Cleveland Indians 11-4 in spring training action. Braves' starting pitcher Buddy Carlyle had a rough outing, surrendering 3 home runs. But the Braves' offense did its damage in the 4th--that included a home run from catcher Brian McCann. The Braves today face the Tigers in Lakeland-Florida. Chuck James makes his spring debut on the mound.

The major conference men's college basketball tournaments get underway today. From Atlanta, the Southeastern Conference gathering sees Georgia in action tonight. The Bulldogs face Ole Miss a little before 10pm at the Georgia Dome. Georgia posted a 13-16 regular season. For Georgia Tech, its team is in Charlotte for the Atlantic Coast Conference tourney--the Yellow Jackets face Virginia. Tech had a 14-16 mark in the regular season, and split its 2 games with the Cavaliers.

From pro basketball, the Atlanta Hawks ran into the streaking Houston Rockets last night and absorbed the 83-75 defeat. Houston has won 20-straight games.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, March 11th

The Atlanta Braves scored another victory in spring training action, knocking-off the St.Louis Cardinals 3-1 yesterday. Starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens had another good outing on the mound, allowing only 2 hits and a walk across 4 innings of work. Jurrjens has a streak of 8 scoreless innings going in spring action.

Pro basketball Monday, the Atlanta Hawks were losers at Orlando, 123-112.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, March 5th

The Atlanta Braves in spring training exhibition action Tuesday beat the Phillies 10-1. Pitcher Tim Hudson worked 3 innings, allowing 4 hits and a run. The Braves travel to Winter Haven, Florida today to face the Indians.

From pro basketball, the Atlanta Hawks at home lost to Golden State's Warriors, 135-118.

Georgia sports for Thursday, February 21st

Wednesday night men's college basketball action inlcluded victory for Georgia Southern, and defeat for Georgia State. G-Southern's Eagles rolled over The Citadel in Statesboro, 98-68. The Eagles improved to 20-8, and 13-5 in the Southern Conference. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Panthers of Georgia State lost their 19th game in 26 played this season--a 77-72 loss at UNC-Wilmington.

From pro basketball, the Atlanta Hawks lost their 6th straight game--2nd in a 5-game road trip--at Sacremento 119-107. The contest marked the quick return of guard Mike Bibby, who was just traded to Atlanta last week. Bibby against his old teammates scored 17 points.

Georgia sports for Thursday, February 14th

A sure sign of spring right around the corner is the reporting of baseball players for spring training. Atlanta Braves' pitchers and catchers are arriving in Orlando at their preseason training complex on the grounds of Disney. The first workout comes tomorrow, with position players officially reporting next week. One of the new faces showing up today is actually a familiar one to Braves-fans: Tom Glavine has returned to his original team, after five years with the New York Mets.

Men's college basketball Wednesday night had a win for Georgia, and loss for Georgia State. Georgia's Bulldogs scored a win at home in Athens to snap a 5-game skid, the final of 82-64 over South Carolina. The Panthers of Georgia State continue their tough season with a 51-48 loss to Delaware in Atlanta.

From pro basketball, the Atlanta Hawks dropped their 4th-straight game, 100-98 at Charlotte in overtime.

It was a win for the Atlanta Thrashers in pro hockey action, 3-2 in the shootout to top Washington.

Georgia sports for Wednesday, February 13th

Women's college basketball from Tuesday night: Georgia Tech blasted Savannah State 82-28. Tech's Yellow Jackets improved their record to 19-5. The Georgia Bulldogs' have lost senior forward Rebecca Rowsey for the remainder of the season. She's suffered effects of an old knee injury. Rowsey was averaging only 9 minutes of action a game this season.

From pro basketball, the Atlanta Hawks lost their third straight game. They fell at home 94-90 to the Detroit Pistons.