Atlanta prevails at home

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Miami Heat 106-91. Joe Johnson seemed to finally get it going offensively scoring 25 points. A key to that change was he got to the free throw line more and made them count. Johnson shot 12-15 from the line well above the 52% he was shooting prior to that. He also did the other things that makes his game so versatile adding 6 assists and 6 rebounds. Josh Smith added 20 for the Hawks despite his late game blunder. Dwyane Wade was beat up in the physical game throughout. He was still able to put up a game high 29 points. Suffering from back spasms and tough collision caused him to hit his head on the floor. Referree's foul calling is and will remain to be crusial to these playoffs. Many argue the flagrant foul on Wade's block attempt at the rim of a Maurice Evans dunk try was a bad call. Ref's have to weigh the play and the plays that lead up to them in order to come up with the best call. I will admit I wouldn't want their job at playoff time. Miami will look to regroup and hold of elimination at home Friday May 1.

Home Team Blowouts

Both the Atlanta Hawks and Denver Hawks thoroughly destroyed their respective opponents in game 1 of their 1st round series. Atlanta beat the Miami Heat 90-64, while Denver beat the New Orleans Hornets 113-84.

Josh Smith had highlight dunk after highlight dunk after highlight dunk, as the Heat looked helpless to stop him or any of his teammates. Smith had 23 points and led all 5 starters who finished in double digit scoring. Dwyane Wade struggled scoring only 19 points on 8-21 shooting.

Chauncey Billups introduced his playoff savvy to Denver and more importantly to the Hornets as well. Billups knocked down 8 3pt field goals on route to tying a NBA playoff record for most 3's in a playoff game. Billups sparked the Nuggets early and often while finishing with 36 points and 8 assists. Sixth Man of the year candidate J.R. Smith sealed the blowout with a relentless offense effort down the stretch tallying 19 points off the bench. Chris Paul paced the Hornets with 21 points, 11 assists and 5 rebounds.

Judging from the competitive nature of both Paul and Wade, the outcomes of game 2 in their respective series will surely be much different. Both series' resume play Wed. April 22.