Atlanta Hawks vs Miami Heat Game One: How I Saw It

Atlanta ran away with the first half and led.

There is no way to quantify the difference in playoff basketball. The intensity of the game is unbelievable. Every rebound, every loose ball, everything matters more.

Michael Beasley can play. In a year of solid rookies, Beasley needs not be forgotten. He was more than holding his own against the Hawks.

Miami Coach Erik Spoelstra misuses his timeouts. He calls them way to early, in particular, every time the opponent poses even the smallest run.

Josh Smith is a rare athlete in a league full of them. He took a Mike Bibby alley-oop pass from half court for a big dunk. He followed that with a breakaway dunk on the next play...which led to a Spoelstra time out.

Nothing has changed for Mike Bibby. He is still a great shooter and decent passer with good court vision. And he still plays no defense whatsoever.

Jermaine O'neal was a monster in this game, pouring in a whopping five points.

Mario Chalmers can play defense in this league, but he needs to develop his offensive game.

Led by Josh Smith, the Hawks are all over the offensive boards. They were able to kill the last minute of the third quarter with four offensive boards.

After the first quarter, this game was never in doubt.