NBA Playoffs: Atlanta Hawks Collapse, Season in Jeopardy To Milwaukee Bucks

With three-and-a-half minutes to go in Game Five of the Atlanta Hawks' first round matchup at home, I was watching comfortably in my chair not knowing that the Milwaukee Bucks were about to pull off a playoff miracle.

Atlanta had a seven point lead and had been up by as much as 10 in the fourth quarter before a 14-0 onslaught by the Bucks that devastated the Hawks and their fans.

It began with five straight points from Milwaukee’s John Salmons. Salmons would score eight of the Bucks’ final 18 points, including seven during the 14-0 run. Salmons got it started with two free throws and, following a mishandle by Josh Smith on an easy layup attempt, nailed a three pointer to cut the Hawks lead to just four with 3:28 left.

It didn’t take the Bucks long to overtake the Hawks. With a 1:58 left, Ersan Ilyasova made a four-foot shot to put Milwaukee up 83-82. It was the Bucks’ first lead since there was less than a minute to go in the first half when they led 41-40.

Also during the 14-0 run, Joe Johnson was called for an offensive foul with 2:15 left while driving to the basket and running into Milwaukee’s Kurt Thomas.

Without Johnson, the Hawks struggled to get points. Even with the NBA’s new Sixth-Man of the Year, Jamal Crawford, Atlanta could not score. Milwaukee could score and Carlos Delfino hit a dagger three pointer with 1:15 left to give the Bucks a four-point lead.

From here, the game was pretty much over as the two teams traded points.

I won’t be completely negative. Atlanta did play hard and the Bucks had some lucky bounces fall their way during the final three-and-a-half minutes. But, with the comeback that they had, you have to get some bounces to go your way.

It’s hard to watch that. As someone who has been able to watch and appreciate what the Hawks have built over the past five seasons, I felt like all of that flashed before my eyes last night like it was over.

And it very well could be. Johnson could be gone regardless and Woodson could be gone to, especially if the Hawks lose the series. The front office has already talked about being unsatisfied with a one-and-done in the playoffs. Woodson is risking not even achieving that.

I have been reading stories from around the league in regards to Woodson and the Hawks. The word is that the Hawks will low-ball Woodson in an effort to use all that they can to re-sign Johnson. Sounds to me like the front office has already made up their mind on how they feel about Woodson. If he doesn’t want the job, we can find someone cheap who will.

While Woodson does not have much to look forward to in Atlanta, it has been reported that the Charlotte Bobcats and the Philadelphia 76ers are interested in him.

But, if he does complete this collapse to the Bucks, his potential suitors might think differently about him.

It does feel good to finally have so much to lose. The Atlanta Hawks had been an embarrassing team in the NBA for a good while. Woodson, the front office, and the players have done an outstanding job with this team and do deserve some praise.

53 wins is a solid season, but the play in the playoffs is anything but solid. They are still alive and can get the series back to Atlanta. From there, just ride that momentum into the second round.