You’ll have to excuse me for posting another Hawks/Celtics gig, but I can’t help it. Being from here, and being a rather miserable Hawks fan for the last nine years, it’s hard for me to grasp that this is really happening. Not just happening, but really happening. It’s not just the losses I’m talking about; the draft picks, the double ownership, the coach that should’ve been fired a while ago — all of it.

Now, four games into the opening round of the playoffs, things are panning out. Josh Smith and Joe Johnson are scoring whenever they want. Al Horford isn’t looking like a rookie, and I don’t care what Kevin Durant’s done: Horford helped his team to the playoffs, is playing well in the playoffs, and he deserves the ROY award.

The people in Boston seem to have mixed feelings about it all; some are worried, and others aren’t overly concerned. Here’s what they’re saying:

“Why are all these Atlanta fans on the band-wagon all of a sudden? Where were all you guys on Saturday morning when game 3 wasn’t even sold out yet? You’ve had your fun, now the Celtics are going to bring it back to Boston and with the loudest building in the league showing the Hawks some real fans, they’ll get their groove back. ATL just can’t beat Boston at home.”
-Matt

“We thought the Pats loss to the Giants was crushing. This would be the biggest upset in NBA–and possibly, professional sports–history. I hate to say it, but the Hawks carry themselves with the spirit of an underrated March Madness team, while we look like smug veterans who feel entitled to win. Josh Smith’s block on KG near the end was shocking and kind of scary. Buckner’s legs will look pale in comparison if this thing goes the wrong way….”
-Dr. Celtic

“The Celtics are a much better team and have a lot more experience. They should certainly win the series. That being said, the Hawks have obviously shown they are not intimidated by the Celtics’ players or history. If I had to put money on it, I would still have to go with the Celtics, but I would love to see the Hawks take it.

And for all the ATL fans posting things like “Free Mike Vick” and “Vick was framed”, please just get over it. He’s guilty, he is scum, and he let not only his fans, but his teammates and employers down because of his own self-centered actions and disregard for laws. He is done in ATL and will never be back.

Please quit posting things like this, you just make us all look stupid.”
-Thomaston Dog

Oddly, even in rooting for the Hawks, the people of Atlanta still bring Mike Vick into it. That, I’m sad to say, is something that probably won’t end.

Go Hawks, baby. Go Hawks.