ASK IRA: Did Hawks get stung by their approach against Heat?
Q: Ira, you have always championed the playoffs as being the best thing. How do you think the Hawks are feeling about that today? – Ed.
A: Feeling like they were able to push for the playoffs while also knowing they hold the Pelicans’ lottery pick because of some shrew maneuvering at last year’s draft. No, it did not end well on Thursday night against the Knicks, but that also is part of the playoff experience, the sting of defeat. Sometimes that can make you stronger (although it didn’t for the Heat in the wake of last year’s first-round humiliation at the hands of the Cavaliers).
When it comes to Heat-Hawks and which team is better positioned next season, it could come down to the lottery, where the Hawks (via New Orleans) are the No. 7 seed and the Heat the No. 13 seed.
As it is, the Hawks’ decision to sit their entire primary rotation in their season-ending loss to the Heat left them with the Knicks as their first-round opponent. With a win that evening at Kaseya Center, the Hawks instead would have gotten the Cavaliers in the first round. Related Articles Submit your “Ask Ira” question here!
Q: Precious Achiuwa over Tyrese Maxey. Still stings. – Samuel.