Following a comeback for the ages on Wednesday evening, the Atlanta Hawks entered Friday’s Game 6 against the Philadelphia 76ers with a clear opportunity. With a win, the Hawks would advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for just the second time since the franchise arrived from St. Louis. However, the home team fell just short in what became a 104-99 defeat, and the series will now shift back to Philadelphia for a win-or-go-home Game 7 matchup on Sunday evening.
In direct contrast to previous matchups, the Hawks came flying out of the gate. Atlanta scored on the first three possessions and, with some defense in the mix, the Hawks took a 10-2 lead.