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Hawks Clinch a Playoff Berth

Long postseason drought over thanks to Indiana loss

By Mike Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 14, 2008 10:07 PM CDT
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(Newser) – For the first time since 1999, the Atlanta Hawks are headed to the NBA playoffs after clinching the final spot in the Eastern Conference when Indiana, the only other team with a mathematical chance, lost at Washington 117-110. The league's longest playoff drought ended with Atlanta enjoying an off day. "It's huge for our franchise,” fourth-year coach Mike Woodson said.

Atlanta's last playoff appearance came during the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season, when it finished second in the Central Division with a lineup that featured Dikembe Mutombo. Now in the Southeast Division, the Hawks made it back to the postseason largely because of a down year in the East. Even if they win their last two games, they'll still finish four games below .500.

Atlanta Hawks' Joe Johnson (2) looks to pass as Philadelphia 76er's Louis Williams (23) defends during the fourth quarter of an NBA game on Saturday, April 5, 2008, in Philadelphia.
Atlanta Hawks' Joe Johnson (2) looks to pass as Philadelphia 76er's Louis Williams (23) defends during the fourth quarter of an NBA game on Saturday, April 5, 2008, in Philadelphia.   (AP Photo/H. Rumph, Jr.)
Philadelphia 76ers center Samuel Dalembert (1) shoots as Atlanta Hawks' Al Horford (15) defends during the first half of a basketball game Friday April 4, 2008, in Atlanta. Philadelphia won 109-104.
Philadelphia 76ers center Samuel Dalembert (1) shoots as Atlanta Hawks' Al Horford (15) defends during the first half of a basketball game Friday April 4, 2008, in Atlanta. Philadelphia won 109-104.   (AP Photo/John Amis)
Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford gets a bucket on a slam dunk in front of Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger during first half NBA action in Indianapolis, Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford gets a bucket on a slam dunk in front of Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger during first half NBA action in Indianapolis, Tuesday, April 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith celebrates a 3-pointer in overtime of Atlanta's 127-120 win over the Toronto Raptors in an NBA game Wednesday, April 2, 2008, in Atlanta.
Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith celebrates a 3-pointer in overtime of Atlanta's 127-120 win over the Toronto Raptors in an NBA game Wednesday, April 2, 2008, in Atlanta.   (AP Photo/John Amis)
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NBA • NBA playoffs • Indiana Pacers • Atlanta Hawks • Dikembe Mutombo • Mike Woodson

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