Fans and businesses “Believe” in the Atlanta Hawks playoff run

METRO ATLANTA — The motto for the Atlanta Hawks during the 2021 playoffs has been “Believe.”

It took playoff series wins over the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers, but it appears Atlanta basketball fans and quite a few businesses have jumped on the “Believe” bandwagon.

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The Hawks continue their march to the playoffs and are guaranteed at least one more game at State Farm Arena.

Channel 2′s Tom Jones spoke to Kimberly Newnan Thursday afternoon. Newnan considers herself a huge Hawks fan, dating back to the days of Spud Webb. She believes there is something special about this team as it pushes towards its first ever NBA finals appearance since arriving in Atlanta back in 1968.

“I see a championship in our future,” Newman said. “They work really well together. You can tell they have that spirit. That brotherhood. And they really make the fans believe in Atlanta again.”

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Jones visited Chicago Pizza in Smyrna, where the owner, David Shortlidge says he’s expecting a full house for Thursday’s Game 5. He said Tuesday night’s game was like a giant party.

“It’s ridiculous. People dancing outside. People dancing in the lounge,” Shortlidge said.

The popular pizza place owner says it’s been an unexpected boon to his restaurant and others like it.

“Coming out of COVID. Coming out of quarantine. We’ve been blessed,” Shortlidge said.

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Hawks fan Reza Abree had season tickets for over 30 years. But Abree told Jones he did not “believe” the Hawks would ever get this far in the playoffs. Abree says he’s been kicking himself for not keeping his floor seats during the surprise playoff run. Especially after Tuesday night’s big win.

“I would have been there. Absolutely I would have been there. That’s why I hit myself against the wall. Why am I not there,” Abree said.

Hawks fans are excited to be back and see playoff wins

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