The Atlanta Hawks return home for the first round of the NBA Playoffs Thursday night, with Game 3 against the New York Knicks tipping off at State Farm Arena. The series is tied 1-1 after Atlanta's comeback win Monday night in New York.
"We're going to turn the whole State Farm Arena red," Atlanta rapper Pastor Troy said. He showed off the red T-shirts that every fan will find on each seat before Game 3, and he will perform alongside Soulja Boy and Mike Clark Jr. Pastor Troy offered a new slogan for his hometown team: "Not anybody, but everybody. Because they play so much as a team, not just really dependent on one person to lead them to victory. Everybody contributes and plays their part, and I love it."
The players say they are ready to feed off the crowd. "I mean playing at State Farm is the best arena in my opinion, and playing in front of those fans has been great all season long," forward Jalen Johnson said. "I'm sure the city will be excited," guard CJ McCollum said. "We're excited to be home, waking up in our own beds, and the process of not being on the road for 4 to 5 days, and look forward to competing against a good team at home."
Downtown gets a loud weekend: the Braves are also hosting the Phillies in a three-game series at Truist Park-adjacent Summerhill, while State Farm Arena takes Games 3 and 4 of the playoff series.
