The Hawks want to play fast - in the regular season and now in the playoffs.
Coach Mike Budenholzer was quick to say pace still matters even in the postseason when the importance of each possession is magnified.
Here is what he said when I asked him about it before Game 1 Sunday: "Our pace is a priority," Budenholzer said. "As a group, we have to understand how important it is. We walk that line between every position becomes a little more important, a little more valued. We don't believe in all of a sudden tightening up. Sometimes I think those types of situations may led to more turnovers. It's a great balance of aggressiveness and pace and making sure we are getting good looks and good opportunities."
Nets coach Lionel Hollins was asked if he wants his team to slow the pace. "If we execute on offensive, the pace will be slower," Hollins said. "If you turn the ball over the pace will be fast. It has shown in games when we have turned the ball over, we've gotten shattered. If we can take care of the ball, execute and score, we've missed a lot of chippies and wide open shots at times, but if we score it's natural that we'll be able to get back on defense."
Also:
* Mike Scott will be available for the Hawks after missing the regular-season finale with a back contusion. Thabo Sefolosha (broken leg) and Austin Daye will be inactive.
