2. Playoff Experience
While both the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets are quite young, there is a vast difference in experience. Even on the coaching staff, there is a stark difference in playoff experience. While these games aren’t considered playoff games, they will have the intensity of one given the stakes.
Atlanta made a surprise run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, even knocking off the Philadelphia 76ers on the road in Game 7 of their second-round matchup.
The stage of the NBA Play-In Tournament will not be too bright for them, as a majority of that team is back this season.
But, the Hornets could have a slight edge in that regard. Charlotte played in the NBA Play-In Tournament last year, also as the 10 seed, when they took on the Indiana Pacers. They lost that game but should come away with some valuable experience of how to handle the situation.
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On the coaching staff, Hornets head coach James Borrego spent a lot of time in playoff matchups with the San Antonio Spurs but as an assistant. His mettle will be tested against Nate McMillan, who has 71 games of playoff coaching experience under his belt.