The Atlanta Hawks’ scoreboard animations brilliantly follow ‘NBA Jam’ rules

Around $200 million went into the renovation of the Atlanta Hawks’ home, State Farm Arena. And by all indications, the arena is pretty awesome.

There’s a TopGolf suite, a barbershop and a courtside lounge just beyond the baseline. But the addition of new videoboards throughout the arena gave the Hawks some flexibility to introduce the coolest animations to their in-game presentation.

There’s an actual “On Fire” setting — straight out of NBA Jam.

Really cool detail on the stat board here at the revamped State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Vince Carter has has made 3 shots in a row, so, by NBA Jam rules, he’s “on fire.” The animation stays behind his head shot until he misses. pic.twitter.com/8CZCfmf5Hq

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 13, 2019

During Tuesday’s game between the Hawks and Lakers, ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin pointed out the on-fire graphic behind Vince Carter. In NBA Jam, a player gets the “On Fire” boost after making three straight baskets. Carter had done that in Tuesday’s game, so per NBA Jam rules, he was “On Fire.”

The Hawks may be in a rebuild, but that animation detail is elite. Every NBA team should follow NBA Jam rules.

I also enjoyed that John Collins’ spot dabbed right after his basket was announced.