Hawks look to avoid northern exposure
After dispatching a tired Denver Nuggets team in fine fashion, the Atlanta Hawks head north for a couple more road games against Boston and New York.
Both teams present different challenges, despite what their altogether different records might indicate. But before we explore that idea, let’s quickly review the game against Denver. First of all, winning by 25 points is great. But as team captain Joe Johnson noted, that’s not the whole story. In a way, the Hawks did precisely what they were supposed to do (win the game), and nothing more. If you want to solidify the idea that you are a good team, then you are supposed to beat up on another team that is more road weary than you, and missing two starters to boot. The offense looked good for the most part, but there are still issues on defense. Giving up 100 points to a team that was missing 10 ppg from one guy, and potentially 19 ppg from another (J.R. Smith’s scoring average from last year)? Not good.
Moving on to New York and Boston. As stated earlier, both teams present a challenge to the Hawks. Now before you start snickering to yourself about the Knicks and their abysmal 1-8 record, you might want to remember a “weak” Sacramento squad that did not finally get put down until late in the fourth quarter. Then there was that Bobcats squad that stopped sniffling about their losing ways just long enough to hand us a beating similar to the one we gave Denver. Much as we may hate it, the Hawks have a way of playing down to opponents that they should be beating with ease. Why is that? Everybody has their own theories on the matter, but it’s the Hawks themselves who have to figure it out.
HAWKS vs. KNICKS
The Challenge
The Knicks like to run and shoot. Big surprise, with Mike D’Antoni at the reins. Outside of David Lee and Wilson Chandler, almost nobody is anywhere near serious about rebounding. And the defense? Did I mention Mike D’Antoni coaches this team? Suffice it to say that the Knicks are handing out about 10 more points per game than they are scoring. Of course, it’s kind of hard to outscore your opponent when you’re shooting 42% from the field for the season.
And that’s just it. A team can shoot horribly for several games, but all it takes is that one game where another team takes them lightly (at home, no less), and WHOOSH! They catch fire.
What you might remember
Nate Robinson coming off the bench to score 24 points in 24 minutes, in an eight point victory over the Hawks at “The Garden” on January 28th, 2009. Or Danilo Gallinari, Larry Hughes, Al Harrington, and Wilson Chandler each scoring 17 points or more in a four point victory over the Hawks on March 4th, 2009. Same place…Madison Square Garden. That’s right. The awful Knicks took us out both times, on their own homecourt. We need to change that tomorrow night.
These guys could be a problem
My nominations for game maker/breaker ended up in a three-way tie. I had a hard time not picking Wilson Chandler, even though his shooting percentage stinks right now. But the fact is, if that guy has to face a determined Joe Johnson or Marvin Williams, his shooting woes are only going to continue. So, I’m going with Nate Robinson, Danilo Gallinari, and Toney Douglas.
Why Gallinari? Simple. The Hawks have had trouble closing out on perimeter shooters. Gallinari lives on the perimeter, and right now he’s shooting a nicer percentage from beyond the arc (45.9%) than he is from the field overall (44.1%). He’s already taken 61 3s, and made 28 of them. Hey, that’s awful close to half of his 3 point attempts made. If we don’t close out on this guy, it’s going to hurt.
Nate Robinson? He’s a bit of an X-factor. Here’s another guy who is shooting horribly right now, but he has shown how explosive he can be in the past. If the Hawks aren’t playing with a high energy level, and Robinson begins to hit shots, watch out!
Toney Douglas? Now I know you’re shaking your head at this one. But once again, I have to point out the Hawks’ tendencies to not take a newer player in the league seriously enough until it’s too late. I’m glad we didn’t let Tyreke Evans beat us up (ask the Utah Jazz how it feels, he dropped 32 on them), but Toney Douglas is heating up right now. The Hawks can cool the athletic combo guard off with some stingy defense. Or, they can watch him continue to shoot over 50% from the field (and a dangerous 43.8% from the arc) and wonder what happened as he and Gallinari rains 3s all over the court.
I’ll say it one more time: The Knicks are a bad team. But they’re also a dangerous one.
HAWKS VS CELTICS
The Challenge
Just playing these guys is a challenge in and of itself. You’ll find out as a team just how tough you are, both physically and mentally, as well as how disciplined you are. Or how disciplined you’re not.
For the Hawks, it’s a challenge of finding out just how close or far they are from a member of the “Big Three”.
What you might remember
The 2007-2008 playoffs. And every game the Hawks have played against the Celtics since then. After the Hawks pushed them to 7 games in their first playoff series in over a decade, the Celtics have made sure the Hawks knew their place by beating them in every game since. That’s right. The Hawks have not beaten the Celtics since that playoff series. They brush off the Hawks (even when they need a last second shot to win the game) as “pretenders” or something other than a credible opponent. Ask Paul Pierce (grrrrrr…don’t get me started). The Hawks can’t have forgotten any of this. I know we as fans haven’t. Can the Hawks win a game against Boston? It may not even up the current tally, but it’s a step in the right direction, especially when we’re talking about improving the road record.
And scratch everything I ever said about the Celtics being the possible weakest link of the Big Three, allowing the Hawks to challenge for eastern conference top billing. Right now? They look like the strongest of the triumvirate.
These guys might be trouble
Take your pick. That’s the nasty thing about good teams, the Celtics in particular. There is not a guy in the starting five that you can slack off of. So instead of talking about who is the most dangerous, we’ll have to settle for which players present scenarios that could be the most trouble.
Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace. These two guys play with plenty of passion, skills, and smarts. Both can hit a jumper, though ‘Sheed is much more well known for drifting out to the arc for a few attempts. The problem is, he can hit them, even if his percentage isn’t pretty (34%). But that’s not really the issue. The issue here is that both guys will do what they can to get into the heads of Josh Smith and Al Horford. They’ll try to get both guys into foul trouble, and frustrate them on the offensive end as well. Horford is steadier in this area, but Josh is more mercurial.
And really, it all hinges on Josh. Horford will hold his own as long as he’s not in foul trouble, but he really needs Josh’s help. If Josh doesn’t play well, the Hawks will struggle mightily against the Celtics. In fact, it may not even be a struggle. That comprises the frontcourt angle, in my mind.
In the backcourt, it’s still a “pick your poison” situation. Ray Allen is doing decently, and we’ll need Joe Johnson to pick him up….leaving Rondo for Bibby. While the Hawks usually dial it up a couple notches for the Celtics, Rondo is doing as well as ever, playing his role better than some expected. Bibby isn’t the only one who will be tasked with guarding him. So will Jamal Crawford, and Jeff Teague, assuming he gets to take the floor in what should be a hotly contested game.
So there you have it. Two road games up north, and the Hawks need to avoid exposing themselves in both.
What do you think? Will Joe Smith be able to help the Hawks (and his younger frontcourt mates) deal with the Celtics’ vaunted front line? Will Jason Collins get to play? Do you expect the Hawks to split the road games, win one, or lose both?
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155 comments Add your comment
i_am_soulstar
November 10th, 2009
11:36 pm
win both
i_am_soulstar
November 10th, 2009
11:37 pm
oh and FIRST!
cp
November 10th, 2009
11:40 pm
I think Nate is still out due to injury. Ive watched the last few Knicks games and most of the players really don’t seem to care. They have been down at least 20 points in I think 6 of they games they have played so far. They rarely attack the basket, play no defense, and settle for jumpers all game. I think we can put them away early only if we don’t look past them in anticipation for Boston.
DJ
November 10th, 2009
11:47 pm
2nd!
I think they beat the knicks by 8. Jamal Crawford with 21. Al Horford with a big game, 17 and 16?
Against the Celtics, I think its going to be close but they beat us by 4. Paul Pierce is going to have a good game, as ususal against the hawks.
P.S: Maybe Paul is going to get his 10k
DJ
November 10th, 2009
11:48 pm
3rd >.< and * Al gets his 10k
Big Ray
November 10th, 2009
11:53 pm
DJ ,
Now why’d you have to go and say that? I am going to be grinding my teeth something fierce if that happens! : (
JSS
November 11th, 2009
12:04 am
Good luck to the Hawks on their sojourn… While I was away, did anyone mention that Hawks summer invitee Siler was the 1st pick by the D-League’s Utah team? http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_13725339
Have a great week!
Ramon
November 11th, 2009
12:53 am
I think they’ll beat the Knicks by 16 points. I see them being up by as many as 31 in the first half. And I think they will beat Boston by 6 in Boston. In Boston, expect Joe Smith to get 20 minutes of playing time. His shooting range will force Garnett/Sheed to have to come out of the paint and open the lane more for Crawford. Don’t be surprised to see a line up of Crawford/JJ/Smoove/Joe Smith/Horford for an extended amount of time.
Big Ray, in the Boston game, I see Perkins and House being the key to that game. If you can get Perkins into foul trouble, and close good on House, you take away the two most underrated factors of Boston’s team. The big three you expect to play well, but its Perkins and the bench who is normally the ones to be impacted the most by a high energy game at home. I’m sure you remember how Cassell made Mike Woodson look like Milton Bradley, when he finished playing with his backups.
KevinA
November 11th, 2009
2:08 am
The season is young and the sample set is still small but the Hawks seem better than last year and have more potential. We are certainly more versatile and deeper giving Woody more options.
ISO ego and jacking jumpers from the back court was my biggest concern when we signed Crawford. In my view Bibby and JJ had taken way to many shots last year. I didn’t see how signing Crawford would change that. Of course I was wrong about the impact that Jamal has made. He has been great and a welcome addition.
But my concern of balance still remains. We still take to many jumpers that come from one on one plays.
JJ and Crawford are off to a great start. Are we due for a crash? Career highs are just that. They are having career highs in FG%. Will ISO ego reign in the end with our back court? Or will we play balanced team ball and to a bigger extent get the rest of the team more involved.
Lets not forget Marvin, Evans, ZaZa and Joe Smith who are just as important over a long season. They need their touches and shot attempts in the scheme of unselfish ball movement. Being close to 30 assists is a good barometer.
We don’t win if Josh doesn’t defend. Interesting how we seem to get better ball rotation when Josh is scoring and defending. Interesting how Al and Josh have become assist machines with few turnovers. Interesting how JT and Jamal make everybody else look so slow.
We have the ability to win against anybody if egos are put aside. Look maybe egos is to tough a word, maybe style of play is better. Teams like the Nicks may allow the Hawks to make a few mistakes or at least more so than Boston but for the first time in years the Hawks control much of their destiny themselves against any team.
We still have yet to see the Hawks put it all together, and I understand these things take time. I had thought it might take till the end of next year or the year after. Adding Jamal and JT put my hopes on the fast track for this year. We have kinks and wrinkles to work out and 70 something games to do it. An exciting year, lets get-er-done.
i_am_soulstar
November 11th, 2009
2:33 am
Boston’s backcourt can’t guard Atlanta’s backcourt, and it certainly won’t get any easier with Crawford in the mix (most teams’ backcourts pale in comparison). But the opposite goes for their superior front court, which gives Atlanta problems in every single Hawks-Celtics game i can remember in recent history.
Al will likely be good ol’ dependable Al. Whether we get a W or not depends on whether good Josh or bad Josh shows up (God I just wish bad Josh would disappear into the abyss), and on Marvin showing up and doing a respectable job guarding Paul Pierce. I’m gonna break out the spell books and wish bad Josh away.
Plus my girl is a huge Celtics fan and she’s been talking trash about the Hawks since pre-season, so I need the bragging rights from this one!
i_am_soulstar
November 11th, 2009
2:36 am
And even if its an L (knock on wood), it’ll be a victory for me if Al gets his 10K (Pay up Pierce!!!!!)
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
4:22 am
Okay, please indulge a dummy. What is “10K”?
JSS
November 11th, 2009
5:18 am
Are they still talking about that “side bet” (wink wink) from the 2007 playoffs between Horford and Pierce?
Marcus
November 11th, 2009
6:52 am
This will be our test to see if we changed vs NYK. Those 2 losses last year to the Knicks (if I recall we had 2 similar lethargic losses @ a down CHA team last year and this year) were not good for a team looking to elevate itself. BOS, whole ‘nother story. Need to make a statement even if it is in a losing effort.
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
9:26 am
I would expect a crazy shoot out with NY, with the outcome anywhere from a big win for either team, with most highlights derived from the offensive/transition end of the game. But Boston could put a result on us that surpasses the Charlotte outcome,exposing our “out from nowhere” indifference for half-court defense, with Boston’s recently established nightly commitment to forcing their opponent to beg and claw for any offensive success, leaving the other squad exhausted, bruised, and maybe feeling lucky for whatever small victories they wish to take credit for, along the way to a 20-loss.
This Boston game, unless it staunchly contradicts my concerns for a negativeoutcome, in the form of a low-scoring brawl, will instead validate that Atlanta’s early-season offensive production and concurrently unprecedentedly high PPG given to just about any opponent willing to engage in a fast-paced, 48-minute offensive battle-royal, is merely a pre-cursor for, at worst, the need for massive adjustments in defensive priority and the need to control an increasingly out-of-control offense pace, and, at best, the recognition that even if the Hawks are executing this historically “Western Conference” offensive style, they are doing so to middling success, and failing to accurately mimic the designated teams they would seek to copycat.
Get into a D’Antoni-style pace, against NY, then to be viewed as successful, you have to come away with a 20+ point win. Take on the Celtics, then you have to force their defense into a performance where they give up15-20 points more than a typical defensive night, AND the Hawks defense turns in a reciprocal performance, holding the Celtics well below their nightly offensive average. Have one without the other, and a double-digit loss will be the result. Have both, and the loss could cross the 20-point margin. Somehow over-perform, based on early season results, on both ends, and Atlanta could eak out a tight win.
MannyT
November 11th, 2009
9:33 am
Nate Robinson is not the X-factor. He sprained his ankle 6 games ago vs. Philly. He has not played since. As for the dangerous team thing, you are very correct. In the game where Robinson got hurt, they were getting blown out early in the 4th quarter (down 17). Gallinari & Harrington kept knocking down shots while Chandler & Hughes did most of the defensive work and brought them back. They made it to overtime and ran out of gas. The Knicks can get on a roll and make things difficult.
As for the Celtics, they look strong now because it is early in the season. Let’s see if you say the same thing in April. Age matters.
However, they do have our number. Hopefully the new look Hawks can make something happen. Crawford should be a problem for their backcourt. We need to show some creativity, like Marvin on Wallace to contest that 3 point shot. (Josh needs to stick closer to the basket on defense.)
We could win both which would make a great statement to the league, but we have to win the NY game unless you want all the teams below us to have too much hope when we go into their arenas.
BWAF
Today’s Celtics Links 11/11 « Flceltsfan’s Weblog
November 11th, 2009
9:43 am
[...] Warriors anxious to part ways with Jackson SL Trib Jazz: D-Will, Price sidelined? – AJC Hawks look to avoid northern exposure Deseret News Jazz have a problem at point Utah Jazz notes: Zone D giving shooterless Jazz [...]
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
9:45 am
Actually, that 9:26 post was HB Ando’s post, one that he sent me via e-mail.
Consider those his words…because they are.
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
9:46 am
Ok, so Nate Robinson is hurt. That’s what I get for not paying attention to the Knicks. Which is normal for me…I can’t stand ‘em….
MannyT
November 11th, 2009
10:47 am
Ray, I was only on top of this because Nate’s on my Sekou’s Bloggers Fantasy Hoops team. I just hope the Hawks don’t get overwhelmed by NY distractions. I’m guessing that the team was up there last night.
While I would not encourage getting into the Knicks, low defense, all offense game, the Hawks should be able to handle them. Charlotte is always a tough game for us, but NY is just not that good. Marvin should abuse Gallinari. His defense is bad. Watch his feet, they are as uninspired on defense as they are active on offense.
Have you put Ando on a word limit? Post was brief for him
BWAF
vava74
November 11th, 2009
10:58 am
I think we should pace ourselves against the Knicks, grinding them on defense and not enter into a running game with them.
If we run too much against the Knicks we would, by default, lose focus on defense and on offense we could stop executing and sharing the rock as we should.
Also, we should save our running legs to play the Celtics in order to try to get their aging skeletons tired early trying to stop our explosiveness.
If we play too slow with the Celtics we will run into their web… Obviously, this does not mean that we should launch quick shots, merely that we should try to be very tight on defense and get good outlet passes and get some points on the break.
vava74
November 11th, 2009
10:59 am
would » will
Dawg
November 11th, 2009
11:11 am
The most difficult this with playing Boston (or Cleveland or LA) is the FACT that if the game is close, those NBA refs are going to give those team every call down the stretch. The NBA refs have no credibility to me. Lebron took 5 steps is a close game the other day and there was no call. He looked clumsy as heck yet no walking call. Pierce get similar calls.
We need to let JT and JC run those old Celtics and wear them down.
BBgenie
November 11th, 2009
12:44 pm
Hawks will be 8-2 by Monday morning.
KevinA
November 11th, 2009
1:47 pm
Crawford with the starters should be able to out defend and run with any Nick rotation. Josh plays his best defense in a helter skelter game. We just need to attack the basket and make the Nicks defend. No need to let their defense off the hook by taking a bunch of jump shots.
Wink
November 11th, 2009
2:37 pm
Ray
Game one against the Knicks, will play out as usual. I agree the Hawks will play down to the competition. They will see that record 1-8, mentally accept that they have to take this team seriously. The end result will be our starters will put us in an early hole in the first few minutes of the opening quarter. Then we will start playing catchup the rest of the way. Pull with in range going into half & did the hole again in the early part of 3rd quarter. We will find ourselves in another game like the Kings game, which we will win, but does not show the killer instinct we put on the Nuggets…go figure…that’s our team.
The second game against the C’s will be competitive, but this one will get blown by Woody. As Rondo will be the torch bearer & Woody want deploy Teague to get in front of this guy. Woody also will not play Collins & limited minutes for Joe Smith. This game with the C’s is why these guys are on the roster. This is the game where they should make a difference, or else we should have kept Siler & Sims as projects to develope. He will depend to much on Crawford to make the difference…the effort will be there, end result…another one in the loss column.
The record will be 1 & 1 on this trip, but we will be exposed for the “Wanna Be’s” against Knicks and the “Pre-Tenders” against Boston.
Alien in ATL
November 11th, 2009
3:26 pm
I am following the different blogs here for quite a while now and some of you are realy freeky! So loosing to a red hot Boston team would be a disgrace? Oh please! I agree that the least we should expect is to see a game, an over-the-normal team effort and preferably no 3rd quarter meltdown like we had against LA. But we are playing one of the top NBA teams, people! Let’s be real. How many teams have already been blown away by these Celtics? And be assured they still haven’t forgotten the ‘07/08 play-offs neither! And stop blaming Woodson for every single mistake his players make. They are the “actors on the scene”! If they screw up, all he can do is talk / yell at them during and after the game. But if they are thinking more about their bank account than about the game…
Alien in ATL
November 11th, 2009
3:31 pm
I wish we could win both games (and who knows?), but a 1-1 road trip result is the more realistic expectation and should not be taken in shame.
Alien in ATL
November 11th, 2009
3:51 pm
A lot will depend on how much the refereeing will favor the C’s. If the Hawks have to play against 8 instead of 5, as usually happens when we play against those teams, our wings will quickly be cut very short!
Melvin
November 11th, 2009
4:08 pm
These next two games present two totally different challenges. Against the Knicks, the Hawks will have to choose their running opportunities and play inside/out basketball to avoid a track meet. The quicker the pace the better chance for the Knicks (which is the lesser team) to be competitive.
As for the Celtics, we definitely have to pick up the tempo. We need to run at all cost, to limit the Celtics the opportunity to set up their half court defense. There’s not a team better than the Celtics in the league when it comes to playing defense. If the Hawks could dictate the style of play in both games then they should have a good chance at winning each.
The Hawksta
November 11th, 2009
4:37 pm
Ha! Ha! An HB Ando siting! Now that I finally figured out where this blog was I’m anxious to be a part of the group once again. I ask Big Ray in a previous Sekou blog whether he was still in the blog game no answer. Yet I read post later on in the same blog where you mention you were still tapping the keys!
May the force be with the Hawks tonight! By the way Ray, I gave the new Ken S a warm welcome for you(lol)!
i_am_soulstar
November 11th, 2009
4:42 pm
Big Ray,
The $10,000 Pierce supposedly owes Horford from their side bet in 2007-2008 playoffs. (According to Al, Pierce bet him the Hawks wouldn’t win one game in that series, and Al still hasn’t seen a dime of that money)
i_am_soulstar
November 11th, 2009
5:00 pm
just a thought.. Stephen Jackson for Marvin Williams and Jason Collins anyone?
KevinA
November 11th, 2009
5:13 pm
Marvin for David Lee – maybe – Jackson – no way
MitchC
November 11th, 2009
5:56 pm
Tonight’s game will tell what kind of team the Hawks may be this season. While the Knicks are one of the worst teams in the NBA so far this year, this is still “The Garden”, the biggest stage in the NBA. The bloggers, and the writers, have talked about the Hawks needing to be a 500 team on the road, to be considered serious contenders this year. Tonight’s game is a very winnable game, and the Hawks can’t use “tired” as an excuse, as they havent played since Saturday.
Boston is still Boston, 7-1. That game will probably be very, very tough.
What I’m hoping: A win over the Knicks tonight, and, at least a good game in Boston on Friday, whatever happens.
Tonight is an early season test for us. A win would go a long way toward showing we can win the games we are supposed to on the road, to achieve the 500 road record we need to become serious title contenders.
The Hawksta
November 11th, 2009
7:11 pm
I was very impressed with the Hawks back to back road wins on consecutive nights. I’d love the see the stats on the last time we accomplished that? Don’t remember seeing any post on it
The Hawksta
November 11th, 2009
7:13 pm
Also I expect Josh to have is best point total of the season. He kills smaller line ups. Plus with the Knicks run and gun style he should be able to raise the roof in the Garden.
KevinA
November 11th, 2009
7:23 pm
The Hawksta,
Thats how I look at it.
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
7:36 pm
MannyT ,
I welcome any corrections or added info that I didn’t include. I had to laugh at myself on that one though, because in a prior blog, I knew that Denver’s JR Smith wouldn’t be playing, because he was still serving a suspension. You can tell who I’m paying attention to, and who I’m not, LOL. Also, I think you’re correct about the Knicks. The only thing I don’t like is that we allowed them to handle us both times at MSG last year. Not acceptable.
Dawg ,
I hate to get into conspiracy theory type stuff, but you are right about the refs. And it really bites.
Soulstar ,
Thanks for the info. I really was lost on that one.
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
7:52 pm
Now see, here we go already …didn’t I say Gallinari and Douglas could be a problem? How many good looks will they get before we put a stop to it?
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
7:57 pm
Guess it’s the Mike & Josh show for now. Nobody else is scoring.
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
7:57 pm
Spoke too soon, Joe with two free throws.
Wabe
November 11th, 2009
8:06 pm
Again, the switching defense is giving the Knicks some easy buckets inside.
Jefferies gets a layup with Joe on him.
Harrington gets a bucket and 1 with Crawford on him.
Wabe
November 11th, 2009
8:18 pm
Wow.
What is up with the Hawks tonite?
Coming off a 4 day break, rust?
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
8:26 pm
Don’t know, Wabe .
What’s with Joe? Player of the Week, now this: 1-7 shooting and three turnovers. Dude isn’t getting anything done.
Don’t get me started on the switching defense….
O'Brien
November 11th, 2009
8:39 pm
When will Woody learn that for whatever reason, the switching defense is not working like he thinks it will.
We already lost 1 road game to Charlotte (maybe we were tired), so I hope we dont lose to the 1-8 Knicks (we’ve been off for 4 days).
If the Hawks lose this game, I wonder what Joe Johnson will say to the media…
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
8:40 pm
Don’t know what’s happened to Marvin. He was consistently a guy who could get you 12-14 points and 5 boards a game, along with some decent defense.
Here lately, he’s stunk it up, and Mo Evans has done better than him on both ends of the court.
Questions: Where was Teague, and WHY didn’t Crawford get more minutes?
Wabe
November 11th, 2009
8:40 pm
As bad as this half was, I guess I’m happy with a 7 point deficit at halftime.
Whoever mentioned that the Hawks would play down to the Knicks level, props on the prediction.
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
8:40 pm
O’brien ,
I think you just said what many of us were thinking…
Wabe
November 11th, 2009
8:41 pm
Don’t get me wrong, we should be stomping this 1 win team. But, with the way this half was going, you’ve got to be happy that the Hawks deficit is only at 7 and not at 15.
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
8:42 pm
Wabe ,
I was one of several. Wink was another. Not proud of the prediction….
Hawksta ,
I appreciate it, my man!
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
8:44 pm
I agree. It took a Mo Evans buzzer beater to get us that close. I don’t like the way this is going, even so. We have to clamp down on defense. The only way we’re going to do that is by reverting back to man-to-man.
D’Antoni has to be licking his chops at the prospect of another half of basketball, involving this frakkin’ stupid switch defense…
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
9:04 pm
I don’t understand what is up with some of these guys tonight.
Horford should be flat-out beating the Knicks up. Instead, he’s 2-8 from the field and has 5 rebounds, which is okay , as it puts him on pace for another 10 rebound night. But it’s not exactly impressive. I can’t complain too much, he’s outperforming David Lee in this category. But the shots…he has to do better.
Joe is not playing well. There’s no other way to paint that one. Four turnovers (twice as many as anybody else on the team), forced shots, missed shots, bad posture. What gives?
Mo Evans has been quite a boost off the bench. We definitely weren’t seeing as much of this last year. Then again, we weren’t needing it as much either…ahem… MARVIN ….
Why the devil has Joe played 22 minutes already?????!
Wabe
November 11th, 2009
9:14 pm
Finally.
O'Brien
November 11th, 2009
9:18 pm
1) Marvin Williams: 2 pts, 3 rebounds. Where is Rod?
2) Teague has not played tonight. No surprise, since the team has been trailing most of the game.
3) Dont be surprised if JJ, Josh, Al and Bibby all play 38 minutes, so we better win this game.
Melvin
November 11th, 2009
9:21 pm
Woody has gotten nervous again and shorten the rotation. No Teague so far tonight…
O'Brien
November 11th, 2009
9:29 pm
I really hate the way JJ is pounding the ball. He keeps it so long that by the time he passes it, the shot clock is at 10 seconds. I like the way Crawford passes it earlier in the shot clock, so we can make a couple more passes.
That being said, the Hawks were able to whether the storm, so lets finish strong.
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
9:29 pm
Al is on it, man. He is flat-out ON it.
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
9:30 pm
O’brien ,
I have to co-sign that post. All of it.
Wabe
November 11th, 2009
9:32 pm
JJ + AL came alive here in the 2nd half.
Toney Douglas is pretty good.
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
9:34 pm
JJ, why ignore a wide open Evans on the wing, while driving into two defenders? Why???
On another note, I’m impressed with his rebounding. It’s not what we look for from him the most, but it always helps.
Meanwhile, Big Al is delivering better than FedEx and UPS combined…
Jamal Crawford's Defense
November 11th, 2009
9:34 pm
[Fatal System Error: Does not exist]
Melvin
November 11th, 2009
9:38 pm
It doesnt make any sense how Woody rides his starters into the dirt. Better yet, the infirmary…
Joe Johnson's Ability To Share
November 11th, 2009
9:39 pm
[Fatal System Error: Does not exist]
Melvin
November 11th, 2009
9:43 pm
Does Cylde Frazier want to be a rapper or a commentator? He puts the color in color analyst….dahhhh
Melvin
November 11th, 2009
9:43 pm
*Clyde Frazier
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
9:43 pm
Melvin ,
No, it doesn’t. Heh….
Josh and Al beasting all over these guys. I love the way our frontcourt is playing, but tomorrow presents a greater challenge….
Melvin
November 11th, 2009
9:49 pm
My goodness the Knicks announcers are riding Joe. Every time he touches it they are referring back to his comments about playing unselfish. And dont let him dribble more than 3 times, thats cause for even more bashing…
Melvin
November 11th, 2009
9:50 pm
Oh my, Woody is going to allow Joe to rest the last 1:51 of the game.
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
9:51 pm
Oh look. Joe gets a break after playing 44 f’in minutes. And we have a bigger game tomorrow, followed by another one after that.
Meanwhile Teague gets the gift of 1 min, 30 secs from Woody.
Brilliance at work…
Jamal Crawford's Ability to Share
November 11th, 2009
9:53 pm
[Fatal System Error: Also does not exist]
At least JJ plays defense and rebounds. Take it from a Knick fan – good riddance.
Melvin
November 11th, 2009
9:53 pm
Yes sir Big Ray they did their thing tonight. Joe, Bibby and Crawford came up big in the 2nd as well…. We dont want to omit anybody (u know what i mean)…. Heck, I thing Clyde just gave the team some credit after bashing them the 1st 40 mins of the game….
Melvin
November 11th, 2009
9:56 pm
All the starters are in double figures except for Marvin… People get ready to duck b/c Rod is coming in full blast and taking no prisoners on Marvin lack of point production…. dahhh
O'Brien
November 11th, 2009
9:58 pm
Ray, The Boston game is Friday night, so hopefully JJ will be well rested by then. But Woody is still riding him hard. JJ played 44 minutes tonight. In 8 games, this will be his second time playing 44 minutes.
That being said, good win for the Hawks. (But we cant afford to fall behind early in Boston).
Jamal Crawford's Ability to Share
November 11th, 2009
10:00 pm
You will find out next year when Johnson comes here to a real team with a real coach who gets his team actually pass and you are stuck with Crawford, Bibby and Marvin BUST Williams. Crawford is a joke if you are asking him to be the leader in anytihng.
junebaby
November 11th, 2009
10:09 pm
i think a lot of the time we worry about the wrong things. in my case i dont care if the hawks give up 120 ppg. as long as they score 121ppg. the object is to finish the game with the most points. the talent level in the nba is not that far apart. there are some tremendously talented players out there, even on the weakest teams. kg, lbj, dw, kb, ca, etc. are being paid gigadollars(if money equals talent), so you would think, they should be blowing every other team out, if only because of their talented teams, but their teams average no more that 10 ppg more than the weakest clubs. so, i could care less if the hawks dont beat everyone by 25 points. if they could make it to the nba finals playing just well enough to win, i could care less.
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
10:12 pm
I hate the way we’re defending. It’s a combination of guys not doing what they need to do, and this truly awful switch defense concept. I’m leaning more towards the concept, and the team’s inability to communicate within it, but we’re only 8 games into the season, so maybe we should be patient. Or maybe not….
Love the way Big Al and Josh stepped it up and hammered the Knicks. Josh had it going early while Al didn’t, but amazingly, they kept going to Al in the second half (something we didn’t see last year at all) and he came through. Not much bad I can say about either guy. They botched some defensive assignments, but see my thoughts on that above. They pretty much saved the game for us…..along with…
Mike Bibby. Major kudos to him. Very good shooting (nothing forced or out of rhythm), great passing. I’ll take 19 points and 9 assists any day.
Mo Evans, as mentioned before…a good boost off the bench. He definitely deserved the minutes he got. Jamal Crawford, on the other hand, was “okay.” Took some shots that he could’ve made better decisions on, and didn’t play good defense at all. Must’ve had a sense of Deja Vu, playing in MSG…
Nobody else on the bench got significant time, which bugs me. Shortening your rotation against the Knicks…uhhhh….nevermind.
As for Marvin, he disappointed. Badly. Didn’t deserve the 20/21 minutes he got. Played bad on both ends. Bleh….
Joe got close to his scoring average, but he took the long/hard road to it. Dude was struggling in a number of ways, though he shows the innate ability to hit at least one shot per game with a level of “degree of difficulty” that most players will never reach. As mentioned before, he was active on the boards, which always helps. He will have to play MUCH better than this if we are to have a shot at beating Boston tomorrow. It looks like he’s having some adjustment issues out there. With other guys playing well, his forced offense is perplexing.
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
10:18 pm
Jamal Crawford’s Ability to Share ,
You’re right. A real team. With a real coach. With a real record of 1-8. Yep, ol’ Joe can’t wait to leave 6-2 for 1-8.
Uh, by the way. If you think we are asking Jamal to lead us, then kindly explain why we are deploying him from the bench . I’ll wait….
Melvin
November 11th, 2009
10:19 pm
Big Ray,
Good game summary. Keep in mind they play Boston on Friday so the starter better ice their legs tomorrow and get plenty of room service..
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
10:20 pm
Melvin ,
Hah, I know exactly what you mean…lol..
O’brien ,
Thanks for the correction, I got wrapped around the axle about JJ’s minutes and forgot that game isn’t til then.
O'Brien
November 11th, 2009
10:21 pm
Cavs leading Orlando by 20 (in Orlando). I did not see that coming.
Ray, cosign your 10:12 post. And I am really disappointed in Marvin so far this season. I hate to say this, and I know its only 8 games, but is this what we paid $7.5 mil for (plus 4 more seasons after this)? 9.6 ppg and 5 rpg? I’m surprised we havent heard from Rod on here…
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
10:22 pm
Thanks, Melvin . Although, the Hawks better be careful what kind of “room service” they get….heh heh heh..
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
10:28 pm
O’brien ,
Agreed. Marvin isn’t playing up to last year’s standards. As for our resident Anti-Marvin advocate, well…it’s just a matter of time, I’m sure.
He gets to say “I told you so” for now, and for as long as this continues. It will be kinda like it is with Clyde…eventually you get used to it and it becomes background noise.
Here’s the good news: Marvin’s contract is not at all bad, and he’s obviously tradeable. Don’t know when he’s eligible for a trade, but his contract isn’t something that should be very hard to move, if it comes to that. Having said that, it’s 8 games into the season. I wouldn’t trade anybody just yet, unless one heck of a tempting offer came along.
About atlanta, hawks, york, knicks - Find me About
November 11th, 2009
10:37 pm
[...] After dispatching a tired Denver Nuggets team in fine fashion, the AtlantaHawks head north for a couple more road games against Boston and New York. Both teams present different challenges, despite what their altogether different records might …Read Original Story: Hawks look to avoid northern exposure – Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
MannyT
November 12th, 2009
12:02 am
Ray, I think the NBA is trying to help you as you blog and watch games on TV.
http://www.nba.com/2009/news/11/11/tv.companion.ap/index.html
BWAF
Rod from College Park
November 12th, 2009
12:46 am
O’Brien,
Hate to say I told you so, but I did. You guys keep waiting on him. Good luck.
Ed
November 12th, 2009
1:12 am
Th ole Woody is definitely back…his management of players and his bench is just awful. We are playing the might Knicks and he runs certain players in the ground and ignores Teague & Joe Smith among others .Woodrow coaches as if he’s in a rec league and has already lost focus on the year in its entirety.
About horford, knicks, hawks, wednesday, al, york, atlanta - Find me About
November 12th, 2009
1:34 am
[...] After dispatching a tired Denver Nuggets team in fine fashion, the AtlantaHawks head north for a couple more road games against Boston and New York. Both teams present different challenges, despite what their altogether different records might …Read Original Story: Hawks look to avoid northern exposure – Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
KevinA
November 12th, 2009
1:47 am
Big Ray
November 11th, 2009
10:28 pm
Marvin’s contract is not at all bad, and he’s obviously tradeable. Don’t know when he’s eligible for a trade, but his contract isn’t something that should be very hard to move, if it comes to that. Having said that, it’s 8 games into the season. I wouldn’t trade anybody just yet, unless one heck of a tempting offer came along.
Slow down folks. Marvin is a keeper. Lets review at 40 games. To be real what game count is there at the trade deadline.
KevinA
November 12th, 2009
1:52 am
I do not have tvo. i cannot replay every marvin defensive play. Ya’ll talking or have you done the research. Is he mid pack – bad good or what – points mean nothing in a Hawks offense with JJ taking the lead. if he was off the bench with Jamal would he get better attempts and more of them?. Alot to consider.
doc
November 12th, 2009
2:04 am
anybody seen any dark hole hatas around here?
About mike, knicks, hawks, douglas, d’antoni, york, half, atlanta - Find me About
November 12th, 2009
6:34 am
[...] After dispatching a tired Denver Nuggets team in fine fashion, the AtlantaHawks head north for a couple more road games against Boston and New York. Both teams present different challenges, despite what their altogether different records might …Read Original Story: Hawks look to avoid northern exposure – Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Melvin
November 12th, 2009
7:31 am
Watch it doc… heh,heh
Big Ray
November 12th, 2009
8:05 am
Doc ……….
doc
November 12th, 2009
9:38 am
good to know we have somewhat of an arsenal when some guys are not on, we have others to go to. hasnt that been what we have wanted all along. want to see how our growing big guys do against the combo class of the east at boston. hope we dont get wiped like in days of old and show some spunk or joe and zaza have something off the bench if needed. we have to begin to see that kind of studmanship from these guys. big difference in knicks and c’s down under …. oceans apart …. like comparing the land mass of the downunders, new zealand and australia.
not too worried about time since there is a day to catch up and recover and early in the season. dont want gimmes to get away from us at any time after the charlotte debacle. sorry clock watchers, just dont.
jlewis
November 12th, 2009
11:09 am
Big Ray
Great insight into the team. I have a few comments beginning with the chemistry on this team, they are winning but it’s not right and it will manifest itself soon. Jamal Crawford is a scorer, but he does it at the expense of everyone else, he looks for himself first, they only get shots he turns down, which are usually bad, he is a taller Stephon Marbury. Josh Smith is still immature, that’s not Woody’s fault, he has his money, play defense, rebound, block shots and the accolades will take care of itself. People, you need to appreciate JJ, as far as guards go, you have D-Wade, Kobe, who is better? NBA coaches regard him highly, you’ll miss him just like Phoenix did when he’s gone, not too many guys with that size and ability.
They need to get the selfishness out or it will be a long season. Oh yeah, play Teague, he is a serious baller.
Alien in ATL
November 12th, 2009
11:16 am
Woody did what (he felt) was necessary to win the game. For a lot of you, not much he can do right, can he? If he looses the game, he’s a bad coach because he made bad choices. If he wins a game, he’s a bad coach because he didn’t rotate enough. What a bunch of sour fans are you guys?! Be happy our team won a difficult game (not easy to get loaded against a weak opponent in an impressing setting)! Didn’t JJ himself say he wants and needs a lot of minutes? So what are you complainers nagging about?
Jamal Crawford's Ability to Share
November 12th, 2009
4:33 pm
Yo BIG RAY. I admit the Knicks SUCK right now but the Hawks have SUCKED since before my gramma was born. Everyone knows the Knicks are just sitting back and waiting until this coming summer when we’ll get JJ and one of the other BALLERS next summer. Those are guys who are going to want to come to a REAL city.
[Atlanta's Pollution: Found easily]
[Atlanta's Traffic: Found easily]
[Atlanta's Subway System: DOES NOT EXIST]
Atlanta’s Appeal to People With a Brain – FATAL SYSTEM ERROR: DOES NOT EXIST.]
Melvin
November 12th, 2009
4:57 pm
Why do Hawks bashers hang out on a Hawks website is beyond me. Oh well, whatever makes you feel better….
O'Brien
November 12th, 2009
8:36 pm
How do you guys feel about Scott being fired by NO, after only 9 games.
I’ve always liked Scott as a coach, and when Phil Jackson retires, I think he will be on the Lakers list of possible candidates. I think New Orleans did him wrong by firing him this early…