No news = good news?
You can bet Matt Harpring, Jerry Sloan and the Jazz will be ready to go against the Hawks tonight at Philips Arena.
HAWKSVILLE – The status of Hawks starting small forward Marvin Williams hasn’t changed since yesterday. He’s still sidelined indefinitely with a lower back injury that could ultimately cost him the rest of this season.
But as of game time Wednesday night at Philips Arena, Williams and the Hawks are still awaiting word from specialists at Duke University before they announce any further information. It still sounds like it’ll be the end of the week, and perhaps even a bit later, before anything certain comes to light in regards to Williams.
What should be a heck of game is being overshadowed by the ongoing story surrounding Williams. The Jazz showed up tonight sporting a 12-game win-streak, the NBA’s longest current streak of the kind.
These two teams also have some interesting bad blood leftover from a couple weeks back, when Josh Smith whacked former Marist and Georgia Tech star Matt Harpring on a hard foul and was ejected from the game the Hawks lost in Utah Feb. 23.
Smith promised before the game that anything that happened that night was in the past. I’ll bet the Jazz coaches reminded Harpring and everyone else in their locker room about what went down. Those are the sorts of things that a hard-nosed bunch like the Jazz won’t forget.
They’ll be ready to rumble. So the Hawks better be as well.
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427 comments Add your comment
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
7:13 pm
Joe Johnson makes the 1st 2 shots of the game and that qualifies him as being Hot according to Dominique….
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
7:16 pm
I like the Hawks intensity level to start the game….
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
7:24 pm
Mo Evans is not a elite defensive player…
niremetal
March 11th, 2009
7:29 pm
Whoa! A Mario sighting in the first quarter. Smart move by Woody to get him in there to be a perimeter pest.
terrell barron
March 11th, 2009
7:32 pm
Mario in the 1st qtr? Wow!!
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
7:32 pm
AC had a good game against the Hornets Monday nite and how does Woodson reward him the next game. He put Mario West in the game after Bibby get 2 quick fouls in the first quarter…
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
7:33 pm
does anyone have a reasonable explanation as to why mario west isn’t getting at least 10 minutes of burn a game? the guy is all over the place. how many games have the hawks been lethargic as hell and west not get off the bench? damn!
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
7:34 pm
wooooooooooooooooooo…!!!
GRACIOUS MARIO!!!!
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
7:34 pm
My Gosh, Mario came down from the Rafters to Slam that one…
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
7:34 pm
boom-shacka-lacka! mario west!
Sekou K. Smith
March 11th, 2009
7:35 pm
Mario is like a 6-4 shot of pure NRG! Dude is nuts. But you have to love it.
ValdostaMike
March 11th, 2009
7:35 pm
Mario and AC in early
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
7:36 pm
Maybe we can give Mario, Mo Evans mins. Because Mo ain’t give us nothing….
Sekou K. Smith
March 11th, 2009
7:36 pm
I’m tired watching Rio. Seriously, he ought to be the star of a “how to play hard in the NBA” video that’s distributed to every team.
terrell barron
March 11th, 2009
7:37 pm
Why does it take an injury for Woody to play his BENCH??????
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
7:39 pm
I think Mario is really Sky Hawk….
Jamal
March 11th, 2009
7:40 pm
zaza sucks
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
7:41 pm
Maybe outside of Okur, Utah bigs are too quick for ZaZa….
terrell barron
March 11th, 2009
7:42 pm
Give the ball to the pg Josh Smith!
ValdostaMike
March 11th, 2009
7:43 pm
He should never dribble
ValdostaMike
March 11th, 2009
7:43 pm
Josh in not the point, he’s the shooting guard
ValdostaMike
March 11th, 2009
7:44 pm
Big Al is our only rebounder
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
7:45 pm
mario west!
Jamal
March 11th, 2009
7:46 pm
did everybody hear the crowd when Josh was dribblin the ball. They were like wth f.uck is wrong with him.
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
7:46 pm
ID RATHER SEE MARIO WEST THAN MOE EVANS…!!! BETTER REBOUNDER AND DEFENDER…!!!
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
7:49 pm
YOU GOTTA ROOT FOR GUYS LIKE WEST… HARD WORK… HUSTLE… AND COACHABLE…!!!
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
7:51 pm
LETS SEE A LITTLE SOLO….
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
7:51 pm
ZaZa the theif….
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
7:51 pm
BUT IM LIKING THE ROTATION
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
7:52 pm
Dang. Bibby ain’t in the game 5 secs before his guy score on him…
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
7:53 pm
Joe Johnson is on Fire…
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
7:54 pm
i missed the Williams crossover who did he cross?
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
7:54 pm
he’s made the shots, but joe johnson is forcing some pretty tough shots … and he and bibby are getting abused by d. williams.
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
7:55 pm
When will Bibby show some toughness by going to Woody and demanding that he should guard the other team PG for at least one possession…
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
7:55 pm
bigdave – that’d be jj
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
7:56 pm
Chuck, Bibby hadn’t guard the other team PG all year….
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
7:56 pm
ohhhh doctor! that was pretty.
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
7:57 pm
Nice lob from Bibby to Josh…
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
7:59 pm
Hawks looks much better when they play uptempo….
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
7:59 pm
Joe Back!!! Jigga!!!!
Kill em wit d flow… Kill em wit d flow!!!
terrell barron
March 11th, 2009
7:59 pm
Joe Johnson is on FIRE!!!!!
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
8:00 pm
I have to catch my breathe. The last 2mins has been end to end basketball. Very exciting game…
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
8:00 pm
Melvin…
they hide Bibby cause he cant guard the opposing pg…
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
8:00 pm
i would hate to be in the utah locker room at halftime because jerry sloan is going to be ripping the jazz a new one …
Blast
March 11th, 2009
8:01 pm
Joe Johnson is back!! Hawks are balling!! Go Hawks Go!!!
Big Ray
March 11th, 2009
8:01 pm
Nice pass from Josh….must’ve been lucky. You know he’s dumb and all….
The old Joe is still around, and it’s beautiful to watch. Just score, Joe. Let the other guys handle the ball and what not. Do yo thang.
Hey Samuel, I’m surprised ol “COY” let Mario into the game this early, and for this long.
What, was he “saving him for the stretch run” like he was Acie?
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
8:03 pm
the Hawks are playing at a high level on both sides of the floor right now… this is the chemistry that got us 6-0 out the gate… Joe anchoring the offensive attack, and good high effort rotating defense…
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
8:04 pm
look at Mario like a damn Cornerback…!!! he should play for the boys in black too…
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
8:04 pm
Why dont we put Mario on D.Williams. Let JJ conserve his energy on Def..
The Hawksta
March 11th, 2009
8:04 pm
Been a long time fellas! You know I read the blogs everyday. Hawks are playing great! Joe’s looking real fresh. It’s amazing how much better you look once your confidence get’s back up. This bench rotation is off the charts for the new coach. Shoulda fired Woody a long time ago! (lol)!
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
8:06 pm
Good half by the Hawks…
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
8:07 pm
MORE MARIO!!!!!
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
8:09 pm
melvin – dead-on on mario on d. williams. mario can guard the slow-footed pg’s around the league. although i’ll be honest, i still miss the pressure d that royal ivey could put on the ball. i hope sund is watching this game. while the jazz are playing about as bad as they could and the hawks have hit a lot of jumpers, the flow of the game is much better for the hawks when they play at a frantic pace like tonight.
Blast
March 11th, 2009
8:11 pm
This is the old Joe we all know and like. He’s basically scored his season average by halftime.
Josh is balling.
Mario needs to play more.
If the Hawks win this game, then they have earned the bragging rights of NBA’s Streak Stoppers. They snapped Detroit’s 4 game win streak, snapped the Hornets 7 game win streak, now they have another shot tonight. I never thought they would beat Utah here tonight, but the Hawks are making it look easy. We still have one half of bball to play, so it’s not over until it’s over, but I’m loving the Hawks right now.
cp
March 11th, 2009
8:12 pm
Great first half. Joe has found his game…. The bench came in and played well. Mario is showing why he should get at least a few minutes every game. Evans continues to do nothing…. Like Melvin said, let Mario guard Deron so Joe wont extend all his energy trying to keep up with him….. It really ain’t much to complain about other than the terrible free throw shooting, giving up some easy boards, and how Milsap was owning Pachulia… Hopefully they come out in the second half with the same type of energy and don’t try and slow the game down.
mississippi
March 11th, 2009
8:12 pm
this is the team that we need to see every night. The rotation is great, m.west and acie are both doing what people have said they could do. I haven’t seen enough games, many on radio, to talk about what m.evans brings on a nightly basis that doesn’t show in the stat line, but it sure seems like m.west could guard some of the smaller SF in the league and back up pg. Let Flip be the back up shooting guard. We have a team.
The Hawksta
March 11th, 2009
8:14 pm
This game is the opposite of the one we played in Utah! Just keep the defense up and we got these guys! Same rotation in the second half too. Mario is giving Utah fits!
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
8:14 pm
Hopefully the Hawks can put their foot on the Jazz necks in the 3rd qtr. But I won’t count the Jazz out b/c Sloan is a very savvy coach…
Chuck, I think AC can play def better than Ivey. Notice how D.Williams was not getting into the lane when AC guarded him…
KevinA
March 11th, 2009
8:15 pm
Mario ought to play with energy. Been resting all season. How many other sleepers are on the bench with plenty of rest? JJ needs some bench time so he can close the game. How about a Hunter sighting. Solo could use 5 min. Fun first half.
KevinA
March 11th, 2009
8:16 pm
Bibby could use a couple of 10 min breaks in the second half.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 11th, 2009
8:16 pm
I only caught the last 4 minutes of the first half… I still think at least some of Mario’s defensive effectiveness results from playing limited minutes and having the luxury of wasting fouls, but he does provide a ton of energy and has gotten a lot smarter when it comes to not fouling. He’s a useful weapon to use against elite opposing guards who are too quick for Bibby. I’d like to see the Hawks use him on D-Wade next time they play the Heat…. I think it would be a pretty good matchup.
Great to see Joe Johnson (and the rest of the team) hitting their shots. Even better to see the team rotating and anticipating on defense.
Sekou K. Smith
March 11th, 2009
8:17 pm
If the Hawks hold on here, Rio’s contribution along with Joe’s monster first half and the work Josh put in on both ends of the floor will have helped them end the Jazz’s win-streak at 12 games in convincing fashion.
terrell barron
March 11th, 2009
8:17 pm
Hey Blast, they also stopped Cleveland’s 11 game streak.
Big Ray
March 11th, 2009
8:19 pm
BigDave,
I agree, Mario would be one heck of a safety!
KevinA
March 11th, 2009
8:22 pm
Hard to believe were winning the rebound battle. Keep it up Hawks.
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
8:22 pm
melvin – ac did play some good d on d. williams but he was out of the game a big chunk of time that ac was in there. d. williams could post him up pretty easily, but i hear you on ac over ivey.
the first four minutes of this half will be huge …
Blast
March 11th, 2009
8:23 pm
Hawks win the game only if they win the third quarter and maintain a double digit lead. Utah players look a little despondent right now, but you can never count them out. But if Utah continues to trade baskets and cannot stop the Hawks, that streak is over.
Watch out for Deron Williams, though. He ain’t going out easy. Hawks cannot sleep on him, and they need to stay on the 3 point shooters. Hawks must continue to attack the rim, because Utah will foul you.
And oh yeah, defensive rebounds, and please make free throws!
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
8:25 pm
I don’t like the way we started the 2nd half. Utah has slowed the game down…
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
8:26 pm
oh boy.
Blast
March 11th, 2009
8:26 pm
Hawks starting the 3rd quarter bad, man. 4 team fouls already!
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
8:28 pm
time out now woody!
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
8:30 pm
Take Mo and Bibby out. They are not giving us anything… Hopefully Joe has shot all his bullets in the 1st half and it’s not helping he has to run around the court and guard Deron…
Blast
March 11th, 2009
8:31 pm
You are right Terrell. I knew they did that to a good team in the first half of the season, but I could not remember who! Thanks!
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
8:31 pm
aight fellas… lets dig in…
Najeh Davenpoop
March 11th, 2009
8:34 pm
Jerry Sloan gave the Jazz the anti-Woodson speech during halftime. They look like a completely different team. Okur is outplaying Josh Smith in every way right now.
Also, did David Stern make some kind of secret decree that one Hawk has to suck at free throws at all times? Tonight it’s Horford…
Blast
March 11th, 2009
8:35 pm
Hawks caught a break on that turnover. Bibby needs to sit for Flip.
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
8:37 pm
fellas, who here isn’t shocked by what has happened this quarter?
niremetal
March 11th, 2009
8:37 pm
Way to go Woody – find out what works (i.e. MARIO) and then go away from it. Brilliant.
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
8:37 pm
lets move this rock around…
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
8:37 pm
The Hawks let the Jazz comeback and take the lead. And all our coach will do is stand with his arms folded and watch Bibby shoot us right out the game….
Blast
March 11th, 2009
8:38 pm
Now, Hawks have to play above and beyond themselves to win this game. They allowed Utah to win the third and take the lead, now the Hawks have to scrape and fight.
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
8:39 pm
once again…
dont see a need for Bibby right now…
rms
March 11th, 2009
8:39 pm
way to go woody for leaving the lineup in there that blew the lead. Typical Hawks!!
rms
March 11th, 2009
8:41 pm
and on top of that he left bibby in the game who is giving us nothing.
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
8:41 pm
worse coach: woodson or dunleavy?
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
8:43 pm
Woody sucks… He rather play a cold Bibby instead of sticking with the players (Mario & AC) that got him the lead… This is bad coaching at its best…
KevinA
March 11th, 2009
8:44 pm
So much for the inside out game. JJ and Bibby just shooting away.
Blast
March 11th, 2009
8:44 pm
Hawks relying on Joe too much now. They need to post Josh up some more. Jazz has confidence at this time, and Hawks stand a good chance of losing this game unless they step it up.
Where is Mario to guard Williams?
Hawks lose if they enter the 4th trailing.
The Hawksta
March 11th, 2009
8:44 pm
Thought we fired Woody?
Najeh Davenpoop
March 11th, 2009
8:46 pm
Damn… incredible move by J-Smash!
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
8:47 pm
D. Will got that ole ignorant playground crossover…
The Hawksta
March 11th, 2009
8:47 pm
The defense is back
Najeh Davenpoop
March 11th, 2009
8:48 pm
“Hawks relying on Joe too much now. They need to post Josh up some more. Jazz has confidence at this time, and Hawks stand a good chance of losing this game unless they step it up.”
They finally posted up Josh and on cue he got an and-1. It’s amazing how obvious this is to so many of us and how tough it is for Woody to understand. Work inside out and the game becomes easier for everyone.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 11th, 2009
8:49 pm
“worse coach: woodson or dunleavy?”
Did you see Bill Simmons’ article today? Woody is bad, but if his description of Dunleavy is true, man… Woody ain’t even close to that bad.
welikebaseball2
March 11th, 2009
8:50 pm
Why is Flip running the point again?!!!! He either shoots (or should I say hogs the ball) or turns the ball over. Love his mentality as a SG but he’s no PG Woodson!
Najeh Davenpoop
March 11th, 2009
8:50 pm
Acie Law for 3!
Josh Smith decked another Jazz player… this one wasn’t no flagrant though.
KevinA
March 11th, 2009
8:50 pm
Down 2, could have beed worse?
rms
March 11th, 2009
8:50 pm
nice shot ac
dmortone
March 11th, 2009
8:52 pm
Dunleavy. As bad as this is, we didn’t blow a 19 of lead in the 4th
cp
March 11th, 2009
8:53 pm
As always we go away from what works. Bibby just ain’t got it sit him down.
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
8:56 pm
this iso offense is not working. no ball movement. no energy. 180 from the first half.
KevinA
March 11th, 2009
8:56 pm
Ohhh my 2 turn overs in a row. 4 on JJ. jGive him a rest.
KevinA
March 11th, 2009
8:57 pm
Make that 3 in a row.
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
8:57 pm
with every good play d. williams makes it hurts to think he could/should have been a hawk.
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
8:58 pm
shoulda been and1
KevinA
March 11th, 2009
8:59 pm
WOW what a jam.
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
9:00 pm
was that korver or okur that just got introduced to mr. poster?
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
9:01 pm
Would be nice if Woody will give Joe at least 1min of rest…
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
9:01 pm
that would be Korver…
Blast
March 11th, 2009
9:01 pm
How many dunks has Josh had tonight? Is he balling or what?
Najeh, that was my post at 8:48pm. My sh.it went down and your name came up.
KevinA
March 11th, 2009
9:01 pm
chuck, he would still be on the bench with Woody
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
9:02 pm
Chuck, Krover..
Big Ray
March 11th, 2009
9:02 pm
OOOOOOOOHHHHHH! JOOOOOOOOSH SMIIIIIIIITH!
Hey Kyle,
Josh says he’ll autograph that for ya….
Najeh Davenpoop
March 11th, 2009
9:03 pm
Yeah I know Blast… I put your post in quotes because I was responding to it.
terrell barron
March 11th, 2009
9:04 pm
Bibby is as good as gone after the season.
The Hawksta
March 11th, 2009
9:04 pm
Josh is showing some real talent tonight. Bet Utah didn’t see this coming after that last game they played.
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
9:05 pm
bs call… clean block..
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
9:06 pm
gotta good one fellas…
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
9:08 pm
if they’re going to keep Boozer on the bench so they can spread the floor on offense with shooters, we have to make them pay by taking it to the rim…
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
9:09 pm
why is mike bibby in the ballgame!?!?!
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
9:09 pm
Look like Al Horford has Free Throwist now…..
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
9:09 pm
Flip is a hell of a spark…
KevinA
March 11th, 2009
9:11 pm
Nice Nice Nice little run. Great D. Lets finish it off.
Blast
March 11th, 2009
9:11 pm
Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let’s go Atlanta!!!!!!!!!!! Lets’ go Hawks!!!!!!!!! Ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beat the Jazz!!!!!!!!!!!!
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
9:11 pm
I said the samething Chuck. Woody feels he must play his starting backcourt vets…
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
9:12 pm
Josh is blocking everything within sight….
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
9:12 pm
Bibby doesnt even guard the perimeter… he’ll concede it to someone else, even if he is the closer to the man…
The Hawksta
March 11th, 2009
9:12 pm
Have you notice how Bibby decided to take the challege and guard D Will? Don’t know if it will work out but he’s got heart
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
9:12 pm
i didn’t even see bibby check back in … how do you spell liability?
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
9:13 pm
hopefully he’ll come through with a big 3 when we need it… other wise, dont know why he’s in.. Acie was doing fine…
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
9:14 pm
Dont know which one is worst. Woodson coaching or the players FT shooting….
Blast
March 11th, 2009
9:16 pm
What a ball game. Why isn’t this on national tv? This is the NBA at it’s finest!
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
9:18 pm
coach said “mike same thing, lets see what happens…
pinoy hawk
March 11th, 2009
9:18 pm
Bibby looks worn out due to too much PT this season. However don’t count bibby out yet. He’ll make the plays down the stretch especially playoffs time.
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
9:19 pm
its been a gem Blast…
Najeh Davenpoop
March 11th, 2009
9:19 pm
In related news, why is the upper deck almost entirely empty? I would have gone to this game if I could…
Blast
March 11th, 2009
9:20 pm
Whoo!! I believe Hawks have this game!!!!
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
9:21 pm
thats how u sit down on d Joe…
Najeh Davenpoop
March 11th, 2009
9:21 pm
Wow, GREAT defense on that possession. For Mehmet Okur to get the ball in the post against Bibby and the Jazz to come away empty shows excellent defensive rotation.
KevinA
March 11th, 2009
9:22 pm
Mercy Mercy Mercy we might get this one.
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
9:22 pm
can capt. al hit is foul shots?
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
9:23 pm
Good def on that possession… That maybe the game if the Hawks make their FT’s….
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
9:24 pm
BS call by the Ref…
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
9:24 pm
wow that was kent hrbek/ron gant right there
KevinA
March 11th, 2009
9:25 pm
Maybe the best defense effort of the year against a very good team.
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 11th, 2009
9:26 pm
good win
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
9:26 pm
Did yall see Josh holding on to the ball intentionally so they could foul him…. You gotta love this kid…. and he made both FT’s…
Melvin
March 11th, 2009
9:27 pm
Get Utah out of here…. Great Win by the Hawks….
terrell barron
March 11th, 2009
9:27 pm
This team is so hard to figure out. lol!!
Najeh Davenpoop
March 11th, 2009
9:28 pm
CLUTCH free throws by Josh. Everyone in that building must have been holding their breath when he hit those.
Great win. What is this, the third double-digit win streak the Hawks have busted this year?
KevinA
March 11th, 2009
9:28 pm
The team that makes you tear your hair out comes up big. What a game. Go GO Hawks!!!!!!!!!!
Blast
March 11th, 2009
9:30 pm
I am screaming in my crib right now. Yes, the Hawks have done it again! Now, if they can beat Indiana on Friday, then they have a good chance of really making an impact with this home stand. Wow! what a game, especially since the Hawks won. Go Hawks!
I’m pleased to see that the Hawks players seem to realize what is at stake here, and they seem to be taking this homestand seriously.
pinoy hawk
March 11th, 2009
9:31 pm
Great defensive effort 11 steals 8 blocks as a team. Hope they play like this every game and make those FT shots!!
kirkinga
March 11th, 2009
9:32 pm
Rumors of the demise of the Atlanta Hawks basketball team have once again proven to be wrong!
Hawks put an end to another long win streak and keep pace with Heat,
kirkinga
March 11th, 2009
9:34 pm
They also keep pace with the Pistons and Sixers too. All teams winning at home.
Great job by the team tonight against a very tough team.
Go Hawks!!
Blast
March 11th, 2009
9:35 pm
Hawks do it again, snap another team’s winning streak. I don’t believe any other team has accomplished that this season.
cp
March 11th, 2009
9:38 pm
Great win. My only complaint is Woodson’s insistance on having Bibby back in the game. Someone tell coach that if the team is playing fine without a ice cold Bibby then its ok to leave Law in the game They were playing fine with Law, Joe , and Flip. I
rick
March 11th, 2009
9:39 pm
why are **Big Ray’s** comments shadded grey, but Sekou’s aren’t?
Big Ray
March 11th, 2009
9:42 pm
Beautiful win. It got tough down the stretch, but the Hawks made plays and got the job done. And this is crucial, as the playoffs will be like this.
Joe Johnson looked again like his old self, and had a monster game with 31 points and 9 assists, on 50% shooting. Did I not say that his game improves once you take the primary ball-handling responsibilities away from him, and let him do his thing?
Josh Smith looked like a leader tonight, as well. And I don’t care if you love or hate him. He made one solid play after another. 22 points, 12 boards, 3 assists, and 3 blocks, with just one turnover and his free throw form is back? Oh yeah, I’ll take that, and haters can take that, too.
Horford got back on track with his double doubles, although his free throw shooting was bad. Still, he spoke the truth. When he and Josh are playing like that, they are VERY hard to deal with.
Flip was the usual spark plug off the bench, and it seems that he is getting even better at that. Hey, he may not get Jason Terry’s stats, but this guy is as much a 6th man of the year as anybody.
I am rather surprised at how early, how often, and how diverse Woody’s use of the bench was in this game. Didn’t think he’d do anything like this in a game against an opponent like this. But he did. Kudos to him, as he looked more like “COY” tonight than he EVER has. By far. How about that. Using the bench, and it pays dividends. Now let’s see if he’s really learned anything….will he do it again?
Mario West proved he can give you some production off the bench. I was glad to see him play AND contribute meaningfully.
Bibby had some good plays, but here lately, he hasn’t given us much. Good thing Woody has not seen fit to play him anyway for 40 minutes, while ignoring Acie. Acie has proven that he can play some good defense, and get the ball to guys on offense. As he plays more, and gets more opportunities, his offense will improve. Besides, I get tired of us playing 4-on-5 on defense when Bibby is in there. Bibby plays some defense, but only in spurts.
Zaza, as usual, provides the scrappiness. He needs to keep the ball up high when he’s in the post, so he won’t get stripped so much, but the guy gives his all when he’s in the game. And he’s one of our best, if not our very best offensive rebounder.
Great game by the Hawks, who jumped on the Jazz early (they were probably tired, but who cares), never fell behind big (despite a 3rd quarter beating), and hung in there, making the right plays towards the end.
Guess what? We just equaled last year’s win total. Time to see how much distance we can put on that number from now until the end of the regular season!
bigdave
March 11th, 2009
9:44 pm
gotta love Mario…when asked about stepping up says, “one of our SOLDIERS out, in Marvin..:”
Sautee
March 11th, 2009
9:46 pm
cp, it’s even worse than just that. Bibby (for his $15.25M / yr) gave us 2 points and 2 assists in 26 minutes whereas Rio (minimum salary) got more points AND more assists in 13 minutes.
I’ve been a big Bibby fan from his days at Arizona, but he’s a HUGE liability lately.
That said, it was a GREAT win!
Blast
March 11th, 2009
9:48 pm
Who said Atlanta Hawks have no home base? Who said the team was not marketable? Who said free agents will not sign here? Ask Flip and Mo. Check out this blog! Check out the home games! Check out the boos on opposing teams and bad ref calls! We might not have the thundersticks, but we have the free throw boos, man! Check out the sellouts when great teams come to pley, and fans expect the Hawks to win Go Hawks, Go! I love y’all! Play hard every night!
cp
March 11th, 2009
10:01 pm
Sautee I have no idea whats going on with Bibby. My thing is if he is struggling and the team is playing fine without him then just let him sit. Its no need to force him back in the game if he is not giving us anything. I don’t think he is still sick or anything but he just cant buy a jumper right now. He is also forcing a lot of shots and taking a lot of contested shots. He isn’t looking to drive at all. He needs to shake off this slump because we will need him on point during playoff time and i ain’t talking about the performance he had last year.
Blast
March 11th, 2009
10:02 pm
Yeah, Ray, Hawks have averaged their total wins from last year with this win. That is impressive with what? 17-18 games left to play? It’s all good but they cannot afford to rest on their laurels. They have to keep playing hard and winning. They can’t catch Orlando but they have a great shot of holding on to the 4th spot. If they want to advance to the second playoff round, then they must secure the 4th spot.
They have to finish off this homestand in grand fashion.
Blast
March 11th, 2009
10:21 pm
If Josh Smith is playing through a similar ankle spain that sidelined him for weeks as recently reported, then you have to give the man kudos for performing as well as he’s done lately, and especially with so much critic from bloggers and fans alike. Does anyone question his heart anymore? Or if you want him as a Hawk?
I’ve always said that if Bibby plays well enough for 60% of Hawks win, then he should be kept. Lately he’s stunk it up, and fans are frustrated, and so am I. But I feel an underlying current just like with Josh. I think he might still be ailing. If not, then fans calling for him to be gone end of season might not be wrong. But I will hold off those thoughts till after the playoffs. Bibby can still make some dagger shots.
Great win, Hawks! Go, and keep on going!!!!!
Samuel
March 11th, 2009
10:26 pm
Would yall please ShutTFU
Woody=COY
terrell barron
March 11th, 2009
10:31 pm
37 wins.
terrell barron
March 11th, 2009
10:34 pm
Kirk, the Pistons lost in overtime.
Reggie
March 11th, 2009
10:35 pm
Joe is officially back with no doubt. I have not turned on him through the bumpy stretch. What’s great with him though is when he is off he still puts up numbers you can live with. He has found the J which just stretches the floor out so he can take it inside. He also drove pretty hard at the end tonight and got to the line twice in a row. Don’t worry about Bibby. Give him a week and he’s back. Plus when it’s playoff time we will be very glad to have him. I’ve been saying forever that Mario has the potential to be a tenacious role player on any team. Most teams in the NBA would love to have him and he finally got to show that tonight. I followed him at Tech and just love the guy. He also dated my friends cousin so I know him a bit. He’s a guy that all the players love and can produce a spark. I just love the guy. Acie was solid again and has that great first step speed to get by the defender and have some penetration. Josh has definitely shut everyone up now. Horford has been Mr. Steady for us as of late. Flip has been Flip, a great 6th man. I think Mo will get less and less minutes now. Zaza is still looking fine. i love the guys mentality. Hope Marvin is alright but I think his injury will help us in the long run because we get to test the bench a bit more. Good win for the Hawks and I’m really excited about the team right now.
kirkinga
March 11th, 2009
10:38 pm
Bibby did not have a good game and it is true he’s not executing on a level we have grown accustomed to seeing. That said, I don’t understand why it’s ok to keep Bibby on the bench,but not Josh?
I understand there are two different set of circumstances, but some who were livid about one starter being kept on the bench, are now turning right around and blessing another starter’s benching.
Unless there is an injury or discipline issue(ex. Marbury last season),at this point in the season, starters should finish the game unless the rotation has been established where non starters routinely finish games.
Benching Bibby tonight because he struggled would have been dead wrong. The Hawks will likely have an interest in resigning the guy, and in this down economy, have a chance to do so.
Go Hawks!!
O'brien
March 11th, 2009
10:40 pm
The Hawks missed a lot of free throws, but they were able to withstand the Jazz’s run, and come away with the victory. Great Job Hawks.
Samuel, I think Woody was great the first half, but the second half he went back to his old self. Joe had too many iso plays down the stretch, very little Mario, and he brought Bibby back in the game for no reason at all.
That being said, the Hawks won, and that’s all that matters.
Now let’s keep this homestand going with a win over the Pacers.
kirkinga
March 11th, 2009
10:42 pm
Great news Terrell, at the time I wrote the comment they were “winning” but hadn’t yet won, so I’m glad the Hawks picked up a game.
Go Hawks!!
Reggie
March 11th, 2009
10:43 pm
Kirkinga: Tell my why we would bench Josh right now. To reward his great play?
Ariose
March 11th, 2009
10:45 pm
ohhh nooo Bibby wasn’t forced back into the game heh. Go back and watch the tape. He ASKED to go back in……..and after Acie was playing so well, that ticked me off. And for those of you questioning Joe’s minutes, during the Detroit game when he was on the bench I saw him get up and attempt to go to the scorers table to come in for Acie Law(unfortunately for some reason whenever the Lawman comes in, the other team goes on a little run and he has to come right back out) but woodson motioned Joe back to the bench and stuck With Acie. I’ve even seen Josh do it before so it’s not all woody’s fault. Our staters are competitive and after about 2:30 of sucking wind on the pine they WANT to come back in…..I just think they need to realize when they’re SUCKING BADLY and need to keep their arses GLUED TO THE BENCH for the remainder of the game…..
Props to my boy Flip also. I don’t remeber exactly who the guys were who weren’t sold on Flip right after Sund Signed him(and I was promoting him) but it’s best if you stay quiet because i’lll defenetly give you a hard time about it. Dude is a Beast……when he smells blood he goes in for the kill. I said it Last summer and i’ll say it aagain he’s a cold-blooded assasin. Like Nique’ likes to say, “Flip’s on that no-conscience squad”.
Mike Bibby really made me angry today(Big Al almost made my list ott but he redeemed himself…..still needs to fix those FT’s…..it’s the second game in a row where he’s been putrid from the line.) Anyhoo, Mike realy stunk it up. When he wasn’t busy causing turnovers because he was constantly picking up his dribble and simultaneously breaking up plays and forcing Joe to be the playmaker which shouldn’t happen for extended periods of time…..which has been well documented over the course this season (Mike currently has a Lack of ballhandling confidense I might add) he was getting broken down by D-Will on defense……..and then to cap it all off he Asks to come back into the game with less than five minutes remaining in the game and Acie playing well. All of this after his poor decision-making durin the New Orleans game(EX: shooting in transition(he missed of-course) when we’re already up by 11 instead of passing to Josh for the surefire two points and extendeing the lead……which eventually lead to a five-point swing). He needs to get his act toghether FAST. We don’t need this now with MArvin ailing and Mo forgetting how to play basketball as of late.
I apreciate how he kept us afloat during our tough western-confrence road stretch with Joe and Josh both in slumps but we still LOST those games. Now with Marvin out and Bibby playing poorly we’re WINNING……i’m SURE Sund’s paying attention to all of this. This woun’t hurt during this current homestand but the one later this month will probalby get ugly if he doesn’t find his shot.
The Hawks are gonna give me high-blood pressure if they keed this nonsense up lol…….they’ve gotta shut the door on teams when they’re down…….but it’s all good if it ends with a W.
~Sir Links A Lot~
KevinA
March 11th, 2009
10:49 pm
All players have slumps and bad games. At home we have shown we can play with anybody. Bibby will be fine at some point. I just hope Marvin will be back soon and return to a high level of play. The Hawks have played good at times and if they peak at play off time there will be no teams that will want to play them. We have yet to see our team hit on all cylinders, we still have growth potential. Thats the fun part. If we ever get it right we will be very dangerous.
We show no signs of quit and if we pull off the 4th seed we might just see the Hawks go to the next level and reward their fans who sit game after game tearing their hair out. Our fans know deep down this team might become scary good and compete at an elite level.
Da Real Real
March 11th, 2009
10:55 pm
STREAK BREAKERS BABY!
We just beat three straight playoff teams…with an all around team effort. I’m seriously hoping that Woody is recognizing how this team is getting it done on this three game stretch. Great bench play, and unlike the past the bench increased our lead.
Maybe that’s it….maybe Woody’s been scared by those past Hawks years when the lead would evaporate with the bench on the floor. Hopefully he’s coming out of that, and Smoove….that’s the Josh Smith I remember! It looks like his blow up with Woody has gave this team a good boost! Hopefully this team can give us these kinds of efforts consistently. 37 wins!!! matching last season’s record, now let’s say we surpass that mark.
Samuel
March 11th, 2009
10:56 pm
Obrien,
That’s stupid. Woodson is not on the floor. If they moved the ball during the first half. It’s Joe’s fault he held the ball and slowed the game down the second half. Not Woody’s.
If you actually believe Woody is telling them to do that. You and everyone else here haven’t a clue.
So I guess it was Sloan’s fault the Jazz lost. He is yalls frontrunner for COY. What happened?
Woody=COY
Ariose
March 11th, 2009
10:56 pm
Melvin, Yeah I sawJosh hold onto that ball lol he’s a Gamer regardless lol!
~Sir Links A Lot~
Harry Hawk
March 11th, 2009
10:57 pm
Another really nice game tonight. What the hell’s gotten into Woody? Whatever it is, I’m glad it got into him.
Josh and Flip were money; Joe got off early; Al was solid; Mario played with the kind of energy we all know he has.
Great stuff.
Oh, and Acie did a good job on Deron Williams. He has played good D on CP3 and Deron in consecutive games. There aren’t any better PGs out there than those two. Again, it’s nice to see Acie getting the chance to ply his wares for this club. He is a much better defensive option than Bibby and we’ll need him a lot down the stretch.
Reggie
March 11th, 2009
11:03 pm
Samuel:
Woody didn’t tell them to slow it down for sure. But as a coach you coach the players. When they do wrong you are supposed to coach them to do it right. What I don’t see with Woody is him coaching the players to do things and really helping out the team. Woody doesn’t deserve all the hate he gets but he doesn’t seem to help the team out a lot or make coaching adjustments for the game plan. I’m not even sure he has a game plan a lot of times. I’m not in the fire Woody crew but in the long run to really want to contend with the top teams we need a TRUE COACH.
Reggie
March 11th, 2009
11:05 pm
With that said Woody has done a much better job with the rotation and getting 9 deep. Hopefully he will continue that when Marvin gets back and maybe try to knock it 10 deep. That would be a nice thing to know we have 10 deep going into the playoffs instead of 8 deep.
O'brien
March 11th, 2009
11:08 pm
Samuel, I dont know who the front runner is, but it’s not Woody.
Look what the Jazz have done this year although Deron Williams was out for an extended period, and Boozer was out for an extended period, and the Jazz play in the Western conference.
Look what the Miami Rookie head coach has done, with 2 rookies (Chalmers and Beasley) contributing, considering that they won what, 15 games last year?
Look what George Karl has done, also in the Western conference.
The Rockets are playing great, even though they’re usually missing either Yao, Mcgrady, or Artest, also out West.
I agree that the players need to recognize what’s working, and stick with it, but to say Woody = COY, I wouldn’t go that far.
I’m just glad the Hawks won. Now since they have the second toughest schedule in the league, if they keep winning these games, then Woody’s stock will definitely start climbing.
kirkinga
March 11th, 2009
11:16 pm
Reggie, read what I said. I said “all” starters should finish the game, that would include Josh. I’ve never called for benching Josh, or commented on his recent benching.
Go Hawks!!
Ariose
March 11th, 2009
11:18 pm
“When you dig a hole like that, it makes it tough to fight out of it,” Sloan said. “This was a good team that we played, and we had a chance to come out and win the game. We just didn’t come with enough to start the game.”
Sloan Sounds just like Woodson whenver we loose like that lol.
~Sir Links A Lot~
rms
March 11th, 2009
11:21 pm
The only time I see that silly COY banner is when they win. How consistent…
Reggie
March 11th, 2009
11:22 pm
“Bibby did not have a good game and it is true he’s not executing on a level we have grown accustomed to seeing. That said, I don’t understand why it’s ok to keep Bibby on the bench,but not Josh?”"
I was referencing to that but sorry if I took it wrong.
Reggie
March 11th, 2009
11:24 pm
RMS:
Surprisingly Samuel has had it the whole year actually. Now some others hang it up when we go on a streak. the only way he gets considered for COY is if we go crazy for these last games and beat LA, CLE, BOS, ORL, and the others we have left.
otrhawksfan
March 11th, 2009
11:27 pm
shout out to the streak killers aka our atlanta hawks!!!
i didnt get to hear this game like the others. sound like i missed a good one. Lets stay on a good homestand here. the hawks too this game personnal im telling you. I would like to see the hawks beat the cavs at home just to let them know we can beat you in the Q. Lets start our playoff stand now by playing this way. I’m ready to scream and root my hawks at a game soon. I know the better seat is in the lower bowl but the die hards have to sit where they can and support the boys.
Josh Smith = player of the week!!!
Ariose
March 11th, 2009
11:28 pm
O’brien, You know what’s funny about out three game win streak is the fact that the “Elite” teams we beat we’re all playing on a Road trip. Just like we were last month when they crushed us…….except they don’t stay on the road for 2-3 weeks at a time like the Hawks had to. Now all of these “Elite” teams have to win on the road for the remainder of the season, and i’m sure there are tons of teams(including the Hawks) that want to let them know what it feels like to get crushed on the road. The records will even out at the end of the season, just watch.
People think Potland is so great but the get Blown out on the road all the time(They had played a lot more home games than us up to this point)…..and without Rudy, they don’t have a chance against us on Sunday(especially with the weekend crowd swinging through).
~Sir Links A Lot~
rms
March 11th, 2009
11:36 pm
Watching Sportscenter tonite you would think the Jazz won the game. No love for the Hawks!!
Ariose
March 11th, 2009
11:38 pm
rms, that’s a good thing lol. Keeps us under the radar….
otrhawksfan
March 11th, 2009
11:40 pm
did you guys see mike bibby on nba tv? that jj skit is funny. check it out.
rms
March 11th, 2009
11:40 pm
Reggie, I was just saying that the only time I see COY is when the Hawks win not during a losing streak. Regardless, he wont win it! This final month will determine if he gets major consideration. Right now, on a national circuit, he is not really being mentioned let alone the team. Everyone is biased towards the Lebron teams and D-Wade teams and D-Howard team. Those are the more popular teams that will get the vote. Unfortunately thats just how it is in this league.
RLP
March 11th, 2009
11:47 pm
There are four teams in a battle royal for the fourth spot in the East. I give the edge to the Hawks because they have hung in there all season giving them a psychological advantage. Although they have a tough schedule in these last 17 games most of those games are at home where they have been tough all year. So the question is what will be the final order for these four teams?
And the next question is which of the teams the Hawks play in the first round would be to our advantage most? I think Detroit would be the one we would most like to play. I fear Miami because of D. Wade. He has taken over a series all by himself. Just ask Dallas in the finals a few years back. I also do not think I would want to play Philadelphia. And of course if we were to fall to sixth we would face the Magic. I wonder what their record is without J. Nelson? I think whoever plays them will have a chance to make it interesting. But I also think the Magic have a chance to go all the way.
But there is another race in the East that may be even more interesting. There are six teams fighting for the eighth spot. And there is only one and a half games separating all six. For those of you who are pro BB fans instead of just Hawks fans it will be a good test to predict the winner of that battle. To kick it off I will GUESS that the winner will be Charlotte. They have gotten hot at a good time of the year. And I have an ulterior motive for wanting them to make it. Wouldn’t it be nice to see four teams from the Southeastern Division in the playoffs? The challenge is for the experts on this blog to demonstrate their superior knowledge by their predictive powers with this issue.
But there is another battle going on that is also very interesting.
cp
March 11th, 2009
11:56 pm
Just because you are a starter it does not mean you have the right to finish the game. In the past Marvin was the starter but Chillz was out there to finish the game. If a starter is stinking it up and the guy who replaced them is playing better then you stick with the hot hand. What good does it do for your team to bring in a player who is struggling just because he is a starter? How does that help the team? It does not that is why you go with the guy who is playing well. As soon as Bibby came back in the game Deron went right at him. I like Bibby and I think right now he is in a funk but if we have the game under control and a bench player is doing a fine job then its ok to leave Bibby on the bemch.
kirkinga
March 12th, 2009
12:06 am
RLP, I would have a hard time picking Charlotte due to the fact that 5 of their last 6 games are on the road including the last 4. Indiana and Chicago have the most home games remaining, but New Jersey has the better road record out of the bunch but are losers at home.
The Nets have only 35 losses and play good defense, so I’ll go with them to edge out the Bucks.
Go Hawks!!
kirkinga
March 12th, 2009
12:22 am
cp, no one said anything about a “right” to finish. My point was that all 5 starters have contributed to this revitalizing season. At this point in the season they have all earned, not a right, but credibility. There is a certain chemistry that you don’t screw with on winning teams. You don’t yank a starter having a tough go but for a very few reasons.
You dance with who brung you to the dance. Woodson isn’t going to bench two starters in one week and have that controversy. You people are always on Woodson’s case and now you want him to f with Bibby? Oh no. You don’t start yanking people out of the normal rotation right now. I don’t want Bibby to start hesitating because he’s wondering if he’s going to get bench. Short-term gain…maybe. Long-term harm…likely.
I bet if we applied this rule across the board, eventually all starters would be benched at some point, and boy oh boy, the hollering for Woodson’s job would be something to see! See, it’s one thing to call for something like this for a guy you don’t care for, it’s another to apply it to players you like.
We’ve got our rotation, modify it if Marvin is lost, but otherwise don’t screw around.
Go Hawks!!
RLP
March 12th, 2009
12:24 am
Kirk The Nets have the best road record but the worse home record of these teams. But then again they have had a big lead tonight on the road. But in typical NBA fashion they have blown it and now only have a 2 point lead.
Thanks for the input.
Big Ray
March 12th, 2009
12:49 am
I’ll say this about the “benching.”
Bibby will be there when the playoffs come, and his experience is what counts. He won’t be nervous. By the same vein, I seriously doubt that Woody would simply bench him because he’s not performing. Believe me, unless that cat plays absolutely terribly or becomes injured, when things get hot….Bibby will be on that floor. The guy has ice water in his veins and no conscience when it comes to shooting.
Bibby getting nervous and hesitant because he’s worried about getting benched? Nonsense. Not on Woody’s team. Not in Woody’s world. Won’t happen.
But here’s the thing- Bibby is our achilles heel on defense. When he plays well and gives the effort, it takes some pressure off of Joe, who routinely draws the opposing pg (due to Bibby’s issues), and the whole team plays better. When he doesn’t or can’t, we struggle because we’re playing 4-on-5 when we’re on defense. That makes rotations very hard, and creates a number of mismatches, as we’ve seen in several games this year. Watch that become a serious problem in the playoffs, if we do not adjust accordingly.
For this reason, I think playing Law (who is consistently better on defense) during certain periods is advisable. And yet, it is very advisable as Kirk says, to have him out there at the finish. He’ll know that he has to “bring it” on defense. But more importantly, he’ll be able to make plays/shots at the end. He’s been there too many times, and keeping him off the floor at the end could be fatal.
You gotta love Samuel.
Nobody has applied themselves to Woody’s pelvic region more vigorously or consistently. And lately, (though due in large part to injury), Woody has made good decisions in extending his bench play. However, I cannot get past this one little thing in the whole “COY” foolishness….
When we lose, “it’s all about the players. They didn’t execute.” They didn’t do this, they didn’t do that. The coach can’t play for them, he can talk until he’s blue in the face, yack , yack, F’in yack. Okay, so the players have to get it done.
Well then why, oh why, when we win big games like this, is it “COY, COY, COY!”….when it was all about the players all along. Seems to me it was Josh Smith who got 22 and 12 while playing on a sprained ankle (pretty good for a sorry old team-destroying bum that so many didn’t want). Seems to me that it was Al Horford that matched him with 12 boards and 3 blocks (eat that, Clyde). Seems to me that it was JJ who threw down 31 and 9. So lemme get this straight: it’s all about the players when we lose, but it’s “COY” when we win? Riiiiiight…
Whatever. Who cares. We’re winning. And if we keep winning, Woody will keep his job. Long as we keep winning, there’s nothing to complain about, and we’ll just have to get used to him doing things the way he does.
Unless of course, you can’t pry yourself away from his pelvis. In which case, there’s nothing to complain about that GoldBond powder won’t fix….
MAC-TOWN
March 12th, 2009
12:52 am
Hey I have a question for you all about Acie Law. Remember how Acie was SCARED to do anything because of how quick woody would bench him? Then over time he got confidence in his penetrating abilities. Despite being able to penetrate…remember how it seemed like every time he took a jump shot he BRICKED it…..??? Had to be a confidence killer………..but…..have u guys noticed him knocking down a couple big 3s lately?
Remember this was an ELITE college player that took over games.
Once he gets the confidence in himself (and the coach) to pull the trigger more….in a variety of situations (like in the clutch)..and he experiences a little success…….could we possibly be looking at a VERY GOOD if not ELITE player here with Acie Law?????????
I mean man…if bibby keeps going how he’s going….I REALLY wouldnt mind Acie gettin more PT than bibby….once he gets it going…he should be able to knock down jumpers regularly too (which is all bibby has to offer at this point in his career)….but this guy is younger, more athletic, and plays better D.
Big Ray
March 12th, 2009
12:59 am
CP,
When it comes to the end of games, I think it’s situational. If you absolutely, positively MUST have a stop on defense, if you MUST hit free throws (because the opposing team is going to purposely foul you), if you need to hit a 3 (or conversely score inside), stuff like that. These things dictate who is in the game at the end, in my opinion.
And sometimes you simply have to choose the lesser of two or three evils. In that case, I think sometimes it’s not only okay to yank a particular starter, but it’s actually good strategy.
Kirk,
You may be right. I see Charlotte as a tougher, smarter, better team than before, but road games are no joke. Jersey has the stuff to get it done. Indy has some injury issues still, and I don’t think they’ll make it anyway. Chicago is better after the trade, but with a rookie head coach, some normal/natural chemistry issues, and some inconsistent play from some of the regulars…they won’t get it done. I say it’s between Charlotte (who will have to work very hard for it), Milwaukee, and Jersey for the 8th spot. Could be wrong though.
RLP,
The problem with playing Orlando is that Alston is a pg with good quicks and a great handle, who doesn’t have to score a lot to hurt you. Nelson has a decent handle, but needs to score to be fully effective.
Ariose
March 12th, 2009
1:04 am
HAhaha!!!0h Ray that was a serious “Low” “BLow” heheheheh……
RLP
March 12th, 2009
1:16 am
Ray The only issue with Orlando is if the team’s chemistry is affected or not with fitting in a new face this late in the season. Personally once the Hawks are eliminated from the playoffs I will be rooting for the Magic because I think they have a really good team. I was just really impressed with Nelson when I saw him play. And I have not been able to really judge how his loss has affected what the season’s outcome will be.
RLP
March 12th, 2009
1:20 am
Isn’t it interesting with six teams competing for the last playoff spot that the one which currently holds the spot has a 3-7 record in it’s last 10 games? This fight will be fun. I suspect that almost every one of these teams will have pluses and minuses going into this period.
Big Ray
March 12th, 2009
1:35 am
Ariose,
I just couldn’t resist….ol’ Samuel just doesn’t rise to the bait anymore, but he’s as insistent as Clyde when it comes to his tag line. they’re like polar opposites.
Sam: Woody=COY
Clyde: FIRE WOODY
I guess for every action, there must be an equal and opposite reaction. heh heh heh….
Big Ray
March 12th, 2009
1:48 am
RLP,
If the Hawks are out of the picture, I don’t know who I’d choose to root for, long as those blasted Celtics lose. Nelson went from being Orlando’s achilles heel to really helping them get where they are. But Alston is a good fit there. Nelson went down after Feb 2nd. Since then, the Magic went 11-6 without him. They’ll be fine. Again, Alston isn’t as much of a shooter, but he’s better with the ball in his hands when he’s not shooting then Nelson is. Nelson needed to be scoring, or he wasn’t giving the team much.
cp
March 12th, 2009
1:54 am
kirk I wasn’t saying yank Bibby like coach did Josh . What I said was why force him back in the game when it was under control and Law was playing well. It was no need to put Bibby back in. He could have enjoyed the rest because he wasn’t doing anything else. My whole point was there is no need to pull a hot hand for a cold hand just because the cold hand is a starter. You stick with what is working that game not go away from it. That logic has hurt us a few games this year where we go away from whats working and try to force something that is not working .
Samuel
March 12th, 2009
6:48 am
Ray,
Get a Job
doc
March 12th, 2009
7:05 am
kirk asked; “Bibby did not have a good game and it is true he’s not executing on a level we have grown accustomed to seeing. That said, I don’t understand why it’s ok to keep Bibby on the bench,but not Josh?”
kirk, it is because putting josh on the bench hurts your team just as it would jj or al. putting bibby on the bench for certain times in a game actually helps you because he is getting beaten and schooled by certain point guards in this league. it has brought out his worst going up against the elite point guards. you just cant say that about josh because there is no one to replace him. it also might say the coach realizes he might have been part of the problem so he moved on. bibby’s issue is performance and if you cant deliver you sit as it should be.
pure brilliance for playing mario last night for the extended minutes as the three last night as he delivered big. fun to watch the guy work so hard and actually look good on the court. sloan pushed a few buttons and tried to out big us as he had a huge tam on the court in the third and we seemed to have no answer for it. the guys persevered.
kirk, finally you put the guys on the floor to win the game not the starters at he end of games. starters are starters finishers are finishers.mo started the game and didnt finish, thankfully. did you want him at the end of the game? if bibby can do things to help us win then he stays, if not you move on. simple and it begins to shape the next year if there is a transition happening. that said, i think for short periods bibby can still bring it on defense but if he had played big minutes against paul and deron we would have not won. for that cudos to woody for putting acie in there for extended minutes and making a move to get the energy of mario in the game early at the 4:30 mark if the first quarter. ultimately, both players delivered as many of us have anticipated before the moves were made. i want starters at the beginning of the game and guys to win it at the end, the finishers who are really more important. last year as the finishers we had chills in the game as often if not more than the starter marvin. just the way it is. please dont suggest mo needs to finish a game because he started or any other player if he cant do the job.
Big Ump
March 12th, 2009
7:07 am
All the time RMS post it’s always negative about the Hawks, especially before the game and after if the Hawks lose. Now that’s consistent
Marcus
March 12th, 2009
7:08 am
Hawks are doing it at HOME. A l’il extra breathing room last 2 weeks (last second road loss to DEN, inexplicable road losses to sub. 0.500 NYK and CHA) would have been nice. building for for next year, considering our relative draft position, we will get a good player but not a dominating player from this years collegiate crop.
Daniel
March 12th, 2009
8:50 am
Great win again last night. Man, that first half made the Hawks look like they can beat anybody. Now, we have to watch out for a trap game against Indy. We need to jump on them early and choke the life out of them. I will have to admit that Woodson has used the bench more effectively since Marvin’s injury, and Acie and West have responded well. Maybe, just maybe, Acie can help this team down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Astro Joe
March 12th, 2009
9:04 am
Confidence, thy name is Mike Bibby. I don’t care if Bibby is in a slump, his teamates believe in him. They believe that they are a better team with him in the game. They believe that he will make the right pass, make the big shot or draw the foul (he is by FAR the team’s best actor) in a close situation. He calms their fears. It doesn’t matter if we don’t believe the hype… his teammates believe in him. And truthfully, I doubt many opposing coaches are going to leave Bibby open at the end of a game to go and double Joe. Even if he is in a slump, he still serves as an effective “decoy” to help his team. I want Law to get more minutes but I want Bibby on the floor in late/close games because of what he does for his teammates.
Thank goodness the Chicken Littles have left the building. No more of that “the sky is falling” nonsense. The Hawks are clearly a very, very good home team and when healthy, can scare any quality team on the road. Now let’s see if the team can collectively improve their free throw shooting. It will almost certainly cost us a playoff game (or two) if we keep shooting less than 75%.
RedTailHawk
March 12th, 2009
9:06 am
Is Mark Price still free-throw coach? If he is, what is he doing for his paycheck? When Josh was not hitting any freethrows (until the last game or so), he did not give Price any credit for helping him improve. Instead, he credited JJ with telling him simply that he was not bending his knees. Very few good freethrow shooters do it without bending their knees.
Now I see Al Horford struggling at the line and notice that there is no bend in his knees whatsoever. His motion is all arm and wrist. Doesn’t anyone else see this?
Mark
March 12th, 2009
9:33 am
I have been the biggest Josh critic, but I must admit he has stepped up and if he and Al continues to get double-doubles then we will be alright. Get rid of Bibby, he is basically a LIABILITY. We can use that money for a better player. Maybe we are a better without Marvin also. It at least forces Woody to use more than three people off the bench. Flip should get an extension. He is just as important as anybody. I might start him over Bibby some nights. Joe has finally shooting better. We must improve that freethrow shooting. That might kill us in the playoffs.
Rod from College Park
March 12th, 2009
10:27 am
Great game last night fellas. I made a statement when we found out that Marvin was hurt, that I think it will actually help this team in the long run, because it will force Woody to play AC more and utilize the bench more. I stand by that comment. This Marvin injury will make this team better, and it will expose the fact that we actually play better without him on the floor. He will be missed strictly from a depth amd matchu persective, but I think we can overcome that. Would you rather have Bibby, Joe and Flip on the floor in crunch time, or Bibby, Joe and Marvin. I know which one I would want. Should we still get rid of Josh and kee Marvin? Two games is not a good way to tell, but I have a feeling that the Hawks are about to go on a run. Watch!!!!
JM
March 12th, 2009
10:30 am
Late to the blog today and I won’t get into all the “get rid of” talk, but that was a hell of a game last night (pissed I choose to go to the N.O. game instead of that one). Got to give it to Woody for the bench rotation – I was shocked to see Mario get so much time. Everything has been said already but I have to give props to Uncle Flip for his dunk on two Jazz players and to Mario for the great put back. Go Hawks.
Clyde
March 12th, 2009
10:46 am
After last night’s win I am suspending the Fire Woody tag line until the end of the season. The Hawks showed me last night they can make a deep run in the playoffs so lets enjoy it. I’ll deal with Woody later.
Al Hoford must be reading my posts. Since I called him out he has been playing better on defense. But our frontline is still this teams weakness.
Joe seems to be playing better at the 3.
Astro Joe
March 12th, 2009
10:51 am
Good for you, Clyde. Enjoy the run, I know I am. We can return to the “All Gripe All the Time” rant in the summer. The same issues will still be there but why not enjoy a playoff-bound team (with a winning record and likely home-court advantage) when you can?
terrell barron
March 12th, 2009
10:52 am
The Hawks have stopped 3 or 4 long winning streaks this year, and still cant get any love from ESPN. No Hawks highlights whatsoever. What did we do to those guys? Thank God for NBA TV.
terrell barron
March 12th, 2009
10:59 am
Not even ESPN News. Any they show every fukkin thing. I just saw some div 3 college basketball highlights, but still no Hawks. The ONLY time we’re on there, is if we play against Kobe or Lebron. And even then they show the back of our heads, or show one of the guys getting posterized. What’s up with that? Sekou? Anybody? I mean really! Utah was on a 12 game winning streak for crying out loud. Oh well.
ILL-logical
March 12th, 2009
11:05 am
I thought I saw one of the better NBa games of the season last night with solid play on both ends of the court from the Hawks, some decent (first half) coaching and an incrediable play at the end of the game where Josh not only guarded D Williams one-on-one but blocked his shot; caught the shot in the air; and despite being pushed/fouled by Boozer, got the outlet pass to Flip whostarted the break that lead to a breakaway dunk by Al.
But when I read the dead tree edition of the local media all I see is what Al did and what Joe said and oh,and by the way Josh led the team in every stat but scoring and played 42 minutes on a sprained ankle.
Oh, and all of the print ads had Al in them.
I know that the NBA is a business but is it good business to have made a decision about who your are going to sacrifice “for the long term growth of the franchise”?
Come on, when the silver tongued Mr. Wilkens expresses surprise at josh’s shooting ability( clearly forgetting his early days when he couln’t hit the broadside of a barn with his jumpshot) there is a discernable attitude shift going on.
Now, while Marvin recovers is the perfect time to see how having your best defensive front line works. the offence will work itself out if you run ; plus imagine Josh posting up on 6′6″ folks!
Better yet, Marvin posseses all of the ELEMENTS of Joe’s game, like 3-point shooting skills without the pound the ball into the floor liability. In a not to distant future that may have to be considered to keep the progress of the Hawks on an upward incline. Keeping the core guys albeit in different but prehaps better roles would build the chemistry that lifts teams to championship status. Unlike some of the town’s other franchises who build teams to attract a certain demographic. The Hawks have improved : with 17 games to go they have already matched last year’s victory total and will finish over .500 for the first time in years. Let’s keep the trend going with the right faces but in the right places.
terrell barron
March 12th, 2009
11:24 am
Big Dave, what Mario said is the same thing that Kellon Wislow Jr. said, and he got slammed for it. Remember? That’s crazy. The media is insane.
terrell barron
March 12th, 2009
11:25 am
You guys do know that if Marvin returns, Acie and Mario will go right back to the end of the bench, dont you? Just a reminder.
terrell barron
March 12th, 2009
11:32 am
Last night, Larry Hughes got fouled from the 3 point line by Richard Hamilton with only a few sec to go. He drained all 3 to send the game into overtime, and the Knicks eventually won the game. I was thinking to myself, “Terrell, name one player on the Hawks roster who I could count on in a similar situation”? Couldn’t think of 1. Maybe, just maybe, Joe Johnson. But other than that, the game would be over. WE MUST MAKE OUR FREE THOWS. Plain and simple. If we dont, it’s going to really hurt us come Playoff time.
Lacsho
March 12th, 2009
11:44 am
TB, Espn has been showing Mario a lot of love today.
Great win!!!!!!
terrell barron
March 12th, 2009
12:25 pm
It looks like 37 wins might get the 8th seed in the East again this year. Milwaukee is sitting on 30 right now, with 15 to go.
Ken Strickland
March 12th, 2009
12:46 pm
I WANT TO TAKE MY HAT OFF TO HC MIKE WOODSON. THE DECISIONS HE MADE HAD A DIRECT IMPACT ON THE POSITIVE OUTCOME OF LAST NIGHTS GM. I do have one complaint though. Every NBA HC and most serious NBA fans, know Jerry Sloan disdanes the double team. Knowing that, and the fact MBibby isn’t shooting well and is a DEF liability, he shouldn’t have been in the gm at crunch time.
JJ didn’t need Bibby’s protection against the double team, he, and his teammates, needed protection against Bibby’s matador DEF. JJ shouldn’t have been required to provide as much OFF as he was asked to provide, and have to protect Bibby as well by defending the opposing PG, especially one of DWilliams’ calibur. Acie and West were far more helpful to JJ in this situation than Bibby.
BREAKING WITH HIS OLD HABITS AND INCERTING MWEST EARLY WAS A GAME ALTERING DECISION. JUST LIKE WOODSON WANTS TO SEE MORE CONSISTENCY IN THE PLAY OF ACIE AND SOLO, WE NEED TO SEE MORE CONSISTENCY IN THE COACHING AND POSITIVE DECISION MAKING OF HC MIKE WOODSON.
Wink from Lithonia
March 12th, 2009
1:06 pm
If we play this way every night, Marvin can go get well, he would not be needed. Woody was force to play the bench, with good success. Two game in a row the bench has helped us secure wins. I hope this is not the end of Marvin season because it will cause the Spirit group confusion on what to do with his contract.
Indiana will be our test game, we usually blow it against sub 500 teams. It does not surprise me that we have beaten 3 quality teams at home, but stay tuned for Friday night’s adventure.
Sekou K. Smith
March 12th, 2009
1:57 pm
News on Marvin is a bit better than expected. Still don’t know that he’ll play in the regular season but at least there’s a chance he returns for the playoffs.
niremetal
March 12th, 2009
1:59 pm
Phew! Thank god Marvin won’t need surgery
niremetal
March 12th, 2009
2:07 pm
And as several people have said, it might be good for the Hawks come playoff time since it forces Woodson to use his bench. Assuming that Marvin is actually back at 90% strength and able to play in the playoffs, the Hawks could turn out to be a very dangerous team if Woody gets comfortable with Acie and Mario getting some burn (which is far from a guarantee).
It also might lower Marvin’s stock as a RFA over the summer – although in this economy, I’m not sure teams will be offering more than the mid-level to any non-All Star anyway.
The Truth
March 12th, 2009
2:12 pm
Kudos to the Hawks and Woody for a great win against a quality Jazz Team: The win maybe the turning point in terms of consistent play for the Hawks. Even Woody didn’t look clueless. He made some good coaching decisions including bench utilization. Maybe he has also turned a coaching corner. We shall see. Regarding Bibby, I agree; at this stage of the season, you roll with your players regardless of their shooting slumps. There is a psychological benefit when a slumping player knows he is still trusted by his coach and teammates. No play-off bound team wants to go into the playoff with less than confident players. Also, if anyone still wonders whether Josh dunks has a psychological effect against the opponents, checkout this comment:
Deron Williams also was dismayed when Smith dunked over Kyle Korver to give the Hawks an 83-82 lead about 3:30 earlier.
“(Those plays) took the wind out of us at the end of the game, and we weren’t able to regain our composure after that,” he said.”I think we drove hard in the second half, but things just didn’t go our way.”
**On that note, keep dunking Josh!!**
Blast
March 12th, 2009
2:24 pm
Terrell Brandon, why are you so shocked at ESPN not showing the Hawks any love? ESPN has been doing that for years, ignoring the Hawks, but you know what? I like it. It’s kind of cool. It allows us to stay under the radar and shock more people on the court. Let them keep on touting their beloved teams, Cleveland, Boston, Miami and the Magic. Hawks, just keep on doing your thing, man. Keep Winning!
Ariose
March 12th, 2009
3:03 pm
Sekou, did marvin tell you what the doctors said it was exactly that he tweaked in his back? Spine? Muscles? Discs?
jhan
March 12th, 2009
3:24 pm
RedTail – are you trying to say Price is telling them to shoot stiff-legged? I highly doubt that. When Joe told him to bend his knees it probably reinforced what Price was preaching.
I really like Joe playing the 3 spot. He can post up & shoot over smaller 3’s & take the larger one’s off the dribble. Tough matchup. Anybody think Marvin/Josh can play that position better than him? He’s actually our best player at the 2 and 3 spots. He’s probably our second best PG as well.
RedTailHawk
March 12th, 2009
4:07 pm
Jhan – I don’t know WHAT Price is telling Josh to do. Neither do you. I do know that Josh said that JOE told him to bend his knees. He did not say that Joe reiterated, confirmed, expanded upon, reminded him of or embellished something that Price had already told him to do. And judging from the team FT percentage, perhaps Price is telling them to shoot like their legs are frozen in ice. …See Al Horford last night.
Astro Joe
March 12th, 2009
4:44 pm
jhan, I think it’s way too optimistic to expect Flip to play this well for the remainder of the season (and playoffs). And the only way Joe at the 3 works is if the PG or SG are scoring… to render the double on Joe ineffective. We don’t have much of a choice, unfortunately. I guess we can hope that when Flip slumps that Bibby or Mo may provide the spark. I just feel far more comfortable with Marvin at the 3 but again, that is a moot point for the next 4-6 weeks.
HOMEGROWN aka E.J.
March 12th, 2009
5:08 pm
What’s up fellas, I have not been on here in a while. Getting LAID OFF TODAY!!!!! SH!T!!! Great couple of games by the home team by the way. Woodrow fianlly using the bench! Anyway, if anyone knows about any employment, let me know. I need it!!! Anyway, hold it down boys, and when i can get to a computer, I will hit ya’ll up. Hopefully I can catch ya’ll at portal #5 pretzel stand. 4th seed, home court for playoffs, Yes sir!!!
jhan
March 12th, 2009
5:29 pm
I’m not sure what Price is telling them you are correct. Seems pretty far fetched to me that Price has never shown them the correct form. Do you think last week was the first time Woody told Josh to start rebounding better? Probably not – but I don’t know for sure.
AJ – I agree with you about JJ at the 3 for this year. I would give serious consideration to moving him there permanently next season. It would all depend on who is available during the off season. It’s really a nice option to have.
hawkfan
March 12th, 2009
8:00 pm
“The Hawks said Thursday Williams is out indefinitely but will try to resolve his problem with rest and treatment. Atlanta is undefeated without Williams in the lineup, winning all five games he’s missed this season.”
This kind of struck me that we have won all five games without marvin in the lineup, I am not trying to assume but…
RedTailHawk
March 12th, 2009
8:12 pm
Jhan – Very poor analogy.
” Seems pretty far fetched to me that Price has never shown them the correct form. Do you think last week was the first time Woody told Josh to start rebounding better? ”
You are confusing effort with technique.
ray
March 12th, 2009
8:53 pm
Good news for Marvin, as well as the team. Here’s to hoping that he completes his therapy and feels a lot better. And that he doesn’t come back too soon. We’ve had that happen twice already. It doesn’t take a “COY” to figure it out….
Astro Joe
March 12th, 2009
8:55 pm
Has this been posted yet? SI.com’s take on Woody-Josh relationship.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/chris_mannix/03/11/smith.woodson/index.html
jhan
March 12th, 2009
9:23 pm
RedTail – I thought you were saying our free throw shooting problems were directly related to Mark Price’s inability to teach. I was just saying it’s seems odd that the best free throw shooter in NBA history doesn’t know the proper technique.
Effort vs. Technique – maybe the guys aren’t putting forth enough effort to learn the proper technique?
It’s just like kids – parents can tell them repeatedly how or why they should do something & they think we are idiots. One of their friends tells them the same thing & suddenly the light goes on.
RedTailHawk
March 12th, 2009
9:38 pm
Jhan – The Hawks are 29th in the league at FT shooting. If their win record were 29th in the league I don’t think you would be defending Woody, even if at one time he had been an excellent “player”.
doc
March 12th, 2009
9:39 pm
we got a big game tomorrow gotta make sure we dont look over indy who has tj ford who al hroford hit last year itll be interesting to see if tj holds any ill will toward al or if they aer cool now i expect woodson to brring the troops ready since he is facing indy kidna sad that indy may have to move because of financial troubles they got some good players but with dun and grang out its not a very good team sorry to say watch out for troy murphy to do some damage inside on the baords and jarrett jack will be comign back to the atl so watch out for ihm too the interesting game will be on sunday when portland is in town brandon roy should haev a good matchup with joe who seems to be rejuvenated so itll be interesting to see the real test is vs san antonio lakers and bsoton those will be some tough games but itll be at home so hopefully we can steal a few i know for sure ill be at the games in my season seats so it should all be good im glad to see marvin soghuld return befoer the end of the year we definitely need ihm even tho mario played well last night would also lie to see some productino from mo evans good role player but not much else
rms
March 12th, 2009
9:41 pm
All my posts aren’t negative and inconsistent, its the Hawks who are inconsisent. Their erractic play sometimes drives me nuts!
Lacsho
March 12th, 2009
9:57 pm
Nice article, but it’s not totally accurate. Smoove wasn’t playing selfish ball; he was actually leading the team in scoring. He took a bad shot, but how many bad shots does Bibby take every night. JJ said everyone needs to get on the same page… Hmmm I wonder what book JJ, Bibby, and Woody are reading from. Oh that’s right, they’re reading that old school book, which is really outdated.
It’s good to see flashes of the old JJ.
However, I do agree that Woody needs to go, at the end of the season. Keep in mind, if Marvin never get hurts West and Law would remain on the bench, while Bibby is shooting us out of games. Bibby might be the only starting pg in the NBA guarding the other teams two guard. That’s a damn shame and he’s earning 14 million a year.
Mr. Gardner is freezing on the bench; he might be the best three point shooter on the team, but we won’t see it this year. I’d play RIO and Gardner before I’d play Mo.
Peace!!!!!
Lacsho
March 12th, 2009
9:59 pm
I digress to bad the rest of the team lacks Rio’s heart heart and tenacity
rms
March 12th, 2009
10:00 pm
I got some good lower level seats for the game tommorow, so I look forward to an up and close look at the home team and watching Woody BWAF in person.
Samuel
March 12th, 2009
10:22 pm
Red Tail,
I gotta agree with you. I haven’t seen many here on Price’s ars like they are Woody. Wonder why?
The Hawks are “again” playing as well as any team in the league right now. Just like the start of the season. The only area where we are lacking is free throws. I believe it’s consentration. All these guys are pros. They’ve heard and seen all the various techniques in the world on “How to shoot a free throw” but until they consentrate and apply it. They won’t get any better.
I am not surprised at all that we are playing as well as we are right now. Why, because I have seen what we are capable of. Sure, we don’t beat the bad teams like we should but I would much rather us play well against the good teams than beat the bad ones by 20. Cause guess what, in the playoffs we won’t be seeing the Bobcats or the Knicks or the Kings.
I told yall Woody was a stretch run coach. Not that he doesn’t care about the regular season but he knows what really counts. Would yall rather win 5 or 10 extra games and peak too early or peak during the playoffs.
We got a chance to do something special this year. Let’s keep it going.
Woody=COY
hawk's hawk
March 12th, 2009
10:22 pm
Yea might as well see what Gardner can do, Evans is really hit or miss, more miss lately. give the young guy a shot, evans defense isnt that good as advertised.
HawksBlogReader
March 12th, 2009
11:38 pm
This Blog has turned out to be really ok. There are a few rowdy ones, but most is good clean opinions. To think that this Blog or any BLOG has something to do with how the Hawks conduct buisness is a stretch. But no doubt this is a court of public opinion. Its nothing to come on here and spread venom about the Coaches Players and Owners. More after losses than wins of course. But still for the most part, the words posted here have some form of Validation. The AJC keeps the place pretty clean being a Hometown paper and a hub for the media. I dont get the Hawks.com website Blog though. Not the actual site Blog, but the LINKs to Blogs that spread enough terd paste to cover Jupiter. Some of that stuff make comments here look like nursery rhymes. On 1 page you have Banners telling you to come to games and re-new season tickets. The other page has links to post that say the Owners GM Coaches and Players are the worst in the league. You think Woody gets trashed here?? Click on a few of those links. All from his TEAM’s Home Site! The only thing I can think that would allow this is that the Hawks are getting paid by these “Blogs” for the linkage. If not that is really sad.
niremetal
March 13th, 2009
12:20 am
Samuel,
I haven’t seen many here on Price’s ars like they are Woody. Wonder why?
Gee. Could it be because one is the head coach and the other isn’t? Nah, that would be too logical.
I agree that Woody probably will get some COY votes because the award usually goes to the guy whose team had the most “unexpectedly good” year. But he won’t win, and he won’t deserve to win unless he displays some inkling of an ability to make adjustments before his back is up against the wall.
ray
March 13th, 2009
1:50 am
Even suggesting that Mark Price is the root of the problem with free throw shooting is ridiculous.
It’s about as silly as suggesting that Woody is the root of problems with rebounding.
Both things require effor AND technique. In both cases, a coach can tell a player how to do it, but the player himself must do it.
And none of us know what Mark Price is telling these guys in practice, despite some of the absurd suggestions. We’ve heard/read where Mark Price says he’s watched Josh Smith make 90 of 100 free throws in practice. It’s mental. He wasn’t this bad last year, and he wasn’t this bad prior to his struggles. Now he’s improving again. Good for him. Al missed some free throws in one game. Marvin did the same thing several games ago, but few people noticed. Nobody in their right mind is going to run out and try to crucify the 1st year shooting coach just because some guy choked at the line one or two nights.
That being said, any boob (well, ALMOST any boob) with a working brain and pair of eyes knows precisely what Woodson has received the most criticism about. Those lacking the two aforementioned anatomical features need not apply. It’s not rebounding, it’s not shooting, nor defense. It’s been about his substitutions, how many minutes he plays guys, the style of offense he runs, and the use of his bench. All validly debatable topics.
What never fails to amuse me is how some people want to heap the blame on “player execution” when a team is not doing well. Then turn right around and lavish praise on the coach when the team IS doing well. Hilarious.
Look, if you want to go and be a hairy pimple on the man’s a$$, then go do it. Just don’t expect others to do it blindly right along with you.
Woodson did a GREAT job against Utah. I like that the adjustments he made were superior to those Sloan tried, and Utah was on a high, at full strength. I wish there were many more games I could point to like this in his favor. There are a few. But not many. I can only hope for more in the future. And I truly do. Until then…
I agree that Woody probably will get some COY votes because the award usually goes to the guy whose team had the most “unexpectedly good” year. But he won’t win, and he won’t deserve to win unless he displays some inkling of an ability to make adjustments before his back is up against the wall.
Couldn’t agree more.
ray
March 13th, 2009
2:04 am
“Gee. Could it be because one is the head coach and the other isn’t? Nah, that would be too logical.”
Ha! For some, yes.
Sam…
“I told yall Woody was a stretch run coach. Not that he doesn’t care about the regular season but he knows what really counts. Would yall rather win 5 or 10 extra games and peak too early or peak during the playoffs.”
What? So I guess this means he really knows when to turn on the coaching prowess that he possesses…”when it really counts?” Well going by that “logic” I’d say that winning right NOW, a whole 17 games before the playoffs, is peaking too early. Or are these the games that he chose for us to win? I’m confused. I’m now uncertain as to which games were the really important ones that we should be winning. Maybe we could better appreciate him by knowing what the plan was from the get go, and we wouldn’t be disappointed in some of the losses, since we’d know the script already. In fact, when you get done starching his underwear for him, how about going and telling Woody to turn that awesome coaching power down a few notches. I’d hate for us to win an extra 5 or 10 games by accident and flame out before the playoffs begin….
Hawksfan
March 13th, 2009
2:36 am
Enter your comments here
Najeh Davenpoop
March 13th, 2009
5:29 am
“I told yall Woody was a stretch run coach. Not that he doesn’t care about the regular season but he knows what really counts. Would yall rather win 5 or 10 extra games and peak too early or peak during the playoffs.”
We are not talking about the Lakers here. The Hawks are only 1.5 games ahead of the Heat for the 4th seed and home court advantage in the first round. If Woody isn’t trying to win every game right now he should be fired. Thankfully, I think you’re wrong, and as much as we all dislike Woody he probably is trying to go all out and win every game right now.
Woody=coy
March 13th, 2009
5:44 am
Ray is a straight up fool who does not know a thing about basketball.
Samuel
March 13th, 2009
6:54 am
That’s obvious.
RedTailHawk
March 13th, 2009
8:06 am
Ray says: “Even suggesting that Mark Price is the root of the problem with free throw shooting is ridiculous”
Then Ray ays: “What never fails to amuse me is how some people want to heap the blame on “player execution” when a team is not doing well. Then turn right around and lavish praise on the coach when the team IS doing well.”
Double standard for Price, Ray?
I’m not saying that Price is the root of the problem, but the sign of a good coach (freethrow or head) is being able to communicate EFFECTIVELY with the players. If Price tells them what to do 1000 times and they don’t get it then he is not “communicating effectively” and is therefore worthless.
Yes, Price was obviously a great FT shooter, but there is a difference between executing well and being able to teach others to execute well. If being able to do it equaled being able to teach it then Michael Jordan would be a hall of fame coach.
Elijah
March 13th, 2009
9:58 am
Anyone else see Levenson’s remarks in the AJC the other day about the Thrashers? Says that every coach in professional sports is on a day-to-day contract…I hope Popovich or Phil Jackson don’t see this…
Big Ray
March 13th, 2009
9:58 am
RedTailHawk,
What double standard? I don’t recall saying that YOU or anyone else said that Price is the root of the problem. I simply said that it would be silly to suggest such a thing. And it seems that you forgot THIS part:
“It’s about as silly as suggesting that Woody is the root of problems with rebounding.
So again, what double standard are you referring to? And did I not say that a coach can tell a player to do something, but it’s on the player to actually do it?
My second comment that you quoted me on actually has something to do with a double standard. Read it again. It states that some people will blame the players (not the coach) when the team is not doing well. When the team IS doing well, they praise the coach (not the players). What does that sound like to you? And no, I’m not accusing you of being that kind of person. And by the way, I was talking about Woodson, not Price…
And this, by you:
I’m not saying that Price is the root of the problem, but the sign of a good coach (freethrow or head) is being able to communicate EFFECTIVELY with the players. If Price tells them what to do 1000 times and they don’t get it then he is not “communicating effectively” and is therefore worthless.
No, you don’t say that Price is the root of the problem. At least not in those exact words. What you DO say is this:
“Is Mark Price still free-throw coach? If he is, what is he doing for his paycheck? When Josh was not hitting any freethrows (until the last game or so), he did not give Price any credit for helping him improve. Instead, he credited JJ with telling him simply that he was not bending his knees. Very few good freethrow shooters do it without bending their knees.”
“Now I see Al Horford struggling at the line and notice that there is no bend in his knees whatsoever. His motion is all arm and wrist. Doesn’t anyone else see this?”
and this:
“Jhan – I don’t know WHAT Price is telling Josh to do. Neither do you. I do know that Josh said that JOE told him to bend his knees. He did not say that Joe reiterated, confirmed, expanded upon, reminded him of or embellished something that Price had already told him to do. And judging from the team FT percentage, perhaps Price is telling them to shoot like their legs are frozen in ice. …See Al Horford last night.”
And last, but not least:
Jhan – The Hawks are 29th in the league at FT shooting. If their win record were 29th in the league I don’t think you would be defending Woody, even if at one time he had been an excellent “player”.
Sounds pretty straight forward to me. You’re right, you did not once say that Price was the ROOT of the problem. You pretty much insinuated that he IS the problem.
I agree completely that a coach who cannot communicate effectively is worthless. Interesting that you would say something like that. So…the Hawks are 29th in the NBA in free throw shooting, and this indicts Mark Price. Well, they’re also 22nd in rebounds. Who gets the blame for “ineffectively communicating” on THAT one? Uh-oh, they’re 18th in assists. 20th in ppg. 18th in 3-point percentage (Maybe you can tag Price with that one, too). All of those categories in the lower half.
So who gets tagged for all of that? You know, so we don’t have a double standard and all. Wouldn’t want that.
Hms
March 13th, 2009
10:02 am
I’m not saying that Price is the root of the problem, but the sign of a good coach (freethrow or head) is being able to communicate EFFECTIVELY with the players. If Price tells them what to do 1000 times and they don’t get it then he is not “communicating effectively” and is therefore worthless.
Perhaps this logic should be applied to head coach Mike Woodson. Either that or Price should get four more years as Woodson has to prove just how ineffective he can be.
Big Ray
March 13th, 2009
10:16 am
RedTailHawk,
To be absolutely honest, if you see it as a Mark Price issue, then that’s just how you see it. No skin off MY back, because I don’t care WHO is here as a shooting coach. I was just glad we got one. I’d be even happier if we had an effective “big man” coach. Maybe we do, and I just didn’t know it.
Now if there is proof that Price’s teaching is causing them to have problems (which makes no sense, because he has been here all year long, and they weren’t having problems all year long) then get him out of here.
By the way, to become a Hall of Fame coach, you actually have to coach, when I don’t believe Michael Jordan has tried to do yet. But if his coaching is anything like his GM/Team President performance, then somebody PLEASE keep his butt off the sidelines. He wasn’t doing so hot in Washington or Charlotte, though I have to say their moves this year were better than in the past.
Big Ray
March 13th, 2009
10:23 am
Ah, gee whiz, now who would post under the name “WOODY=COY”…..hmmmm….
LOL…
Mychelfromatl
March 13th, 2009
11:12 am
For those not in the Atlanta Area…the Hawks game will be on NBA TV tonight and March 27 when they play the Celtics.
RedTailHawk
March 13th, 2009
11:30 am
Ray,
As for your statement: “What never fails to amuse me is how some people want to heap the blame on “player execution” when a team is not doing well. Then turn right around and lavish praise on the coach when the team IS doing well.”
I guess you are saying that if you blame poor player execution for failure, then you should credit good player execution for success. And if you blame poor coaching for failure, then you should credit good coaching for success.
I totally agree. But it seems that some people want to blame Woody for the Hawks underacheivement but not blame Price for their underacheivement in his area of expertise. Unless of course you think all the blame should be placed on poor execution by the players which I think would be, to use your words “ridiculous” and “silly”.
I have made no comments whatsoever on Woody’s coaching ability except to say that he certainly does not get the “pass” that Price is getting.
That being said, I do think that he is to blame for many of the poor statistics that you quoted earlier. It is my opinion not only that he be fired; but that it should have occured several years ago.
I never said that Price’s teachings were “causing” them to have problems. I said that perhaps his teachings were not helping them improve.
Unlike you, I also do not think that it is enough to have any warm body as a shooting coach. If you are getting paid then you should excel at your job.
In short, if you are going to call Woody out on his coaching, call Price out also. Hence “DOUBLE STANDARD”.
terrell barron
March 13th, 2009
12:00 pm
It’s almost heat check time. lol!!
KevinA
March 13th, 2009
12:17 pm
Even the worst free throwing teams average a higher shooting percentage from the line than from the field. When the Hawks play their best they attack the rim and get fouled. We make up for percentage by the number of attempts.
Drive, Drive, Drive and keep the volume of free threw attempts up.
Shaq is having his best free throw percentage in his career. Were all those other coaches bad? Or should his new shooting coach get hall of fame votes? I think the player has a lot to do with it. Childress shot pretty well, better than Josh, but I wouldn’t recommend that style to anyone. lol
Looking forward to tonights game. Lets build on our own winning streak.
Big Ump
March 13th, 2009
12:42 pm
Ray
True some people blame the player and not the coach. And it’s true that some people blame the HC when they lose and no credit is given to him when they win. I always look at both sides of the pictures…
KevinA
March 13th, 2009
1:06 pm
The players play hard for Woody. The team has it’s eye on the prize. The team is better than last year. Playing a short rotation keeps more continuity on offense and defense. We might not like the minutes or developmental style of Woody’s coaching but it’s hard to argue with his success.
terrell barron
March 13th, 2009
1:15 pm
NBA TV is showing the 1996 1st rd series (game 5) between Atlanta and Indiana right now. Check it out fellas. We won the series that day. Check out those uniforms. lol!!
terrell barron
March 13th, 2009
1:16 pm
Is that Chris freakin Laettner? lol!
terrell barron
March 13th, 2009
1:22 pm
And there’s the plastic man with the nice spin move. Oh, the memories. lol!! And btw, the Josh Smith dunk contest is at 5:00.
terrell barron
March 13th, 2009
1:28 pm
Sean Rooks played for the Hawks in 96? Hmmmm????
terrell barron
March 13th, 2009
1:43 pm
Alan Henderson sure was a dissappointment.
niremetal
March 13th, 2009
3:17 pm
terrell,
The sad thing is that Alan Henderson, along with Stacey Augmon, was one of the 2 best draft picks we had between 1984 (when we picked Willis) and 1999 (when we picked Jason Terry). And the really sad thing is that #3 was either Adam Keefe or Chris Crawford. After 1999, the Hawks didn’t have another decent draft pick until Billy took over.
I know that people love to bash Billy for picking Marvin and Shelden (and I still have a plausible but unsubstantiated theory as to why Billy reached for Shelden), but even the harshest critic has to acknowledge that his draft history (Diaw, Childress, Smith, Marvin, Shelden, Al, Acie) is not half as bad as Babcock’s (Rumeal Robinson, Doug Edwards, Priest Lauderdale, Ed Gray, Rosheon McLeod, Dion Glover, Cal Bowdler, DerMarr Johnson). Hell, a few of Billy’s second round picks (Ivey, Solomon, Salim) have had more productive NBA careers than most of Babcock’s first round picks.
I ain’t saying that Billy was great. Just putting him in context.
A Thinking Fan
March 13th, 2009
4:09 pm
Doc, AJ, TB, Ray, KS, Clyde, Sam, etc. are these the Hawks’ Blog fans of 4/5 months ago before I went on travel? There are some positive vibes going on in here, who would of thunk-it!
doc
March 13th, 2009
4:13 pm
nire, care to share your theory as i have mine and expressed it as an apologist for bk? no, he wasnt a total bust as an architect of what we have, the proof is in the pudding; 4th place on a rebuild. the way it was done is almost impossible to achieve. chicago almost made it the same way but have fallen back. i dont think any other team has really done it that way where they put it all in the hands of college kids essentially.
A Thinking Fan
March 13th, 2009
4:22 pm
I think part of BK’s issues were management. The question in BK’s mind was “do I build this for someone else to profit from my efforts?; or “Do I leave it as it is now, where I have built it to this point?” He left…
doc
March 13th, 2009
4:24 pm
yeah atf, pretty amazing isnt it. wondered where you been as i tried to connect more than once with you.
what did you learn while away?
BA
March 13th, 2009
4:25 pm
nire, what’s your theory?
A Thinking Fan
March 13th, 2009
4:31 pm
doc, there nothin’ like “home sweet home!”
niremetal
March 13th, 2009
4:33 pm
Doc,
The short version of my theory (and this looks long, but believe it or not it’s the short version) is that the owners were nervous about making any FA signings during the summer of 2006 due to the then-exploding litigation between Belkin and ASG – remember that one judge initially barred the Hawks and Thrashers from signing *any* FAs to multiyear contracts worth more than $1M. Thus, my guess is that the owners put a quiet cap on Billy Knight’s FA spending for the summer of 2006. Knight knew that the Hawks needed both help in the lane and a quality point guard. Given Woodson’s hesitance about playing young PGs, he probably figured that the best use of his money was signing a FA point guard (especially since there were zero projected franchise point guards in the ‘06 draft) and getting the best defensive big man he could in the draft. He probably tried to trade up or out, but given the horrible depth in that year’s draft, no one was willing to trade down from 1 or 2 to 5, and no one was willing . Thus, Knight held his nose and drafted Shelden, with his eyes on signing either Speedy or Sam Cassell in the FA period.
Of course, both the pick and the signing turned out to be disasters. But my totally unsubstantiated impression is that Billy felt he didn’t have much choice.
niremetal
March 13th, 2009
4:35 pm
Whoops, cut off sentence:
“He probably tried to trade up or out, but given the horrible depth in that year’s draft, no one was willing to trade down from 1 or 2 to 5, and no one was willing to give anything of value for the #5 pick.”
A Thinking Fan
March 13th, 2009
4:38 pm
And remember the internal politics of ASG, who was going to eventually be BK’s “BOSS”?
Melvin
March 13th, 2009
4:55 pm
Good points Nire in reference to the circumstance in which BK had to work under in order to do his job. I think he (and now Sund) was at a disadvantage in comparison to other GM’s. I didn’t complain when he took Marvin but I knew Shelden wasn’t worthy of being selected #5. However, I think he did a decent job with his draft picks. Just about all of his draft picks (9 out of 11, 8 if you include JChill) are still in the league. Not too many GMs can match his percentage…
terrell barron
March 13th, 2009
5:01 pm
A chance to go back to 10 games over 500. tonight.
terrell barron
March 13th, 2009
5:04 pm
Is the game on Sportsouth tonight?
Big Ray
March 13th, 2009
5:18 pm
RedTailHawk,
The whole “I don’t care WHO we have as shooting coach” comment was to illustrate that I don’t have a vested interest in Price himself (as you seemed to suggest that I did), and have no reason to create or maintain a double standard for him….NOT that “just being there” is sufficient.
And NO, I did not say or even think that all the blame should be placed on poor execution by the players. That is TWICE that you have more or less teetered on the edge of putting words in my mouth.
I think your posts pretty much summed up what you feel about Price. Your comments are quite suggestive and very clear, with no need to read between the lines. I find it odd that while you are willing to insinuate that Josh Smith’s recent issues with free throw shooting are not helped at all by Price’s teaching, yet you are unwilling to give him any credit for Smith’s apparent improvement in that area. And oh yes, you DID suggest quite clearly that Price may be telling them something that would be detrimental to their performance. I believe “perhaps Price is telling them to shoot like their legs are standing in ice” was the comment. Hmmmm. I guess Josh needed to specifically say that Price helped him, or we assume that it was only Joe (whom Smith mentioned as having said something, but he didn’t say Joe “taught” him) who helped? And what if Horford shoots at the line tonight, and does well? I’ll be we won’t hear a peep from you about Price having done something right.
Conversely, while calling Woody out multiple times, I have given him credit when I felt it was due. I was impressed with his performance during the game against Utah, and said so more than once, on both blogs. So unlike some, I can give credit as well as criticism.
I agree that Price should excel at that which he is getting paid for. I see your point about the team being 29th in the league in FT%. Maybe he should be fired. I don’t know if I’m willing to hang the whole thing on him. I certainly don’t hang all of our problems on Woodson.
But hey, if that’s still a double standard to you, then that’s just what you think, and I’m not worried about it. But hey, don’t worry, if the ASG wants to trim payroll a bit, I’m sure “fire the free throw shooting coach” notes in the suggestion box will do the trick for ya…..heh heh heh.
Clyde
March 13th, 2009
5:40 pm
A Thinking Fan we are staying positive until the summer.
Ken Strickland
March 13th, 2009
5:43 pm
Tonights gm is one where we could really use Marvin to help neutralize Granger. I don’t think Evans can neutralize him with his OFF or his DEF. Bibby will have to step up and JJ will have to continue his current roll. It should be a very entertaining gm.
DOC-to further expand on your point about BK. You have to consider what BK accomplished after hiring a HC that was philosophically opposed to almost everything he envisioned for the type of players and team he put together. If Woodson hadn’t been so adamantly opposed to BK’s plan, we’d currently be more successful as a team and BK would still be the GM, as well as a candidate for executive of the yr.
None of the so called experts are now claiming BK made a mistake drafting Smoove. Fans are no longer saying drafting Marvin, or drafting Horford over Yi or Conley, was a mistake. There are still those with hangovers from the DWilliams, CPaul saga. However, I’d really be disappointed, and the NBA would have suffered a terrible loss, if either of these 2 extremely talented PG’s had to endure what SStaudamire and ALaw have had to endure under Woodson.
ray
March 13th, 2009
7:21 pm
Niremetal,
I guess that’s an interesting theory. Any way you could cloak that in invisible ink? I sure hope Ando doesn’t see it. I just don’t want to hear the NOISE.
As for Knight, when the coach gets the vote over you, that says a lot of things, and not just about Knight. Shelden Williams, Donta Smith, and Salim Stoudamire were the only picks he made that I didn’t care for. I like Marvin, but didn’t care for him picking him over two great pgs. But guess what? Woody had input there as well. Who cares anymore? The guy doesn’t work here. The ASG is still here. And we’ll find out if they’re going to micromanage Sund as they did Billy. I’ll leave all the “Billy was good but misunderstood” stuff for Terrence Moore….
Ken,
We can keep saying that Woody would’ve ruined Paul Or Williams. Maybe he would have. But I don’t think so, as they were/are clear pg talents of a different level.
In fact, picking either one of those pgs, without there being a GOOD veteran pg in front of them, would’ve forced his hand. I think Law was a good pick. He got good decent minutes last season. Why? Because even the combo of Lue/AJ was not great, and Speedy couldn’t stay healthy. Why did Law’s minutes decrease this season? Simple. Woody had Bibby. And since Bibby is a good enough pg, that’s what Woody went with. I swear, Woody’s never better than when he has his hand forced.
Watch Bibby not get re-signed and Woody (assuming he’s here) get stuck with Acie and Flip. Acie suddenly looks better (because he’ll actually get to play more minutes and therefore gain confidence), and Woody will get credit from his usual sycophantic accolytes for the development of Law. Heh. I can see it now…
The problem with your comments is they actually make Knight look worse in the end. Knight hired Woodson, who either already was, or simply turned out to be philosophically completely opposed to what Knight wanted to do. Then Knight went and said that he laughed when people said we needed a pg. Um…not good. And, he listened to Woody when Woody said Deron Williams was too slow, and Paul was too short. I’m having a hard time understanding how any of this excuses Knight, but I’m over it. Dude doesn’t work here anymore and I don’t know WHY people keep bringing this all back up….
Fact is, he was great at picking forwards. He gave us some really good ones, Shelden and Donta being the exception. And I think Law was a good pick too.
ray
March 13th, 2009
7:36 pm
Heh. Watched some of the highlight plays from yesterday and the day before.
Block of the Night was Turiaf rejecting none other than Sean Williams…at the rim, no less.
rms
March 13th, 2009
7:37 pm
I agree Ken, no way CP3 gets the playing time he got with the Hornets under Woodson. Nobody liked him because he is small, so I dont know who does the scouting for our team, but maybe thats who we need to fire instead of Woodson. Whoever is whispering in the coach’s and GM ear as far as scouting players is concerned need to go
ray
March 13th, 2009
7:39 pm
Ken,
I think Granger will have his hands full trying to guard a resurgent JJ. He may not have as much energy on offense. Or so we hope, anyway.
infamouskrs
March 13th, 2009
7:40 pm
4th game of a 7 game homestand ! HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS….lol Granger just getting back from injury is huge for the Pacers. hope that this isn’t one of those “trap” games we could let slip!
LEAD US TO THE PROMISE LAND (again)….JJ !
infamouskrs
March 13th, 2009
7:43 pm
hope traffic is REALLY BAD….the arena, at tipoff, is pretty THIN !
infamouskrs
March 13th, 2009
7:45 pm
JJ…UNCONTESTED 3 BOMB…..are you kidding me! this is crazy.
infamouskrs
March 13th, 2009
7:46 pm
Bibby LOB to SMOOVE….HUGE ! it’s ugly for INDY early…….
infamouskrs
March 13th, 2009
7:49 pm
HIBBERT with the PACERS first 8 points ! figure thaT……….
infamouskrs
March 13th, 2009
7:51 pm
SMOOVE is being really aggressive this quarter…nice to see !
ray
March 13th, 2009
7:54 pm
rms,
He does if Woody doesn’t have a good veteran pg to play in front of him…I’m telling you, the caliber of veteran pg (or substitute)makes all the difference when it comes to Woody.
Last year, (prior to acquiring Mike Bibby)we had broke-leg Claxton, Ty Lue, and Anthony Johnson. Before Law got injured, he was averaging around 18 minutes a game. He had roughly 5ppg/2.3apg. He even started 6 games. When Bibby came (and Lue/AJ were traded off), his minutes dropped dramatically, but he still finished with 15.4 per game, having played 56 games.
This year, he’s gotten DNPs and his minutes are only just now up to 10 per game. The difference is obvious.
infamouskrs
March 13th, 2009
7:54 pm
nice thing about watching the game at home…..CHEAP BEER and laptop access…and not having a line for the bathroom on FRIDAY the 13th !
infamouskrs
March 13th, 2009
7:55 pm
5:22 in tha second…HERE COMES MARIO !
ray
March 13th, 2009
7:57 pm
Man, JJ is off to a hot start again. I really like that. Good to see him back.
dmortone
March 13th, 2009
8:00 pm
Typical playing down to our opponent. Why do the Hawks do this to me?
infamouskrs
March 13th, 2009
8:05 pm
11-0 run by the PACERS with a minute+ left on the clock……(cue KEYSHAWN)….(”COME ON, MAN) !
ray
March 13th, 2009
8:05 pm
Looks like Woody has taken a liking to the idea of putting West in the game early to disrupt things for the other team. I like the way he is approaching things. Not only does he make something happen with his energy (be it a rebound, assist, defensive harassment, or even a foul), but you don’t lose anything production-wise when you take him out.
I think this is a great new move/wrinkle by Coach Woodson.
infamouskrs
March 13th, 2009
8:09 pm
SMOOVE and JJ were HOT early…..why do you go away from that? ENQUIRING MINDS WANNA KNOW !
infamouskrs
March 13th, 2009
8:10 pm
HAWKS 1-12 finishing the quarter! 4 turnovers……….
ray
March 13th, 2009
8:10 pm
Hmmm. Not shooting well and not defending too well either. But we’re 5-5 from the charity stripe.
Somebody call Mark Price and tell him he gets paid for the first quarter at least…
ray
March 13th, 2009
8:11 pm
Infamouskrs,
Come on now, you know the deal. That’s an old habit to break: find something that works, then go away from it. *Sighhhhh*…
ray
March 13th, 2009
8:14 pm
Man, we better not let Nesterovic score 15-20 on us AGAIN…
Blast
March 13th, 2009
8:18 pm
Hawks are stinking up the joint right now, but I refuse to believe they will lose this game tonight. Why isn’t Josh playing? He’s not in foul trouble that I know off.
O'brien
March 13th, 2009
8:21 pm
These are the Hawks that we come to know and love. They can look so good one game, and then look so bad the next. I wonder if any other team in the leagus is as inconsistent as we are.
That being said, we need some more ball movement. And I think the Hawks will pull this game out.
ray
March 13th, 2009
8:25 pm
Hibbert is killing us. Go ahead and say it, Clyde…
Remember when TJ Ford couldn’t shoot?
ray
March 13th, 2009
8:26 pm
Nice to see Bibby contributing well in the assist department. He’s still struggling some with his shot.
J-Smoove with the good pass to JJ
ray
March 13th, 2009
8:28 pm
Ah, a little better defense, and believe it or not, we’re actually outrebounding them by like, a differential of 8. Their FG% is dropping, ours is rising…and the gap is narrowing.
ray
March 13th, 2009
8:31 pm
Smith isn’t having a very good half. Hope he brings it in the second half.
ray
March 13th, 2009
8:37 pm
Yeah Zaza!
We need his help tonight. The Pacers have good size between Hibbert, Nesterovic, Murphy, and Foster (The runt of the group at 6′10/6′11″)
Still, Horford is definitely holding his own with 8 points and 7 rebounds. Nice half…
ray
March 13th, 2009
8:38 pm
Make that 8 points, 8 boards, and 2 blocks for Horford in the first half. NICE. Hey Clyde….
Melvin
March 13th, 2009
8:39 pm
Join got home. Hawks were down 11 when I turn the TV on. Nice to see the Hawks comeback within 3pt to go into halftime…. Time to read the blog recaps to catchup….
ray
March 13th, 2009
8:41 pm
Need to throw it down on them in the second half. Get the lead back, then extend it, playing hard defense the whole way. As mentioned before, we’re winning the battle on the boards.
We’ve got to hit some more shots. Drive to the basket. I see we’re back to jumpshot university…
Meanwhile
Charlotte is really battling Houston. These guys are fighting hard for that 8th playoff spot.
ray
March 13th, 2009
8:42 pm
Welcome home, Melvin.
No, I’m not in your house. LOL.
cp
March 13th, 2009
8:51 pm
For the life of me I will never understand why we go away from what is working. I hope Woody does not give one of his funeral halftime speeches. They need to come out with energy in the 3rd.
ray-ray
March 13th, 2009
8:52 pm
Hibbert is getting the ball where he wants it, and we don’t have anybody who is going to bother a 7′2″ guy with their length. We need to get into the passing lanes a little more, keep him from dribbling himself into better position, and tie him up as soon as he gets the ball. He doesn’t have any assists, suggesting that he may not be that great at passing out of a double team.
Let’s turn his size advantage into a turnover waiting to happen.
Melvin
March 13th, 2009
8:53 pm
Ray i thought you was a burglar for a second….lol
Melvin
March 13th, 2009
9:00 pm
Yes sir. Here come the Hawks…
KevinA
March 13th, 2009
9:10 pm
Josh hustling but keeps coming up a little short on every shot. Evens having one of his best nights
KevinA
March 13th, 2009
9:17 pm
Joe is playing good but 32 min already. Nice comeback to a 11 point lead.
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 13th, 2009
9:17 pm
nice 3Q turnaround
Melvin
March 13th, 2009
9:19 pm
Big 3 pt shot to end the qtr by Bibby. 16-4 run to end the 3rd. Hawks up by 11… Look like Mo Evans has found his way out of the witness protection plan tonite. He’s playing well…
infamouskrs
March 13th, 2009
9:19 pm
11-0 run to end the 3rd. 30 points put up in tha quarter……NOW THAT
S what the FUNK ive been HOPING FOR !
Blast
March 13th, 2009
9:20 pm
If the Hawks want to be regarded as an elite team, or at least, as a dangerous team, they have to stuff Indiana down the barrel in this 4th quarter. An elite team will come out with a run and snuff the life out of this team. But the Hawks being who they are, will probably allow Indiana to get back in the game and make it more interesting down the road. Joe is back!
bigdave
March 13th, 2009
9:21 pm
go for 40 Joe…!!!
bigdave
March 13th, 2009
9:23 pm
defense forces the opposition to damn near half court with Acie at the point…
ray
March 13th, 2009
9:23 pm
Tremendous 3rd quarter effort, led by Joe Johnson. Man, does it feel great to see this guy back in all-star mode.
Good contributions from Mo Evans and Bibby, too.
chuckw/deadjournalist
March 13th, 2009
9:24 pm
this might be a randolph morris game
ray
March 13th, 2009
9:30 pm
I think they’re on that run you were talking about…
KevinA
March 13th, 2009
9:30 pm
Time for the bench kind of game.
Blast
March 13th, 2009
9:30 pm
Yeah, go for 40, Joe!
ray
March 13th, 2009
9:32 pm
You know, normally I’d be complaining like hell about Joe’s minutes, but dude is straight up SMOKIN’!
KevinA
March 13th, 2009
9:32 pm
We played the last 3 quarters with no defense laspe’s. Very nice. Great win for the Hawks.
bigdave
March 13th, 2009
9:34 pm
this is great to see from the Hawks… pound em…
Hms
March 13th, 2009
9:36 pm
Looks like a win in the making, as well as the official improvement on last season’s record. The only unfortunate thing about it will be having to listen to the Woodson = Coach of The Year crap.
Melvin
March 13th, 2009
9:36 pm
TJ Ford is the Giant Killer…..
Blast
March 13th, 2009
9:36 pm
Woodson has pulled Joe and Josh, but this game is not over yet!
Melvin
March 13th, 2009
9:38 pm
Flip the Switch cross Rush over 3 times on the same drive…my gosh…
ray
March 13th, 2009
9:39 pm
If I didn’t know better, I’d say Al Horford was trying to beat out Troy Murphy for most rebounds in this game. Has this guy taken his game to another level or what? Keep this up, and he ends the season having averaged a double-double.
I was glad to see Bibby regain some of his shooting touch. We’ll need that in the playoffs. Seriously.
Blast
March 13th, 2009
9:40 pm
4 in a row!!!!! Does that make us the hotest team in the NBA? I know LA is playing well. Go Hawks, Go! Beat Portland. Yeeeeeeeeeeeh!!!!!!!!!!!
niremetal
March 13th, 2009
9:41 pm
Ray,
Yeah, I was gonna say – I think JJ found a way out of his funk. Thank the heavens for that – with Marvin down, we’d be up a creek without JJ averaging at least 25.
Melvin
March 13th, 2009
9:44 pm
Good Win for the Hawks tonite. Hawks keep another team under 100pts…
Blast
March 13th, 2009
9:44 pm
T.J Ford looked mad as he walked off the court! Heh, heh, heh!
TheHawksFan
March 13th, 2009
9:56 pm
I Swear before Cheese and Crackers the A-Town dancers uniforms tonight are off the chain. Damnnnn they are FINEEE!!! Thick Fine n Pretty. Oh yeah the Hawks look pretty good too. We got ur Back (Pun intended) Marvinnn!! My man Woody is trying. Everybody played tonight I think. He was animated as hell on the sidlines tonight. Good Night to be a Hawks Fan. Goooo Hawkks!!!
ray
March 13th, 2009
10:00 pm
That was a nice game. Great 3rd quarter effort from our guys, with a fairly well paced 4th quarter (we kept the lead, that’s what counts).
Joe had another great game, Horford had another monster game (15pts/17rbs/3blocks), and Bibby got some of his shooting touch back (and dishes out some assists).
Josh Smith didn’t have a good game, but it wasn’t a total disappearing act, and it was good to see Mo Evans contributing as well as he was (15pts/4rbs).
I like how our defense turned Indy into the TJ Ford show. They can’t win like that, and we knew it. Nice job.
“Looks like a win in the making, as well as the official improvement on last season’s record. The only unfortunate thing about it will be having to listen to the Woodson = Coach of The Year crap.”
Ha ha! While that is probably true, I have to say Woodson did a good job again tonight. His use of the bench worked great, as there was meaningful contribution all the way around. Guys are fitting into roles well. Flip is the featured scorer/gunner. Acie handles the ball mistake free (check out his assist/turnover ratio) and gives you assists at the same time (allowing Flip to do his thing with the ball). Mario hustles, defends with a passion, and gives you rebounds. Solo and Zaza provide well on the glass and defend as well as they can.
Good job by Woody to get these guys involved and contributing in meaningful ways.
And oh, look. The Hawks were 9 of 10 from the free throw line tonight. Gosh golly, darn gee. I guess that means we have to give Mark Price some credit, too. Much to the chagrin of some, I’m sure…heh heh heh.
Great win Hawks. Looking very legit with the 4-game winning streak, beating teams with better records and worse records. That’s the sign of a true winner!
ray
March 13th, 2009
10:06 pm
Niremetal,
I agree. JJ’s resurgence is most timely. He looks great out there, and I really have to believe it’s due in part to something you have mentioned time and again: he’s asked to do so much. Ball distribution shouldn’t be a consistent primary responsibility of his. We seem to have taken that back from him enough to where he can do the thing he does best: destroy teams on the offensive end.
Admittedly, things would’ve been tougher with Granger in the lineup. But only if he was at full strength. Dude is averaging 25 a game this season, but he would have had his hands full trying to deal with JJ.
Samuel
March 13th, 2009
10:08 pm
WOODY=COY
ray
March 13th, 2009
10:09 pm
LOL!
Looks like Hms called it right…..
KevinA
March 13th, 2009
10:13 pm
I guess if you had to look for a negitive it would be we got tourvhed by another point guard. Bibby had 9 in the third which helped spur the win though. At some point it would be nice to bring in Acie just to see if he can slow these pg’s down.
rms
March 13th, 2009
10:26 pm
WOODY=COY
Najeh Davenpoop
March 13th, 2009
10:41 pm
The Hawks didn’t even play all that great (I thought they were better against the Jazz) and they still came away with a blowout victory. That was really refreshing to see. Great to see Bibby back shooting well.
One other thing I noticed: Rasho Nesterovic runs like an arthritic grandmother.
niremetal
March 13th, 2009
10:44 pm
Woody=Oy
Najeh Davenpoop
March 13th, 2009
10:45 pm
A couple of other things:
Al Horford had some really nice post moves taking him towards the basket late in the game. I know he wasn’t playing against the world’s greatest defenders, but it was still nice to see him progressing in that area.
Josh Smith needs to work on finishing with his off hand. He’s really good in the low post when he puts himself in a position to score with his left hand, but when he tries to go up with his right hand he misses pretty badly. I still like his passing out of the post, and the Hawks need to feature that more in the offense.
ILL-logical
March 13th, 2009
10:56 pm
Troy Murphy was limited to 5 shots by Josh and there was one of the keys to the ballgame except for the slight oversight by Mr. Silvertongue himself.
Other than that good way to earn the 38th win . solo once again made the most of his oppotunity. I hope ths kid gets a chance with a team that will use him.
Bibby,Josh and probably Al are still not 100%. Hope we can rest them down the stretch because when the playoffs come , we will need everyone as healthy as possible to be successful.
darrell starks
March 13th, 2009
11:03 pm
The hawks are playing very well but there is one thing i would like to see is more post plays call for JOSH, AND HORFORD, GET THE TWO MORE INVOVLED DOWN LOW IN THE PAINT MORE, and long as we play good defense box out and rebound and push the ball up court we will be okay. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kirkinga
March 13th, 2009
11:08 pm
Despite several obstacles, the Hawks, so far, have taken care of business during this stretch of home games.Tonight was a good effort by the team.
It sure makes a difference when Bibby plays well. I like how he helped rebound tonight as well as hitting his shots and distributing. Despite being a defensive liability, Bibby understands he can still help his team win in other ways. It is also good to see Acie get some time as Woodson might have recognize that Acie can do things to help the team win.
Al;though the line in the box score doesn’t reflect it, it seems as if Josh played an understated, but effective game tonight and that is good thing.
Sunday’s game against the Blazers is going to be very interesting. 10 days ago I was looking at the game with a bit of dread given how the Hawks were playing, but after seeing how the responded against the Jazz, I look at this game as quite winnable.
Go Hawks!!
pinoy hawk
March 13th, 2009
11:20 pm
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=PERDiem-090313
At last espn gave some lovin’ to a hawk! See comment on al horford.
rms
March 13th, 2009
11:23 pm
WOODSON = COY
Samuel
March 13th, 2009
11:24 pm
So much for JJ being “overworked”. Looks like he’s got that second wind. Acie’s minutes are increasing. The Hawks are playing their best basketball “DOWN THE STRETCH”.
What more can I say.
PSYCH!!!
rms
March 13th, 2009
11:29 pm
that link had nothing to do with the Hawks! They talking about B. Lopez for the Nets
rms
March 13th, 2009
11:31 pm
Coach Woodson=COY!!!!
pinoy hawk
March 13th, 2009
11:39 pm
Al Jefferson played just as many before he was hurt, and Dwight Howard is close, but otherwise look at the top centers: Yao Ming plays 33.0 minutes per game, Al Horford 33.0, Andris Biedrins 30.6, Shaquille O’Neal 30.4 and Andrew Bynum 29.1. That’s what centers do.
rms – Got excited when i saw Al’s name. But still he was considered a TOP CENTER. : )
Hms
March 14th, 2009
12:33 am
So much for JJ being “overworked”. Looks like he’s got that second wind. Acie’s minutes are increasing. The Hawks are playing their best basketball “DOWN THE STRETCH”.
What more can I say.
Nothing very knowledgeable that is for certain. Mike Woodson is doing an acceptable job overall since the Hawks have a currently winning record. However looking at the big picture he has not done a job that is head and shoulders better than any other coach. In fact Eric Spoelstra has topped him. The Miami Heat won a grand total of 15 games last year yet here they are now with 35 wins and will probably end the season with no less than 40 wins and very possibly a winning record. Sure a healthy Dwayne Wade helps but Spoelstra is a rookie head coach with a rookie point guard and another rookie as part of the regular rotation. Even Dwayne Wade is only one man. So is Joe Johnson. The Miami Heat have experienced serious roster changes as well and are less talented than the Atlanta Hawks yet they have only three less wins. PUT MIKE WOODSON IN THE EXACT SAME POSITION WITH THAT OR ANY OTHER TEAM AS A ROOKIE HEAD COACH OR EVEN WITH AS MUCH EXPERIENCE AS HE HAS NOW AND IT WOULD BE A DISASTER OF EPIC PROPORTIONS. The Heat would be lucky to win 25 or even 30 games because Mike Woodson would have the fits with that many rookies and young players.
Stan Van Gundy will take a 52 win team to possibly over 60 wins and as likely as not the eastern conference finals despite the loss of his starting point guard, who had begun to play so very well. Yet the Orlando Magic have won twice as many as they have lost without their starting point guard and with a new point guard who does not know their system. AGAIN A SITUATION THAT MIKE WOODSON WOULD NOT LIKELY ADJUST TO AND WOULD COST THE TEAM NUMEROUS WINS. Mike Woodson may be mentioned as an “also ran” but is in no way taking this team to new heights in more or any better than several others who have dealt with significant changes. George Karl comes to mind having lost his best defensive player in Marcus Camby and also Allen Iverson went by the wayside, while the addition of Chauncey Billups has helped. WOODY=COY I think not. WOODY=CGEKHJ Coach Good Enough to Keep His Job.
RLP
March 14th, 2009
12:42 am
If the Hawks go 8 and 8 during these last 16 games and every team below them wins all of their games the Hawks would still have a playoff position! Enjoy the ride.
Ken Strickland
March 14th, 2009
12:48 am
Good win tonight Hawks. It has taken an injury to Marvin Williams, and how many yrs, for HC Mike Woodson to finally understand there is value and wisdom in using his bench, WOW. HE DOES WHAT HE’S REFUSED TO DO FOR YRS, AND HE LOOKS LIKE A GENIUS FOR FINALLY DOING SO. Bibby couldn’t keep a player like TJ Ford in front of him in his dreams. Keeping him on the floor against that kind of speed and quickness, especially when he’s shooting poorly, puts added pressure on our frontline. Woodson just can’t continue giving major mins to a player who’s lack of DEF consistently makes it easy for the opposing team.
rms
March 14th, 2009
1:01 am
MIKE WOODSON FOR PRESIDENT!!!
Clyde
March 14th, 2009
4:00 am
Ray I’m giving off positive vibes right now. I think Flip has been the difference for us this year.
MAC-TOWN
March 14th, 2009
5:39 am
WOODY=COY
Crap Of the Year
Samuel
March 14th, 2009
9:16 am
I have posted here many times about how “sorry” the so-called fans are on this blog. You guys keep talking that “BS” about why we are not an elite team. Well, the fans are a big part of it.
Where else will you find “FANS” trying to come up with all kind of excuses why your own coach should not be COY and even suggest that he be fired, despite being in the best position in over a decade.
Spoelstra is doing ok but 2 games under us with an MVP, a rookie of the year candidate. He’s not smart enough to start his second best player so what’s so great about him. I will say this. He does have sense enough to get out of the way.
MIAMI – Heat coach Erik Spoelstra apologized Monday for using a profanity during his televised comments that followed Saturday’s emotional comeback victory against the Knicks.
In front of live microphones, just minutes after guard Dwyane Wade rallied the Heat from a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to a 120-115 victory, Spoelstra related how he implored his players to get the ball to Wade and get out of his way.
“ISO D”
Karl doesn’t deserve it because he’s lost control of that team. He has two Hall of Fame players in their prime and some pretty good pieces to go around them. They were in the No. 2 spot ant the Allstar break and looks like theY will end up in the 8th spot and you know what that means. So no, Karl is no COY.
Van Gundy has done an adequate job and may win it but will not win the ring.
Sloan,Alderman and Brown are the front-runners but Woody is in contention. Like it or not. As a true fan, “I LIKE IT”.
WOODY=COY
Samuel
March 14th, 2009
9:36 am
BTW,
Monta Ellis is back BEOTCH!!
ray
March 14th, 2009
10:11 am
Samuel,
Wow.
So you’ll throw your “fellow” fans under that bus and blame them for what goes wrong? Wow. How about getting Clyde to make you a t-shirt that says exactly that, and then show up to the arena. You know, something like “You Atlanta Fans Suck” on the front and “Woody For Coach of The Year” on the back. I’d definitely buy popocorn for that show, lol!
Good thing you don’t live in Philly or New York. Hell, even Boston. I think you will find just as many (if not WAY MORE) people in those biggers cities who say meaner things about their coaches, as well as those who support them unconditionally.
I understand if you’re saying that fans not showing up and supporting the team are a big part of the overall success of the team…to a point.
But fans not supporting the head coach on a blog is a big part of why the Hawks are not an elite team? All I can say is WOW, dude. Don’t agree and truly sorry you feel that way. As bad as Woody’s had it from many of us, even less than friendly guys like myself give him credit for what we feel is well deserved during games like the recent ones….Like in my 10:00 pm post.
Oh well, can’t expect everybody to be happy with every part of the organization, much less each other, even on a blog.
Heat Check
March 14th, 2009
10:39 am
Samuel, I always assumed you were kidding when I saw your Woody=COY, but…..you’re serious? Oh my. haha do you actually watch the games? Are you related? Is it Samuel Woodson?
Ok, so some coaches from around the league are flawed, but what exactly is Woodson doing that is deserving of a COY the year vote? To my eye, the Woody coaching last night looks almost identical to the guy who was coaching 5yrs ago, except he doesn’t look so much like Cleveland from Family Guy. When a starter is injured, bench players get the honor of seeing the court for a bit. When the starter is healed, end scene. Woody’s flaws have been hammered to death on these blogs, so I won’t bother. But, despite a nice little winning streak, he’s still not the coach this team needs or deserves.
Stay hot, Joe! Keep rebounding like a beast, Al! Josh, don’t stop with those game-changing dunks/blocks! We gotta make sure Woody gets a few COY votes! It would mean so much to this team and this city!! haha
Chea
March 14th, 2009
10:49 am
“Sloan,Alderman[sic] and Brown are the front-runners but Woody is in contention.”
I am assuming you meant Rick Adelman haha. Please don’t act like Woody is in the conversation with Rick Adelman for COY after what Adelman has done to get his team past the Tracy McGrady debacle while consistently defeating contenders.
I am wondering if you have you ever heard the term “in spite of”?
Wictionary definition for “in spite of”
Lemme use it in another example for you. Now, this might be a revolutionary concept for you, so I want you to prepare yourself.
The Hawks win IN SPITE OF Woody’s deficiencies as a head coach.
Take it in Sam, take it in.
And by “it” I do not mean, as Ray would put it, “Woody’s pelvic region.”
doc
March 14th, 2009
10:55 am
samuel is it convenient that you continue to overlook mcmillan with even younger players moving along at a faster clip than the hawks. you seem to do it with every discussion of plausible coy candidates, why? is it because you know woody is inferior to him in every category except it not being his first in the league as a head coach?
samuel, interesting quote from your guy woody dont you think?:
“You know, the media has been so tough on this team and me over the years. But I’m a realist, and I’ve always said it’s hard for a young team to win in this league at a high level.”
has it been any less harder than he has been on players? still no sympathy for the guy though it is good to see him showing some have affection, love or appreciation as guys come off the court the last few games. he too has to grow in this league and has. he forgets he was a rube and a rookie as a floor general and is still getting his chops just like his young team. yes, woody your performance deserved what it got as did the team and it deserves the same praise when you win you will get it. that is what you get paid the big buck for on the big stage.
after all as our friend aj said, “I once had a Sales VP angrily ask me in front of 30 of my peers “are you ineffective or incompetent?”. aj went on to answer the question, “And after declaring loud enough for all to hear “both, Bill, I am both incompetent and ineffective”, he left me alone.” woody, you just got to answer up to the criticism and say you are man enough to say you were both but continue to get better. just win baby and we all feel better, including clyde. gee aj, were you getting paid millions to get hammered in front of 30 knowing you job was on the line? woody has gotten more line probably than you ever did, eh aj? guy has had nine lives or at least three or four here in the last 18 months.
good game last night. hate to say the obvious but mario didnt have lightening in a bottle for two straight games. solo, has touch around the basket, maybe the best of our bigs. acie wanted to force things a bit with his shot but continues to play well enough to stay on the floor. his mistakes are not anything more than we see from other guards on the team and he does seem to play hard on defense.
kirk, i was there and agree, though josh’s stats didnt show it he was involved and active. he was often on the perimeter guarding ford after a switch. as stated before, sometimes because of switches he is out of position to make a rebound so even though he is on the court he is outside while bibby is inside, hence, bibby gets rebounds. at one point bibby had five to josh’s four. of course some could read lack of effort by josh or even a bad attitude or night maybe if they dont have their eyes open and just read box scores. unfortunately, good teams in the playoffs will look to expose that and take care of business which the pacers are unable to do. woody and his guys better start getting ready for the inevitable there.
where did jj go? nice to see him back with a more attacking style of game to the basket that we havent seen much of before and wondered aloud, why? man i was tired of that floater especially when it wasnt working if his touch was off. serious numbers efficiency wise for him as his shots taken are finally lower than his points scored when it was the other way around we and he struggled. now, mo is getting his stroke back a bit. our/woody’s offense is predicated on the outside shot, glad to see it also goes into the interior more than it used to before coming back out. also opens it up for the perimeter shooters to play it that way, if they continue to play some inside out then it will be hard on the other guys defense which tires as the game goes on.
Big Ump
March 14th, 2009
11:29 am
Samuel
Great Post
Ray
You always give credit both ways and vice versa. It’s a few other fans on this blog ,who always negative no matter what. You know they a lot like TM. They are TM wannabes. You will know who these bloogers are, because they will respond on this.
Samuel
March 14th, 2009
11:35 am
Yes Doc I did forget McMillan. He’s in contention. His team is young but much deeper and talented than the Hawks. He’s doing a great job but no more than Woody. We’re in 4th, Portland is in 6th and a game and a half from 8th. (And please don’t give me that Western Conference is better BS cause they are actually weaker top to bottom). So how has he done any more than Woody.
Heat check,Chea,rms,Hms, MAC-TOWN and all you other new “scrubbs”. Yall don’t count. You’re “Johnny come latelys”.
WOODY=COY
Sautee
March 14th, 2009
11:41 am
I was at the game last night (thanks again, doc) and a few things jumped out at me.
First, we DID make a concerted effort to get Josh going early, but shots just kept rimming out. But it was the correct way to begin. That, and Joe is noticeably more aggressive early in the clock.
I must have said at least 3 times to doc “Good things happen when Acie penetrates”.
Al was a beast on the boards.
It was good to meet Homegrown at halftime.
And last, it was great to see Woody making so much use of the bench. Good job, coach.
jhan
March 14th, 2009
11:46 am
COY – this team has already lost 28 games this year. If we only lose 4-5 more then I believe he deserves to be in the discussion.
Right now how does Mike Brown not win the award? His team will probably finish 15-17 games better than last year & might have the best record in the league. That’s who gets my vote right now.
Ken Strickland
March 14th, 2009
12:14 pm
SAMUEL-when I read some of your comments, the word PERSPECTIVE comes to mind. This is what I mean:
(1)Woodson has refused to put forth the effort to develop and/or utilixe his bench over the yrs. HAWK FANS understood the fallacy of this approach and made it an issue.
(2)Woodson has refused to give time and attention to his younger less experienced Guard’s, even though their strengths are needed. HAWK FANS realized the fallacy of this approach and made it an issue.
(3)Woodson has established a 2 tier approach to dealing with his players. Veteran players get unquestioned freedom to do whatever they want and are not questioned or brought to task for their so called VETERAN MISTAKES. Younger players, especially rookies, are held to an impossible standard. They are berated duing the gm and on the sidelines for any mistake, or should I say ROOKIE MISTAKE, and punished by being limited to only a few sporadic mins, or not allowed to play at all, regardless of how well they performed previously.
(4)Woodson has overplayed his key veteran players, and the predictable fatigue has caused those players, and the team, to faulter in the 2nd half. We’ve lost numerous gms due to missed freethrows, committing unforced turnovers and missing normally makeable shots. HAWKS FANS have noticed this problem and made an issue of it.
(5)Woodson has been slow to make adjustments, especially during gms, slow to play his bench players, beyond his preferred vet players, unwilling to apply equitable treatment to all of his players, and unwilling to allow his players to function in a style of play the best suites them, as has been demonstrated on numerous occasions. HAWK FANS have been quick to notice this and have consistently make it an issue.
HAWK FANS have seen and addressed certain obvious flaws and approaches that have hinderend the team and certain players. And because of their support and love for the team, make these shortcomings an issue.
Based on your PERSPECTIVE, if you sat on a jury in a rape trial, you wouldn’t blame rapist. You’d blame the victim of the rape for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. LIKE I SAID, IT ALL ABOUT PERSPECTIVE.
Big Ump
March 14th, 2009
12:15 pm
Samuel
Great Poat
Ray
You always give credit both ways and vice versa. It’s a few other Bloggers who always negative.
no matter what. These are the Terrance Moore wannabes. You will know who these bloggers are
because they will respond. You know the old saying that a hit dog will holler.
doc
March 14th, 2009
12:24 pm
samuel, i know you will shove it down my throat if we win tomorrow. just the same i will be very vocal that we win. anyway it will be only one game. mcmillan has a better record and has handled the tough teams, too, has a better road and home record. then you go and downplay what he has done by saying he has better talent that has all been home grown no vets among them or useful high priced super stars. dude, he has worked very hard and has been individually accountable to seeing every one of those young players succeed including outlaw who has a learning disability that they picked up on and developed practices just for him to learn where he has to be on the court. he would be out of the league with another coach and on the street otherwise. now, how can you just say he has better talent without saying he developed that talent? besides samuel how would we know our talent as woody doesnt play his guys that are young unless he has to? too easy to use that line of thinking and make excuses for woody in comparison to mcmillan.
Big Ump
March 14th, 2009
12:30 pm
Ken Strickland
Nice Post. But you forgot about number 7 that Mike Woodson record have improve every year and currently have his team in 4th place and playing like a playoff team. HAWKS FANS know this, but some of us don’t consistently make this an issue.
Blast
March 14th, 2009
12:44 pm
Ken, nice blog, right on all counts. Woody has done a better job this year, not perfect, just better, and he might get some votes, but he will not win coach of the year, even if the Hawks win all remaining games. I would vote for Mike Brown because the Cavs have played beyond themselves this season and have won a divisional title first time in a decade. They also stand a good chance of wining a championship this year.
Doc that was cold, man. Johnny Come Lately doesn’t count?
Samuel
March 14th, 2009
1:20 pm
Doc,
I said I like McMillian but he has won a grand total of 3 more games than Woody and the Hawks. Add in the fact that the non-playoff teams in the West are much worse than the East and our records pretty much canceled each other out.
You got to be kidding me about Outlaw. You oviously don’t really know how the game is played with that comment. There are plenty of players in the league with these “learning disabilities”. Hell, half the students in the public school system are diagnosed by you guys with some kind of disability.
Has nothing to do with him on the court, trust me. You can have your scholarly “heady” guys and i’ll take the SPED players and beat you by 50.
WOODY=COY
RLP
March 14th, 2009
2:07 pm
I am one who is in neither the COY group or the Hate Woody group. I like Big Ump’s point no. 7. This team has progressed year by year. I, for one, still do not have a feel for how good a coach Woody is after almost five full seasons. There are things about the team that I don’t like. I don’t like the offense. I think it could be better. There are times when I don’t think Woody calls TO’s to try to stop runs. I don’t like what appears to be his treatment of players. I don’t like his reliance on such a small rotation. I wonder about the development of Acie and Solo. But I was not looking at the blog last year and apparently there were bloggers who really liked Salim. I did not disagree with the way Woody used him last year. I did not think he had the same potential I see in the current youngsters. I have really not seen many comments made about Boris Diaw but his play after leaving the Hawks made me question Woody’s judgment and use of him while he sat on the Hawks bench. But there are lots of things about this team I do like. I am sure Samuel can list them for you. Actually I remember earlier in the year when someone asked bloggers to grade members of the team some of the guys who can appear the most negative gave really good grades to guys they had been dogging on the blogs. I really love watching this team when they are playing up to their potential.
So from my perspective as a Hawks fan I still don’t know if the guy should be cut loose or kept. I think some fans perspective is a little to irrational or their expectations belong in the fantasy arena. Because of the team’s financial status I think he will be retained for at least one more year. If the team continues to progress next year then maybe he should stay. But if he goes the chances of selecting a good HC may be a problem. Would you replace Woody with a Lon Kruger or Bob Weiss or Terry Stotts? Given that these are all prior HC selections do you really think that you would want to take such a chance? I say be careful what you ask for. Your wishes could come true.
rms
March 14th, 2009
2:35 pm
WOODY = COY
dmortone
March 14th, 2009
3:36 pm
The Jazz are blowing the game against Miami. If they lose, it would be a pretty monumental collapse. Stupid fouls, careless with the ball. Come on Jazz, get right…
dmortone
March 14th, 2009
3:42 pm
Luckily, the heat decided OT would be a good time to stop playing defense
dmortone
March 14th, 2009
3:53 pm
Spoke too soon, double OT…
BA
March 14th, 2009
4:12 pm
No blog= we’re still on the Utah blog
Ken Strickland
March 14th, 2009
4:17 pm
BIG UMP-what some of us HAWK FANS realize about the annual increase in the number of wins is this:
(1)When you start out with just 13 wins, how much coaching does it take to increase that total the following yr?
(2)When you have a GM(BK) that annually drafts talented young players, despite the ones he missed, that are quick, fast and athletic, like Smoove, Marvin, Horford, Solo, Salim and Acie, who work very hard in the off season to improve, an annual increase in wins would be a natural occurance as these players progressed.
(3)When your GM(BK & Sund)add a sprinkling of talented Vets like Zaza, JJ, Bibby, Evans and Murray to the mix, how can you not improve and increase your wins along the way?
(4)The annual increase in wins is more a result of maturity, individual player improvement, chemistry, attitude and added talent, NOT COACHING.
A-Coaching would either have us comfortably entrenched as the 4th seed instead of having to look over our shoulder at Miami.
B-Coaching would probably have us higher than the 4th seed.
C-Coaching would make us a far more consistent team, especially at this juncture in the season.
D-Coaching would allow our bench players to be more productive and lessen the load on our starters, especially JJ, who’s currently 2nd in the NBA in mins played.
E-Coaching would have our younger less experienced players, like PG ALaw, G MWest C/PF’s SJones and RMorris much further along in their development and contributing much more to the teams success.
F-Coaching would have us employing an uptempo style of OFF and using our speed, quickness, youth athletism and depth to RUN TEAMS INTO THE GROUND.
NO BIG UMP, IT’S NOT THAT I’VE FORGOTTEN WHAT WE’VE ACCOMPLISHED UNDER WOODSON, IT’S JUST A MATTER OF I DON’T RECOGNIZE, IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN. However, due to circumstances, Woodson has been doing a much better job of coaching, over the last 4 gks, in almost every aspect, and we’ve seen the drastic improvement. In fact, the contrast in play over the last 4 gms, to the previous 4, has shown us how much better we can be as a team when Woodson actually makes an effort to be a coach, instead of a disciplinarian. Imagine, all season long all it took to make us a better and more consistent team, and make it a lot easier to overcome the loss of a key starter(Marvin), was for Woodson to make some adjustments and utilize players that he’s previously ignored for most of the season. WOW!!!!!! BUT AREN’T THESE THE ISSUES WE HAWK FANS HAVE BEEN MAKING ON THESE BLOGS ALL SEASON LONG, TO SAMUEL’S CHAGRIN?
dmortone
March 14th, 2009
4:20 pm
Dammit, the Jazz had the Heat beat. Up 8 with less than a minute left and they let the Heat take them to overtime. I’m glad we have such a long homestand, Miami won’t lose
gypsyjoe
March 14th, 2009
4:22 pm
I can not believe the Jazz lost to the Heat. D-Wade will not let that team go down. It’s going to be a dog fight to the end. GO HAWKS
dmortone
March 14th, 2009
4:25 pm
One thing I will say though, from watching this game, we do have a distinct advantage over the Heat. They’re incredibly good at getting into the passing lanes and causing turnovers, and the Hawks don’t pass the ball unless they get double-teamed, so that’s one positive about our iso “offense” we have going for us if(most likely when) we play the Heat in the first round.
Chea
March 14th, 2009
7:22 pm
Great post Mr. Strickland. You couldn’t have said it any better.
terrell barron
March 14th, 2009
7:32 pm
Damn you D-Wade! Miami is still creepin.
ant banks
March 14th, 2009
9:20 pm
ken, you definitely get MVB-MOST VALUABLE BLOGGER for the month! (Awards will be handed out in December). that was very though provokin’ and well worded.
despite your comments, i don’t see sund gettin’ rid of woody.
this summer will be very telling. i am waitin’ til august to renew my season tix. i want to see what moves the hawks are goin’ to make. it seems like we are ONE, 1, Uno, Un, player away from bein’ an elite team. i am really curious to know if the hawks will try to go the cheap route or will spend a li’l bit to get to that next level.
ant banks
March 14th, 2009
9:24 pm
jj will be an FA after 09-10 season. i think that gettin’ one more good player will keep him here for another 3-5 yrs.
the way that the hawks are playin’ now, i feel very good goin’ into the playoffs. miami has 9 games on the road, while we have 9 at home. i like that odds of us keepin’ the 4th seed.
i am worried though about miami losin’ the 5th seed. i would much rather play miami over 7 games. it would be more excitin’ playoff atmosphere with miami than with detroit or philly.
ant banks
March 14th, 2009
9:30 pm
i personally owe a big apology to b knight. i ripped him for pickin’ marvin over derron and cp3, but had he picked either of those guys, we would not have horford. I LIKE HORFORD!!
b knight’s insistance on pickin’ a team full of athletic forwards have us in th position that we are in now. these 6-9 6-10 guys create match-up problems on a night in night out basis.
b knight’s great moves- smoove, jj, horford, law, childres, solo, marvin
b knight’s bonehead moves-sheldon williams, speedy claxton,
i think that we all have to re-evaluate our assessment of knight’s tenure.
rms
March 14th, 2009
9:54 pm
Woodson=COY
RLP
March 14th, 2009
10:35 pm
From Mark Stein of ESPN re 8th seed in the East which was discussed here recently:
“A leftover from last week’s Weekend Dime that didn’t quite make the cut — an Eastern Conference scout discussing which teams will grab the seventh and eighth playoff spots in the East:
“Without deeply analyzing the schedules, I’d go with Philadelphia and Charlotte. Milwaukee has too many guys injured even though Scott Skiles has them playing really hard. And I like Charlotte more than Chicago or New York or anyone else down there. They play together. They defend. They seem to be buying into [Larry Brown's] stuff.
“The way [Boris] Diaw plays has helped [Emeka] Okafor. You have to go out on the perimeter to guard him because he can shoot 3s, but he can drive by you, too. Larry likes guys he can play through and he can play through Diaw.
“But it’s mainly because they’re a team that, to me, seems to be pointing up. I can’t say that about a lot of teams around them.”
doc
March 14th, 2009
11:02 pm
your quote samuel:
doc, “You got to be kidding me about Outlaw. You oviously don’t really know how the game is played with that comment. There are plenty of players in the league with these “learning disabilities”. Hell, half the students in the public school system are diagnosed by you guys with some kind of disability.
Has nothing to do with him on the court, trust me. You can have your scholarly “heady” guys and i’ll take the SPED players and beat you by 50.”
no samuel, i wasnt kidding, here is the article describing how heady guys saved the kid outlaw and how the portland organization from the gm to the head coach and assistants have done something pretty special in there commitment to their young players. just no dog houses there. they have committed themselves to teaching the young guys to succeed. i applaud it. truly hope you take the time to read it. here it is and again, no, i am not kidding:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-outlaw121807&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
it has everything to do with how outlaw is on the court doesnt it? i really hope you took time to read it as you may stop your constant anti-intellectual theme for lack of a better way to say it and realize there are some folks out there where it is more about who you help to succeed rather than the other way around. i dont expect it because your beliefs are pretty ingrained.
also not too sure what you meant by the “you guys” comment. if i read it right you seem to be implying or inferring something about me that is truly sad. i think most that really know me would say you are so far off base it is shows where your heart, uh no, mind, really is on just about every argument. do you really generalize that much on “us guys”? sad, truly sad.
just the same i am pulling for woody and our guys tomorrow, expect to be there yelling loud.
doc
March 14th, 2009
11:55 pm
interesting stats, the team is:
2-0 when jj out
0-2 when bibby out
7-0 when williams out
6-7 when josh is out
6-8 when horford is out
11-1 when mo starts
guess we can do without jj and marvin. heh heh not but maybe marvin especially if it puts jj there for exteded minutes even if it means it opens the baseline for him to drive. he has been very efficient in his scoring in recent games.
ray
March 15th, 2009
1:05 am
RLP,
My pick has, and remains….Charlotte. And for pretty much all of the reasons you mentioned.
Big Ump,
I feel you on that. It’s usually the same ones over and over.
Doc,
That was totally amazing, huh? Somehow, your assertion that Nate McMillan is a better coach than Mike Woodson turned into “you guys” being responsible for the diagnosis of half the children in public school. Wow, and all this time I thought you were a retired trauma surgeon.
One would think most of the “learning disabilities” children experience come from either insufficient input/help at home…or the occasional simple-minded moron that the public school system was obliged to hire and retain.
On another note, you’d think that such a wealth of knowledge about how the NBA game is played and coached would at least result in a coaching job in the NBA, right? Okay, how about an assistant coaching job? Um, a collegiate coaching job? Uhhh, how about as an analyst for one of the sports networks? Assistant analyst? No? How about the guy who makes the coffee and holds the microphones up in the background? No? Okay fine….middle/high school gym coach it is….
As for the Woody issue,
There is a difference between hating Woodson and not agreeing with the idea of him being coach of the year. Some people need to figure this out and stop all the exaggerating, posturing, and other nonsense. Of course, it would probably be easier to tell a fish not to swim, or the wind not to blow. Oh well, keep walking blind if you insist…
I’m glad the Hawks are winning. I don’t see Woody as “COY” and I stand by that. We’ll see who gets the votes at the end (and no crying foul when he doesn’t get it). If he gets it, I’ll clap like anybody else.
I will say this much: if we make it to the second round of the playoffs, he probably gets an extension. If we bow out in the first, he’s most likely out of a job. And for the upteenth time: we’ve seen winning coaches lose jobs after a winning season. Woody isn’t immune. Make of that what you will…either the guy will stay, or he won’t.
happyhawk
March 15th, 2009
1:24 am
i have a strong vibe that rick adelman might win as COY by the end of the season.
happyhawk
March 15th, 2009
1:50 am
ray, i just want to make adelman as an example. He got fired by the Maloofs after bringing the short-handed and not so talented kings team against the spurs and they gave them a tough series. I’ve always thought that rick did a great job and deserves to keep his job but we all know what happened. After getting signed by houston, he turned the inconsistent team into contenders not to mention the making an nba record for winning 20+ consecutive wins. Its kinda depressing as talented as our hawk team and yet we can’t win consistently. I’ll be really surprised if woody wins as COY. Even if he wins it i still don’t think that he deserves it.
Lacsho
March 15th, 2009
10:16 am
Great article Doc
terrell barron
March 15th, 2009
12:17 pm
I hope none of the guys hit the clubs last night. It’s almost gametime. lol!!
terrell barron
March 15th, 2009
12:37 pm
I didn’t know the Rockets picked up Kyle Lowry?? They gave up a 1st?? Wow! I thought they were going with Aaron Brooks.
terrell barron
March 15th, 2009
1:27 pm
Woody needs to leave JJ at the 3 for the rest of the year. Let Marvin back him up if he comes back. Let Flip/Mo run the 2.
Ken Strickland
March 15th, 2009
1:35 pm
DOC-the was an informative article. Anyone that can’t appreciate the significance of that approach might need some of that special attention and understanding. I hate to beat a dead horse, but couldn’t you just visualize Woodson when they mentioned how some of the diehard old schoolers would react in this situation. Just look at the treatment most of our young players have received from Woodson, and he hasn’t had to deal with the problem McMillan has successfully dealt with.
terrell barron
March 15th, 2009
3:08 pm
Best overall game I’ve seen from this team in a long time.
terrell barron
March 15th, 2009
3:11 pm
Why is Flip Murray still in the game????????
doc
March 15th, 2009
4:22 pm
tb agree with your thoughts there about jj and the team. the worst thing about the game was the seats were not full. great overall game today by everybody.