Home sweet home?
How loud does Joe Johnson have to holler before someone shows up to see the Hawks rock the house at Philips Arena?
HAWKSVILLE - Ask Joe Johnson the difference between the Hawks at Philips Arena and elsewhere and he’ll give you a simple answer.
“This is home for us and we have to act like it,” he said. “So we’re feeding off our fans like anybody would in this situation. Our crowd is where we get our energy. That’s what’s fueling us right now. And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
A 25-7 home record can be improved to 26 tonight with a win over Sacramento. That would push the Hawks’ record on their current seven-game home stand to 6-0, one win away from matching the seven they piled up (with just one loss) during a December home stand they used to vault to a 21-10 start to this season.
Still, it’s hard for me to imagine Johnson bragging about the home crowd when there have been so many empty seats lately. So this is what home sweet home looks like?
It’s strange, for all the bellyaching that’s gone on (here and elsewhere) about wanting a legitimate NBA team to root for in this town, it seems few people are actually willing to venture out to Philips Arena to see it in person.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking anyone that roots from afar. In these economic times, watching the Hawks in HD from the crib is every bit as righteous as showing up for games. If the choice is making your car payment or buying those Hawks tickets, there’s really no choice. And unlike Polow Da Don, Jeezy, Dream, Ciara and all the other A-listers that show up most every night, funds for things like Hawks games are limited these days.
It’s just that there have been sellouts for certain teams and then crickets for others. Again, nothing out of the ordinary when the Hawks were a laughingstock. I just thought it would change now, with them being a legitimate playoff team.
Polow and Jeezy are down with the Hawks ...
The Hawks have had just nine sellouts this season. They are averaging 16,494 fans, which is impressive when some of the league’s stalwarts (Detroit and Sacramento) are struggling to put fannies in the seats. I guess I just expected more with all the chatter about wanting a big time team to fit a city that felt it was so deserving.
I’m sure this conversation will be useless next week, when the Celtics and Lakers are in town. But that has as much and more to do with the opponents than it does the Hawks, who are still chasing that 50-win pipe dream like it’s a possibility – even if cats like me abandoned the mere mention of such foolishness weeks ago.
The worst part for local fans who have suffered through years of frustration is that you haven’t had a chance to see your team play lights out basketball the past week. However fantastic it looks on the screen, it looks even better in person. As the Portland game ended Sunday I turned and chatted up some of the regulars who sit behind me every game and they said as much.
... Cici is too!
Once the playoffs start there’s no doubt in my mind the city of Atlanta will represent. That’s never going to be a problem. But on nights like tonight, when the lowly Kings stroll into town, you can count the people in the stands for the national anthem on two hands (this is Atlanta and unless it’s Kobe or LeBron, the crowd will arrive fashionably late as always).
Then again, it’s taken the Hawks the better part of a decade to crawl out of obscurity and back into the realm of the relevant in the NBA. Maybe we should allow the same for the crowds at the building formerly known as the Highlight Factory.
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306 comments Add your comment
Anonymous
March 18th, 2009
7:57 am
I work for the Hawks and can tell you that we have great deals on seats in the lower level. The people who are saying otherwise are making excuses, period. I understand the economy being the way it is, but don’t say we don’t offer fair ticket pricing b/c you obviously aren’t paying attention. Our club seat pricing is one of the lowest in the league, as it is, and we still offer the best pricing on seats close down. Don’t believe me? Check pricing for other teams!
Last night, you could have had seats in the lower level for $35 per person. We even have discounts for concessions vouchers for groups of 10 or more. There are deals to be had, and you need to talk to your rep or call in to the office to find them. Don’t make excuses, and try to pass the blame on something else. This is a team this city can get behind, and you ehard what Joe said about how they feed off the fan’s enegry. All you have to do is watch a game from last season’s playoffs to see what he means by that!
Anonymous
March 18th, 2009
8:05 am
Playoff tickets go onsale March 23rd … we are already selling playoff groups and playoff packages, to answer a previous question.
Anonymous
March 18th, 2009
8:07 am
Not sure if this posted but playoff tickets go onsale March 23rd .. you already can buy playoff groups or playoff packages
Big Ray
March 18th, 2009
9:11 am
Darrell,
People hear and see what they want to.
Doc,
Yeah, that’s pretty much what I was trying to explain, though from a different angle. You said it right: playing without a particular player has a lot to do with who you have that can step into that role.
Sam from da Swats,
You took that how you wanted to take it. I didn’t compare Marvin to Granger. I said “what if” the Hawks ran their offense through Marvin in much the same way Indy does with Granger. Hey, if you’re done with it, then I am, too. You’re the one who couldn’t comment on anything about the team besides the fact that Marvin wasn’t playing…but whatever. I’m scrollin’…
Rod from College Park
March 18th, 2009
10:06 am
Doc,
Thank you for your last post. That is the only point that I was trying to make from the start, and Sam from the Swats understood that. Marvin is replaceable. Remember he is a free agent after this year, and will want Josh Childress numbers at least (money). Can we actually afford to pay our 5th option on offense that kind of money? He was our fourth option, but with his injury, we have seen that Al Horford should get many more touches. Remember most of you were ready to give Josh Smith away for a bag of chips a month ago. Without Marvin, it forces Woody to use his bench and makes us a better team. The team is much more versatile. I AM NOT SAYING THAT HE IS NOT A GOOD PLAYER. He is just the most replaceable. Please stop with the he is young stuff. HE is 6 months younger than Josh. He is what he is, a serviceable NBA player. One other thing, that I have seen you guys say more than once is that his draft position does not matter. That is BS. Tell him that when he goes to the bank. For his first 3 years he made more money than everyone in his draft class that did not renegotiate, except the #1 pick. Tell agents that draft position does not matter. We did not draft Marvin at the #2 pick in the draft to be a serviceable player. I can guarantee that. I’m done. Let’s keep the winning streak going.
Gumby Williams
March 18th, 2009
10:25 am
The Hawks have a golden opportunity to win 50 games, but at this late stage of the season the Hawks will probably have to keep their win streak going in order to win 50. It will be a stretch to get it done, but in order to do it, they will have to beat the NBA’s elite teams in order to accomplish it. I believe, the schedule is in their favor and the odds are with the Hawks. The Hawks are capable of winning 50 and I think they lost their focus from earlier in the season and would have already locked up 50 wins by now. With all that being said, as most of you already know, the Hawks have to win 10 out of the last 14 games to win 50 games, and it is possible provided the Hawks can stay hot and take each game one at a time and not pay attention to whose on the schedule. I also believe that should the Hawks make it to winning 50 games, a world championship title would not be out of the question. Let the games begin from here on. Yes indeed, it looks like former GM Billy Knight left the Hawks in fairly good shape after all. Go Hawks!
Luke Cage
March 18th, 2009
10:30 am
Hawks are just playing better team ball right now, they are playing just like they did to open the season along with getting great play from the bench. The Marvin issue needs a rest, he is an Atlanta Hawk and I will support him, so lets start supporting him more instead or his short comings, each Hawk has an issue, he’s 22 yrs old and is getting better each year, lets worry about the off season with him during the off season. I personally want to see him back with 2 or 3 games left to shake off rust before the playoffs, we will beat the #5 team and face the lebrons in the 2nd round (just hope the refs will let us guard him and not bail him out). Nique is not the greatest on TV but its something he is new at so chill on that also and if you don’t like it, Mute the tv and just watch the game
Sam from the Swats
March 18th, 2009
10:45 am
darrell starks, you’re right, he’s young. That’s a very high pick to still be waiting on upside 4 years later.
doc, excellent point on Zaza. Zaza may be having one of his best seasons. He gives us that banger we need in the paint.
Big Ray, I understand. Just saying, number 2 pick after 4 years and we’re talking about upside. Makes no sense.
Rod from College Park, this is what I’m saying. You’re getting 30th pick production for 2nd pick money. Understand you exactly. I’m going to give a different sport, same city. Look at Matt Ryan. Number 3 pick, and this guy is a superstar already. Its called playing up to your draft money and status. That’s all. Other than that, this I’m done with as long as nobody keeps posting ignorant stuff about improvement and upside. My next rant….the NBA and these b.s. superstar calls at the end of games, noticeably, Lebron. WTF NBA!!!
fudd21
March 18th, 2009
11:47 am
OMG!! Rod, That is the first time you haven’t said anything negative about Marvin. Hell must truly be freezing over. You and Sam have your opinions on a players production based on draft position. I do agree that their first paycheck is based on the draft position, but after that it doesn’t matter. I say again it’s not Marvins fault he was drafted 2nd overall when we should have drafted a PG. Neither is it Darko, Shelden, Morrison or Kwame fault. Blame the GM, scouts, player personnel director or whoever. Dang MJ draft record really isn’t that good.
Sam, you talk about Matty Ice which I will admit he has surpassed even my best expectations for him, but what if he had held a clipboard this year as many 1st year QB’s do. We wouldn’t have any idea what he could produce. He was given the keys to the jeep vrrmmmm (shout out to Missy)and we now see what he is capable of. Marvin only gets the keys for spring dance, prom night and graduation. And I believe when he has been giving the keys (2 games Joe missed and Denver game when Josh and Bibby were out) he has produced.
bigdave
March 18th, 2009
11:58 am
go to Joe early and often in the first few possessions against a defensively challenged Mavs team and we should be fine…
Blast
March 18th, 2009
12:12 pm
The product the NBA is selling to the world has one major flaw. The Refs. The refs are killing the game, and coaches are starting to complain in public. Lebron got the superstar calls last night and Van Gundy didn’t like it. Doc Rivers got tossed and went on tv ranting about a ref. In Hawks game last night, one would think Kevin Martin was paying off the refs. After the gambling scandal, Commish Stern promised to clean up his refs act, but I have yet to see that. In fact, I think the refs are worse than ever, and as the season winds down, as teams scramble to win more games, I forsee more complaints from players and coaches. David Stern better pay heed. Fans have always thought the league rigged, the refs crooked, and after Patrick D. scandal, the Commish has yet to prove otherwise. He better calls his dogs to heel, because they are marring the game.
14 games left for Atlanta. Can they win 50? I really don’t care about 50 wins so long as they hold on to the 4th spot. That is more important. Of the next 14 games, 9 home and 6 away, the most dangerous teams they face are Lakers, Cavs and Orlando. Boston is very vulnerable and beatable right not, especially if they still have injuries come game time. Hawks have two more games vs Boston, one home and the other away. I think the key to 50 wins will be not only beating Dallas tomorrow night, but Hawks need to steal the games vs Lakers and Spurs, since those will be home games, and take one from Boston. So even if they lose to Cleveland away, lets say they lose to Philly away and maybe orlando at home, to win 50 Hawks must beat Memphis, Miami, Indiana, Milwaukee, Toronto, Dallas, Minny, Dallas, take one from Boston, and take one from either LA or San Antonio. Formidable tasks, but not impossible, especially if the Hawks continue to play at such high level.
That said, it would be nice if Hawks can inflict the second home loss to the Cavs, though refs, not Lebron might not allow that to happen. Cavs and Hawks are hottest teams in the league right now with 6 straight, followed by Philly with 4. Lakers are finally on the road, and are a little vulnerable to good East teams, so we’ll see, but Hawks need Marvin back, and big AL to be okay. It’s been a groovy ride all season, coming down to the wire, and I would be the happiest fan in the world if only the refs called the games straight down the middle.
Go Hawks, Go!
Khao$
March 18th, 2009
12:17 pm
Back to the blog topic, economics plays a MAJOR role in me not going down there. With me being the only person working in my household, I have to watch my discretionary dollar so much more. I think that is the case for a lot of people. Best believe I catch every game on TV when I can’t make it down there. That said, I’ve heard more chatter in the barbershop, on the job, and in general about the Hawks than I’ve heard in a while. People are paying attention. People actually know the names of some of the players. That wasn’t the case the last few years. I must digress however and say I wish they were on 750 again. 790 kills me when I’m leaving school late in the evening and I can’t pick up the signal. Another topic for another day perhaps.
JerryWest
March 18th, 2009
12:18 pm
Sekou,
Is Horford’s wrist OK? Any updates on Marvin?
terrell barron
March 18th, 2009
12:19 pm
It’s obvious that when we start Marvin, JJ, and Smith, that there are too many damn forwards on the floor at the same time. Look at JJ’s game without Marvin. Hell, look at Marvin’s game without JJ. For that reason, and that reason only, we should bring Marvin off the bench. He’s a much better player, when he’s being aggressive, and not deferring so much. I said this before the season started. Marvin is the type of team player who wouldn’t mind coming off the bench at all. Mo Evans is a 2, not a 3. JJ is a 3, not a 2. When he’s at the 2, all he and Bibby does is shoot jumpshots. If we do this, our bench would be deadly. Imagine Acie, Flip, Marvin, and Zaza as our 2nd unit. When JJ went out, we would’nt lose too much fire power, because Marvin could come in and do his thing. Marvin Williams should be our new Josh Childress.(If he comes back this year, that is) IMO.
Rod from College Park
March 18th, 2009
12:35 pm
Terrell Barron,
For the first time I think we agree. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kjsdfg
March 18th, 2009
12:46 pm
there is plenty of room to complain about woodson, but smith sure plays a heck of a game when he does what woodson tells him to do.
RedTailHawk
March 18th, 2009
12:54 pm
Bravesfan79 – You sure are one miserable fellow. You say you risk your lives on the street everyday. Would that be as a police officer? Just curios. Anyway whatever your profession, do us all a favor and eat your gun.
Proud Papa
March 18th, 2009
12:58 pm
Well. The young 4yr old was playing the PlayStation2 NBA Live 2003 this past weekend. He figured out how to run and dribble and shoot on the thing. I picked one of the Hawks as his team. He liked the white jerseys! The Hawks ranking was 24th on the game against the Lakers (then). He would lose by 40 points to the computer-Lakers. The next day he found his Hawks mini-ball from last year “Shock the World Tour”. He hadn’t touched the ball since last year, but Sunday he was bouncing the ball in the house trying to do the spin moves like the game. Well. We made the game last night – decent crowd for a school night and a Tuesday. He was quite with his pizza in hand and scared of the fire at first. He watched as Josh Smith got an Ally-Op pass from Bibby and dunked and he said “Look Daddy…Just like the game!” He was warming up. By halftime the little 7 yrs old boys took the floor and they were playing with such hustle and being care-free with no ref’s calls and mind you the fire above them was not hurting them as they played at halftime. After halftime, the four year old started clapping, he was yelling Defense! He asked as the Sacramento player was shooting from the free-throw line “Why are they yelling”? His mother told him because the sign says too. I told him they were yelling to try to scare the man, to make him miss and not score points. A couple of possession went by and the next thing I knew he was clapping and yelling DEFENSE with rhythm and Yelling in synch “ Let’s GO HAWKS” on offensive possessions!! And Screaming when the purple team was shooting Free-throws. He even got louder after the guy missed the free-throw…saying See Daddy! Are ya crying yet? I quickly went to the concession stand to get another Coke and stop by the bathroom to gain my composure. I was a proud Papa!! Thanks HAWKS! – A seed has been planted! I’m planning on buying tickets to Thursday Game – right now!! Anyone know what section Ciara is setting in?!! For the kid of course.
JerryWest
March 18th, 2009
1:10 pm
Smoove’s passings have looked beautiful lately.
terrell barron
March 18th, 2009
1:16 pm
Rod, the 1st time? Are you serious? lol!!! That’s what I’m here for. To agree to disagree. lol1!!
atlanta hawks 101
March 18th, 2009
1:28 pm
I am very proud of the way the Hawks are playing.Also, I agree with Lori. I think this team can make it to the finals. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
Mychelfromatl
March 18th, 2009
1:38 pm
Proud Papa, that’s nice man…sound’s like you have a future baller on your hands!
I MUS.WRITE
March 18th, 2009
1:59 pm
Lets not get carried away here….We were playing a 14-52 team. We’re supposed to look good playing against Sac town. I want to see the same intensity and post play against Boston and Orlando. Marvin vs Smoove -very intriguing….We are 13-1 without Marvin and JJ seems to go off with Marvin out of the line up. Whats going to happen if Marvin wants the same contract as smoove and our owners wont pay up……..
I say we ….send Marvin, Chills rights, Acie to Washington for Javeel Mcgee and there 1st riounder………. Draft the spanish sensation to run the point and pick up a nice SF in the draft
Al Horford is beastn out there.
Dam Sekou……The American Gov found Saadam Hussain in a hole in the country side 10,000 miles away im sure you can edit these postings.
BF79 ` Hates all black men i guess, but he should hate the guy at the gym thats piping his wife down or maybe he’s mad becuz he doesnt fit anymore. Keep talking Shyt dude …im gonna be in front of your home ………….. Im serious fagg i’ll come see you LOL
I MUS.WRITE
March 18th, 2009
2:03 pm
Nice post TB….. i would like to see us run a line up of …. Bibby/ Flip/JJ/ Smoove/Horford
with AC/MO/Marvin /ZAZA off the bench and Mario harrassing anyone thats hot….
doc
March 18th, 2009
2:07 pm
Marvin is “Better” this year but averages the same numbers over the last 3 years. nice
by the way, i am gay
Blast
March 18th, 2009
2:19 pm
Said it before, Terrell. But can Woody make the call and can Marvin accept coming off the bench? Our bench will for sure be deadly if that happens, and Hawks can rotate 11 deep if you throw in Mario and Solo. With Acie pushing the ball, Marvin and Flip designated gunners, Marvin will dominate againt the other team’s bench. He can get his numbers this way, and not compete for shots with Bibby and Joe so much.
I also like the idea better not because of the Hawks record without Marvin or with Mo starting, I like it because it allows Mo to guard the other team’s point or shooting guard, so Joe don’t get worn out chasing those scorers all over the court.
Harry Hawk
March 18th, 2009
4:17 pm
Too bad we didn’t get Sean Williams, man. He’s a real center and a true leader. Al ain’t nothing compared to Sean Williams.
terrell barron
March 18th, 2009
5:04 pm
Blast he accepted it at UNC. And I just cant see Marvin causing any problems in the locker room. He’s a team player. He’ll accept it. Question is, will Woody accept it?
terrell barron
March 18th, 2009
5:06 pm
And if he does accept it, maybe we can keep him on the cheap?? I doubt he’ll opt for the Euroleague like his former teammate did.
RLP
March 18th, 2009
5:09 pm
And I nominate RB97 for the worst post I have ever seen.
Nef in Hawaii
March 18th, 2009
5:33 pm
I wish so bad that I was there. I’ve been a Hawks fan since the days of Nique. Man I wish I was there to watch a game in the Omni before they moved. You guys don’t know how lucky you are to be right there.
Melvin
March 18th, 2009
7:13 pm
D.Wade is sitting out against the Celtics tonite. Hopefully the Celtics will win this game and we will move up another game on the Heat…
ray
March 18th, 2009
7:16 pm
Sam from Da Swats and Rod in College Park,
No hard feelings here. You’re right- people generally expect more from a #2 pick. You can thank Billy Knight for picking him. In the meantime, let’s give Dallas a whoopin’ to take back west with them. I WILL be at this game (thanks to some friends of mine-you know who you are). Hell yeah!!!
RedTail Hawk,
If he’s a cop, then he’s burnt out and needs to quit ASAP or get some serious therapy. I’ve been doing this for 10 years and don’t hate anybody for their skin color or culture. Never have. Never will. Even if they hate me. Hate breeds hate. Recognize it for what it is and move along. Protect yourself, but don’t become what ya hate. BravesFan79 better figure it out.
ray
March 18th, 2009
7:21 pm
I. MUS,
Ha! Come on, man. You know you live better than that. Don’t slum with the hater. Imagine BravesFan79 can’t be much of a braves fan…too many of us darkies on the team!
As for Marvin, no way does he get Smoove’s money. No WAY. Gotta show me more than that, and it’s not gonna happen on this team with the other weapons we have. There will probably be an exodus at some point. The question is, what move makes this team better?
ray
March 18th, 2009
7:24 pm
Samuel,
Posted by me, back to you on the Hacks blog:
Samuel,
Hey, once I saw the “Cuz”, I figured you mistook this spot for Sekou’s, since that’s what you always call him. Not that I can compare to the legendary SS, but you know what I’m sayin’. Hey, post all you can or want here, “COY” and everything. The more the merrier, and all regulars are appreciated, all the time. Funny thing is, if the Hawks finish off the season in extra fine fashion, you might get to serve us ALL a big, steaming plate of a certain noisy, ugly black bird….Na’ mean?
JerryWest
March 18th, 2009
8:51 pm
our PG is a short SG
our SG is an SF
our SF is a PF
our PF thinks he is SF
our C is a PF
our 6th man thinks he is MJ
our coach thinks offense should be on autopilot
terrell barron
March 18th, 2009
9:15 pm
The Celtics look horrible without KG and Allen. Pierce looks avg at best.
Sautee
March 18th, 2009
9:49 pm
Hey “fake” doc, we know you’re not the real thing. And, like an idiot, you used Caps and punctuation, so EVERYBODY knows you’re a fake.
And if doc’s gay, it must not matter to his beautiful (in more ways than one) ladyfriend, who’s a friend of ours!
otrhawksfan
March 18th, 2009
9:57 pm
who does my blogers have in their final four?
rms
March 18th, 2009
10:15 pm
Thats some wishful thinking to say the Hawks make the Finals. And also why I have to put my T.V. on mute just to avoid hearing ‘Nique awful analysis, why cant he be put on mute or just switch with the “Stinger”. so what if he is new at it, HE IS TERRRIBLE! Nobody should have to endure that for an entire season just because he is new at it.
Rod from College Park
March 18th, 2009
10:22 pm
Actually I am the gay one. Marvin turned me down when I propositioned him outside the arena. Im still mad at him for that. He called security and they sure did get there quick. Next time I will have to hide in the cargo hold where they put the bags for the team jet. He will never see me coming. I can’t wait for the next away game!
Sam from the Swats
March 18th, 2009
10:27 pm
What? Rod you can’t be serious. Are you trying to cheat on me with Marvin? That’s it I’m breaking up with you. This is just like last year when you tried to sneak up on Speedy Claxton because he has a bum knee and can’t get away fast enough. If he hadn’t had that cane, you would have had his azz for sure right there in the locker room with nobody around. Stop cheating on me I treat you good.
Rod from College Park
March 18th, 2009
10:44 pm
No Sam you do not treat me good. You are always wanting to try that kinky stuff where I wear the number 5 jersey and you get after me with the whips and chains and clip board and make me call you “woody”. That’s why you call yourself Sam from the Swats cause swatting my butt is what you like to do. I wanna be “woody” next time but you never let me be him. Im tired of this role playing.
Sam from the Swats
March 18th, 2009
10:48 pm
Rod please come back I’ll make you a deal. You can be “woody” and I will buy a number 24 jersey and let you chase me since you like him. I will even stick my butt out like he does so it will look real I promise.
KevinA
March 18th, 2009
11:07 pm
The Heat lost. Ain’t it great? Next game, Dallas. Let’s see if Woody plays Acie more against Terry. Al, Josh and ZaZa will need to rebound. I hope we continue to go inside out early and often. Dirk will get his but if we put the defensive clamp on the rest, I think we can pull it off. Should be a great game. We have always had trouble with this team in the past but times have changed and were looking good. Go Hawks.
niremetal
March 18th, 2009
11:58 pm
Holy Moses….I guess blogtown went quiet after that. Man, that’s a bit more risque than AJC usually let’s folks get away with. But damn…that was funny!
jhan
March 19th, 2009
12:04 am
Sam Swats – “sneak dissing” I like that one!
Najeh Davenpoop
March 19th, 2009
12:34 am
The Heat lost, the Sixers lost, the Pistons are down 8 with 2 minutes left in double OT… if the Hawks can win tomorrow against Dallas, it will be huge. A full 4 game cushion with 13 games left to play sounds great to me.
Trabb Dabb
March 19th, 2009
1:57 am
I think everyone make good points, but there is more to it. I,m a relly big hawks fan and I,m from GA, but I live in Birmingham,AL now. I watch a lot of the games on TV but I would love to be there every night. And being a fan out of state make it real hard. I hope to be there come playoff time but being apart of the Birmingham PD is going to make that really hard this year. GO HAWKS !!!!!
The Hawksta
March 19th, 2009
8:47 am
Sometimes just reading the blog is more interesting than contributing. Man this was fun. On another note I was down at Phillips on Sunday to watch us smash those Blazers. I recorded the game also. When I got home I watched it again. Boy, I sure was letting the popcorn have during the game(lol)! Didn’t spill a bit according to the tape(damn)!