Game time!
HAWKSVILLE - With the Hawks’ point guard ranks thinning by the hour, it might be time for desperate measures with the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers invading Philips Arena for the weekend.
Who is this unmasked man?
And desperate measures means a Speedy Claxton sighting – not necessarily in the game but at least in uniform for the first time in nearly two years.
Tony Parker’s shredding of the Hawks’ defense Wednesday night proved that a point guard that can guard another lightning quick point guard is definitely needed. And with Acie Law IV out with an ailing back, the Hawks have to go somewhere for relief.
Mario West saw spot duty and played well. And Flip Murray tried his hand at slowing Parker down but got into foul trouble and was needed more for his offense than anything else. Might Claxton, were he to actually suit up and possibly play, be the answer?
Hey, it can’t hurt anything. After all, the man is on the payroll. Claxton says he’s healthy. Why not give him a shot and see if he can give your team a spark?
Who knows, he might actually slow Rajon Rondo down for the first a second or two. It would be the first time that’s happened since the Hawks and Celtics locked horns in the playoffs last year. And it’s something the Hawks desperately need to be able to do if they have any chance of beating the Celtics tonight.
There’s no guarantee it happens. But it’s at least worth thinking about considering the Hawks’ depth issues at point guard right now.
KG + STARBURY = LOVE
The Celtics’ arrival also brings former Georgia Tech star Stephon Marbury back to town for the first time this year (he missed those trips with the Knicks due to his estranged relationship with the team before he was jettisoned and allowed to link up with the Celtics).
While some people love to take shots at Marbury for all the drama that has transpired the past couple of years, at least one of his former and now current teammates, is showing him major love.
Celtics superstar Kevin Garnett praised Marbury, per my main man Marc Spears of the Boston Globe.
“Steph’s leadership has been sort of questioned and damaged if y ou will. But once a leader, always a leader,” KG told Spears and other reporters in Boston. ” I’ve told a lot of the young guys that haven’t seen a lot of Steph, I thought we got a steal in grabbing him. His different relationships with different ball clubs is a thing of the past. If you look at some of the guys on this team, they haven’t always had the best reps. We deal with each other on how we deal with each other. He fits right in. Not only is he versatile, but people forget that Steph was one of the premier guards in this league for a while.
“Other than him not playing for a year, we all expect good things out of him. He expects a lot of big things out of himself. He works extremely hard. You just don’t be the (man) from a point guard standpoint all them years of being who you are, obviously the facts are there, but you just don’t become that. You get that through hard work, watching film. I know dude and what kind of drive he has inside. I think he is going to help us in the long run. He’s definitely different from what everyone sees and their perception of him. But you make your bed, you lay in it. I’m not trying to defend him, nothing like that. But he’s a different soul. It’s about repetition, getting it down and moving forward.”
You talking to me KG?
Garnett is only expected to play limited minutes, something like the first seven to eight minutes of each half (per my man Stevie “Crickets” Bulpett of the Boston Herald).
That means the Hawks will almost certainly need to start both the first and third quarters with their big boy lineup of Zaza Pachulia, Al Horford and Josh Smith with Smith dealing with Paul Pierce at small forward.
It’s not even a gamble in my eyes. It’s a necessity. Garnett, even in small doses, is enough to warrant a tweak in the lineup. Besides, Pachulia’s played well in whatever role that’s been asked of him this season. And with his history with the KG, it might not be a bad idea to have him on the floor early to see if he can disrupt what the Celtics might have in store.
More importantly, those lineups add more sizzle to this rivalry (I don’t care what Rondo says, this is a rivalry to me if only because both teams despise each other). And with the weather as lousy as it is today, I’ll take sizzle anywhere I can get it.
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255 comments Add your comment
JerryWest
March 27th, 2009
10:42 am
I am sure Mark Price remembers how Jordan carried his lowly Bulls and defeated the championship aspiring talented Cavs team that had Price, Dougharty, Nance, Harper, Hot Rod Williams etc. who won something like 57 games that year. They even beat up the eventual champions Pistons that year.
Wade could easily pull a Jordan on a far inferior team than the Cavs. I will take Sixers any day. If we can’t beat the Heat, I’ll understand why it happened. If we can’t beat the Sixers, I’d say its time for soul searching.
JerryWest
March 27th, 2009
10:48 am
What will an out of shape Claxton provide that Mario already doesn’t? We have no problems with ball handling.
JerryWest
March 27th, 2009
10:49 am
If Zaza starts, one of our big 3 will be in foul trouble in no time.
Khao$
March 27th, 2009
10:55 am
If Speedy can help, I have no objections with him playing. Anyting that will wins.
PMC
March 27th, 2009
10:55 am
Will Speedy play the game in the same mask he wears to pick up his paycheck?
bali
March 27th, 2009
11:01 am
If you are paying him you might as well play him. He cant be tired.
Khao$
March 27th, 2009
11:02 am
Correction: If Speedy can help, I have no objection with him playing. Anything that will help us win.
niremetal
March 27th, 2009
11:05 am
Sekou,
It’s tough to tell from reading your report – did you actually hear from someone that Speedy might be suiting up, or are you just speculating that it might be a good time for the Hawks to consider that?
Barry
March 27th, 2009
11:08 am
Hey Y’all:
The talk about Speedy coming back at this time is a little disconcerting. The man have not played in years due to an injury. If he was healthy and ready to compete, he would be on the active roster. Evidently, the powers that be on the HawKs do not believe he can compete at this level, especially to cover players like Tony Parker of the Spurs. I believe Speedy is through due to his knee injury. He is not Speedy anymore. He is “Use to be Speedy”.
Now based on the Celtics and Hawks being a rival and hating each other, this is not true. What the Hawks and Celtics have is good competion on home and home courts among the fans. On the court, it is just plain, respectible good competition. No rivialry, yet. We will be a rivalry when we play them every year in the playoff, head-up, and winning most of those games. We are still in the “SHOCK THE WORLD” mode right now. Do not worry, we will “SHOCK” them and many others once we get in the playoff.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SEE Y’ALL AT PHILLIPS!!! “HAWKS, BOOM-BYE-YEAH!!!!”
GO HAWKS!!!!
“SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!”
Dan
March 27th, 2009
11:09 am
I say we should run Speedy out of town on a rail. That guy knew he was hurt when he signed here. I don’t care if he can help or not. If he plays and does well, that might help him sign on with another team. Anything that helps Speedy, I am against. F*** that guy.
G State Ben
March 27th, 2009
11:22 am
Sekou, I agree with you. Rando is dellusional. He calls the Cavs a rivalry although the records are very similiar in the same time frame. Hawks took C’s to 7 as did the Cavs. Hawks are 0-2 this year, Cavs 1-2.
As far a KG’s love for Starbury. We get it. They were teammates and this is the reunion tour but seriously? The guy has no D to speak of and has done next to nothing in 14 games back. 2.7 ppg and 2.8 assist per. Another measure of Steph’s non-value? Check his effiency rating. Dude ranks #167 amongst guards. That’s behind Acie Law and our old friend Royal (with Cheese baby) Ivey.
Peter
March 27th, 2009
11:27 am
Did you say Speedy Claxton or was that Mike Hampton ?
TheAntiMe
March 27th, 2009
11:35 am
The nickname appears to fit because it looks like Speedy Claxton sure pulled a fast one on the Hawks.
Sautee
March 27th, 2009
11:39 am
Sekou, what about the insurance? What do the Hawks lose by playing Speedy, if anything? Is there a financial question here?
Melvin
March 27th, 2009
11:46 am
DOC, i will see you tonite with the cash…….
cp
March 27th, 2009
11:53 am
If Speedy was truly healthy before the trade deadline as he suggested in that interview, then the Hawks should have had him active then so they could showcase him then later trade him….. Law’s back must not be getting any better? If Speedy can play then hell suit him up and let him get 15 minutes. He might be healthy but the Hawks are treating him like they did Tony Delk a few years back.
swatguy
March 27th, 2009
11:56 am
Any rational sane fan welcomes Speedy back. A healthy Speedy certainly helps this team greatly. It also will bode well for next season as a player or trade bait. But for now, get him in a jersey and some court time. Quickly.
rainman
March 27th, 2009
12:06 pm
Sekou — I don’t hear much about how Marvin is progressing. From what you hear, do you have an opinion on when/if he will be back this year and how effective he would be?
Sekou K. Smith
March 27th, 2009
12:06 pm
They lost nothing playing Speedy. He’s under contract and right now, with Law out again tonight, you might as well play him. And I raised the issue niremetal only after someone mentioned to me that it might be a possibility. Can’t tell you who, of course. But don’t be surprised if he suits up tonight.
Its gr8 2 B a ga bulldawg
March 27th, 2009
12:15 pm
officially clinched a playoff spot
and it looks like we got that 4th seed on lock…who would be a better matchup in the first round? miami, philly or detroit?? i’m confident we can beat any of these teams in a 7 game series
Sekou K. Smith
March 27th, 2009
12:20 pm
You’re killing me rainman. I wrote an update on Marvin Wednesday – http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/hawks/stories/2009/03/25/hawks_marvin_williams.html. Check it out. I do think he’ll try and come back for the playoffs. And aside from being a little rusty, I think his return could give the Hawks a huge boost.
Mike is back
March 27th, 2009
12:25 pm
Yep, this miserable weather want keep me down, I’’ll
be in TA HOUSE TONIGHT!!!! AND I’M GOING WITH THE SIZZLE TOO.
Sekou, not only do Woody needs to start Zaza, he
needs to go to a three man rotation at the pivot. Instead of moving Josh and Al
back to the pivot when Zaza gets in foul trouble…he needs to rotate Solo and
Morris, and leave Al at the 4 and Josh at the 3. This way you always have size
down in the blocks.
If Speedy can play let’em play. When used right,
Bibby is very effective, but to match him up against quick penetrating PGs is
bunkers. Speedy, Garner, Mario hey I’ll take any help we can get.
LET’S GO HAWKS, LET’S KICK SOME
ASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dan
March 27th, 2009
12:32 pm
What makes some of you think Speedy could help, anyway? He has not played in two years. He is not going to just walk back on the court and start helping. He is a nonfactor and should not even be talked about.
Vic
March 27th, 2009
12:37 pm
If Speedy comes back, he will get his ankles “broke” and be on the IR for the rest of this season and next.
I was at the SA game and West played the best defense on Parker. West is hungry for playing time and makes the best of the limited minutes he’s given. The problem wasn’t the offense per se, but the fact that just about everything Parker threw up went in the basket. I would have given West more minutes to at least try to get Parker out of his rythm. He completely dismantled the team all by himself.
Khao$
March 27th, 2009
12:38 pm
Sekou, does Speedy practice regularly with the team?
Sekou K. Smith
March 27th, 2009
12:42 pm
Yes. Speedy does practice with the team Khao$. And what makes you guys think he can’t help in a situational role Dan? Nobody’s asking Speedy to start. But he could play limited minutes as a defensive specialist and serve a purpose.
Harry Hawk
March 27th, 2009
12:58 pm
We’re paying the man. Might as well give him some minutes at a weakened position.
Numberonehawksfan
March 27th, 2009
12:59 pm
Not that this is a major concern but, I do know fans that are not watching games or attending because of Ryan Cameron and his obnoxious “Threeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee” call. I also want to know why, in a very diverse city like Atlanta, can’t we have a better variety of music in the arena other than the “Let’s Go Hawks” and De-Fense chants with that awful organ banging. It’s bad in person and when the arena is less than full, it’s even worse on television. I also love Dominique but just like Steve Smith, commentating is not his strong suit. How many times will Dominique tell me the obvious. (Hawks are down 15 and he says, “There is still plenty of time left in this game, Hawks need to make stops and score!” (You think) Ryan, please stop yelling for Defense or Let’s Go Hawks, we’ll yell good and loud once the Hawks give us a reason to yell loudly. It really makes the fans look as though we are less than intelligent and need to be told when to cheer for our team because Ryan insists on asking us to get involved before we are ready! We would really love some nice hip-hop instrumental tracks and really good sound effects like those in The TD Waterhouse Center in Orlando or The Rose Garden in Portland. I’ve even heard better music on the PA system in Utah–Utah?!? Those are really good “in-game” experiences. If you must have organ music, then can it at least be the good kind like in Philly or Boston. The fans will get even more involved if they don’t feel alienated by the corny music being played in the arena…
SWAT Native
March 27th, 2009
1:09 pm
I have no problem with Speedy Claxton. When he got hurt his first year and the doctor advised him to shut it down for the year, he got a second opinion and tried to rehab and play through it. Last year, when some advised him to retire, he still worked to come back. Now he says he’s healthy and ready to play, but the Hawks won’t activate him. He can’t help that he got hurt, and he’s tried to do everything to come back. He gets paid one way or the other, so a lot of people would have just shut it down.
If he can play, this might be a good time to try him. Let’s see if he can be effective, because you might need a guard like him in the playoffs. Also, it will help if you want to move him in the offseason if there is actually some game film of him from this year. Let’s see what he’s got.
terrell barron
March 27th, 2009
1:18 pm
Numberonehawksfan, You’ve got issues!
terrell barron
March 27th, 2009
1:21 pm
SWAT Native, that has to be the nicest thing I’ve ever read about Craig Claxton on this blog. Ever!
Numberonehawksfan
March 27th, 2009
1:25 pm
Thanks Terrell Barron for acknowledging that “I” have issues. The blog is regarding the Hawks cornball! Everyone is entitled to an opinion (on the Hawks), the blog isn’t about me! If you are a real Hawks fan, you would recognize that with the Hawks having their best season in 10 plus years and the arena still half empty (during the stretch drive of the season) there is obviously a reason as to why fans are not showing up to support the Hawks, I just wanted to put out my opinion because I do attend games and watch the team on television. Get over “My issues” and blog about the topic of conversation!
kilmoonie
March 27th, 2009
1:29 pm
Man, I really like the idea of Speedy Claxton coming back and helping us as a “defensive specialist and serve a purpose.” But I just think it might be too much to ask this guy right now, even if he plays tonight and in the next few games. He hasn’t played at all in how long? His speed and defensive knack would almost have to be way short of the level his nickname garnered.
Still, I don’t see him in practices and I am not seeing what others are. If they think he might be ready, than as a Hawks fan I’m rooting for it to work. With Acie on the shelf, a Speedy PG with quick hands is exactly what we need.
JR
PS. Phillie scares me so much more than the Heat. I hate the way this season is ending as far as opponent goes.
NotsurewhyHawksFan
March 27th, 2009
1:36 pm
I don’t like our chances tonight. You know why? Because Mike Woodson is a terrible basketball coach. His player rotation is why we lost to SA the other night. “J Smoove” looked like he had smoked a fatty the entire game and Woody left him out there. The only time we looked good was the few minutes that Flip and Mario were on the floor at the same time. And why does Flip get the ball solo at the end of every quarter when he’s in there. He dribbles of his leg or gets stripped every single time. As Mr. Barkley would say, our coach is “Turrbile”.
terrell barron
March 27th, 2009
1:39 pm
I coldheartedly doubt that Hawks fans are staying at home because of Ryan Cameron. Give me a break. Kids…..
dmortone
March 27th, 2009
1:48 pm
Marbury hadn’t played NBA basketball, while he was completely healthy, for 65 odd games and look how bad he’s fairing. I remember watching the Magic game at the beginning of the year and I remember thinking the only reason we one that game was because the Magic missed a bunch of shots they should make and looked completely out of sync offensively.
The point is, it’s hard enough to get into game shape after taking a few months off from playing NBA basketball when you’re healthy and working on your game by yourself/with trainers and whatnot. Coming off a couple knee surgeries and not playing NBA basketball for 2 years, I highly doubt Speedy can bring any substantive production in the short term, especially since I assume Acie will be back by the playoffs. Just leave Speedy on the bench and give Mario some run. Let one offensively challenged guard d up another(even though Rondo has improved his offensive game this season).
dmortone
March 27th, 2009
1:48 pm
*the only reason we “won” that game
dmortone
March 27th, 2009
1:50 pm
*Acie will be back by the playoffs for the long term.
There really should be an edit post option
Fuffar
March 27th, 2009
1:51 pm
I GOT ROBBED AND IT WAS SPEEDY THAT TOOK THE MONEY.
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
1:51 pm
If you’re a fan of the team then you should welcome the possible help from whomever. If Speedy can do to PGs what Mario does to wing players, for all of 5-8 minutes in a game, that would help tremendously. And there is only one way to find out… put him in uniform and send him in the game. Like Sekou said, we’re not asking him to play 38 minutes and produce 12 assists and 5 steals. You all want Woody to make game-time adjustments? Seeing if Speedy can stop dribble penetration from super-quick PGs seems like a reasonable attempt at making a game-time adjustment. What’s the harm is trying?
Ben
March 27th, 2009
2:01 pm
SEKOU, has Speedy been practicing with the team or not? What has he been doing everyday?
tbhawksfan
March 27th, 2009
2:10 pm
Woodson is a system man. don’t adapt to his vision of the system and you get Tony Delked.
Yes, Woody is a system man, with a really bad system.
Khao$
March 27th, 2009
2:10 pm
It would be one thing if Woodson were asking Speedy to start or be the 6th/7th man off the bench. However, if he could give 6-10 minutes to play as a defensive stopper, what is that going hurt? Shoot, it couldn’t hurt us any more than relying on Bibby to play meaningful defensive minutes during the game in key moments. If he can help, let him help. The key word in this whole equation is HELP.
ga bulldawg
March 27th, 2009
2:11 pm
lol @ “Numberonehawksfan”, i thought i was the only one annoyed by that organ but i disagree that the music, organ and RC are keeping Hawks fans from coming to the games. It really comes down to the economy…GA has had some of the worst effects of the economy. Philips Arena sells a lot of cheap seats and those are usually full but the more expensive ones are often empty but thats only what the TV shows. And Ryan Cameron is the sh**! I love it when he says “That foul is offensive! or “TOOOO many steps”. How many other announcers do that?? i think its hilarious
KUERG
March 27th, 2009
2:31 pm
does speedy remember where the arena is located
SWAT Native
March 27th, 2009
2:32 pm
Terrell Barron, I just think Speedy gets a bad rap. I notice him at every Hawks timeout, he’s in the huddle, he never sulks, apparently he practices every day, and other than that one article where he said he could be playing, I’ve never heard him complain.
Now contrast him with Marbury who was in kind of the same situation. The Knicks thought he was so disruptive they didn’t even want him around the team. The finally bought him out to get him to go away.
I’ve got a solution for two things that people complain about every blog. Maybe Speedy can retire next season and become the Hawks color commentator.
RG
March 27th, 2009
2:36 pm
RC’s three call is not what bothers me, the for two call is the annoying one. Joe Johnson for 2. Who does not realize a layup is for 2.
SWAT Native
March 27th, 2009
2:42 pm
I can live with Ryan Cameron – I love how at some point in every game when someone gets dunked on or get’s their shot thrown into the stands, he says “now you know”.
BTW, I’m enjoying seeing the NBA playoff commercial where Joe puts Poe on his back and drops a 3-pointer on him. Anyone notice that at the end of that clip when Joe and Smoove are celebrating, Smoove points at someone and laughs? Who was he pointing at? Was that Poe?
I MUS.WRITE
March 27th, 2009
2:46 pm
Are you kidding me? I would take Sophia Claxton if its going to slow down opposing PG’s. If he’s in uniform im sure he’s been practicing so why not play him for a few minutes as a defensive stopper. As we saw in the San Antonio game Mike Bibby is useless against quick Pg’s …..That was a sick cross over by TP……. Bibby plays D like he’s wearing ankle weights….DAM
Yeah bring on Claxton
SWAT Native
March 27th, 2009
2:46 pm
…as for the music in the arena, what’s with that guitar music they play just before the tip? I’m half convinced that’s why the Hawks get off to a slow start. Why can’t we open up with something that thumps like “Welcome to Atlanta” like they used to do at the Falcons games?
Elijah
March 27th, 2009
3:04 pm
Some of you guys are crazy.
Speedy, when healthy, is one of the top 5 defensive point guards in the league. Dude HARRASSES other team’s point guards. He was a key reason the Spurs won the NBA title in 2003. He has said he’s healthy and hasn’t played in forever. I’m sure his whole body is fresh (no homo) and he can play fine. He is a perfect player to put on Rondo or Parker, not the lethargic and fat Mike Bibby.
However, I don’t see Speedy playing because if he plays for 1 second, we lose his insurance payments (Sekou please correct me about this)…?
Elijah
March 27th, 2009
3:06 pm
Why would Speedy be in uniform, but not play? We have exactly ONE healthy point guard, and Bibby’s legs are probably dead from playing 38 minutes every other game
Ariose
March 27th, 2009
3:29 pm
Ace Boogie’s got a new mix….check it out..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzy_ja_9yLM&feature=channel_page
doc
March 27th, 2009
3:40 pm
melvin i will have the tix.
Elijah
March 27th, 2009
3:52 pm
A few comments about Sekou’s article on if we can hang with Celtics or Lakers:
1) 9 intense games with Celtics dating back to the playoff series? I don’t think 4 of the games have been remotely competitive
2) If we start ZaZa and Horford, who the heck comes off the bench? Do we really want to see Solomon Jones on huge players like Leon Powe or Big Baby? We need Speedy to play tonight, and we should start Mo.
kirkinga
March 27th, 2009
4:32 pm
If nothing else, I am curious as to how Speedy will play if given the chance. He practices, but we know he is not in game shape. That said, he’s still has quicks, quicker than Bibby we presume.
This should also be an interesting for all those Woodson-watchers to see how he uses Speedy, a veteran. It seems to me that having a veteran PG who is playoff-tested in our rotation is a good thing.
Where exactly in that rotation is the a question as well. When Acie returns, does Speedy sit, if he has played, and played well? If he does play well, what happens when should Marvin return for the playoffs?Could a suddenly reinvigorated Speedy, fresh and playoff-tested displace Acie?
Bottom line is, Speedy is a part of the team and Coach Woodson should find some minutes for him given the present situation.
terrell barron
March 27th, 2009
4:38 pm
What are the insurance implications? Sekou? Anyone?
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
4:52 pm
Kirk, in my opinion, now is not the time to be worried about player development. That should have been addressed in the first 65-70 games of the season. Now, Woody needs to be focused on finding the right combinations to address specific issues that may arise in the post-season. This is no time for tutorial sessions. So if Speedy plays well, then Acie can sit with RandMo and Hunter on the far end of the bench. And if he appears like he can’t help this team, then Speedy can keep paying those dry cleaning bills for those suits that he wears. But Woody should not be worried about player development. It’s time to get ready for the post-season and to figure out how to use his available resources properly.
Blast
March 27th, 2009
5:02 pm
If Speedy can and want’s to play, which I think he is, then Woodson will be a fool not to play him. Hawks are shorthanded as it is, especially at the point, and Bibby’s inability to guard the point has been well documented on this blog. If Speedy still has any of the quickness that gave him his nickname, then by all means play the guy. Hawks needs bodies in uniform.
If there is any chance Marvin or Acie will not return for the playoffs, shouldn’t the Hawks consider a late season pick up or two? Since they have a starter and bench player out of the rotation, and Othello, Gardner and Randolp Morris not getting any playtime, anyway.
darrell starks
March 27th, 2009
5:03 pm
WOW speedy in uniform unbelievable, the game will be pack tonight.GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Numberonehawksfan
March 27th, 2009
5:08 pm
Good luck with Woodson using his “resources”. I think he only knows rotational substitutions and not situational substitutions. I don’t know how many times I saw Tony Parker zoom by Al Horford (not Al’s fault). I understand the switching defense but after 2 or 3 times of the same player getting burned, it’s time to try something else. Like stop switching and put in someone to play hard nosed defense on smaller, quicker guards. Hey Bibby, “I think Tony Parker just scored again!”
Old Blue
March 27th, 2009
5:14 pm
Give Speedy a speedy trip out of sight. Please keep him out of sight and mind. What a waste. . . worse than outright theft and socialism.
doc
March 27th, 2009
5:21 pm
i would welcome speedy to see if he can help now or in the playoffs. i would also assess whether he is part of the solution to next years issue at point.
look, as hard as mario played he still got lost on the court against the spurs. after he made his steal parker showed him a move that told the world that parker was not going to be played by mario again. the unbelievable spin move ended up with an easy lay in. woody took a lot of time with mario explaining the good and how he had gotten beaten as well during one time out as he left the court, very civil it appeared. i think mario was left behind on more than several moves and screens.
defense is what speedy can do. do i expect much out of him? no, not really. look to the article on kg talking about what can be expected from starbury after so much time away to get an appreciation of what speedy has to overcome. if speedy is more than we think, then cool, need to find out.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 27th, 2009
5:28 pm
“It really makes the fans look as though we are less than intelligent and need to be told when to cheer for our team because Ryan insists on asking us to get involved before we are ready!”
I hate to be the one to inform you, but most of the fans at Hawks game are less than intelligent. Well, maybe not less than intelligent, but certainly not attentive. Most of them do need to be told when to cheer, because they are not paying any attention in the first place. If Ryan Cameron doesn’t tell them to yell, they are not going to yell. Straight up.
I agree with you that the arena music sucks though. Not that I really notice when the A-Town Dancers are shaking their junk at me…
L L
March 27th, 2009
5:31 pm
I DID NOT WANT SPEEDY WHEN THEY SIGNED HIM AND I SURE AS HECK DO NOT WANT HIM NOW
Ben
March 27th, 2009
5:46 pm
If he is practicing why in the hell is he not even playing? Our bench is the thinnest in the NBA as it is. Sekou, why would Woody not play him if he is healthy? WTF.
KevinA
March 27th, 2009
5:47 pm
I would love to see a Speedy sighting. At 5 mil a year, why not? We could sure use some defense at pg. If he can hang it would give us another option. Of course if Woody uses him and he does well better than Acie he will never get playing time. If he does bad Woody will play min just so he can be dissapointed and scowel.
KevinA
March 27th, 2009
5:49 pm
We need 4 wins at the most to get the 4th seed. Looking at the schedule it looks like that all the teams from the 4th seed on down will play at less than 50%. The Hawks pretty much have a lock.
Josh shot poorly, he kept attacking. So did Al. As in football, you run a balanced offense. The reason we played so well in our run during the fourth quarter is the softening up process by banging bodies down low all night. While we may not win all games this way, I believe we will win the most this way.
Marvin is the one other guy besides Josh, Al and ZaZa that isn’t afraid of contact. We miss his driving the ball to the hoop and drawing fouls.
The most distressing trend over the last three games is were back to jacking jumpers without passing to the front court first or passing three four times to create some motion and rotation. I realize Josh and Al had a tough night but we quit going to them. When do JJ, Flip and Bibby quit shooting when they miss a few?
Whether we win or lose we need to prepare for playoff basketball. When we were kicking butt we were going down low on a consistent basis. As mentioned often we could use a few minutes from Solo and even a couple more for ZaZa in the first half and 3rd quarter. Woody just doesn’t believe in fresh legs for the end of the game.
When JJ , Flip, or Bibby take over the game for a long period of time our defense suffers. We all knew, but Woody, that Bibby he had no chance against Parker. So what was Evans doing on the bench? Or Mario, or anybody else? Why were we switching out so Parker could go one on one with centers?
Bibby is a great player in certain situations. Playing against awesome quick PG’S is not one of them.
At times we gripe about free throw percentages and one could look back and say we threw away a few games. I have a different theory, even at 60% it’s a higher shooting percentage than jacking jumpers. Let’s hope we go back to playing physical and attacking the basket. To our star back court, pass the ball.
Mychelfromatl
March 27th, 2009
5:56 pm
Wow, Rajon Rondo has given the Hawks strong “Bulletin Board” material. I wonder If Woody and the gang will use it?
kirkinga
March 27th, 2009
6:07 pm
Um, ok, I guess my last post was eaten.So sorry if this ends up being a double post.
Joe-I think it’s not as easy as it may seem to sit Acie now. He has missed games before, but also returned to his limited role when he recovered.
As doc mentioned, Speedy should also be an upgrade over Bibby, but what I’m looking for is offense. Can Speedy provide an offensive spark should he play? If he can, then I think Woodson has a plausible case for sitting Acie at this point in the season.
I agree that this isn’t the time for player development? But it is time for team development. Last season the Hawks made the playoffs, but were a losing team. This season they learned how to win in the regular season, and this playoff season will be about learning how to win in the playoffs. Not just games, they’ve done that, but a series. We don’t know if they can do that yet.
There’s been a lot of mention of Tony Parker, I’d just like to add that Parker performs well against almost every team. His performance against us was not unique to the defense, or lack thereof, of Bibby. In the NBA, quick guards are going to to do their thing. Elite guards, like Parker, do them against every team every night. Yes Bibby was overmatched, but Parker can play and we shouldn’t lose sight of that.
Also, Speedy isn’t Mike Hampton. We know he’s healthy and we know he wants to play. It’s the organization, not the player, that is responsible for his lack of playing time. The guy is still part of the team, so it can’t hurt to at least see if he can perform.
Go Hawks!!
hawkfan
March 27th, 2009
6:12 pm
From reading the boston posts, I see that Rondo says this is not a rivalry and the cavs are and then I see him and KG as gametime decisions, and then the boston fans are saying that the c’s should tank the game and lose to rest the starters and prepare for the playoffs. Some are even saying they don’t care if they lose, so either way if the hawks when there will be excuses like injuries and refs or whatever but who cares, we need to get our SWAG back like jsmoove said it.
Elijah
March 27th, 2009
6:22 pm
So Sekou, what are the insurance implications on Speedy playing?
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
6:28 pm
who doesn’t like Ryan King…? wow…?
JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY Smmmmmooooooooooooth
Wit tha Jaaaaaam!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05o1X4a4iDI&feature=channel_page
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
6:30 pm
correction…
SMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmoooooooooooovvvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeee…!!!
Elijah
March 27th, 2009
6:31 pm
So since there have been no insurance payments involved, one must assume ASG/Woodson inexplicably have decided not to play Speedy. Which means they are the biggest idiots on this earth.
This is the same PG who helped SAS win a title and who Bibby called “one of the best last year.” The dude has not played a game for 2 years. He is freaking healthy. Why do we have scrubs like Gardner and West getting minutes over him? HE’S YOUR 3RD HIGHEST PAID PLAYER
Elijah
March 27th, 2009
6:32 pm
Speedy “will not be on the team next year” which is why he’s not playing now.
Good job ASG. Probably could have 3 or 4 more wins if we put him on the other teams’ quick PGs
Sekou K. Smith
March 27th, 2009
6:52 pm
No Kevin Garnett tonight. we were just told he’s out with soreness in the right knee that’s already cost him 13 games this season. So much for all that drama with he and Zaza. It’ll have to wait until next time.
Elijah
March 27th, 2009
7:14 pm
Why do people act like we need to have a big lineup (Horf Smoove ZaZa)? Has it occurred to anyone we can just put Joe on Pierce and Evans on Allen.
OMG Elijah! You are brilliant! Putting two players on two other players of equal size! You should be the new coach!
DJ
March 27th, 2009
7:43 pm
We are not just paying the man but we are paying him ALOT. I do hope to see him place tonight though. He’ll want to prove something to the coaches and try step his game up and play with great intensity. Mario West is my man though so I dont want minutes taken away from him, he was playing good defense on Tony Parker and did anyone notice the defense he played on Lebron James?
Win tonight on the ROAD!! Speedy and Mario contribute big time. GO HAWKS!~!~!~!~!~!~!
otrhawksfan
March 27th, 2009
7:46 pm
too bad all the blogers went to the game tonight. Good to see that the arena is full from the jump ball.. the hawks more than likely will have that 1st game saturday afternoon.. so shout out to all tha hawks fans watching the game in person tonight and not a home.
DJ
March 27th, 2009
7:49 pm
My bad…it’s at home.
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
7:50 pm
Hawks look like they are playing with more brains than they did against the Spurs. Maybe they didn’t take the Spurs seriously (for some stupid reason). At least they look ready to play (so far).
Sekou K. Smith
March 27th, 2009
7:51 pm
I hope someone stayed home to hang out around here tonight. But the crowd does look pretty good. And they did give you an extra half hour to get here.
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
7:52 pm
Pierce misses a few 3s and decides to attack the basket. What a novel idea… change it up if one thing isn’t working. Wow.
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
7:55 pm
With Rondo in foul trouble, Speedy may not be needed. OK, Flip… light them up!
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
7:58 pm
i like Josh on Paul P.
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
7:58 pm
Woody is trusting Joe to play with 2 fouls in the first quarter. Dangerous move IMO. Flip is playing too well of late to take that chance. Let Joe play with around 5 minutes left in the half but he needs to sit now.
JohnGTFan
March 27th, 2009
8:00 pm
We’ll learn A LOT about Atlanta tonight…no KG yet (if at all tonight), Rondo out of the game with foul trouble early….if ATlanta cannot win this game at home…the playoffs will be over quickly. Say what you want…but if Atlanta can’t win this game..there’s no reason to think they can win a 7-game series against anyone.
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
8:02 pm
Has Mo made a contested shot this season?
otrhawksfan
March 27th, 2009
8:02 pm
dont worry sekou smith we are here
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
8:04 pm
JohnGTFan, we’re missing Marvin and Joe Johnson is out with foul trouble. We may have an advantage but it’s very small. Based on who is healthy and nt in foul trouble, Pierce is the best player on the court (and Ray Allen is second).
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
8:07 pm
“the only game that was an out of reach game would have been game 7 of the playoffs…”
-Dominique Wilkins
obviously Nique’ didnt watch the series…
O'brien
March 27th, 2009
8:08 pm
Did Nique just say that the only game last year (in the playoffs) that was out of reach was game 7? Really Nique?
Hawks need to step up their defense. And stop giving up the 3 point shots.
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
8:08 pm
Josh SMASH!
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
8:09 pm
Smoove eats the Leprechauns for lunch…
JohnGTFan
March 27th, 2009
8:11 pm
Astro…
I know what you’re saying…and it’s not that I don’t disagree (plus I posted before Joe picked up his 2nd). But losing JJ and Marvin is NOTHING like Boston losing KG and Rondo!!!
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
8:13 pm
John, it’s less about who is lost and who is left. You play with who’s left.
otrhawksfan
March 27th, 2009
8:14 pm
why does hawks fans clap after boston scores.This is now all star game people!!!
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
8:14 pm
Joe wanst to “be the man” again. Pass the freakin’ ball!
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
8:16 pm
Mikki Moore will make at least 2 “does he play for the Celtics?” bone-headed plays this game. Watch and count.
JohnGTFan
March 27th, 2009
8:17 pm
Astro…
Not that it matters…I think Atlanta will win this game tonight. I just don’t see how they can lose it. Pierce and Allen are good players..but without KG…Atlanta, I believe, is a better team. And there should be NO WAY they lose at home.
JohnGTFan
March 27th, 2009
8:20 pm
here’s a thought…how is Atlanta currently down 5 when Boston has the following on the court? Walker, Moore, Marbury, House and Davis. LOL This is what is maddening about Atlanta
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
8:21 pm
Sekou, is Speedy in uniform tonight?
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
8:24 pm
John, you do know that the Celtics have played probably 30 games without KG and won the vast majority of them, right?
JohnGTFan
March 27th, 2009
8:26 pm
Astro…
Look at their current lineup…seriously! Read into their record as you want..there is no way Atlanta should be losing. If you think so, you’re in serious denial.
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
8:27 pm
he dressed Astro…
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
8:28 pm
Thanks dave. Amd yes John, I don’t think the Celtics need KG to beat the Hawks.
JohnGTFan
March 27th, 2009
8:31 pm
Astro…
I’m not saying you’re wrong, but I respectfully disagree. I think Atlanta is better when Boston doesn’t have KG. But for Atlanta to be struggling against the lineup Boston had out there during the 2nd (posted above)…that’s just pathetic.
JohnGTFan
March 27th, 2009
8:33 pm
I have a question…just curious…does anyone think Atlanta will resign Bibby since he cannot play defense? I used to think resigning him was a no-brainer. But as the season has gone on, I’m not so sure.
DJ
March 27th, 2009
8:33 pm
STEPHON MARBURY!! GO BACK TO THE KNINKS!
Is Speedy in uniform?? I can’t tell.
DJ
March 27th, 2009
8:34 pm
Knicks*
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
8:35 pm
John, no worries. We can disagree and be civil. I used to under-estimate Pierce but I don’t anymore. He’s better than Joe and their supporting cast trumphs our guys. And their team IQ is far superior than the Hawks.
JohnGTFan
March 27th, 2009
8:38 pm
Astro…
I REALLY wish I could argue what you just said, but I can’t. Their team, and coach, IQ…DEFINITELY superior. I know part of my belief in Atlanta comes from loyalty because they’ve been my team since I moved to Atlanta when I was 6. And I don’t understimate Pierce. But I look at Boston w/o KG and Atlanta w/o Marvin…I can’t help but believe Atlanta is the better team.
Sekou K. Smith
March 27th, 2009
8:38 pm
Hawks are just getting thoroughly outplayed right now by a superior team. Nothing more to it than that.
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
8:39 pm
really Bibby… just stand and watch him grab the rebound…
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
8:41 pm
Good thing Philly is getting whipped by Charlotte.
Sekou K. Smith
March 27th, 2009
8:41 pm
Speedy is in a suit, not a uniform.
JohnGTFan
March 27th, 2009
8:42 pm
Wow…will there be any Hawks fans for the Lakers game on Sunday after this? I know there will be thousands of Lakers fans.
rms
March 27th, 2009
8:53 pm
Speedy would slow down Rondo. He would be suprised that he is in the game!!! “Who the heck are you and what are doing with a uniform on” says Rondo
Sautee
March 27th, 2009
8:56 pm
At halftime, the difference in the game:
Boston bench 6-14, 3-5 from 3 point 23 points
Atlanta bench 3-13, 0-5 from 3 point 6 points
Tough night for the FlipMo squad.
niremetal
March 27th, 2009
9:01 pm
Oh come on. Even the harshest Mike Woodson critic and most vociferous Josh Smith defender can’t say that Woody said that the first shot taken in the second half should be J-Smoove shooting a three. *sigh*
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
9:01 pm
How ya’ll like seeing Smith at SF?
Sautee
March 27th, 2009
9:03 pm
Joe, our superstar, with some “ole” defense. Nice example to set for your young teammates. I’m REALLY tired of Joe taking possessions off on defense. And it’s happening more as the year goes on. Too many minutes?
James
March 27th, 2009
9:05 pm
Man, we have the laziest, slack a$$, sissy player in all of the NBA. Just sorry little girls getting paid millions that can’t hustle and work hard!!!!!!!
JohnGTFan
March 27th, 2009
9:09 pm
You know, the paying fans would not like it much, but Woodson might as well sit the regulars and give the bench some MUCH NEEDED PT!!! They’re going to be counted on in the playoffs. Tonight would be a good time for Solo and the bunch to get some serious minutes…just a thought.
terrell barron
March 27th, 2009
9:09 pm
Boo!!!!!!!
googla
March 27th, 2009
9:10 pm
J-SMOOVE WILL NEVER LEARN. NEVER! What an IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
RedTailHawk
March 27th, 2009
9:10 pm
LOL….Now that the game is out of hand, the Woodpecker may even put his best defensive player in the game (MARIO).
Sautee
March 27th, 2009
9:11 pm
AJ, I’m not liking it a bit. If he’s gonna play the 3 a LEAST post him down low. And it takes him away from the basket on help defense. Not to mention his outside shot. sheesh.
And what is up with Joe, dribbling it off his leg?
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
9:15 pm
Sautee, Joe is frustrated by the defense they’re playing on him. And when he gets frustrated, he is virtually worthless.
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
9:17 pm
1 bonehead Mikki Moore play. There will be another.
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
9:22 pm
worthless astro…?
wow…. Joe willl heat up…
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
9:26 pm
ugly.
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
9:27 pm
Yes, Dave. When you gets frustrated and decides to do it all himself, he really hurts his team. Virtually worthless when he gets frustrated and loses the concept of team. And he appeared to have that mindset in the 3rd quarter.
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
9:27 pm
When Joe
DJ
March 27th, 2009
9:29 pm
77-60 start of 4th…CRAP!
Sautee
March 27th, 2009
9:32 pm
Yes, big dave. Virtually worthless, at least on defense. That last play of the 3rd was pitiful. Was Joe trying to half-heartedly double Pierce, with Josh already head up on him? Or did he assume a switch without a pick set? Either way, it was another easy bucket for the Celts.
doc was right, we’re the “best of the rest”.
Joe’s gonna have to heat up a LOT to make up for a 15 point lead.
ken
March 27th, 2009
9:32 pm
joe is needs to past the ball, he is dribblin the shot clock out.
JohnGTFan
March 27th, 2009
9:33 pm
I have to agree with Astro…when he gets bottled up like this…he’s no use. He doesn’t involove his teammates at all. Again, why doesn’t Woodson just play the reserves..they NEED the time…and the starters could use the rest, along with the embarassment!
ken
March 27th, 2009
9:35 pm
joe really hurt us in the 3rd quarter. he was dribblin for days, losing the ball, and trying to take on five guys
J.J.M.
March 27th, 2009
9:35 pm
lol @ all the josh haters. yall love him when the hawks win huh
niremetal
March 27th, 2009
9:36 pm
The stats don’t tell the story of how poorly Josh and Al have played tonight. They’re making Big Baby look like Shaq. Smoove has had no defensive intensity.
This shows just how useless we are when Joe and Flip both don’t have it going…and we don’t have Marvin to pick up the offensive slack. JJ got frustrated with the double teams and stopped playing. Flip was ice cold. When they both are non-factors, we have zero players who can light up the scoreboard. Would be a good time to have a guy who can knock down perimeter shots and who’s money from the line…
JohnGTFan
March 27th, 2009
9:37 pm
J.J.M. Most of us are talking about JOE JOHNSON..but there will always be people down on Josh because he can’t use his age as an excuse anymore. I love the kid…tons of talent…but at the same time..does a lot of REALLY stupid stuff. But you gotta take the bad with the good. And I will always believe that Josh will be a solid no.2 guy for his career. But he’ll never be a no.1 guy, on any team.
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
9:38 pm
i swear… when the dude is having a bad night its off the bandwagon… when he’s having a good one its on…
i cant see how a guy that plays your point and your number 1 option can be worthless even if he holds the ball and draws the double… this is the only time there is any room for our offense. the only time in which the d is forced to work and rotate, otherwise nobody moves cause our players dont… when he is out the d has to do nothing at all… and more often than not we shoot ourselves out the game.. hence going down 15 at the end of the period when he got a breather… at times i wonder if he holds the ball purposefully just so that there will be some action on the floor…
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
9:40 pm
not to mention w e got nothing out of the bench tonight… wait a minute… do we even have a bench…? cant really tell…with woody…
ken
March 27th, 2009
9:42 pm
the refs aint makin it any better, joe clearly slap the ball out of allen hands, and glen davis clearly flop.
Clyde
March 27th, 2009
9:43 pm
I said I wasn’t going to be negative until the end of the season but after tonight’s game I might have to go back on my promise.
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
9:44 pm
does Bibby even know his defensive assignment… he left his man wide open..
wide open… dropped in the lane… moe was forced to leave his man… yielding the wide open 3…
niremetal
March 27th, 2009
9:45 pm
And of course, I’ll ask the obvious question:
On a night when no one save Zaza showed any intensity from our 7-man rotation, why didn’t Woody try putting Mario in the game?
otrhawksfan
March 27th, 2009
9:47 pm
will the hawks shine on a big stage again??? where is the clutch players on this team?
Sautee
March 27th, 2009
9:47 pm
Hey bigdave, he’s not TOTALLY worthless. He can always serve as a poor example!
Just kidding, but Joe HAS pounded the ball WAY too much tonight. If only he had an offensive minded head coach. His talent is to some degree wasted under Woody.
Eman
March 27th, 2009
9:49 pm
If you wanna see the Hawks play good basketball you have to wait until they play the lesser power houses of the NBA.
Astro Joe
March 27th, 2009
9:55 pm
Unbelievable!
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
9:56 pm
Sautee,
agreed…
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
9:58 pm
peirce needs his ass whooped…!!!
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
9:59 pm
peirced needs to be knocked out…
Big Ray
March 27th, 2009
10:00 pm
We’re getting beaten by Glenn “Big Baby” Davis. Not Paul Pierce. Not Ray Allen. Not KG. Big Baby. Yep. With a 20 and 10 night, no less.
This is what happens when you take a guy who shouldn’t be much more than a bit player, and infuse confidence and steady playing time, effectively encouraging a strong work ethic.
Gee, I wonder what that would do for a guy like Solomon Jones?
Big Ray
March 27th, 2009
10:02 pm
Hmmmph. A flurry at the end. There always is. Will we win? No. Too little, too late, despite a 4th quarter surge.
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
10:03 pm
we couldnt score inside…. Al gave us nothing in the paint… i actually was pleased with Za Za offensive efforts…
dmortone
March 27th, 2009
10:05 pm
Well, at least the Hawks showed they have the ability to play hard when they want to make game respectable.
Jason
March 27th, 2009
10:07 pm
**sekou what are the insurance implications if speedy plays? plz let us know**
Elijah
March 27th, 2009
10:09 pm
Reasons why we lost:
1) This team, when down, does not try. Simply does not try. No one goes for rebounds.
2) Josh Smith — I don’t care what numbers he puts up–he goes for steals, costing us layups, his transition game is putrid–when the hell is he gonna learn to make a layup? He does stupid spin moves and has no idea where the hell he is shooting from. Even Nique and Holman are sick of this trash
3) Free throws
4) Officiating sucked for both sides…Just thought I’d mention that
5) Not enough offense for Flip
6) Stupid Bibby shots in 1st
FREAKING TRY, YOU MORON ATHLETES. BASG PAYS U MONEY FOR A REASON. SO EARN UR FRIGGIN MONEY AND BEAT A GOOD TEAM FOR ONCE. U WERE FREAKING AT HOME
AND WHERE DID ALL THESE CELTIC FANS AT THE GAME COME FROM
Ed
March 27th, 2009
10:11 pm
As long as Woody’s the coach this is the best we can hope for. I only hope he hasn’t already saved his job again for next year as we will once again have no hope of going deep in the playoffs.
JohnGTFan
March 27th, 2009
10:12 pm
Well, we all knew that Atlanta doesn’t belong in the same sentence with the NBA elite…but hey, after 10 years of garbage…I’ll take a fairly good team…and that’s what Atlanta is…fairly good. They can beat the sorry teams…hang with pretty good teams…and probably 50/50 with the average teams. Much better than what we’re used to..so I’ll take it!!!
otrhawksfan
March 27th, 2009
10:15 pm
al was 3 for 12 he shot alot of j shots around the free throw line i would like to see him a lil closer at least get a drible from that area and get some contact so he aleast gets to the line
Big Ray
March 27th, 2009
10:19 pm
Smith and Horford did well on the boards. Unfortunately, not so well from the field (that being mostly on Horford).
Bibby scored 19. Yay. His defense still sucks like a…nevermind.
Josh took and missed one three pointer. I’m sure that’s why we lost. If he had not taken that 3, then we’d be 7-20 from 3 point range, instead of 7-21. That one shot attempt turned the whole game against us. He only blocked 3 shots. Played no defense whatsoever, despite the fact that he was assigned SF most of the night. Who told him to play SF?! Oh he must have come up with the idea all on his own. I’m sure it wasn’t Woody’s idea. Damn that Josh Smith! He only made 6 of 9 free throws. He had 3 turnovers. Whatever it was, he cost us the game. All by himself.
Mikki Moore had 10 rebounds. I bet the Celtics wish they had kept him on the bench. They didn’t need 10 boards from a bench player. Nobody does. Especially not us.
JJ tried, but the Celtics knew EXACTLY what to do with him, and that it could not be countered from the Hawks sideline. It’s impossible…
No Marvin? No problem! We don’t miss him one stinkin’ bit! He sucks and there’s no way he could have been another offensive threat or source for rebounds! No way!
Flip/Mo was off tonight. They can’t be on EVERY night.
Some of my comments would be considered sarcasm. Some would not. It all depends on your point of view.
Gilley
March 27th, 2009
10:22 pm
Joe Johnson and the Hawks still can’t exploit double teams and Mike Woodson is still a horrible coach. ZaZa was ineffective and Horford played bad but at least he rebounded. I am angry at the Hawks but blame myself for expecting too much from them and thinking they could beat the Spurs, Celtics or Lakers….Even at home.
Why can’t he put a player in..say Mario West, to provide a spark off the bench since no one else was doing it…SMH…UGH!
Sautee
March 27th, 2009
10:23 pm
Elijah,
about this: Reasons why we lost:
1) This team, when down, does not try. Simply does not try. No one goes for rebounds.
We were out rebounded by ONE 45 to 44. Our starting bigs had 14 and 11 rebounds respectively. What game were you watching?
bigdave
March 27th, 2009
10:24 pm
“coach said some of the guys that are nicked up are going to have to strap it up…”
who is he referring to, Acie?
Ariose
March 27th, 2009
10:26 pm
Maan we played well defensively all night…….the Celtics only had 76 points at the end of the third quater(We were tied with San Antionio 74-74 on Wednesday) BUT WOODSONS OFFENSE SUCKS!!!!! We HAVE to find a way to generate more points offensively. We didn’t start scoring until woodys set offense was thrown out the window in the 4th and we just ran and took three point shots at will. If we played freely like that on offense every night, we’d have won our division instead of Orlando.
Big Ray
March 27th, 2009
10:27 pm
Agreed with JohnGTFan. We’re a playoff team that’s middle of the pack.
Looks like Milwaukee and New Jersey aren’t going to make the playoffs after all. Season isn’t over, but like I said before, the Bulls were making a move. Now they have tied with Detroit for the 8th seed and may yet take the 7th. Philly slid back one game tonight and will remain locked in a struggle with Miami for 5th. They won’t catch us unless they surge again and we continue to slide. Both are possible, like it or not.
Charlotte can be tough, and they just beat Philly tonight, but it’s an uphill climb.
Elijah
March 27th, 2009
10:31 pm
Sautee rebounds is just one of the reasons. This team was asleep for 2.5 quarters. Same thing vs. Knicks.
Get your mind rite fam
Ariose
March 27th, 2009
10:31 pm
Let those idiots know Ray! You tellem!……tch, dummies……..
Big Ray
March 27th, 2009
10:32 pm
Elijah. We outscored the Celts 33-22 in the 4th quarter and lost by 6. You’re right, we never try to get back into the game. And they had one more rebound than we did. Yep, between that and Josh Smith, we were destined to lose. Take Smith out, and we win.
Did I mention we clinched a playoff berth?
Big Ray
March 27th, 2009
10:34 pm
I agree. The team was asleep for 2 and a half quarters. Against an elite team missing a superstar PF. For the 2nd game in a row.
Too bad, because we have the COY candidate on the sidelines who was coaching his a$$ off, and we just ruined his chances of taking home that plaque. Dammit man.
Ariose
March 27th, 2009
10:38 pm
It’s too hard for our players to score. The hawks get almost NO easy baskets other than in transition, whereas the Celtics keep passing untily they get wide open looks.
Smoove was right. Guys were selfish offensively, not making the extra pass.
kirkinga
March 27th, 2009
10:39 pm
The Hawks miss Marvin. They simply aren’t going to be able to beat elite teams without him. They may win one or two, but not much more.
The Celtics are deeper and more talented than the Hawks, and I’d rather have Doc Rivers coaching us than Woodson. I wish I could blame it all on this player or that, and it feels good to blame the coaching, but this is not going to be a rivalry until the Hawks show they can beat the Celtics on a consistent basis.
The Sixers lost tonight so it wasn’t a total bust.
Go Hawks!!
dmortone
March 27th, 2009
10:43 pm
Naw, I’d rather have Thibedou coaching us than Woodson.
GeeMack
March 27th, 2009
10:45 pm
This sucks. We lose 2 games that should have been blow outs without their main guys. This team has no heart at all and to many young players that can’t play. We need to make some changes in the off season for a real big man and a nice young PG.
Sautee
March 27th, 2009
10:58 pm
Careful kirk, you’ll have SamRod all over you if you think Marvin’s any better than a benchwarmer.
heh heh
Ray, we lost WITH Josh, surely we could have lost without him! Oh yeah, that’s right, there would be no one to blame.
Harry Hawk
March 27th, 2009
11:40 pm
I don’t think we learned much tonight that we didn’t already know:
We can’t beat the best. This is why we are a fourth seed. To me, the best-case scenario from a performance standpoint is a first-round series win followed by an inspired effort against the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Semis. The worst-case scenario is that we get knocked out in the first round and Woody gets fired.
Wait a second.
The worstest case would be if we get bounced and Woody keeps his job.
eric
March 27th, 2009
11:42 pm
Ray you are a moron
cp
March 27th, 2009
11:59 pm
The Hawks supposedly offensive system + Niques fantastic analysis = one long azz night.
niremetal
March 28th, 2009
1:26 am
The stats just don’t tell the story tonight. From where I was sitting, it looked like the 2 players that killed us the most were Smoove and JJ (not nec in that order).
Smoove always seemed to take a bad shot or make a bad pass every time we made a run, and it would stop us dead in our tracks. The most damaging thing was that he gave NO effort on defense for most of the night. Yeah, he was playing out of position, but that doesn’t explain why he seemed to be allergic to pressuring the ball or helping on D.
JJ got frustrated early and just stopped looking to shoot at all after awhile. On D, he was invisible, but Ray Allen missed an uncharacteristically high number of open shots, which was something of a saving grace – Mr. Shuttlesworth should have had 35 tonight on 12-17 shooting, but he bricked some wide open shots.
Flip had a bad shooting night, but he was at least making an effort on both ends. Sometimes you just can’t get the rock to fall.
JJ and Smoove turned it on midway through the fourth, but by then it was too little too late.
Woodson made NO adjustments. Most obviously, he didn’t even try to bring in Mario to provide a spark and/or slow down Pierce and Allen.
Bah.
Tree Rollins
March 28th, 2009
1:44 am
Ray,
I love your posts. Its dumbfounding to me how guys can have such terrible nights yet idiots like elijah continue to talk about smith. I can only imagine the uproar on these post if josh had dribbled the ball off his leg twice like joe did or if he had shot as poorly as al….yet for some reason though he was our only player to post decent numbers people are still blaming him. I think deep down inside elijah you love josh thats why u cant stop talking bout him bc it seems no matter what happens you bring up his name. I bet when he is on the bench and our guys miss shots its bc josh distracted them with a funny face from the sideline. I mean smoove had a pretty good game…wasnt flawless but lets be honest he put up pretty good numbers which cant be said for anyone else on the team. I bet if Sekou titled a blog everyone on the team other than josh ….. 90% of the post would be the same 4 or 5 idiots focusing on Josh…u all claim joe is the leader of this team yet u expected josh to be the blame for every loss. and for the comments on his defense ton he had 3 blocks at the SF postion…..what are u talking bout
Najeh Davenpoop
March 28th, 2009
3:45 am
I was at tonight’s game. There are two simple reasons why the Hawks lost. First of all, they got killed on the boards in the first half, which allowed Boston to take a double digit lead into halftime despite the Hawks playing pretty good defense. Secondly, Mike Woodson apparently has not realized that the Celtics are going to double Joe Johnson every time he gets the ball. After seeing this strategy from the Celtics in each of their last six or seven meetings, Woodson still has made no adjustment whatsoever to his offensive scheme to attack the inevitable double team. This is absolutely inexcusable to me.
Oh yeah, and you are out of your damn mind if you are going to fault Josh Smith for tonight’s loss. Without him in the game, the Hawks lose by 30. He’s the only player who played consistently well throughout the game, aside from a couple of bonehead plays at the very end.
DeadManWalking
March 28th, 2009
6:07 am
JSmoove is considered to be of low Bball IQ, but he sure garners a lot of attention, puts up a lot of stats, and the Hawks cannot seem to play well without him or when he does not play well. Yet he will be trashed as if he were the top paid guy on the team and the all star team leader or captain. If he is such a bonehead then why does anybody expect any different? He makes mistakes, but not more so than others. I will never understand it. People will always hate on him no matter what and blame him for losses. Blaming Joe along with him THIS ONE TIME is a thin disguise for the common repeated refrain. Bibby continues to escape criticism at his position. He hides well in that area just like he does on defense.
doc
March 28th, 2009
7:13 am
okay, best move of the night …. i left after the third quarter with our boys down by 17.
game was one of those we didnt make our open looks and they did. it was uncanny how the ball seemed to bounce their way when it looked like we should have had perfect position for rebounds. the thing that made it for them they took advantage of the second chances.
as far as i am concerned josh was the only guy coming close to his best last night. everyone else was off. al had so many shots to make and missed/ they also made big baby look like an all star in comparison. jj was so bad it was sad, looked like a poor man’s acie. flip had no switch and mo got pushed around.
folks were asking if speedy was dressed, i wondered if the same could be said for bibby. problem is he was our second best option and played better than the others except josh. plain and simple for the second staright night we got stomped on by a team of premier quality not playing with their best player of players. uh NOT GOOD.
agree with kirk that marvin is hugely missed. i also point out he was one of the most undeterred of the regulars at the idea of playing without chills this year. maybe now he sees some of the short sidedness in the decision of basg to not truly compete without him especially without marvin. for some reason these are the types of games and moments that his absence has really hurt the team. he had a spark and a very big body for a relatively small frame. try as he may, mo does not make up for it and i like the guy.
sund says we wouldnt have had a bench of 15 if we signed chills. i say we would have been better without randmo, gardner, mo and oliver as we never see them anyway for the most part. one guy is either under utilized or will never be a player in solo who should have had some moments in the second half but woody goes to being woody and shortens the bench and we fall down by 17 to start the fourth. i also emphasize we would have been much improved if we had chills and flip, instead of the never seen bench, over last year. woody does not play the bench so unless sund was talking about it makes practices better to have a complete squad it has been a huge mistake to have played that card so poorly. he didnt make much sense with those comments the other day on 680. second we got mo for three years and flip for only one, shouldnt it have ben the other way around?
it is times like tonight that makes me uncomfortable with the true leadership of basg and sund as they try to reason their luck that all positively fell around us. are we really this good or is it the also rans are really that bad this year? that will be a question to be discussed later.
dap01
March 28th, 2009
8:14 am
The Hawks have no offensive system. A PROFESSIONAL team with no offense. High school teams have better systems. Our only offense is for Flip or Joe to go one on 5, or Bibby take 30 ft jumpers.
If those options don’t work, well…..
We are a running team, yet we don’t run.
Woody is a defensive coach, yet our PG is probably the worst defensive guard in the NBA.
The Hawks are not one of the elite teams. We are very flawed and we are not progressing on any of those flaws.
Our system is no system.
Our coach is clueless.
Our GM…., we don’t even know his plans or goals.
darrell starks
March 28th, 2009
8:57 am
Again no WEST, who can be your dennis rodman of nba and SOLO who played only five min, WHEN will WOODY learn I GUEST never its like playing the drums backward going in one ear out the other this team will not get out of the first round period under WOODY. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Truth
March 28th, 2009
9:04 am
I was at the game and as a season-ticket-paying fan I was disappointed. Yes, disappointed that we lose but even more frustrating, I sensed a lack of preparation or a lack of readiness by the Hawk players. Yes, we only loss by 6 points but the stats don’t really reveal the whole story. The stats might suggest that the points scored by the Hawks were respectable for a 4th seeded team playing against the Celtics, but what the rose-colored glasses aren’t showing is the timing of those missed shots associated with the players who launched them up. A sample of the scoring sequence went something like this:
We score a basket, they score a basket
We missed scoring a basket (by jacking-up a 3 pt shot),
They score off our missed shot (scoring an easy lay-up)
We missed scoring a basket, they missed scoring a basket
We failed to capitalized off their missed shot,
They responded and score a 3pt shot.
Based on this scoring pattern, guess who wins the game? We got down early and often and stayed down the entire game. We made several runs and repeatedly kept the game close but were never able to advance because of this scoring pattern. Defensively, I’ll give it a draw. But it was their supporting cast, not their stars that killed us on offense. When we got scoring opportunities from missed shots or turn-over by the Celtics, the ball seems to always end-up in the hands of players like Mo Evans, AL or Josh to take the critical shot. Even Bibby was his usual inconsistent self when he had his chances. Time-out; I must send an urgent message to these players and tell them this:
Mo Evans – Who ever told you that you were a good 3-pt shooter was lying to you. You are way too inconsistent to make that a staple part of your game. Since you are a very good free-throw shooter, you should consider attacking the basket more and getting to the line. You could then consistently become a 14 – 16 point player a night.
AL Horford – You do a yeomen job on the boards most nights, thank you. However, you need to spend more time in the gym working on your offense. As you know, this is the NBA. In big games, it’s crucial that you do the work before taking the critical shot. I know this assessment of you is speculation, but your offensive game is beginning to speak louder than your words about your game.
Josh Smith – I saw that your spirit was willing in this game and you put forth some effort but your jump shot, free throw shooting and lack of focus still need more work for the next level. Playing in hometown Atlanta maybe a curse and blessing at the same time for you in this regard. I know sharing your accomplishments with your family members and local friends are invaluable, but maybe the added distractions from close proximity relationships are perhaps an unmanageable liability for you. Once again, my assessment maybe speculation, but your inconsistency has already spoken louder than your words
Mike Bibby – As you should know, you are the floor general and perhaps the one player that is the most responsible for setting up plays, the tempo, and running the offense based on your veteran leadership. The scoring pattern as described earlier is a reflection of your school-yard style game. That sizes it in a nut shell about you; enough said.
With the hallmark spin from Woody about the Hawks yester-year seven-game series performance against the Celtics and the emerging playoff looming, I expected the Hawks to bring their A game, send a message and it didn’t happen. Instead, they laid an egg. It was as if they played poker, drank beer the night before (perhaps celebrating their next playoff appearance) and skipped practice shoot-around. There were miscues after miscues with occasional boos from the fans. The game was played as if the Celtics was at home and the Hawks were on the road. Even though the game ended close, the Celtics body language suggested they never really doubted the outcome. I’m sorry but I expected more from the Hawks playing at home. They are beginning to show themselves as pretenders and still not yet ready for primetime.
darrell starks
March 28th, 2009
9:16 am
OH YA we have no guard who can penetrate and break down defense and create easy baskets and play defense on the perimeter OH i forgot ACIE is hurt and when healthy WOODY NEVER PLAY HIM SO IT DONT MATTER. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ILL-logical
March 28th, 2009
9:38 am
22 points(8-17 from the field)-11 rebounds-4 assits-3 blocks -4 turnovers(Joe had 5 officially).This was Josh’s stat line ,yet to hear the announcers he spit on Jesus.
We finally got to see the “big’ line up that many had called for and what happened: Joe didn’t go inside early to the bigs; Al had 6 points( but as the paper said,14 rebounds) and the usual suspects blamed the designated scapegoat.
My post on yesterday’s blog was intended to give josh an oppurtunity to hear how he could and must improve his image because in the enterrtainment industry-yes the NBA is in the entertainment business period- perceptions count.
The BASG is putting Al’s poster all over town for a reason-the joe ones didn’t work. But they are IMO missing the point.True fans don’t want tunas that have good taste.Fans admire the work of players like Joe and Al AFTER they get to the game.They come to see a player who will bring them to their feet with high light reel plays. And they @#$sure don’t come to see a coach who frankly doesn’t do a good job with the talent on hand.
To bring it on home, if I wanted to be politically incorrect I would point out that Blake Griffen already has more offensive skills than Al and he is a legit 6′10” and 250 lbs.
The bottom line is the team needs leadership equal to its talent to get to where twe all believe they cn go. Part of it must come from the players because they have to own their challenges and not blame inept management,refs or coaching. Once they individually and collectively arrive in that space then the team will be a force mejor.
O'brien
March 28th, 2009
9:39 am
The good news is both the Sixers and Heat have 34 losses. (I feel like this situation is similar to last year in that the Hawks will be able to hang on to their position because the teams below them keep losing).
The bad news is Woody is still Woody. Solo plays 5 minutes, and Mario didnt even play? I agree that with Acie hurting, we should have Speedy play 5-10 minutes (if he is healthy, which he says he is) to see if he can provide some defense. But this is the same Woody who kept Tony Delk on the bench until the trade deadline.
Sekou, others have asked the question, but there has been no response. Do you know what are the financial implications (insurance wise) of playing Speedy? If Acie is still hurt, maybe Speedy could help slow down Mo Williams in the second round.
Samuel, where are you? I think Woody needs a “COY” pep talk.
Ernest
March 28th, 2009
9:48 am
Was Speedy in Uniform?
If he was not, the heading for this article was misleading….
I am becoming concerned about the ‘lack’ of help defense by the team when a man is driving to the basket. Those kind of uncontested layups would not be allowed back in the day.
Ernest
March 28th, 2009
9:50 am
Where can one find the ‘codes’ for WordPress for bolding, italics, hyperlinks, etc.?
O'brien
March 28th, 2009
9:50 am
Some good quotes from Sekou’s article.
“The big lineup — Zaza Pachulia, Al Horford and Smith across the frontline — the Hawks used to combat the Celtics strength and size was never a factor. The Hawks never attacked inside.
“That was the plan, but it never panned out,” Horford said. “And I feel like when we attack inside out we have good stuff. But if we’re not established early, it’s kind of hard to get it going in the third and fourth quarter. We had the matchups we wanted and just didn’t take advantage of them.”
What’s the point of having a big lineup if you never go inside and establish them? When will Woody, JJ and Bibby learn that basketball is played inside out?
cheese
March 28th, 2009
9:51 am
what i dont get is why alot of people are still bashing woodson the way they are. look the guy has won more games each season he has been with the hawks. in reality the hawks are not one of the elite teams in the nba, but they are one of the best in the next tier. woodson has our hawks in position for the 4th seed what else can we ask for? especially what has happened in recent years. i dont agree with all of his decisions but i still support them.
Sautee
March 28th, 2009
10:37 am
Hey cheese, sometimes ignorance is bliss!
If you don’t get why people are being critical of Woody, maybe it’s for the best. You’ll suffer less that way.
Elijah
March 28th, 2009
10:45 am
Josh’s 22 & 11 was the worst 22 & 11 you will all ever see. He gets his points and boards (sometimes he rebounds but sometimes he doesn’t) but the guy makes so many boneheaded plays, it’s not even funny. He missed 3 driving layups last night. Well they would’ve been layups, but he jumped AWAY from the basket and shot some wild left handed hook shot that barely struck iron. Then he goes for stupid steals on defense that cost us layups. he can’t shoot, yet thinks he can, and his man defense is the worst I’ve ever seen. Seeing him guard any post player as good as Drew Gooden is a joke. Josh just waits till the guy pulls a spin move then tries to block the shot.
Idiot
Ken Strickland
March 28th, 2009
10:47 am
I don’t want to keep beating a dead horse, but that horse keeps coming back to life. Woodson makes a key decision and inserts MWest into a gm at a critical point and we go on a 7gm home winning streak. Suddenly, for reasons only known to him, he reverts back to his old habit of ignoring his bench and overplaying his starters. The results of this move are the same as they’ve always been. We starting playing inconsistently, poorly, especially on DEF, and we start losing.
Along with the shortened rotation, Woodson stops even trying to coach, or making decisions, and just stands on the sidelines with arms folded barking at his players and the refs. It’s telling how Doc Rivers plays Marbury, who was recently acquired, significant mins in crucial situations in order to see how he can best help a team that’s NBA Champions. Yet, Woodson refuses to play Acie Law significant mins or in crucial situations even though he’s been on the team 2yrs and we could really use his talents.
This Acie Law thing is a personal issue with Woodson, like it was with SStaudamire. Yes, MWest is an excellent DEF player, but so is Acie. MWest provides a lot of hustle and athleticism, but little in the way of OFF. He’s unable to make it easier for his teammates to score. Acie is quicker, faster, a better passer, ballhandler, shooter and penetrator than West. Yet, Woodson will use West at PG before he’ll use Acie. One things certain, MWest will never be the replacement at PG for Bibby if he isn’t resigned. Acie Law could or should be, yet Woodson has steadfastly refused to allow him the opportunity to prove what he can do.
IT’S LIKE WOODSON IS TRYING TO PROTECT BIBBY, AND GET THE SAASG TO HIM RESIGNED. TO DO SO, HE WON’T GIVE ACIE THE CONSISTENT MINS AND/OR OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW WHAT THIS TEAM CAN DO WITH HIM AT THE HELM. IF WOODSON GIVES ACIE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRODUCE LIKE HE DID IN COLLEGE AND DURING THE PRESEASON, AND HE PRODUCES, IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR HIM TO PRESUADE THE SAASG TO RESIGN BIBBY. WE ALL KNOW WOODSON’S OBSESSION WITH VETERANS, ESPECIALLY VET PG’S, NO MATTER HOW LIMITED THEY MIGHT BE, AND HIS DISDANE FOR YOUNGER PLAYERS, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PG’S, NO MATTER HOW TALENTED THEY MIGHT BE.
Samuel
March 28th, 2009
10:53 am
I actually turned the game off in the 3rd so I missed the comeback.
I still stand by my prediction that the Hawks will hold the 4th seed and advance to the 2nd round.
We lost to a better team period. Yes, they were without “1 HOF” player but they still had two. Also, don’t forget that Glen Davis was considered the best player in the nation before his injury. Remember how he schooled a pretty good player in Lamarcus Aldridge in the final four? The guy is finally healthy so Boston got a steal. KG’s absence has really given him the opportunity to shine.
Joe, i’m with you man on JJ. It’s really getting hard for me to watch him “pound” the ball and hold it too long. I really think he’s arrogant and hard to coach. The ball moves when he’s out so it aint the coaching, it’s him. I really think it’s time to move him. I say again, if we can get two starters for him. Let’s do it. Ellis wants out of Golden State and Turiaf would be a good shot blocker and enforcer that we need. Only problem is Josh at the 3. He can’t do it. We would have to move Josh too.
Mike Brown will win COY but Woody will receive votes. Possibly finish second or third.
Woody=COY
Elijah
March 28th, 2009
11:09 am
How the hell is Woody a COY candidate? Yes he’s gotten better, but he cannot pump our team up for a Friday night sell-out game against a “rival.” How can this team look so flat? Let the freaking bench play. We need Joe and Bibs legs for the playoffs (no homo)
Samuel
March 28th, 2009
11:23 am
Because we finished with 37 wins last year and an 8th seed. This year we will finish in the 4th spot.
You don’t rest players until you lock up the 4th seed. From what I hear, we came within a few points of winning,as bad as we played. That’s why you don’t rest starters. When we lock down the 4th spot, we can clear the bench for a couple of games. that’s plenty of rest.
Woody=COY
rms
March 28th, 2009
11:28 am
Dang, Samuel you actually admit that Woodson wont win COY. Thats impressive!! Although, I have to agree with Ken Strickland’s previous comments. With the cheap ownership we have, its obvious they are not major players in the free agent market and giving Bibby max money is out of the question. The only logical thing to do was to properly groom Acie Law to take over next season so you wont be forced to spend a lot of money. Yes, he is suffering lower back pains now (probably from sitting on the bench for so long) and he cant play, but there were plenty of times during the beginning and middle of the season when he wasnt hurt and would go several games without playing for reasons unknown. That is the only knock I have on Woodson, not adaquately playing Law to get him ready for next season because we all know our cheap owners wont resign Bibby, and not using guys like Mario and Solo just as a defensive presence to grab rebounds, block shots, slow down quicker guards, foul the heck out of a guy for consistently driving in lane to protect your starters from foul trouble. This first-round series will be interesting to watch, because it helps a lot when you go into the playoffs with a little momentum. Thats just my opinion! AND NO, I AM NOT BEING NEGATIVE, JUST HONEST!!
Fred
March 28th, 2009
11:32 am
http://www.examiner.com/x-2723-Atlanta-Hawks-Examiner~y2009m3d28-Another-poor-effort-from-the-Hawks-leads-to-second-straight-home-loss
Samuel
March 28th, 2009
11:48 am
Elijah,
Why end your post (no homo). Nobody here suggested that you were. If you are, it’s ok?
rms, I don’t really know that he won’t but realistically, Brown should win and Aderman and Woody should finish 2nd and 3rd. Had we played better in the last few games, he would have a better chance but he should be in the top 3. But he still has done a good job.
On Acie, I really think he should have played more too but Woody saw otherwise. If Acie is the answer, he’ll get his chance. Nobody can hold a good player down. We’ll see.
Woody=COY
Tree Rollins
March 28th, 2009
12:41 pm
How can u say he gets rebounds sometimes…..he had 11 and is second in rebs per game behind our center. I was at the game last night and only saw once where josh went for a steal and did not get it…this is what help defense is for ….. except he is the only one that plays help defense so if his man gets through there is no one there. He often comes up with that steal and provides a spark for the team which is what he is best at doing. He had 3 turnovers so im not sure of these countless bonehead plays you speak of and was 8-17 from the field…..so yes he did miss some shots but thats a pretty good percentage. If you expect a player to make every shot he takes your gonna be dissapointed. I think peoples main problems with your post Elijah is that you continue to disregard everyone else terrible performances and continue to focus on Josh, on a night where he played well, which simply shows you have some sort of dislike towards him and will never approve any performance….this as a hawks fan is annoying. Joe is a great player who didnt play well ton…..but u would never dare mention that….Al was 3-12 from the field and u knock Josh’s 8-17…if u are a hawks fan support the whole team and quite being so negative and if u want to avoid everyone disagreeing with you constantly quite acting like josh stole your girlfriend or something and quite hating.
Sautee
March 28th, 2009
12:59 pm
Samuel,
Good job keepin’ it real. And I’m right there with you on moving Joe.
I will take issue with this statement of yours: “You don’t rest players until you lock up the 4th seed.”
Sam, did you happen to notice that Popovich (4 NBA titles) rested Duncan against us despite the fact that the Western Conference race couldn’t be tighter? The Spurs have less margin behind them than we do.
Sorry man, but if your COY had more confidence, he could find some rest for JJ and Bibby. He’s coaching scared again, just like last year.
Nate ArchiBALL
March 28th, 2009
1:36 pm
Woody’s offense:
Starting point guard Mike Bibby played 38:54 with a total of 2 assists
Joe “BallHog” Johnson played 40:04 with a total of 4 assists.
I would guess that between the two them, they controlled the ball 60 to 65 percent of the shot clock and only six assists,,,,,,wow. The sad thing thing is that zero adjustments were made by Woody once the game started…….and why did he start Za Za?
Since Woody is looking for help in the middle after only 73 games (my assumption on why Zsa Zsa started) logically the next move by Spock..I mean Woody….. will be to start Solo on against the Lakers
Gilley
March 28th, 2009
1:56 pm
I may just start coming to the Hawks game because I have grew tiresome of Dominique as a commentator (Grrrr) and why is Josh Smith being bashed in this blog when he played the best and most consistent. Yes he takes bad shots and make mistakes but we must realize he is not a Superstar player and will have a perfect game. He plays off of athleticism and energy and my gosh when he is playing well we have great chances. That “big lineup” was terrible because ZaZa was a little man who was getting pounded by Perkins and Glen Davis and Josh Smith was busy checking Paul Pierce.
I dont want to sound like the typical fan and point fingers but I just feel our starters are too tired to finish games and the wrong people play bad at the wrong times. Mike Woodson said “C’mon Joe.” When Joe Johnson got into foul trouble and initially didn’t want to come out the game…Had that been another player……You get my point. But Woodson needs to be willing to make adjustments and the Hawks need to practice playing out of the double team. What happened to the screen or pick and pop with JJ and Bibby..Especially if his (Bibby’s) shot is falling.
We couldnt play inside out because AL wasn’t playing well..ZaZa was getting out played. Bibby’s defense was terrible during certain stretches and runs, and Mario West defense would have been great in certain situations. Let Gardner get some time to see if he can hit open 3s from the JJ doubles. Its like try something new if its not working Woodson.
Hopefully Kobe’s ankle is not 100% and we can get a steal at home against the Lakers but with Mike Woodson calling the shots, I wont hold my breath. SIGH
Gilley
March 28th, 2009
1:57 pm
**Yes he [JOSH SMITH] takes bad shots and make mistakes but we must realize he is not a Superstar player and will not have a perfect game.**
Ken Strickland
March 28th, 2009
2:00 pm
SAUTEE-well stated, I couldn’t have stated it better. Woodson is so caught up with himself and his obcession with doing it his way, he can’t see the correlation between using the bench, resting his key players and playing uptempo basketball, and us playing excellent DEF, playing consitently and winning. He insists on coaching scared, as you said, ingoring his bench and overplaying his starters, despite the obvious fact we start playing inconsistently, playing poor DEF and losing regularily whenever he does that.
In 1963 I witnessed one of the greatest football gms I’ve ever seen. It was between FAMU(Florida A&M Univ) and TSU(Tenn State Univ). That was during segregation when FAMU got most of the Black players that now make Miami, Fla State and Florida national powers. They had “Bullit” Bob Hayes(the worlds fastest human) and Bobby Felts(one of the worlds fastest humans) in their backfield, with rocket armed Tillis, another speedster, as their QB. TSU had a kick/punt returner named Nolan “SUPER GNAT” Smith, that later starred for the KC Chiefs. Nolan had been killing FAMU all day with his dynamic kick and punt returns. FAMU scored a TD and took the lead near the end of the gm. Instead of kicking away from Smith and forcing them to score from scrimmage, Gaither dared Nolan Smith to beat him and kicked the ball directly to him. Needless to say, Nolan did what he’d done all afternoon. He ran that kickoff down FAMU’s throat and won the gm for TSU.
THIS IS THE SAME TYPE OF BLIND STUBBORNESS, ARROGANCE AND/OR STUPIDITY WE’RE ALL SEEING FROM WOODSON. I’VE SAID IT BEFORE AND I’LL SAY IT AGAIN. WE’RE NOT WHERE WE ARE BECAUSE OF WOODSON, BUT IN SPITE OF HIM.
Elijah
March 28th, 2009
2:12 pm
“Woodson makes a key decision and inserts MWest into a gm at a critical point and we go on a 7gm home winning streak. Suddenly, for reasons only known to him, he reverts back to his old habit of ignoring his bench and overplaying his starters.”
1) We are playing the best teams in the NBA now, not NOK or Jazz (both great teams but not championship contenders).
2) Mario sucks. No offensive presence at all except for 1 dunk this year, and is OK at defense
3) Woodson is trying to keep his job
$k19$
March 28th, 2009
2:31 pm
$k19$
March 28th, 2009
2:32 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uesjdUBQeHc
RaJaH
March 28th, 2009
2:55 pm
Why would it matter if Mario is not an offensive presence when JJ and/or Bibby will continue to dominate the ball?
DOC
March 28th, 2009
3:16 pm
Sekou, for the 4th time, WHAT ARE THE CONTRACT IMPLICATIONS IF SPEEDY PLAYS? IS HE IN GOOD SHAPE? SOMEONE HELP ME
Big Ray
March 28th, 2009
3:16 pm
Hey Ya’ll,
My family is moving to Canada.
Quitting this place.
Bye
The Truth
March 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
Good Luck Ray and Godspeed!
Does that mean you are a Toronto Raptors fan now?
Ken Strickland
March 28th, 2009
4:22 pm
ELIJAH-I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but we were losing to sub 500 teams like the Kings, Bobcats and Knicks before the MWest move and the 7gm winning streak. If Woodson is just trying to save his job, why does he continue reverting to the same stupid self serving decisions that keeps getting us the same negative results? Playing inconsistently, playing poor DEF and losing aren’t results that create job security. Every single time he’s expanded his rotation and allowed the team to play uptempo, we’ve played better DEF, played and won far more consistently, and ususlly go on winning streaks.
HE’S TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT EVERYONE WANTS HIM TO ACCOMPLISH, AND THAT’S TO WIN. HOWEVER, HE WANTS TO DO IT HIS WAY, AND HIS WAY ALONE, EVEN IF HIS WAY ISN’T THE BEST WAY FOR HIS TEAM OR HIS PLAYERS.
Ken Strickland
March 28th, 2009
4:25 pm
I apologize for mispelling your name ELIJAH.
Banks
March 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
I was at the game last night and a couple of things I do not understand. 1) With a front line of Moore and Davis and limited reserves on the bench for Boston, why did’nt the Hawks take the ball to the whole, Also Why Josh and AL were not posting up and taking advantage of these mis matches. This is a coaching problem. I hope Woody corrects this before the playoffs. 2) How come Woody does not take up for his players. He does the worst job at working the officials. His guys get foul and he does not say anything. Contrary to Doc Rivers who you can visably see taking up for his players. That is why his players respect him and play hard every night despite having a host of injuries. Intensity starts from the top and Woody has take up for his players and have a better feel for the game. He could take some lessons from Bobby Cox and Mike Smith. Lastly whats up Rod good talking to you last night and you to Pee Wee. I hope you change your tune on Marvin Williams.
Elijah
March 28th, 2009
5:28 pm
Ken, we lost to those teams on the road. In case you didn’t realize, we can’t win on the road.
Mario has had maybe 2 good games this year, one of them being the Jazz game where he was 2-4 from the FT line. Once we get some legit backup bigs like the Celts have, THEN we will get better. To have Leon Powe, Marbury, Big Baby, Mikki Moore, and Eddie House off your bench is not fair, when all we have is Flip and Othello Hunter
Elijah
March 28th, 2009
5:35 pm
What I want to see before the playoffs:
1) Speedy return…This is the guy Bibby said before the year is “one of the best” and who is a top 5 defensive PG when healthy
2) Joe and Bib’s minutes get drastically reduced. In other words, we need to clinch this #4 spot soon and then get these guys in the jacuzi for the next 3 weeks and get ZaZa more minutes. If we have to play Mario, then so be it. But we need to get ZaZa more minutes. He has one of the best contracts in the league for a non-rookie, so don’t let him rot there
3) Let Morris get some minutes. Yes, he’s lazy. Yes, he looks spaced out. But he’s our biggest player and he can rebound the ball. I don’t trust Foulomon Jones in the game.
4) We need Duck to return and probably come off the bench.
5) Why do we have to have big lineups when we can just put Joe at the 3 and Mo at the 2?
6) Woodson and Joe and maybe even Bib and Flip need to get in the refs’ ears more as the playoffs approach and let them know that they screw us over every game and that when we play Cleveland int he 2nd round we demand a SEMI-fair series (anyone see that BS flagrant call on Collins on LeBron last night? Collins put his arm sideways, LeBron runs into it, and everyone acts like he just choked him or clotheslined him)
7) Joe pass the ball more
9) Wow Smoove made it this far….Stop taking jumpshots, stop dribbling. Only go for layups, and do not post up. You have no idea where you shoot from, you can’t pass, and you can’t play Man D. In other words, don’t commit turnovers, and go for freaking rebounds instead of just waiting for the ball to come to you. You are not a post player or a basketball palyer for that matter–just an athlete. OMG ELIJAH HE SCORED 22 LAST NIGHT YOU’RE AN IDIOT
Flappin' Hawk
March 28th, 2009
5:49 pm
Unfortunatly the Hawks will finish the season losing 11 of their final 13 games. Obviously without Marvin this team just does not have the ability to compete with the big boys or on the road against anyone. The Hawks are a team that needs every piece in place to be a legit threat…we lose 1 starter and we’re cooked. Mo is terrific but not a starter, he is Chills Part 2.
PutBack
March 28th, 2009
5:51 pm
Flapp-
Lose 11 out of the last 13? No way.
Flappin' Hawk
March 28th, 2009
5:53 pm
Look at the schedule. It’s gonna be tough without Marvin and Acie. JJ leading the league in minutes. We could drop to the 6th spot easily.
PutBack
March 28th, 2009
5:55 pm
No doubt, schedule is brutal.
Ken Strickland
March 28th, 2009
5:58 pm
ELIJAH-you just killed your argument that Woodson is just trying to save his job. REFUSING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR TEAMS STRENGTHS, TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR OPPONENTS WEAKNESSES ISN’T THE KIND OF COACHING THAT CREATES JOB SECURITY. REFUSING TO DEVELOP YOU BENCH, ESPECIALLY YOUR BACKUP PG AND HEIR APPARENT, ISN’T THE ACTIONS OF SOMEONE LOOKIGN FOR JOB SECURITY.
James
March 28th, 2009
6:05 pm
Again, how does this team have a winning record? The laziest bunch of millionaires I’ve ever seen. I would expect a better effort for people getting paid so much, who if they didn’t have basketball to fall on, would be working at a fast food restaurant!!!! @%#%@%
Sautee
March 28th, 2009
6:14 pm
Anybody watching UConn / Mizzou?
God, for a motion offense like Missouri.
darrell starks
March 28th, 2009
7:19 pm
KEN i agree with you 100percent Woody could never take this team to the next level.GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Astro Joe
March 28th, 2009
7:46 pm
Ken, Woody could have done better with Acie but Acie (much like Salim) seems to be absent an awful lot. Either an injury or personal issues or something. Woody played him in x consecutive games and then he came up lame. If it’s not the coach it’s something else.
I expected that we would lose these games against the league’s elite, I’m just disappointed in the way that we are losing.
O'brien
March 28th, 2009
8:08 pm
Sekou, I see you had the Syracuse PG as a potential draft pick for the Hawks. Do you really think he would get much PT under Woody? Woody is so inconsistent. Salim got no PT, but he was a good shooter who couldnt play the PG spot. All things considered, Acie plays the position well, but he is not a good shooter, and he also gets no PT.
Let’s see if the Lakers do the same thing to the Hawks tomorrow (D up on JJ). I hope Woody is prepared to make adjustments. And the Hawks need to execute better.
Samuel, based on your theory about the Hawks going from 37 wins to the 4th seed, then that means the Miami coach deserves COY more than Woody. They had 15 wins last year, and this year they have 38 already. Not to mention that they play 2 rookies (including a rookie PG), and the coach himself is also a rookie.
Big Ray
March 28th, 2009
8:11 pm
The Truth,
I appreciate the sentiments, but that was a faker. Let’s see if the clown can log into this system like I can, and have his post shaded in gray. Then you’ll have a worthy doppleganger. Otherwise, it’s just another person that just WISHES I wasn’t around. But gosh, it sure is nice to know that someone out there thinks enough about me to do that.
Perhaps the “Big Ray” wannabe would be so good as to go ahead and write the next Hawks Hack blog I was working on….I mean, if you’re going to be me and all that…
Eh, what the heck. Back to work. New blog for the Hawks Hacks coming up…gimme about 10 or 15 minutes…
newkid
March 28th, 2009
8:17 pm
Was it my malfunctioning hearing aid, or did I actually hear Woody ‘begging’ Joe to allow a sub to come in for him after he committed his 2nd foul in the 1st quarter last night? No, he didn’t exit. Imagine the halftime fisticuffs had that been Smoove.
The awfully loud flapping noise you’ll hear over much of metro Atlanta early Sunday afternoon will be our Hawks ‘heading for the hills’ in hasty retreat as the Lakers enter the arena to pillage and loot local treasure just after noon. Same noise I’m certain I heard about 4:00 p.m. Wednesday AND Friday this week as the Spurs and Celtics made their way into Philips.
Samuel
March 28th, 2009
8:27 pm
Obrien,
No Dwade. This year DWade. Now, if they overtake us in the standing he beats Woody out. He has done a good job though although I think he should have found a way to start his second best player(Beasley).
Woody=COY
Big Ray
March 28th, 2009
9:12 pm
Samuel,
I would agree with you on Spoelstra not starting Beasley. But what if there’s something behind that? Beasley’s talent is obvious. Too obvious. But what if his attitude is not right, or he’s not delivering the effort on defense? If Woody was in the same spot, would he have Beasley coming off of the bench as well if that was the case?
I wonder why 13 and 5 is what he gets in roughly 24/25 mpg. That’s decent production, but even with fewer minutes, those are Marvin Williams numbers.
Still, as you say, a good player can’t be kept down…..right?
Of course, Spoelstra has the advantage of having other players who can play some in that spot, and Woody didn’t have the same advantage with a guy like say, Josh Smith. I’m just curious what you think of that, from a coaching perspective.
But I do agree that Beasley is easily the team’s second best player. Marion is toast these days or he’d make Beasley 3rd best on the team…at least for a little while.
Big Ray
March 28th, 2009
9:19 pm
Astro Joe,
The way we are losing is WHY we are losing.
We were good enough to beat the Celtics LAST YEAR at home 3 times in the freakin’ playoffs, when they were at full strength. Not being able to beat them at home (even without Marvin and Acie) or San Antonio (without Duncan, and mostly without Ginobilli) is not what I would call guaranteed wins, but they were winnable games.
We beat some good teams during that 7-0 home stretch earlier. New Orleans. Portland. Utah. And we were doing it without Marvin.
I see the HOW also being the WHY.
Big Ray
March 28th, 2009
9:27 pm
By the way Astro Joe….
Remember that trade the Bulls made to acquire Miller and Salmons? The one you said didn’t make that much sense to you? Well, I can understand your reaction, as it probably wouldn’t have worked for us (and you know exactly why), but it did PRECISELY what I thought it would for the Bulls. I didn’t think they had a chance of making the playoffs before hand. Now they’re holding the 7th seed…for the moment. Miller is a steady presence and a true center. He provides some rebounding, a bit of defense, and a true offensive threat. Oh, and just a tad of size.
But the key has been Salmons. When your $71 million dollar swingman is providing far less for your team than our $58 million dollar PF does on a bad night, then you need a steady, savvy scoring presence that isn’t as streaky or one-dimensional as Ben Gordon. Enter Salmons. Hello playoffs….even with a banged up Derrick Rose. Of course, other factors have fed off of this and helped as well. The emergence of Joakim Noah, the suddenly steady hand of Kirk Hinrich, and Tyrus Thomas having his head screwed on right for more than a game or two in a row…
Now if only we can make solid moves like that in the offseason, and then make actual USE of them…..oh wait. I’m not supposed to be talking about stuff like that. We’re in the year of our lives, I forgot….ahem…*cough, cough*…
Big Ray
March 28th, 2009
10:15 pm
I;m leaving, yall!
So long !
Big Ray
March 28th, 2009
10:20 pm
Heh. Good try, Sam.
Big Ray
March 28th, 2009
10:22 pm
Or whoever. The horrid punctuation alone gives it away….sorry to disappoint. To get rid of me, you have to come find me. Ready when you are.
Ken Strickland
March 28th, 2009
11:20 pm
I just read the article about the top 5 players that might be available to the Hawks in this yrs draft. There were 2 PG’s in that group, which is a joke. Everyone with an IQ knows Woodson will only embrace a veteran PG and will go out of his way to avoid developing and/or using a rookie PG. He’ll deliberately disrupt a rookies development with inconsistent and limited mins, heavy handed treatment and intolerance of any mistakes just to make a case for acquiring another veteran PG to replace Bibby.
Let me show everyone just how incompetent Woodson is and how flawed his system is. On DEF he likes to switch on every screen. Teams now take advantage of that by using pick and roll with their PG and center. That switch causes our C or PF to be isolated 15ft from the basket on a PG(remember what TParker did to us with that play). The PG blows past our C or PF and we end up with no one to protect the basket. PG’s have been shooting layup drills the last 2gms using that simple play against us, and Woodson hasn’t made a single adjustment.
Has anyone besides me noticed how many fouls Bibby has been getting trying to defend forwards and centers? What other HC in NBA history has ever designed a DEF that has his C and PF trying to defend the opposing PG 15ft from the basket, and his PG trying to defend the opposing C or PF under the basket? That’s why teams have started taking advantage of Woodson’s flawed DEF strategy by isolating their guards on our C’s and PF’s and killing us.
Big Ump
March 28th, 2009
11:27 pm
Ken Strickland
You need to ask AJC about writing a I dislike Woody Blog. That’s all your post about 97% of the time.
Man you are unreal..
SportsLoungeCentral
March 29th, 2009
12:17 am
If you guys want to talk more about the NBA come to sportsloungecentral.com
We need some members
Elijah
March 29th, 2009
12:59 am
Wow Ray writes on the Hawks Hackblog and is proud of it! Does this go on your resume?
Clyde
March 29th, 2009
3:30 am
Ken Strickland for Blogger Of The Year!!
Sorry “Give Up The Big Play Ray” your chance at a repeat is slim.
Sautee
March 29th, 2009
9:54 am
Big Ump, just because Ken is fixated on the poor job Woody has done, does NOT mean that what he says isn’t true.
Some of us are extremely frustrated with a simple lack of adjustments, a lack of imagination, and poor use of assets.
Give Ken a break. He’s only frustrated because he want it to be better. We all do.
Sautee
March 29th, 2009
9:56 am
wants it to be better
Sautee
March 29th, 2009
10:07 am
Well the first time I posted this it disappeared, so forgive me if there are 2.
Big Ump, just because Ken is frustrated about the job Woody’s doing and expresses it often, does NOT mean that what he says isn’t true.
You can always use that old “scroll” function on your mouse.
Give Ken a break. He only wants it to be as good as it COULD be. Don’t we all?
Sautee
March 29th, 2009
10:09 am
So exactly where do the posts go that show up, disappear, then show up again?
Weird!
terrell barron
March 29th, 2009
10:14 am
Can you say 6 game losing streak.
Ken Strickland
March 29th, 2009
12:40 pm
BIG UMP-I’m aware of that. I’ve said in a few of my previous posts that I know I keep beating a dead horse. But I’m not going to change my tune just to be different or to satisfy someone else’s shortsightedness. WOODSON KEEPS REVERTING BACK TO THE SAME CRAP OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND GETTING THE SAME NEGATIVE RESULTS OVER AND OVER AGAIN, AND YOU’RE CONCERNED ABOUT ME BEING ONE TRACK MINDED.
This isn’t about me, it’s about the ATLANTA HAWKS, who just happen to be a much better team than the current record and recent performances indicate. For over a decade, we diehard Hawk fans have had to endure incompetent HC’s, GM’s, ownership, and a lack of talent. This recent version of the Hawks is very talented, and it was put together by a competent GM, but we still have to endure an incompetent ownership group and HC. We are close to really having something special with this team, but we can’t get to that special something as long as we have an arrogant, selfserving, incompetent taskmaster that’s more concerned with flexing his authority as a HC than assuming his responsibilities as a HC.
I’ve been one of the 1st to commend Woodson when he’s done a good job of coaching and decision making, and I’ll continue to do so. As a HC, the man is a cancer. He creates discord on a regular basis. He had rifts with former GM Billy Knight, and got him fired. He’s had a rift with former player SStaudamire, and he left. He’s had rifts with Zaza, Solo, Acie and several with Smoove, to name a few. And in every instance, the one common factor is Woodson’s inability or unwillingness to effectively deal with young players or snyone that doesn’t see things his way. Now, that’s an automatic RED FLAG when you’re coaching one of the NBA’s youngest teams and some of your star players, like Marvin, 1yr of callege ball, and Smoove, right out of HS. These 2 young players have as much NBA experience as they’ve had college and HS experience combined.
IF YOU WANT ME TO CHANGE MY TUNE, GET WOODSON TO CHANGE HIS, OR GET RID OF HIS INCOMPETENT A$$.