Another double-shot weekend
The Hawks' welcome home gift is a Saturday night date with Dwight Howard and the Magic!
BOSTON - Live from the Hawks’ second home the past year … seriously, has any team spent more time in another team’s town the past 11 months than the Hawks have here in soggy Boston?
It’s ridiculous.
Another couple of days here and the Hawks will need to start paying taxes.
Lucky for them this is probably their last tryst with the Celtics until next season (no more Duck Tours or Big Baby Davis for at least a year).
Coincidentally, this is their last weekend to try and climb off the mid-major express and move over to the predatory side of the Eastern Conference.
Tonight’s game against the Celtics and tomorrow night’s home tilt against the Orlando Magic presents the Hawks with two final opportunities to knock off the big boys.
Another inspired defensive effort like the one against the Lakers last Sunday and the Hawks might finally get the leprechaun off their backs or pay back the Magic for those back-to-back beatdowns administered a couple months back.
Another eyes-wide-shut showing like the one given in Philly Tuesday night and someone better find the map back to sanity for as one of one of our regulars likes to refer to them, “Team Fragile.”
I believe in embracing a challenge, however daunting it might seem. That’s why this second straight double-shot weekend looks more like a monster opportunity to me than it does a major hurdle.
If the Hawks are serious about being a player in the playoffs – and despite their continued inconsistency on the floor, they remain steadfast in their comments to the contrary off the floor – they can go a long way towards making sure their actions and words are in sync with some stellar play in the next 36 hours.
HOT TOPICS
1 - One thing that keeps coming up this time of year for playoff bound teams is who they might face in the postseason.
That means the Hawks spend as much time worrying about the team’s directly below them in the standings as they do worrying about themselves.
A good friend and advance scout from an Eastern Conference team that’s been in the playoffs the past few years warned me this afternoon that there is no more dangerous development for a team still in the shallow end of the playoff pool.
“We wasted a lot of time and energy on that very thing a couple years back and almost lost our spot in the standings the last two weeks of the season because we were locked in stuff that was out of our control,” he said. “You can tell the teams that lost focus this time of year by the fluctuations in their play. One night they look great and the next you wonder how it he world they’re even in the playoff mix. That’s the sign of a team that isn’t totally licked in on the task at hand. And that’s a team that’s vulnerable now and in the playoffs.”
I can think of five or six teams, the Hawks, Heat and 76ers included, that fit that mold these days. All three of those teams are busy jockeying for position, hoping to land the seed they think allows them the best first round matchup.
My scout friend makes a great point. The more time you spend foolishly spying on the competition, the less time you spend focusing on finishing the season with a bang.
2 - The back bug continues to bite the Hawks on the backside. No Acie Law IV again and no Marvin Williams anytime soon, per Hawks coach Mike Woodson at shootaround today.
Woodson has maintained a positive stance in regards to the lower back injuries that both players are dealing with. And to be fair, Williams wasn’t expected to return anytime before the final week of the regular season and the start of the playoffs (at best).
Acie Law IV isn't smiling a whole lot these days.
Law’s injury, though, is starting to worry me if only because there doesn’t appear to be anything that can be done to expedite his recovery at such a critical time for this team. You remember the Hawks’ struggles in the playoffs last year at the point guard position don’t you?
And for all the work Flip Murray has done in relief this season, his attention needs to be on scoring above all things, particularly with the playoff matchups looming (I’m predicting Flip has a field day against Philly or Miami in a series).
A change-of-pace point guard could be the difference in a seven-game series, just ask the Celtics if it made a difference against the Hawks last year when Rajon Rondo became the Most Important Player in the series.
With Law nowhere to be found, or at least not in a uniform, that leaves the Hawks vulnerable at that crucial position once again this weekend and going forward.
3 - So let me get this straight, the confidential drug screening that goes on during the NFL combine every year has turned up yet another handful of transgressors?
Just exactly what qualifies as confidential in NFL circles anyway?
I’m sure Boston College defensive tackle B.J. Raji would love to hear how that supposed to work since he’s been identified as one of the alleged transgressors.
Since there’s no way Raji or his representatives are going to engage in any air-clearing discussion about it, the kid is automatically considered guilty by the public without anyone knowing what actually took place and why someone chose to make it public. (I know this is off track from our normal conversation but indulge me for a minute, please.)
4 - Lost in the hoopla surrounding his explosive offensive night against Philly (some video evidence here courtesy of our friends at YouTube) was Josh Smith keeping his 100-block season streak alive for another year.
And while his block numbers are way down this season compared to his totals from the past, he collected 200 or more in each of the past three seasons, he remains one of the league’s most unique stat stuffers.
His two blocks against the 76ers gave him 101 for the season, giving 100 or more for five straight seasons.
In addition, Smith is one of only four players in the league to pile up at least 85 steals and 85 blocks this season. Miami’s Dwyane Wade, Cleveland’s LeBron James and Denver’s Nene are the others.
5 - You are not alone Hawks fans. You’re not the only group of fans out there doing the Watchmen routine on your own team.
My main man Broderick “BT” Turner from the Los Angeles Times has a fan Q&A on the paper’s website right now that is a must read for fans of teams whose teams aren’t on track for 60-wins this season.
Silly me for thinking our priorities were out of line around here for questioning how the bench is used and why Solomon Jones doesn’t see regular rotation minutes on this team. The Lakers are the second best team in the league and their fans are worried about the same sorts of things.
Maybe we’re on the right path around here after all.
Don’t forget, Hawks-Celtics at 7:30 live from TD Banknorth Garden. Chop it up with the rest of the blogfamily here now all the way through the final buzzer.
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272 comments Add your comment
Sautee
April 3rd, 2009
4:02 pm
Sekou,
Any news on the nature of Law’s injury? What’s the diagnosis?
And did it happen on the court?
For us to have ANY chance of winning tonight, Horford will have to raise his game back up to where it was LAST week. Dude’s disappeared for a couple of games.
Astro Joe
April 3rd, 2009
4:21 pm
Sekou, you hinted at a return of Speedy a few blogs ago and now you’re saying that the Hawks don’t have a change of pace PG (with Acie’s injury). I assume that means that Speedy will stay in the enclosed glass as Woody does not believe he is yet in emergency mode (break glass in case of emergency).
I MUS.WRITE
April 3rd, 2009
4:39 pm
MVP ….. Pulleeze
Ken Strickland
April 3rd, 2009
4:43 pm
RICHBRAVE-this is from the lzst blog. I apologize for using your name. I was addressing ASTRO JOE, but after watching the Wizards defeat the Cavaliers, I had you on my mind.
Sekou K. Smith
April 3rd, 2009
4:46 pm
No Speedy Joe. You have a better chance of seeing the floor tonight (tomorrow or beyond) than ol’ Speed-O!
And Law’s back injury wasn’t a contact situation Sautee. I was told he woke up one morning and his back had locked up on him. There’s nothing they can do but continue treatment until he gets better. Strange huh?
calico
April 3rd, 2009
5:32 pm
We have to get big al the ball early and i find it funny you didnt mention the two usc linebackers who tested positve for performance enhancing drugs.(Clay Mathews & Brian Cushing) But you mention Raji’s mary jane offense thats crazy. Lets Go Hawks
Ron E.
April 3rd, 2009
6:06 pm
Acie Law? Who cares? The only playing time he’d get in the playoffs is when the Hawks are down 20 every single road game.
The Truth
April 3rd, 2009
6:09 pm
The timing of Ace injury still seems strange to me. Even after Sekou’s explanation of how his back went out, I’m baffled even more so. That’s an explanation a 70 year old man gives to his doctor trying to describe an unknown illness. Normally, you would expect a certain relationship between the coach utilization of his players and their frequency to injuries. Since Acie has seen limited minutes and still a young NBA player, his injury to me seems out of the ordinary. I think of all the bandwidth been spent talking about Acie needing more playing time to developed and for the second time in his brief NBA career he gets an untimely injury when his team needs him the most. Is he snake bitten with bad luck or what? Or maybe Acie has pissed off a fine voodoo woman from New Orleans while perusing her tail. What-even; in either case, in addition to a back specialist, perhaps he needs to visit a Karma doctor or exorcist. If a bad contagious Karma thing has run a muck, maybe that would explain the Hawks recent struggles; just a thought. At least this wild idea gives the Hawks an excuse for their sub par performance.
O'brien
April 3rd, 2009
6:19 pm
Sekou, you talk about not having Acie for the playoffs? Does it matter?
Last year, Bibby was injured, and he struggled against Rondo in the playoffs. During the halftime interview (of game 2 I think), Woody admitted that he needs to play Acie more because he is bigger, faster, and a better defender. And what happened for the rest of the series? Acie got very little PT.
In the regular season, Acie got very inconsistent and little PT, so why would you think Woody would give him valuable minutes in the playoffs, even if he was healthy?
Ken Strickland
April 3rd, 2009
6:25 pm
Sometimes I wonder if Acie’s injury is just a way of sending a message to Woodson for his uneven treatment of him over the last 2 yrs. With Marvin out and the team being in the stretch run, and knowing Woodson isn’t going to play him anyway, this would be a perfect time to pull it off.
I guess Acie feels if Woodson can put his personal issues, wants and desires ahead of what’s best for the team, he can do the same.
Shaunty
April 3rd, 2009
6:46 pm
They need to let the brother Claxton play. Dude is healthy
Sekou K. Smith
April 3rd, 2009
6:50 pm
Good points O’brien. You’re right, there’s no guarantee that a healthy Acie would see any more playing time than the injured Acie, so we might as well just talk about something else right … nah, I plan on beating that horse (it’s a figure of speech PETA folks, just yapping) into an early grave – which, if things don’t change dramatically, could come before the end of the playoffs. Remember, rookie deals are no longer the five and six year affairs (because of changes to the last collective bargaining agreement) that they used to be. A guy has about three years now to establish himself or he’s trade bait. Simple as that. And Acie hasn’t (for obvious reasons, injuries and inconsistent playing time) established himself yet on this team.
Sekou K. Smith
April 3rd, 2009
6:53 pm
And if Acie’s injury was some kind of hoax by either side I’d let you know. But dude was walking like a 90-year old man as recently as two weeks ago. He was hunched over and walking slowly through the hallway outside the locker room one day and I asked him what the deal was with his back. It’s not a fake thing by any stretch.
Sautee
April 3rd, 2009
7:03 pm
Maybe we need to get doc to stick some needles in him!
The Truth
April 3rd, 2009
7:06 pm
Sekou
Then I am convinced; If Acie’s injury is not a hoax, then it must be from that fine voodoo woman from New Orleans he was chasing
Blast
April 3rd, 2009
7:07 pm
I’m very worried about this game. Sekou said a lot of nice things about the Hawks wanting a chance to prove they can beat Boston this year, but it’s easier said than done. The Celts have beaten Hawks the last four times, and Hawks would have to play above, beyond themselves, beyond the Celtics, the crowd and the refs to even have a shot of winning tonight. They would have to play perfect basketball. They don’t rebound, they turn the ball over, they foul a lot, they miss free throws, they start from behind, Joe and Bibby don’t play great, shots don’t fall, and they can forget about winning this game. My heart hopes they win, but my mind says they won’t.
Wouldn’t mind seeing the last of Boston this season anyway. After the game tonight and with Orlando, Hawks can win most of the games left in the season, since they won’t be meeting the best teams anymore.
Acie Law. Not sure what’s wrong the that dude, but Truth might have called it. Maybe he’s just jinxed, or getting back at Woody. I wish him well.
Where is Big AL Horford the Boss Man? Has anyone seen him lately?
Last few games, Bibby’s shots have been rimming in and out.
Hawks be at least competitve, even if you lose, though we are sick of seeing you guys lose on the road, and lose to the good teams. If y’all suck it up tonight, well, Cleveland/Orlando looks like a good one!
Go Hawks!
Hawks73
April 3rd, 2009
7:09 pm
Some awesome points in regards to Woddy,and Acie’s strange back injury. The fact remains (as stated several times above) coach dic!head wouldn’t play Acie anyway. He is by all accounts the most stubborn SOB that I have ever seen coach a team. He is constantly fueding with Josh Smith and immediately pulls Acie when he does ANYTHING wrong (Not to mention keeping Solo, West, Randolph in Wax). Why in the he!! did Sund go out and get Randolph & Hunter if dic!head isn’t going to let them play. It truly amazes me how Woody can constantly put personal fueds ahead of the team and winning. I have said it before and I’ll say it again, dic!head will be using his same old excuses for the Hawks losing tonight & in the 1st round of the playoffs…it will go something like this, “We fought hard, but ultimately the lack of having guys like Marvin and Acie caught up to us”…mark my, I mean dic!heads words.
Samuel
April 3rd, 2009
7:27 pm
Just glad it aint JJ. We’d already know the reason, right guys. So much for that theory.
Woody=COY
ant banks
April 3rd, 2009
7:47 pm
i don’t have cable. is there anyway to watch the game on the net?
ant banks
April 3rd, 2009
7:48 pm
Enter your comments here
Blast
April 3rd, 2009
8:04 pm
Celts lacking big men in this game. Hawks have a shot at taking it.
Melvin
April 3rd, 2009
8:06 pm
Solomon, Mario and ZaZa in the game at the same time… Oh my, did somebody kidnap Woodson…
niremetal
April 3rd, 2009
8:13 pm
Hilarious. League Pass has the Celtics feed and their guys are complaining that the officiating are letting the Hawks get away with fouls.
Man. What a joke.
Sautee
April 3rd, 2009
8:25 pm
Al is back tonight if Joe will just share.
Sautee
April 3rd, 2009
8:31 pm
ISO Joe strikes again. At least he won the jump ball.
Sekou K. Smith
April 3rd, 2009
8:32 pm
niremetal, I would advise against watching the Celtics’ feed with the sound up. Because they haven’t seen the Celtics foul anyone in about 14 years.
Sekou K. Smith
April 3rd, 2009
8:36 pm
Big Baby is still playing like it’s last Friday night. Since when do the Hawks no one that can guard Big Baby? This is shameful.
niremetal
April 3rd, 2009
8:38 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHA! This was the Celtics announcer, talking about Paul Pierce:
“He’s not a complainer.”
Yeah. Ok. Wow…
Melvin
April 3rd, 2009
8:38 pm
Big Baby is having a field day….
Astro Joe
April 3rd, 2009
8:47 pm
So if Acie would fake an injury so that he can show the rest of the league that he’d rather hurt the team than do what other professionals do and compete for playing time, well, never mind. Much too stupid of a theory to discuss further. It’s mostly an incredible insult to Acie… and I’ll end it at that.
Sautee
April 3rd, 2009
8:48 pm
Horford looks a LOT better. 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists, and a block. Nice half.
Astro Joe
April 3rd, 2009
8:50 pm
Hawks are competing well tonight. Only 2 turnovers on the road is a great way to play. Now let’s see if we can make some shots while still protecting the ball.
Astro Joe
April 3rd, 2009
8:55 pm
I’m going to take a page out of Acie’s book… the guy who is allegedly faking an injury in protest to his coach. I’ve decided not to pay my taxes in protest to all of the money going to fund the space program. That will show them how bad I am.
Melvin
April 3rd, 2009
8:58 pm
If we can control Big Baby in the paint, then the Hawks have a good chance to win this game…
Astro Joe
April 3rd, 2009
9:03 pm
Bibby’s finally playing well against a quality team.
Sautee
April 3rd, 2009
9:06 pm
Jeez….’Nique comments on the first half…
“We picked up the defensive intensity in the second quarter”. Yeah, Nique that’s when they scored 30! after only 21 in the first quarter. D’oh!
Melvin
April 3rd, 2009
9:06 pm
The Hawks doesn’t even look like a team right now. They look like 5 guys on the court just happen to be wearing the same uniform…
Astro Joe
April 3rd, 2009
9:14 pm
Better, Melvin?
Astro Joe
April 3rd, 2009
9:20 pm
Perkins may be the biggest whinner since Laimbeer.
Astro Joe
April 3rd, 2009
9:28 pm
I like the way the Hawks are playing. They may lose but they are competing and playing hard. Attacking the rim and not settling in this 3rd quarter. They’re attacking the Celtics’ bigs.
Get mad, Flip. Let’s see how you play when you’re mad. (Stupid foul).
Sekou K. Smith
April 3rd, 2009
9:28 pm
For every bucket Bibby gets he’s giving one up to Rondo. The Hawks have to find a way to slow Rondo down or it’s going to be another loss on this floor for the boys in blue.
Blast
April 3rd, 2009
9:29 pm
Aw! Come on Flip! Those 3 free throws hurt!
niremetal
April 3rd, 2009
9:29 pm
Dumb play by Murray, but still a bad call by the ref. Rondo creates the contact more than Murray did.
Melvin
April 3rd, 2009
9:31 pm
Not better Joe. 1st half it was Big Baby. 3rd qtr it was Rondo. Watch them go to Paul in the 4th to put the nail in the coffin…
We better find some heart between quarters…
dmortone
April 3rd, 2009
9:32 pm
I’m tired of other team’s point guards consistantly going nuts on us
Melvin
April 3rd, 2009
9:35 pm
How many dunks/lay ups has ZaZa miss tonight….
O'brien
April 3rd, 2009
9:39 pm
I agree Sekou. At first glance, it looks like a big game from Mike Bibby. So far, Bibby has 20 points, 6 assists. But Rondo has 20 points, 4 assists.
Defense needs to pick up. And we need to stop shooting so many jump shots
trint
April 3rd, 2009
9:39 pm
So any of you still confident these hawks can advance to the second round by winning at least one road game. Because they are sure to lose at least one at home
Melvin
April 3rd, 2009
9:42 pm
This team has no heart… We need some toughness…
trint
April 3rd, 2009
9:44 pm
Well loss tonite, win tomorrow because they are in atlanta. The dumbest excuse I’ve heard for a team in all my time watching sports
Melvin
April 3rd, 2009
9:45 pm
Trint they went undefeated at home in the 1st round of the playoffs last year. Why should we believe they’re going to lose there this year… Show us..
trint
April 3rd, 2009
9:45 pm
No free throws by Joe, and no second half points. What a leader Joe.
TheHawksFan
April 3rd, 2009
9:47 pm
The Refs have ruined this game. Granted the Hawks have shot more fouls shots, but just let them play IMO. They are making a ton of “Make Up” calls. The NBA needs to fix this ref stuff ASAP. Bibby is trying but his D does not exist. Woody is on the 7 man route again 6 if you are counting Mo Evans non production. If he is going to do this, hell just cancel the rest of the season. Even if Marvin and Acie come back they need at least a week to get into playing shape. Mario should get at least 10 mins a game. More so when Evans is off like tonight. I have watched Acie on the bench. He isnt humped over to me. He was smiling juking and jiving. Come on home Hawks and get ready for the Magic. Goooo Hawks!!!!
fresh
April 3rd, 2009
9:48 pm
LET ME SAY AGAIN, JOE JOHNSON IS A 2 NOT A 1. NO POINTS IN THE SECOND HALF. EVEN WITH RONDO AND PIERCE ON THE BENCH. I BET KOBE OR L JAMES WOULD NOT GO POINTLESS.
atlrayzd
April 3rd, 2009
9:48 pm
Enter your comments here
Melvin
April 3rd, 2009
9:49 pm
Down by 15pts with 5min left. It’s time to throw in the towel and get ready for Orlando tomorrow. By the way, the Magic is up by 40pts on the Cavs….
trint
April 3rd, 2009
9:49 pm
Melvin, Why should you believe they wont lose there this year. This is not a good team, and as much as it hurts me to say it, it is what it is. It depends who the first round competition is. If we meet philly, they will win at least one in Atlanta, simply because they played the exact same game Tuesday as they did in Atlanta in January and guess what. They won both, and we all know Mr. Potato head does not make adjustments
O'brien
April 3rd, 2009
9:49 pm
Hawks are 4-19 in threes. Why are we shooting so many of them when they are not falling? And JJ has not scored the second half (he is struggling). What’s wrong with him? Can’t we design a play to get him an easy shot?
Oh I’m sorry. That would require Woody having a clue
niremetal
April 3rd, 2009
9:50 pm
FIRE WOODY
JJ
April 3rd, 2009
9:50 pm
I told ya’ll this team would be terrible if we keep Woody the potato head. Good teams compete on the road not this team.
Melvin
April 3rd, 2009
9:51 pm
Too Much 1 on 1 play. We’re not going to beat the Celtics like that…
Ken Strickland
April 3rd, 2009
9:53 pm
I have to admit, I allowed myself to get excited when I saw Woodson play MWest, who made a definite impact, and Solo, who helped us control the boards, early. Then, he once again became a spectator and allowed Boston to use their size and depth to wear our limited rotation down. Coaching plays a very important roll in winning in the playoffs and on the road, and we’re a HC short.
Eman
April 3rd, 2009
9:54 pm
Maybe it’s best if they lose complete control of the 4th spot and end up becoming a 5th. Maybe it’ll teach them something.
Right now it’s hard to watch them play any of the teams ranked 1, 2, or 3. And it’ll probably be just as bad tomorrow.
Dan
April 3rd, 2009
9:55 pm
No hustle,no intensity and no extra effort. The Hawks played like bums tonight. Has nothing to do with Woodson. This is all on the players. By the way how is it that a 6′11″ guy like Zaza, can’t dunk the ball.
Melvin
April 3rd, 2009
9:55 pm
Trint, last I check that game Tuesday night was in Philly. Keep in mind, the World Champs sweep us in the regular season last year only to go winless in the ATL in the playoffs… Bring on Philly…
.EternalOptimist
April 3rd, 2009
9:55 pm
Outscored at the end of each quarter. Backcourt disappearing in the 4th quarter. This team looks like it’s given up on the season. No passion, no communication. Nobody is taking control. I paid $50 bucks for tickets to tomorrow nights game and I’m almost scared to go. It really sucks right now to be a Hawks fan. And before anyone reminds me “I know we’re still in fourth place”. It’s hard being the .EternalOptimist these days.
Blast
April 3rd, 2009
9:55 pm
Called it. Even with a depleted front line, Hawks cannot beat Boston. Boston has the Hawks number. They play Orlando next. Orlando is giving Cleveland (best record in the league) a good old fashioned butt kicking right now. Hawks think they can beat that crew even at home?
fresh
April 3rd, 2009
9:55 pm
THE HAWKS DON’t want to face PHILLY, OR MIAMI
JJ
April 3rd, 2009
9:56 pm
the way the magic are whooping the cavs the hawks are gonna get embarrased badly 2mmorrow.
Melvin
April 3rd, 2009
9:57 pm
Amen, Ken…
Astro Joe
April 3rd, 2009
9:58 pm
Oh well, I like how they were playing in the 3rd quarter. Hard to beat a team with only 7 competent players. All of those games we were winning without Marvin were at home and against teams that didn’t have scoring SFs. Evans is simply not big enough to do anything with guys like Pierce.
trint
April 3rd, 2009
10:00 pm
Melvin, you are right my point exactly the game tuesday was in Philly but the game in January was in Atlanta and Philly weren’t playing nearly as well as they are now. A lost tonite and tomorrow along with a philly win will have philly only 1.5 games out of 4th. And how many more home games do we have?
O'brien
April 3rd, 2009
10:01 pm
From Sekou’s article. “Salim Stoudemire signed a multiyear deal with Milwaukee”
atlrayzd
April 3rd, 2009
10:02 pm
Time to pull the covers back. Joe Johnson is becoming a non factor. If his play, intensity and leadership do not improve the Hawks playoff run will be short. Time to stop making excuses for this guy he has to much talent to be looking average on a consistant basis. Never thought I would say it but Joe Johnson is looking expendable. Keep Marvin,Josh, and Al.
Say it ain’t so Joe.
.EternalOptimist
April 3rd, 2009
10:02 pm
True center, point guard that can guard the one and two, penetrate and dish and new coach. If you’re wondering I’m putting my wish list together…..And if Joe keeps it up I’m gonna add young shooting guard to that list….C’mon Hawks this is embarassing!
Astro Joe
April 3rd, 2009
10:03 pm
So let me get this straight, Bibby allowed Rondo to score 20 points. Does that mean that Rondo allowed Bibby to score 20 points?
Melvin
April 3rd, 2009
10:04 pm
Trint, you are aware that Philly has to play Boston and Cleveland twice.
fresh
April 3rd, 2009
10:06 pm
WHAT HAS HAPPENED AT PHILLIPS ARENA. THE HAWKS CAN’T WIN, AND THE THRASHERS CAN”T LOSE.
KevinA
April 3rd, 2009
10:10 pm
We will win at least 3 out of the last six. 46 wins and 4th seed. At the beginning of the season I think we would take that. I thought we might get 42-45. We are exceeding expectations. First round win would send us packing with dreams of the future.
UGA
April 3rd, 2009
10:11 pm
Milwaukee, Toronto and Memphis left on the road. I just do not think we can win those. I’d be shocked if we win a road game again this year.
Why can the Hawks not stop “Big Baby”?
O'brien
April 3rd, 2009
10:12 pm
Jerome Jurenovich said it looks like the Hawks didnt make any adjustments based on what they learned from the last time they played the Celtics. Is that a subtle shot at Woody?
For this loss, I blame Woody and the players.
They have lost 8 out of 9 on the road. But hey, it’s all good, because the Hawks are 4th in the east, and will have homecourt advantage in the first round.
Sautee
April 3rd, 2009
10:14 pm
Road wins are like GOLD!
Unfortunately the Hawks on the road are tarnished brass.
UGA
April 3rd, 2009
10:18 pm
Has anyone noticed how much Boston moves the ball on offense, and we don’t (just try to go one on one with the “mis-matches” we have)?
Sautee
April 3rd, 2009
10:28 pm
Actually UGA, while you are generally correct, Bibby ran a pick and roll several times in the first half with both Josh and with Horford tonight. Why we went away from that, I don’t know…..
Oh yeah, I know. Gotta get JJ his.
Maaannn
April 3rd, 2009
10:37 pm
We are talented enough…….at this point it’s gotta be coaching. I’m just being honest……Woodson shouldv’ve told Joe to stop holding the ball so much in way before the 4th quater.
Big Ray
April 3rd, 2009
10:40 pm
Nothing has changed. The Celtics are better than we are, no matter that they are missing players (and so are we). Better coached, deeper, more developed. They can shut down one of their top two players and still win 60 games. We cannot. It’s that simple. Not complaining, just saying…
Astro Joe has a point when he says that Rondo allowed Bibby to get 20 points. Yeah, looks like he did. But that is hardly the point.
Look further and realize that Bibby was one of the few effective guys over the course of the full game. Everybody else shot under 50%. Flip managed 21 points (but shot 5-13), but our current “big 3?” JJ got 15, Al 14, and Josh 13.
It’s called a gameplan. Shut everybody else down, and let Bibby get whatever. It’s not like he can take over the game (what a laugh), and 9 times out of 10, he’s not going to shut down his opponent (he gave up 20 to Rondo, so his own 20 is already neutralized). So we have one guy in our rotation that shot 50%. The rest didn’t come too close.
The Celtics had three starters shoot 50% or better. I’d say their gameplan worked. Ours didn’t. Next…..
I’d like to see us beat Orlando at home tomorrow night.
So how many wins will we end up with? 45, 46? We’ve got 6 games left. Hmmph…
UGA
April 3rd, 2009
10:43 pm
Right Sautee, I’m just saying consistently it seems like we stand around more than Boston does on offense.
They play too good of defense to just stand and watch.
Also, is Glenn Davis and Perkins that much better than Horford and Smoove??? They have outplayed them the last 2 meetings.
SalimFan
April 3rd, 2009
10:44 pm
Ummm……I think it might be time I came out of retirement……..;-)
Big Ray
April 3rd, 2009
10:49 pm
On the subject of Acie, I don’t believe that he is fooling around. He’s probably really hurt.
Having said that, he may not be long for this part of the world. It’s a question mark either way, and I can understand people who say “well if he gets hurt this much when he’s not getting much PT, then what will he do if he IS getting the PT?” My answer is: I don’t know. The problem is all the lack of playing time when he WAS healthy. There were so many times he could have played meaningful minutes, and he could have proven himself a bit more either way.
But no. It didn’t shake out that way. So now the Hawks don’t even have a guy they can say “Hey, he’s injured, but we can’t wait for him to get back, because he really does some good stuff, and may have a really bright future.”
Nor can they say, “Ok, this guy isn’t what we need. He is woefully inconsistent and just doesn’t have what we’re looking for. We need to move on.”
Instead, there will be nothing but question marks at the end of the season: Bibby, Flip, Acie, Speedy. Heh. Who takes responsibility for this, because it shouldn’t have happened this way.
As for the Hawks not having Acie’s services when they may be needed most? I hate it. But every time I hear Woody’s mouth open up on the subject, the words “poetic justice” come to mind…Too bad it hurts the team.
Ariose
April 3rd, 2009
10:53 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzy_ja_9yLM
Yup…..i’d say he does some pretty good stuff lol.
Big Ray
April 3rd, 2009
10:57 pm
Hum. Well, that’s 40 wins for Miami. Give ‘em a few more, considering the fact that we may not get more than 45-46 ourselves, and which guy would you give COY to? Woody or Spoelstra?
I think Chicago edges Charlotte out for the 8th spot.
Harry Hawk
April 3rd, 2009
10:58 pm
It’s hard to win on the road when you have no semblance of an offensive scheme.
Big Ray
April 3rd, 2009
10:59 pm
Aw hell. Is that a SalimFan sighting??
Big Ray
April 3rd, 2009
11:00 pm
Watch it Harry Hawk. COYs ALWAYS have an offensive scheme. So what if we poor peons can’t figure it out anymore than ‘Nique can call a game?
Samuel
April 3rd, 2009
11:13 pm
Cuz,
This blog is really depressing. Also, is there any way you could pull the plug on Ray’s “shaded” post? I thought you were the author here. Doesn’t he have a blog?
Ray, get your own ratings and stop “riding coat tails”.
Woody=COY
Ariose
April 3rd, 2009
11:17 pm
I think SalimFan was just passin’ thru, but you never know with that guy. Depending on the circumstances he may come back Hehehehe…..
Ariose
April 3rd, 2009
11:30 pm
…..With the Bucks signing Salim and Rindnour injured….I think they might be ready to trade Luke. An article from Milwaukee said that Sessions is their point guard of the future(stated by the Bucks owner). A Point guard trio of Bibby, Law, Ridnour would be nice….
Ariose
April 3rd, 2009
11:34 pm
MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Bucks have signed guard Salim Stoudamire to a multiyear contract.
The 6-foot-1, 175 pound Stoudamire averaged 8.0 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 157 games with Atlanta.
The Hawks drafted Stoudamire, 26, out of Arizona with the 31st overall pick in the 2005 draft. He is the team’s career leader in free-throw percentage at 88.2 percent.
The 6-foot-1 Stoudamire was in the San Antonio Spurs’ training camp last fall but suffered a serious groin injury and was released. He has not played in the NBA this season.
Stoudamire was signed for the rest of this season and the 2009-’10 season, but the Bucks’ intention is not to play him during the remaining five games of the current season.
Bucks general manager John Hammond said Stoudamire’s injury was checked out thoroughly and he passed all medical tests.
Information from the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel was used in this report.
Ariose
April 3rd, 2009
11:40 pm
What about using our MLE on a guy lake Marion? He can play the 4(Situational) and he will defenetly add to our up-tempo scheme(i’m using “scheme” VERY loosely) Him and joe reunited again could mean good things….maybe. He could be our version of Orlando’s rashard lewis stretching the Bigs all the wa out to the line….this opening the paint up for Joe, Josh and Horford.
kwooden1
April 3rd, 2009
11:56 pm
That game was just depressing!! Good defensive teams aren’t going to let JJ beat them. We really need a health Marvin back soon! Someone who can drive to the basket and get to the free-throw line. This game they just didn’t shoot the ball well, which is hugh because their a jump shooting team. I’m going to bed depressed!
GO HAWKS! beat Orlando!
Rollins Tree
April 3rd, 2009
11:56 pm
Next year – new head coach – road wins – deeper in the playoffs.
WOODSON IS NOT THE COACH FOR THIS TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
April 3rd, 2009
11:59 pm
What does Ridnour do that Bibby doesn’t? He’s also a good shooter, but he’s even worse at defense and is much, much less proven or consistent than Bibby, not to mention he doesn’t do a spectacular job of getting in the lane either.
The Hawks already have a point guard who can step in and take Bibby’s place if given time to develop. They don’t need to acquire another point guard as much as they need more depth inside and better coaching.
Speaking of which, I saw this blog linked from Yahoo… pretty much on point and a pretty entertaining read too.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 4th, 2009
12:02 am
By the way, the Hawks are now 12-4 without Marvin Williams, including 2-4 in their last 6.
Ken Strickland
April 4th, 2009
12:03 am
How many of you can remember back to the last winning streak? Do you remember the expanded rotation, the uptempo style of play, the smothering DEF, the ball movememt and the alley oop dunks we saw regularly in both halfcourt and on fastbreaks? Has anyone seen anything even remotely simular to those efforts since? If Woodson is in control, why can’t or won’t he get us back to doing those things? If he’s not in control, we need a HC.
Considering how little and how inconsistently Acie has been allowed to play, his absence isn’t a factor. Solo’s back isn’t hurting, and teams are starting to dominate us on the boards. Woodson is simply asking too much of Horford. Horford is asked to defend the lane against bigger 5’s without being allowed to run and take advantage of his speed, quickness and athleticism to neutralize his size disadvantage. He’s also used as Smoove’s replacement at PF when Zaza is in the gm.
Against Boston’s big physical frontline, there’s no excuse for our 3 biggest bench players getting less than 20mins combined, and most of Solo’s and all of Hunters came at garbage time. DAMMIT, IF YOU DON’T WANT TO DEVELOP YOUR YOUNG PLAYERS AND YOUR BENCH, IF YOU DON’T WANT TO MANAGE YOU PLAYERS MINS, IF YOU DON’T WANT TO DELEGATE OR ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY, OR TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR TEAM AND/OR YOUR PLAYERS STRENGTHS, YOU KONT REALLY WANT THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF BEING A HC, YOU SIMPLY WANT THE TITLE. THE HAWKS, AND THE ENTIRE HAWKS NATION IS SUFFERING BECAUSE OF WOODSON’S SHORTCOMINGS.
The Truth
April 4th, 2009
12:04 am
How do you define insanity? You keep doing the same thing over and over again expecting to get a different result. This Hawks team plays like a ship without a captain and a rudder. If Joe Johnson can take the night off with his no-backbone spiritless play, while clueless Woody looks on than why can’t I. That was the question I kept asking myself as I struggled to watch this Boston game. In fact, since the whole team has taken this past week off with their out-of-the-playoff-like performance, than I think I will do likewise as a blogger. I need a minute to decompress. Guy’s have a good night.
Clyde
April 4th, 2009
12:06 am
Ken Strickland For Blogger Of The Year
Ariose
April 4th, 2009
12:56 am
Ridnour is a better ball handler than Bibby he is arguably the better of the three. BUT he does over-dribble a lot while Bibby Under-dribbles……I guess Acie is the happy Meduim huh?
Mario West should have gotten more minutes in the Second half. He is a game changer on the defensive/rebounding end.
Hawks Fan in New Orleans
April 4th, 2009
1:12 am
Does it seem like we are closing the season out this year like we did last year. Just an observation – are they saving IT for the playoffs? I hope not.
Hawks Fan in New Orleans
April 4th, 2009
1:15 am
Sekou
Then I am convinced; If Acie’s injury is not a hoax, then it must be from that fine voodoo woman from New Orleans he was chasing
The Truth I’m not from New Orleans and I resent that. LOL.
niremetal
April 4th, 2009
1:36 am
Sekou (or anyone else),
Do you even know what Salim has been doing the past 7 months? It seems damned peculiar for a team to sign a guy to a multi-year contract who (far as I can tell) hasn’t been playing in the NBA, D-League, or Euroleague at all this year.
Ariose
April 4th, 2009
1:58 am
Nire, he was rehabbing……I heard from a fan in portland(Some blog) that he had to stop all b-ball activity. Afterwards he was extremely rusty and had to work his way back into playing shape. Remeber he injerd both groin musles(left and right) within a three week period. Then he re-injured the right one……all of this in pre-season.
Ariose
April 4th, 2009
2:00 am
Also, stop hatin’ on salim. How about “congratz’ on the contract salim”……jeez
darrell starks
April 4th, 2009
2:10 am
IF i was GM first i would hire AVERY JOHNSON.
SECOND i would not sign BIBBY PRICE tag to high i would use that money to sign MARVIN,ZAZA,give FLIP a new contract and bring back CHILL.
Starting five ACIE, JOE, MARVIN, JOSH, HORFORD,
Bench FLIP, EVANS, CHILL, ZAZA, SOLO,
Reserve MARIO, RANDOLPH. This team with the right coach could be the beast of the east.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ariose
April 4th, 2009
2:36 am
Bibby had a great game tonight offensively BTW, just thought I’d show the guy some love for once…..even though at his price tonights performance should be a regular occurance…..but he was finally big against a big-time(elite) team…….we’ll other than L.A lol.
tony
April 4th, 2009
3:37 am
Again, we need smarter players. That means minus Josh Smith, minus Joe Johnson and minus Marvin Williams. Josh Smith is by far one of the worse dicision makers in the the NBA. If I had it my way I would replace Josh Smith with Carlos Boozer, Marvin Williams with Ron Artest and Joe Johnson with Dwyane Wade in 2010.
I would draft the smartest point guard in this year’s draft. Ty Lawson or Jonny Flynn would be a great place to start. Flynn is a terrific ball dribbler and shooter who has no fear in his bones.
darrell starks
April 4th, 2009
8:51 am
Im puting all the blame on WOODY not the player, when watching the hawks play you dont see a system its like there playing of just pure will, first of all JOE do to much ONE ON ONE dribbling and doesnt move the ball around thats call poor coaching. second JOSH shooting from the three point line and dribbling the ball from one end to the other is poor coaching.THIRD not developing your young talent of the the bench and continue to play 7 or 8 man rotation you will not be and elite team in the nba period with and 7 or 8 man rotation because you want your starters to be fresh and your bench to be strong for the playoffs and the list goes on, Woody is a poor coach and this team will never get to the next level with him coaching. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lacsho
April 4th, 2009
9:13 am
Hey Fam, let’s not fool ourselves. Woody wasn’t going to play Acie anyways. Live with Bibby die with Bibby.
The Hawks are the worst team in the league, when it comes to in game adjustments.
Until the Hawks learn how to close out quarters, they will always be suspect against good teams. Good teams close out quarters!!!!!
Ken Strickland
April 4th, 2009
9:53 am
I want the team and Woodson to be successful, because everybody benefits, but it’s beginning to look like the team has tuned Woodson out. They certainly aren’t self motivating, because if they can’t get up for the Celtics something is seriously wrong. He’s unable to motivate and redirect them to the uptempo, ball sharing, DEF intense, and creative OFF style of play that carried us to 7 straight wins. I’m certain Woodson will take the results, but based on his actions and decisions since that streak ended, I’m not so sure he wants to accept that style of play, except for the DEF.
WHERE’S ALL OF THAT WE DON’T NEED MARVIN CRAP NOW?
Elijah
April 4th, 2009
10:15 am
I don’t understand why Speedy doesn;t play. We have no freaking true PGs on this team besides him. We dont collect insurance money. Let the guy play
Today’s Links 4/4 at New England Sports 24/7
April 4th, 2009
10:25 am
[...] on edge AJC Hawks still can’t beat Celtics Home court won’t come easy for Hawks Another double shot weekend Bleacher Report Why the Celtics still have hope for the #1 seed FanNation Hawks: Celtics [...]
Ken Strickland
April 4th, 2009
10:32 am
CLYDE-I’ve been meaning to ask, what part of BAMA are you from?
Also, has anyfone else seen the corrolation between us losing and Smoove making bad decisions? When we’re on a winning streak, or winning consistently, Smoove’s decision making isn’t an issue. Actually, it’s during those times that he excels. I believe his poor efforts and decision making is a result of frustration and his attempt to redirect our efforts and make things happen. He knows we’re a much better team when we move the ball, attack the basket, play uptempo and score a lot of easy fast break baskets. When Woodson decides to shorten the rotation and force our top 6-7 players to carry the load, he automatically slows the OFF down. That’s when our OFF goes halfcourt and is dominated by the ISO’s and one on one play.
it’s always Smoove that try’s to jump start the OFF by attacking the DEF, attempting to make a spectacular play, especially when on a fastbreak. That’s also why he and Woody have so msny of these blowups. Acie also knows he strength is using his speed and quickness to attack the DEF. Woodson has demonstrated over and over and over again that he prefers his PG to shoot over the DEF, rather than attack it and break it down. He simply doesn’t settle for the jumpshot. ISN’T IT ODD THAT A DEF MINDED HC PLAYS HIS WORST DEF PLAYER(BIBBY) 35-40+ MINS A GM, EVEN WHEN DEF IS WHAT THE TEAM NEEDS MOST, WHILE HIS BEST DEF PLAYERS ON THE BENCH(ACIE AND WEST)GET LIMITED MINS, IF ANY AT ALL. tHE SAME HOLDS TRUE WITH ZAZA AND SOLO.
Ariose
April 4th, 2009
11:10 am
Also, pretaining to my 12:56 am post. Just wanted to note that I meant Ridnour is arguably the beas ballhandlerout of the three, not the better player lol. Just had to put that out there before I got baptized by the masses heh.
doc
April 4th, 2009
12:25 pm
the truth, better watch out you are sounding like me dude as i have used that exact analogy many times right here on the blog.
seems like it is time for either woody to ruffle josh’s feathers or vice versa as they have sunk back into their doldrums.
the team has just about exceeded expectations but not by much as we falter to the finish line. now we are really only one game above ‘500 and not looking like they are of the nature to do much better and certainly not against the best. bar was low as well to mark improvement since they were 5 games under .500 last year.
right now sund doesnt have to worry about this team being an elite team. it is his job now to get them there. now his bar gets set higher along with woody’s. not much longer before we can say we have given you enough time to truly evaluate since that is what this season was about. most of the things expressed in the blog as concerns are being emphasized as we limp home.
i guess the word for tonight is rebound, unfortunately it is about our rebounding from this stretch and somehow denying the best rebounder in the league access to the boards.
Zach
April 4th, 2009
12:38 pm
I’m sorry but we suck right now. Joe has been pathetic (didn’t score a fg until the 3rd quarter in philly, not a great game when we need it against boston), he’s been extremely passive and I just don’t understand why we can figure out that when we have great defensive intensity we play well and win games. Is it just me or does this seem just incredibly simple.
doc
April 4th, 2009
12:40 pm
anybody want to questin zaza’s heart this year? here is how he was quoted on the idea od starting or coming off the bench:
“It’s tough to play that way when you don’t really work on it,” Pachulia said. “Plus, we need energy off the bench and that’s what I’ve been able to provide all year.”
i just doubt he sees himself as a non-starter for the rest of his career. say goodbye to him guys and know what you are or were missing.
tyger
April 4th, 2009
1:17 pm
I’m not sold on the Hawks, they are pretenders.
However, I am pleased that they have regained their respectability, which is a major accomplishment for this franchise. But after having suffered through all those painful seasons, its equally hurtful to see them “shy” away from the big dogs and whimper into a corner.
I think Woody has taken them as far as he can. He has proven that he can win in the NBA. 45-46 wins is credible, but my problem is despite the progression over the past 4 seasons, we have still underachieved each season. When we won 13 games, we shouldve won 20; 26 shouldve been 33; 37 shouldve been 45; and this years 46 should easily have been 50.
Another 1st rd. exit would be disastrous; this team is capable of so much more. It still needs tweaking, but they dont play hard every night so we dont really know what they are totally capable of. Moreover, his inability to develop young players, other than starters, doesnt bode well for the future.
The playoffs are upon us and Woody’s retreating to his comfort zone of 6-7 seven players; rather than go into battle with a full arsenal, he’ll go as far as his ragged and weary starters will take him. He’ll put his head on their shoulders and they’ll fight hard for him at home. But that adrenaline wont carry over to the road and we’re right back where we were last season.
niremetal
April 4th, 2009
1:40 pm
I would actually be a bit surprised if we let Zaza go, especially if he shows up like a warrior like he did in the playoffs last year. He strikes me as one of those “More valuable here than elsewhere” guys. I guess we shall see.
O'brien
April 4th, 2009
2:13 pm
Rondo said the Hawks-Celtics is not a rivalry. What do you guys think? (The Celtics are 12-3 against us the last 2 seasons, 4-3 in Phillips).
As we look forward to the Magic game, the Hawks need to come out and make a statement (like they made in game 1 of the season whey they won in Orlando). And after a loss like last night, and the fact that the Magic gave us a beatdown earlier in the season, we need to come out firing on all cylinders. And we know Howard is going to get fouled a lot, so we need to use Sol and RandMo as well. Foul him hard and often, and put him on the line (no and ones).
Eric
April 4th, 2009
2:38 pm
The Hawks need to see a psychiatrist, this thing is all mental. The game is 60% mental and 40% psychical. Mike Woodson is doing a terrible job, because this is what a coaches job is. To motivate his players to the max!!! When Joe is on everybody else is off, when Joe is off or not playing everybody like Marvin and Josh is on. If everybody is on WE BET EVERYBODY IN THE N.B.A. PERIOD!!!
Astro Joe
April 4th, 2009
3:03 pm
O’brien, aren’t the Hawks 0 for the season against the Celtics? We have no rivalry. They are a vastly superior team. Much like the Hawks learned some things during the playoff series, they were learning how to meld in a playoff series. It’s time to stop the fantasy about us being able to step to the likes of the top 3 teams in our conference. The Hawks need to focus on remaining as the best of the rest.
kgbsfinst
April 4th, 2009
3:08 pm
Ron Artest is a better decision maker than our players? I guess you cant make any bad decisions on the court when you miss most of the year running in the stands and being suspended, I guess that makes sense.
I have never been a fan of Woody, but he has a chance to prove me (and most other Hawk fans) wrong come playoff time. Last year in the playoffs there were no expectations for our team, so it didn’t matter what we did, it was all going to be positive. Now, there are expectations, the national media will be watching, and scrutinizing. If Woody continues with some of the questionable decisions he makes, they are going to call him out. If he makes good decisions, they will give him credit. It should be a fun and interesting Playoffs!
RedTailHawk
April 4th, 2009
3:21 pm
The Hawks came out with great energy, playing good “D”, hustling. It all went downhill from there. They are exhausted. Woody’s lack of rotation is killing them. At one point in the fourth while waiting for Boston to shoot free throws, 4 out of 5 of the Hawks on the floor were bent over double with their hands on their knees. It won’t get any better folks.
Early on, it looked like Woody actually did make some “D” adjustments for this game, but the players couldn’t execute at the pace they needed to.
Don’t know what to say about Joe these days. He looks depressed/sleepwalking.
As usual, West and Solo needed a lot more playing time. It became obvious very early that Mo had nothing at all on offense. West should have gotten all his playing time.
hock
April 4th, 2009
4:30 pm
This team will never be more than a pretender absent an ownership group that can afford to compete in the NBA. The failure to add anyone to replace Marvin Williams is par for an ownership group that can’t afford to compete and will almost certainly mean the team will be one and done in the playoffs. Winning 40+ games is certainly progress but unfortunately it doesn’t mean that this ownership group will ever come close to an NBA championship. The only question is how soon the owners will start letting the Hawks best players leave in order to control costs.
doc
April 4th, 2009
4:41 pm
najeh props on that link, well put wasnt it? kinda like the cement analogy.
hock, jumping the gun on the negativity for the off season there; we got plenty of time for that. let’s get into the playoffs and find out if we have really improved or not.
doc
April 4th, 2009
5:05 pm
The poll question is a joke. Hawks/Celtics would be in the ECF. Learn how to cover our team, you AJC morons
doc
April 4th, 2009
5:05 pm
Hawks have no chance of playing Celtics in the ECF as we play Cle in round 2
Clyde
April 4th, 2009
5:17 pm
Birmingham Ken
Dr. Dave
April 4th, 2009
5:24 pm
Last night highlights just how bad Woody is. At what point is he going to tell Josh Smith to stop shooting 3s or he will be benched? With the talent we have the game should have been closer. Too many layups were given up because there is no weakside defense. I’m also tired of all the isolation plays, when we play better when there is more ball movement. We also miss Marvin’s ability to shoot the mid to long range jumper. Maybe everyone will stop dogging him when he gets back.
dmortone
April 4th, 2009
5:46 pm
If we lose to Orlando tonight, a team I have enough faith to put down some money on 12-1 odds for them to win the NBA title, whatever that’s worth, we’re only 2 games up on the sixers(1 in the loss column) for the 4th seed.
It’s pretty simple, we don’t have homecourt in the playoffs, we don’t beat the sixers. I just don’t believe this team has enough focus or good enough coaching to overcome the 76ers on the road. I’m not convinced we can do it with homecourt advantage.
dmortone
April 4th, 2009
5:51 pm
After watching that sixers game, if I wasn’t a Hawks fan, I’d be pissed Josh Smith didn’t go to their team in the offseason. That team would be so fun to watch with Josh, Iggy, and Young running the break all game long.
amazin
April 4th, 2009
5:56 pm
Zaza avg. 4pppg and 3rpg and shot 28fg% in the playoffs. Just because he got in KG’s face doesn’t mean he played well.
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
6:15 pm
i think this game is a MUST WIN for the Hawks… we have to get this game at home to regain confidence and swagger… im afraid a loss foreshadows a losing streak and a unit in shambles…
LETS GO HAWKS!!!
Sautee
April 4th, 2009
6:30 pm
bigdave, I’m not sure it’s a MUST WIN, but they certainly need a shot of confidence before the playoffs. Tonight or SOMETIME!
Blast
April 4th, 2009
6:31 pm
Big game tonight, but Orlando is playing great. Do Hawks have the mojo to pull it off and halt a losing streak?
O'brien
April 4th, 2009
7:10 pm
Philly won, so if the Hawks lose, they are only up 1 game in the loss column Sixers. Although the Sixers do have a much tougher schedule remaining, the Hawks need to win tonight to send a message, and as somebody else mentioned above, to regain some swagger.
If it wasnt for the victory against the Lakers, the Hawks would be on a 5 game losing streak.
So far, we are backing into the playoffs, just like we did last year.
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
7:16 pm
“thats one of the few times you see josh smith lose a jump ball”
-Dominique Wilkins
you can count on this marvel of a quote every single time Josh loses a tip, even if Nique feels as if its one of the few…
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
7:20 pm
i feel its a must win because this is the last high caliber opponent coming to Philips home has been the Hawks staple this year… we need to regroup… the Magic have murdered us last 2 meetings, a win could be a boost that carries us through the remainder of the season, cause 4th isnt promised and we do hit the road again…
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
7:21 pm
how many PG’s do you know that roam the wings and paint area…
and you wonder why we give away crucial offensive rebounds…
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
7:21 pm
LOL @ bigdave….
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
7:23 pm
wooooooooow… im sure for those of you that are watching in HD hear the barking down there amongst each other….
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
7:31 pm
Chicago is serious about that 8th playoff spot. They just beat down New Jersey (a team that smacks us around) and now have 37 wins. The trade for Salmons and Miller sure doesn’t look half as stupid as some people thought it did when it happened.
I see Philly won again, too. Well, let’s go for our 44th tonight…
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
7:36 pm
I take that back. Chicago is serious about that 7th spot.
Looks like they intend to finish strong. We might do well to keep that in mind. We’re up 3 games for the moment…
But you know what? It doesn’t matter so much if we slip in the standings when you’re talking about who we end up playing. No matter what, we’ll end up playing either Philly or Miami. The issue is home court advantage. Philly won a tiebreaker against us. Guess what that means?
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
7:42 pm
18 points in first quarter…how about our no.1 option…1 for 5 from the floor…YES!!!!
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
7:44 pm
Looks like Joe is off early, Josh is on early, and Horford is intent on showing that while Howard is awesome, he’s going to give him a run for his money if he can.
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
7:44 pm
Missing Marvin something fierce…
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
7:48 pm
anyone watching that kid from Michigan State (Lucas)…he is what ATL needs at the point!!!
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
7:52 pm
hate how we’re playing right now… giving up easy buckets inside and one dimensional (jump shooting) on the offensive end…
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
7:55 pm
not enough pick and roll… too many pick and pops..
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
7:56 pm
Howard will be coming back in…but ATL did what they needed to do..take advantage with him on the bench
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
8:00 pm
If only there were a way to have more than one Al Horford
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
8:04 pm
ALMOST a complete team effort so far…Bibby is getting assists, Horford is scoring and rebounding..Josh is scoring and rebounding…if JJ could shoot…wow!!!
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
8:04 pm
As always, the key to beating Orlando is NOT concentrating too hard on trying to stop Howard. Especially when you don’t have what it takes to do that on a consistent basis.
Nope. The key is to keep Turkoglu and Lewis from lighting you up. And making sure the pg and sg don’t fill in where they fall off. So far, so good.
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
8:06 pm
JohnGTfan,
How right you are. I love to watch him when he’s on a mission. Freakin’ 11 and 9 before the half! Love it!
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
8:07 pm
run…run…run…!!!
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
8:08 pm
JohnGTfan,
This is where Marvin usually comes in. He can pick up the slack when Bibby and JJ aren’t shooting well. Bibby’s doing pretty good tonight, but JJ isn’t. Like I said before, we miss Marvin.
Now THERE’S something you wouldn’t have said in previous years…
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
8:09 pm
why didnt Josh roll to the bucket after he set the screen…? maybe its just the players settling for jumpers…?
Magic just not hitting shots…
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
8:09 pm
Wow. 5 assists from Bibby in a half. Who gave him the Red Bull drinks before the game?
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
8:11 pm
4 free throws for Evans…only gets ONE!!! if this game comes down to one or two points….ugggg
terrell barron
April 4th, 2009
8:11 pm
Wake me up when the Playoffs start, or when Woody is fired. Whichever happens 1st. Btw, I smell a blowout vs. Orlando.
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
8:12 pm
Big Ray,
Yeah, you are right. Most of us didn’t realize just how much Marvin would truly be missed
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
8:29 pm
MSU will advance…if I can get Villanova to spring the upset….I will have my best bracket EVER!!!!!
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
8:30 pm
gift or curse… but Joshs’ jumper has been looking good of late…
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
8:33 pm
Horford and Smoove in a groove. What a beautiful thing.
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
8:34 pm
JohnGTfan,
I am no exception.
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
8:47 pm
Take THAT, Superman!
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
8:47 pm
Josh has the kryptonite!
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
8:48 pm
not saying he isnt getting fouled, but someone should tell Josh that if he complains after every offensive possession the refs will never respect him..
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
8:49 pm
Heat check jumper from Joe…
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
8:50 pm
True that, BigDave. He needs to learn to leave the complaining elsewhere.
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
8:51 pm
Two ugly jumpers by Josh, one made. Yick….
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
8:53 pm
“i feel a technical foul coming today from someone…”
-Nique’
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
8:56 pm
Looks like our illustrious backcourt is intent on losing us the game….sheesh…
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
9:00 pm
I really hate our offense.
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
9:07 pm
Bibby falls down on defense like Marvin used to fall on offense…
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
9:07 pm
Someone please tell me..when Horford has such a good 1st half, it seems like nothing follows in the 2nd. Does Atlanta just go away from him? I can’t see the game tonight. This happens often though…what happens?
Blast
April 4th, 2009
9:09 pm
Orlando isn’t playing that great, but Hawks playing like they want to give this game away.
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
9:09 pm
sick of this stand and watch bullsh^t…!!!
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
9:09 pm
And of course, the Heat are winning also. I WOULD NOT be surprised if Atlanta falls to the 6 seed…I truly wouldn’t.
fresh
April 4th, 2009
9:10 pm
FOUR POINTS IN 4TH, MR NUMBER 2, JOE JOHNSON 2 FOR WHATEVER. STEVE BELKIN WAS RIGHT ABOUT JOE. I HOPE THEY LOSE IN THE 1ST ROUND FOR WOODY CAN WALK THE PLANK
Mark
April 4th, 2009
9:17 pm
I don’t know if this team deserves to be the fourth seed. They have no heart. We need to change this pathetic roster.
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
9:19 pm
Fresh,
you’ll get your wish…doesn’t matter who this team plays. They aren’t beating anyone in a 7-game series.
O'brien
April 4th, 2009
9:19 pm
Hawks are 2-15 on threes. Why do they keep shooting them?
And its games like these that shows that the Hawks need an offensive system (11 points so far in the 4th quarter), and Woody has no idea. But hey, some people think he is coach of the year. I agree that players dont execute, but ultimately, it falls on the coach.
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
9:20 pm
4-17 from the floor from JJ…when was his last GOOD game.
freshd
April 4th, 2009
9:20 pm
look at woody with that dumb look on his face. change the coach. billy knight was right too.
Mark
April 4th, 2009
9:21 pm
Here comes our pathetic attempt to make the game look respectable!
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
9:23 pm
“and what you would hope to do is fould Josh Howard (Mavs)..”
- Dominique Wilkins
Orlando 85
ATL 78
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
9:24 pm
correction “foul”
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
9:25 pm
JJ will lead team in scoring again…but man, what a misleading statistic this is…he gets A LOT of junk points late in these types of games.
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
9:25 pm
why did he call a time out…???
Mark
April 4th, 2009
9:27 pm
Boy all those missed freethrows as usual.
doc
April 4th, 2009
9:28 pm
big dave exactly, we lost a few seconds and momentum with that move.
Eman
April 4th, 2009
9:28 pm
This Hawks 4th place collapse is brought to you buy any atlanta braves post season performance.
After watching their performances this past month, they don’t deserve home court. Teams who play 100% for the entire season deserve it, not teams who clinch a playoff spot and then settle for whatever happens.
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
9:28 pm
Mike Woodson is a horrible head coach.
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
9:29 pm
I said it a couple hours ago…REMEMBER WHEN EVANS HAD 4 FREE THROWS RIGHT BEFORE THE HALF…HE ONLY HIT “ONE”….ONE!!!!
Mark
April 4th, 2009
9:29 pm
Bibby another miss!!
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
9:29 pm
this guy shoots an air ball
freshd
April 4th, 2009
9:30 pm
SO MUCH FOR GOING INTO THE PLAYOFFS ON A ROLL.THEY MIGHT NOT GET THE 4th SEED
Mark
April 4th, 2009
9:30 pm
Another miss by BIBBY!!
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
9:31 pm
As I said, I would not be surprised if they end up all the way down as the 6 seed…then have to play Boston or Orlando in the first round…hahahahahahahaha. Be a quick end to the playoffs for the Hawks either way.
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
9:32 pm
Eman funny stuff… “brought to you by any…”
Mark
April 4th, 2009
9:33 pm
Hopefully we will get swept when we have to go to PHILLY or MIAMI for the first two games because we might not get homecourt advantage.
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
9:34 pm
Another opportunity lost. Not much to say.
It’s not that the Magic are that much better than us. We needed to get stops and make shots. Yes, I know that sounds like a Woody-ism, but it is what it is.
Howard had a monster game, but not the kind that is insurmountable. Rafer Alson hit some big shots.
Our guards couldn’t buy a bucket in the first half, and after watching Josh and Al have good games early on, they proceeded to air it out even more, going a horrific 15-44 from the field between the three of them.
Don’t you just love our offensive scheme? Well, we know what the scouting report is going to say on us.
Maybe that’s what Rashard Lewis said on the bench to Stan Van Gundy that had him laughing so hard….
hawk'shawk
April 4th, 2009
9:35 pm
We need an upgrade in the backcourt or on the bench, aint no way we just let the VETS just fire away. If he gave them the green light whenever, he need to change the bulb to at least yellow, they hurt us alot. He the coach so it falls mainly on his head. Good game front court, damn shame they feel like that have to get rebounds and push the ball up the court to get chances to score. We do need marvin badly!
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
9:35 pm
the Magic couldnt hit much tonight for most of the game but we found a way to lose it… we are struggling right now…
bigdave
April 4th, 2009
9:37 pm
stop agreeing with Nique Stinger, he’s getting happy…
Mark
April 4th, 2009
9:37 pm
Ten losses at home huh? Boston twice, Orlando twice, Cleveland, San Antonio, Philadelphia,and Phoenix. (Jersey and L.A. Clippers were lucky). Doesn’t look like much of a homecourt advantage to me.
JohnGTFan
April 4th, 2009
9:38 pm
At least the Braves start tomorrow night…
Tsk OoOo
April 4th, 2009
9:43 pm
hey Joe do you plan on ever having a good game again?
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
9:44 pm
O’Brien…..you’re right.
trint
April 4th, 2009
9:45 pm
Where is Melvin, I told you so!!!!! At least the Braves made it to the playoffs before they choked. Next up @ Toronto, can you say four losses in a row????? Sadly, Mike Woodson and the Spiritless Group won’t get what they set out for in the preseason and thats the fourth spot, because we all know that was the goal all along.
Joe Johnson
April 4th, 2009
9:45 pm
Do not fear my fans…I will put together a stretch or 3 or 4 straight incredible shooting games. Unfortunately, it won’t happen until next season, but it will come. In the meantime, I have to go to the bank again!
hawk'shawk
April 4th, 2009
9:47 pm
Better yet, how can u fuss at any player, specially a starter when he looks at the boxscore and see’s that the backcourt shot 11-34 and had only 8 assist. I see why Josh bumps heads with everyone, cause even though someone you’ll dont like him, he has the balls to tell the coach he f-ing it up. I want him to be a Hawk, but i want him to be successful and if they decide to bring Woody and no defense shot happy Bibby trade him to another East conference team or to a team with a TRUE pg and watch him blow up.
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
9:47 pm
I know Orlando is better than us, but they weren’t better than us today. We shot them right back into the game, though.
Now where’s SamRod to tell us having Marvin wouldn’t have made a difference? I don’t know about y’all, but I’d rather see him guarding Turkoglu or Lewis rather than Mo Evans….. or Mike Bibby, who keeps getting caught against one of those guys because we have to hide him at the rear of our zone defense….
trint
April 4th, 2009
9:49 pm
Mike Woodson, don’t you know thats what happens this time of year when you don’t play our F’n bench. The players get tired or as you say fatigued. But guess what, Im fatigued for hearing you say the same bulls**t everynight.
Tsk OoOo
April 4th, 2009
9:59 pm
What the hell is Woodson’s obsession with Bibby? OK, you finally get a point guard.
But you don’t play your friggin 30+ year old point guard 44 minutes on the 2nd night of a back-to-back, especially if he doesn’t have a good game (wow how often is that)
Let Speedy play. jesus christ
xavier
April 4th, 2009
10:07 pm
What a surprise!Hawks lose.WOW
O'brien
April 4th, 2009
10:07 pm
Woody and Flip implied the Hawks may be tired (although they wouldnt use that as an excuse). Gee, isnt that what happens when you dont play your bench all year?
I remember a blogger earlier on who didnt blame Woody for playing JJ so many minutes earlier on. They said there was no proof that JJ wouldnt be as effective at the end of the season. Does anyone remember that discussion? Looking at JJ’s last few games, he’s been struggling with his shot. I wonder if he is tired?
Solo 7 minutes, Zaza 6 minutes, Mario 1 minute.
Josh 45 minutes, Bibby 44 minutes, JJ 41 minutes.
Come on Woody. Is anybody surprised that Bibby and JJ shot so poorly. They played a ton of minutes, and they were well guarded, on the second of a back to back.
Big Ray
April 4th, 2009
10:14 pm
Well, Miami won and inched within two games of us. I guess they weren’t quite yet ready to concede 5th place to the Sixers.
We have 5 games left, all against opponents with worse records than us. Toronto, Milwaukee, Indy, Miami, and Memphis. Indy and Miami are both home games for us. So. How many of these will we win?
DeadManWalking
April 4th, 2009
10:20 pm
Lost three straight and six of the last eight. DIDNT SOMEBODY TELL ME WOODY WOODPECKER WAS A DOWN THE STRETCH COACH?
UGA
April 4th, 2009
10:26 pm
Well, Big Ray, I say 1-4. We beat Indy at home, close though. The games on the road are a guaranteed lost. Wade will be too much for us.
UGA
April 4th, 2009
10:27 pm
Make no mistake, we miss Marvin and Law!!! Boy do we need them right now!!
DeadManWalking
April 4th, 2009
10:28 pm
Maybe they meant DOWN IN THE STRETCH COACH because this team sure isnt up.
Sautee
April 4th, 2009
10:30 pm
What Joe Johnson said in February: “There’s just no way the starters can play 40-plus minutes a game every night.”
Hey, what does HE know?
Woody doesn’t deserve another year. He’s wearing out his vets chasing that elusive homecourt advantage. A lot of good that will do if we’re too worn out to play playoff basketball.
Coaching scared, just like last year.
O'brien
April 4th, 2009
10:33 pm
The Raptors (what are they playing so hard for) have won 6 games in a row, including a win in Orlando. Does anyone think the Hawks are going to win in Toronto on Tuesday?
jhan
April 4th, 2009
10:41 pm
Not hitting our 3’s is killing us. The big run to start the season happened because everyone was hitting. Now they aren’t.
Tom
April 4th, 2009
10:56 pm
10 bucks the Hawks end up in 5 (maybe 6th place). They just never step up….and have been pretty average in second half…. Josh is terrible, Bibby is terrible ( 1 good game out of every 5), Johnson just must be tired, because he has been off since the all-star break as well. Playoffs are coming, but so are changes….we can only hope.
Sautee
April 4th, 2009
10:58 pm
Excellent point, jhan
Harry Hawk
April 4th, 2009
11:05 pm
Quote of the night (courtesy of the AP):
“Those teams are not going to lie down and say, ‘Here, Atlanta, you can have it,”’ Hawks coach Mike Woodson said. “That’s the positive behind tonight’s loss. We’re still in the driver’s seat.”
First of all, he’s got his last two sentences backwards. Secondly, the fact that the Hawks are “in the driver’s seat” has nothing to do with tonight’s loss. Thirdly, if it takes a first-round exit to get Woody out of here, I think I juuuuuuuuuust might be able to handle that.
Woody says the right things. He and his players don’t do the right things. Barring a playoff run, how can this guy be back next year?
Najeh Davenpoop
April 4th, 2009
11:13 pm
I only saw the game until halftime, but at least until that point it seemed like the Hawks were getting decent shots and were doing a decent job involving the big guys in the offense. Doesn’t surprise me one bit to see that the Hawks reverted to jumpshooting in the 2nd half and lost.
The scariest part of this latest slump for the Hawks is that they are losing games at home that they should be winning. Their home record is what has them in the playoffs. If they can’t take care of business in Philips Arena, it becomes very possible that they lose in the first round even if they have home court advantage.
Ken Strickland
April 4th, 2009
11:21 pm
I WOULD LIKE TO WARN THOSE WHO CRITICIZE WOODSON’S LACK OF COACHING AWARENESS AND ABILITY, OR SOME IGNORANT CLOWN WILL START CRITICIZING YOU LIKE HE’S CRITICIZED ME.
Did anyone else notice Flip’s reaction to Woodson during a timeout, with about 15sec’s left, when he was giving the team instructions? Talk about a look of frustration and disdane. I believe most of the players, if not all, are fed up with Woodson’s ideology, approach, attitude and lack of understanding of what it takes to make THIS TEAM MORE CONSISTENT AND PLAYING AT A HIGHER LEVEL.
Dr.Nunna Yo Bizznezz
April 4th, 2009
11:22 pm
i told yall..joe didn’t have a flu bug or nothing before the all star break..the brother was tired..And im for one is kinda tired of the same old thing from woody..do u see how when mario comes in,he is slowing the pg up when he brings the ball up the court like he did rondo and the celt?? he could hve done that last year in the playoffs against the celts..
rick sund did not make no trades for the hawks before the playoffs,u wanna know why???? because woodson has his team!!!
sund said in the pre-season that with the players he is bringing in for woodson,that he has no reason not to play the bench..
remember,that was woodys excuse last year..now he has none..this will be woody’s last year as our head coach..And look for the falcons to be looking for A new gm After next year..td,does not know what he is doing
Ariose
April 4th, 2009
11:42 pm
I saw Flips reaction. He responded by igoring Woodsons request to get it to Joe. Instead he took it ot the rack and got fouled…..almost a three point play.
It’s time for a new coach(Avery or Thibedeau)…….Billie Gillespie(He coaced Acie)
It’s time for Chris Kaman…….
It’s time to add another swingman to be bench with our MLE (Shawn Marion, Lamar Odom, or Trevor Ariza)…..
It’s time to Trade Speedy and our rights to Childress…..
It’s time to use the bigs we have on the bench…..
It’s time for a new offensive scheme…..
Ariose
April 5th, 2009
12:28 am
But lets not forget that the hawks had the second most difficult remaining scedule after the all-star break….I think the timberwolves was first. So even though we’re loosing, we’ll be ready…..I guess.
Ronald C Hester
April 5th, 2009
1:04 am
The bottom line is, Mike Woodson must go. The hawks have to much talents to be struggling like this. You give us a Larry Brown and the Harks win the national Championship.
Tsk OoOo
April 5th, 2009
1:04 am
I know JJ is tired, but why can he not make that floater anymore?
Ken Strickland
April 5th, 2009
1:52 am
ARIOSE-Why would you want to trade the rights to Chills? Why not resign him and trade Evans instead, since Chills is a better all around ball player.
Clyde
April 5th, 2009
2:00 am
I’m saving all my negative comments for the summer.
Ken Strickland for Blogger of the Year
cp
April 5th, 2009
2:05 am
I have to agree with Ken. I would rather have Chills than Evans. I don’t remember the last good game Evans had. Evans cant guard the bigger 2 guards and he cant guard the small forwards. If he is not hitting the 3 then he is pretty much useless out there. Woody is who we thought he was.
Big Ray
April 5th, 2009
4:09 am
Some of the comments on here are so right on, but they have simple answers to them.
Woody says the guys are fatigued. No kidding. He plays the crap out of them. Every night.
Some say the difference between our 6-0 start to the season and now is that the guys were hitting their shots then, and they aren’t now. See answer number one.
Others say we need a new offensive scheme. I agree, but we never really had one to begin with.
Somebody says don’t trade Chills, bring him back. I agree, that’s very possibly a good basketball move. Except…when he left, he was getting 30+ mpg. Re-sign Flip and you will see Chill getting the kind of minutes Mo gets NOW. That and Chill probably didn’t like Woody before. Add a reinstated Woody and less than half the minutes per beforehand and you have a wasted signing, plus a disgruntled player.
Another suggestion is that we bring in another swingmen for the MLE. Odom, Ariza, and Marion are examples. I like the idea on the face of it. However, that begs the question: what you gonna do with Marvin? I don’t see us keeping him AND signing another swinman (who won’t see anything but bench splinters in his arse if he’s not in the starting lineup) And if MLE is all it takes to sign the first two guys, which do you suppose they’d prefer? More shots at the NBA championship in LA or life with Woody? Marion seems like a more likely candidate, and I doubt that one completely. He’ll want more money anyway. But it’s a nice idea anyway.
My favorite was from my man Clyde: “I’m saving all of my negative comments for this summer.” Translation= I can’t think of anything at the moment, and while I’d like to shout the second half of my old mantra, everybody else (except Sam and Astro Joe) is yelling it so loud, my voice might not be heard.”
It’s okay Clyde. Just keep making those t-shirts. You’ll get back to Rio yet…
I see that people are now beginning to vocalize their recognition of the trends and signs that point to a possible first round exit from the playoffs (one I DON’T want to see). Good. Now I don’t have to look like an anti-fan by myself.
One thing though, guys. That does not guarantee two things: 1)That such a failure will be all it takes to get Woody out of here and 2) That a better coach will take the reins….I’m just sayin’…everything is a possible two-edged blade.
braveshater
April 5th, 2009
8:15 am
Trade Joe Johnson, he doesnt have any drive and is content where he is as a player. The Hawks will never be anything with him as the so called captain and leader of the team.
ILL-logical
April 5th, 2009
9:13 am
After last night’s game my mood is somewhere between the Motor City and Monty Python: As a fan I feel like I am part of a chain of fools lead by an ownership group that obtained its assets by fraud; a third choice GM and a clueless coach.(After 5 long years I know that he ain’t my man)
But as a long time Atlantan, I guess I can always look on the bright side of life.(The beatings will continue until morale improves).
Banks
April 5th, 2009
9:52 am
Bottom Line we need a SUPER STAR Joe is the only player I know who dribbles and goes no where. I say we give him to the Globetrotters or to the And 1 league. They can call him Tricky Dribble Joe. Every Since Joe broke the bone in face in Pheonix he has not gone to hole consitenlty or aggresivley.
Hawks73
April 5th, 2009
10:00 am
“Fatigue set in,” said Hawks coach Mike Woodson. “I’m not using that as an excuse. But our guys played hard. From a defensive standpoint, we were pretty good. But offensively, we stunk tonight.
“We had our best offensive players on the floor when we went into that drought. So you have to give Orlando credit.”
Excuse number: 525…Available soon in stores near you, how to excuse your way into keeping your job by Mike Woodson
I am preaching the same old same old, Woody will use whatever excuse possible to keep the blame off of himself & his poor coaching. The reason the Hawk’s were “fatigued” was because dic!head has refused (all year long) to utilize his bench. Again, as stated previously (by the masses) our starters are good enough to compete with any team in the NBA, it’s the lack of bench development that has crippled this team. The reason bench play is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO important is two fold…1.) It gives your starters a much needed breather 2.) It develops chemistry amungst the entire squad further enhances the teams unity…most players will believe more in the coach, if he believes in them.
Woody has not even allowed for any of his bench players to be major contributors to this years (and every previous team). The team as whole sees this, and loses trust in their coach for his lack of vision. It is apparent that it’s Woody’s way or the highway…I suggest we send him and his dic!headed stubborness packing.
kwooden1
April 5th, 2009
10:05 am
I will say this about Woody, he’s doing nothing more than he usually does. When the game is tight or he feels pressure he shortens the bench. He yells at the team on the defensive end and doesn’t worry about the offensive end. He’s not the worst coach, but I agreed with everyone that we need a change. He doesn’t bring a system or a team identity, because of this I don’t think he deserve a long tenure. (5 yrs is enough) But to defend Woody, this team is an inconsistant perimeter team. Last night was another terrible showing from the field, especially 3. You can say the coach didn’t rest his players enough (and I agree) but the fact is the players kept shooting.
Positives (always start with the good)
1) IN THE PLAYOFFS!!
2) HAVE A GOOD CHANCE TO GET HOME COURT ADVANTAGE
3) Horford and JSmoove playing pretty well
Negatives
1) JUMP SHOOTING TEAM!
2) INCONSISTANT 3 Point Shooting!
3) COACH CAN’T ROTATE HIS PLAYERS
4) NO TEAM IDENTITY!!
- The HAWKS want to be a running team, but don’t push the ball.
- They want to be a defensive team, but don’t play their bench defenders enough. (Solo and Mario)
- The HAWKS have a quickness advantage over most teams at the C and PF, but don’t do enough with it.
Conclusion: REAL BUMPY RIDE ON THE HAWKS EXPRESS TO THE PLAYOFFS! AND BEYOND!
GO HAWKS!!
terrell barron
April 5th, 2009
10:13 am
If it wasn’t for an ill Kobe Bryant, we would be on a 6 game losing streak. PATHETIC! Fire Woody!!!!! Also, it’s time to break this thing up. It’s just not working. Horford is my only untouchable player as of today. Seriously!
Navigator
April 5th, 2009
11:16 am
Please folks, can we be honest for a change. The previous GM Knight wanted to fire this coach, and the owners fired him only, instead, they should have fired both. This is the time of the year that coaches earn their pay, and this one isn’t earning his. He simply cannot manufacture a win against one of the eastern powers. The series against Boston is a distant memory, as his team has one any games against them this year. Owners, admit your mistake and look for a new coah.
terrell barron
April 5th, 2009
11:45 am
I swear, if Woody comes back next year, I’m going to …!!!!!! OMG!!!!
terrell barron
April 5th, 2009
12:34 pm
I know its not a good thing to go into the Playoofs in a slump, but to be honest, I wouldn’t mind if we got the 6th seed. We USUALLY play well against Orlando.
RedTailHawk
April 5th, 2009
12:47 pm
I made the following post on 4/4 at 3:21 pm on this blog. The comments refer to the Boston game, but they remain relevant about this loss and the rest of the losses coming this season:
The Hawks came out with great energy, playing good “D”, hustling. It all went downhill from there. They are exhausted. Woody’s lack of rotation is killing them. At one point in the fourth while waiting for Boston to shoot free throws, 4 out of 5 of the Hawks on the floor were bent over double with their hands on their knees. It won’t get any better folks.
Early on, it looked like Woody actually did make some “D” adjustments for this game, but the players couldn’t execute at the pace they needed to.
Don’t know what to say about Joe these days. He looks depressed/sleepwalking.
As usual, West and Solo needed a lot more playing time. It became obvious very early that Mo had nothing at all on offense. West should have gotten all his playing time.
richbrave
April 5th, 2009
1:23 pm
Gotta’ win two more at least. LET’s go HAWKS.
O'brien
April 5th, 2009
1:37 pm
Billy Knight was not fired. He resigned.
Things Woody has said (and not done):
1) I need to get Joe some easy shots
2) I need to rest the starters and play the bench more
3) I need to do a better job of developing Acie
The way the team is playing, it’s not all Woody’s fault. However, if he is unable to get the team to do the things that he’s coaching and telling them to do, then its time for a different coach.
dap01
April 5th, 2009
2:26 pm
I am about ready to tune the Hawks out until a different coach is hired.
Woodys is the root of 90% of the Hawks problems.
Sund, where are you?
Ken Strickland
April 5th, 2009
3:34 pm
I don’t think there’s any need to get rid of JJ. It’s not his fault he’s not as athletic or dynamic as LJames or KBryant. Just put a PG next to him that can carry his own weight on DEF and do more than shoot 3’s to limit the constant double teams he receives. We need hc that can create an OFF system that allows JJ and excellent shooters like Marvin and Flip to stay in motion and run off screens to get easier shots. It’s a whole lot easier to take it to he basket when your DEF man is trailing you coming off screens than when he’s squared up in front of you with a teammate ready to double.
After 5yrs of waiting, Woodson either doesn’t get it, or refuses to do what’s best for his team and his players, if it goes against what he wants. So far, it appears Billy Knight was the only individual within the Hawks organization that saw the potentially negative effects Woodson’s attitude, approach and philosophy would have on the team and players. When he tried to do something about it, It ultimately cost him his job.
LET’S FACE IT, I’VE BEEN CRTTICIZED FOR CONSTANTLY POINTING OUT THE VERY WOODSON SHORTCOMINGS THAT ARE NOW BEING OPENLY EXPRESSED BY SO MANY OF YOU. During our season opening win streak, when Woodson used the bench and allowed us to play uptempo, I made a point of saying the real issue will be how he responds to adversity. Will he automatically revert back to his old habits of shortening the rotation, overplaying his star players, slowing the tempo and playing more ISO and one on one. WOODSON SEEMS TO OPERATE FROM THE IDEA THAT THE PLAYERS ARE THERE FOR HIS BENEFIT RATHER THAN HIM BEING THERE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PLAYERS. A LOT OF YOU CRITICIZED BK FOR NOT TALKING TO THE MEDIA AND FANS AND KEEPING US INFORMED. WELL, HOW MUCH HAS ANYONE HEARD FROM SUND, AND HOW INFORMATIVE HAS HE BEEN SINCE REPLACING BK?
ED GRAY
April 5th, 2009
3:35 pm
GET RID OF BIBBY,J.J, AND WOODSON AT THE END OF THE YEAR.. MAYBE KEEP J.J AND SEE WHAT HE WOULD DO WITH A REAL COACH…BUT IF WOODSONS BACK NEXT YEAR IM GOING TO BUY ME A MIAMI HEAT JERSEY
bigdave
April 5th, 2009
3:52 pm
I concur Ken Strickland…
Cobra Lalalalalala!!
April 5th, 2009
4:11 pm
FIRE WOODSON!!!
BA
April 5th, 2009
4:14 pm
I see a few references to our “offensive scheme”. It doesn’t matter what scheme you run if these cats won’t pass the ball.
Ryan Cameron stinks. News flash Cameron- there’s not a soul in Phillips arena that came to listen to you. I kind of doubt they’ll fire Woodson this summer, but PLEASE lose Cameron.
I don’t know who makes the musical selections during our games, but they stink worse than Cameron. We live in Black Hollywood, a veritable mecca of great R&B and rap. Instead of pumping out Goodie Mobb, or some ‘Kast, or some Monica tunes…nah, let’s play Hungry like the Wolf and that same crappy Led Zeppelin tune. It’s embarrassing.
Dear Spirit Group: it’s 2009. White people like good music too. Playing Hungry like the Wolf is NOT selling tickets. And it’s definitely NOT getting our players or the crowd hyped up.
Imagine how many games the Hawks could have won if their ownership “group” had made ANY attempt to bring in some help at the trade deadline.
Hey, why win when you can save money?
Bigtime Fan
April 5th, 2009
4:33 pm
The hawks are a very frustrating team to root for. All they do is shoot jump shots and when the 3 is not falling they don’t know what to do. It’s as if Al Hortford is an after thought. He’s the only inside presents the Hawks have yet they don’t use him. I think Hortford could be a Booker or a Elton Brand type player if he was on another team or played for a better coach. The reason the hawks played so good in the playoff last year was because they competed down low. This team doesn’t have any inside identity and will lose in the 1st round again if they don’t shape up and get the ball down low to Hortford more.
O'brien
April 5th, 2009
5:06 pm
Guys, I think the playoffs will determine a lot. If the Hawks lose all their road games in the playoffs, then I think Woody should go, even if the Hawks advance to the second round.
And the main reason why the Hawks win at home is not because of Woody. It’s because of the crowd, and the team plays uptempo more.
Woody deserves a lot of credit for taking the team to where they are now, from 13 wins to 43 and counting. However, I think Woody has taken the Hawks as far as he can take them. I think we need to give another coach an opportunity to pick up where Woody left off.
We need a head coach who:
1) has an offensive system 2) plays his bench
3) knows how to make in game adjustments
4) coaches to the team’s strengths.
Ken, you’re right. Woody has gone back to his old self, and I’m sure he’ll blame it on injuries.
GA Bulldawg
April 5th, 2009
7:02 pm
I have read most of the comments and agree with most of them. However, I’m sick and tired of the negative comments about Joe Johnson!! As several have already mentioned he is dead ass TIRED!!! Look, I’ve played a ton of minutes back in my day in high school basketball, AAU ball and intramural ball and it takes its toll on your body…and NO, i’m not going to compare amateur sports to professional sports, just trying to make a point here. If it causes wear and tear on your body in those sports, imagine the brutal beating your body takes when you’re playing against the stronger, bigger athletes of the NBA, while playing 42 MINUTES A NIGHT!!!!!! JJ is playing these minutes 4 out of every 5 games and is LEADING THE NBA IN MINUTES PLAYED and Woodson REFUSES to give him some rest this late in the season. He’s already rundown and worn out and if Woody continues to play him like this, he will be a non-factor come playoff time!
When was the last time Kobe or Lebron had to play 40-42 minutes EVERY GAME this season while having to guard the other team’s best player or shooting guard, handle the ball and create for their teammates on 70% of possessions, defend quick point guards (since Mike Bibby can’t defend) AND create his own shot???? It hurts to see Joe struggle, but the minutes and responsibilities are taking their toll on his body and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. If we can get a playmaker like Speedy (if Woody would let him play) to create for others and Joe, it makes Joe much more efficient and he probably won’t have to play so many minutes.
GA Bulldawg
April 5th, 2009
7:10 pm
Oh yeah and to all the people saying “Trade Joe”, screw all yall! I wanna warn you that if the Hawks trade him in his prime, I guarantee that we will be regretting it like the Phoenix Suns are now. I’m telling you that with a proven coach and a different offense with a Rondo, CP3, D Will or Steve Nash type of point guard he will be much more efficient!! He is too skilled for his talent to be wasted with Woodson as the coach. Phoenix has no other playmaker on that team besides Steve Nash…when Joe was on that team, he was the only one besides Steve Nash that could get his points without requiring Steve to create for him. I can’t tell you how many Suns fans regret trading him and would rather have him back than Shawn Marion
bigdave
April 5th, 2009
9:01 pm
Concur GA Bulldawg….
FINALLY MORE JOE JOHNSON SUPPORT… !!
thought i was by myself…