Guess who’s biz-ack!
Things are looking up for Marvin Williams and the Hawks!
HAWKSVILLE - One and it’s done.
That’s it for the Hawks.
Win one more game (Friday against Indiana at Philips Arena) and the race for the fourth spot and home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs is done.
But believe it or not, the Hawks could have something even more important going on at Philips Arena tomorrow night in the form of Marvin Williams returning to action after a 16-game absence because of a lower back injury.
Williams had what was initially believed to be an injury that would sideline him for the remainder of the season. But he’ll be back, possibly tonight against Indiana and certainly by the playoffs.
I’ve seen all the chatter back and forth around here about Marvin not being missed (back when the Hawks rolled through that March homestand unblemished and without him). Then the tide changed and the Hawks’ struggled and the pro-Marvin crowd resurfaced to campaign for their guy.
I’m rollin’ with the pro-Marvin crowd on this one folks.
Show me a team that doesn’t want to be at full strength and I’ll … well, you can’t. No one in the NBA is that foolish. You think the Celtics would rather play without Kevin Garnett? Or the Lakers would rather play without Andrew Bynum? I don’t care that they’re winning without him. They’d rather have him that not.
Same goes for any team that’s without a starter this time of year.
And one last time, heading into tonight’s games the Hawks’ magic number for that No. 4 spot is one. One more win by the Hawks, or a loss by both Miami and Philadelphia locks that spot up.
On to some other news:
ROAD WINNERS - In the aftermath of the Hawks’ successful two-game road trip to Toronto and Milwaukee a discussion stirred about when was the last time the Hawks won road games on back-to-back days? The Mad VP and his crew took it a step further Thursday with some research that turned up and even crazier nugget than I imagined.
I had just discovered NWA the last time the Hawks won road games on back-to-back nights.
November of 1988 (that’s right, 1988 not 1998) is the last time the Hawks won back-to-back road games while also overcoming halftime deficits. Sometimes, I honestly forget just how deep the pool of futility has been for Hawks fans the last 15 years or so.
Most of us were in junior high or something the last time the Hawks pulled of what they did this week.
It’s stunning when you really think about it.
JOE “CRUNCH TIME” JOHNSON - Much has been made of the Hawks’ (over)reliance on captain and All-Star Joe Johnson on the offensive end of the floor. And I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t like it for all sort of reasons (too much heat on your best player and star, marginalizes the talents of four other guys on the floor, gives defenses an easy scouting report to defend you, etc.).
On the flip side, Johnson does rank among the league’s elite players in fourth quarter scoring (he’s among the top six). The other five guys on the list are Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul and Brandon Roy. Not bad company. Unfortunately, Johnson also leads the league in minutes this season, too.
PRACTICE SQUAD - You don’t often hear about the work that the guys that don’t play in games do behind the scenes. But when I hit the practice floor for practice Thursday morning, I first noticed Marvin on the floor working out with the seven other guys in an intense half court game. The very next thing that struck me was how hard Mario West and Solomon Jones were going at him, almost like they were testing him for the Indiana game.
And they didn’t let up the entire time. West is a practice demon, a guy that never eases up – which is why I’m never surprised to see him inserted into a game to change the pace. He’s gone after Bryant, James and anyone else Hawks coach Mike Woodson has felt like throwing him at this year.
Tangle with Mario West at your own peril.
Williams was certainly appreciative of their work. “Those cats go so hard,” Williams said. “Rio is like that when he walks into the locker room for practice. He’s always going 100 miles an hour. And Solo has done this all year. Normally, I just watch those guys go at it on practice days like this. Right now, though, I need them to help me get it back. So I’m just glad all these guys are here.”
I wouldn’t be surprised to see a whole lot of West tonight against Indiana.
Williams will probably see limited minutes if he does return. And Mo Evans is not expected to be with the team due to a personal family matter, so West might actually be inserted into the starting lineup if the Hawks decide to stick with their normal set instead of using the big lineup with Zaza Pachulia with Al Horford and Josh Smith across the frontline.
With just one game needed to secure that fourth spot and home court advantage, West might be just the energy boost the Hawks need to help them get past these sluggish first half starts that have plagued them recently.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
244 comments Add your comment
MAC-TOWN
April 10th, 2009
10:01 pm
Big Ray, are you telling me you would rather have Josh Smith taking deep jump shots than Joe,Bibby,Flip, and Evans?
You can honestly tell me you feel more comfortable with “J-Smmooooov” taking those deep jumpers with his pure stroke than the players I named?
I know I cant.
Josh Smith takes the ugliest shots and when he messes up he messes up big.
I’d rather have all of those other players handling and shooting the ball than Josh Smith.
The man does not dribble or shoot well.
Whenever he’s gone he wont be missed..
bigdave
April 10th, 2009
10:02 pm
look at Woody’s face…
what, was that the, “im actually a credible coach look”? not!!!
Blast
April 10th, 2009
10:02 pm
4th SPOT Babyeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!
MAC-TOWN
April 10th, 2009
10:04 pm
Oh and of course he’s not the only one who screws up….but he does it more than anyone else…to me.
Any forward who has a nice jump shot and can play decent defence > “J-Smoooove”
KevinA
April 10th, 2009
10:05 pm
Ray , it might take two more years but Josh All star after that, baring injury, year after year. With luck, next year.
Sam I mean Rod From College Park
April 10th, 2009
10:06 pm
I knew I’d get a chance to bash Marvin’s sorry azz. I love to kick a brotha when he’s down. That’s the only way a fake pimp like me can be. I just love that big ol hump in his but, uh I mean look at that big bodacious butt, UH I mean I can’t stand that big butt fool.
Big Ray
April 10th, 2009
10:07 pm
Yeah! What a finish, but we clinched 4th, BABBBYYYYYYY!!!!
RodSamRod from College Park in da Swats
April 10th, 2009
10:09 pm
What he said. I mean what I said. Damn, it’s so confusing trying to bash Marvin while keeping my names straight!!!
Big Ray
April 10th, 2009
10:10 pm
MAC-TOWN,
You can turn it or twist it how you want. I never said I’d rather have Josh taking deep shots over the other guys. I simply said for somebody who is taking such awful shots, he sure is shooting a nice percentage, whereas the guys who insist on taking those shots, sure aren’t hitting such a great percentage.
You can’t argue the stats.
And if you don’t like Josh, just say so. There’s no arguing “I don’t like so and so.” But all that other stuff is emminently debatable.
MAC-TOWN
April 10th, 2009
10:11 pm
Who would you guys rather play? Philly or Miami?
I’d rather face Miami because of Philly’s length.
Big Ray
April 10th, 2009
10:14 pm
“Oh and of course he’s not the only one who screws up….but he does it more than anyone else…to me.”
And that’s what it all boils down to, really. I just disagree. That’s all.
But I’ll tell you like I tell anyone else: if there’s a trade involving him that makes us better, I’m all for it. I’m a Hawks fan. He might be gone this summer. Or he might not. But if he is, then at least you will be happy that he’s gone…regardless of whether or the team is winning or not…
KevinA
April 10th, 2009
10:14 pm
Miami or Philly can’t match how the Pacers just played – who cares. When we play we can hang with anybody.
Astro Joe
April 10th, 2009
10:14 pm
Woody has an interesting decision to make for the next game. If he plays the undrafted all-satrs that many have clamored for against Miami, it would likely mean that we face Miami in the playoffs. If he plays his regular line-up, it could help the 76ers grab the 5th spot. It’ll be interesting to see how he plays this.
Ken Strickland
April 10th, 2009
10:15 pm
Good win Hawks. We played exactly the way we needed to play to win. We’re going to be in deep trouble if we don’t resign Bibby. Woodson has made Acie the next Salim Staudimire and drafting a PG won’t help if he gives him the same treatment he’s given all of the other young PG’s.
KevinA
April 10th, 2009
10:16 pm
Who would we get for less than 10 mil.
MAC-TOWN
April 10th, 2009
10:16 pm
Well Big Ray, I dont like the way Josh Smith plays on the Hawks, I think he would be great on a team that runs and guns all the time, not one that forces him to play into his weaknesses (jump shooting and taking people off the dribble ..trying to do crossovers and such).
I think a forward that has a nice jumper would be a better fit for the hawks’ current style.
Not that I don’t like him but I do not like seeing him take jump shots and trying to do crossovers on people.
RickNole
April 10th, 2009
10:18 pm
WOO HOO 4th seed on lock!!
Older Atliens, can you think of a time when the Hawks, Braves and Falcons are all on the right path?? I cant and boy am I excited!!
niremetal
April 10th, 2009
10:19 pm
Miller always shreds Bibby, and Iggy backs or breaks down Mo and JJ too easily. So if Marvin is back to his old self, give me Philly and have him cover Iggy. If not, give me Miami, because I’d rather run the risk of Wade going crazy than face the certainty of both Miller and Iggy tearing up Bibby and Mo.
In any case, great day to be a Hawks fan. We’ll take on whoever you throw at us!!!
bigdave
April 10th, 2009
10:20 pm
i think Woody needs to make sure he gives Marvin extended mins… so he can have his legs by the time post season begins…
Big Ray
April 10th, 2009
10:20 pm
KevinA, I agree. He can be an all-star in that amount of time. Who knows, maybe sooner.
I’m every bit as impressed with Al Horford, though. None of the Pacer big men could keep up with him as he ran the court. Love to watch that.
Well, I very much doubt that this was the kind of defensive effort Woody likes to see, and I don’t blame him one bit. This won’t get it in the playoffs. But enough of that. We clinched 4th.
I’m celebratin’!
Smoove
April 10th, 2009
10:22 pm
Great game by Josh Smith! MAC-TOWN is a complete idiot!!
Sautee
April 10th, 2009
10:22 pm
I don’t know why Rod from College Park does not like Marvin. I think in a couple of years he will be as good as Jordan.
Melvin
April 10th, 2009
10:22 pm
Yes sir… I will be in the ATL for the 1st playoff game against whomever….
MAC-TOWN
April 10th, 2009
10:23 pm
I would HOPE we can handle MIA and PHILLY quickly….but something tells me its gonna be a long, entertaining and toughly faught series…with either team.
I still think we can beat the Cleveland Lebrons
Macaroni Tony
April 10th, 2009
10:23 pm
I don’t understand the Hawks fans, we just clinched the fourth seed in the playoffs with the win tonight. We’re trying to go far in the playoffs and Ray is talking about he wouldn’t mind a trade. That’s damn crazy that’s what I think. I guess if we had the Wizards record then we’re a better team.
I think that we should anyone. Look at the teams that made late trades it’s not like it helped that team.
Big Ray
April 10th, 2009
10:24 pm
KevinA,
Exactly, but see, they don’t think that through. People want to bash the guy and say all he does wrong, but they want to trade him for this “perfect fit guy that does everything right.” It doesn’t work that way and never has. If a guy is truly junk, you’re not going to get anything for him but more junk, unless somebody really badly needs to unload a bad contract. But then, there’s a reason why it’s called a “bad contract.” Usually because the person who is getting paid isn’t worth the amount of money….
Ariose
April 10th, 2009
10:24 pm
I agree Sautee. I think he is better than Granger right now.
KevinA
April 10th, 2009
10:25 pm
Kenny the Jet said we had no bench. With Marvin back, Solo and Mario kicking in, Well be just fine. Evans and ZaZa did not play and not much drop off. Just think if Woody subed like this all year. Thats discussion for another day. I’m going to enjoy this one. 4th seed WTG Hawks.
MAC-TOWN
April 10th, 2009
10:26 pm
Smoove, I bet you think “J-Smooooove” is only slightly out of the MVP race and that Mike Woodson is coach of the year too.
MAC-TOWN
April 10th, 2009
10:28 pm
Marvin Williams and Horford along with a REAL CENTER and PG that can penetrate = the hawks future
bigdave
April 10th, 2009
10:29 pm
is it possible for Chi to slide into that 5th whole…?
Big Ray
April 10th, 2009
10:30 pm
<strong< MACARONI TONY,
Had you read the comments earlier, you would understand the context in which my comments were made. Had nothing to do with this season, or the accomplishments therein. It was a conversation between MAC-TOWN and myself. Get caught up with the conversation, please. Thankyou.
KevinA
April 10th, 2009
10:30 pm
So we can get a jorden or grainger type for less than 10 mil? List me the players. Please.
Big Ray
April 10th, 2009
10:32 pm
MAC-TOWN,
I’m not sure anymore which team I’d rather play. Each has some advantages. It’s fun to talk about it, though. Some people think Miami’s supporting cast presents no problems for us, and others think Philly doesn’t have near enough talent to take over a game.
MAC-TOWN
April 10th, 2009
10:33 pm
If mario west can score the ball a bit, I believe he can be a real force off the bench for ANYBODY.
Hustle Plays and good D………….throw in the ability to knock down some mid ranged jumpers or so……and get to the hoop a little bit…and he’ll be a nice addition to anybody’s bench
I believe he can become that type of player…
niremetal
April 10th, 2009
10:33 pm
Marvin was back tonight. He was great. His is our only sure first ballot hall of famer.
Big Ray
April 10th, 2009
10:33 pm
BigDave,
Not seeing it unless the Bulls win all of their remaining games, while the teams above them lose nearly all of theirs. Then again, stranger things have happened. And while I haven’t done the math on it, I’m not sure it CAN happen…
MAC-TOWN
April 10th, 2009
10:34 pm
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/standings
Sam I mean Rod From College Park
April 10th, 2009
10:35 pm
I am now posting as sautee and doc and niremetal but nobody is fooled by my usual ignorant style.
Macaroni Tony
April 10th, 2009
10:36 pm
I apologize for getting into your conversation(was not caught), but as a Hawk fan we’re not loyal at all. Even when we win the fans (some) that it was a bad game and fire the coach, I guest I’m tired of reading it.
Big Ray
April 10th, 2009
10:36 pm
Well we know that last post by Niremetal wasn’t the real Niremetal…
I guess it’s true what they say about imitation being the greatest form of flattery…
KevinA
April 10th, 2009
10:37 pm
Flip, JJ, Evans and Bibby may be matured but the rest of the kids have big upside left. Don’t count them short. Lets gamble and resign them. We got Chills , Speedy and draqft picks to get a big.
Big Ray
April 10th, 2009
10:41 pm
Macaroni Tony,
Understandable. It is annoying, and many of us (myself indicted along with others) do find enough flaws. I’m thrilled we got the 4th seed. In fact, that’s about what I made my Hawks Hacks blog topic about.
Now I’m just caught up in thinking about who we will face in the playoffs. Can’t wait to analyze that to death, but first we get to watch the rest of the Eastern Conference duke it out. Should be fun!
Najeh Davenpoop
April 10th, 2009
10:42 pm
I only saw the 2nd half, but that was probably the best half of basketball I’ve seen Josh Smith play all year. I would have liked to see some better defensive rotation — the Hawks did a great job forcing turnovers and mistakes but the Pacers did get a few too many easy looks in the 2nd half.
Great win though. Nice to have that 4 seed locked up.
Ignition
April 10th, 2009
10:43 pm
Let see Josh Smith 30pts 10rb 4asst 2blks …
Man that dudes a cancer.. Matter fact he been a cancer for the last month..
I wish that cat wasn’t here to damage the team through these victories.
kirkinga
April 10th, 2009
10:44 pm
Congrats to the Hawks for securing the 4th position.
Impressive game tonight from Josh, though it was a good effort by all. I hope we see everyone kick their play up a notch now that playoff season is at hand.
Congrats also to Coach Woodson and staff for yet another noteworthy increase in wins as well as the team’s first winning season in a decade.I’m sure all of us are looking forward to having him back next season.
Go Hawks!!
Najeh Davenpoop
April 10th, 2009
10:44 pm
I have a question… does anyone know when the playoff schedule comes out?
KevinA
April 10th, 2009
10:46 pm
Macaroni Tony, I don’t diss players, just style of play and coaching. When we play like we did the last two games. I have no gripes. When we substitute players like tonight I get the Criss Mathewes thing, a thrill up the leg. lol We simply look our best when we share the ball and make sure we include the front court during the entire game.
Big Ray
April 10th, 2009
10:49 pm
Is it just me, or is Josh getting to the line more than anybody else these days? Still, I’ll be glad to see that free throw percentage go up. If he hits a few more, then Granger shares the game-high with him.
Look at those combined lines by Al and Josh: 18-31 FGs, 16-23 FTs, 52 points, 25 rebounds, 9 assists, 5 steals, 3 blocks.
You’re looking at the future…
Big Ray
April 10th, 2009
10:51 pm
LOL @ Kirk…
There was a time when I didn’t think you had a sense of humor, but I know better these days. Give ‘em hell over there on DOB.