Pump your brakes!
Hawks point guard Mike Bibby is preaching caution!
HAWKSVILLE - You’ve got to love Mike Bibby.
Aside from being hilarious, no player in a Hawks uniform is more likely to surprise you with what comes out of his mouth than the savvy point guard.
While most everyone else roaming the bowels of Philips Arena last night was either dazed and or confused as to what had just transpired (the Hawks’ 90-64 thrashing of the Heat in Game 1 of their first round playoff series), Bibby was already pumping the brakes.
That’s what veterans do, even after blowout wins. They provide gravity that others might not realize is needed.
Bibby surely remembers the talk in Boston last year after the Hawks were routed in Game 1. People there were proclaiming the series was over and the Celtics would sweep the Hawks.
Six games later the series was over. But it was much harder work than anyone could have imagined after Game 1.
Bibby is well aware that the Hawks need to pump the brakes today. Game 2 is Wednesday night and it’s every bit as crucial to the Hawks’ chances of winning this series as Game 1.
“This series is 0-0 as far as I’m concerned,” Bibby said. “It’s a brand new series Wednesday night.”
JOSH SMITH IS …
I stopped reading my text messages and emails midway through the third quarter. I didn’t think there was any other way people could express to me how stunned they were to see Josh Smith’s high-flying act.
My best friend, Ivory “Twit” Brooks (a Seattle native and school principal in Oakland with a basketball jones like many of you here) hit me repeatedly with messages like, “Josh Smith is a #$%&! beast,” and “this is ridiculous, truly.”
And his notes were just the beginning. The onslaught came from every direction. It was hilarious reading the reactions of people watching all this stuff in HD while also seeing the reactions of the folks in the arena who were watching it live.
Like many people, Twit rarely sees the Hawks (when the Hawks play the Warriors in Oakland or one of the rare occasions when they’re on national TV. So he’s always taken aback by the Hawks’ wicked athleticism and penchant for alley oops and spectacular plays.
“Why don’t they play like this all the time?” his final text read.
If he only knew how many times that phrase is uttered around here.
SOUTH FLORIDA REPORT
Mark Bradley has whipped up enough links and polls to make your head spin in the latest installment of Bradley’s Buzz (I was still snoring when he did all that work).
I’ve got a couple more interesting things you might want to read from our visitors from the MIA.
My man Chris Perkins caught up with Heat owner Mickey Arison and team president Pat Riley before the game, and as you might expect, they were still optimistic then.
I didn’t realize just how poorly Dwyane Wade played Sunday night until I read Mike Wallace’s story in the Miami Herald a few minutes ago. Wade had nearly half of Heat’s 19 turnovers. That’s crazy.
Ira Winderman highlighted former Hawks and now Heat assistant coach David Fizdale and the unique role he’ll play in this series going forward. Fizdale left the Hawks last summer after being one of the key figures in the development of many of the Hawks’ young players that abused the Heat last night.
Orlando is actually in “Central Florida,” but they’re in much the same predicament as their neighbors down South Beach way after Sunday’s humiliating home loss to the Andre Iguodala and the 76ers.
Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi let the Magic have it after they blew not only home court advantage but also an 18-point lead.
FOR YOU STAT GEEKS OUT THERE
Much will be made about the Hawks’ balance in this series, and rightfully so.
It was on full display in Game 1, the folks at Elias Sports made sure of it with this little statistical ditty: The Hawks got double-digit scoring from all five of their starters in their 90-64 victory over the Heat. It was the third time in Atlanta’s last eight playoff games (dating back to last year’s series against the Celtics) that Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, Al Horford and Mike Bibby each scored at least 10 points. Prior to last postseason, the Hawks didn’t produce double-digit scoring from all five of their starters in a playoff game since 1999 (Steve Smith, Dikembe Mutombo, Grant Long, Tyrone Corbin and Mookie Blaylock).
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192 comments Add your comment
Reality
April 21st, 2009
11:11 am
RUDE AWAKENING for my young Heat team in game 1. Wow, the Hawks literally thrashed the Heat. Completely different instensity levels which is disappointing. Worst game Miami has played all year, by far.
Anyways, I fully expect the Heat to bounce back, specifically Dwyane Wade. Game 2 will be competitive, and the Heat will try to steal it. If not, the series goes back to Miami, where the Heat must hold serve.
Heat in 7.
Melvin
April 21st, 2009
11:15 am
Reality, we thought we lost ya. but you did say you will be around until the end. look like you are a man of your word. now where is keepin it real….lol
As for the game. D.Wade can’t do it all. He needs a consistent Robin. Not sure if that guy is on the Heat roster… Hawks in 5
Sautee
April 21st, 2009
11:30 am
Gotta agree with Samuel on Parker. Dude has THREE rings. No one else on the list has more than one.
1. Parker
2. Billups
3. Rondo (He has a ring, and Paul doesn’t)
4. CP3
5. DWill
I love Bibby, but he’s about 12th. But I’d say from ‘01 to ‘05 he was in the discussion for top 5.
doc
April 21st, 2009
11:41 am
wow sautee, rondo ahead of cp3? goes to show you bk wuz right all along.
reality, your heat better step up or we dont have to read your junk much longer. that might be a reality we could all live with. just kidding, you are welcome to tag along for however long you want. once the heat are gone you might be able to bring your best stuff, such as, tell us who the top 5 are in point guards right now? if chalmers is named we will know you got a serious homer disease.
Reality
April 21st, 2009
11:49 am
Melvin, LOL this was not easy, but yes I am a man of my word.
Completely agree Wade needs help. The whole team has to step up.
The 1st quarter was back and forth, but once the game opened up the Heat just uncharacteristically folded.
That wasn’t the Heat team I’ve watched all year. Like I said, I fully expect them to bounce back tomorrow and come with that necessary playoff intensity.
I must say, the Hawks looked awesome on Sunday. They are so tough to beat at home. We’ll see what happens….
It might not be until the series gets to Miami, where the real Heat team and Dwyane Wade can show up.
Melvin
April 21st, 2009
11:49 am
Sautee,
if you put Rondo on the Jazz or Hornets would he have a ring???
doc
April 21st, 2009
11:52 am
rings are not the major factor and doesnt diminish the player. oscar robertson the best that ever lived in any age almost never got a ring because he was on a very cheap team back in the day when there was no mobility for players.
doc
April 21st, 2009
11:54 am
reality beasley looked like a woman from the south suffering from the vapors. he had no staying power, looked very small sunday night. he better grow some nads before the next game.
Melvin
April 21st, 2009
11:56 am
Reality,
I won’t use the sweep reference so I will give you all 1 game at Home. I think we matchup against the Heat well. Is it a coincidence that DWade scores below his season avg against the Hawks….;)
Reality
April 21st, 2009
11:57 am
Doc, I agree, the whole Heat team did, which is extremely uncharacteristic since we’ve been a hard-nosed, scrappy, hustling team all season.
He better play like a man tomorrow. He’s got cornrows now….watch out!
Melvin
April 21st, 2009
12:00 pm
Doc,
The Beasley reference was too funny. Him nor Chamlers were ready for the big lights of the playoffs. Tomorrow nite may be different for them. We see what kind of intestinal fortitude Beasley has for the rest of the series. However, it may be unfair or permature to put that type of pressure on Beasley or Mario. Now where is JO’neal when you need him…
Astro Joe
April 21st, 2009
12:04 pm
Reality, props to you for returning to eat a little crow. Shows great sportsmanship on your part. Stick around, we’re mostly a polite-but-competitive bunch of fans over here.
Hawks fans have seen this team play with tremendous energy in home playoffs games before. I’m anxious to see if the Hawks can play competitively on the road.
Astro Joe
April 21st, 2009
12:09 pm
I’ll tell you who didn’t look ready for the bright lights. Portland! Houston went into Oregon and punched them in the mouths in the first few minutes of that game and it was over. First round knock-out. Yao put up 16 points in the 1st quarter, 24 by half-time and didn’t miss a shot. I’m predicting that the Houston-Portland series will become a battle royal before it is over… someone will try to power-bomb another player. You heard it here first.
Volman
April 21st, 2009
12:18 pm
If this team wants to take the next step to success they will need to win AT LEAST one game in Miami. Period.
ZULU
April 21st, 2009
12:24 pm
Better put some cold water on the Heat before you move on to the next series, drafts and etc. Coach Woodson has this team focused. Now it’s about discipline, consistency and excecution. I worry more about whether the fantastic officiating can remain consistent. GO HAWKS!
O'brien
April 21st, 2009
12:28 pm
My ranking of PG’s.
1. Parker
2. Big Shot Billups
3. CP3
4. DWill
5 Rondo
Although Rondo was a contributor, the main reason he has a ring is because of the big 3, so I wont hold not having a ring against the other guys.
I dont think the Hawks will be complacent playing at home, especially with the fans behind them. I am more worried about how they will play when they get to Miami, (probably up 2-0), and on the road. And we’ve seen how the Hawks struggle on the road. We’ll cross that bridge when we reach it I guess.
We just need to take care of business tomorrow night.
Samuel
April 21st, 2009
12:38 pm
Yea Doc,
I keep hearing all these conspiracy theories about the NBA and how they will “fix” the series to see DWade and LeBron. I don’t buy it. Which makes me wonder, why watch something you think is fixed. May as well tune in to WWF.
The only way the Heat can make this series close is they get super hot from the outside. Even then, if we keep doing what were doing, they have no chance. They don’t have the squad, period. Magloire is a goon and nothing more. He will have no bearing on this series.
Many of you were touting Spo as COY but i’ve been saying all year. How good can the guy be if he doesn’t see that Beasley is his 2nd best player?
Joe, yea Portland and the other COY candidate who finished ahead of Woody needs to step up. I predicted them to win this series. They’re making me look bad.
Woody=COY
SouthAfrican09
April 21st, 2009
12:47 pm
1) We need Woody to talk to Larry Brown about how to beat the Cavs round 2.
2) Cannot be complacent tomorrow
3) Smoove needs to settle down. he has these monster games every 3 weeks or so…We know you’re athletic, young guy. Just keep your head on and don’t take jumpshots.
4) Bibby needs to work over Chalmers. Dude is scared to death of these playoffs
5) I’m ready to see a showdown between Wade/JJ. You could tell the crowd wanted to see that so bad
Reality
April 21st, 2009
1:02 pm
Astro Joe, thanks man, but I talked trash / received it, and I certainly expect it to keep coming right now. Game 1 has given you guys plenty of ammo.
Anyways, you will not see that type of Heat team again. You will not see Dwyane Wade play that bad again. Tomorrow it all starts again. Just as quickly as Atlanta jumped in control of the series, Miami can take it right back and more- with a steal tomorrow.
Nookah
April 21st, 2009
1:37 pm
Just read these posts. Let me add my personal bigups to Woody and the coaching staff. Great job this year and blasting the Heat in Game 1. However, Bibby is right….one swallow does not a summer make”!!!
Sautee, based on the logic you have used for ranking Rondo over CP3, would you use the same logic and draft Hansbrough over Griffin (he won a NCAA championship and Griffin didn’t)?
The problem with Josh Smith is that Josh Smith does not know how good he can be!! He has the athleticism of Lebron and maybe some. He doesn’t have the strength, that can come but it may not necessarily be good for his game. He needs to work on a consistent jumper and he’ll be money!!!! His passing is pretty good already. He also needs to be more mentally consistent, tends to make bad decisions too many times.
As I said before……..Hawks in 5!!!!
Go Hawks!!!
Nuff respect!!!!
Blast
April 21st, 2009
1:42 pm
Reality
If you think your beloved Heat will win this series, you are delusional, or simply a die hard fan unwilling to give up on his team until the fat lady sings, which I admire you for. But then that’s what day dreams are all about, they sustain us in our times of sorrows. So dream on, Reality, fat lady getting ready to send some boys fishing!
Nookah
April 21st, 2009
1:45 pm
Reality, happy to have you bro. However, it is ironical that you have that nom de plume, because what you are wishing is quite opposite to your name. I know it’s not over till it’s over, but my brother fear not….it’s over!!!! It was nice having you though and your comments will be welcome when the Cavs series starts.
Go Hawks!!!
Nuff respect!!!
“the heathen back deh pon de wall”……Robert Nesta Marley!!!
Al
April 21st, 2009
2:05 pm
Reality, you really think we’ll bounce back tomorrow? I’m afraid it won’t happen til Saturday. The whole team needs to do a complete 180 from the other night. From Spo to Wade to Chalmers. Quite a tall order.
Al
April 21st, 2009
2:09 pm
My chips are being bet on our home games though. Next week. Protecting home court and then coming back up here with some confidence for game 5 and/or 7. It doesn’t feel like Spo is making the necessary adjustments for game 2. He’s still gonna be starting O’Neal and Haslem.
Volman
April 21st, 2009
2:15 pm
I look forward to Wednesday where we will see the Miami Heat do a complete 360 from what they did on Sunday night.
-Jason Kidd
niremetal
April 21st, 2009
2:15 pm
While we’re ranking PGs:
1) D-Will
2) Parker
3) CP3
4) Billups
5) Depends on what you’re looking for – but Nash, Harris, Rondo, and Rose are all in the running
Nash might be mediocre on defense, but he’s still the most efficient guard in the NBA (50% from the field, 44% from deep, 93% from the line, 3:1 assist to turnover ratio) despite the fact that he is playing on one of the most oddly constructed rosters in the NBA. He’s still the best playmaker of the 4.
Rondo is a the best defender of the four, but his offensive stats are inflated by the fact that he’s playing alongside 3 Hall of Famers – any PG in Boston would get plenty of open looks (and thus a high FG%) and lots of easy assists. And a point guard with a 64% free throw percentage? Really?
Harris is the flip side of the coin next to Rondo – his stats are somewhat inflated because there’s no other scoring threats on his team besides him and Vince. That being said, he’s the best scorer of these 4 (although Rose will soon eclipse him).
Rose has been coming into his own as of late, although he still needs to learn better how to get his teammates involved and needs to step up his D. I have little doubt that he’ll crack the top 3 before long, though.
I’ve given Ray my longwinded explanation of why I pick D-Will above the rest as a PG. But I will say this – the Jazz are 8-2 against the Hornets head-to-head over the past 3 years, and having a 6′3/215 point guard who is still quick as Flash creates matchup nightmares.
But really, I couldn’t argue with any ordering of the top 3.
Adam
April 21st, 2009
2:20 pm
What’s up ya redneck white trash Hawk fans. Are you guys really truly saying the series is over. Did I really read someone say they might bring a broom? Do you people not realize it is a 7 game series. You must not also realize your below 500 team on the road right? I would tell you guys to act like you’ve been here before, but then I realize you haven’t.
Melvin
April 21st, 2009
2:30 pm
Adam, is it the theme of this blog is “not to get over confident with one win” i.e. Pump Your Brakes…. My Goosh. According to you, I guess we should be in panic mode…
Let’s Go Hawks…
Volman
April 21st, 2009
2:31 pm
I figured we’d get a few of these dolts roaming the AJC blogs.
Adam: It’s really interesting that you are calling us “redneck white trash fans”. First off, it is “you’re”, not “your”. “YOU ARE” an idiot. Also, if I had a penny for everytime I saw a pair of JORTS in Florida, then I’d definitely be rich. Florida is very trashy, so don’t even start.
The series IS over. The Hawks will win.
Reality
April 21st, 2009
2:33 pm
Al, I do think the Heat will bounce back tomorrow. Game 1 was a blessing in disguise. But if they don’t win, it’s still same situation today: the Heat must hold serve at home, steal 1 game in Atlanta.
Blast, you may say I’m living in the past, but I’ve seen too many Dwyane Wade teams come back out of nowhere in a series. I’ve seen too many crazy playoff series, period.
I mean, did you guys really think the Hawks would take Boston to 7 games last year, after being down 0-2? Honestly?
Call me delusional, call me whatever, it will be that much sweeter when the Heat win the series.
Al
April 21st, 2009
2:35 pm
Beh, no need for dumb racist comments Adam.
Volman
April 21st, 2009
2:38 pm
Sorry about that. I got a little frustrated. I have been working all day and I’m hungry. I apologize to Floridians. Florida is a nice place and definitely has some beautiful areas.
Carry on!
Al
April 21st, 2009
2:40 pm
I would love for the Heat to win tomorrow, and I don’t think they’ll get blown out again. If you remember how many close games we lost on the road against quality teams (and not so quality teams), I’m not too confident about pulling out game 2. It would be nice to play hard and bring back something to build on for the homestand. Then I’d like our chances a lot better for game 5.
Reality
April 21st, 2009
2:42 pm
Besides, jorts are popular anywhere in Florida BUT Miami hahaha. Gainesville is the capital of jorts! Dumb Gaytors.
Yea Adam, chill, no need to “cross the line”. You can debate, talk trash yet be somewhat civil.
Al
April 21st, 2009
2:45 pm
Pat Riley always used to say that a series doesn’t really begin until the home team loses a game. (Which I always found amusing because that means that the 2006 Finals didn’t begin until they were over. Ha.) But still. There’s some truth to it.
doc
April 21st, 2009
2:49 pm
reality, yeah you did come on a “little” strong there, glad our boys won. i must a;most so strong i quit reading after the third paragraph and went into the scroll mode we use hear for the derelicts. not sure if we could have stood you anymore if the heat had won, especially if you have another smack gear. all cool, seems like you like the liars table we have set here just fine and for a foreigner, you fit just fine …. er, if you just stay in your place.
rows huh? man beasley is really behind the times if he is doing that. he is as retro as our former fro man chills. shoot even ai cut his off, now if we can keep him out of what was it, pool halls? as a matter of fact udonis better go ahead and cut his, he doesnt come close to looking as scary as he did when they allowed roids in the league.
doc
April 21st, 2009
2:52 pm
adam was just added to the scroll list.
Chris
April 21st, 2009
2:54 pm
The Champ is here!
Al
April 21st, 2009
3:05 pm
My dad, a 70 year old hispanic man who doesn’t speak English very well thinks that “Josh es bueno.” He’s a basketball fan, but doesn’t have cable. I think it’s the first time he’s watched the Hawks this year. It amused me that he didn’t remember anyone else’s name from your team but is already on a first name basis with JSmith.
Incidentally, he agreed with me that Magliore should be in there to knock him on his ass when he tries to fly in there for dunks.
Melvin
April 21st, 2009
3:19 pm
You Heat Fans should had check in with us before the season started as I campaign on this very same blog for the Hawks to signed Magliore. I must admit, we did quite well without him. However, if the Heat fans thank J.Magliore is going to save them in the playoffs, well you all may as well throw in the towel now. He’s not that good…
Astro Joe
April 21st, 2009
3:23 pm
Al, Magloire is muy bueno at knocking players on their butts. And what size Hawks jersey should we get for your dad?
Volman
April 21st, 2009
3:25 pm
Wow, a lot of talk for Magliore…
What would happen for the Heat, if say…..Jermaine O’Neal showed up for once? They might actually have an inside-out game and not just rely on Wade to create shots for others!
Volman
April 21st, 2009
3:32 pm
Astro Joe, I will personally chip in some $$$ for a Smoove jersey for his dad.
Of course, we have to win this series first.
Astro Joe
April 21st, 2009
3:47 pm
Volman, we could always ask Clyde for an extra blank shirt and print up a nice tee for him. Clyde should have plenty of extra inventory on hand, given our season.
Al
April 21st, 2009
4:41 pm
Haha. I pictured my dad in any team’s basketball jersey. It’s amusing. Magliore is not that great, but he’s consistent. He certainly won’t “save” us. There’s only one man who can save us, but he needs a little help to get the three Hawks that are always covering him to get off his back.
As for O’Neal, he has no knees. I think it’s not so much a lack of effort. He just doesn’t have it anymore. He would be more effective off the bench. I would have Wade and Beasley as the starting scoring options with Magliore in there for some tough D and rebounds. O’Neal off the bench would fare better against Atlanta’s 2nd team. In any case, the Heat’s fortunes rest on D Wade either figuring out how to penetrate the Hawks D or hitting that outside jumper (which when he’s hitting, makes him absolutely unstoppable). Getting to the basket will be a lot easier if Chalmers/Cook/Beasley/Jones/etc are knocking their shots down. All four of those guys tend to play way better at home.
Al
April 21st, 2009
4:42 pm
Oh man, do I smell a friendly wager brewing here with this jersey talk?
Al
April 21st, 2009
4:54 pm
Eh, I guess I couldn’t think of any way to enforce the bet on an anonymous blog. Whatever, I wish the game were tonight already.
Westurd
April 21st, 2009
5:56 pm
OH MAN, READ THIS HAWKS FANS!! Quoted from the Miami Herald yesterday;
“Player of the Game: Udonis Haslem’s numbers weren’t overwhelming, 6 points on 2 of 3 shooting and five rebounds”
Miami hope you got just a little something better to write tommorow. Maybe Haslem with 8 points.
GET IT DONE HAWKS
Clyde
April 21st, 2009
6:07 pm
Astro Joe I’m sure business will pick back up this summer.
RaJaH
April 21st, 2009
6:12 pm
It’s possible for Hawks to sign Magic backup center Gortat this summer. Word on the street is he doesn’t care too much for SVG.