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).
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
192 comments Add your comment
Khao$
April 20th, 2009
1:30 pm
I totally agree with Bibby. After the clock hit triple zeros, it was time to start thinking about game 2. I’m impressed by what we did. However, if we get a hangover, I guy like Wade will take advantage of us. We have to make ANOTHER statement on Wednesday. On paper, we are by far a better team. Last night exposed that. That said, if we give that team any hope, D-Wade has the talent to exploit it and make a series of this thing.
Daniel
April 20th, 2009
1:32 pm
first!
doc
April 20th, 2009
1:36 pm
yeah it isnt close to being over until we slam them one more time here on wednesday and win on down there. if we come into game five up 3 to 1 then i will be pleased to think we can win it in five and rest the warriors.
d wade was having his way in the first ten minutes as he scored 11 of his teams first 21 points. he was on fire. we put the water on that soon thereafter and mortality followed. i dont want to give him room to breathe or else he can turn it around quickly. he just doesnt have an elderly shaq with him this time but a done o’neal. the guy has seen his best days unless he can somehow find a good pt department to get him well and strong again. beasley is not mentally tough enough nor is there anyone appearing to be willing to ride as wing man to wade.
Barry
April 20th, 2009
1:52 pm
Hey Y’all;
The fight is on. Our Hawks threw the first punch and literally “DAZED” the Heat. They are stumbling right now looking to grab the ring ropes. They referee is looking them in the eye to see if they can continue the fight and allows the fight to continue on Wednesday. The Heat is still “DAZED” and confused. They do not know what hit them. It was the HAWKS!!!! And we are coming again. Yes we are coming again to continue the process of “SHOCKING THE WORLD!!!” And guess what? We haven’t even done the “SHUFFLE” yet. It coming y’all. The referee allowed the fight to continue and we will see you at Phillips on Wednesday to “SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!”.
LETS GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
…………………….”ATLANTA HAWKS, BOOM-BYE-YEAH!!!”…………
…………………………”SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!……………
Ringold
Dan
April 20th, 2009
1:54 pm
“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).”
Prior to last postseason the Hawks hadn’t been in the postseason since 1999.
Dan
April 20th, 2009
1:55 pm
Enter your comments here
#21=Top50,1stBallot
April 20th, 2009
1:57 pm
Actually, though dubious, I’ll take this in the other direction. This win was huge for the Hawks and they shouldnt forget it. One of the biggest criticisms levyied by the blog denizens is that we never really smacked around good teams and sustained the advantage. Well we did that last night. They need remember that because most of “us” thought they are the better team and they played like it from jump street tonight. That is the key. Yeah a win is a win, but “w” and “W” are the same letter- CAPITALS LETTERS HAVE A MUCH MORE PROFOUND EFFECT. Think if Smoov had just laid all those oops off the glass instead of becoming per C Webb- “Dominique Wilkins is Human Highlight film and Josh Smith is Blu Ray”.
RISE UP
David Smith
April 20th, 2009
2:00 pm
We definitely need to focus on the bigger picture which is to sustain our intensity in each game we play. I was a little worried when we jumped out to a 20 point lead because many times in the past i’ve seen us let teams off the hook to make a comeback and win. I’m glad Bibby is keeping these guys focused on the prize and, hope we will continue to handle our business on wednesday night. GO HAWKS!!!
Rufio
April 20th, 2009
2:11 pm
Dang, why do these playoffs take so long, im gonna lose my high from last night by the time wednesday rolls around
HanDAWG
April 20th, 2009
2:12 pm
The HAWKS have been my fav hoops team for years – VERY lean years following many above average but never great playoff years. Great to be back in the playoffs and the sky is the limit if we also learn to play on the road and continue to get Joe the ball in crunch time. Bibby, Josh, Al and Marvin are all also key contributors who are clicking at the right time. But I more than anything else much prefer this year’s bench to last and am enjoying the obvious team chemistry.
Samuel
April 20th, 2009
2:15 pm
Cuz,
I often think about that too(Why we don’t run more) but the more I think about it, I now understand Woody’s strategy. He knows we can run but he keeps the reigns tight during the season so that we don’t wear ourselves out. Then during the playoffs, it’s all out. After all, how many running teams actually are successful in the playoffs.
Woody is distinguishing himself as a very highly reguarded coach right now. Any team looking to rebuild a program and stick with the formula the Hawks have would love to have a “stand up” no-nonsense guy like Woody. OKC, Minnesota, and Memphis come to mind.
Make no mistake about it. Woody better get a long term deal or somebody will come calling. Bank on that.
Woody=COY
niremetal
April 20th, 2009
2:26 pm
Sekou,
That last stat would be much more impressive if it weren’t for the fact that before last year, the Hawks hadn’t been in the postseason at all since 1999. Which kinda makes that point rather non-impressive…
Just sayin
SouthAfrican09
April 20th, 2009
2:28 pm
Anyone else notice Speedy somewhat distant from the Hawks huddle last night? Did Wodson tell him he doesn’t play on using him in a major, so Speedy got the message?
Also, why wasn’t every seat packed? Ticket prices are not bad.
We need to sweep this scrub team and rest up for Cleveland. Need Larry Brown to give Woody some pointers on how to beat Cleveland (who I think is overrated and is not actually as good as people think they are).
Samuel
April 20th, 2009
2:28 pm
Well, the COY votes are in. Woody finished 8th. He got robbed. Cuz, that one vote better had been you.
http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/john_schuhmann/04/20/coy.20090420/index.html
Still COY in my book.
Woody=COY
SouthAfrican09
April 20th, 2009
2:35 pm
Sekou: If Speedy plays more than 10 games this year, do the Hawks have to pay him?
SouthAfrican09
April 20th, 2009
2:44 pm
BTW, good job, ASG…
Every other team gives out shirts with fancy little phrases or mottos.
What do you idiots give out?
20 cent towels which I used to blow my nose last night. Put some @#$%ing money into the team and stop being idiots. OMG MY SON WEARS A JOE JOHNSON JERSEY NOW. WE MUST BE A GOOD TEAM!
Da Real Real
April 20th, 2009
2:53 pm
I definitely agree with Bibby here, and the experience that we gained last year is why I think the Hawks have such an advantage during this series besides the fact that we’ve played those guys 5 times this year. We know the roles have reversed from last years playoffs with the Celtics. We know what the Celtics faced when they came here and so I think the guys know exactly what they are going to face not only in this next game but when they travel down to Miami which is why I think we can win one down there and win this thing in 5 or 6.
However, I will say this as a fan of Atlanta sports for decades now. We’ve earned that ability to be able to gloat for a couple of days after all these years of horrible Atlanta sports. Seeing the Hawks do what they did yesterday on national TV is something to be proud of, especially in the face of all the naysayers and critics.
Marcus
April 20th, 2009
3:01 pm
slow thy roll. Game 1 is just that. I would expect the Heat to come out with a vengeance in Game 2, and it will be one of those grind-it-out games that we played about 75% of the time this year. Winner is a toss-up, but don’t count out D-wade. Hawks/Heat were virtual mirror images of each other, so expect a battle through game 7.
bfred
April 20th, 2009
3:09 pm
The defensive intensity last night was incredible. I’m surprised to hear it was only 19 turnovers – the Hawks were in the Heat’s jocks all night. Pressing, steals (on inbound passes, no less)…the Heat just couldn’t breathe. I guess several of them just didn’t result in posession changes.
But the best play was Horford coming from the opposite side of the key to contest what would have been a wide-open jam by Wade. Al knew he had no angle for a block and the only way to stop the freebie was to foul, so that’s what he did – hard. Wade then missed one of two FTAs. You put it in the opponents’ heads that nothing they do is going to go unchecked, and 26-point wins are what happens. Beautiful.
SlimG
April 20th, 2009
3:17 pm
Great Win! 3 more and Lebron. Still like to see us go after a big man in the offseason. Oh well, gotta work with what we got………
With Joe out front, a pick from Al, and go down low with Josh our offense looks scary. I left out Marvin and Bibby from three. I also like Marvins defense. We have a good team. Is this Atlanta?
niremetal
April 20th, 2009
3:18 pm
SouthAfrican,
The Hawks have to pay him whether he plays or not, as per the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, unless the player announces his retirement (which Speedy obviously never did).
Big Ray
April 20th, 2009
3:24 pm
SAMUEL,
Playoff wins> COY votes all day, any day. And though he got very few votes, I’ll bet he’ll be doing a lot more smiling when it’s all said and done than some other guys who got more votes.
I thought Woody would actually get more votes, and he finished way behind even his playoff opponent, Eric Spoelstra.
To his credit, Woody is more concerned with higher things, and last night PROVED it. I bet Spoelstra doesn’t feel too good about having more votes right about now, either.
We win this matchup, then we’re going up against the COY and his crew. We’d be the underdog, and there’s an advantage in that. Our guys will be hyped. In the meantime, I’m focused on Woody and the team beating Spoelstra, Wade, and the rest of the Heat into the ground. Then we go hunting for Cavaliers.
As an aside, Woody received the same number of votes as did Phil Jackson. You know how this stuff works. It’s partially a popularity contest. And as you know, neither the Hawks nor Woodson are high on the popularity list. Some reaons for this are quite valid, but many are BS. Let Woody build his case, he’s only had a winning season for the first time. I guarantee he’ll be much closer if he maintains that winning edge next season as well, though I doubt he cares about winning that award.
As for his contract, winning round 1 goes a long way towards that. One thing at a time, is what Woody has to be thinking. And that resolve is what will take him and this team to new heights (and a new contract). You know he’s old school. Earning your way with hard work in the trenches is more satisfying than anything else. Woody wouldn’t want it any other way, I think.
Astro Joe
April 20th, 2009
4:03 pm
Good job, Bibby! I hope it sinks in, we’ve read plenty of comments this season that suggest the team is thinking properly before a game and then they get out there, they perform in a 180-degree manner. I think we should be in good mental shape for the next 2 games. If we have a mental lapse during the series, it will come first in game 4.
Stat Man
April 20th, 2009
4:31 pm
Thanks to a stretch on the Hawks star crew back in the ’80’s, I have a vast research material library.
Here’s a couple more playoff nuggets that have bit the dust and will hopefully bite the dust soon.
First, the Hawks woke up this morning leading in a Best of 7 series! The last time that happened? Try May 18th, 1988 (yep – 21 years ago). That was when they went up 3-2 on Boston before losing in 7 in the famous ‘Nique/Bird game.
Second, the monkey we really need to get off our back! When was the last time the Hawks won a best of 7 series? Try 39 years ago when they beat the Bulls.
So there you have it – one bad streak OVER and one more to take care of here in the next week and a half!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
freshd
April 20th, 2009
4:35 pm
Even though Im anti-WOODY, I will admit that the HAWKS looked good Sunday night. Did WOODY sleep at a Holiday Inn Saturday night? Now do it 3 more times, and if by chance they make it to the eastern finals, save me a seat on the BANDWAGON.
Astro Joe
April 20th, 2009
4:45 pm
Stat man. When they beat the Bulls in the 7-game series, were they in Atlanta? I ask because I have heard several talking-heads in Atlanta say that the Atlanta Hawks have NEVER won a 7-game playoff series (first round used to be best of 5).
tbhawksfan
April 20th, 2009
5:02 pm
Not to take anything away from the Hawks play, but MIA didn’t look real good. Wase carried that team to the fifth spot and it looked like it’s taken it’s toll.
Is he out of gas? He doesn’t have much help either.
The Hawks should be able to run the Heat quickly out of the playoffs.
The Cav’s will be a different challenge. It’s very nice to think that they have a chance.
I’ve been waiting for this team to mature for a long time. They may be better than all the BK haters thought.
trint
April 20th, 2009
5:32 pm
Did anyone listen to Kenny, Charles, and Chris Webber just dismiss the Hawks at halftime, by saying that neither team is that good so lets focus on that. And they went on to show what the hawks and Heat were doing wrong. We all know they had egg on their face b/c the hawks were beating one of their glory gods by 20. If the heat were up by 20 we would have been bombarded with how great Mr. Wade is. I will rather listen to Bob Rathman and Nique before those clowns
Astro Joe
April 20th, 2009
5:49 pm
Kenny Smith definitely HATES the Hawks. No two ways about it. I don’t know if it was because BK didn’t hire him as Head Coach or because of something that happened when he was a player in the league. All I know is that he only says “we’re a long and athletic team” and that’s the closest thing to a complement that he will give the Hawks. He did show Joe a little love during the ASG HORSE competition but even then, he seemed to favor the young guys. That’s okay, I enjoyed listening to Fratello, who most definitely gives us more than a fair shake.
The Money Ball From Money Town!!
April 20th, 2009
6:21 pm
SouthAfrican09: don’t hate on the rally towel!
Last night’s crowd looked like the first Thrashers playoff game back in 2007!!
RISE UP, ATLANTA!!!
Stat Man
April 20th, 2009
6:37 pm
Astro Joe –
Yes, they were in Atlanta for the Best of 7 win over the Bulls. They moved here for the 68-69 season.
Another interesting fact is that they weren’t always best of 5. In fact, in 1983, the first round was a best of 3! (Boston beat us 2-1)
Bertie
April 20th, 2009
7:30 pm
GREAT WIN! Josh played amazing but it all starts with JJ. First, thanks for not bringing “ISO JOE”. Second, at the beginning of the game I noticed JJ not settling for long jump shots but looking for shots closer to the basket and moving around which allowed for a more dynamic offense involving all their teammates. Defense was amazing but we all know this team is a great defensive team. I was glad to see how they moved the ball in offense for most of the game, that is what you need to go deep in the playoffs.
Astro, I also enjoy when Coach Fratello calls the game. The TNT halftime crew is a joke, I surf channels for those 15 minutes.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 20th, 2009
7:30 pm
“Dang, why do these playoffs take so long, im gonna lose my high from last night by the time wednesday rolls around”
You know today is 4/20 right?
Najeh Davenpoop
April 20th, 2009
7:37 pm
“BTW, good job, ASG…
Every other team gives out shirts with fancy little phrases or mottos.
What do you idiots give out?”
Last year’s “Shock the World” T-shirts were nice… until they shrunk three sizes in the laundry…
Najeh Davenpoop
April 20th, 2009
7:39 pm
“Stat man. When they beat the Bulls in the 7-game series, were they in Atlanta? I ask because I have heard several talking-heads in Atlanta say that the Atlanta Hawks have NEVER won a 7-game playoff series (first round used to be best of 5).”
Stat man is right… the talking heads I’ve heard have all said the last 7-game series win for the Hawks was in 1970.
MannyT
April 20th, 2009
7:42 pm
Sekou, isn’t it a bit ironic that you know a principal named Twit?
One of Bibby’s greatest assets for this team is his perspective. Even though he had a bad series against Boston last year, I thought that it was great that he personally took on the Boston fans and took some of the focus away from the new guys. Portland could have used such a veteran ploy this past weekend.
Samuel, I will agree with Ray and say that Woody was robbed a little. I expected him to be in that Jerry Sloan territory on the COY vote. Now that Spoels finished ahead of him, I say we use that as more motivation to befuddle the Heat.
Elias Sports Bureau has too much idle time on its hands. Maybe the should have reversed the question to tell us when was the last playoff season where the Hawks played and did not have a game where all started scored in double figures.
Great start to the playoffs for the Hawks. We need to show the Heat that Sunday was no fluke, just another step to beat the heat.
BWAF
Blast
April 20th, 2009
7:43 pm
I laughed when I read about Sekou’s email being filled up with folks calling him about the amazing plays of Josh Smith. I laughed because we have been seeing Josh doing his thing for 5 years, and the national media/world is now beginning to realize what a special player this guy is. They ain’t seen nothing yet from the Hawks! Like I just read, Josh would be a rookie this year if he had attended four years of college!
Amazing, maybe again not to see Miami’s newspapers killing their team in the press. These are the words being tossed around. ‘Good old fashioned butt-kicking’, ‘Heat quit’, ‘Heat were crushed’, ‘thrashed’, ‘humiliated’, Wade was ‘pouting’, ’sulking’, ‘looking at the refs for help’, ‘and his young teammates could only follow the leader’.
MannyT
April 20th, 2009
7:46 pm
69-70 Hawks beat Bulls in playoffs 4-1
http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/ATL/1970.html
Now you know.
Watch Me Soar
April 20th, 2009
7:52 pm
Since everyone seems timid to say it, Then i’ll say it. The Heat are good as swept! The Hawks deserve all of the credit, not just some of it. LET’S GO HAWKS FANS, LET’S GO!
Najeh Davenpoop
April 20th, 2009
7:53 pm
In response to the article above, this is what Bibby gives the Hawks that Acie Law doesn’t. Yeah, the whole team gained valuable experience last year in the playoffs, but Bibby is eminently qualified to make a level-headed statement like that thanks to his extensive playoff experience, and he backs that up with his play more often than not.
It would be great if the Hawks could keep Bibby this offseason… I just don’t want them to reduce their ability to re-sign more important players like Joe Johnson and Al Horford by doing so.
While I’m talking about point guards… considering how useful Mario Chalmers was in fantasy for me this year (a threes, steals, and occasionally dimes machine), he was really underwhelming to watch in person. I think it was Ando who compared Rajon Rondo on last year’s Celtics to Chalmers on this year’s Heat… Rondo wasn’t a rookie last year so it’s not a fair comparison, but just in pure athleticism alone he is light years ahead of Chalmers.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 20th, 2009
7:54 pm
One more thing… would it be too soon for me to take brooms to Game 2? I was seriously considering it on the way home yesterday…
Blast
April 20th, 2009
8:12 pm
Celtics better be careful. Chicago isn’t here to play around. Celts lose game 2 with all their injuries, they won’t even make it out of roound one.
Samuel
April 20th, 2009
8:26 pm
Any way an underappreciated, underpaid, cheapskate teacher can get a playoff ticket for Wed.
Woody=COY
Najeh Davenpoop
April 20th, 2009
8:53 pm
I just saw Tyrus Thomas hit an 18-foot jumpshot… this after hitting what would be the game-winning shot in Game 1.
If Josh Smith could make that shot consistently… man, he would be an All Star. I’d love to see him work on that this offseason.
Samuel, 400-level tickets are only 12 bucks. From what I know some are still available.
kwooden1
April 20th, 2009
9:00 pm
I hate that I didn’t get a chance to blog after last nights IMPRESSIVE WIN!!!!!
It’s only one game, but the defensive intensity was outstanding!!! The two key plays to me, where Bibby making a block on Chalmers early in the 1st, along with JJ picking Wade and the HAWKS running all over the places for the ball!! HUGH PLAYS ALL AROUND!!!
KEYS to the GAME:
1) Miami’s rookies were overwelmed by the moment
2) Hawks scored most of their points off turnovers
3) Miami had 19 turnovers and shot 17.4% from 3
Miami really can’t play any worse. The Hawks got some many turnovers that it’s hard to tell how their half court offensive went, but overall I think it went OK. I think the HAWKS are going to have to keep running good half court offensive and make open 3s. Miami is going to score better so the HAWKS are going to have to keep making shots. Smith was hugh on both ends of the court and that will have to continue. I like the defensive concept on Wade, the HAWKS shouldn’t stop even if he starts to heat-up. It looked to me that Wade tired himself out early, then started to turn the ball over and never recovered. (that’s not going to happen Wed!)
GREAT WIN and GREAT ATMOSPHERE IN THE ARENA
GO HAWKS!!!!
Mike in Valdosta
April 20th, 2009
9:17 pm
Awesome game. Still need to keep Josh away from that 3 point line. But those oops were amazing.
Samuel
April 20th, 2009
9:18 pm
I’M LOOKING FOR A HANDOUT FOOL. I DON’T WANT NO 12 DOLLA TICKETS
Samuel
April 20th, 2009
9:22 pm
thanks Naj. I assumed the game was sold out.
Also, that was cute. I guess I have officially arrived. Some loser stole my identity.
Woody=COY
Big Ray
April 20th, 2009
9:26 pm
Man, these Bulls are serious about taking Boston down. Derrick Rose is out there blocking shots along with Thomas and Noah. Youch.
Amazing how not-awesome these Celts are without KG.
I wonder how that makes Mr. Paul “I believe I’m the best in the NBA” Pierce feel?
Melvin
April 20th, 2009
9:30 pm
Just getting a chance to post since attending the game last nite. No need recap since other done such a good job. Enjoying chatting it up with Doc, Ando, MannyT and Jhan. Man, it felt refreshing to see the Hawks dismantle another team in the playoffs. These young guys are growing up fast, right before our eyes. I like how we attack the paint on offense instead of settling for jumpshots. The Hawks defense was suffocating and they did a great job sharing the ball on offense. Miami could not keep up with the Hawks speed. Their young guys (Beasley, Mario) was not ready for the big lights of the playoffs. Which bring me to my last point. What happen to the Heat fans (Realty, Keepin it Real) that was posting on here prior to last nite game? Have they giving up hope already. Also, I notice the JSmoove bashing has disappeared as well…heh,heh
GO HAWKS…….
Samuel
April 20th, 2009
9:34 pm
$12 dolla tics gone.
Blast
April 20th, 2009
9:35 pm
I am going crazy right now! Looks like Bulls will take Game 2 also! Ben Gordon is going nuts! And Derrick Rose has not even been a major factor. Go Bulls, Go! Hawks could not do it last season, But Chicago might just knock off Boston in the first round. Hah! Won’t that be poetic justice?
HB Ando
April 20th, 2009
9:36 pm
Sam, I suspect there are some options for you on Craigslist, under the heading “any way?”
As far as Woody not getting the respect some feel he should, with COY voting, it’s probably more a matter of the perceived talent on this roster. Would have been pretty funny if BK had been eligible for GM/Exec of the Year, and had ended up with a better showing than Woody.
TB, you wouldn’t have “waited a long time for this team to mature” if BK had drafted Igoudala, Paul and Roy (but there’s no doubt, ironically, that Billy’s massive mistakes made the otherwise implausible opportunity to draft Horford possible). I’ll never, ever, understand how someone can get credit for a pick like Horford when the only reason the Hawks kept that pick was that Billy failed so famously that the Hawks had the fourth-worst record in the league, and then still beat the odds to snag the 3rd pick, foiling what would have been the catastrophe of giving the Suns the fourth overall pick that summer. It will never happen, but I’d love to hear Billy honestly state what pick he thought the Hawks would have that summer, when he only protected the top-3 picks in the Johnson deal. Given his outward arrogance regarding his rebuilding plan, I’m confident that he was certain that pick wouldn’t be any higher than mid-first round.
Giving Billy credit for drafting Horford is roughly the same as calling a lottery winner a financial genius.
While Bill Simmons didn’t name every player on his MVP rankings, from 450 all the way to 1st, it’s notable that Joe Johnson’s rank of 15 had him sandwiched by five, COUNT THEM FIVE, players who Billy either traded or clearly whiffed on with his draft choices: Diaw, 34th, Jason Terry, 16th, Deron Williams, 11th, Brandon Roy, 7th, and Chris Paul, 2nd, behind only Lebron James!
I defy anyone to find another GM who either gave away, or failed to draft, 5 of the top 34 players from this past season.
All credit to the current players, coaches and front office, for the success of this past season. But the fact that this team succeeded, with no contribution from the asset values of Childress, Stoudamire and Speedy, along with the names Billy passed on, is pretty strong evidence of the Hawks emergence IN SPITE of Billy’s leadership, NOT as a result of it.
Billy’s best two picks were “gimme’s”, in Josh Smith, who fell to him a good ten picks later than he had been projected to go, and Horford, who the Hawks never should have been in position to draft if Billy’s “plan” had been anything but an absolute flop.
Hawks show up for game 2 with the same kind of intensity, balance and “chip”, and they’ll go down to Miami up two and finding a Heat team already calling their travel agents for a quick spring get away.
Nothing quite like Josh Smith on a mission!
Melvin
April 20th, 2009
9:38 pm
Big Ray,
The halftime crew (Ando, Doc, MannyT) and I was debating where Derrick Rose rank amongst PG’s … I think the consensus was 4/5th.
1. Paul
Tie Parker/D.Williams
4. Devin Harris
Big Ray
April 20th, 2009
9:38 pm
Melvin,
Right on!
Blast,
Gordon is straight up nasty. Actually, Rose has been a major factor. Instead of taking over like he did last game, he’s been all over Rondo and the Celtics on defense, and has recognized when his teammates have been hot, and helped them stay that way by deferring to them.
What poise. What presence. I’m impressed with the young fella.
Big Ray
April 20th, 2009
9:40 pm
Melvin,
I hear ya. Rose is going to rise past Harris, I think. Not yet, but just wait. This kid is really something.
Meanwhile, Boston has gotten some BS calls to go their way.
Blast
April 20th, 2009
9:48 pm
Ben Gordon is cold blooded! I knew he was good, but this is the playoffs! Now you know why he felt he deserved 50 mil. Play for your contract year, Ben!
Big Ray
April 20th, 2009
9:51 pm
Boston really escaped in that one.
Blast
April 20th, 2009
9:52 pm
Celtics were lucky, and they should not celebrate for two long. Ray finally found his shot. Bulls lost simply because of second chance points of off offensive rebounds. And Rose wasn’t aggresive. If Celtics have to play this hard to beat the Bulls, then they are in trouble.
Big Ray
April 20th, 2009
9:52 pm
Blast,
They offered the man $50 million. He turned it down. Foolish…
Melvin
April 20th, 2009
9:53 pm
Ando,
BK could have done a Joe Dumars and drafted Yi…lol.. Speaking of Joe D, as much praise he received for putting a team together to win the Championship in ‘04 and being close to winning a 2nd title. I think the media has giving him a pass for the Darko fiasco. Just think, how many titles could Detroit won had Joe D drafted Carmelo, Wade or Bosh….
doc
April 20th, 2009
9:54 pm
wow, what a game in boston tonight. it is easy for me to see why the college game has lost so much luster for me and march madness pales in comparison to this. hard to believe this goes on for two months rather than three weeks.
gordon essentially went out, did the unbelievable only to be matched by the old guard ray allen once he made his mind up to be the man. good stuff!
Melvin
April 20th, 2009
9:56 pm
Celtics stole that game…lol
Melvin
April 20th, 2009
10:00 pm
Big Ray,
Look like the Bulls will need to put that 50mil back on the table for Gordon…. Although I can’t seeing him getting that type of money from another team. Especially with this economy…..
doc
April 20th, 2009
10:01 pm
classic line ando and without the vitriol:
“Giving Billy credit for drafting Horford is roughly the same as calling a lottery winner a financial genius.”
really good stuff dude.
sometimes winners are the lucky ones that can find a way, any way, to stay in the game.
Samuel
April 20th, 2009
10:06 pm
PG Rankings
1. Parker
2. Billips
3. Paul
4. Rose
5. Rondo
Ando, anybody who ranks B Diaw as the 34th best player in the league can’t be taken seriously. I’ll check craigslist.
Woody=COY
Melvin
April 20th, 2009
10:09 pm
Samuel, you like Rondo better than Deron Williams…. I can live with Billups in the top 5…
Samuel
April 20th, 2009
10:22 pm
I like both ends of the floor and playoff performers. Williams is a great player but I’d rather have Rondo because of his defense and speed.
I also think that Tony parker always gets lost in conversations about the best PG’s. He’s having his best year but nobody gives him any respect. He’s one of the best of all time in my opinion.
Paul has the “sexy” numbers but hasn’t really done much in the playoffs.
Rose is the total package.
Billips is also very under rated IMO.
Woody=COY
Najeh Davenpoop
April 20th, 2009
10:34 pm
While we are rating point guards, my rankings would go like this:
1. CP3
2. Billups
3. Parker
4. D-Will
5. Rondo
…with Harris, Rose, and Nash (in that order) not too far behind.
I think there’s one thing we can all agree on: the league is much, much better off at the point guard position now than it was five years ago, and it’s no coincidence that ball movement and offensive schemes around the league have gotten better. And with John Wall entering the league in two years, it only figures to get better.
Follow up question: where would y’all rank Bibby? Ahead of any of the players I mentioned above?
Melvin
April 20th, 2009
10:39 pm
Najeh, maybe 10th behind Baron Davis.
kentrell
April 20th, 2009
10:41 pm
bibby played good defense last night some thing nobody mention. he had a block.
Melvin
April 20th, 2009
10:41 pm
Moe Williams deserve some consideration to being in my Top 10 as well..
Samuel
April 20th, 2009
10:45 pm
Bibby and Nash are pretty much a wash. Nash is more flashy but not as good a defender as Bibby. He needs to hook up with D’Antoni fast, just like his sidekick “The Matrix”.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 20th, 2009
10:58 pm
Oh yeah, does anyone else think it’s f-cking retarded that the Hawks have to play the LeBrons in Round 2 regardless of whether the Celtics and Magic win? If all the Game 1 winners end up winning their respective series, the 6th-seeded Sixers would get to host the 7th-seeded Bulls in Round 2 while the Hawks have to play the top-seeded Cavs with no home court advantage, unless they changed that rule while I was sleeping. In other words the Sixers get the easiest draw of the four remaining teams, which isn’t fair to the Hawks OR the Cavs. Why the hell doesn’t the NBA adopt the NFL system where the lowest seed plays the highest seed in each round?
Samuel
April 20th, 2009
11:06 pm
Wanna hear an amazing stat? Tony parker is only 26 years old. 3 years older than Chris Paul.
otrhawksfan
April 20th, 2009
11:09 pm
i hate that team in boston!!
Samuel
April 20th, 2009
11:16 pm
Chicago missed a serious chance to upset the Celtics. The C’s will find a way now.
It really doesn’t matter that much to me. Any game we win past the first round is gravy. I’d just as soon have LeBron and Company come in and give the Hawks that extra exposure. You gotta go thru the best anyways. Bring em on.
Melvin
April 20th, 2009
11:21 pm
Since we are on the PG topic, maybe we should trade the rights to JChill this summer and pickup and 2010 1st rounder. Than package the 2 picks to be in a position to draft John Wall. Im sure he’s 1 and done in with College. Check out the site below b/c I don’t know how to link it here under this new site format…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKe8Dl3qKew
Najeh Davenpoop
April 20th, 2009
11:48 pm
And since we are still on the point guard topic, it seems like an appropriate time to mention that Ricky Rubio has declared for the 2009 draft.
Snowman
April 21st, 2009
12:50 am
Samuel great take earlier (your 1st blog entry…top of page)!!!…Why don’t more people get that about coach Woodson?…How did Erik Spoelstra get 3 times more votes than Woodson?…P-A-L-E-E-S-E!!!!…
By the way, what is the deal with Jeff Schultz?…Why is he so negative when it comes to the Hawks and especially coach Woodson?…Is there history between the two?…Seriously can anyone explain?…Every time I read his stuff about the Hawks it drives me crazy?…I’m in DC and our Wizard columnists don’t dog the local basketball coach every chance he gets?…Crazy? (there has to be an explanation?)…I don’t know why the owner of the AJC tolerates it. He can and should be replaced or moved to another part of the paper (at least for the playoff run…smile).
SouthAfrican09
April 21st, 2009
1:07 am
I’m sick of this talk from our idiot GM (who says our goal was to win 5 more games [winning record] and to make playoffs) and from fans that our only goal is to just win a series.
WTF? The goal is to win a championship. We’ve beaten every elite team in the NBA besides the Celtics this year. We have beaten the Lakers and Cavs. Why would we set our goals so low? We need to make it to the championship. We didn’t work hard for 6 months so we could lose to LeBron and the official and their superstar treatment
Come on people
SouthAfrican09
April 21st, 2009
1:08 am
With our current owners, this team is set up for futility.
The morons have no PR skills and will hold out on any extension offers (seems like we owe 3/4 of the team new contracts this offseason). They will alienate all our FA’s, but that’s okay, according to our ownership, most of whom don’t even live in Atlanta…A Washington resident was sighted wearing a Smoove jersey! That’s all that matters!
Ariose
April 21st, 2009
1:09 am
“He’s a freakish athlete,” said Miami’s Dwyane Wade, the NBA’s leading scorer during the regular season but a mere onlooker as Smith led the Hawks to a 90-64 blowout in the opener to the best-of-seven series. “There’s no one on the court, really no one in the NBA, who can match his athleticism. That’s tough. You can’t practise it. You can’t scout it.”
“He can be a dynamic player,” Spoelstra said. “When he gets out in the open court like that, he changes the game for them. He really can. A lot of those plays are above the rim. Not a lot of guys can beat him up there.”
“One thing that really would define him is being a better jump shooter,” Miami’s Jermaine O’Neal said. “If he keeps working, he can be one of the top 10 guys in our league. He has that much athleticism. The only thing is his jumper. He’s very, very streaky and very, very inconsistent with his jump shot.”
“We really don’t have a lot of televised games,” Smith said. “People don’t get to see what I bring to the table for 82 games. When I don’t get it going offensively, I’m in there grabbing rebounds, getting assists, playing good at the defensive end.”
“His athletic ability is right there or above everybody else,” Wade said. “After that, you have to put the work in to become a great player.”
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gkVut3qgulBmhsvB8BByA9ZJn8jQ
Ariose
April 21st, 2009
1:49 am
The Hawks not only switch the pick-and-rolls, they will occasionally trap the ballhandler, go under the screen or just make stuff up as they go. As Udonis Haslem put it, “I don’t even think they have any idea what they’re going to do sometimes.”
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/story/1009189.html
Ariose
April 21st, 2009
1:52 am
…..Thats Just rock solid defense right there. Way to go Woody.
Dante Fitzgerald
April 21st, 2009
1:55 am
“20 cent towels which I used to blow my nose last night”
SouthAfrica, homeboi u is funny!
Ariose
April 21st, 2009
2:05 am
This article has good suggestions on how the HEat ca play better against us…..
http://mvn.com/leavingitallonthecourt/2009/04/goin-back-to-basics.html
darrell starks
April 21st, 2009
4:46 am
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeadManWalking
April 21st, 2009
5:48 am
Yeah, Dumars has been getting a pass for Darko. He doesnt deserve it. But I also say that he did not screw up high lottery picks back to back with a team that needed all the help it could possibly get. And his teams have pretty much been winning teams that made the playoffs year after year despite his gaffes. I can think of some that cant claim the same but its too late to care about that right at the moment. As it is, BK is gone and we have one here who isnt exactly a draft wizard himself. A possible problem for another day.
It is amazing that Tony Parker is not that old. Whats more amazing is how a top, established coach like Popovich managed to have the patience and ability to mold a wild, out of control young Euro French kid into one of the NBAs best point guards. It took some hard work and TRUST on his part. But thats what GOOD coaches do. Take raw, unfinished projects with good potential, and help mold them into good or great players. On that same note I dont see any point in drafting a point guard this year or any other year. Obviously would be a waste unless he is a obvious superstar guard and we already proven we dont know that when we see it.
doc
April 21st, 2009
7:36 am
ariose two good articles you posted. interesting take at the end of the first:
‘Spoelstra also has to figure out a rotation to counter a Hawks group that rarely allows anyone under 6-7 to touch the floor. On Sunday, his answer was to exclude Jamaal Magloire entirely, which might not have been the wisest choice against a sizable frontline.
Maybe the coach was just as lost as his superstar was. But if the Heat is going to find its way before it’s too late, the onus will be on him and Wade to awaken from the malaise of a miserable Game 1.”
the second pretty much left it at the feet of spoelestra to get his act together and do what ando suggested in his concerns going into the series, start beasley and let him attack. what do they have to lose? someone pointed out they had a big who could hurt us, instead spoelestra stuck with a clearly overpowered o’neal while the big sat the whole game. maybe spoelestra is crazy like a fox as samuel says of woody when he tries to convince us it was woody’s plan all year to ramp it up in the playoffs and do what so many have suggested and has been holding us back for the playoffs so he could unleash the animals in the playoffs at full speed. yeah, not!
woody = top 10 coy when you put it like that, unless he wins the nba big ring. woody did out coach his young opponent in spoelestra, as that was pointed out in suggesting strengths and weaknesses before the series, it would be one of our advantages for a change. let us see if the team can hold service in the e game.
O'brien
April 21st, 2009
8:01 am
I agree that if Josh Smith develops a consistent jump shot, he will be (almost) unstoppable.
And good job Bibby, who actually played some defense (although Miami’s PG’s are not much to write home about). We will need even more defense from Bibby when we get to Mo’ Williams
kwooden1
April 21st, 2009
8:44 am
Doc, personally I think Magloire has lost two or three steps because he’s a one time All-Star but now can’t even break into any NBA teams rotation let alone starting lineup! But he also only needs to be effective for 10-15 mins a game to have a significant impact, especially against the Hawks backup centers. Overall though Zaza and Solo can hold their own against Magloire in terms of rebounding, so I don’t think its a huge concern.
Clearly Miami is going to play better and Wade will have less turnovers. The HAWKS are going to have to shoot better from 3, especially Evans! JSmoove and Horford have to continue to attack the paint, they really set the tone last game. With all of JSmoove’s dunks, we all missed how well JJ played. He was taking his man off the dribble and scoring in the paint at will. He played great defense, he was as quick on that end as I’ve seen him. I think he will have to make a little more of a statement this game, because we’ll probably need more of his offensive. Also, as stated earlier by many, GREAT GAME BIBBY!! KEEP IT UP!
GO HAWKS!!
Astro Joe
April 21st, 2009
9:35 am
If Magloire is the savior of the Heat, then it’s time for the Hawks to start chilling the champagne. Yes, Magloire may not allow the Hawks to grab 15 more boards than the Heat, but we will likely see 8-10 more free throw attempts as Horford spins past him each and every time. The way the Heat will win is by getting Jones, Cook and Moon to get hot from 3-land. That will force the Hawks to move out of the paint and create driving lanes for Wade. The Hawks don’t like to defend the 3-point line because it keeps them from defending the rim. As long as their 3-point shooters stay cold, this should be a relatively easy series for us (regardless of what Magloire does).
I whole-heartedly agree with Samuel about Tony Parker. He is almost ALWAYS left off the list of elite PGs. And he is surprisingly young and still getting better. Bibby doesn’t rank high amongst PGs across the league, but he was the right available PG for this team. You have to remember how many leads this team lost in the 4th quarter pre-Bibby. He gave the team confidence that we had a great “closer” to help them finish the contest.
doc
April 21st, 2009
9:43 am
kwooden i didnt say start magloiore though i was surprised beasley wasnt in the starting line up. i was surprised to think he hadnt seen any action at tne end of the game. yeah they can hold their own against mag only no one on the hat was able to put up any resistance against us and that was what their coach didnt alter his game plan to stop. it might not have worked but you cant find out until you try.
i mentioned it erlier that i was not impressed with the body language of beasley and his young cohorts. they cam off the floor looking like they were tired, done and dint want to go back in and this was at the end of the second quarter. will see but they dont look to have the guts to climb back in.
yeah, jj was energetic and making some major moves i havent seen since the start of the season. he didnt convert as often as i would expect from him on a good night, he did keep the defense honest to help out the interior guys. team play is where it is at for these guys just like it was for the pistons of late before the changes this year. bibby probably played his best point guard game of the season, hope he continues.
doc
April 21st, 2009
9:52 am
aj agree with your assessment about magliore. he wont change things but it seemed they wanted o’neal to bring the offense not the guys you listed. that will only fall into our hands if they continue that. i doubt o’neal will have any more presence in the paint on defense so why keep him in there. we have trashed him from the first game he was with the raptors when i thought they would be stronger only to end up losing by 20 or so. it was the first major blow out of the year for us to show he way. i look forward to seeing more of o’neal at that rate.
surprised that samuel gave cred to a euro punk like parker that was brought along and coached up from his primitive skill base. he is a major reason they are still in it without his running mate ginobli another foreign threat with duncan, truly, an international american team.
vava74
April 21st, 2009
10:00 am
Several dangers have to be considered:
1. The NBA wants Wade to proceed and match up against Lebron, hence the officiating might kill us.
2. Excessive confidence: the team must really realise that they absolutely must come out of the gate on Wednesday fully focused and then keep it until the buzzer.
3. Josh Smith might now think is the king of the world when in fact he only – and in a brilliant way – did his share of the job after a team effort in the defensive end lead to some easy baskets. He absolutely must refrain from shooting 3s and concentrate on defense (good help defence and not exactly shot blocking) and in rebounding. We need to win the battle of the boards since we are bound to have lapses in which the ball will not go in and on the other side Wade might get some fast break oportunities and get his mojo going.
4. In general, keep the ball moving and find the free man, avoiding forced shots.
Ariose
April 21st, 2009
10:12 am
LOLOLOLOLOL!!!!
Peachtreehoops has named all of smooves dunks!
http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2009/4/21/847102/naming-josh-smiths-dunks
Sekou Smith
April 21st, 2009
10:17 am
The point guards in this draft intrigue me. From Rubio and Jennings to Lawson and possibly Mills. This could be an extremely deep PG draft and the Hawks could have a good pick to snatch one that falls out of the lottery. Or they could target someone like Jarrett Jack and go after an established player.
Blast
April 21st, 2009
10:26 am
I did talk about Bibby’s defence in the first game, and he had two blocks.
Tony Parker is an elite point guard in this league, and he rarely gets the credit he deserves. Parker is the highest scoring point guard in the paint in the NBA. He can get to the rim at will, and finish. If I was asked to pick an all NBA team, it would be hard for me to leave him off that list.
I don’t think Hawks will come out over confident. They pretty much said so themselves, and Bibby won’t let that happen anyway. The beauty about this Hawks team is you never know who the hero will be every game. You never know which player will hurt you. Joe scores only 15, Josh was the hero and they still blow out heat. Next night it might be Joe dropping 30 on ya, or Bibby scoring 25, or Marvin putting in 28, or Flip going crazy with 30 points. You just never know with the Hawks. One thing I know is, so long as they bring the intensity and defence needed, the offence will take care of itself. Go Hawks!
So the 1st 3 teams that dropped the home opener redeemed themselves. But home court is still lost.
doc
April 21st, 2009
10:39 am
okay it is a rhetorical qusetion but after seeing how poor a team the heat are why would stern and co. want a poorly competitive team like the heat in it when they want advertising dollars. if the heat couldnt make it a series then dollars in revenues would sink because of a shorted series. certainly at some point their cpa’s, lawyers, programming specialists and advisory committees that look at such stuff would see the hawks as the more competitive team and tell the officials the rules have changed. heh heh
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.
Astro Joe
April 21st, 2009
6:48 pm
Clyde, oh ye of little faith. But that was funny.
Raj, I’d be ALL over Gortat. He is a good player with above average shot-blocking skills. He could give us solid low post defense off the bench.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 21st, 2009
7:11 pm
Enter your comments hereVolman
April 21st, 2009
7:56 pm
Astro, does Clyde still come around with the FIRE WOODY talk? I really have not seen him lurking around here much.
Al, most of us bloggers on here are either season ticket holders or go to the majority of games, so you’re more than welcome to meet us up here in Atlanta and we can get you a nice jersey for your dad
SouthAfrican09
April 21st, 2009
8:16 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
Blast
April 21st, 2009
8:18 pm
HA! Really funny stuff on the blog tonite!
Blast
April 21st, 2009
8:27 pm
What’s up Reality?
You are a Heat fan and I am a Hawks fan. No one can blame each other for that. I saw all games Hawks played this season, just like I’ve done since coming to the ATL 11 years ago. So I know my team, and I’m sure the same applies to you. The difference is, I’m almost positive I’ve seen more Heat games (courtesy of their darlings, the national media) than you’ve seen Hawks play. All I’m trying to say is I know my team better than you do, while I know your team almost as well as you do. Hawks will win game 2, and take one in Miami. We won there this season, remember?
It’s all good, though. The games will be played and decided. Glad to have you on the blog. Stay around after we knock off your boys and maybe we can convert you into a Hawks fan.
Nate ArchiBALL
April 21st, 2009
8:42 pm
Top Five Point Guards
1. Chris Paul
2. Deron Williams
3. Chauncey Billups
4. Tony Parker
5. Andre Miller
doc
April 21st, 2009
8:44 pm
volman, clyde is a man of his word as he proved last year. got to admire him for it, he said he would be positive until the playoffs are over and he has held onto than except for his severe man love with sean williams as a potential presence in the middle for the hawks. down right crazy if you ask me. sean and him must have met up in rio and had a good time to be so insistent the guy can play.
Blast
April 21st, 2009
8:50 pm
Cleveland is just toying with Detroit right now.
Lots of NBA teams play a terrible offense. Take Chicago last night. When the game grounded to half court in the second round, Chicago started playing two-man basketball. It was just a matter of the point bringing the ball up, then bouncing, dribbling around the perimeter while the shooter runs from side to side trying to get free on a screen to get a shot off. You get that more with jumpshooting teams, Detroit doing the same thing tonite. Whatever happened to team basketball? Moving the ball, let every man touch it before shooting?
Ben Gordon was the designated gunner in the Bulls example above. And he was the reason Chicago almost won it. They wouldn’t have come close if Gordon hadn’t been super hot.
Brad Miller put up a poor performance last night. He scored some points, but blew two layups at the rim. If he had more lift, or was Josh Smith, those would have been thunderous dunks.
Volman
April 21st, 2009
9:05 pm
Doc, SEAN WILLIAMS? Haha…. You have GOT to be kidding me!
Hawks Fan in New Orleans
April 21st, 2009
9:14 pm
Its nice to have a vet like Bibby putting things in perspective and keeping the younger guys grounded…That being said I don’t see anyone stepping up to be D Wade’s ‘Robin’.
J Oneal is like a beached whale, washed up on Miami Beach…When D Wade “willed” his team the championship in 06, he had a better supporting cast.
Clyde
April 21st, 2009
9:16 pm
Sean Williams had more blocks than Al Horford last year. Look it up Volman
Clyde
April 21st, 2009
9:21 pm
Horford Lost The Battle 106-76
Horford averaged 31 mpg Sean Williams averaged 17 mpg.
kwooden1
April 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
I will throw this out on the blog -
I think to many people tell JSmoove he’ll be great if he only does ….. better. We all see potential, but it was actually very irritating to hear Barkley, Webber and Smith say JSmoove’s play on Sunday wasn’t impressive because he needs to learn to shoot then he will be Special/Great. It sounded like they were saying if he shoots better he’s going to be Lebron or Kobe. I get the feeling that he’s been hearing that kind of talk for years and either he ignores it now or has taken it to much to heart. I would say just improve your all around game. My issue with him shooting is that the team doesn’t need it. The team needs people to play there roles. A team needs a Creator, Scorer, Shooter, Rebounder and a Low Post Presents. Its obvious from that list the JSmoove should be the Rebounder! He can alternate with Horford, but that’s what the team needs. It seems that to many people are waiting for JSmoove to all of sudden become Odom, but his team doesn’t need it. If he was the man on a team, I think he’s got the focus to play more dynamically like Odom. If he shoots when he’s open and when he has too, I’m fine. Otherwise he needs to play he’s role just like everyone else. Just my thoughts!
As for PGs
1)CP3 (plays he’s role better than anyone, he would have 3 rings with Duncan and Ginobili
2)DWill (next best at playing he’s role)
3)Parker
4)Nash/Davis(when health)
5)Rondo
Kidds still got something also!
GO HAWKS!!!
Hoops
April 21st, 2009
9:39 pm
Several Hawks fans are still talking about the Hawks taking a point guard in this draft. There seems to be less debate about the need for a 5 player. It seems that most fans have accepted that Horford fills our need as a 5 with Smooth filling the need as a 4. Are there any opinions out there about the future direction of the Hawks?
I think this debate will take on a new interest if the Hawks beat the Heat and then defeat the Cavs. Then people will realize how close the Hawks are with their current roster and coaching staff! GO HAWKS!!!
doc
April 21st, 2009
9:55 pm
volman, told you, those blocks, a lot of weed and one broken computer, greeaat year. sitting at home with us watching nba basketball. no, i doubt he is doing that at all. he has only proved to be a loser being sent back to the d league wasnt it?
btw clyde, you broke your promise to not say anything negative about the hawks until the summer starts and horford is still pretty important cog blocks or not.
Eman
April 21st, 2009
9:59 pm
Everybody, why are people hating on Billy Knight? People say that he missed on Chris Paul, Brandon Roy and Darren Williams; who in the world knew that CP3 and Darren Williams were going to be that good!! BK passed on Brandon Roy because we had an all- star player named Joe Johnson and that would be a wasted pick on the same position. Anyway, Marvin Williams was projected to be a beast by everyone in the league!!! I like Mar- Will (Marvin Williams) because he will be an all star in this league just watch!!! This team is going to be great one day because our young team will grow up and with some new pieces here and there; we will be champions in the next couple of years!! BK may have missed on a pg but he has created a team that will be a powerhouse in the near future. The key is Josh Smith progression!! If he becomes an all star player who gives us 20 and 10 each night along with AL this time will be an unstoppable team. True Atlanta fan needs to stand up and be glad for what we have because it could be worst we could be The T- WOVLES!!
Hawks Lets Go!!!!!!!!!!!!
Volman
April 21st, 2009
10:02 pm
Clyde, is Sean Williams still in the league?? I would not have known if he were still in the NBA or not… He’s such a nonentity.
I didn’t realize that how many blocks per game you had shows how good of a player you are. Horford can actually score (which Williams cannot), defend (Williams can jump..but what does he weight, 195?), and he is a NATURAL leader and brings a winning mentality to this Hawks team. I’d rather have that than the guy who can take the longest tug from the bong.
Doc…just read your post… He’s in the d-league? Ouch. Maybe he’s lighting it up and blocking shots on the “Antz” or whatever team that is!
doc
April 21st, 2009
10:11 pm
volman he made it back then ran into probs with the law,
doc
April 21st, 2009
10:22 pm
let us check out this year clyd, you know one more year of maturity. here is your guys stats, read them and weep:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/4295/gamelog;_ylt=Ahk0S_Em4EiieInK6H9jZsCaPaB4
what it says volman that you clyde and i could put all our hands together and count more fingers on our hands than sean had blocks this season, 29. also for the record horford had 80 and about 800 points to sean’s 80. that is a ten to one ratio clyde … THIS YEAR. get over it, down right silly.
Jody
April 21st, 2009
10:33 pm
My take on the hawks is while they’re playing well now, they’re not going to be an elite team until they get a legitimate 5. It won’t really be much of an issue this series but if they get to round two, against a team with legit bigs, they’re going to struggle BIG TIME.
Jody
April 21st, 2009
10:54 pm
Also, considering the chatter that the Hawks were in talks to try to aquire Chris Kaman at the deadline, I’d say the new GM considers getting a true center to be a priority. GOOD FOR HIM!
KevinA
April 21st, 2009
10:56 pm
The Hawks are not going to win a championship this year or next. We have time to wait deep into next season to see how Speedy and Acie will work out. Bibby’s contract gives us three directions. Keep him, let him go and have plenty of cash for another pg or get us another first class big. I think we gotta keep Marvin, Al, JJ and Josh. Ya don’t trade your core, you add to it.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 21st, 2009
10:57 pm
“who in the world knew that CP3 and Darren Williams were going to be that good!!”
General managers get paid millions of dollars to know who will be good in the draft. By not knowing that CP3 and Deron Williams would be great, Billy Knight failed at his job.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 21st, 2009
11:00 pm
“Sean Williams had more blocks than Al Horford last year.”
Joel Anthony averaged the same number of blocks this year as Sean Williams did last year. Surely this means he’s a lock down defender. Wonder why the Heat don’t play him more?
Big Ray
April 22nd, 2009
12:32 am
I see Clyde has re-opened old wounds.
Clyde, I didn’t figure you for a masochist…
Kwooden1,
I agree. Josh needs to play his role. Now, if only this team had defined roles. And there, my friend, lies the issue…
Volman
April 22nd, 2009
12:33 am
Doc, NICE!!!
Clyde
April 22nd, 2009
3:39 am
Doc how was that negative? All I did was give a stat and that that’s it. Take it how you want but I wasn’t being negative. And S Williams finished the year with the Nets.
Najeh Davenpoop averages are different that totals
Clyde
April 22nd, 2009
3:45 am
Doc weed is a powerful drug. It makes you do crazy things. If S Williams can stop smoking he could be a strong defensive player in this league. And for the record yall keep bringing this up not me. Check the blog records.
Samuel
April 22nd, 2009
7:08 am
Ray,
Was that a sneeky “hate” on Woody? Face it man, you and many others were dead wrong about Woody. The guy is here to stay.
Woody=COY
doc
April 22nd, 2009
7:32 am
clyde, come join us at the pretzel stand after you get your jack daniels if you are in the building tonight.
clyde as far as the idea of our continuing to bring it up …. i wont go back and research it but sean williams was brought up by you on more than one occasion (like a continuous thread) this year as a “need” that he could fill for the hawks and how he was more a center than horford. if you want to say he hasnt lived up to the expectations and may be a lost cause then most of us will agree with you. sean and marcus williams were the guys with the most potential and biggest names that fell from a fairly high position in the draft because folks were afraid of their past. it seems like it was worth the concern because they have proved folks right in holding off on picking them high because their work ethic was suspect. both may have to work hard to get back into the league or a place of stature, i doubt either has the drive to excel and that was seen before they left college.
samuel, you are right if woody continues to get us unto position to play the cavs on the big screen and gets a couple of wins against them then folks had better get ready to see an extension this summer for the man. woody = top ten coy this year but may be climbing especially if sund can keep his team together and bring in another “piece”. if not he should maybe hold out for a better offer from another team as he is job secure for a while in the league. that is for real, only heh is still a work in progress like his players. the basg have a decision to make and maybe sund can remind them how seattle let mcmillan slide out from under their fingers to go elsewhere and move a lot smoother into the lime light. must say you have rallied back from the man love days of curry and isiah.
woody is looking better and better.
Volman
April 22nd, 2009
9:45 am
Are we talking Mike Woodson contract extensions on this blog? Blasphemy!
Sautee
April 22nd, 2009
9:47 am
I’ll defend Clyde here. Yes, he brought up Sean Williams a million times or so early on. But since the trade deadline, (and Williams’ trevails)vhe’s hardly mentioned him, unless another blogger brought it up first. Which, of course I DID, along with Ray, doc, and others.
It’s what we do here. We make sure that you don’t forget.
But Clyde’s been a fount of positivity lately, and only brought up Williams today from doc’s stick poking, and Volman not knowing the whole story.
peace!
SouthAfrican09
April 22nd, 2009
9:50 am
I feel so bad about Mutombo’s injury. Anyone know if the hostile Portland crowd applauded him as he was taken off the court?
O'brien
April 22nd, 2009
10:14 am
I said this before. What Woody needs is an assistant coach (with a system) to be in charge of the offense, and Woody can be in charge of the defense.
Mike Brown in Cleveland has one assistant in charge of defense, and another in charge of offense. Doc Rivers has an assistant in charge of defense, Phil Jackson has Tex Winters and his triangle offense.
As good as the Hawks have been, if we had an offensive identity, we would be even more dangerous.
That being said, Let’s go out and put another whipping on these Heat. The bad thing is despite game 1 blowout, the media refuses to acknowledge the Hawk’s dominance in that game, so we need to do it again tonight.
Volman
April 22nd, 2009
10:49 am
O’Brien, you have to realize that this “team has many deficiencies”, per Kenny “The Jet” Smith. He DID win a ring while being carried by guys like Hakeem The Dream.
Astro Joe
April 22nd, 2009
11:16 am
Sekou, can you weigh in on this “offensive coordinator” issue? Does Woody have assigned roles for his coaching staff?
JuniorBridgeman
April 22nd, 2009
11:34 am
NEWSFLASH EVERYONE. We now have an emerging star in Josh Smith. In game one against Miami, the basketball world watched Josh Smith transform into the NBAs version of the “Incredible Hulk”. Before that game, Josh had had repeated run-ins with Mike Woodson during the regular season, tons of mental mistakes such as shooting 3-pointers on fast breaks before the offense catches up with him, just a slew of bonehead mistakes. However, in game one on the NBAs biggest stage, the playoffs, Josh Smith played so well that his steller play even caught the attention of Hall of Fame legend Charles Barkley. I heard Barkley say on TNTs inside the NBA on the wrap up show that if Josh Smith would learn to shoot jumpshots by going into the gym and practicing shooting around 400 jumpshots a day, he could become the NBAs best player. Thats quite a compliment coming from a hall of fame legend. Joshs talent has been in incubation mode for quite sometime since he came into the league. But in game one against Miami, Josh became as I said earlier like the Incredible Hulk and was totally unstoppable and gave the Hawks a weapon that is almost darn near impossible to stop. If Josh continues to play like this from now on, the Hawks may end up as World Champions before the sun has set on this NBA campaign. What an incredible bliss to be a Hawks fan these days.
Volman
April 22nd, 2009
12:33 pm
Junior, I assume I’ll see you in Philips Arena tonight waving your Hawks towel?
Volman
April 22nd, 2009
12:34 pm
Typo, sorry.. “waiving”.
O'brien
April 22nd, 2009
1:04 pm
I loved the effort from Josh Smith in game 1, but like Sekou said… Pump your brakes. Let’s not forget that Josh played well at Phillips against the Celtics in the playoffs last year, and what happened when he went on the road? We’ve also seen Josh have his ups and downs during the season as well. We all know he has the talent. The question is his consistency, especially on the road.
On the TNT broadcoast, did anyone hear Dick Stockton refer to Zaza as “Pachula”? I thought that was funny. It reminded me of Nique and his pronounciations…
Mike is back
April 22nd, 2009
2:35 pm
Doc, I stop by the spot at half time for a sec Sunday…I’ll try to catch-up with the crew again during the playoff…I let my pumpkin hustle me out of my tix for tonight’s game. Where did they get that one weak looking cat in the black tights dancing during intermission…he had my wife cracking up.
I Think DWade will do his thing tonight, but the Hawks will get the victory. Glad Woody decided to play up-tempo ball…that was the difference in the game. If this is part of the Hawks strategy for the remainder playoff…then look out Cavs here we come.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!