Better pack some swagger Hawks!
The Hawks have played well in Florida this season, including a season opening win in Orlando. They'll need to dial up another one, or two, in Miami.
HAWKSVILLE - The Hawks’ epic struggles on the road have been well documented this season.
From a fantastic start early in the season with wins over both Orlando and New Orleans to the end of the season, when the Hawks strung together gritty back-to-back wins (in Toronto and Milwaukee) to save their home court advantage fortunes, the Haws big hits on the road were few and extremely far between.
But if they’re serious about taking this first round playoff series over the Miami Heat, the Hawks better make sure they’ve packed some serious swagger for Games 3 and 4 in the house that Dwyane Wade built.
Play like the fragile, shell-shocked crew that got trounced in four games in Boston during last year’s series against the Celtics, and this series might end prematurely.
Show up like the supremely confident bunch that smoked the Magic and Hornets at the start of this season, and the control the Heat feel they have right now will disintegrate before the sun comes up Sunday morning.
I’ve heard nothing of from Hawks captain Joe Johnson or anyone else about a no-nightlife policy in Miami similar to the one the Wade and Udonis Haslem enacted for their teammates while in our fair city for Games 1 and 2 (granted, no one is certain the Heat lived up to that edict. But it sounded like the right thing to do at the time).
But if the Hawks need any reminders of how truly important this business trip is to their postseason fortunes … surely they don’t.
Spirit The Hawk hanging with Hawks Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins during one of the dirty bird's better days. Spirit's free flying days at Philips Arena are officially over, per a statement from the Hawks.
ENOUGH ABOUT BASKETBALL, for a minute at least. And we are allowed to discuss other things, briefly, when they make us laugh or are ridiculous enough that we just can’t ignore them.
This item qualifies in both categories.
As if things couldn’t get any more ridiculous after the Spirit the Hawk fiasco from Game 2, that blasted bird is back in the news again.
He had his wings clipped by the organization Thursday evening. And this morning I get the news that Spirit is already “Tweetin” or whatever you call it when you spend too much time on Twitter.
In the pantheon of sports mascot disasters, Spirit’s unauthorized in-game flight and the resulting public relations nightmare (seriously, Spirit rivaled the Miss California-Perez Hilton flap for the most ridiculous thing you’ve seen on the air the past few days) could only have happened here.
Honestly, can you see this stuff happening anywhere else but Philips Arena?
It’s as tragic as it is comical.
WHILE WE’RE ON THE SUBJECT of tragic.
Has anyone seen the Hawks’ bench lately?
Flip Murray scored 15 points on 4-for-15 shooting in Game 2 and the Hawks’ reserves were still outscored 37-20 in that loss.
Both teams went four players deep into the bench in Game 2, but with far different results. Murray and his bench mates shot a combined 6-for-20 from the floor and managed just six rebounds between them. The Heat bench, led by Daequan Cook, shot a nasty 14-for-26 from the floor, including an insane 8-for-11 from beyond the 3-point line, and also grabbed 19 rebounds.
While studying the anatomy of the Hawks’ defeat, make sure to include the disparity in bench production up high on the talking points list.
In today’s edition of the SOUTH FLORIDA REPORT we have several items worthy of your time.
According to my man Mike Wallace of the Miami Herald the Heat is stealing a page from the Hawks’ playoff book and trying to stay humble after a big win in the series. We’ll see if they have better luck with that than the Hawks.
Wade apparently has more going on that just basketball, per the Herald. Of all the times to bring this stuff up … is there ever a good time for this stuff? Probably not.
My guy Ira Winderman from the Sun-Sentinel had some interesting statistical minutiae on his blog. In fact, he made several points that make even more sense a couple days after the game than they might have immediately after the game.
Former AJC staff writer Carlos Frias of the Palm Beach Post snapped me back from the silliness with this sobering story about Udonis Haslem and the tough time he and his family have endured and continue to deal with during this series.
THE LAST WORD today goes to blog regular niremetal, via Big Ray, who keeps the party jumping along with HB Ando on the Hawks Hack blog. When it comes to keen observations, no one does it better than you all (and I know it’s time to move on to Game 3 but for a rehash of Game 2, this is it):
Since they were easy to miss, here’s a compilation of my 4 comments about tonight’s game -
1) Where’s Mario?
2) Man. JJ bricks two free throws and Josh throws the ball into the seats on a breakaway. Clearly, clearly, clearly the focus wasn’t there tonight.
3) That being said, if the Heat can only win if they shoot 58% from deep and have JJ on the bench with foul trouble for the entire third quarter (and he had NO rhythm when he came back from that), then the Hawks definitely can bounce back.
4) And finally…Marvin goes on a tear in the 3rd and Woodson decides to bench him for the rest of the game? WTF??
To respond to your bit about JJ…this was the ultimate in Woody asking him to do too much and him breaking down. He actually guarded Wade pretty [dang] well in the first half. Most of Wade’s points when JJ was in the game came when either Flip or Mo was covering him; most of the rest came when Bibby switched onto him off a screen. But JJ eventually got into foul trouble. And Woody is so [darn] terrified of leaving a player with foul trouble in the game that he benched JJ for almost the entire third quarter. What the [HECK] is that about? Like most shooters, JJ needs a rhythm to be at his best. Benching him for a good 25 minutes of real time (even though it was just 9 minutes of game time) just iced him for the rest of the game. And then when JJ finally came back, it looked like Woody put him on Wade again while Flip guarded Cook (?!?).
He never tried putting Mario in to hassle Wade, even after it was clear that Mo and Flip were getting shredded and JJ was toiling and getting into foul trouble from having to chase Wade around screens.
And he benched Zaza right after he made a tough shot on one end and drew a charge on the other.
And here’s the worst one. The one that makes the absolute least amount of sense. He benched Marvin after Marvin scored 7 points in the quarter on 3-4 shooting and didn’t allow his man to score a single point for the entire quarter. Jones scored less than 1 minute after Marvin went to the bench, after Jones/Cook/Beasley had been held scoreless for the entire third period while Marvin was in. And Marvin was never seen for the rest of the game.
It makes no sense. None. NONE.
Pardon my French, but we are royally [screwed] if he can’t show the ability to make in-game adjustments, because the Heat WILL go on at least 1-2 runs every single game.
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278 comments Add your comment
terrell barron
April 24th, 2009
12:05 pm
Hawks better not lose this series. If so, Woody has to go. PERIOD! Dont give me that crap about how we’ve won more games every year under his azz. I’m tired of hearing it. I’ve never seen such an up and down team in my life. Whether it be in college, the pros, or high school. This group has been together for years now. They’ve got better on experience alone, but they should be better than they are, IMO. It’s time to get it done Woody. It’s 2nd rd or bust! Come on guys, you better step it up in Miami, because you gave away your home court advantage. Go Hawks!
MannyT
April 24th, 2009
12:10 pm
I do expect the Hawks to win at least one of the next two road games. They have not suddenly become consistent because of the playoffs. This team is always up and down…or haven’t you noticed.
It is very important to stop the Miami supporting crew from their roll. Wade will do what he does.
When has Woody been good at in game adjustments? He can come up with a plan between games, but I wouldn’t bet a cup of water on his halftime adjustments or out of bounds plays with less than 5 seconds.
I believe that Bibby carries a case of cologne called Swagger. I am comfortable that we will go in there with confidence. Hopefully we can make better use of situational match ups. I do wonder about Marvin’s health. I recall that folks with bad backs have a much tougher time when they cool down. Maybe it is harder for Marvin to keep coming back if he has been on the bench for awhile.
Joe Cool will ice the Heat this weekend.
Let’s go Hawks.
BWAF
ZULU
April 24th, 2009
12:11 pm
Every game has to be played like you are going to win. In the after game analysis, if you are a Hawk, don’t let it be said by or about you; that you coulda, shoulda, and maybe you woulda. Wade is good (and even better) when he has his back-up. Everyone of the Hawks has too be on their game from the coach(es) to the last man off the bench. Don’t be the “trooper’ at the Big Horn found with bullets still in your rifle. GO HAWKS!
doc
April 24th, 2009
12:17 pm
home court advantage is only for game seven, it doesnt matter how you get there. this year as others have seen some falter coming out of the gate only to rebound, like the celts did last night. i expected this team to win a game in miami and still do. the sooner the better as if they wait too late then they are faced with the prospects of winning three in a row. we got to say right now it is best to concentrate on coming home with the series tied.
Reality
April 24th, 2009
12:19 pm
It’s going to be very tough for Atlanta to steal one of these 2 games in Miami. The entire city is pumped, it’s going to be ELECTRIC at the AAA with everyone in black.
I will be there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is Mario West really that good of a defender? What other player(s)would you compare him to? Height?
I keep hearing, well if Miami can only win by shooting 58% then the Hakws are fine. Well, no one knows yet if Miami can or can’t win that way, and it wasn’t like Miami just barely won. It was very decisive. Sure, Atlanta made a late game run but that’s always expected from the home team in the playoffs.
So in my opinion, Miami can shoot worse, and yet still win. The main factor is forcing the Hawks to play their brand of basketball, which is slow, grind it out, halfcourt basketball.
Don’t get me wrong, Miami must bring their A game to win. But that doesn’t mean the only way they can win is if they shoot lights out like they did on Wednesday. Insensity, defense, and dictating the tempo and style of the game are the key factors here.
O'brien
April 24th, 2009
12:20 pm
Let’s face it. 5 years in, Woody is who he is: A head coach who cannot make adjustments during the game, a head coach with no offensive system, and head coach who does not develop his bench. In my opinion, Woody is a really good defensive minded assistant coach. If we’re concerned about him getting exposed now (by a rookie head coach), wait until we play Cleveland.
Another issue I have with the Hawks is when a player is hot, they dont look for him. Bibby was shooting well, and JJ refused to pass the ball before it’s too late. Marvin can be hot, and he doesnt see the ball for a few possesions. I think it starts with the coach, but the players are to blame as well.
Adjustments I would like to see: Play Mario, give Marvin more minutes, run some plays through the front court early to see if we can get them going (maybe get JON a quick foul or two). We also need to run a couple plays to get JJ easy shots early. And obviously, we have to play defense, and run run run.
Maybe I’m expecting too much lol.
If we struggled with FT at home, I wonder how we will do in Miami with the crowd?
Woody and the players need to step it up though.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
12:24 pm
SEKOU wish you were in south florida great work!!!!! it seems to me that hawk fans are living in a fantasy,they dont want to believe they are in serious trouble,like i said give woody benefit of doubt on coaching plan,but at same time you have to be worried b/c he looks like he might not have answer,kinda like pick ur posion,next everybody want johnson to be something he’s not which is elite,nba full of nice players but so few elite i.e. kobe d-wade,lebron in that order,johnson has be in league how long has he ever been that,i dont think so not night in night out, yea a game here a stretch there but not all the time,and finally the bench is much weaker than hawks fan realize evident by your stats of game two anybody can get points run fastbreak,but as you can see heat slowed the pace,now they have no option on wade,will keep fresh body with different abilities on jonhson to wear him down,live with what everybody else give which you really cant depend on,and keep them from fastbreaking and that’s a win every nite!o’yea game 1 was to be expected but dont think t will happen agiam
doc
April 24th, 2009
12:29 pm
aj, carry over. always thought that the hawk flying in was a lame idea. his appearance for sure didnt secure that folks would be in their seats for the tip off as fans here are notorious for being late or stuck in the “party room” as the game starts opposite to the players benches and below the premo boxes. as i commented on yesterday spirit was a severe distraction and an omen of things to come. besides i think they changed his venue to be flying in from a different vantage point is how one person next to me saw it. not sure, as i could never see him in flight anyway unless it was on the big screen. if they changed his flight routine then it is their bad as well. anyway it is stuff for the animal lovers to debate whether he should be there or not. no offense to the hawk, ground him. it is time to find another way to get folks in the seats and hollering.
Dan
April 24th, 2009
12:33 pm
I usually dread watching the Hawks play on the road. I’m not sure how I feel about games 3 and 4, though. The Hawks have won in Miami this year, but that was before O’Neal and Moon, plus Beasley did not play in that game. It’s going to be tough.
Tired of hearing about how the Heat were just hot in Game 2. A number of the shots they hit were open looks. If the Heat get those looks again tomorrow they will shoot just the same percentage, if not better. The D has to pick up.
I b#tched about the FT shooting all season long. You had to know that it would jump up and bite this team in the a$$ at somepoint.
Also, how will the Hawks respond to being in a tough spot? Last season they had a big game at NJ, late in the year with a playoff spot on the line, and were blown out. We all remember the beating that was put on by the Celtics in game 7. The Hawks did, however, manage to win Game 6, but were at home….
I really don’t know what to expect. If I learned anything from the Game 2 debacle on Wednesday, it’s this: The Hawks are still a bunch of headcases. You never know when they will have the mental ability to lock in on a game/situation or mentally check out like they did on Wednesday.
Josh Smith is right. They lose this series and this whole season was for nothing. The purpose of this season was to get the 4th seed (check) and get into the 2nd round. Fail to do that and the season was a failure.
terrell barron
April 24th, 2009
12:44 pm
Who died, you lost all crdibility when you said D-Wade was better than King James? You’re either a Heat fan, or a fool? Which is it?
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
12:49 pm
its sad for you to only think about second round of playoffs,why not conf. finals or finals with all the talent they have or is that talent fools gold
Astro Joe
April 24th, 2009
12:51 pm
Reality, I have to take your word for it. But this would be the first time that a city was “pumped” about playing the Hawks. And I must admit, I kind of view Miami is being indifferent to their sports. Marlins can’t get 10,00 fans to show up when they’re a top team. The U doesn’t get much love. But again, you’re there and I’m here, so I’ll take your word that the city is abuzz with Heat-Hawks talk.
Mario is a very athletic 6′4″ super-energy guy. I think he won a dunk contest in college. He was a walk-on at GA Tech and an undrafted FA who came to Hawks camp and earned an NBA job by out-working everyone in the gym. He has one mission in life, to stop the opposing G. If there is a loose ball, he will get it or die/kill trying. Stray rebound? He owns it. His offense is restricted to lay-ups and offensive rebounds. If allowed, he will use up his 6 fouls in 12 minutes. He is likely the hungriest NBA player in the league. He treats every minute on the court like it will be the difference between his children going hungry, homeless and school-less and his kids having a comfortable life. He attacks offensive players like they’re taking food away from his kids. I hope that provides a helpful description of Mario West. He can’t stay on the floor for extended minutes but you will feel his impact during his brief stint.
Spirit = MOY
Dan
April 24th, 2009
12:56 pm
Who Died….?
What are you talking about? Your analysis of this series is very JV’ish. You simply paint the Hawks with the “they can only win when they run” brush and leave it at that….you work for ESPN? Try watching more than two games before you give your insights.
The Hawks can win when the game is slowed down. They just can’t win when they allow millions of open looks, like Wednesday.
Joe Johnson not elite? You must not have seen the organization before he got here? Just because he does not pose for the cameras every two seconds (LeBron and Dwayne, I’m looking in your direction here) does not mean he is not one of the elite players. The guy works hard, keeps his mouth shut, and doesn’t need his nuts sucked by ESPN and TNT to reassure himself he is a good player. I’m glad he is on our team. You continue rooting for the media darlings. And, try watching some basketball, for once, while your at it…
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
12:56 pm
better shooter,better defense and is not bigger than everybody he pays against so yea d-wade is better right now,but you like espn give the kid the keys to the world, lebron is only player in recent memory not to win a ring to get so much pub. nobody said he wasnt good but dont give him everything hell he jus hit his first game winner what last year u must have man crush on him,besides kobe rise his game over the summer like he did d-wade on the defensive end,besides kobe, you mean to tell me you what lebron jumper over wade’s for the last shot. be real
Dan
April 24th, 2009
1:01 pm
Who Died…? It’s not sad. It’s a process. The Hawks are building. Last year, it was make the playoffs. This year, have homecourt and advance to 2nd round. Next year, the bar will be set higher. By then, you will probably have a new favorite team. Let me guess…you have a Wade jersey, a Kobe jersey, and a LeBron jersey all lined up in your closet?
Again, you are a JV basketball fan. You really think your Heat are a threat to make the conference finals or NBA finals? Oh, wait….you probably have three other teams that you are a “fan of” on the back burner. No doubt that one of ‘em are making the finals, right?
doc
April 24th, 2009
1:04 pm
spirit is in the coop.
JOSH = MVP!
20/10
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
1:08 pm
no my thoughts are grown man and obvious let them run they capable of 40 fastbreak points but if you slow them down and reduce that number to say like 14 to 18 thats 20 points lacking, and once you get them in a half court set with no clear cut go to guy it can be a problem, true bball head no johnson great player but he very well can disappear too,so he’s not an elite player,and if u gonna double wade of course so one is open are u kidding me,if u guard him str8 up then you already know the outcome,i jus wish for once you would show confidence as a hawk fan and stop crying first the refs,now coachin, next players, even the bird got so blame,i mean what’s next! see you expect to win but deep down inside you very nervous right now,o’yea beasley will dominate at home,so now who,s gonna check him
Lacsho
April 24th, 2009
1:13 pm
Sekou, thanks to responding to Big Ray. He had some excellent points, and you provided great feedback. Like O’brien said,
“Let’s face it. 5 years in, Woody is who he is: A head coach who cannot make adjustments during the game, a head coach with no offensive system, and head coach who does not develop his bench. In my opinion, Woody is a really good defensive minded assistant coach. If we’re concerned about him getting exposed now (by a rookie head coach), wait until we play Cleveland”.
O’brien you nailed it.
Doc, you’re right we have to win in Miami. The question is which Hawks team is going to show up? Here’s another question Doc. If the Hawks refuse to run Woody’s offense, do we blame the players or do we blame the coach?
I think we blame both, but I blame our point guard and bwaf the most. The point guard has to be the coach on the floor, and our point guard play has been very inconsistent. If you’re not going to run the offense, Woody needs to put somebody in that’s capable of running our offense. Honestly, I think Bibby would be better at the two guard; He’s nice coming off those picks shooting his jump shot in rhythm. Don’t get me wrong he played a great game one, but can we get that on a consistent basis. I just don’t think so.
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
1:14 pm
I am a Georgian living in Jupiter, FL so I listen to talk radio in SoFla all the time. The stations down here were all over Holman’s call of the game the other night. They are requesting fans bring rubber chickens to the game to mimick Spirit the Hawk.
WHO DIED……? Apparently your grammar teacher before you could take the class.
Ariose
April 24th, 2009
1:14 pm
……Hawks in 5.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
1:14 pm
no i expect them to make second round but with a superstar anything is possible and at the rate you have the hawks progressing might as well root in 2011,all that talent hawks have in 2011 they will make finals my heat wasnt even suppose to be in playoffs let alone 5 seed but here we go with a favorable matchup with hawks and for you to think hawks are so superior to heat why all this chatter
Mac
April 24th, 2009
1:14 pm
Your level of distress over a little incident of a bird spending a few minutes away from its trainer is over-the-top. Tragic? Turn on the news if you want to see real tragedy. Maybe some Valium or Xanax should be in your future. Tragic? Geez.
Mac
April 24th, 2009
1:16 pm
Disaster? Nightmare? Geez.
Jt
April 24th, 2009
1:16 pm
Right on about Woodson’s adjustments!!!! I remember him taking Marvin out of the game when he was the only one to have any success shooting in the first quarter. I figured it was because of lack of conditioning but he had shown NO signs of fatigue. Quite the contrary. Also, it occurred to me why did he not put Mario in the game to aggravate DW? Evans was abused by DW. It’s not like they would miss his offensive output because there was none. If you can’t shoot (the Hawks clearly sucked in game 2), you can at least try to keep the Heat from scoring and nothing else was working defensively.
As far as taking Zaza out of the game. Woodson has a much lower tolerance for mistakes for some players than he does for others. He has virtually no tolerance for any lapse made by Zaza or Acie. Usually one mistake by either and they are OUT!!!!
Ariose
April 24th, 2009
1:19 pm
I do beleive the revfs were blowing quick whistles (Biased ones at that), but that’s no excuse for our poor peremeter defense. It is encouraging to hear that the Heat didn’t get to play to their strength, which is attacking the basket.
We always score enough points, this was really just a defensive breakdown. I am sure the hawks will be fine after studying the tape and fine-tuning their rotations.
Also, Our bigs got punkd’ under the baske on wednesday. We will have to clean that up also.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
1:19 pm
and i guess you were never taught to finish your thoughts
Bigeasy830
April 24th, 2009
1:20 pm
They lose one game and you people start to panic, hang in there with them, we will get Saturday night. It will be 1:30 in the morning over here but, I do not have to work Sunday and will DEBO the TV at the rec center. We will win, GET’EM HAWKS, GET’EM.
HOLLA………..
Ariose
April 24th, 2009
1:20 pm
I do think doses Mario and Acie (if he could go) would preally have helped with that peremeter onslaught that we took…..
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
1:22 pm
thats why he is sitting on your bench b/c he is limited
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
1:26 pm
Heat weren’t supposed to make the playoffs??? Based on what? How incredibly deep the East is? If you have 1 superstar on your team, you are a playoff team.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
1:28 pm
where’s dan, he funny to me, hawks got him gone
Lacsho
April 24th, 2009
1:29 pm
My hat goes off to Udonis Haslem. I’ve always liked him, and to read this story about his family is very humbling. I have nothing but respect for him.
Reality
April 24th, 2009
1:29 pm
Astro Joe,
Miami fans are indeed fair-weather, but when their teams are good they get behind them to the fullest. They get rowdy. That’s just how it is in Miami. I don’t like it, but at least they go all out when the team is competing.
The Dolphins are the aberration here. They actually have strong tradition with a huge and very loyal fanbase….all over the world.
The Hurricanes have a very strong loyal fan-base (which are all the fans currently going to their games). When they’re good, then the rest of the city hops on. The orange bowl used to be INSANE when the ‘Canes were competing for championships. Just insane.
The Heat do have a strong, loyal fanbase but it’s certainly not as large or widespread as the Dolphins or Canes as Miami is afterball a football town…no doubt about it.
The Heat’s fanbase really kicked off with the arrival of Pat Riley. He changed everything and made Miami actually matter in basketball. He brought in Zo, built contenders, and then did again after everything collapsed. The 2006 championship really brought the city together and made many die-hard Heat fans for life.
Anyways, Miami fans can get very passionate and loud when motivated. Think back to the Heat’s 04,05,06 playoff runs. Those crowds were electric.
Having a once in a generation superstar like Dwyane Wade only adds fuel to the fire. Dwyane Wade is already challenging Dan Marino as Miami’s favorite sports legend.
So yes, I can guarantee you the city “pumped” because their beloved D-wade and the Heat are back in the playoffs fighting. Don’t matter who their opponent is (although if it’s the Cavs next series, it will be extra crazy).
Dan
April 24th, 2009
1:32 pm
Who Died….? You’re not worried about the Hawks? You’re the one with the finals aspirations, right?
From GoodFellas: “How am I funny? How do I amuse you?”
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
1:33 pm
that’s not true,with team full of 1st and 2nd year and rookies playing,outside of wade what do heat really have outside of promise, yes we expecting bigg thing for beasley,and if he was defensive ready which seems like he is now the he would be second best player on court which hawk has shown they can stop him he’s getting everything he wants jumpers drives
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
1:35 pm
since you wanna quote movie in the words of smokie “DEBO COMING’
Eddie
April 24th, 2009
1:35 pm
Here it is and most who follow sports are aware of this, talent wins out in the end. Energy, excitement and even luck can push a team to some quality wins but the good “teams” usually win out. The Hawks have three things going aginst them. First, they are a below average basketball IQ team. All the physical talent means little when trip after trip down the court take bad shots and attempt bad passes. Josh Smith is a prime example of a low basketball IQ player. Great on talent low on smarts. Second, they are a poor freethrow shooting team. The give up probably 5-10 points a game at the freethrow line. Third, their coach is in over his head. Like the current Whitehouse administration but I wont get into that here. Woody seems like a good guy but far too much physical talent on this team over the past few years for them not to have accomplished more. However, running the coach out of town isn’t always the right answer either. They have gotten better for 4 or 5 years in a row but looking at where they were coming from that isn’t saying too much. If the Hawks get bounced in the first round and I believe they will I would try to land a free agent or two before I moved to fire the coach. I hate to bash on the Hawks because I am really proud of them this year but to deny the obvious would limit me as a fan. Good luck Hawks. Hope you prove me wrong? Oh by the way, Woody is far better than some of the other amatures we’ve had here that past several years “Terry Stotts” So, Woody thank you for being average I guess????
Reality
April 24th, 2009
1:35 pm
Lascho, and right you should. Haslem is the ultimate team player, competior and leader. The guy is a warrior, never complains and he’s clutch. He will always be loved by Heat fans….he’s 305 born n’ raised.
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
1:36 pm
Who Died? The East is extremely thin. Maybe the worst conference in all of pro sports. With 5 players on the floor at a time, 1 makes all the difference needed in what has become less and less of a team game over the years. Given the weakness of the East, it shocks nobody that the Heat are in the playoffs.
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
1:39 pm
Where would Woody be with Chris Paul? Who drafted Shelden Williams? I am by no means a fan of Woody’s, but Billy Knight was pathetic.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
1:40 pm
SO WHY DOES IT SEEM SO FAR FETCHED FOR HEAT TO WIN YOU ARE NOT SAYING NOTHING I ALREADY KNOW, BUT FOR SOME REASON HAWK FAN WANNA TURN JOE JOHNSON INTO SOMETHING HE’S NOT!!! IS HE IN TOP 10,20 OR 25 I’LL LET YOU CALL IT
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
1:42 pm
I never said it was far-fetched for the Heat to win this series. Maybe some are saying that based on the Game 1 result.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
1:44 pm
EDDIE NOW THEY GONNA BLAME YOU
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
1:50 pm
my thing is this die-hard heat marlins and DOLHPINS FAN,now like i said in playoff you need superstar we got that d-wadem, atlanta dont have that least in my mind, next bench is a must starting 5 wont always show up,and the bench for hawks is horrible,20-25 points aint enuff,and next tempo is key, u keep a team from the things they like to do and your chance of winning improve,that’s why this is bad recipe for hawks!believe it or not you stand better chance of beating cavs than the heat for that reason alone bench the same
Hawks Over Heat In Five
April 24th, 2009
1:50 pm
Too bad Spirit got grounded. Cause he was my clue as to what the outcome of the game would be. Wednesday night was not the only game that I recall Spirit doing his own thing. There was another game this season that Spirit did the same thing and the Hawks loss the game. I wish I could remember who the Hawks played my guess is between the Celtics, Magic, or Spurs. And it was at the end of the season too. So that makes two, if only he was allowed to fly a third time with the same behavior, then I could confirm or deny my stupidstition. I blame Spirit the Hawk for our loss. He didn’t stick to his game plan and neither did the Hawks. I also blame the fans, the fans at game 1 was way more crunk than the fans at game 2. I didn’t feel the energy/electricity that I felt on Sunday. We booed the heck out of Wade on Sunday and I think it threw his game off. But on Wednesday something was off and not just Spirit the Hawk and the team.
And I’m starting to get tired of people saying that we don’t come to the game on time. When we leave home/work we are on time. By the time we get near the arena or at it, we have to contend with the freaking no traffic directing cops. Find a parking space. And then the slow let me search your purse, check your pockets workers, and then have our tickets scanned. And I have to mention the not so bright fans who clog up the aisle getting in one line when there are about five or six lines to get into the arena. It’s enough to drive a sane person mad. Not everyone can get to the game early cause some of us are just now getting off of work, especially during the week.
Is it possible for the Philips Arena to get a no leaving the arena rule until half time. Because it’s so irritating to have to keep getting up for people who wish to come back and forth the whole game. I’m like dang sit your behinds down you are ruining my game. I’ve missed a few exciting moments in the game because of people who won’t stay seated. I got a solution, get an aisle seat. Everything about Wednesday’ game irritated and aggitated me. And the loss to the Heat on our homecourt just made everything worst.
And what do you know, I got tickets to Game 5 and that’s on a Wednesday night too! The Hawks owe us fans a win on Saturday. We got violated in our own house and I want justice/revenge. It’s war time. I wanna see the Hawks taking this series personally.
GO HAWKS! STOP PLAYING AROUND!
Hawks Over Heat In Five
April 24th, 2009
1:51 pm
Don’t hate on my paragraphs.
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
1:55 pm
Any truth to the rumor that Joey Crawford is throwing out the first pitch at a Marlins game this weekend?
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
2:01 pm
reality they dont understand the madness,you dont have to give out t-shirt for the arena to be certain color in AAA like other arenas, the fans will wear black on their own to show faith in team and support, like when the craze started with black theme in 04, white-hot in 06 really jus set the tone for all others to follow, yea we started THAT
NOEL SANDOVAL JR
April 24th, 2009
2:03 pm
THE HEAT IS TAKING THIS SERIES IN 5 OR 6 GAMES. HAWKS HAVE NO ANSWER FOR D.WADE. I KEEP SAYING THE KEY TO THIS SERIES IS TO PLAY PHYSICAL AND LET J.ONEAL DO THIS THING DOWN LOW. GO HEAT’
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
2:04 pm
what difference it make who ref game get u a superstar and you wont have this problem, gonna be tought to figure out who gonna get call between d-wade and lebron though,lol
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
2:09 pm
Enter your comments here
Hawks Over Heat In Five
April 24th, 2009
2:16 pm
Wade, Lebron, Kobe, and them other cats are not stars. They are who the NBA and the media decides to pay attention to and heap all the praise on. Let me ask you this, WHO DIED, did D Wade look like a so called superstar after game 1? I got a problem with refs being able to influence the outcome of a game anyway. Especially if the calls favor one team over another and are not fair. I’m having trouble with what constitutes a foul these days particularly in the NBA.
Hawks Over Heat (In Five) HOW EVER MANY GAMES IT TAKES
April 24th, 2009
2:23 pm
I say since the refs are gonna called bogus fouls then you might as well foul the guy as hard as you can without getting called for a flagrant. The Heat just changed the dynamics of the game by stealing that homecourt advantage. This series just went from a battle to war. My vision of the second round of the playoffs includes the Hawks. So fudge D Wade and the Heat. It’s time for the ATL Hawks to turn that swag on to the max. HAWKS OVER HEAT IN HOW EVER MANY GAMES IT TAKES. IF IT TAKES SEVEN SO BE IT!
Reality
April 24th, 2009
2:23 pm
Hawks Over Heat In Five, the Olympics throws your argument out the door.
You just sound irrantional and bitter. Lebron, Kobe, and certainly Wade have earned all their hype. They’re on a completely different level than other NBA players…cause the got the talent, skills, BRAINS, and killer instinct. The complete package.
If one of those guys wasn’t on my team, I would probably hate them all to. But I would hate them because they’re so good and almost always win.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
2:29 pm
and to prove my point even further,sometime you have to let ppl stick their own foot in their mouth to prove a point,wade scored 19 in game 1 how many in 1st half, the whole 3rd qtr was trying to get everybody involved but it didnt work,by 4qtr it was over,now game 2 it back to being wade/with help.Now take joe johnson what are his number 20 21 points i can give you 25 players in league who can do that heck beasley can do that with more minutes
Hawks Over Heat (In Five) HOW EVER MANY GAMES IT TAKES
April 24th, 2009
2:31 pm
First of all I don’t hate either one of those guys. As a matter of fact, I pick D Wade out of the three for MVP but not at the expense of a first round lost to my ATL Hawks. And I am a NBA fan too. So if I had to choose a second team, my second team is the CAVS. So no, I’m not bitter or irrational. I’m quite logical and I don’t believe everything I see and hear.
mykhalc
April 24th, 2009
2:32 pm
WOODSON is the coach so we ARE royally screwed…PERIOD!!!
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
2:33 pm
Don’t try to give excuses for Wade’s Game 1 performance. He was off; pure and simple. One day Beasley will do that. When he is a more complete player (not lazy on defense), he’ll get a chance to prove it.
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
2:34 pm
I meant Beasley will get a chance to match Joe Johnson’s numbers.
Reality
April 24th, 2009
2:35 pm
“Wade, Lebron, Kobe, and them other cats are not stars. They are who the NBA and the media decides to pay attention to and heap all the praise on.”
That statement is anything but logical, and screams bitterness.
But ok, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
2:35 pm
and if your so-called superstar average 5pts a qtr over a game to get 20-21 pts then of course he’s not a superstar,stud yes,superstar no,and stop blaming heat for having one not his fault #3,s be’n wore in the highlight factory , was that mvp chants i heard in game 2 for #3,not our fault, that sh*t happens in every arena
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
2:37 pm
Those MVP chants were for Joey Crawford. Wade is 3rd best player in the league.
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
2:41 pm
Did I hear Dan Lebatard say that Wade took 200 more shots this year than LeBron? With numbers like that, he BETTER lead the league in scoring.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
2:41 pm
im a bro so i can understand frustration with hawk fans at game, y’all no we dont cheer at game unless a family member plays for team or something exciting happens,we to busy checking out other stuff going on around us plus we’re never on time.Your arena only one i see camera lens able to catch whole shot of brother at a game sitting lower bowl or courtside, i like that
Reality
April 24th, 2009
2:41 pm
Baba O’Riley, any truth to the rumor that a 2nd round parade was already planned in Atlanta after game 1?
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
2:42 pm
MVP= Most Visibly Protected
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
2:45 pm
baba we watch different game 1 cuz wade was wade in first half 17pts,3rd qtr he did more setting up than looking for his own shot, and the 4qtr was gameover,
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
2:46 pm
No Reality, we expect 2nd round and heads will roll if we don’t. The team that will hold a blackout (we know how that works in UGA) already has a built-in excuse-”Nobody expected us to make the playoffs anyway”. They consider themselves playing with house money.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
2:48 pm
wade never thought he would lead league in scoring, real bball head knows lebron sat out a lot of 4qtrs, damn the hate for wade is unreal, true be told kobe took back seat to let his supporting cast step-up and if u think king james is better than kobe then you really dont know sh*t
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
2:48 pm
Who Died? Superstars (and he is one) look to take the game over when it’s going badly. The players on the floor for ATL said he was frustrated and his effort wasn’t there.
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
2:50 pm
Who Died? The end of your last statement is true. I don’t know you. Kobe can let his supporting cast take over…James can’t.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
2:50 pm
and to all u lebron lovers take mo williams off cav and they fighting for 4 or 5 seed
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
2:52 pm
but if u put wade on cav they are jus as good
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
2:52 pm
4 or 5 seed in East? They are 3 AT WORST without Mo
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
2:53 pm
Get off of Wade’s sac.
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
2:55 pm
LeBron made Mo.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
2:56 pm
sure way to find out you a superstar in league, if shaq play on your team and abruptly leave bashing franchise and player i.e penny,kobe,and d-wade lol
doc
April 24th, 2009
2:57 pm
myk wassup?
Reality
April 24th, 2009
3:00 pm
Baba O’Riley, Wade also shot a better FG% while taking 200 shots more, so come back with some better stuff. You sh!t is weak.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
3:00 pm
see u dont no sh*L baba riley tried to get mo williams the year early but he re-up with bucks mo is doing the same thing he’s been doing last 3 years 17-20 pts now he gets all-star nod b/c of lebron but after how many players go down was boobie giving cavs even 13pts per game big upgrade with mo
RickNole
April 24th, 2009
3:02 pm
Gotta say it
FIRE WOOODROW!!!
this team was not prepared to play itw as evident from the start of the game, they had no edge whatsoever. Lack of game time adjustments, lack of offensive imagination. (I mean how many times do we have to see Joe drive to the paint with his head down??)
Dan
April 24th, 2009
3:02 pm
Who Died…? I like how you try and question Joe Johnson, but then turn around and talk about Beasley like he is the 2nd coming of Karl Malone. Let me help you with this one….he wouldn’t even start on our team…
By the way, if I remember correctly, DEBO got his a$$ kicked…
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
3:02 pm
why is T.I. sit courtside with that ugly a$$ red-bone, i know ATL got better, i know this, that mutha fvcker messing up my HD
Bitter O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
3:03 pm
Did you see Wade in the olympics? He was horrible! He almost made the USA lose against Spain!
Wade got all this hype coming into league from power school Marquette. He was hyped as the next big thing before he even got to the NBA!
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
3:07 pm
see wut im talking bout let’em talk they get dumber by the day,no one on hawks teams can stop him and he wouldnt start another case of bad coaching from stand and the d hawks play sh*it’d start he would be star b/c i bet he want bitch up to take over,heat believe in defense 1st offense 2nd, that only reason he didnt start for us would sit williams and smith on bench for his jumper alone
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
3:09 pm
its funny rather be compared to karl malone than steve smith with better knees
Al
April 24th, 2009
3:10 pm
Whatever. I have some hopes that both Lebron and D-Wade will be in Miami come 2010, a very real possibility.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
3:10 pm
and i love steve tiki smith played for heat
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
3:14 pm
wow dan last i check the way u talk hawks are debo jus big athletic and the heat jus lil ole wade
Dan
April 24th, 2009
3:14 pm
Beasley couldn’t hold Steve Smith’s jock.
Who Died….? Will you translate your recent post (the one made at 3:07) into English, please?
Reality
April 24th, 2009
3:15 pm
Yo Al, what up? I told you the Heat would bounce back in game 2! Even more than I hoped for!
Are you going to the game tomorrow? My buddy just got 2 tickets yesterday and invited me. I’M SO EFFIN PUMPED!
Dan
April 24th, 2009
3:17 pm
Isn’t it the other way around, though, Who Died…? You’re the one beating your chest about the NBA Finals. I’m just talking 2nd round. So, little ol’ Hawks. You got the media’s favorite son, not us.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
3:22 pm
if you was smart you would break it down dont read it as a run-on sentence didnt know i was still in school and the player is beasley
GOHAWKS
April 24th, 2009
3:23 pm
WHO DIED…………..??? NO ONE UNDERSTANDS WHAT IN THE HELL YOU ARE SAYING, MAYBE YOU SHOULD GET AN 8 YEAR OLD TO WRITE/SPEAK FOR YOU, IT IS QUITE APPARENT HE WOULD BE MORE INTELLIGENT. YOU ARE AN IDIOT. HAWKS WIN
Al
April 24th, 2009
3:24 pm
Hell yeah I’m going to the game Reality!
Al
April 24th, 2009
3:26 pm
GOHAWKS, if you hit the key that says “Caps Lock,” cool things will happen.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
3:27 pm
and no my point is this, im thinking second round with hope to win b/c of wade, now that a great season for heat, now hawks on other hand second round is slap in face,2+yrs to get game right and you telling me in couple more yrs, hell why all this fuse if you know u two yrs away,
atlrayzd
April 24th, 2009
3:27 pm
I’ve never seen a so called captain and all star (Joe Johnson) have so many excuses made for him when he does not perform to the level expected of an all star and team captain. It’s excuses made by posters here that he plays to many minutes or he had to guard the other teams best player, Woody did not get him open looks. Lets be clear true stars, ballers, players, however you classify them make sure there presence is felt by the officials and the oppossing team when they step in the building. Joe has to become the guy and stop being one of the guys and exhibit that in his play(no excuses). He says he came here to lead and show he could be the guy to build around but truth be told his play and leadership is suspect. Seems alot of folks are lowering there expectations for Joe rather than holding him accountable to maintain high standards of play. It’s tough for me a fan of Joe Johnson to watch a guy with this much talent not have that edge and savy needed for his team reach that next plateau but it’s not to late hopefully he ‘ll figure it out or someone respected in the organization or league will feed him some food for thought. This is a team sport and he can not win by himself but the Hawks success starts with him. If your star can’t get calls at the end of the game, if he seems to waver when the lights are bright is he really a star?
GOHAWKS
April 24th, 2009
3:30 pm
I JUST FOUND THE DUMBEST PERSON RESIDING IN AMERICA….. WHO DIED…..?
Can't Stand the Heat
April 24th, 2009
3:33 pm
The Hawks will win the series…don’t count on the shooting the Heap got the other night…and in a slow down game, if you haven’t seen JJ, Bibby and Smooth rotate then you weren’t paying attention when we took 3 out of 4 from you in the regular season…prediction O’Neal goes down in Game 3…Starr Jones takes his place and Wade is too distracted to play.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
3:37 pm
see when you run out things to say you you attack, funny thing i bet you get my points,i guess the truth hurt,before series y’all talking same as way now, after game 1 it was big sigh of relief, cant let heat get game 1, sshhheeeewww!!!! now thing have change and y’all nervous again like before the series if u go on heat blogs no one there cuz we like our chances thats the only reason im here plus to egg y’all on with truth. also y’all must be only one who didnt expect hawks to come out pump for game 1
mykhalc
April 24th, 2009
3:38 pm
DOC!!! wassup brah!! you makin’ all the home games in the playoffs?
Al
April 24th, 2009
3:39 pm
How bout them Celtics last night? I know you people don’t like em much but DAMN. I was going for the Hawks last year vs. the Celtics, but as the playoffs went on, the Celtics converted me. I was in L.A. at a bar down the street from the Staples Center as the C’s were kicking their ass. I was the only one going for Boston of course, getting dirty looks from the homers. Ha. I love watching the Lakers lose. Always have, always will. (I doubt the Jazz win another game this season though)
Reality
April 24th, 2009
3:41 pm
Can’t Stand the Heat,
Whatever happened in the regular season is meaningless now. This is the playoffs, you should know that.
Prior to Game 2, some Hawks fans were PROUDLY claiming that the Heat never won a game at Philips throughout the year, while the Hawks know how to win at the AAA. Hahahahaha so much for that fun fact.
Prediction – Heat in 6 & your life continues to suck.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
3:44 pm
im dumb but you got heat and hawk fans trying to tell you the same thing you need to get off attacking me over your computer b/c you know i dont hit girls, and listen to whats ppl are saying!atlray thank i guess my english wasnt good enuff to get that point across but they should understand now, can u explain to them about that 2yrs goal finally making the finals after being together nearly 5 yrs that was over my head too.
Al
April 24th, 2009
3:47 pm
WHO DIED, as a fellow Heat fan who is interested in what you have to say, toss some periods in there my man. Just makes it easier to read. Thanks.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
3:51 pm
joe johnson like nique!!!nique fell in same group as johnson,(magic, bird,jordan) and everybody else now johnson is behind (kobe wade lebron)and group up with everybody else and dont get it twisted duncan in same class as kobe and em he just different
MannyT
April 24th, 2009
3:52 pm
Sekou, your pal Ira Winderman brings up some good points. Like the quant jock approach sometimes to show that numbers always tell a story. However, the interpretation of those numbers can tell different versions of that story.
It was also interesting to see that Ira knows the Heat cannot run with the Hawks (in the blog after the quant one.) Spoelstra knows it too. When will Woody figure it out. I think it has been a major point of conversation for about 300 games. I think it’s been implemented in about 15 of those 300.
myk, good to see that you are still out there. I’m sure you noticed that Spirit the Hawk made more adjustments than Woody on Wednesday. See who got canned. NOW YOU KNOW why Woody doesn’t adjust
If a bird doesn’t speak, is it allowed to tweet…even on Twitter?
Maybe next season, Spirit the Hawk will be a cartoon that they show during timeouts. He could attack the other team and leave bird droppings in places they would not appreciate
BWAF
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
3:52 pm
i try but most times im so blunted, i jus rush but they feel me
Reality
April 24th, 2009
3:55 pm
Hahaha, WHO DIED …..? Are you keepin it real!?!?!
Both you guys like your blunts, as do I. I got that OG Kush.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
4:00 pm
jus got off the blunt, and was thinking kareem the best player ever,hands down everybody game is pattern after so many players but you never hear anyone patterning their game off his, i never seen the skyhook blocked and nobody has ever mastered it like him,magic used it a little but not like kareem
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
4:01 pm
yea someone was using other name
Al
April 24th, 2009
4:03 pm
LOL, remember when Grant Long was hitting that sky hook. I think he won like two games in a row with it for us. Then the next time he tried it, he was rejected. I forget by who. Blast from the past.
bigeasy830
April 24th, 2009
4:04 pm
WHO DIED ……?
The Heat is not dead but they are about to get “KNOCKED THE …. OUT” of the play-offs by the Hawks. Hawks in 6. I don’t care what order they get the 4 wins in but the HAWKS in 6.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
4:05 pm
why do these fools think they can just run in playoffs, havent you learned anything from watching sun over the years, that running sh*t only get you so far,now can you make shots in half-court set is different story, and seems to me you afraid b/c you know hawks cant play that way night in night out
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
4:07 pm
but that true sh*t about kareem though, nobody pattern game after him. Now talking about breaking the mold
Reality
April 24th, 2009
4:07 pm
bigeasy830. Unlike the Philips, there will be real playoffs atmoshpere at the AAA tomorrow. It’s going to very tough for the Hawks to steal one of these 2 games.
Al
April 24th, 2009
4:10 pm
I dunno. Atlanta fans haven’t really seen the playoffs as often as we have. It’s not their fault. Remember the first time we had homecourt advantage in a playoff series? Timmy and Zo. Absolutely dominated the Magic in games 1 and 2 at home. I’m sure none of our fans thought we would go to Orlando and get crushed two games in a row.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
4:13 pm
man dont tell them nuttin, jus like we was supposed to be weak road team,all year long we played tuff on road wit a few mistakes here and there, but over las tpart of season started turn the page on road, with adjustment of course(picking at woody now), 6 and 8 point road loss arent as bad as they seem, shot here foul there game could be different, so am i worried about heat on road? no!
Melvin
April 24th, 2009
4:14 pm
WHO DIED…?
I didn’t read all your posts but I read enough of them. You are wasting your time and effort to try to convince Hawks Fans on a Hawks blog that the Heat is going to be them. But if you have nothing better to do than babble on. However, your agruments are weak. You come with no facts, stats or insight. Your Heat team has a losing record against the Hawks this season and thats with your SUPERSTAR DWade playing (recall game 1 darn near 30pt beat down). Last time I check, the Hawks are the 4th seeded team with the homecourt advantage and the Heat has the 5th seed without homecourt advantage. Also, why are you bragging about the Heat as if you all have a winning tradition. In the 20 something years of existence, you all had one magical season (better yet, post season with some questionable calls from the Refs). Outside of 2006, you all had plenty of talented teams (during the Van Gundy and Pat Riley era) that didn’t win nothing. So feel free to save us the time of scrolling past your babble by posting less nonsense. And why aren’t you spending more time on the Heat blog anyway? I’m sure you can babble with your fellow Heatmates (no offense Reality)….
bigeasy830
April 24th, 2009
4:14 pm
Reality
They are not going to steal a game, The lesser teams try to steal a game. The Heat stole game 2 in Atlanta. The Hawks will reclaim home court advantage in Miami. The will take a game or maybe 2.
Now thats the “REALITY” of the situation.
Al
April 24th, 2009
4:15 pm
Off the top of my head, we’ve had now 47 playoff games in the last 6 years. They’ve had 9 in that same span. We won the championship, got swept in the first round and everything in between in that time. That’s why we have people in here talkin about the regular season n shyt. Nothing that happened before 6:30 PM tomorrow matters.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
4:17 pm
ps yea we have rookies and last time i checked you usually get butterflies before the game not during game or middle of game and at the end of the game they know they can count on wade. So saying that to say this if young gunners come out firing hawks will not beat heat
bigeasy830
April 24th, 2009
4:20 pm
Al
Last time the Heat won a title they had SHAQ, last time I checked SHAQ was with the SUNS.
Melvin
April 24th, 2009
4:24 pm
Ok that explains it. Who Died…? is formerly known as keepin it Real… I guess you had to change you name after that Game 1 beatdown. Similiar to Dusty Rhodes losing the retire from Wrestling match and only to return back to wrestling wearing a mask…….lol
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
4:26 pm
i dunno how long hawks have been in league but what have they won NOTHING(with top 50 all-timer)so dont hate. IF me coming in here spitting game to you offended you im sorry, my voice must be showing you how much or lack there of thehawks have grow, like someone said early maybe in 2011 cuz y’all hawk fans are happy with second round, when you win title second round is not an option thats how winner think! Win something and you will know what im talking bout!! to quote the white guy cop in NEW JACK CITY to pookie “I USE TO BE LIKE YOU A, PO WHITE TRASH POOKIE” Not my fault players wanna play for heat
Al
April 24th, 2009
4:26 pm
Melvin, the first Miami team Pat Riley put together ran into MJ in the East finals. Then we had some bad bounces against the Knicks. Then we had some bad bounces against the Knicks. Then we had some bad bounces against the Knicks. That team was still a contender, then Zo’s kidney failed. The team went into rebuilding, rebuilt, and won the NBA Championship. Shaq effed us, rebuilding again. Now we have one of the top three players in the NBA, a promising group of young players, and we will have enough cap space in 2010 to sign two max contract players (Wade + Lebron/Bosh/etc). You see a pattern developing? We have a winner at the top of our organization. Even if you win this series, your team will remain mired in mediocrity, hoping to make the 2nd round every season, while we keep producing championship contenders. If you’re comparing the two franchises, there’s no comparison.
Melvin
April 24th, 2009
4:29 pm
bigeasy830, all they came do is reference the past Heat performaces that had an entirely different roster at the time. That 2006 ring aint going to save you. What yall done did in the past dont impress us….
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
4:29 pm
why u think shaq with sun, cuz he saw another superstar and whined his way to sun + u act like shaq was ballin then, as i recalled he stayed in foul trouble always was called for travelin and did score nearly as well as this years, stop hating on WADE! i would respect you more if you said ZO
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
4:30 pm
so to hear you talk about last year vs boston, thats what?????
Melvin
April 24th, 2009
4:34 pm
so how many championships you all won again? according to who died…?, everything else doesn’t matter. so do tell us you all are rebuilding at the sametime finishing with a lesser record than the Hawks. Also, you started by referencing old Heat teams, now you’re talking about 2010 offseason. So are you saying that you don’t expect Heat to be competetive for the next season as well.???lol
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
4:35 pm
minus the youth and ZO this team has same make-up of 06 with a more dangerous WADE, no clear cut SF jus like now,same PF=haslem,j oneal cancel shaq out,chalmers can get as streaky as jason williams,wade 06 is not as go as wade 09, bench has same weapons as 06 with 3’s and defense, only player missing is ZO
Dan
April 24th, 2009
4:42 pm
Who Died…? I really don’t know what the h#ll you are trying to say in half of your posts. For instance, “my voice must be showing you how much or lack there of the hawks grow”. You seem to be trying very hard to come off as the hip black man. You’re actually coming off as a complete douchebag.
Also, why does it matter if Hawks fans are nervous? From my rough translations of your posts, you point this out several times. I’m nervous when they play any team. I don’t understand….
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
4:42 pm
the last time the heat didnt matter was when we almost shocked the #1 HAWKS! since then looks at us now, like AL said tuff break in playoffs against truly harden teams has made us one of if not the best city to play in! not to mention the variety of women one might happen across, if i wanna find somebody that i havent seen in a while jus go to georgia!like home away from home
Al
April 24th, 2009
4:45 pm
Melvin, let me say this one more time so you can understand:
The REGULAR SEASON DOES NOT MATTER.
You can have your better record. You can have the season series. When Wade was interviewed after Game 1, they asked him what adjustments he was gonna make. He said, “it’s just basketball. no need to overthink it. just gotta play basketball.” He practiced his long shot a bit and took away your homecourt advantage in 48 minutes. Not only that, but now the kids know they can win on your home floor. So even if you win a game in Miami, your homecourt advantage is permanently gone. So congrats on your 4th seed.
As for contending next year, this exact same team next year probably won’t win the title. Unless Beasley and Jermaine go nuts over the summer working on their game. My money says Pat Riley will make a move to contend next year. And if not, yes, 2010, 2011, 2012… we will compete for the title. Sounds like a plan to me. But again, congrats on your 4th seed.
Maybe one day you guys even get the 3rd seed! Dare to dream!
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
4:45 pm
dan last couple of your post are saying the same thing, i no one thing i been in here all day and not one mention of hawks bench wtu
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
4:45 pm
J O’Neal cancels Shaq out???Bwahahahahaha
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
4:49 pm
by the way dan when you are raised with street sense you dont have to try to act anything, see you never meet me and already put a label on me. Excuse me for not being a great male typer,not spelling correctly, using comma,periods,etc if this was a test or if i was getting paid to fvck with y’all then that different, we in here for love of team and sports not grammer
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
4:51 pm
It’s just hard to read. It’s like carrying on a conversation with Boomhauer of King of the Hill.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
4:54 pm
see you the same person knowing what we know now would take shaq over duncan! WHY? o’yea b/c he can dunk, once again shaq didnt hold up his end of the bargain in 06, now in 05 when we lost to detroit in conf. finals shaq was a beast!! 06 was WADE COUNTY! shaq is big baby
Dan
April 24th, 2009
4:54 pm
Fair enough…you’re excused for not being a great male typer.
Al
April 24th, 2009
4:57 pm
WHO DIED, I have to disagree that this team is comparable to ‘06. You say “except for Zo” like if its a small thing. Shaq kinda sucked some times but sometimes he came up big. We will NEVER get a 30-20 (Game 6 vs. Bulls) game from Jermaine. Ever. Gary Payton was huge in the clutch. We have no one that shoots and defends as well as Posey. There’s no comparison.
Think ‘04 instead. (Which will be easy once you see all the black shirts in the crowd)
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
4:57 pm
wow thats a low blow lol
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
5:00 pm
WHERE’S THE BENCH
Dan
April 24th, 2009
5:02 pm
‘06, by the way, was REF COUNTRY! I have never seen a team as abused by the refs as that ‘06 Mavs team in the finals. I use that finals as an example to anyone who says whinning about officiating is just fans making excuses for their team’s defeat. Officiating at it’s worst.
What do you want to know about the Hawk bench? Flip, MO, Zaza….They have all had a good year. It was too little, too late, but Flip was the one who led the charge back into game 2.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
5:02 pm
AL i truly believe posey benefit from trust in coach with him, we have guy with same skill just not the trust of the coach
O'brien
April 24th, 2009
5:02 pm
I read somewhere (I think it was SI.com) that Billy Knight would be a finalist for the Knicks GM job. Our Billy Knight?
The sign of a good coach is to be able to do more with less. Put your players in a position to succeed, regardless of talent level, and Woody has not done that. Based on our talent, does anyone feel like we’ve overachieved during Woody’s tenure?
With the Hawks, I dont think they have a low basketball IQ. Sometimes they lose focus, or sometimes a player takes it upon himself to (try and do) more than he is capable of. And a big part of it is coaching, because Woody does not coach to a player’s strength. he forces players to adjust to him.
Al
April 24th, 2009
5:05 pm
WHO DIED, who are you talking about?
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
5:07 pm
ref this ref that ref lose 4 games for mavs plz. next you gonna say stern didnt want cuban winning,stop it its getting crazier! if it took you that long to figured nba out where was you when jordan played
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
5:08 pm
notice i didnt mention bench, b/c if flip is the answer then this series is over
Dan
April 24th, 2009
5:09 pm
WHO DIED…? Keep trying to rationalize that. It might make you feel better. Just like anyone else that watched that series, you know the ‘06 Heat were the biggest Bullsh#t Champions this league has ever seen. You can argue it, but you know I am right…
Al
April 24th, 2009
5:09 pm
Dan, whine whine whine. The refs didn’t drop a 13 point lead with 6 minutes left in Game 3. The Mavs did. The refs didn’t lose Game 4 by 20+ points, the Mavs did. The refs didn’t drop Game 6 on their homecourt. The Mavs did.
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
5:09 pm
oh i made comment to baba post bout king of hill
WHO DIED ......?
April 24th, 2009
5:12 pm
they REF’s didn’t plan championship parades the MAV’s did
Al
April 24th, 2009
5:12 pm
Dan, at least we’re in here talking about the 06 Finals. What do you have? The glorious 1994 season when you made it to… gasp!…. the second round?! lol
Dan
April 24th, 2009
5:13 pm
What’s your problem with Flip? Again, trying watching the games before you make these comments. Flip has been great. The guy is instant offense and I loved when he sent Jamal Magloire on his a$$ in game 2. Flip plays with an edge this team has been missing for a long time.
Dan
April 24th, 2009
5:15 pm
Al…I’m not the only one who thinks that. And, as you already know, the refs were very much the reason for that game 3 loss by the Mavs.
Al
April 24th, 2009
5:16 pm
I like Flip actually. I liked the Hawks last year and I kinda still do. Melvin n Dan are dissin my team’s entire history though. Can’t get away with that. Not when your team’s greatest achievement is winning slam dunk contests.
Al
April 24th, 2009
5:21 pm
LOL. I was at that game son. Wade was knocking jump shots down left and right in Game 3 and taking it to the hole. The Mavs fell asleep. Dirk missed free throws. The crowd was insane. The Mavs were completely intimidated. The refs. Please.
Dan
April 24th, 2009
5:28 pm
Al…come on….join me in reality. That game 3 was a complete crime. That title is a fraud. It belongs to the Dallas Mavricks.
Al
April 24th, 2009
5:45 pm
LOL again. Is that all you got Dan? The Dallas Mavericks? Really? Which title “belongs” to the Atlanta Hawks?
But you really got me. Every time I look up at the championship banner tomorrow when I’m at the game, I’ll think of you Dan, and how the banner “belongs” to the Dallas Mavericks. I’ll think about how my whole city partied and celebrated that night, and how that celebration “belonged” to Dallas. I’ll think of the parade we had, and how it “belonged” in Dallas.
Really, I will.
Al
April 24th, 2009
5:49 pm
Anyway. That was fun. I’m gonna go enjoy my weekend now. Good luck to your team. I’ll be back here on Sunday (probably Monday actually) win or lose.
Have a good weekend, Dan and everyone else.
keepin it real
April 24th, 2009
5:57 pm
Enter your comments here
Baba O'Riley
April 24th, 2009
6:21 pm
Now you’re signing in as “keepin it real”?
O'brien
April 24th, 2009
6:36 pm
Can we get back to the game tomorrow night, and stop living in the past?
I think Woody will make adjustments before the game. However, if it doesnt work, Woody will stand there with his arms folded, and not know what to do during the game.
It is important that we get the front court involved early. That usually helps them play better defense. And the Hawks need to run run run.
It bothers me that the Hawks are so inconsistent though.
Melvin
April 24th, 2009
6:51 pm
Here’s a unbias opinion from HoopsWorld regarding the current Hawks/Heat series…… dah….
Anthony in Kent, OH:
Hey Travis, who do you have coming out of the Heat-Hawks series? Of the two, who poses more of a threat to the Cavs in the 2nd round?
Travis Heath (HoopsWorld):
I like the Hawks in seven. It seems like Wade has to play out of his mind for the HEAT to win, which means making his outside shots. Wade missed them in Game 1 and hit them in Game 2. I think if the Hawks can keep forcing Wade to take contested jumpers as they have been that will be to their advantage as the series progresses. I also just feel like Atlanta is more a cohesive unit that will benefit from the experience they gained a season ago.
Clyde
April 24th, 2009
6:57 pm
O’brien “I think Woody will make adjustments before the game.”
I’m sorry to burst your bubble man but Woody doesn’t make adjustments.
Volman
April 24th, 2009
7:07 pm
Mr. Smith..
I understand that we are trying to be nice and all to the Heat fans that are barging in on our blogs, but can we please cut down on the links to the Miami pages? I do not want to read Miami Heat articles. I am an Atlanta Hawks fan. I want to hear what Woodson has to say about how his defensive scheme was terrible in game 2. I want to hear Joe Johnson talk about how he was a nonentity in game 2 and was a ball-hog. I want to hear Bibby talk about how the Hawks still have their swagger and will win in Miami.
What I don’t want is to read MORE about Dwyane Wade. Not here. Not on the AJC. If I wanted to do that, I would go watch ESPN or ANY part of the TNT NBA broadcasts.
I appreciate your work, Mr. Smith… but PLEASE cut down on the Heat-stuff. Thanks
Go Hawks!
Melvin
April 24th, 2009
7:08 pm
One comment from HoopsWorld for good measure..
Shane in :
Why is it that so many folks are still picking the Hawks? If you take your time offensively, you get a good shot against all their switching. The HEAT did shoot well in Gm 2, but they were all WIDE open shots.
Travis Heath(HoopsWorld):
The Hawks are better 1-5 than Miami. If Atlanta can force Wade to take contested jumpers, I like Atlanta’s chances. But as I wrote earlier, I think this series goes seven. It certainly wouldn’t shock me if Miami wins, but I just think the Hawks have the edge when it comes to depth and experience.
Dr. Josh Smith
April 24th, 2009
7:37 pm
I like John Hollinger’s latest:
“ATLANTA — Three hours before game time, there was just one player in the arena. It was Miami’s Dwyane Wade, and he was shooting one jumper after another with assistant coach David Fizdale.
There was a reason for this — he knew the Hawks had kept him out of the paint in Game 1, and he wanted to be ready in case the same thing happened in Game 2. And as it turns out, his hard work was richly rewarded.
“I came in early, shot the ball, got the kinks out,” said Wade. “I got a feel for the rim the last couple of days in practice, so I felt it coming.”
“It,” in this case, was a surprising long-distance deluge. Atlanta’s game plan worked to perfection — Wade had only one basket inside 15 feet, a shockingly low number for perhaps the league’s best penetrator, and attempted just six free throws.
Unfortunately for the Hawks, Wade beat them anyway. He nailed six 3-pointers and four other long twos, including a 30-foot banked dagger at the shot clock buzzer with 2:36 left to put Miami up by 10, as the Heat scored a 108-93 win that evened their best-of-seven series at a game apiece.
“A lot of those were 3s based on us doubling some of their low-post players,” said Hawks coach Mike Woodson. “And some of our rotations were a little sloppy tonight, in terms of how we built out to the shooters.”
If there’s one sequence Woodson could have back, it would probably be the end of the first half when Wade scored 13 straight points — seven at the expense of Flip Murray, who rarely sees duty as a defensive specialist. But with aces Marvin Williams and Mo Evans both on the bench, Murray took a turn — and Wade victimized him for three straight jumpers off the dribble.
Finally, if you think Wade’s shooting performance was a fluke, just humor me and store this thought. Wade hadn’t made more than five triples in a game all season until the season’s final week. In his past three games, however, he’s made six 3s twice — the other time was in his last regular-season game when he scored 55 points against the Knicks.
As a result, the Heat head back to Miami with the series tied. And the Hawks can only wonder if their exquisite game plan will be laid to waste by Wade’s sudden shooting prowess.”
Volman
April 24th, 2009
7:39 pm
This is exactly what I’m talking about.
Reality
April 24th, 2009
7:46 pm
There you are!
Volman, I cannot believe you said Haslem was making jumpers he never makes!
Are you kidding? Have you not seen a Heat game in the last 4 years? That’s his offensive game – 15 foot jumpers. Any scout, coach, player, fan, beat writer would confirm that.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 24th, 2009
8:06 pm
I’m as big a Hawks fan as anyone, and I still think the Hawks will win in 6, but those of you acting like Wade ain’t a legit superstar and a top 3 player in this league — you are insane. Wade isn’t the product of a star system. He is a legit MVP caliber player, and SG is the one position at which the Heat have a real advantage in this series. Joe Johnson is a very nice player and I love having him on our team, but he is a 2nd-tier star in this league. If the game ends up coming down to Wade vs. Johnson, Wade’s probably going to win.
But the Hawks still have a better team from top to bottom, and (I can’t believe I’m saying this) a better coach. The better team tends to win these kinds of series. Hawks in 6.
Y’all Heat fans make some good points, but y’all are full of it acting like the Heat in-game crowd atmosphere is far superior to what we have at Philips. Wearing the same shirt doesn’t make you a better crowd.
WHO DIED......?
April 24th, 2009
8:33 pm
BUT KNOWING WHAT IT TAKE TO WIN IN PLAYOFFS AS A CROWD IS A BIG DIFFERENCE
WHO DIED......?
April 24th, 2009
8:35 pm
NAJEH,they might turn on you for saying that
WHO DIED......?
April 24th, 2009
8:36 pm
i will give hawks better starting 5 but your bench doesnt strike fear in heat
WHO DIED......?
April 24th, 2009
8:52 pm
didnt dallas say wade didnt have a good jump shot, keep thinking wade can shoot with or without solid d on him,and he will just keep posting 30 point games,as for you to think he had bad game in 1st game rewind game b/c in 1st half he had 17pts,3rd period was spent try to get rest of team going,and by the 4th, why is he playing,when the game is out of reach!o yea the only surprise in wade game is the three point shot, everything else is elite, remember he does it all offensively
Volman
April 24th, 2009
9:09 pm
im sick of sekou talking about heat, maybe he knows something we dont know, like we’re gonna lose
Melvin
April 24th, 2009
9:14 pm
Comeon Najeh, nobody is saying that Dwade is not a good player/superstar (really who cares) but for the Heat fans to think just because they have Dwade it makes them superior is ridiculus. Look at the Heat fans argument “we have DWade and he’s a superstar and we are the 2006 Champs”. Please educate me, where in the stats books is the column label Superstar. To argue who and who’s not a superstar is useless. Just like the Heat fans think they will see a repeat performance from Game 2, we the Hawks fans think that we are going to see a repeat performance from Game 1….
GameOn. Let’s Go Hawks…
WHO DIED......?
April 24th, 2009
9:19 pm
how many title suns win running
WHO DIED......?
April 24th, 2009
9:21 pm
besides nba not like other pro sport only superstars win in nba, name last non-superstar team to win title in nba
WHO DIED......?
April 24th, 2009
9:22 pm
o yea forget hawk fan will be happy making it to second round
Najeh Davenpoop
April 24th, 2009
9:35 pm
“besides nba not like other pro sport only superstars win in nba, name last non-superstar team to win title in nba”
The ‘04 Pistons?
Ariose
April 24th, 2009
9:56 pm
The Suns didn’t play defense smart guy. We blew you out by 26 in game 1 and held you to 64 points. Thats defense for you. It doesn’t really matter, we have the better team and we’re not going o let you win. It’s tha simple. We slipped up once, but that was just an abberation………Like I said, Hawks in 5….We aren’t dumb, you gutys had your little moment in game 2….whatever.
You know what’s scary? You haven’t seen Joe Johnson go off yet. You Haven’t Seen Horford or Bibby go Off yet. Flip Hasn’t gone off yet, Mo isn’t hot from downtown yet. Marvin is being held back by Woodson because of his injury…….just wait…..you’re in for a real treat buddy.
GOHAWKS
April 24th, 2009
10:05 pm
whatever who died???? DWADE is an amazing player and we all know that. Chalmers is not ready seeing as he is a rookie, Haslem – old bum, Magloire- waste of space, Cook – nice shooter streaky though, Beasley – hes a nice peice, Jermaine O Neal- HE IS ABSOLUTELY OVER HIS PRIME IF YOU THINK YOU ARE GONNA GET ANOTHER 19 PTS. FROM HIM IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS YOURE CRAZY CAUSE HE IS HORRID, SO tell me how many HEAT games did you watch this year??? If the heat shot 60% all season they would have been the best team in the NBA. They did not, and noone is scared of Chris Quinn and the rest of MIAMI’s garbage bench anyway. The hawks are a better team and this is very obvious. we beat you 3 of 4 actually 2 of 3 regular season cause that 4th one was garbage time, if the heat were the better team than they would have been one of the top 4 seeds in the east. GOOD LUCK with your superstar whom is surronded by absolute GARBAGE. THE HEAT SUCKS
doc
April 24th, 2009
10:24 pm
blah blah blah, scrolling along the blog, hits sure do help sekou.
myk, yup there for the blow out and there for the slip up. wil be down there for the wednesday game. already set up for next year as well, brah.
Big Ray
April 24th, 2009
10:34 pm
The so-called (and unaptly named) “reparte” between DAN and WHO DIED? has been mildly entertaining…
Melvin,
I hear what you’re saying about making Wade take contested jumpers. Here’s the trick: you START OFF by making it hard on him, which we did not do. Let him hit a couple or a few jumpers without a stiff defensive effort, and it will be too late. From there on out, he will make every freakin’ circus shot he tries, and get the call to boot…which is what happened in game 2.
O’Brien,
I don’t think I could agree more. Woody isn’t much for in-game adjustments. Our players do deserve some of the back-lash from the poor/failed defensive effort. Yet, it’s not like we got blown out.
I agree that Woody is better than Spoelstra. He ought to be. He’s had 5 years at head coach, and this is Spoelstra’s rookie year. Now ask me that question again in about 3 years….
MannyT,
“It was also interesting to see that Ira knows the Heat cannot run with the Hawks (in the blog after the quant one.) Spoelstra knows it too. When will Woody figure it out. I think it has been a major point of conversation for about 300 games. I think it’s been implemented in about 15 of those 300.”
Agreed. And the answer is…you can expect to continue to see this as long as Woody is here, and he has a veteran pg to do his thinking for him on offense (hence is near-desperate need for Bibby to stick around).
Doc,
Omens? Really? Come on, man…you sound like King Willie in “Predator 2.”
Astro Joe,
I’d expect the same. Three of our guys will step up big time. Sooner or later, we should see JJ and Flip have good games. Hopefully sooner. So far, JJ has looked like a sixth man, not an all-star.
I know we’re trying to save Marvin. But wow is he explosive when he’s touched the floor. The Heat would have no answer for him…
WHO DIED....?
April 24th, 2009
10:36 pm
My name should be WHO TAUGHT ME TO TALK AND WRITE….?
Big Ray
April 24th, 2009
10:37 pm
Nice one, Najeh. That was exactly the team I thought of when the question popped up.
Was that a MYKHALC sighting??
KevinA
April 24th, 2009
10:40 pm
Reality I got $100 that Hawks push it to 7. You game?
KevinA
April 24th, 2009
10:43 pm
Let me rephase. Hawks win in 7 or less.
Melvin
April 24th, 2009
11:05 pm
Doc, let me rephrase your statement. I think you miss a key stroke…
myk, yup there for the blow out and there for the slip up. wil be down there for the wednesday CLOSE OUT game.
Bring on Lebron…
doc
April 24th, 2009
11:17 pm
ray, there are omens in this world, intuition, spirits etc. as i saw the whole team sucking wind and all playing poorly as jj, flip and bibby all did their best josh smith imitations by fumbling the ball and dribbling the ball off their feet, i mean, is there a better explanation?
melvin, let me ask delicately, are you drinking tonight or smoking? heh heh
Melvin
April 24th, 2009
11:39 pm
Doc, i will be able to answer your question tomorrow depending on the type of hangover i have in the morning…:)
doc
April 24th, 2009
11:48 pm
thot so … laughing with you my friend.
WHO DIED......?
April 25th, 2009
12:10 am
wow, why no one mention hawks never won a road playoff game in their history, i guess that’s a bad omen for us huh?
Volman
April 25th, 2009
12:26 am
Man I love the “fake” Volman’s on here… So which one are you…Reality…Al..? Which one of you guys?
And to the guy who said I am not a “fan” of the game because I don’t follow Udonis Haslem’s ugly jump shot… then shame on you. His shot is terribly ugly….and I will take Haslem making jumpers anytime. The Heat will not shoot as well as they did in game 2…and if they do, then kudos to them..the Hawks will still have a chance to win.
Big Ray
April 25th, 2009
2:21 am
So, the Sixers are up 2-1 in the series with Orlando.
And the formula for beating Orlando remains the same: Howard gets his, but play solid defense on Turkoglu, Lewis, and Lee. Alston is good, but he won’t kill ya, and they don’t have much to speak of on the bench, aside from Gortat and an underwhelming Pietrus…..and a couple of ex-Hawk pg castoffs…
It’s not rocket science.
I-Win
April 25th, 2009
8:42 am
Heat fan here.
Bitter O’Reily I enjoy your sarcasm
Good luck to your team.
I just hope one of us beats the Cavs in the 2nd round.
WHO DIED ......?
April 25th, 2009
9:17 am
i guess Volman never seen childress shot,didnt he play for hawks. now that’s an ugly jumper
WHO DIED ......?
April 25th, 2009
9:27 am
i miss quoted on last night post hawks lost 11 str8 playoff raod games. my bad
WHO DIED ......?
April 25th, 2009
9:42 am
jus read sekou article,maybe it’s not woody fault after all,maybe it the players and lack of confidence on the road.coach see game different but al horford, say when team go on run in their house hawks lose confidence,wow that good to know
The Truth
April 25th, 2009
11:04 am
Has anybody notice the scheduling of the Hawks vs. Miami Heat Series? Even though we got home court advantage (which we loss), the Heat appears to have gotten the best time slots for their home games. Consider this:
Game 1: Yes we got home court advantage but the game was scheduled at Sunday night at 8:00 PM EST. For the Hawk fans, this probably was discouraging if you are looking at an early Monday morning work day. Maybe that explain why we had trouble selling out Phillips. Though we won the game, our advantage was suppressed because of the late Sunday night schedule.
Game 2: The loser of game 1 had an extra practice day since game was scheduled for Wednesday night at 8:00 PM EST. Since the Heat loss game 1, they had an extra day to recover. Maybe that explain why they shot so well, they had more dress rehearsal time.
Game 3: Perhaps the most favorable time slot for the Heat because the game is schedule for Saturday night at 6:30 PM EST. If you are an average Miami fan, you are delighted because you aren’t facing a work day on Sunday. Chances are you are more motivated to come out and support your team. The projection of this game is highly likely to be a sellout. That means a tough challenge for the Hawks. This scheduling gives the maximum advantage to the Heat.
Game 4: The winner of game 3 will have the advantage and the momentum. If the Hawks lose it would be even worst because they will have a shorter recovery period since Game 5 is scheduled for Monday at 8:00 PM EST. This is a clear advantage to the Heat if they win game 3.
Game 5: This game is scheduled for Wednesday at probably 8:00 PM EST at Phillips. Once again, even though it is a home game, it is scheduled in the middle of a work week so our game court advantage is suppressed.
If this sounds like a conspiracy, it probably is. So much for all that work and effort to secure the 4th seed; was it worth it if the powers to be are desperate for a LeBron-Wade match-up.
j
April 25th, 2009
11:13 am
who died … please speak english, or better yet, go to the Heat blog … Hawks will win this series. if anybody needs to be concerned, it’s the Magic. I’m glad we didn’t get Philly in the First Round!
gusman354
April 25th, 2009
11:14 am
THE HEAT IS ON(D-WADE =the real 2009 mvp &MICHAEL BEASTLY the best pleya of this draft)
j
April 25th, 2009
11:27 am
there are way too many Heat fans on this blog .. if you have to come on here to talk basketball, it only goes to show the lack of basketball interest in Miami … what’s even more funny is that i talked to somebody two years back who was a die-hard Heat fan, and then talked to them a few months back and they said they were now a Phoenix Suns fan … only goes to show how much most of you are just a posterchild of the “bandwagon syndrome” and don’t follow your team even in bad times … there was a report early this week that the Heat had only sold 10,000 tickets to their Saturday playoff game … guess you might need some Hawks fans to help sell out? i’ll leave this as my final comment … Hawks needed that loss wednesday night. The blow out was so bad the first game, the guys were all too relaxed and lacked energy coming out for the 2nd (plus the free throw shooting and 3pt shooting/defense was horrible). Their focus will be on in Miami. Hawks will take this series in 6
j
April 25th, 2009
11:54 am
i HAVE to comment on Who Died’s insight on Josh Childress’ ugly shot … he may have the ugliest shot in the history of basketball but check his field goal percentage and 3 point percentage and tell me how bad his shot was again? J-Chill was the best off our bench, and ALWAYS snuck in back door for easy lay-ups. Bring Chills back w/ Flip and Mo, and i’ll take that ugly shot anyday!
Dante Fitzgerald
April 25th, 2009
1:24 pm
Ayo, Hawks in 5!!!
Volman
April 25th, 2009
2:07 pm
“Who died”… I never “seen Childress’ shot”. I SAW his shot. Terrible grammar. He did not take many jump shots if you were to actually watch any Hawks games. He was more of a baseline player/finisher/garbage bucket man. He slashed and drove to the lane…didn’t shoot jump shots.
Dolt.
Melvin
April 25th, 2009
2:58 pm
Watching the Hornets/Nuggets game. They finally call CP3 for palming/carrying the ball. The same thing DWade does alot. That gives the offensive player a huge advantage when he allow to palm the ball, fake one direction and go the opposite way the defender reacts to.
Hawksfan
April 25th, 2009
3:00 pm
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SouthAfrican09
April 25th, 2009
3:37 pm
Anyone else notice how any time Wade gets stripped/blocked/misses shot, he always look at ref or lies on the ground or both, thinking it was a foul, even though it’s clear it wasn’t? So many times he’ll fall and just lie down for 30 seconds like he got hurt. Chump
SouthAfrican09
April 25th, 2009
3:39 pm
We could really use a 20 point game from Duck or Flip. Is Marvin ready for bigger minutes? Let him play the 4th, not Flip
Hawks Over Heat (In Five) HOW EVER MANY IT TAKES
April 25th, 2009
5:27 pm
I noticed it too, The Truth. I was hoping for Friday and Saturday games too. I was a little disappointed to see that all our games were on Sundays and Wednesdays. I don’t know how they figure out the schedule but it angered me to see that the Heat have a game on Friday and Saturday. What’s up with that? Conspiracy or not, that scheduling wasn’t right considering the Hawks earned the homecourt advantage.
Something that’s been bothering me all season is the foul calls. You know it’s something to take notice of when Phil Jackson, the Laker’s coach makes mention of some shiesty foul calls on Andrew Bynum. It only further convinced me that there were some shady calls on Wednesday and not a figment of my imagination. I have enough confidence in the Atlanta Hawks where I know that there won’t be a Lebron vs. D. Wade second round. One more hour until game 3 can’t wait. GO HAWKS! DEFEAT THE HEAT!
Hawks Over Heat (In Five) HOW EVER MANY IT TAKES
April 25th, 2009
5:33 pm
Sorry SouthAfrican09, Marvin’s not playing in Game 3.
Maybe Flip will step up and get those 20 though. HAWKS OVER HEAT IN HOW EVER MANY IT TAKES!!!!!!! GO HAWKS!!!!!!!! DEFEAT THE HEAT!!!!!!!!!
Mark
April 25th, 2009
5:40 pm
Marvins hurt again!! We should not re-sign this guy. We should get our lungs handed to us in this game.
The Plastic Man
April 25th, 2009
5:55 pm
Did anyone see TNT’s interview with Joe Johnson/Mike Woodson? They asked Woodson specifically about Charles Barkelys comments on the Hawks’ half court offense… gave a very insightful answer as you can imagine…
Ariose
April 25th, 2009
6:07 pm
Trde Marvin For Rudy Gay!!!!!
Now!!!!
Da Real Real
April 25th, 2009
6:32 pm
I said that i’d like to see Mo start tonight over Marvin…didn’t think it’d be like this though. I’d like to have him come off the bench but the good thing is we’ve played and won without Marvin and with some of our guys out of the line up this season. In fact, if you’re like me, you think the Hawks have played better team ball when one of the starters are out anyway.
Stephen
April 25th, 2009
6:55 pm
Wow, the hawks look really good.
RJ
April 25th, 2009
6:56 pm
Mike woodson couldn’t motivate a roach 2 stay away from raid
Hot in Here!!!
April 25th, 2009
6:57 pm
OH MY GOD!!! DID WADE JUST SLAM THAT BALL OR WHAAAAAAAAAAAT???
let’s go heat.
SouthAfrican09
April 25th, 2009
6:57 pm
FREAKING MOVE THE BALL, HORF AND SMOOVE. STOP PLAYING THIS 1 ON 1 GARBAGE.
OMG
Da Real Real
April 25th, 2009
6:58 pm
OUT OF CONTROL. They got the stops but couldn’t convert and what…4 open looks?
Mike Woodson
April 25th, 2009
6:58 pm
I am SOOOOOO fired!!!
Ariose
April 25th, 2009
6:58 pm
Trade Marvin For Rudy……i’m tired of this shyt..Where the hell is Acie? Is he healthy?
Horford is playing stupid right now…..
Al "Butterfingers" Horford
April 25th, 2009
6:59 pm
Man, forget you fair-weather fans!!
reebok
April 25th, 2009
7:00 pm
hawks are mailing it in. they’ve conceded this game. can’t shoot, won’t defend, not even trying to rebound or box out. pathetic.
Stephen
April 25th, 2009
7:00 pm
I lol’d RJ.
bigjohnhawksfan
April 25th, 2009
7:00 pm
So………we’re not rebounding this game, or what?
O'brien
April 25th, 2009
7:01 pm
I know it’s early, but where is our offense? Woody’s offensive system at work.
However, the Hawks are not playing any defense either.
Spirit the Hawk is FIRED!!!
April 25th, 2009
7:01 pm
Time to bench Joe and unleash RANDMO!!!
Eman
April 25th, 2009
7:02 pm
2-14 in FGs to start the game? Game 3 of the playoffs, right Hawks?
Bill Walton
April 25th, 2009
7:03 pm
THE REFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Da Real Real
April 25th, 2009
7:04 pm
Garbage, absolute garbage. Looks like we’re going to play 1 on 5 offensive basketball tonight.
xavier
April 25th, 2009
7:04 pm
The Hawkettes are getting sh*tkicked like little sissies!! Series is over. This team has not heart and they play like a WNBA team on the road. WOW
Eman
April 25th, 2009
7:05 pm
maybe they can hit 10 pts by the end of the 1st??
mo
April 25th, 2009
7:05 pm
no HEART, no SWAG
Harry the Hawk
April 25th, 2009
7:05 pm
WE FUÇKING SUCK!!!
SouthAfrican09
April 25th, 2009
7:05 pm
FREAKING MOVE THE BALL ON OFFENSE. OH WAIT WE DONTR HAVE AN OFFENSE. ALL WE HAVE IS JOE DRIBBLING AND DRIBBLING AND EVERYNE STANDING STILL
L. Samuel
April 25th, 2009
7:06 pm
xavier: stop insulting the WNBA, jackass.
xavier
April 25th, 2009
7:07 pm
Great news! We just scored a total of 6 points. Its only half way throught the first, but congrats Hawks!! You are only down 14 pts in the 1st quarter!
Where's the D?
April 25th, 2009
7:08 pm
Flashback to Game 7 last year: TOTAL MELTDOWN!!!
bigdave
April 25th, 2009
7:08 pm
keep Joe on Wade… he got him d’ed up…
xavier
April 25th, 2009
7:08 pm
Joe johnson is almost an average player. Almost….
$5 footlong
April 25th, 2009
7:09 pm
Gimme the KEYS, man! Gimme the KEYS!!!
xavier
April 25th, 2009
7:11 pm
Wow we suck!
xavier
April 25th, 2009
7:12 pm
I like it in the butt.
xavier
April 25th, 2009
7:12 pm
You can have the keys. You can’t do any worse than this crap!
Larry Drew
April 25th, 2009
7:13 pm
Is it too soon for me to step in as Interim Head Coach?
O'brien
April 25th, 2009
7:13 pm
JJ, why would you take that shot with 13.7 seconds left in the quarter, with 9 seconds left on the shot clock?
JJ is playing good defense, but on offense, he is struggling.
Michael Gearon, Sr.
April 25th, 2009
7:14 pm
I have no son.
Rod from College Park
April 25th, 2009
7:14 pm
Nobody in the league would be dumb enough to trade Rudy Gay for Marvin. Marvin will stay hurt because he can’t stay on his feet. He pays like he is 6′2. Joe goes to the hole soooo weak, it is almost funny.
KP
April 25th, 2009
7:16 pm
We need a coach that can inspire and energize his team. Woody has taken us to this point and he is a nice guy, however, he needs to go! Our offensive sets are non-existent and all we do is play one-on-one basketball!
Sweet Lou Hudson
April 25th, 2009
7:17 pm
Suckers.
Sekou Smith
April 25th, 2009
7:17 pm
New Hawks blog is up. No Marvin, No Cry folks. This is going to be some test for these Hawks.
Ariose
April 25th, 2009
7:18 pm
Marvin and Zaza for rudy…..
Rudy Gay
April 25th, 2009
7:19 pm
Marvin for a bag of armbands.
Ariose
April 25th, 2009
7:26 pm
You and a bag of armbands for Marvin…..
Memphis Grizzlies Front Office
April 25th, 2009
7:26 pm
…DEAL!!!
Ariose
April 25th, 2009
7:30 pm
Now Josh Smith can’t play defense….
hawktalker
April 25th, 2009
7:39 pm
How about we shut down all these easy layups? Tired of Beasley walking in like that.
RISE UP!!!
Eman
April 25th, 2009
7:46 pm
alright now time to speak up, who said this years hawks are better than last years?? Last years Hawks couldn’t lose at home AND got blown out on the road. This years Hawks can lose at home AND STILL get blown out on the road.
I’m not seeing the improvement.
Ariose
April 25th, 2009
7:48 pm
Joe needs to take more shots……and quicker ones too….
dark30
April 25th, 2009
7:50 pm
Wow, 21 point deficit. Wish I could say I was surprised. Just the same ol’ Hawks. Game over, series over. Dogs on the road as usual, with no heart. What else is on?
hock
April 25th, 2009
8:18 pm
The Hawks need swagger? Sorry to disagree, but in the post-Jordan NBA, swagger is about all teams like the Hawks have. It’s isn’t whether you win or lose, it’s whether you get oohs and aahs on your dunks.
Rollins Tree
April 25th, 2009
8:20 pm
Same old Hawks…. CANT WIN ON THE ROAD!!!
Thanks for nothing Woodson. Your gone if we lose this series.
kj
April 25th, 2009
8:23 pm
holy smokes, has anyone seen the atlanta hawks? These impostors are killing me! where is the intensity, the drive, the passion. everyony seems to still be high off of the game 1 win. hopefully they dont wake up and find themselves on the wrong end of a 4-1 series loss
kj
April 25th, 2009
8:44 pm
these guys are done man, unbelieveable. If they continue to play flat like they are it’s going to be a quick series. wade gets 4 attempts under the basket with 3 freggin hawks down low. unbelieveable. these guys gotta grab some fortitude and man up!
kj
April 25th, 2009
8:46 pm
im turning the channel. these guys disgust me. no heart, no playbook, no chance.
Eman
April 25th, 2009
9:05 pm
scoring in the teens not once, not twice, but 3 times!!!
Eman
April 25th, 2009
9:07 pm
“We’re going to find out just how much we want it,” Bibby said”
And with game three they’re making it all to clear how “bad” they want it
chelsea
April 25th, 2009
9:10 pm
josh smith is poison…deal him while you can get something for him
gusman354
April 25th, 2009
9:15 pm
The REF won this game hahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
gusman354
April 25th, 2009
9:17 pm
and josh smith is a superstar hahahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
gusman354
April 25th, 2009
9:31 pm
come on say with me the REF won the game. we are better than the heat,d-wade is garbage,josh smith is the real superstar.hahahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
gusman354
April 25th, 2009
9:35 pm
who died?=the hawks
gusman354
April 25th, 2009
9:37 pm
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