Paying the price for a big win
Zaza Pachulia and the Hawks soared Monday night over the Heat in Miami. Now all they have to do is produce an encore Wednesday night at home.
MIAMI - Mike Bibby got cracked in the nose and poked in the eye.
Josh Smith got the skin on the side of his face scratched off in three places.
Joe Johnson finished the game hobbling and was later spotted with his right foot in a bucket of ice before he was sent off to get examined to determine the extent of the damage.
Everyone saw Zaza Pachulia’s right eye, darkened around the edges by an unidentified flying object (or an errant elbow) that he doesn’t remember connecting.
Even Hawks equipment man extraordinaire Zac Walsh went down during the game (food poisoning) and was reportedly left behind at a local hospital to recover.
Oh, yeah, the Hawks paid the price for their monumental 81-71 Game 4 win at AmericanAirlines Arena a couple hours ago.
They paid dearly.
And they’d gladly do it again and again and again, if it means snatching back home court advantage in their first round playoff series against the Miami Heat every time.
Things got physical Monday night and the Hawks rose to the challenge, leading from start to finish in a wild game that could eventually define their season.
Obviously, there’s plenty of work still to be done.
But none of it would be possible without what on Monday night.
“Well, it’s 2-2 in the series and you say that we have the home court advantage now,” said Pachulia, the Hawks’ Game 4 hero, “but we did have home court advantage after Game 1 and everybody thought we were going to win two games at home. But we lost [Game 2] at home. We still have to win two more games. We have to use our advantage and play the same way we played [to win Game 4].”
If that means sacrificing their bodies again, so be it.
“Well, it wasn’t obvious when it happened,” Pachulia said of his black eye, “and it happened in Game 3. I just felt it burning during the game and then I touched my eye and it was already swollen. But watching the tape I think happened on the rebound when me and James Jones were fighting for it. It happens, though, I look like Rocky Balboa.”
Pachulia set the tone with his rugged play early. And the Heat felt it, particularly Heat center Jermaine O’Neal, who couldn’t push the bigger Pachulia around the way he did Al Horford in Games 2 and 3.
“He was tough down there,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of Pachulia. “He was pretty much doing everything in traffic. Bodies were flying. Loose balls, he seemed like he came up with every one of them. He had a major impact on the game. Eighteen rebounds … he played very well.”
Well enough to help the Hawks’ bench crew outscore the Heat’s reserves a whopping 25-2. This after being outscored 37-20 in Game 3.
“They made all the plays,” Jones said. “Zaza was the guy who every time they needed a big play, he made it. Whether it was a rebound, a tip or a layup, he was the momentum breaker tonight and i think he kind of sealed our fate.”
NOT THAT THE HAWKS DIDN’T TRY and give this one away with their inexplicable power failure just before halftime.
Leading by 21 points (44-23) with 4:37 to play before the break, the Hawks watched the Heat go on a 19-2 run to pull to within four points, 46-42 at halftime – and that includes those crazy four-point plays in 11 seconds by Jones to energize the crowd and frighten Hawks fans around the globe.
But the Hawks never surrendered their lead. They kept their composure in a hostile environment, showcasing a mettle and maturity that had been lacking previously.
“We played defense like we did in Game 1,” Smith said. “We just got after them the whole game. We took control of the game from the tip and we had to do that to get the fans out of it early. Fighting through adversity shows the character of this team. That was a big win for us.”
BACK-TO-BACK wins for Wade’s team produced back spasms for the Heat superstar Monday night.
That might explain his 9-for-26 shooting effort, and yes, it was as dismal as it looked on the stat sheet. But how bad was Wade’s back if he could find a way to launch 26 shots?
As bad as his back was, the Hawks’ defense on Wade was that sound.
“We just switched off the pick-and-rolls,” Johnson said. “We even had our [centers] out there guarding him at times.”
Now comes the hard part, doing it again Wednesday night in Game 5.
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756 comments Add your comment
bigdave
April 29th, 2009
10:59 pm
telecast
Reggie
April 29th, 2009
11:00 pm
dave: What was it?
KevinA
April 29th, 2009
11:02 pm
vava – fouls and stuff happen – the reasoning for developing the bench.
Blast
April 29th, 2009
11:03 pm
I ain’t gonna hate on Josh for a minute on that dunk play. If he’d made it, it would have been a highlight reel. Since he didn’t, it might still be a highlight reel cos folks gonna critic it. If he’d tried that play with the game on the line, then I would have been mad. Cut this guy some slack, folks. We were up big, Josh is still young, still learning and is very emotional. Which other player in the NBA will try that move in a regular season game? Talkless of the playoffs?
Big Ray
April 29th, 2009
11:05 pm
KevinA,
What is that, a trick question?
No, I’m not a Woody hater. And he did a great job tonight. I would like to see him use the bench a bit more during the regular season and be more solid in the Xs and Os part of the game. I think our offense is too chaotic a lot of times. But he’s not a BAD guy. He doesn’t publicly castigate his players or say that his boss sucks. He seems to have a humble approach to his job.
He says a lot of the right things. I hate some of the things he seems to be doing, but I don’t hate HIM. He’s given me no reason to make it nearly that personal (besides, it’s not like I know the guy).
Unfortunately, those criticisms are viewed by some as hating. At least I can give credit to him for what I think he’s good at, and for when I feel that he’s done a good job. That’s more than some people do for others whom they criticize just as much. But hey, this place is full of opinions…just like…well, nevermind.
bigdave
April 29th, 2009
11:05 pm
it had on white pants brother…
Blast
April 29th, 2009
11:08 pm
Joe and Flip on the podium! Can’t remember the last time I saw that!
Melvin
April 29th, 2009
11:08 pm
Ditto Ray. I thought Woody coach a good game tonite…
Big Ray
April 29th, 2009
11:09 pm
vava74,
J. O’Neal is a force that is not quite what it once was. However, the all-star level skills and knowledge are still very much there, even if the health and athleticism aren’t. O’Neal is still a fairly quick 6′11″ guy with great low post skills and savvy. He can’t be taken lightly, and our younger frontcourt players are just that: young. As in, a veteran like O’Neal knows how to get them out of the game. He doesn’t want to get into a contest of physicality with them, so he draws them into foul trouble.
Zaza, as good as he plays, is not a good matchup for O’Neal all the time. But he has been playing his butt off.
EAST ATLANTA HAWKS FAN
April 29th, 2009
11:10 pm
I HATE YOU WHITE PEOPLE. SMOOVE COMMITS 3209 TURNOVERS AND YOU WANT HIM TRADED. YOU ALL ARE RACIST PIGS. JOE HAS AN OFF-GAME AND YOU WANT HIM GONE.
RACISTS
EAST ATLANTA HAWKS FAN
April 29th, 2009
11:13 pm
DANG, MY MOTHER IS WHITE. I HOPE SHE DOESN’T READ THIS BLOG.
EAST ATLANTA HAWKS FAN
April 29th, 2009
11:14 pm
I LOVE WHITE PEOPLE.
Big Ray
April 29th, 2009
11:14 pm
Agreed, Melvin.
Reggie
April 29th, 2009
11:14 pm
That’s interesting?
KevinA
April 29th, 2009
11:14 pm
Big Ray, I was just commenting on East Atlanta comment. You are almost like peas in a pod when it come to commenting on feeding our front court and not relying on the jump shots from the back court.Trusting your team mates and rotate the ball.
And you know what? We have improved much late in this season by just doing just that.
I like Woody as much as most. I just think he has a few weak points. I do not have the verbal and writing skill as you do, so You should carry the theme. Carry on young man.
EAST ATLANTA HAWKS FAN
April 29th, 2009
11:15 pm
DID YOU KNOW THAT I AM KOREAN? SUPRISED, RIGHT?
White People
April 29th, 2009
11:15 pm
We love you too, East Atlanta Hawks Fan.
*smooch*
Oh wait, you’re not black are you?
EAST ATLANTA HAWKS FAN
April 29th, 2009
11:16 pm
YOU ARE ALL RACIST. YOU DIDN’T VOTE FOR OBAMA? YOU ARE RACISTS!
RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS RACISTS
Big Ray
April 29th, 2009
11:16 pm
I would love nothing more than to take this series in Miami. And where ARE the Dade County boys at? Oh well, they’ll make noise next game, I’m sure. They and the Heat have their backs against the wall. We got ‘em where we want ‘em!
EAST ATLANTA HAWKS FAN
April 29th, 2009
11:16 pm
I VOTED FOR JOHN MCCAIN.
bigdave
April 29th, 2009
11:16 pm
did anyone hear what spoelstra had to say about Josh’s attempt b/t the legs? a reporter just asked Woody about it?
KevinA
April 29th, 2009
11:16 pm
jEast Atlanta – lets enjoy the win. There tough to come by in the playoffs.
WHO DIED...?
April 29th, 2009
11:17 pm
WE SUCK WE CONCEDE HAWKS ARE BETTER
I AM LEAVING THIS PLACE FOREVER
EAST ATLANTA HAWKS FAN
April 29th, 2009
11:17 pm
YOU ARE RACIST AND I AM GAY.
Reality
April 29th, 2009
11:17 pm
Sorry for disturbing ya’ll
Hawks are the better team
Go hawks!
KevinA
April 29th, 2009
11:17 pm
East – know I know you got problems lol
KevinA
April 29th, 2009
11:19 pm
Let me guess you don’t like pork.
EAST ATLANTA HAWKS FAN
April 29th, 2009
11:19 pm
WHERE ARE THE GOOD GAY BARS IN EAST ATLANTA? I LOVE MEN.
Reggie
April 29th, 2009
11:20 pm
Okay this is getting annoying now considering people are just acting like the Heat fans and then this East Atlanta fool.
tiger woo
April 29th, 2009
11:21 pm
Hey WHO DIED…?
Don’t leave! You can always become a Hawks fan! LOL !!
EAST ATLANTA HAWKS FAN
April 29th, 2009
11:24 pm
I DON’T LIKE PORK. WHERE CAN A KOREAN BROTHER GET SOME FILET OF DOG?
Melvin
April 29th, 2009
11:30 pm
Big Ray, the reason why I said bad decision by Josh was b/c he should have throw it between his legs and caught in the air for the behind the head DUNK….LOL… Keep doing what you’re doing JOSH…..
EAST ATLANTA HAWKS FAN
April 29th, 2009
11:32 pm
IT’S FUN TO STAY AT THE Y.M.C.A.! LOTS OF CUTE GUYS!
gusman354
April 29th, 2009
11:34 pm
Thanks for the butt-kicking, fellas!!
I have been HUMBLED!!!
D-WADE SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE REFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Big Ray
April 29th, 2009
11:36 pm
KevinA,
I like to see Woody win. I hate to see him lose. I feel the same way about Josh Smith. Those two are so linked, that it’s just crazy. Their relationship may be rocky (regardless of what they say). But they have a common denominator: When they perform well, they REALLY perform well. When they don’t, it’s ugly as sin. Both will say the right things in interviews. Both will sometimes do the opposite of what they say, during a game. It’s frustrating as all get out at times.
The difference is the direct results you can see. They play different roles.
Josh is responsible for playing within the scheme, or flow of the game. He’s responsible for defending the interior, and sometimes the perimeter. He’s responsible for rebounding the ball, scoring, setting screens, and helping his teammates in general. But his role also includes providing tons of energy on both ends of the floor in ways that only he can provide. He is responsible for playing as hard as he can, all the time.
Woodson is the head coach, and he’s the guy most responsible for using the players he has to the best of their ability, within a team concept, and maximizing each player’s skills/talent. He’s responsible for making sure these guys are in shape and ready to play. He’s responsible for the development of all players, young and veteran. He’s responsible for being able to see the whole game, on both ends, recognizing what is happening on the court vs. what needs to happen. He’s responsible for putting his team in the best position to win, in each game. This includes making adjustments during games, and throughout the season.
Like any player, Josh has only himself to blame, and himself to be responsible for his individual play. Nobody can make him run faster. Nobody can make him shoot better. Nobody can make him play harder, or smarter. He has to do it all himself.
Woodson is responsible for himself as well. But he does have an entire staff. He has second (and third) opinions. He has others to help share the burden. He can’t keep up with every single little thing, but he is responsible for the details. It’s a management position, like it or not. But at least he has help.
Two different roles, to different types/levels of responsibility. Two different effects on the game.
And there is no use comparing the pay scale. We can talk all day about a guy like Woody getting a million a year (if that), versus Josh getting a 5 years and $58 million. But you know why. People pay to see the guys on the court, not the guy on the sideline. Tell me how many Woodson jerseys are out there selling, vs how many Smith jerseys. Exactly. The money doesn’t even belong in the conversation.
Two different guys. Two different roles. One goal. And joined at the hip.
gusman354
April 29th, 2009
11:38 pm
Ever since I got that D-Wade FatHead, I touch myself at night.
Every night.
Big Ray
April 29th, 2009
11:38 pm
LOL @ TigerWoo…
Reggie,
Yeah, it’s annoying, but kinda funny for a second. You have to admit, the irony is a bit thick.
Reggie
April 29th, 2009
11:39 pm
Ray: That my man was a GREAT post. Well done.
EAST ATLANTA HAWKS FAN
April 29th, 2009
11:40 pm
WHOEVER IS USING MY SCREEN NAME – STOP! AND I DON’T LIKE MEN – I LIKE LITTLE BOYS.
Big Ray
April 29th, 2009
11:41 pm
LOL…some of these comments are lewd as hell, but I can’t stop laughing…
Now WHERE is Astro Joe? This blog just isn’t the same without him adding one line about how this is a good win, followed by 3 paragraphs for pure, unadulterated sarcasm. And I though journalists and cops were hard-bitten. A career in corporate sales must be a mutha…
Big Ray
April 29th, 2009
11:45 pm
Reggie, thanks man.
It’s just what I feel. I really don’t hate Woody. Or Josh. But I know I’ve been harsh on both, and certainly one more than the other. It’s based on what I feel to be the level of responsibility. It’s just my opinion though. But you know how we are. Our opinions we defend to the last. Sometimes even when we’re wrong!
EAST ATLANTA HAWKS FAN
April 29th, 2009
11:46 pm
I’M MAD AT JOSH SMITH – WHEN HE MISSED THAT BREAKAWAY DUNK, I SOILED MY FAVORITE FRUIT OF THE LOOM SPONGE BOB BOXERS! NOT FAIR!
KevinA
April 29th, 2009
11:51 pm
I think that Josh still defers to JJ and Bibby to be the leaders of the team. He still dosen’t understand that he has the skills to take over games and demand the ball. Al is very good for Josh, when they both are hot the team will defer to them. Playing at the higest level at their positions will always demand the ball.
Next year I think we will see a different team. A team that truely trusts each other. I see 60 wins with one more good big. As always, the team will go as far as Josh goes. All of this is assuming the Hawks come back next year intact. If Sund is smart and assuming our owners supply the money to pay our players I think there is not to much to change.
EAST ATLANTA HAWKS FAN
April 29th, 2009
11:53 pm
THE HAWKS MAY BE BETTER BUT THE MIAMI PLAYERS ARE SO CUTE! D-WADE IS ONE HUNK OF A MAN! I’D LOVE TO GET MY HANDS ON MARVIN’S BUTT, THOUGH.
KevinA
April 29th, 2009
11:58 pm
I think JJ and Bibby will have to make the biggest adjustment, Flip on a smaller scale. Our kid front court are now men. You got to feed the men. Not always passing to them but by driving to the hole and letting them feed on the misses.
Penis
April 29th, 2009
11:59 pm
Did someone say lude? Naughty, Big Ray, NAUGHTY!!!!
You’re gay.
Big Ray
April 30th, 2009
12:00 am
LOL…getting past the craziness…ROFL…
KevinA,
You could be right. They need a consistent offensive gameplan with options, but I can’t agree enough with the idea of these guys trusting each other. They really have to. And they need for Woody to encourage that, too. Of course, he has to trust them as well for this to be effective.
I also agree with getting one more good big. But whoever it is has to be somebody that’s complimentary to Zaza, not the same kind of player.
Perhaps a guy with more athleticism and flexibility, with a different offensive approach. Maybe a guy like Solo, only with more weight/strength?
Big Ray
April 30th, 2009
12:01 am
ROFL…here we go again. I know THIS character.
Big Ray
April 30th, 2009
12:01 am
Was that a DRMARYB sighting earlier?! Sakes alive!
EAST ATLANTA HAWKS FAN
April 30th, 2009
12:02 am
HEY PENIS,
THAT’S A GREAT SCREEN NAME. MAKES ME WANT TO GO OUT AND SUCK ON SOMETHING!