The space between?
The Hawks saw far too much of Dwight Howard and friends Friday night in Orlando. And that's the way it's going to be all season for these (so-called) Southeast Division rivals.
HAWKSVILLE – Stay low any of you unlucky Hawks fans in or around Orlando this weekend.
After your team’s performance against the Magic Friday night (yeah, I know it was a preseason game and doesn’t actually count for anything) might get you run out of town.
For those of you like me that watched the game from afar, you’re probably still trying to get the tag of that 18-wheeler that steamrolled the Hawks (the carnage was all over Amway Arena at the end of the Magic’s 123-86 demolition).
I know there’s not much to be gleamed from a preseason game, especially one where you get beaten senseless (did the Magic miss from deep in the first half?). But this game had special circumstances. It’s the Magic and Hawks, the two teams that finished 1-2 in the Southeast Division last year.
You had to know the Magic would be eager to send a message. I was expecting the Hawks to rise up and answer that challenge with a shot or two of their own. They did not. They looked lost out there. They were unable to match the Magic in any facet of the game. It was an embarrassing showing for a team that fancies itself an outfit on the rise.
Sure, I know it won’t mean anything in the morning. The real games start Wednesday and all that good stuff.
Remember what you saw on this night, though (well not you Jeff Teague. Put this game in the trash can and move on rookie. It happens, these dreadful shooting nights). The Magic won’t forget. They know they put their finger in the face of the Hawks and didn’t get slugged in return. That means the psychological, physical and emotional edge they had over their supposed chief rival remains intact from last season (you remember the way the Magic abused the Hawks every chance they could, just to drive it home that they were not threatened by the occasional Hawks win in the series).
A rivalry requires the Hawks to step up to the challenge, even in the preseason. They did nothing. They took one lick after another and barely showed any resistance. Winning the game wasn’t important. I wanted to see if the Hawks would bow up and scrap with the Magic if they got pushed around early and they ran the other way. It was a surprising response from a team that’s talked big since the end of last season about coming back this year better and hungrier than they were a year ago
Anyone wondering why the national pundits and fans in other places don’t take the Hawks serious, rewind the tape and watch this game again and you’ll have your answer. And that space between the Hawks and the upper crust of the Eastern Conference (the Magic, Celtics and Cavaliers) is even greater than I realized.
(We could spend a little time deciphering the box score from this game but what’s the use? Sometimes it’s best to just go to sleep and wake up with something else on your mind.)
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409 comments Add your comment
rms
October 23rd, 2009
10:45 pm
First!!!
rms
October 23rd, 2009
10:47 pm
That was an execution we just witnessed!! Everybody sucked not only the coaches, but the trainers, assistant trainers, waterboy, even the beat writers!!!
rms
October 23rd, 2009
10:47 pm
I got the blog all to myself!!
rms
October 23rd, 2009
10:49 pm
So much for respect! Now we just prove the “experts” they were were right. Now ESPN can brag even harder about the Big 3 in the East
rms
October 23rd, 2009
10:49 pm
Hello………………..
niremetal
October 23rd, 2009
10:51 pm
What’s the use,
What’s the use?
Oh, it’s so depressing,
So deeply distressing,
That things don’t work out.
What on earth is this world all about?
rms
October 23rd, 2009
10:51 pm
What does this mean to the team and its pysche??? The Magic seem to really have our number and they are rubbing it in our face.
D Brown
October 23rd, 2009
10:52 pm
Are the really serious!? There was no fight in this entire game…Joe Johnson should have taken the new deal if this game is a sign of things to come. As for Woody, he might want to keep quite about his contract being extended!
J.J.M.
October 23rd, 2009
10:53 pm
what i learned about the hawks…Have no idea why coach woodson still has all the 6″9 plus players standing around the 3 point line, nobody steps up when joe is double teamed, why the hawks suck on the road but are good at home, and why we shoot… jump shots 80 percent of the game and post up 20 percent of the time.Read More
Mz. Hawkdafied
October 23rd, 2009
11:02 pm
HUGE SPACE! About this big:[ ].
Mz. Hawkdafied
October 23rd, 2009
11:03 pm
Bigger than that [__________________________________________________________]! Okay that’s more like it!
Big Ray
October 23rd, 2009
11:04 pm
I’m not surprised that the Magic beat us.
Talent is one thing. Cohesion is another. They shot the lights out. We couldn’t buy a bucket. Reminds me of the whooping we took last year.
Sorry to have to say this, but when you lose, you ALL lose. Players AND coaches.
I’m sick to my stomach of hearing that same stupid alibi that another team is just better. That explains a loss, but it does NOT explain a beating. Why do our guys continue to stand around and look lost? Why do our guys not fight back harder?
Do we still lack leadership on the court and on the sidelines? Is that it? Why did an offense that looked so good in the last few preseason games look like a train wreck this time around?
The blame doesn’t go on any one or two people. But at the same time, it touches EVERYBODY.
superbasketballfan
October 23rd, 2009
11:08 pm
anybody missing garret siler now??? dwight howard dogged all the centers the hawks threw at him hawks deserved to lose they do not have a center ////Siler come back PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!
Ramon
October 23rd, 2009
11:08 pm
I’m sorry but the best coach for this squad would be Hubie Brown. I’m not saying change coaches, I’m just saying for years I’ve always wondered how he would do as the coach and tonight couldn’t help but DREAM.
JayDubu
October 23rd, 2009
11:10 pm
Not that it should have made a big difference in the game tonight, but the Hawks did play last night. They still have no inside offensive attack, and shoot poorly from the perimeter.
They’ll play better than they did tonight, but they are not in the same class as the Cavs, Celtics, or Magic, and might be looking up to the Heat in the standings this season.
Fist time I’ve seen the Hawks this preseason. The bench is a lot better, but Woody has to use them, and not burn the starters, night in and night out.
The Hawks need to have either a consistent inside game, or a consistent outside game, and it doesn’t look as though they have either. Let’s hope they find their identity soon, or this season could be a short one for Woody.
Mz. Hawkdafied
October 23rd, 2009
11:12 pm
I’m not surprised either. Just thought I’d see the Hawks compete not rollover and get trampled on. Yeah the blame goes to everyone on the roster that played and the coaches who coached the game. Usually I’m more optimistic but my optimism just went out the door with the Hawks’ ahh whatchamacallit that didn’t show tonight.
Big Ray
October 23rd, 2009
11:13 pm
I can understand the idea that Orlando is so talented offensively that they will be difficult for anybody to stop.
However, this is NO explanation for why our offense looked exactly as it did last year. NO explanation at ALL.
And there is a difference between being able to beat somebody, and being able to compete with them. We may not have what it takes to beat them, but we DO have what it takes to compete with them. I can see losing by a handful of points. Even losing by 15 or so. But 30+? Why are we still shooting jumpers all day long?
Why does our offense, which should have kept us in the game more than it did, look just as retarded as last years?
Matter of fact, WHY does our offense look so totally different than it did in the last 5 or 6 games?
Big Ray
October 23rd, 2009
11:15 pm
Mz. Hawkdafied,
Yeah, we know what didn’t get brought tonight.
CDawg42
October 23rd, 2009
11:15 pm
Pride is something you either have or you don’t. To get beaten like that (even if its preseason) and not fight back goes beyond the basketball court. This is a sign of men who have no pride. This starts with the coach and filters down to the players. A player with pride will battle you even in a pickup game when no one is watching.
I know its only preseason but I get the feeling we’ll be having this same conversation a few times somewhere along the way to another early exit from the playoffs.
That sound you just heard was the air escaping from my Hawks bubble that just popped!
rms
October 23rd, 2009
11:17 pm
I remember when Hubie Brown coached the Grizzlies that year they went to the playoffs for two seasons. Then he retired because the job was wearing on him. After that so went the Memphis Grizzlies back into the dump.
JayDubu
October 23rd, 2009
11:17 pm
I think that the Hawks may have blown their chance to garner more nationally broadcast games for this season.
It’s tough to build up a team that doesn’t show up for the big games.
Sekou Smith
October 23rd, 2009
11:18 pm
It’s gonna take more than Garret Siler for the Hawks to deal with the Magic this season. I didn’t realize how deep that team was until I saw them trot out player after player to take turns whacking that Hawks pinata all night long.
A-town Vet
October 23rd, 2009
11:19 pm
Somebody needs to slap the #$#^*& out of Mike Woodson. His defensive strategy continues to be a detriment to this team and the lack of an offensive system only compounds the Hawks issues when other teams take advantage of us. I actually saw Mike Bibby switch and try to check Anderson on several occasions. This really con not be Mike Woodson’s strategy. I am going to give him credit for trying to trick the Magic into think this is how we are going to play them then show a completely different game plan in the regular season. This is the type of ish that gets you fired in the preseason.
Samuel
October 23rd, 2009
11:20 pm
To be honest the magic may not shoot that well but they are at least 20 points better than the Hawks with both teams at their best.
Ray, I see it happen all the time. On all levels. Whenever you can get athletic and talented players in any sport to buy into playing defense at such a high level the offense looks like we did tonight. Consequently, that breaks the other teams back.
Bottom line is the Magic is: Bigger, Stronger and faster than the Hawks and that’s not gonna change.
Big Ray
October 23rd, 2009
11:24 pm
Ramon ,
You just don’t know how right you are (or maybe you do
). Hubie Brown did some very nice things with a far less talented Memphis squad. I’ve always liked him. But be careful. You’re talking about some old white guy, and you KNOW that will get you a position on the BUBBA CREW! 
Mz. Hawkdafied
October 23rd, 2009
11:26 pm
And that exactly how the Hawks think Samuel they are bigger, stronger, and faster we can’t possibly beat them. And that showed up tonight. The difference between the Bulls and Hawks: Fight. The Bulls are not going down without a fight excuse me whatchamacallit. Where the heck was the Hawks fight tonight? Is it too much to ask for them to at least compete and not just show up.
O'Brien
October 23rd, 2009
11:27 pm
Samuel,
The Magic are also better coached.
Mz. Hawkdafied
October 23rd, 2009
11:29 pm
No I don’t know exactly, that’s why I called it watchamacallit.
doublet23
October 23rd, 2009
11:30 pm
so much for winning the division i told you guys orlando was better they lost turk and lee but gained vince and young stud in aderson and bass plus white chocolate and batt barnes and they have dwight,nelson and lewis plus key players like gortat and pietrus that is a deep and underated team
Big Ray
October 23rd, 2009
11:30 pm
Samuel ,
I’ll buy the “bigger.” Stronger? Only Dwight. Nobody else on that squad, with the exception of Bass is really stronger. Faster? No way. We are every bit as athletic as they are, but they play together. We did not.
I’m not denying the level of talent, but this was also mental. We didn’t have it, we didn’t take it, we didn’t want it.
The Truth
October 23rd, 2009
11:30 pm
I warned you guys about nick-naming Teague JT_0
As Big Ray would say, I know it’s just pre-season BUT:
Does anyone miss Flip Murray yet?
Trust me; losing this game in this fashion is a blessing:
It takes the air out of the inflated egos including Sund
Maybe now the Hawks get off the high-horse and get serious about the next level
Maybe now Crawford starts playing to his strength and not be something that he’s not
Maybe now Josh gets serious about his free-throws
Maybe now Teague reevaluate his weaknesses
Maybe now Sund will reconsider signing Stackhouse
Maybe now the team forgets about the pundits ranking and just play fundamental basketball
One last question: Where is the backbone of this team?
Answer: It got punk tonight and didn’t show up
THE POSITIVE THING WE GET OUT OF THIS GAME IS THAT IT’S JUST PRESEASON
seed
October 23rd, 2009
11:31 pm
Forget joe.
I am tired of being humiliated with him at the lead. joe might be a better overall player than Crawford but Crawford has twice as much heart. I’m tired of watching joe drop his pistol. Nobody will ever accuse Crawford of being scared when that ball is in his hand. I am sick of having to convince myself that joe isn’t scared.
joe has no guts.
I can deal with Josh’s bad decisions better than I can joe’s cowardice.
joe stinks
Ramon
October 23rd, 2009
11:32 pm
Big Ray, you may be right. But I am black ( http://www.myspace.com/zionscalling ). And Hubie Brown has always been one of the best persons in the league who treated black players with respect. That is why he is loved so much. But he loves motion offense. That is why I think he would do great. This team is missing a motion offense. And that is what’s separating the team more than anything in the personnel.
JayDubu
October 23rd, 2009
11:32 pm
I can see Crawford sliding into the spot as the go to man. I think he has better offensive skills than Joe.
Big Ray
October 23rd, 2009
11:32 pm
I’m going to have to co-sign Mz. Hawkdafied on this one. The Bulls fight harder than we do. Anybody wanna tell me WHY?
We fought the Celtics harder than this back in ‘07-’08. Much harder. And that Celtics team back then would have beat the stank off of this Magic team.
I’m so glad this is preseason. If this was regular season…
Gutz
October 23rd, 2009
11:35 pm
Sekou, It’s pretty clear we NEED a new coach at this point. Just admit it for once! Our offense is horrendous out there. It appeared to be one on one ball again like always. Just awful offense all around again. Woody is way over his head and doesn’t know what he is doing. What a joke. We have an loaded team with talent and come out like that with no offensive cohesion whatsoever. That’s all on the coach guys.
Mz. Hawkdafied
October 23rd, 2009
11:36 pm
What’s wrong with naming Teague JT0 or J Quick. He’s still fast!
thehawksfannumero1
October 23rd, 2009
11:38 pm
lol celtics are over rated just like this team we suck no way we making it out of the second round we i thought we were deep in the pg position but the rookie sucks and bibby dinth even show up, williams is not worth the contract we gave him yes he can score but defensively he sucks al cant play center against the big dogs we got a weak front court other than smth and al no real meat… our bench is being exposed and is old with collins and smith and we are not as good as the big 3
Mz. Hawkdafied
October 23rd, 2009
11:40 pm
Shid I know KG was missing from the Celtics last season and that may have been a factor I’ve already said this. Perhaps their offense is better. I don’t know that’s why I have NBA League Pass cause I’m trying to figure it out by watching other teams in action. But actually the Hawks coach should be trying to figure out what the problem is not me I’m just a fan along for the ride. And what a roller coaster it’s been.
Big Ray
October 23rd, 2009
11:40 pm
Ramon ,
So am I (black). I was just messing with you, because you know what happens around here when you mention another coach for the Hawks. I have a whole lot of respect for Hubie Brown, from how he treats the players (regardless of ethnic background) and how he understands/teaches/coaches the game. I think he was tired of the politics of the business (plus dude is like 80 freakin’ years old or something) and had to look after his health, or he’d still be coaching. There aren’t many like him at all. As for what you think separates this team more than personnel, I agree, as unpopular an opinion as that may be among some.
Mz. Hawkdafied ,
Let me be frank with you. What didn’t get brought tonight was something your husband has, and you don’t…anatomically speaking.
Truth ,
I disagree only on two things. One, Teague has been playing wonderfully up until this point, better than we expected from a mid/late first round pick. One bad game isn’t going to shake my opinion on him any more than a bad game from Joe is going to make me think he’s no longer an all-star.
Two, no I don’t miss Flip. Crawford played better than both starting guards, and didn’t do any less than Flip would have done. You think would have won that game for us or made it closer? I don’t. And tell me the last time Flip had 9 assists off the bench in a game (like Crawford did last game). Nothing against Flip, but I don’t miss him like you think I should.
PD
October 23rd, 2009
11:42 pm
Gutz you are right they just did not execute anything at all
Big Ray
October 23rd, 2009
11:42 pm
I wouldn’t put it all on the coach, but I also wouldn’t absolve him of the situation, either.
Mz. Hawkdafied
October 23rd, 2009
11:42 pm
Big Ray why don’t you tell us WHY? I never claim to know much. Basically I give my opinion on what I see, hear, and read.
cp
October 23rd, 2009
11:43 pm
Teague was playing well this pre season. He had a bad game so please kill the Law comparisons. There is nothing Flip Murray could have done tonight to change the outcome unless he was gone grow into a 7 footer and defend Howard or actually guard somebody on the perimeter. We got beat by a better team period. My problem is still the lack of an offensive identity and how Woodson still cant make adjustments. If plan A does not work he rarely has a plan B.
kwooden1
October 23rd, 2009
11:45 pm
I just finished watching the game, in which I got to fast forward through all the timeouts. I missed some of the effect, but not the overall beating!! Orlando was lights out and we couldn’t respond. The double teaming on Howard really opened up the 3 and Orlando was hitting. The only thing I can say is you have to give some hard fouls in that type of game and live with the effects. The HAWKS missed Joe Smith, because he would have done a better job on Howard and would have helped on offensive. (didn’t go into to Horford enough) Ryan Anderson is a very nice player, he really hurt us the first half. Morris played pretty well off the bench and Othello worked hard. I would be angry with that type of beating but Orlando shot 65% from 3. They lived by the 3 tonight.
GO HAWKS!!!
Samuel
October 23rd, 2009
11:46 pm
Ray,
Nelson is stronger and quicker, Anderson is taller than anybody on our starting 5 and you guys keep forgetting that Vince Carter is probably one of the most athletic players to ever come along in the NBA. Other that LeBron, there has not been a more athletic and skilled player ever and you want to hear the most amazing stat of the day(He’s only 32). WOW!!
This just in: The Magic was without one of their best players.
seed
October 23rd, 2009
11:47 pm
JayDubu, you “think” Crawford has better offensive skills? It’s not even close. Joe is better overall but for pure offense joe is not even close. That’s why it made no sense running the offense through joe while Crawford was on the floor.
Truth, did you call out Teague, Josh, Crawford, and Sund? Are you serious? Who is making all the money? Who is the “go to guy”?
Everybody on the Magic team was making shots like they had a homing device on it. It is because they felt the wind at their backs. That wind was Howard and Carter. When has joe been the wind at these guys back against a good team when in a difficult situation? This game is joe’s signature. I have always been a huge fan of joe but tonight is the last straw. He stinks. He has no guts. I would rather have Mario. If you beat him 20 times he will fight to like it was the first time. joe will roll over.
I am telling you if this guy continues to be recognized as the leader it will set a bad example for the young players.
Don’t run any more plays for joe. Let him get it where he can. Run plays for Horford, Josh, Crawford. Say what you want to about them but they are not scared with the ball in their hand and each can beat his man off the dribble.
Forget joe.
He is not gonna say anything anyway.
thehawksfannumero1
October 23rd, 2009
11:48 pm
why worry on offense when we got destroyed defensively its true what do the big 3 do play great defense we dont do that thats why we are not elite we have to stop worieng about offense you saw how orlando played defense and it lead to easy fast break dunks and lay ups thats what we have to do make denfence a priority
Mz. Hawkdafied
October 23rd, 2009
11:48 pm
So the Hawks acted like a team of pansies, sissies, transvestites, punks. So frankly you’re saying the Hawks left their balls at home. Okay thanks for telling me what you call it.
Gutz
October 23rd, 2009
11:49 pm
PD, from watching the game there was no offensive gameplan to even execute. Woody doesn’t have a clue what to do with this team and our defense was flat out awful as well. Woody made ZERO adjustments and the same ole same ole happens. If we had a real coach in here this team would be lethal but it will never happen with the buffoon Woody at the helm.
DW
October 23rd, 2009
11:49 pm
Throw that pre-season BS in the trash can and move on, is what I say. Let’s save the anxst for the regular season.
Yes, they got their a**es kicked. Yes, they looked lost out there. Let’s say to hell with it while we can.
If the Hawks get beat like this in the regular season, I’ll be screamin’.
Samuel
October 23rd, 2009
11:50 pm
Turk-a-who?
Samuel
October 23rd, 2009
11:55 pm
I have to agree that I have seen Joe “nut up” like this wayy too much to be considered an elite player.
I’m gonna reserve judgement on Teague. I still think he will be fine but he was introduced to another level tonight. This is the next level up from preseason and guess what there are two more levels to go. After the allstar break and the playoffs. Hopefully, he can handle it.
The Truth
October 24th, 2009
12:00 am
Ray
I’ve acknowledge that it’s just preseason. The Flip Murray reference was only meant to raise awareness that the team showed no heart tonight. There is no other way of stating it. There is no nice and political stating the obvious. That is the one thing about Flip that I like; he has heart and a backbone. If he is losing by 50, he will not get PUNKED. But again, the Flip reference was only to make a point about an intangible of the game, playing with heart. If you don’t see it that way fine, but I do.
Ramon
October 24th, 2009
12:01 am
thehawksfan, The reason why you worry about offense, is because its pretty easy for a team to score when they don’t have to play defense on the other end. Its pretty easy for them to continue scoring when no one is in foul trouble. Its pretty easy to score when the other team isn’t drawing enough fouls. Defense is more about energy and attitude than anything. Magics shot lights out. But the offense should’ve been able to have 25 points in the first quarter from the starters with no problem. It does no good to stop the team if you can’t score on the other end. Also a good offense leads to more energy on defense because the players don’t have to work so hard just to get a shot.
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
12:06 am
Samuel ,
I know all about Vince. Trust me, I’m not going light on this guy. I don’t know who you THINK is forgetting about him, but I ain’t him. Anderson being taller ain’t got squat to do with squat. Nobody guarded the guy. He’s got game (you act like you’ve known all along), but he was a backup on Jersey’s squad last year. Somebody could’ve guarded him better than that. And if height is all that’s necessary, then we should have kept John Edwards, Lo Wright, and Priest Lauderdale.
Are we really going to use “he’s taller” as an excuse? Give me a break.
I know the Magic are good. If they’re 20 points better than us, then somebody needs to explain to me why they beat us by 37.
Don’t get me wrong about all of this, by the way. I’m pissed because I don’t like performances like this, preseason or not.
Here’s another thing that amuses the hell out of me. You say Jameer Nelson is quicker and stronger. Really? Than who….Mike Bibby?
Strange, I brought that up well over a year ago, and you and a half dozen others got all over my ass about it. I recall this gigantic defense of Bibby, and how with the exception of Billups, who could we say was better than Bibby in the Eastern Conference at the time? I guess Jameer grew up and got faster since then, eh?
One more thing, and I swear I’m not trying to bait you:
“Whenever you can get athletic and talented players in any sport to buy into playing defense at such a high level the offense looks like we did tonight. Consequently, that breaks the other teams back.”
I believe that. Now…what do you suppose is the problem HERE? Because if that happens HERE, then even a team like Orlando doesn’t beat us by nearly 40 points. Seriously.
Samuel
October 24th, 2009
12:07 am
Alright You Scrubbs. We need one more team in the fantasy league to even out the league so we can draft tomorrow at 8pm. Go to Yahoo Sports. Fantasy basketball:
league Name: SekousBloggers
ID: 213814
Password: hawks
Come on try your GM skills with the Big Boys. Unless you Scared!!!
Samuel
October 24th, 2009
12:08 am
http://basketball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/nba/213814
seed
October 24th, 2009
12:08 am
If joe spent less time offerin’ 5k for somebody to “tongue” a “random chic” and more time gettin’ his respect from Magic players laughin’ at his team on the bench we would not be having this discussion.
Instead of paying 5k to assault “a random chic” how bout a hard foul joe?
roll over joe
roll joe roll
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
12:12 am
Truth ,
I agree. Loved that about Flip. My point was, I didn’t see anything that suggested that Crawford didn’t display the same thing. Dude went out and shot 50% from the field, scoring 14 points. He didn’t shoot 40% (like people said he would), and he didn’t go all shot crazy (like people said he would). The problem ain’t with Crawford, and it wasn’t with Flip. The problem has been, and continues to be with the starting lineup. And elsewhere, but I won’t get into that right now.
Flip had heart. But as I recall, getting punked is what happens as a team. Was Flip around when we got beat down by Orlando last year during the regular season? Yes he was. The score was 121-87, and Flip’s line was 4-12 shooting, 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists.
Again, I don’t blame Flip for that. But he got punked right along with the rest of the team. And I hate that.
niremetal
October 24th, 2009
12:13 am
“Seed” would be “Sasquatch” from Hawksquawk. He is to JJ what Rod is to Marvin and Clyde to Horford.
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
12:14 am
Truth ,
All frustration aside, the bottom line is I agree with you. And if we’re looking for a guard off the bench to give us some backbone, we have a problem. More than one.
Mz. Hawkdafied ,
I was trying for a little less blunt, but you nailed it. Tell it girl, tell it!
Gutz
October 24th, 2009
12:14 am
Samuel, i just signed up in your league.
seed
October 24th, 2009
12:16 am
Seed didn’t get beat by 30 tonight
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
12:16 am
Nire ,
Yes, I remember “seed.” I’m surprised he hasn’t come on here, claiming that Sekou ripped the idea for this blog from one of his posts….
Samuel
October 24th, 2009
12:16 am
Doc,
Nelson is quicker than anybody we got. Not just Bibby. Wasn’t JTO out there?
Ray, they beat us by 37 or something but they were on fire and that won’t happen every game but fact is, they are just better than us. just like Cleveland was 20 points better than us last year.
Yes, we have a couple of very athletic players but the big difference is that theirs are very skilled and athletic. Ours are not. I’m not saying I thought Ryan Anderson was an Allstar or anything but anybody with a good eye for talent could see this guy was good. I guess that shows why you don’t promote “Ball Boys” to HC.
Fire Opie
Samuel
October 24th, 2009
12:18 am
Preshate that Gutz. Yall some wimps!
Jchill73
October 24th, 2009
12:20 am
With fans like this who need enemies. Just jump off the band wagging. come on PEOPLE its just a game. Get upset about something that should mean something like soldiers dying oversea!
Bill Heller
October 24th, 2009
12:20 am
A division rival wiped the floor with us on national television. There’s no excuse to mail in a game like that, even in the preseason.
niremetal
October 24th, 2009
12:23 am
Too bad Crawford’s backbone didn’t seem to exist on defense. You know, that part of the game where every team spends half its time. Crawford was a matador, routinely letting his man pass him by and forcing the big men to come help. It was eerily reminiscent of what we saw so much before Marvin stepped up his perimeter D last year.
Oh, and did I mention that Crawford got 0 assists and 3 turnovers?
I’m sorry, but we need to stop looking for a silver linings or lessons about individual players in this game. Everyone played like absolute trash tonight. The starters, the bench, everyone. It’s like arguing over whether it was the French or the English was more effective against Germany at the beginning of WWII.
Samuel
October 24th, 2009
12:24 am
Sorry Doc, I meant Ray. I know you’re laying low and just observing. How the hel_ are ya?
seed
October 24th, 2009
12:29 am
Y’all can try to rip on seed if you want to but I ain’t no joe johnson. You gone know when I am on the floor. As evidenced by the unsolicited shout out dare I say standing ovation (Jeezy).
So I will play along. Let’s say I was this sasquatch. Are you suggesting there is some similarity? Are you claiming you see a resemblance?
Ok. Fine.
Now. Can you say the same about joe? Does joe look the same in the playoffs? Is there some resemblance when the going gets tough? I think you know…
Let me tell you boys somethin’.
I ain’t no joe johnson.
You don’t see Magic players runnin in and out of my stall bro. If I get beat you gonna beat the best of me.
joe?
Well. joe ain’t gone say nothin
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
12:31 am
Seed didn’t play tonight.
niremetal
October 24th, 2009
12:32 am
*It’s like arguing over whether it was the French or the English that was more effective against Germany at the beginning of WWII.
For those of you who don’t read history, both armies got blitzed and annihilated; those who didn’t die or surrender had to evacuate within a few weeks.
The Truth
October 24th, 2009
12:38 am
Ray
Good discussion about getting PUNKED
Let’s talk about that:
Exactly what are examples of getting PUNKED?
Getting PUNKED is when you are losing by 50 and won’t commit a hard foul. The guy goes right through you and dunks in your face. This may not show up on the stat sheet.
Getting PUNKED is when you won’t contest a jump shot when your opponent is hitting 3’s in your face. This may not show up on the stat sheet either.
Getting PUNKED is when you quit playing when their shrubs are beating your ass. This may not show up on the stat sheet either.
Getting PUNKED is when you are getting your ass kicked badly and they are talking smack and you lower your head and refuse to talk back. This may not show up on the stat sheet either.
Getting PUNKED is when the opponent talks you out of your game and you starts to believe him. This will show up on the stat sheet but cannot be rationalize.
If we will play with heart, we still could lose the game but will feel better about ourselves.
seed
October 24th, 2009
12:39 am
First of all niremetal…
The Germans lost
Second, nobody has ever claimed that Crawford was stout on defense. Nobody is asking Crawford to be stout on defense.
We want…
what you got…
Crawford is gonna give you what he’s got…
Doesn’t matter if Kobe is guarding him or Schmobe… he will give you what he’s got.
joe? Well. That’s complicated. Are we at home or on the road? Are we playing a sub .500 team or above? Is it playoffs or regular season?
You know what Crawford is and therefore his defense should never cost you the game. joe? Well you tell me? What exactly is joe?
’cause ahrah… joe ain’t sayin
Volman
October 24th, 2009
12:41 am
Frustrating loss, but I think it hurts more because it was on national TV (don’t lie—you know it hurts more because of that)!!!
The Hawks played with zero heart, but they also played like they were NERVOUS. You could see it was a “big game” to them…even though nobody will say that.
When will this team learn to PLAY LOOSE!?!?! Shouldn’t a veteran like Bibby be able to get that out of this team?
Where’s Joe Smith?!?! How come Horford doesn’t get in anyone’s faces? You know that Joe Johnson won’t. He’s the “silent” leader…GIVE ME A BREAK.
I’m not mad about the team losing, because it was the PRE-SEASON, and the Magic…honestly, shot lights out in the first half. Ryan Anderson looking like he’s going to be the next SCORING CHAMPION…what a joke.
It’s really kind of funny–You see someone like Teague or Crawford playing like they aren’t afraid.. Teague with a GREAT hustle play/block on that fast break… Crawford was fighting until the end. They haven’t been with this team like the rest of the “Core” has for about 5 years.
Does anyone think that the “core” that has been with Woodson has some kind of mentality to not play as loose as others? I just don’t get it…Flip came in last year and played with so much fire… I even remember MO EVANS saying something about how the Hawks were soft and needed to rough up more in the post season…
I don’t know, just observations…
No need to get upset guys—- Our egos are hurt because it was on National Television…. I think that’s what hurts the most.
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
12:45 am
Samuel ,
“Fire Opie?”
Oh, that’s just too good. So you’re going to blame Lawrence Frank for what his GM does? Heh, now apply that philosophy here…
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
12:48 am
Truth ,
I agree. You’re preaching to the choir.
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
12:50 am
Seed,
Please do tell us when your next NBA game is (no, not NBA Live on PS3), so we can watch you beat down on the stars. I’ll wait…
seed
October 24th, 2009
12:52 am
Glad to hear that Truth. Good call on Teague and Crawford Volman.
seed
October 24th, 2009
12:53 am
You see Big Ray…
If I was joe… I would be all over you right now.
But I happen to bring my game when it counts
niremetal
October 24th, 2009
12:54 am
What’s the use, Ray – this guy thinks that a player’s poor defense won’t cost you the game as long as you “know who he is.” I guess that explains why Vince and Jamal have led so many elite teams.
seed
October 24th, 2009
12:56 am
ok.
The Germans lost
niremetal
October 24th, 2009
12:57 am
I said the beginning of World War II, buddy. I’m guessing you’ve never heard of the Ardennes or Dunkirk.
niremetal
October 24th, 2009
12:58 am
What the hell am I doing? Done with you, fool.
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
1:01 am
LOL@ Nire…..
seed
October 24th, 2009
1:02 am
1) The Germans lost.
2) Vince won by 30
3) We knew Crawford was not a defensive stud when we traded for him
what do we know about joe?
or should I say… what are we willing to acknowledge?
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
1:03 am
“But I happen to bring my game when it counts”
What’s that I smell? What’s that I smell? I smell….pus..
- from “House Party”
seed
October 24th, 2009
1:04 am
See…
This is the example I want joe to follow…
It takes two of you guys… y’all pat each other on the back
Meanwhile I’m crushing the double team.
I retort before y’all finish reading.
That’s what we need from joe
When is the last time joe split a double team?
seed
October 24th, 2009
1:05 am
Another Magic player just left joe’s stall…
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
1:06 am
Ha! Crushing what double team? Are you saying you can type faster or something? Wahahahahahahahaaaa!
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
1:06 am
Can you? Can you? What’s up, kid?
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
1:06 am
Oh this is fun, I’m playing “keep away.”
seed
October 24th, 2009
1:06 am
Joe lose by 30 on national tv and y’all mad at Seed…
“why rob a bank when you got a sucker for a mother?” (Dog Day Afternoon)
Crushin’ y’all…
Take note joe
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
1:07 am
Looks like it’s just down to one-on-one defense seedy boy
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
1:07 am
Where you at? Cleaning your “stall”? Sounds a bit…well, I won’t go there..
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
1:08 am
“some people take things for granted. Like being able to chew solid food”
- “Eraser”
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
1:08 am
I ain’t mad at ya, don’t know what you’re talking about. Joe shot 2-8 tonight. What can I say to that?
Big Ray
October 24th, 2009
1:10 am
I’m just waiting to see the awesome seed play on national tv against NBA competition, since he brings his game when it counts. Hey, I ain’t tryin’ to stop a “real” playa, right? Shall I “bring my popcorn” as Terrell Owens would say?