Business (trip) as usual
Don't let the beautiful views fool you, this trip to the left coast is a business trip for the Hawks.
LOS ANGELES – Jeff Teague’s Halloween costume aside, the Hawks are here in my favorite city for one thing and one thing only; business.
This is a business trip that they’ve been looking forward to since the NBA schedules were released in the summer.
And believe me, I’m as guilty as anyone of falling in love with the sights and sounds of this weather paradise (that’s sunset at Venice Beach above, courtesy of Hawksville’s resident suit man Big Kuntry) and forgetting, even if it is just momentarily, that there’s work to be done first.
The business starts at Staples Center today against the defending champion Lakers and weaves through Portland (Tuesday), Sacramento (Wednesday) and concludes dangerously in Charlotte (Friday), a place the Hawks haven’t played well dating back to last season.
That’s why, in my estimation, this is such a crucial stretch of the early season for the Hawks.
Too many times they’ve departed the friendly confines of Philips Arena and seemingly lost any semblance of order, swagger and just plain know-how that they’ve shown on their home floor.
Seriously, the one thing the Hawks have yet to conquer during this rejuvenated stretch of the Mike Woodson era is their road game. Those 16 road wins from a year ago kept them from being among the league’s elite; by the count of most of those in the know a legitimate big-time squad wins 20-plus away from home. We’ve talked at length around here about the Hawks’ failings on recent attempts on the big stage – from the Cleveland series last year through the preseason finale on ESPN against Orlando.
The Lakers, and to a larger extent this road trip, present an opportunity for the Hawks two right all those recent wrongs. Win two or three of these games and perhaps it’s a bit easier to classify this team among the best (or at least the teams legitimately challenging for that seat at that table).
I am more convinced than ever that the Hawks are on the path to greater things. I don’t know what other conclusion you could make after watching them rise from the depths of their 13-69 ashes of five years ago. But I need something to erase any doubts that may linger. I need to see the Hawks rise up to the challenge that this road trip presents. That doesn’t mean I expect them to breeze through this thing undefeated and pile up six straight wins to start a second straight season. I just need a resolute effort against the two teams they’ll face to start this trip. Compete like a team that’s serious about stomping with the big dogs and it’ll be a lot easier for us all to think of the Hawks in that regard.
THE LAKERS MATCHUP
The Lakers will be without at least one of the main cogs of their championship puzzle for tonight’s game. All-Star big man Pau Gasol was ruled out of the game with that hamstring injury that has plagued him throughout training camp and the early part of this season. I’d suggest that’s a good thing for the Hawks … until realizing that the Lakers are deep enough and talented enough that it’s not going to make a huge difference.
In fact, the Lakers match up just as well against a team like the Hawks because they’ll have a smaller and arguably more athletic lineup to match up against the their visitors from the east with Ron Artest, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum across the frontcourt.
Marvin Williams will have his hands full tonight dealing with Artest, and probably Kobe Bryant at times, on the defensive end. I imagine Joe Johnson will see quite a bit of both of those guys as well, particularly Artest on defense. But Marvin can’t sleepwalk (as he says he did in Friday’s win over Washington) through the first three quarters against the Lakers and the Hawks expect anything but disaster.
They’ll need everyone engaged from start to finish if they’re trying to do what the Mavericks did the other night in knocking off the champs on their own floor – and something tells me the Lakers won’t be interested in suffering consecutive home losses now or at any other time this season.
Again, this is a game full of intriguing matchups that require our magnifying glasses.
By the way, in case you missed it, my esteemed colleague Steve Hummer authored a fantastic piece on Hawks’ sixth-man Jamal Crawford that requires reading.
FOOTBALL SEASON IS OVER AROUND HERE
Again, football season is over around here folks. It’s done. Finished. Over with.
Gabriel Smith and the Smyrna Spartans go it in Saturday! Now football season is done. (Photo credit belongs to Blogette Z)
I’m not just saying that because Michigan has fallen off the cliff (witness the devastation of our latest disaster, a 38-13 waxing at the hands of lowly Illinois) or because Gabriel Smith led the Smyrna Spartans to a smashing finish to their season Saturday in the mud (an 18-12 overtime win over South Paulding in which he opened the Spartans’ scoring with a 90-yard jaunt up the sideline and finished it with 12-yard scamper in the OT. It was a good day and major props to another esteemed colleague and the Spartans’ coach, one D. Orlando Ledicheck). It has nothing to do with the Bulldogs and those black helmets (personally, I thought that was a fresh touch, even if the Gators weren’t particularly impressed) or the fact that Georgia Tech is on a collision course with the BCS (I wish Michigan had hired Paul Johnson).
It’s just time. We’re a week into the NBA season. It’s time to get on the basketball bus.
It is November.
So by decree of the man soon to be formerly known as Blog Z, it is officially basketball season from this day forth … at least around here.
COSTUME MADNESS
We’re still investigating the Ladybug outfit Teague was forced to fly in on Halloween. There’s no doubt it was part of a rookie ritual that the youngster will never forget. And since there is photo (and rumored video) evidence of this hilarious sight, we won’t allow him to forget it either. As soon as one of his teammates give up the goods … uh, I mean our investigators can locate the footage, it’ll be planted here for the enjoyment of all.
Don’t forget, Hawks-Lakers tonight live from Staples Center. I know you’ve got to work in the morning and you might not stay up to watch the whole thing. But the blog will be live and hopping throughout.
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493 comments Add your comment
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
3:18 pm
lets get it…
Tony from Stone Mountain
November 1st, 2009
3:26 pm
The Lakers can be had!
Clyde
November 1st, 2009
3:28 pm
FOOTBALL SEASON IS ALIVE AND WELL SEKOU. The Crimson Tide of Alabama are still rolling and the 155 pound Lions from Tucker are headed to the playoffs. The Hawks can wait.
niremetal
November 1st, 2009
3:33 pm
As if we needed further evidence that Clyde doesn’t actually give a damn about the Hawks, except to the extent that he can say “I told you so.”
cp
November 1st, 2009
3:38 pm
The key to tonights game is that if the Hawks get down early they don’t panic. I remember last season in a game against the Lakers they got down early and just lost their composure. They were rushing shots, turning the ball over, and not playing defense. If they get hit in the mouth early they have to sustain that blow and keep fighting. Its going to be a difficult game but if the Hawks want to be considered one of the better teams this year they have to win games like this.
Patrick
November 1st, 2009
4:10 pm
Hawks fan out in San Diego, driving up for the game tonight. Josh Smith jersey in the washing machine, list of insults for front-running Lakers fans and generally horrible L.A. residents being created. Should be a really good time.
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
November 1st, 2009
4:22 pm
I’ll have my first blogging game of the year tonight. I’m looking forward to it. I went to the game Friday night. I was a little disappointed with the crowd. The only yelling came from the kids. I was expecting some excitement about the Hawks this year. Joe looks like Joe from last year; not enough energy from him. Crawford looked very quick and energized and that’s why Joe sat for a lot of the game. I was very impressed by Jamal. Teague looked solid but he needs some work on his O. Smith and Horford looked very good also. Smith’s block and alley was beautiful. Bibby seems fine with his new role and I like what he’s done so far. Marvin looked like he needed to take a nap. sheesh
cp
November 1st, 2009
5:12 pm
Marvin has to step it up tonight. We need a big game from him
Tribe
November 1st, 2009
5:42 pm
“by the count of most of those in the know a legitimate big-time squad wins 20-plus away from home”
There should be a comma between “know” and “a.” Errors like these make me read sentences 5 times before fully understanding them fully
Tribe
November 1st, 2009
5:43 pm
“I am more convinced than ever that the Hawks are on the path to greater things. ”
Is this what you said last Friday night after the Orlando game? Typical Hawks fan
d.carter
November 1st, 2009
5:53 pm
please woody lets not waste a lot of time with M.bibby 2nite, let JCraw and Jteague get minutes early and often… also would love to see a little ZA ZA , AL, Joe J, JCraw and Jteague lineup at times 2nite
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
November 1st, 2009
6:05 pm
Trive: “Before fully understanding them fully”.
I’m hoping you were doing that to be funny. If you weren’t, please be correct when you correct someone. I’m sure this was a quick unedited entry Sekou needed to get in. The man can make a couple of errors. DOB’s are worse than this. But what else would I expect from you, Tribe.
niremetal
November 1st, 2009
6:20 pm
Reggie,
I think that was someone making fun of Tribe. But if not, I agree
northcyde
November 1st, 2009
6:46 pm
Lamar Odom ( and not Kobe ) has been the “Hawk Killer” the past 2 seasons, especially on the boards. Gasol had a triple-double in a game last year.
vava74
November 1st, 2009
7:03 pm
The worst thing that could have happened to the Hawks was Dallas winning on Friday.
I don’t think the Lakers will lay a egg two home games in a row.
I think Ron Artest will have a breakout game for the Lakers.
I hope that I wrong ‘though…
O'Brien
November 1st, 2009
7:15 pm
One thing not to be overlooked, is we will need a good game plan from Woody. It is possible that the Lakers will jump out to an early 5 or 10 point lead. If that happens, Woody needs to call a timeout, make an adjustment, and hopefully, the players will execute accordingly.
I dont want to hear Woody saying “We just didnt have any energy, or intensity”. I agree with others on here who have stated that Woody’s plan B is to try harder at plan A. So if the Hawks start slow, I hope Woody can make an early move (maybe sub Crawford for Marvin if Marvin is sleep walking again). And I hope he doesnt wait too long to call his timeouts.
I hope the Hawks win tonight, but even if they lose, as long as its by single digits, I think it will be a moral victory (in my opinion).
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 1st, 2009
8:06 pm
The ATL Hawks have gone back to Cali to handle sum bizness. Getting a win on the road against the world champs would be huge for the Hawks. It’s definitely not gonna be easy but it’s certainly achievable. Last time Lamar Odom got too many rebounds. Gotta limit the second chance points and hustle for the rebounds. Throw sum D on em too. Watch turnovers, take care of the ball, and if the jump shots aren’t falling take the game inside and knock down those free throws. Take advantage of Gasol not being in the lineup however small the advantage might be. If you gonna go down, go out fighting.
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 1st, 2009
8:14 pm
LMBO @ the rook having to wear a lady bug costume, hilarious. Giggly, giggly, ha, ha, lol, lol! Ahhh look at little Blog Z having fun playing football in the mud, cute! Nice pic of Cali. Enjoyed reading the article on Jamal Crawford.
GO HAWKS! GET OVER THAT ROAD BLOCK!
roan st
November 1st, 2009
8:14 pm
I would trade Marvin Williams for Orlando’s Ryan Anderson straight up!!! Right Now!! I have tired of watching that goofy duck butt waddle around the court and disappear from games. Get rid of him while we can still get something decent in return. What can he do other than make an occasional jump shot? He sure as hell can’t drive the ball to the hole. Every time I see him try to drive to the bucket he gets called for a charge. And I have heard some give him credit for improving his defense but I not at all impressed with that aspect of his game either.
hawks_4_life
November 1st, 2009
8:23 pm
Roan st
What impresses you about Anderson, the only thing he can do better than Marvin is shoot 3s.
cp
November 1st, 2009
8:25 pm
O’Brien that’s another concern of mine. If plan A does not work tonight then the game is pretty much over because Woodson never has a plan B. He has to learn to make adjustments. If the guys get down early they have to keep calm and fight through it. Marvin has to have a good game. No more disappearing. He has to step it up.
Jamal Crawford for Atlanta Mayor
November 1st, 2009
8:37 pm
Man, I just want the Hawks or Falcons to win tonight. Being a UGA alum, I’ve been suffering!
One thing that’s got to change– and again, we’re coming up on GAME THREE– is the slow starts. That’s okay– but not good– at home against the likes of the Pacers and Wizards, but on the road against the Lakers? Our guys need to be executing and defending. You can’t spot the opposition 10 points early and expect to come back all the time. Anyone else a little concerned about that tendency? Or is it just early– can’t call 2 games a trend?
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
November 1st, 2009
8:55 pm
Jamal Crawford for Atlanta Mayor: Falcons play tomorrow night.
GO SAINTS! GO TECH!
gdg73
November 1st, 2009
9:01 pm
What is up with Jason Collins? Why can’t he get on the court? Is Zaza that much better than him? When was the last time Zaza had a “and 1″ hoop? He flops too much if you ask me.
Brandon from Warner Robins
November 1st, 2009
9:29 pm
Big test tonight with the Lakers and Kobe….
Mac-Town 478
November 1st, 2009
9:58 pm
I wanna see Crawford and Teague have HUGE nights.
O'Brien
November 1st, 2009
10:32 pm
I think JJ plays 39 minutes tonight.
ant banks
November 1st, 2009
10:36 pm
what channel is the game on on comcast?
Brandon from Warner Robins
November 1st, 2009
10:38 pm
Just win…
ant banks
November 1st, 2009
10:39 pm
oh…i found it
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
10:48 pm
kill em’ Joe…
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
10:48 pm
hit your open shot Bibby…
Sekou Smith
November 1st, 2009
10:48 pm
Spoke with Joe Johnson before tip. He talked about playing his team needing to play its best on this floor after so many ugly trips west. He’s in an early groove with six of the Hawks’ first nine points.
Brandon from Warner Robins
November 1st, 2009
10:49 pm
Go Joe!
Sekou Smith
November 1st, 2009
10:49 pm
Not hard to figure out the Lakers’ plan tonight. Go inside early and often to Bynum and try and exploit his size advantage over Horford.
vava74
November 1st, 2009
10:51 pm
too many open looks going “clank!!”
roan st
November 1st, 2009
10:52 pm
“What impresses you about Anderson, the only thing he can do better than Marvin is shoot 3s.”
He can shoot better, drive to the basket better, rebound better, and he is only 21 and has more upside. Anything else?
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
10:52 pm
Joe always defends the Kobe/Lebron’s of the world well… and is doing a good job tonight…
good to see him in an early groove.. thats see if Kobe results to his “riding” defense he usually pulls out against Joe because the refs let him do it time and time again. havent seen it early though. Joe looks beastly tonight…
O'Brien
November 1st, 2009
10:52 pm
We’ve left 6 points out there. Bibby missed an open 3, and JJ missed an open 3.
But Joe is looking good early. Horford is going to be in for a long night.
Brandon from Warner Robins
November 1st, 2009
10:53 pm
who calls Hawks’ games on the radio? whoever he is, the guy is pretty entertaining.
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
10:53 pm
J. Crid at the PG lets see…
O'Brien
November 1st, 2009
10:54 pm
Whats up with Marvin? He is so clumsy!
ant banks
November 1st, 2009
10:55 pm
i tol’ y’all every effin’ time marvin drives he ends up on his azz
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
10:56 pm
NYLONS haters…!!!
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
November 1st, 2009
10:56 pm
Marvin? What’s wrong?
Joe is feeling it!
ant banks
November 1st, 2009
10:56 pm
yes, get marvin’s azz outta there
roan st
November 1st, 2009
10:56 pm
Why can’t we start bibby, crawford, johnson, smith, horford? At 6′8″ and with his strength can Joe not easily play the small forward position? Crawford would seem to make our lineup so much better.
Duck sure is off to a great start!! lol. He’s nothing but a damn liability on the floor.
Melvin
November 1st, 2009
10:57 pm
Joe Johnson is on fire….
Blast
November 1st, 2009
10:57 pm
Hawks balling!!!!
Joe in the zone!!!!
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
10:57 pm
ELITE PLAYER…!!! HATERS!!
Sekou Smith
November 1st, 2009
10:58 pm
Joe wasn’t just talking. He’s on a tear right now with 18 points in the firt. Kobe’s chasing, though, with 10 of his own.
ant banks
November 1st, 2009
10:59 pm
sekou, has jj every had a 50 pt game. he is on his way tonight
O'Brien
November 1st, 2009
11:00 pm
I’m glad Marvin is out of the game for Mo Williams. Although Mo is a little shorter, he can hit the corner 3, and he plays defense. Marvin is just too clumsy for me.
But JJ is En Fuego!
O'Brien
November 1st, 2009
11:00 pm
I mneant Mo Evans (not Mo’ Williams) lol.
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
11:03 pm
Jeff blocked that cleanly…
Blast
November 1st, 2009
11:03 pm
Refs calling lots of tick tack fouls on Hawks early. That one on Teague was good, though.
Rod from College Park
November 1st, 2009
11:03 pm
O’Brien,
It’s taken you 4 years to realize that. Too bad we spent all that money and some of you did not see that.
roan st
November 1st, 2009
11:03 pm
Obrien, you could have said Mo from the three stooges and I would have been happy as long as duck is on the bench. I can’t stand that guy.
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson)
November 1st, 2009
11:04 pm
If we lose this game it’s because of Woodson, we are playing right into there hands.
Blast
November 1st, 2009
11:04 pm
Hawks can’t turn it over so much and expect to beat LA!
ant banks
November 1st, 2009
11:04 pm
7 turnovers in the 1st qtr is not good
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
11:05 pm
good shyt Z!!
O'Brien
November 1st, 2009
11:05 pm
7 turnovers in the first quarter? Come on Hawks!
By the way, is anyone surprised ZaZa missed that dunk?
JJ leaves the game, where is our offense?
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
11:06 pm
goal tending…
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson)
November 1st, 2009
11:06 pm
Woodson just letting them play….
O'Brien
November 1st, 2009
11:06 pm
8 turnovers? Man!
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
11:07 pm
o they on some Donaghy…
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson)
November 1st, 2009
11:07 pm
Why did he pull Joe?
ant banks
November 1st, 2009
11:08 pm
mo’ said he worked out durin’ the summa for this very moment. doin’ pretty good against kobe
Najeh Davenpoop
November 1st, 2009
11:08 pm
The turnovers need to stop immediately, but otherwise the Hawks played a great half. The defensive effort has been really good so far.
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
11:08 pm
stick to your script Woody.. trust your bench… let them play.
Blast
November 1st, 2009
11:08 pm
Considering the turnovers, Hawks lucky to be down only 2 after the first. Would love to see Joe score 50 points tonite.
ant banks
November 1st, 2009
11:08 pm
he pulled joe so that joe will have somethin’ left in the 4th qtr
vava74
November 1st, 2009
11:08 pm
if our guys drove to the basket, we would be 10+ and not -2…
Sekou Smith
November 1st, 2009
11:09 pm
Get rid of the eight turnovers and the Hawks might actually have been on to a little something in that first quarter against the Lakers. Instead, the surrender nine points off of those turnovers and surrender the lead, trailing 27-25 after one.
Joe is 7-for-8 from the floor and has 18 points in just nine minutes. For all the times you’ve screamed for Mike Woodson to give him a rest, I’m guessing this was not the night you wanted to see him come out for an early breather.
ant banks
November 1st, 2009
11:09 pm
‘POOP,
jj has 18 pts. have the hawks played that well? 8 turnovers? smoove still jackin’ shots, marvin floppin’ and crawford turnover like a trick in heat
Mychelfromatl
November 1st, 2009
11:10 pm
Okay The Lakers look very beatable…LETS GO HAWKS!!!!
Joe looks like he out to prove he worth that big money. The rest of the Hawks need to just settle down and play ball. Also the Hawks look like they may have to play the refs too! Sheesshhh.
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 1st, 2009
11:11 pm
Hawks coaches fussin about the calls.
Mychelfromatl
November 1st, 2009
11:11 pm
Nice MO
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
November 1st, 2009
11:11 pm
I know we want to rest JJ and all, but when the man is lights out like he was in the 1st quarter, you can’t sit him down for this long and cool him off.
Sekou Smith
November 1st, 2009
11:12 pm
Hawks turning this thing over like gangbusters. Luke Walton with back to back buckets. I can go home now. Another turnover for the Hawks, 10 and counting.
Blast
November 1st, 2009
11:12 pm
10 turnovers?????????
O'Brien
November 1st, 2009
11:12 pm
We have seen Joe Smith take a couple 3’s this season, but is that really his range?
I’m glad Woody likes Teague, because if he didnt, Teague would be on the bench already. We have to stop turning over the ball!
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 1st, 2009
11:12 pm
Smith; i never said that.
ant banks
November 1st, 2009
11:14 pm
jj and bibby had a 6min break
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 1st, 2009
11:14 pm
O’Brien i was at the opener right beind the hawks bench on the floor and Woodson got in Teague face during the T/O and pretty much cussed him out lol.
Truth Sayer
November 1st, 2009
11:14 pm
Marvin AND Josh BOTH are too clumsy with the ball and have relatively low bball IQs…..Josh also plays out of his game too much by shooting long jumpers..you cant build a top tier squad with both of these guys being CORE players…..regardless of how high marvin was drafted and regardless of how “flashy” Josh can get at times.
rephrase: You cant be a TOP TIER team with marvin and josh being core players and zaza being one of your main guys off the bench
The hawks have (or very nearly) reached their ceiling with this particular core group…….of being a “playoff” team
Sekou Smith
November 1st, 2009
11:14 pm
Some things never change. Mike Bibby still gets booed here, like it’s 2002 or something.
Mychelfromatl
November 1st, 2009
11:15 pm
Nice drive Joe Smith. Happy to see Bibby back.
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
11:15 pm
gorgeous move Za Za…!!
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
11:16 pm
WE HAVE AN EFFIN SQUAD!!!
Blast
November 1st, 2009
11:16 pm
And 1 for Crawford! The 10 million dollar man!
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
11:16 pm
GOOD COACHING WOODY…
ant banks
November 1st, 2009
11:16 pm
y’all can’t say nothin’ bout woody burnin’ up his starters now!! jj been out 9min now
Mychelfromatl
November 1st, 2009
11:17 pm
Oh MAnnnn!!! Get on the Joe and Jamal Expressss!!! Hawks look good as hell.
ant banks
November 1st, 2009
11:17 pm
BIG DAVE,
watch yo’ mouf. you will piss KEN off by sayin’ woody is a good coach
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 1st, 2009
11:18 pm
The Hawks will lose this game by 7-10 points.
Blast
November 1st, 2009
11:18 pm
Love what a blogger said during the game with the Wizs. “We have a squad, y’all”. Win or lose tonight, he was right!
O'Brien
November 1st, 2009
11:19 pm
ant,
I agree. And thats why having Crawford is HUGE. Because even with JJ out, we still have a scorer for our SG. JJ should be fresh in the second half. The bad thing is Kobe will be fresh too.
Maybe Woody is leaving JJ out until Kobe comes back in.
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
11:19 pm
ANT…
never said Woody was a good coach. i for one always call out the flaws within his system. however, you have to be pleased with what he has done early. the Crawford talk… sticking to his words about resting his starters… im just impressed by the different lineups he puts on the floor…
O'Brien
November 1st, 2009
11:21 pm
Would u rather have Marvin Williams, or Luke Walton?
0%
November 1st, 2009
11:21 pm
Effectiveness of the ATL big men on the O and D sides of the ball.
Mychelfromatl
November 1st, 2009
11:21 pm
Wow..Marvin wake up man.
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
11:21 pm
good minutes Z!!
BONE
November 1st, 2009
11:23 pm
MArvin is terrible. Pleaze trade his a.ss
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
11:23 pm
beautiful…
Blast
November 1st, 2009
11:24 pm
Joe Smith can shoot that short range jumper really well.
O'Brien
November 1st, 2009
11:25 pm
Sekou,
I think Marvin is sleep-walking again…(just like he did the first 3 quarters of the Washington game).
Sekou Smith
November 1st, 2009
11:25 pm
Quality minutes from Joe Smith right now.
Rod from College Park
November 1st, 2009
11:25 pm
Luke Walton. Marvin is useless. It’s unbelievable that so many on this blog defend him. Some people actually think he could average 20 points a game on another team. (LOL).
Mychelfromatl
November 1st, 2009
11:25 pm
WOW..I must say I’m very impressed with the ‘09-’10 Hawks. My investment in season tickets this year is looking like a great purchase!!!
Joe Smith is also looking like a Big pickup so far. So this is how it feels to have depth to compete with the “big-dawgs” of the NBA.
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 1st, 2009
11:26 pm
bigdave WHAT HE HAS DONE EARLY??? WE BEAT TWO TEAMS WE SHOULD HAVE. IT WAS NOTHING WOODY DONE..
Sekou Smith
November 1st, 2009
11:26 pm
I don’t know why Marvin is struggling like this … he played pretty well in the preseason. He’s not hurt. He just seems to be struggling for whatever reason.
Blast
November 1st, 2009
11:27 pm
Great defence by Bibby on Kobe!
Mychelfromatl
November 1st, 2009
11:27 pm
Rod,
You can’t be serious dude.
O'Brien
November 1st, 2009
11:27 pm
Bibby with a steal from Kobe? Thats awesome.
So Al, Josh and Marvin have a combined ZERO points? Wow
Mychelfromatl
November 1st, 2009
11:29 pm
J-Smoothhhhhh!!!!
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
November 1st, 2009
11:29 pm
Wow, that was luck Smith.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 1st, 2009
11:29 pm
Anyone think Josh meant to do that?
roan st
November 1st, 2009
11:30 pm
Did the Hawks work out Marvin williams before drafting him? All I would have had to seen was him walk across the court and the decision would have been simple. He looks clumsy and unathletic just walking. I thought NBA teams worked out players against each other. Who did he outplay in workouts to get drafted so high?
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 1st, 2009
11:30 pm
Marvin played well at home.
O'Brien
November 1st, 2009
11:31 pm
Whats up with Josh Smith and his shot selection?
That is not his range!
Mychelfromatl
November 1st, 2009
11:31 pm
Marvin, if this is how you gotta score…so be it lol.
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
11:31 pm
looked like he was banking the whole way..
GA Bulldawg
November 1st, 2009
11:31 pm
Josh will continue to jack jumpshot after jumpshot just because of that lucky banker…ughhhh
terrell barron
November 1st, 2009
11:33 pm
Josh, what’s up with all the outside shots? Take the ball to the freakin hoop.
GA Bulldawg
November 1st, 2009
11:33 pm
LOL @ O Brien…that is what the Hawks fanbase has been saying since his rookie year…I love Josh Smith though, just sayin
Rod from College Park
November 1st, 2009
11:34 pm
Mychelfromatl,
Serious as a heart attack. Do your research. My stance is very known.
Dshep
November 1st, 2009
11:34 pm
Please tell Josh Smith to stop shooting the midrange jumpshot and drive to the basket!! Same stupid shiznit as last year.
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
11:37 pm
wow.. serious handles on display right there…
GA Bulldawg
November 1st, 2009
11:37 pm
yeah no kiddin…his handles are crazy good
Dshep
November 1st, 2009
11:39 pm
Coach Smith must not have the guts to tell him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
11:41 pm
Marvin cant even catch the damn ball off the rebound…
goodness im getting frustrated with him…
Dshep
November 1st, 2009
11:41 pm
Same ole same ole
Mychelfromatl
November 1st, 2009
11:42 pm
Wow. This is the test we’ve all been waiting for with the Hawks. Will they navigate the storm? Will they crash?
Sekou Smith
November 1st, 2009
11:42 pm
Lakers on a mini-run to end the half that will give them a nice halftime cushion after the Hawks stayed in their mix most of the first half.
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 1st, 2009
11:42 pm
Mike Woodson offense; one pass and put it up. Shame Shame.
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
November 1st, 2009
11:42 pm
So we don’t even give Joe the ball in the 2nd quarter really? I don’t get it.
bigdave
November 1st, 2009
11:43 pm
damn… damn.. .damn.. james..
Dshep
November 1st, 2009
11:43 pm
Uggh!
Sekou Smith
November 1st, 2009
11:44 pm
I’m too far from the floor for anyone to hear me Dshep.
Dshep
November 1st, 2009
11:44 pm
I mean coach woodson
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 1st, 2009
11:45 pm
Why did our superstar coach pull him and take his power away? Smith you love Woody so much answer that.
Sekou Smith
November 1st, 2009
11:46 pm
I can’t believe I’m writing this, but why in the world did the Hawks go away from Joe?
JeJe
November 1st, 2009
11:46 pm
Joe has matched his season average. Time for him to go back to his cuckoon
JeJe
November 1st, 2009
11:46 pm
Marvin playing The Invisible Man again…Absolute trash
Dshep
November 1st, 2009
11:47 pm
Was beautiful to watch.! While it lasted.
BONE
November 1st, 2009
11:47 pm
Man seriously can we trade marvin for a good Javal Magee. MArvin is awful
Big Ray
November 1st, 2009
11:48 pm
The NBA game is a game of runs. The Lakers just went on one. How will we answer in the second half?
JJ looks good, Josh Smith, not so much.
Backcourt is doing all the heavy lifting, which is a recipe for a loss.
Blast
November 1st, 2009
11:49 pm
Going into the second half, the team I want on Hawks lineup: Bibby, Joe, Crawford, Josh and Al.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
November 1st, 2009
11:51 pm
I cannot see the game but daggit where is Marvin???
Dshep
November 1st, 2009
11:52 pm
Thanks for bloggin Sekou. This team has so much potential but we keep returning to the same bad habbits that plagued us last year. Turnovers and bad shot selection. Why is Jsmoothe even anywhere near the top of the key? Get down low damnit, for the beautiful baseline dunks!!!!
macaroni tony
November 1st, 2009
11:52 pm
It’s like a parent showing love to one child and not another. When JS reach the block milestone, he had a write up and that’s was about it. When Wade reach his milestone of 10,000 the first then that you see is Wade. That’s crazy!
Ken Strickland
November 1st, 2009
11:52 pm
Woodson has got to stop all that doggone switching with Bibby in the gm. He might not have the ability to play the quicker, faster PG’s, but the Lakers are forcing us to switch with Bibby and he certainly doesn’t have the ability to handle players like Kobe, Bynum, Odom etc. As soon as we make the switch, and create the mismatch, they go after him.
Having Bibby play straight up DEF certainly can’t be any worse than having him switch to players that are far bigger, taller and stronger. Otherwise, Woodson and the Hawks are doing a great job. We played 9 players in the 1st qtr, which would’ve been an unusual feat for an entire gm last yr.
cp
November 1st, 2009
11:54 pm
We are lucky to be this close. Josh Smith is back to jacking up jumpers instead of going to the hole. Marvin with another invisible man game. I tried to support the kid but I would not be mad if we upgraded the sf position. He just does not have the IT factor. Way too many turnovers. Still a good game though. We are hitting our free throws but missing way too many open shots… Josh and Marvin have to wake up in the second half..
Look I know Nique is a legend but can we please turn off his mic or just replace him with the Stinger. Nique has been brutal all night. Bob remarked at how Josh had not taken any 3’s this year and Nique’s reply was “yea he hasn’t taken many of those this year”. I love Nique the ball player but calling games is just not his thing. I rather have Steve Smith back. Nique sounds even worse than last year.
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 1st, 2009
11:54 pm
Hawks did a pretty good job overall in the first half. Gotta watch the turnovers and keep the Lakers from getting open looks and easy buckets in the paint. Waiting on the front court to heat up; the backcourt is keeping the team in the game so far. Marvin had a few good plays but overall is out of sync. The Lakers are really gonna make the Hawks earn this win. Joe Johnson was awesome in the first half. Not bad they need to keep it up and turn up the defense, keep making shots/layups, make a few stops and leave LA with a win tonight.
Big Ray
November 1st, 2009
11:55 pm
Don’t know what Josh Smith is thinking. But he’s not the only one re-visiting bad habits.
Still, this game isn’t out of reach. But against the Lakers, you can’t make mistakes.
I understand not giving JJ the ball if he’s shooting 5-16…but when he’s 7-9? Wtf?
Mychelfromatl
November 1st, 2009
11:55 pm
Hawks gameplan for the 2nd Half:
Everybody step back and get on the Joe and Jamal express and ride it to wherever in the hell it takes you.
Dshep
November 1st, 2009
11:56 pm
I like “nique” and all the goof ups> Kindof makes him my guy.
MyView
November 1st, 2009
11:58 pm
The positive that I take from the first half is the Hawks continued ability to score. Now lets see if we can clamp down on D to finish with a W.
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:00 am
thats wanting it folks.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:01 am
LOL@ CP ….yeah, take that mic away from the Hall of Famer (if Jurenovich says that one more time….)
Najeh Davenpoop
November 2nd, 2009
12:01 am
Nice lefty hook by Marvin. Where did that come from?
Blast
November 2nd, 2009
12:01 am
Hawks ain’t going away!
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:02 am
Ah, there we go. Frontcourt making an appearance.
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:02 am
thats aight Al…
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:03 am
really Marvin?
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:03 am
wont grab a rebound… wont hit an open shot… LETS GO! STEP UP MARVIN!!!
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:04 am
can marvin hit a shot DAMN
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:05 am
hopefully we can stay in this game where Joe can guard Kobe exclusively… he will destroy Marvin.. bad matchup for Marvin there…
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:05 am
Bibby sure came to play.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:05 am
Marvin has to make a difference on defense, if nothing else.
O'Brien
November 2nd, 2009
12:05 am
Once again, Bibby’s guy ends up open, and drains the jumper.
Marvin will end up with his 12 points and 6 rebounds. But it just seems like he has no impact on the game.
And why cant Woody run some plays to get JJ some open looks? You know why? Because Woody has no plays?
And why does Horford keep going at Bynum? Bynum is too lonng!
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:06 am
Josh pass the ball
roan st
November 2nd, 2009
12:06 am
Marvin is just going to keep doing what he’s been doing, he doesn’t want to do to much. That quote from Marvin before the season started sums up who he is as a player.
Sekou Smith
November 2nd, 2009
12:07 am
The little half-hearted “MVP” chant from the Lakers fans in the upper deck is getting a bit tired.
Bibby heating up now.Two long 3s to keep the Hawks close. Still too many turnovers for the Hawks. Just too many giveaways.
O'Brien
November 2nd, 2009
12:07 am
And thats why Josh needs to give up the ball on the break! Same thing he was doing last year.
This is the first game of the season where Josh seems to be going back to his old habits. Whats up with that?
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:07 am
MARVIN HAS GOT TO GO RIGHT NOW.
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:07 am
did Artest just jump up Joe back? damn Ref!!!??!!?!?!?
cp
November 2nd, 2009
12:08 am
Marvin Williams sigh
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:08 am
Kobe….nothing can be said. Just….Kobe….
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:08 am
I’M SICK OF PEOPLE DEFENDING MARVINS SORRY AZZ
MyView
November 2nd, 2009
12:08 am
Just keep competing…
ant banks
November 2nd, 2009
12:09 am
oh well, it was fun while it lasted. the hawks are who we thought they were!! jsmoove wants to be a guard.
they are down by 10 to the champs, let’s see if we panic or hunker down.
macaroni tony
November 2nd, 2009
12:09 am
I wonder when will Al start getting some calls, dang they keep hitting him….
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:09 am
bigdave shut up. We have a very bad game plan. NO defense just like against the Pacers, and one pass and shoot the ball (mike woodson offense) that’s why the players love him……
ant banks
November 2nd, 2009
12:10 am
BONE,
they will defend the hell out of marvin. why i don’t know. all they talk about is his upside and how young he is and how he is the x factor.
Time to Go
November 2nd, 2009
12:10 am
Marvin and Josh arent improving at all…..they are holding us back…we can get better pieces for both of them……
O'Brien
November 2nd, 2009
12:10 am
Ray,
This is the first game of the season where Josh has gone back to his old habits. And I dont know why…
Anyways, hopefully Woody’s half time speech and half time adjustment (whatever that may be) will have a positive effect.
cp
November 2nd, 2009
12:10 am
lol ray Nique has been killing me all night.
Mychelfromatl
November 2nd, 2009
12:11 am
C’mon fellas…keep playin.
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
12:11 am
geez JJ is freezing now…
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:11 am
yea ant banks your right. these guys on here will defend Woody and Masrvin till there grave
O'Brien
November 2nd, 2009
12:12 am
Woody needs to bring ZaZa back, because Horford is not getting any calls, and he is hurting us.
Plus we need to bring Joe Smith back in. Come on Woody!
J.J.M.
November 2nd, 2009
12:12 am
lol josh had 2 great first games and now people sayin he sucks
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
12:12 am
Nice flop Josh Smith!
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:12 am
Al working the boards, but if it wasn’t for JJ, he wouldn’t have any help.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 2nd, 2009
12:12 am
“The little half-hearted “MVP” chant from the Lakers fans in the upper deck is getting a bit tired. ”
Yeah, I prefer chanting “MVP” from the upper deck of Philips Arena when Zaza goes to the free throw line.
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:12 am
Woodson is a idiot. NO GAME PLAN vs. the champs. When will this train end.
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 2nd, 2009
12:13 am
Yeah the team needs to stay calm and go back to what was working in the 1st half. But clamp down on defense. Time to take it in the paint more. It’s not the end yet. There’s still time for the Hawks to win this game. Not happy with the Kobe back to back dunks.
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:13 am
length killing…
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:14 am
Smith; I would love to know how many offensive rebound the lakers have.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:14 am
J.J.M ,
It’s to be expected. But the fact is….he IS sucking right now.
MyView
November 2nd, 2009
12:14 am
This is the type of game that I thought we aquired Collins for. We need length in the worst way right now.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:14 am
Woody puts Crawford back in the game to at least spark the offense. Too bad it won’t stop the Lakers from scoring.
O'Brien
November 2nd, 2009
12:15 am
In my opinion, when our front court is not involved or not making shots, the Hawks will be in for a long night, because all our shots are from the perimeter.
I’m still waiting for Woody to run a play to get JJ an open look.
J.J.M.
November 2nd, 2009
12:15 am
BIg Ray
its the whole team not just one person. Marvin isnt playing any better than josh and the hawks are missing open shots
Jody
November 2nd, 2009
12:15 am
Is the Hawks frontline big enough now?
Sekou Smith
November 2nd, 2009
12:15 am
Hawks are spending so much time looking to the next man for help on defense that they’re missing the Lakers pass by them for for loose balls and put backs. Whatever flow they were in early seems to have slowed down considerably. And when they grind to a halt on offense the defense isn’t far behind.
J.J.M.
November 2nd, 2009
12:16 am
O’brien said it best the FRONT COURT meaning josh,marvin, and horford
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:16 am
O’brien ur waiting for Woody to draw a play???? lol he’s never drawn up a play
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:16 am
Joshua Randolph ,
Believe it or not, the Lakers have only 8 offensive boards, 2 less than the Hawks.
macaroni tony
November 2nd, 2009
12:16 am
Everybody keep crying about JS going back to his old ways, The man has only taken six shots. Let the man play his game he has not taken a single three point shot. I agree he does need to go the hole more, but I will not be rush to judge as of yet.
Rod from College Park
November 2nd, 2009
12:16 am
BONE,
I’m convinced some of the main bloggers on here are related to Marvin. No other reason to defend him.
Mychelfromatl
November 2nd, 2009
12:16 am
The fat lady’s not singing yet but she’s warming up the pipes.
Blast
November 2nd, 2009
12:16 am
Hawks can’t buy a call right now, while Lakers getting all the phantom calls. Refs must have suddenly realized Lakers were already down 0-1 at home.
And yes! That was Artest riding on Joe’s back, and no call.
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:17 am
Smith; want you answer my question?
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:17 am
kobe get to doing all that… but if Jamal was to get up and hit him in the mouth he would back down like the chump he is…
hawks_4_life
November 2nd, 2009
12:17 am
We cant buy a bucket or get a foul
Jody
November 2nd, 2009
12:17 am
Sekou,
What I see is the Lakers going inside and the Hawks can do nothing about. On the offensive end for the Hawks, it’s all jumpshots.
J.J.M.
November 2nd, 2009
12:18 am
lmaooooooooooooooo wow
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:18 am
J.J.M. ,
You’re talking to a big-time Josh Smith fan. I know it’s the whole team, but when Josh isn’t playing well, he’s going to get major heat. And tonight, he’s not playing well. Even I can admit that. But you’re right, the Hawks are playing badly as a team.
JJ and Bibby are shouldering the offensive load….well, they were (along with a bit of Jamal Crawford) when we were SCORING, that is..
O'Brien
November 2nd, 2009
12:18 am
Too many turnovers Hawks! We cant beat the world champs when we’re turning the ball over. And its not one guy either. its the whole team.
Can somebody tell me what Woody’s half time speech was? What was his half time adjustment?
hawks_4_life
November 2nd, 2009
12:19 am
ZAZA gave up back to back steals now….hmmmm
Blast
November 2nd, 2009
12:19 am
Hawks are not focused right now. Just bad turnovers, man.
J.J.M.
November 2nd, 2009
12:19 am
“they are who we thought they were”
cp
November 2nd, 2009
12:19 am
Game over. The Hawks went away from what worked. Once again no adjustments. They got hit in the mouth and curled up in the corner.
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:19 am
Told you people the Hawks will only beat teams like the pacers and thunder, bucks, charlotte pitful….
macaroni tony
November 2nd, 2009
12:19 am
Look like Joe is cussing their AZZ out.
Mychelfromatl
November 2nd, 2009
12:19 am
Checkmate.
Goodnight folks.
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:19 am
And the Countdown to Woody’s firing starts now.
Melvin
November 2nd, 2009
12:19 am
Look like Joe was chewing ZaZa out in that timeout….
Najeh Davenpoop
November 2nd, 2009
12:19 am
Time to switch to the World Series. This one’s done. Pretty disappointing to see this self destruction after playing so competitively in the first half. These are the kind of games in which you look for growth from last year, and the Hawks are not showing any.
Phillies just tied it up.
Sekou Smith
November 2nd, 2009
12:19 am
Hawks have come apart in a matter of minutes. Their turnover-filled rage in the third quarter has doomed them on this night. Now we’ll see if they have the chops to fight back out of this hole and make it a game before it’s done.
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
12:19 am
OMG THESE TO’S ARE KILLING US!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blast
November 2nd, 2009
12:20 am
I’d hoped if they lost this game they at least lose it with respect. Not a blowout.
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:20 am
Mike Woodson messed everything up when he pulled Joe after his 18th point.
ant banks
November 2nd, 2009
12:20 am
hawks ain’t got no effin’ heart on the road. they pissin me off
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:21 am
man put in Randolph…
TrainWreck
November 2nd, 2009
12:21 am
I’M CONVINCED ROD IS MARVIN WILLIAMS GIRLFRIEND’S EX TRICK. HE DON’T GOT ANYTHING ELSE TO SAY ABOUT ANYTHING OTHER THAN MARVIN WILLIAMS AND ANYBODY WHO DOESN’T SAY BAD THINGS ABOUT MARVIN WILLIAMS ALL THE TIME. NO WONDER SHE BROKE UP WITH ROD.
J.J.M.
November 2nd, 2009
12:21 am
kobe gets every call he wants
ant banks
November 2nd, 2009
12:21 am
usually the hawks panic right now and the blowout will get to 35pts. do you see how fast it went to a 20pt lead?
Jody
November 2nd, 2009
12:21 am
Out of the timeout, Hawks with another jumpshot and miss. Lakers go right back to attacking the basket.
hawks_4_life
November 2nd, 2009
12:21 am
0 fouls against the Lakers this quarter, complete b.s.
Time to Go
November 2nd, 2009
12:21 am
lmao@ you guys…..we all no marvin isnt that good.
the main problem this game (and many others) is THE ENTIRE HAWKS FRONT COURT IS USELESS …….
get rid of marvin and josh….get a real center and move horford to the PF
anytime marvin and josh get the ball is a turnover waitin to happen with such bad ball handling
for Marvin and Josh to be Forwards…they have “0″ good posts move to go to……
O'Brien
November 2nd, 2009
12:22 am
I was glad to see Joe getting on ZaZa, because ZaZa has 2 quick turnovers which led to 2 easy dunks. Thats the kind of fire I want to see from Joe (although ZaZa is not the only one turning it over).
The Lakers have 8 dunks. In the 3rd quarter!
Coming out of a timeout, we end up taking up another 3. Everything is from the perimeter.
Melvin
November 2nd, 2009
12:22 am
Kobe gets away with murder on defense and can be touch on offense..
Melvin
November 2nd, 2009
12:22 am
*can’t be touch on offense
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:22 am
bigdave open your eyes idiot.
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:22 am
they let the Lakers hand check and ride… overrated defenders…
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:22 am
Our problem is momentum. Once we get going in one direction too hard, we stay going in that direction.
I don’t think pulling JJ suddenly caused us to start having all of these turnovers. But it did disrupt the offensive flow. Ride the hot hand while you have it, create opportunities from that.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:23 am
“anytime marvin and josh get the ball is a turnover waitin to happen with such bad ball handling
Uhhh…that certainly doesn’t explain the first two games, but whatevah….
hawks_4_life
November 2nd, 2009
12:24 am
Finally a call, thanks refs
cp
November 2nd, 2009
12:24 am
Wake me up when Marvin makes an impact. We could pay Gerald Green a million dollars to do what Marvin does. Ive tried to support this kid but Ive come to the conclusion that he is what he is. Woodson still has no offensive strategy. I don’t know what Woodson says at halftime but from now on maybe he should sit on the bench while the team goes to the locker room.
J.J.M.
November 2nd, 2009
12:24 am
wooooooooooooow
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:24 am
he does that shyt every drive…
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:24 am
What did I tell ya’ll that Magic game wasn’t no fluke. I’m glad I don’t listen to the idiots in here. Ya’ll are too optimistic
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:24 am
Big Ray that’s all i’m saying it disrupt the offense. Of course t/o had nothing to do with it.
Mychelfromatl
November 2nd, 2009
12:25 am
One more thing. We’ve had to witness this 3rd quarter ass-woopin, and tomorrow we witness the Falcons D get lit up by the “Who Dat” nation. Good God.
Officially,
Goodnight folks.
ZULU
November 2nd, 2009
12:25 am
At least the Spartans don’t seem to be afraid to get down and dirty. While visitors admire those mind blowin’ sunsets. The Lakers are running the L.A. version the triangle with dogged agression.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
November 2nd, 2009
12:25 am
A soon as we start talking all-star appearance for Josh Smith he lays an egg like this. The whole team is playing disgusting – still no heart on the road.
keno
November 2nd, 2009
12:25 am
@macaroni tony…Joe was definitely cussing ZaZa’s azz out. Those turnovers are terrible.
O'Brien
November 2nd, 2009
12:26 am
Another turnover, another dunk.
I’m glad this game is not on national TV, and its on late, because as a Hawks fan, I am embarrased again.
Melvin
November 2nd, 2009
12:26 am
Too funny, i swear the Refs call a foul on ZaZa before he even touch Kobe.
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:26 am
Joe Johnson has scored only 4 points sense the 2nd qtr. What a dick Woodson is.
Jody
November 2nd, 2009
12:27 am
The Hawks will have to SERIOUSLY improve the front court before they can be taken seriously in this league. They have no post prescense at all in addition to being undersized. The goods teams know that if you attack the basket against the Hawks, the will come undone.
Grandad
November 2nd, 2009
12:27 am
When Joe was hot you leave him in for a while at least until he misses a shot. You should not take him out just for a (predetermined) 1 foul rule.
Woody should turn a back flip, throw a chair, get T’eed up, something to protect his players.The disparity between the no call on Al and the phantom call on Kobe was asppaling.
Turnovers = lack of funamentals. Some would say coaching.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:28 am
Bone ,
Glad to have you. Nothing a bunch of idiots likes more than the addition of one more idiot.
Jody
November 2nd, 2009
12:28 am
When your offense is all perimeter, turnovers shouldn’t be a suprise.
Time to Go
November 2nd, 2009
12:29 am
Uhh….whenever marvin and josh get the ball……it looks like the dribbling you would expect from most centers…..HORRIBLE ball handling (you can’t deny that)
Looks like the same ol’ hawks….I dont give a crap about the first 2 games…..they started 6-0 last year, so what? I’m talking about their play since they’ve been in the league.
Just like some other poster put up a couple minutes ago…”The are who we thought they were”….and thats a team good enough to make the EASTERN conf playoffs but not compete with the big boys.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:29 am
This game doesn’t show just how bad we are. It shows how far we have to go in becoming more than just a good team.
It also shows how you can’t have miscues against the very best teams. Any team that waltzed into the Staples Center and committed this many turnovers, while losing focus on defense, will get beaten like this.
ANY TEAM.
ant banks
November 2nd, 2009
12:30 am
the next mf i hear talkin’ bout the hawks and any seed above the 4th, i swear will get a cyber slap. psychologically, this loss will be in the hawks head for the whole west coast swing and they will lose in charlotte and return back to phillips 2-5. smf
Rod from College Park
November 2nd, 2009
12:30 am
cp,
I tried to tell ya’ll that before we gave him 8 million a year. You going to tell me that Matt Barnes, or Jerry Stackhouse couldn’t give us the same production?
TRAINWRECK,
Isn’t it gay pride day today. I’m sure there is some party down by Piedmont Park that you could be at rather than bringing the homo stuff to the board.
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
12:30 am
1) Can we please bench or trade Marvin Williams? I am not even being a hater. I’ve never seen such a pathetic mockery of a player in my life starting for a playoff team. Dominique says Marvin is having a bad game — um he does this garbage every game. He’s frail, awkward, timid, weak, cannot do anything when his shot is contested, and he sucks
2) Did I not call JJ going back to his cuckoon in the 2nd half? Leader my @$$. He does nothing for this team. All he cares about is himself.
And go let Sekou’s blogs tell you how wonderful and amazing this team is, but we all know this team didn’t win sh!t last year on the road after February (go look it up) and that we run no offensive plays and Woodson is a mediocre coach.
Get ready for #4 in the East and another 2nd round exit
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:30 am
Big Ray please tell me u didn’t just call me an idiot?
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:31 am
Time to Go ,
Okay. You’re right. Hawks suck, two wins in the regular season mean absolutely nothing, and the future is already told.
So kick rocks already. Why are you still here?
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:31 am
Mike Woodson had NO game plan coming into this game. No defense, bad offense just pitful.
Blast
November 2nd, 2009
12:31 am
LA getting away with basketball murder right now. They can’t seem to do no wrong in the eyes of the refs. Hawks lose this game and maybe lose to Portland also. They still have time to salvage this early road trip, while LA plays 20 something games at home to start? Who makes the damn schedule, anyway?
ant banks
November 2nd, 2009
12:31 am
AND QUIT REFERIN’ TO JJ AS AN ALL-STAR. HE HAS BEEN MAKIN’ THE ALLSTAR TEAM BY DEFAULT!!!
Time to Go
November 2nd, 2009
12:31 am
The average hawks fans care more about Josh Smith’s high flying dunks and being called the “highlight factory” than actually becoming a top tier team, that wont happen with Marvin and Josh being starters in your line up. Don’t worry though, it’ll come together just give them 5-6 more years lol!!!
J.J.M.
November 2nd, 2009
12:31 am
this is why joe didnt sign that contract
Grandad
November 2nd, 2009
12:31 am
appalling- I don’t know what the heck asppaling means.
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
12:31 am
Front court sucks @$$. Did we have one post presence bucket tonight? LOL. LOL @ Woody taking out Joe with 2 minutes left in 1st when he’s Red Hot and not putting him in till like 6 minute mark of 2nd
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
November 2nd, 2009
12:32 am
Woody is our worst coach since Lon Kruger. Garbage playbook, he should burn and hire an offensive coordinator or QUIT – like his teams always seem to do.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:32 am
Bone ,
Nope. Sure didn’t. Just like you didn’t call anybody here and idiot.
“I’m glad I don’t listen to the idiots in here. Ya’ll are too optimistic
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:32 am
Joe looks pissed on the bench.
Woodson made no adjustment in that 3rd qtr
J.J.M.
November 2nd, 2009
12:33 am
lol are they cryin?
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:33 am
Gotta love some of the “fans” around here. Lose one game to the world champion, and it’s time to fire everybody and burn them in effigy in the streets. Heh….
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:33 am
Lon Kruger was also a idiot.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:34 am
Josh Randolph ,
He SHOULD look pissed. These guys let the game get away from them entirely.
O'Brien
November 2nd, 2009
12:34 am
Woodson made no adjustment at half time, but in his defense, when guys are turning the ball over, it doesnt matter what play you draw up.
Time to Go
November 2nd, 2009
12:35 am
You cant be a TOP team when your team is made up of role players that dont even know or stick to their role most of the time….
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:35 am
BIG RAY: Woodson should have been gone. And the only reason why he hasn’t been fired is because the spirted is to damn cheap and was in that lawsuit.
ant banks
November 2nd, 2009
12:35 am
BIG RAY,
it’s how they are losin’ not the fact that they are losin’. these mf ain’t got no heart on the road.
Samuel
November 2nd, 2009
12:35 am
Come on guys, wake up. It was good while it lasted but let’s be honest. We’re not in the same league as the Lakers. They’re playing “monkey in the middle” with us and Gasol aint even out there. Our front line is too small, period. And why did we sign Collins over Siler?
Bash Woody for playing JJ too much and Bash Woody for sitting him. WOW.
Cuz, Michigan fans deserve this. They fired a guy with a 122-40 record.
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:36 am
Mike Woodson set him after his 18th point bro.
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:36 am
folks come on here looking to (word) fight on a damn basketball blog. talk irrelevant shyt, and want people to respond to it…
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:36 am
Enter your comments here
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
12:36 am
Great. We have 3 backup guards and 1203 backup bigs so now that all our backup guards are in and we don’t have any more reserve guards. Great idea to have Collins and Morris and Othello. They’re doing wonders for our team! Let’s only have 3 backup guards so we can burn them out before the next game!
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:37 am
Big Ray I was talking about the people who defend Marvin and Woody. If u fit in that category then so be it.
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:37 am
I’ve basked woody for stupid stuff and the 2nd qtr was just stupid. Why would you sit your best player when he’s on fire answer that question???
niremetal
November 2nd, 2009
12:37 am
Samuel, get real. A six-year old knows that you don’t pull a guy when he’s scored 18 in 9 minutes and then leave him out there when he is cold as ice – and that’s exactly what Woody did with JJ tonight.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:38 am
I can’t knock Joe Johnson for his first half perfomance.
However, we did NOT come out against the Lakers the same way we did against the Wiz and Pacers, on offense. In those two games, we came out with ball movement and personnel movement in the frontcourt.
Part of this game was Josh and Al turning the ball over too much, and Marvin disappearing altogether. Part of it was riding the hand of Joe Johnson.
That was precisely what the Lakers wanted, because they knew that Joe can’t beat them all by himself, and he would eventually cool down. They also knew that if they took away our frontcourt involvement early and forced turnovers, our only other gameplan would be to shoot jumpers from the perimeter.
We didn’t just get outplayed, we got outcoached. The only thing we had working was yanked away before the second half even ended. Wow.
Johnny Walking
November 2nd, 2009
12:38 am
AHHHHH Helllll Nawwww!! I went to the store and came back and this game has turned upside down. But who really belived we could win in LA? Joe Smith starting to look like Lo Right. I thought Collins n Smith were signed for nights like this. Oh well. Sund has a bad track record for picking Bigs and its showing again.
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:39 am
I agree Bone
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:39 am
try to get it to 10 Jamal…
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:40 am
Vet will foul your ass please believe…
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:40 am
niremetal 100% agree.
Rod from College Park
November 2nd, 2009
12:41 am
JeJe,
Be careful talking about Marvin. His cousins on the blog will start saying that we are the same person.
richbrave
November 2nd, 2009
12:41 am
J. Crid at the PG lets see…
What do you know I don’t. I thought he was still a WIZARD.
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
12:41 am
joe is back???
J.J.M.
November 2nd, 2009
12:41 am
joe “why is coach putting me back in”
Clyde
November 2nd, 2009
12:41 am
Just like I said we got knocked right back down to earth tonight. Woody is still Woody and the Hawks still need help on the inside.
FIRE WOODY
Dam its been a while since I’ve said that. It felt good.
Mychelfromatl
November 2nd, 2009
12:41 am
Wow…reading some of these comments I had to most-definitely post again.
I hope you banwagon fans don’t break your ankles jumping ship. Goodness, I bet non of you never even show up at Philips neither. Just siting aroung talkin ish. SMH!!!! The last I checked it’s the third game.
Sekou Smith
November 2nd, 2009
12:42 am
Good junk minutes right now from Jeff Teague. He’s maintained his composure than many others tonight.
ant banks
November 2nd, 2009
12:42 am
1.DON’T EVER CALL JJ AN ALL-STAR.
2.QUIT TALKIN’ ABOUT MARVIN’S UPSIDE
3.QUIT TALKIN’ ABOUT JSMOOVE’S WORTH. HE IS TRADEABLE.
Hotlanta Hawks
November 2nd, 2009
12:42 am
Like I said last year the main thing the Hawks need to do this year is try and stand up to the Orlando’s, Cleveland’s and Boston’s of the Eastern Conference because it looks like they’re still having trouble with the top dogs in the West.
Last years goal: make it through the first round. This years: make it to the finals. And next year: try to beat the Laker’s, Spurs, Mavs etc. of the Western Conference.
LOL
November 2nd, 2009
12:43 am
Atlanta Pro Sports is a joke, they always choke and look completely awful against REAL teams. ATL sports teams usually suck period, but now that the Falcons and Hawks are “playoff” teams…they still SUCK against the big boys…cant even put up decent hard fought games. I could respect an L like that, but not this crtap.
J.J.M.
November 2nd, 2009
12:43 am
here comes kobe
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
12:43 am
Bone ,
Sorry for misunderstanding. You didn’t specify anybody in particular in your statement, so I assumed you meant everybody.
If you know me at all, you know I’m not a big defender of Marvin and Woody, particularly if they aren’t performing. I’d defend Josh, but he played like crap.
J.J.M.
November 2nd, 2009
12:43 am
Mychelfromatl ur exactly right
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:44 am
i’ve been saying fire woody for the last 3 years. the guy is just awful.
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:44 am
Mychelfromatl last time I checked the Lakers were beating us like we stole somethin WITHOUT PAU GASOL.
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
12:44 am
WE CANT ONLY HAVE 3 BENCH GUARDS, ONE OF WHICH IS KINDA A SF. DROP OTHELLO AND SIGN STACKHOUSE
AND TEAGUE JUST MADE A RUNNING LAYUP — HE IS OFFICIALLY BETTER THAN ACIE LAW
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
12:44 am
Mychelfromatl, I agree! Especially the loser who said they were turning to the World Series…too many fake fans. Loyal fanhood is a lost art these days!!!!!!!!
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
12:44 am
WHY PUT JJ BACK IN? LET THE BENCH GET CREDIT
richbrave
November 2nd, 2009
12:45 am
BIG RAY:
I contend that attitude and perception play a part in the NBA. The HAWKS believed they would easily beat the WIZ at home. They do not feel the same way against the LAKERS in L.A.
Conversely, the WIZ did not feel confident of victory in ATLANTA, but it will be different in the phone booth.
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
12:45 am
BENCH MARVIN WILLIAMS
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:45 am
“What do you know I don’t. I thought he was still a WIZARD.”
obviously he’s not your guy if he’s discussed on this Hawk blog… where Hawk content matters…
richbrave
November 2nd, 2009
12:46 am
CLYDE:
Tee-shirt time buddy.
O'Brien
November 2nd, 2009
12:46 am
I like how our second unit is playing though. And I really like what Teague is doing
Rod from College Park
November 2nd, 2009
12:47 am
Big Ray,
“If you know me at all, you know I’m not a big defender of Marvin”
Could have fooled me.
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
12:48 am
nice move by josh
Raptors Fan
November 2nd, 2009
12:48 am
The Hawks suck, they will definetly finish below us in the east.
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:48 am
he was fouled on the 1st attempt…
Blast
November 2nd, 2009
12:49 am
Really sick of these so called bandwagon fans of Hawks right now. We real fans know what to expect from our team. We’ve traced their progress for years now. To expect Hawks to just start running over the league now is a fallacy. So quit whinning. It’s a long season and they are playing the world champs. Hawks lose tonight, they are 2-1, and world champs Lakers 2-1 also. So quit whinning.
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 2nd, 2009
12:49 am
Turnovers took the Hawks out of this game. I think! Scratching my head and shaking it too. That’s what happens when you make winning at home a priority and makes road wins and after thought. Then also the Hawks lost focus, had too many turnovers, coupled with the front court not making much noise. The negatives just piled up and overtook the positives. The Hawks are still a work in progress on the road we know. Fourty more games on the road.So the Hawks are still dealing with a road block.
JayDubu
November 2nd, 2009
12:49 am
Not to pick on individual players, but what exactly is Josh smith’s game? If there are no break away dunks, where/how is he expected to get points?
Marvin Williams has not played well at all tonight either, and the Hawks have no low post game what so ever.
Too many jumpshots, too many sloppy passes, too many times Horford, Williams, and Josh trying to dribble like they’re gaurds.
J.J.M.
November 2nd, 2009
12:49 am
omgggggggggggggggggg
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:49 am
ugggggggggggggggghhhhhhhh!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
November 2nd, 2009
12:49 am
Holy sh*t, Teague is BALLIN’! Hell of a dunk. Good to see the Hawks hanging in there and making the score respectable.
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
12:49 am
TEAGUE IS MY HEROooooooo!!!!!!!!!!! officially better than acie law
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:49 am
Teague is the man
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:50 am
Thank god we got rid of sorry Acie
Johnny Walking
November 2nd, 2009
12:51 am
Oh OH might be the seeing the End of Bibby tonight. You cant keep that kid on the Bench. WoW!!!!!
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 2nd, 2009
12:51 am
co sign Big Ray @12:38am
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:52 am
BONE; ONCE AGAIN WOODY MADE ACIE SORRY!!
Najeh Davenpoop
November 2nd, 2009
12:52 am
Teague is doing it all. If they could clamp down on the defensive end a little who knows, they could turn this into a close game.
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 2nd, 2009
12:52 am
co sign Sekou Smith @12:42am
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
12:53 am
damnit kobe is on his way to 50!!!!!!!!
O'Brien
November 2nd, 2009
12:53 am
Teague with the slam dunk! He has a quick first step. Wow.
Did we ever see Acie Law dunk? (I was a fan of Acie Law though).
JJ sure disappeared after the first quarter. Yes, he did sit, but Kobe sat a long time too. And he has 41
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
12:53 am
Teague did more for us in this qtr than Acie did in 2 seasons for us
cp
November 2nd, 2009
12:53 am
I love what i see from Teague.
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:53 am
Naw Acie didn’t do anything when he got out there. He just passed it.
JayDubu
November 2nd, 2009
12:54 am
The Lakers were the world champs for last season. This is a new season, the Lakers have different players, just like everyother team in the league.
You don’t show up to compete and say they’re the champs, so we should lose. “In order to be the man, you have to beat the man!”
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
12:54 am
JOE JOHNSON HAS NO HEART. LET HIM WALK THIS SUMMER AND THROW ALL THE MONEY WE HAVE AT DWYANE WADE. HE WILL PLAY ON THIS ATHLETIC TEAM. AND ALSO INVOLVE HORFORD MORE ON O
Grandad
November 2nd, 2009
12:54 am
It’s not really adjustments. It’s preparation. Turnovers are not a product of design so much. Our guys obviously aquire bad habits in practice. If you are not reqired to execute perfectly then mistakes will be the result. You can get away with athleticism/talent if you are better than the other team. However, when you play the really good teams, bad habits will bite yiu in the behind. I saw video of Josh practicing with Coach “K” this summer and they would stop practice and correct little things such as his footwork, etc. When I see video of the Hawks @ practice I never saw a stoppage for teaching and correction.
Perhaps woody did not make adjustments but I really think its a teaching situation. Most of our kids did not have a very good background [coaching wise] due to little or no college exp. He should @ least find some assts. who know some fundamentals.
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:54 am
Hawks went strictly 1 on 1 when we could have cut it below 10…
J.J.M.
November 2nd, 2009
12:54 am
no heart???
ant banks
November 2nd, 2009
12:55 am
KOBE AND JJ STARTED OFF THE SAME. KOBE HAS 41 AND JJ HAS 24 AFTER GETTIN’ 18 IN FIRST QTR.
JJ DUMB FOR TURNIN’ DOWN 60MIL
Blast
November 2nd, 2009
12:55 am
At least Phil was forced to bring his starters in to finnish the game. Never expected Hawks to win tonite anyway. playing the champs at home and all that. Did expect them to give some better accounting, though.
Teague showing flashes of brilliance.
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:55 am
NO GAME PLAN COMING INTO TONIGHT, DONT WORRIE ABOUT THE DEFENSE GUYS JUST PASS THE BALL ONCE AND SHOOT IT. LETS GO TO JOE EARLY, THEN WHEN HE GETS HOT I’LL GIVE HIM A BREAK AND COOL HIM DOWN. I’LL WORK ON THE REF’S WHEN WE GET DOWN BY 2O, THEN IN PRE GAME I’LL SAY I THOUGHT WE PLAYED PRETTY GOOD JUST NEEDED TO CUT DOWN ON THE TURN OVERS.
PD
November 2nd, 2009
12:56 am
Ok the young boy needs at least 20 minutes a night. Marvin should be on the trading block if he does not wake up!!!!!!! Woodson needs some Red Bull and a playbook.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 2nd, 2009
12:57 am
Acie and Teague are completely different kinds of players, and more importantly there was conflict between Woody and Billy Knight over the Acie selection. Teague’s success shouldn’t be an indictment of Acie’s skills.
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
12:57 am
Josh still taking jumpers lol. unbelievable.
Joshua Randolph (fire mike woodson express)
November 2nd, 2009
12:57 am
JEJE ACIE CAN’T CHECK HISELF INTO THE GAME.
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 2nd, 2009
12:57 am
co sign Najeh Davenpoop @12:52am
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
12:58 am
10 pt game!!
Najeh Davenpoop
November 2nd, 2009
12:58 am
Joe Johnson is about to finish with 35 minutes played in a game that got out of hand halfway through the 3rd.
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
12:59 am
so i guess Joe was supposed to come out on some ball hog shyt… knowing that it would take a team effort to beat the Lakers. instead he was trying to create for teammates… i have no problem with his approach tonight…
Najeh Davenpoop
November 2nd, 2009
12:59 am
A lot of gamblers must have been p!ssed about this game… Lakers were favored by 9, and the Hawks cut it to 8 with Crawford’s garbage time dunk.
Clyde
November 2nd, 2009
12:59 am
“i’ve been saying fire woody for the last 3 years. the guy is just awful.”
Man I’ve been saying FIRE WOODY for 5 years Joshua. I wonder when enough is enough.
I wonder would the Hawks be any better if we drafted Sean Williams with the 11th pick instead of Acie Law. haha
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
1:00 am
Rod ,
Heh. I call it like it is with Marvin. I don’t think he’s trash, but he damn sure played like trash tonight. So did Al and Josh. What have I posted on this blog tonight that made you think I’m a big defender of his? Sorry if I don’t hate him as bad as you do, but I do have my own opinions. I’m not his cousin, but I also see more of the game than what a single player does. Can’t help it if you disagree, and not worried about it, either.
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
1:00 am
our bench kept us in this game…a season ago it would have a 30 pt blowout
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 2nd, 2009
1:00 am
Thanks for the bball knowledge Grandad. I agree but hadn’t thought about that.
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
1:01 am
MARVIN IS USELESS AND SUCKS. I WILL ARGUE THIS TO THE DAY I DIE
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
1:01 am
being major players in Woody’s “what we do” philosophies there was not enough Marvin or Josh to expect anything other than these results…
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
1:02 am
bigdave ,
Joe outrebounded everybody but Lamar Odom, and matched Al Horford in that category. He also shot 50% from the field and dished out 4 assists, with just one turnover.
His approach to this game is one of the few things that DIDN’T hurt us tonight.
Rod from College Park
November 2nd, 2009
1:02 am
As long as coach Woodson continues to try to play half-court offensive basketball with teams that are much bigger than us in the front-court this will be the result. We have to push the tempo and use or speed and athleticism to our advantage. We are not the Detroit Pistons.
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
1:03 am
PLEASE BENCH MARVIN. PORTLAND IS A TOUGH GAME. START CRAWFORD AND USE TEAGUE AS ONE OF THE FIRST BACKUPS OFF THE BENCH. DO NOT LET MARVIN PLAY UNTIL HE LEARNS THAT HE ACTUALLY APPEARS ATHLETIC AND MAY ACTUALLY HAVE SOME TALENT
Time to Go
November 2nd, 2009
1:03 am
The Hawks WILL NOT finish ABOVE 4th in the east until Woodson, Marvin and Josh are gone, or atleast 2 of the 3. Mark my words.
TrainWreck
November 2nd, 2009
1:03 am
HOW ABOUT THAT. ROD SAYS ITS GAY DAY. DID ANYBODY ELSE KNEW THIS BUT HIM?
bigdave
November 2nd, 2009
1:04 am
Ray…
??? “i have no problem with his (Joe Johnson) approach tonight.”
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
1:05 am
MARVIN HAVING A 20 POINT GAME IS LIKE ME WINNING THE LOTTERY
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
1:05 am
HAWKS WILL GET 4TH IN EAST AND LOSE IN 2ND ROUND IN 5 GAMES
WE HAVE NO FRONT COURT SIZE, COACH IS AVERAGE (NOT BAD NOT GREAT) AND MARVIN IS USELESS. ONLY PLAYS WELL AGAINST SEATTLE (LOL) AND WHEN WE HAVE 3 STARTERS OUT
GOOD JOB.
WE COULDA HAD CHRIS PAUL, DERON WILLIAMS, OR BRANDON ROY
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
1:06 am
RAJON RONDO RUDY GAY RANDY FOYE
Blast
November 2nd, 2009
1:06 am
Gross miscalculation on Woody’s part. He should have kept Joe in until the score was decidedly in Hawks favor, then rested him when the game was won. Those turnovers didn’t help either.
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
1:06 am
BYNUM DANNY GRANGER
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
1:08 am
Clyde ,
An interesting idea. The question is, would Nellie have taken Sean Williams and Speedy Claxton for Jamal Crawford? Somehow, I don’t think Williams would have lasted any longer than Solo did. And that’s not really anything against Williams. So, what is ol’ Sean doing these days anyhow? With the Nets roster gutted, he should be at least the first backup center off the bench, right?
Grandad ,
Very interesting insights. Seriously.
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 2nd, 2009
1:09 am
Rod, definitely not the Detroit Pistons. It’s time for the Hawks to get their own identity and stop trying to be someone else. I am sick of hearing about the freaking Pistons back in the day.
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
1:09 am
Ladies and gentlemen these are Marvin’s stats for the night:
6 pts 1-6 2 rebs 1 ast
WOW
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
1:10 am
bigdave ,
That was me agreeing with your 12:59 post. Come now, try not to expect the worst from me….
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
1:11 am
No kidding, we’re not the Pistons. They defend better than this. They were also better coached, I don’t care what ANYBODY says.
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
1:11 am
this was the Hawks most embarrasing loss since well that Magic game in the pre-season
Publix
November 2nd, 2009
1:13 am
WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE WE STILL DOING WITH MARVIN????? Why is this kid getting any time? Pleaseeeeeeee, Sund trade him and Bibby. Take both of them and send them to Washington for Haywood and Stephenson. This is a very realistic trade and it would give us a 7footer finally who can at least push around with the Bynums, Howards, and the Duncans.
GET RID OF MARVIN IS PRIORITY!!!!!!
Our lineup should look like this:
Teague
Johnson
Smith
Horford
Haywood
Crawford
Bring MARIO back
Evans
Smith
Pachulia
If for some reason we cannot get Haywood, then go after Mark Gasol. He is an upcoming star, don’t wait much longer.
GET RIDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD OF MARVIN!
Rod from College Park
November 2nd, 2009
1:15 am
TRAINWRECK,,
You are on the AJC blog, and its on the front page of the AJC. Reading is fundamental.
cp
November 2nd, 2009
1:15 am
I hope Teague gets rewarded with more minutes. Bibby was solid. Joe should have stayed in until he went cold not get pulled while he was hot. Horford played hard but he isn’t big or long enough to match up with Bynum. Josh played like he did last season with the jumpers and trying to run the fast break. Our bench played well. Marvin with another invisible game. Woodson still cant make adjustments and still has no offensive clue what so ever. Portland is going to be tough because they have a bunch of size. Roy and Outlaw kill us every time we play them. Somebody needs to light a fire under Marvin. No more excuses for him.
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 2nd, 2009
1:16 am
Exactly Big Ray! Anybody else sick of the Hawks trying to be the Detroit Pistons?
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 2nd, 2009
1:19 am
Funny how the frontcourt dominated in the first two games but struggled in this one. Any insights on this guys and gals?
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
1:20 am
Thank you Grandad!! That is the problem with young players in the L today…rely too much on athleticism and not enough fundamentals to back that up!!!
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 2nd, 2009
1:20 am
Oh is Marvin still doing the jumproping at the beginning of games?
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
1:23 am
@ Mz. Hawkdafied: That’s because we’re facing a REAL frontcourt! The Wizards are missing their starting power forward and the Pacers have a weak frontcourt so of course the Hawks frontcourt would have dominated
Zach
November 2nd, 2009
1:24 am
what is about the road that makes us a 12 year old girl who didn’t get the pony she wanted for christmas?
And what in the world is Marvin doing? show up Marvin! the Hawks signed you for 5 years to do the opposite of what you’re doing now.
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
1:25 am
I will say this Teague is a player. He will be better than Josh and Marvin I gurantee it. Did u see how Teague crammed it on Odom. He’s a point guard doin this. Josh was just takin jumpers instead of attackin the rim. Marvin was his usual invisible self. Teague showed me alot tonight and Marvin and Josh showed me alot too, that they are never gonna be all star players.
O'Brien
November 2nd, 2009
1:26 am
I’m sure Rod and roan st will be glad to know that after 3 games, Marvin is averaging 10 points, 5 rebounds per game. I know its still early but…Marvin needs to step up.
Also, Teague had more points than Marvin, Josh and Al. We can’t win when we get nothing from our front court.
And Woody was right though. The Hawks need to play better defense. After 3 games, we are giving up an average of 105.3 points per game. We need to play better defense.
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
1:26 am
Teague has a chance to be an all star in the future
macaroni tony
November 2nd, 2009
1:27 am
Joe called the Hawks soft, no fight….
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
1:28 am
Is anybody watching the postgame show??? Some interesting insight from Joe…his comments basically stated that our players don’t know their role…for example Josh and Al shouldn’t be handling the ball like guards. It just looks awkward
macaroni tony
November 2nd, 2009
1:29 am
NO! Joe said it like it is. We need more fight, people say that JJ don’t talk but he did tonight…
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
1:30 am
The Hawks ARE soft…Joe just telling it like it is
O'Brien
November 2nd, 2009
1:31 am
I’m glad Joe was telling it like it is during the post game interview. However, he needs to speak up during the game too. I’m glad he got on ZaZa during the timeout.
And he needs to get on Josh about shooting those long jumpers. And not giving up the ball on the break.
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
1:31 am
well joes right. I’m sorry ya’ll but Josh is too damn dumb. His BBAll IQ is one of the lowest I have ever seen. Does he thinks he’s Magic Johnson or somethin. Ur a forward josh not a point guard. U can’t teach bball IQ and he doesn’t have it.
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
1:31 am
I liked what I saw from Teague but its only the 3rd game…let’s not get too presumptuous
MAC-TOWN
November 2nd, 2009
1:33 am
Anybody else think that Mo Evans should start ahead of Marvin Williams and take most of his minutes???….seriously…he’s better offensively and defensively.
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
1:34 am
Wow thats a bit harsh BONE. but he needs to become a role player. The problem with this Josh is that he wants to be “that guy” instead of letting Joe be the leader…
keno
November 2nd, 2009
1:36 am
What’s with all the Joe bashing? He was the only starter that came to play. Seriously, when you have four players in double figures and two are off the bench, there’s a problem. Joe disappeared? Josh, Marvin, and Al never showed up. I guess Joe shoud’ve put the team on his back. Well, Ron Artest was already riding it so there was no room and it looked like Joe’s teammates forgot he was out on the floor and decided playing without him. Kobe’s teammates know to get Kobe the ball. Joe’s teammates decided to take matters into their own hands and the results were a disastrous 3rd quarter. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Joe literally cursing out his teammates on the sideline like that. They deserved it.
PD
November 2nd, 2009
1:36 am
Wild How Joe Johnson called the team soft in the post-game interview! Maybe he is truly getting frustrated with his team.
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
1:39 am
Keno, I 100% agree.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
1:40 am
Mz. Hawkdafied ,
Yeah, I’m sick of it. We just don’t have those kinds of guys. The thing is, people don’t realize that with the Pistons squad, you have to have a coach that is a teacher, and can get his guys to buy into what he’s selling. I mean, Larry Brown had ‘Sheed doing the right thing, and that is an accomplishment all by itself. Doc Rivers is able to achieve the same thing. Woody doesn’t have that. He just doesn’t. I know some people will hate that I’m giving part of the blame to the coach, but what can you say about a guy who can’t even convince his team to stop giving up 105 points a game?
BONE ,
I disagree. Josh is not dumb, and he does not have a low basketball IQ. What he is, is impatient. He’ll make a mistake by trying to force something, not because he doesn’t know what to do at all. Nobody was calling him dumb in the first two games, especially game 1, where he got 8 assists and 1 turnover. What’s your explanation for that, “it was an accident?” Everything looks right when you’re winning, everything looks wrong when you’re losing.
Being a forward or center doesn’t mean you can’t handle the ball or pass the ball. But he does have to learn WHEN to do these things. There are some things you can do against the Wiz and the Pacers that you can’t do against the Lakers. They aren’t the NBA champs for nothing. Josh still got 7 assists, are you going to tell me that was by accident? It’s not a matter of IQ. It’s a matter of composure, and he is still learning that, much to our frustration.
Nobody had complaints about Josh and Al during the first two games. I won’t say jack about Marvin, because he’s been everything but remarkable, even though he rebounded and defended well against the Wizards. But now the complaints come raining down because we lost to the best team in the NBA.
I know it’s not about the fact that we lost, but HOW we lost. But it should be obvious: if you make ANY mistakes against the best teams, THEN YOU WILL LOSE to them. Have to keep the mistakes to a minimum. Otherwise, this is the result.
PD
November 2nd, 2009
1:42 am
I like Mo Evans starting because Josh cannot shoot the three. Marvin can get his shots in the 2nd unit. But they would need an alternate starting unit for taller teams. It is doable they just have to gameplan the whole thing. It is more than possible. Got to figure out a way to get Horford to the power forward spot.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
1:42 am
Normally I’d clown JJ some for that post game interview, but he had it spot on. The frontcourt was awful. As long as he’s also telling them that to their faces, I’m cool with it.
Be a leader, Joe. Tell them how bad they’re messing up.
But who yanked Joe when he was red hot?
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 2nd, 2009
1:42 am
PD, do you think this is why JJ didn’t sign them papers? He’s just plain sick and tired of the same ol same ol. Thanks GAbulldawg for the insight on our frontcourt.
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
1:43 am
Yea it is harsh what I said about Josh but it’s the truth. Smart players know their limitations. Play to their strenghts and not their weaknesses. For example last year in the playoffs Josh was TOO DUMB to realize why he was always open for the jumper. He was always open becuz everyone knows he can’t shoot. I mean I’m not exaggerating Josh is one of the 10 dumbest players in the NBA. I stand by that.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
1:43 am
Heh. Three games into the season, one loss to the best team in the NBA, and it’s time for firings, trades, and lineup changes. Typical……..
Clyde
November 2nd, 2009
1:45 am
A team’s identity starts with the coach.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
1:45 am
…. sigh …….. DING …..
BONE
November 2nd, 2009
1:45 am
Of course Josh is gonna have a good game against the PACERS. there the PACERS. When we play and elite team he plays poorly.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
1:45 am
Clyde I agree with that to an extent.
Grandad
November 2nd, 2009
1:47 am
I’m up kinda late for an old guy but I’ll try to be succinct. If Joe is a leader he should not call out his young teammates in the media. I confess, I did not hear his comments nor their context. But these fellas have been together for a good long while now. How, and I repeat how, do they NOT know their roles? A coach can comment on a player to/in the media but a player must keep it in house. In the locker rm.. @ prac., etc., just keep it in within the team. Even if your the leader you should not create a hierarchy that leads to resentment and discord.
Did he really say they don’t know their roles. That’s malarchy !
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
1:48 am
Heh….okay, Bone …
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
1:49 am
Grandad ,
How, indeed? If they don’t know their roles, where does that point?
Grandad
November 2nd, 2009
1:50 am
Oh yeah; Big Ray & Ga. Bulldog – Thanks.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
1:51 am
Better hope Josh doesn’t have good games against the Spurs, Celtics, Magic, or any other top teams. If that’s the case, somebody will have to send them a memo, informing them of their loss of elite status.
Man, you really get to hear some of the best stuff on here…..
Time to Go
November 2nd, 2009
1:52 am
A hard fought lost to the best team, that displayed major improvements both in coaching and needed personnel would have been OK
However….a lost to the best team that displayed the same poor coaching and lack of size and toughness in the paint OUGHT to bring up talks of some changes being made somewhere.
Grandad
November 2nd, 2009
1:53 am
Mz Hawkdafied: Thank you as well.
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 2nd, 2009
1:55 am
Big Ray, I really don’t want to start being a Woody basher. And I’ve never really been one. But as time goes on I am starting to wonder what this team would look like with another coach. I mean he’s so fixated on being the Detroit Pistons that got him his ring that maybe he’s not even trying to see the team for who or what they are and that’s probably the problem. If the ASG/ Rick Sund gives him another contract without the Hawks making any progress this season, I just might lose it.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 2nd, 2009
1:57 am
“Josh is not dumb, and he does not have a low basketball IQ. What he is, is impatient. He’ll make a mistake by trying to force something, not because he doesn’t know what to do at all.”
What he also is is a player who, five years into his career, still has no defined role within the offense. And as long as that continues, he will continue to not know when to use which one of his versatile talents.
To a lesser extent this applies to Marvin and Al Horford as well. I say to a lesser extent because Josh being the most versatile also tends to be the one who forces the issue the most trying to do things he shouldn’t be doing. But all three are held back by the perimeter oriented nature of this team’s offense.
Whether you’re a Woody fan or a Woody hater (I’m stuck firmly in the middle), I think we can all agree at least that Woody needs an offensive coordinator.
Still have not Left
November 2nd, 2009
2:00 am
The third game of the season is the best time to determine if a team is better or not. Fire all coaches and trade all players.
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 2nd, 2009
2:03 am
Najeh, he doesn’t think so he said the offense is fine, they just need to work on defense. And I used to be in the middle too.
Grandad
November 2nd, 2009
2:08 am
3rd game 30th game that 3rd qtr. was inexcusable. However, I for one, have not advocated firing anyone. Five yrs. in though is plenty of time to evaluate a HC.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
2:09 am
Co-sign Najeh Davenpoop at 1:57a.m.
Mz. Hawkdafied,
I’m not a Woody hater. I do hope to see better from what he brings to this organization. I cannot in good conscience put it all on the players. Just can’t do it. Considering what another coach might look like with this team doesn’t make you a hater. In fact, that’s part of the GM’s job, evaluating all positions.
Now if he thinks that this team can do greater things by moving a player or two, and keeping the coach, then he has to take the chance and do that. But he has to be pretty dang certain. You don’t get a player’s ability back in return, and very rarely can you “trade up” in this league. In most cases, it’s the coach that gets moved.
If ten players don’t listen when you say “play defense”, do you trade the ten players, or get a different coach? It’s really not that cut and dry, but you get my meaning.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
2:12 am
Najeh ,
Heh. All too often, whether or not you’re a “hater” isn’t determined by you. You know how that goes. One word of criticism, and you’re a hater. One word of positivity, and you’re a supporter or relative. People have issues…
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
2:13 am
Grandad, to be fair, Joe didn’t exactly say that they didn’t know their roles. If you go back and read my comment I didn’t quote him. But Joe said that the guys were trying to do too much on offense, that he didn’t get the ball enough (and he didn’t, I saw the game) and not getting back on defense. When ppl are “doing too much” on offense, it kinda implies that they’re not playing their roles, so thats why I said that
nunna yo biznezz
November 2nd, 2009
2:14 am
jeje,
even if we had chris paul,do u honestly think he would be playing under woody..woody’s boy is mike bibby..and,teague’s play tonite will only be counted on as him playing junk minutes against junk players off the lakers bench..so,look for teague to get less minutes the next game..
on woody:
i was waiting on the lakers run in the 3rd to see how woody would react..
would he:
A.not be afraid to put in his big guys off the bench(whom sund brought in just for this reason) to offset the weakness that his starters were playing?
B.will he design plays and order his bigs to attack the basket to both,”slow the lakers down and get to the line”?
C.remove josh or get in his azz when he takes those ill advised long jumpers when he is more of a slaser/dunker?
D.use the strengths of his team to get us back into the game?
E. or use his bigs that were provided for him off the bench when he stated many times in this past off season that he didn’t have a bench nor any bigs last year?
he did nothing on neither of the claims i laid out..
he is a sorry excuse for a coach..
and,he needs to go
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
November 2nd, 2009
2:16 am
The players stopped listening the Coach back when Bibby came IMO. This nothing personal but Woody has to go. He is an assistant stuck in the 2004 Detroit era – he won’t budge from his vision or lack thereof. He won’t make halftime adjustments, he benches hot players and rides cold ones and his players are motivated to excel under his tutelage…Heck his players don’t know their roles (I agree with all those who say that is an indictment on the coach.)
Let’s get a real coach in here an let’s become a true elite te
am.
Fin
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
2:17 am
Grandad ,
I’d agree with that, but in fairness, and trying to be completely objective, I have two possible caveats:
1) Sund hasn’t been here the whole five years. He just got hired in 2008.
2) Sund shouldn’t try and move to quickly, or he might follow Billy Knight (remember how that turned out?)
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
November 2nd, 2009
2:17 am
are not motivated
Grandad
November 2nd, 2009
2:22 am
Ga Bulldog: my apologies. Our Bulldogs certainly didn’t know their roles yesterday, even wi. two wks. to prepare. I could probably make some correlations between the Hwks & Dwgs but it’s just too late.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
2:25 am
I wouldn’t take anything away from Teague. Mop-up minutes or not, he got baskets, just like he has the whole time he’s been here (Orlando preseason game excluded). He’s learning, and I see no reason why his minutes should decline against the next two opponents, who are weaker than the Lakers.
Grandad
November 2nd, 2009
2:29 am
Big Ray: my sentiments exactly. I have confidence in Mr. Sund to do what is necessary and right. Also; Ga Bulldawg(sp), got it right this time.
GA Bulldawg
November 2nd, 2009
2:31 am
Yeah let’s not even get started with the Dawgs…thats a whole nother blog
. glad i didn’t buy tix to Jax
Ken Strickland
November 2nd, 2009
2:44 am
BIG RAY-when Woodson helps the opposition and creates mismatches by switching on every pick and roll, instead of having his players fight over the picks, it’s unreasonable to expect good DEF with Bibby in a mismatch with a C or PF and Horford or Smoove in a mismatch with a SG or PG. Woodson needs to junk his switching DEF and instruct his players to fight over the top of picks, or have one player step back and allow the other player to step through the pick. Either option is better than what we’re doing.
Even though our pts scored increased 9PPG when Bibby arrived, we had a corresponding 9PPG increase in pts allowed. That number has increased since Woodson went exclusively to a switching DEF. He needs to either allow Bibby to play straight up DEF or bring him off the bench. Bibby might have saved Woodson’s job when he arrived, but he could very well end up costing him his job in the long run if serious DEF adjustments aren’t made.
cp
November 2nd, 2009
2:45 am
The two highlights of the night for me was the play of Teague and when Nique called Phil Jackson Joe Jackson. I couldn’t stop laughing. Nique work on ya craft seriously.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2009
6:15 am
Ken ,
I think Woodson is going with the switching defense based on two ideas. One, the infamous Detroit model. Two, the idea that a switching defense allows for better help defense. Really, we need go no further than point number one: the Detroit model has no room for a Bibby. It calls for a point guard that is big enough, quick enough, and tough enough to guard not only 1s, but 2s.
It’s not Bibby’s fault that he has trouble with both at times. Quicker point guards with slick handles are troublesome, and forget guarding 2s that are any sort of credible offensive threat. I’m not bashing Bibby, I’m just saying: he doesn’t fit this Detroit model that keeps getting brought up. And guess what? Marvin doesn’t either. Well, on paper he does. On offense he does. On defense, he does not. If he ramps his defense back up, then he fits. Until then, he doesn’t fit.
In fact, the more you think about it, the more these guys don’t fit. Horford could play the Ben Wallace role, but Josh would have to play the Rasheed Wallace role. Josh has the ability to change the game with help defense the way ‘Sheed did, but he is still a little shorter at 6′9″ (’Sheed checking in at about 6′11″), and lacks ‘Sheed’s ability to go outside on offense whenever needed. Marvin, as stated before, doesn’t defend at Prince’s level. Offensively, he’s nearly a match, at least on paper.
Who plays the role of Rip Hamilton? Answer: nobody. Bibby would seem the perfect candidate to come off screens, but he just doesn’t run around like that anymore, and wouldn’t get his shot as easily. And unlike Rip, he can’t defend 2s that well. Imagine asking him to defend Kobe. Not even funny…
JJ is closer to Billups than he is to Rip. He can handle the ball, initiate the offense, and take over the game by making big shots. But Billups was able to do that because he wasn’t, and didn’t have to be the leading scorer by a wide margin. And, he was a true pg who was capable of guarding two positions if the situation called for it. He was not guarding people because his backcourt mate was incapable of doing so. He had two very steady, surefire offensive threats in ‘Sheed and Rip, something JJ still doesn’t have every given night. Besides, we don’t want him to HAVE to run the point. It takes away from his abilities.
So either we get the guys that fit the model, and add the level of coaching necessary, or we scrap the model. No offense to Woody, but I have yet to see where he can convince guys to play one way every single night, much less outmaneuver the coaches of better teams. You can keep telling me it’s all about the players, but I’m not going for that. Too many times I’ve seen less overall talented teams beat more overall talented teams in the playoffs to keep going for that alibi.
Clyde
November 2nd, 2009
6:32 am
Year after year we sit on this blog and say the same ole things. Woody needs to do this and Woody needs to do that. But what happens? The same ole SH**. Ask Astro Joe I was the first one to say Woody needs to develop a new offensive and defensive scheme and 5 years later he’s still running the same ole ragedy plays. Lets face it; Woody is Woody and he will never change.
Lets trade JJ while we can and get some in return because he’s gone after this year. I think someone said JJ for Kevin Martin and a big? Lets do it and FIRE WOODY by the All-Star break.
JustaThought
November 2nd, 2009
7:51 am
Hahahahahahahaha! Same ole Hawks! They can’t play the Pacers/Wizards every game………….playing in ECC….Yeah right.
Clyde
November 2nd, 2009
8:07 am
Woody is just like Mike Shula. A nice guy but lacking the ability to lead a team to a championship. The Hawks need a new vision cause Woody’s just ain’t gonna work. Alabama changed their vision by adding Nick Saban and 2 years in a row we are in a title hunt.
Roll Tide
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
8:12 am
MARVIN WILLIAMS SUCKS
TRADE HIM FOR BROOK LOEPZO R MARK GASOL
Clyde
November 2nd, 2009
8:19 am
Players in the NBA stop playing after they get a new contract.
Clyde
November 2nd, 2009
8:20 am
I would trade Marvin Williams for tickets to the SEC championship.
JeJe
November 2nd, 2009
8:32 am
WE NEED ANOTHER GUARD OFF THE BENCH. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO JUST HAVE TEAGUE AND CRAWFORD. WHAT HAPPENS IF GOD FORBID THERE IS AN INJURY
vava74
November 2nd, 2009
8:38 am
My take on yesterday’s game:
I think that this time everyone around here missed the focal point of the problem, including – this is a surprise – niremetal.
Everyone contributed with bits n’ bobs which have to be, in my opinion, nit picked with care in order to determine the root of the problem and eliminate what is irrelevant.
Woody’s role:
I will start by analyzing JJ’s hot hand and Woody’s decision to take him out of the game.
In my opinion Woody was spot on with his decision: Phil Jackson is a genius who knows that when the Hawks fall in love with the jump shot, they are very easy to beat once you “turn on” the defense on JJ.
So, Phil “invited” us to shoot from outside, playing JJ (who got hot early) and Bibby (who did not get hot early) soft, but keeping the paint protected.
Consequences? The team entered into jump shooting mode and people, let us be frank, this was not Woody’s fault.
So, why Woody took out JJ?
He understood that if we continued to ride JJ, he would get tired and SOONER OR LATER the Lakers would change their strategy and would tighten the defense on him completely putting us out of the game.
Any team depending so badly from just one hot hand seldom wins the game, in particular away from home and with the refereeing that we see in the NBA.
So, by taking JJ out of the game, Woody tried to, and succeeded to some extent, keep us in the game involving other players and breaking our JJ dependency.
In particular, I think Woody was trying to get the game back to the front court and to get Crawford hot so we could, later in the game, have two threats instead of just one.
Where I concede that Woody is/was wrong is on the switching defense: we cannot use this all the time, specially when we are facing a team like the Lakers who have a slow PG which Bibby should be able to defend at least moderately well.
So, what happened??? Same old sh*t, that is what happened…
In particular: J-Smoove
What happened was what typically happens to the Hawks: J-Smoove reverted back to his childish and egotistical mode, envious of JJ’s hot hand, he started breaking plays, not entering the paint and shooting brick after brick.
J-Smoove was the main culprit that we did not have any inside game and was making shots that should have been reserved to Marvin (another sleep walking night).
How can you have any degree of success when you only have one player in the paint and everyone else in the perimeter??? Is this Woody’s fault? I can guarantee you that Woody’s instructions do not preview shooting from the outside after 1 pass, not hitting the boards, not driving, …
People around here gave little importance to J-Smoove’s voicing his opinions in the huddle during the media day questioning a play Woody designed. Well, that was a sample of Josh’s disruptive behavior.
The problem lies precisely on the fact that J-Smoove could be the cornerstone for our success if he realized what he can do and what he cannot do.
When we suffered those 18-0 in the 3rd period, there was (amongst other mistakes by other players) J-Smoove with 2 TOs, one by taking the ball up court as if he was “the man” and with a lazy pass to JJ.
Yes, other players underachieved (Marvin, Al, …) and JJ went 1-8 in the second half, however, this all comes as consequence to the above.
Let us imagine that we did not have those 2 TO: 18-0 could immediately go down to 14-4 (quite different) and eventually the Lakers’ momentum would have been broken… maybe the 18-0 would have been 10-6 or 10-8…
We know that Zaza will have his 1 or 2 dum TO’s, however, we should expect that Josh diminishes/eliminates his, specially in light of the fact that we all want him to become an All-Star.
More J-Smoove In retrospective:
If we look back to the Indy game, J-Smoove had an APPARENTLY good game.
However, as I had already pointed out, during the first half, whilst he was “hot”, Troy Murphy almost matched his points (only -2) and assists (only -1) whilst having a huge advantage in rebounding (+6 or 7) and the result was that we were up by only 1 at the break.
It was only when J-Smoove started to work down low defensively and stopped trying to be the center of the attention that we pulled away and secured the win.
Against the Wiz he had a very good overall game, however, with that game his mind set reverted back to the childish self he typically is, which is to think that he is the man.
JJ’s words after the game were, in my opinion, correct and mainly directed to J-Smoove and to Zaza (I would not have voiced them publicly though).
Marvin:
People complain – justifiably – about Marvin, however, we have to realize that there was no ball movement and no inside-outside game without which Marvin does not get the open looks he needs to shoot the rock or to drive and get to the line.
I strongly believe that J-Smoove is to blame for some of Marvin’s lack of involvement since he was breaking plays, stepping into his areas and was taking the shots which should have been reserved to Marvin (whilst neglecting to hit the boards and working down low).
Notwithstanding the above, let us all hope that J-Smoove learned his lesson and that we can put this in perspective: we played badly but we fought back to make it “a palatable defeat”. Now, let us focus on Portland.
Final notes:
Props to JT0!!! Let him run circles around Andre Miller on Wednesday.
If I were Woody, I would talk to Josh and if he did not acknowledged his responsibility, I would bench him and play Joe Smith against Portland.
Grandad
November 2nd, 2009
8:43 am
Yes, as many times as Ive been so shallow as to direct my hate towards Woodson, ive regretted that my main issues are with myself and the lie I live. Im a product of ken’s need to rally his hate posse. I actually am not a real person just the alter-creation of ken. The bottom line is the Hawks success is equal to woodsons success. We dont reach the higher levels because we dont have a center or a low post game. We are marshmellows and its in the middle that we are soft! Woodson do miss all thoses shots, or turn those balls over, the players do.
Grandad
November 2nd, 2009
8:44 am
*Woodson dont*
BallHawk
November 2nd, 2009
8:44 am
I don’t post here much because what I have to say is truly redundant; but it is also the be all, end all truth about the Hawks.
The Hawks weaknesses do not require an NBA expert to ferret out. They are glaring and obvious. They have been discussed on this board ad-nauseum.
We need a true center. From there, adjustments can easily be made to take this team to the next level.
The key word is adjustments. NONE will be made as long as Woody is coach. He won’t even play the bigs that he has.
Get a center, FIRE WOODY, and the Hawks will be fine. Until then, the Hawks will be eternal also-rans.
David R
November 2nd, 2009
8:50 am
Why in the heck does Marvin Williams start! He needs to come off the bench and allow crawford to start. Cant believe we signed this guy for three more years.
Undisputed Champ!
November 2nd, 2009
8:54 am
We have no low post to compete with the true champions and contenders. I agree with VAVA to an extent. All good outside shooting will eventually come to an end if you have no inside game to take the load and pressure off. The hawks have no one to play an in and out game with, and no man in the middle.
I caution that the hawks shouldnot fall a part. There is a lot of good here. They were right to Challenge Zaza yesterday during the time out. Hes paid to be a force. Hes is sorry. The entire low post is weak. Every one and his mother knows that. The opposition definitely knows it.
Sund knows it too, but did nothing to addresss it but rather wants to sell the fiction that zaza and horford are championship calibre players. They are backups in reality.
Dont get discouraged Hawks, and fans. There is more right than problems. Fix the middle. You just played the World Champs in their yard. Now you know whats at the next level. Harden up in the middle and you will be in range.
shout to Big Ray!
Grandad
November 2nd, 2009
8:56 am
Im not ken. Who ever is using my name im not ken. I dont like woodson and I did not make those statments above. Please stop using my name.
BallHawk
November 2nd, 2009
9:00 am
@ dap01
November 2nd, 2009
9:18 am
R U a time traveler? How did u post at 9:18 am when its only 9:00 am now?
ILL-logical
November 2nd, 2009
9:00 am
Ok, everybody take a deep breath.There now, all of the angst is sgone; all of the invective has been hurled. Now let’s live in the moment.
All of you who did not think that this would be the outcome ,raise your hands.
The only difference from last year’s game is that Joe kept us in it for the first quater. Other than that, it was the same old,same old.
But it is a teachable moment: As many have noted, thee were very few adjustments as momentum shifted; the front court players went off the reservation and got manhandled big time,except for Joe Smith and the defense was porous-as in poor us!
Solutions? Well short term you have got to rethink Marvin’s role but if you start Mo you really are undersized. But against the elite teams and especially on the road, the team needs more heft and height-along with ability- in the starting line up.
It is just three games into the season and hopefully there will be some adjustments made : better bal movement- inspite of Joe’s first quarter heroics ,it was still iso Joe! The switching defense has got to go-if Bibby can’t handle his opposite number staight up , then someone else needs to have the job. Crawford,I’m looking at you. And finally, Let’s be real here; the front offie ,ownership and to a degree ,the coaches are just trying to improve the perception of the Hawks in the marketplace. they are not trying to win a championship this year! so let’s adjust our expectations accordingly.
Pt Jacktes
November 2nd, 2009
9:05 am
Does Atlanta Have a Pro Basketball team? Who cares? The NBA is a bunch of thugs who are over paid. Haven’t watched them in 10 years and don’t plan to start now.
dap01
November 2nd, 2009
9:18 am
Have any of you ever watched an NBA game where there was a sudden momentum swing by an opposing team, and a good head coach would quickly call a timeout and make adjustments to quickly turn the tide? Have you ever watched a game where after a timeout, there was a play run to perfection?
I think you get my point!
Timbo
November 2nd, 2009
9:25 am
Pt Jacktes, thanks Rush . . .
Timbo
November 2nd, 2009
9:25 am
All this game did is make me hope for more Jeff Teague . . .
Grandad
November 2nd, 2009
9:31 am
‘the front court players’- There in lies the problem. What front court players? Do you mean the circus Horford and zaza?
GeeMack
November 2nd, 2009
9:36 am
Big Ray,
I knew someone was going to find a way to blame the Hawks lack of heart on Woody. It’s amazing how Doc Rivers gets so much credit for getting the most out of KG, Ray, & PP. These guys were hall of fame players before they ever met Doc. It’s easy to get your team to play great defense when the anchor to your defense is KG one of the all time great defensive players in the history of the league.
Ken
I’ve said on many occassions about how much I respect your basketball knowledge, however when these guys play defense the way Woody teaches we all ways get good results. The problem is one of the leaders of the team JSmoove don’t all ways buy into the system. Our problem is not coaching it’a personnel. This is not Champioship contention personnel, or conference contention personnel. If Woody gets 48 to 51 wins with this team with the improved East he will have over achieved. It’s time to use these pieces to get the personnel needed to win a champioship.
BallHawk
November 2nd, 2009
9:36 am
@Pt Jacktes – What the HELL are you doing here then ????????????
….and admit it…you mispelled your own name…LOLOL
vava74
November 2nd, 2009
9:38 am
The front court collapsed because Josh refused to play down low and keep up with the tasks assigned to his role as a PF.
He basically left Al alone and occupied the zones assigned to Marvin.
He broke plays, launched stupid jump shots, made bad passes and tried to carry the ball up court as if he were man.
All these things completely foiled whatever game plan we had.
Like this, it is easy to hate Josh with the exact same intensity as we love him sometimes. Yesterday was hate night.
Anyone thinking he is the man who will lead us anywhere, look again please.
Yes, he is spectacular and can change a game in our favor, however, he does the opposite as well.
People have to realize that BBall, like any team sport, involves a high degree of coordination between players and “creativity” only plays a limited role.
Look at the triangle offense and how orchestrated it is (and how successful).
Phil Jackson would never get along with Josh, he would trade him in no time.
If Josh does not change his mind set, I say: trade him.
vava74
November 2nd, 2009
9:39 am
GeeMack,
On the money!
GeeMack
November 2nd, 2009
9:42 am
ILL-logical
“let’s adjust our expectations accordingly”
This is not an ECF’s team or a champioship team. The moves we made were to keep us in the 4th or 5th spot.
Grandad
November 2nd, 2009
9:42 am
Please dont use my mame. Any one can see the difference when you are talking and im talking.
If woody would run more plays and implement the triangle offense through al and zaza we could reach the finals. It Woodson fault for not using the talent we have in Horford. Get a new coach and the problem is solve!
Shout out to Sautee
GeeMack
November 2nd, 2009
9:46 am
vava74
Thx
You and I agree sometimes. Lol!
Undisputed Champ!
November 2nd, 2009
9:47 am
GeeMack You are right on point. This is a team thats locked into forth seed. JJ is getting older and is thinking about his legacy and a ring or two. Clearly the Hawks dont want to do what it takes to shore up the low post sadness and arent serious about reaching the final. You can only get so many miles out of this tank. Like ive said to im horse you cant compete in the finals without center.
GeeMack
November 2nd, 2009
10:00 am
ILL-logical
I like that line.
I MUS WRITE
November 2nd, 2009
10:02 am
Je Je the numbers wouldnt mathc for a Marvin for Lopez trade but I would definitely do that trade. hell I would even throw in somethin to sweeten the deal…..Morris/2nd
I MUS WRITE
November 2nd, 2009
10:20 am
If the team played soft and didnt show any heart, JJ adressing it in the post game interview is not the forum. How about in the locker room at the half or after the game. He was also complaining about getting the ball/shots. From what i saw he got plenty of shots in the second half they just were’nt falling. what did he want his teammates to do force feed him the ball when he’s ice cold? Sometimz i think JJ would rather go for 40 and lose vs. going for 19 and winning the game-does he really think he should be taking the majority of the shots no matter what?I almost feel like trading the guy is in our best intrest-He’s a goner people- July 1st 2010
Teague is alot faster than i thought -turning the corner for a 3pt play against the super quick Farmar is impressive. Odom ducking his head was priceless i mean he only has a 10 inch height advantage LMAO.
I would like to see Mo get the start as well he just fits better with the first unit. Can we offically bury the Granger vs Marvin debate- i dont even have to go in on this one 1-6 is what im say’n
Ditto GeeMack-Woody is not at fault for this loss, we were competitive until the 3rd qtr meltdown.
terrell barron
November 2nd, 2009
10:27 am
Ready to break up the team after the 3rd game? Wtf? It was the Champs for crying out loud. I didn’t expect us to win in LA. If you did, you’re living in a fantasy land.
kwooden1
November 2nd, 2009
10:47 am
What I saw last night was a 3rd quarter mental metal down!! All the turnovers I saw are correctable mistakes. I disagree with Sekou, because the HAWKS got steady again when Joe Smith came in the game late. The Lakers had to bring back their started because the HAWKS stopped turning the ball over and started securing rebounds. Once that happened they could start scoring and playing solid defense. The guys were rushing to much, trying to fastbreak. (you have to secure the ball first!!) The overall rebounding #s and turnovers wasn’t that bad in comparison to LA, but the kind of turnovers really hurt them. I thought the Lakers defense wasn’t that good for most of the game, the guys just got rattled during that stretch in the 3rd. Just like the loss to Orlando on the road, I think this will serve as another lesson in terms of the type of focus they will need to have for an entire game.
JSmoove and Marvin didn’t have good shooting nights, but again the turnovers in the 3rd really killed them. JSmoove took to many jumpshots, those are opportunities that he needs to give to Marvin. Smoove should make the extra pass to Marvin or drive on his man. Smoove needs to trust that Marvin will hit the open shot and also know that his role is to get to the basket and draw fouls on the opponents big men.
Didn’t mind the comments from JJ after and during the game, he need to get on Zaza for the bad turnovers!! He also needs to direct a lot of that fustration on himself, he’s got to keep the ball in his hands and make plays during those stretches.
GO HAWKS!!!
Undisputed Champ!
November 2nd, 2009
10:50 am
zaza has always been a turnover waiting to happen.
Rufus1
November 2nd, 2009
10:57 am
Please Calm Down!!!!!
Please Calm Down!!!!!
This was the Lakers at home coming off a lose…We have match-up problems on the block, we weren’t going to win.
THE GOOD
JOE Johnson 1st half
Joe screaming at ZAZA
Teague
THE BAD
Marvin
Josh
Al
Zaza
WOOOODY
Bibby missing wide-open jumpshots
If we get blown-out in Portland…I would be concerned.
I believe they will play better in portland, because they have to prove they are a better team…Woody has to prove he is a better COACH!
vava74
November 2nd, 2009
11:11 am
GeeMack,
Yeah, every once in a while we agree!!!
Where we usually don’t is on the solutions to the problems. I am a romantic when looking at sports and I always privilege in my heart to build from scratch (like we did) and hope that organic growth does the trick.
I still have not lost hope in this team and I consider that we have the tools (personnel wise) to be successful provided that J-Smoove accepts his true role.
Right now, I have no doubt in consider him as the disruptive influence hindering our game play. Just look at JJ’s words (which I preferred that it had not been made in public).
He did not protest that he was benched when he was hot, he protested that some players forgot their roles.
In order to be successful, we need Josh, however, we need him to play the kind of basket ball he is suited to play and not the Mr. Hyde we saw yesterday.
Alternatively, we need to trade him at once since I don’t think Josh will respond to any other type of coaching: I believe that Woody balances well the egos and has managed to create a family like environment which slowly has been taking Josh the right direction.
A more disciplinarian coach and someone more vocal in the media (like Larry Brown) would lose him in 5 minutes.
Someone mentioned that Woody does not “coach details” giving the example seen when Josh scrimmaged with Team USA and apparently listened to small corrections made by D’Antoni.
Well, that argument is clearly biased. During media day I liked what I saw from Woody. He intervened often but not enough to disrupt the flow of the drills and I could see that he tried to instill knowledge in several areas of play we typically call details (picks, defensive stances and body positioning, etc…).
If Josh does not listen to Woody, than it’s Josh’s fault, not Woody’s.
With this, I am not saying that Woody is perfect or that he is making a remarkable job, however, from last night’s game, it is clear that on court there was a “Mutiny in the Bounty” and guess who was Fletcher Christian…
kwooden1
November 2nd, 2009
11:45 am
meltdown – can’t seem to type sometimes!!
Iblameurparents
November 2nd, 2009
2:22 pm
Resting starters and putting different lineups means absolutely nothing if discretion and a judicious approach in doing so is not implemented. For all the talk of having a deep bench it has become painfully evident in the last two games that the Hawks have become a guard heavy team in both style and players. Every player on the team is a face the basket player, even the “bigs” prefer to shoot jumpers, was that Joe Smith taking 3’s?. This style often leads the perimeter crowded. I do not for the life of me, understand why Josh Smith has not developed a back to the basket game at this point in his career, is it because the coach’s penchant for jumping rookies have left him devoid of the intestinal fortitude to pull his enigmatic forward over and demand it and in the process remind said forward that he is not a guard. How many offensive rebounds did we have against the Lakers? How many offensive rebounds do we average per game? This is an antiquated offense, predicated on perimeter penetration and spot up shooting. For the first time in Woody’s tenure I saw a fluid offense with JJ coming off picks shooting jumpers hitting the open man without dominating the ball. Then poof it was gone like a mirage. We are getting next to nothing out of Marvin who looks heavy, slow and quite honestly not very athletic, my wife says he walks like Shene-ne from In Living Color but I digress. If we are to have a guard perimeter offense, why would you take out the hottest shooting player on the floor, JJ and sit him for virtually a quarter to demonstrate your depth? Guys do not get into a rhythm like that on a regular basis so maybe that was the night Joe plays big minutes over a season it will average out. But not when he is on a roll against the Lakers on the road. Could you imagine Kobe, Lebron, Wade sitting out that long if they started out on a roll like that? With Woody anything is possible, a coach with a lot of good players but not much balls!