Pump your brakes
LaMarcus Aldridge will get a chance to get after Josh Smith (hand reaching for the ball) and the Hawks tonight at the Rose Garden. A knee injury won't keep him on the sideline (and major props to my man Salim Stoudamire - corner right - who is one of Portland's All-Time finest).
PORTLAND – Pump your brakes.
I’ll do it if you do it.
Because it appears we’ve gone a bit overboard with the panic room act after the Hawks’ loss Sunday in Los Angeles to the Lakers.
More than a couple Hawks reminded me before, during and after practice Monday that we’re still in the first, five-game stint of the season. We’re just three games in, with Game 4 up tonight against a strong Trail Blazers team at the Rose Garden.
“People had us winning the championship last year when we got off to that 6-0 start,” Hawks captain and All-Star Joe Johnson said and then laughed. “Everybody needs to calm down and just keep working. It’s a long season, man. Every coach I’ve ever had tells you that [the season] is a marathon and not a sprint. And that’s true. Don’t get me wrong, you’ve got to play with urgency. But you also have to keep the season in perspective.”
Perspective is something that would come in handy around here, for me and for you.
I’m not in the habit of predicting disasters but I can admit to having a bad feeling about that Lakers game. I knew they’d be hungry to make a point after losing at home the Mavericks a couple nights earlier. And I know the Hawks have a penchant for not fully understanding what it is to be focused, locked and loaded on the road.
JJ erased any fears I had with his outlandish first quarter performance against the Lakers. After he lit Kobe Bryant up for 18 points in nine minutes I started crafting my “Hawks finally show claws at Staples” story. Then the third quarter came along and I hit the delete button.
This game against the Blazers presents a similarly tough challenge; my guess is road teams won’t find this venue much easier to deal with this season than they do Staples Center. It also provides the Hawks with a chance for a little Rip City redemption. Find a way to outwork the Blazers and their All-Star (Brandon Roy)-led crew and maybe we can put file that Lakers debacle away for nit-picking at a later date.
CLOSE TO HOME
For Seattle natives like Jamal Crawford and Marvin Williams, the annual trip here to Portland is closest they’ll get to home. Since the Sonics packed up shop and moved to Oklahoma City (and were renamed the Thunder), there’s been a huge void in the road schedule for teams used to doing the Pacific Northwest two-step between this city and it’s neighbor to the north.
For guys who grew up immersed in the NBA culture that that Sonics provided that void is even more pronounced.
“You grow up your whole life dreaming about making the league and playing for the Sonics,” Williams said. “I was lucky enough to make it and play in Seattle before they [left town]. But it’s brutal, not having them anymore. It still stings for a lot of people and probably always will.”
Marvin’s career-high remains the 33 points he dropped on his hometown team Jan. 25, 2008. In fact, he’s always played well when the Hawks travel to this northwest corridor of the country. Maybe it’s all the family and friends that come to see him. Or maybe it’s just being in familiar territory that gets him going. Whatever it is, don’t be surprised to see both Marvin and Jamal go off tonight against the Blazers.
GOOD JOSH, BAD JOSH
There’s a funny, or not so funny depending on your perspective, debate that happens on press row shortly after the start of most Hawks games about which Josh Smith is in the building.
Is it good Josh (the one averaged 18.5 points and led the Hawks in assists by attacking the paint in the first two games of this season) or bad Josh (the one that showed up for that Lakers game and rarely ventured inside on offense and remained largely ineffective for all but a few minutes)?
The Hawks need good Josh to show up against the Trail Blazers tonight. They need the active Josh, the one that played superbly at home in wins over both the Pacers and Wizards to start the season. They need the Josh that changes games with his defensive presence and triggers and finishes fast breaks like few players in the league can.
What they don’t need is the Josh that spends more time complaining to the referees than he does chasing rebounds and loose balls. They don’t need the Josh that refuses to dive to the basket when JJ has the ball on the wing and is being double teamed and needs a safety valve.
I’ve debated with numerous folks – scouts, agents, executives, other players and just about anyone else you can imagine – this notion that the Hawks go as he Josh goes. I’ve never really bought into that premise. But I’m starting to see the light. When he’s at his best, the Hawks are literally at their best. And when he’s not … you saw the Lakers game.
ALDRIDGE TO PLAY?
The status of Trail Blazers big man LaMarcus Aldridge is no longer uncertain for tonight’s game. The knee injury he suffered during Sunday’s win over Oklahoma City is not expected keep him out of the game, per the Oregonian.
Aldridge has given the Hawks major fits here – averaging 20.0 points and 9.5 rebounds in Portland’s last two games against the Hawks here.
ONE LAST THING
I ran across this link that is required reading from Yahoo! Sports columnist Adrian Wojnarowski. Woj attacks the simmering issue that is Chris Paul’s plight in New Orleans. It’s good stuff. Take a break from work, my treat, and read it. You’ll be glad you did.
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601 comments Add your comment
Najeh Davenpoop
November 4th, 2009
12:26 am
Sac-town and Charlotte are easily winnable games — both those teams are struggling big time. A 3-1 road trip would be real nice heading into Saturday’s clash with Denver.
JeJe
November 4th, 2009
12:27 am
What to take from tonight’s game?:
MARVIN IS NO GOOD
CRAWFORD IS A SKINNER, SLIGHTLY LESS TALENTED, MORE ATHLETIC JOE JOHNSON
GO HAWKS
AND MARVIN IS NO GOOD
wtf portland's stat ma
November 4th, 2009
12:30 am
Smith had at least 4 blocks not two and he surely had more than 3 steals. The Hawks stats crew needs to start doing that to their opponents.
Rod from College Park
November 4th, 2009
12:30 am
It’s obvious that Jamal should start at the one or the two, and Marvin should come off the bench or retire. Crawford is our best pure scorer, and he allows Joe to be fresh at the end of games because he does not have to work so hard. Great game by Josh. Good win Hawks!!!!
Mychelfromatl
November 4th, 2009
12:31 am
Wow yea, I guess the bangwagon will be filled again by noon tomorrow lol.
Observations:
1) You Marvin and Woody haters never cease to amaze me.
2) Jamal should start. I think Marvin would be better suited coming off the bench.
BONE
November 4th, 2009
12:35 am
And with the only (-) +/- stat on the starting lineup: MARVIN WILLIAMS
Tony
November 4th, 2009
12:35 am
why are we bashing marvin ppn this blog? where was teagye 2 nite?
MAD-DONNA
November 4th, 2009
12:37 am
Please, leave Woodson in Portland!
Grandad
November 4th, 2009
12:39 am
JeJe: It doesn’t matter if he starts as long as he finishes. On the other hand if he starts then maybe T.Tea. can get some bench min. I’m
happy for Woody and I’ve said all along if he’s successful then so is the team. We still need a force to be reckoned with around the hoop on defense. I’m talking about to contend, not just maintaining status quo.
Grandad
November 4th, 2009
12:40 am
J.Tea.
cp
November 4th, 2009
12:43 am
Joshua Randolph (fire Mike Woodson express I’m an idiot yet you cant spell simple words such as “waste”. Dude sit down somewhere..
Like I was saying, good game. Great win. If Marvin keeps sleepwalking on the court then he will be on the bench during crunch time like he was tonight. Crawford and Pachulia were huge off the bench. Joe finally found his shot , Horford and Josh were solid. We really need to scrap this switching defense. We looked a lot better playing man defense. Great win tonight.
BYC
November 4th, 2009
12:45 am
JJ with 45 min, Teague with no playing time after he did so well with his minutes last game… Great win but shades of last year. The starters will be zombies come playoff time. Fire Woodson already, he stuck to his “rotation” for grand total of 3 games before he went back to play Joe 40+ minutes to save my job. For all you Marvin haters, a smarter coach wouldn’t have him in the starting lineup.
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 4th, 2009
12:46 am
Much better 3rd quarter. Good game between two teams that are exciting to watch. Hawks and Blazers are rising in the east and west. Teague didn’t get to see the floor tonight, mind boggling. Okay since the Hawks got their first road win tonight I’m gonna leave that alone. But…..ah never mind.
Big Ray
November 4th, 2009
12:46 am
Well now, that’s different. Hawks hang tough in the second half, beating the Blazers out in both quarters, and finally turning up the heat all the way around on defense.
Somebody send Rick Sund a BIG fruit basket for getting Jamal Crawford.
That dude took over the game. Straight up. No doubts about it. He ran the team. On the road. When we really needed it. Any more doubts?
I’ll save the re-hashing and nitpicking on individuals later. The team really came together in the fourth, and they took if from a very good team on THEIR home court.
I LOVE IT!
RodSamSamRodRodSamRodSamRod
November 4th, 2009
12:47 am
Notice how when people stopped talking to “Rod,” “Sam” suddenly reappeared using “Rod’s” favorite word (”clown”) and did nothing but post attacks on Marvin – which is all Rod ever does. It’s a miracle!
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
November 4th, 2009
12:49 am
macaroni tony
We win in spite of the man period. This game would have been great for Teague’s confidence in his budding career – did he give him minutes – NO! This was after a great showing against the Lakers.
Impasta Tony – I’m no Woody hater – in fact I’d LOVE to see him develope his youngsters, develop a true offensive identity and divvy up minutes better.
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 4th, 2009
12:50 am
We don’t hate Woodson just some of his game decisions. Well at least I don’t.
KevinA
November 4th, 2009
12:58 am
Rod from College Park
November 4th, 2009
12:30 am
It’s obvious that Jamal should start at the one or the two, and Marvin should come off the bench or retire. Crawford is our best pure scorer, and he allows Joe to be fresh at the end of games because he does not have to work so hard. Great game by Josh. Good win Hawks!!!!
JJ fresh at the end of games? Did JJ ever come out? Will he be tired tomorrow night? Great win tonight. Before we worry about Marvin – worry about Bibby – Marvin plays better D. I hope we start JT and Evans tomorrow night with Joe Smith – they should be rested.
Yupperz
November 4th, 2009
12:58 am
“I’m not the Marvin hater most people here are, but there is no way Marvin makes that shot.”
Outlaw chokes all the time he even choked once at the end of that game and Marvin has hit big shots before its amzaing how little yall remember http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCLf1-ouFVM
primo
November 4th, 2009
12:59 am
Don’t worry guys… Teague should get more minutes on the Sac and Cha games…
Ken Strickland
November 4th, 2009
1:04 am
Remember earlier in the gm when Bibby was in the gm and Portland doubled JJ whenever he touched the ball? They were particularly effective when they got him in the corner. With Crawford playing PG, how many double teams did you see them even come close to trying?
ALERT, ALERT!!! UNDERSIZED, NATURAL PF PLAYING OUT OF POSITION AHorford had another big night outrebounding another 7′ center. In fact he basically outperformed two 7 footers. (Horford’s stats in parenthesis)
ODEN 7′0″ 285lbs PTS 8 RBS 9 BLKS 0
PRYZBILLA 7′1″ 245lbs PTS 4 RBS 6 BLKS 2
TOTALS PTS 12(11) RBS 15(13) BLKS 2(1)
I read some of the feable attempts to use rebounding demons like CBarkley and DRodman to continue your justification for saying he’s undersized and playing out of position. Well, you obviously don’t have the sense to realize it, but you just proved my point and disproved yours. If you’re going to use Sir Charles(6′4″) and Rodman(6′8″) as examples of outstanding rebounders, THEN HOW IN THE HELL CAN HORFORD AT 6′10″ BE CONSIDERED UNDERSIZED?
Now, I expect some of you to counter with the fact both Barkley and Rodman played PF and not center, like Horford. Well, why didn’t you think of that before using them as examples to try and support your weak A&& position?
Rod from College Park
November 4th, 2009
1:06 am
Kevin A,
It not the amount of minutes, it about how hard he has to work while he is out there. Tonight he was able to focus defensively on Roy in the 3rd quarter and then become aggressive at the end of the game. He did not have to work on both ends of the floor. Jamal took the offensive pressure off of him.
Rod from College Park
November 4th, 2009
1:09 am
I actually agree with your last post Ken about Horford. You still think Marvin is better than Granger?
SOS
November 4th, 2009
1:10 am
Jamal crawford showed us what a true leader looks like tonight. Take notes Joe johnson!
Ken Strickland
November 4th, 2009
1:22 am
Didn’t I say JJ was a better all around player, but Crawford was better for this team. And didn’t I also say that if he continues to play lights out, we might see the Hawks become less willing to offer JJ a max contract? Didn’t I say we would win the rest of the gms on this rd trip and give the HATERS AND BANDWAGON JUMPING FAKE HAWK FANS nothing to talk about?
Ken Strickland
November 4th, 2009
1:38 am
ROD FROM CP-I’ve never said Marvin was better than Granger, that’s an argument you created. I said Marvin could be just as effective overall as Granger if he was incorporated into the OFF structure like Granger and allowed to take as many shots. Marvin didn’t have a good OFF night overall, but played good DEF and tied JSmith with 7 rebounds. Against a tall Portland team, we needed what he provided on DEF and on the boards more than points. Because he’s such an outside scoring threat, he was able to pull his man away from the basket, which helped keep the lane open and allowed Crawford and JJ to consistently get inside lane.
THIS WAS A TOTAL TEAM WIN AS MUCH AS THE LAKER GM WAS A TOTAL TEAM LOSS.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 4th, 2009
2:15 am
“Outlaw chokes all the time he even choked once at the end of that game and Marvin has hit big shots before its amzaing how little yall remember”
I wasn’t talking about him making a big shot. I was talking about him sizing up his defender one-on-one, making a couple of moves, and shooting a jumpshot that went in. Creating offense for himself is something Marvin is still not comfortable doing.
Like I said, I’m not a Marvin hater, and there are things he does well. But that in particular is one of the most disappointing things about him and probably the main reason he hasn’t lived up to his draft status.
Beck
November 4th, 2009
2:42 am
Is this the kind of minutes management for JJ I’ve been hearing about? 44 minutes? Really? Nice to get the win though. Good bounce back from the Lakers game.
siopao
November 4th, 2009
4:56 am
maybe we should start mo evans instead of marvin. i think starting marvin with JJ and bibby will never work out cause he will always defer to them. And besides we had a better winning percentage when we use evans as our starting SF last season. We should let marvin come off the bench and become the 2nd scoring option of the 2nd unit. i have a good feeling about this line up.
doc
November 4th, 2009
5:36 am
cant wait to see teague get meaningful minutes with jj, jamal, josh and al. that is going to be our home run ball though you cant ake away what bibby did on defense to help on the stop when he threw it away. no quit in the guy.
now woody get teague ready to take the keys to the car of jamal, jj, josh and al.
Samuel
November 4th, 2009
6:41 am
Why no love when we win. This is how you evaluate a coach. Win or be competitive in games where we are equal in talent. You can’t fault a coach against obviously superior teams,
You guys talk about adjustments, well who was the coach. Come on say it with me now.
Woody=Coy
JeJe
November 4th, 2009
7:00 am
LOL did someone really just say Marvin could be as effective as Grainger?
Wow
JeJe
November 4th, 2009
7:04 am
I’m telling you:
We have GOT to get Jamal in this starting lineup. Marvin is just too ineffective. he cannot score the basketball. Our defense is not bad. Just start Crawford and that will piss off Marvin and MAYBE it can get him going.
Also, I must praise our rebounding last night. Wow, we were EVERYWHERE. Why can’t we do this every night?
JeJe
November 4th, 2009
7:07 am
Granger is probably the 5th best player in the game right now. How the hell can people think Marvin resembles anything close to this guy? Granger was burning us with 3’s all last Wedndesday. His team just sucks
Idiocy
November 4th, 2009
8:01 am
Crawford got off b/c joe was the focal point idiots. When kobe got into his chest in LA the other night, he folded like a lawn chair, got ripped a bunch of times etc… He’s a good Robin if JJ’s playing the role of batman.
dap01
November 4th, 2009
8:05 am
Crawford is great. He can penetrate, pass and score!
I hope Teague is not buried on the bench now. I hope we don’t get the rotations shortened up now. Cut Bibby’s minutes, add to Crawford. Teague is needed now as a change of pace and also for development.
Crawford has a chance to really elevate the whole team!
Dan
November 4th, 2009
8:06 am
Nice win…now, can some of us on here just chill out a little? Some people sounded like Chicken Little after the Laker game. Hawks are going to be just fine as long as injuries do not become a major problem.
Crawford was awesome! And, I believe Joe Johnson kind of took over in the 4th. So, silence, please, to all the Joe bashers out there…
Josh Smith will be an All Star if he plays like he did last night. He didn’t settle for jumpers, played great D, and did not let the refs ruin his game after that BS 2nd foul call.
Jerry
November 4th, 2009
8:26 am
I dont hate Woodson I’m sure he’s a fine man but he’s just along for the ride and brings nothing to the party. Send him packing.
hawks_4_life
November 4th, 2009
8:47 am
Just an observation but even when Woody wins the game he still doesnt receive any credit here. Sometimes we just need to give credit where its due instead of bickering over petty stuff like Teague not getting into the game. I know most people want him gone but why not support the team now and whine about him after the season when the big picture is clear?
ILL-logical
November 4th, 2009
8:53 am
Great win, especially after the Laker debacle. To continue the broken record theme( those are the black discs in your grandfather’s clost): when the Hawks share the ball and run ,they win.
hawks_4_life
November 4th, 2009
8:54 am
Wins like this against quality playoff teams on the road is a big step for this ball club.
niremetal
November 4th, 2009
9:05 am
45.5 minutes for JJ is not gonna cut it. I understand that having him around took a LOT of pressure off Crawford, but this was one of those games where Woody should have forced himself to find a few more minutes of rest somewhere.
45:33 on the first night of a back-to-back on the road. My goodness…
Hawksfan in Missouri
November 4th, 2009
9:07 am
Its scary to see Joe Johnson with so many minutes already. Woody seems to have forgotten how worn out Joe was at the end of the season and in the playoffs last year. If he wants to blow it again with his mismanagement of the minutes, then he should ultimately pay the price. I just hope he is capable of bringing in a new guard without burying him on the bench after the first week of the season. Only time will tell us this season if Woody is growing a coach or not.
Hawksfan in Missouri
November 4th, 2009
9:10 am
Meant to say, Only time will tell us this season if Woody is growing as a coach or not.
macaroni tony
November 4th, 2009
9:15 am
That’s well said (hawks_4_life), we cry on this blog win or lose. We’re 3-1 and the only lost came from the world champs. JT0 will have his days to play. I am not Woody’s number one fan, but I’m not going to cry over a win.
Grandad
November 4th, 2009
9:26 am
Several points: (this should make Sybil happy) Ken, although I agree with you about Big Al (rebounding), he is still not the defensive presense at the basket that might put us over the top. Listen carefully though, Al is the Hawk I enjoy watching most:
*great teammate
*brings “it” every night
*Rebounds
*exceptional on ball defender
*coachable
*heart
*winner
Most of that list was intangibles. Where we disagree is that I think he would be an all-star caliber 4. Currently as the team is constructed he is our best option to start @ the 5. Not to mention Zaza is super off the bench and a bargain at that.
Idiocy: Jamal absolutely benefits from playing beside Joe. One can also say that Joe benefits as well for the same reason.
JeJe: Really, come on, 5th best?
Samuel: I am most pleased to give Woody credit last evening. I/we could
pick apart his not playing Jeff T., his slow reaction to come out of the zone late, but he was the man who pushed the right buttons last night and I’m sure if I watched tape I could find some coaching gems.
Fans in general are too quick to jump on any coach for a teams shortcomings especially after a loss. Kudos to Woody.
LEEDSATLANTA
November 4th, 2009
9:30 am
Predictions for tonight.
JJ plays less than 30 mins
JT0 , Joe Smith and mo all get quality minutes.
Moral of the story:
Burn your stars against the big cats to win at all costs, then have faith your reserves can deal with the bottom feeders!
ray
November 4th, 2009
9:33 am
The comments made after the loss to the Lakers weren’t about panicking, but rather they were observations that what has plagued the Hawks the last few seasons continues to do so now. They are maddeningly inconsistent, both players and coach. They don’t seem to address the mental lapses, uneven defensive efforts and boneheaded coaching moves. Most games that they lose present evidence of these problems.
O'Brien
November 4th, 2009
9:37 am
Just watched the game. First of all, I would like to congratulate the Hawks and Woody on a big win. Get down double digits early, hang tough, and come through at the end. How many of these games did we lose last year? Good Job Hawks!
But I do have some comments:
1) Crawford is a baller! (Although he’s shooting 21% from 3)
2) Against the Lakers, Woody takes JJ out in the 1st quarter when he is hot, but leaves him in when he is cold? And JJ played 46 minutes tonight (averaging 37.8 mpg for the season). Plus we have 2 games back to back.
3) Where was Jeff Teague? Teague looked good against the Lakers in the 4th, but DNPCD.
4) Hawks need to run more. ‘Nique said it, Sekou said it, us fans say it all the time. Does Woody know it?
5) Wassup with Marvin? Season average: 9.3 pts, 5.5 rebs, 0.5 assists
That being said, Congrats to Woody and the Hawks. lets beat Sacramento tonight!
hawks_4_life
November 4th, 2009
9:41 am
Another important test for this team lies tonight when they face the Kings. The reason I say this is because we are coming off a huge road win and its on a back to back against a lesser opponent. If this team is mentally tough we wont fall victim to the let down. Time will tell tonight.