Hawks-Heat
What’s up, folks?
Another big one coming this evening with the two teams with the best record in the East taking the floor. Some gleanings to share
Worth noting:
1. This is just Miami’s third road game of the season, having played nine of their first 11 in Miami. The Heat has won both games on the road, at Indiana and Washington.
2. I’m always leery of “Player X does Y when Team Z wins” and not just because I don’t like algebra. It stands to reason when the team wins, a player’s numbers will be better. I guess causation is the issue. At any rate, one player to watch is Heat forward Michael Beasley. He’s actually scored more when they’ve lost, but been otherwise more productive when they’ve won.
In seven Heat wins: 6.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.3 assists 1.0 blocks.
In three Heat losses: 3.3 rebounds, 0 steals, 0.7 assists, .7 blocks.
3. Joe Johnson has had a nice two-game run distributing. It looked to me like he was trying to get other guys going early against Portland. He had seven assists against the Hornets and nine against Portland.
Said Johnson, “I’m just trying to make plays. Whenever I’m drawing two, three guys, I’m just making the easy pass, whether it’s a dunk or somebody shooting a wide-open jump shot. That’s just easy basketball.”
He sounded eager to face up against Dwyane Wade two days after getting the better of Brandon Roy. Johnson’s strategy for defending him – “Just try and make his catches tough and any shot he takes, make sure you have a hand in his face.”
4. Zaza Pachulia has had a pretty good run, and should see considerable time with 6-foot-8 Udonis Haslem and 6-foot-9 Joel Anthony getting significant minutes off the bench for Miami.
5. On being ranked No. 1 in the nba.com and espn.com power polls, Mike Woodson said what you might expect him to say.
“I don’t even know anything about those polls. The only thing I look at is our division. I look at the divisions around us. I could care less about who’s ranking what. It doesn’t mean a [darn] thing to me, it really doesn’t. What’s important to me is where we stand in our division and how we’re playing as a basketball team.”
This may be old hat to you, but he said something this morning that I found interesting about how he views offensive production.
“I don’t get on a lot of guys about offense that much, unless they’re being selfish. My job is to make sure that they defend and rebound.”
5. How Jamal Crawford does after his first single-digit scoring game (2-10, six points) bears watching. I suspect he’ll be fine, but will he be more eager to assert himself?
6. A couple links. Shaun Powell’s nba.com column on Crawford.
espn.com story on Al Horford.
7. Woodson would like to see you. Monday, Philips was pretty sparse for the Blazers game. Attendance was around 12,000, I think, but looked far smaller.
“All I can say to our fans is we need the support. These guys are playing for something this year. It’s fun watching us play and I know the fans are out there and we just ask you to come out and support us. They need it. I think amazing things can happen when the house is filled.”
What do ya think about tonight?
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190 comments Add your comment
The Hawksta
November 18th, 2009
2:05 pm
First baby
The Hawksta
November 18th, 2009
2:06 pm
Yet and still I feel like a loser!
D-dub son!
November 18th, 2009
2:07 pm
i hate to do this but Second!
Hawkmystro
November 18th, 2009
2:10 pm
Man, jamal will light it up again tonite!
The Hawksta
November 18th, 2009
2:15 pm
Beasley played well against in last years playoffs mainly because he’s a gunner! Jermaine stepped up too last year. The only way I see them winning this game is if our bigs get in early foul trouble. The double teams should give D Wade enough trouble where he has to do a lot of movement without the ball. His drives to the middle won’t be a big problem if we stay out of foul trouble.
kwooden1
November 18th, 2009
2:31 pm
The Heat didn’t play well last night, I think The Thunder caught them looking ahead. Its good to be the team that other people are looking forward to playing. Dominating the paint is the key again for winning this game, Miami becomes a one man show very quickly when O’Neal is in check. Smoove usually has trouble with Haslem or Beasley, but think they are going to have to worry about him tonight. This is another game where Marvin can shine though. Richardson has never liked playing defense, especially against someone as tall and athletic as Marvin. Marvin should immediately take him to the hole and use his height advantage. Marvin should be able to score at will tonight, I hope he brings he’s A game.
GO HAWKS!!!
SWAT Native
November 18th, 2009
2:35 pm
To me, Beasley’s line shows that when he looks only to score they lose, but when he looks to be more of an all around player they win. Should be a great game, because I believe that the Heat are still bent about how they got beat by the Hawks, with J O’Neal getting knocked out by a Zaza elbow that they think was intentional. Also, the flip side of being “No. 1″ in the power rankings is that the target on your back gets bigger.
james
November 18th, 2009
2:50 pm
Jamal did an awful lot of standing in the corner against the blazers shooting threes . I dont think we isolated him against Blake or Miller at the top of the key at all and efficiency suffered.
Some heat fans refer to Crawford as the heat killer as he gives them fits as evident by his 52pt and 40 points games against wade . He doesnt get muscled by Wade but instead out quicks him it seems.
theZaZaguy
November 18th, 2009
2:51 pm
Yes the rest of the league is gunning for us, but we have what it takes to get past that and put up wins. We had no business winning the last game, yet here we are. I honestly think that this team is the best Hawks team ever…except maybe the 58 St. Louis Hawks. Sorry Nique.
SWAT Native
November 18th, 2009
2:59 pm
Wow, Lenny Wilkins had a team that won 57 games and was the #1 seed in the East. You think this team is better than that?
Tony from Stone Mountain
November 18th, 2009
3:00 pm
Hopefully the Heat are tired and we can run them off the court.
NoleRick
November 18th, 2009
3:00 pm
I cant wait for tonights game!! Lets get at em!
Brian in Athens
November 18th, 2009
3:05 pm
I appreciate the “come out and support us” but as for me, what is the cost for 6 tickets(mom,dad, 4 kids 9 and under) plus parking and 2 drinks(we would all share) and maybe some nachos or something? Yeah, that’s what I thought. When people start buying Volvos from me again in Athens, I might make it to a Hawks game in Atlanta. I will be rooting them on from the confines of my living room.
Dan
November 18th, 2009
3:06 pm
What I think, Ken, is that I hate the Heat….Hoping for a Hawks romp. Also, was wondering if their d-bag fans that infiltrated our blog last year will be back..
terrell barron
November 18th, 2009
3:09 pm
The Heat got caught slipping last night. Must’ve been looking at the Hawks a little bit too soon. lol!
David Smith
November 18th, 2009
3:12 pm
We need to jump out the gates fast and force D Wade into bad shots like we did last year in the playoffs.
pablo bosque
November 18th, 2009
3:15 pm
in miami and get to see the game on tv tonight! sweet.
i love the complete 180 the media has done on the hawks, trying to jump on the bandwagon and play catch up with a trend we’ve known about for a years now.
from an nba.com article on jamal crawford: “The Hawks didn’t have an extra body with his scoring punch last spring, when injuries kept them from advancing in the playoffs.”
so now it’s the injuries that KEPT them from advancing! i don’t remember any national commentators giving even a fully healthy hawks team a chance past the first round last year during all the lebron/dwight/kobe mania.
i wish i had made that bet that the hawks would make the playoffs at the beginning of the 2007-2008 season, when we snuck into 8th place. the odds were like 32-1, but instead i just chose to loudly proclaim it would happen much to the eye-rolling and ridicule of non-hawks people. even now when i say they are a title contender in the next couple years people usually don’t buy it, but now even the nat’l media is coming around.
go hawks
Paul C the Hawkomaniac
November 18th, 2009
3:17 pm
TAKIN IT TO THE HEAT! GO HAWKS
Dos Hawkquis
November 18th, 2009
3:18 pm
Woody needs to start Mo Evans or Jamal over Marvin. We are not getting any production out of Starvin Marvin. I think that we were 11-1 when Mo was in the line-up for Marvin last year.
THOUGHTS?
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends.”
26 years of ATL Hawks
November 18th, 2009
3:22 pm
Hawks have gotten no repect from the national media. Our pieces are beginning to gel here in the ATL. If we follow Woody’s game plan of solid D, securing the rebound and sharing the ball we should roll over most any team. The key to me is starting in the paint with more solid rebounding and D. Get the guys driving the bucket to open up shots in the flow of the game. Crawford and Bibby are assassins when they catch and shoot in the flow. If anyone on the perimeter catches it out there early they need to drive the bucket. Good things will follow. Let’s hope Marvin keeps his chin up. Shots will fall my man, just get to the rim early.
Shutting the Heat down will take some solid team D. I predict Crawford will head to the bucket and Josh will be flying high. Marvin’s going to have a breakout game very soon. I pray it’s tonight to ease some pressure on Joe. Keep Josh and Al in the double double or 20-10 club and JJ & Crawford cookin. We’ll have no problem coasting over the Heat.
ant banks
November 18th, 2009
3:25 pm
i took the hawks with bodog to win the se div, and the east. 25-1 odds, $15!! ohhh weeee!!!
Khao$
November 18th, 2009
3:27 pm
I don’t get on a lot of guys about offense that much, unless they’re being selfish. My job is to make sure that they defend and rebound.”
Statements like this is the reason Clyde says, “Fire Woody.” This sums up how much detail we put on offense. Sure, we’re shooting well now. However, when things tighten up, how will we generate offense?
JeJe
November 18th, 2009
3:31 pm
Did anyone else see what I saw in this comments:
Said Johnson, “I’m just trying to make plays. Whenever I’m drawing two, three guys, I’m just making the easy pass, whether it’s a dunk or somebody shooting a wide-open jump shot. That’s just easy basketball.”
Horse!@#$. He was hanging onto the ball way too long and passing was pretty average from most of what I saw
“I don’t get on a lot of guys about offense that much, unless they’re being selfish. My job is to make sure that they defend and rebound.”
So THAT’S why our Offense has always been so one-on-one and stagnant! The guy doesn’t care about our offense!
26 years of ATL Hawks
November 18th, 2009
3:33 pm
Who’s up for giving Randmo a few more minutes tonight. He went 3-3 in garbage time the other night. You might claim it was garbage, but the boy looked different. Can’t we spare him a few in the flow to see how he does. I was his biggest griper last year. This year he seems motivated, energetic, eager. He had some decent post moves, swift picks and some nice boards. Give the boy a few.
JTO will come along. He just needs to focus on not making mistakes and playing his game. Don’t worry about the stats. Stats will come. Woody will reward him for running the offense effectively and not making mistakes. If he tries to hard and screws up he gets splinters in his butt like all the others that wore out the pine before him. Wait are they in the league outside or maybe Royal and AC? Did we make a bad decision? None are making significant contributions anywhere.
ant banks
November 18th, 2009
3:36 pm
KHAO$,
i like what woody says. offense is relative. you can have the best play drawn up, but the ball won’t ALWAYS go in. however, if everyone is hustlin’ for rebounds and defendin’ their man, this will help out on the offensive end in 2nd chance points.
KHAO$ can you name one team that has won a championship with that run and gun like phoenix or the knicks? NOPE
26 years of ATL Hawks
November 18th, 2009
3:37 pm
Je-Je –
Joe pounds the ball in response to no flow or direction. We need Bibby, JTO & Crawford to set the play, move the ball and use JJ where he’s best – as a spot up shooter who can drive when confronted. He shouldn’t have the ball isolated like that so much.
I think it all come from developing the offense through driving the bucket using the other players so that Bibby, Joe and Marvin can do what they do best – hit open jumpers in the flow of the game.
terrell barron
November 18th, 2009
3:45 pm
Dos Hawquis, what difference does it make if Marvin starts or not? Do you really think that move would be the deciding factor in winning or losing tonight’s game? I dont think so. And what has Mo Evans done to give him the nod over Marvin? At least Marvin plays defense, and rebounds. Hopefully his shots will start falling tonight.
jerrywest
November 18th, 2009
3:59 pm
JJ was giving Crawford the ball with 1 second left. All he could do was shoot. How can you dish and drive like that.
richbrave
November 18th, 2009
4:03 pm
KEN/doc:
thanks-s-s for the vine on the previous blog.
Say,doc did you get my lengthy post on our man J-CRIT? He’s really in ERNIE G’s dog-house.
And nice pithy “q” about the WIZ. You know very well how things roll up here. That threat issued by AGENT ZERO in 2007 about signing ANTAWN or “I’m going rogue [FA] on you” buried this franchise for the next five years. I’m sayin’ that was not a GRUNFELD move, but a GILBERT-ABE thing. I believe POLLIN would adopt ARENAS if he could. The sooner we get new ownership the better, as long as it’s someone with a majority stake like LEONSIS rather than SNYDER.
Ken Sugiura
November 18th, 2009
4:06 pm
thanks for the comments, all.
Brian in Athens – I agree with you. Last year, when I covered Tech, it always confounded me that they didn’t draw better. But those tickets are expensive, maybe starting at $30 and going up. You can go to a Braves game for under $10. (Of course, it’s not like the Braves are a huge draw now, either.)
JeJe – I think how much JJ is distributing is relative. The way he plays now is what got him into three All-Star Games, and Woodson has no complaints with it, so I don’t see things changing. The thing is, and you guys have been watching this far longer than I have, is that it’s hard to argue with the results. Besides leading the team in scoring, he leads the team in assists, and the team is third in the league in points per game.
Dos Hawkquis – I think Woodson’s quote about defense and rebounding is why Marvin will likely stay in the lineup. You’d have to think he’ll come around.
26 years – no respect? What about nba.com and espn.com ranking them No. 1?
Let’s remember – 9-2.
T.C
November 18th, 2009
4:06 pm
Please understand my peeps what woody is saying.he’s not saying he don’t care about the offense,he’s saying the offense will be there with this years additions and the core players having more experience under there belt understanding there role better. so if they play better defense,they will be a much better team playing the more elite teams.And we all know defense wins the big dance.
26 years of ATL Hawks
November 18th, 2009
4:14 pm
Yeah – National media is hyped all of the sudden. Where have you been in years prior. How bout the quick turn on us during the Lakers broadcast. They’re bandwagon folks and nothing more. If we make is to the finals they’ll be riding us like a pony. Anything less they’ll keep jock sniffin KG, Lebron, Dwight, etc. They didn’t give us a real shake in 88, 94 or 09 if you ask me. I absolutely hate listening to the national broadcasts. They’re so ignorant about our team.
theZaZaguy
November 18th, 2009
4:21 pm
Like Charles Barkley said, “Any knucklehead can shoot”. Offense is easy, as the hawks have shown. Defense, rebounding, and low turnovers are what wins you games. Remember Kelly Tripuka? I didn’t think so. He averaged 20-25 points a night, but Nique would light him up for 30-40. Orlando had awful ball movement. Their offence consisted of posing up Dwight, kick out for a three. This hawks is the best Hawks team ever. How were Nique, Willis, and Doc when they were 25 years old?
eddieomaha
November 18th, 2009
4:21 pm
Please. The Hawks are just on a nice run. Don’t get all excited.
26 years of ATL Hawks
November 18th, 2009
4:28 pm
This nice run has been progressing for about 6 years. I’ll get excited if I please. Makes up for the tears shed as a 10 year old back in the late 80’s! I’ll ride this team till they crash and burn. Nique, WIllis and Doc were so much fun to watch. No, they weren’t 25…which only means good things are to come to those who wait. I was waitin when those boys were gellin. Don’t forget about Spud, Whitman, Battle, Tree, Levingston & Carr
Dos Hawkquis
November 18th, 2009
4:28 pm
Jameer Nelson will be out for 4-6weeks with knee surgury. I am sorry to say, but that should bode well for the Hawks. (assuming that we don’t have any injuries.) I would like for us to get a 3-5game lead on the Heat and the Magic going into December.
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends.”
eddieomaha
November 18th, 2009
4:35 pm
Don’t you think the Heat is better than us right now? I don’t know. I don;t see us getting past D-Wade again this year.
eddieomaha
November 18th, 2009
4:38 pm
I’m not worried about JO, but if that kid Beasley gets going…
I think they’ll be hungrier than us after beating them last year.
SWAT Native
November 18th, 2009
4:53 pm
I just checked the Heat beat blog talking about a potential rivalry, and so far no one has made any comments:
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/basketball/story/1339005.html
Also, apparently they had to curtain off the upper section of the arena WNBA style so that it would appear that they had a bigger crowd last night.
theZaZaguy
November 18th, 2009
4:56 pm
Hey “26 years of ATL Hawks”, I agree. I’m giddy as a school girl (german accent). Don’t forget Jon Contract and Scottie Hastings…LOL. And I will never forget Cliff “flying left handed hook” Levingston. Neither will Nique or Doc Rivers. From what I understand, they still won’t talk to him, and neither will I. This team was built successfully from the ground up. We’re not doing stupid things like replacing half the starting line-up with has beens (Moses Malone, Reggie Theus). After the manufactured “team” in 1998 that quickly fell apart, I really saw something in these guys. Which is why I, for the first time in my life, got season tickets. Believe!!!
KevinA
November 18th, 2009
4:58 pm
Daniel,
from the last blog.
I like your points, I just happen to think that the Hawks are already playing the way that you suggested.
I will agree with you that Woody is doing better. But when the game is tight he is more willing to go to JJ/back court than his front court. As the team matures I hope this balance becomes equal. And the ball continues to move.
Sautee
KevinA,
“The best stats I can show to support my ideas is the increased assists by Al and Josh. It’s not like they are a dark hole and won’t hit the open man. Lets go big folks. Feed them the rock”
Co-sign that.
Look Woody is old school and I have no problem with that. But, I think the front court has earned some trust. We do seem to have a double standard with JJ and the rest of the team. Who can go 2-8 and get 15 more shots. The bigs still shoot a better FG%. Long live the bigs. lol JJ is the second best player on the team – give Al some rope and he may become the second. Not bad having an allstar compete for shots.
SWAT Native
November 18th, 2009
5:09 pm
It looks like the Heat “fans” only comment on our blog.
KevinA
November 18th, 2009
5:13 pm
Tonight’s might game should be defined by the battle of O’ Neal and Beasley vrs Josh and AL. I like our chances. O’neal might be the difference between last years Heat and this years Heat. he has overcome his injury problems and is playing much better. the Heat has one problem, Al can match him and Beasley cannot keep up with Josh. If we stay low our wins will grow.
KevinA
November 18th, 2009
5:15 pm
Welcome to the heat fans, lets talk basketball – not emotion. Love those blazer fans. Good group.
richbrave
November 18th, 2009
5:18 pm
Guys, when I first wandered over to this blog from O’BRIEN’s BRAVES thang, the racial crap was flyin’, back-biting and in-fighting was rampant. Even called out a poster or two myself. Now it’s calm, cool, and collected. #1 in the NBA. Would any of us have thunk it? I mean……..come on. This is heaven. You should have the WIZARDS for a home team.
SWAT Native
November 18th, 2009
5:19 pm
KevinA,
I love that line, “If we stay low our wins will grow”. Sounds like a slogan.
richbrave
November 18th, 2009
5:21 pm
KevinA:
Hey, WIZ’ fans like THE FLASH and me are cool too. Tell it like it is. #2 in my heart, but #! in the NBA. Yeah! GO HAWKS.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
5:41 pm
Last year’s first round series taught (or should have taught) us that Dwyane Wade is most successful when he is able to get to certain spots on the floor. He loves those shots from the elbow in particular. The key to stopping him, to me, is to prevent him from catching the ball in a position to shoot from those spots. I think it would be a good idea to give him multiple looks defensively, with taller players like Marvin spending a lot of time guarding him, all with the goal of denying him the ball in his sweet spot. If the Hawks can do that and the Josh/Al tandem can out-rebound Haslem and Jermaine O’Neal, the Hawks will win this game.
Ken S. you’re doing a very good job. Keep up the good work.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
5:47 pm
Woody’s comment doesn’t surprise me, but it reinforces that he probably needs to hire an “offensive coordinator” who will get on the players about offense. To his credit, the things he does get on the players about — defense, rebounding, and hustle — are things the Hawks have done very well this season, and even the offense has flowed better this year than it has in the past.
A Thinking Fan
November 18th, 2009
5:51 pm
The jury is out on HC MW. The league will start to make adjustments against the HAWKS. Let’s see how HC MW adjusts to the other HC adjustments to how the HAWKS are playing now. The season is still young.
bigdave
November 18th, 2009
6:02 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRLgvJFhYM0
just plain ignorant… EEWW!! in your eye Wade!!! LETS GET IT!!!
bigdave
November 18th, 2009
6:03 pm
FROM THE DAMN HAWK WING!!!
bigdave
November 18th, 2009
6:07 pm
look at dude at the bottom of the screen in the sky blue shirt by the ref hitting him wanting the AND1… !!
bigdave
November 18th, 2009
6:11 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr926p32xWM
Josh goes behind the back on a pusssssssss…
Ken Sugiura
November 18th, 2009
6:15 pm
a break for the Hawks – Udonis Haslem is out with a shoulder sprain.
bigdave
November 18th, 2009
6:15 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdyg0gbOQME&feature=related
Smoove decides to send a basketball to some marine life somewhere out on south beach…
bigdave
November 18th, 2009
6:17 pm
done… just a little footage from our 2 All-Stars…
ya dig…
Ken Sugiura
November 18th, 2009
6:18 pm
a little tidbit from Jamal Crawford.
“They do different things (on defense). They show really hard on pick and rolls. That’s one thing you have to look at, and they help a lot. They help in different areas of the court.”
So moving the ball is important?
“Ball movement and getting it side to side.”
bigdave
November 18th, 2009
7:03 pm
LETS GET IT…
Ken Strickland
November 18th, 2009
7:07 pm
Any HC that’s interested in building a championship team pays close attention to detail on OFF and DEF. It’s perfectly acceptable for him to concentrate on DEF from a personal perspective, but to refuse to hire someone with an OFF resume, and still say you don’t pay attention to the OFF, is irrisponsible. Our OFF, especially OFF rebounding, is the primary reason we’re 9-2, not or DEF, which has been giving up a lot of PPG.
Remember, Portland came into the gm Monday leading the NBA in total DEF, and lost because their OFF didn’t score enough points to win. AS A HC, YOU CAN’T IGNORE ANY ASPECT OF THE GAME. THAT WAS A DUMB STATEMENT TO MAKE AND AN EVEN DUMBER PHILOSOPHY.
O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
7:09 pm
I think the Hawks should double team Wade. Force him to give up the ball, and force other players to make shots.
And if Wade gets going, I look for JJ to D him up (JJ did a good job on Roy).
Also, I hope JJ doesnt do too much of his customary dribble dribble pound pound shoot…
BONE
November 18th, 2009
7:11 pm
Hopefully fans show up for this game becuz the attendance for the last game wasn’t good.
O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
7:14 pm
Wow. Where was the foul on Al? I know Wade gets those calls, but JO?
BONE
November 18th, 2009
7:15 pm
Josh just drive. Beasley can’t stop u.
niremetal
November 18th, 2009
7:17 pm
For Wade, that’s an And-1. For JJ, just the bucket.
O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
7:25 pm
Beasley is on fire. What happens when DWade gets it going?
The Hawksta
November 18th, 2009
7:30 pm
D Wade hasn’t scored yet! Beasley’s shooting everything like I said on my previous post.
The Hawksta
November 18th, 2009
7:31 pm
The refs aren’t blowing the whistle on the Heat. The Hawks are taking it strong to the basket and aren’t being rewarded for it. Stay in the game fellas the whistle will come
Blast
November 18th, 2009
7:32 pm
Watch out for the refs! They already swallowed the whistle several times, refusing to call fouls for the Hawks!
Quit whinning and bitching, Wade. Just play ball!!!
Blast
November 18th, 2009
7:34 pm
Always great when Hawks get off to a good start.
BONE. You bitch about the arena being empty every game, but I don’t see you there rooting for the Hawks! Lol!
The Hawksta
November 18th, 2009
7:34 pm
Good call KEN! Udonis gives us problems on the offensive rebounding end!
The Hawksta
November 18th, 2009
7:44 pm
Marvin makes to buckets in a row! Yes we need him to get it going. I’d like him to really get it going!
Melvin
November 18th, 2009
7:45 pm
Hawks should be able to increase their lead while DWade is on the bench. Miami 2nd unit is not that good offensively…
BONE
November 18th, 2009
7:45 pm
LMAO Blast u ain’t there neither lol
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
7:46 pm
Marvin’s playing much better in this game than he has recently. Maybe Sekou’s tweet a few minutes ago inspired him.
niremetal
November 18th, 2009
7:47 pm
Yeah, but Blast isn’t complaining about other people not being there.
O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
7:50 pm
If Marvin can improve his shooting percentage, the Hawks will be that much more dangerous.
It might be time to bring JJ back…
O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
7:51 pm
I mean it might be time for JJ to work his magic.
Najeh, What was Sekou’s tweet to Marvin?
Melvin
November 18th, 2009
7:51 pm
Oh well, forget what I said about Miami bench b/c it look like the Hawks bench didn’t show up tonight…
I MUS WRITE
November 18th, 2009
7:51 pm
The Defense is looking real good tonight……….. Well Whadda Ya know -A Marvin Williams sighting.
KevinA
November 18th, 2009
7:53 pm
Wadda u tnk – feed a big? Like Josh?
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
7:55 pm
Josh Smith is murdering Beasley in that low post.
KevinA
November 18th, 2009
7:55 pm
Imagine that x2
Melvin
November 18th, 2009
7:55 pm
What a tip pass by Bibby to Josh. Nice play by Bibby…
KevinA
November 18th, 2009
7:56 pm
Al do not shoot a jumper early in the clock – rem – inside out?
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
7:58 pm
O’Brien, here was Sekou’s tweet, about halfway through the first quarter:
“Marvin is struggling in ways that are hard to describe. He just doesn’t seem plugged in out there.”
While I agree this can be applied to his recent play, I think he hasn’t been bad in this game. He’s made some nice plays, although there were some which would have been much better if he had finished them.
Blast
November 18th, 2009
7:59 pm
Hawks so beautiful to watch when they play controlled and efficient. The starters, anyway.
Me thinks Hawks are in Wade’s head.
Josh will be at the All Stars game next year.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
7:59 pm
Also, the Hawks are doing a terrific job of denying Wade the ball in his sweet spots. They have given up some easy shots to his teammates in the process, but they are doing a great job shutting Wade down, and the overall strategy has been effective so far.
Melvin
November 18th, 2009
8:01 pm
Great defense by the Hawks. The Heat look like a deer in headlights and don’t know what to do…
terrell barron
November 18th, 2009
8:02 pm
Anybody still wanna trade Josh Smith???
vava74
November 18th, 2009
8:02 pm
soooo simple coming off a screen! JJ for threeee…. (why they don’t this more often?)
The Hawksta
November 18th, 2009
8:03 pm
Man they make it look easy when they play together!
niremetal
November 18th, 2009
8:03 pm
The Hawks have put three different people on Wade over the course of the game – they alternated between JJ and Marvin early on, and then put Mo on him when Mo came in. The different looks have both helped deny Wade the ball because no one person had to chase him around on every possession, and have kept him off balance by giving him different looks when he has the ball.
Blast
November 18th, 2009
8:04 pm
I ain’t there either, Bone. Is why I don’t gripe about it. It’s all love, though.
Are Hawks beautiful to watch or what? Josh Smith! Al Horford. Joe Johnson! Jamal Crawford! Mike Bibby!
I MUS WRITE
November 18th, 2009
8:07 pm
Well Dam!!!! Al with the monster Dunk!! Josh is on fire tonight 2 steals,2 dunks and a block in 2 minutes that yung’n is on his way to big things ….Dallas 2010
niremetal
November 18th, 2009
8:07 pm
Complaint of the night: I can’t stand the way that people refer to the Heat in the singular (”The Heat has had a bad game”). I know it seems grammatically necessary to do it that way, but it just sounds awful.
Melvin
November 18th, 2009
8:07 pm
Miami look discombobulated. They are struggling in every facet of the game…
I MUS WRITE
November 18th, 2009
8:08 pm
No Shyt Terrell, anbody still wanna trade Josh for Beidrins from G.S.
Man Crawford is slick with the rock…..
Melvin
November 18th, 2009
8:09 pm
Uh oh, Josh took his first 3pt shot of the year to end the half….lol
Ken Strickland
November 18th, 2009
8:10 pm
After seeing what we’re doing on OFF, maybe Woodson can afford to ignore the OFF, heh, heh, heh.
Blast
November 18th, 2009
8:12 pm
Looks like Heat have already given up on this game. Game ain’t over yet, but where are all those Heat fans on our blog now?
How many players in the league are getting more And 1’s than Josh Smith this season? Do they keep those stats?
Anybody not happy to be a Hawks fan right now?
I think Hawks are only starting to scratch the surface.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
8:13 pm
So let me ask y’all something, and I know it’s probably way too early to be talking about this…. We all know that Josh Smith’s goal is to make the All Star team this year, but if he keeps playing this well would you say he’s deserving of a starting spot?
LeBron James is going to get one starting forward spot in the East, but I think Josh compares pretty favorably right now to Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Chris Bosh, who would presumably be his main competition for that second starting forward spot. There’s obviously a ton of basketball still to be played until we get to that point, but to me it’s not out of the question that Josh might be deserving of a starting spot if he keeps this up.
And even looking at the backcourt, you could make a solid argument for Joe Johnson to start alongside Wade for the East at this stage of the game, especially with players like Michael Redd and Devin Harris injured. I realize fan voting determines all this, which means Vince Carter probably wins out over Joe and a Celtic probably wins out over Josh, but still… to think that two Hawks may be deserving of a starting All-Star spot makes me feel great to be a Hawks fan.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
8:14 pm
“I can’t stand the way that people refer to the Heat in the singular (”The Heat has had a bad game”).”
You know the Hawks have come a long way when all we have left to complain about is grammar…
I MUS WRITE
November 18th, 2009
8:15 pm
Dominique??……..What are the qualifications for broadcasting,I swear being articulate and speaking well must not be on the list
nvnvnv
November 18th, 2009
8:18 pm
At this point Josh should definitely start the All-Star Game this year and if Joe keeps this up he should too. I mean, who’s playing better??
vava74
November 18th, 2009
8:19 pm
I think we have a legitimate 1-2 punch!
nvnvnv
November 18th, 2009
8:19 pm
Also, enough hating on Nique. He is who he is, and if you’re a Hawks fan you love him. Dude gave us amazing game after amazing game when he was playing. He’s a legend and can do as he pleases.
cp
November 18th, 2009
8:20 pm
lol I MUS.. That is why I’m watching the Heat’s feed right now. The reception is a lot clearer and the Heat’s play by play guys are pretty good. I tried to watch the Hawks feed but Nique was killing my ears…
Great game so far. They are playing great defense and sharing the ball. Nothing to complain about. Lets just hope they keep this energy up for the second half.
O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
8:21 pm
All the Hawks have to do is share the ball, and they usually end up with good shots.
Najeh – I like the way Josh is playing, although I still cringle a little bit when he leads the fast break (which he has done more effectively this season). Bosh is averaging 26 and 12, but the Raptors are only 5-6. I still dont think Josh starts over Bosh though.
Marvin had 2 buckets, but he is still only 2-7. He needs to improve his shooting %.
terrell barron
November 18th, 2009
8:22 pm
Now lets see if we can come out in the 3rd and finish em off early. We’ve been known to lose some big leads after Woody’s infamous halftime speech. If we’re truly “the new Hawks”, this game should’nt even be close when the 4th qtr begins. This should be time Teague, Randolph, and Collins.
Melvin
November 18th, 2009
8:23 pm
Najeh,
If the Hawks finished in the top 4 at the All Star break, I think they could have two All-Stars to represent them in Dallas. Considering, Josh avgs doesnt drop off…
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
8:26 pm
Yeah, I’d imagine Bosh’s scoring numbers would probably sway votes in his favor, although Josh outclasses Bosh defensively by a much wider margin than Bosh outclasses Josh offensively (in my opinion). Still, it’s worth mentioning that he is one of the top two or three options after LeBron among the Eastern Conference’s forwards. Of course, with fan voting determining these things, both of them probably end up as reserves.
Ken Strickland
November 18th, 2009
8:26 pm
NIREMETAL-Athough it takes multiple parts to comprise a team, the term team or Heat is a single intentity and it’s use in the singular is correct.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
8:28 pm
Did I see a Joe Johnson dunk on a follow?
What’s next, an alley-oop to Mike Bibby?
Blast
November 18th, 2009
8:28 pm
Good points, Najeh. Btw Garnett, Bosh and Pierce, I think Josh gets the nod if he continues to play this way. Josh stuffs the stat sheets, and he influences the game better when he is playing well than the other three. If the NBA fans vote fairly, he should get the nod. Josh has finally figured it out, something we’ve all been harping about for years.
On Joe. Fans would most likely vote Vince in to start simply because Vince has been showcased more by the league than Joe. But if they be fair, Joe is playing at a high level I haven’t seen for years. They have a better record at this time than Orlando. Joe should get the nod, but fans don’t know crap, because they haven’t followed the Hawks as we have been.
That been said: Kind of crazy going from talking about Josh MAKING the ALL Star game to STARTING for the East!!!!
roan st
November 18th, 2009
8:29 pm
I love how Josh Smith and Horford have responded this season. For what they lack in size in the paint they make up for with athleticism and drive to get the job done. Love how those two cats are playing so far. On the flip side what the hell is up with Marvin? Can this dude ever elevate his game and play with some consistency? He is certainly not worth the contract they gave him this offseason. Is it just me or is he actually getting worse? Could we not get the same level of play out of some cheaper journeyman? He’s basically worthless if you consider the 8 million per year the Hawks are paying him.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
8:32 pm
Marvin just got his shot blocked by a 6′4″ shooting guard…
O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
8:34 pm
What does Woody tell these guys at half time? We have 4 points in the 3rd quarter!
Marvin is now 2-9, and he went 2-10 in the Hornets game.
niremetal
November 18th, 2009
8:36 pm
Refs are letting a lot of contact happen on both ends. This is an old-school East type of game.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
8:36 pm
Following up on that point, the Heat have six blocked shots in this game, and four have been on Marvin.
I don’t think everyone at the freaking 2005 draft combine was wrong about this guy having elite-level athleticism. For that, he should at least be able to jump high enough to keep from getting blocked.
Blast
November 18th, 2009
8:39 pm
Josh need to emulate Horford’s form when shooting free throws.
O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
8:41 pm
Najeh,
Exactly. I dont expect Marvin to average 15 ppg. But coming in to this game, Marvin is shooting .235% from 3, and .385% overall. And his 2-9 tonight will bring his % further down. 4-17 from 3? Thats unacceptable.
At the very least, he needs to improve his FG%.
Blast
November 18th, 2009
8:42 pm
Joe with 27 in the 3rd!
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
8:43 pm
Whoa, slow your roll there Josh Smith, you ain’t Steve Nash.
Blast
November 18th, 2009
8:43 pm
Josh got a bit too fancy on that fastbreak play.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
8:46 pm
That joke where they show one of the Philips Arena ushers on the Jumbotron while Ryan Cameron yells out “Usher!”, after showing a bunch of celebrities during the timeout, is never going to get old to Ryan Cameron.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
8:50 pm
D-Wade looks like he’s starting to wake up… be careful…
bigdave
November 18th, 2009
8:53 pm
time to clamp down…
O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
8:55 pm
How do we score 26 in the first, 34 in the second, but only 19 in the third? What goes on at half time?
We were horrible in the third quarter against the Lakers too. I wonder why that is…
Blast
November 18th, 2009
8:58 pm
Marvin!!!!!!!!!!!!
Been a long time I heard that chant in Philips!
Blast
November 18th, 2009
9:01 pm
In the next breath, Marvin gets called for an offensive foul!
niremetal
November 18th, 2009
9:02 pm
Refs really loving that charging call right now, aren’t they?
niremetal
November 18th, 2009
9:03 pm
They called 3 in 4 possessions.
O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
9:07 pm
Is it too soon to put Teague in?
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
9:07 pm
At least two of those were blatant though… whether or not there was flopping, if you throw your arm or shoulder out you can’t expect to get the benefit of the doubt on those calls. Crawford and Beasley both were guilty of this on their charges.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
9:11 pm
Big shot by Marvin… you could see the Heat trying to make a little run before that.
Melvin
November 18th, 2009
9:11 pm
Nice to see Marvin hit some shots and play with a smile on his face…
O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
9:12 pm
Marvin! Finally. These are the shots we need him to knock down.
niremetal
November 18th, 2009
9:23 pm
Dwyane who?
Melvin
November 18th, 2009
9:28 pm
Yes sir, I like the way we beat up on the Heat. Send them a message that they are not on our level…..
bigdave
November 18th, 2009
9:33 pm
Aye man… Al Horford keeps putting up double doubles and we will be very very tough…
cp
November 18th, 2009
9:34 pm
Great win. They have found their defense and they shared the ball tonight. Nice to see Marvin have a nice game. Chalk up the win and get ready for the next opponent. And the Heat guys showed the Hawks a lot of love. Sometimes its interesting to see how the opponents feel about the team and they think the Hawks are legit.
vava74
November 18th, 2009
9:38 pm
My internet connection died On me by the mid-3rd quarter so my review is limited:
we came out too relaxed on the 3rd quarter, a sign of immaturity. Josh loss his condentrstion and went cold and got a tech.
Crawford had his second cold game in a row.
We stopped boxing out as well as we did on the first half.
Wade woke up.
AND EVEN SO WE WON BY DOUBLE DIGITS! And Marvin is finally starting to wake up!!
Melvin
November 18th, 2009
9:45 pm
Another DNP-CD for Javale McGee in the Wiz win tonight. Hmmm, I wouldnt mine seeing that young big in a Hawks uni if the Wiz is going to let him rot on their bench…
Ken Strickland
November 18th, 2009
10:02 pm
Has anyone else noticed how we’ve held every team we’ve played under 100pts since backing off the switching DEF? Everyone keeps saying it’s too early to consider the Hawks an elite team, or to consider them in the same category with Boston, Cleveland and Orlando. Well, it wasn’t too early this off season, when people were saying the Hawks would have trouble beating out Chicago and Washington for the 4th seed. In fact, we had some dilusional fans state emphatically that the Hawks weren’t even in the same league with these teams.
This was another well played, well coached gm, and our UNDERSIZED frontline dominated again. Exactly what is one trying to say when they use the term undersized. Obviously it doesn’t prevent a player or players from succeeding or being dominant at their position. DRodman(6′8″ PF), CBarkley(6′4″ PF, SMarion(6′7″ PF) and WUnseld(6′7″ center) were among the best rebounders in NBA history at their respective positions. So when someone keeps crying about JSmith and AHorford being undersized, or playing out of position, exactly what has that prevented them from doing, and how has it prevented them from being dominant at their respective positions? SOMEBODY PLEASE GIVE ME SOME CLARIFICATION.
kwooden1
November 18th, 2009
10:08 pm
I didn’t get a chance to watch this game, but looking at the stats this is an incredible game for the HAWKS. They shot a lower field-goal percentage and only won the rebound game by 1, but we WON BY 15!! Crawford 3-10, Bibby 3-10, Smoove 6-16 and Marvin 5-12, BUT you still win by double-digits!!! The guys are really fighting on the offensive glass to get more shots. If they start really shooting well they’re going to start having those 20 point blow-out games regularly, like Orlando and Cleveland was doing last year.
GO HAWKS!!!
ILL-logical
November 18th, 2009
10:29 pm
SOMEBODY PLEASE GIVE ME SOME CLARIFICATION.
Well let’s try this on for size: when the playoff type games occur and the empasis becomes heft and strength not length and leaping, our guys are at a disadvantage when it comes to controlling the glass.
Espaecially when you are in a 7 game serise where repetition and excecution are featured. Athletic ability still comes in to play but less so compared to the one and done games of the regular season.
DHunt
November 18th, 2009
10:51 pm
I was too busy watching to blog during the game, but I’ve got to say this may be the best looking Hawks team I have ever seen, and I’ve been watching since the 70’s. They are literally 10 deep, and could be even deeper (there are several players I haven’t seen enough of to be sure what they could contribute). Even ZaZa has stepped up his game and his energy is productive, rather than the plumb mess it was in past years. Marvin will be fine if he stays healthy and keeps shooting, and our second team isn’t going to lose out to many other reserves in the league. I’m still a little concerned about Woodson, but I don’t think even he can screw up this team. They are darn near unstoppable when they are clicking and as evidenced in the Portland game two nights ago, not too bad when they aren’t.
All the liabilities I thought they had, Bibby on defense against the younger and quicker point guards, Marvin and JJ with streaky shooting, Josh with immaturity, Woodson’s lack of offensive coaching skills, have all been answered rather definitively in these first 12 games. They can compensate on any given night if any of those things come up. It’s scary how good these guys could be. I’d like to say I saw this coming, but they are really showing me something I didn’t expect.
And if Horford is undersized, he has the bigest heart of any center in the league. He may struggle a bit against a beast like Dwight Howard, but so does everyone else. I guarantee he will out hustle Dwight Howard any night of the week and that will make up for the physical disadvantage. The hawks will paly better team defense (thanks to Woodson) than most teams in the league. Until I see some PF push Josh around, I don’t think his size matters. In fact, from what I’ve seen, most big men don’t want to bring it to him because he has shown time and time again that he will throw your shot into the seats. And so will Horford. Name another big man tandem that has the chance to average a double double on the season.
These guys are scary good. Unless we get bit really hard by the injury bug at a crucial time this season, I predict this team will make some firsts happen in Hawks history. First to 60 wins? Could happen easily. First to the finals? Could happen. First to win it all? Dare I dream…
kwooden1
November 18th, 2009
11:08 pm
ILL-logical I think that was true a few years ago, when Shaq could do whatever he wanted to do. Now, you can’t bang as much in the post and there is more of a premium on bigs that face-up and shoot. (Dirk,Gasol, Garnett, etc) The key to the HAWKS is to continue to cleaning-up the defensive boards, secure the basketball and then push the ball. What I’ve seen is teams are so pre-occupied with JJ, Crawford and Bibby on the perimeter that Smoove and Horford get a lot of easy looks. Teams just don’t have a good way to play the HAWKS defensively right now. Before it was double-team JJ, stay with Bibby and let Smoove shoot. Now they double JJ, the ball goes into Smoove and drives one-on-one. If Crawford’s in the game, they simply can’t double. With Zaza and Smith on the bench, Horford and Smoove get enough rest to be fresh during the game. The Playoffs are a long way off and we all know that’s a different season all together. The HAWKS just need to keep improving every game and minimizing their weaknesses.
GO HAWKS!!!
Ken Sugiura
November 18th, 2009
11:13 pm
hey, folks-
i thought tonight might be the night the streak ended. i figured the heat would want to redeem itself/themselves (got that, najeh?) for last night, but the hawks laid the same whammy on them that they’ve been doing. Horford and Smith getting out and running on the fast break is a thing to watch. it sort of reminds me of a tight end/linebacker mismatch.
Sorry I can’t hyperlink it, but here are the game story and Mark Bradley’s column.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-hawks/johnson-smith-lead-way-204169.html
http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2009/11/18/the-soaring-hawks-from-worst-to-first-in-4-12-years/?cxntfid=blogs_mark_bradley_blog
richbrave
November 18th, 2009
11:16 pm
10-2. This team sucks. Just wait ’till they play WASHINGTON.
All kidding aside, the WIZ waxed the CAVS and LeBRON tonight. Double thump. Most significant aspect IMO was the total absence of ARENAS end-of-game. EARL BOYKINS carried the mail. BUTLER played great without him in the line-up the last few minutes.
RLP
November 18th, 2009
11:17 pm
Some observations on tonight’s game:
The second quarter showed the Hawks at their finest. That kind of play cannot be sustained throughout a game but is beautiful to watch when it is happening.
The third quarter was rough. After having a 17 point lead going into the quarter the Heat reduced the lead to 7. But the beauty of the night and something no one has commented on so far is that the second team expanded the lead. At one point the Hawks were playing Zaza, JC, Mo and Joe Smith with Marvin as the only starter on the floor and the lead expanded.
Of all of the Hawks the one I am most worried about after tonight’s game is not Marvin but Josh. I thought he played out of control at times. He is at his best when he does not try to force things against three defenders in the paint. If I were the coaches I would really praise him for the fact that he was fourth in the league in shooting percentage before tonight’s 6 for 16 shooting performance. Yet at the same time most of his misses were in the paint so it is hard to complain too much.
Bloggers were complaining during the game about Marvin being 2 for 9 but he finished with 3 straight buckets to finish 2 of 12. I think his improvement would really put the team into the elite in the East. At the moment they are THE elite of the East but it is a long season and momentum is a fragile thing. If they sustain their play throughout the year then they will deserve any success they may earn. But I think we as fans still have some reservations. But it certainly looks promising at the moment.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 18th, 2009
11:29 pm
Dude, that wasn’t me, it was niremetal…
Grandad
November 18th, 2009
11:33 pm
K.S. – 1st of all, Ill-Logical made some of the same points I was about to make. I’ll not repeat. 2nd Rodman wasn’ quite 6-8(closer to 6-6) but thats picking a nit. I emphatically endorse Big Al and Josh who, much like Rodman and Barkley, play bigger than their actual size. I’m fine with those two starting. Would we be better with Josh @ the 3 & Al @ the 4 and a 7 footer who is athletic (Camby in his prime) @ the 5 ?
We don’t know the answer. Myself, I like to imagine the posibilities
for the sole purpose of Josh and Al not always being overmatced
[size only], most games. When I talk about the need for a big athletic 5 to roam the middle it is only to enhance what we already have. Much like Jamal enhanced our perimeter play. When I say Al could be an all-star 4, I’m certainly noy advocating the removal of Josh. But more and more it looks like this team can make a playoff run, so I truly believe we need that one additional weapon. Defense more so than offense. Not
arguing, just trying to answer your plea.
Grandad
November 18th, 2009
11:41 pm
Ken Sugiura: I would be very interested in an article about the relationship between Joe [Johnson] and Jamal. Things like their
chemistry on the court, have they hit it off, are they clicking,
that sort of thing. Jamal seems like he is busting his hump to be a good teammate, while Joe is so subdued, they are kind of hard to
read right now. Just curious, thanks.
Grandad
November 18th, 2009
11:48 pm
K.S.: They were switching tonight…I did not watch closely enough
to see if all were switching such as Bibs. What I did notice was
adding the trap out front. That seemed to be a new wrinkle. There are so many ways to be creative with matchups and I’m delighted to see
Woody be a little bit innovative.
i_joejohnson
November 18th, 2009
11:59 pm
hey Ken… have you forgotten the season opener in which JC only took 3 shots and gain 3pts~~~ so last game vs POR not his season-low！！
Ken Strickland
November 19th, 2009
12:31 am
ILL LOGICAL-are you saying the taller and heftier players Horford and Josh have successfully out rebounded and generally out played during the regular season will suddenly get taller and heftier when the playoffs start? When the Pistons Ben Wallace went up against the Lakers and Shaq, I’m certain Shaq and the Lakers tried to emphasize their height and heft, but to no avail. In fact, the whipping they put on the Lakers that yr cause them to send their tallest and heftiest play, Shaq, packing.
Why would Smoove and Horford stop jumping and using their athleticism just because they’re in the playoffs? Their jumping ability and athleticism was sufficient enough to help the Hawks take the much taller and heftier NBA champion Celtics to a 7gm serious in 07-08. I remember the Warriors literally embarrassing the much, much taller and heftier Mavericks in the playoffs, which it cost their HC AJohnson his job.
There have been 2 teams that shared your thinking, and both teams traded for Shaq. The Suns traded for Shaq because they thought they needed to get taller and heftier to compete in the playoffs. They got taller and heftier and couldn’t even make the playoffs. The Cavaliers were the next team to buy into that old school way of thinking, and traded for Shaq. Do you think they’re anywhere near being the dominant team they were last yr with all that added size?
I remember the Suns playing in the Western conference finals twice, and they went up against teams that were taller and heftier. However, they played their style of ball, and didn’t allow the other teams to dictate how they played. In both seasons they were only an injury away, one to JJ and the other to Staudamire, of competing for, and possibly winning, 2 NBA championships. I’m sorry my friend, but I have to disagree with you on this one.
Ken Strickland
November 19th, 2009
12:41 am
GRANDAD-the type of switching they’ve been doing defensively the last 4 or 5 gms is different than what they’ve done in the past. Before, they would switch and stay with the man they switched to, which would leave terrible mismatches, which favored the opposition. Now, they doing what I call COVERING. They switch on the pick, but switch back after the player that got picked recovers. That’s why we aren’t seeing Bibby caught in mismatches with centers and PF’s, or our Bigs out on the perimeter trying to cover PG’s and SG’s.
As a result, both Bibby and the team are playing much, much better DEF. Our improved OFF, DEF and rebounding will carry us to a very successful season. It’s not just Horford and Smoove controlling the boards, but Zaza and JJ are also rebounding better.
Ken Strickland
November 19th, 2009
12:48 am
GRANDAD-you are correct, Woodson is starting to become more innovative. The traps on DWade were very effective. In last yrs playoff series against both DWade and LJames, Woodson didn’t try to trap either one until the last gm of the Cleveland series. Yet, both teams double teamed JJ the entire series. Now that was poor coaching indeed. But this yr, the man is getting his act together, and so are the Hawks.
cp
November 19th, 2009
1:06 am
Melvin I would love to get McGee and let him grow with some of our younger players but I don’t think we have anything that would make sense trade wise. I wouldn’t be shocked if he continued to get very few minutes and a bunch of dnp-cd this year. Guy has talent but it might take him a while to put it all together but still a nice problem to have in my opinion. I just don’t see them trading away a young cheap big but its always nice to dream.
showboat
November 19th, 2009
1:46 am
JJ should be a lock for the all-star team. Josh should make it also. Horford may have a better chance than Josh because after Dwight Howard, he’s the next best center in the east. Josh, James, Garnett, Peirce, Granger, and Bosh will all command heavy consideration. If the Hawks were to stay in first place till the break, wouldn’t Woodson coach the all-star game? I’d like to see four Hawks representing that weekend.
showboat
November 19th, 2009
1:48 am
consideration for the foward positions.
vava74
November 19th, 2009
6:10 am
Charlie Rosen @ msn.foxsports.com:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/10395492/Young-Hawks-spreading-wings-and-flying-high
Amen!
vava74
November 19th, 2009
6:15 am
Ken,
The re-switching we are witnessing is what JJ was saying when he criticized the team for not communicating.
I think the re-switching was “there” already as an instruction (at least since game 1), but it wasn’t being executed.
Samuel
November 19th, 2009
6:28 am
Extend Woody
Crashing the Glass
November 19th, 2009
8:56 am
The best Hawks blog you’ve never heard of-
http://crashingtheglass.com/
Daniel
November 19th, 2009
9:03 am
vava- great point on the defensive communication. You are really seeing it payoff. Even more so in the Portland game, when we couldn’t shoot a lick, the defense gave us a chance.
Ok, I think we all agree that the Hawks are off to a wonderful, exciting start. Josh and Al (yes, I said Al) are playing at an All Star level. Everyone cast your votes.
On a different subject, much like IMUS previously commented can we get a new color commentator? Love ‘Nique, love him, but he is lousy color commentator. He either states the obvious, gets the situation wrong, or says “heat check”
So my question for the group, do you want ‘Nique to go? Who would you like? Who is the best NBA color analyst?
My answers are yes, bring back Steve Smith, and Hubie Brown.
Mike is back
November 19th, 2009
9:07 am
KenS, great links…good to see the HAWKS get some pub…they deserve it. I stayed up to watch ESPN just to hear all the BIG BOYS finally pay homage the HAWKS. It was GREAT!!!
CONGRATULATION TO WOODY AND THE TEAM…Another tremendous effort by the HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KenStrick, just to think…people scuff at you…when you said in the off season…the organic growth of the team could allow the HAWKS to compensate for the aggressive moves made by the big THREE IN EAST. Throw in a mix of Vets…doesn’t sound so for fetch now…hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Lately, all I HAVE been doing is reading the blog…hadn’t had to say much…THE HAWKS ARE DOING ALL MY TALKING FOR ME. LOL
Keep working Marvin…your on the right track.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LEEDSATLANTA
November 19th, 2009
9:21 am
Check out this hot NBA writer!
http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/11/19/hangtime.blog/index.html
LEEDSATLANTA
November 19th, 2009
9:26 am
What more National love?
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/12541683/known-for-futility-hawks-growing-accustomed-to-success
DHunt
November 19th, 2009
9:30 am
I owe Mike Woodson an apology
http://exodusmentality.blogspot.com/2009/11/i-owe-this-man-apology.html
O'Brien
November 19th, 2009
9:38 am
More national Hawks love.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-091118
Grandad
November 19th, 2009
9:45 am
Melvin and cp: I’ve been calling for McGee since I came on this board.
Granted that’s only been a month or so but I have been enamored with him since his draft class came out. He’s an athletic big with a tremendous wingspan. Coch ‘K’ loved him this past summer. It would take a package ivolving Marv most likely to get him. That would delight many on this board. I’m not crazy about breaking up chemistry to add a
piece. However, if Mr. Sund could steal him, he could be what puts us over the top. It’s fun to think about.
JM
November 19th, 2009
9:51 am
Like Mike, I haven’t posted much either ’cause you guys have already said what I wanted to say. One thing to add though, I think some of the trapping is player driven. Joe Smith is a smart vet and he trapped the guard near mid court a few times last night and I don’t think it was by design. The Hawks are looking really good and when/if Marvin gets out of his slump, we great.
Go Hawks!
And if we could still McGee from DC, man I’d make that move.
vava74
November 19th, 2009
10:27 am
Crashing the Glass,
I know that blogging is an ego thing and that it is difficult to cope with the fact that regardless of well someone sets up a blog, the ability to crack out of anonymity and get some followers is very elusive.
A quick read through your posts indicates that you could be a contributor here and at hawks’ nest… so why continue to write to no one?
Come on over, build you name around here and maybe then you could attract people to your joint!
Decatur Native
November 19th, 2009
10:34 am
I love this new sports phrase”every facet of the Game” , sounds zen like.
JM
November 19th, 2009
10:38 am
My bad: “we will be great” and “if we could steal McGee”
Traceman
November 19th, 2009
10:57 am
Vava/Grandad,
You guys are 100% right on about the switching D. We were switching last night and we were communicating those switches very well. The lack of communication in earlier games is EXACTLY what JJ was complaining about.
The “re-switching” as Ken called it has ALWAYS been a part of Woody’s defensive system, it is up to the players to know the proper time to reswitch and they HAVE to VERBALLY communicate the re-switch (as well as the initial switch) rahter than ASSUMING that know what their teammate is going to do.
ILL-logical
November 19th, 2009
11:04 am
Ken: you asked for clarification not justification. I merely stated a point of view; agreement will follow only after enlightment.
Back to our regularly scheduled program. A noted but recently absent participent on this board who has been a regular at the home games shared their observations on the Hawks to date. The strengths are the ability of the front court to run the floor and the shot blocking. The weakness is the middle in their words. They believe that the season is still young but the current trends bode well for the immediate future.
Ken Strickland
November 19th, 2009
11:23 am
MIKE IS BACK-thanks a lot. That organic growth seems to have extended to the bench as well. Without Woodson’s decisions, changes and adjustments, most of what we’ve accomplished so far wouldn’t likely have been possible.
I also remember saying that if we played an uptempo style, it would allow Horford to become a much better center. I don’t know of another center that can match his combination of speed, quickness, size, strength and athleticism. DHoward comes as close as anyone. To be honest, my thinking was, running would allow him to become more of a neutralizer to the bigger, taller centers. But so far its allowed him to actually outplay them.
I knew there weren’t any prominant players on either the Celtics, Cavaliers or Magic that could match the growth potential, or have as much growth potential as Marvin, Smoove or Horford. The confidence factor, as well as chemistry, were also elements I felt strongly about as far as giving us an advantage over the other teams and their acquisitions.
I expected what we’re doing now to take place after the Allstar break, if it was going to happen at all. But Woodson coming out of the gate with his changes and adjustments made it all possible early. It would be foolish to think we’ll continue winning at this pace, but we will continue winning. We’ll definitely be a much better road team than in the past, while we were good at home last yr.
We should be able to win at least 4-5 addition road gms and 2-3 additional home gms, which would be quite an accomplishment in an improved Eastern conference. Last yr, we got swept by Boston, even without KG for part of the season, and we managed to split a home and home against Portland. This yr, we swept a stronger Portland team, with the addition of PG AMiller and the improvement of C GOden, and creamed Boston in Boston, with KG.
Once the legal situation is resolved with the ASG, the money they’ve been wasting/spending on attorney’s fees can be used on the team. Of course, I know they’re not paying all of their fees on they go, but they are playing some as they go. More importantly, it will allow them to make team decisions without needing to get approval from the court and Belkin.
Usually, it’s ownership that contributes to bringing a winning team together, but in this case, it might be a winning team that contributes to bringing ownership together. GO, YOU HIGH FLYING HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
Traceman
November 19th, 2009
11:38 am
For those of you making a big deal out of Woody’s comments about not getting on guys much about offense unless they are being selfish because he is focusing on defense and rebounding, he is not the first coach to say that and he won’t be the last. For a team that is 3rd in the league in scoring and near the top of the league in virtually every offensive category, why WOULD he focus on offense?
Woody knows that defense wins championships and he doesn’t want the guys to all of a sudden think their are the Phoenix Suns or Golden State Warriors just because they are scoring a lot of points. Those teams can’t win in the playoffs when the game slows down due to the intensity of the environment and the fact that the refs let them play more physically. Those teams can’t all of a sudden adapt to a defensive mentality. Woody is just trying to make sure that this team takes on a DEFENSIVE identity.
On the post game show last night, Coach Drew said they always tell the players that offense will come and go because you can get good shots every night but sometimes they just won’t fall. You can’t control that. However, you CAN control your defensive EFFORT and rebounding EFFORT every night and THAT is what they want the players to focus on. I agree with that philosophy and I think we have the players to implement it.
Looking at our play as of late, it looks like the team is buying into Woody’s philosophy as well. The players are always talking about D during their interviews and it is clear they have adapted Woody’s “defense first” mindset. We are giving up fewer PPG and we are outrebounding teams on a nightly basis.
First 6 games – 103.8 PPG scored / 102.5 PPG allowed
Last 6 games – 110.1 PPG scored / 95.0 PPG allowed
Looks like Woody knows his team and he knows what he is doing.
Ken Strickland
November 19th, 2009
12:14 pm
ILL-LOGICAL-let’s not get hung up on semantics. While it’s always an advantage to have a tall, hefty dominant center, it’s certainly not necessary to be successful in the playoffs or to win a championship. In the last 20yrs, only the Lakers, Spurs, Rockets and Heat have won titles with dominant centers. The Lakers, Spurs, Pistons and Bulls have also won titles without dominant centers.
Let’s face it, if we end up playing the Celtics, Magic or Cavaliers in the playoffs, how much more physical can either team be? Orlando has only 2 players on their roster that can be considered physical, BBass and DHoward. Boston has KPerkins. Neither RWallace or KG are considered physical players. Cleveland has LJames, LPowe and Shaq. I don’t see any of these players becoming more physical during the playoffs than the regular season. Shaq’s skills are so eroded he can’t be anything but physical. How can DHoward become more physical in the playoffs and still play within the rules? There certainly aren’t any championship calibur Western conference teams that can be considered physical, including the Lakers.
What the Hawks frontline lacks in heft and height they make up for with speed, quickness, athleticism and energy. They’ve proven that eary in the season against some of the tallest, heftiest teams in the NBA, like the Lakers, Celtics, Pacers, Trailblazers(twice).
Big Ump
November 19th, 2009
12:33 pm
Traceman very good post at 10:57 am
ILL-logical
November 19th, 2009
12:34 pm
Friday’s game with the Rockets should provide an interesting challenge for the home team because the contest will not involve a divsion rival or a superstar opponent but a team hell bent on proving to the world and themselves that they can win without their superstars.
How will our suddenly famous youngsters react to this challenge? Will they assume that they can coast along for three quarters then turn it on or will they become victims of of believing their individual hypes- I’m looking at you Joe the ball hog- and get their lunch handed to them by a team that they are clearly superior to on paper.
Should make for an interesting evening especially since the Rockets aren’t a marque draw and the crowd may not reach 13,000.
doc
November 19th, 2009
12:59 pm
hey samuel i give woody some love but you cant even mention the job your boy steve nash is doing. give him some cred bud.
STEVE NASH = MVP
Mac
November 19th, 2009
1:56 pm
The Hawks are an elite team. One of the things that I noticed about this team is that the Hawks are finding ways to beat good teams. The wins against the Blazers, the Celtics, the Nuggets, and the Heat were very impressive to someone as skeptical as me. Atlanta plays with a controlled fearlessness and they approach games knowing that they can and will win games. This leap in improvement by this team amazes me.
Samuel
November 19th, 2009
3:27 pm
Doc,
Nash has rebounded nicely this year. I actually like him but as usual he will get “manhandled” in the playoffs. That’s just the way it is i’m afraid but I really love to watch him play.
Ken Strickland
November 19th, 2009
4:43 pm
DOC-did you notice that backhanded acknowledgement SAMUEL gave Nash? What do the playoffs have to do with what he’s doing now? I remember SAMUEL making a big deal out of Cleveland’s aquisition of Shaq, which, as he put it, placed them even further out of the Hawks league. His explanation for that belief was Shaq being an Allstar and an Allpro last yr. I also remember him making simularly glowing comments about Orlando and their acquisition of VCarter. Has anyone heard a single word from him about the limited impact either player has had on his respective team so far this season? It’s obvious he thinks he’s better at predicting the future than recognizing, acknowledging and/or accepting the present.
The Hawks’ major acquisition, JCrawford, was labeled by so called experts as an erratic, selfish, undeciplined player that played absolutely no DEF. Yet, he’s done more on OFF and DEF to improve the Hawks than any of the Allstars, Allpros and superstars, or any combination of acquisitions, acquired by the top 3 rated Eastern conference teams.
Hell, I even stated how I believed Woodson would do a good job of coaching the team this yr, although I started having my doubts early. I knew he had the ability, because he’s demonstrated it on occasions, but not consistently or often. That’s why I wasn’t advocating he be fired. I just wanted him to do what he’s demonstrated he can do on a consistent basis, and he’s certainly done it so far this season.
ILL-LOGICAL-I totally agree with your sentiments on tomorrows gm against the Rockets. I see this as another Bobcat type of gm and opponent, only the Rockets are better. Personally, I can’t wait to see how we approach and play the Magic, after that preseason ending butt kicking embarrassment they gave us. CONFIDENCE is what fuels us, and will carry us and make us better.
UFCRuleZ
January 26th, 2010
8:26 pm
It was very interesting for me to read that post. Thanks for it. I like such themes and anything connected to them. BTW, try to add some photos
.