Hawks-Knicks thread
Hello, all-
Hope you’ll be somewhere to see the game. I’ve got to get down there before I get stuck in SEC traffic.
Things I’ll be watching
1) What do the Hawks do with Al Harrington? The former Hawk busted out for 21 in the first game and had control of the game in the first half. Watch for double teams if he gets it in the post.
2) Same question with Toney Douglas. Expect him to see plenty of minutes off the bench, as Nate Robinson is squarely in Mike D’Antoni’s doghouse. Douglas also went for 23. Perhaps Mike Woodson goes to Jeff Teague, who knows a little about defending Douglas from their ACC days, and might be a good match in quickness.
3) Can the good feelings of unselfishness from Wednesday keep going? The Hawks assisted on 37 of 52 baskets as they moved the ball around and found open shooters. Given the way the Knicks defend (109.1 ppg defensively, third worst in the league), I’d expect they’ll have a chance to do so.
4) How many points does Joe Johnson get? His last three games – 9, 10, 12. (Mathemeticians among you will predict 15 points.)
5) Can they put the Knicks away early? With a Saturday night in Dallas awaiting them, the Hawks can use as much rest as they can get.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
468 comments Add your comment
Big Ray
December 4th, 2009
10:52 pm
Heh. I guess guys didn’t know their roles again…heh…
Big Ray
December 4th, 2009
10:53 pm
I’m out. See y’all tomorrow. Hoping for a better result, but I can see where we can easily have a bad december and slide right out of contention for the top 4 spots. I hope not, but he opportunity is there.
Ken Strickland
December 4th, 2009
10:57 pm
How can anybody be so blind that they can blame Horford for our poor DEF, but not see how their guards were constantly using Bibby as a doorway to the basket. If Bibby had done a better job of defending his man, there wouldn’t have been such a necessity to have someone defend the basket.
I saw what was happening with Bibby in the 1st half, but like a lot of you, Woodson just turned a blind eye to it, left him in and allowed it to continue happening. Anybody that saw this gm and can say Woodson performed like a COY candidate needs to have their butts kicked. He didn’t manage mins, rotations, use strategy or even think about using matchups or creating any matchups. We just saw a former DEF coordinator holding the position of HC thinking and acting like a DEF coordinator.
When Zaza replaced Smoove, he had a definite impact. I don’t remember seeing him in the gm again after that. And how do you explain Joe Smith getting only 5mins with Smoove playing only 13mins? WE NEED A HC, PERIOD! Having said that, I still don’t blame Woodson alone for the loss, but he’s certainly the primary culprit.
In defense of JSmith, sometimes it’s the officials that need to grow up. As a player, you have to expect an official to miss a foul. But when they miss 2-3 on consecutive plays, and you make them aware of it, the official can’t take it out on the offended player just because he’s embarrassment at missing those calls. Josh was fouled on each of those plays. By the same token, MWilliams got fouled 2-3 times on one play under the basket and continued to play without losing his cool.
After playing only 13mins, he has to understand 1 or 2 foul calls won’t be the deciding factor that early in the gm. You quitely and respectfully let the official know he missed the calls and look to get what is referred to as make up calls when the game is on the line. It’s called banking good will. When you approach the official in anger, the official will usually respond accordingly. All of that continued cursing, yelling and complaining just might remind the official of what he or she has to endure with the spouse, and then take it out on you.
Mr. Lau
December 4th, 2009
11:02 pm
Sporting news did a list with the 50 best players in the game nowadays, of which only 6 were centers. Our undersized center was in postion 35, and #4 between all centers in the nba. But what do they know? Al sucks!! He has to go up to the key to defend smaller players leaving the rim unprotected, but i guess that is his fault too. He has stopped a few 7 footers this season, but it must have been luck because he cannot protect the rim. The guy was a monster in Florida, and in the NBA cannot be stopped by most PF and C, but still he does not get enough touches and still manages to put double-double numbers, but that does not matter because he cannot create his own shot!!
But hey, some of you experts are right!! Lets send Al to the bench and ask 7 feet-tall Randmo to handle the C; Or lets send Al to the wizards for Javale Mcgee.
Anthony
December 4th, 2009
11:02 pm
That means this team has lost to:Charlotte, NO, Detroit, and NY ALREADY.
Anybody that thinks this is a good basketball team is clearly a moron because this team CLEARLY peaked two weeks into the season. They’re losing nearly every game they play now.
richbrave
December 4th, 2009
11:04 pm
richbrave
December 4th, 2009
10:55 pm
BIG RAY:
Thought you might be interested in my latest rant on “WIZARDS INSIDER” since it so clearly shows what desire to win can do for a talented team like the HAWKS in relation to tonight’s love-fest with the KNICKS. DAMMIT, both my teams lose tonight. Heads will roll.
I posted this up on your blog also RAY. I wanted to be sure you saw it. And I see from your 8:21 here you can relate.
WIZARDS revert to form tonight, to wit: LIZARDS. Winning five of six is too heavy a burden for this team to carry. “Glory, glory, hallelujah, when I lay my burden down….” [PORGY and BESS].
Posted by: glawrence007 | December 4, 2009 10:23 AM | Report abuse
Posted by: glawrence007 | December 4, 2009 7:35 PM | Report abuse
And a third time. “Lay my burden down.” In other words…….wait, try this…….in FLIP SAUNDERS’ words, this team can’t stand prosperity. My sentiments exactly. While the phyrric “feel good, we played a good game” carma flowed around the arena and into t.v. land homes, FLIP called it like it was. “Two non-playoff teams…..”
Coaches disgust at kicking a sure win in the head, and snapping the winning spirit birthed by four wins in five games was palpable. Unfortunately, I was right on the money before the game, during the game, and now with the post-mortems. Damm, I hate it when I’m right.
The answer is to first try to instill that winning team spirit in the individual players…….that f*** you opponent, WE are NOT going to lose, so don’t swell up on me. And then secondly, begin the process of weeding out the ones who are infected with losers malaise and are unwilling to change.
Player accountability is on the horizon in D.C. for the first time in a long time.
Harpie
December 4th, 2009
11:08 pm
The Hawks will NEVER do squat with Woodson as “coach” – get him out of there, and get a coach who knows how to coach!!!!
Ken Strickland
December 4th, 2009
11:16 pm
If I was the Hawks HC and I saw JJ consistently running the clock down and pounding the ball trying to go inside, I’d make an adjustment and post him up inside. I WONDER WHY THE COY HASN’T THOUGHT OF THAT. HOW CAN A DEFENSIVE MINDED HC LEAVE BIBBY IN THE GM FOR 33MINS AND HE TAKES ONLY 6SHOTS, SCORES 6PTS, HAS 2 ASSISTS AND PROVIDES A STARGATE PORTAL TO THE BASKET FOR 4 NY GUARDS WHO ALL SCORED BETWEEN 16 AND 25PTS?
COY MY A$$.
richbrave
December 4th, 2009
11:25 pm
KEDN STRIK:
I see you are of a similar mind Mr. STRICKLAND. Everytime I see BIBBY on “D” I cringe. “…….STARGATE PORTAL…….” That would be LOL funny if it weren’t so sad.
Smoove
December 4th, 2009
11:28 pm
Josh Smith was embarrassed about missing a wide open dunk, and like many 12 year olds took it out by poutng.
Smith is a lazy idiot and he puts the letter n in the word.
Grandad
December 4th, 2009
11:30 pm
Late arriving – had to watch the “Monk” finale.
TS – You make a good point about Al, but don’t overstate your case. Al is a terrific player alongside Josh. He’s a terrific player period. However, yes, we need a [long] shot blocking presence even if it’s someone to come off the bench. Although a starter would be nice.
Big Ray – You were dead on with “where were our leaders” to save Josh from himself. I have not read any post game commentary but it is about time to hear “we need to learn to trust one another” Joe hasn’t pulled that one out in a while.
Another thing I noticed tonight was how Bibby never moves on offense. If he is to be our pt. guard then he may very well be what/who is slowing us down. (of course mr.w loves him) He doesn’t seem to push the ball, as our bigs take off and run. He walks it down and he and Joe play their 2 man perimeter game. Josh and Al are the ones who initiate most of the fast breaks. Just an observation.
There is no [zero/nada] excuse for what happened tonight. If this game was a one time thing, then maybe. But there is a pattern of inconsistency with this team. Not just ups and downs but Peaks and Valleys.
Grandad
December 4th, 2009
11:44 pm
I left off one item…when mr.w. made his comment about he hoped to go 10-4 or 8-6 or whatever; that drives me nuts. He is building in losses before they occur. I was criticized for saying something similar before
but that seems to perpetuate an excuse making loser’s s mentality. I realize going undefeated is virtually impossible, but Aim for the stars
that way if you miss you still hit the moon.
Wabe
December 4th, 2009
11:45 pm
Can’t understand how some of you believe that the defensive lapses we suffered in this loss have anything to do with Horford. At times, guys were blowing by our defenders with no help to prevent them from getting in the lanes – much of that had to do with Horford being on the perimeter as a result of switches.
There were points in that 2nd half when we saw Knicks players get uncontested layups inside, no Horford in sight. Why? Again, he was out on the perimeter as a result of switches.
To those who talk of Woody being the COY, tonites game is a prime example of why some would beg to differ. Seeing how badly the defensive effort had been in the 4th quarter, you’d expect to see some form of adjustment. I’m assuming he called on the switching because the Hawks were getting burned beyond the arc in that first half, but truthfully, seeing how easily the Knicks were getting into the lane with no help, you’d hope Woody would re-adjust and STOP WITH THE SWITCHING!!!!! You can’t defend the basket when you’re big man is out on the perimeter checking a gaurd…
Fritz
December 5th, 2009
12:06 am
Ken Strickland is the WORD!!
No sign of Samuel tonight. After our disgraceful performance tonight even he couldn’t put a good word in on our coach. D’Antonio schooled Woody tonight.
honest_abe
December 5th, 2009
12:08 am
how come samuel disappears after losses?
i’ve been saying it for weeks now. that hawks are who we thought they were… (before the season) which is 4th in the east. now if they had a competent head coach and they overachieved they could possibly sneak into either 2nd or 3rd. but 4th is the hawks ceiling under woody..
Anthony
December 5th, 2009
12:35 am
4th seed teams suck.
Anthony
December 5th, 2009
12:58 am
http://farm3.static .flickr.com/2559/415 8922451_a28d75810b_b .jpg
great crowd. A bingo party would have more people in the stands.
cp
December 5th, 2009
1:20 am
This is Woodrows 6th year and its the same crap. W
cp
December 5th, 2009
1:23 am
How is it that this team still has no identity, still let other teams dictate how they play, still cant make adjustments, still cant figure out how to properly use the bench, still cant develop a young pg… Ol Woodrow will ride the starters out even when they are ineffective. Bibby was horrible all night but Ol Woodrow just refused to try something different and get Bibby out of there. The switching was killing them but still went with it. I hope to never see anyone call this cat COY again on this blog.
2 FOR JOHN DREW
December 5th, 2009
2:14 am
I can envision Rick Sund handing Woody some rope …. And Woody saying ” Thanks Rick, I can
always that for something or other !!
JSS
December 5th, 2009
4:44 am
Just got in from the Office holiday Party…
Josh has got to stay on the floor… He just can’t go ‘Sheed and expect this team to succeed…
Anybody checked Clyde’s heart meds yet?
Clyde
December 5th, 2009
6:45 am
FIRE WOODY
darrell starks
December 5th, 2009
7:42 am
All right now as we can see its obvious we need a center bad, and 2 move horford 2 his natural position witch is powerford, until then the hawks will never be able 2 contend for and title.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 5th, 2009
7:45 am
Good coaches make adjustment why do woody continue 2 have the same starting line up. BIBBY, JOE, MARVIN, JOSH, HORFORD.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 5th, 2009
7:53 am
I say trade marvin right now for andris biedrins and you would have a front court of JOSH, HORFORD, BIEDRINS, the best defense front court in the league, josh shuting down at the 3 horford dominating at the 4 and biedrinds playing great defense at the center.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 5th, 2009
7:57 am
I no marvin scored 20points last night but its just feel like he have no impact when playing.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 5th, 2009
8:04 am
Woody is 2 in consistent as a coach, one night you score 145points and every one contribute and the next night, JOE SMITH 4MIN AND TEAGUE PLAY 1MIN thats very poor coaching not utilizing your bench like he supposted 2 when will this guy learn.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 5th, 2009
8:15 am
Rick sund go get biedrins right now as you can see we need a center bad, not just any sorry 7′0 center but a center who can play AND GET UP AND DOWN THE COURT LIKE BIEDRINS CAN.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
Clyde
December 5th, 2009
8:26 am
4PM. GA DOME. BE THERE.
ROOOOOOL TIDE ROOOOOOL
Truth-Serum
December 5th, 2009
9:35 am
You can always spot the unlearned wantabe fan’s because their emotions rise and fall with every win or lost.. At the end of 82 games they are irrational radicals, like the chief hater on this site.
For the balanced, keep in mind that we have 1 second tier allstar, no legitimate center, a guard who is can not defend and gets back down every time the other teams need a sure basket.We have a open invitation to the basket because our center cant defend the post. These are weakness that the other coaches can and will exploit. You cant stop it with the talent we have. (lack of talent)Im ok with switching because man to man we would be less than a .500pct team. We have too many holes with bibby and, horford. This is an average team who looks good most of the time because of woody’s ability to compensate for these weaknesses. No team with one second tier all star can really hope to play like an elite team. So why be surprised when they dont? They arent an elite team, just a decent team with one second tier allstar.Although crawford is flasy and a good player he is not much better than flip, given the same number of minutes.
Dont get your hopes up and down. This team does not have much allstar caliber talent that would make them an titlist type team. No, some days you lose to the knicks and other days beat the celtics. By the Way. Even the lakers, celtic, cleveland and orlando, have days where they lose to the bottom teams or have a two, three game losing streak. Most fans support their teams through times like those, we call for the coaches head as if we are the defending champs. Do we have an 1st tier all star? This is not a championship team so stop expecting one!
Just keeping it real
Ken Strickland
December 5th, 2009
9:58 am
Some of you have got to stop allowing your opinions about certain players skew your overall judgement of what’s really going on. We were running Woodson’s beloved constantly switching DEF, which means our PF’s and C’s ended up playing PG and SG’s and vice versa. Normally, when Al or Horford is out on the perimeter and gets switched off on a guard, the other one is usually near the basket to cover. With Smoove out of the gm, Al had no backup. After playing so well after replacing Smoove(Horford was moved to PF), Zaza didn’t see much if any action after that.
In case those of you who appear to be blinded by personal issues with certain players didn’t notice, the Knicks were waxing our butts and scoring at will before Smoove was ejected. Him leaving the gm didn’t change a doggone thing about our poor DEF. In fact, we played better DEF after he was ejected, otherwise how do you explain our comeback from a 15pt deficit. It seems you clowns are more obcessed with focusing on certain players and looking for any dumbass excuse to justify your personal agendas than actually watching the gm transpire.
Why else do we constantly hear how poor AHorford or MWilliams or JJ’s performanced and not one comment, besides mine, about the unbelievably poor performance of MBibby. He stunk up the gym on both ends of the court, especially on DEF. How can anyone but a complete fool with an agenda criticize Marvin’s overall performance(20pts, 6RB-4OFF, 2AST, 1STL, or Horford’s(17PTS, 14REB-7OFF, 4AST, 1STL, or JJ’S(29PTS, 8REB-1OFF, 8AST and not make an issue of Bibby’s performance(6PTS, 3REB, 2AST)? Hell, even though Smoove was ejected after playing only 13mins, his statline was better than Bibby’s overall(8PTS, 5REB, 1AST, 1BLK, 2STL.
I WANT ONE OF YOU MARVIN, JJ OR HORFORD BASHERS TO TELL ME WHAT IN THE HELL DID BIBBY DO TO EARN 33MINS. I ALSO WANT ONE OF YOU WOODY LOVERS TO TELL ME WHAT IN THE HELL WAS WOODSON TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH BY CONTINUING TO PLAY A COMPLETELY INEFFECTIVE BIBBY AND NOT EVEN CONSIDER TEAGUE FOR MORE THAN 1:30MINS?
I’m actually more pissed now at what transpired last night than I was last night. THIS IS JUST ANOTHER PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THE STUPID AND UNJUSTIFIED COACHING INCONSISTENCY WE KEEP GETTING FROM WOODSON THAT I KEEP HARPING ABOUT. To hell with all of the BS about us needing a center, or someone playing out of position, or we need to trade for this player or that player, we need a HC that actually knows how to coach and make adjustments, changes and is capable and willing to take on all of the mandated responsibilities of being a HC. IT’S TIME FOR US TO SEE HOW MUCH BETTER THIS TEAM CAN BE WITH A HC THAT THINKS AND COACHES LIKE A HC AND NOT A DEF COORDINATOR. DEF COORDINATOR MY A$$, WHAT DAMN DEF?
HEY TRUTH SERUM, SAMUEL, ROD FROM CP, HOW ABOUT YOUR COY NOW(CLOWN OF THE YR)?
Ramon
December 5th, 2009
10:05 am
What is this talk about we need a center badly? No we don’t. If Smoove and Horford are playing the best ball of all the roster now, and its at their CURRENT positions, why would you change their positions? Many of our games get lost when Smoove or Horford attempts a difficult shot, and then Woody and JJ doesn’t go back to them for the next 4 min. But JJ can make difficult drives and shot attempts 7 out of 8 trips down the court, and doesn’t get anything but a hard look from Woody. Our front court is fine.
This is exactly why I don’t like coming here after a loss, because some of you guys go to the extreme after a loss. The Knicks won this game because every thing Harrington threw up went in during the first quarter, and the Knicks got away with a lot of fouls. Now if the Hawks come and win by 13 tonight, half of these comments will disappear.
The Hawks biggest problem is when JJ plays like he’s on a 13 win team. Have you guys noticed how much better the Hawks play when Smoove and Horford is 1/2 in scoring during the first half of games? The entire first half should be about getting those two in their zone and at the free throw line. And THEN you let JJ play more one on one in the 4th quarter if needed sometimes. But JJ will shoot a higher percentage and average more points by deferring to the low post block. Because the double team will come the same way Smoove was double teamed the other night.
Mr. Lau
December 5th, 2009
10:06 am
Well said Ken!!
Mr. Lau
December 5th, 2009
10:09 am
Ramón: JJ is in a contract year. He won’t allow a cut in his touches no matter what.
Ramon
December 5th, 2009
10:14 am
Mr. Lau, I know you’re probably right, but its still wrong and crazy. He should look at Kobe for an example. Kobe gave up shot attempts 2 years ago, and by doing that he still managed to average the same amount of points per game.
Mr. Lau
December 5th, 2009
10:23 am
You are right, Kobe became more efficient by doing that. If JJ can get out of his ISO J confort zone, the team will be better. The thing is, will he do that?
J williams
December 5th, 2009
10:24 am
JJ doesn’t get to decide how many touches he gets, the coach does. He dribbles too much. The play a lot better when they’re moving the ball around, veruses JJ trying to score over tow, sometimes three defenders. WIth that many people gaurding him, someone else has to be open.
It’s not JJs fault though that the Hawks have settled into the 4th spot, where they will likely remain, unless they totally collaspe, and drop lower.
Josh Smith can’t allow himself to be tossed last night. You missed the dunk, voice your point, and move on to the next play. The refs will give you a make up later, so don’t let one missed dunk cause you to get tossed.
After he got the tech, he should have piped down. You can’t play the game off of emotions alone.
BONE
December 5th, 2009
10:29 am
MIKE WOODSON IS THE REASON THIS TEAM IS UNDERACHIEVING.
Ramon
December 5th, 2009
10:31 am
J Williams, Josh didn’t say that much after the first miss. And all of this had been boiling before the miss dunk. If there was any game to voice your opinion about the referees, this was the game. Bibby and Josh are the only starters who even talk to the referees. And if you’re going to get pissed in a game, then you would think the Hawks could be able to beat a NY team at home without Josh. Especially since so many on this board said Josh was the one who should be moved over the summer. People wanted to move him for Biedrins, and some chips. I liked last night because it finally showed viewers and the team who their most important player is.
Mz. Hawkdafied
December 5th, 2009
10:32 am
I am so relieved some other team gave the Nets their first win. I was worried for a minute our wacky Hawks would be the first to do so.
Too much orange and blue in the house last night. Couldn’t tell the Gators from the Knicks fans. It is becoming sickening to the stomach how Atlanta is not showing up for the NBA games taking place in their own city. I am tired of other teams’ fans taking over our NBA arena.
Yeah you can blame low crowds on the Hawks not beating teams they’re supposed to beat but think about it the Falcons haven’t exactly been so great this season. And yet they have a loyal following that fill up the dome and are loud for the entire game. The Falcon tickets are more expensive than the Hawks tickets so don’t give me the economy is bad line. If you can drop $55 to sit in the nosebleeds at the Falcons game, surely you can drop $10-$30 for a seat in the upper level at a Hawks game.
It’s messed up how the Knicks fans show more support for their team with a losing record than Atlanta who has a team with a winning record.
Anthony
December 5th, 2009
10:50 am
This Hawks team does NOT deserve fan support. Why would people pay money to support a 4th seed team? it doesn’t make sense.
O'Brien
December 5th, 2009
11:04 am
Ken, I am with you on Bibby. He played 33 minutes of horrible defense, 6 pts, 2 assists, 3 rebounds and 5 fouls. But yet Woody and others are concerned about Teague’s minutes costing us games.
Also, JJ played 44 minutes last night. Will anyone be surprised if he goes 6-20 tonight? Our starting PF played 13 minutes, but his backup Joe Smith only played 5 minutes. Good thing we have all this depth huh Woody?
ZaZa started the 3rd quarter scoring 5 quick points, but was never seen or heard from again. How is that good coaching? And for those of us complaining about the players, a good coach will make the most of what he has. The problem is the Hawks have no identity, no system, and make no adjustments.
And Smoove’s ejection did not cost us the game, lets not forget that the Hawks were up by 1 going into the 4th quarter. I thought Woody was a defensive minded head coach? Where’s the defensive adjustments?
The question is which Hawks team (and which Woody) will show up tonight?
Ramon
December 5th, 2009
11:06 am
Anthony, so you’re saying all but 6 teams in the league (cause their can only be 6 teams who are seeded higher than the 4 seed) should not have fan support?
Anthony
December 5th, 2009
11:16 am
Anthony, so you’re saying all but 6 teams in the league (cause their can only be 6 teams who are seeded higher than the 4 seed) should not have fan support?”
Well, when you factor in this franchies lack of accomplishments throughout history it’s clear that nothing major will ever happen for this franchise. Most of the teams in this league don’t deserve fan support.
Anthony
December 5th, 2009
11:18 am
This franchise is right back where they were in 1997 when they were only good enough to get to the second round to get stomped by better teams. And Joe Johnson is just as lousy of a first option as Steve Smith was. Second rate players trying to lead a franchise and this is what you get.
Ken Strickland
December 5th, 2009
11:19 am
I look at the overall behavior of this team the way I look at the the overall behavior of children coming out of a particular household. If they are selfish and undeciplined, at some point I have to consider their hometraining, or lack thereof, and that falls directly on the parents.
JJ isn’t doing what he’s doing because he’s in a contract yr. Wasn’t he doing the same things last yr? JJ does what he does because he knows Woodson isn’t going to say or do a damn thing about it. Bibby is the same way. It seems Woodson, if he actually does anything, attempts to take action only if it involves a player that was drafted under him. If a veteran player comes here through trade of FA, he seems to get a free pass on his on court behavior.
The inconsistency of this team on both ends of the court falls at the feet of the HC. It’s funny how when we were winning and running over everyone, Woody lovers were quick to give him all the credit and declare him COY. But as soon as the team starts to reflect the effects of his uneven coaching tactics and philosophy, it becomes Marvin’s, JJ’s, Smoove’s, Bibby’s and/or Horford’s fault.
Isn’t it also ironic that some of the same individuals, who are currently complaining about Smoove’s alledged lack of maturity after 5yrs, or Marvins lack of aggressiveness and production after 4yrs, or Horford’s lack of overall improvement after 2yrs or JJ’s unwillingness to change after 4yrs here, are some the same one’s that lauded Woodson and gave him total credit for developing this team and it’s players?
I’m still waiting for one of you WOODY LOVERS and PLAYER BASHERS to respond to my questions. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I MEAN WHEN I SAY THIS TEAM HAS MANAGED TO PROGRESS AND WIN IN SPITE OF WOODSON. UNFORTUNATELY, THEY WERE UNABLE TO OVERCOME HIS INEPTITUDE LAST NIGHT.
Look, I apologize for going off on a tangent. I’m really disappointed in both Woodson and the team overall. I honestly meant what I said about hoping he would finally realize how the Toronto blowout was in large part due to using his bench and allowing everyone a chance to contribute and would let this be the beginning of something new. But then we get involved in a gm that requires some adjustments, strategy, and detailed coaching, his response was to simply go back into his coaching shell and rely totally on the same players and same limited rotation as always. I guess it best for me to lower my expectations of the team and Woodson. That way I won’t get so disappointed with the results.
Mz. Hawkdafied
December 5th, 2009
11:23 am
The only team in Atlanta that can be called World Champions is the Atlanta Braves. Even though the Falcons had a trip to the Superbowl in 1999. They are still not world champions. It’s not any more exciting to see opponents’ receivers catch passes over Brent Grimes than it is to see teams score easy layups on the Hawks. Why can’t this city get fans just excited about NBA games as they do about NFL games? What can the Hawks do catch the attention of Atlanta? Because many Atlantans/ATLiens still DON’T KNOW!
Anthony
December 5th, 2009
11:25 am
It’s not any more exciting to see opponents’ receivers catch passes over Brent Grimes than it is to see teams score easy layups on the Hawks. Why can’t this city get fans just excited about NBA games as they do about NFL games? What can the Hawks do catch the attention of Atlanta? Because many Atlantans/ATLiens still DON’T KNOW!”
Play the game at a high level and crappy or B level.
Ramon
December 5th, 2009
11:34 am
Anthony, less than 4-5 teams have won the title since 97. So are you saying the other 24 + teams in the league shouldn’t have support? You realize it would take 30 years for each team to win a championship right? So why do you watch the Hawks? The love of basketball and NBA is bigger than just the love of championships. In the 90s, the Hawks nor any other team were going to be the Bulls. That is just plain and simple. Utah were beaten by MJ twice. Should they not have support?
Anthony
December 5th, 2009
11:40 am
The NBA game is not entertaining enough (Which is why the league suffers from lack of fan support) to just be happy with a 47 win team. Nobody will give a crap about a 47 win team in 3 or 4 years. Nobody cares. It is all about contending for a title. That is all it’s about. Championship aside though, this team plays a poor brand of basketball. You take away the Hawks dunking and they’re left with very little on a consistent basis. This team doesn’t run plays, doesn’t pass or play any defense at all. Other teams are shooting about 39% in 3’s against the Hawks. 39%!
The late 90’s Hawks teams couldn’t beat anybody of note in the playoffs. They could only get by Grant Hill and a bunch of hobbled old vets like Grant Long and Joe Dumars.