Zaza, the Jazz and some links
Hey, folks -
Hope you are well.
Had a few things for you. I talked to Zaza Pachulia Thursday about his alley-oop pass to Al Horford in the Memphis game. (If you didn’t see it, he forced a turnover, started going upcourt and then lobbed to Horford on the break.) I’ll have that Q&A – not terribly newsworthy, but kind of fun and interesting, I thought – and then some stuff from Mike Woodson about Utah, my brief take on Friday night and a couple links.
Q&A with Zaza
Q: What happened on the play?
A: I took a couple dribbles and I saw that nobody was guarding me so I took it all the way. I was just trying to read the defense and Al Horford did a great job. He ran on the fast break and he was ahead of everybody. Rudy Gay was kind of in between and I just threw the ball up. Al is very athletic and I knew he was going ot get it. It was a great play. Al made it happen because he ran.
Q: When you let it go, did you think you might have thrown it too high?
A: It felt good. But still every once in awhile, I do those kinds of things. When I let the ball go, it was good. I knew Al was going to get it. Those are two people I’d throw the ball to (on an alley-oop), Al and Josh (Smith). Even if it isn’t (on target), if you throw the ball maybe left or right, they’ll catch it and dunk. … It was right at the rim, so Al just had to catch it and dunk it. It worked out.
Q: I’m guessing you don’t get to practice that much.
A: No, not lobs. I lob passes and I have done it before too, but not from that far away. Normally, I don’t bring the ball up. (I think this is my favorite line in the interview.)
Q: You looked really happy after that play?
A: It’s something that doesn’t happen a lot (note: he meant the play, not him being happy). People got excited. Fans liked it. My teammates liked it. It was an exciting moment.
Q: What’s next, going between the legs?
A: I don’t know. Next is Utah Jazz. (Second favorite line) That’s not a big man’s job. If it happens, it happens. Normally, a big man doesn’t do that.
Woodson on the Jazz
The question, asked by sideline reporter and Bayou legend James Verrett when the two of us met with Woodson Thursday, was if the Hawks already know what’s coming from the Jazz because they’ve done the same things for so long:
Woodson: They have, but they do it fundamentally. They do it better and harder probably than any team in the league. (Coach) Jerry (Sloan) basically coaches how he plays. He played hard and his players, they play hard. They physically get after you. If you don’t meet them head on, they will embarrass you.
James: So it’ll be a test of your toughness?
Woodson: Sure it will. Every time we play them.
My brief take on Jazz-Hawks
The Hawks have done pretty well in the two games they’ve played against pure point guards (Boston with Rajon Rondo and Dallas with Jason Kidd). Rondo had three points and nine assists, Kidd had three points and six assists, and from my vantage point, it looked like the official scorer in Dallas was on a mission to pad Kidd’s stats.
So, while a lot more goes into beating the Jazz (and Boston and Dallas) than defending point guards, that bodes well for the Hawks against Deron Williams.
(This is off topic, but did you realize that LeBron James is averaging 8.0 assists per game? That’s ridiculous. Though, as regards the point about Kidd, he averages 8.8 assists at home and 7.2 on the road. I think that would make for an interesting article. Assists are very subjective in my opinion.)
Anyway, the Hawks’ defensive field goal percentage in the last three games – 48.6, 50.6, 50.0. Part of it is that the games were blowouts – Memphis shot 55.6 percent in the fourth quarter – but they were shooting 48.3 percent through three quarters. Utah is one of the best shooting teams in the league and also does a good job at holding onto the ball, though the Jazz don’t rebound all that well.
Links:
Dime magazine thinks that Woodson has been the best coach in the league this year.
“…he has been able to keep everyone on the roster happy by keeping the focused on sharing the ball, defense and winning.”
Jazz notes from the Deseret News.
My story today about how the Hawks look at the multitude of statistical measures that have become increasing popular.
From the last post:
Coleco - I asked Marvin that around the Boston game. He said he didn’t feel pressure because of the contract, that he felt pressure last year playing for this contract. He generally seems to be pretty upbeat whenever I talk to him. For what it’s worth, he does as much extra shooting as anyone on the team, as best I can tell.
Lastly, thanks to those who have offered up your kind words about my efforts. I sincerely appreciate all of them. It’s trite, but it means a lot.
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356 comments Add your comment
bigdave
December 18th, 2009
9:28 pm
Philly has closed in on Boston…
J.J.M.
December 18th, 2009
9:30 pm
man marvin…
O'Brien
December 18th, 2009
9:32 pm
Regardless of how many points Marvin has, he is still so clumsy. And how many times does he get his shot blocked lol.
Teague is so quick. Once he learns to finish in traffic (and hit the jumper consistently), he will be almost unstoppable.
J.J.M.
December 18th, 2009
9:33 pm
the bucks will choke
J.J.M.
December 18th, 2009
9:35 pm
starters getting lots of rest
Blast
December 18th, 2009
9:35 pm
The bad thing about Hawks blowing out opponents? Joe and Josh cannot pad their numbers since they sit part of the 3rd and most of the 4th. Then the game gets predictable since we all know a blowout is coming, but I will take it anytime.
Go Hawks, Go!
bigdave
December 18th, 2009
9:35 pm
Teague has stupid handles…
bigdave
December 18th, 2009
9:37 pm
refs need to throw their whistles into the crowd…
bigdave
December 18th, 2009
9:43 pm
Shaq just clothes lined Jennings…
bigdave
December 18th, 2009
9:45 pm
Teague just pinned that…
Blast
December 18th, 2009
9:45 pm
U gotta luv the Teager, man!
AD
December 18th, 2009
9:47 pm
That Teague block just rivaled his thunderous dunk from last night
JB
December 18th, 2009
9:47 pm
Yea I’d say this draft is the best draft for points since 2005
Melvin
December 18th, 2009
9:48 pm
Ok Woody we have to play the Bulls tomorrow. Why do you still have Crawford (28+mins) in the game.
Melvin
December 18th, 2009
9:53 pm
My goodness D.Williams and Boozer combine for 8 pts and 8 turnovers…lol
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 18th, 2009
9:53 pm
Marvin is more gifted with the ways he wears his towels for headgear on the bench than anything he does on the court….tucked in under the warm up and fitting over his head to resemble a sphinx or pharaoh. This guy is one heck of a cheerleader/character while on the pine, just look how happy and playful he is riding the wood. That’s one guy who knows his role on this team. Great guy.
Melvin
December 18th, 2009
9:56 pm
As much Kudos we have given the Hawks bench these past couple of games, I must say they played poorly tonight. They gave up 32 pts in the 4th qtr while only scoring 15pts…
O'Brien
December 18th, 2009
9:57 pm
You’re right. The Bucks are choking. Up by 2 at half time, and now they’re down 10 in the 3rd quarter.
Great game Hawks and Woody. We should be well rested for our next game.
bigdave
December 18th, 2009
9:57 pm
Philly up 1… 29 secs. Bos. ball…
Truth-Serum
December 18th, 2009
9:57 pm
This loss was Sloan’s fault. How in the Hell did he let an awful coach like Woodson out coach him. I thought this was suppose to be a tough game.
Samuel
December 18th, 2009
9:57 pm
Extend Woody NOW!!!!
Truth-Serum
December 18th, 2009
9:59 pm
Im picking all five hawks starter for the all star game.
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 18th, 2009
10:00 pm
You know the hawks on a roll when you actually get used to seeing guys like Othello Hunter on the court. That dude is usually behind the bench in the front row fan seats
Truth-Serum
December 18th, 2009
10:01 pm
I thought Sloan was a super coach and out of Woodson’s league. Looks like he got out coached tonight!
bigdave
December 18th, 2009
10:02 pm
Philly wins… yessir…
O'Brien
December 18th, 2009
10:03 pm
Samuel,
As long as Woody keeps wining, his extension will come.
I just hope we see these kind of games in the playoffs.
Wabe
December 18th, 2009
10:03 pm
Another great game tonite.
Philly beat the C’s.
O'Brien
December 18th, 2009
10:04 pm
Sixers won in Boston. The Hawks are one game behind the Celtics for the best record in the East.
Great job Hawks and Woody
vava74
December 18th, 2009
10:06 pm
disappointing and sloppy garbage minutes tonight… only really negative point worth mentioning.
8hr Cialis
December 18th, 2009
10:07 pm
The Hawks should try to pick up Marcus Camby. This would take them to the next level. A good defender and will be able to guard the big men in the east. Shaq, Howard, Garnet.
Blast
December 18th, 2009
10:08 pm
Philly beat Celts by one!
Truth-Serum
December 18th, 2009
10:08 pm
Obrien thats if Sund can afford him. He should have extended him earlier, it would have been a steal in retrospect. This contract expires at the end of the year. It will take a new contract at that point…..Poker anyone?
kwooden1
December 18th, 2009
10:09 pm
GREAT WIN!
I can’t believe how poorly the Jazz starters played and how great the Hawks defensive was. I wish I could have seen the game, but listening to the game the Jazz turnovers just wouldn’t stop. Great effort by the HAWKS, especially with a game tomorrow night in Chicago. Josh Smith is justing getting better and better at the defensive end, he’s leading the league in blocks/per and his energy is just game changing. I’m shocked by the victory margin!
GO HAWKS!!!
Benjamin
December 18th, 2009
10:12 pm
Rick Sund, you get that man a contract. ARE YOU HEARING ME? YOU SIGN THAT MAN!
KevinA
December 18th, 2009
10:14 pm
Jamal and Evans picked a good game to have an off night. No problem because Marvin, Josh and Al went for 18-26. Mercy 18-26? Another 26 assist night – great team ball.
Al was 6-7 – contender for best FG? in the NBA? Give the kid the rock.
Josh MVP of game – once again friggin outstanding. His D changed the entire game. not to mention 5 steals 8 rebounds, 2 blocked shots. As nire has pointed out, the box score does not always tell the tale. Josh took away their offense.
JJ did not have big numbers but his 7 assists were huge. 5 games in a row he has set the tone with unselfish passing.
bigdave
December 18th, 2009
10:22 pm
if the Hawks swarm defensively night end and out (like tonight) we have a good chance in representing the east…
O'Brien
December 18th, 2009
10:23 pm
Truth Serum,
Lets see, accept the Hawks offer at the end of the year, and return to a team thats been to the playoffs 3 years in a row, or go and become the coach of a young team who is rebuilding, because he feels disrespected by the Hawks and some other team might offer him more money?
A player might change teams because of that, but I dont think a coach will. I think regardless of how much money or how many years they offer Woody at the end of the playoffs, I think he is going to accept the deal.
Post Gamer
December 18th, 2009
10:25 pm
James Verett to Joe Johnson: “Are you used to sitting out the third quarter?”
Joe Johnson: “As long as we keep winning, and everyone keeps having fun, with a smile on their face, that’s what it’s all about…”
How sweet. This link’s for you JJ.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGbnua2kSa8
Keep smilin’ Joe Johnson, keep smilin’… And, Merry Christmas/whatever other holiday you celebrate to the blog.
KevinA
December 18th, 2009
10:26 pm
I have heard it mentioned a couple of times – maybe the Hawks are just trying to size Woody’s contract. A new one is a done deal. The playoffs decide between 1-4 years. If JJ was smart he would take the offer and go out a winner. Down economy and smaller cap. use your brains kid. You got Al and Josh to ride – what’s not to like?
bigdave
December 18th, 2009
10:30 pm
charge on Lebron… not called…
wow…
Post Gamer
December 18th, 2009
10:42 pm
Ya’ll know your basketball, so I know this has already been said. But, I feel like saying it too…Josh Smith rocks!! The Kid has really come into his own this season. His maturation as a player is fueling the strong season Atlanta is having. The Hawks are 19-6 and JJ has been a dominant factor in how many games? Smith continues to fill up the stat sheet. Not only is he leading the league in blocks per game, but The Kid is altering many more on the defensive end of the floor. Josh Smith is emerging as the main factor in Atlanta’s success.
Truth-Serum
December 18th, 2009
10:43 pm
O’Brien , KevinA, I think it is a poker match at this point. This team is a part of Woody no doubt and Sund is banking on that. They are in the playoffs 3 years in a row in part because of Woodson f’s developing this team. It just as important for the hawks to keep Woodson for what he has done and brings to the players and team. He the chef thats stirring the soup and blending the ingredients. Who knows what affect his departure will have on unity, chemistry and flow?
I dont think hes playing for a 1 year extension. His contract expires at the end of the year so he coaching for a new contract. Question is how much money is out there for him? For the right price and contract he can be proud of the job hes done, feel good and go get his retirement money together. Hell work his way back to the playoffs.
Jody
December 18th, 2009
10:46 pm
Great win for the Hawks tonight. You know, for all the talk about who the best perimeter defender is, I don’t think anyone on this teams has better anticipation and quicker hands in the passing lanes than J-Smoove. I know alot is made of his shot blocking prowess, but I think he’s just as scary on the perimeter.
Idiot Watch
December 18th, 2009
10:48 pm
Josh is good and a great player but he aint clutch as jj. Their games are complete different. This is JJ’s team. You take JJ out of this mix and this team is not the great team they have become. JJ is the most consistent and the corner stone.
O'Brien
December 18th, 2009
10:49 pm
If the Hawks keep winning big, JJ wont get to pad his stats the way he wants to. Or he may not be required (as much) to bail us out in the 4th.
But maybe he wants to stay with the Hawks, but they could only offer 4 years. When his contract expires, I think they can give him up to 6 years. (I would not give him more than 5, and make the 6th year an option).
Truth Serum,
I think Woody will get at least 2 years. But if the Hawks make it to the ECF or NBA finals, he will get at least 3, maybe 4.
Ken Strickland
December 18th, 2009
10:53 pm
Fortunately, RSund has enough sense not to let a win streak influence how he does his job or the decisisons he makes. Just like the organization didn’t overreact and fire Woodson when he was losing during his 1st 4yrs, there’s no reason for them to overreact now and resign him before the end of the playoffs.
They need to see if he can do a better job of coaching this yrs much deeper and more talented team in the playoffs than he did in last yrs playoffs. Sund now knows this team is talented enough and has matured enough to be considered a potential Eastern conference and/or NBA finalist. He wants to make certain it has an NBA finalist calibur HC before making a foolishly premature decision.
What benefit does the team get by extending Woodson’s contract now, and how will it be penalized by waiting? As good as this team has become, there will certainly be no shortage of quality HC’s willing to take over this team. I’ll also bet Woodson won’t be all that willing to leave all of this talent either.
Like GRANDAD said, wouldn’t it be an something if DOC Rivers came here? People in denial are fond of saying Doc didn’t become a good HC until Ainge got him KG and RAllen. Yet, they deliberately ignore the fact he was named COY with Orlando.
It’s also amusing to hear how some of the same individuals who claim Doc’s coaching success is due solely to player acquisition, also claim player acquisition has had absolutely nothing to do with Woodson’s success. WHERE’S THE LOGIC?
KevinA
December 18th, 2009
10:54 pm
Truth-Serum
January will be a big test, much tougher. But I like the game to game Hawks. Good for Woody and the players so far.
I like the old saying – we are not this good and if we lose 3 of 5 – we are not this bad.
GO HAWKS
December 18th, 2009
10:59 pm
Was it sold out? seemed like a good loud crowd
GO HAWKS, this is the year
doc
December 18th, 2009
11:00 pm
you know the hire woody folks are just s aggravating and obnoxious as the fire woody guys have been.
was at the game tonight, never have seen a hawks team so involved and intense to dominate a good team like they did for 6 minutes to start the third quarter then finish it out in that quarter. sooo much fun to see them get up with the crowd as they snuffed everything the jazz put up. surprised sloan just let them play without any timeout to stop the onslaught as he had done it earlier in the game with us up 21-10 early after a 21-6 run. maybe he just was his team was not going to compete this night no matter what.
Post Gamer
December 18th, 2009
11:02 pm
Idiot Watch:
You sound like Joe Johnson’s agent in a contract year. JJ clutch? Yes. He’s excelled in this catagory. But, The Kid is taking over control of this team. He is becoming a dominant factor on both ends of the court. JJ is what you call a paper tiger. Looks great on the surface, but lacks substance on the interior. Translation: The sharp shooter from Arkansas is one deminsional. I know, #2 averages 21 ppg, #5 averages 15+. But, Smith’s defense is the spark that ignites Atlanta’s fast break offense. And, that’s when the Hawks kick things into gear on go on huge runs that bury their opponents.
Josh “The Kid” Smith is becoming the Most Valuable Hawk. Like it or not, learn to love it. Because that’s the way it is and will continue to be. The team ain’t JJ’s squad anymore. There’s a new leader and he has twice as much talent and versatility. That’s a good thing for Atlanta. Chances are, this will be Johnson’s final season in the ATL.
Later, idiot.