Live from Denver International Airport…
Denver – This is a little later than promised (something the editors at my paper have heard more than a few times from me). I thought there’d be Internet access on the plane, but there was not. (I’ve since landed, and am now at a little table finishing up, before going to get my car.)
Anyway, my thoughts on Minnesota.
As I watched the game in the estimable company of Hawks sideline reporter James Verrett and Hawks PR man Arthur Triche, my impression was that the game was a little raggedy, that the Hawks weren’t really sharp and no one, save Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford, played all that well. Minnesota was getting open looks at the basket and had more energy.
The man the Hawks call "Big Country"
But, looking at the box score, and certainly the final score, it would certainly indicate that the Hawks dominated. The Hawks shot 48.9 percent and held Minnnesota to 41.1 and forced 22 turnovers. They were 9 for 20 from 3-point range and assisted on more than half of their baskets (22 of 43). They only turned the ball over 10 times.
So it made me wonder if I’ve come to judge this team with an overly critical eye, or if I was focused on how many fouls the Hawks took (29, their second-highest total of the season) and their free-throw shooting (17 for 25), or if the Hawks actually didn’t play all that great but still managed to deliver a 26-point beatdown, which is the Timberwolves second-worst loss of the year, which, given that it’s the Timberwolves, is saying something.
Anyway, old news. Onto the Nuggets. Don’t know what you remember from last time, but a refresher. The Hawks were coming back to Philips after the West Coast trip that ended with the blowout loss to Charlotte. It was the second night of a back-to-back, while Denver was in Atlanta for a day or two. To that point, it was their biggest win of the season, I’d argue, a 125-100 win. The Hawks shot 54.5 percent from the floor and outrebounded Denver 44-36. Interestingly, the Nuggets shot 41 free throws, making 36, both season highs for Hawks opponents. The Hawks took 33 fouls, a season high.
For what it’s worth, when I did my story about what statistics Mike Woodson and Rick Sund use, I found a story online about how the Nuggets director of qualitative analysis – can you imagine Red Auerbach having one of those? – was helping the team. George Karl sounded what gave like begrudging credit to him for helping shape the strategy to “winning the free-throw line.”
You'd think a diagram on free-throw shooting form wouldn't have the off hand placed under the ball. Nice kicks, though.
Using stats through Monday, Denver was averaging 32.7 free throws per game, far and away best in the league. The second-best team was Orlando at 28.3. The gap between Denver and Orlando was about the same as the one between Orlando and the No. 20 team in the league. (The Hawks were at 23.6)
Getting to the line, as I imagine Karl himself would say, is only part of the equation. Some of the teams close to the top are Charlotte, Washington and Toronto.
Digression alert: In the pursuit of my own quantitative analysis, I just looked at how the division leaders ranked in a number of statistics in search of “What do all good teams do?” Leaving out point differential, my parameters were to find which statistic has the most division leaders in the top 10.
Two had five of the division leaders – opponents points per game and opponents field goal percentage. Perhaps you might have guessed it.
Opponents PPG top 10 – Boston, Portland, Charlotte, Cleveland, Lakers, Detroit, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Dallas, San Antonio. (Hawks are 11)
Opponents FG pct. top 10 – Lakers, Cleveland, Boston, Dallas, Portland, Indiana, Orlando, Oklahoma City, Charlotte, Chicago. (Hawks are 18) (I guess there is a reason Mike Woodson talks about this all the time. I think it’s his favorite statistic. He wants the team to get to 43, 44 percent. Before Minnesota, the Hawks were 45.9.)
end digression
Back to Denver: The thing that I remember most about that game (it was the first game I covered in place of Sekou) was Josh Smith’s block of Chris Andersen, and how he was just all over the floor – 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, six blocks and one turnover. Also, Denver was without Kenyon Martin and J.R. Smith. The Nuggets should have them in the lineup, but might not have Chauncey Billups. He was limited in practice Monday and is unsure if he’ll be able to return against the Hawks. That, obviously, is significant.
For what it’s worth, Martin averaged 14.5 points and five rebounds, shooting 56.5 percent from the floor in two games last year against the Hawks.
Two nba.com links on your favorite coach (I guess I’m being literal for some, sarcastic for others).
Woodson as early coach of the year candidate.
Denver Post Nuggets beat writer Ben Hochman reports that Karl, who, along with Woodson and Phil Jackson are the only three coaches in the league (I think) on the last year of their contracts (and Jackson is not at all in the same category as Woodson and Karl because Jackson can just say the word and he can come back) has been offered a three-year extension worth $11 million.
On its way to George Karl's house.
Hawks as role models for the Timberwolves, according to the Star-Tribune.
Dime magazine weighs in on if the Hawks can win a championship.
Don’t know if you saw it, but my story on the Hawks’ leading the league in fewest turnovers. I saw Woodson reading it yesterday before the game. That was kind of a weird experience. Part of me wanted to see what he had to say, but, I suppose, another part of me didn’t. I left.
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338 comments Add your comment
Daniel
December 23rd, 2009
2:05 pm
yes, I am going to do it…..
First
wordsmithtom
December 23rd, 2009
2:06 pm
First.
Josh Smith should be fresh as a daisy tonight. Used the bench against the weaker sister. Tonight, Josh needs to stay out of foul trouble if our guys are to have a chance.
Daniel
December 23rd, 2009
2:08 pm
Ken,
Can you gently tell ‘Nique that you don’t use marshmellows to make home fries? Yes, he actually said that on the broadcast last night, along with his usual stampede of “more betters” “heat checks” MOO’s(master of the obvious comments)i.e. “that shot went in, so it means we scored.” and poor use of plurals.
Do you and Verrett ever giggle about that?
C’mon you know you do.
Ken Sugiura
December 23rd, 2009
2:10 pm
Ha ha, Daniel. I don’t listen to the commentary when I’m at the arena – not that I don’t want to, I just can’t – so all of what you guys say about Dominique is a little foreign to me. If I get a chance, though, I will let him know about marshmallows/home fries thing. I’m actually hoping to talk to him today for a story.
Westurd
December 23rd, 2009
2:17 pm
Whoa Ken……..I feel like I was just tossed into a tornado and spun around a few times………now what exactly were you focusing on in your blog? Ouch, my head hurts.
I MUS WRITE
December 23rd, 2009
2:27 pm
Daniel- looks like im not the only one who caught that. Hey what can you say man-its Nique ” Heat Check” LOL
Good stuff Ken……..
Hawks win tonight on Denvers floor 21-7 LETZ GIT IT
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2009
2:32 pm
Ken, by not listening to ‘Nique, you miss out on the “Hawks are on a fast break, and they have nimbers” and the “Heat Check” lol.
Josh Smith will be key tonight, because I think Birdman will give the Nuggets some energy. We need Josh to be our spark. And when Josh is blocking shots, it really helps our offense.
I dont know how many minutes JJ played last night, but I hope the guys are not tired, and will not be affected too much by the altitude.
ILL-logical
December 23rd, 2009
2:37 pm
Food for thought; COY can get you fired. In a recent discussion on NBA TV,Sam Mitchell , a former COY , remarked about how-in his opinion- the award sets up expectations that are not easily / realisticlly met and in his and Byron Scott’s case led to their demise.
terrell barron
December 23rd, 2009
3:07 pm
Didnt get to watch the game last night(work), but I saw the box-score this morning and saw that Teaguie only got 3 minutes. What’s up with that? Bibby must have been on fire? Was he? Thats the only way I can see him only playing for minutes. I did see that Crawdaddy went for 26. Guys help me out here. Did he come in an turn the ball over? Was Bibby on fire? Did he get injured? They were playing the freakin Timberwolves and won by 20, so why did our future pg only get 3 min?
Benjamin
December 23rd, 2009
3:17 pm
Tonight may be a loss and will certainly be a test.
Go Hawks.
Hollywould
December 23rd, 2009
3:21 pm
Terrell, teague was the last player to get in. I don’t understand Woodson. Up 20 with one minute left and he puts Josh back in?????? Josh has got to learn to shut his mouth. These refs are gonna put a Donaghy on him!!!
Hollywould
December 23rd, 2009
3:22 pm
Oh and by the way, Rathbun has already said the Hawks have won!!!
theZaZaguy
December 23rd, 2009
3:57 pm
I just realized something. We’re in the meat of the season. Even if we go 27-28 for the rest of the season, we win 47 games. That’s how many we won last season. Also, we’re almost undefeated coming off a loss. How many 3-4 game losing streaks did we have last season? We are slowly doing the things necessary to become elite. It’s a weird feeling…a win tonight will be most impressive.
Truth-Serum
December 23rd, 2009
4:23 pm
Zaza this team is built to run and gun! We will win a lot of games that way, Question is what will we do in the half court of playoff intensity when you have to have the talent to create your own shot.
By the way im proud of the way ZaZa is playing and you know ive been one of his fiercest critics
Daniel
December 23rd, 2009
4:30 pm
HOLY MOLELY- Truth just said “I’m proud of the way ZaZa is playing”. Am I in the Twilight Zone?
What’s next Ken says that Woody should be coach of the year and Clyde say HIRE WOODY?
Daniel
December 23rd, 2009
4:32 pm
terrell- The front court was basically playing a little lousy and getting fouls left and right. Woodson stuck with Bibby/Crawford/Johnson longer because until the 4th we were only up 8-12 points. I also think Woodson wanted Teague to watch Flynn so he could see what NOT to do as a rookie. That kid would take the ball up and shoot (bad shots) over and over.
Daniel
December 23rd, 2009
4:37 pm
Guys, I am going to be gone for a week. I will be watching the Hawks though. So to everyone: Truth/vava/IMUS/Ray/Nire/KevinA/Fundamentals/Tribe/doc/AJ/Ken(both)/Gee/Sautee….. anyone else I forgot.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Wishing Peace,Love and Joy to each and everyone of you.
Truth-Serum
December 23rd, 2009
4:46 pm
Daniel Ive said all along this year how much ive appreciated Z. The ZaZaMan and I have had this conversation before. its new to you. He and i agree that Z has stepped his game up. I actually dont think Zaza has hit his peak yet. He can still grow.
Truth-Serum
December 23rd, 2009
4:48 pm
Merry Christmas and holidays to you and yours Daniel!
OK out for a 4 mile run!
joe r
December 23rd, 2009
5:07 pm
Dominique- worst “color commentator” in the history of the NBA? Rathman has greater insight into the game and is more entertaining though i am not a great fan of him either.
Westurd
December 23rd, 2009
5:47 pm
joe, I don’t think anyone would argue with you, but Nique is Nique…..He put Atlanta basketball on the map!
doc
December 23rd, 2009
5:53 pm
for all those woody for coy award it is really a meaningless award based on this statement … Strange but true: Sam Mitchell and Avery Johnson have more coach of the year awards than Adelman.
isnt byron scott in that mix as well, cant remember if he won coy when the hornets exploded for over 60 wins and now finds himself as a broadcaster? really, what i want is woody to succeed and get his four year extension which would mean to me everyone is committed to something special and we as fans have had a very good 09-10 season to reflect on when woody signs in june. i would much rather see this than a meaningless coy award come his way.
Joe Mama
December 23rd, 2009
5:55 pm
Woodson has already suceeded
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 23rd, 2009
5:56 pm
It’s pretty fun reading the Braves blog right now.
Best team in Georgia!!
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 23rd, 2009
5:56 pm
Hawks are first on Hollingers Rankings, and the Lakers and Celtics fans are having a cow about it. Go check out the comments, it’s pretty funny.
doc
December 23rd, 2009
5:57 pm
thanks daniel.
Rufus1
December 23rd, 2009
6:00 pm
Veteran PG
I want the Hawks to try to acquire Kyle Lowry. He is a quick, plays very good “D” and is a veteran. We need a player like Lowry to truly contend in the east. I don’t have faith that teague will be a real contributor this year..
rusty
December 23rd, 2009
6:02 pm
nique is great & is the best ball player atlanta ever had
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2009
6:15 pm
doc,
Plus If I’m not mistaken, Sloan has never won COY either. And Sam Mitchell got fired only 1 or 2 years after winning COY. And it didnt take Avery Johnson long to get fired after winning COY.
I’m looking forward to the game tonight.
Truth-Serum
December 23rd, 2009
7:10 pm
Rank Player Team Stats
1 Dwight Howard Orl 2.43 ( 68/28 )
2 Josh Smith Atl 2.33 ( 63/27 )
3 Greg Oden Por 2.29 ( 48/21 )
4 Marcus Camby LAC 2.21 ( 62/28 )
5 Brendan Haywood Was 2.15 ( 56/26 )
6 Tim Duncan SA 2.13 ( 49/23 )
7 Kendrick Perkins Bos 2.04 ( 55/27 )
8t Samuel Dalembert Phi 2.00 ( 56/28 )
8t Brook Lopez NJ 2.00 ( 56/28 )
10 Erick Dampier Dal 1.95 ( 41/21 )
11 Andrew Bogut Mil 1.95 ( 39/20 )
12 Emeka Okafor NO 1.92 ( 50/26 )
13t Chris Andersen Den 1.78 ( 48/27 )
13t Roy Hibbert Ind 1.78 ( 48/27 )
13t Joakim Noah Chi 1.78 ( 48/27 )
16 Andrew Bynum LAL 1.72 ( 43/25 )
17 Marc Gasol Mem 1.54 ( 43/28 )
18 Joel Przybilla Por 1.43 ( 43/30 )
19 Elton Brand Phi 1.40 ( 35/25 )
20t Chris Kaman LAC 1.36 ( 38/28 )
20t Dirk Nowitzki Dal 1.36 ( 38/28 )
s1 © 2009 by STATS LLC.
Truth-Serum
December 23rd, 2009
7:12 pm
The answer is blocks
The question is what is a major tool used in protecting the middle.
mystery, where is horford the center?
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
7:15 pm
everyone favorite shooting foul victim is out 2 weeks… hopefully we can make up some ground on Boston…
http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=4768720
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
7:16 pm
*everyone’s
Truth-Serum
December 23rd, 2009
7:16 pm
I could careless if woodson gets the COY. He is one of the best 5 or 10 coaches in the NBA and his team is winning using his switching and run and gun.
Tonight will be an exciting game, win or lose.
cp
December 23rd, 2009
8:01 pm
With Nique you really never know what he is going to say other than “heat check”, “cooking with grease”, “nimbers” and etc. I call them Nique-isms. I can count on either Nique or Marvin for at least 2 good laughs a game.
Should be a good game tonight. They cant afford to come out sluggish and Josh has to stay out of foul trouble.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
8:26 pm
With ‘Nique, you never know whose name he is going to mispronounce, and just how horribly…
Ramon
December 23rd, 2009
8:29 pm
The biggest factors of this game will be the guys in the striped uniform. Every since Josh got ejected, they’ve been calling cheap fouls on him. If they sit back and let him play, instead of calling a foul every time a drop of his sweat touches another player, then this will be a really good game. I think soon Stern will be having a talk with the referees to lay off on Josh. Because Stern realizes Josh is the marketable player that the Hawks have. Josh could score 4 points, and he will still find his way on ESPN Highlights for the game recap.
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
8:31 pm
Lakers are going to give Pau Gasol 19 mill a year…Probably more?
Jesus.
how the hell does Buss afford all these guys yet we have to wait OVER A MONTH to give Joe Smith the veterans minimum? LAL has 5 great players (3 of them likely All-Stars over next few years) and is loaded enough with those guys to win the West the next 3 years and probably add at least 2 more rings.
Can we please dish out some money this summer and get Dwyane Wade in The Highlight Factory? We have Joe Johnson, who doesn’t even sound like he wants to stay here, whereas the Lakers have all the damn money in the freaking world
doc
December 23rd, 2009
8:33 pm
yup o’brien, a point i made last week. i just want these guys to win baby.
doc
December 23rd, 2009
8:34 pm
nique is the consummate analogy to one of my favs at botching the language, none other than yogi berra.
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 23rd, 2009
8:43 pm
Let’s get this show on the road. Big statement game for us.
Ken Sugiura
December 23rd, 2009
8:52 pm
Chauncey Billups is not playing.
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2009
8:52 pm
JeJe,
I know. I wish the Spirit were able to spend money like that. Unfortunately, they just dont have that kind of revenue. Kobe will get 3 years, $80 mil, and Gasol will get 3 years, $57 mil. Wow.
Boston has a tough game against Orlando coming up, and there is no Pierce. And we play them Jan. 8 and 11, so I doubt if Pierce will be back to 100%. Hopefully we can make a move over the next 2 weeks (although our schedule gets tougher).
This is a big stretch for the Hawks. We play @ Denver, @ Indy, and Cleveland back to back. We need to show that we belong.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
8:59 pm
Well, since then, Woodson won 47 games and then a round in the playoffs with an injured team. The young Hawks have obviously grown and matured on his watch. And they’re among the top 5 or 6 teams in basketball, with impressive wins against the Celtics, Jazz, Mavericks and Blazers. Woodson must be doing something right.
What’s the reason to delay an extension? Well, there’s the Dick Jauron lesson. The Buffalo Bills were so smitten by his 5-1 start last season they gave him a 3-year extension on the spot. Then the Bills finished out 2-8. Because of the contract, they were stuck with a coach they eventually fired this season when the losing continued. Maybe some teams can simply write off the financial headaches of letting coaches go with years and millions of dollars left on their contract, but not the Hawks.
Besides, the Hawks aren’t under any pressure to act right this minute. Conducting negotiations with a coach during the season could turn into a distraction. Evidently the Hawks want to see what Woodson’s team does in the spring before they make a long-term commitment. And suppose Woodson takes another job, you ask? Well, there’d be no shortage of coaches willing to take over a good, young Atlanta team. So the Hawks own the leverage here.
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 23rd, 2009
8:59 pm
Teague should get good minutes tonight. There is no way Bibby can keep up with Lawson this whole game.
cp
December 23rd, 2009
8:59 pm
lol yea ray how can i forget that aspect of Nique. He called Thabeet “Tibet” during the Memphis game… I think by far my favorite from Nique is when teams leave Bibby wide open and he says ” I don’t know why teams leave Bibby wide open”, Bibby goes on to miss and Nique comes back with ” well he was too wide open on that shot. He had too much time to think”… You have to love Nique lol.
Ken Sugiura
December 23rd, 2009
9:00 pm
Woodson on altitude:We don’t really talk about it. (The reason) they’re so successful here (is) because, I think, a lot of it is the altitude and their fan support. I think they’ve only lost one game here. The big thing tonight is controlling tempo. You’ve got to keep the fans out of the game.
On tempo:
Not turning it over and getting good shots and defending. You can’t try to come in here and outrun this team. We’ll have our chances to break, but we’ve go tot be smart about it when we’re doing it here. We’ve got to make sure we get shots and not turn it over.
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
9:00 pm
lets get it…
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
9:00 pm
Dadgummit.
I was trying to copy the whole article (except for the part that shows the other COY candidates). Oh well, guess I goofed. Bottom line, they’re talking about Woody as an early favorite for COY status. Somewhere in the Atlanta area, a man named Samuel is banging his drum and waving his sign…
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
9:01 pm
Reggie, what makes you say that?
MINNY Had freaking Johnny Flynn in last night. He is of equal or slightly better talent than Teague. How the hell did we have Bibby (who hit some shots admittedly) in for so long?
Oh I forgot — Any close game we play in, Teague will not get minutes when it matters
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
9:04 pm
JeJe,
Flynn is Minnesota’s starter, for better or for worse. He’s their best guy at that position. Teague is NOT our best guy at that position.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
9:04 pm
I couldn’t sworn I’d logged out of WordPress. Sorry about that, Ken
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2009
9:05 pm
I look forward to seeing what Marvin can do, especially on the defensive end.
Ray,
Another reason for not giving Woody an extension is because since the players like him, its possible that they will play harder for him. And just like JJ wants to let his play determine his contract, whats the big deal in letting the Hawks entire season determine what kind of contract Woody gets?
With no Billups, I expect Teague to get some minutes, that way Bibby can be fresh for the 4th.
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 23rd, 2009
9:12 pm
I’m saying that because Bibby will need some help keeping up with Lawson after playing last night and flying out to Denver.
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 23rd, 2009
9:13 pm
Woodson already realizes that, considering Bibby isn’t even guarding him.
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2009
9:16 pm
Based on the way Woody uses JJ, I can see why Billy Knight wanted to try him at PG. He handles the ball, guards other PG’s, and is very instrumental in what kind of offense the team runs, and he’s a good passer.
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
9:16 pm
Ray, it doesn’t matter if he’s their starter. It’s about matchups. Bibby cannot guard anybody, especially quick rookies. So let teague get minutes on someone of SIMILAR ABILITY.
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2009
9:21 pm
I dont think the Hawks can outrun Denver, especially since we played last night. I hope we can play the defense when we need it.
Good start for our front court so far.
And ‘Nique already saying Josh has their nimber lol
Melvin
December 23rd, 2009
9:23 pm
Horford looks tired already….
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
9:24 pm
O’brien ,
Actually, I don’t have a problem with that at all.
JeJe ,
My point was that we don’t NEED to play Teague like the T-wolves are playing Flynn. Speaking of which, just how well did Super Flynn do against Bibby last night, eh? Seems I recall Bibby ringing up 18 points, 4 boards, 6 assists, and 2 steals .
Flynn had 16 points, 2 assists, and 4 turnovers.
I disagree that Bibby can’t guard anybody, but DO agree that he is overmatched in some cases. Last night wasn’t one of them. Tonight would have been if Billups played.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
9:25 pm
Now don’t get me wrong. I like to see Teague get minutes. But ready to start over Bibby? Nah. Like somebody else mentioned, Bibby is only overmatched by a handful of point guards. And to be honest, I’d hate to see Teague guard those guys all game, too.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
9:27 pm
Melvin ,
Horford is not tired. He’s just not a real center, that’s all…
Blast
December 23rd, 2009
9:28 pm
Hawks need to wake up!
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 23rd, 2009
9:30 pm
Again, teams getting what they want in the paint.
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
9:31 pm
What happened to the passing Crawford showed off in preseason? Fierce scorer, but the ball kind of stops when he’s in. Not blaming him. Blaming Woodson for using him as the backup PG. Still can believe Teague got a DNP against Timberwolves. Woodson strikes again.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
9:32 pm
Actually, they all do look like they’ve got a major case of jet lag….well, except Horford. He’s just not a real center, is all…
Melvin
December 23rd, 2009
9:32 pm
Big Ray,
Neither is Nene…
Hulio
December 23rd, 2009
9:33 pm
http://www.jsmoove.net Josh Smith Blog
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
9:34 pm
Blast it! JR Smith and Carmelo Anthony hit 3 pointers! Damn that Horford!
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
9:35 pm
Melvin ,
Yes he is. He’s an inch or more taller, which automatically makes him a real center. Where have you been, that you do not know these things?
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
9:35 pm
Stagnant offense. Nobody’s cutting to the basket. Nuggets driving the ball. Hawks camping out around the arc. Can’t get jumpshot-happy on the road.
BONE
December 23rd, 2009
9:35 pm
Uh Oh spaghettios
Melvin
December 23rd, 2009
9:36 pm
Denver has open a can of whup (you know what) on us in the 1st qtr…
Melvin
December 23rd, 2009
9:38 pm
Big Ray,
I dont know what I was thinking…… Horford is the shortest power forward that’s playing center in the NBA…..
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
9:38 pm
Ugh. Never know which Hawks road team will show up.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
9:40 pm
Denver hasn’t forgotten that beating we handed THEM when THEY were on a road trip and back-to-back games. Karma is a mutha, but we have to get past it anyway. Time to make some…gasp…adjustments…
LOL, now you got it, Melvin ….
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
9:43 pm
Enter your comments here
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
9:43 pm
WHAT THE HELL WE PLAYING TEAGUE FOR
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
9:43 pm
Where’s the defense?!!!
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
9:44 pm
Hawks bending over.
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
9:44 pm
Damnit Ray.
I DIDN’T say Teague should’ve started. I said Bibby played too much, even though he was hitting shots. Bibby cannot guard smaller quicker guards. Even the Orlando announcers said this in their broadcast (that he can’t guard anyone). Teague should’ve gotten minutes last night. How the hell does he get 20 mpg for 4 or so games and then all of a sudden doesn’t play much vs. CHI and Minny?
“Bibby is only overmatched by a handful of point guards”
LOL. Can you name that list?
Parker, Harris, CP3, Deron, Rondo, B.Diddy, Monta, Jennings. Those are the stars that come to mind. Plus there’s about 8 other quick guards he can’t guard. I know i’ve forgotten a ton
LOL
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
9:44 pm
HAWKS AINT STONG ENOUGH TO STOP THIS TEAM
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
9:45 pm
Joe can’t buy a bucket, but he does have six dimes. Can’t accuse the man of ball-hoggin’ tonight.
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
9:46 pm
WTF: Actually, I was glad to see Teague. Crawford isn’t exactly the best on-ball defender & Lawson is a little too quick for Bibby. Hawks looking sluggish. I was hoping Teague would get a chance to spark the squad. Knowing Woodson though, he pulled him for rookie mistakes & won’t let him touch the floor for the rest of the game.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
9:46 pm
WE AINT GOT NO BODY IN THE MIDDLE, HAS HORFORD SCORED? THIS WILL BE A BLOW OUT
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2009
9:47 pm
welikebaseball2,
When Crawford was passing early in the year, Woody told Crawford that he wants him to lead the league in scoring for 6th men. Since then, Crawford looks for his shot more.
I know its early, but most of us predicted this would be a loss for the Hawks, which is understandable. But to be losing this bad is unacceptable. The Nuggets dont even have Billups!
Teague hasnt given us much (Lawson looks good), and who is supposed to be guarding JR Smith?
Come on Hawks. Lets see some defense, some hard fouls, and drive the ball.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
9:47 pm
NENE MAN HANDLE HORFORD BOUT TIME HOFFY SCORED WE NEED ALOT MORE FROM HIM AND HE GOT TO SHUT NENE DOWN
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
9:47 pm
Typical Hawks. Losing big vs. teams without their best players.
Watch us be down 10 all game and Woodson burn out the starters
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 23rd, 2009
9:49 pm
Blame it on the Alt Alt Alt Altitude
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
9:50 pm
JeJe ,
Whatever was I thinking? Bibby sucks, last night was definitely purely an accident, and Teague should be guarding Harris, Parker, Deron, CP3, etc. What WAS I thinking? You should e-mail Woody with that note. Why didn’t you do it sooner? Maybe then we’d be undefeated instead of 20 and 7!
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
9:51 pm
f- is Joe doing? is Woodson telling him to double down on Ne Ne? let him eat if he has to… dont give them open looks at 3
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
9:52 pm
LOL @ 7 minutes left in 2nd qtr and Woodson has all 5 starters in. This is why he doesn’t have a new contract. The guy panics when the games are close and doesn’t use the bench effectively / at all
That will be the reason this team never wins a ring
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2009
9:52 pm
Man, JJ and Crawford as supposed to be guarding JR Smith. What are they doing out there? I hope Woody yells at JJ to tighten up on JR Smith.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
9:52 pm
WE GOT TO STOP CHEATING TO GET UNDER THE BASKET AND STAY OUT SIDE ON THEIR SHOOTERS, HORFORD HAS TO HANDLE HIS MAN 1 ON1
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 23rd, 2009
9:53 pm
Mike Bricky
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
9:53 pm
RUN AND GUN BEST SHOOTERS WIN
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
9:53 pm
Geez, JR Smith is tearing us up. Who is supposed to be guarding him? Nevermind, you can’t ever track that with a switching defense.
JB
December 23rd, 2009
9:54 pm
Actually, blame it on the altitude is not a bad excuse. Denver has always had insane home records. The guys just look spent.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
9:54 pm
CANT KEEP DOUBLING DOWN TO HELP THE POST. WE GOT TO COVER THE SHOOTERS.
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 23rd, 2009
9:55 pm
true@JB
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2009
9:56 pm
Guys,
There is a reason Denver is 12-1 at home. And we played last night. Plus we beat them by 25 in our building, so I’m sure they want some payback.
I guess I’m just trying to keep it in perspective.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
9:56 pm
11-1 THIS YEAR BUT WE ARENT OUT OF THIS GAME. IF WE CAN X OUT NENE AND MATCH THERE SHOOTERS IT WILL COME DOWN TO THE WIRE
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 23rd, 2009
9:56 pm
We need a REAL post presence, simple.
Blast
December 23rd, 2009
9:57 pm
That’s the trick! Put Joe on JR Smith!
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
9:57 pm
Lol @ Big Ray. Typical putting words in my mouth. You made a comment that Bibby can only not guard a handful of guards. I disproved your point. I also said Teague should’ve GOTTEN MORE MINUTES LAST NIGHT. Apparently that means he should have been starting according to you.
And has anyone noticed that Woody will not call out Joe or Marvin or any of his “sacred cows” when they do st uff wrong? However, Jamal gets yelled at when he does things Joe does
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
9:58 pm
KEEP TEAGUE OUT OF THE GAME
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 23rd, 2009
9:58 pm
bonehead mistake
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
9:58 pm
thats why i cant stand when they bring the ball up… give the ball to a guard… and sprint
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
9:58 pm
HORFORD CAN CREATE OR DRIBBLE.
BONE
December 23rd, 2009
9:59 pm
Damn do the hawks know the meaning of boxing ouT???
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
9:59 pm
HORFORD HAS TO SHUT OUT NENE IF WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A CHANCE
BONE
December 23rd, 2009
10:00 pm
Marvin THE GOOF LMAO
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:00 pm
HE PUSHED MARVIN BIG TIME
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
10:00 pm
This is the part of the game where Woody needs to get a T to fire up the guys.
And Marvin sucks on defense. I saw Nene catch a pass in the post, Marvin sees he has the ball, then just looks at him. Then he gives Melo 3 feet of space to shoot.
idiot
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:02 pm
MAC IF WE GET A POST PRESENCE WE DONT HAVE TO CHEAT DOWN AND COULD EASILY MAN UP AND NOT RUN SWITCHING
Ramon
December 23rd, 2009
10:03 pm
The Hawks are playing good in my mind. The reason they were so sloppy in the first half was because of that first breathe that you lose anytime you play at Denver. Every team in the league struggles against Denver the first game they play there because of that ‘BURN’ that comes in the first quarter, and usually takes 5-10 minutes before it leaves. The difference in the game right now is J.R. Smith. I look for the Hawks to come back and pull away in the third quarter. I truly see the Hawks being able to win this game by more than 10 if they get back to driving the lane. Because once Denver (a team that I really like) gets behind, all they do is shoot jumpers and threes without Billups.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:03 pm
YEA, A SCORE FROM HOFFY , NEED MORE OF THAT
BONE
December 23rd, 2009
10:04 pm
We’re letting J.R. Smith look like Kobe. Seriously
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2009
10:04 pm
Marvin’s defense has been horrible, but he’s not the only one. Bibby and Crawford re not giving us much on defense either.
I also hate it when Josh or Al bring the ball down. I know they score sometimes, but I wish they would give it up to JJ or Bibby.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:04 pm
STRONG MOVE MARV
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
10:04 pm
Dear Woody,
We have a bench! It’s okay to trust them!
Sincerely,
Ugh!
Melvin
December 23rd, 2009
10:06 pm
These Nuggets announcers are funny. the replay clearer showed Josh didnt foul Melo. What are they talking about..
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
10:06 pm
thats good D… bs!! good D moe
Melvin
December 23rd, 2009
10:06 pm
Oh well Melo gets a makeup call against Mo….
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:06 pm
GHOST FOUL
Melvin
December 23rd, 2009
10:07 pm
Crawford got foul on that 3pt shot….
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:09 pm
BRING IN MARCUS CAMBY TO GUARD NENE AND LET JOE AND CRAWFORD MO EVAN AND JOSH SMITH RUN FOR A WHILE…..OH THATS RIGHT WE DONT HAVE MARCUS CAMBY
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
10:09 pm
JeJe ,
Miss this part?
Oh wait. You didn’t say that either, did you? Well, not in so many words.
I’m glad you’re laughing. Because I AM making fun of you.
Don’t take that stuff so seriously. I agree that it would have been nice to see Teague get more minutes. I don’t know why he didn’t. But Bibby was doing just fine. That’s all I was saying.
As for your comment about matchups, that’s where you’re getting yourself hung up. YOUR quote, since we don’t want me to look like I’m putting words in your mouth:
Ray, it doesn’t matter if he’s their starter. It’s about matchups. Bibby cannot guard anybody, especially quick rookies. So let teague get minutes on someone of SIMILAR ABILITY.
You said it’s about matchups, right? Then you also said that Bibby can’t guard ANYBODY, or did I read that wrong? I don’t think I did. So what are you telling me? That Teague should be playing more and guarding the guys that Bibby can’t? Well, since he can’t guard ANYBODY, then that must mean that Teague should start, right? I mean, that’s where your logic leads us, does it not? After all, it’s all about matchups. You also said that Teague should be guarding guys with similar ability. Who might those people be, exactly?
By the way, THIS is what I said about Bibby:
Bibby is only overmatched by a handful of point guards”
To me, that would include the guys you mentioned. I never argued that. You say you forgot a ton more guys. Well, there are only about what, 31 teams in the NBA? I’m sure you can remember who they all are. Ooops, forgot again. Bibby can’t guard ANYBODY. That would mean there are at least 31 guys he can’t guard. Your’e right. It’s more than a handful.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
10:15 pm
Heh.
This just gets funnier and funnier. We gotta stop Nene. Yeah, Nene and his huge contribution of six points and six rebounds. What’s Horford got? 10 points and 7 rebounds? OMG…that must be a scorer’s table mistake. No way can he be doing better than Nene, and no way could Nene have only six points. I mean, he’s the one killing us, right? Nevermind the 4 guys who have more points than he does.
I know why we’re losing. It’s because Horford can’t outplay Nene, and Bibby is doubling up on Nene (with Horford) when he’s supposed to be guarding JR Smith. Yeah, that’s the ticket….
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
10:17 pm
Bleh…halftime. I’m outta here.
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 23rd, 2009
10:18 pm
Jamal is a bit trigger happy sometimes isn’t he? And I’m glad to see he’s taken Flip’s role in the buzzer beater shots. (That they never make) Nonetheless, he has kept us in the game with some of his shots.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:18 pm
YEAH, WE GOT TO KEEP IT UP, AND NOT MAKE STUPID DRIBBLING TURNOVERS. IT DOES HELP MUCH WHEN THEY END UP EQUAL. WE NEED A CLEAR DOMINANCE
Wabe
December 23rd, 2009
10:19 pm
Hawks need to find a way to cut down on those turnovers and get a body on JR Smith. Denver seems to be hitting on all cylinders, guys like K-Mart are stepping out and drilling jumpers on the Hawks.
I don’t expect the Nuggets to shoot as well as they did in that first half – we’ll see. JJ needs to find a way to get it going. I like all of the assists in the first half, but he’s got to find shots through the flow of the offense. Jamal have had a good half, but not Bibby. Bibby had 2 great shots in transition to cut into that lead and missed both. Also, Horford and Smoove need to pick it up down-low. Others must step up if we want to walk out of Denver with a W.
Blast
December 23rd, 2009
10:19 pm
As well as Denver has played at home and as badly as Hawks have missed shots, Hawks still have a chance in this game. For them to pull it off though, Bibby has to make some three’s, Joe has to score more, like his assists numbers, and Hawks have to slow down Nuggets without fouling. Hawks have no chance of winning if these do not happen.
Sautee
December 23rd, 2009
10:21 pm
Truth-Serum
December 23rd, 2009
7:12 pm
The answer is blocks
The question is what is a major tool used in protecting the middle.
mystery, where is horford the center?
Do you mean the Horford who had the most blocks (3) of anyone on the floor last night? That Al Horford?
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:22 pm
I JUST WANT A POST WHOE CAN STOP GUYS FROM RUNNING DOWN OUR THROATS AND OPENING THE OUTSIDE FOR THE OTHER TEAM. WHO CARES IF THEY BOTH SCORE 15 PTS.
Kiki
December 23rd, 2009
10:23 pm
Well Big Ray, you said it yourself: no matter what happens, blame Horford!!!
Sautee
December 23rd, 2009
10:24 pm
Nene: 6 pts, 6 reb
Al: 10 pts, 7 reb
Too bad our center is so weak.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:25 pm
I AGREE, I SAW THAT STAT AND HORFORD WAS NOT ON THE LIST OF BLOCKERS. HE NO DEFENDER. YOU ARE RIGHT SAUTIE
Blast
December 23rd, 2009
10:25 pm
Hawks seem more active in the 2nd half. Down 6!
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:26 pm
BIBBY NEEDS TO SHOOT
northcyde
December 23rd, 2009
10:26 pm
What? People don’t like the fact that we’re down 12 in one of the toughest venues to play in the league? LOL
They could be down a lot more.
Let’s see if the Hawks can turn this game into a grindfest in the 2nd half. Time to tighen up the screws defensively.
JJ with 8 assists in the first half. I wonder if he ends up with 17 assists, if people will say that he passed TOO MUCH?
Gotta love some in this fan base.
Go Hawks . . . use the first 6 minutes ti get back into the game.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:27 pm
MARVIN IS HAVING A GOOD GAME
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:27 pm
NO DEFENSE IN THE PAINT
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:29 pm
WE NEED TO RETALIATE OR THEY WILL MUSCLE US AROUND THE LEAGUE. WE ARE ALREADY SOFT
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:30 pm
WHERE IS HORFORD?
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:31 pm
BOUT TIME
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:32 pm
CAN HE PLAY D
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:32 pm
SISSY FOUL CALL
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:33 pm
THATS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT NOW FEED HIM
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:34 pm
THATS A NO CALL IN THE PLAYOFFS
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 23rd, 2009
10:34 pm
Darn that Horford for not guarding J.R. Smith
Melvin
December 23rd, 2009
10:34 pm
Horford is killing Denver PF Nene…
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
10:35 pm
This game shows how pathetic Woodson’s trust is.
WHEN THE GAMES ARE CLOSE, HE DOES NOT USE HIS BENCH. CRAWFORD HARDLY COUNTS AS BENCH AS HE IS OUR 6TH STARTER .LOL AT ZAZA GETTING CRAP MINUTES, TEAGUE NOT PLAYING
WHAT A JOKE
WOODSON DOES NOT TRUST THE BENCH UNLESS IT’S A 20 POITN BLOWOUT
GO AHEAD RAY. POINT OUT SOME LITTLE MINUTE IRRELEVANT FALLACY IN THIS POST. I AM INTERESTED TO SEE WHAT I SAID WRONG
BUT I AM RIGHT HERE. WOODSON DOES NOT TRUST THE BENCH. IT WILL BE THE DEMISE OF THIS TEAM COME APRIL
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
10:36 pm
Someone give Woody the heads-up that this is what happens when you actually allow a rookie PG to develop.
Wabe
December 23rd, 2009
10:36 pm
Can’t keep swapping baskets. Gotta get stops on the defensive end if we wanna cut into this lead.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:38 pm
TEAGUE LOOKS BETTER ON THE BENCH
Melvin
December 23rd, 2009
10:39 pm
The Hawks just doesnt have it tonight….
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:40 pm
KNOCK THE BALL FROM AL AND FAST BREAK THE OTHER WAY. NOW AL LOSES THE BALL OUT OF BOUNCE AND NOW BIRD DUNKS OVER ALL FIRST WE WERE DOWN 12 NOW WERE DOWN WHAT? 18 22?
GOOD DEFENSE
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 23rd, 2009
10:42 pm
He’s too trigger happy!
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:43 pm
THEY ARE MORE PHYSICAL THAN US. WE NEED AN ENFORCER
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
10:43 pm
northcyde: Huh? So let me get this straight, we’re not true fans because we’re frustrated with the Hawks’ lackluster effort? We’re supposed to be okay with the squad being down 12, as long as it’s to certain squads? Serious?
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
10:43 pm
i know Joe wanted to crack up when Mo knocked over the candy… threw a tantrum like a little girl…
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:44 pm
KILLING US IN THE MIDDLE
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 23rd, 2009
10:44 pm
WTF is right….we need a physical presence down low.
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
10:45 pm
double foul… wow…
Melvin
December 23rd, 2009
10:45 pm
Look how comfortable Lawson looks on the floor vs Teague. I wonder why???
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:45 pm
AL ACTS LIKE A B!TCH. HE SHOULD HAVE BODY SLAMMED CARMELO SOFT AZZ
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
10:46 pm
We’ve given up 85 points with over 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter left to play? Wow.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:47 pm
NENE GETS A ROUND OF APPLAUSE?
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
10:47 pm
Great game Bibby!
Besides not being able to run fast or create offense for yourself, you’ve given up 14 points to Lawson, 1-6 shooting, and 2 points. What a great player!
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
10:47 pm
Excuse those typos in my last post! LOL! “…over 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.” is what I meant.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:48 pm
YEAH SHUT UP NIQUE
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
10:48 pm
swing on em’ Joe…
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
10:48 pm
1) Woodson does not use the bench in close games (any game besides any good team or any road game)
2) No one on the Hawks is capable of or commits hard fouls
3) This is bullsh!t
Hey Ken, where are you? Are you even at the game?
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
10:49 pm
(*any game against any good….)
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:50 pm
z!
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
10:50 pm
they calling some shyt tonight they havent called all year…
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
10:52 pm
flex on they ass Big Al…!!! shiyt!!!
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:52 pm
I GUESS THIS GAME IS ALREADY DECIDED. REFS MUST LIVE IN DENVER
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
10:53 pm
Mello is getting the Lebron treatment..
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
10:53 pm
I think a “presence down low” is the least of our worries right now. Our pathetic perimeter defense is the problem. Don’t know if it’s blown assignments or what, but we’ve given up way too many open jumpers. We’ve actually held our own in the paint this season.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:53 pm
ON SECOND THOUGHT BIBBY HAD NO WHERE TO GO.
Melvin
December 23rd, 2009
10:53 pm
bigdave i saw the flex as well…
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:53 pm
GOOD D
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
10:53 pm
pff…
it would be a trip if this game ends up going down like last year..
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
10:54 pm
traveled after they fouled him!
Melvin
December 23rd, 2009
10:54 pm
Why didnt they call a foul b/c AC grab Crawford arm…
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
10:54 pm
I laugh when people say Josh Smith should be an All-Star. Do people really want to see this guy’s pitiful post moves and dreadful free throw shooting on a national stage in front of the whole world?
I don’t
Jamal Crawford is the real all-star of this team
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:55 pm
DOWN TEN PLEASE DONT PUT TEAGUE IN- LOL
Sautee
December 23rd, 2009
10:55 pm
Horford with his 14th double-double of the season in game 28. Last season he had 20 in 69 games. Yet there are some who think he has “peaked” at age 23.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
10:55 pm
Big Al looks good. I can see him averaging 15 and 10 for the year.
In the meantime, I sure wish we could get closer than 10 points.
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
10:56 pm
Way too many points allowed. Can’t expect to win on the road giving up 90-something points in the 1st 3 quarters. Can’t expect to win the 2nd of a back-to-back without using your bench either!
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
10:56 pm
Sautee ,
Weakest 18 and 10 I’ve ever seen, LOL.
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
10:56 pm
4 point play dammit…
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
10:57 pm
WE AINT PHYSICAL ENOUGH
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
10:57 pm
WOODSON USE THE DAMN BENCH.
MY GOODNESS
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
10:57 pm
Jamal is the leading scorer in this game, I’ll give him that. Love the way he brings that offense.
However, he is no less guilty than Bibby or JJ of letting Lawson and JR Smith run all over them. All-star? Not likely. Love the guy, but there’s also a reason why he’s never made the all-star team.
Blast
December 23rd, 2009
10:58 pm
Refs straight up killing us, man!
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
10:58 pm
J R is a fool… why are we taking dumb shots?
BONE
December 23rd, 2009
10:58 pm
Wow Josh wtf are u doin.
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
10:59 pm
Ugh, jumpers, jumpers, jumpers!!!
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
11:00 pm
no foul… bs
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:00 pm
ON Q THEY ATTACK US IN THE PAINT
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:01 pm
Z !
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
11:01 pm
I see every bucket we get, we give up one…plus a single free throw, it seems.
Gee, why doesn’t Woody put Teague in the game? We’d probably win then…right? On a less than sarcastic note, I doubt we could do worse…
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:01 pm
ATTACK THE MIDDLE AGAIN
Kiki
December 23rd, 2009
11:02 pm
Horford is out and they increase their lead. Who’s to blame now? i know, i know: Horford!!!
northcyde
December 23rd, 2009
11:02 pm
I trust the coach. At least they got within striking range. We need a 3 minute defensive stand. And leave Teague out of this game.
jlewis
December 23rd, 2009
11:03 pm
Josh and Jamal are reverting back to what they really are…..One a chucker with no shot discipline, and the other a temperment that hurts himself and the team.
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
11:05 pm
You allow a team to shoot 54% from the field & it’s going to be a long night.
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
11:06 pm
Nique finially got 1… right… 6 or 7 inches short…
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
11:06 pm
Stop the presses, a foul call against Denver!
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:06 pm
PLENTY OF TIME LEFT
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 23rd, 2009
11:06 pm
welikebaseball2, generally speaking, we dont lose and get exposed from teams hitting jump shots. We get exposed down low for having no real center or banger inside.
Teams do what they want in the paint.
TONIGHT, J.R. Smith was just on it.
We can live with teams living and dying by taking jumpers, but constantly getting gutted in the paint is a no.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:06 pm
THEY GO BACK TO THE POST TO NENE
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:08 pm
HAVE TO AGREE WITH MAC. WE HAVE TO DOUBLE DOWN TO HELP OUR WEAKNESS IN THE PAINT AND THERE GUARD GO UNGUARDED
patient
December 23rd, 2009
11:08 pm
scared to go to the middle eh? al must be shooting jumpers again
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:09 pm
YES WE NEED STOPS AND THEY GO BACK TO THE MIDDLE FOR A SURE BASKET
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
11:10 pm
grown man move right there from NeNe
Blast
December 23rd, 2009
11:10 pm
Ball Game!!!!
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
11:10 pm
Somebody explain to me why we’re allegedly doubling down to the paint when it’s Carmelo and JR who are killing us? Nevemind, it’s obvious what’s going on here…
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
11:10 pm
Maybe ZaZa can work with Nene this summer & learn how a big man is supposed to finish at the rim!
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:10 pm
OK DUNK IN THE MIDDLE AL HAD GOOD SEATS ON THAT ONE HAHAHAHAH
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 23rd, 2009
11:11 pm
That should do it, folks.
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
11:11 pm
i see it too know Big Ray… NeNe is a load…gifted, smart post player…
O'Brien
December 23rd, 2009
11:11 pm
And who is supposed to be guarding JR Smith? that was his seventh 3 pointer.
And do the Hawks not know how to committ a hard foul? Come on guys. Let them earn it at the line.
Bibby is being outplayed by his guy. Bibby has 4pts, 3 assists. Ty Lawson, a rookie, has 14 points, 3 assists.
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
11:11 pm
*now
Wabe
December 23rd, 2009
11:12 pm
Swapped buckets all night long, couldn’t put together stops.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:13 pm
THE MAN WHO IS SUPPOSE TO BE GUARDING JR IS SWITCHING TO HELP IN THE POST.
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 23rd, 2009
11:13 pm
see J.R. is just on it
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:13 pm
THIS GAME IS OVER
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 23rd, 2009
11:13 pm
If it wasnt for J.R. this would be a game
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
11:14 pm
the refs in Chicago must have put a call out on Josh… he hasnt been able to play his game all trip…
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:15 pm
DAVID THOMPSON!
BONE
December 23rd, 2009
11:16 pm
Only team that will make J.R. look like Kobe THE ATLANTA HAWKS
Blast
December 23rd, 2009
11:16 pm
I want some of whatever JR Smith has been smoking!
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
11:17 pm
Mac-Townz: I too would love a “true center” so we could move Horford to PF & Josh to SF. I just don’t think that’s our so-called weakness. Maybe last year it was, but we’ve scored tons of points in the paint this year & have been far better than average in defending the paint (overall). I’ll absolutely take giving up jumpers before I will layups…but not WIDE OPEN jumpers. We’ve given up too many of those tonight. If you don’t give up layups yet lack perimeter defense, the good teams will still kill you with WIDE OPEN jumpers. As for J.R., I agree. Not much could’ve stopped him tonight.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:17 pm
TEAGUE!
lIKE THE ANNOUNCER SAID IN THE OLD DAYS HE WOULD NOT GET ANOTHER SHOT. BUT THESE HAWKS ARE SOFT
Kiki
December 23rd, 2009
11:17 pm
This game is called J.R.Smith.
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
11:17 pm
who gonna put him on his back?
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
11:18 pm
we need a goon on the roster…
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
11:18 pm
Reasons why we lost the game:
Teague only played 2 and a half minutes.
Nene had 15 and 8, and Kenyon had 14 and 8. Meanwhile, Al Horford only had 18 and 10. Both guys outperformed Al by themselves.
JR Smith’s 41 points and 10 wide open three pointers had nothing to do with it, except Al Horford is responsible for his teammates not guarding who they are supposed to guard, because they want to go hold his hand in the post.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:18 pm
ITS NOT A MATTER OF US SCORING ITS A MATTER OF US DEFENDING TOO. IN FACT THE DEFENDING IS MORE IMPORTANT
Kiki
December 23rd, 2009
11:20 pm
I agree with you Bigdave. A hard foul should be given
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:20 pm
MR RAY ITS NOT THE BOX SCORE IT WHEN AND HOW. WHEN THEY HAD A MUST NEED BASKET THEY WENT (LIKE EVERY BODY ELSE) TO THE PAINT. WE CANT STOP ANY BODY FROM COMING INSIDE ON US. GOD FORBID IF WE LOSE JOSH
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
11:21 pm
they leaving him in cause we nice guys… cats like Marvin helping Nuggets up off the floor… while Kenyon and co. play hard and physical… bumping… hip checking…
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:21 pm
WE SHOULD HAVE HAD A FIGHT!
Jody
December 23rd, 2009
11:21 pm
Though some may not like it, lack of size in the front court is a legitimate issue for the Hawks. Their not doubling down for nothing.
Kiki
December 23rd, 2009
11:23 pm
WTF, when they needed a basket JR made it, or Carmelo, or even Lawson made it. It was poor collective performance on defense.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
11:24 pm
Well, I knew they would want revenge, and it seems they got it.
I’m still trying to understand the math here: Al goes for 18 and 11, but he is labeled the weak link.
Nene gets 15 and 8, and he’s a star post player. It must be a dyslexia thing.
JR Smith goes for 41, nearly all of it from the 3 point arc and Carmelo Anthonly gets 24…
….but we lost because we gave up a ton of points…in the PAINT??? Good God, I don’t think I could possibly get drunk enough to understand that math. But whatever. Everybody has to have a hobby. Player hating is just another example…
Mr. Hawkdafied
December 23rd, 2009
11:25 pm
man our team needs some help. we cant play defense and we cant score. we may need to rebuild again. i think Joe and Marvin and moe is the problem. they all think they are all that but they are not. we need TEAM PLAYERS or get a star or coach such as SAM or Tracy mac
Dan
December 23rd, 2009
11:26 pm
JR Smith a classless THUG!!! Somebody needs to show this ahole the floor.
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 23rd, 2009
11:26 pm
Wow.
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
11:27 pm
LOL bigdave, I agree 100000% percent
This team has NO ONE that will commit a hard foul. All we have is a bunch of soft guys who help guys up after fouls. remember the Cleveland series? We were down 3-0 and Marvin is helping guys up off the ground
LOL
Dan
December 23rd, 2009
11:28 pm
But then again all the Nuggets are thugs.
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 23rd, 2009
11:29 pm
welikebaseball2, here’s the thing. The Elite teams of the league (excluding the Hawks, if you even included them) can beat you with shooting AND inside play.
We can shoot, but we really dont have good bangers/size down low for posting up on offense or defending the paint on defense.
We CAN shoot it out with other good teams….but we CANT battle it out with them on the inside. The only thing we have to do to defend shooters is put a hand up…and hustle more…….to defend the paint….we actually need the personnel that we dont have.
I’d be alot more concerned about the paint than the perimeter.
Alot of our “paint” points come on fast breaks, drunks, and joe johnson floaters, not banging and posting up by our big men.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:29 pm
JR SHOULD HAVE WATCHED THIS GAME FROM THE SEAT OF HIS PANTS. OUR B!TCHES ARENT PHYSICALLY.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:30 pm
WE ARE DEFENSELESS IN THE PAINT
Dan
December 23rd, 2009
11:30 pm
Guys this game was lost in the 1st quarter. BTW, Teague looks very lost out there.
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
11:30 pm
Bibby has 4pts, 3 assists. Ty Lawson, a rookie, has 14 points, 3 assists.
Bibby has 4pts, 3 assists. Ty Lawson, a rookie, has 14 points, 3 assists.
Bibby has 4pts, 3 assists. Ty Lawson, a rookie, has 14 points, 3 assists.
LOL this reminds me of the Cleveland game last March in Cleveland where we are so preoccupied shutting down LeBron, that one of the role players takes over (J.R. Smith).
Good job Woody!
IT’S ALL ABOUT DEFENSE AND REBOUNDING, EVEN THOUGH WE SUCK AT BOTH
SEASON IS OVER
THIS TEAM WILL NOT GET PAST 2ND ROUND BECAUSE WOODSON WILL NOT USE BENCH IN CLOSE GAMES
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
11:30 pm
LOL THIS IDIOT PUTS IN OUR STARTERS AT 7 MINUTE MARK OF 2ND QTR. LMAO I CAN COACH BETTER THAN THAT
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
11:31 pm
Where does defense start? In the paint? So the guards don’t have anything to do on defense? Strange how with such a weak defense down low, we’ve managed to win 20 games already, and lost only 8.
I seem to remember when we beat Denver earlier in the season, there were some similarities, and some differences:
1) Nene had 12 and 7 rebounds. Al Horford held his own just fine THEN as well, with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
2) Josh Smith was killing those guys. He had 22 points, 9 boards, 7 assists, and 6 blocked shots. J-Smoove didn’t have nearly as good a game this time, and he padded his stats at the end of tonight’s game.
3) JR Smith didn’t play. He was suspended at the time. This time he scored 41 points and hit 10 three pointers. Gee, what a difference.
4) Last time, Joe Johnson had 22 points, 7 boards, and 5 assists. He didn’t do so well this time, did he?
That was in a 25 point win. I’d love for somebody to prove to me how our middle was a weakness in both games. Nevermind. I’ve heard enough craziness for the evening.
Good night Horford haters…
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:32 pm
WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS TO HAVE A BASKET, THEY TAKE IT TO US IN THE PAINT. WE CANT GET IN THE PAINT IN CRUNCH TIME AGAINST THEM.
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 23rd, 2009
11:32 pm
Zaza is the only guy that would have knocked him down, but calm down people. We are 20-8 with one of the tougher schedules in the league. I expected this loss. A back to backer in Denver is never gonna be an easy one to win.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
11:32 pm
So. The season is over. I guess that means some people should stop blogging. BWAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAAAAA!
Yeah right. Just kidding. What’s Christmas without the Grinch?
Night…
Sautee
December 23rd, 2009
11:33 pm
Horford, for his grit, his class, his effort, tenacity and court awareness gets the short shrift here. Go Figure.
Of course NEVER is it explained who would be better and how we would reasonably acquire them. I guess it’s all too easy to just b!tch about useless BS.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
11:35 pm
Zaza is the only guy that would have knocked him down, but calm down people. We are 20-8 with one of the tougher schedules in the league. I expected this loss. A back to backer in Denver is never gonna be an easy one to win.
Good post.
We can’t get in the paint. Guess Josh got his 17 from the perimeter and Al got his 18 from the arc.
I keep trying to leave, but some of the funniest jokes I’ve ever heard just keep popping up around here!
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 23rd, 2009
11:35 pm
Big Ray: Don’t waste your time on them. The true fans realize how exceptional of a player Al is as a 3rd year player. He could be an all star yet people still hate on him.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
11:36 pm
Horford, for his grit, his class, his effort, tenacity and court awareness gets the short shrift here. Go Figure.
Of course NEVER is it explained who would be better and how we would reasonably acquire them. I guess it’s all too easy to just b!tch about useless BS.
Yep….
FCK HORFORD AND WOODSON
December 23rd, 2009
11:36 pm
HO HO HO MERRY HOLIDAY BIG RAY AS
JeJe
December 23rd, 2009
11:37 pm
Big Ray,
STFU. No one here respects you or likes you. The fact that you nitpick and comment on every single one of my innocent posts shows you are a loser with no life or social skills. Go piss off someone else and get out of my life.
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
11:38 pm
Big Ray: The idea that Horford is the weak link is obviously absurd. Some folks are just playing the “we’re not big enough” card. Maybe they could make that argument after the Magic game where Howard basically had his way in the paint for the 2nd half, but this one? We lost tonight because we gave up open jumpers & the Nuggets had the type of shooting night that allowed them to cash in on virtually every one of them. Well, that & a stagnant offense. Too much watching instead of cutting to the basket. Just my opinion though!
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 23rd, 2009
11:39 pm
Merry Holiday?
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:39 pm
WE NEED A DEFENSIVE PRESENCE IF WE ARE GOING TO GO AFTER A CHAMPIONSHIP. THATS WHAT IM SAYING . THAT WILL ALLOW US TO DO MORE THINGS.
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 23rd, 2009
11:40 pm
lol who hates Horford??? Not me. I, like most others, just know he’s playing out of position. Horford should be at PF, you cant expect him grind it out with natural centers.
The bottom line is this team wont do much better than last year without a true center of some kind of banger/tough guy on the inside.
Dudes are talking about defending jump shooting. We can live with teams firing it up, because thats not gonna get the job done most of the time anyway.
lol if that were the case, The Knicks and Warriors would be NBA ELITE.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
11:41 pm
Reggie ,
I hear you. I guess I should quit bulldogging the issue so much. Okay, just one more quote, and this one is from Woody (which really ought to rankle the nerves of his unwaveringly myopic supporters that somehow find themselves in stark disagreement with the head coach himself):
NBA.com: Al Horford gets praised often for being “older” than his years. Where did that come from?
MW: From Billy Donovan and winning those two back-to-back titles [at Florida]. I told Al as a rookie, “I’m not going to treat you like a rookie.” Because he was doing things on the floor, especially from a defensive standpoint, that you didn’t have to teach. Very smart kid, picks up things fast. Now he’s starting to develop some offensive skills.
Damn. How about that? Woody says Al Horford CAME INTO THE LEAGUE playing good defense. One more time for those in the cheap seats, who I would just LOVE to hear call Woody a liar:
I told Al as a rookie, “I’m not going to treat you like a rookie.” Because he was doing things on the floor, especially from a defensive standpoint, that you didn’t have to teach.
You know what? I think I’ll just post that, and several other Woody quotes about Al Horford each time the Hate Horford Express pulls in. Yep. From the man Woody, himself. BOOYAH.
WTF
December 23rd, 2009
11:42 pm
THE JUMPERS WERE OPEN BECAUSE THE DEFENSE HAD TO LEAVE THEIR MAN TO HELP HOFORD TIMID A. THE DUDE IS DEFENSELESS
Kiki
December 23rd, 2009
11:42 pm
For Sund to trade for a big (to satisfy the anti-Horford 3-member club) he would have to involve Al “The Weak” Horford himself. And guess what, he just won’t do that (unless a Chris Bosh type of player is in the mix). Horford is too damn good and the league knows it.
nunna yo biznezz
December 23rd, 2009
11:43 pm
hey yall,
just replaying the mo knocking over the cup of ice onto the court,and passes by woody and told him he didn’t want to here that”BS”,LMAO…
and,u see that even though he took mo out of the game,he put him back in..(MEMO TO JEFF TEAGUE)…
if u get in woody’s face,he’ll respect u more..if u don’t,he will run over yo a$$..
well,we didn’t play our 10 man rotation and u see where that got us??
when we play our 1st and 2nd unit in full,we win..when we don’t and just play a 7-8 man rotation,we lose..
2nd unit:
mo,crawford,teague,zsa zsa,joe smith or randmo..
when the 1st unit gets rest,and come out for the 3rd quarter,they blow peeps out,and the 2nd unit and the other guys on the bench keep the lead and we win..
shoulda had teague in with more minutes played,and do u think that lawson,aaron brooks,chris paul,or even derron williams would be where they are today playing under woody??
NOPE!!!
AND,i think im not making too much sense,and im sleepy,so,im going to bed..
nite nite
FCK HORFORD. WOODSON AND RAY
December 23rd, 2009
11:43 pm
BOOYAH!
niremetal
December 23rd, 2009
11:46 pm
You should listen to Reggie, Ray. The man knows what he’s talking about
bigdave
December 23rd, 2009
11:47 pm
where is Joe Smith by the way?
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
11:47 pm
Mac Townz: Trust, I understand your point about some beef down low. I think we’re missing Joe Smith more than a lot of us realize. No, he’s not physically big, but he’s plays really big & tough. I just don’t think you understand my differentiating between teams “firing up jumpers” & giving teams open shots. Paint defense is important, but no matter how you lock down the paint, if you don’t contest jumpers you’ll get burned by good jumpshooting teams. Defending the paint is only a portion of team defense. When the Hawks are at their best, they’re seem to be contesting every shot that goes up.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
11:50 pm
Mac-Town ,
That’s hilarious. We got beat tonight by jumpshooting, unless of course you want to argue that JR scored all his points at the rim.
We got beat by New York. Oh, you forgot that, eh? How about New Orleans? Detroit? All losses where we gave jumpshooters the room they needed, then let them run into the paint…why?
I’ll tell you why. We play a switching defense. Key word here- SWITCH. Which means you are as likely to find your POST GUYS playing “D” on the perimeter, then having to run back and defend the post.
I was on here clamoring that Al was a PF rather than a center when we first picked the guy.
I just disagree that this is our major problem. We have other, bigger issues. Horford is holding his own at his position, averaging damn near a double double. Our problem is that we play this defensive scheme that requires better defensive effectiveness from our backcourt players. We don’t have that. Joe is the only effective defender out of ALL of our guards.
If you cannot stop penetration, you will overload the post players. We have the league leader in blocked shots on our team. Does that not give you a hint or a clue? Our post players are constantly having to rotate over and try to make up for our perimeter defense, which is damn near non-existent on some nights.
Want an example? How do teams give Cleveland the fits? By running the pick and roll against Shaq and Ilgauskas. Watch and see if Sacramento pulls out a victory against cleveland tonight. I can pretty much predict how they’ll do it. Penetration and forcing big guys to try and rotate over to catch the guards who got through the perimeter.
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
11:51 pm
FCK HORFORD. WOODSON AND RAY
Well there it is. Never thought I’d see Truth Serum dip out on his boy Woody, but he has just officially joined the elusive and never seen Bubba Crew . Congratulations, pal. Knew you had it in you all along….
Gosh, you Bubba Crew guys are harsh.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
December 23rd, 2009
11:51 pm
Wow, JR Smith killed us. My gut feeling is he would have a terrific game seeing him up close at the Hornet’s game last week led me to believe this. I dunno what the defensive breakdowns were being that I only heard bits and pieces on satellite radio. My guess is that we double Carmelo and he just kept feeding an open JR Smith and he popped us for 9 threes. Another lackluster performance on the books, cannot complain because we are 20 and 8 but I wish we could have competed more aggressively and made defensive adjustments on Smith.
Who is next Cleveland???
Big Ray
December 23rd, 2009
11:53 pm
And on THAT note, I’m out….like somebody’s brain cell count…
welikebaseball2
December 23rd, 2009
11:55 pm
Big Ray: True. I just don’t think we have the one-on-one defenders to play the zone defense Woody seems to love…especially when it comes to defending the perimeter. Joe & Moe are the only solid perimeter defenders we have.
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 23rd, 2009
11:57 pm
lol @Big Ray
Yeah, we got beat TONIGHT because JR Smith had a big game. An OUT OF THE ORDINARY GAME.
There will be other nights when we lose because one team just happens to be “shooting lights out” that night.
I agree we need to stop penetration, but I believe defending the paint is more of problem. Atleast we have the personnel to assist in that, like playing Teague more minutes instead of Bibby (concerning PG penetration)….but we dont even have the parts for the paint woes.
You people think Horford is the answer at center?
LOL!
nah I dont hate horford…I like horford….I just hate that he has to place C instead of PF.
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 23rd, 2009
11:59 pm
lol yall think Horford will be the answer at C against the likes of Dwight, Bynum, Gasol, BIG Z, Shaq etc.
cp
December 24th, 2009
12:01 am
Once again we did not have a plan B. Plan A did not work but the coach did not have another go to plan. Where were the adjustments? A few guys looked like they didn’t care to be out there anyway. Terrible game in pretty much every aspect.
bigdave
December 24th, 2009
12:02 am
im not understanding the big Al debate… if there was a single player to blame for our defensive problems or the reason we switch anyway it would be Mike Bibby.
he not only struggles at times to stay in front of his defender but on his rotations he rarely puts a hand up to contest. at best he’ll casually throw a hand up as the ball begins its downward fall towards the basket…
Atlanta Sports Sux
December 24th, 2009
12:02 am
Who cares? Atlanta is an overrated dump of a city, With Sh*tty sports teams. Worst Sports city in America.
Atlanta Sports Sux
December 24th, 2009
12:03 am
City of Atlanta will be Detroit in the next 5-10 years, except without championship teams like the Pistons and Red Wings.
Black Mecca my a**
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 24th, 2009
12:04 am
I would rather trade for a quick PG right now instead of a big. Al can hold his own against anybody and we have depth on the bench if he gets in foul trouble. They may not be the best but a big is a big. On the other hand, we don’t have depth at guard. We got our main 3 and an inexperienced Teague. I’ve been preaching Raymond Felton for a while now because I really like his game and he’s a quick PG. We can’t continually have Joe guard the other team’s PG. I’m pretty sure that Raymond is only about 5 mil. a year and I think they’re committed to D.J. for their future PG. Any other names you guys think would be a fit at PG?
welikebaseball2
December 24th, 2009
12:06 am
Mac Townz: Agreed about the idea of giving Teague more burn…especially against quicker guards. However, even if he stops the guard “penetration” more effectively, it won’t solve the problem that killed us tonight. Open jumpers. J.R. Smith wasn’t driving. He was hitting uncontested jumpers. I won’t act like I’m an expert analyst or anything, but I do know that the Hawks seemed to be late in rotating to the ball.I’d tag it as a defensive scheme/assignment/execution problem. Part coaching, part players. As for Horford, I too hate that he has to play center, but that’s not on him. I think he’s done way more than held his own considering whose he’s had to match up with.
FCK HORFORD. WOODSON , RAY, TRUTH SERUM
December 24th, 2009
12:06 am
AND THE BUBBA CREW
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 24th, 2009
12:07 am
I agree that I wish Horford could play PF. His stats would probably increase. But I know that Al Horford is more than capable to hold his own at center, and he is.
Max Mars
December 24th, 2009
12:07 am
Question? Is Bibby the only perimeter defender having problems keeping his man in front of him?
bigdave
December 24th, 2009
12:07 am
Reggie…
if i had a choice it would be Rafer Alston… he would get us into our offense ASAP… i think everyone’s numbers would go up… he’s a good on ball defender… his shooting touch isnt Bibby like but he can make an open shot (and layup).
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 24th, 2009
12:08 am
I would rather trade for a quick PG right now instead of a big. Al can hold his own against anybody and we have depth on the bench if he gets in foul trouble. They may not be the best but a big is a big. On the other hand, we don’t have depth at guard. We got our main 3 and an inexperienced Teague. I’ve been preaching Raymond Felton for a while now because I really like his game and he’s a quick PG. We can’t continually have Joe guard the other team’s PG. I’m pretty sure that Raymond is only about 5 mil. a year and I think they’re committed to D.J. for their future PG. Any other names you guys think would be a fit at PG?
welikebaseball2
December 24th, 2009
12:09 am
Atlanta Sports Sux: Uh, funny that you’re spending time out of your holiday week (midnight at that) to blog on a Hawks board yet “Atlanta is blah, blah, blah. Atlanta.” LOL! Isn’t there some other board you could spend your valuable time on? Goodie Mob said it best: If you don’t like where I stay fly away.
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 24th, 2009
12:13 am
Sorry about the double post there. I didn’t see it at first.
bigdave: I like Alston. But Felton is an extremely efficient shooter. I think with some playmakers on his team, he could be real good. He can score the basketball when he wants to but he also can pass well and control an offense. I watched him put up something like 27 and 9 last week. I just really like his game.
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
December 24th, 2009
12:18 am
JR Smith shot 15-25 overall and 10-17 from 3 pt.
That’s not a concern for me because not every day is somebody going to have those stats.
10 freakin 3s????????
I dont have a problem with teams shooting.
Hell, let em shoot (contested of course).
We get alot of our fast break points and WINS from teams “settling for jumpers” (squads like the raptors, pacers, etc.)
I’m much more comfortable if a team beats us because they just happen to have some UNUSUAL freak performance as a team or an individual……………….rather than watching them do what they want in the paint.
No not all of that is Horford’s fault because
1) Perimeter defenders have to keep their man in front of them
2) It’s not Horford’s fault he has to play C instead of his natural PF.
I just think that it’s like this. We know we have what it takes to get to the playoffs, and into the 2nd round. I just dont think we have ENOUGH QUALITY players of size to compete with the ELITE TEAMS.
Atlanta Sports Sux
December 24th, 2009
12:22 am
Reference to rap? Atlanta is the worst city for rappers on the planet. Keep listening to non-sense like Soulja Boy and Waka Flocka Flame.
“O Lets Do it!!!!…AY!!….DRUG DEALIN MUSIC…AY!!…..I INFLUENCE!!!”
“My Potna Dem”
Atlanta Sux on every level, what kind of low life scum city puts out such music? Degrades the entire genre!!!!
New York is where it’s at!!
bigdave
December 24th, 2009
12:28 am
Reggie…
Felton is a good guard. defends well. definitely has that floor general quality i like, but i always questioned his 3pt shooting…
not making a big deal about tonight’s loss but it seems Bibby is taylor made for what Woodson likes to do on offense, not so much on defense… i just hope it doesnt prove to be costly in a series..
im scared of good shooting teams because we do not play well off picks nor do we run guys off that 3 pt line. then again we have also caught our share of teams who just couldnt miss. at the end of the day good teams know that Bibby cant defend. our front line isnt getting any taller but we create equal mismatches for larger front lines.
welikebaseball2
December 24th, 2009
12:41 am
Atlanta Sports Sux: Huh? LOL! Go away…or, if you so choose, keep wasting your holiday time on an ATLANTA SPORTS BOARD. Hilarious! There, there’s the attention & response you were begging for. Now, get off your mommy’s computer & go to bed. LOL! Consider yourself hereby ignored.
welikebaseball2
December 24th, 2009
12:46 am
Mac-Town: We actually agree on most points. Just different wishes for the squad. I’d definitely love to see us make it past the second round. I’m not sure Woodson has the player management know-how to get us there…no matter who’s playing center. That’s another story though!
MAD-DONNA
December 24th, 2009
12:50 am
The Hawks are a bunch of punks! Even if you are not playing well, you don’t let a team push you around like that! JR Smith was trying to embarrass them with that last” three” attempt! Where is the killer instinct? I guarantee you they won’t win a title without it! To many touch fouls! If you can’t stop the guy, foul the hell out of him! He will think twice the next time he tries to show-out!
northcyde
December 24th, 2009
1:08 am
LOL @ people talking about “winning titles” in December. Shoot . . how about winning the division first?
We just ran into a red hot JR Smith tonight. He has games like these every once in a while. The Hawks didn’t fold tonight. Denver just knocked us out.
Merry Christmas Hawks. See you in Indy in a few days.
RLP
December 24th, 2009
1:09 am
Next Ten Predictions:
Wins = ….6
Losses = 2
Anthony
December 24th, 2009
2:03 am
Gave up 41 points to a BENCH PLAYER. A bench player.
Such a fraud fools gold team. I’m glad the city is not dumb enough to think this team is above mediocrity. They’ve down 3 games behind Boston and are falling in the standings. But don’t worry, they’ll hold on to the meaningless 4th seed as if that’s some kind of accomplishment.
darrell starks
December 24th, 2009
2:03 am
Woody back 2 his old tricks again 8 man rotation, teague last night 2min tonight 6min this 1reason woody should not be back if he continue 2 be inconsistent as a coach.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 24th, 2009
2:10 am
When the hawks was blowing teams out woody was very consistent using his bench, sometime 9 or 10 man rotation and the team was jealin well,now he has gone back 2 being the same old woody.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 24th, 2009
2:15 am
Marvin is not getting the job done at the 3 his lack of production is the team weakest link in the starting line up.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 24th, 2009
2:21 am
Rick sund go get andris biedrins if we want 2 contend for and title, may be a first for biedrins maybe accepted by golden state.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 24th, 2009
2:25 am
STARTE BIBBY, JOE, JOSH, HORFORD, BIEDRINS
BENCH TEAGUE, JAMAL, MOE, MARVIN, ZAZA
RESERVE JOE SMITH, MORRIS.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 24th, 2009
2:28 am
I believe marvin would be a better player coming of the bench changes have 2 be made if we are going 2 contend for a title.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
December 24th, 2009
3:32 am
I concur darrell starks
Reggie (The Bird and Indian)
December 24th, 2009
3:56 am
Anthony: J.R. Smith is a sixth man who is purposely used as that to come out and provide instant offense. Jamal Crawford could score 41 points this year with the same role
bigdave: I used to question his 2 ball as well, but as of late he is shooting it very well. He’s at 41 % for the season but he doesn’t take a whole lot of them. I think he may have gotten it to where he can at least keep them honest about the 3. He won’t have Bibby’s shot but it’s gotten better. I saw him play a game against NJ where he couldn’t miss- 11-14 FG, 4-4 3FG.
vava74
December 24th, 2009
4:46 am
Daniel,
Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.
By the way, Merry Christmas to the rest of the guys over here!
vava74
December 24th, 2009
4:53 am
Couldn’t catch the game again (2AM tip off over here).
Well, if we had won here, I would instantly consider ourselves beyond title contenders, I would consider ourselves favorites to win the East.
We are still not there, however, I don’t think we should be too worried.
Right now we are suffering from a major problem: Since Josh was kicked out of that match he has been singled out by the refs and he is not getting any calls in his favor and many many against. Consequently his game is clearly down from his earlier All-Star form.
We also need Joe Smith back since he has the poise and the savvy to compensate here and there when Josh misses time in foul trouble.
The above translates into a simple fact: we have been playing undermanned on the PF position creating a team defense unbalance.
Anyone contesting Al’s quality is an idiot: we have not lost a single game on account of Al, no even against Orlando where the refs killed us giving Howard a free pass to commit offensive fouls after offensive fouls and not giving a single call in our favor on JJ’s penetrations of the third quarter.
Then, other losses came out of lack of effort or simply poor performances. This is only natural and will always happen.
The season is long and we are going really well. Let’s be patient.
Clyde
December 24th, 2009
6:04 am
Little Ray where ya boy Samuel at talking that COY sh**? Any coach that starts Bibby over Crawford should be fired. What kind of sense does it make to have your second leading scorer come off the bench.
FIRE WOODY
ILL-logical
December 24th, 2009
8:26 am
We lost. ‘melo was held to 6 points under his league leading average and the front line scoring was even across the board-except for Marvin. JR Smith just did to the Hawks what Jamal has done to some of their opponents: become the difference between winning and losing.
Everyone have a Happy Holiday!
vava74
December 24th, 2009
8:46 am
FIRE CLYDE!!!!!!!!!
newkid
December 24th, 2009
9:57 am
d. starks says:
“Marvin is not getting the job done at the 3…”
Orlando GM Otis Smith says:
“If they’re not a piece that helps us win, then we move it.”
vava74
December 24th, 2009
10:32 am
newkid,
Marvin has not been responsible for any of our losses and although irregularly, he has been contributing with hustle and effort in many games.
Yesterday we faced a freak occurrence which was JR Smith going off like crazy. Our defensive rotations were a bit off and slow and combined with a guy “feeling it” that made the difference.
I don’t see why Marvin has to come up again today in the talks… he was 5-11 from the field in 28 minutes and ‘Melo had a relatively quiet night.
vava74
December 24th, 2009
10:37 am
Also, people have to realize that the Hawks are a POOR franchise.
Just look at this (Simmons @ ESPN – Page 2 – The Sports Guy World):
“… Ken Berger, a CBS Sportsline reporter, obtained attendance figures for the first quarter of the season. Only one ticket-related statistic matters in professional sports: net gate receipts. (The attendance number doesn’t matter because it’s so easy to manipulate; teams either fib or boost the total by giving tickets away for absurdly low prices, hoping to recoup some of it through concessions and merchandise sales.) According to Berger’s information, net gate receipts have dropped 7.4 percent from last season. Eight teams (Philly, Sacramento, Charlotte, Memphis, Minnesota, Milwaukee, Indiana and Atlanta) already reside in the dreaded “We Make Less Than $500,000 Per Game” Club, and that number could swell once non-contenders either gut their teams or start tanking for lottery purposes.”
This is a piece about downsizing roster payroll. We have to be realistic and accept that the Hawks only have a tiny chance of pulling a miracle within the next 5 years (provided that they re-sign JJ and Al Horford and maybe Crawford) since the franchise cannot go into the luxury tax territory.
Even if the Hawks won the championship, they would still lose money!!!
FIRE CLYDE
December 24th, 2009
11:09 am
BIBBY IS A MUCH BETTER THREE POINT SHOOTER THAN CRAWFORD. WE NEED HIS RANGE SINCE JJ AND CRAWFORD DO JUST ABOUT THE SAME THINGS.
newkid
December 24th, 2009
11:13 am
vava74,
Seems we have a slightly different perspective relative to evaluating players’ worth to a side. Rather than asking if a player is ‘responsible’ for a loss or two, I ask does he help us win. Don’t think I’d argue that Marvin (a player to whom I’m partial – in a really good way) was responsible for last night’s, or any other loss. It’s just that I don’t see him making consistent and meaningful contributions to Hawks wins; and that’s past, present, and future. Sure he’ll have the all too infrequent night when he collects 12+ boards, or the once-per-season game when he scores 25 points, but those occurrences are FAR TOO sporadic. And if the foregoing is true, I can’t imagine Sund’s view is much different than that of one Mr. Otis Smith.
Marvin clearly has talent, and he reportedly puts in all the post-practice time you’d hope a player would to try and bring that talent to the surface. And while that’s admirable, it has not yet – in coming up to 5 years – yielded the desired results in the current setting. Will it somewhere else? I certainly hope so. And I can’t imagine caring less where he was drafted, or how much his salary is or isn’t. Starks is correct, the cat just is ‘missing in action’ far too often.
Maybe the odds of my being correct with this next statement is only about 1% (after all what do I know about building a winning basketball franchise?), but I believe we’re much more likely to go deeper into the upcoming and future playoffs, and possibly win the O’Brien, if we use Marvin’s value to attract a player (or players) who’ll give the side much more consistent and efficient offensive production from the 3 spot.
All that being said, I’ll try and cooperate with your suggestion not to mention this sentiment again today. How’s the weather there in Portugal?
Sid
December 24th, 2009
11:26 am
Tough loss to a top 5 home team in the NBA what bothered me about last nights game is that Crawford was still obviously hot from the night before and he only managed to get 16 shots up . Thats 3 more than his average and I found it amazing that we couldnt find a way to get him more shots and Im not talking about just isolation’s . He had Anthony Carter on him most of the night was hot and yet we are posting Marv ?
When Al and Smoove are hot the ball goes into the post early and often
When marv was hot that ONE TIME we fed him
When Bibby has the hot hand the ball is in his hands
and we gave Joe 32 shots to get 40 points
yet when our second leading scorer is hot we throw away possession after possession especially early in the game with everyone just chucking away . We wont get far come playoff time playing like that .
When Odom and Gasol are hot Kobe recognizes it and they get them the ball
When scrubby Mo Williams is hot Lebron find that guy
Whenever Wade can get someone else to help him they ride them .
One of the reasons I liked the addition of Crawford is that his game is not home bound . Hes not just gonna play well at home he has the ability to go nutz in any place but if we dont figure out how to harness that ability on the road against good teams it would be a shame .
Mz. Hawkdafied
December 24th, 2009
11:28 am
124 Nuggets 104 Hawks, lets do a little simple math here.
124 Nuggets Points
- 41 JR Smith Points
_________________
83 Nuggets Points
Now by doing a little simple math one can clearly see the main factor in Denver’s victory was JR Smith. This leaves Mz. Hawkdafied wondering why nothing SEEMED to be done to try to hinder the 3 point show of Mr.Smith. Obviously, the coach as well as Mr. Smith realized that the Hawks were doing nothing so both took it as a green light to just keep on shooting threes beyond the line, near the line, or any point on the court that counts as a three point basket.
Mr. Smith’s 3 point show may have been unsportsmanlike and unnecessary at a point in the game but in all fairness to him and coach Karl, well, quite frankly, the Hawks let him/them do it.
What’s quite funny/irksome is JR Smith missed his free throws but was able to make 10 of his what 13 three point attempts. Hmmm, I wonder if Mr. Smith would have thought twice about attempting anymore threes if the Hawks would have gave him some of those hard fouls that the refs never called Denver for. What fouls you might ask. The one Marvin took to the chest by Carmelo. The face fouls to Mo and Josh, and the ruffing up K Mart did to the head of our rook, Teague. Yes Denver was physical. Left this Hawks fan wondering what the heck constitutes a foul in the NBA.
Now back to what I was saying about the JR Smith show. What I’m trying to say is maybe just maybe if the Hawks had layed JR Smith on the floor (without getting a flagrant) for at least two times then perhaps he would have had second thoughts on launching anymore 3 point shots. If you gonna get called for a foul make it count.
Now on to the Smith with the Atlanta across his chest. Josh Smith has lost that something that he had at the beginning of the season ever since he got thrown of out the game. It’s time to move on from that. Arguing with the refs is not helping. Fouls and refs are a part of the game get used to it. It’s time for Josh to make those fouls count toward helping the team win.
Our Mr. Smith has been so focused on arguing with the refs about fouls that his friend Dwight Howard has over taken him in being the blocked shots leader. SMH!
darrell starks
December 24th, 2009
11:41 am
VAVA i understand everything you say about the franchise losing money but all that is a wash if the hawks become more of a consistent winner and devolop a superstar on the team, sells for tshirt and jersey and the price of the franchise would go up more revenue would come in, just look at the cavs before they got lebron james the cavs owners was losing money now lebron is there the franchise is 1 of the top organzation in the league.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
MAD-DONNA
December 24th, 2009
2:47 pm
Come on people, look closer! The Hawks are a team in total disarray! Don’t be fooled by the 20-8 start. By the All-Star break, they will be just above .500….maybe in 5th place. They have a head coach that when his team gets down, looks like a deer in the headlights! They have a power-forward that’s used as a center! They have another power-forward that at times, thinks he’s a point-forward! They have a small-forward that came out of college too soon, and has not learn a thing about basketball under Woody, and is an 8th man at best! They have a shooting-guard that averages more assists than the starting point-guard! They have a point-guard that is no more moble than I was when I was 40! 45-37 if changes aren’t made!
MAD-DONNA
December 24th, 2009
2:50 pm
My bad! I meant “mobile”!
vava74
December 24th, 2009
8:45 pm
newkid,
there’s no space for more contribution from Marvin. more consistency? yes, but much more than what he is averaging? no, unless you believe that we could be averaging 115ppg.
also, how can you say that Marvin has had no role in our 20 wins? it seems that you measure a player’s contribution only by the boxscore?
one of the major factors for our success is that the players seem to go along really well with each other and have put aside their egos.
there are not many players in this league that do this.
so, if we have a SF which is in his early 20’s, has no ego issues, has visibly improved every single year until now but is struggling this year while the team is winning equaling the Hawk’s best start ever, what is there to change??
robert
January 13th, 2010
7:00 pm
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