About the story
For those of you who turned in after the game ended, an interesting thing happened on the blog after I posted my first version of the story. Let’s just say that a handful of posts on the blog questioned my mental acuity and my fitness to cover the team, in large part because the story did not mention the shot-clock situation that happened with about two minutes left in the game. (I don’t think it’s up anymore, as it has been replaced by the later version.)
In the interest of transparency, and because you might find what we do on our end interesting, I hope I can explain what happened.
Basically, I missed it. Here’s why, and hopefully this comes across as an explanation and not me making excuses:
The first story that I posted has to be filed right as the game ends, or shortly thereafter, before I go to the locker room. It’s called the “running” game story. We write them and post them online immediately to give readers the news as quickly as possible before going to the locker room to get comment. It isn’t meant to be the paper’s final word on a game, but the first edition of the news. Generally speaking, I’ll file a second story, with quotes, which is ideally written with a little more perspective and thought, about 90 minutes after the game ends. That’s called the “write-through,” and it’s the version that goes in the paper (provided the game ends in time) and replaces the originally posted online story.
Given that it has to be written as the game is going on, the running game story is generally not the most insightful account of the game, at least when I write them. A lot of times, running game stories end up being a recitation of plays, but what I try to do (though not always successfully, as we’ve all learned) is provide some sort of picture of why the Hawks won or lost and what that means.
In a game like Wednesday’s, whether the Hawks win or lose isn’t known until the very end. So, Wednesday, I was piecing together a “Hawks win” story and a “Hawks lose” story as the game was finishing. In addition, I was trying to follow the action and take notes. And, the kicker, in this instance, was that I was seated a good distance away from the court with no television nearby for replays.
(This is an aside. Please skip if you’re not much for asides.) I don’t know if you’d call it an inefficiency or ironic, but, at least as I’ve found writing a game story on deadline, I often don’t get a complete picture of what is happening at the end of a close game – which is generally the most important part – because I’m trying to write, take notes and observe all at the same time. I think the best example of this that I can give you is a Tampa Bay-Indianapolis Monday night game I covered in 2003.
It started out perfectly for a writer trying to make deadline, as the Buccaneers took leads of 21-0, 28-7 and 35-14, and I started writing by halftime about how the game re-asserted Tampa Bay as the best defense in the NFL, having shut down mighty Indianapolis in Tony Dungy’s return to his former home.
However, Indianapolis chipped away and finally scored 21 points in the last four minutes to force overtime, where the Colts won on a field goal. As you can imagine, all my material about Tampa’s mighty defense didn’t make the final version.
I don’t want to say I have no idea what happened, but I can tell you I didn’t see much of this comeback, because I was having to write, re-write and re-write some more. I am quite sure my story did very little to capture the essence of the game.
(End of aside)
So, anyway, Wednesday, I flat-out missed what happened with the shot clock. When 6the Hawks called timeout and Mike Woodson argued the call, I was probably using that time to write. As I’d mentioned, there was no television near me so I could follow what was being highlighted on the broadcast and, to make matters worse, I wasn’t sitting next to any other writers who might have clued me in, either. The first I realized what had happened was in the post-game interviews. I am grateful for a lot of people helping me understand what happened.
I imagine if you’ve been to a game, you might have experienced something similar, where you come home, or listen to the radio in the car, and everyone who watched on TV is talking about, “Can you believe what happened?” and you have no idea what they’re talking about because you didn’t have all the replays of the botched play or blown call at your disposal from your seat in the stadium.
If you haven’t, maybe you should look into covering an NBA team. (ha ha)
So, that’s it. I sincerely hope this doesn’t sound like me asking for your sympathy, because that is not my intent, as I don’t warrant sympathy. I get to do something I enjoy (most days) for a living, a true blessing. And I also hope I don’t sound like I’m making excuses, because I don’t think I am. I’m trying to explain what happened.
I’m going to say a better deadline writer – someone who can more efficiently do the multi-tasking required for this particular task of our job – would have caught the malfunction. Hopefully the next time, I will.
Hope all this makes sense.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
226 comments Add your comment
Keep it Real!
December 31st, 2009
5:00 pm
@Madonna…. The Cavs went to the basket and the Hawks settled for Jump shots! Simply!
truly1
December 31st, 2009
5:03 pm
I wish the team would have brought that effort the night before. I told you guys we were not going to get any calls. WE GOT SCREWED i wonder if the officials we going to lebrons party
NUNNA YO BIZNEZZ
December 31st, 2009
5:03 pm
OK,SO WOODY DOES NOT WANT TEAGUE TO PLAY IN TIGHT GAMES AGAINST ELITE TEAMS(NOTICE I DIDN’T SAY,”OTHER ELITE TEAMS”),UNLESS WE ARE BLOWING THE OTHER TEAM OUT BECAUSE HE DOES NOT WANT TO LOSE THE GAME..
WELL,WE LOST THIS ONE AND THE ONE THE NIGHT BEFORE..
IS IT TIME FOR COACH WOODSON TO RE-EVALUATE HIS COACHING PHILOSOPHY WHEN IT COMES TO DEVELOPING HIS BENCH AND YOUNG PLAYERS??
OTHELLO HUNTER-BEEFED UP,PLAYED BETTER IN THE PRE-SEASON,AND LOOKED AS THOUGH HE MAY GET SOME MINUTES AT LEAST EVERY OTHER GAME..SO,NOW DO U THINK THAT ROOKIES THAT WE DRAFT WILL WANT TO PLAY HERE IN ATLANTA?
OTHELLO HAS TO BE ASKING HIMSELF,”SELF,WHY DID I EVEN COME BACK HERE TO WEAR A SUIT..I COULD HAVE DONE THIS S— AT HOME”..
RANDOLPH MORRIS-YES RANDMO GETS IN GAMES,BUT ONLY WHEN IT COMES TO IT BEING A BLOW OUT OR HORFORD,JOE SMITH AND ZSA ZSA ARE ALL IN FOUL TROUBLE..WELL,HE TRIMMED DOWN,SHOWED HE HAS SOME OFFENSIVE SKILLS,AND IS NOT BAD ON THE DEFENSIVE SIDE..BUT,YES,HE NEEDS TO BE MORE OF A BEAST ON THE BOARDS..BUT HE DID ALL OF THIS FOR WHAT??????
NADA..ALL THE LOSING WEIGHT,AND THINKING HE WAS GONNA GET THE CHANCE TO PLAY,IN AT LEAST EVERY OTHER GAME?? NOW,IF A PLAYER IS LAZY AND DOES NOT CARE TO GET IN THE GAME,THEN ATLANTA IS THE PLACE FOR HIM..I DON’T THINK THATS RANDMO..
AND LAST,JEFF TEAGUE-HE’S A ROOKIE WITH FULL OF POTENTIAL..WE SAW WHAT HE DID IN COLLEGE AND WHAT HE CAN DO WHEN HE STARTED IN PRE-SEASON,AND WE SAW THAT HE HAS SOME GROWING TO DO IN GAMES HE PLAYED THIS YEAR BUT HIS PRO’S FAR OUTWEIGH HIS CONS!!
AND WITH THE HISTORY OF YOUNG GUARD MINUTES PLAYED UNDER COACH WOODSON,EVEN IF WE WERE TO HAVE GOTTEN A CHRIS PAUL,AARON BROOKS,DERRON WILLIAMS OR EVEN A YOUNG MAGIC JOHNSON,DO U HONESTLY THINK THEY WOULD BE WHERE THEY ARE TODAY UNDER COACH WOODSON??
I DOUBT IT..BUT,I HAVING SAID ALL OF THAT,I WILL STAND BY OUR COACH TODAY IN HIS PROTEST OF THE SHOT CLOCK SO CALLED MALFUNCTION IN LAST NIGHTS GAME..
THAT GAME SHOULD BE REPLAYED,RIGHT FROM THAT MOMENT..AND I BELIEVE THAT THE NBA WILL SUPRISE US ALL,AND…………
NAW,NO THEY WON’T..THEY DON’T WANT TO UPSET THEIR POSTER BOY #2,LEBRON JAMES..WE’LL JUST HAVE TO GET OVER IT,MOVE ON,AND I HOPE THAT PUTS A NOW OR NEVER FIRE IN THIS TEAMS BUTT!!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
NUNNA YO BIZNEZZ
December 31st, 2009
5:12 pm
RUFUS,AND THE REST OF U,WE ALL BETTER HOPE THAT THIS IS NOT AND WILL NOT BE A LET DOWN IN THE CONFIDENCE OF THIS TEAM..IF SO,WE’RE SCREWED COME FRIDAY,AND WE PLAY IN NEW YORK TOO??!!!
WE’RE ALREADY 0-2 FOR THE NEXT 10 GAME STRETCH,LETS JUST HOPE WE CAN MAKE AN,8 7 OR 6 GAME WIN STRETCH OUT OF THE NEXT 8..
BUT,IF THEY LOOK AT THIS GAME AND ARE 2ND GUESSING THEMSELVES THEN WE WON’T SEE THE PLAYOFFS..
I KNOW THAT THESE GUYS ARE PRO’S,BUT EVEN PRO’S CAN BECOME DOUBTERS…
Clyde
December 31st, 2009
5:32 pm
I’m gonna stop knocking the Hawks for a couple of weeks. They showed a lot of heart in Cleveland and I think they are another scorer and 3 offensive sets from challenging for a NBA championship.
doc
December 31st, 2009
5:34 pm
jerry, good info there, no bs there, just facts. yes, we were not as aggressive because we didnt lower our shoulders and run over folks.
as far a lebron, he avg 9 shots from the line this year and in his career. um high but he has the ball in his hands a lot. yup jj does as well only he only avg 4 a game this year and for his career. anyway lebron number of shots from the line has exceeded last nights only once this season. so he gets to the line seven more times than usual and they end up winning by five. ill take that out of the mix along with the 6 points they either gave them by not calling lebron on drives to the basket or the soft call on marvin to remove the 2 and we win going away. not good for the nba.
here it is for your perusal:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3704/gamelog;_ylt=AmLM421KTZEHQH8gJ62UgZfJPKB4
doc
December 31st, 2009
5:37 pm
jbird yes the refs can. ask mark cuban who spent a lot of money to witness it from his court side seat. ask steve nash as well.
jlewis
December 31st, 2009
6:11 pm
Some of you guys scream about ISO Joe, tell me what team in this league where there best player is a guard or small forward where everytime down the floor is not an ISO? Cant say Lebron, D-Wade or Kobe, and before Kobe got Gasol and he wanted to leave the Lakers, that’s all they ran. If you don’t force a double team in the NBA, they don’t respect you and you are a losing team.
Jay
December 31st, 2009
6:47 pm
Here’s the real reason why the Hawks lost last night:
Bibby 1-3, a 3 point shot
Horford: 0-2 with 2 FTs
Josh Smith: 0-2
Crawford: 0-3
Williams, Pachulia, Evans, Joe Smith, Collins-no shots
While Joe Johnson shot 50% (5-10 with a FT)—and actually outscored LeBron James in the fourth quarter (11-10)—the rest of the team went 1 for 10 with 2 FTs; a total of 5 points for the entire quarter! No points scored over the last 6 minutes of the quarter! You can’t beat any team with scoring like that let alone one of the best teams in the league—in their building. And, if the team (aside from JJ) is only going to score 5 points, then the team must become extremely stingy on defense. You can’t give up 29 points and you definitely can’t let Anderson Varejao, of all people; outscore the entire team (aside from JJ) by 4 points!!
If you’re a Hawks fan, you have to love the effort given by the guys in both games but you also have to be concerned about the lack of offense late in games.
All of the other things that some are grumbling about (the referees, the shot clock, free throw disparity, etc.) are simply stumbling blocks that test the team’s resolve and maturity. When they can overcome those types of challenges to win the game is when they will have the mental toughness necessary to win a championship. Will that happen this year? Only time will tell.
Jody
December 31st, 2009
6:54 pm
After watching last nights game and then reading the Chris Sheridan article, how can anybody NOT question the integrity and credibility of the NBA and it’s officials?
And for those who complain about Josh Smith complaining to refs, I admit that he needs to learn to restrain himself(and he’s been doing a better job of it lately), the young man takes a BEATING every game and gets minimal to no calls. To restrain yourself while the blatant bias, incompetence and ignorance of certain officials is on display for the world to see is not an easy thing to do for anyone and especially when they’re the victim of it. So, give the young man some credit on the improvements he’s made with that thus far.
MAD-DONNA
December 31st, 2009
7:01 pm
Keep it Real! apparently you didn’t see the whole game!
Mz. Hawkdafied
December 31st, 2009
7:58 pm
NUNNA YO BIZNEZZ the Hawks play NY in the Highlight Factory tomorrow night umkay.
Samuel
December 31st, 2009
8:40 pm
Ken,
Don’t mind these guys. You’re doing a good job IMO. These guys are experts at everything except “their” own jobs. Evident by the amount of time they spend on this blog.
On last night game:
Yes, it was an unfortunate mistake by the officials. I believe the game should be replayed from that point on. If not. oh well, move on.
The rest of the BS is a non-issue to me. The officials didn’t win it for the Cavs. We had the game but couldn’t hold the lead. It happens. I’m proud of the guys, I thought they would get blown out. They showed that they are right there on the verge of cracking the Big 3.
All these scrubbs continue to go on and on about the NBA being a fraud but continue to watch and spend countless hours blogging about it. What does that say about them?
Keep up the good work.
Woody=COY
Truth-Serum
December 31st, 2009
9:12 pm
Samuel, Shout out. Yes great job hawks, early season measuring stick!
Happy New Years every one.
Shout out to Ken Strickland.
Truth-Serum
December 31st, 2009
9:13 pm
NUNNA YO BIZNEZZ I think the Hawks heard you but felt you were a lunatic and better off shout on Ken S. blog page….what do you do for a living? LOL
Samuel
December 31st, 2009
9:18 pm
Happy New Year Truth. The Truth will set You Free.
Mike
December 31st, 2009
9:20 pm
Ok, I’m from cleveland, and i understand how you Hawks fans feel, getting the shot clock accedent and having about, 20 less free throws. Now let me tell a little story. You guys got cheated, thats true, but you have to understand, this is not an all the time happening accurence, the cavs havent shot 30 sum free throws in a while. At home, unless they suck *cough nets cough*, the home team will get a majority off the calls. The fact it was lebrons birthday had something to dowith it. Also, big franchises like the Lakers and Celtics and Knicks get most of the calls wherever they are. Why? Because there is a large population of people in those cities. Thats why the lakers and celtics have the most overall rings. The NBA wants a lot of viewers because viewers = $, so the slightlly rigg the games insuring that they get big ratings. Another thing is how meny stars are on a team, which is why Shaq and Kobe won 3 championchips so quicklly, they were in a big franchise and they were popular players. It took longer for Shaq to win one with Wade because Miami is not as populated as LA. Michael Jordan was not as fortunate with the calls, but he was so good it didn’t matter. Thats my opinion, i probrablly drifted off topic there…
Blast
December 31st, 2009
9:40 pm
Did not see the game, but saw highlights, saw Hawks Sports Live, read recaps and all blogs tonite and it is so dreadfully obvious that Hawks were screwed by NBA refs again. This is not the first time, and it won’t be the last. I understand that the league has this Star treatment quality from the refs, but I don’t understand why the Hawks seems particularly targeted. Hawks have been getting robbed for years and years. I have complained about it so long that it’s nice to see bloggers finally rallying to the call. And anybody on this blog that cannot see that Hawks were screwed is either stupid, blind, deaf or a Clevaland fan.
I’m happy Hawks are filing a protest. If Stern wanna play right, then the last two minutes should be re-played.
I love the Hawks, But I hate the NBA. It’s why I really only watch Hawks game except if it’s a big match-up going on. Most NBA games are boring, I mean, Spurs are playing the Heats right now, Spurs up 28 and the game is so boring I’ll rather watch TNA Wrestling!
ESPN, NBATV, TNT are all dogs of the NBA. They do what the league orders them to do. If the leagues doesn’t want them talking about bad officating, then they are not going to. Bottom line. It’s all about the dollar!
Believe this. If the NBA and it’s refs keep screwing up like this in the face of the entire world, then they gonna lose credibility so fast, that gate ticket loses right now will be nothing compared to what is to come.
I didn’t see the game, but screw the NBA for screwing up the Hawks once again!
Samuel
December 31st, 2009
9:46 pm
There you go. A wrestling fan who happens to watch the Hawks. Nuff said.
jerrywest
December 31st, 2009
9:49 pm
After Stern let LeBron cheat on the Hawks like he let Kobe cheat against the Sacramento Kings, I had to get Donaghy’s book.
http://www.amazon.com/Personal-Foul-First-Person-Account-Scandal/dp/0615306039/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262306551&sr=8-1
Samuel
December 31st, 2009
9:55 pm
Last year wasn’t all you conspiracy theorists saying the NBA was fixing the games to get Lebron and Kobe in the Finals. Somebody forgot hip Dwight and crew. So who’s gonna win this year?
let me give my theory:
Since the Chinese are taking over America anyways and they bought the Cavs, it’s a No-Brainer. The Cavs over the Lakers in 7 of course.
Samuel
December 31st, 2009
10:00 pm
NBATV and TNT are “dogs” of the NBA. Duuhhh!!
doc
December 31st, 2009
10:21 pm
samuel, the cavs fell apart worse than we did the last two games against orlando. they got real weak after getting overconfident with their display of “mastery” against a depleted hawks squad. yup seem tougher now but we will see if they can keep from reverting to their form, pierce two years ago and orlando last. remember how they were punking and going off on the sideline as they slopped it on the hawks and couldnt get off the court fast enough after being thoroughly hammered by the magic?
i still am surprised how you think we cant compete against the cavs. i think we are much better from 2 through 12 than they are, except their number one guy is a freak. can you imagine what that team would look like say if we did a quick switch of marvin for lebron? it would be downright silly as they would have no chance. two lapses by our guys, one five minutes and four minutes, the last two games are all that separates them now.
mental toughness and focus is what we need as much as new players to fill a very small void between the two. the abyss is not as great as some have wanted to say it is along with you. i hope your COY and the players are able to prove you wrong. in the mean time as truth said, and i agreed, they have to be ready to deliver a knockout blow just like the magic did if they are able to move bron bron out of the spot light. they have to begin to see nothing less than that will suffice and that is the message of being ruthless will have to come out of them.
we all wait to see how they react to this. if woody is as good as you say he is, and i am beginning to believe, he will have them ready.
boston is hurting now and are streaking down as they lose some of their old guys pierce and garnett. that is what i have waited for just hope they are not healthy until after we play them so we can make some room between us and them. i think boston is the one of the big three most at risk to fall behind us over the course of a season if they have injuries. they are also the one that can be most imposing if they hold they’re aging bodies together for this year.
Blast
December 31st, 2009
10:25 pm
I don’t reply to dumbass posts from folks masking as Hawks fans.
Samuel
December 31st, 2009
10:31 pm
Doc,
That’s a pretty big “if”. Marvin for Bron. I did say the divide was wide and I have since admitted on more than one occasion that we have closed the gap. But we are not there yet.
I have also said since day one that while Boston may still have the best squad, they are the team out of the big 3 that we could beat in the playoffs. I still don’t think we could be either the Magic or the Cavs in a series. We’ll see. I hope they prove me wrong too.
Woody=COY
doc
December 31st, 2009
10:56 pm
samuel, just an illustration, not an if, of what the “problem” is, not that we are lacking something inside or outside. i also thought you would “appreciate” it.
happy new year!
Big Ray
December 31st, 2009
11:26 pm
Samuel ,
Good posts.
Happy New Year, everybody….
Samuel
December 31st, 2009
11:39 pm
Happy New Year Ray, Doc, Joe, Clyde and Ando (wherever you are) and all the ole cats who’ve been around since this thing started. Happy New Year to you new cats too.
Here’s to 2010 being as prosperous as 2009 was for the Hawks.
You are all BOYs in my book. You too Ken S.
Samuel
December 31st, 2009
11:49 pm
Bloggers of the Year
Ken Strickland
December 31st, 2009
11:54 pm
There’s one very good thing that can be said about the Hawks after that can’t be said about the Cavaliers. THE HAWKS ARE GOING TO GAIN MORE EXPERIENCE, CONFIDENCE AND GET MUCH BETTER AS THE SEASON PROGRESSES, BUT THE CAVALIERS AREN’T GOING TO GET ANY BETTER THAN THEY ARE RIGHT NOW.
Keith
January 1st, 2010
9:32 am
The NBA is a joke! The officials and referees are into building stars like Lebron James vs. being fair. I guess this game is a great example of what Donaghy has been describing about the refereeing!
bigdave
January 1st, 2010
10:45 am
lol @ Javaris and Gilbert drawing down on each other in the locker room on Christmas Eve…
now thats gangsta… hahaha…. wonder what they bet on…
BBgenie
January 1st, 2010
10:53 am
Hawks fans be HAPPY! We found us a center J. Collins!!!! I know that the Ref”s stole the game but, WE KNOW We CAN PLAY & BEAT THE CAVS THIS YEAR!!!! The Hawks were Kicking the Cavs ASS on the ROAD!!! DAMM!! For this group it speaks volume. When we went to our BIG Line-up it WORKED!!
Cavs had no answer!! So let’s just try to get the HIGHEST SEED as POSSIBLE in the PLAYOFFS and get ready for the BIG PAY BACK!!!!!!!!!! In JUNE @ THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS!!!! REMEMBER THE BULLS had to go to DETORIT and KICK the PISTONS ASS & take the PISTONS CROWN!! The Hawks will need to do the SAME to the CAVS!! WE MUST BEAT them by (5)pts or more, this way the margin in points is to wide for the REF’s to CONTROL at EOG!!!! HAWKS in 777777777!!!!!!!!!
JeJe
January 1st, 2010
10:58 am
“They just didn’t have a clue of what was going on,” Woodson said. “Between the officials and the scorer’s table, there was a problem. I’m not going to comment on what Kenny said, because that’s something that’s got to be relayed back to the league.”
Go Woody!
LOL what did Kenny say? “What are you talking about, Woody?”
BBgenie
January 1st, 2010
10:58 am
Enter your comments here
JeJe
January 1st, 2010
11:02 am
What types of charges can Arenas and Crittenton get for that issue? What idiots. These guys have millions (Arenas). How can Arenas pull gun first, or at all, in this situation?
We gotta take care of business tonight. Can’t wait to see what antics D’Antoni is up to
JeJe
January 1st, 2010
11:03 am
I don’t know if it’s possible, but we should really consider a S&T with Joe + Marvin, Chillz’ rights, and a pick or two, for LeBron or D.Wade this offseason. They both know we are a player away from the finals. Why would they pick any other team? Time to get ATL back to the top of the media market or closer to the top. Is a S&T possible if it includes other plays with the signed and traded player? We have the players to pull off a deal.
And I agree with K.Strickland that Cleveland has no room to grow. They are eternally !@#$ed when LBJ leaves, or stays, and they will not improve at all or grow because THEY HAVE NO YOUNG PLAYERS
Truth-Serum
January 1st, 2010
11:37 am
Ditto on the Cleveland has no upside and Atlanta has lots of growth potential and flexiblity. We are in a very good position to make moves and grow. Great point.
JeJe
January 1st, 2010
11:51 am
Thursday, Woodson said that the officials could have first realized the problem when Smith crossed the halfcourt line with about 12 seconds left on the shot clock, which normally would constitute an eight-second
Wtf does this even mean? Shot clock would be 16 if it was an 8 second violation. Why would it be 8 second violation at 12 if the clock started at 15? Makes no sense at all.
Gbaby
January 1st, 2010
12:11 pm
The NBA will not replay the last 1:57 of the game, it would set a dangerous president. Imagine if this happened in the first quarter, would you be bound to replay the last three quarters? I’m a Cavs fan and I want to win fair and square, but, Woodson should have ran out onto the court like a screaming maniac at the point he noticed the clock hadn’t reset.Larry Brown would have! We have seen coaches across the league do the similar thing and get their point across without being assessed a technical foul. Most of the time the refs huddle and get it right and I think they can use video proof of that. In my opinion the flow of the game was not interrupted, and we arrive to the end of the game. Fair? no. Every NBA game has human error involved that you can’t hit the rewind button on. This one is in the books.
Non conformist.
January 1st, 2010
12:11 pm
http://www.celticsblog.com/2009/12/7/1189120/should-woodson-get-extension-hawk
northcyde
January 1st, 2010
12:36 pm
I appreciate Mr. Sugiura’s rebuttal for why his original article was written the way it was, but it still doesn’t excuse the reaction from the Atlanta sportswriters about this controversy. The fact that you had to create a 3rd blog ( in 24 hours ) about the Cleveland game on Wednesday night, speaks volumes about how upset this fan base was on Wednesday night.
My beef is still with these Atlanta sportswriters. Mr. Schultz couldn’t wait to rip into the team, JJ, and Woody after the debacle on Tuesday night. And I won’t even fault him for doing so, because that team, ( mainly JJ ) did sink it up on Tuesday night in that 4th quarter.
But where is the same amount of opinionated writing and criticizm ( or praise for the Hawks ), when we go up to Cleveland, damn near lead wire to wire, but lose it at the end because of poor officiating, a shot clock “malfunction”, and a lucky azz 3 by Sideshow Bob, of all people?
Instead, what’s the headline we get?
ANOTHER 4TH QUARTER FLOP
And what about the performance of our captain on that night? He went toe to damn toe with Lebron, playing brilliant basketball and keeping us in the game when other people weren’t stepping up. He couldn’t get a damn call to save his life, but he kept playing.
Yet, nothing is said about that ish. No opinion on the Cleveland debacle I guess. Just fluff pieces on the Falcons and a good Georgia football win.
I always challenge the fans to stand behind their team unconditionally. Well, it’s time for you sportswriters in Atlanta to do the same damn thing. But then again, I wonder how many of the writers in Atlanta actually root for the Hawks, and not some other team. Just because you work for the paper and cover the team, may not necessarily mean that you’re also fans of the team. So I guess I may be askiing too much.
Anybody who watched that game, knew what the hell was up, even before the shot clock “malfunction”. I STILL thought the Hawks were going to somehow pull out that game. But it wasn’t meant to be I guess, considering all that we had to overcome in that game.
I just want you, and your fellow sportswriters to step your game up. This was DEFINITELY a time when you guys should’ve acted like a New York or Philly or a Chicago sportswriter.
Because if one of their teams would’ve had happen to them, what happened to us, they would STILL be raising holy hell about it.
But in the Atlanta media, it’s . . “oh well . . the Hawks shouldn’t have blown the lead.”
I gotta call BS on that.
For you guys that live in ATlanta, let me ask you guys a question. Is this a big topic on sports talk radio down there? If so, what are they talking about more . . . the fact that we blew a big lead . . or the fact that we literally got robbed in Cleveland?
Or are they even talking about it at all.
In the end, that may be the real problem. Outside of the die hard Hawks fans, people probably just don’t give a damn. And that’s probably the reason why Stern will look at Woody’s protest, and just disregard it like he’s just some crybaby coach.
Ken Strickland
January 1st, 2010
12:45 pm
KEITH-that’s exactly what I was going to say. After Smoove got that tech, he didn’t get another call in his favor for the rest of the gm, and there were some blatant fouls committed against him. The most obvious example of officiating bias was the actual play that led to Smoove’s technical foul.
After Lebron got to his spot in the lane, he knew he didn’t stand much chance of scoring with Smoove positioned directly in front of him. That’s when he lowered his shoulder and cleared Smoove out so he could get his shot off. If Lebron wasn’t going to be called for a charge, at worst it should have been a no call, but instead they called a foul on Smoove.
The entire episode wouldn’t have been necessary if the officials hadn’t overlooked Lebron obviously traveled on the play. He had to change pivot feet in order to make the extra move of dropping his shoulder to clear Smoove out and get his shot off. You could see that was what Woodson was complaining about on the sidelines.
We’ve all seen this crap before, and on all levels. Officials will go after a player, players or team that makes an issue of the officiating. Often the official(s)knows they either missed an obvious call or made a bad call, but the complaints get out of hand before they get a chance for a MAKE UP CALL. At this point they’re either embarrassed, angry, or both, and have usually lost control of the gm.
It’s often magnified when it involves officials that are already under investigation for irregularities, like these are.
doc
January 1st, 2010
12:46 pm
gbaby they didnt use the video when it happened because there are restrictions as to what they can use it for and that wasnt one of them according to a report on the incident, maybe it was ken s that reported it.
jeje if the clock didnt reset is the problem. we gotthe ball with 16 seconds left on the clock so essentaill we had one second to get it acrsoo the line. the “24″ second clock read 12 when we went across the line as we were working with a “16″ second clock. if we are passing the line with 12 seconds left on the clock which is what woody is arguing that the refs should have picked up on this so they made TWO HUGE mistakes within 4 seconds. the first was there is a ref to check the clock to make sure it resets; the second is they didnt see the “8 second” violation as it was occuring because the clock didnt reset.
got it? within 4 seconds the refs made two huge mistakes on things that should be rote to their memory banks. these things should be done with each play and is a responsibility of one of the refs on EVERY possession. AGAIN, HUGE ERRORS OF THE OFFICIALS. these guys should get huge reprimands as it displays a huge amount of incompetence. maybe throw in a stupid insolent remark by the the former jail bird mauer and there might be no other way for the nba to get out of it unless they replay. the integrity of the nba is at stake and a precedent set last year in the redo of the miami game. somebody will have to take the fall, if no penalties or suspensions to the refs or no do over you got to wonder about quality control of the game. bad product in my opinion and one i might not want to buy in the future. it is kind of like buying a lemon car, you either sell it or dont buy another one.
northcyde
January 1st, 2010
12:46 pm
From G Baby:
((( The NBA will not replay the last 1:57 of the game, it would set a dangerous president. Imagine if this happened in the first quarter, would you be bound to replay the last three quarters? I’m a Cavs fan and I want to win fair and square, but, Woodson should have ran out onto the court like a screaming maniac at the point he noticed the clock hadn’t reset.Larry Brown would have! We have seen coaches across the league do the similar thing and get their point across without being assessed a technical foul. Most of the time the refs huddle and get it right and I think they can use video proof of that. In my opinion the flow of the game was not interrupted, and we arrive to the end of the game. Fair? no. Every NBA game has human error involved that you can’t hit the rewind button on. This one is in the books.)))
OK sir . . . remember this post if they DO decide to replay this game. Don’t whine and cry like we’re so-called doing, if the decision is that the short shot clock DID affect the game.
You Cavs fans are trying to rationalize a bunch of BS in my opinion. This was NOT a mistake. This was purposely done. How in the hell do you forget to reset a shot clock, when the defending team gets a stop and is going the other way? Even if they reset it kind of late, it still should’ve been done.
Your’re right on one thing. If it happened in the 1st half of the game . . or even the first part of the 4th quarter of a game, this isn’t nearly a big deal.
But this happened with under 2 minutes to play . . in a one point game . . in which both teams were basically battling back and forth. Don’t come on here and try to say that they play had no affect on the game. OF COURSE IT DID.
Hawk fans know good and well what play we were running with under 2 minutes. And it wouldn’t have been a damn pick and roll with Mike Bibby and Josh Smith. Not when Joe Johnson had 33 points at the time, and had scored 14 of Atlanta’s last 21 damn points in that game. We were going to give the ball to Joe Johnson, and live and die by him, like we always do.
The pick and roll that Bibby and Smith ran, would be the equivalent of Mo Williams and Varejao running pick and roll in that same situation. No way in hell would the Cavs do that. The ball would be in Lebron’s hands.
So tell me this Gbaby . . . if the Hawks had scored on that possession, and gone up by 3 points with around 1:35 to go, what play do the Cavs run?
Ken Strickland
January 1st, 2010
1:01 pm
TRUTH SERUM- thanks for the shoutout. I want to wish everyone a very happen New Year. I have a feeling we’re all going to end up offering some complaints, but let’s hope it’s for different reasons. Let’s hope the Atlanta Hawks start the New Year off by giving the NY Knicks a good old fashion butt whipping.
doc
January 1st, 2010
1:18 pm
the wiz may be shopping caron butler, anyone interested in having him maybe to send them a good guy like marvin to help settle down their locker room.
man, the story about how things have deteriorated with the wiz is amazing a arenas seems to have taken on everyone. man now why did they give him the money after serious reconstructive surgery. does he get the t mac treatment soon? sad to say, j crit is in the middle of it.
Ken Strickland
January 1st, 2010
1:19 pm
One more thing. I hope everyone understands that for me, all of the attacks and postering is just plain fun for me, and is in no way an actually representation of how I actually feel.
Not so casual observer
January 1st, 2010
1:20 pm
The official working the offensive baseline is responsible for seeing the shot clock on all changes of possession – he simply looks at the clock on top of the backboard at the other end. This official is also responsible for making the “8 second” call if the ball is not in the front court when the shot clock is on 16. TWO MISTAKES by one official on one play.
The officials do not use instant replay on shot clock questions but they have the authority and responsibility to refer to the “running play” ( an account of every event and the time that event occurred) to correct shot clock discrepencies and this is done often during games. In this instance the running play would have indicated the Horford rebound, and the time, as a reference point for the shot clock.
There is a long history of the Hawks being jobbed by the officials. Atlanta had a 28 point lead entering the 4th of a game in the Omni with Milwaukee and a veteran lead official, Joe Gushue, working the game. The Bucks used full court pressure the entire 4th quarter yet there was not one foul called against them, not ONE.
In the 4th of the Cleveland game Josh Smith went down the left side of the lane unimpeded until Anderson Verajao came running from the right baseline and collided with Josh as he shot the layup – no call. Just one of several instances.
The NBA knows which officials are likely to favor the home team (the Homers) and which officials favor the stars (the Jock Sniffers). The NBA keeps very detailed statistics on the officials and their calls. The NBA knows which officials are weak and the NBA sent 2 sets of weak officials to the 2 Cleveland games. Further, the league sends instructions to the officials to look for certain plays and also indicating which players and coaches are complaining and about which calls.
You should not think there was anything at all arbitrary concerning the game assignments for the officials. The NBA desires an outcome not just for the Finals but during the season for which teams have the best opportunity to reach the Finals. This is not about sport but about entertainment and David Stern micromanages the league through his assistants and sychophants.
doc
January 1st, 2010
1:30 pm
now ken, how do you actually feel about me? heh heh
you ole softy.