Hawks Squawks: Warriors 108, Hawks 104

Bibby is a walking corpse. Get his albino carcass outta here.

• Link
• Report this comment

Dam BONE why so serious its only basketball.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

And tell me again why we didn’t do anything at the trade deadline? I’m sick of the bs as a lifelong Hawks fan. When will we decide to put winning as our number one priority. This wait and see bs is way too old. Lets be honest guys. How many quality wins have we had this year. Most of our wins have come against sub, or slightly over 500 teams. Tayshaun Prince would have been a nice peice to add instead of Marvin “No fire or intensity” Williams. And yeah, Bibby is about as lazy as they come. Throw Teague in and see what he can do. Marvin should’ve been bench long ago. Bibby and Marvin are preventing us from succeeding. I would say Josh too, but he’s finally trying to come around.

• Link
• Report this comment

Mike Bibby is done. Marvin Williams in the invisible man. Woodson has done all he can for this team.

• Link
• Report this comment

Bone may be hot but he has legit points. Again…all of us have stated over and over again. Woody is clueless as a coach (offensively and momentum adjustments)…Marvin is a BUST who cant even crack the lineup at the end of games much less contribute during the 1st 3 qtrs and Mike Bibby has lost whatever he had coming out of Arizona and at Sacramento’s hi time in the early 90’s. It is time to get a coach in here who recognizes, in-game, what Woody states after games that costs us these close games. I cant believe this guy is still the coach of the HAWKS!!! He is a joke!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

As much as we have been givin Josh luv for his poise so far this season….he really reverted back to form on that pannicky 3 pointer at the end of the game. Our team is as undisciplined as ever on offense. Its like they do whatever the hell they want on offense…Playground pickup style….No team gets away with the junk when it counts…Woody…Your days are numbered my Mr. Potato Head lil friend. Catch the next thing smoking outta the ATL after we get bounced in the 1st round.

• Link
• Report this comment

Wdsn “I’ve gotta get more movement [offense], set more screen, get the ball to our bigs so they can make plays…..”
I’m taken aback!
Ken Strickland might just have a stroke.
6 years and he just thought of this?
Did anyone else notice how we hit high gear for a few minutes with Teaguer pushing the ball. Once, he had to go around his own teammate,
who was unaccustomed to the ball coming lickity split down the court.
GS had to call a TO. I was fearful Wdsn was gonna pull him at that pt.
It’s time; we’ve got a shiny new vehicle, let the kid drive it.

• Link
• Report this comment

He panicked!!! He had plenty of time to move the ball!! Tim Legler mentioned it too. He had time to move the ball for a better shot.

• Link
• Report this comment

Josh’s 3 strikes me as a panic shot, since there were 6 seconds left and he has refrained from shooting 3’s this year unless there was no other alternative. That said, this game was lost because of terrible defense and even worse strategy, not because of one errant 3. If the Hawks came out of the gate feeding the ball inside, they would have been up by 40 going into the 4th and half the Golden State team would have fouled out.

• Link
• Report this comment

Najeh….u made my point. We wont go far b/c of a stubborn coach’s inability to want or be able to make necessary adjustments…IN GAME!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Woodson is not fit to be the coach anymore.

2 games in a row he was either directly (zero use of the bench) or indirectly (allowing his players to even utter the words “We were too comfortable”) responsible for the loss.

Woody won’t be capable of leading the hawks far into the playoffs. They start to do some good things or get put in a serious pressure situation and Woody loses all sense of coaching ability.

What kind of coach allows players to get into their minds where:
“We thought we could just let them make their run and come back and we would still win.”

• Link
• Report this comment

Next thing smoking Woody!!! Next thing smokin!!!! Be gone!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Woody = COY

^^^^^^^^^^ smh

• Link
• Report this comment

What bothers me most about Woodson is his failure to make adjustments. For one, Curry and ellis ran all over us for most of the game. Their quickness made getting into the lane easy on Bibby, Joe, and even Crawford who isnt the quickest laterally. The one time I felt comfortable with our perimeter and pick and roll defense was when Teague was playing. But Woodson didnt play him because of his athleticism and quickness, he only played him because of his sub-on-schedule philosophy. There is a difference. Also, This game would of been perfect for Mo Evans to do his thing. Usually he is forced to guard much bigger small forwards, but tonight he could of stuck Ellis or Curry and really made them work. Sadly, he didnt see a second of pt. I feel that if Woodson used a lineup in that game of Teague, Mo Evans, Joe, Marvin, and Smoove, or something there of, we would of shut down the Warriors rally. I feel that Woody constantly fails to recognize the necessary adjustment needed to give our team the best chance to win. I also feel that we arent taking advantage of our size against most teams. It seems that early our game plan is to give everybody a touch early, bu we should really be attacking the mismatches. Most teams put their small forward on Joe leaving a guard on Marvin or they have to switch a forward on one of our guards. If this happens, and it usually does, That player should get the ball to post up or penetrate. Also, I feel like our spacing is horrible when opponents double team Joe. Guys can be productive even when we go to iso-joe. Specifically the guy who’s man leaves to double Joe. This player should find an open spot on the floor that gives Joe an easy pass to get an open look, or drive, at the basket. This is purely fundamental. The Hawks have a lot of talent but they arent utilizing their strengths as well as they should.

• Link
• Report this comment

I don’t see any reason to keep Josh Smith on the bench at that point in the game, but the only reason I would have him anywhere near the perimeter would be to set a pick which Woody obviously isn’t going to do. Makes too much sense. P & R with Crawford and Smith would be force the D to make a hell of a decision, but I’ll bet any amount of money that’s it’s never covered in practice. Teams have figured out that in that situation it’s going to be Iso-Joe or Iso-Jamal and if you double the one with the ball, you’ve got a 97% chance of shutting down the offense. That’s what happened tonight, that’s what’s happened in the past and that’s what will continue to happen as long as Woodson is the the coach. In “Rock Preston’s” words, NEXT THING SMOKING, WOODY!!!!! BE GONE!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Things I’m concerned about:

We are in a very very very tough position with Woodson. Most of us know the man is just not efficient enough as a coach, but as long as Hawks are as high above .500 as they are, the organizatrion cant just let the man go. I mean hey, with as bad as the Hawks have been since 2000, even if we slipped to 5th this year and lost in the first round, people still would have gripe and alot of people would buy it. I want him gone too, but that’s just how it is.

There’s something else that bothers me, which proves the “experts” and ESPN dont know wdf they are talking about. All I’ve heard was these “young hawks” and their “young talented nucleus” thats gonna fix us as a playoff team for years. How for certain is that???

Bibby is old, and done. Johnson is pretty much in his prime age and who even says he’s gonna stay? Marvin Williams is a scrub, bench player at best. Teague has potential but is unproven. Josh Smith is an athletic freak of nature, but he hasn’t shown that he can “carry” a team (or some anywhere near it). Horford is a pretty good big man, that should be playing PF.

Considering that Joe may leave, our “young core” = Josh, Marvin, Horford, Teague(and he even might be gone in possible trade scenarios) Sorry, but I dont see anything about that which “spells playoffs for years)

Without Flip last year and Crawford this year, we’re barely an above .500.

• Link
• Report this comment

I would have to lay this loss at Woody’s feet. His substitutions and lack of providing guidance at a critical point was what sunk us on this. When the lead got down to 12 and Stephen Curry was really starting to heat up, Woody should have called a time out and make adjustments to make Curry have to pass the ball. This was Nate Robinson Pt 2. I believe Woody thought the effort GS was making would tire them out against the subs and when he brought back the starters they would just run over the exhausted GS guys on the floor. However, GS played unselfishly and with heart and they had someone who stepped up when needed and his energy fuled the others.

For all of you who keep calling for Woody’s head, how many teams do you remember who fired a coach who had increased the wins every year, and significantly? That is not going to happen. I expect we will have a 50+ win season and we would look like real dweebs if we fired the coach who got us there. Realistically, who would we replace him with at this point. All of the names I see out there and were mentioned tonight are not coaching for a reason. Don Nelson, who coached a great game with the players he had spent years in Milwaukee having his team reach the playoffs only to get eliminated in the 1st or 2nd round. He is still considered one of the best of getting the most and best out of his players as at Dallas and now Golden State. Right now, to me, Woody has an undisciplined team who win despite themselves but as someone stated against the sub 500 or marginally above 500 teams. In order to be one of the elite teams that they aspire to be, it will be necessary for them to become more discipline in the 4th qtr, when the tide has started to turn, when the outside shots have stopped falling and most importantly when the game is on the line. We all love seeing those highlight videos where improbable shots fall to win the games but that is not the norm. The norm is that the really disciplined teams turn up the defense, run their plays to perfection and do what is necessary to disrupt the rythmn of the other team. Sort of like what happened to us tonight.

In the end this is going to fall on the coaches and it may be that Woody is going to have to get some different people in for his staff. Barring an unexpected meltdown, he will be back. And, a lot of what is going to determine how we are moving forward will be what we do to keep JJ and what kind of moves we can make with the money left. With the players we are all gripping about who would want them? If nobody else wants them we are stuck with them and there contracts unless we mortgage our future on giving up top draft picks. But that would be inconsistent with what we did to get the team we have.

We need a few tweaks for sure, but what we really need is a more disciplined team and better strategy in certain situations.

• Link
• Report this comment

We lack sustained energy and urgency over four quarters. Time to give Teague a shot. We NEED a man with something to prove. Lose the training wheels. Let’s go.

• Link
• Report this comment

Worst hawks loss in the last decade. And that’s saying a lot, and on national TV no less. The announcers struggled all game to cast this as an competitive basketball game. They couldn’t believe it! 35 to 14 in the fourth quarter?

MC, Has Woody lost the locker room?

• Link
• Report this comment

Very disappointing game-I’m usually not that critical of the team because I’m a diehard fan, but I was really embarrassed last night and beginning to lose faith (I’m a season ticket holder-Sec 114).

**Yes ultimately it’s the coach’s fault, but the players sort of make you wonder sometimes- they are not high school seniors/college junior’s.

Marvin and Bibby definitely should not be starters-look at their stats, and game contribution’s during the last 28 games- does it prove they are better than any other bench player we have?

What will it take for Josh Smith to realize that he does not, and I repeat does not have a jump shot? Maybe coach W should bench him or something to make a point……I’m really getting tired of seeing him trying to play like a guard and lead a fast break after a rebound too! We support you Josh, but stay with your game bro…….

Coach W:

(1) it is time to bench Marvin immediately if you want to win and be taken seriously by other teams-

(2) Bibby’s better days are behind him- how many times is he going to fall on the floor after a layup/shot? Teague gives the impression that he is coachable and can/will play, he just needs the minutes to get in sync with the team.

(3) If you are going to use the iso Joe play- tell him if he cant get a shot off between 6-8 seconds to give the ball up.

(4) Al Horford plays consistent every night

We have a good team that really has the pieces to be a “great” team -it’s time to call players out when they lose games we should win. I’m down with the Hawks, but beginning to reconsider if I’ll renew my season tickets, or just go to select games…….

• Link
• Report this comment

Don’t you wish you drafted me…..suckers!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Woodson fails to make adjustments during the game. He should have changed his defense when Curry was hot. Putting in Evans to stop him would have showed the fans he is trying. I fault Josh for taking that shot, but everybody is forgetting who threw him the ball and passed up a wide open three – Bibby! We did not make trades, but Woodson needs to start Teague and Evans and let Bibby and Marvin come off the bench. I would consider starting Joe Smith over Marvin to give the Hawks a big lineup.

• Link
• Report this comment

i wish that i had held up on my deposit for next season, damn!!

• Link
• Report this comment

What a frustrating game last night. I was so mad I could hardly sleep. We lose to a team with 8 players who are not very good. We get out hustled, outshot, out coached by a horrible organization. There’s no excuse for this loss! NONE!!!

How do you let Stephen Curry shoot open jumpers? How does the so called sixth man of the year get a technical foul called on him when we have the ball in a tie game with :34 on the clock? How does Coach Woodson not mop the floor with a team that has eight healthy players with what’s considered an Eastern Conference elite team? UNBELIEVABLE!!!! I’ve seen this game way too many times as a die hard fan of the Hawks, Braves and Falcons!!!

Woodson please take your notepad and a pencil with you to the game tonight against the Jazz and write down every set play that Utah runs. Or at least have Larry Drew write them down for you–then try to copy at least three of those plays and use them. We don’t have one set play other than the ally oop play to Josh or the pick and roll from Bibby to Al…COME UP WITH SOMETHING ELSE PLEASE!!!!

A 1-3 road trip is a disgrace! We have to find a way to get this one tonight–but I truly don’t see us winning against a very smart and fundamentally sound and well-coached Jazz team. Look for about a 101–77 loss by the Hawks. Hope I’m wrong but like I’ve said I’ve seen this game a bunch of times.

• Link
• Report this comment

Bibby’s legs are gone- the heart is willing. Teague has enough pride that he wouldn’t let a lesser player and contemporary like Curry to burn him. Curry is also a fine player, good basketball mind, but Teague would turn into Rondo if he played for Doc Rivers.

• Link
• Report this comment

How the hell is Joe Johnson the biggest SG in the game but only averages 4.7 rebounds? That is a pathetic number and he has no heart

• Link
• Report this comment

The NBA letting the players to get traded and still go back to a team that is $20,000,000 over the salary cap is wrong.

The NBA needs to keep the very little credibility it has by not letting Cleveland trade expensive players and then get the back in prearranged deals.

Stern has no credibility.

• Link
• Report this comment

First of all, total team loss (players and coaches), so plenty of blame to go around.

Crawford (who also went 6-15) can’t get a technical that late in a tight game. And what was Josh doing shooting that 3 with 6 seconds left? And Marvin gave us nothing again.

Bibby gave us nothing again (offensively or defensively), but yet he still played 30 minutes, and once again, an opposing PG burned us. Can Teague really look that bad in practice not to get more PT?

Woody should have been posting them up from the start of the game (as Najeh pointed out). And then in the 4th, Woody stood by on the sidelines and couldnt figure out how to get the team to execute offensively.

Ms. Dee has a good point. Why put Josh in the game when you’re down 3. If he gets the ball and gets fouled, we probably lose (even if he gets 3 FT). If he takes the 3pt shot, we probably lose. If he gets an offensive rebound and put back, we’re still down 1.

And even if he gets an AND 1, he might miss the FT. It might have been a good strategy to put Marvin in the game instead of Josh. Thats a tough call though.

Interesting quote from Woody. “I’ve got to get us out of that,” Woody said. “We are isolating too much now. I’ve got to get more movement, more ball screens, give the ‘bigs’ a chance to make plays.”

Really Woody? How long have us fans been screaming the same thing? 6 years in, and Woody is coming to the same conclusion that bloggers have been saying for at least the last 2 seasons.

I wonder what Rick Sund is thinking right now? He’s probably glad that he hasn’t given Woody an extension yet. Plus, keep in mind, the Raptors are only 4 games behind us in the loss column.

• Link
• Report this comment

How in the world did the Hawks lose this game? I went to bed at the end of the 3rd, and we where up 15. The way the Hawks were playing I thought this game was in the bag.

I knew they would try and make a run, but not enought to over the lead we established. Wow another blown opportunity. Cle lost 3 in a row, Orl lost to Dallas, & Bos. lost yesterday, and the Hawks blow 2 games they should have won.

• Link
• Report this comment

Maybe I’m too new of an NBA fan, but did anyone notice how Bob Devaney and Co. let GS maul our guys on the defensive end during their run? It seemed as if they got caught up in the crowd. On one play, JJ got his man up in the air, drew contact and put up a shot. No call.

In addition, it is pretty clear that Woody is a lousy coach. How does Joe not at least TOUCH the ball on that last posession? He was the only guy in red having a good shooting night. I really think coaching has cost this team 5 or more games this season.

• Link
• Report this comment

DUE TO IDIOT OWNER’S,IDIOT G.M.’S & A IDIOT COACH WHAT WE HAVE HERE IS ANOTHER WASTED SEASON!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

OK, any comment about this game has to include “The Warriors dressed EIGHT GUYS!” Why weren’t the Hawks forcing them into foul trouble?!? The Warriors dressed EIGHT GUYS! None of them was disqualified?!? The Warriors dressed EIGHT GUYS! Why wasn’t their trainer running around like a medic on D-Day trying to relieve cramping and exhaustion? The Warriors dressed EIGHT GUYS! You play Teague, Crawford, JJ, Smoove, and Horford and run them out of the gym!! Then bring in Marvin and Zaza when you want to smash them in the paint!!!

The Warriors dressed EIGHT GUYS!
The Warriors dressed EIGHT GUYS!

Hawks are one round and done again this year…..

• Link
• Report this comment

JJ Fan, 8 is a good rotation most nights. Look back at the Hawks, if they more than 8 guys, it’s usually for a couple of minutes at the end of 1, 2, or 3 quarters.

• Link
• Report this comment

OK, I’m starting to think Woody is actually an assistant coach working for the Orlando Magic!!
You’ve gotta be kiddin me right with his coaching decisions.
Why did he again not give his starters a break when the Hawks built that lead late in the 3rd Quarter. They had absoulutely nothing left in the 4th Quarter, esp. Josh. He wasn’t explosive at all. Marvin, Joe Smith, and Mo all sat on the bench in the 4th Quarter.
Secondly have you seen M. Biddy’s stat line. 3pts in 30 minutes of play. He does create offensive of the dribble penentration. He can’t defend as well as Teague. Why is he not at least splitting minutes with Teague at this point? Who he gonna guard come playoff times. All of the opposing teams PG’s are much quicker than Bibby.

• Link
• Report this comment

YOu can’t blame Josh for taking that shot with time running down when he had a clean look. The guy played his butt off last night scrapping for balls on the floor and pulling down rebounds. This team is AGAIN hurt by guard play that needs to be better in the last 2 minutes. They couldn’t get open he had a good look and just missed it. NO big deal it’s not like he’s doing that 15 times a game like last year. The fact that they only scored 14 in the 4th against THAT team…. yeah I hope no one said a word on the plane to Utah. They should be embarassed. If Joe is the star… then JOE should be taking over and winning games like those.

They are going to have to upgrade point guard big time next year.

• Link
• Report this comment

I pity the fool (Mike Woodson). Time for Woodson to go. When was the last time you saw the Hawks come out of a timeout and run a play that wasn’t “give the ball to Joe Johnson”. When was the last time you thought that Woodson had out-coached the opposing coach? (never). How can you have a strong team down the stretch if you’re not giving your bench significant playing time? (even if it may cost you a win or two during the season) Please, please, please, can we have a new coach after the season is over. I find myself wishing for a Hawks flop in the playoffs, just to improve our chances of getting ourselves a COACH !!

• Link
• Report this comment

Josh has some flaws, but is a major, major talent. If he can develope a mid-range jump shot, and stay away from the 3 pointers, he’ll be an great player.

If Dirk Nowitzki can play the long range game that he plays at 7 feet, then Josh should be able to handle 10 12 feet from the basket.

• Link
• Report this comment

Let’s hope that Woody has told Josh to shoot around 75% from the free throw line for the remainder of the year, since all things broken about this team comes down to the coaching. Oh yeah, and maybe he should also remind his players that late game technical fouls in tight games is not generally a good thing. Idiot coach, doesn’t he realize that he must constantly teach because these guys retain nothing?

• Link
• Report this comment

Clyde, you might be back in buisness. When hear Woodson say “I have to get them out of that”, in reference to all the iso plays, I think he is in over his head. When will that guy learn to stop taking the air out of the ball when the team is rolling?

Have not been one to rip Woody, but this is as bad of a loss as I have seen. I thought the Miami debacle was the “wake up call”.

Ladies and gentlemen….make some noise for your ATLANTAAAAAA FRAUDSSSS

• Link
• Report this comment

Last night’s loss makes this a bad road trip. The Hawks have blown 2 very winable games, last was a gift to the Warriors, and tonight they face a good team.

The Hawks have difficulty in back to back games as is. Let’s hope that last night’s performance will cause the Hawks to play with a chip on shoulder tonight. If they can pull it out, they finish with a 2 – 2 road trip that could have been 3 -1.

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m starting to think that if Woody comes back, JJ goes to the Knicks or Chicago and pairs with a better coach. Johnson is smart enough to know he may get his shots up and pad his stats with the Hawks, but he will not win a Championship in Atlanta under our current coach. He will have his money this summer so it’s not going to be about his stats anymore, it’s going to be about winning!

• Link
• Report this comment

I wish Dominque could coach this team.Where were the reserves last night? Why isn’t Joe Smith playing more? Why not put Teague on Curry? He had fresher legs. Flusing an 18 point lead is inexcusable. I know the guys were tired with a three game west coast trip, but come on. Coaching lost that game last night. I’m worried about the playoffs I would like to see Joe Smith, Horford and Josh Smith get some minutes together.

• Link
• Report this comment

I said this a couple of months ago, after the Knicks came to ATL and knocked off the Hawks, and I’ll say it again: I think Woodson has taken this team as far as it’s going to go. The reasons the players and coaches cite in their losses are exactly the same today as they were very early in the season.

Can anyone honestly say this is a better team today than it was in game one of the year?

The trouble is, and it was pointed out yesterday by another poster – is there a better coach available at the salary level the ASG is willing to pay?

• Link
• Report this comment

very tough loss last night, this could be one of those come back to haunt you losses if we miss being a 3rd seed by one game. Lots of blame to go around here. I do actually have to give a fair amount to Josh and Woodson. Yes, Josh overall played well, but he kept going to Josh and/or Josh kept running the offense in the 4th quarter when things were not working. Jamal had a horrible game. Nobody on the team did enough.

I will say that I strongly agree with Fundamentals post. What happened to this “focus” that we heard so much about coming back from the All Star break? Weird things happen but blowing a 16 point lead in the 4th quarter to a sub standard NBA team? That is completely about focus or lack there of. What gives?

• Link
• Report this comment

Samuel The FIRE WOODY train is on full steam. Where u at Sammy?????? Woody surely lost some points in the COY running last night.

This morning we have heard from Jeje and Granddad about last night’s lost. All we need now is a nice long post from The Blogger of The Year Ken Strickland.

FIRE WOODY

• Link
• Report this comment

Why is everyone wanting Joe to have the ball on that last possession? Jamal was the one who hit a ton of 3’s?

Joe is clearly a moron.

WE COULD HAVE DONE A 2 FOR 1 WITH 34 SECONDS LEFT.

WHAT THE !@#$ING HELL WAS HE THINKING? HE DOES THIS EVERY TIME. 2 FOR 1 IS A FREAKING GIVEN

JESUS

• Link
• Report this comment

Astro,

Look like you are going hard after your two favorite whooping boys for this lost….lol

• Link
• Report this comment

Melvin, you have yours, I have mine.

• Link
• Report this comment

28pts combine in the 4th qtrs of the last two games against subpar defensive teams (Phx and GS). You want to talk defense!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

It’s hard to figure out how after 54 games the Hawks are still trying to figure out their identity. I can only imagine how fustrated the players must be both starters and bench players. How can an six year NBA coach be this inept. Your starting pg gives you 3pts and 5 assists in over 30 minutes it seems for the past 20 games and you make no adjustments. Your starting sf has been inconsistent all year , yet you refuse to give your your improved players a shot. What is it with this guy and his loyalty to certain players. I hate to see anybody lose their jobs but this is just ridiculious. Its not rocket science. Even after admitting that his failure to use his bench backfired on him in the loss to the Suns, Coach Woody comes right out and does the same thing in the very next game where his starters blow a 18 pt lead and lose to a team wit 8 healthy players. Somebody please help me to understand what’s going on here if you can!

• Link
• Report this comment

Poor Hawks. They are scare to play their rookie(s) and they constantly get abuse by other teams rookies…. Uh, whats the purpose of playing vets again…

• Link
• Report this comment

Dang, these last two losses HURTS…

• Link
• Report this comment

I wonder if Woodrow listens to the Asst Coaches input, or do they all have the same philosophy?

• Link
• Report this comment

I don’t think you kill Josh for taking that last 3. He was way beyond frustrated at that point and it seems that he lost some of that composure that he has worked so hard to maintain this season. Still, it doesn’t excuse the shot, but I’m not going to kill him for it. Actually, he had a heck of a game for the most part…besides, Woodson is the problem here, not Josh.

• Link
• Report this comment

CAN WE PLEASE GET AN ARTICLE ABOUT WOODSON NOT PLAYING HIS BENCH?! An in-depth, statistics filled article about how Woodson has blown Hawk’s chances in games by not playing his bench and worn his starters down by playoff time because of this? I will subscribe to the sunday paper if I can you write me this article

• Link
• Report this comment

Bibby is clearly having a horrendous year, there is no way to deny that fact. But, consider this. If Teague averages 10 points and 5 assists in 24 minutes and Bibby averages 10 points and 5 assists in 24 minutes, would those two have equal importance to their teammates? Teague, most would assume, would be a better defender on the other end of the court. But IMO, Bibby would give the team a swagger that Teague can’t provide. During most of the playoffs last season, we moaned about missing that alpha male, the guy who gets in the face of his teammates and rallies the troops. All elite teams have that guy… the only voice CAN’T be the coach, you have to have a peer to do some of the “on-court coaching”. We only have one guy who is ready now to be that leader on the floor, Bibby. Horford may get there (I’d love for him to be there yesterday but I don’t think that is realistic). Joe would have to have a personality transplant. Smith? Never mind. So the reason I believe that we HAVE to give Bibby time to work his way out of this 2 month-long funk is because when the playoffs come around and we’re facing adversity (like last night), we need Bibby to provide the leadership that Teague and others cannot. Again, all things being equal, Bibby provides an important intangible that is essential for playoff success.

If you believe that Teague “can do what Bibby has been doing” then I would ask if you believe in peer leadership and who do you expect to knock heads when there is a need for heads to be knocked. We all know that most teams have that head-knocker… Billups, Kobe, KG, Jameer, Lebron, etc. And in several cases, it’s NOT the best or highest paid guy… anyone think Melo is Denver’s leader and not Billups? Anyone think Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter or Howard are the head knockers in Orlando? Watch Orlando in a tight game and it is easy to see that Jameer is the straw in that team’s drink. KG may not be as productive on the court but he is clearly his team’s emotional leader.

Bibby cuts across the previous “camps” on this team… Joe and the vets and Josh and the young guys. He’s the bridge. Somehow, that bridge needs to be fixed quick and fast or this thing will come tumbling down.

• Link
• Report this comment

Maybe the Bibbster would be better as an offensive coach sitting on the bench. Who knows, maybe he can learn to cross his arms like the Woodster.

• Link
• Report this comment

I believe that Woody is out of ideas.

• Link
• Report this comment

Astro,

I think you are missing the point. Many people around here are blind and do not give Woody any credit.

I DO, however, I also see clearly that his coaching is worsening as the games go by and that he is basically scared and unwilling/unable to make any variations to his ultra basic game plan and is getting less and less “adventurous”.

You should also know that OTHER TEAMS SCOUT the Hawks and as the games go by, there is more information available on how to beat the Hawks.

In order to avoid this, we need to evolve and adapt to the strategies which are devised by our adversaries.

Every single time that our opponents create some sort of miss match exploiting our weaknesses, Woody just rolls over and fails to grasp what to do.

Yesterday, apart from the officiating which was a MAJOR factors, Woody failed to react to Nelson’s “big” line up when he went with Biedrins and Hunter at the same time.

For most of the game we had a SIZE ADVANTAGE which in the 3rd period gave its results, however, when Nelson went with Biedrins (6′11”) and Hunter (6′11”) our size advantage disappeared and our interior game was debilitated (with the help of the refs, I must point out again).

Remember, Al is 6′10” and Josh 6′9”.

Woody should have gone EXTRA BIG and pound the inside and REMOVE Bibby who could not keep up with GS’s speedsters. Right now, he does not guard, drive or shoot… Why he is playing? Give him a rest and let him stay in ATL working out with a conditioning coach for 2 weeks!!!!

If Woody had gone with Joe Smith/Zaza/Collins (or even RandMo) plus Al and Josh, GS would not have an answer and the refs would not be able to compensate.

And for the ones distrusting RandMo, Chris Hunter, a rookie out of the NBDL averaging 3,2ppg and 2reb got 12 POINTS against us!!!!

Also, to have JJ carrying the defensive and the offensive loads (defending Curry – a tough assignment beyond his ability*), even when he is playing well, is bound to end up with him exhausted and lost.

* JJ can defend bulkier PG like Deron Williams, but has trouble against lighter and quicker players.

To put him defending the Nates, Currys, Pauls and the Parkers of the league is an IDIOCY.

• Link
• Report this comment

AJ – ditto with Joe. Is he a chucker?
It’s already Al’s team.
Teague 16+ min is not going to change Bibby’s status.
Bibby’s legs can’t take 30+ every night.
Not to mention, Wdsn is killing Joe’s long term [6th yr.] contract,
by wearing out his legs. Just like buying a used car…high mileage!

• Link
• Report this comment

Obrein,

Good find on the points scored in the 4th qtrs. Thats 10 games were the Hawks have failed to score 20pts in the closing qtr of the game. I wonder how many of those games the Hawks won? 9 of those opponents are playoff teams. That’s a very distrubing STAT from a team thats trying to win their division.

• Link
• Report this comment

@ Melvin,

For those 10 games, the Hawks went 1-9.

AJ,

I know its only a sample. But the point I’m trying to make is that the Hawks 4th quarter scoring has been a problem too often this year, and as a team, they need to figure out what the problem is, and how to fix it (especially when the defense isn’t there).

Games get closer and tighter in March, as teams know your tendencies, and we must be able to adjust. And I hope you’re right about Bibby. My only concern is that his “leadership and intangibles” will not be enough to overcome his on court struggles if he does not turn it around soon.

@ MC,

Looking at the nimbers, maybe you could do an article about the Hawks’ 4th quarter scoring woes.

Rick Sund has said he only looks at the loss column. Well, the Hawks are 4 games in front of the Raptors in the loss column, with plenty of games to go.

• Link
• Report this comment

OB,

Great stat which, in my opinion, tells all that we need to know from Woody’s performance as a coach.

• Link
• Report this comment

Teague brings to this team what a PG should bring. When he brings it up the floor 50% of the time he penetrates into the paint and makes something happen. Which Bibbster has no idea how to do in his old age.

• Link
• Report this comment

@grandad:That’s two games in a row where an all-systems failure led to a dispiriting loss for the Hawks. Same scene after each one, too: J.J. sitting dejectedly at his locker, still in uniform while his teammates hit the showers.

That is why I made the statement concerning Joe’s decision; I think he is very frustrated right now.

• Link
• Report this comment

I knew the Hawks were going to lose the game last night. The Hawks did the same thing against Phoenix. Played DOWN to the level of their opponent. The Phoenix and Golden state games are two games the Hawks could and should have won. Had they won them they would have kept pace with Orlando. What does Orlando do over the weekend. Show why they are a legitimate threat to win the NBA title. They beat the Cavs who have now lost three straight games. The Hawks ALWAYS lose games they should win and that is why they will never be more than a fluke. They will never win an nba title as long as Woody is their coach. Woody doesnt care whether the Hawks win and neither do the Hawks. The Hawks played lethargic against the warriers because they thought they could coast to a win. The Hawks could have opened up a 30-point lead against the warriers and put them away, but they didnt. Its nothing but PURE EMBARRASSMENT to lose to a team like Golden State who plays no defense and are sitting at 30 games UNDER .500. Still the Hawks couldnt beat them. When the Hawks play like they played last night, they cant beat anyone. One other point. When will Jamal Crawford be put into the starting lineup where he belongs and when will Marvin Williams be kicked off the team.

• Link
• Report this comment

GO HAWKS!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

BIBBY DONE.
GO HAWKS!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

WOODY DONE.
GO HAWKS!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

man … I hate those alternate AWAY uniforms. They are like the DAL Cowboys “Bad Luck Blue” jerseys (which may be the true HOME jersey for the ‘boys) and just liek them we haven’t had as much success when wearing those.

ATL Hawks “Dread Red” uniforms

• Link
• Report this comment

One more thing on Marvin:

Has anyone ever seen Marvin come away with a loose ball? He has the worst hands of any lottery pick I’ve ever seen.

• Link
• Report this comment

Astro,

To your credit, I must say that you DID RAISE A FRIGHTENING FACT:

Sund’s record selecting Head Coaches is… worse than Woody’s 4th quarter coaching!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

AJ,

Agreed. Its hard to tell who to blame for the scoring droughts. Is it players not executing, or is it coaching. Its probably a combination of both.

Woody has been here 6 seasons, and he has done a good job bringing the Hawks where they are. But I’m starting to wonder if we need a new dominant voice (coach or player) to help get us over the hump and take that next step.

Denver got Chauncey, and that was their missing piece. I dont know if our missing piece is a new coach, or a leader on the court who demands respect while producing. Maybe as a team (players and coaches), we’ve been doing the same thing for so long, we’ve gotten complacent.

• Link
• Report this comment

Vava, I think that is a tough call. If you stay “big” then you gamble that the NBDL players would lose their effectiveness. If you go “small”, then you prompt Nellie to go back to Monta Ellis earlier in the 4th quarter. So would you rather lose to (sorry, I don;t remember the “big” guys who were playing well) or Monta Ellis? Sometimes, you can choose the right strategy and still lose… especially if uncharacteristic things happen like Jamal gets a tech and Josh shoots a 3-ball with 6 seconds left.

I definitely agree that both the Warriors and Suns have been able to take away Horford too easily in the 4th quarter. The Suns effectively stopped easy entry passes into Al… and the Warriors were able to figure out how to defend our bigs also. I’m sure that is a combination of not having enough diverse ways to get those guys the ball (Woody’s fault) and the bigs not having enough experience to recognize the new defense and adjust accordingly (inexperience). Thankfully, we have 25+ games to work on those issues. I’m not of the opinion that this team needs to peak now, so I won’t join many in full panic mode.

• Link
• Report this comment

Seems folks are really out in force today ripping up the team. Fact is the trade deadline has passed people. What are our options till the playoffs end in whatever round you see fit to gripe for?

Let’s face it – they let down b/c they are immature and lacked focus!

Teague looked great running the team while Bibby looked awful!

Marvin is not proving to be a starter.

Woodson won’t make adjustments or changes. He’s patiently waiting for them to learn or Sund to fire him. He’s digging his own hole here.

Where do we go for this season? Not next year, WHAT ABOUT RIGHT NOW!

Where’s the focus and attitude they promised after the All-Star Break?

• Link
• Report this comment

Astro,

You are very smooth with your arguments and excuses. IT’S UP TO THE COACH to acknowledge that he has lost the initiative of the game and MAKE COUNTER ADJUSTMENTS.

IT’S NOT UP TO TWO 24 year olds to read defenses and suddenly coach themselves!!!! We made Chris Hunter (with a great help of the refs) look like A F***ING ALL STAR!!!

The tech and the missed 3 pointer by Josh came WHEN WE HAD ALREADY SQUANDERED an 18 point lead.

We were dominating with ELLIS on court, so why should we be afraid of Nellie bringing back Ellis??? Specially since JJ was scoring at will against him!!!!!

So, in my book, Woody should have gone extra big to erase the difference in height that Nellie’s new line up created and if Nellie reverted back to Ellis: I WOULD BE FINE WITH THAT.

I WOULD FEEL LESS BAD if we had lost this game if it had been Ellis (who is a tremendous offensive talent) and Curry who had won the game for GS, BUT I CANNOT ACCEPT that we lost the game when NELLIE GOES BIG with BIEDRINS AND CHRIS FREAKING HUNTER!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

THAT WAS ABOUT AS PATHEIC A 4TH QUATER OF BASKETBALL AS I HAVE EVER SEEN! TO HAVE AN OUTSTANDING 3RD QUARTER AND THEN REVERT BACK TO SLOP BALL. PLEASE DON’T LET BIBBY AND MARVIN PLAY ANYMORE 4TH QTRS! AND IF WE HAVE TO TELL JOSH NOT TO SHOOT 3′S, THIS IS A LOSS CAUSE!

• Link
• Report this comment

Breaking news the hawks Suck I want the fans to get up and protest the home games till they fire Woody don t but tickets lol

• Link
• Report this comment

Astro,

Bibby has his purpose. I think he’s got the ability to come out of this shooting slump. Last night was not a time to use him since their guards are so young and quick. He can run the team in a 1/2 court game effectively. He’s better at a slow grinding game where decision making is key. His shot will come, but last night should’ve been Teague’s. Especially after his strong showing.

GEEMACK

I’ll almost, ~80%, agree with the fact that they’ll win 50 games and be out in the 2nd round. They’re playing to expectations instead of trying their best every night. They’re kids who are content to meet expectations instead of professionals who bring it every night.

We’ve got 20 or so games to become men, and enter the ECF with a bang.

Potential is easily there. Will it happen? I’ll watch every night to see!

• Link
• Report this comment

Bibby looks horrible shooting the ball. And he runs the offense better than Teague.

But too many possessions all he does is hand the ball off to JJ or Crawford, and then hang out by the 3pt line. Since January 1, he is 22-80 from the 3 pt line. We need him to start hitting those shots.

Saw this on espn.com,

“Once the final quarter began, the Hawks again fell into a rut of stagnant half-court possessions that typically ended with a missed jump shot.”

“On Friday night, the Hawks scored just 30 second-half points against the league’s 29th-stingiest defense in their loss at Phoenix. On Sunday night, Atlanta blew an 18-point lead while scoring just 14 points in the fourth quarter against the league’s 25th-ranked defense. ”

So not only are we struggling to score, we are struggling against teams that are ranked near the bottom defensively.

Hawks need a win tonight. And I wont be surprised if we find a way to leave with a victory. But then again, this being the Hawks, I also wont be surprised if we get blown out.

• Link
• Report this comment

Vava, we were NOT dominating in the first half with Ellis on the floor… we had a 1 point lead. We ran Ellis off the floor by playing big boy basketball… had we returned to small ball (which didn’t work in first half) I don’t quite know how you can say we would have definitively won.

If the opposing team changes their strategy and starts fronting Horford or sending over a double team or somehow changes their defensive approoach, are you suggesting that Horford is not responsible for “reading the defense” and adjusting? I would agree that if the defense is effective that Woody should change the offensive strategy and maybe run things through a different player. Bu once a player catches the ball in a scor position, I don’t think they should wait for the coach to yell “shoot it” or “pass it” or “use a jab step, dribble with your right hand into the lane and shoot a hook”. Once the QB drops back to pass, the coach is no longer responsible for the execution of the strategy. And once our player catches the ball in the desired spot on the floor, I don’t think the coach is responsible for what happens next. Not an excuse, I just don’t think we want theplayer holding the ball and waiting for coaching help.

And I’m not blaming Horford. It takes years of experience to be able to defeat various defensive strategies. And like everyone is so quick to point out, he will learn that by having those situations play out in real late and tight game situations. I’m all for featuring Al in those types of situations and living with the good and the bad. The coaching staff needs to work with him and to devise a variety of ways to get him the ball. And when he gets it, the rest is up to Al… not the coaches.

Funny how some players are responsible for looking bad by themselves while others look bad exclusively because of coaching.

• Link
• Report this comment

Daniel,

Sorry, seems text does carry a different reflection of a persons heart at times. You know my rant every time. Effort & Professionalism. We lacked both last night.

I just don’t see how they can be so immature and leave what obviously works so well behind. Who is going to emerge as the leader to slap somebody when we pull the same crap over and over again?

I will defend the fact that Teague deserves burn when Bibby absolutely sucks like he has of late. Maybe it’ll prove how good Teague is or isn’t before the playoffs and also wake up Bibby. Both need that opportunity to grow. We need both of them 100% come playoff time!

These losses are “minor” in that it’s one game, but I can think of about 8-10 we’ve given away this year. That my friend is the difference in a 2nd seed and a 4th seed. It’s really starting to piss me off.

I honestly don’t think we need a seed to win. We’ll play our game or we’ll go home. When will depend on our focus, effort and defense. We can win with what we have. We just chose not to on some nights. Hopefully we’ll come into form just in time for the 1st round to begin and peak at the end of the ECF. It’s possible, we’ll have to wait & see.

What 2 players can we pick up on waivers to expand our roster? Is there anyone besides Big Z that is coming off we might be interested in? That’s the only player questions we should have right now.

• Link
• Report this comment

I was very disappointed in the lost to Golden State; in the last 3 mintues of the game the hawks had a turnover (Joe Johnson), a technical foul (J. Crawford), and a bad shot (Josh Smith). I thought this team was ready for the next level but I can see now that I was wrong. If they don’t get their sh*t together they could end up not making the playoffs at all.

• Link
• Report this comment

I like a lot of the things said, but one thing has come to mind. We hvae Joe, but look at the teams with great players from past to present. Those players on those teams that were regarded as superstars did not allow other players or their team to give games to other teams…if so they were severly blessed out so as a result everyone played harder. Look at Kobe now with his team they produce I think more so because of Kobe rather than Phil. Joe is the supposed leader but he rather sit quietly and mope. tell him to stop muttering or whispering to himself and do some operating (i.e. foot to a$$).

• Link
• Report this comment

Granddad & Starks

Biedrens looks great from time to time. He is a great center for a fast paced team. He’d definitely help us by bumping Horford to 4 and Josh to 3 and Marvin to ??. Problem is he can’t guard real bigs in the 1/2 court. He won’t help us come playoff time, and if he played that good every night he’d be an All Star. Problem is he doesn’t.

Decent piece, but I wouldn’t mortgage the farm to get him w/o also picking up a big that can give Shaq, Dwight, Yao or Bynum fits.

• Link
• Report this comment

I predict a strong effort in Utah. They want to maintain they’re .500 record on the road. They know they’re behind expectations. After 2 let downs there’s gonna be some fireworks tonight.

Beating Utah would be something. If we pull the same stunt 3 times in a row I’ve definitley got the wrong ideas about this team at its core.

We’ve gotta respond tonight! Win or lose it has to be a great effort.

• Link
• Report this comment

Gee- this team wins 50-55 (I predicted 53 at the begining of the season) and lose in the second round to Orland or Clevland. I can actually live with that as long as the team goes down fighting (ie. a 6-7 game series) Isn’t that what we all hoped for at the begining of the season? Is that not progress?

• Link
• Report this comment

nothing in ATL will ever be a champion hawks suck braves suck falcons suck thrashers suck GT suck

• Link
• Report this comment

Vava, I think a line-up that has Ellis on the bench is preferrable to a line-up that has Ellis in the game. I think the odds are fairly low that NBDL bigs can shut down our power game. Yes, it happened last night, but I would take those odds every time over the chances that Ellis and Curry will shoot themselves past us. And I’m not buying the notion that Teague or Evans could have slowed those guys down defensively. The Warriors score on everyone… including those teams with lightening quick PGs.

Horford and Josh were 1-9 in the 4th quarter. I guess the debate becomes at what point do you stop going to them in that late game situation. I’m okay with feeding them the ball 9 times against the Warriors and a handful of NBDL bigs.

• Link
• Report this comment

Astro Joe,

This isn’t like you (to not take your own advice):

If you said THIS:

“It’s like Josh isn’t allowed to have a bad night, he is.”

Then why say THIS:

“350+ NBA games and still struggling with time and situation. Geez, maybe we need a high school coach to take over the team… as long as it’s not the coach from McEachern… because they don’t do much teaching there (or Oak Hill Academy).”

And my caveat is that for myself, I fail at times to take my own advice as well. So I count you as in good company.

Just surprised at you taking a two game microcosm where he played decently but made some egregious errors and intimating therefore that he’s a slow learner. This coming what, two weeks after you were saying he was winning you over? What happened to him being allowed to have a bad game?

And by the way, other than his FTs and his late game brain freeze, he played pretty well. His rebounding has been stellar lately.

And you said this: “Lack of discipline. Yeah, definitely a coaching issue but the coach can;t be the only voice who preaches discipline. There isn;t another elite team that doesn’t have an alpha male to shake up teammates at the appropriate time… just us.”

For whatever discipline Josh lacks, shouldn’t at least SOME of that lacking go toward the coach who has been coaching Josh longer than any other?

And BTW I agree about the lack of an alpha male. I had HOPED that when we signed JJ, that HE would be “the man” but it’s just not his personality.

• Link
• Report this comment

Yes i have been asking about biedrins all year but he still look hurt from early in the season when he hurt his back, he dont look the same but at the end of the season he will be back 2 normall and dominate the paint mark my word.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

I am starting to believe UGA has a better head coach in Mark Fox, than the Hawks do in the Woodster.

• Link
• Report this comment

Fundamentals:

Neither would I mortgage the farm. He [AB] may not be able to guard some of those big fellas. But he’s mighty close to 7′ and brings energy every night. I suspect GS will practically give him away.
My 1st choice would be J.Noah but he is most likely untouchable unless Joe decides to leave and we work some sort of S & T with Chi.
It looks as if Haywood (the best match-up for what you described) may
have found a home in Dallas.

• Link
• Report this comment

Gosh, they just said on the radio that the last time the Hawks won in Salt Lake City, ‘Nique had 43 points in the Hawks victory. YIKES! That covers about 4 coaches… part of Lenny, Kruger, Stotts and Woody. Did I miss a coach?

• Link
• Report this comment

AJ:

Are you serious?

Lost the game? We were down 3 already! 14 / 17 / 7 / 2 / 2 !!!

Horrific mental what? Wdsn should not have him in the game if he is not to shoot the ball as time is expiring.

How do you know if Joe or Jamal were even open and if he could see them?

• Link
• Report this comment

We need big z bad, and there is some good news steve belkin must pay asg 2mill plus 25mill during the year in order 2 still have part owner ship.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Granddad, the game was lost by Josh/Al going 1-9 in 4th quarter. If anyone wants to remove the heave at the end, 1-8 doesn’t sound much better.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hawk n the Ham… that’s what I was saying earlier. If they don’t know what to do with a double team, they need to learn (and we need to live with the mistakes while they learn). And if guys weren’t moving to get in position to accept the pass, then that is a mistake that needs to be addressed. I find it hard to believe that “moving to accept a pass out of a double team” is a new idea for any of these players. Both Jamal and Joe have been coached by others. Even you and I would know to do that.

• Link
• Report this comment

Astro,

Comeon. Last night loss was a total team (players and coaches) effort. You wanna point the finger at specific players but those players played well in the 3rd qtr to help the team get a 18pt lead. Last night game shouldnt have come down to a 3pt attempt to tied the game. Hawks should have with held their ground or at least prevent GS 16-0 run.

• Link
• Report this comment

vava74,

This was from Mark Bradley on his blog.

“I think Marvin would be better utilized off the bench, John. He’d get more shots with the second unit, even though the Hawks really don’t have a second unit anymore, than he does with the starters. I’d start Mo Evans instead.” MB

I wonder if Mark Bradley has been reading your suggestions….

• Link
• Report this comment

OB, that’s funny because Vava despises Bradley.

• Link
• Report this comment

Melvin, in fact, go back and read the game time blogs from any of the previous 50 games. There is a HUGE contingent that assigns blame during a win.

• Link
• Report this comment

The problem with the Hawks is that THEY CONTINUE TO REVERT BACK TO THEIR OLD WAYS, the ways of three years ago when they constantly blew leads and underachieved when they won 37 games and luckily made the playoffs, the year that they should have won 57. Josh goes back to his old ways when he launches 3-pointers and continues to dribble the ball downcourt just to have it stolen from him. Plus the Hawks offense goes stale and they dont have the patience to make the extra pass. The HAWKS WERE CAPABLE OF WINNING 60 GAMES this season, taking over the southeast division from the Magic. The Hawks will have to settle for second place in that division SINCE THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN HOW TO WIN BASKETBALL GAMES. When you lose to the team with the second worst record in the league (Golden State) that does absolutely nothing for your self image and self esteem.

• Link
• Report this comment

The Hawks have gone from having the opportunity to be 4-0 on this west coast trip, or 3-1. Now they will probably end up 1-3. What a turn of events.

• Link
• Report this comment

The hawks need to shed a lot of this worthless roster and go after Lebron and Dwayne in the offseason. I’m tired of looking at this bland roster.

• Link
• Report this comment

Woodson’s going to surprise in the playoffs—mark it down. Look for the Hawks to upset Cleveland and make the NBA finals against the Lakers!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Yes, the sky is falling…

Last week, the Hawks admitted they were impotent. This week, they roll over and limp home.

• Link
• Report this comment

Astro- that 3:35 post is hilarious. I feel your pain. I mean even GeeMack and Fundamentals are throwing in the towel, and those are patient guys. Maybe I am getting more comfortable with mediocrity and didn’t know it.

ps. no disrespect Gee or Fundamentals,

• Link
• Report this comment

As a long time Warriors fan, I have to say I say that I agree with many of the posts here. Woody never adjusted to the Curry run and continued to run the Johnson iso play to exhaustion. The Hawks have a very good team, not much different than the Jazz. However, the intensity is missing, particularly on the defensive end. If you have a creative point guard running the show, the team would be much better and more fun to watch.

Many teams have underestimated Curry and his ability to see the floor. From our perspective, the game changed when Hunter and Biedrins were in the game together along with 3 guards. This has never happened before and the often predictable Nellie was forced into this after Josh and Al took it to us in the paint all game. Woody response: iso Johnson!

The W’s beat the Mavs with 6 players this year so don’t fret. These guys are used to going 40-45 minutes at a fast pace.

Your team misses Childress. They need to pick up a PG. Crawford and Johnson on the court together is not a good strategy.

From where we sit, every win is a game closer to Nellie getting his record and retiring. So thanks!

• Link
• Report this comment

Ken- If you are giving Woodson all this power that he is “insisting” about, then does he get credit for being in the top of the EC? Does he get credit for the wins? Getting two players in the All Star game? Having a player as 6th man of the year and another DPOY? I mean if he gets ALL the blame, then I gues he gets ALL the credit, right?

And after all that you came up with “with Woody as our HC did we get an acceptable return on our investment?”– Dude, NO WAY? you think that is the question Sund is going to ask before giving him an extension?? I would have never, ever, ever thought of that. Especially since that is the obvious nature of the job itself, that’s like when ‘Nique gives us the ole “you have to shoot the ball in order to score” type stuff.

And your answer to the 5th question is what going to the playoffs year after year???? This team won 37 games two years ago, won its first 7 game playoff series in like 40 years just last year!!!! Show a little, itty bit of perspective. You can dislike Woodson all you want, he has his shortcomings, but at least be somewhat fair.

• Link
• Report this comment

Well once again we got torched by guards. A the same time the demise of Bibby continues. .396 FG% and no defense.

• Link
• Report this comment

I am not real surprised by the Hawks recent lack luster play. It’s been evident that this team tends to become complacent and lose focus/mail in games, which is a direct indictment of the coach. We are witnessing the same pattern that Woody has displayed over his coaching tenure. He is a stubborn pain in the a!! and refuses to develop his bench (which is PIVOTALLY important for top tier teams). Woody had us all believing he was not going to go back to his old ways, but sure as the sun rises, we are back at the same place.

You can’t win in the NBA without player development, which means using you bench players and allowing them to grow/develop chemistry. The challenge faced now, is that you are beyond the midpoint of the season and it’s almost impossible to get back playing time and cohesion. I can appreciate the growth that has accompanied Woody’s tenure, but it’s time to find a better fit for this team.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hawks73

I think the celing for this team is the 2nd round, with or without Woody.

The 2 teams we are chasing have starting line ups that are just as talented if not more talented, and their bench is just as deep as the Hawks.

Their is no other coach that could coach this group of player past Cle or Orl, unless they brought in additional help.

• Link
• Report this comment

Its time for Woodson to shake up the line up. Start Teague,Joe, Josh, Al, and Zaza…..Given Quality mins I believe Zaza will put up quality numbers some where around 10-12ppg and 10-12rebounds consistenetly every night…..TEague jumper will improve over time as gets comfortable again playing on the court he can shoot but its hard when you know the coach is waiting for you to make 1 mistake then will take you out the game…At the very least Teague will get 6-8 assists the game help our offense to be able to get up and down the court much faster than Bibby as well as give us some quality defense from the point position! I will be in the building weds vs Min and a couple of games after that and I will be giving Woodson hell if he continues to sabotage our team just watch me! Go Hawks!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

DANIEL-one of the main problems Woodson had with former GM BKnight was his lack of involvement in player selection. Woodson doesn’t like youth, and BK wanted to build through the draft. Woody wanted to play a slow, halfcourt, jumpshooting style of OFF, while BK wanted an uptempo, factbreaking attacking the basket style of OFF. BK drafted the type of players best suited to playing the style he preferred, and wanted to a PG, like CP3 or DWilliams to execute the uptempo style he wanted the team to play. Woody was obviously opposed to the idea and openly questioned the ability of both PG’s to be effective at this level. That’s why he’s insisted on starting and giving heavy mins to over the hill vet PG’s like AJohnson, TLue and MBibby over much younger, quicker, faster, penetrating PG’s who played better DEF.

In your attempt to defend your beloved Woody and his repeated screwups, you’re now pretending you’re totally unaware of Woodson publically stated his desire to retain Smoove, Marvin, Bibby, Zaza, sign Joe Smith and draft JTeague.

• Link
• Report this comment