Timberwolves at Hawks, AKA The Other Side
Woody makes his point. He does have a few good ones. (AP Photo)
OK, so we know the one side. Woody doesn’t use his bench guys enough. There’s not enough variation in the offense, particularly late in games. These are valid concerns with evidence to support them and I’ve already put them out there.
Now, as your humble beat guy free of emotional attachment to the team and dedicated to perspective, I must present the other side(s) and then allow you to fuss at me.
First, the standings. Two games behind Orlando, one game behind Boston, 27 games to go. Yeah, that doesn’t necessarily tell us what’s going to happen in the postseason and it doesn’t mean you don’t fret over the Hawks’ problems. But at least look at the Hawks’ place in the standings and note that it’s pretty good.
Also, the offense: ninth in points, fifth in efficiency, first in turnover ratio and 12th in true shooting percentage. Again, those numbers don’t mean you don’t have concerns but at least look at them and note they are pretty good.
With that out of the way, let’s talk about the bench. When Woody used the bench guys in Oakland, the Warriors started their comeback. When he used the bench in Utah, the Jazz made its comeback. Now, I know the retorts to this are a) Woody doesn’t have a feel for when to use the bench or doesn’t use the guy(s) he should b) he puts too many reserves out there at once or c) the bench guys play badly when they do get burn because they aren’t getting regular minutes.
I can see see a), I sorta see b) but c) is pushing it–other than Teague, the reserves are vets, and vets should stay ready. On this team Joe Smith seems best at that (and I will continue to say that he will play a key role in the playoffs and, yes, I believe Woody will give him a bigger role then).
But really a, b and c are just sub-critiques within the overall gripe of Woody not using his bench. There have been times Woody used his bench and got burned. Maybe the Hawks just don’t have much of a bench outside of Jamal and no amount of mixing, matching, rotating and game-flowing by Woody can change that. Maybe that’s why they so badly want Big Z.
As for the isos, the most important possession of the game in Salt Lake City was an Iso-Joe. It was the only one I counted in the fourth quarter, which says something. Here’s hawksdawg at Peachtree Hoops with a poetic play-by-play:
“(S)omething odd happened when Joe got the ball. He stayed in angry mode, and there are few people better than angry Joe Johnson. The ball was only passed twice but it went from once side of the floor to the other where Joe got it beyond the three point line. He drove across the top of the key to the other side of the floor, picked a spot, and free from any double team rose up and drilled a jumper. It was decisive. It was a play. It was beautiful.”
He calls it a play. I called it an Iso-Joe because once J.J. got the ball, his teammates cleared out and he went to work (aw, man, do I now need to count how many seconds until J.J. starts his move in iso?). There were no screens that I recall. But I think everyone can agree it was pretty. By my count, that’s 16 Iso-Joe possessions in the fourth quarter of nine games for 18 points, one turnover, three missed shots by teammates, and three offensive rebounds of J.J.’s misses.
From the start I’ve admitted that this count alone may not be very illustrative due to the lack of comparative data and the chance of beatdown beat writer error in tracking the plays. I also said others were free to help me out or come up with their own metrics, and no one stepped up, so this count is the best thing I’ve got. And over nine games it says Iso-Joe isn’t used nearly as much late in games as some perceive and it’s producing more than a point per possession. Argue against it but at least take a look at those numbers and note they are pretty good.
I know some heads explode when Woody says: “We’ve won a lot of games early with Joe and Jamal making plays off the dribble, either for themselves or for other people. When it works, it looks good. When it don’t work everybody thinks you are standing around and not getting anything accomplished.”
At the risk of getting fragged by my own blog people, I will say he makes a good point. And, really, for all this obsession with the bench and the isos (I’ve been guilty of it, too) there are other problems that might deserve more attention. When I was grilling Woody on his offense and his substitutions after the Phoenix Foul-Up and the Choke in Oakland, he kept going back to the “slippage” with defense and rebounding. That’s his thang, of course, but he’s right. Play a little D (especially at the rim) and get a few boards against the Suns and Warriors and both are Ws. Do both of those things against the Jazz, and there would have been no need for Iso-Joe at the end.
– At Hawk Str8Talk, atl_hawk_luv laments Woody’s goal of going .500 on the road:
I’ll simply say that if I can find Phil Jackson, Jerry Sloan, Pat Riley, Rick Adelman, Gregg Popovich to convince me that losing 2 winnable games is WITHOUT A DOUBT a good trip – I’ll buy. Otherwise, we’re going to pass with this going .500 on the road litmus test for good. Of all the contenders in the East, only the Hawks are flirting with .500 basketball on the road. Same for the West save Denver. It would seem to me that if you have different standards on the road for what’s acceptable, then you’ll continue to lose a lot more on the road than at home. I’m not asking for .900 basketball, but a loss to the Warriors should be unacceptable on anyone’s basketball court. Just a thought…
Depending on what he means by “flirt with .500″ I’d say he forgot Orlando (16-13 on the road) and Utah (14-12). But point taken.
As for other coaches not preaching the same thing, here’s a line Shaq used to repeat (and knowing him he’s still using it): “Our formula was very simple: beat the teams you’re supposed to beat, stay dominant at home, and stay above .500 on the road.”
Two things here. One is that Shaq claimed that was Phil Jackson’s formula, but it’s Shaq so you’ve got to take that with a truckload of salt. The other thing is that Shaq’s approach is for a veteran team and may not be the best mentality for a team like the Hawks that’s still learning how to win big. But obviously the dominate at home part is important for any good team and now the Hawks have a chance to do that over the next 10 days.
– AJC wise guy Jeff Schultz is skeptical of the Hawks’ chances to do any better in the postseason and gets Rick Sund’s take on the Hawks’ mediocre pace since that 19-6 start:
“I wouldn’t take anything from that, just like I wouldn’t take anything when Boston goes 3-7 or Cleveland loses three in a row. It’s a marathon. You’re going to have those type of situations. What they’ve done is they’ve shown the ability to bounce back from things, like [Monday] night in Utah. Of course, you want to be able to win every game you play. But going into that [four-game] trip, you think: A playoff team wins one game, a good team wins two, a great team wins three. We won two.”
Not a bad assessment, though I know it’s the quality of the losses (Woody blowing out the starters at Phoenix, Hawks blowing lead at Golden State) more than the quantity that has you trippin’.
– David Aldridge reports that Ilgauskas will talk to teams other than Cleveland when he’s bought out by Washington though everyone expects he will go back to Cleveland. Adrian Wojnarowski says Big Z talking to other teams before returning to Cleveland is a dance meant to continue the NBA tradition of wink-wink side deals that the league is unmotivated to investigate.
– Talk amongst yourselves, Hawks fans.
MC
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408 comments Add your comment
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2010
3:21 pm
Continued from last blog,
GeeMack,
I can see your arguement, but I just don’t see the big disparity in talent between the Hawks and the Celtic’s. Only real advantage I see for them is at the point, and that’s because Doc actually developed his young point guard. Joe=Peirce, Jamal= Ray Allen, Marvin=one of their bench guys (Daniels), Horford is better than Perkins, KG is better than Josh when healthy, but it’s not a huge gap, and it is not true this year, Zaza, Mo, Teague and Smith vs. Wallace(not impressed), Nate, Allen and Davis. Slight advantage to Boston because of Nate’s ability against us. Same applies with Denver, I think our talent level in on par with them also.
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2010
3:27 pm
Continued from last blog,
DecDawg,
“Rod – you continuously bash Marvin for his lack of production. Currently, the Hawks are 9th in the league in scoring. I don’t see a replacement improving the number of possessions so which Hawk(s) do you want to take shots away from to get the production you seek?”
We are basically the same team we were last year minus Flip, with the addition of Jamal which was a great upgrade. You seem to forget that our problem in the playoffs last year, especially against Cleveland was the lack of scoring. We went several minutes in many of those games without scoring because teams double and tripled Joe. So my question to you is, this year when the double and triple teams come at Joe, and the ball swings to the man who is left wide open in the corner (Marvin), do you have confidence that he will make that team pay for doubling or tripling Joe? I don’t. Look at it like this. If we are playing Cleveland, and Bibby does not break out of his shooting slump, Joe will have West(a pretty good defender) or Moon, and a roaming Lebron on him, Josh will have Jamison or Verajao(a great defender) on him, Al will have a much bigger Shaq or Big Z on him, Mo on Bibby, who’s on Marvin? Answer nobody. He will be the only guy unguarded, or guarded by a smaller man, with the best chance to score. 10 to 13 points won’t get it done. Another guy (like Crawford) in that spot changes everything. 9th in the league in scoring means nothing to me because I see the bigger picture.
Ree Roe
February 24th, 2010
3:35 pm
Hawks are 14-14 on the road…haven’t we matched last seasons road win total or come close to it?
Also, is there any chance the Hawks make a play for any of these free agents who are being bought out besides Big Z, who is a longshot to come here. G/F Larry Hughes has been released by Sacramento & I’d imagine he’d come here for the cheap. We could use his scoring off the bench…
-REEally it’s Roe!!!
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2010
3:42 pm
Astro Joe,
Same ‘Ole Hawks?
No! The team is averaging 3 points per game more this year while making 14% fewer 3s per game and reducing our reliance on the 3-ball for overall points by 18%. Those percentages are just for MADE 3s… if you back out the 3FGAs (Josh shot over 80 last year), the percentages would be far more dramatic.
You think improving scoring output inside the 3-point line may improve your ability to compete in the playoffs? Or said differently, relying less on nailing a long-range bomb may have a positive impact on scoring in the playoffs, right?
I disagree. All those points you made come back to 2 players. Josh and Bibby. Bibby has taken less 3 point shots this year because of less playing time, and his inability to make the three point shot this year. With all of Josh’s so called improvement this year, his ppg are virtually the same as they were last year during the regular season. Can’t back out the stats because they actually happened. I don’t know if more sots inside the 3 point line will help us in the playoffs. Waht if Josh takes more shots in the paint, but gets fouled and shoots 50% from the free throw line. Will we be better off in the playoffs then?
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
February 24th, 2010
3:45 pm
Third!!!!
jk
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2010
3:46 pm
Astro Joe,
I also don’t see Al averaging 20ppg against the likes of Shaq/Big Z and Howard/Gortat.
O'Brien
February 24th, 2010
3:50 pm
MC,
Part of the lack of bench issue can also be blamed on the Sund and the ASG. This past offseason, the Hawks could have used their mid-level exception (about $5.6 mil) and their bi-annual exception (about $2.1 mil) to sign 2 solid rotational players.
But they didn’t. They went the cheap route with Mario West and Collins. Considering that our payroll is ~$65 mil, while Orlando, Cleveland and Boston are all over $75 mil, we wont get to reap some of the benefits of having a better bench.
The Truth,
Thanks for the link. JJ himself has complained about the lack of fan support here in Atlanta. He will have lots of options, because he is probably #2 or #3 on a lot of teams wishlists, and at least 5 teams will probably be able to offer him a max deal.
Chicago might want Wade or Bosh first, but I would imagine JJ would be their 3rd choice. In Chicago, he would have a good young team (Rose, Deng, Noah, Hinrich), and I think the Bulls are usually sold out.
There is already rumors out there that the Knicks want LeBron or Bosh, and JJ. And JJ might still be close with D’Antoni. And we know about NY fans.
However, although fans in ATL dont appreciate him the way we should, the same thing will happen if he goes to another team. There will be a honeymoon period, but then those fans are going to find things to complain about.
JerryWest
February 24th, 2010
3:51 pm
Only 5 players in the history of NBA had a season where they went 15 points/8 rebound/4 assists/2 blocks/ 1.5 steals.
http://www.basketbal…ny.cgi?id=hIfAc
Players to average in single season (at least 75 games)
15 PPG
8 RPG
4 APG
1.5 SPG
2.0 BPG
Kareem (1975-76)
David Robinson (1993-94)
Julius Erving (1973-74) (ABA)
Kevin Garnett (2003-04)
WOW. Josh SMith
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
February 24th, 2010
3:53 pm
impressive stats JerryWest
Astro Joe
February 24th, 2010
4:14 pm
Rod, reducing the level of difficulty to score while scoring more seems like a good thing. If the purpose of a better “offensive strategy” is to increase the ease by which the team scores (I assume that is the ultimate purpose of any offensive strategy), then seemingly, reducing reliance on a “heave and a prayer” while at the same time increasing overall points per game feels like pretty good evidence of a better offense.
Fundamentals
February 24th, 2010
4:17 pm
MC – I can see the other side. I’m ready for a strong showing tonight.
If the team could just bring the focus every night that they talk about 99% of this chatter would end. I personally think fans would come to support the team if #1 the economy was better, #2 ticket prices were lower and #3 the team showed consistency.
It’s OK to lose every now and again, but when we lose we really stink up the joint. We almost appear to not care and to let lesser opponents embarass us. That’s not professional, that shows no heart, no pride. That’s the real dagger for me.
Try your absolute best. If you get beat by better competition or a lucky shot, don’t hang your head. When you get pounded by scrubs, you should be embarrassed.
When we lost to Varejo’s 3 in Cleveland – hold your head high. We deserved to win. No problem. When we get killed by Golden State and let that one go – you deserve the criticisms you’re getting.
They just don’t bring it every night yet. Till they do folks will chatter.
ILL-logical
February 24th, 2010
4:18 pm
MC: Another thoughtful, reasoned analysis; what are trying to do ?
My beef is that the wrath of the blog doesn’t fall enough times on ownership. The charade around the alleged pursuit of Big Z is just the lates example of how bloggers overlook the finacial condition(s) as the root causes of some of the team’s shortcomings. The lack of a 5 who can address the problem that all national media types and now the current incumbant 5 have noted as the Hawk’s weakness-an undersized frontline -is directly attibutable to the lack of resources to pay the market rate for a skilled 5 who has height and heft .
The current coach’s “system” is,in my opinion, more of a cover up for that fact than a carefully thought strategy. What does irritate me about his system is that 1) it doesn’t take maximum advatage of the talent currently available and he has not devloped the bigs he has. If they make any mistakes in their brief cameos, then they banished to the netherworld for months. to appear only in case of injury or in rare instances, a blow out win.
Keep up the great work because it says that someone within the organization is reading this blog regularly.
Hawk Str8Talk
February 24th, 2010
4:20 pm
You make great points and that’s why I try to always bring perspective, so respect this post tremendously. I would add a few things – to the first point regarding Orlando and Denver (as was pointed out by Hoopinion) – they have had injuries that influence their road records. The Hawks have yet to have an injury of any significance, so I think that matters.
I also think you have a great point, but what’s really baked into what I’m saying (and you need to read all the blogs to get the theme) is that I don’t think the organization expected the Hawks to be this good, so their goals haven’t adjusted. I adjust my prediction for the Hawks record based on what I think they are capable of. Early on, I thought we were capable of MORE than what I expected which was a team struggling to keep their 4th spot and now, that they have flirted with East Conf. elite status – I’m saying that your goals need to be elite. I’ll buy that Shaq and Sund’s record goals are fine, but then that means you can’t lose some of the games we’ve lost and when that happens I can’t have the coach come up with an excuse for why it happened that doesn’t square with what happened on the court. Last note – I think that a better measure for why I fail to understand Coach Woodson much is that our philosophies on offense and defense don’t match his supposed skill set – meaning our offense is better than our defense. If I felt like our defense was elite, then it’s ok for Woodson to eschew the offensive sophistication we may want. Our defense isn’t elite, so that’s the issue. It’s never been elite, so that’s the indictment I’d put out. There are a number of things I’d point to that I dislike about Woody, but I give him credit – we are much better and have yet to fall apart – he deserves some credit…problem is it’s hard to say what he deserves credit for other than keeping things consistent and harmonious. Not really much of an endorsement in my mind…
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2010
4:27 pm
Astro Joe,
“heave and a prayer”
I would not call a 3 point attempt by a professional basketball player a heave and prayer. Is a wide open 3 harder to make than a contested 15 footer?
sam'l
February 24th, 2010
4:49 pm
I predicted the Utah victory and blogged it shamelessly. I still contend that the Hawks team has always operated in a vortex which defies universal law. They could even lose tonight. This has been going on for fifty years. Every since I publicized the vortex, my Internet has gone out, I get unintelligible calls from nitwits, my left leg has “popped out” spontaneously and I hear people near me going “ouch” for no discernible reason. My advice is “Control the vortex and win the game.”..Our next coach has to be able to control demonic forces or he’ll just be whistling Dixie. I suggest The Undertaker from the WWE.
That said, I enjoy the play of Joe Johnson, Crawford,, Horford and Josh Smith, and I know the rest of the crew can really play too, but that damn vortex has a way of hypnotizing you…….
Westurd
February 24th, 2010
4:49 pm
There is some much talk here on this blog and it really is a great way to kill time, but as hawks fans what is it that you are after?
1. A trip to the Eastern Conference Finals?
2. A championship?
3. Am elite team?
4. A better record than last year?
Of those 4, only the last option is truly attainable and even so, who really cares if we are better than last year. We need something to really help us break through the ceiling through the aquisition of another key player. I don’t know who that player is, but the current team will not get us past Cleveland and Orlando. No chance…………………..oh, and Woody will have to go to. Good enough coach, but good enough is starting to get tiresome!
Astro Joe
February 24th, 2010
4:59 pm
Rod, yes. I think the percentages bear it out Folk get giddy about a 40% 3-point shooter. I don’t think anyone would be giddy about a guy making 40 of 100 15 footers. And if shooting a 23 footer is as easy as a 15 footer, why do they make the 23 footer 50% more valuable than the 15 footer? And why am I even having this debate?
Our offense is better and more diverse than previous years. And the composition of the offense is better suited for playoff success than previous years. That’s the simple summation of my theory.
Astro Joe
February 24th, 2010
5:04 pm
Westurd, our 2nd year of having 2nd round expectations and it is already tiresome? Wow. And after 10 years of lottery picks, you’re already exhausted with a ceiling of the 2nd round?
Kind of like being tired of driving a BMW 5-series because it isn’t the Maybach that the one neighbor has… while you’ve been driving a Pinto for the past decade and most neighbors have a Camry that is about to accelerate into the telephone pole.
Westurd
February 24th, 2010
5:10 pm
Astro Joe,
Tiresome may not be the right word, but a Maybach is something to strive for. Don’t get me wrong these Hawks are the most exciting I’ve seen in years, but I guess its just the uncertainty of the future thats got me all doom and gloom at the moment. I don’t think JJ will stay, when he has a great fan base in NY and a coach he has experienced success just waiting for him with a stack of bills. Anyway, its easy to look ahead with doubt but I guess I should stay focused on blowing the room off at the Factory tonight! See you Hawks fans there!
Westurd
February 24th, 2010
5:11 pm
wow………i kneed 2 go bak to grama skool
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
5:13 pm
Wojnarowski’s column is 100% right. We need to put this Ilgauskas fantasy to bed once and for all. It ain’t happening, and it never was.
DecDawg
February 24th, 2010
5:19 pm
Rod – I didn’t forget what happened against Cleveland. The problem we have in playoff basketball is that teams actually play better defense. They do not simply let you play one-on-one basketball and beat them. They try to take away what you do best. Playoff matchups are typically a test of systems. Which is why I blame the loss on the system moreso than one player whose role is to stand in the corner and make 3s. You don’t really believe you’re going to win a series that way, do you? Ray Allen is one of the best pure shooters in the game and the Celtics don’t ask him to do that. They actually get Ray involved in the offense so that he can try to establish a rhythm. Standing in the corner waiting…and waiting…for the ball to rotate 6 times a game is not going to work.
We’re better off with an offensive system that provides options and offers mismatch opportunities. Our offensive set (notice the singular reference) is too easy to prepare for in a series. And who’s responsible for the offensive system? Now that’s the person you should have an issue with. And I only pointed out our scoring rank to help you answer the question (which you didn’t). Now, again, who do you want to take shots away from in getting production out of Marvin? It’s not like the entire team is going to average 15 pts/game.
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2010
5:20 pm
Astro Joe,
“And why am I even having this debate?”
Because you can’t admit when you might be wrong. The key word you left off of your response is CONTESTED. So what you are saying is that a contested 15 foot jump shot by Marvin Williams is a better shot than a wide open 3 point shot by Mike Miller who is shooting 55% from 3 point land this year? I disagree. I also disagree with our offense being more diverse. We just have another quality scorer. Again my premise is that Al and Josh will not be able to dominate bigger, or better players such as Shaq, Howard, O’Neal, Garnett, Gortat, Big Z in the playoffs.
The Truth
February 24th, 2010
5:29 pm
O’Brien
Co-sign your JJ points
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2010
5:29 pm
DecDAwg,
I don’t agree with your Ray Allen commparison. First of all no team in their right mind would leave Ray Allen alone in the corner, so that argument is invalid. While I do agree with your problems with Woodson’s offensive philosophy, I personally don’t think that his offensive philosophy hinders Marvin in any way. I personally think he will never be in a better position in his NBA life to score. Marvin has a mismatch every game, and never takes advantage of it. But if an answer is what you are looking for, I am sure that Joe would not mind giving up some shots if he had confidence in Marvin to consistently knock down wide open ones.
BONE
February 24th, 2010
5:47 pm
This is a perfect game to play Teague MAJOR MINS
Grandad
February 24th, 2010
6:03 pm
Michael Cunningham:
Okay where to start…winning on the road – It’s a mind set, it’s the fact that you settle for .500 on the road when in fact 4-0 was possible this time! What Shaq said, there’s truth in his statement
“beat the teams you’re supposed to beat”.
As for Iso-Joe: You quoted ‘HAWKSDAWG’ [I'll paraphrase]
the ball was passed twice, [it changed sides of the floor],
then angry Joe…….
My point is: That is not Iso-Joe.
Iso-Joe, there is no ball and or player movement prior to I-J.
Ball and player movement eliminates the probability of traps and D.T.’s.
Just like our end of qtr. play (always the same one) Iso-Jamal
we do nothing to disrupt the defense and their help positioning.
Utilizing our bench: My greatest beef is young Jeff Teague. I complained
from wk. 1 that [What is going on?] Teaguer should be getting 16 min. per. Had Wdsn done that he [JT] would be far enough along that Jeff would be a prime factor for us @ this time. Wdsn supposedly preaches defense, well, Teaguer is our quickest on ball defender. Can he justify his rationale based on that premis?
I would appreciate Wdsn’s answer?
F.I.L.A
February 24th, 2010
6:12 pm
Teague will finally get alot of burn tonight..And the reason being, Johnny Flynn!
KevinA
February 24th, 2010
6:13 pm
MC – another good post. At the risk of fragging Both b and c are issues.
Maybe the Hawks just don’t have much of a bench outside of Jamal and no amount of mixing, matching, rotating and game-flowing by Woody can change that.
How would we know that when Woody has done so little experimentation. Part of the frustration about situational reaction in ball games was explained by a fellow blogger. 95% of the time we go with plan A the other 5% of the time is to do plan A better.
Neither ZaZa or Joe Smith has played well lately. In the last game Woody finally brought in the subs (big’s), not as a group but as mixed with the starters. In that small sample set we avoided the first half melt down by going all bench.
In many other games when we are getting torched in rebounding we do not experiment by going big. When we are getting torched by guards we don’t make adjustments.
We need the bench playing more and at a higher level if the starters are to be fresh come playoff time. Anybody noticed Al being overused? His rebounding is fading. Could it be the grind of a tough position?
I MUS WRITE
February 24th, 2010
6:39 pm
Whatever…… Are we gonna pick up Big Z or what? After watching the last few games one thing becomes obvious, We are paper thin in the front court. Smoove and Horford go hard but after them who do we have that anyone takes serious.
ZAZA- okay for 4 mil, but he is so limited athleticly and doesnt have any real post moves -And hell no flopping and flailling around looking for a whistle doesnt count.
Cheezburger Collins – Im starting to believe Siler would have been better.
Joe Smith- Okay for the 800k he’s gettn paid, to old and too inconsistent
WE NEED HELP ASAP ……… My crystal ball see’s a second round exit…DAM
I think its time to split minute between Bibby and Teague,Think about it if bibby cant make shots is’nt Teague a better option with his quickness and ability to push the rock…..
Looking back on the summer it probably would have made more sense to keep Siler,sign Sessions for the 5 mill and pick up Ryan Hollins.
Ryan Hollins is a role player but he is a long athletic dude who is probably better than all our bigs with the exception of the starters.
Watch Hollins in limited minutes tonight, cool dud i met him a couple times and he’s every bit of 7′1
I MUS WRITE
February 24th, 2010
6:41 pm
DUDE……..
tyger
February 24th, 2010
6:42 pm
West Coast losses meaningful…
The losses to Phoenix and Golden State were more meaningful than the wins in Utah and LAC. Why? The are not contenders. If the Hawks can get walked down by a 6′4 GS team then what chance do they have against the Lebrons? Zero. Phoenix put them in their place and didn’t even break a sweat. The Utah win was the result of pure desperation.
The constant reminder that they are 3rd/4th in the East is meaningless, the East is weaker than usual. Dwade is solo. Bulls waiting on free agency. Iverson quit again. Wizards imploded. Raptors, Nets lost. Bucks are the Bucks.
Hawks should’ve been 3-1 or 4-0 on this mediocre road trip. They arent there and there’s no reason to believe they will get there. Woody knows only one way to win – play your starters till their tongues fall out – and that aint goin to cut it.
Samuel
February 24th, 2010
6:44 pm
Guys,
Don’t sleep on MY BOY “Big Al” Jefferson and Company tonight. He’s over due for a monster game.
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
6:59 pm
lets get it…
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
7:00 pm
yall should check out Turner Broadcasting internships for the summer…they have internships for nba(which i applied for) and plenty of other interesting stuff such as cartoon network etc.
BONE
February 24th, 2010
7:09 pm
Teague better play alot
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:16 pm
Dream on Bone!
BONE
February 24th, 2010
7:16 pm
Marvin can u make a shot please
BONE
February 24th, 2010
7:17 pm
Hopefully Flynn doesn’t light up Bibby
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
7:21 pm
lol wtf is oin on
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:21 pm
J.J.M,,,,its the 1st quarter
BONE
February 24th, 2010
7:23 pm
Marvin man u make me sick
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:23 pm
You don’t like duck people? jerk
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:25 pm
Marvin…
BONE
February 24th, 2010
7:25 pm
Marvin is just messing everything up. Gettin in Josh’s way
BONE
February 24th, 2010
7:26 pm
Al did not need to turn and fade away. What was the point of that?
niremetal
February 24th, 2010
7:27 pm
If there’s one person I didn’t think would be an issue, it was Ryan Hollins.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:27 pm
Welcome back to life Mo Evans
terrell
February 24th, 2010
7:27 pm
How in the hell is Marvin Williams still a starter on an NBA team?
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:28 pm
Who The F is Ryan Hollins anyway?
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
7:28 pm
Mo is back!
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:28 pm
He’s a starter based on his contract
terrell
February 24th, 2010
7:30 pm
Jamal makes more than Marvin. Why not start him then???
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:31 pm
Teague scored..bench him immediately
terrell
February 24th, 2010
7:31 pm
WE BETTER NOT LOSE THIS GAME!
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:31 pm
wish I knew terrell, although it might mess up chemistry
BONE
February 24th, 2010
7:33 pm
Please tell me zaza is not coming in. UH Oh
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
7:33 pm
Minnesota is the keystone cops of the NBA.
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
7:34 pm
Watching Teague flying around the court, Flynn can’t get away from him. Somebody please let this kid get 15-20 minutes tonight, he’s earning it…
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
7:34 pm
lmao@zaza man dude sucks
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:34 pm
Nice shot ZAZA lol
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
7:34 pm
that last 3-4 mins looked like 9-10yr. old rec ball
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:35 pm
Yes, I agree go with Teague some tonight
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
7:35 pm
Ryan Hollins, another big guy i was shouting for this summer. We could have sign this kid for Mo Evans type money….SMH
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
7:37 pm
Ryan Hollins was a trick pulled by Kurt Rambis. It worked, but it has it’s limits. Hollins is very long and jumps well, so he could bother Josh. But he can’t beat him, because Josh does SEVERAL things well, not just one or two.
So far, we’re not letting them beat us to death on the glass.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:38 pm
almost a sick move by zaza
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
7:38 pm
lmaoooooooooooooooooo@zaza
BONE
February 24th, 2010
7:38 pm
Zaza’s sorry Azz ruining Teagues great pass. Sit down u trash
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
7:38 pm
second team getting some good minutes.
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
7:39 pm
Man! Zaza has been the recipient of some of the nicest feeds this season, but he has RARELY capitalized…
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
7:40 pm
Why the heck would you put ZaZa at the front of a full court press
nvnvnv
February 24th, 2010
7:40 pm
we need bret on dime live. These fools won’t talk Hawks to save their lives.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:41 pm
come on zaza damn
Wabe
February 24th, 2010
7:42 pm
Man, our gaurds are doing a great job setting up the BIGS, but they’re n ot capitalizing.
BONE
February 24th, 2010
7:42 pm
Man they keep messing up Teagues passes. It Teague was with the 1st team he would have at least 5 ast already.
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
7:42 pm
Teague could avg 10 assist.
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
7:42 pm
ZaZa and Joe Smith are going to built a new arena with all those bricks they are throwing up….
Blast
February 24th, 2010
7:42 pm
Best I’ve seen in Teague since he became a Hawk.
BONE
February 24th, 2010
7:42 pm
Look at zaza’s punk azz on the ground
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
7:43 pm
man zaza needs 2 hit the weight room
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
7:43 pm
lmao@bone
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
7:44 pm
on a team that ask more of a pg than bring the ball up and hand it off…
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
7:44 pm
WTF….Jeff Teague should have like 5 assists by now, but we can’t finish! Finally Joe Smith finishes on a wide open layup after he and Zaza are done crashing the boards (and each other).
Jamal is jacking shots and not making them, and only Mo Evans seems like he’s in a groove.
Teague looks good, though. He needs to start taking (and making) some mid-range jumpers to keep the defense honest, and to relieve some pressure on Jamal.
Wabe
February 24th, 2010
7:45 pm
I know we’re playing a very young team, so we can’t take TOO MUCH away from what we’re seeing out of guys like JT0, but there’s potential there that needs to be tapped into and utilized. He’ll have rookie moments along the way, but if Woody would let him go like this against other teams (not just the terrible ones), he’ll be fine.
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
7:45 pm
LOL@ Melvin
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
7:45 pm
Teague is off to a good start. He must not want to play in the 2nd or the next few games. As soon as he get an assist Woody bench him….lol
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
7:46 pm
Bob Rathbun:
“that young man just needs playing time”
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
7:47 pm
give him one back Z
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
7:48 pm
Third foul on Al Jefferson. I guess Samuel’s boy ain’t gonna have a big night tonight ….
BONE
February 24th, 2010
7:48 pm
LMAO@melvin
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
7:48 pm
Teague comes in and help increase the lead and Woody bench him after playing 6 mins… My gosh, we are playing the Timberwolves at home. Why put Joe and Bibby back in the game when the bench is playing so well. Did I mention we are playing the Timberwolves…
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
7:48 pm
like it or not… the organist is talented…
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
7:49 pm
Melvin ,
Took long enough for him to get that assist. Every pass before that guys were missing shots. He made 3 or 4 very good passes in a row.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:49 pm
I love the keyboardist! (Sir Foster)
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
7:50 pm
Teague is ballin like I expect a yound quick PG to ball. Zaza is looking worse and worse on the offensive end. If it wasn’t for hustle and rebounding he would be useless.
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
7:50 pm
yuck.
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
7:50 pm
Did I mention we could have sign Ryan Hollins for Mo Evans money…
IREPATL
February 24th, 2010
7:51 pm
lol the organist be going in…why yall hate on him/her
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
7:51 pm
I hate to say this, but Zaza’s rebound totals for tonight are already misleading. Three are offensive boards, but it’s from his own fumbled misses, or have resulted in misses, then a defensive rebound for the other team. Those kinds of rebounds don’t help us. I hope he tightens it up out there. He looks like he did in most of ‘08.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:51 pm
yeah, how did Zaza actually average 10 a game?
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
7:53 pm
This would be a game I would definitely play my regulars less mins especially since we have Dallas on Friday nite…
AM
February 24th, 2010
7:53 pm
Woodson=PG killer…..why doesn’t he let Teague play? The reason he isn’t developed is all the fault of Woodson. I could see if Bibby was an important part of the offense, but he’s not anymore. He’s the 4th option behind Joe, Al, and Josh.
IREPATL
February 24th, 2010
7:53 pm
because he used to actually be good..he still is decent he’s only degressed since this year
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
7:53 pm
No energy since Teague went out of the game. Even Josh laying up when he would usually jam
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:53 pm
We let Wilkins score 41 on us? woww
terrell
February 24th, 2010
7:54 pm
Damien “the Hawks killer” Wilkins
Ree Roe
February 24th, 2010
7:54 pm
Is it just me or has Jamal been off recently?
-REEkindling the Roe!!!
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
7:54 pm
don’t let Wilkins get hot!
BONE
February 24th, 2010
7:54 pm
We let Nate Robinson torch us for 41 too. Everybody has a great game against us at least once
rob
February 24th, 2010
7:55 pm
@DHunt Zaza would def be useless without rebounding and hustle. wheres Priest Lauderdale when you need him
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
7:55 pm
Josh threw us all a changeup with that last one. We just knew he was gonna dunk it
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
7:55 pm
u think that shoulder is still bother him, ReeRoe?
terrell
February 24th, 2010
7:55 pm
Shoulda left the bench out there.
Parvati
February 24th, 2010
7:55 pm
Whut?
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:55 pm
Robinson is a little more understandable, but I forget Wilkins even was in the league anymore
JB
February 24th, 2010
7:56 pm
I just want to point out that Josh Smith is averaging 4.7 assists in 2010. That is awesome.
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
7:56 pm
Hawks have no real PG except Teague and he’s getting 6 minutes a game. Bibby is too old and slow to be a starting point, and Jamal is a SG who should never be in charge of the offense.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:56 pm
shooting below 40 percent now
Blast
February 24th, 2010
7:57 pm
Josh Smith. Best passing forward in the league?
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:57 pm
There’s the dunk
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
7:57 pm
We should banned Nique from broadcasting his Nephew games….
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
7:58 pm
Jeff Teague.
AM
February 24th, 2010
7:58 pm
We always let second rate players do us in constantly….ever noticed how do a pretty good job of containing the likes of Wade, Bosh, Carmelo….but let Damien Wilkins and Nate Robinson ….wtf Bibby! I lost my thought
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
7:58 pm
Okay, it’s official. Our center is better at guarding a fast, opposing point guard than our point guard is. Holy crap.
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
7:58 pm
Turnover by Bibby, lets see if Woody take him out…lol
BONE
February 24th, 2010
7:59 pm
Blast theres a guy named Lebron in the league. Come on be serious
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
7:59 pm
Very true, only game I can recently remember a star going off is Lebron on his birthday
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
8:00 pm
Smooth has 4 dimes already tonight. Push that avg big dog! Best passing PF for sure.
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:01 pm
Woodson needs an act from God to force him to play Teague. Honestly…where’s a good hamstring injury when you need one. Ahhhh nevermind…..he’ll probably start Crawford instead.
JB
February 24th, 2010
8:01 pm
“Josh Smith. Best passing forward in the league?”
After Lebron, yea
Ree Roe
February 24th, 2010
8:02 pm
Josh is off to a hellavu start…
@joebjoe, I think we’re spoiled when it comes to Jamal. We’re so used to him dropping 20 points or leading the team in scoring and when he gets 15 or just his avg, we think somethin’s wrong. I think he’s fine.
Has Atlanta’s most maligned Duck scored yet?
-REEliving the Roe!!!
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
8:02 pm
Josh needs to stop all the biatchin. Dude you fouled him.
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
8:02 pm
see no.. i mean not to be redundant but, why not try to integrate your young PG in the game with the starters? instead of just playing him w/ the same group??
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
8:02 pm
Lebron isn’t really a forward is he?
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
8:03 pm
Duckman scored!
BONE
February 24th, 2010
8:03 pm
Yea Lebron’s a forward. Where the hell have u been.
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
8:03 pm
1st point for Marv.
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
8:03 pm
Marvin has been the invisible man tonight.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
8:03 pm
Eh…he brings the ball up a lot for a forward
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:04 pm
bigdave- It’s all apart of Woodson’s plans….damnit Bibby missed again! I keep losing my thoughts trying to watch Bibby throw the game!!!
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
8:04 pm
Did Bob just call Brewer a human pipe cleaner…oh my, now that was a heat check Bob…lmao
Blast
February 24th, 2010
8:04 pm
LeBron is a great passer, but he does not make the kind of scintillating passes that Josh does. Josh’s passes lately have just been beautifull, all in the flow of the game.
KevinA
February 24th, 2010
8:04 pm
Bibby out Teague in. No gripe about the bench so far – check out the + -
terrell
February 24th, 2010
8:05 pm
Give Teague some burn with the starters. Sit Marvin’s invisible azz down.
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
8:05 pm
@bigdave, maybe if he had eyebrows he could have an original idea like that.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
8:05 pm
Flynn went right by Bibby wow just wow
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
8:05 pm
I think the Josh/LeBron passing debate would be much closer if Josh had handles and could create shots by penetrating the way LeBron does.
The question favors Josh more if you stick to only power forwards and centers. LeBron plays on the perimeter much more than Josh, and the things each one is required to do on the court are very different.
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
8:05 pm
“Has Atlanta’s most maligned Duck scored yet” – Ree
LMAO…
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:06 pm
Marvin!
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
8:06 pm
finish the quarter right and all is well
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
8:07 pm
ill take Josh right around that elbow all day.
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:07 pm
I think our starting 5 would play better if the Hawks ran a promotion to let two fans start with Josh, Al, and Joe….something tells me the 2 fans would trash Bibby and Marvin.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
8:07 pm
Strangely, the Hawks have arguably played better with the bench in the game today.
Wabe
February 24th, 2010
8:07 pm
LOL @ J.SMITH
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
8:07 pm
that Love is a load. 8 boards already.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
8:07 pm
Sweet air ball
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
8:07 pm
Even though Josh hit that jumper the Hawks get in trouble every time they get a decent lead because the stop going inside and running, and just shoot jumpers
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
8:08 pm
lmaooo did yall hear josh???? “damn you dont need nobody to help you up”
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
8:08 pm
Duck down!
BONE
February 24th, 2010
8:08 pm
LMAO @ Marvin. DuckStopped
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
8:08 pm
ladies and gentleman..
Marvin G. Williams
terrell
February 24th, 2010
8:09 pm
This just in: Marvin just fell again. Haha
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
8:09 pm
bulls ear, catnip
Ree Roe
February 24th, 2010
8:09 pm
lmao @ “human pipe cleaner”. What does that mean, lol?
SMH @ Mr. Quacks. WTF was that?
-REEcently Roe!!
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:09 pm
Bibby with an assist….even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then
BONE
February 24th, 2010
8:09 pm
How much ya’ll wanna bet Teague doesn’t play in trhe 2nd half
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
8:09 pm
These Marvin jokes are too funny….
Wabe
February 24th, 2010
8:09 pm
A night like tonight, where it’s clear Marvin’s struggling, why not slide JJ to 3 and slide Teague in at PG?
Teague/Jamal/JJ?
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
8:10 pm
aight. i really dont like Coach Woodson. he should be fired. too many, waaaay too many flaws. thing is i dont know if there is any better coach out there… well… there is Byron Scott.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
8:10 pm
6/6 damn
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
8:10 pm
Ree,
I dont know but it sounds nasty…lol
JB
February 24th, 2010
8:11 pm
“LeBron is a great passer, but he does not make the kind of scintillating passes that Josh does. Josh’s passes lately have just been beautifull, all in the flow of the game.”
That’s dumb. Watch Lebron more.
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:11 pm
Teague and Mo can go ahead and hit the showers……2nd half is coming
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
8:11 pm
AFLAC and the Hawks should team up for Marvin Williams Bobblehead Night.
JB
February 24th, 2010
8:12 pm
“I think the Josh/LeBron passing debate would be much closer if Josh had handles and could create shots by penetrating the way LeBron does.
The question favors Josh more if you stick to only power forwards and centers. LeBron plays on the perimeter much more than Josh, and the things each one is required to do on the court are very different.”
Thanks for the lesson in the painfully obvoius
terrell
February 24th, 2010
8:12 pm
Marvin G. Williams. The G is for Goofy.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
8:13 pm
Besides Josh, the Hawks are shooting 31%. That’s pretty sad, against this team.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
8:13 pm
You’re welcome.
JB
February 24th, 2010
8:15 pm
I can’t believe Rathbun called that a great half. The shooting was awful. We’re just playing one of the worst offenses and defenses in the NBA that’s all.
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
8:15 pm
LOL, don’t help the duck up.
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
8:15 pm
Lets see, Josh and Teague play well in the 1st half and Astro is missing from the blog.Hmmmm, maybe he went to the game… Oh I forgot, he could come on and talk about Jamal….lol
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
8:15 pm
as expected… bench doing well at home..
terrell
February 24th, 2010
8:15 pm
Why all the Teague talk? You guys know “he’s not ready”.lol! Damn you Woodson!
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2010
8:18 pm
terrell,
nothing better than a Fred Sanford phrase.
Ree Roe
February 24th, 2010
8:18 pm
@ Najeh, they should make the bobblehead so that it only has a dark ceasar & a Hawks jersey. No need to put a number or name on the doll. His duck bill will be a dead giveaway for which Hawk he represents.
As far as top passing forwards, Josh is definitely top 5. I dunno if I would say he is the best passing big man in the league, but he’s among the best there is. Hawks 50-42 at the half
-REElinquishing the Roe!!!
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
8:18 pm
Teague and Mo can go ahead and hit the showers……2nd half is coming
Sad but true
Blast
February 24th, 2010
8:18 pm
Guess Bob just echoed my very thoughts. When I said forward, I really meant power forward. LeBron is a 3, though he can for sure play 4. Call LeBron a point forward.
Blast
February 24th, 2010
8:22 pm
No, JB, you the dumb one up in here.
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
8:22 pm
where is JJ and Stinger??
thought they just didnt do west coast trips…
terrell
February 24th, 2010
8:22 pm
Can the Hawks please put a team away for crying outm loud??
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:24 pm
Anybody think Woodson is being so darn stubborn because of his contract situation? Is that preventing him from giving someone other than Crawford a chance off the bench?
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
8:24 pm
Shooting like crap and not defending much better. Joe is not Joe, Jamal is not Jamal, and Horford is struggling.
The good news? We’re up by 8, we can go on a run and close this out in the second half, and Josh is playing quite well.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
8:25 pm
Why did Steve Smith leave as an announcer?
Hawk n the Ham
February 24th, 2010
8:25 pm
Marvin AFLAC!! Williams
Blast
February 24th, 2010
8:26 pm
And I certainly do not want to watch the Cavs more. We get force-fed by them enough on national tv and Hawks see them four times a year and maybe in the playoffs. I’m a Hawks fan. Why would I go out to watch a Cleveland game? Besides, they are not as exciting as Hawks, and they are THE enemy.
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
8:26 pm
From Melvin:
Lets see, Josh and Teague play well in the 1st half and Astro is missing from the blog.Hmmmm, maybe he went to the game… Oh I forgot, he could come on and talk about Jamal….lol
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
8:27 pm
predictable non sense..
JB
February 24th, 2010
8:28 pm
Nice skip pass by Josh
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
8:28 pm
Wasn’t it some major story last year about how Marvin worked hard all summer and added the 3 to his arsenal? What the hell happened to that?
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
8:28 pm
Damn everyone but Smith looks asleep
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
8:29 pm
Bibby made a three
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
8:29 pm
home cookin, sweet.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
8:29 pm
Two of them!!!!!!!!!!!
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:29 pm
Bibby 2008-09 is here! Where have you been playa?
BONE
February 24th, 2010
8:29 pm
Well Woody has an excuse not to play Teague again lol
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
8:30 pm
Nice look by Joe to give that ball back to Bibby.
Two in a row for Bibby from the arc and aren’t we glad to see him hitting those!
terrell
February 24th, 2010
8:30 pm
“Bibby’s back”? Wtf are you talking about Dominique? lol!
Hawk n the Ham
February 24th, 2010
8:30 pm
Hey Bibbster, how was the coma? Nice to see you back brother
Blast
February 24th, 2010
8:30 pm
That’s the Bibby we know, want, and love, man. Back 2 back threes!
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:31 pm
Teague might want to call Acie’s agent after those two threes…..he has no chance now in Woodson’s ‘browless’ eyes
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
8:31 pm
In this situation, I hope Woody doesn’t replace Bibby with Teague. Bibby has the hot hand right now — ride it and expand this lead, so that you can play the bench for extended minutes in the 4th.
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
8:31 pm
LOL @ BONE
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2010
8:31 pm
Najeh Davenpoop,
“Wasn’t it some major story last year about how Marvin worked hard all summer and added the 3 to his arsenal? What the hell happened to that?”
Ask Astro Joe. He has all the answers. Marvin is pathetic.
IREPATL
February 24th, 2010
8:32 pm
bibby 2 n a row, bout time mike!!!!!!
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
8:32 pm
Back to back OPEN threes.
I’ll call it a hot hand when he starts hitting more than two shots. I wouldn’t throw Teague out with the bathwater just yet.
Save him for Flynn if things change up…
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:32 pm
There you are Bibby…I knew you would show up on the defensive end.
BONE
February 24th, 2010
8:33 pm
This might be Marvin’s worst game ever and thats saying alot lol
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
8:33 pm
Najeh ,
It probably sounds like it, but I actually don’t disagree with you at all. It’s just that Woody sees Bibby hit two threes, then thinks that no matter what, he’s good for the rest of the game. That’s my worry.
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
8:34 pm
guess Marvin treats it like a video game attribute on a created player. he worked on it, so he’s rewarded an 83 rating from 3.. and once he got a high rating it’ll always be there…
Marvin its a video game… hit the gym.
Wabe
February 24th, 2010
8:34 pm
Good ball movement.
Why can’t we see that consistently.
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:34 pm
Ok….let’s get this thing to 25 so we can see Teague run the second/third team….
IREPATL
February 24th, 2010
8:35 pm
see what ball movement gets you woody?? smh
Hawk n the Ham
February 24th, 2010
8:36 pm
Marvin just missed an uncontested lay up after a foul call. REALLY Marvin????
AFLAC!!
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
8:36 pm
Up by 13, I’m cool with riding the backcourt while they’re hot.
The minute we start clanging shots and not getting good looks, let’s not forget our frontcourt, which just happens to feature a guy who didn’t miss a shot in the first half, and another who could use a confidence booster.
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
8:36 pm
marvin is +5 while in the game.
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
8:36 pm
maybe this gets him going..
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
8:36 pm
Co-sign WABE
IREPATL
February 24th, 2010
8:37 pm
lol @ bigdave, marvin plays like the default created player
BONE
February 24th, 2010
8:37 pm
SHOULD MARVIN RETIRE AFTER THIS SEASON???????
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2010
8:37 pm
Yeah if I was Coach Woodson or the Hawks players, I would find a way to get Marvin more shots.LOL
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:37 pm
Last sub of the third…Crawford in for Donald
rob
February 24th, 2010
8:37 pm
i wonder how Marvin would do off the bench if we started Mo?
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
8:38 pm
Bibby is cooking with grease not PAM but that good ole trans fatty grease…
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
8:38 pm
Al jump hook shawty Horford…,
get another move Al…
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
8:38 pm
damn Al… he was up there…
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
8:39 pm
Corey Brewer looks like somebody’s cousin out there hoopin…
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
8:40 pm
Smoove is starting to get some calls that he wasn’t earlier in the year. that is a good sign.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
8:41 pm
Nique and Bob big-upping Zaza for his offensive rebounds in the first half. Do they remember that they were all rebounds of his own misses?
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
8:41 pm
bigdave,
like the way joe took it to the rim just now. he didnt shy away from contact…
BONE
February 24th, 2010
8:41 pm
Uh Oh PaFoolia is in
JB
February 24th, 2010
8:42 pm
To be fair, any team can move the ball like this against Minnesota
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
8:42 pm
dam don’t give love uncontested layup. uuse some fouls.
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:42 pm
It was forced DWilkins
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
8:43 pm
Whoo! Jamal Crawford may not be a pure point guard, but don’t let anyone say he’s not a good passer.
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
8:43 pm
that’s better. knock um down if u have to.
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
8:43 pm
Maybe except for Mo, Teague played the best off the bench but Woody has made 3 subs in the 3rd qtr but no Teague…
Hawk n the Ham
February 24th, 2010
8:43 pm
That’s it. Woody, start Mo.
Blast
February 24th, 2010
8:44 pm
And one, Mo! And another assist for Josh!
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2010
8:44 pm
Evans should start at the 2 and Joe at the 3. He looks like a better player when he plays with the starters.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
8:45 pm
Mo’s posting a +/- of +16 damn!
Blast
February 24th, 2010
8:45 pm
To tell the truth, I think Josh is Hawks best player at drawing foul shots.
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:46 pm
Tips from Woodson? Honestly?
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
8:46 pm
WHEEEEEE! I love a good run.
Wabe
February 24th, 2010
8:47 pm
I know Mo Evans is playing right now, but let’s not kid ourselves. He’s had plenty of chances to take PT from Marvin, and he’s just as streaky as Marvin is.
Wabe
February 24th, 2010
8:47 pm
playing good*
terrell
February 24th, 2010
8:47 pm
Idk who’s worse, Zaza or Darko?
Ree Roe
February 24th, 2010
8:49 pm
lol @ the thought of Marvin retiring after this season.
-REEality Roe!!!
Wabe
February 24th, 2010
8:49 pm
Dammit Josh, that was another pretty nice dime from JT0.
BONE
February 24th, 2010
8:49 pm
Zaza is in the top 25 worst players in the NBA in my book
terrell
February 24th, 2010
8:50 pm
Teague should get more min’s than Marvin. Seriously!
Wabe
February 24th, 2010
8:51 pm
JT0 learning moment #1 tonite.
Don’t yank for it Woody!
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:51 pm
Woodson gets brave to yell at Teague…..smh
BONE
February 24th, 2010
8:51 pm
I agree with Nique just becuz theirs a foul to give doesn’t mean you need to waste a foul
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
8:51 pm
Woody told Teague “how many times I’m going to tell you that Sh!t”… lol
Hawk n the Ham
February 24th, 2010
8:52 pm
Well, we won’t see Teague in there for the next three games. Woody has an excuse after that 3 point foul. Dangit.
rob
February 24th, 2010
8:53 pm
nice seeing you Teague lol
BONE
February 24th, 2010
8:53 pm
Well Teague had a good run back in the PG graveyard u go
KevinA
February 24th, 2010
8:54 pm
Maybe it’s time to talk about the organic growth of Josh
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
8:55 pm
man zaza is HORRIBLE
terrell
February 24th, 2010
8:55 pm
Please take Zaza out.I’d rather play Randolph.
Ree Roe
February 24th, 2010
8:55 pm
SMH @ Woodson chewing Teague out on the court. “How many times are you gonna fall for that s***?” (in reference to Teague fouling Kevin Live on the 3 pt shot).
-REEscinding the Roe!!!
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
8:55 pm
warriors game all over again
BONE
February 24th, 2010
8:55 pm
Well the starters are about to come back
rob
February 24th, 2010
8:56 pm
Damien Wilkins hawk killer! Golden State anyone? here we go again
Blast
February 24th, 2010
8:56 pm
Bring back the starters to right all wrong in the 4th!
terrell
February 24th, 2010
8:56 pm
Cant even put the Timberwolves away.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
8:56 pm
Hawks asleep again
Wabe
February 24th, 2010
8:56 pm
I wouldn’t mind seeing if changing Marvin’s role would help his game. You know, maybe like John Salmons? I remember Salmons came off the bench last season when Gordon was still there, and he was effective doing it. At the start of this season, he just wasn’t as effective. But the second Chicago started bringing him back off that bench, he played well.
And there goes the 2nd unit. There’s still 10+ minutes left in this game, but I’m assuming Woody panics quick and yanks the 2nd unit and lets the starters finish this one out.
KevinA
February 24th, 2010
8:57 pm
There went the +- by the bench. Bring in Al please.
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
8:58 pm
Why play Teague, Zaza, Mo, and Joe Smith at the same damn time? It’s called a rotation, so maybe you rotate your starters out of the game so you aren’t suffering big letdowns like this.
terrell
February 24th, 2010
8:58 pm
Wabe, Woody wont change anything. Too stubborn.
AM
February 24th, 2010
8:58 pm
Uggg…we got to shake this habit of playing down to the competition….get ready for your favorite offense hawks fan…that’s right ISO Joe will be in full effect….
rob
February 24th, 2010
8:58 pm
ZaZa= clumsiest center in the league
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
8:58 pm
our bench is horrible when we have a big lead
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
8:58 pm
fail
BONE
February 24th, 2010
8:58 pm
The hawks are choking again
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
8:59 pm
jump hook shawty…
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
8:59 pm
smh fire woodson…how can you know put the starters back in
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
8:59 pm
I always wondered why Hawks didn’t pick up Damien over the years. he always lit us up.
rob
February 24th, 2010
8:59 pm
Damien wilkins with 15
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
8:59 pm
And Woodson of course blames Teague and pulls him. Why do I bother.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
8:59 pm
Sh-tty Western Conference team turns a huge deficit into a competitive game in the 4th. We’ve seen this movie before and we know how it ends.
Wabe
February 24th, 2010
9:00 pm
And DHunt, I completely agree.
I think we spoke of this earlier, but Woody doesn’t really have a good sense of rotation. He often subs 5 starters for 5 subs. Then we wonder why the 2nd unit guys struggle to get anything going. You can’t stay in the flow of the game when doing making adjustments like that.
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
9:00 pm
big bucket AL!
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
9:00 pm
There ya go AL
rob
February 24th, 2010
9:00 pm
Wilkins with no fear against us
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
9:00 pm
First inside basket in the 4th qtr. To damn many jump shots
terrell
February 24th, 2010
9:02 pm
Iso time.
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
9:02 pm
JJ tried to make the right play… about 10 dribbles too late.
AM
February 24th, 2010
9:02 pm
About time….Josh is back
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
9:03 pm
they are just calling everything for love
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
9:03 pm
we gotta beat these guys on the boards or we will be in trouble.
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
9:03 pm
NO jokes about Marvin and the Rubix cube…please…
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
9:04 pm
Duck can do a Rubik’s Cube in under 2 minutes? Probably been spending more time on that than his 3-point shot…
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
9:04 pm
Sorry, DHunt. You were too late.
BONE
February 24th, 2010
9:05 pm
Josh dunk it stop all these lay ups
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
9:06 pm
No self passes Damien
rob
February 24th, 2010
9:08 pm
The five buck box, it rocks, it rocks
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
9:09 pm
love the box, but it probably adds 5 pounds immediately
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
9:11 pm
Bone you are so right. To be young and athletic these guys are too weak at the basket. Finish the damn play hard at the rim, and that goes for every big man on the team!!! The finish good when they are alone, but they get weak when they get challenged even a little bit.
Najeh, I will give you that one as it was more of an observation than a true diss job. And actually a pretty good observation.
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
9:11 pm
lmao@josh
rob
February 24th, 2010
9:11 pm
yeah thats why its cheap its a grease machine, we need this game, caron isnt playing tonight, maybe he wont play friday?
Wabe
February 24th, 2010
9:11 pm
I’m honestly hoping the starters have enough in the tank down the stretch. Woody put them back in at the 10 minute mark, hope they don’t get burned.
JB
February 24th, 2010
9:12 pm
Good God Joe
BONE
February 24th, 2010
9:12 pm
Joe stop ballhogging
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
9:12 pm
That’s GOTTA be a flagrant. Come on.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
February 24th, 2010
9:12 pm
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
9:13 pm
wake up ledbetter
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
9:13 pm
That’s a flagrant 1, from the back with no chance at the ball,,isn’t it!
niremetal
February 24th, 2010
9:13 pm
Lol…he didn’t get the ball until 6 was on the clock and no one was open. What did you expect him to do?
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
9:13 pm
Isn’t the rule that if you’re not going for the ball it’s a flagrant? How the hell can that be justified as going for the ball?
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
9:13 pm
Smoove hittin his throws! way to go Mark Price.
AM
February 24th, 2010
9:13 pm
My guys on the court right now if I were coach: Teague, Evans, Joe, Josh, and Al
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
9:14 pm
Eh… I prefer C. Tampa Ironworse.
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
9:14 pm
dagger Nique’ w/ 4:30 to go?
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
9:15 pm
Bibby couldn’t finish! then lost the ball! weak.
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
9:15 pm
Bibby is the only pg in the league who makes that turnover, or who doesn’t make that break into a points opportunity.
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
9:15 pm
crawford needs to make his shots
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
9:17 pm
3 points combined from Marvin and Crawford. The Hawks minus Josh are shooting 36% as a team.
AM
February 24th, 2010
9:17 pm
Nique is horrible….it’s a good sign that they barely win games against bottom feeder teams and teams with injuried players? I can’t even say this one is in the bag….
terrell
February 24th, 2010
9:17 pm
Marvin looks like he’d rather be a role player. He looks comfortable on the bench.
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
9:17 pm
Why not Teague, Jamal, JJ, Smoove, and Horford?
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
9:18 pm
smooovvvee
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
9:18 pm
elbow Josh!
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
9:18 pm
Josh with the step back jumper… nice
AM
February 24th, 2010
9:18 pm
Horrible shot selection by Josh
Wabe
February 24th, 2010
9:18 pm
Josh just bailed JJ out.
That ish pi-$$-es me off.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
9:18 pm
Ryan Cameron was so shocked by that shot that he didn’t even give the crowd his usual “J-SMOOOOOOOVE!” It was more of a “J…. Smoove?”
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
9:18 pm
that Smoove is an all star!
AM
February 24th, 2010
9:18 pm
Jamal is off tonight…big time
Ree Roe
February 24th, 2010
9:18 pm
Great game by Josh…nice step back
-REElated to Roe!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
9:19 pm
Crawford and Marvin combined are 0/10 with 3 points and 4 turnovers.
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
9:19 pm
OK maybe not Jamal tonight.
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
9:19 pm
lol @ Joe… just not a good flopper…
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
9:19 pm
Joe finally got a call. funny.
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
9:19 pm
smh@crawford
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
9:19 pm
What do you know. Joe did a flop to draw the foul call…
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
9:20 pm
Ha! I know some of you hated to love that last play by Josh….
rob
February 24th, 2010
9:20 pm
i hope Jamal is just having a bad game not his shoulder
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
9:21 pm
choked on my kool aid @Najeh, Ryan wasn’t the only one shocked that went in so smoothly.
And my starting five right now is Teague, JJ, Smooth, Joe Smith, and Horford
terrell
February 24th, 2010
9:21 pm
Jamal is not 100%. What’s Marvin’s excuse?
niremetal
February 24th, 2010
9:21 pm
Dear T’Wolves Training Staff,
Please give Corey Brewer a burrito and a protein shake.
Sincerely,
Niremetal
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
9:21 pm
Joe knows he bailed himself out with that acting job.
Blast
February 24th, 2010
9:21 pm
Yeah, Jamal is off but Josh saving he Hawks right now on all levels.
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
9:21 pm
LOL@ Nire …
DHunt
February 24th, 2010
9:21 pm
At least to end this game.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
9:22 pm
WTF IS THAT ANNOYING CLAPPING NOISE?
AM
February 24th, 2010
9:22 pm
Woodson’s going to say….”this was a big win for our team….I proud of the way our guys hung in there at the end”…..when in fact, he should be critical of their performance given the facts. Minn is a very young team that is on the second game of a back to back. Outside of Josh, our team effort is not acceptable and it isn’t going to get us the 2nd or 3rd seed in the East.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
9:23 pm
we need 100!
Ree Roe
February 24th, 2010
9:23 pm
Quacks Williams back in the game? Where’s Jamal?
-fREE Roe!!!
Yo Joe!
February 24th, 2010
9:23 pm
You mean to tell me JJ is going to let JSmoove have the high point total tonight?
terrell
February 24th, 2010
9:24 pm
Man, I cant stand Mike Woodson.
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
9:25 pm
I’ll bet JeJe is tearing his hair out with the way Josh is playing…
AM
February 24th, 2010
9:25 pm
Not to mention our starters have played 35+ minutes and we have a game on Friday.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
9:25 pm
Piss poor effort
J.J.M.
February 24th, 2010
9:25 pm
i wanna slap bibby
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
9:26 pm
It seems we are determined to keep them in the game…
Blast
February 24th, 2010
9:26 pm
Go, Hawks, Go! Nice win tonight!
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
9:26 pm
J.J.M.
so does Joe…
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
9:26 pm
clutch Marvin locks in the win! lol
AM
February 24th, 2010
9:27 pm
Why does marvin feel the need to wear that stocking on his arm? He fixes that thing constantly…..take it off Donald!
bigdave
February 24th, 2010
9:27 pm
good game on deck Friday…
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
9:27 pm
Marvin has a crappy game, so Woody sits him in favor of Jamal. Jamal has a crappy game, yet Mo still only plays 13 minutes, despite shooting 4 for 7.
What gives?
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
9:28 pm
looks like we got beat on the boards again and still won. I’ll take it but we gotta do better on the glass.
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
9:28 pm
why you even foulin
KevinA
February 24th, 2010
9:29 pm
Anybody think the wrong two guys went to the All – Star game?
AM
February 24th, 2010
9:29 pm
We do have the best organ player in the league!!! See ya Friday ladies and gents!
Ree Roe
February 24th, 2010
9:29 pm
CLE plays BOS tomorrow night…BOS should lose so I expect us to be the 3 seed by tomorrow night. Average effort by the team, but great game by Josh
-REEligiously Roe!!!
Taylor
February 24th, 2010
9:29 pm
The game that never ends
KevinA
February 24th, 2010
9:30 pm
we won the battle on the glass – 45-38
rob
February 24th, 2010
9:30 pm
very good game on deck friday, we get up for those games.
Sautee
February 24th, 2010
9:30 pm
LOL, Mrs. Sautee says: ” If ‘Nique says nimbers instead of numbers, why doesn’t he say Tumberwolves?”
joeBjoe
February 24th, 2010
9:30 pm
oops got that wrong we did win the boards tonite. way to go Hawks.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
9:31 pm
Nice to get a win. Needless to say, a 4th quarter swoon like this against Dallas on Friday will result in another national TV embarrassment.
Melvin
February 24th, 2010
9:31 pm
Nire,
Bob called Brewer a human pipe cleaner. I dont know what the heck that means but it sound funny…
Najeh Davenpoop
February 24th, 2010
9:32 pm
Hahaha great observation Mrs. Sautee.
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
9:32 pm
Game ball to Josh Smith with Bibby (he made shots!), Al (hustle and rebound make up for offensive struggles) and Mo (Best of the bench) getting shout-outs.
Catch y’all later!
rob
February 24th, 2010
9:33 pm
Enter your comments here
Big Ray
February 24th, 2010
9:33 pm
Melvin,
Where I come from, getting your pipes cleaned means something else entirely…… LOL
KevinA
February 24th, 2010
9:34 pm
toronto lost so we gained a little more space to 5th seed
Sautee
February 24th, 2010
9:35 pm
J-Smash last 5 games:
19 pts 10 reb 5 ast 2 blk 2 stl
Kid’s beastin’.
Ree Roe
February 24th, 2010
9:41 pm
Jamal scored ONE point tonight…we gotta get him back on track ASAP. Good to see Mo & Joe Smith continue to play well.
-REEsuscitate Roe!!!
KevinA
February 24th, 2010
9:42 pm
Jamal is going through one of these slumps we have read about pre trade. Nice to see Evans and Bibby play better and fill in. I am kinda a Bibby basher but give credit when credit is due. Nice to see our assist totals returning. Good team ball tonight.
Astro Joe
February 24th, 2010
9:47 pm
Melvin, here I be… need something?
Rod, I don’t have the answer to Marvin’s shooting woes, I just know that a 15 footer is easier than a 23 footer.
Rod from College Park
February 24th, 2010
9:54 pm
Astro Joe,
Not contested, and it depends who’s shooting.
Mo Evans on NBA TV now. Kenny Smith is grilling him.
Astro Joe
February 24th, 2010
10:01 pm
Rod, too many variables can sway it… but all things being equal…
KevinA
February 24th, 2010
10:06 pm
Cats ahead of the jazz – like that.
Jay
February 24th, 2010
10:06 pm
Start Evans or better yet Z instead of Marvin. Marvin just doesn’t understand the secret of bbal: http://www.nba.com/playerfile/marvin_williams/index.html . Only a 1 assist average per game in 30 minutes on this squad ? Terrible, he has the size but not the mental grasp of the game. Trade Marvin if we can get draft picks or more flexibility or whatever is behind door #2….
northcyde
February 24th, 2010
10:10 pm
Jamal needs to stop taking all of those long jumpshots when he’s ice cold.
niremetal
February 24th, 2010
10:37 pm
Melvin,
I’m not sure I want to know what that means…
niremetal
February 24th, 2010
10:38 pm
And not incidentally, but JT0 could stand a few trips to Buca di Beppo and Smoothie King too.
Zach
February 24th, 2010
10:46 pm
MIIIIIKKKKKEEEE BIBBY!!!!!
Dante Fitzgerald
February 24th, 2010
10:56 pm
Go HAWKS!!!
JeJe
February 24th, 2010
10:59 pm
FIRE MIKE WOODSON
DOES NOT USE BENCH IN CLOSE GAMES
2ND ROUND EXIT IN 4 GAMES
JeJe
February 24th, 2010
11:02 pm
Why can’t we get Damien Wilkins? The guy would cost nothing in a trade. he is a flat-out scorer. He’d be a perfect 3 to have instead of Mo, who does NOTHING 90 % of the time
KevinA
February 25th, 2010
12:07 am
JeJe
If you want to talk the best player for the dollar Carl Landry is much better and cheaper. Of course that will change.
ant banks
February 25th, 2010
8:30 am
can someone tell me WHY illgaskus would come to atlanta versuses goin’ back to clev?
Ken Strickland
February 25th, 2010
10:00 am
MCUNNINGHAM-Let’s be fair, how many times have our starters played poorly and allowed the opposition to get big leads, only to be left in the gm while our bench, except for Crawford, is ignored? Back when we actually used an extended rotation, there were a number of gms when the bench came in and rescued our starting unit.
You can’t talk about the failures of our bench without talking about the failures of our starting unit. How can you have such high expectations for our bench players, just because they’re veterans, and not have the same expectations from our starters, who are also veterans? Realistically, the expectations should be higher for starting veteran players who consistently play 28-40MPG, while playing with the same players, than it is for veterans players getting fewer than double digit mins, with a liberal sprinkling of DNP CD or DNP INACTIVE thrown in.
The inconsistent and limited way our bench players are being used, and in some cases misused, forces them to adjust quickly during gms to playing with players they often haven’t been the court with for several gms at a stretch. When Teague is in the gm and makes a mistake, you immediately see him put his hands on his head and look toward the bench to see if Woodson is going to pull him immediately. Bibby, on the other hand, can stink the place up, and know with certainty he’s not going to be pulled, admonished or held accountable in any way.
WHAT OTHER HC WOULD HOLD A ROOKIE TO SUCH HIGH ERROR FREE STANDARDS AND LIMIT HIS CHANCES, WHILE CONSISTENTLY GIVING HIS VET PG EXTENDED MINS, EVEN THOUGH HE’S HURTING THE TEAM BY PLAYING THE WORST BASKETBALL OVERALL IN HIS ENTIRE CAREER? The idea of utilizing your bench isn’t just a matter of putting 4 or 5 new players in the gm simultaneously for limited mins. It’s about incorporating individual bench players in with the starting unit, like we do with Crawford. The idea is (a)to provide rest, (2)to provide a needed boost, (3)to change the tempo,(4)to create mismatches, (5)to take advantage of a particular players skill at a given time when needed. We seldom see Woodson do any of these things, particularly for these reasons.
There are times when ISO works, usually when there’s a mismatch. But to make is the foundation for your halfcourt OFF in crunch time is downright stupid. How many times have we seen JJ go ISO while being double/triple teamed, only to see him go 1 on 3 or 4 and end up turning the ball over or taking a bad shot?