Hawks Squawks: Mavericks 111, Hawks 103 (OT)
– What is it lately about the Hawks and these surreal endings? First Phoenix, then Golden State and now J. Kidd goes gangsta on Woody.
– Woody took the hit for the loss. No, that’s not a bad pun by me, that’s what he actually said (and he wasn’t smiling). ““He made a heck of a play. Jason Kidd is an All-Star, a Hall of Fame guard and he’s had a hell of a career. He did what he had to do. I’ve got to take the hit on that. I shouldn’t have been on the floor.”
– After Kidd ran into Woody, he woofed at the coach and Woody responded in kind as Hawks players, officials and Mavericks coaches intervened. It all happened right in front of me and I still can’t believe it.
– “It was a big deal,” J.J. said. “He just blatantly ran into our coach. I’ve never seen that.”
– As play continued Hawks fans near the court jeered Kidd, who shrugged his shoulders and told them: “Hey, it’s a smart play.” And I guess it was but, dang, that’s kind of messed up.
– “I saw him run towards him. I didn’t know what was going on,” Josh said.
– “This is one for the ages,” said Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle. “I don’t think there’s ever been a smarter player in this league than Jason Kidd.”
— Hawks players said Kidd’s play and the made free throw on the technical shifted momentum. “It kind of changed the game, but that’s not what lost the game for us,” Johnson said. “They went zone and we couldn’t get no continuity on offense.”
– I’m glad he said that because, from the players’ perspective putting this one on Woody’s tech is kind of weak. It looks bad because the Mavs needed that point for overtime but another Hawks meltdown was well underway before that play.
– Things fell apart when Dallas scored seven straight points without the Hawks even getting off a shot: Brendan Haywood scored on a putback and was fouled, Kidd rebounded the missed free throw and passed to Jason Terry for a 3, and Kidd stole the ball from Horford leading to a Jose Barea layup.
– After Jamal’s layup gave the Hawks a 90-79 lead, they missed five of their last eight shots in regulation and 10 of 12 attempts in overtime. The Mavs switched to a zone and the Hawks reacted as if they’d never seen one before.
– “I think we settled too much in the zone instead of attacking,” Smoove said. “It really wasn’t an aggressive zone. They were just letting us shoot jump shots.”
– And why wouldn’t they? With the notable exception of the Jazz game, show some resistance against the Hawks late in games and they will stop moving the ball to get better shots.
– “They were smart enough to save the zone until they needed it at the end,” Jamal said. “But I”m sure if we came in here tomorrow we’d make (those shots).”
– Josh was among those who stopped attacking. He’d been the catalyst when the Hawks made runs in the second and third quarters but then stopped going to the basket when things got tight.
– “We just played one-on-one against the zone,” J.J. said, and he was one of the worst offenders. This was bad Iso-Joe: missed leaner on the baseline, a pass to Smoove for a miss, and two missed runners in the lane.
– Once again, the Hawks compounded their stagnant offense with lackluster D and rebounding. The Mavs made 14 of 23 shots in the fourth quarter and 5 of 7 in overtime. Yeah, the Mavs got hot, but the Hawks also allowed 10 fasbreak points in the fourth.
– “Defensively we couldn’t make stops when we needed them,” J.J. said. That seems to happen a lot when they take bad shots, doesn’t it?
– But the Kidd-Woody collision will be the big story. “It was a big play, for sure,” Jamal said. “I’m sure that’s what 20,000 people will remember the most. It definitely shifted momentum.”
– “Coaches are always on the floor but nobody tries to run into them,” J.J. said. “I might have to do try and do that.”
– I’m out, Hawks fans.
MC
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174 comments Add your comment
Astro Joe
February 26th, 2010
11:28 pm
Who gives a sh!t about what people will remember about the game… will Woody remember to teach them how to defeat a simple zone (which they will see repeatedly in the playoffs until they can prove they can do something productive) and will the players remember what they were taught?
And how about those AWFUL defensive rotations that left Dirk wide open several times?
I understand the novelty of the Kidd play but for those of us focused on “are the Hawks in a better position for postseason basketball” we must assume those goofy plays won’t happen again (including the shot clock incident in Cleveland). But a zone defense and a player in the low block who needs to be doubled, yeah, that will certainly happen again. WTF is the recommendation to resolve those issues?
db
February 26th, 2010
11:40 pm
I must admit that as a Mavs fan I had my bags packed – but what a finish – kinda reminded me of a few years ago when we were on the other side of DWade.
Astro Joe
February 26th, 2010
11:40 pm
As if this night isn’t already surreal… I start flipping channels and Cornel West and George Clinton are singing a duet on the Monique Show.
Where’s the Tequila and Nyquil? I need to have one of those Beyonce and Alicia Keys kind of dreams tonight.
Astro Joe
February 26th, 2010
11:45 pm
@db, wasn’t that for a Finals Championship as opposed to a random Friday night?
Mohd
February 26th, 2010
11:47 pm
Woody is being found out this season. Is he a premier coach capable of winning something with the Hawks? The talent is there now; can he coach them to a championship? Unfortunately, I hear a lot of NOs. Mr. Sunds is not rushing to sign him up either.
dstdeelite
February 26th, 2010
11:50 pm
db……yeah that did kind of suck…the whole Dwade thing..How many times did he go to the free throw line? a shame
Astro Joe
February 26th, 2010
11:50 pm
I hope Jeff Teague doesn’t try to run into Scott Skiles Sunday… that would really not be a good thing for the beloved rookie.
Dante Fitzgerald
February 26th, 2010
11:51 pm
Woodson = COY!!! Yay!!!
The Truth
February 26th, 2010
11:53 pm
Did anyone notice the effect Dallas had on us by having an active “Real” center in the game? Haywood presence made the big difference for them. He made Al Horford look like a rookie tonight. Crawford normally gets in the paint late in games settled for jumpers (that weren’t falling) because of Haywood presence. JJ was also settling for jumpers that weren’t falling late in the game instead of his sure-handed floaters also because of Haywood presence.
Also JJ has a weakness like kryptonite is to Superman. HE CAN’T EXPLOIT A LITTLE DEFENDER
Rick Sund
February 26th, 2010
11:54 pm
You ungrateful fans need to appreciate the fact that we will be hosting the first round and with the UPSIDE Marvin is showing, he will be an assassin come playoff time. Loyal and Real hawks’ fans should focus on our POTENTIAL. Only terrible fans focus on things like CHAMPIONSHIPS. Those type of fans aren’t realistic and have too HIGH of standards for such a YOUNG team that is LEARNING how to win.
Kevin
February 26th, 2010
11:59 pm
What’s more embarrassing? The Woody-Kidd Incident or Kidd’s 16 rebounds?
O'Brien
February 27th, 2010
12:00 am
Frustrating, with lots of blame to go around. Total team loss tonight. And to think, the Mavericks did not even have Caron Butler tonight.
We were up by 13 with about 5 minutes to go, and what happened? Our offense was inconsistent (again), and our defense was horrible. Why can’t Woody get it through these players head how to attack the zone? And why can’t Woody make adjustments, and figure out when and how to use his bench?
This has happened before, and it will happen again (especially in the playoffs). Once again, we face some adversity, and we start shooting jump shots, and our defense goes vanilla.
I thought Bibby had a good game with 16 points and 5 assists. Unfortunately the opposing PG had 19 points, 17 assists, and 16 rebounds.
I thought Josh Smith had a great game, 18 pts, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Unfortunately, the opposing PF had 37 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists.
And although Marvin only played 22 minutes, he also went 2-8, missing 2 open 3 pointers from the wing.
I’m sorry, but there is no way Horford should have played 50 minutes tonight. He struggled early and often. He was struggling against Haywood, and couldn’t handle some passes. So why did Woody play him 50 minutes? Of course, he responded by going 4-16. Did I mention he played 50 minutes?
And what’s up with Crawford? He played 39 minutes, and went 5-16. Ever since missing that game before the All-Star break, he has been horrible. He is 23 for 70 (33%) since the all-star break. I know he has denied it, but you can’t help but wonder if his shoulder is still bothering him.
And our bench was absent again tonight. Our bench players (not including Crawford), played a total of 25 minutes. I know this is only one game, but how often do we have to keep saying ‘this was only 1 game’.
Astro Joe
February 27th, 2010
12:02 am
The Truth, Joe ate up the little Utah defenders last week and had his way with the Mavs guards until they went into a zone defense. Dude was llike 11-14 before they started with the zone.
I do agree that Horford really struggles with Haywood (and the same was true when he wore a Wizards uniform) but I think that is because Brendan is tall, big and fairly agile at the same time. And unlike most centers, Haywood typically maintains and upward stance and rarely reaches or jumps at a player. He just uses his body’s length and good foot movement to make the opposing player very uncomfortable. I can easily see how that team will give the Lakers and Nuggets problems. Especially if Caron plays up to his capability.
Primo
February 27th, 2010
12:03 am
Sund really needs to look for a probable replacement for Woodson. Unless he makes a substantial improvement, he won’t be able to take the hawks far in the playoffs. With a great coach, this team is a contender. With Woodson, at least so far, this team is a PRETENDER.
Wabe
February 27th, 2010
12:04 am
Another Friday night of Hawks basketball that I couldn’t catch, and another night I come home to see the Hawks blow a DOUBLE DIGIT 4TH QUARTER LEAD and lose a game in OT because we hit yet another dryspell.
Why am I not surprised? Unbelievable. I haven’t even watched the game and I’m pretty heated.
Wabe
February 27th, 2010
12:07 am
This past week of Hawks basketball has been one of the most frustrating one’s all season. Blowing 4th quarter leads in games we controlled.
Astro Joe
February 27th, 2010
12:09 am
OB, Zaza sucks and Joe Smith was too small to play center in this game. Horford simply has to be better. I have no issues with him playing 50 tonight. It is what it is and right now, we don’t have anything close to quality big man depth against other high quality teams. Imagine if they had a healthy Dampier to add to that already HUGE frontline.
kwooden1
February 27th, 2010
12:11 am
Kidd running into Woodson is one of he weirdest plays I’ve every seen. Kidd definitely ran into Woodson initially and it worked. I really think the ref should have called Kidd out of bounds because Woodson’s feet appeared on the ground as Kidd ran into him, but really Kidd shouldn’t have touched him.
Overall this loss really shows that the HAWKS will never be elite until Horford develops a counter move to his right hand jump hook. Teams have adjusted to his move, along with the fact that bigger guys can defend it. Horford has to develop a fall away and an up and under move. The HAWKS desperately need a consistent inside game to go to the next level. I believe Horford can get there, but it may not be until next season. Right now, we’re a jump shooting team, with Josh Smith to clean-up the mess. I hate these kind of losses!!
GO HAWKS!!
Mac-Town'z Finest 478
February 27th, 2010
12:11 am
atleast the Magic lost too.
Astro Joe
February 27th, 2010
12:12 am
Wabe, this one was more frustrating to me than the Warriors game. I tend to get more ticked off by mental mistakes than physical ones. And tonight, was mostly poor adjustments by Woody (we couldn’t solve a simple zone defense) and was compunnded by stupid defensive rotations that left Dirk (of all players) wide open. UGHHHH!!!!!!!
O'Brien
February 27th, 2010
12:13 am
AJ,
Maybe Woody should have given RandMo or Collins a few minutes then. I just have a problem with Horford playing 50 minutes since he was struggling badly from early.
If horford was struggling when he was fresh, imagine how much he struggles when he was tired.
Astro Joe
February 27th, 2010
12:13 am
kwooden, well said.
Rick Sund
February 27th, 2010
12:14 am
Woody is still learning. With more game film he will learn to avoid opposing team point guards. As long as he is keeps OUR CORE WINNING and heck if win three more games in the REGULAR SEASON, we will be an ELITE team. We strive for IMPROVEMENT, which to me and my bosses is SUCCESS.
O'Brien
February 27th, 2010
12:18 am
But I agree that there was no adjustment from Woody. And the players should be smart enough to recognize that the jump shots weren’t falling.
And then Crawford says “if we play them tomorrow, they would make those shots”. I dont like that way of thinking. Jump shots are not the answer.
Share the ball, defend, and rebound.
Astro Joe
February 27th, 2010
12:20 am
OB, you and I have a philosophical difference. You seem to think “just send any warm body out there for a few minutes to allow a starter to rest” while I only want someone on the court who will help us win a agme. Collins and RandMo (IMO) would have been useless in that game (as they are in most games). If just any warm body would do in games, then contenders would have minimum-salaried players on their bench. Instead, they are luxury tax teams so they could have guys like Lamar Odom, Brandon Bass, Varejao, Gortat, Rasheed, Big Baby, Powe and eventually, Big Z on their bench.
I don’t blame Woody for not sending out a guy with a plastic spork into a gun battle.
Wabe
February 27th, 2010
12:22 am
Zaza Pachulia played 5:48.
You’re kidding me, right? In a game where it’s obvious we’re battling size inside, Zaza played 5+ minutes? Damn, that’s unbelievable.
Wabe
February 27th, 2010
12:23 am
JT0 – DNP
Damn, that sucks too.
Astro Joe
February 27th, 2010
12:26 am
OB, yeah, I read Jamal’s quote and got all ticked off again. Dude is still thinking that shooting jumpers is the way to defeat a zone defense. How many coaches has he had in the NBA? How does he think that shooting over a zone is the way to go… IT’S WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO DO… stop penetrating and passing and driving and stand there and shoot. And he’s talking about “we would hit those shots tomorrow”. DANG, that’s scary coming from a 10-year vet. Use your tricky dribble and get into the freakin’ lane, amn. Figure out how to get into the paint, not shoot over the paint. UGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!
Wabe
February 27th, 2010
12:27 am
I just remembered that the Warriors game was on ESPN too.
Why do we pull these chokejobs on national television.
Astro Joe
February 27th, 2010
12:27 am
Wabe, trust me, Zaza played too long.
Wabe
February 27th, 2010
12:29 am
100000000000% co-sign on Jamal’s comments about the zone. I glimpsed through MC’s article and saw that quote and was amazed that they’re still thinking jumpshots are the best way to attack a zone.
You’ve got to be kidding me. You can’t seriously go that stone-cold at the end of regulation + in OT against that zone and still be thinking you were doing ANYTHING right.
Wabe
February 27th, 2010
12:34 am
Damn, he must of been pretty bad.
I don’t see how we get past Cleveland or Orlando with an “iffy” frontcourt. I hope Zaza can pickup his play moving forward, because we’ll sure need him.
Rick Sund
February 27th, 2010
12:37 am
stfu phony rick sund, nobody cares about your phony posts
Paul Silas
February 27th, 2010
12:39 am
hey sund, gimmie a call, i might be interested in the job.
Rick Sund
February 27th, 2010
12:41 am
ok cool ill be calling you tomorrow, make sure you are committed to making the hawks a good team now….were not really worried about winning in the playoffs
Clyde
February 27th, 2010
12:42 am
Can’t blame the bench tonight for letting a double digit lead in the 4th get away. Someone has to be held accountable to tonight’s debacle.
Paul Silas
February 27th, 2010
12:42 am
great guy, im lookin forward to having a word or two with that josh smith, i dont like thugs too much
Josh
February 27th, 2010
12:42 am
yeah, these past couple losses have been really hard to take.
Rick Sund
February 27th, 2010
12:43 am
how about an bosh for smooth trade in the offseason?
Paul Silas
February 27th, 2010
12:44 am
na, he looks like the logo on his jersey, leave him where he is
Rick Sund
February 27th, 2010
12:44 am
well how about amare?
The Truth
February 27th, 2010
12:44 am
AJ
I saw at least two iso plays (late in the 4th) where JJ was having trouble scoring on little Barea. He got frustrated those times (with his quickness) and actually offense-fouled the little guy but the refs didn’t call it. Yes the zone did bother the Hawks but also remember Dallas went with a small lineup that launched their comeback. Yes JJ took advantage of the “green” PG for Utah, but savvy veterans like little Nelson for Orlando or little Nate Robinson for New York is another story.
Paul Silas
February 27th, 2010
12:45 am
na, he wear goggles, fans dont want that
Paul Silas
February 27th, 2010
12:45 am
hey , what if i keep woodson as my assistant?
Rick Sund
February 27th, 2010
12:46 am
ummm, idk, its not safe to have woody anywhere near the sidelines , look @ wut happened wit j-kidd tonight
Paul Silas
February 27th, 2010
12:47 am
its ok, i wish kidds little a$$ would try that, id put him on the floor
Avery Johnson
February 27th, 2010
12:48 am
hey, i dont get a shot @ the job sund? i thought we was homies g , wth
Rick Sund
February 27th, 2010
12:49 am
avery, weve had this talk already, youre just too short
Avery Johnson
February 27th, 2010
12:49 am
ahhh, i see how it is sund…..that aint right man, just aint right
Rick Sund
February 27th, 2010
12:50 am
listen little man, i already have an order of protection against you, STOP HARRASSING ME, THE JOB IS GOING TO PAUL!!!
Avery Johnson
February 27th, 2010
12:51 am
hey paul, imma see you homie!! and when i do imma make you wish you wouldve never stole my job
Mike Woodson
February 27th, 2010
12:52 am
hey guys what are we talking about
Paul Silas
February 27th, 2010
12:52 am
ummmmmmmmmmmmm……(looks a avery)
Avery Johnson
February 27th, 2010
12:53 am
uhhhhhhhhhhhhhh……….looks at sund
Rick Sund
February 27th, 2010
12:53 am
ummmm……….hey woody been meaning to talk to you
keno
February 27th, 2010
12:54 am
LOL @ Joe Johnson saying he may try to run into a coach and see what happens. He’d probably get tossed from the game. I see what Woody was trying to do by not calling a timeout, but he should have stopped the bleeding. He did the same thing against the Warriors. I see the Hawks weakness is still defending the three. I thought defense was Woody’s specialty, but this has been a glaring issue the last two seasons.
Mike Woodson
February 27th, 2010
12:54 am
sure rick whats going on??
Rick Sund
February 27th, 2010
12:54 am
well, woody you f#$@ing suck, pack ur s##t and gtfo
Mike Woodson's son
February 27th, 2010
12:55 am
Hello, my name is Marvin Williams and I play starter’s minutes in the NBA when I’m barely bench worthy on ANY playoff team.
Mike Woodson
February 27th, 2010
12:55 am
crys*** “angry rage” this is all because of jason kidd isnt it?
Mike Woodson
February 27th, 2010
12:56 am
hello son, they are firing us here in atlanta all because of jason kidd, we must destoy him, you must avenge me son!!
Paul Silas and Avery Johnson
February 27th, 2010
12:58 am
yea………we dnt want any part of this……..(sneak out the room)
jason kidd
February 27th, 2010
12:59 am
aye homie, i heard you and you duckling been popin s#it about me
Mike Woodson
February 27th, 2010
1:00 am
yea you lying fat s,o,b, you lost me my job!!!! now you must pay
marvin williams
February 27th, 2010
1:00 am
QUACK QUACK……….
jason kidd
February 27th, 2010
1:01 am
……..yo, did this ni66a just quack at me?
Mike Woodson
February 27th, 2010
1:01 am
duckling ATTACKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
marvin williams
February 27th, 2010
1:02 am
QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK
jason kidd
February 27th, 2010
1:03 am
O SH@# !!! yall r freaking crazy, im out
Mike Woodson
February 27th, 2010
1:04 am
good job son….you quacked him right outta the building……so sund…can i have my job bacc?
Rick Sund
February 27th, 2010
1:04 am
sure woody, just dont sic that rapid duck on me
Rick Sund WOODY MARVIN, PAUL AVERY
February 27th, 2010
1:05 am
we all live happily ever after
Man Yall Crazzy!!
February 27th, 2010
1:11 am
LMBSAOFF!!! LOL Just got home and started reading this Blog. Somebody got some serious ISSUES. Funny stuff. Go to BED man!!! Damn Lol.
IREPATL
February 27th, 2010
1:13 am
looooooooool wow @ the story, funny stuff
Jarvis
February 27th, 2010
1:22 am
seriously, your are that uspset at the loss that you blogged nonsense for 45mins straight? ha ha i marvins parts though
Jarvis
February 27th, 2010
1:23 am
liked marvins parts i meant to say
Dirk
February 27th, 2010
2:18 am
You guys need to calm down… Great game tonight I enjoyed every minute of it… Especially those dagger 3’s I put down on yall…….
JeJe
February 27th, 2010
2:23 am
SMOOVE IS NOWHERE CLOSE TO BEING A DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR. HE LEFT DIRK OPEN FOR SHOTS THE ENTIRE GAME. HE DIDN’T EVEN TRY TO MAKE HIM DRIVE. EVERY SINGLE SHOT DIRK TOOK HE HAD 3 FEET OF SPACE. WHAT A JOKE. JOSH IS OVERRATED AND HIS NUMBERS DON’T MEAN !@#$. HE CANNOT DEFEND 1 ON 1 AND IS IMMATURE. GOOD JOB GIVING DIRK 35+ POINTS U MORON
Grandad
February 27th, 2010
2:24 am
I ranted about Kidd on the other blog so I won’t repeat nor recant.
*Kidd’s bush league!
*Carlisle:
“I don’t think there’s ever been a smarter player in the league than Kidd.” Hyperbole!!!
*Had he done the same to Chuck Daly during the ‘bad boys’ era:
I imagine Mahorn…Laimbeer…Rodman…et al, would have proven the relative intelligence of such a move would be open for debate.
*Zone offense – (basketball is a simple game)
1. Put your best player [Joe, *Joe Smith] in the middle [flash post]
2. Put a versatle ath. that can score, in short corner [Josh, **Al, Mo]
3. Surround with [3] perimeter shooters/slashers/penetrators:
[Jamal, Bibby, Marv, ***Teague, Mo]
*Joe Smith would make a terrific high post/mid range scorer.
**Al – afterthought since he was having a bad night.
***Teague – As we’ve all been saying…he could penetrate the zone.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 27th, 2010
2:50 am
There’s no shame in losing a hard-fought game at home to a very good team in overtime.
There is, however, a lot of shame in the way it happened. The Hawks have now blown big leads in 4 out of their last 5 games, and only pulled out the one against Minnesota because the T-Wolves suck. This is unacceptable. There’s really no other way to put it. If you can’t put teams away in the 4th quarter, you will get murdered in the playoffs. If the Cavs are down by 10 against this team in the playoffs going into the 4th, LeBron James will be smelling blood and will erase that deficit like it never existed.
Don’t blame the Kidd-Woody incident for this loss. That accounted for a grand total of one point, momentum or no momentum. At the time the Hawks were up by 2; after the technical free throw, they were up by 1. The fact that they were up by 14 earlier in the quarter and let that lead slip away has much more to do with the loss of momentum and the loss of the game.
And anyway, despite all of that, the Hawks were still tied heading into overtime (obviously). After all that drama, they could have still woken the f-ck up and regained control in the extra period. Instead, they continued their collapse and allowed Dallas to take control of the game both mentally and on the scoreboard.
This is not as bad as the Golden State loss, just because Dallas is a very good team, but the way they lost makes it close. They better get their 4th quarter mentality fixed quick.
DecentJ
February 27th, 2010
4:03 am
Man it’s 4 in the morning and I just woke up from a nightmare…I keep having these dreams that Hawks keep losing games in the 4th Quarter…Is this really a bad dream or will these nightmares continue?? Someone please tell me this is all a bad dream
Mike Hunt
February 27th, 2010
7:29 am
The biggest problem the Hawks have is the same problem they had going into this season and last season, etc. No legitimate inside game. No center. Horford ain’t it. That said, the Hawks clearly had this game in hand and blew it in the 4Q. No excuse for that. It may be time for Woodson to leave after this season, but that alone won’t fix this team’s problems. They have got to get a center or they will continue to be a pretender.
Big Ray
February 27th, 2010
7:46 am
Always interesting to look at comments after a loss. Well, morbidly interesting, that is.
The JKidd/Woody play was some BS that happened. It wouldn’t have mattered one bit, or probably have even happened if we hadn’t blown that 13 point lead in a mere handful of minutes.
Here’s a list of things that shouldn’t be surprises (but evidently are, to some of us):
1) Crawford thinks the way to beat a zone is to shoot over the top. Why are we surprised? He was taught that in NY and had it reinforced in GS. No one has made him think otherwise.
Now ask yourself this question: has he been taught differently in Atlanta? Here’s a clue from a guy who made the following statement after losing a game the exact same way in an earlier contest this season:
“Said (guess who), “We should have posted the ball a little bit more, because I thought [forward Josh Smith] and Al somewhat had their way, but [the Knicks] stayed with the zone and sometimes those jump shots look very appetizing, and we didn’t make them.”
Figure out who said that and then tell me if these guys are being taught how to beat a zone…
2) Dirk Nowitzki is hard to guard one on one. He’s hard to guard at all. He’s a 7-footer that’s shooting 48% and is averaging 25 points per game. Josh Smith is a weak-side “rover” defender, perimeter defense is not his forte. Employing a switch defense means Nowitzki might be left open. Why are we surprised he was left open? Our switch defense doesn’t work all the time, especially if a very good pg is playing against it. One of the best to ever hit the league was playing against it last night. Even when the switch defense is working, and guys are rotating properly, there is a chance for a mismatch. I’ll say it again: Nowitzki is averaging 25 ppg. But he ain’t the one who beat us.
3) Al Horford struggles against Brendan Haywood. Why is this a surprise? Haywood is one of the few guys in the league who is left to guard freakin’ Dwight Howard all by himself. He actually gets the job done halfway decently. Al Horford isn’t as good or as big as Howard. Really people, it’s simple math. I’m sure Truth Serum is having a ball with this. Everybody needs a hobby….
4) The Hawks didn’t know what to do in overtime, or when the “grind it out” tactics came into play. Surprised? Shouldn’t be. The Hawks haven’t been in an overtime game on the regular. Heck, this might have been the first one all season, I don’t remember. As for adjustments, the Hawks have never been able to adjust to a counter tactic by a good team, in a tight game. Not with any consistency, that is.
5) The zone kills us. It requires adjustment. 57 games into the season and we still don’t know what to do with it. What else can be said?
These are not surprises.
Big Ray
February 27th, 2010
7:49 am
For the record, getting a “real” center does nothing for the Hawks, other than maybe mean more wins against the weaker teams that we should have been beating in the first place.
I hate to break that bit of news. People call for a “real center”, but they still can’t see that our offense is guard-heavy. Late in the game, you have Bibby, Crawford, and Johnson. Do you really think that they are there just to look pretty? No, they aren’t.
If you can’t figure out how to bust a zone with two capable low post guys, then you can’t bust one with a “real center.” Sorry, but it just isn’t happening. Read the quote above. Zones have to be penetrated. Centers don’t penetrate. This is simple basketball.
JeJe
February 27th, 2010
8:00 am
SMOOVE IS NOWHERE CLOSE TO BEING A DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR. HE LEFT DIRK OPEN FOR SHOTS THE ENTIRE GAME. HE DIDN’T EVEN TRY TO MAKE HIM DRIVE. EVERY SINGLE SHOT DIRK TOOK HE HAD 3 FEET OF SPACE. WHAT A JOKE. JOSH IS OVERRATED AND HIS NUMBERS DON’T MEAN !@#$. HE CANNOT DEFEND 1 ON 1 AND IS IMMATURE. GOOD JOB GIVING DIRK 35+ POINTS U MORON
JeJe
February 27th, 2010
8:15 am
Watching Smoove in the post is almost painful. He does his moves and then just freezes because he realizes his post game sucks and that he has no idea what he has doing there
Jody
February 27th, 2010
8:38 am
The big pink elephant in the room (lack of size) made an appearance last night and cannot be ignored much longer.
PMC
February 27th, 2010
8:49 am
in fairness… maybe he just misjudged the distance to coach W due to the size of his gigantic head.
Eman
February 27th, 2010
9:02 am
Woody failed to make adjustments especially on defences. Why would you leave Dirk for an 36 year old j- Kid in the post. Let, J Kid make a few post up plays first, then if he is hot double him with somebody else man. This play sparked their run, thus, the hawks lost because of coaching!!
If they were posting kid then but Jamal in instead of Bibby or play 2-3 zone. This team is very talented but we need a coach and a center that would make this team a champion contender. Woddy this one for you buddy!!!
THE TRUTH IS ....
February 27th, 2010
9:36 am
DUH
AL HORFORD IS A DEFENSIVE BUM. ITS NOT JUST HAYWARD, HERE IS THE COUCH POTATOES NUMBERS
OF ALL NBA CENTERS:
# 9 FOR DOUBLE-DOUBLE
#15 FOR REBOUNDS
#23 FOR BLOCK SHOTS
#8 POINTS SCORED
#12 FREE THROW PERCENTAGE
TURNOVERS 1.5 PER GAME
STEALS .74 PER GAME
THIS EXPLAINS TO ME WHY TEAMS GO RIGHT TO THE BASKET AGAINST HORFORD.
#23 AMONG CENTERS FOR BLOCK SHOTS!
KIZZ MY A__!
section119lady
February 27th, 2010
9:38 am
First dirk scoring 35 points is not the problem, news flash he is gonna do that or close to that against most players except Lamar, Kenyon, Caron (B4 the trade) and the player formally known as Tracy Mcgrady. Josh takes the hit for that okay we can’t have it both ways, we criticize him for not doing what he is coached to do in the past, but blam him for this defense that doesn’t work against the AAU Atl Celtics? Breaking a zone is something these guys shoulda known to do, especially JJ, Bibby, they both played substantially college ball, but Woody stupid a$$ didn’t call time out and remind them.
The Kidd play should have not been able to affect the game, so forget about that. It is his play the 2nd half that disturbs me. You may laugh but Woody should have done something to take him out of his comfort zone, like put in that dam Mario West to frustrate the hell outta him. Could he have been any worse than what we were doing?
My bigger concern is that if a team has a big man the Hawks seem to be SCARED to go to the paint, how the hell the hornets, without Chris, beat the dam Magic.
For the record, I wish we hadded gotten Nate from the Knicks, at least he aint scaried.
Get rid of Woody
The Hobbyist!
February 27th, 2010
9:44 am
Mike Hunt, its amazing that every one and his mother can see that what you say is true, yet we will be having the same conversation this time next year.I call that stubborn, the problem is clear yet we keep trying to fix what aint broke. Yes, this was the same major problem from last year.
Idiot watch
February 27th, 2010
9:45 am
Is Hadded the past tense of had?
Nate ArchiBALL
February 27th, 2010
10:01 am
Billy Knight may have drafted Marvin Williams but Rick Sund signed him to a long-term big money contract. (no need to list his deficiencies – just check out any of Rod from College Park posts)
Billy Knight drafted Josh Childress but Rick Sund chose not to offer him a decent contract because he saw potential in Marvin (that Rick Sund is a great judge of talent)
Billy Knight picked up ZaZa at 2.5 million a season but Rick Sund signed him to a long-term 4.5 million perseason. Grossly overpaid for what he contributes (as I’ve posted before that head-butt with Kevin Garnett was the most overrated play on the history of the Hawks franchise) I’m almost to the point I would rather see “Pork Chop” Collins out there – at least he only makes 1.1 million.
dap01
February 27th, 2010
10:06 am
If Bibby tried to run into a coach, the opposing coach would have plenty of time to get out of the way.
dap01
February 27th, 2010
10:08 am
We need Heyward, we need a new coach.
L
February 27th, 2010
10:48 am
Another dissappointing loss by the Hawks. My hat goes off to Kidd, with the Woody incident. He saw an opportunity to help his team win. Woody should have never been on the court. The play was inexcusable. I can’t not understand for the life of me, why Woody did not call a time out when the momentum shifted and the Mavs began to make their run, Even the announcer, Hubie, said that a time out needed to be called, but we didn’t and that overall led to our defeat. I also don’t understand why we cannot adjust to the zone defense. It’s our kryptonite! With Jamal’s speed and ability to break down defenses, there is no reason why he should not have been able to do this and create inside shots for himself or dish it out to somebody for an easy basket. Yet, we continued to throw up jump shots, which ultimately led to our defeat. Al playing 50 minutes is unbelievable and Josh at times, gets too comfortable (actually the whole team). There were a couple of times when Joe had the ball out on the perimeter, but he chose to give it to Josh for a jumpshot. As much as the announcers were praising Josh for playing intelligent basketball and not shooting jumpers that he has no business shooting, he shot about 5 or 6 in the game. Marvin missed two key jumpshots as well and quite frankly, I wish they would trade Mo Evans. There are other players in the league with great defensive skills, but can also go out and get you 10 points a game. If Woody does not get his bench developed, we are in trouble come playoffs. Where is Othello and why didn’t Mario West get a chance to D’up Kidd. Bibby is worthless on defense. If Teague is supposed to be our up coming point guard, I don’t understand why he is not getting the playing time. It’s sad when the ESPN announcers expose us whenever we are playing on national tv. We’ve blown some key games this last week. We cannot dwell on the losses, but we need to figure out how to win against the zone defense. It won’t be the last time we see it. The starters, except Al, need to stop trying to be individual heros all the daggone time, and play as a team to win a game. Joe holds the ball entirely too long in most situations. We stand around too much. We have a great athletic team who can run and gun with the best in the league, but mentally, we struggle to stay in the entire game. On another note: I’m sick of the announcers ridiculing our fans. Yes we get hyped when we see Jamal knock down a 3 or witness Josh soaring through the air with a dunk or Joe breaking down the defense with the infamous teardrop floater, but when it goes bad, we know what’s about to happen to our team…they break down mentally. We understand that there is so much potential in this team and it is at times heartbreaking to see a game slip right from under their feet. This is the A and we love our team, we just have to do a better job in supporting them when their down. Come Ryan Cameron let’s get the crowd , “all the wayyyy turned up” Go Hawks!!!
Gamer
February 27th, 2010
10:52 am
Jeff Teague got the speed and quickness to play against speedier guards like J. Kidd. But does he have the discipline to keep offensive players in front of him?
Before the playoffs start, Woody might as well experiment with Teague more through play time during regular season games.
Because Bibby keep getting burnt by faster guards.
darrell starks
February 27th, 2010
11:09 am
Woody got 2 go he will never get it as a coach POINT BLANK PERIOD LET HIM WALK AT THE END OF THE SEASON.
GO HAWKS!!!!!
terrell
February 27th, 2010
11:09 am
The fourth quarter blues. To be continued!
darrell starks
February 27th, 2010
11:11 am
He says one thing and does another when will he learn.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
JeJe
February 27th, 2010
11:13 am
Horrendous call on Woody. He was clearly out of bounds
darrell starks
February 27th, 2010
11:16 am
MOE EVANS 10MIN
JOE SMITH 7MIN
ZAZA 5MIN
TEAGUE 0MIN
THIS BS HAVE 2 STOP
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
jean
February 27th, 2010
11:20 am
id play mo evans 0 mins he is a bum n give those minutes to west
ToeKnee
February 27th, 2010
11:30 am
Here’s where we stand Hawks Fans:
Last night’s game was the most dispiriting loss of the season, and I argue the low-point of the season so far. It is bad for the team for so many reasons.1) It’s a home loss. The seventh of the season where we only had ten last year. With the Hawks continuing to play .500 ball on the road the need to dominate at home becomes even more critical to their success. 2)It was to the Mavericks without Caron Butler. The Hawks fail to make a ’statement’ in another ’statement game’. The Mavericks are a good team, with an outside shot at a title, outlook-wise their team was very similar to what the Hawks had before the trade deadline; they probably felt like on any given night they had the talent to beat any team in the league, but looking at the teams ahead of them saw their deficiencies and the inevitability of a playoff exit. They made a move where the Hawks did not. They got an all-star caliber player still performing at an elite level(Butler) along with a decent backup guard (Stevenson) and a 7 footer (Haywood), all three who could have helped almost any team in the nba, and who could have filled a few holes for the hawks as well. And they beat us without Caron Butler. 3)This game highlights flaws in the team, and in the coach. The hawks themselves claimed after the game “They couldnt defend us one-on-one” yet they were unsuccessful in scoring against a zone defense, yea thats right, the only other kind of defense. The Hawks continue to seem unable of exploiting opposing team’s weaknesses or playing to their strengths on a consistent basis. Which leads us to… 4)We are forced to bring into question the coaching ability of Mike Woodson. As of late he has seemed to be more of a factor in games, and not a positive one. Highlighted by the blocking foul on Jason Kidd, which is destined for every blooper reel made in the next decade, Woodson continues to struggle with his rotation and offense. He admitted his mistakes in not using his bench in the loss to Phoenix, and the Kidd play was bush league(call it ’smart’ if you want, its still lame, you can’t brag about beating someone that way, if it were a recreational game anywhere else he’d get laughed at for trying to get that call, you shouldn’t try to make the refs a factor as a player, why flopping is also so lame, i could go on). But Woodson should have had a good understanding of his rotation by the all star break and i continue to at times just see goofy lineups on the court, it seems sometimes like the 5 guys on the court have never really played with the other 4 at the same time. i think i saw a lineup of teague, crawford, evans, horford, and zaza the other day, and while that should be the second unit none of them looked comfortable on the court together. With the losses being so close lately, and the ability to win these games seeming clear, it makes one wonder what could be the difference in winning and lsoing, and what could be done by the coach to maximize the talent and win games the team is capable of winning.
Edgar Allen Podunk
February 27th, 2010
11:36 am
Let’s see:
Somebody from the opposing team – Dirk Nowitski, to be precise – scores 37 points against the Hawks, and the AJC’s “expert” beat writer doesn’t even see fit to mention his name?
On the other hand, the beat writer does mention a cast of characters that includes Woody, J.J., Jamal and Smoove, which sounds like a lineup of the usual suspects at the APD.
What’s the matter, MC, did you have to knock off early to wash Smoove’s car?
JeJe
February 27th, 2010
11:46 am
I would say we have a favorable schedule coming up, but knowing the Hawks, we’ll lose to Miami and the Knicks and probably every other team that’s owned us this year
ToeKnee
February 27th, 2010
11:46 am
Now for the flip side:
The Hawks are still, somehow, only 2 games behind the Magic. The division and a number 2 seed are both still attainable goals, and not unrealistic given this team’s penchant for hot streaks. The Hawks are young and get caught in moments, momentum can carry or crush them, highlighted by Josh Smith who seems to be on life support at times until the momentum starts to swing and its like you can see it pulse through his body and he flies up and down the court in about three steps each way blocking a shot before throwing an alley-oop to himself from halfcourt. When the Hawks are at their best, like they were for parts of last night (WE GOT A GLIMPSE! AND DONT TELL ME YOU DIDNT SEE IT! WHEN EVERYTHING WAS WORKING AND JOSH WAS BLOCKING ON ONE END AND HE AND BIBBY WERE RUNNING A SIMPLE SCREEN ON OFFENSE AND HE WAS DUNKING AND YAWNING AT THE SAME TIME AND IT LOOKED SO EASY!!!I KNOW YOU SAW IT!) The Hawks still have the talent to beat anybody. And they seem to like their coach. It makes sense to play this year out the way the team is constituted and see what they can do. I just hope they make the most out of it, seize the opportunity at hand, because who knows who will be back here next year, noone.
This loss needs to be the catalyst for the rest of their season.
Use the feelings of this loss, and of this faillure, to push you to be better. That’s what you must do when you fail in life, and what the Hawks must do now. I like this team, and I like Woodson, but it’s up to them to put it all together.
GO HAWKS!
JeJe
February 27th, 2010
11:56 am
JOSH SMITH DOES NOT BOX OUT ON DEFENSE AND DIDNT EVEN TRY TO CONTEST NOWITZKI’S SHOTS
GOOD JOB JOSH
O'Brien
February 27th, 2010
11:59 am
Their PG had 16 rebounds. Our starting center who played 50 minutes had 9 rebounds. Horford struggled big time last night. I hope he gets it going again. And once again, although Bibby had a good game, the opposing PG had a great game.
Big Ray,
Remember the Hawks lost an OT game in Chicago. If I’m not mistaken, Hawks were up 6 late in that game, but the Bulls came back to tie it in regulation. It was another superb game from a PG against us.
Rose had 32 pts, 4 rebs and 6 assists. I just mention that because how many games have we been killed by point guards? That was also the game where we questioned Woody (how often does that happen) as to why he had Marvin in the game in OT instead of Crawford.
Thanks for finding the quotes about the Hawks and the zone. That was what Woody said after the loss to the Knicks. In that game, Hawks were outcored 32-19 in the 4th quarter, and then lost it in OT (another PG, Nate Robinson, scorched us for 41). In the other Knick home game that we lost, another PG (Chris Duhon had 25 points, 4 assists).
If I was to go back and look at all the nimbers, a lot of PGs have great games against us. We need a defensive PG in here. Ok, I feel like I’m rambling.
But I think Hawks are more likely to lose OT games because our starters will be very tired by then, because they will have played major minutes.
AJ,
Sending Horford to the bench for 2 or 3 would have given him a breather. And maybe our big man coach could have used those 3 minutes of game time to talk to Al and get him going.
I blame Woody for the switching defense once again. It was not working last night, and once again Woody made no adjustment. Kidd was open on a lot of those 3 pointers down the stretch (or you would see Josh trying to get a hand up). Dirk was open on a lot of his shots. The switching does not always work Woody. Adjust!
This offseason, does Sund blame Woody for not developing his bench, or does Woody blame Sund for not giving him much to work with?
lexluther
February 27th, 2010
12:06 pm
Every guy who first name starts with an M for the Hawks should be sent on their merry way. Mike Woodson, Mike Bibby, Marvin Williams, Mo Evans and Mario West.
doc
February 27th, 2010
12:08 pm
@ ray …. you said ….
“As for adjustments, the Hawks have never been able to adjust to a counter tactic by a good team, in a tight game. Not with any consistency, that is.
5) The zone kills us. It requires adjustment. 57 games into the season and we still don’t know what to do with it. What else can be said?
These are not surprises”.
now how and who is responsible for changing things, making adjustments and teaching new tricks when old ones wont work?
why will any team not play us zone if out manned and down significant numbers this year if they have the horses to do it like many teams do?
MC have you changed your mind on objective ways to count how and when woody either helps us or doesnt in the fourth quarter when games are made to be won or lost and good floor side line generals make the difference?
woody for years has been laughed at for his side line stance with many of us wondering what does that wooden statue on the court or close by do to help his team? geez, where does the BWAF come from but to mock that ponderous statue doing and saying nothing? it has been only a matter of time and i imagine kidd has stored that one away to do in such situations when it was needed. maybe it shouldnt have been a close game but effective coaching didnt change our approach to the zone which we all know is our achilles and the coach gets the” rope a dope” play called on him making him look like a rookie still after 5 years as a coach. sorry, i want to believe in woody but the last 5 games leave me gasping for breath and worn out by the ponderous play of our team. it is time to play smart rather than harder or depend on “resilience”.
O'Brien
February 27th, 2010
12:16 pm
doc,
agreed. The Hawks should not be having these kind of meltdowns this late in the season. Because at this point, we are who we are. Where is the focus our team leader and captain talked about at the all-star game? Where is the scrappiness?
Woody has seen the zone before (against the Knicks), and we did the same thing. Isnt that the definition of insanity?
doc
February 27th, 2010
12:26 pm
yup and it is not the only time a zone has been pulled out on us and we have flailed o’b. yes that is insanity.
as nire has said so smartly before, our adjustments and plan b is to try harder to do plan a when plan a is failing.
btw MC and others not in the know, BWAF was put forward by our astute manny t and it means bald woody arm fold. it was changed from WAF when woody lost his hair.
Wabe
February 27th, 2010
12:46 pm
Are you guys really getting on J.Smith for last nights loss?
That’s dumb as hell.
Wabe
February 27th, 2010
12:51 pm
JeJe, when have you ever seen J.Smith play stellar one on one defense on the perimeter? If he could do that on a consistent basis, he’d be playing the 3 spot for us. But, we all know that Smith doesn’t have the quickness nor the footwork to stay with guys like LBJ on the perimeter. So, I’m surprised that you’re surprised that Smith’s not a top-of-the-line perimeter defender.
On top of that, you’re complaining about Nowitzki going off for 35 when everybody else is talking about J.Kidd’s triple-double? Seriously, half the time, Smith wasn’t even on Nowitzki because Barrea/Nowitzki set up the pick at the top of the key that forced the Hawks to SWITCH. This left Bibby on Dirk, which forced us to rotate for help, leaving other guys like J.Kidd WIDE OPEN in the 4th quarter for like 3 monster 3-pointers.
I don’t think Dirk’s 35 hurt us as much as Kidd’s triple double. Clearly, without Kidd, the Mavs don’t win this game. Therefore, I seriously can’t understand why you’ve woken up this morning so upset with J.Smith.
O'Brien
February 27th, 2010
1:25 pm
doc, mannyt,
We may have to change it to BNEWAF (Bald No Eyebrows Woody Arm Folded).
MC,
It would be hard to quantify/identify games that Woody helped us win. But its easier to find games where Woody helped us lose. Last night’s game is one example. The Suns game when he went with no bench (except for Jamal) is another example. The game when the Knicks went zone and Nate torced us for 41 is another example.
The good news is the Hawks are still only 1 game behind the Magic in the loss column. But we can’t keep blowing leads like this.
Clyde
February 27th, 2010
1:49 pm
The energy is down in the fourth quarter because the starters aren’t getting enough rest. And how many point guards need to torch Bibby before Woody realizes he’s on his last leg?
dap01
February 27th, 2010
1:49 pm
We are handicapped. Our players are handicapped. There is no offensive system other than HOPE that a one on one player is hot while everyone else camps out at the 3 point line. Our teams makes NO adjustments. Our team needs a center. Our reserves play NO minutes, there is no substitution pattern.
Big D
February 27th, 2010
2:18 pm
Wow! There’s a lot of pent-up anger over here:-)
From this perspective, the new Mavs, since the trade, are really fun to watch. As the trade happened, the talk was all Butler, but I thought and still claim the real value is Haywood. He is not really big, but he is athletic and strong in the middle. We haven’t yet seen the whole benefit. Dampier always plays better when he has competition, so hold on.
Dirk was Dirk, and all the other players did their part, but Kidd has been a phenom. Nuts to those who call the Jidd-Woodson play “bush-league.” Heads-up play is what it was.
cp
February 27th, 2010
3:21 pm
6 years in and the same issues are apparent. Still cant make adjustments, still no offensive system, no team identity, questionable substitution patterns. I could see if Woodrow was still a rookie coach or even in his second year but man come on this is year 6 and its the same stuff over and over and over.
drmaryb
February 27th, 2010
3:47 pm
Now Girls – Calm Down:
This too shall pass! Hey fellas we got the NBA right where we want them…
The # of Home Losses Amongst Some Top 5 Teams, specifically the East + The Lakers:
Cavs 4 Losses at Home
Lakers 5 Losses at Home
Magic 6 Losses at Home
Hawks 7 Losses at Home
Celtics 10 Losses at Home
If the Hawks were sitting @ This # Spot & The Play-Offs Started Today, Our 1st RD Opponent is:
#1. Miami #2. Milwaukee #3. Bulls #4. Toronto
I don’t know about you, but I would like to see what we can do in round #2, Right now, Toronto Looks Pretty Juicy to Me! (yummy…yum…yum.)
So, Gurlz..yall just calm down and enjoy this wonderful & fine season, we are having in the ATL.
The HAWKS are who we thought they were! (A really good team, that still has a ways to go!)
IF we are going to compete for a CHAMPIONSHIP any time soon. We need a Proto-typical Center!
A 7 foot Banger in the Post! Until then, enjoy the scrappy team that we are! We need Daddy-Sund to adopt a BIG-BROTHER for our roster to improve. Get Joe Some HELP …or…He’s outa Here!
This is your Reality-Check!
IREPATL
February 27th, 2010
3:48 pm
BOSTON JUST LOST TO NEW JERSEY!!!! LOOOOOOOOOOOL
The Truth
February 27th, 2010
3:56 pm
We can continue to spin this notation that we are just fine at the center position suggesting we really don’t need an upgrade while we continue to be exploited in big games and in the playoff. While the verdict has already been rendered as to what the Hawks need from sport-experts, the fans and now even from the player themselves. I am now hearing “cries” from AL Horford, JJ and Josh about how Big Z (for example) could really help them. How much more of a testimony do we need? This is not to say that AL Horford is not a fine player. Hell he is an All-Star and deserving of it. But we all know he is out-of-position and he has echoed that fact. The problem is team chemistry. Of course during a given game, there are times when teams go small as the case last night. We do have the personnel to exercise that option. But there are other times (in a half-court set) when we need a “BIG” enforcer in the middle to “eat space”, rebound and block shots. This will discourage opposing team to scoring “easy buckets”. Currently, this option is not available to the Hawks with Al Horford at the 5 position. Josh Smith is more of a weak side roving defender that does not eat space against a big frontline. The opposing teams too often counter our difficult scoring from the perimeter with “easy scoring” in the paint. They also love moving the ball away from our constant-doubling only to find wide-open shooters for the easy jumper. They keep the game close exploiting our weaknesses and steal it in the end. In addition to last night lost, how many more games have we lost this way? It is plainly obvious that we will be a very easy team to game-plan against during the playoff.
We can continue to PLAY POLITICS with our problems but I assure you; it will eventually BLOW UP!! We can continue to SIT ON THE WALL and pretend nothing is wrong and stay the course, BUT WE ALL KNOW WHAT HAPPEN TO HUMPTY DUMPTY WHO SAT ON THE WALL!!
PS: IF I HEAR ONE MORE EXCUSE AS TO WHY WE HAVE NOT ACQUIRED A QUALITY BIG MAN, I’M GOING TO PUKE!
JustChillFans
February 27th, 2010
4:30 pm
Why do people keep saying the other teams point guard always kills us.. look at the names of the people you are saying, kidd? hes a hall of famer! D.rose? top 5 point guard in the league!
Sautee
February 27th, 2010
4:37 pm
What quality big is out there that we COULD acquire?
That retching sound you are hearing is Truth. Sorry man, had to do it.
RS
February 27th, 2010
5:45 pm
Let’s review:
1. Can’t beat Cleveland
2. Can’t beat Orlando
3. Can’t beat the G-d Awful Golden State Warriors
4. Can’t maintain a 15 point lead in the 4th quarter and gets schooled in OT to lose to Dallas
5. Starts Marvin Williams and gives him major minutes for no explicable reason
6. Does not make one major acquisition at the trade deadline
Yes, this team will go far in the playoffs. Not.
Wise men never go where fools rush in!
February 27th, 2010
7:37 pm
OF ALL NBA CENTERS:
# 9 FOR DOUBLE-DOUBLE
#15 FOR REBOUNDS
#23 FOR BLOCK SHOTS
#8 POINTS SCORED
#12 FREE THROW PERCENTAGE
TURNOVERS 1.5 PER GAME
STEALS .74 PER GAME
THIS EXPLAINS TO ME WHY TEAMS GO RIGHT TO THE BASKET AGAINST HORFORD.
#23 AMONG CENTERS FOR BLOCK SHOTS!
KIZZ MY A__!
KevinA
February 27th, 2010
9:07 pm
Astro Joe how times have changed. You were the one to post -
Astro Joe
January 14th, 2010
7:41 am
Some of you just whine, whine, whine while we win, win, win. Which is dumb, dumb, dumb.
I was one who would gripe about games lost to teams with a much lesser pedigree than Dallas. And now you drop the team like left over spoiled pork?
KevinA
February 27th, 2010
9:09 pm
Last night JJ and Josh played with passion and played well. Bibby had his best game in two months but was once again exposed on defense.
KevinA
February 27th, 2010
9:13 pm
Where was the substition for Al somewhere between the 3rd QT and the end of the game? And when Bibby was getting torched time after time some of you want to blame Josh? Where is the responsibility of Woody, the lack of adjustment and the no time out for 12 pts.
KevinA
February 27th, 2010
9:16 pm
I do not mind losing to a good team like Dallas. We have to many games to lesser opponents. I always talk about style of play. I think we put out maximum effort and at the end we just ran out of legs.
KevinA
February 27th, 2010
9:23 pm
JJ who I used to gripe about played awesome. The last 15 games or so he has passed much better and has played more efficient. Our assists have been up. The downside of Jamal is unfortunate but is expected and the same with JJ, Al and Josh, they are all having career years. If someone has a bad night we can easily lose.
I am more concerned about effort and style of play. We had a good game and were out played and out coached. In the end, most nights we would have won this game.
KevinA
February 27th, 2010
9:33 pm
Yes we have plenty of warts and yes we will not win a championship. But did Orlando just lose? Did Boston just lose? Even the Lakers and Clev don’t look near as dominating. Remember the 15-23 million disparity in Salary?
At the end of the day we a little better than last years team. We are not so much better as the better teams have come closer to us. We are competitive and an exciting team to watch. Do I wish we did not have breakdowns? Hell yes. Do I wish Woody made better decisions? Hell yes.
We are still going in the right direction. At the beginning of the year I looked for 2011 or 2012 to break through. Will I be right? – I can only hope. but a hard fought game with Dallas loss is the least of our problems. PS Toronto and Miami lost also.
bigdave
February 27th, 2010
9:34 pm
Woody might wanna take a look at how Jay Wright handles Boeheim 2-3 tonight…
tidog
February 27th, 2010
10:25 pm
Sit down CMW just sit down
doc
February 27th, 2010
10:37 pm
now why did we get mario instead of this guy?
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3005
dub366
February 28th, 2010
12:02 am
Let’s him walk NOW WHY WAIT TIL THE END.
JeJe
February 28th, 2010
2:27 am
If Smith isn’t a perimeter defender, THEN WHY PUT HIM ON DIRK? NO SHOT DIRK TOOK WAS CONTESTED. WHAT A PATHETIC JOKE
JeJe
February 28th, 2010
2:33 am
LOL remember when Woody said Boston is the best team in the East (still) a few weeks ago? This guy is a moron.
FIRE IHM NOW
Najeh Davenpoop
February 28th, 2010
4:01 am
It wasn’t one single Hawk who led to the 4th quarter collapse. It was a total team effort. Those of you blaming Josh or blaming Horford are missing the point. The Hawks lost for two reasons: their defensive rotations were terrible (that’s an indictment of the team as a whole), and Jason Kidd stepped up to be the best player on the floor in the 4th quarter and overtime. The poor defensive rotations not only ended up leaving Dirk or Kidd open often, but it also left nobody inside eto box out when the Mavs missed shots.
Dirk may have scored 37, but honestly, he was never the guy taking over the game. Kidd was. I was at the game and I was a lot more surprised to look up at the scoreboard and see 37 points for Dirk than I was to see a triple double for Kidd.
Another thing: I honestly thought Horford’s 4/16 was a bit of a fluke. He took a lot of good shots that he usually makes and just happened to miss them. There was a stretch early in the game when he missed easy shots on 3 straight possessions. It’s not like Haywood was forcing him out of his comfort zone. Horford just had an off night.
And it’s pretty hilarious to criticize Smoove on a night when he was sniffing a quadruple-double. Dirk is not an ideal matchup for him in the first place, so it’s not surprising that he scored so much, but Smoove was causing a lot of problems for the Mavs in the low post and the passing lanes as well. Really, Marvin has the lateral quickness and body type to D up Dirk a lot better than Josh. I know he’s been struggling, but I would have liked to see him get a few cracks at him to see what happened.
delo
February 28th, 2010
7:40 am
until the hawks know how to use their bench they are not going no where. the starters are tired and exhausted. they didn’t have any legs in the second half. the hawks haven’t recovered from last years long minutes. six years and you can’t coach any better than that. the dallas coach could take these same players and beat dallas. as far as a hawks fan, i’ve been one for a long time astro joe. john drew, roundfield, domonic, amond hill, eddie johnson, hubie brown and mike fatello lenny wilkins i’ve cheered for all of these coaches and players so don’t tell me i don’t know basketball. tell your coach that he doesn’t know basketball just ask the announcers
dap01
February 28th, 2010
8:48 am
Has anyone heard any intelligent out of Woody? He has those same worn out cliches and nothing changes.
He acts like he has never seen a zone.
He over uses his starters
Is Charles Barkley still saying that Woody needs to be extended?
SUND, please be stong enough to make a change or we are destined for 1st round losses every year.
Charles Barkley
February 28th, 2010
10:07 am
Yes, I said extend mike woodson contract. Youd be a fool not to. The man has got the most you are going to get out of a team that doesnt have a center. 98% of the expert publications and media outlets projected the Hawks to finish some where between 4-8 and win between 47 -51 game. Looks like the experts were right and you are clearly not an expert, just a clueless idiot.
Woody will finish the season as a top five, in the coach of the year poll and may win it. Hes done an outstanding job and is an excellent coach.
Now lets deal with reality. What are the hawks going to do about getting a legitimate center, the most critical position in basketball. There are 2 forward and 2 guards but only 1 center. As Truth-Serum pointed out you are not going to win a championship nor compete for one when your center is # 23 among centers for block shots. Changing coaches doesn’t change this FACT.What kind of fool are you to think you are going to win anything with this type of defense in the paint?
Saint Richt
February 28th, 2010
10:32 am
Blown lead solution=FIRE MIKE WOODSON
Voice of reason
February 28th, 2010
10:42 am
OK your points are valid, (with one exception, hawks were picked 44-47wins). Cant win with out the right talent. As most of the people off this site are saying and many on this site are saying, “this team is going know where without a center).
Fire Mark Richt now!
February 28th, 2010
10:43 am
Bulldogs are the most underachieving group ever!
Blown lead solution=
February 28th, 2010
10:44 am
Were behind… run the ball down the middle and dunk on W h o r e f o r d! We will be back in this in in 2 minutes!
Fire Horford now!
February 28th, 2010
11:27 am
Blown lead solution = fire Horford now!
Truth-Serum
February 28th, 2010
11:48 am
I agree with Kevin, Woodson make the decision to kick Sunds asssssss and make him get us a real center. That would be a great decision!
Truth-Serum
February 28th, 2010
11:50 am
There are what 32 teams in the league… ?
LOL!
Truth-Serum
February 28th, 2010
11:52 am
check that 30, now im really LMAO!
Rising Son
February 28th, 2010
11:53 am
I co-sign with Charles Barkley and Truth Serum!
Sautee
February 28th, 2010
12:01 pm
Somebody forgot to take the meds.
Again.
sam'l
February 28th, 2010
12:10 pm
1. Must disguise myself for protection……Ah tol’ y’all bout the vortex and could’n git naw wun to bleve me. Why you gun think this crazee thin happen allatime to ouh Hawks? 3 tim now. That dern vortex! Maybeyawl see it now.
2. Leave the Hawks alone!…..Brittney.Spears.
3. Just for the record, those folks in Dallas are acting like Kidd is a hero……I’m sure they took my blog off the second they saw it. Even Dirk (who I always respected) was acting like they’d really pulled off something sweet as in yeah, we showed them all right. Yeah, essentially you cheated to win. Hawks should protest that game or maybe find an elderly coach or one with bad knees and show the league how bad an idea it is to let an athlete ram an elderly man. Why not have Josh run full speed into Del Harris to draw a technical? Or kick Phil Jackson in the hip.? No, that’s not what that rule is about….The rule is about making sure the players can play without being molested…not a trick play where you run out of your way to make contact on your way to call a timeout and then (you saw Kidd) pretend to be upset. Why doesn’t every team start doing that when they need an extra point when they’re down by 3 or 4 with 15 seconds left? That rule will be changed or you will eventually see an injury lawsuit….against the NBA….for millions….and hey there will be so many witnesses even their lawyers won’t be able to lie their way out.
Speaking of witnesses, if respect is part of the game, the Hawks may set another record, the team with the best record in the history of the NBA to be considered a laughing stock punching bag by the entire NBA universe. I certainly don’t ;care, but this could result in more problems down the line, maybe Z will turn tail…..(newsflash…that is another croc…..) maybe 5000 fans will decide to stay home next time…..maybe some up and coming team will think they can actually beat us if they just keep trying and trying…sort of what we did to Phoenix the first time…..can’t be good.
Learn the zone, embrace the zone, use the zone…………what a great weapon. ….
Kill the vortex….win the game. Lao Tzu,
Dick Berry, Long
February 28th, 2010
12:11 pm
Drink the Bubba crew’s koolaid of hate!
Idiot Watch
February 28th, 2010
12:18 pm
Fire Saltee now!
undisputed Champ!
February 28th, 2010
12:27 pm
Its impossible to win a NBA Championship with out a legitimate center. I think the Hawks are playing about as well as they can. They recently beat Dallas in Dallas (dec 5)so they owed us one. Dallas is a good team and has a decent center. It took over time here but did not take us over time there. We have 32 wins just passed the all star point and should reach the projected 44 wins. Whats the problem. As so many have said. this is a good team but not a great one, they need a center for that.
undisputed Champ!
February 28th, 2010
12:27 pm
*Whats the problem?
Undisputed Champ!
February 28th, 2010
1:27 pm
That is the problem Joe.
A. HORFORD
February 28th, 2010
1:29 pm
FREE BASKETS, FREE BASKETS, STEP RIGHT UP AND GET YOUR FREE BASKETS.
O'Brien
February 28th, 2010
2:18 pm
MC,
Could you find out what is the Hawks record when they have the lead going into the 4th quarter?
Looking forward to the Hawks putting a beatdown on the Bucks later
MC
February 28th, 2010
2:51 pm
Do you want the record before other teams figure out Horford wont defend the basket or after?
Ken Strickland
February 28th, 2010
3:48 pm
How utterly stupid does one have to be to blame C AHorford for not being a dynamic shotblocker that can protect the lane against all of the players PG MBibby and his MATADOR DEF allows into the lane? You certainly can’t reasonably expect him to consistently and successfully defend the bigger, taller and stronger C’s in the league, while at the same time he has to constantly worry about protecting the lane against the frequent guests Bibby allows into it.
The Denver Nuggets had enough sense to realise that even though C MCamby led the NBA in blocked shots and was the NBA’s DEF player of the yr, it was PG AIverson’s Bibby like NO DEF that gave everyone he played against a free pass into the lane. By getting rid of PG AIverson, who was the real cause of their DEF problems and why Camby got so many blocked shot opportunities, and bringing in CBullips, a DEF minded PG, they became a better DEF team overall.
That would never have happened had they employed the same stupid logic that’s been used on these blogs by certain IDIOTS WITH AGENDAS.
Blast
February 28th, 2010
4:01 pm
Bad lost vs Dallas. Hawks had that game in the bag, then they started chucking up clangers against the zone. That stunt by Kidd did not help either, Kidd cheated to get a point, but hey! All is fair in war, right?
Again I say it. Teams have to play perfect to beat Hawks. It took overtime, 37 from Dirk, first triple of the season from Kid, an underhand play to beat Hawks. Woody, stay your ass on the sideline.
Hawks can’t take the Bucks lightly. They have won six straight.
BTW. Celts and Orlando lost also, but Hawks are squandering chances to pass Boston and close on Magic.
Go Hawks!
Grandad
February 28th, 2010
4:31 pm
Sybil:
Do you want Al (who’s out there running ‘COY’s’ switching defense) to run back and defend the basket on every possession, even if he may have switched on to the opposing teams point guard or whomever?
Even your ‘COY’ said he would have to adjust if Big ‘Z’ were brought in. So the problem is not Horford but Wdsn – refusing to make adjustments.
MC
February 28th, 2010
5:54 pm
Speaking of stupid idiots with stupid agenda’s ken, its release, realise. Since the topic is stupid idiots with stupid agenda’s, grandbytch, I have to agree with you, Woodson would have to adjust if Big Z came here. I suggest lets trade W h o r e f o r d for a point guard in Bibby’s stead or to split time with him. That would be an adjustment.
MC
February 28th, 2010
5:55 pm
*not realise
Dezz Nuttz
February 28th, 2010
5:56 pm
Adjust Dezz Nuttz!
Ken Strickland
February 28th, 2010
6:13 pm
I mention the word IDIOT, and look who’s the 1st IDIOT to respond. i’ll bet I didn’t mispell the word the best describes
Ken Strickland
February 28th, 2010
6:15 pm
you, IDIOT.
LOL@Ken!
February 28th, 2010
7:26 pm
Make a complete sentence please.
LOL@Ken!
February 28th, 2010
7:28 pm
I did not ” realise ” you we qualified to call someone else an idiot.
LOL@Ken!
February 28th, 2010
7:30 pm
Ya’ll, Im apologizing in advance for the awful display from the 5 position tonight. I apologize for Al. We need to get Woodson better options at the 5 if he is going to compete.
Ken, LMAO!