Not the Real MC: Hawks Squawks: Hawks 112, Sixers 93
1. You know him, you love him, you call for him to be traded – Marvin had a second strong game in a row.
Some Marvin-centric chatter:
Al Horford: “Everybody goes through struggles. It feels good to see Marvin be Marvin. Hopefully, he keeps this level of intensity up.” (Al has the gift of being able to pump up his teammates while not going overboard.)
Mike Woodson: “He’s had two solid games and we need Marvin to play that way. It takes so much pressure off of everybody when he’s scoring and rebounding the ball and defending like he was defending tonight. It’s nice to see. I’ve just got to push him to continue to play that way.”
From the man of the hour: “I’m trying to play with energy, trying to stay active. I think when I stay active, especially when I’m rebounding the basketball, I do a lot better personally and I help the team.”
2. Louis Williams lit up the Hawks. He made his first 10 attempts and finished with 30 points. I don’t know if you all care much for local players – Jodie Meeks and Thaddeus Young were two other Sixers with local ties – but you may well know that Williams was a two-time Mr. Basketball in Georgia who has slowly worked his way to something approaching stardom.
Woodson: “He’s a young player that’s starting to figure it out.”
3. What about Williams’ shoes? They were a weird light shade of blue. Something tells me they didn’t come off the rack. Speaking of which, Josh Smith left the locker room in purple shoes that matched a nice purple tie with a pinstriped shirt. I asked him where he got the shoes. Said Josh, “I can’t kiss and tell.”
4. I mentioned in the story for Thursday that the Hawks just need to go .500 for the rest of the season to hit 50 wins for the season, so you’d have to say that’s a near certainty and 55 wins (which would a 16-6 finish) isn’t out of the question. Try to remember back to what you expected of this team in the preseason. How does this match up?
5. The Hawks got a break with Elton Brand being out with tendonitis in his Achilles. I’m not saying they would have lost with Brand in the lineup, but it would have been different. The Hawks outrebounded Philly 47-32. Shades of the Hawks’ win over Chicago with Luol Deng and Joakim Noah out. Hawks had 56 PIP to Sixers’ 38.
6. Josh made some phenomenal passes. He made a one-haner from one wing, across the lane to a tightly guarded Marvin underneath the basket and his alley oop pass to Al came from beyond the three-point line. He made another that wasn’t assist where he hit Mike Bibby who was cutting underneath the basket. It almost seemed like he was playing a game within a game, trying to see where he could fit passes. I asked him about it, and he said something along the lines of, “It’s just passing.”
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136 comments Add your comment
Dan
March 4th, 2010
7:13 pm
Hey…not to be rude or anything but Im guessing you never sent me the shirt that I won?
Astro Joe
March 4th, 2010
7:15 pm
Rod, he got more moeny because he got a deal from his previous team. Artest and Ariza opted to go to different teams who could only offer the MLE. He received an offer based on 15/6 production and being 23/24 years old.
Rod from College Park
March 4th, 2010
7:43 pm
Astro Joe,
You mean 14 and 6. He got more money because our GM bid against himself. He had no other offers. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. The Hawks lost. Can’t hate on the man for having a good agent, but anyone with two eyes, besides some people in Atlanta, knew that he was not worth that kind of money. Any coach who has any common sense would know not to reward a guy who can’t play at the end of the game for you. Marvin won. I was saying that after his rookie year, last year and still say it. By his numbers this year, and my eyes I would venture to say that I was right. We would have done better signing Matt Barnes.
northcyde
March 4th, 2010
8:03 pm
If it’s one thing that JJ MUST DO in the playoffs, is keep us in the game when we’re on the ROAD.
At home, our complimentary players are going to play better. On the road, it may be a different story. When that happens, JJ ( and Crawford ) really need to be on their game, seeing that they’re the 2 guys most likely to create AND MAKE their own shot, and the 2 most likely to have monster scoring games.
What I like most about JJ’s game this year, is that he’s had some MONSTER games on the road. He’s not shying away from putting this team on his back, to try to win on the road. Unfortunately, despite JJ’s monster efforts, we’ve managed to lose a lot of these games. Whether it be because of bad defense, an inability to close the game out, or bad shooting by the rest of the Hawks, we’ve lost these games.
But the fact that JJ has had huge games on the road @ Portland, Dallas, San Antonio, LA Lakers, Cleveland, Boston, Chicago, Oklahoma City, and Utah, tells me that this dude may be in the right mindset come playoff time. His focus, to me, has been sharper on the road, than it has at home this season.
Hawks are 6 – 3 at home . . and 1 – 8 on the road . . the past 2 seasons in the playoffs. And those 8 losses, for the most part, were UGLY. So that’s what I want to see JJ do in the playoffs.. Turn those ugly road losses into winnable games. If he can do that, maybe we can steal a few of them.
Sam from da Swats
March 4th, 2010
8:59 pm
Here we go…I’ve read comments about Marvin. I’m glad he had TWO good games. Please people with the MARVIN IS BACK. He was never anywhere to be BACK! If the guy gives us any games like that consistently, we’re unstoppable. I don’t have the confidence that will happen because all I can go by is his career and he has been mediocre and inconsistent. Don’t get your hopes up people!
Section 303
March 4th, 2010
9:19 pm
Marvin has all the tools, though. He just needs to play with more of a chip on his shoulder, I think. Need to have Kirk Hienrich guard him more often.
Marvin needs to find his angry place and be there for gametime.
JeJe
March 4th, 2010
9:23 pm
Marvin will go back to being invisible now. He had his 2 good games. He will no longer be angry and will fall down without being touched on his own accord
Section 303
March 4th, 2010
9:28 pm
We’ll see JeJe. I think you’re probably right, though. Marvin has too many games where he is just a nonfactor. He really does not do anything good or bad. He is just kind of there.
The guy has loads of potential, if he could ever put his talents together all the time. I at least can see why he was so highly thought of at the ‘05 draft.
KevinA
March 4th, 2010
9:41 pm
Marvin was mired around .400 FG%. He is now at .442. Jamal who we all love has dropped to .447. I mention that just for some perspective. All this “Marvin is back” is nuts. Marvin is just back to being Marvin. I do not expect or wish Marv to score a lot of points unless he does it from the line attacking the basket. I would suspect that Marvin is and will get a couple more attempts is because his minutes are on the rise as Bibby’s are going down. Which is a good thing. If we can get 12 pt’s out of Marvin at .450 and a couple more free throws – all we should expect. I really don’t want to see Marvin taking 13-17 shots per game. 10 shots and 3-4 drives is more realistic.
ZaZa is the guy we should be talking about. He is the guy we need to get on track. In the playoffs he will be much needed to spell Al and Josh. He has played a little more and done a little better the last few games. I think we need to play him a little more. As mentioned I would play him with either Al or Josh and as much with the starters as much as possible. ZaZa and Joe Smith together will not work against the best teams. 15 min a game is just a small adjustment to keep Al and Josh fresh. But please split those minutes playing with Al and Josh.
Ree Roe
March 4th, 2010
9:52 pm
The spirit of MC’s last blog is still lost on some of yall. Marvin has clearly struggled this yr, but instead of embracing his recent performances some of yall are still harping on his inconsistencies. I didn’t wanna believe it, but this blog is full of cynics & kno it alls. We’re the #3 seed in the East & in the midst of our longest winning streak since mid-January & the only talk is about our negatives. Yea we can improve & certain players can get better, but damn. If I didn’t frequent these blogs I’d swear the Hawks were the Nets this yr…
-fREEdom for Roe!!!
Melvin
March 4th, 2010
10:07 pm
The worst kept secret.
http://www.nba.com/2010/news/03/04/ilgauskas.cavs/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt2
Traceman
March 4th, 2010
10:30 pm
@ Rod,
I knew you would show up sooner or later with your nonsense about Marvin. You are such a hater. If you truly think that Marvin was ANYWHERE NEAR the prospect that Durant was, you simply can’t evaluate talent. Period.
It doesn’t matter who else was in the draft, Marvin was drafted AFTER Andrew Bogut. Do you think ANY GM would have taken Bogut ahead of Durant? Oden was being called the next Shaq by most of the experts and POR STILL thought long and hard about taking him over Durant (even if Oden could stay healthy, it looks like they messed up). Durant was PROVEN talent with upside. Marvin was just talent with upside.
You don’t see that Marvin played well last year because you don’t want to see it. The numbers he put up last year are better than what your boys Artest, Ariza and Barnes are putting up now. Heck, his PER is better than all 3 of their’s NOW and he is having a down season.
As for Chillz, I would LOVE to have him back because he was great at slashing to the basket, he was crafty around the rim and he handled the ball well for his size. He is a solid all around player. However, he is not as good offensively or defensively as Marvin. Marvin can do everything that Chillz can do and a whole lot more. That is the reason Sund paid Marvin and not Chillz. Heck, Flip nearly made people forget about Chillz last year.
14 and 6 from Marvin for the rest of the season would be GREAT because there are so many players on this team who need touches. If Marvin increases his output to 14 and 6 though, somebody’s ppg are likely to go down. Hopefully, that will just make us a more balanced team who is tougher to defend.
Obviously, Woody and Marvn’s teammates know he can play. Woody reportedly called Marvin to the “principal’s office” and the talk apparently did Marvin some good (who says Woody can’t coach). He told Marvin that he had to elevate his game back to the level it has been for the last couple of years (obviously Woody thought he played well last year too). Al said “It feels good to see Marvin be Marvin. Hopefully, he keeps this level of intensity up.” Obviously Al thinks he can play too.
I think Marvin will play better from here on out. Expecting him to average 19/9 like he has over the last two games is not realistic if you expect the other players to maintain their average statistical output but as long as he continues to have a positive impact on the game, I could care less about his stats. Go Marvin and Go Hawks!
Astro Joe
March 4th, 2010
10:34 pm
Melvin, I wonder what is considered a “suitable contract”. Sounds like Z is looking for something that goes beyond the next few months. Because the Cavs (based on the CBA) are fairly limited in how much they can spend this season. So the agent must be negotiating for some love beyond the current season.
Where’s Raef LaFrentz?
Traceman
March 4th, 2010
10:35 pm
@ Kevin A,
Exactly right. Marvin is just back to being Marvin. Not a superstar, just a good player who fulfills an important role on a good team. You know, a team that has the 2nd best record in the history of the franchise after 60 games.
HawksFan11
March 4th, 2010
10:37 pm
Amen KevinA, Amen
O'Brien
March 4th, 2010
10:44 pm
AJ,
To Rod’s point, one reason Marvin got the contract he did (~$7.5 mil per) is because that was his salary cap slot based on his salary and raise from being the #2 pick.
If Marvin was picked #17, I dont think Sund would have given him a 5 yr $37.5 mil deal right away. I think he would have waited to see what the market is (just like he did for Chills), or offer Marvin something less (thats my opinion).
But Marvin is still young, and he still has over 4 seasons to go, so he still has time to turn it around (although I will not hold my breath).
Watching the Heat game, Artest is playing defense on Wade most of this quarter. Hopefully Marvin can step his game up (defense and offense) to be that Bruce Bowen type that Melvin or nire talks about.
Traceman,
“However, he is not as good offensively or defensively as Marvin. Marvin can do everything that Chillz can do and a whole lot more”.
I dont think we are debating what Marvin can do and can’t do. The problem with Marvin is he doesn’t do it often enough. Too many games, he disappeared and had no impact, whereas Chills would have a key offensive rebound, a key basket down the stretch, and his defense was fine.
That being said, if Marvin can give us 15 and 8, and play good defense, I would be thrilled with that.
Traceman
March 4th, 2010
10:46 pm
Watching the Heat/Lakers game. Glad to know that the ATL isn’t the only place with fairweather fans. TONS of Laker “fans” in American Airlines Arena. 90% of those clowns have never been to LA and they were wearing Shaq and D Wade jerseys when the Heat was the best team in the league.
Melvin
March 4th, 2010
10:49 pm
What dumb coaching exhibit in the Heat/Lakers game by the Heat Coach. 11 sec left and you let Kobe walk the ball up the court and he dribble to the spot on the court uncontested and hit the game tying shot. With 3 secs left the Phil Jackson (10x champion) decide to run 2 and 3 defenders at DWade and force him to take and missed a difficult game winning shot. Just stupid coaching… SMH
Traceman
March 4th, 2010
10:55 pm
@ O’Brien,
YOU may not debating what Marvin can and can’t do but Rod is ALWAYS debating that. I don’t think anyone is debating that Marvin has not played well this season and that his consistency needs to improve. I WILL debate whether or not he played well last year though as I think he was good for most of the season.
15 and 8 from Marvin while playing good D would thrill you? Seeing as how Smoove gives us 16 and 9 while playing good D and he is arguably our MVP, I would hope so.
Traceman
March 4th, 2010
11:00 pm
@ Melvin,
I was thinking the same thing. That’s Kobe freakin’ Bryant!
Melvin
March 4th, 2010
11:01 pm
Astro,
I saw the suitable contract comment as well. I’m not sure but I wonder if they can sign him to a multiple year contract at this point in the season. I guess one of our CBA experts will have to answer that question…
Melvin
March 4th, 2010
11:02 pm
Traceman,
Bad coaching. Aint no way I would have let Kobe walk the ball up the court uncontested…
KevinA
March 4th, 2010
11:02 pm
Great Heat/Laker game. Wade imploded to allow the tie but both teams playing great. Heat win.
KevinA
March 4th, 2010
11:12 pm
No way Marvin does 15 pt’s a game unless JJ/Jamal/Al or Josh go down to injury. I would like Marvin to get more rebounds. My question is? Is Marvin coached to get back on defense or is primary job is to crash the boards. Good question for Ken or MC. If boards are his responsibility like with Larry Brown = huge disappointment. If he is to get back on defense = understandable.
Any insite that I missed? Players are coached in roles. What is Marvin’s role on defense and offense when it comes to rebounding according to Woody.
KevinA
March 4th, 2010
11:20 pm
As a follup on Marvin’s rebounding I sense Marvin’s job is to get back and not hang around the basket. We seem to to like ISO by any player and their job is to clear out leaving Marvin and the guards getting bk. Do you agree or disagree?
I think this style of play is to protect Bibby and Jamal. If our guards defended well we could add Marvin to the crashing the boards. I have suspected this but we don’t discuss it
Your thoughts?
Grandad
March 5th, 2010
1:34 am
Traceman: (I’m late arriving)
Just got here. I appreciate your defense of Marv. I’ve Attemted it myself a couple of times. Usually when I defend him, it’s as if I’m
Marv’s personal jinx. He’ll go out and stub his toe.
However, in your 10:30 PM post when you said:
“(who says Woody can’t coach)”
on that staement you lost me.
Instead of calling him into the “principal’s office”
after 60+ games and telling him he must elevate his game; why has
the HC ‘not’ been coaching him ‘up’ all season!
This is to, [in my opinion] also consider that the HC misuses his talent. I really like the young man, but Wdsn has done him no favors!
Grandad
March 5th, 2010
1:39 am
attem[P]ted – I type like Wdsn coaches… neither one’s worth a ‘P’.
Idiot Watch
March 5th, 2010
5:10 am
I wonder how many idiot and talking about irrelevant stats like playoff road record and historic matchups. I wonder how many pitiful idiots actually think the Hawks can advance past the second round with out a center.
How foolish.
Continuing Idiot watch…..
The Bubba Crew seems to think that Doc Rivers is a “great” coach and Woodson is a “bum”. Then why does Woodson always seem to get that Asss, with less talent,when the two meet up?
Yeah, right.= !
KevinA
March 5th, 2010
7:34 am
Idiot Watch,
At this point we are down to what we got and how best to utilize it. The trade deadline has passed. You wanted a center upgrade, others wanted a Marvin upgrade. Some like me considering all the factors of money wanted a cheap 5th guard other than Mario. The fact is – it is what it it is. Lets do reality and after the playoffs continue the discussion.
KevinA
March 5th, 2010
7:37 am
All I want to do is beat the Warriors. If we win or lose we can continue to discuss our warts. I just need a win.
O'Brien
March 5th, 2010
7:39 am
KevinA
“No way Marvin does 15 pt’s a game unless JJ/Jamal/Al or Josh go down to injury. ”
I disagree. In the first quarter of many games, Marvin gets a couple open looks early (including open 3s from the corner). If he can make those shots from early on, I think he will get more minutes during the game, especially with Bibby struggling.
Marvin would be the recipient of more PT especially in the 4th quarter if he makes his shots more consistently, because he is a way better defender than Bibby, and would allow Woody to play JJ, Crawford, Marvin, Josh and Al down the stretch.
Section 303
March 5th, 2010
7:50 am
Idiot Watch, somewhere in your last post there was a coherent thought, I guess….If you’re watching for idiots, why don’t you go find a mirror?
KevinA
March 5th, 2010
8:24 am
O’Brien ,
Marvin is not JJ, Jamal or Josh. If he misses his first two the well of good intentions will dry up quick. Have you noticed how Bibby’s well has dried up.I hope your right and he plays well.
Westurd
March 5th, 2010
8:27 am
BURN!
HAWKSFANFOREVER
March 7th, 2010
9:13 am
Well Josh everybody don’t the money! Just cause go to their games you think you’re a bigger fan or somethin? I watch ALL at home with frontrows seats BoO!! HAhahaaha LMAo. Naw let me stop I’m Just mad that we lost to Miami last night.
HAWKSFANFOREVER
March 7th, 2010
9:22 am
Why Yall Keep Saying Woody’s A Bum? He’s Not I Mean You Win Some You Lose Some. Cut HIm Some Slack 40-22 This Year, And Can Be Better By The End Of The Season. Now I See If He If We Were A Below 500 Team, But We Aren’t. That’s When You Can Call Him Bum.