So what to make of these Hawks?
What to make of these Hawks, who lately have faltered while losing games within their grasps and not always in the same fashion?
“Sometimes defensively,” Marvin said. “Sometimes offensively.”
They are well within striking distance of 50 victories at 40 with 19 games to go. Yet the Hawks are 23-19 since Dec. 26. And in the last two weeks, with the Southeast Division title out there as a carrot, they’ve blown leads in two ugly losses (at Golden State and vs. Dallas) and suffered from mental lapses late in two others they had chances to win (at Miami and at New York).
Overall, the Hawks’ offensive numbers are very good, maybe even elite. But lately when it’s time to win tight games, their situational offense often sufferers from poor ball movement, bad shot selection, untimely turnovers and a general lack of focus.
The Hawks are supposed to be a defensive-minded team under Woody. For about the last month, though, they regularly haven’t defended with intensity for more than a few stretches per game (and, again, this is the time of year when they are supposed to be cranking it up). Then again, as they showed Monday in New York, when they decide to get after it defensively the Hawks look very good.
“We got stops when we needed to get stops,” Woody said. “I am trying to figure out how come we just can’t do that the whole game? That’s what’s been mind-boggling to me as the coach.”
So, what to make of the (40-23, capable of scoring on anyone, good on defense when they lock in, inconsistent all around) Hawks?
“We are on schedule to better our record from last year, and that is progress is kind of how I look at it,” Woody said today before the team departed for D.C. “How it plays out in terms of the conference remains to be seen. We are four games behind Orlando with 19 to go. Do we have a chance to win division? Sure we do. But we are going to have to play lights out to get it done.”
They aren’t doing that lately and–cant’ say this enough–this is the time serious contenders do it. That 21-8 start was nice but of course no one will remember that if the Hawks slide down the stretch then flame out in the playoffs.
What’s the problem?
“I don’t know, man,” J.J. said. “We lose focus a lot and that’s something we have to get back to doing (and) really defensively. Once we get our defense going back, the offense will come back. When we need to get stops, we can get them. We know what we are capable of doing. We just need to do it for 48 minutes.”
What’s the problem with the defense?
“We will play five minutes hard, and then (for) two minutes have some mental lapses,” Al said. “We have to be in tune with what we are doing.”
“We seem to kind of not get the defensive concepts down on a consistent, night-in and night-out basis,” Smoove said. “We go good for three or four games and then we slip. We have to be more consistent on night in and night out basis because we are going to score points.”
And which concepts do the the Hawks struggle to grasp?
“Maybe coverages,” Josh said. “But really just the simple principle of keeping your main in front of you.”
Woody said that simple principle is part of the problem. He said the Hawks have been “pretty good” with his defensive concepts but that it might be time to adjust them.
“I think the fact that I am trying to–I don’t want to use the word ‘hiding’ guys–but we switch a lot of things, we try to be proactive,” he said. “Maybe we need to scale back a little bit in those areas. But I don’t want to take our aggressiveness away. I think we are just doing it (defending well) in spurts.”
– Mo Evans (flu-like symptoms) didn’t fly with the team to D.C. today and isn’t expected to play Thursday at the Wizards.
MC
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288 comments Add your comment
O'Brien
March 11th, 2010
7:51 am
Wabe,
“Utliize the bench now, it’s obvious Woody won’t use them come playoff time”.
Actually, Woody has been on record saying that he will utilize his veterans (I think he was talking mostly about Joe Smith and Collins) more in the playoffs, because they have that playoff experience.
The interesting thing to me, is you give guys inconsistent minutes during the regular seaosn, but you plan on giving them meaningful minutes, and relying on them on in the playoffs?
MC,
Could you ask Woody about playing his starters (at least 4 of them) for the entire 4th quarter? That seems to be his trend the last few games.
Most teams rest their guys end of the 3rd/early 4th, but Woody plays his guys the entire 4th quarter, and expects them to be fresh and energetic down the stretch where every jump shot and defensive rotation is magnified.
And I dont understand why the players have problems with the defense. They have been playing this type of defense for how many years now?
Why MV7 IS MY HERO
March 11th, 2010
8:01 am
Mom: Next 72 hours critical for girl attacked by dogs
gmoney
March 11th, 2010
8:12 am
“I don’t know, man,” J.J. said. “We lose focus a lot” This is your answer…the team really does not have the killer instinct…they really just do not care…and JJ keeps saying these things…I have heard this type quote from him a million times…no leadership. Out in second round.
terrell
March 11th, 2010
8:21 am
LMAO at the Celtics getting blown out at home by Maemphis!
The Truth
March 11th, 2010
8:29 am
I see Al Horford did not make the cut
JYD
March 11th, 2010
9:12 am
The norm for these Hawks will be getting knocked out of the 2nd rd of the playoff, i recommend get either LARRY BROWN or BILL LAIMBEER on the cheap to coach this team it needs another voice& Woody has NO offense period in his coaching Manuals, give the PG keys to Teague trade Marvin and or Bibby for a future pick in the draft.
Daniel
March 11th, 2010
9:46 am
The issue is the defensive end. Simply, they don’t play with a focused game plan on the defensive end on a consistent enough basis to be elite. There is not one obvious reason for this issue besides team work. Sounds simple, but the right answers usually are. Clearly, Bibby and Jamal at the point position is a weak link, but that does not sum up the entire problem. The offense is fine.
JYD- What are you talking about? There is nothing in your statement that is true. 2cd round loss is the norm? Man, what team have you been watching. We made the 2cd round for the first time in like 10 years just last year. What norm? Woody has no offense? Gee, the team is in the top of the league in scoring. BTW- YOU CAN’T TRADE MARVIN AND BIBBY FOR FUTURE DRAFT PICKS!!!! THE TRADE DEADLINE HAS PASSED!!!!
Daniel
March 11th, 2010
9:49 am
gmoney- long time no hear bro. How you been? I hate your last post (8:12). Because you are right on the money and I just don’t want to believe that about my team. But, good lord how many times do we have to hear “we lose focus”? This team has improved from last season and we are not getting blown out like last year, but it is getting old.
Trevor Lamis
March 11th, 2010
9:54 am
I still think the hawks need a “Star.” Joe Johnson could be it if he had more of a personallity. However, he proved he wasn’t one last year in the playoffs. Maybe we can make the conference finals if we get the Celtics in the second round. I see no chance otherwise.
terrell
March 11th, 2010
10:13 am
Been reading the Celtics blog on the Globe. They’re fans are giving them the business. lol!!
terrell
March 11th, 2010
10:15 am
They’re talking bout benching Pierce. lol!! They sound like us after a bad loss.
terrell
March 11th, 2010
10:17 am
Calling Pierce “The awful Truth”. Haha!
Melvin
March 11th, 2010
10:33 am
Terrell,
“The Awful Truth”, now thats funny…
I watched that game last night and the crowd booed them several times. I love it…
WonderDawg
March 11th, 2010
10:41 am
Woody’s idiotic refusal of resting Al and Josh in the second half of games is killing the Hawks. They won’t even make the second round because of this practice.
N-Trigue
March 11th, 2010
10:52 am
Hire Steve Smith and don’t rehire Mike Woodson!!!!
Hmmm…. What’s Up With the Hawks? | Park Lake
March 11th, 2010
11:09 am
[...] one point, I was bragging about our fellow Hawks… now people at work are making fun of [...]
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
11:12 am
MC what is the situation with ASG can they afford a bigger payroll this offseason ?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
11:18 am
Can ASG SIGN JOE 4YEAR 68MILL
AND WADE 5YEAR 100MILL ?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
11:19 am
We can cut payroll trade marvin and bibby thats 14mill.
GO HAWKS!!!!!
vava74
March 11th, 2010
11:34 am
darrell,
What is your motivation to CONSTANTLY post impossible trade suggestions and signings?
Due to the existing cap rules, if the Hawks do not re-sign JJ, they will not be able to offer more than the mid-level exception (5,5 million per) to a free agent.
There is NO WAY we will be able to offer an appealing offer to any of the top free agents unless we arrange a major sign and trade deal involving JJ.
vava74
March 11th, 2010
11:34 am
I recommend that you read niremetals posts on the subject @ the hawks’ nest blog next door.
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
11:35 am
2010 ATLANTA HAWKS
STARTERS TEAGUE, WADE, JOE, JOSH, HORFORD.
BENCH JAMAL, MOE, CHILL, CHRIS MORRIS, ZAZA.
HEAD COACH AVERY JOHNSON
ALL GAMES SOLD OUT NOT ONE TICKET IN TOWN.
ASG BECOME RICH AND THE HAWKS WIN TITLE.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
11:41 am
VAVA74 SO HOW CAN THE KNICKS SIGN LEBRON AND BOSH ?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
11:46 am
Why when it come 2 the hawks we have all these crazy rule.
if thats the case the laker have broke every nba rule there is.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
vava74
March 11th, 2010
11:59 am
darrell,
The knicks have either expiring contracts including Lee, McGrady, or managed to shed a lot of contracts via trade during the past few months.
Their GM has made a specific move towards that purpose.
It’s simple, THEY HAVE the cap space and we DON’T.
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
12:02 pm
HAWKS PAYROLL WILL BE AT 80MILL
GO HAWKS!!!!
GeeMack
March 11th, 2010
12:03 pm
darrell starks
It’s called smart ownership & caring more about winning than slary cap numbers for the Lakers.
The Knicks on the other hand have spent the last 2 season dumping bad salaries to be under the cap this upcoming off seasons.
The Hawks just signed 3 players to 3yr deals of more (Marvin, Zaza, & Bibby).
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
12:03 pm
BUT IF THEY SIGN BOSH AND LEBRON THATS AT LEAST 45MILL IT WOULD TAKE THEM OVER THE CAP.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
12:06 pm
GEEMACK YOU DONT THINK WE CAN TRADE BIBBY AND MARVIN AND ZAZA I THINK WE CAN.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!
jg
March 11th, 2010
12:07 pm
is the game on tv tonight or just league pass?
vava74
March 11th, 2010
12:08 pm
good grief… are you on acids darrell?
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
12:14 pm
Chill will not comeback 2 the hawks and play for woody, but avery johnson is another story.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
12:15 pm
EXPLAIN ACID VAVA74?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
12:23 pm
What im saying vava74 i no all this crazy stuff your talking about and if we sign wade and joe we will be over the cap, but if owner ship wants 2 win there going have 2 pay more money period.
vava74 did you no the hawks will be the only team in the nba 2 make the playoffs under the cap, owner ship must step up 2 the plate and spend more money and stop being cheap and pay the dam luxury tax if they want a title.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
vava74
March 11th, 2010
12:25 pm
darrell,
the owners are LOSING millions every year.
you can’t call cheap to someone who buys a franchise which is typically a non-profitable venture.
how old are you? 12?
GeeMack
March 11th, 2010
12:31 pm
darrell starks
I never said they “can’t” trade them anything is possible, but if you were a GM with a very good player. Why would you trade that player to the Hawks for an aging PG & a back up center with 3 year contract?
Also remember Al Horford is due a contract extension this summer as well. If I’m not mistaken he will be a restricted free agent.
GeeMack
March 11th, 2010
12:34 pm
Hey Darrell
Here is a good trade for you: Trade Marvin, Zaza, & Bibby to the Lakers for Gasol or Bynum.
You think the Lakers will take that trade?
J
March 11th, 2010
12:36 pm
wah wah wah, Hawks lose 3 and everyone goes crazy … typical Atlanta “fans”
Westurd, i agree … 50 wins is great and all but really, that shouldn’t be the main focus. This team will be in the playoffs, be ready to support our guys when they are there.
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
12:36 pm
VAVA74 stop being retarted over there looking like E.T LOL.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
drmaryb
March 11th, 2010
12:40 pm
The Cavs got Jamison for a “Bag of Peanuts”. & Got to keep the trade bait? Why can’t we do that?
Ask Sund.
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
12:41 pm
I DONT NO GEEMACK MAY BE IF WE THROW IN A DRAFT PICK.
BUT I DO LIKE THAT TRADE.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
Daniel
March 11th, 2010
12:50 pm
darrell- just so you know, we can’t sign Wade even if we were willing to go over the cap. We will not have a max contract available to use. The team may go over the cap with Joe’s and Al’s contract (probably won’t have to though).
The Lakers got Gasol via trade and the Grizz got some very good young talent in the deal. They were able to get Artest because he took LESS money to play with them.
In the NBA, you can pay your own guys more, but there are restrictions on signing other teams free agents, etc. This is why you have been seeing all these salary dumping moves by teams like the Knicks, they literally traded for McGrady for his contract. So this off season, when they let him go they will have a max contract available, get it?
But, here is my question for you. Why at this point in the season with the Hawks in serious contention, the trade deadline has passed, the playoffs are coming up, and the off season and free agency is three months away, are you concerned with roster moves and trades? You do realize that the team is actually playing real, meaningful games now with the players we have?
nola hawk fan
March 11th, 2010
12:51 pm
MC (or the rest of the Hawks blog nation) -
if the Hawks have a better record than Boston at the end of the season, will they be the 4 or the 3 seed? I thought the top 3 are the division champs no matter what, making the Hawks #4 even if they have a better regular season recored than the Celtics.
Staying away from Lebron in round 2 will be key..
GeeMack
March 11th, 2010
12:52 pm
darrell starks
1st rd draft pick, Marvin’s 5 year contract, Bibby’s 3 year contract, & Zaza’s 4 year contract to the Lakers for Andrew Bynum 3 yr contract.
Bynum is a better player and the lakers are paying less on shorter terms.
Now how would that trade make sense?
Daniel
March 11th, 2010
12:58 pm
drmaryb- The Cavs had to take on Deshaun Stevens contract. They are doing EVERYTHING they can to win now and try to appease James so that he resigns. The Cavs team contract situation is a diaster over the next two years and unless the win it all and James stays the Cavs will literally be in a two to three year player clearing cycle like the Knicks. I understand why they had to go for it, but you will see. The Celtics are on the door of this downward cycle now, but they did get a championship out of it. The Hawks are in more of the Magic model. You know the Magic just went above the cap this year AFTER they made the ECF and they either have friendly short contracts or signed young players.
Daniel
March 11th, 2010
1:01 pm
Nola- they will be the 3rd seed. The top 6 teams are reseeded in the conference. Fairly, new rule.
Daniel
March 11th, 2010
1:02 pm
Gee- I don’t think he gets that you are being sarcastic.
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
1:05 pm
So are you guys telling me the hawks cant make trades and cut payroll in order 2 get wade and sign joe?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
1:08 pm
Do what every it take 2 make the hawks better daniel.
daniel and geemack ANSWER THIS what would you do 2 make the hawks better?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 11th, 2010
1:13 pm
BOSTON PAYROLL IS 90MILL
LAKER PAYROLL IS 90MILL
HAWKS PAYROLL IS 58MILL
HOW IS THAT DANIEL?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!