Hawks squawks: Hawks 112, Pistons 99

- Ken Sugiura sitting in for MC.

- I’m curious how you grade the game. To me, the most impressive thing was the second quarter. After jumping out early, I figured the Hawks would let Detroit back in the game, but they turned it up a notch, which, as you know better than I do, has not always been the case. One play that stands out is Jamal Crawford D’ing up Ben Gordon out beyond the 3-point line, poking the ball away and cruising in for a dunk.

- Jamal: “It’s contagious. I think that’s a part of my game, going towards the playoffs, I want to be a better all-around player than I was at the start of the season. I will be. I vow to be.”

- Real strong defensive showing in the first half. It seemed like every Detroit shot was contested. Lots of deflections.

- However, the Hawks got a little lax in the second half defensively. Of course, as was repeated a few times in the locker room, all teams go on runs. But not all runs have to lead to a team scoring 58 points in the second half, as the Pistons did, which was their fourth-best second half of the season.

- Mike Woodson: “If we can beat them by 40, we would have, but they played their butts off in the second half. Like I said, they’re professionals, too.”

- But perhaps the takeaway is that the Hawks got back on it and closed out the game strong.

- Al Horford: “We’ve had our misfortunes in giving up leads. Even though we blew a pretty significant lead, we were still able to hold them off and finish the game out the right way.”

- Interesting quote from John Kuester: “They know how to turn it on when they have to, and that’s going to be important, because as time goes on and you get ready for the playoffs, you have to be prepared to turn it for 48 minutes.”

- Will Bynum with his take on one of your favorite topics: “I think their switching defense gave us a problem early on in the game. It made it difficult for us in our offense, especially on the wings.”

- Josh Smith on Zaza Pachulia’s behind-the-back pass to Joe Smith: “It was nice. I know we’re definitely going to hear about that for a couple weeks.  He’’s not going to let that go.”

- Whaddya think?

190 comments Add your comment

keno

March 14th, 2010
12:57 pm

As usual, the Hawks let big leads slip away. Good thing they were up by 28 and not 18. Two observations from last night’s game: 1- I see the “old” Jamal Crawford paid a visit with all the hot dogging and ball hogging which turned into 5 turnovers. Stop playing with house money. 2- It seemed that the idea in the 3rd was to slow down the pace and establish the post. I don’t understand why they don’t stick with what was working the whole first half. Keep pushing, step on their necks, and let your starters rest the 4th quarter.

Astro Joe

March 14th, 2010
12:58 pm

ReeRoe, I’ve been waiting for that logic to kick-in (can you play starters 34 minutes in regular season and expect them to perform well when playing 40-42 minutes in the playoffs?). I’ve never trained nor run a marathon before, but my guess is that you don’t train by running 20 miles and save yourself for the 26 miles. No, I don’t think starters should always play extended minutes, but if they do so 2 of every 3 games, I’m not against it either.

REALLY?

March 14th, 2010
1:15 pm

Josh is not a center but a power forward.

Our center, is Al Horford. When it comes to rebounds, (in which he currently ranks #15 among NBA centers), Id rather see him play the defense and let the forwards pick up the rebounds he would cause by playing defense. Id rather see him block and alter shots or put some one on the seat of their pants, rather than pick up a rebound from someone else’s defense. Currently our center, Al Horford is ranked # 18 among nba centers for Block shots. Over the past month he has hoover between #18 and #25. As long as we are soft in the 5 spot teams will continue to penetrate, pick and roll, isolate, and take their man of the dribble straight to the 5 position because we have no defense at that position.

Every championship caliber team has a center who can block or alter shots with his back to the rim and protecting the interior half circle underneath the basket. Thats not the power forward Job but the center’s. You cant take Horford’s responsibility as the center and lump him with Josh to lessen Al’s lack of defensive responsibility.

Quit Hiding behind Josh. Josh is one of the best power forwards in the game! period! He may be the best at the rate he is growing. He is not, nor ever was the center.

We can do better than a center who is number 18th among center for shot blocking and 15 for rebounds.

Josh isnt the problem.He does it all at his position. To get to the championship level we need a 5 who can do it all at his position.

NO BRAINER!

REALLY?

March 14th, 2010
1:17 pm

Teague look very goods sitting on the bench because he is still a turnover waiting to happen! 5-9 minutes a game is more than adequate for him. Hes is about 3 years away from serious minutes. He still plays stupid.

REALLY?

March 14th, 2010
1:20 pm

What is ” specially stupid” is expecting a team with 1 legitimate allstar to get to the championship rounds…Talk about “special”, that is specially foolish.

Sautee

March 14th, 2010
1:39 pm

Truth-serum,

Do you realize that every time you criticize Horford for lack of blocks that you are actually condemning Woody’s precious switching defense. Al is not allowed to park in the lane and defend the rim. He is very often switching off onto a guard 15-18 ft. from the basket.

Have you not noticed that EVERY TIME you mention his shotblocking that either Wabe, or O’Brien, or vava74, or cp, or someone else (not even me) calls you out and brings up the switching defense. Are you the ONLY one on the blog who fails to see this?

Or do you just hate Horford so much that it blinds you to the real reason he’s not nearer to the rim?

The HUGE (Woody’s word) irony is that every time you bring up Horford’s “lack” of blocks, you are indicting the very coach you CLAIM to be defending.

If you want more blocks from Horford, then you should be imploring Woody to keep him in the lane.

Jody

March 14th, 2010
1:43 pm

Obviously, the Hawks have to do a better job of limiting teams to one shot which, in other words, means they have to do a better job rebounding the basketball. However, you can’t simply ignore the effect a lack of size plays in the problem. If you’re going to play a 6′8 guy at power forward and a 6′9 1/2 guy at center, then you have to expect that you’ll have some rebounding issues.

Sautee

March 14th, 2010
1:48 pm

Jody,

Agreed. For a while, after the All-Star game, we were rebounding great. But the last few games have been subpar.

REALLY?

March 14th, 2010
1:51 pm

Sautee, When you open your mouth how many flies come in?

NO center can park in the lane. Duh^3! Woody has to switch to compensate for Horford and Bibby.

I dont hate Horford, I think he is a 1st class power forward! Not as good as Josh, but certainly a starter on almost all teams.

No, I havent notice any one able to defend Horford’s inability to block short or his noddle arm defense.

If I want more block from the center position I hire a center, and then I wont have to rotate the 1 or the 5 spot on defense. You defense scheme is base on the ability of the players on the team not the effectiveness of the technical styles. You cant run and gun team with near retiring veteran and you cant play a post up zone defense with a power forward in the center spot, sautee.

REALLY?

March 14th, 2010
1:51 pm

*horfords inability to block shots

REALLY?

March 14th, 2010
1:52 pm

If I want more blocks from the center position, I’d hire a center,

Sautee

March 14th, 2010
1:56 pm

And, by the way, Horford is NOT 15th in rebounding by centers.

He’s tied with Al Jefferson for 7th.

Do your research.

Here’s the link:

http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Rebounds.jsp?league=00&season=22009&conf=OVERALL&position=1&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=Y&yearsExp=-1&splitDD=

Sautee

March 14th, 2010
2:01 pm

Truth-serum,

Maybe you haven’t noticed, but the trading deadline is over. We can’t just go out on the street and hire a center. We have to do what we can with who we have.

Once again, if you criticize Horford for not blocking enough shots, you are criticizing Woody.

You can not get around this. Because THIS is how Woody is choosing to use his personnel.

northcyde

March 14th, 2010
2:09 pm

For those who choose to answer this question, give Woody a letter grade on his coaching job this season:

Sautee

March 14th, 2010
2:19 pm

B-, but I’m seeing signs that he is growing as a coach. That’s encouraging, and somewhat unexpected. But maybe, like it takes some players a few years for the light to go on, it’s the same for coaches. Woody is extremely fortunate to have an owners group who stuck with him for long enough to grow. Now we’re seeing some of the fruit ripening.

I’m still concerned about the lack of in-game adjustments, and the lean rotations, but even that is slowly getting better. (He said hopefully.)

O'Brien

March 14th, 2010
2:26 pm

The Mavericks had won 13 ganes in a row, so I can only imagine how pleased their fans were with their play.

And then they lose by 34 to the Knicks in Dallas. I wonder what the fans are saying now?

JeJe

March 14th, 2010
3:11 pm

The reason people think Joe and Jamal have to have perfect games against Orlando/Cleveland in order for us to win is because Marvin cowers away and Bibby sucks. They do not step up when needed against GOOD teams and therefore we will not succeed in the playoffs. Would be nice if Marvin actually had a break-out year and did something for this team besides average defense and 10 ppg

JeJe

March 14th, 2010
3:17 pm

Woodson gets a C.

We have lost 10+ games we should’ve won that are solely his fault (guys being exhausted in the 4th, offense nonexistent [Cavs game, Warriors].

Lucky I didnt fail him

REALLY?

March 14th, 2010
3:25 pm

Get you facts straight liar. You have 0 credibility!

PLAYER NAME, TEAM NAME GP MPG BLK PF BLKPG BLKP48M BLK/PF
1
Dwight Howard , ORL
67 34.9 184 236 2.75 3.78 .78
2
Andrew Bogut , MIL
58 32.6 145 186 2.5 3.68 .78
3
Brendan Haywood , DAL-WAS
62 32.0 129 171 2.08 3.12 .75
4
Samuel Dalembert , PHI
65 25.6 130 209 2.0 3.74 .62
5
Brook Lopez , NJN
66 37.0 120 215 1.82 2.36 .56
6
Kendrick Perkins , BOS
63 28.0 112 181 1.78 3.05 .62
7
Roy Hibbert , IND
65 24.3 110 229 1.69 3.34 .48
8
Emeka Okafor , NOH
66 29.5 110 184 1.67 2.71 .6
9
Marc Gasol , MEM
67 35.9 104 247 1.55 2.07 .42
10
Andrew Bynum , LAL
62 30.6 89 187 1.44 2.25 .48
11
Andrea Bargnani , TOR
62 34.8 88 176 1.42 1.96 .5
12
Jermaine O’Neal , MIA
61 29.1 84 189 1.38 2.27 .44
13
Joel Anthony , MIA
64 14.7 84 121 1.31 4.28 .69
14
Ben Wallace , DET
60 29.5 73 118 1.22 1.98 .62
15
Chris Kaman , LAC
61 35.1 71 169 1.16 1.59 .42
16
Mehmet Okur , UTA
59 29.3 68 178 1.15 1.89 .38
17
Al Jefferson , MIN
62 32.6 71 166 1.14 1.68 .43
18
Al Horford , ATL
65 35.1 72 185 1.11 1.51 .39
19
Spencer Hawes , SAC
64 26.5 65 176 1.02 1.84 .37
20
Marcin Gortat , ORL
66 13.2 62 111 .94 3.43 .56
20
Nene Hilario , DEN
66 33.6 62 232 .94 1.34 .27
22
Channing Frye , PHX
65 27.6 59 211 .91 1.58 .28
23
Drew Gooden , LAC-DAL
58 24.0 52 168 .9 1.79 .31
24
Nick Collison , OKC
57 21.2 38 173 .67 1.51 .22
25
Nenad Krstic , OKC
62 22.8 36 147 .58 1.22 .24
26
Ryan Hollins , MIN
58 18.4 33 169 .57 1.48 .2
27
* DeJuan Blair , SAS
64 18.5 33 177 .52 1.34 .19
28
Charles Hayes , HOU
64 21.0 31 164 .48 1.11 .19
29
David Lee , NYK
66 37.1 31 201 .47 .61 .15
30
Antonio McDyess , SAS
60 20.8 24 115 .4 .92 .21
31
Zaza Pachulia , ATL
61 13.5 24 147 .39 1.4 .16
32
* David Andersen , HOU
60 14.5 12 117 .2 .66 .1
33
Juwan Howard , POR
60 22.8 9 163 .15 .32 .06

REALLY?

March 14th, 2010
3:31 pm

As for rebounds yea, after the weekend updates he moved up to #8 among centers for picking up the rebounds where some else has played the defense. He averages being between # 8 and # 15. Bottom line is this is still not acceptable. We need a defender not a garbage collector. If you have ever played basketball youd know this phrase.

REALLY?

March 14th, 2010
3:32 pm

Woodson, gets a A. Winning with only 1 legitimate allstar!

Sautee

March 14th, 2010
3:38 pm

Truth-serum,

Before getting on me about credibility, go back and read my earlier post. I said you were wrong about Al’s REBOUNDING numbers, and I gave the correct link to the chart.

The chart you just posted was for blocked shots, which at least you NOW admit that Al is 18th and not the 24th or 25th that you TRIED to say he was. I never said he was not 18th on the blocked shot list. So why are you posting it?

O'Brien

March 14th, 2010
3:39 pm

northcyde,

I give Woody a solid B for the season, but I think the potential is there for him to get a B+ (or maybe even A-).

Sautee

March 14th, 2010
3:42 pm

Truth-serum,

You said this: “You defense scheme is base on the ability of the players on the team not the effectiveness of the technical styles.”

So I’m glad that we agree that Woody’s switching defense causes Al to have fewer blocked shots. That’s Woody’s choice in how he uses his personnel on defense.

Sautee

March 14th, 2010
3:48 pm

Let’s see, Joe Johnson was named by the coaches to the All-Star team.

Al Horford was named by the coaches to the All-Star team.

Hmmmm…. both All-Stars by the very same method. Sounds like we have TWO legitimate All-Stars to me. And another who is proving that he should have been named.

REALLY?

March 14th, 2010
3:52 pm

No, Switch is designed to help at weak spots like the 5 position and the 1position. Are you a right wing radical republican type who twist the truth to support sick ideology? What causes woody to rotate his defense through switching is an effort at preventing other teams from isolating him one on one under the basket where he is weak and frail, often getting push and man handled and thereby opening the lanes to the rack for many different attacks. Lets be clear. We wont go far with Al at center.

I MUS WRITE

March 14th, 2010
3:55 pm

OMG…..Officer friendly is at it again,people dont feed the animals-in this case the swine. Just becuz the man was handed a golden highliter doesnt mean he’s credible. Sarcastic huh?…..Uhhhm howz about catching sum bad guys and stop wasting our tax dollars.

REALLY?

March 14th, 2010
3:55 pm

One bonafied, jj and one by consolation hoe.

Sautee

March 14th, 2010
4:04 pm

Truth-serum said this:

“Lets be clear. We wont go far with Al at center.”

Won’t go HOW far?

Aren’t you the one who keeps on talking over (and over and….) about how the “experts” picked us to be the 4th seed?

Where are we now? Seems like we’ve gone pretty far with an undersized power forward playing All-Star center.

So I guess you’d like to just call off the season because “we won’t go far with Al”?

And no, not a republican, but yes, an Obama supporter.

But, speaking of republicans, wasn’t it YOU who was spouting conspiracy theories about how the Coaches conspired against us by voting Al to the All-Star game?

How did it go again….. they wanted to convince us that Al was better than we thought so we wouldn’t pursue another center?

Well, it’s just as believable as Iraq having WMD’s right?

Grandad

March 14th, 2010
4:50 pm

Sybil:

Hey ! It’s more fun when you’re around. seriously.
I agree, we need a [5].
Al is a natural [4].
Josh would be a terrific [3]. Think – ‘Artest’.
‘BUT’, what are you gonna do? Play your best players. Right.
Well, except when Wdsn refuses to play Teague.
But, thay’s another discussion. Right.
See, we are on the same page.
Try and have an open mind.
You criticize right wing politics. Agreed.
So, have an open mind, like a true progressive.
Old time ‘Southern’ Democrat. Right.
Please, don’t talk so ugly.
You lose credibility.
You could build some up if you would not lower yourself. Right.
Really, I’m trying to help.
Enjoy the selection show.
If they leave out Miss. St. = ‘Travesty’. Right!

Grandad

March 14th, 2010
4:56 pm

The Grinch:

I never jumped on ‘Big Ray’.
I agree it appeared to be sarcasm.
Thanks.

Grandad

March 14th, 2010
5:29 pm

Zach:

Answer / ‘Shaq’ – What’s your point?
I never said I was any kind of god.
Just tons of experience.
Did you follow the whole topic between northcyde & myself.
By the way – I never criticized Josh. [Just in case]
I was, and will continue to criticize Wdsn.
It comes with the territory. [coach]
I also commended him in a later post.
Also, I’m confused, so please come back and tell me which
“statement” I made and in what context, that was so egregious.

Zach:
“Are you serious?!? Did you really just say this after saying you were a coach and a teacher and a basketball god in the last paragraph.”

Honestly, I’m perplexed.
I’m not above stupidity, just ask ‘Sybil’.
However, I would like to know what I said that rose to the occasion.
Also, I’m very uncomfortable using ‘god’, even small ‘g’ in any
context on a basketball blog. I don’t like to throw ‘His’ name
around loosely. [paraphrase]
Thanks AJ, I kinda borrowed that from you.

Joe Mama

March 14th, 2010
6:31 pm

Grandma and Saltee, At least we agree, Horford is not the answer @ the 5. Josh is and will always be a power forward and you cant change that in your preparation of moving in a true 5 and finding a place for Al.

When and if the Hawks get a center and still have Al and Josh on the roster. Al will split time between 4/5(just like he did in college) but he will be second on the depth chart at both positions. He is not as gifted as Josh is when playing the 4.

Yes, Al was @ one time recently at 23, 25 and now 18 on the block shots chart among centers. Thats stat get updated sometimes bi weekly. Right now he is 18th which is just awful! The same thing for rebounds. He as been rated as low as 15th and as high as 8th over the past two weeks. Keep in mind this is not among all player but just among centers. 15th and 8th is not the kind of numbers that is going to get you past the second round. Get real. Actually 8th best rebounding is equal to 9 rebounds a game. Not good.

Like I told you at the beginning of this season, Al is about as good as he will get. He may put up better numbers for the season than last year but it will be very marginal. Hes pretty much peaked.

Nacho

March 14th, 2010
6:39 pm

Really: You accuse others of what you do. Weak.

This is a basketball blog, not a forum to prove your political knowledge or ignorance.

Dezz Nuttz

March 14th, 2010
6:46 pm

Enter your comments here

Dezz Nuttz

March 14th, 2010
6:47 pm

Nacho, prove Dezz Nuttz…

Really?

March 14th, 2010
6:48 pm

Nacho when you finish with Dezz Nuttz, Extenze my Woody.

Hawk n the Ham

March 14th, 2010
6:57 pm

Michael Wilbon just said on TV, he sees the Hawks playing the Bucks in round 1 of the playoffs………..and the Bucks winning.

Grandad

March 14th, 2010
7:16 pm

TS:

I’m gonna play nice.
I appreciate that you didn’t talk ugly.
Now, I really think Josh & Al work well together.
Think of it like that.
Don’t just think positions.
I think Josh and Al enjoy playing together.
So, how can we best enhance their abilities.
Playing together and TEAMWORK [chemistry]
trumps individual stats (such as blocked shots, etc.)
when all else [talent/skill] is equal.
That was poorly stated but I hope you see my point.
Players such as: Rodman, Artest, Battier, et al,
sacrificed for the greater good.
Now doesn’t that feel better, even if you disagree?
Miss. St. got jobbed!

Najeh Davenpoop

March 14th, 2010
7:37 pm

Shawn Bradley averaged 2.5 blocks per game for his career.

Darko Milicic, for his career, averages 2.5 blocks per 35 minutes for his career.

On the other hand, Dennis Rodman, he of the 8 All-NBA Defensive Team appearances, averaged a whopping 0.6 blocks per game.

The point is, of course, that blocked shots is a very unreliable measure of defensive effectiveness.

Seriously, I can’t believe this conversation continues on this blog.

Sautee

March 14th, 2010
7:45 pm

Truth-serum,

Funny how your COY Woodson doesn’t agree with you regarding Al Horford.

Here’s what Woody said before this season:

“I remember last year after Al got hurt those two times … We were exposed. Al’s the one guy I feared going down.”

The ONE guy he feared going down. Not Joe Johnson, not Josh Smith.

Al Horford (Woody’s All-Star Center)

And remember…. when you criticize Horford’s shotblocking, you are really criticizing Woodson’s defensive scheme.

You don’t really want to criticize Woody, do ya?

JeJe

March 14th, 2010
7:46 pm

he reason people think Joe and Jamal have to have perfect games against Orlando/Cleveland in order for us to win is because Marvin cowers away and Bibby sucks. They do not step up when needed against GOOD teams and therefore we will not succeed in the playoffs. Would be nice if Marvin actually had a break-out year and did something for this team besides average defense and 10 ppg.

Sautee

March 14th, 2010
7:54 pm

Truth-serum,

You said this:

“Actually 8th best rebounding is equal to 9 rebounds a game. Not good.”

Once again, false information. Horford is tied for 7th among centers with Al Jefferson at 9.4 rebounds per game.

Once again, here’s the link: http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Rebounds.jsp?league=00&season=22009&conf=OVERALL&position=1&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=Y&years

Down at 9.0 rebounds (12th) is 7′ 0″, 265 lb. Brook Lopez.

What did you say…. not good?

Grandad

March 14th, 2010
8:01 pm

ND:

Exactly!
I was afraid no one would see my point.
Thanks.

Eggfaced saltee

March 14th, 2010
8:10 pm

You are right. Here is today’s NBA.com listing for centers. Hes not 8th, hes 15th, yes, its not 9 rbs, its 9.4. sorry about the .4 idiot.

March,14 2010
2009-10 REBOUNDING LEADERS : Rebounds Per Game
Displaying results 1-50 of 189 found – Centers
Results: 1-50 51-100 101-150 151-189 Next »

PLAYER NAME,TEAM NAME GP MPG OFF ORPG DEF DRPG REB RPG RP40
1
Dwight Howard , ORL
67 34.9 232 3.5 651 9.7 883 13.2 18.1
2
Zach Randolph , MEM
66 37.9 273 4.1 506 7.7 779 11.8 14.9
3
David Lee , NYK
66 37.1 178 2.7 593 9.0 771 11.7 15.1
4
Marcus Camby , POR-LAC
61 30.8 201 3.3 502 8.2 703 11.5 18.0
5
Carlos Boozer , UTA
62 35.1 143 2.3 556 9.0 699 11.3 15.4
6
Chris Bosh , TOR
57 36.3 169 3.0 471 8.3 640 11.2 14.9
7
Gerald Wallace , CHA
62 41.7 127 2.0 520 8.4 647 10.4 12.0
8
Tim Duncan , SAS
61 31.8 192 3.1 444 7.3 636 10.4 15.7
9
Andrew Bogut , MIL
58 32.6 178 3.1 426 7.3 604 10.4 15.3
10
Brendan Haywood , DAL-WAS
62 32.0 242 3.9 376 6.1 618 10.0 14.9
11
Lamar Odom , LAL
66 30.8 143 2.2 491 7.4 634 9.6 15.0
12
Samuel Dalembert , PHI
65 25.6 190 2.9 431 6.6 621 9.6 17.9
13
Marc Gasol , MEM
67 35.9 205 3.1 429 6.4 634 9.5 12.6
14
Al Jefferson , MIN
62 32.6 153 2.5 429 6.9 582 9.4 13.8
15
Al Horford , ATL
65 35.1 183 2.8 426 6.6 609 9.4 12.8
16
Chris Kaman , LAC
61 35.1 149 2.4 414 6.8 563 9.2 12.6

Eggfaced saltee

March 14th, 2010
8:14 pm

one other thing idiot, when you ask NBA.com for statistics be sure to say “C” for centers and “all” for all centers.

here is the correct link eggfaced.

http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Rebounds.jsp?league=00&season=22009&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=Y&yearsExp=-1&splitDD=

Sautee

March 14th, 2010
8:15 pm

Truth-serum,

You also said this regarding Horford’s rebounding standings among centers:

“15th and 8th is not the kind of numbers that is going to get you past the second round. Get real.”

Oh REALLY?

How about this: In 07-08 the Celtics won the Championship.

Their “true” center, Kendrick Perkins was 14th among centers in blocked shots, and 21st in rebounding.

TWENTY-FIRST and his team won the Finals.

What were you saying about the second round?

Eggfaced saltee

March 14th, 2010
8:17 pm

Dennis Rodman wasnt a center so how in the hell is that relevant? Where do they get these people from?

Eggfaced saltee

March 14th, 2010
8:18 pm

15th and 15th rebound and block wont get you out of the kitchen let alone the second round.

Eggfaced saltee

March 14th, 2010
8:19 pm

Hes not the 8th rebounding center, theyve given that to tim duncan, I was right the first time, the bum is 15th. Click the link and see for yourself butt face.