Hawks Squawks: 76ers 105, Hawks 98
–It had been a minute since you could say the Hawks opened with an unfocused effort and stayed in that mode. Maybe their last game at Washington but at least they turned it on in the fourth quarter to win that one. You might have to go back to the loss to the Heat before the All-Star game.
– Sure, the Hawks have had issues closing out games but they haven’t been sleepwalking. Until now. “I think from the start we just weren’t with it,” Al said. “I know it’s a long season but games like this are unacceptable, especially at this time of year when we have something at stake.”
– That latter part is why you can’t say this is just one of those games in a long season. The Hawks are playing for something. If they are serious about a special postseason they can’t still be using that crutch with 10 games left.
– The Hawks came crashing down after finally beating the Magic on Smoove’s tip dunk. ”You always know after a big game like Orlando can’t have a letdown,” Jamal said. “We should have handled our business from the beginning and been done with it.”
– Al really wasn’t trying to hear that. “I don’t think that (Orlando) game had anything to do with this one,” he said. “I feel like we overlooked (the Sixers) and that’s not the right thing to do. If you do that in this league any team can beat you.”
– This game and at the Wizards both fit my theory about the Hawks lacking energy when they play on the road in front of sparse crowds. OK, so the Nets W didn’t t mesh with that but, well, that was the Nets.
– These were the Sixers, who actually match up decently with the Hawks due to Iguodola and Dalembert in the frontcourt. I lost track of how many times those two got to the rim for dunks and layups.
– Nothing illustrated the Hawks’ effort issues like Philadelphia’s 58 points in the paint and 28 fastbreak points. Not hard for the Sixers to shoot 50 percent with all those easy points. And the Hawks’ 19 turnovers were due to poor focus against an athletic, scrappy team that tries hard. The Hawks could be twice the team if they consistently added those last two traits to their talent.
– Philadelphia’s points in the paint also highlight the potential issues with the switching defense when the Hawks face a team that also has long athletes. And those fastbreak points are what can happen with opponents who match the Hawks’ speed and surpass their effort.
– “From time to time we come out with a lack of focus,” J.J. said. “That team still plays hard. We didn’t show up. We acted like we could turn it on the fourth quarter.”
– Ah, yes, the fourth quarter. Presented with a chance to still pull out a W despite everything they did wrong, the Hawks’ focus faltered. When Iguodola and Dalembert turned it up a notch, the Hawks stumbled and fumbled around.
– Trailing 97-95, J.J. dribbled into Philadelphia’s long-armed interior and lost the ball. Jamal scooped it up and missed a 3-pointer. Dalembert then converted what seemed like his 37th alley-oop dunk as the Hawks watched, and finally Josh fumbled the ball away under the basket.
– The Hawks had so many lapses like that. “They played great so give them credit,” Johnson said. “But mentally we just weren’t in the game.”
– Iso-Joe: missed a turnaround jumper, made a 3-pointer, and had the aforementioned fumbled drive. It seemed like Joe used more high picks by Al tonight before probing the defense instead of the usual one-four flat.
– I missed Woody postgame but I’m guessing he used his reserves fairly liberally again tonight because of their re cent solid production. Or maybe he was looking for better effort. Zaza and Mo provided it. Teague only got four minutes but he did a good job of keeping his man from the basket even when he got caught on a couple bad switches.
– The Hawks appeared ready to take control when Bibby’s 3-pointer staked them to a 58-52 lead. But the Sixers responded with a 10-0 run, during which they just found a much higher gear than the Hawks.
– Bibby came to play, at least. He’s starting to come on late in the season. Remember he’s a guy who knows what it takes to make a deep playoff run.
– Just think how much worse it could have been for the Hawks if South Gwinnett High’s Lou Williams (back) had played. He’s yet another high-energy guy who can expose the Hawks when they are nonchalant.
– I figure the Hawks won’t have an energy issue against the Pacers on Sunday, if only because they are back at Philips. Looking at the schedule, you now have to wonder about those games at Detroit and Washington in the final two weeks.
– I’m out, Hawks fans.
MC
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140 comments Add your comment
Rick Sund
March 27th, 2010
12:44 pm
Don’t worry about that loss Wabe. It can happen on any given night. Remember it’s not about necessarily WINNING A CHAMPIONSHIP, it’s about being considered ELITE. Being elite is based on REGULAR SEASON, not the playoffs I can’t wait to give Joe that MAX MONEY HE DESERVES. He’s quite a SUPERSTAR, ALWAYS MAKING BIG SHOTS.
Rick Sund
March 27th, 2010
12:51 pm
Northclyde is exactly right. Woody isn’t to be blamed for what happened last night. Woody has done a GREAT job with his bench this season. They give us PLENTY of production. We trust Woodson’s coaching style. He knows his personnel and if he wants to play his starters 48 minutes, then that’s his business. Northclyde knows that it TAKES TIME to build a championship. He is one of those SATISFIED fans that we need. Real fans should never CRITICIZE the team, just be HAPPY with the fact that we are ELITE and 20 GAMES over 500. ELITE TEAMS don’t necessarily have to WIN ON THE ROAD, Good for you NORTHCLYDE!
northcyde
March 27th, 2010
1:04 pm
@ Section 303
Lack of Maturity. I think you win the prize sir.
I think that’s one of the reasons why JJ usually tries to take over the game in the 2nd half, when we’re on the road.
It was interesting to see JJ defer to others almost the entire game. Then it was interesting to see how much the other guys turned the ball over trying to do what JJ does on a nightly basis.
19 turnovers. 10 by our starting frontcourt alone. Only 13 shots by JJ ( 8 going into the 4th quarter )
It was a recipe for disaster.
northcyde
March 27th, 2010
1:33 pm
LOL @ Rick . . . you need to call a “Players Only + the GM” meeting, and tell the Hawks that they are the HUNTED now. The way we get jacked up for Boston, is the way these “lesser teams” get jacked for us now . . . especially on their home floor.
Rob G. (ATL Homeboy) _ (San Diego)
March 27th, 2010
1:39 pm
My opinion on the Hawks:
First of all, I am glad the Hawks are having a better season compared to last season, thus far. Although, there’s been many, nice victories this season. I am compelled to say the least that the Hawks aren’t showing enough fire to convince me that they can surprise the world and win a championship. They have too many weak links in their arsenals to convince me otherwise. For example:
The jury is still out on Marvin Williams, each and every game I wish for Marvin to at least make me feel comfortable as to why he was garner at such a high pick from North Carolina the year they won the NCAA Championship. I keep wishing to find in the games I have watched of the Hawks the last five years to reinforce this preconceived notion, that Marvin is going to be this bona-fide player with the necessary skill sets that makes him almost as far as physical dimensions the mode of Lebron James. I realize this is setting the bar pretty high, but how can you go wrong with this picture in mind.
I don’t wish to criticize Marvin, it is not my nature to criticize anybody or anything in life (it is just not fair to the person of conversation). Although, I wish to rant and rave about some of the things I see in his game from afar, something is holding back from making a real honest opinion about his game or lack of game; part of the reason is: He would only be in his first or second year had he prolonged his career in school. Normally, a player starts to feel comfortable right around the third or fourth year, unless you are truly in the class of, just to name a few: Kobe, Lebron, Dewayne etc.
So on this note, I cannot harbor ill feelings toward Marvin, but only hope he can become the X-factor as the Hawks move forward in their bid to become a very elite team such as the Lakers and Cleveland, who are, the way things are looking are going to be playing in the finals (it’s quite obvious) if you area true fan of the game. At this point, I would start utilizing Mo Evans instead of Marvin. Mo brings a little bit more to my likings to the Hawks (points, rebounds, heart and energy). I just thought of the reason Marvin isn’t excelling like he should. At this point with all the potential Marvin may have….I think it may have to do with….he doesn’t have the heart just yet. My Take.
Another weak link: Za Za P. like Marvin doesn’t bring it every night, and I have studied Pachulia very carefully over the last five years. The first year I was very happy with his grit, but since then it almost like, I would rather have someone like the Bird Man out of Denver who brings it every time I watch Denver play ball.
What is the purpose of having: Jason Collier, Randolph Morris. Playing pick up ball in the San Diego area, I am nearly not as young or tall (5′ 11″ born in the 60’s) as them and still receive more praise then these two. Two wasted roster spots in my opinion.
Jeff Teague: I can’t form an opinion yet. It appears he has some game. Hope I don’t get disappointed like Acie Law, after doing my homework on Acie and finding out he wasn’t the answer the Hawks had envision.
Joe Johnson: As much as I am happy for him coming over to the Hawks and doing such an incredible job for them. There is still something missing in his game I haven’t being able to put a finger on. I keeping trying to compare him to the big three (Kobe, Lebron and Wade) and I can’t. I am hoping whatever it is will come out during the playoffs. Good luck Joe!
J-Smoove: Very big improvements considering him coming out of high school and all, and improving each and every year. The all-star game is in the near future, I need for Josh to continue to improve as he is doing and continuing to practice his jump shots as this is probably the weakest part of your game thus far. Continue to practice like Jordan did and you and your game will be unstoppable like the aforementioned big three. I need Marvin to do likewise.
Mike B. – The veteran, how can I say anything negative about Mike other than what is obvious as you become advance with maturity (I didn’t want to mention age). Steady leader every since the Hawks became your second team (I remember the years with SAC Town) very memorable indeed. I think you still got something left in tank….hopefully this year….like that playoff series….year ’s past….you know which one. Good Luck!
Al Horford – I can’t comment at this stage. I haven’t a clue what is your position. Al does show heart and grit.
Sixth Man of the Year – Jamaal Crawford: Mentioned to my brother back in the ATL to watch out, because you are a baller. I wish you and Joe was a tandem on the starting five, but that wouldn’t work necessarily, because you still would need a field general (Bibby) to run the offense. And I need your scoring for the second team, other than Mo Evans, there isn’t anyone else.
Mike Woodson – Good Job! although I know the bounty hunters are out for your head.
These are some of the reasons the Hawks will not win this year. There are way too many question marks.
Rick Sund
March 27th, 2010
1:44 pm
I LOVE the core I have helped keep.
The guys are YOUNG and have POTENTIAL. I plan on keeping this starting 5 together for 7 more years.
ALL that matters is that we win 50 games — that’ll show IMPROVEMENT over last year.
Woodson is a TOP defensive coach, a true genius at shutting down players like Nate Robinson and John Salmons. I will offer him a $100 million/6 year extension after the season, making him the highest paid coach in NBA history.
Woodson’s rapid development of Teague is just astonishing. Just yesterday, a successful Eastern Conference GM contacted me that he believes Teague is already better than Isiah Thomas!
Rick Sund
March 27th, 2010
1:45 pm
Our goal last year was to make the playoffs with a winning record.
Our goal this year, realizing that the Miami series was a fluke, is to make the playoffs with a winning record (CHECK) and to win ONE game!
southcyde
March 27th, 2010
1:46 pm
“They simply believe ( like most of the fan base ) that they’re better than what they really are. Even if the coach tells them that they have to work on a nightly basis, the team ( whether consciously or unconsciously ) feels that they can just flip a switch, start playing well, and everything will be OK.”
TRANSLATION – THE TEAM AND THE FANS ARE IDIOTS, WOODROW IS THE ONLY PERSON WORTH KEEPING AROUND. WATCH OUT, GENIUS MIND AT WORK.
Rick Sund
March 27th, 2010
2:36 pm
Northclyde why should we call a players only + gm meeting. Don’t you realize that we are about to EXCEED last years win total. Look at our record with 10 games left. All we have to do is go 500 the rest of the way to get that MAGIC NUMBER OF 50 (or should I say 51) to be an ELITE team. Two years ago against Boston we were trying to SHOCK THE WORLD. Now we will OWN IT when we get to the SECOND ROUND and win ONE game. With Woody using his bench as much as he does in the 1ST HALF of games, our guys will be well rested for the playoffs. So come on out and watch Joe “ISO-SUPERSTAR” Johnson, Marvin “UPSIDE” Williams, Mike “THE DEFENSIVE ARCHITECT” BIBBY, JOSH “PURE SHOOTER” SMITH, and AL Horford. What you will see is a team that may not win every game, but plays HARD for 48 minutes and is MENTALLY TOUGH especially when on THE ROAD and when they have 4TH QUARTER LEADS. Come watch Mike Woodson draw up MAGICAL-ISO plays coming out timeouts, as well as our GREAT SWITCHING DEFENSE in which Mike Bibby sticks to his opponents like GLUE. This is why we are going up on ticket prices and not offering season ticket holders parking passes. GO Hawks!
darrell starks
March 27th, 2010
2:52 pm
RICK SUND bring in ROGER BELL now, he just been release by goldenstate, and in our system he would fit perfect with the switch deffense that the play.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 27th, 2010
2:58 pm
Just like boston brought in finley and milwaukee brought in stack house, bringing in ROGER BELL would make the hawks better, he is a vocal leader he is a shut down defender on the perimeter plus he is a hard nose player that bring that toughness that we so desperately need come playoffs.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
Grandad
March 27th, 2010
3:02 pm
Truth Serum:
You’ve been watching Erin Andrews, haven’t you? Cha cha cha.
darrell starks
March 27th, 2010
3:03 pm
ROGER BELL remind me of bruce bowens who use 2 play with san antonio, who can shoot the 3 and play good defense.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 27th, 2010
3:06 pm
ROGER BELL STARTE DAY 1 MOVE MARVIN 2 THE BENCH AND MAKE THE BENCH DEEPER.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
Grandad
March 27th, 2010
3:06 pm
northcyde:
Now you’re saying Joe is pulling a “Kobe”;
to teach the young guys a lesson.
darrell starks
March 27th, 2010
3:09 pm
STARTER BIBBY, JOE, ROGER BELL, JOSH, HORFORD.
BENCH JAMAL, MOE, MARVIN, JOE SMITH, ZAZA.
RESERVE TEAGUE, COLLINS
STREET CLOTHES WEST, MORRIS.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
Mrs. Woodson
March 27th, 2010
3:10 pm
You fans are always complaining about Coach Woodson. He didn’t put this team together. Do you think he would have selected Marvin over Chris Paul? Do you think he wanted an all brawn no brains JS over J Chills? Shelden Wms? He has to coach these misfits. A no heart superstar JJ. The slow earthmover Bibby? Hard hands Zaza? No. What coach could get this team to 50 wins other than one who should be considered COY.
Grandad
March 27th, 2010
3:14 pm
darrell starks:
Raja Bell would not be eligible for the play-offs.
This summer considering him:
*NEGATIVES/CONS
1. age
2. too much money to sign [probably]
3. would need to be the *piece that puts you over the top
* you & I agree, that needs to be a ‘Big’
4. Roger mason better alternative
* All work for summer.
* Right now, “what you see is what you get” ‘Flip Wilson’
Grandad
March 27th, 2010
3:33 pm
Mrs Wdsn:
You are correct, he would not have selected Marv or C. Paul.
He would have traded that pick for ‘Bibby’ & not waited until 2008.
You’re probably right he would have shipped off JS & re-signed Chldrss.
On Sheldon Williams he would have traded that pick as well;
loving veterans & ex-Pistons [he's got a ring, you know]* Dumars would have traded him Rick Mahorn for the SW pick, Wdsn forgetting that RM has
long since retired. Darn it!
*[for carrying Larry Brown' clipboard]
Big Ray
March 27th, 2010
3:34 pm
“It was interesting to see JJ defer to others almost the entire game. Then it was interesting to see how much the other guys turned the ball over trying to do what JJ does on a nightly basis.”
I wonder if it’s also been interesting to watch the team win games in which Joe doesn’t “do what he does on a nightly basis” ? What was JJ doing when we beat Orlando? Shooting 5-17. What was JJ doing when we beat San Antonio? Shooting 8-23. What was JJ doing when we beat Charlotte? Shooting 7-21. What was JJ doing when we beat New Jersey by 24 points? Sitting the game out, recovering. How about against Washington? 18 points on 8-19 shooting (not really bad). How about against Golden State? Shot 3-14 and scored 10 points. Against Philly? 6-13, 18 points. Against Chicago? 5-15 shooting.
Okay, that covers all the wins in the month of March, except one, wherein JJ shot 10 for 15. That’s a total of 8 wins, out of 12 games played.
Let me put this plainly and factually, so there will be no confusion. We have won 8 out of 12 games with Joe Johnson shooting 67% in ONE win, 46% in ONE win, 42% in ONE win, and LESS THAN 33% in the other FIVE wins.
And before we talk about his nice assist numbers, which have been very helpful, allow me to point out that he has averaged 4.6 apg for the month, which is about average for him anyway. For the month, he has shot 40.9% and averaged 19.2 ppg.
Now I seem to recall some people scoffing at Jamal Crawford for similar numbers. The point is NOT that JJ is a bad player, he’s a GREAT player. And I am not even coming close to bashing the man. He’s our best player, he’s our team leader.
But this TEAM has won down the stretch, late in the season (in March) at a .667 clip with it’s best player clearly struggling to maintain all-star form. JJ is having his worst month, unless I miss my mark.
What’s interesting is this team’s ability to OVERCOME that, where other teams would be breaking even at best.
JJ deferring? Give me a break. Compare shot attempts and see who is still taking the most shots (and he SHOULD be). But don’t ignore the FACTS. And don’t act like Joe carries this team ALL the time, while his teammates bumble about, hoping one day to be good enough to hold his jock strap.
rant off …..
Ah So Joe
March 27th, 2010
3:49 pm
Keep Marv and trade the rest. They are all ball hogs except Marv who sleeps through most games. I need that max contract from the Nincompoopabockers and that means at least 10 more shots a game. Baby needs new shoes.
Grandad
March 27th, 2010
4:21 pm
Big Ray:
I agree on everything except 1* tiny part.
Joe – We MUST re-sign, cannot replace! [indispensable]
Jamal – has suppressed his game for the TEAM. [my opinion]
*Al – Leader
*That is the 1 tiny point I had in mind.
I feel like Al is becoming the leader of this team.
**With Josh as his ***wingman.
****Not a knock on Joe…quiet, subtle, humble, subdued, introverted,
even somewhat bashful.
bigdave
March 27th, 2010
4:30 pm
“how much the other guys turned the ball over trying to do what JJ does on a nightly basis.”
im not 100% sure whats meant by this but i agree to an extent. however, i dont think its the players faults. if we had clear… defined roles on this team, and a system that clearly defines court behavior i think we would see a lot less of this… everyone has a “go” to imitate his teammate in his own way.. it might be a low risk offense but it lacks discipline.
Ray…
i think Joe’s aggressiveness regardless of his percentages account for a lot of “what we do” (a Mike Woodson staple). he has to be accounted for, and in my opinion he has to force the issue in order for us to be successful. high volume shooter b/c he takes them in high percentage areas. i dont think our offense or talent can afford for Joe to take a night off offensively.
JeJe
March 27th, 2010
4:38 pm
LOL. The headline on AJC Hawks says we must play the “Slumping Pacers.” They have won 5 in a row. Good job, writers!
Big Ray
March 27th, 2010
4:55 pm
Grandad ,
I don’t disagree with any of that.
bigdave ,
I agree completely. There is a lack of discipline on the offensive end, but an abundance of talent overcomes it in most cases (or else we wouldn’t be sitting at 46 wins).
I also agree that Joe’s aggressiveness and how he plays has a LOT to do with our offense, and our success. I am NOT denying ANY of that, in fact I went so far as to mention that Joe SHOULD be taking the most shots. He’s our best scorer, period. I’m just emphasizing that this team is talented and versatile enough to win games, BIG games, without JJ shooting or even scoring all that well.
Of course Joe has to be accounted for. But when he IS accounted for by opposing teams (gee, that might have something to do with this low shooting percentage), other guys are getting enough done to compensate. There was a time when this team was done for if JJ got shut down or had a bad game. That time is past, and some people need to see that. I never take credit away from Joe. I can’t say it enough times: he’s the best player on this team, and we would really like to re-sign him.
But I also don’t think it’s up to the team. It’s up to Joe and his agent whether he stays or goes. I doubt Sund tries to low-ball JJ when free agency begins. Doubt that very much.
Rick Sund
March 27th, 2010
4:56 pm
We FIRMLY believe this is the best team in the NBA.
I was watching clips of the 2002 WCF the other day, reminding myself that Bibby STILL is the MOST ATHLETIC and best DEFENDING point guard in the game. We believe he is in EXCELLENT SHAPE, and that Chris Paul will seek his guidance come this summer.
Best,
Rick
Big Ray
March 27th, 2010
5:00 pm
Grandad ,
I think the change in roles and the leadership coming from other guys (guys other than JJ) is unnerving for some people. I don’t know why. Many of us complained about Joe not being a type A personality and highly vocal leader. We were told to shut up and quit wishing the guy was something he’s not.
Then vocal leadership and leadership in other places (like defense) began to emerge from other guys (Al, Josh), and strong opinions began to be voiced (like Al calling out the guards for not moving the ball around, and even suggesting that he can’t do much to help on offense if he doesn’t get the ball enough). All of the sudden, some want to start comparing stats, even obscure ones. What gives?
It’s not ok if you don’t like that Joe isn’t a vocal, passionate leader, but when others step into that role, that’s not okay either. Whatever…. I actually like that Al and Josh are stepping up their games AND their leadership to compliment/supplement Joe’s leadership and game. It results in what should be a balanced product on the floor, and more balanced expectations from fans. I think some people really don’t like that, and want us to see Joe as a “head and shoulders above the rest” kind of guy. Like I said, whatever…
smh
March 27th, 2010
5:02 pm
If you let northcyde tell it then its never Joe’s or Woodrows fault. Its everybody else, those 2 are the untouchable. Joe and Woodrow can do no wrong in northcyde’s eyes. Seriously dude, are you related to these cats or just love riding their laps.
Big Ray
March 27th, 2010
5:02 pm
There is a reason why this team proved to be better than the Miami Heat in the playoffs last year.
Because, and I quote Astro Joe , the sum is greater than the individual parts. That’s why a team like this is better than a team that features one player who is greater than any on our team.
Rick Sund
March 27th, 2010
5:04 pm
“There is a reason why this team proved to be better than the Miami Heat in the playoffs last year.
Because, and I quote Astro Joe , the sum is greater than the individual parts. That’s why a team like this is better than a team that features one player who is greater than any on our team.”
Brilliant, Ray! We need more precocious and intelligent fans like you!
mark
March 27th, 2010
5:40 pm
a couple changes keep ah js jt jc zaza get a new coach, try to get Rudy gay. and Elton brand coming off the bench. new lineup jt rudy gay js mw ah. bench zaza eldon, bibby jamaal mo evans and fillers. byron scoott the coach.
northcyde
March 27th, 2010
6:08 pm
from Grandad
Now you’re saying Joe is pulling a “Kobe”;
to teach the young guys a lesson.
I don’t know. But it did look similar to what Kobe had to do in order to shut people up about him not passing enough ( including his coach ). Except Kobe went to the extreme, and didn’t look to score AT ALL for a half. At least JJ took open shots, he just didn’t force the issue like he usually does. I think JJ was simply gaving the other guys the opportunity to “shine”.
All I know is that JJ should NEVER be taking 13 shots in a game, unless we’re getting blown out or blowing someone out. A lot of people are under the assumption that we should be a totally balanced team in which everyone contributes equally. The facts are that all of our guys don’t shoot well enough, nor can they create their own offense well enough, for that to be a reality.
Smoove excels in transition offense and when he can go early. Once in the halfcourt offense, his game dramatically decreses from an efficiency standpoint.
Horford, when he tries to go one on one, is a far less efficient player, than when he’s being set up by other people.
So is Bibby. He needs to be set up as well.
Marvin . . . he’s either totally inactive, or simply missing shots
And Crawford can do what JJ does . . he just take real bad shots even when he’s off.
I just think that it’s interesting that we were turning the ball over left and right, when other people tried to assume a larger role in the offense.
cdog
March 27th, 2010
6:27 pm
IT’S A SHAME THE HAWKS CAN’T BEAT A MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM.THEY MIGHT AS WELL PACK IT IN FOR THE VSEASON. WHEN YOU LOSE TO PHILADELPHIA, WHO ELSE DO THEY EXPECT TO BEAT?
northcyde
March 27th, 2010
6:52 pm
Big Ray . . . those wins when JJ was struggling, shows the mental toughness of the team. Something I’ve been saying for a while about the Hawks.
It comes down to people knowing their roles. JJ’s main job on this team, is to score the basketball and secondarily, to set people up. The team, for the most part, know their roles, which is why they’ve been able to overcome adversity for much of the season.
As long as everyone play their roles on this team, we’re going to be OK on most nights. What we DON’T need, is JJ deferring to other guys down the stretch of games, unless they’re wide open off of one of his passes. That’s what he did last year in the playoffs, with Flip missing all of those shots in the 2nd half. That can’t happen again.
Make no mistake . . . if we’re to do anything in the 2nd round of the playoffs, we’re going to need the superstar version of JJ to show up. Not JJ the “team guy who only scores 18 points”. We’ll probably need the superstar version of Crawford as well, so that they’ll be a 1 – 2 punch. Offensively, those are the guys that have to get it done for us.
Defensively, it’s going to be all about Smoove and Horford, especially on the boards. Asking them for increased production offensively, is asking them to go out of their element as players. But they can excel, and the team will be OK, if they dominate the boards. And if they really hit the offensive boards like they have all season, that’ll be an extra bonus come playoff time.
Blast
March 27th, 2010
7:01 pm
Don’t think Joe pulled a “Kobe”, I think the entire team pulled a Houdini and simply disappeared. You could see it right from the start. Joe still scored twenty, didn’t he? The team played with no energy, no emotion, no hunger.
They cannot take Indiana for granted either. Only good thing about that game is that Hawks play at home.
kwooden1
March 27th, 2010
7:06 pm
Granger just scored 44! last night. The HAWKS better be ready to play some defense, because Indiana destroyed Utah and they would like nothing better than to do the same thing to the HAWKS! The HAWKS always have trouble with Murphy because of his ability to shoot the 3 and Brandon Rush seems to do well against us. I think Marvin and Mo should do most of the work on Granger, which should give JJ a chance to rest on defense and work his magic on offensive. I’m OK with Bibby on Watson, if Bibby comes to play! If Crawford brings his A game off the bench, then I think we should be able to take care of business. But Smoove has to stay with Murphy and guard the rim! Horford is going to have his hands full with Hibbert. Woody might consider putting Smoove on Hibbert and letting Horford guard Murphy. I really don’t want Smoove leaving the paint with Granger in his current groove, we have to keep him on the perimeter. I actually think the switching defensive should work “Ok” against Indiana, because most of their offensive is Granger. If we can limit his touches and keep him out of the paint and off the foul line, we should be successful. BUT, if Bibby keeps switching off of his man and Watson gets to play against Horford or Smoove most the night, we will LOSE!!! Mark my works!!
GO HAWKS!!!
GO HAWKS!!!
kwooden1
March 27th, 2010
7:08 pm
Mark my WORDS!!! Got too excited!
Big Ray
March 27th, 2010
7:25 pm
northcyde ,
I can’t argue with that. The team is mentally tough (when they’re mentally in the game), but I also say it’s talent. Guys can know their roles all they want, but until they develop their individual games to greater heights, and it translates to on-court production, you can tattoo their roles on their bodies and it still won’t matter. This team is seriously talented . We’ve got two all-stars, a Sixth Man, and another who shoulda/coulda been named an all-star, and that’s just four guys we’re talking about. Mentally tough? Yep. Talented and versatile? You bet. With Joe shooting as badly as he was, how did we manage to score 119 points against the Spurs, of all teams? Talent and versatility, along with mental toughness.
In fact, I AGREE that Joe can’t defer so much at times in the playoffs, the way he did to Flip. But I don’t know if we’ll agree as to why he did it.
Dude has been to the playoffs before, and in some very intense games, back when he was with the Suns. Of course, he wasn’t the top guy/headliner/main attraction, and that team was more balanced and in better tune (by far ) offensively.
I know he was hurt during last year’s playoffs, and I think his deferring had something to do with not only being less than 100% physically, but our lack of offensive diversity. That, and he drew every double team there was to be had. Flip was as much of a security blanket for Joe as he was for Woody, especially when Bibby couldn’t get much going. Watch, they will lean on Crawford the same way, but they must include Josh and Al for this to work to it’s best potential.
Oddly enough, Josh Smith averaged more points than Joe did in the playoffs, despite the fact that he was still playing inefficiently, and outside of his own strengths. Imagine what he can do for this team THIS time around, playing within himself, and doing what he knows how to do best.
Similarly, Al Horford has shown himself to be reliable in many games, even in late game situations. He has been able to make plays and get us buckets when those millions of jumpers just aren’t falling.
I’m not saying take the ball out of JJ’s hands when the chips are down, or give our bigs all the shots. In fact, I’d leave the ball in JJ’s hands. And Bibby’s. And trust them to know when to give that ball up to Al, Craw, or Josh. Trust them to involve those guys, who will also then play with even more energy on the defensive end. You have to reward your bigs for the hard work they do on everybody’s behalf on the other end. Especially when they can get higher percentage baskets as the opposing team locks down your perimeter shooters.
Again, I’m not asking that we take the ball out of our best scorer’s hands. But good teams win when they have other options, and make use of them. Versatility. Talent. We’ve got it. We have to use it.
Big Ray
March 27th, 2010
7:27 pm
Hell, Joe has it better than ever (well, not as good as he did in Phoenix). He doesn’t have to rely on Flip anymore, a journeyman gunner.
He’s got Crawford, Bibby (healthier and hopefully hitting his shots), and now Al and Josh. Mo Evans has stepped up as well.
Big Ray
March 27th, 2010
7:27 pm
Blast ,
You’re right. It wasn’t Joe’s fault. The team failed to play defense and got outhustled, end of story.
BirdDawg
March 27th, 2010
7:32 pm
Although their effort the other night was pathetic, I think the coach has to bear the brunt of a lot of that. You’re looking at a tired team, physically and mentally. When you have overworked starters combined with an underused bench over 71 games, that’s what you’re going to get. This team came out of the gate like gangbusters at the beginning of the year and slowly but surely, they started to trail off at the end of the year. That is fatigue. And Joe has been overworked for years now under Woodson so it would stand to reason that he is off of his All Star form at times. It explains why Josh Smith, who seemed to have constant energy at the beginning of the year, often walks from point A to B on the floor at this point in the season. The bench players are tired of being used as building decorations and the starters (and Jamaal) are just plain tired.
Hawk n the Ham
March 27th, 2010
7:32 pm
I think someone swapped the Red Bull with Sprite Zero.
Clyde
March 27th, 2010
8:13 pm
Anyone notice how Woody ran Boris Diaw out of Atlanta but treats Marvin Williams like his son?
FIRE WOODY
rusty
March 27th, 2010
8:16 pm
yeah northcyde i would like to see jj dribble for 18 seconds force the shot over 3 defenders,pass the ball to js or mw 20 feet from the basket with 2 seconds on the cloak or throw the ball away. yeah i would like him to take at least 20 shots he might make 8, he will get to the line 2 times. when other super stars shoot 8 for 23 they usallly make 10 of 13 free throws. yeah i like to see every body stand around & see no ball movement while joe has fun.
Clyde
March 27th, 2010
8:20 pm
Hey David McDavid
Buy the Hawks with your 281 million dollar judgement. The Spirit group is broke and they don’t know what the hell they are doing.
FIRE WOODY
Ken Strickland
March 27th, 2010
8:29 pm
The Hawks will always have long running DEF lapses as long as Woodson continues to force the team to play his beloved switching DEF. How can Woodson watch subpar teams shred his beloved switching DEF, and all he does is complain about the players not doing a ggod job of playing DEF? Hell, what kind of DEF can he reasonably expect from our centers and PF’s when they’re consistently forced to defend opposing PG’s, SG’s and SF’s from taking them off the dribble from the top of the key? What kind of successful DEF can anyone but a fool expect from Bibby and Crawford, with them being matched against C and PF’s under the basket?
IF WOODSON IS TOO STUPID OR STUBBORN TO MAKE A NEEDED DEF ADJUSTMENT OR CHANGE AT THIS POINT IN THE SEASON, HOW CAN WE EXPECT HIM TO MAKE A NEEDED DEF ADJUSTMENT DURING A 4-7GM PLAYOFF SERIES? We have too many areas of vulnerability to be a serious title contender, and most of them can, but won’t, be corrected by Woodson, like:
(1) Not relying so heavily on the switching DEF, especially when it’s so blatantly obvious it’s hurting us.
(2) Take control of the OFF during crunch time and insist the players controlling the ball and the OFF run the plays and maintain ball movement. THERE’S ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSE FOR WOODSON ALLOWING JJ TO CONSTANTLY DISRUPT THE OFF AND BALL MOVEMENT WHENEVER HE DECIDES HE WANTS TO GO ISO.
(3) If Woodson sees teams constantly getting into the lane and beating our DEF, he has to get it through his thick stubborn head that leaving PG MBibby in the gm and having him switch off on the opposing teams Bigs ain’t the damned answer.
(4) While a lot of you insist on claiming JTeague isn’t ready to run a team, he’s sure as hell capable of playing a lot better DEF than MBibby or JCrawford.
Since Crawford and/or JJ usually dominate the ball and run ISO’s during crunch time, it would make a lot of sense to play Teague during those times to iliminate any DEF weaknesses. C-Horford, PF-Smoove, SF-JJ, SG-Crawford and PG-Teague. If they try to double JJ or Crawford, that gives us Teague and either JJ or Crawford with the ability to effectively penetrate off the dribble.
WOODSON JUST DOESN’T THINK OR RESPOND TO CRITICAL OR EVEN OBVIOUS SITUATIONS WITH ANY SENSE OF URGENCY OR UNDERSTANDING. HE JUST SITS BACK AND ALLOWS THINGS TO TRANSPIRE AND THEN BLAMES THE PLAYERS IF THE RESULTS ARE UNFAVORABLE. A HC HAS TO BE AN ACTIVE AN VIABLE PARTICIPANT IN THE PROCESS THROUGHOUT EVERY GM, JUST LIKE THE PLAYERS.
Blast
March 27th, 2010
8:34 pm
I hear ya, Big Ray. Just calling it as it is. Hawks didn’t look to be so interested last night. Shame, really.
rusty
March 27th, 2010
8:36 pm
right on ken
sam;l
March 27th, 2010
8:46 pm
I now believe the Hawks are beyond our ability to control. All we can do now is sit back and watch the games. Oddly enough, no one has any idea how successful they will be.
SWAT Native
March 27th, 2010
9:18 pm
I hated the loss too, but I think the Hawks got a dose of their own homecourt advantage. They probably got in early the night before and hit the Philly nightclubs and were tired for the game, just like other teams do when the come to Atlanta. They also took Philly lightly, and the Sixers saw a chance to show that they can play after all. It really was a trap game.
I still say you have to put this loss in context. If you looked at their week at the beginning, with San Antonio, at Milwaukee, Orlando, at Philly and Indiana, I would have said they would be doing well to win three. They still have a chance to do it if they beat Indiana tomorrow, which won’t be as easy as some might think (they’re hot right now).