Hawks Squawks: Hawks 109, Lakers 92
– The Hawks dominated the Lakers in every which way. The offense was unstoppable. The defense was excellent. The bench was superb.
– The Lakers are tougher with Andrew Bynum (Achilles’) of course but that shouldn’t take away from the Hawks’ complete effort. “Any time you beat the Lakers, the defending (NBA) champions, it speaks volumes,” Woody said. “If we are committed for 48 minutes we can beat any team in the league, I really believe that.”
– It sure looked like it tonight. The defensive intensity, rotations, closeouts and rebounding were all on point. “Guys got after it,” Marvin said. “We took on the individual challenge to defend.”
– “I was satisfied with every position defensively,” Woody said, and how many times does he say that?
– Kobe got 28 points but only eight after halftime. He showed why he’s the best during that 14-point second quarter, when the Hawks did pretty much everything they could to slow him but he just made tough shots.
– “They did a fantastic job,” he said. “They’re playing with a lot of energy and confidence.”
– J.J. was just as good as Kobe with 25 points, eight assists and just one turnover. “Joe played like I thought he would play,” Woody said. “Kobe brings out the best in everybody.”
– “Just for the Lakers, period,” J.J. said. “Because they’ve been so dominant over the years.”
– After halftime, the Hawks hardly heard a peep from Lakers fans. “There were a lot of Lakers fans but that’s to be expected,” Mo said. “They’ve earned that. But it was good to have our fans cheer for us by the time the game ended. We definitely are going to need that support,”
– It’s not like the Lakers weren’t motivated. They are way clear of Dallas at the top of the Western Conference and probably won’t catch Cleveland for the league’s top record. But Kobe had said they were “on edge” after losing at New Orleans on Monday because they don’t want to relax heading to the playoffs.
– “They just outplayed us,” Phil Jackson said. “Regardless of inspiration, they beat us to balls, they were quicker to the offensive boards.”
– Good move by Woody to stick with Zaza over Al, who was strangely passive–why did he keep passing up those open jumpers Gasol was giving him?
– Zaza made a difference. It wasn’t just the 10 points and 10 rebounds, it was the way he made sure the Lakers got nothing easy when they came into his area. And no one fires up the guys on the bench like Zaza, whose highlight was a drive through the lane after a dunk after faking a pass.
– Mo (18 points, 7/9 FG) also was good off the bench. The Rook’ was solid. With those three getting it done it hardly mattered that Jamal had an off night shooting (5 of 14).
– “Our bench was huge again tonight,” Woody said. “They’ve been playing extremely well and we’re going to need them to play that way the rest of the way.”
– Woody seems to be trusting his reserves more. Tonight makes six straight games of at least 14-plus minutes for Mo, six straight games of 10-plus minutes for Zaza and two straight games of nine-plus minutes for Teague.
– “We are starting to get more opportunities to play,” Mo said. “We need to step in and get our rhythm as well (as the starters).”
– The Hawks had just five turnovers, none in the second half, and against six steals.
– J.J. had a swollen right thumb. “In the first quarter I was rasslin’ with Artest,” he said. “My thumb bent back. I was just keeping a heat pack on it.”
– I’m out, Hawks fans.
MC
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128 comments Add your comment
Daniel
April 1st, 2010
1:46 pm
Thanks for the link northcyde. That will be the first issue of SLAM I have ever purchased. I can’t wait.
The Truth
April 1st, 2010
1:54 pm
That was a nice link. Finally we get some props
BurningRedBleedingBlack
April 1st, 2010
2:07 pm
Great win Hawks!!!!!!! Lets keep it going!!
The Truth
April 1st, 2010
2:30 pm
Has anyone else notice Teague lately? His game has vastly improved. He doesn’t look lost on the court anymore. He is emerging as an “in the paint threat” and is playing with more confidence and authority. I see his game resembling more of a Tony Parker type. He seems to be more effective with Crawford in the lineup with him because he plays better in a faster tempo compared to the Bibby/JJ slower tempo. Maybe his past problem was trying to emulate Bibby. Clearly, walking with the ball is not his game. He needs to be running, dashing, and slashing to be effective.
The Truth
April 1st, 2010
2:44 pm
I hope Woody can get in Teague’s head and tell him that he can make a Rookie Statement in the playoff. Though he won’t be considered for Rookie of the Year, and rightfully so, but THE PLAYOFF IS WHERE LEGENDS ARE BORN.
Ken Strickland
April 1st, 2010
3:12 pm
Last nights win made me feel like I felt the 1st part of the season when we were playing solid team ball and creaming teams. Horford hit the nail on the head when he mentioned the lack of ball movement as our biggest problem, particularly in the 4th quarter of gms. We maintained good ball movement last night and got just about whatever shots we wanted. I loved how JJ responded to the way he was being physically played by RArtest. He took the challenge, but didn’t completely disrupt ball movement in the process.
To be honest, while RArtest is still a physical presence defensively, JJ exposed the fact he’s lost the quickness and foot speed that made him an All DEF demon. There were time when JJ went by him like he wasn’t there, and without having to pound the ball. And Marvin did an excellent job of relegating LOdom to being a nonfactor. Without Kobe making one difficult shot after another, and Farmer hitting those 3’s, they would have suffered their biggest whipping and embarrassment of the season.
THIS IS WHAT I’VE WANTED TO SEE CONSISTENTLY ALL SEASON FROM THE PLAYERS, ESPECIALLY JJ, AND WOODSON. If Woodson can continue the good job of coaching he did against LA and Orlando, I’d recommend he get a 10yr contract extension. I just what him to get more involved in doing the things this teams needs from him.
When raising a baby, there are basic things you must do and things you don’t have to do, because the baby is too young to ask questions or make decision or pose any problems beyond existing. As the child starts to think, question and becomes more aware of his surrounding, the parent has to take on more responsibility.
The same process goes into coaching a flegling team like the Hawks were when Woodson became the HC. This team has become more self sufficient, started to question things, and is more aware of its potential, expectations and abilities. But like a young teenager, it still needs input, direction and encouragement.
If Woodson consistently uses our bench, properly utilizes each players talents and strengths, while limiting the effects of their limitations, makes proper adjustments and changes when needed, and employs them during gms, I have no doubt we can win it all, and I’m not just blowing smoke.
We’ve reached the part of the season where all of the banter and BS about Bibby, JJ, Zaza, Teague, Marvin, Horford, Smoove and Woodson’s shortcoming are nonissues, because we’re going to need each one of them to get past the 1st rd and advance. We don’t have to win the Cleveland gm, just push them to the limit. They know those back to back wins against us were gifts, partly from by us, and partly from home cooking by the refs and clock operator. All I can say is, GOOOOO HAWKS!!!!!!
theZaZaguy
April 1st, 2010
3:18 pm
Did anyone notice the love for the Hawks from Dr. J? He actually said that he thinks we could win it all. He also made the comment that we are the best from quarters 1-3 and that once we start playing the 4th like that as well, we will be dangerous!
Hawk n the Ham
April 1st, 2010
3:19 pm
It’s hard to win a close game when you are playing 5 on 8.
5 Cavs players + 3 NBA refs.
Hawk n the Ham
April 1st, 2010
3:23 pm
Oh, I forgot. It should really be 5 on 9. I forgot to count the game clock button pusher dude.
cp
April 1st, 2010
3:25 pm
Some of you guys are either too sensitive or want to police the blog. If people want to criticize Marvin for once again stinking it up its their right. If people want to give Woodson credit whenever they feel like he deserves it, its their right. If people want to say fire Woodson they can. I mean I understand that it might get annoying or you might not agree with it but this is a blog. If everybody on here agreed there would be no need for it. What would you debate about if everyone felt the same way?. Its like the good Dr said, if you don’t like what people are posting just roll on by. Criticizing them for criticizing the players or coach does nothing.
As far as the game went, great win. What I enjoyed most is that they went into the fourth with a lead and continued to play the way they did to get it. They didn’t go away from whats working. They moved the ball and everyone got involved. That’s the type of basketball I want to see from this team.
Truth-Serum
April 1st, 2010
3:26 pm
“In the 2nd half, Horford took over ” – What game was he watching? musta been watch with his heart!
A. Horford C 24:04 5-8 0-0 0-0 +5 3 3 6 1 3 1 0 0 0 10
Truth-Serum
April 1st, 2010
3:28 pm
“Has anyone else notice Teague lately? His game has vastly improved. He doesn’t look lost on the court anymore”- No one’s a rookie at the end of the season.
O'Brien
April 1st, 2010
3:46 pm
The players played well against Orlando and LA, and Woody also coached well, and he gave the bench lots of burn.
However, I think the Cleveland game will be a big test. Do we continue to share the ball? Does the bench get good burn? Or does Woody tighten up the rotation again?
Hopefully, we will continue to do the things that made us look like a better team the last few (home) games.
northcyde
April 1st, 2010
3:52 pm
cp . . . . it’s the overkill, that I think people get tired of. This is the type of game in which the only people looking to dog Marvin, are the people who are always negative to begin with. And when Marvin actually does something right, those same people still dog him. So that’s what this is all about.
And I’ll say it again . . . Woody didn’t coach that game any differently than he’s coached any other blowout win this year. It’s just perceived that way . . because we did this to the Lakers.
The Truth
April 1st, 2010
4:07 pm
“No one’s a rookie at the end of the season”
Oh Really!!
The Truth
April 1st, 2010
4:09 pm
Not quit the end of the season, but close
newkid
April 1st, 2010
4:11 pm
Last week Orlando, then last night the Lakers. Could Friday night be Cleveland’s turn to get pecked by the birds, and in Cleveland? Huge opportunity for our side to make a playoffs statement (”You really don’t want us to finish in the 4th spot in the East, do you?”) to the odds on favorite to win the East. The Cavs doubtlessly took note of what occurred in Philips last night; they know what happened in Philips last week against the Magic; and they know the Hawks got jobbed in a game against Cleveland a few months back. LeBron and his mates – not to mention the crowd – will be up big time for tomorrow night’s game. What a statement it would be if we were to fly in and rip them a new one (and by a Laker like margin), then return to the bird’s nest (Philips) and soundly thrash Detroit on Saturday. Next on the horizon: men’s pro basketball in Atlanta in June.
Big Ray
April 1st, 2010
4:14 pm
Northcyde ,
Thanks for the link to the SLAM article.
I’d say that Woody approaches the game pretty consistently. I don’t know if I’d say he coached all of our blowouts the same. And yeah, I give his performance in this Lakers game more weight than I do in other wins and/or blowouts. Why? Well….blowing out the Lakers is a lot different than blowing out the Nets. So if you ask me, Woody had to do a few things differently.
I wouldn’t scoff too much at people giving the man props, considering the fact that you seem to view those of us who both criticize AND praise him, as being the same as those who only bash him, and never give him credit.
Big Ray
April 1st, 2010
4:22 pm
Truth Serum ,
I think if Zaza hadn’t played so well, Horford would have been back in that game much sooner. Fortunately “hamburger Zaza” was fabulous. Oh yeah, don’t think I forgot that nickname you used to give him!
Horford had a good second half, and I love that 18 foot jumper he has developed. He may not be a traditional center, but I notice NO CENTER has been able to stop him when he pulls them outside like that. If only Josh could shoot the jumper as reliably. Speaking of Josh, we won despite a rather below average game from him. His passing skills were on display again.
It wasn’t just our defense near the rim that won the game. It was our defense along the perimeter. We made the Lakers shoot jumpers, and although Kobe hit some, as did Artest and Farmar….they missed them for the most part.
We can talk about defending the rim until we’re blue in the face, but the ultimate defense begins at the point of attack, which is on the ball, at the perimeter . If we can’t stop guards and small forwards from penetrating, we’re in trouble. Why? Because no team can play 2 on 5. No tandem of center and power forward can or should be expected to defend the entire opposing team all game long. When Dwight Howard gets into foul trouble, it’s because his teammates are allowing their guys to get pas them, and Dwight has to leave his man and defend them. The teams that have the most luck against the Magic are teams that make Dwight defend his own man. Because if he’s doing that, then even he can’t defend the rim.
It ain’t magic, just tactics.
cp
April 1st, 2010
4:25 pm
northcyde I’ve seen people who criticize Marvin give him credit when he actually performs. The problem is he hasn’t performed well consistently this year. I’ve seen rod from cp give him credit plenty of times but he makes it known that he doesn’t get excited about good games from Marvin because he tends to disappear again which is true.. I think if Marvin performed around the level he did last year it wouldn’t be so much criticism. Even the biggest Marvin supporters have to admit he hasn’t been good this year. A lot of us root for him but it gets to a point where one gets tired of lackluster performances and the excuses made for him. This isn’t his first or second or even third year. I’m sure if he was playing better the critics wouldn’t be as strong as they are.
JeJe
April 1st, 2010
5:39 pm
he Hawks won’t be playing 5 on 8 tomorrow… They’ll be playing 3 on 8–Bibby and Marvin don’t really count
JeJe
April 1st, 2010
5:57 pm
What’s with Marvin talking about “we”?
“If we play the way we did tonight up there, we will definitely put ourselves in position to win.”
How can Marvin possibly say this? He had nothing to do with last night’s victory
Truth-Serum
April 1st, 2010
6:17 pm
Big Ray, you missed that one. … I called Horford the “hambur-gular and Zaza his helper…
Hamburger & helper.
You are missing the point; intentionally?
Zaza did not have a great offensive game but he was a presence for sure defensively. Horford played only 26 minutes not because of the great offensive explosion of Z-LOL, (excuse me? how many points did he score?) but because we could not allow horford to give free passes to the basket like he does.
secondly if his game is better suited for te12-15 ft away from the basket then he is a power forward and not a center.
I would love to buy you a beer sometimes but I better get you a cup of coffee instead.
Truth-Serum
April 1st, 2010
6:21 pm
No. 2 pick Thabeet headed to D-League
By Marc J. Spears, Yahoo! Sports
Feb 25, 5:08 pm- (half way point not the end of the season.) but It was just a cliche, theres an exception to every rule. Hes not a rookie any more after this season regardless of where he lands. Lets blame his poor season and lack of growth on Woodson, like the bubba crew does.
Truth-Serum
April 1st, 2010
6:23 pm
Truth-Serum
April 1st, 2010
3:26 pm
heres Horfords stats from last night Ray, I dont know how they escaped you.. suppose you add the one from the Orlando game.
“In the 2nd half, Horford took over ” – What game was he watching? musta been watch with his heart!
A. Horford C 24:04 5-8 0-0 0-0 +5 3 3 6 1 3 1 0 0 0 10
Truth-Serum
April 1st, 2010
6:24 pm
*watching with his heart!
drmaryb
April 1st, 2010
9:04 pm
Blue-Ray
Nice post as always. I was unable to see the game & my DVR malfunctioned.
So, I am enjoying the blog to hear what happened at the HIGH-LIGHT FACTORY!
I was at the Kingdom Hall, praying for a WIN! So, glad I went.
Sounds like my HAWKS did what they had to do … To a Man! Looks like
JJ brought us home with that smothering defense. He’s the best one on one defender we have on that perimeter. And he always guards the opponent’s best player!
Sounds like a Great Win & Momentum builder for the Play-Offs!
Ken Strickland
April 2nd, 2010
5:57 am
NORTHCYDE-I just read your 1:25PM post, and man, you see and processs only what you want to see and what supports your contentions, especially when it comes to your beloved Woody. I’ll let it go at that.
I don’t know where some of you get the idea that Marvin contributed nothing to our win over the Lakers. It seems you have a totally one sided understanding and approach to basketball, snd that’s on the OFF end. If Marvin doesn’t score a bunch of points and get a bunch of REB’s, you don’t feel he contributed anything. Yet, Bibby has scored 2pts, had 2-3 assists and played NO D in 2 or 3gms, and you always bring up these intangibles to justify supporting him.
You seem to be looking for excuses to criticize and demean one player, while at the same time you’re looking for excuses to support another. It seems your interest and involvement is centered more around certain players on the team rather than the overall team.
As a starter, LOdom is averaging 11.9PPG, 11.6 RPG, 4.4APG and his shooting percentage is .456. Marvins DEF held him in check, to the tune of 7PTS on 3-9 shooting(.333), 10REBS, 2ASTS. He made him a nonfactor. His DEF on Odom forced RArtest to become more involved offensively.