Atlanta Hawks Squawks Game 2: Hawks 96, Bucks 86
– Well, what can you say about these first two games? The Hawks are just too good for the Bucks, who are competing but just don’t have the size, speed or offensive talent to keep up. Especially not at Philips, where they haven’t shown the ability to keep it together when the Hawks are defending, rebounding and running and the crowd is roaring.
– “They outplayed us in almost every spot up and down the floor,” Scott Skiles said. “We’ve got two or three days to get better.”
– The fans at Philip were hyped again. Say what you want about the Hawks’ troubles filling the arena with paying customers, but the people they do get in the building are doing their part.
– That’s 14 Ws in a row at Philips. “It’s the fans here,” Woody said. “The fans have been great the last three years. They really enjoy the product on the floor and how we play. They’ve been huge in the playoffs, like a sixth man.”
– It’s obvious the Hawks use that to fuel their big runs. I’ve maintained that the Hawks struggle to get up for games in front of sparse road crowds because they need a loud, packed house to generate energy. Woody dismissed my theory but I’m sticking with it.
– Al says the Hawks are ready to take it on the road for Game 3 on Saturday. “We’re on edge,” he said. “We can’t take anything lightly. I’m sure it’s going to be a tough environment. We’re fighting for our lives.”
– The Bucks once again can take solace that each time it looked like the Hawks finished them off, they showed some life. Then again, the Bucks also saw that when the Hawks decide they are going to play with passion for stretches the Bucks get left in their dust.
– That’s what happened when Milwaukee got within 80-72 in the fourth quarter. J.J. made a shot, he made another, Josh passed to Johnson in the corner for a 3-pointer, Al had a 3-point play, Smoove scored an alley-oop layup and Bibby made a jump shot.
– Just like that, it was 94-77 and the Bucks sagged. “We weren’t going to let them get over that hump,” Jamal said. “When a team like that can do that, it gives them life.”
– If you want to look ahead (because you can do that even if the Hawks can’t) you wonder if these offensive lulls will come back to bite the Hawks if they make it through this round and the competition stiffens. But the Hawks deserve credit for handling their business against an overmatched opponent. I don’t need to tell you that hasn’t always happened this season.
– Smoove was one assist short of a triple-double. He missed only two shots and on one of those he launched a jumper while trying to beat the shot clock. The thing I noticed is even when the Hawks made a bad play at one end he just sprinted back the other way instead of sulking.
– “I just have to give credit to my teammates for sticking with me,” he said. “They know whenever they pass the ball in the post and I get double-teamed, I’m going to make the right play. I was able to get it going early and sustain it throughout the ballgame.”
– J.J. was impressive, too. The Bucks couldn’t do anything to keep him out of the lane. He was noticeably spry off the dribble, shaking off Salmons a few times and slicing to the basket. J.J. was in control.
– J.J. also fared better checking Brandon Jennings. He can’t match the rookie’s quickness but he’s got six inches of height and about 70 pounds on him. He used those advantages and his vet savvy to make things difficult on Jennings.
– He got help from his teammates. The Hawks basically made Jennings a jump shooter and he wasn’t a very good one. “We wanted to give him different looks,” Jamal said. “Sometimes trap him, sometimes ‘half trap’ him, acting like we are going to trap.”
– Al was feeling it, too. It wasn’t just his efficient offense and his solid defense, it was the way his energy got the Hawks going. He’s a really smart player.
– The Bucks keep sending out bodies but they’ve got nothing for Josh and Al. At one point the Bucks put lumbering big man Primoz Brezec on Al, who easily got by him to draw a foul.
– Got to feel for Skiles. He’s got his team playing hard but he just can’t find a combination that works. You could see his frustration each time he slumped on the bench disgusted after J.J., Josh or Al got to the rim for scores. “They’re getting a lot of easy baskets,” he said. “if we keep handing out those easy baskets, it could be over quick.”
– The Bucks got more open looks in the second half, some of those on scrambles, but they didn’t look to have the legs to convert. That’s what happens when they spend most of the game chasing the Hawks into the lane and in transition.
– Teague looked lost during one sequence in the first quarter. Ilyasova shook free for a 3-pointer when Teague was slow on a rotation, then Teague didn’t seem to know the Hawks’ play and had to be shooed off by Jamal, and then he overdribbled and clanked a shot. That got Bibby back off the bench.
– The Hawks’ reserves didn’t contribute much. Jamal shot just 2 for 10 and then drew Woody’s ire by becoming gun shy. Zaza seemed out of sorts. Mo took just one shot. The Bucks’ bench players had 40 points to seven for the Hawks.
– Zaza and Woody had a blowup when Woody took him out of the game after Salmons kept going around him for layups. Zaza didn’t want to talk about it. “We won the game, that’s what’s important,” he said.
– Did you see Bibby crossover Ridnour and draw a foul? Then he threw a nice lob to Al for an alley-oop layup. Bibby was just 2 for 8 from the floor but found a way to contribute with seven assists and six free throw makes in six attempts.
– The Hawks are taking the day off on Wednesday. They will meet up on Thursday for practice and plan to leave for Milwaukee on Friday.
– I’m out, Hawks fans
MC
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126 comments Add your comment
jerrywest
April 20th, 2010
11:57 pm
When JJ met the press after the game, he got a preview of what it would feel like playing next to LeBron. Almost all questions were directed to Smoove. Even Josh joke about the press ignoring JJ.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 20th, 2010
11:59 pm
The AP game notes say both of these games were sellouts. Not so sure about that, but I can say this: the people who showed up for these two games couldn’t have possibly been better. I was pleased to see a few fans sitting near me who were clearly on their first trip to Philips today thoroughly enjoying the experience.
I haven’t seen Josh sulk in a long time, maybe this entire season. Whine at the refs, sure, but he’s been a model teammate in every game I’ve seen this year.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 21st, 2010
12:01 am
Also, to the people singing “na na na na hey hey goodbye” at the end of the game, come on now. I can’t even hate the Bucks. I just feel bad for them. That fan base hasn’t seen a true contender in ten years either, and now they finally make the playoffs and both of their best players are injured and they are getting blown out of the building. Save the taunting for teams like the Magic and Cavs who will thoroughly deserve it.
Ree Roe
April 21st, 2010
12:03 am
What happened b/w ZaZa & Woody, if anything.
The team looked focused tonight. Defensively we were active, agressive on offense & if it wasn’t for our lackluster bench play we’d be firing on all cylinders. Very impressed by the team tonight. Sucks that we don’t play til Sat, but it is what it is
-REEgistered as Roe!!!
bonquesha
April 21st, 2010
12:06 am
This question is for Josh. Al fell down on the floor trying to save the ball and you ran over and helped him up. Can you talk about that?
Najeh Davenpoop
April 21st, 2010
12:10 am
One more thing: let me jump into Sautee and northcyde’s ongoing debate about playoff rotations tightening for a second. I always hear that teams tighten their rotations, but I haven’t done the research to know whether or not that statement is actually based in fact. I do know this though: if I was Mike Woodson, and I was playing only one game every three or four days in the playoffs, I would definitely be tightening my rotations up and playing my best players as many minutes as possible. During the regular season, I want to see the bench get more burn so that they are ready to fill in if a starter gets in foul trouble or gets hurt. But in the playoffs, the best players should be on the floor for as long as possible. So I have no problem with only one bench player playing over 20 minutes in Game 2.
In a way, Woody is like the anti-Bobby Cox. Woody has been coaching like it’s the playoffs all year long, keeping a quick hook for bench players (particularly Teague) and not really allowing them to play long enough to get into a rhythm and gain confidence; this is necessary in the playoffs but not so much in the regular season. Cox, on the other hand, has screwed up many a postseason series by continuing to play struggling players trying to build up their confidence; in other words, by managing the playoffs in regular season style. I’m all for complaining about this habit of Woody’s in the regular season, but the playoffs are a different ball game. I think Woody’s doing the right thing.
keno
April 21st, 2010
12:17 am
If I hadn’t watched the game myself, I would’ve thought Joe had 50 points or something and no one else mattered. What game was the NBA tv crew watching? There was definitely a nice balance- Josh and Al both had really good games but somehow they went on for ten minutes about Joe carrying this team and how they lean on him too much.
Michael Cunningham
April 21st, 2010
12:27 am
@Najeh: maybe “sulk” isn’t the right words. what i mean is, sometimes when things don’t go well at the offensive end Josh slumps his shoulders and doesn’t get back. i don’t mean to imply he’s bad teammate.
@ Ree Roe: from what i saw, Woody took Zaza out and said something to him, Zaza didn’t take it very well and he was yelling at Woody when he sat on the bench. Jamal was trying to calm him down.
cdog
April 21st, 2010
1:47 am
zaza should be glad to be on the floor.he stands around, don’t box out and if the ball don;t boune staight to him, he will not move to get.poor sportsmanship.if i was woodson, i would make he doesn’t have to worry about being taken out.the game is not about him but the team.he should be glad to be on a winner.
merbertmoover
April 21st, 2010
2:07 am
man ive never been happier to be a hawks fan! we be dribblin on them bucks like a bee in a burger barn, you know what im sayin?
Ric Roc
April 21st, 2010
2:08 am
MC,
No, “sulk” is/was absolutely the correct choice of words! I get so sick of watching Josh do just that after a missed shot or turnover… constantly the last one back on defense and always making that awful face where he scrunches his facial muscles like he’s about to cry.
My girlfriend and I do that as an inside joke… we call it “The Josh…”
If Najeh hasn’t seen it all season, then he hasn’t seen the Hawks…also, the “hey, hey, hey” was frigging hilarious! I’m a Hawks fan… why should we care about about making the other team feel good about themselves??
Cannon
April 21st, 2010
2:47 am
Great game. I had section 214 row J rocking!!! Very late arriving crowd. The arena was only half full during player intros. Come on Hawk fans get with it, and support this team, not just when it’s convenient for you.
hawks_4_life
April 21st, 2010
4:40 am
If you were to look at http://espn.go.com you wouldve thought there was only three games played last night. How is it our game is the only one not front page worthy? Thats ok, make them believe hawks.
hawks_4_life
April 21st, 2010
4:53 am
We are 2-0 for the first time since 1970!!!
vava74
April 21st, 2010
6:24 am
Don’t get me wrong, I am happy with the 2-0 situation, however, the Bucks are probably the weakest playoff team of the 16 that got in.
They are completely over matched inside and Jennings is still wet behind his years and not yet capable of playing consistently.
So, anything less than a 4-1 series win should be a reason for us to be ashamed.
We should all expect to be 100% focused on Saturday and not let the Bucks get into any sort of groove.
Our defense on Jennings and Salmons must remain tight and aggressive and we should make sure that we translate our inside superiority into a rebounding hedge, something that did not happen yesterday.
I game like we had yesterday could easily go down the drain if one or two crucial baskets that got in from us didn’t and if the Bucks had not missed so many free throws and managed to get one or two buckets more.
We’ve got to remain FOCUSED.
O'Brien
April 21st, 2010
7:03 am
Did not see the game, but from reading the comments, and looking at the box score, our bench played horrible, while our starters played great.
ZaZa had a -17 rating, so I dont know what he’s complaining about. Crawford has not played well in either game (he went 2-10, after going 4-11), so hopefully he will get things straightened out by the next series, because we will need him then.
Not much from Teague or Mo. Fortunately its the Bucks, so even with our bench struggling, we have more than enough firepower to beat them. But for us to get by Orlando, we will need more production from our bench.
Good job Woody and the starters.
Najeh,
I’m with you. In the playoffs, I dont worry much about minutes. What Woody should focus on is effectiveness. If a player is playing great (and energized), then leave him in the game. But if he is struggling or tired (starter or not), pull him, and it looks like thats what Woody did with Crawford and ZaZa.
vava,
I agree with some of your points, but the bottom line is the Hawks did what they were supposed to do. Hold serve at home. Hopefully they’ll keep it going on the road.
The bad thing is no Hawks basketball until Saturday.
JeJe
April 21st, 2010
7:11 am
I will be happy if we keep seeing these backdoor screens and Smoove lobs. Can we just do that for every play?
JeJe
April 21st, 2010
7:21 am
I feel JJ is one bad thumb hit away from a serious injury. We gotta look out for this guy
Grandad
April 21st, 2010
7:21 am
You know folks:
Josh Make that face & maybe on occasion he argues with an offical
before getting back on def…’BUT’:
The young man plays his tail off!
How many times have you seen him chase down a fastbreak
and block the shot – clean; saving ‘2′ pts.
*He runs the floor.
*He dives [on] the floor.
*He fills the stat sheet.
*He is unselfish. “Rodmanesqe”
*He has turned himself into a hybrid low-post/slasher. [sans 3's]
*He seems to be a really good kid.
*To top it off he has become a leader.
**SERIOUSLY**
Are we worrying about his facial expressions.
Grandad
April 21st, 2010
7:24 am
“[makes]* that face”
i_am_soulstar
April 21st, 2010
8:29 am
i wanted that triple-double double so bad for Josh
.. oh well, good game Hawks
terrell
April 21st, 2010
8:40 am
“Teague looked lost”. I wonder who’s fault that is? You learn from playing, not sitting. And I dont care what Woody said his Coach did back in the 60’s. Sit and learn Rook my ass. I expected him to look lost out there in a Playoff game, when he barely played in the reg season. You should’ve expected the same MC.
terrell
April 21st, 2010
8:48 am
Zaza knows good and damn well he dont wont no part of Woody’s doghouse. ANYBODY but Woody’s. Hell, his sorry behind is lucky he’s getting an NBA check to begin with. And some of yall got the nerve to talk about Horford’s defense. The Bucks went straight to the hole, when Zaza came in. And btw, how long does it take someone to learn how to set a screen without moving? Sit his ass Woody. Give Randolph some burn. lol!
Daniel
April 21st, 2010
9:27 am
What a great night for Atlanta sports. I actually went to the Braves last night, before you guys crush me I did make sure my tickets went to fans, and the Braves game was with four college buddies who I haven’t seen in a year. Still was a tough call though. I don’t have a lot to contribute today since I only saw highlights. The first game all year that I haven’t either seen in person or on TV.
Hawks take 2-0 lead in series with Bucks 96-86 | Soaring Down South | An Atlanta Hawks blog
April 21st, 2010
9:34 am
[...] Hawks Blog – AJC [...]
Mike is Back
April 21st, 2010
9:40 am
@MC, Great Stuff…Skiles is a nice guy, but I don’t feel for him…nobody ever gave a crap about us…all you hear about is the past…even though our guys went into the playoff as the 3rd seed…the tone of ESPN and TNT make you feel like we are an 8th seed or sumin. Like JJ said…its time to let the world know these Hawks are for reaaaaal. Everyone will be looking to see how we respond on the road in the playoff…I think Woody will have his guys ready to go.
On Zaza, I notice the same thing…he just looked a step slow, and tentative…Salmon was eate’em alive. lol
@Najeh Davenpoop, when the fans come out in force like that…let’em have all the fun they want. I love it when everyone is into the game.
TREMENDOUS TEAM EFFORT…KEEP KICKING ASSSSSSSSSS HAWKS……………LET THE DEER KNOW WHATZUP
jean
April 21st, 2010
9:46 am
woody is a idiot for pulling crawford he can be 0-15 u dont pull him he still always a threat to get hot and by pulling him he will get him out of his comfert zone 4th quarter is his time…..this guy woody is king of panic not stan van gundy
Sautee
April 21st, 2010
9:49 am
Najeh,
To be clear…. my debate with northcyde is NOT related to Woody’s use of the bench. It was in a total vacuum. Like you, I have not done any research (leaving it for the KING OF RESEARCH), but I noticed last year the in the Finals, both coaches used 10+ players at times. That was the beginning of my “debate” with northcyde, but the games that I have checked so far back me up. It may no longer be “gospel” that all coaches automatically shrink their rotations in the playoffs.
Just from last night’s games, and speaking of double figure minutes, MIL played 9, MIA played 9 (plus J. Jones had 9 min.), BOS played 9, POR played 9 (plus J. Pendergraph played 9 min), Suns played 10, LAL played 8 and OKC played 9.
So out of 8 teams playing, only two, us and the Lakers, played fewer than 9 players with double-figure minutes. I don’t know what this means, but I’d say that it does NOT mean that coaches are automatically shortening rotations. To be fair, I have no idea how much or little other coaches use their respective benches in the regular season. To play 9 COULD be shortening the rotation for some teams.
As far as Woody’s rotations go, I’m right there with you (and we’ve agreed many times about that this season). If they aren’t producing, pull ‘em out. Even northcyde and I agree on that.
Mike is Back
April 21st, 2010
9:50 am
@terrell, come on bro…You can’t blame that on Woody. This is the playoff…last year THE ROOK was in college…Hence why they call him the rook. Teague probably got butterflies the size of golf balls flying around in his chest right now…he will be okay. lol
Jay
April 21st, 2010
9:51 am
GO HAWKS
bigdave
April 21st, 2010
10:13 am
Daniel…
lucky dog.. u saw a classic.. i hope Nate gets it together so he can claim that lead off spot.. we are consistent lead off man away from an elite team… our bullpen is just plain beastly..
Let him Joe
April 21st, 2010
10:37 am
If Joe Johnson does not want to resign with the Hawks, I say let him Joe and let’s focus on Dwayne Wade. With Wade we will mentioned for Championships for the next 5 years.
Section 303
April 21st, 2010
10:44 am
I agree, Michael. Teague did look lost. He failed to get out on the 3-point shot, like you mentioned. Also, his turnover down in the corner, on the inbounds pass, directly led to a Stackhouse open 3. Teague shows flashes of being good, the potential is there. He has looked in over his head this entire series, though.
My favorite part of last night was locking down Jennings. Those who claim Woody makes no adjustments have some explaining to do. If there are no adjustments, explain Jennings from game 1 to game 2. Betting I do not get a legit answer to that question.
Funny…whoever was talking about Josh Smith’s body language. He does sulk, but sometimes I wonder if it is impossible to read that guy. I think he is getting to the point where he is elite, especially on D. Sometimes I think he just losses interest or gets a little lazy. Josh is going to be a great one when everything is all said and done, though. I never would’ve thought I would write anything like that 5 years ago.
jean
April 21st, 2010
10:49 am
fire woody how dare he bench jamal
hawks_4_life
April 21st, 2010
10:51 am
@Jean
You cant seriously be upset for Woodson pulling Crawford out. He was cold not contributing and most importantly it paid off cause we won the game.
northcyde
April 21st, 2010
10:56 am
Yeah Najeh . . . these teams simply have to do what they have to do to win games at this point of the season. The shortening of the rotation not only has to do with the number of players you play, it also has to do with the amount of minutes you play them.
Like with Woody last night, he didn’t even waste time trying to let the bench play through their problems. They were totally ineffective, so he significantly shrunk the minutes of our 3 main guys off the bench. Even Crawford saw his time cut because of his ineffective play.
That’s the trend you always see come the playoffs.
Sautee . . here’s a K of R stat for ya:
The 23 minutes that Crawford played last night, was his 3rd LOWEST minute total of the season. He played 22 minutes in a blowout vs Denver last month . . and only 13 minutes in the season opener.
With Crawford basically being an instant offense player, even Woody knows not to play him his usual 30+ minutes a game if he’s struggling on both ends of the court and if Marvin and Bibby are giving the team good minutes.
Woody knows his team.
Michael Cunningham
April 21st, 2010
11:03 am
@jean: i think Woody actually agrees with you. he pulled Jamal because he passed up a couple shots. he wants him to keep shooting but Jamal seemed to lose confidence. it’s similar to what happened when Jamal went through that mini-slump after the AS break. but i figure he will be fine.
@Sec 303: Josh’s facial expressions don’t give a true picture of what he’s like. the guy plays hard but sometimes he gets frustrated and, like you say, disinterested. of course i’m not saying those times he fails to get back on D outweigh the many good things in his game. i just noticed last night that he quickly let go of the bad possessions and hustled back on D. it made a difference because Milwaukee can’t get those secondary breaks when he’s lurking around the rim.
Section 303
April 21st, 2010
11:11 am
Michael, Josh has been outstanding this year. He is getting so good, that I am surprised when he does not block a shot. In game 1, there was a sequence where Salmons had beat Marvin and Marvin grabbed him to stop him from getting an easy hoop. Josh was trailing right behind that play. I wish Marvin had been aware of that. I think Josh would have got that shot, too.
The guy is a stud, no doubt. One of the most talented players I have ever seen play, that is for sure…
Coach D
April 21st, 2010
11:12 am
2-0! Can’t get better than that.
@ Vava-You can only beat the team that you’re playing. On the other hand, if the Hawks let the Bucks extend this series to more than 5 games, I’d be willing to bet Orlando will sweep Atlanta. Finish the Bucks and I hope the Hawks will have a fighting chance against Dwight and his crew.
Go Hawks GATA!!!!!!!!!
Show me state
April 21st, 2010
11:15 am
I enjoyed watching da whole game….Great win Hawks…..
darrell starks
April 21st, 2010
11:24 am
Great game hawks the place was loud and we look good.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
Daniel
April 21st, 2010
11:26 am
bigdave- I am on a streak, was at the home opener too. Plus, I have been to around 20 Hawks home games this season, ALL WINS!!!
I think the teams need to put me on payroll as a good luck charm.
Rick Sund
April 21st, 2010
11:29 am
Daniel
Im considering it!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
April 21st, 2010
11:31 am
We are not a good road team at all so there is no relaxing on the bucks, i remember when the hawks was down 2 games against boston and every one said the hawks will get sweep next thing you no we are in game 7, so it’s not over until fat lady sing.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
northcyde
April 21st, 2010
11:35 am
So out of 8 teams playing, only two, us and the Lakers, played fewer than 9 players with double-figure minutes. I don’t know what this means, but I’d say that it does NOT mean that coaches are automatically shortening rotations. To be fair, I have no idea how much or little other coaches use their respective benches in the regular season. To play 9 COULD be shortening the rotation for some teams.
Sautee . . it means that the BOS -MIA and the POR – PHX games were all blowouts, and the coaches pretty much emptied their benches. MIL and OKC pretty much stuck with their rotation. And if they do that, they’ll probably get swept.
OKC is going to have to reduce Eric Maynor’s minutes, and keep Westbrook on the floor as much as possible. And it’s not because the kid is playing bad . . . he’s just not impacting the game, although he does play decent defense. But Westbrook MUST play 40+ minutes vs the Lakers, even if he has to play through foul trouble.
As for MIL, Ilyasova has arguably been their most consistent player and best rebounder, yet, he’s not even playing 25 minutes a game. If they have to start him, or play him more minutes, then that’s what they have to do. To Smoove’s and Horford’s credit, they shut that dude down in the 2nd half, after he had that monster 2nd quarter.
Let’s see if the coaches people believed did a better job than Woody this year ( Skiles and Brooks ) can make adjustments at home to help their team win one or two of these next games. Hopefully, Skiles will stick with his rotation, playing his 2 most efficient players in the playoffs so far ( Ilyasova and Stackhouse ) fewer than 25 minutes a night.
Daniel
April 21st, 2010
11:35 am
thanks Rick- all I need is two season tickets, preferably 105, and a Marta pass.
Rick Sund
April 21st, 2010
11:37 am
Daniel
I was thinking courtside next to Ciara but suit yourself.
LouFan
April 21st, 2010
11:38 am
I would bench Jamal too. He is one of the main reasons why teams come back. Lack of D is apparant as well. Good call woody. Bad shot selection for Jamal.
Grandad
April 21st, 2010
11:38 am
Good mid-AM to all / (a bit off topic) But we don’t play again ’til next month, or so it seems. However, I fet a need to go ahead with this post. I attemted to post this several times over the last couple of wks.
But the ‘Blog Monster’ kept eating it. So, I’m trying again. I wanted to get it on before someone scooped me.
[Draft Xpress has moved him up to # 35 on their list of " Top 100".
New draft philosophy for our [1st round] draft pick,this summer 2010.
*(NOT A JOKE)*
It is an amalgam of strategies which I concluded from [2] fellow bloggers: [given the fact, we are drafting so low in the 1st round]
*1st – AJ: the ‘niche’ player; a player who exhibits a specific skill that can immediately be put to use in his rookie season therefore helping the team compete for a championship.
*2nd nc: reaching for said ‘niche’ player in the 1st round regardless
of how ridiculous that pick may seeem.
(making sure THAT player is not gone when we/Hawks select in 2nd round)
I’m now making my case for…Brian Zoubek:
*7-1, 260 & Duke definetly has a wgt. rm.
*Best Off. reb. in nation by a wide margin
*Did I say he is 7-1
*excellent passer
*Most fundamental BIG to come out of the college ranks in a while.
(Kevin Love don’t count – only 6-7 & 1/2 sock ft.)
*7-1
He’s Big & Strong enough to battle D Howard.
*Scoring is irrelevant, we have plenty of scorers/we need BIG BANGERS.
*he’s less expensive than ‘Cheeseburger”
*7-1
[moved up to # 35 in dr. xpress list of "Top 100"]
Bash on, I fully expect a thorough shellacking!
darrell starks
April 21st, 2010
11:39 am
Woody have 2 stick with his bench period, even if they have a bad night that will be hawks only shot in the playoffs, play your bench regardless woody.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!
LouFan
April 21st, 2010
12:02 pm
That makes no sense. How are they to learn if there is no consequences to their actions? Playoffs or not, 2-10 shooting = bench. Especially the shots he was taking. If they want to get minutes, they have to perform. Zaza was playing with no heart either. Maurice Evans I felt deserved more but he got two fouls quick. Playoffs are about winning. Not keeping players in the game till they “get it”.
cp
April 21st, 2010
12:03 pm
The bench was horrible but hopefully they will play better. Teague is rookie and this is his first playoff experience so I expect him to struggle. Although Bibby didn’t shoot well the starters looked good……. The Bucks play very hard but their shot selection is down right horrible…… I was watching the Bulls game the other night and Flip showed why I loved having him here and why I hated having him here. He got them back in the game but at the same time he has those moments where he comes down the court and just jacks up shots. When he is hot its cool but watching him come down on consecutive possessions jacking up j’s used to frustrate the hell out of me.
drmaryb
April 21st, 2010
12:04 pm
Our road record is actually not that bad. What were we? A few games below .500?
The goal per, Sir Charles is to win @ home & play .500 on the road. I don’t know our road numbers right this minute.
Anyone…Anyone?
hawks_4_life
April 21st, 2010
12:06 pm
Loufan
I agree with you.
bigdave
April 21st, 2010
12:13 pm
Hawks Owner Compares Josh Smith to James
Posted: 4/21/2010 6:10:00 AM
Source: Chris Tomasson of NBA FanHouse
No need to move over, LeBron (James). You’ll still be the marquee attraction during these NBA playoffs.
But let us introduce the world to LeBron South. You might not know much about him since the Hawks play in the NBA outpost of Atlanta. Even though they’re located just down the road from the Turner studios, they rarely get on TNT during the regular season.
For those who missed it, it was a scintillating show by Hawks forward Josh Smith. He had a near triple-double with 21 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists in the 96-86 win over Milwaukee for a 2-0 series lead.
“He’s the closest thing to LeBron in the league,” Hawks owner Michael Gearon Jr. said in an interview after the game with FanHouse. “I’m not saying he’s LeBron. But just look, he gets assists, he rebounds, he blocks shots. He’s a game changer. … Just look at his stats.”
WTF
April 21st, 2010
12:17 pm
Das BS Gearon and you know it! J-Smoove has been blocking shots in this league before LeBaby even knew it existed. LeBrick is a bandwagon shot blocker! He’s just on this now for more attention.
J-Smoove=fastest to 1,000 blks in NBA HISTORY
northcyde
April 21st, 2010
12:24 pm
The Hawks were 19 – 22 on the road. That’s not good in the grand scheme of things, because you do have to win on the road in the playoffs. As of right now, I don’t believe this team can win a Game 7 in Orlando, so we’ll have to take one of those first 2 games in order to have a shot in that series.
Sweeping the Bucks may do wonders for the confidence of this team on the road. But losing both games will only reinforce the trend of them playing bad on the road. Win Game 3 . . and this series is over. Lose it, and we’ll have to do what we did in Miami last year, and take Game 4.
jean
April 21st, 2010
12:34 pm
i know jamal struggled but u still dont pull him…..this man had 2 point in the 1st half before and finished wit 32 against kobe…..he is the difference on this team if u dont let him play his game it will be another 2nd round sweep
ShortBravesFan
April 21st, 2010
12:36 pm
I went to that game last night and it was a whole lot of fun. I haven’t been to a lot of Hawks games, but this was my 2nd of the whole year, but this game was very exciting. It’s a nice feeling to watch Atlanta crush those Bucks! Lets win it all! GOOOO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
hawks_4_life
April 21st, 2010
12:37 pm
Jean
This is the playoffs man, no time to rely on hoping someone gets hot; besides we won isnt that whats important?
Daniel
April 21st, 2010
12:39 pm
Michael- mentioned this twice, once in the blog and again in the comments. Jamal did NOT get benched because he was missing shots. He was benched because he was playing TENATIVELY and passing on shots. Please, at least base your arguments on whether Woody should have benched him or not on the facts.
northcyde- I disagree. 19-22 on the road is good, not GREAT. you flip flop that record and you are winning your division.
northcyde
April 21st, 2010
12:40 pm
LOL . . Gearon is really talking like a fan now. Smoove had a tremendous game, but please don’t go comparing the guy to Lebron. There’s only one Lebron.
Smoove played the way everyone thought Lamar Odom could possibly play at one point in his career. But Lamar doesn’t have the desire to be great, even if he had the skills. I think Smoove does have the desire to be great, but that jumpshot will prevent him from achieving that.
Nonetheless, Smoove is playing oustanding basketball so far in this series. Smoove is Smoove. To me, he’s a unique player in his own right.
Daniel
April 21st, 2010
12:48 pm
norhtcyde- Josh can develop a 10-15 foot jump shot and use the window. He will never be a good three point guy. Don’t give up on his jump shot just yet.
northcyde
April 21st, 2010
12:56 pm
11 of the 15 other teams in the playoffs finished with a better road record than the Hawks. Both us and Denver won 19 road games and 34 home games. Only Milwaukee ( 18 ), Chicago ( 17 ) and Charlotte ( 13 ) won fewer road games.
I say our win total isn’t good, because almost all of the current playoff teams are VERY GOOD home teams. So if you’re shaky on the road, you may not be able to win a road playoff game.
One of the reasons why these “experts” still believe in the Celtics, is because of their ability to win road games. They won 26 road games this year, 2nd only to Dallas ( 27 ). Even though the Celtics are down, they’re also battle tested and know how to win on the road during the playoffs.
Fact is that for the Hawks to beat Orlando, they may have to win 1 or maybe even 2 road games . . because they are more than capable of taking a game on our home floor.
northcyde
April 21st, 2010
1:05 pm
Daniel . . . no he can’t.
His shot mechanics and inability to shoot a pull-up jumper off the dribble, will prevent him from developing that shot. In fact, the 10 – 15 foot jumper is probably the least taken shot in the NBA, because very few people use the midrange game anymore.
This season, Josh took only 24 shots from that 10 – 15 foot range . . making 29% of those shots. From the range he likes to shoot from ( 16 – 23 feet ), he made only 29% of those shots as well.
Smoove just needs to keep doing what he’s doing. Work on that post up game. Keep driving the ball to the rim. Take VERY FEW jumpshots, unless wide open or late in the shot clock. And use his passing ability to make other players better.
Smoove’s jumpshot has actually gotten slightly worse since he’s come into the league. But his post game has gotten much better. He’s finally accepting that he’s a PF, that can be a playmaking one in the mold of Chris Webber. If he had Webber’s 18 foot jumpshot, he’d be a top 10 player easily.
But that’s OK. A player can’t be perfect. He has to have ONE weakness, I guess.
Jody
April 21st, 2010
1:11 pm
One thing I have to give props to Josh on is that even though the guys that are guarding a not as big, he’s driving the ball to the rim and consistently going to the post. The maturity in his game when it comes to recognizing his strengths on offense is why I don’t care what forward position Josh plays. He has learned that whether his opponent is bigger or smaller, he’s attacking the basket or posting up.
Daniel
April 21st, 2010
1:17 pm
northcyde- Josh doesn’t need to change anything RIGHT now. But, seriously last off season people were really down on Josh. He would never mature, he was selfish, he wasn’t a good team player, he didn’t understand the game, etc.. And, all those were legitimate points. He made a HUGE change in his entire game this past off season. I don’t see how adding a consistent low mid range jump shot is that impossible for the guy.
Interestingly, I actually compared Horford to Weber yesterday. I think that Horford can be a Weber level player (maybe better because he doesn’t have the nickel brain).
I don’t see a great comparison for Josh’s skill set. Rodman without the crazy and better ups? (that’s not a great comparison, I know… although I loved Rodman)
sleepy
April 21st, 2010
1:25 pm
Woody sitting Crawford was a great move because as Northcyde said he knows his team . He knows that guys like Marvin and Bibby are frontrunners and will play great at home . We didnt bring Crawford in for help with first rd opponents at home . He was brought in for road games and his moves basically insures us that Crawford will be zoned in and ready to go on Saturday when we will need to him to break their spirit and setup the sweep.
Smoove just needs to work on his footwork and study Tashaun Princes post game that little lefty hook and he also needs to develop a move from the opposite block as well preferably a nice jumpshot and a dribble move going either direction . His biggest issues are that he sometimes zones out if the play doesnt involve him.
jean
April 21st, 2010
1:26 pm
yes we did win the game but bucks have no chance either way they dont even belong here with out bogut…..crawford needs to be ready for orlando and benchin him is not the way to get him ready……if buck win a single game that a good series for them…..
The Truth
April 21st, 2010
1:50 pm
Regarding Jamal playing timid and being pulled, Woody’s rotation may have something to do with that. With JJ and Jamal are both in the game, Jamal instinctively refers to JJ and pass-up more shots than normal. During the regular season when JJ was resting and Jamal was in the game, he tended to be more aggressive on offense. However, the playoff series against the Bucks has been unique so far for the Hawks. Without Bogus, the Hawks are unusually exploiting the Bucks interior weaknesses so in addition to referring to JJ, Jamal is also referring to Josh and Al in the paint. If Woody wants Jamal to be more aggressive, he should match him up with the appropriate lineup. Also, give the Bucks some credit, they have been playing stingy defense against Jamal. They are not giving him much space to find his rhythm. Since he has never been in a playoff series before, he will need time to adjust to the higher level of defense against him.
Jody
April 21st, 2010
1:53 pm
The Truth,
Great point.
Clyde
April 21st, 2010
1:59 pm
Bibby doesn’t get benched for lack of defense.
FIRE WOODY
Josh's Tude
April 21st, 2010
2:02 pm
Just after Josh made one of his monster dunks (the one on ESPN’s top ten where he slammed on the whole Bucks team)), he got a serious frown (yeah that one) and turned and stared hard at the ref (while running down the court) He was about to get into a serious funk. Someone immediately called a time out (think it was the Bucks). Josh was met half way on the court by one of the hawks assistants (dark skinned Black guy). This guy put his arm around Josh and walked him to the huddle. He was still talking to Josh when the T.O. was over. Josh came out relaxed with a smile on his face.
Long story short: I think Woody has assigned an asst coach to do one thing….KEEP JOSH’S HEAD IN THE GAME….Great move if that is what has happened. Will keep my eye on that interaction.
GO HAWKS!!!! Stay Smoove Josh!!!
Mr Webster
April 21st, 2010
2:05 pm
@The Truth: Don’t mean to nitpick dude but the word you are looking for is “defer” not “refer”.
Good point though.
The Truth
April 21st, 2010
2:15 pm
Mr Webster
Thanks for the props. The word “refer” (as I used it) means to submit to someone else for consideration or action. I meant “refer”
Sautee
April 21st, 2010
2:15 pm
Daniel,
You KNOW that I’m a Horford guy, but I just don’t see the Webber comparison.
From Webber’s very first Fab Five games it was apparent that he could score on ANYBODY. And that didn’t change two years later when he was drafted. While Al is growing and improving rapidly, I just don’t see him having the smoothness AND craftiness of Webber’s offensive game. I’ll take Al on defense all day, but I’m afraid he’ll never be as smooth as CWebb. I hope that you are right and I am wrong.
lewis
April 21st, 2010
2:16 pm
Teague played decently, he needs to learn how to setup the pace better bringing it up the court.
Bibby counts for nothing on defense. It’s 4 on 5 on D when he’s in the game, the coaches, players and fans know it.
Hawks are playing really solid basketball right now. Based on the fact that i’m already bored with this series, i’m sure the Hawks are too, and will probably lose game 3 because of it. Hopefully they can stay motivated and prove me wrong. I can’t help but think ahead about matchups against Orlando…
Terrell
April 21st, 2010
2:40 pm
For those pushing to keep the players in that struggle, you can only do some much especially in the playoffs where every possession counts. If a guy is struggling you have to pull him out, because if you don’t he becomes a liability to the team. Take him out, let him gather himself and try him later or the next game.
ncat96
April 21st, 2010
2:59 pm
I agree that you must pull players out of a playoff game if they are struggling. It’s part of being a coach . . . recognizing when players are not contributing to the play on the court whether it be offensively, defensively, or both. Plus if their play, attitude, or demeanor is not meshing with the chemistry on the court they must be benched also to give them chance to adjust their mindset. It’s all a part of game manangement for the coach. I thought that Coach Woodson did a nice job with player substitutions last night. Most of his substitutions were based on giving players rest, but some of them were based on the ability of the players to contribute on the court.
Mike is Back
April 21st, 2010
3:02 pm
@MC, and @ Section 303 I made a similar observation a couple of games ago on Josh. The difference for me is he seems to be playing with more focus and discipline. Its starting to carry over in his post game interviews. ESPN finally did a nice write up on him and Hawks after last night win. I’m loving what I see in that Josh and Al combo…they are dynamite.
JJ looks like a man on a mission. He looks like he starting to relish his role, as the leader of this team…those buckets going down the stretch was huge.
The reserves looked kind of salty because of the minute distribution the first two games, but you can’t blame Woody for wanting to lock those two games up, before his team heads to Milwaukee. Guys just have to be ready to go…when their number is called…at point it should be about winning in the playoff…nothing else.
jean
April 21st, 2010
3:25 pm
when joe goes iso i dont get why he cant just make his move why does he have to hold the ball 15 seconds…….
Section 303
April 21st, 2010
3:27 pm
lewis, come on…Teague did not play decently. He has been horrid this postseason, so far. I want Teague to succeed, too. But, don’t tell us the sky is purple when we know it is blue. And, don’t let your hatred of all things Bibby help you rationalize that Teague is playing well when he is not.
Woodson took Teague out of the game last night and things settled back down to the Hawks favor. No one will ever call Bibby a defensive machine, but he is not as bad as some are making him out to be on that end of the floor. He can hold his own.
Mike is Back, good point on the Josh Smith interviews. Josh is actually a good interview these days. Our boy is growing up…sniff, sniff..
Section 303
April 21st, 2010
3:29 pm
Mike is Back, one more thing….I am betting the reserves come out on Saturday and play well. They will have 3 and 1/2 days to hear about how bad they played last night. I think it will motivate them to come out and play well. Zaza, especially. He has to make ammends for his little temper tantrum last night. Thoughts?
Daniel
April 21st, 2010
3:55 pm
Sautee- I hear you, but I was using Weber as a ceiling of what I see Horford COULD become. Sure Weber had more offensive talent to begin with and less defense, but both improved their all around games, and Horford clearly has the better work ethic and his head on right. I am not calling Horford equal calibre to Weber in his prime, but I think if you looked at both in their 2cd and third years, Horford looks good. Remember Weber kinda went haywire with the Warriors for a little while. It wasn’t till he settled down with the Kings that he really became a true PLAYER and not just a “playa”. No what I’m sayin?
Daniel
April 21st, 2010
3:57 pm
BTW- fellas if you haven’t heard Guru from Gangstar passed away today at the age of 43. Gangstar is probably the most underated hip hop duo of all time. He will be sorely missed. If you don’t own Hard to Earn, then you are not cool, and that’s comin’ from a white dude.
Lewis
April 21st, 2010
4:07 pm
Guess i didn’t phrase that correctly. I meant decently in terms of the expectations you’d have for a rookie in the playoffs. He barely got any playing time during the season but I think his speed and seeming ability to get to the lane (though he needs to work on finishing) makes him a solid third option at point. Factor in his ability to run the fast-break and be at least somewhat of a pest on defense. I’m glad Woodson is letting him get a glimpse of what it’s like on the court during the post-season.
That said, I don’t really have anything negative to say about Bibby’s offense so far (he’s not really fast enough any more to penetrate in the paint). But even with the switching defense (the one Woodson uses to hide Bibby’s defensive inefficiency) it seems an infinite mismatch on defense.
I believe the Hawks need to look at it one game at a time. But it’s hard not to look ahead and consider: how is Bibster going to fare against Jameer Nelson? Mo Williams? Guess it’ll probably be Jamal in the game at that point anyway. But other than being bigger and faster, he’s quite soft on defense as well. Is Mo Evans fast enough to cover the point?
rambling…
Mike is Back
April 21st, 2010
4:31 pm
Section 303, I agree on the reserves…they will step up…They will be sorely needed if we are to go deep in the playoff. Each series will provide a different set of challenges. That’s why you have to scratch head at times…when hear people say Woody doesn’t make adjustments. Teague will get more opportunities…but they don’t call him BIG SHOT BIBBY FOR NOTHING. The man got ice water in his veins.
People can talk about his defense all they want, but you can’t replace his years of playoff experience…he is a calming present on the team. His intangible can’t be quantified in numbers. He has help nature this young team…it is absurd to expect him to be a lock down player at this point of his career. He may be at a disadvantage on defense…but he is savvy…he knows how to play the refs…they respect him. The bottom line is…the guy is winner…you can go all way back to his college days…heck, its in his blood line…that whatzup!!!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sam'l
April 21st, 2010
5:30 pm
Look Mike, Woody needs improvement figuring things out on the fly and it will become more crucial down the stretch, but I have absolutely no problem when the team is ready and raring to go and plays smart.. As for Bibby, he’s a fine human being, he can do assists, shoot well most nights and he is probably responsible for a lot of the low turnover rate….we still need him to pull his own weight on defense because Orlando, Cleveland (or Boston!), and whoever in the West will be ready to rumble. .
Based on what the team is saying and what the coach is saying, the Hawks’ understand the challenge, they’ve accepted it, and they’re going after it. I’m down with that.
Go Hawks. ..
Cedrick
April 21st, 2010
6:21 pm
I hope the ownership is enjoying this run through the playoffs so far because we can’t resign Joe “The Dagger” Johnson our squad will take a step back. Make sure they have noticed in the big games who has been taking the big shots when needed and tonight it was Joe Johnson!!
O'Brien
April 21st, 2010
6:40 pm
No surprise that Scott Brooks of the okc won COY. they improved by 27 wins wihoit signing a significant free agent.
Also no surprise, Scott skiles finished second and nate Macmillan third.
If woody comes back, and the hawks win 60 games next year, he will be COY
Blast
April 21st, 2010
7:45 pm
Great win last nite. Solid team win.
Bench were benched because they allowed the Bucks back into the game. Jamal is still nervous after two playoff games. In game 1, Jamal tried to pass the ball on the break, twice, when he had the shots, and turned the ball over. Twice. Game 2 he still played tentative. That’s why Wood yanked him.
Very nice to see that 136 sport writers appreciated Josh’s defensive skills enough to vote for him. Howard is a 7 foot center while Josh plays the four. You go, Josh.
Hawks just have to play the next two games the same way they played the 1st two. Inside out.
ILL-logical
April 21st, 2010
7:59 pm
Congratulations to the team for their play to date. Good to see some accolades being tossed Josh’s way but a word to the wise(and Jason Heyward): sic transit gloria.
Melvin
April 21st, 2010
8:01 pm
I would love to have Chandler a reserve on the Hawks bench…
Melvin
April 21st, 2010
8:02 pm
*as a reserve
Samuel
April 21st, 2010
8:21 pm
Man,
I wish we had a great coach who knows how to coach “offense” like Larry Brown. 30 points in a half. WOW, he’s good.
Blast
April 21st, 2010
8:27 pm
Yeah… Bobcats have been stunking it up all 1st half. Multiple turnovers, bad offense, terrible defense, some of them do not look like they wanna play.
O'Brien
April 21st, 2010
8:38 pm
Melvin,
Unfortunately, Chandler makes $12.75 mil next year. Tyrus Thomas has a QO of $6.3 mil, so if the Bobcats let him go, would you be interested? Or does his bad offense and possible mental issues scare you off?
Samuel,
No love for Woody in COY voting…
Melvin
April 21st, 2010
8:55 pm
OB,
I dont want any part of Tyrus. He’s damage goods. Look good sitting on the lot but performs like a lemon….
Samuel
April 21st, 2010
9:26 pm
Why would he if our own “so-called” fans don’t.
sleepy
April 21st, 2010
9:27 pm
Right now I think MJ would trade us Tyrus ,Tyson,and Diaw for Jamal roflmao this si what happens when you trade everyone with an offensive bone in there body for tough defensive players LARRY !!!
the league does not cater to those piston type teams anymore youve got to be able to put the ball in the hole
for real though I really expect the Bobcats to go hard after someone like Al Harrington with there MLE and use the expiring deals of Chandler and Nazr to try and get a scorer .
Sautee
April 21st, 2010
9:34 pm
Truth-serum,
Why can’t you at least acknowledge Al’s EIGHT blocked shots in two playoff games. If he had NONE you would be going on and on. Yet when he does EXACTLY what you’ve been hollering about, you say absolutely NOTHING.
And yet you are bothered when someone doesn’t give Woody the love you think he deserves.
Can you be fair?
Najeh Davenpoop
April 21st, 2010
10:00 pm
That RealGM link was Chappelle-level comedy. If the Hawks made any of those trades Sund would be fired, tied to a tree, set to float in the Atlantic Ocean, and never allowed to even listen to an NBA game again, let alone be a GM.
drmaryb
April 21st, 2010
10:16 pm
Najeh
Co-Sign.
LouFan
April 21st, 2010
10:53 pm
Mike is Back, one more thing….I am betting the reserves come out on Saturday and play well. They will have 3 and 1/2 days to hear about how bad they played last night. I think it will motivate them to come out and play well. Zaza, especially. He has to make ammends for his little temper tantrum last night. Thoughts?
@Section
He better play well. Who the hell is he to get mad… HE WAS HORRIBLE. He didn’t even play D. I totallt agree that they will come out swinging Saturday. Great coaching decision. This is how we sweep these guys. I expect a little laziness from the starters… but the bench got something to prove now. Expect a bench contribution game 3.
Wabe
April 21st, 2010
11:00 pm
Doesn’t it seem like Brandon Jennings gets swatted everytime he gets the ball to the rim?
What other rookie PG does everybody seem to hate on for not getting his shot up near the rim?
THEY’RE ROOKIES!
The lone difference between the two at the moment is one is getting the chance to play through his mistakes, while the other is playing for a team that can’t afford those mistakes at the time being. I have no problem with the minutes Woodson has allocated for JT0 here in the playoffs, we’re up 2-0. I’ve cryed for Woodson to experiment a little more with the rotation throughout the regular season. But, now it’s business.
What I’ll laugh at though is anybody who wishes to criticize the kids playoff performances, when they know damn well that the kid didn’t really get the minutes needed throughout the season to polish his game and get playoff-ready. We all have a feel for what the kid can do, but the coming years will tell us more as to whether the kid is the future. IMO, everything the kid has done with the limitted opportunites he’s had this year show me he’ll be a hell of a PG one day.
Wabe
April 21st, 2010
11:01 pm
the kid, the kid, the kid
Wabe
April 21st, 2010
11:01 pm
i know, it get’s annoying as hell after a while.
i’ll try and switch it up from here on out.
cp
April 22nd, 2010
12:31 am
Larry Brown is a hall of fame coach who got the Bobcats into the playoffs. I seriously don’t understand the sarcastic comments about him. Ya man crush wouldn’t have his ring if it wasn’t for coach Brown. His team is struggling against the team who other than one game this season, has pretty much did us the same way.
drmaryb
April 22nd, 2010
6:38 am
CP
& Larry Brown wouldn’t have his Ring w/o his players making plays or his Coaching Staff either.
It takes a total team efforrt & a great GM making the right moves too.
(However, Dumars did error by taking Darko Millicic over Car-Mello! Sounds familiar?
All GM’s miss on draft picks. Even Portland took Oden over Durant? Hindf-Sight is a Motha!
O'Brien
April 22nd, 2010
6:53 am
Tickets are still available for the games in Milwaukee. That’s good news for the Hawks
drmaryb
April 22nd, 2010
6:58 am
How many RINGS has Brown won anyway?
With how many different teams & Superstars?
His team led the magic with excessive turn overs last night.
No shot makers, except Iso-Wallace (A Great Player.), & Captian Jack, last night.
Personally, I thing proves a coach can’t win without a whole team, one through twelve players!
As CP said, “Yo man crush wouldn’t have a RING without Brown.”.
That is as TRUE as me saying, “Llarry Brown should have won a RING in Philly – He had a MVP player
& Super-Star , (voted by fans to All-Star Game in 2010).” BTW, the player never even bothered to show up for practices – Go Figure that one.
Or, that , ” Coach Brown, could have won a RING in New York with Star-Bury at PG and Al Harrington @ 3 or 4 spots.”. – Go Figure that one.
hawks_4_life
April 22nd, 2010
7:01 am
drmaryb
You are right, all GM’s make mistakes case and point:
1984 Draft Portland took Sam (freakin) Bowie over Air Jordan. Dumars also passed on Dwade.
victor
April 22nd, 2010
7:39 am
The Hawks will win the series in 4 games if they keep playing defense and the bench produces more than they did the last game. Woody will have to trust his bench to get it done because at the end of the day he doesen’t go very far in the playoffs without them.
red
April 22nd, 2010
8:14 am
i hope we can sign rick adelman as our head coach next season.
Mike Woodson
April 22nd, 2010
8:27 am
Thanks for the support, Hawks fans!
In this personal message to the AJC, I would like to campaign for a contract extension. We are a YOUNG ATHLETIC team with TREMENDOUS UPSIDE and have improved our record EVERY year since I took over as head coach.
Joe Johnson is an elite player — as good as, if not better, than Kobe, Wade, and LeBron.
Horford is an absolute beast on the boards.
In addition, we BEAT the Lakers (NBA Champions) this year — we are clearly one of the best teams in the league.
I have always let my offense take care of itself — I am a defensive coach. This is why I really vouched for us getting Mike Bibby. He is clearly still tremendously athletic, an incredible 3 point shooter, and a superstar defender.
Let’s Get ‘Em!
Samuel
April 22nd, 2010
8:42 am
Point is, you guys constantly criticize Woody for not being an offensive coach for no good reason IMO. It’s always about the players since 90% of the offensive plays in the NBA are the same. Either pick and roll, pass inside to a post up or isolation. The only difference is the ability and willingness of the players to either create, kick out and hit their shots. All this writing novels about this and that is a bunch of Bull.
Like MC says, the proof is in the pudding and the pudding says that Woody is 4th among all NBA coaches in offense. Thems the facts.
On COY, that’s also a bunch of BS. How can a coach who’s team finishes 8 and 9 games behind us get more votes than Woody?(CHA and HOU). Don’t give me that BS about injuries either. We never got a free pass for having a bunch of scrubbs on the roster all those years. You play with what your got and the results are the results. 5 of the 8 coaches who got more votes than Woody were looking up at us in the standings.
Hopefully, Woody and Company will crush the “Little General” and Company and rub it in his face. Take that Mr. Runner up COY.
Woody=COY
HawksFan11
April 22nd, 2010
9:15 am
Great posts all. We seem to be uniting around our Hawks at the time they need us most. I have to cosign with all of you who say that, in the playoffs, if a player is not producing, let him join Jason Collins. And yes, that includes Jamal. The coach does know his players like Northcyde said, but the players must know themselves and the game situation too. I’m surpried that none of you have mentioned the fact that Jamal took himself out of the game. When he recognized that he was hurting the team on both ends of the floor, he looked over at Coach Woodson, touched his chest and mouthed the words “get me”. Coach wasn’t exactly happy about it, but he made the swith to Mike Bibby and, well you know the rest.
Bottom line, sometimes you help your team by getting out of their way. That said, we’ll need Jamal to get the butterflies out, see a toe doctor, or whatever it takes to get back in his game. The Sixth Man of the Year earns that title at this time of year.
GO HAWKS!
Melvin
April 22nd, 2010
10:02 am
I got my broom in one hand and my shotgun in the other. I will Buckshots after we sweep Milwaukee…
TigerWoods
April 22nd, 2010
10:03 am
Hawks are getting me excited, i am signing up for more golf tournaments.
Wabe – are you kidding me? Wooden allowing this rookie to play so Teague can polish his game? Why did he leave school in the first place? is that not where he is supposed to have polished his game?
Plus, Teague has played for one year with JJ and Bibby and Jamal in practice. Don’t you think he should be polished by playing against that gang? I have seen zero progress in him.
Before you open your mouth and complain about why my friend Wooden does not play Teague, put yourself in Wooden’s position, this is a over 50 win team, fighting for playoff positioning, not just getting into playoffs. If GM drafted a player that is so unpolished, it is on the GM for having drafted such a work in progress in Teague. As Wooden has said, Teague may eventually get there one day, he is not there today. He should be happy he got a few minutes, but in those minutes Hawks went down hill.
Personally, i am not sure what Teague is. He is not really a good ball handler, he is not a good outside shooter. He seems to be able to drive to the basket. Except he is a midget, so he gets blocked most of the time. Ahh yes he is fast. If Hawks had a minor league team that is where Teague belongs. Hmmmm, development league, only that makes GM look really stupid.
Beautiful day, I need to get my clubs ready.
Wabe
April 22nd, 2010
10:51 am
Watch OKC.
Look at how Scott Brooks gets his team to excel on both ends of the floor.
Just because you’re a young and athletic team shouldn’t mean that you have to run 24/7 to get buckets. In the Hawks case, whenever they slow the game down, they’re putting themselves at a disadvantage.
What’s been the knock on the Cavs over the past couple of seasons after their playoff exit? They’re too PREDICTABLE on offense. Even Lebron James, arguably one of the two best players on the planet, couldn’t go one on five and get himself a ring. So, I ask, what makes you think the Hawks can do so with JJ and Jamal?
The knock on Woodson’s offensive scheme is he doesn’t have one. I said earlier to go watch OKC and how Scott Brooks has his young team playing. The reason I say that is because even though they have a budding superstar, they don’t just hand him the ball and ask him to go one on five. Brooks finds creative ways for Durant to get open looks by running him off screens. Now, I know the Hawks do some of this too, but nowhere near as enough. If we’re in need of a bucket in crunchtime, we’re not running JJ off screens – JJ’s going off the dribble, as he always does.
Would it hurt the Hawks to find more creative ways to get their guys open?
O'Brien
April 22nd, 2010
10:54 am
Woody is not as bad as some of us make him out to be, and he deserves credit for helping the Hawks reach where they are coming from (13 wins). Yes, the players have gotten better, but the coach plays a role in that as well.
However, Woody is not as good as some of us think he is either. Say what you want, but this team could have had 4 all-stars (JJ, Al, Josh and Crawford). So if you have the healthiest team in the NBA, and 4 possible all stars, then 50-55 wins is expected (in my opinion).
OKC won 27 games more than they did last year, and they did not sign any big free agents. I dont think anybody expected them to win 50 games (didn’t they beat the Hawks twice too?).
With Milwaukee and Portland injured like they were, their coaches exceeded expectations. When the Hawks had scrubs on their team, they did not exceed expectations. They played the way people thought they would play. Bad. So I dont think its a matter of giving a “free pass”.
COY is about teams who exceed expectations, and injuries play a part in expectations.
If JJ, Crawford, Josh and Al all missed 20 games a piece, but the Hawks still found a way to finish 8th in the East, does that mean Woody should NOT be COY because so many other teams finished ahead of the Hawks?
Wabe
April 22nd, 2010
10:59 am
And Tiger Wooden,
We can agree to disagree.
The only argument I ever hear when I mention the need for more minutes to polish his game is “he should’ve stayed in college.” Well, what happened to the last PG we drafted that actually finished four years of college? I remember we passed on Mike Conley Jr. and took Al Horford (good move), but we came back up and snagged Acie Law as well. Many “experts” claimed Law was the most “polished” PG (NBA-ready) coming out of the draft.
4 years of college doesn’t necessarily mean you’re NBA ready, and that proved to be the case with Law.
Understand that the Hawks wouldn’t have selected JT0 if there wasn’t a glaring need at PG. We’ve needed a PG in here for years. We’ve drafted 2 in a span of 3 or 4 years. What good does it do us to continue to draft a PG and then not give him the time needed to work on his game? This kid has the ability to do great things on the court, and we’ve seen flashes out of him. Why so many of you are so unimpressed, especially considering Bibby averaged 9 ppg this season while clocking 20+ minutes a night, just leaves me baffled.
Wabe
April 22nd, 2010
11:05 am
You really can’t have it both ways…
You can’t whine and cry about the kid making mistakes that all rookies mistake KNOWING that he hasn’t had the minutes on a consistent basis to work on his game.
Some of you argue back, “he gets to play in practice, if he played well in practice, then he’d play in games.”
Well, to those of you who say that, I’ll leave you with this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exOxUAntx8I
Wabe
April 22nd, 2010
11:20 am
And by the way, I did mention that I was HAPPY with the minutes Woodson allocated for JT0 in the playoffs. I wasn’t really even expecting the kid to get in the game, so I’m happy he’s getting a little burn.
I get it’s the playoffs. The big stage.
I have no problem if Woody decides to keep the kid on the bench for the remainder of the playoffs. This isn’t the time to be worrying about polishing one’s game. It’s about winning. So I have no problem with Woodson maxing out the starters minutes, if it leads us to a W.
I think that may have gotten lost in all this JT0 talk.
There are WAY TOO MANY DAYS in between these games. Look at what the convo has drifted to. Playoff basketball, and we’re talking about a rookie who sees less than 10 mpg.
TigerWoods
April 22nd, 2010
12:20 pm
Wabe, you are so mistaken.
Look at AC now. Is he doing any better since leaving Hawks? I did not think so. It has nothing to do with Wooden. It has to do with lack of selecting well.
Now I am not saying Teague has no future, or even an equal future to AC in NBA. All I am saying, is he is not ready to be playing in prime time yet. Wooden is doing good with him, making him grow up slowly. Hawks can afford to do that. Do not compare OKC to Hawks. OKC has not been to playoffs. This is first year, so of-course they have to let their young players play, they had no other option. Hawks got to second round of playoffs last year. Do not gloss over that by putting that OKC example out there. Two different cases. It is not Wooden’s fault that Hawks passed on good point guards all these years.
My point, blame the GM of the past for passing, blame this GM for if you have a problem with Teague playing time. I have no problem with GM, because i think he drafted Teague for future, and Wooden knows that.
Now think about that before posting three straight in 2 minutes. Playing golf will let you have new insight.
drmaryb
April 22nd, 2010
1:14 pm
Tyger
Co-Sign your last post.
JT0 was a developmental pick for the future! PROOF? Bibby re-signed for 3 years!
JT0 should have stayed in school and earned a guarunteed College Degree, IF he needed to continur his development? Otherwisre, that’s what the NBDL is for. He can go there & play 48 mins/game.
Its ALL about Choices espec. @ the 19th pick!