
It wasn't too long ago the Hawks were in control of this series. Can they get it back?
So we know the reasons to doubt the Hawks can win tonight. But I keep seeing comments on this blog and hearing people on talk radio expressing a strange sense that they believe the Hawks will win tonight. They qualify their statements to say there are so many logical reasons for them not to feel that way but some kind of hunch tells them the Hawks will do it. The Hawks have been known to be unpredictable.
It’s not out of the question, of course. This is especially true if you still believe the Hawks, when playing to their full potential, are a better team than the Bucks. When the AJC’s Jeff Schultz cornered ASG’s Michael Gearon Jr. , the co-owner made the point that this was the overwhelming view after the Hawks won Games 1 and 2. Now the emotions have swung the other way, which happens in the playoffs. Combine those sentiments with the Hawks’ problems on the road, the Game 5 meltdown, the pressure they are feeling, etc. and it’s not hard to see why there is widespread pessimism that the Hawks can pull it off.
Still, if you try it’s also possible to spin some of what happened on Wednesday into positives. Will J.J., Jamal and Bibby all have terrible shooting nights at the same time again? J.J. probably isn’t going to foul out again since he’s hardly ever done so in his career. It’s doubtful Josh will have to miss minutes because of a busted eye (though I guess you never know with Kurt Thomas out there).
And then there’s the psychology of tonight’s game. No doubt the Hawks are under tremendous pressure to win but what about the Bucks? They don’t have to win tonight but I can’t think they’d be eager to return to Philips since even they know they were fortunate to win Game 5. It’s easy to say it would be no big deal for the Bucks if they end up losing this series because they’ve already fared better than most anyone expected. But now that they are on the verge of springing a major upset while tonight enjoying what has been a tremendous home court advantage, they don’t want to turn back.
Even TNT talking head Charles Barkley, who has ripped the Hawks for their half court offense and players’ attitudes, took up that line of thinking (props to the AJC’s Ken Sugiura for bringing it to my attention).
“The Hawks have a chance,” Barkley said. “This is going to be a very difficult game for Milwaukee. This is the first time that they have the monkey on their back. They have been playing with house money the first five games of the series. When this series started no one thought they could win without Bogut. Then they win the first game and they get somewhat back into it.”
– Super commenter Niremetal emailed in response to yesterday’s blog post on the Hawks’ need for a ‘Zo-like presence:
“Do you think it’s possible to simply bring someone in who commands that kind of respect? I suspect that at least some part of the respect that Zo had stemmed from the fact that he’d been around Miami before, and knew both the coach and a couple of his teammates pretty well. The Hawks’ core has been together for 3 years now. Do you think that if a guy like Haslem or Grant Hill came in, he would get the ear of his teammates like that? I mean, Flip Saunders got tuned out by his players in Detroit. If long-time teammates can tune out a coach, I’d imagine they could tune out a player.”
Niremetal makes a great point. In fact, when ‘Zo was with the Nets in 2004-05, reports out of New Jersey suggested the established Nets players didn’t buy into his leadership style. But the Nets were a different situation than the Hawks. When Zo joined the Nets they were a veteran group that had already been to the Finals. So I could see where Nets players didn’t necessarily appreciate Zo coming in and telling them they needed better focus no matter how hard he worked
It’s also true Zo already had major cred within the Heat organization when he re-joined the team, and his close relationship with Pat Riley also didn’t hurt his standing. It could be that a Zo-like presence on the Hawks could upset the chemistry, which has been pretty good in general (with the notable exception of the bickering we’ve seen when things have been tight in this series).
But how could the Hawks shun a hardened vet who joins the team? The Hawks are a veteran team in the sense that they now have guys who’ve been around but, barring an unexpected run over the next couple weeks, what have they done in the postseason? Not say the Hawks haven’t earned some respect but so far they certainly haven’t made their name in the playoffs. This doesn’t mean the Hawks’ core guys wouldn’t chafe at an accomplished, outspoken guy with a forceful personality coming in as an outsider but it does mean they’d have less of a basis to complain.
–Have fun, Hawks fans.
MC
657 comments Add your comment
Craig
April 30th, 2010
10:12 pm
Big gut-check win for Atlanta. Props to the players for bringing their balls with them, and props to Woody for finally, two games too late, making adjustments to his defensive scheme (although the offense still sucked).
Great synopsis by Najeh
You guys on the Ajc are hypicrits
Go hawks
Keep woody hes a great coach
Clyde
April 30th, 2010
10:13 pm
NONE OF YALL WERE SAYING WOODY IS A GOOD COACH AFTER GAME 5
FIRE WOODY
Maavelous
April 30th, 2010
10:16 pm
I Maaaaavelous One had some typical crappy game tonight but it’s all about mah’ brilliant strategy. Slap mah fro! You’s saw whut happened in Game 5 when ah’ played well. Dis team needs me to do crap and lull de oda’ team t’sleep. Jes hang loose, bros.
Dey plum look at mah’ huge feet and go into rope a dope mode Joe Frazier mode. now that Joe was one uglee dood, hey homies? I am still the One and Only Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaavelous. Over ,,,, and … out.
Clyde
April 30th, 2010
10:16 pm
SOME OF THESE PEOPLE ON HERE ARE HOT AND COLD. THEY HIDE WHEN WE LOOSE AND AND GET ALL UP ON WOODY WHEN WE WIN. SOUND LIKE A GROUPIE TO ME.
FIRE WOODY
NUNNA!!
April 30th, 2010
10:17 pm
im bout to hit da sack,im so tired but i wanted to see this game so freaking bad tonite..
god bless all of you,have a good nites sleep,and don’t look at “the strangers” movie late at nite when u are all alone..next to “the hitcher”with rutger hauer in da 80’s,i have not been on da edge of my seat and kinda freaking scary since that movie..
the strangers had me nervous about looking outside of my window when i went to shut my curtains downstairs!!
BOO!!!
Clyde
April 30th, 2010
10:17 pm
THERE IS ONE THING THAT REMAINS CONSTANT ON THIS BLOG
FIRE WOODY
Ken Strickland
April 30th, 2010
10:18 pm
I wonder how Woodson feels after getting it through his thick stubborn head that we needed to try something other than his beloved switching DEF. Even Bibby stepped up and gave an excellent effort. He certainly didn’t hurt us defensively. This is the same straightup DEF we used to play before he decided we needed to protect Bibby.
Why did it take him 3 consecutive losses to realize, or finally listen to someone tell him, we needed to try something new defensively? During his post gm interview, I noticed he didn’t make a single comment about the outcome of this gm being due to DEF adjustments. In fact, when asked about the DEF changes, especially using the zone, he continued to demonstrate his ingrained arrogance/ignorance by claiming this wasn’t the 1st time he’s pulled out the zone DEF. Hell, it’s certainly the 1st time you’ve pulled it out during this series, you arrogant/ignorant moron.
He seems to have a deep seated resentment when his ingrained beliefs are challenged(like refusing to play rookie PG’s), or make adjustments to anything he wants the team to do, even if it’s best for the team(like switching from his beloved switching DEF).
David
April 30th, 2010
10:20 pm
This is what the Hawks shoulda played this whole series.It’s not a gimmie Sunday.But we showed why we are a 3 seed and why we won 53 games.I won’t say 100% sunday.But i would find it hard for the Bucks to win 2 late games here in Atlanta.They had there shot and the Hawks need to put a end to this EMBARRASING series.A struggle that should have never been this hard.No matter what happens Sunday.The Hawks need to retain Woody.Screw all you haters.He has helped this team for 6 years and we need to extend Joe Johsnon’s contract.People don’t worry about Orlando just yet.GO HAWKSNice Gut check.
Mystikal
April 30th, 2010
10:20 pm
Not about fare weather fans. It’s about the hawks progressing to the point where they shouldn’t be struggling like this with teams beneath them. How are we supposed to contend with Orlando and Cleveland if we’re struggling with the shorthanded bucks. Like we’re taking a step back after coming so far.
Clyde
April 30th, 2010
10:22 pm
EVEN IF WE WIN SAT THIS OFFENSE IS NOT GOING TO WORK AGAINST ORLANDO. WE MIGHT AS WELL LOOSE SO WE CAN GET THIS SEASON OVER WITH.
FIRE WOODY
Mystikal
April 30th, 2010
10:23 pm
And Woody was already trying to hide Mike Bibby on defense last year. He should have been preparing Teague to get more burn when we need a change of pace. He’s gotta get off that Larry Brown “I don’t play rookies” ish. Might cost him his job down the road.
Clyde
April 30th, 2010
10:24 pm
sekousmith01
RT @bgibbs10: @sekousmith01 Hawks offense is beyond disgusting. Ball doesn’t cross 3point line til there is less than 10 seconds left on SC
FIRE WOODY
northcyde
April 30th, 2010
10:28 pm
Woody should save that 3rd quarter, and shot it to this team every day in film study.
JJ . . that was a sell out game by you offensively. When you’re missing that many shots, either go to the hole and run into somebody to draw a foul . . pump fake the defender and jump into him to get to the FT line . . or be the playmaker and looks to pass.
Don’t sit up there and miss 16 out of 20 shots at one point . . and only take 4 FTs. Unaceptable man. Defensively you were solid. And you did have 6 assists. But that was definitely a C- game from you, despite you going for 22 pts – 5 rebs – 6 asst.
JJ needs to work out in the summer with Paul Pierce or somebody, to teach him the art of drawing fouls.
Mr Crawford . . welcome back to the team. You played a very smart game tonight and gave us steady offense all night.
Mr Horford . . you were A MAN ( and you’re not even 40 ). Big time play on both ends out of you.
Mr Smith . . . after being sluggish the 1st quarter, you played excellent, smart basketball. That 3rd quarter was a thing of beauty by you. Good job man.
Mr. Bibby . . people can say what they want, but you did well tonight too, especially on defense. And your “hot” 1st quarter is always welcomed in my eyes.
Mr. Williams . . only 2 points, but 8 big rebounds. Glad you contributed in other ways, when the shot wasn’t falling.
Zaza and Mo . . these are the playoffs. If you suck in the 1st half, don’t expect much burn, if any, in the 2nd half.
Best defensive win of the year.
JSS
April 30th, 2010
10:29 pm
Huevo check #2 passed
Sunday, final huevo check??? Pass or fail?
vava74
April 30th, 2010
10:30 pm
I’m with Ken Strickland. Saves me a lot of typing.
However, I would like to point out that our offense still sucked big time in the 4th with no ball movement and not even ONE set play involving more than 2 players.
BONEY
April 30th, 2010
10:31 pm
That’s ok – ya’ll can resort to name calling – I understand your dissapointment that The Hawks won !!
Deal with it – crybabies !!
BONEY
April 30th, 2010
10:33 pm
Yeah – I called you out, VenomSpitter – what cha gonna do – beat me up with your keyboard?
STRONG HAWK
April 30th, 2010
10:35 pm
MOVING THE BALL+PLAYING AS A TEAM +PLAY GOOD D =WIN (SIMPLE)
BONEY
April 30th, 2010
10:36 pm
“WOODY DIDN’T OUT COACH SKILES. SALMONS AND JENNINGS DIDN’T MAKE SHOTS”
C’mon Clyde – isn’t that the same problem the Hawks had in game 5 – not making shots? Ya’ll are letting this hate Woody stuff effect your logical thinking, in my esteemed opinion !!
Mystikal
April 30th, 2010
10:36 pm
JAMAL OR JOE?? Who should have the ball in their hands at end of game?
BONEY
April 30th, 2010
10:38 pm
Mystical – Joe has my vote. . .
dark30
April 30th, 2010
10:43 pm
what pitiful Milwaukee fans
Section 303
April 30th, 2010
10:47 pm
YES!!! YES!!! Huge win! Let’s pack The Highlight Factory on Sunday!
Got to hand it to the guys. When they play hard, they win games. Bring this effort on Sunday, and the game will not be close.
I needed that. I have been angry at this team since last Saturday’s no show effort.
Not sure how many of you heard Mike Tirico during pregame. He said, about the Hawks, “If they don’t win this series, this group won’t be together again.”
That made me kind of sad. I don’t want this group to be broken up. I want to add pieces and keep this think rolling. Gotta get Sunday, though. Will be fun.
Go Hawks! Enjoy this one, fellas. I think, be you a naysayer or constant glass-half-full guy, we all deserved this one.
Woody's the man!
April 30th, 2010
10:49 pm
Woody does the job—the hawks are back baby!!! Look for an easy win by Atl in game 7 then on to Orlando!!!
jay dubu
April 30th, 2010
10:52 pm
The Hawks are a point gaurd, and big man away from being an elite team. next season Teague should be ready, and they have to get a big man. Next season, Woody, or no Woody, the Hawks should be in Championship game.
Melvin
April 30th, 2010
10:52 pm
Clyde,
Just curious, are you a Hawks fan or not. We want your answer on record. We already know where Venom Spitter and JeJe stand.
Robert Yates
April 30th, 2010
11:00 pm
Mike Tirico didn’t even say that changes would be in store if the Hawks lost, he just said changes would be in store for the Hawks in the off-season. Personally, I feel as if this was the strongest defensive performance of the season. The ESPN folks can keep on saying that the Hawks can’t produce on offense, but none of that matters if the Hawks only give up 10 points a quarter. That 3rd was a freaking thing of beauty. F the Bucks….we are ready to move to the 2nd round and we will as long as we keep up that kind of tenacious defense.
Wabe
April 30th, 2010
11:04 pm
How jippy is that.
I go to get my wallet to purchase my seats, and my seats get sold.
Upper-level, but I’ll be there game 7.
We gotta return the favor to those bum fear the dear fans in Milwaukee and start up some kind a chant after we smash them…
na na na naaaaaaaaaa…na na na naaaaaaaaaaa….hey hey hey…
GOODBYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yall fools better be chantin after we smash them.
No way they win a game 7 in Phillips.
Nate ArchiBALL
April 30th, 2010
11:09 pm
This is for Rod from College Park…
Marvin goes from 22 points to 2 points.
I expected him not to show but not in my wildest …… TWO POINTS!!! Marvin scored 20 points 5 times this season and never in back to back games and never on the road. Glad Woody made the adjustment and didn’t play him down the stretch.
Melvin
April 30th, 2010
11:15 pm
Man, it’s quite on this board when the Hawks win…lol
BONEY
April 30th, 2010
11:23 pm
Melvin,
Unfortunately, the FIRE WOODY crowd was dissapointed tonight – the Hawks won so they had to cancel the party !!
northcyde
April 30th, 2010
11:23 pm
All these dudes had on BLACK tonight, ready to attend Woody and the Hawks funeral.
HA HA HA
We regret to inform you that the funeral has been posponed until further notice
RA
April 30th, 2010
11:29 pm
Three things,
First, the Hawks changed things up on defense. The guards followed the play after getting picked. Instead of 1 on 5, it became more of a trap. Fortunately, Milwaukee didn’t start pick and rolling on us. For the first time in the last three games Skiles didn’t make the adjustment and Woodson did.
Second, we see what happens when the Bucks don’t, or can’t, play above their limitations. In order to beat Atlanta, they HAVE to be doing something great. It may be rebounding, shooting, or just flat out hustle, but it has to be great if they’re going to win. Tonight it was average, and we see the result.
Third, the Hawks played defense and offense as a TEAM. They were moving the ball on offense and talking to each other on defense. Too many times in this series and this season, they Hawks have looked like five guys that didn’t know each other at all. Tonight was much better.
Even a prophet couldn’t say for sure which Hawks team is going to show up at Phillips on Sunday, but I will say this, after what I saw tonight, I wouldn’t bet against them.
Clyde
April 30th, 2010
11:31 pm
Boney its FIRE WOODY when times are good and when times are bad
FIRE WOODY
BONEY
April 30th, 2010
11:36 pm
Clyde,
I’ll give you credit for sticking to your convictions – the rest of the FIRE WOODY crew have been exposed as “imposters” and not true Hawk fans – their whole agenda is to get Woody fired – I know their really hurting right now after the dissapointing Hawks win.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 30th, 2010
11:53 pm
“That made me kind of sad. I don’t want this group to be broken up. I want to add pieces and keep this think rolling.”
I’m with you. As flawed as the Joe-Josh-Al core may be, they are talented as hell and have provided a lot of excitement in the ATL since they have been together. More importantly, I find it hard to believe the Hawks will get equal value for any of them in a trade, especially if they try to trade for a so-called “true center”.
Harpie
May 1st, 2010
12:18 am
Wanting that charlatan of a coach, Woodson, fired does not make someone a non -fan. I love the Hawks team, that’s WHY I want Woodson fired! He doesn’t have a clue about how to coach.
BONEY
May 1st, 2010
12:25 am
Yeah Harpie – let’s go ahead and fire Woody in the middle of the playoffs – how stupid is that?
Big Ray
May 1st, 2010
12:36 am
Had to watch the game from the DVR recording again.
Good road win. I wasn’t feeling too good after that first half.
Second half was much better.
Thank good ness Mike Woodson scrapped that damn switch defense long enough for us to clamp those guys down. Traps worked much better, as did man-to-man defense. I’m not however, impressed with his 2nd half offensive adjustments. All I heard was “I want to see 3 or 4 passes before a shot goes up.” WTF is that? Is that all there is to offense? All the same, he must have gotten some kind of message across, because the Hawks remained tough on defense, and managed to get a few things going on offense. I’m sorry, but I just can’t give him credit for much here, as there weren’t any different play calls that I could see. We played largely the same way, we just finally started getting the ball in where it needed to go, and stopped the circus of ISOs. Why did it take this long to make these adjustments? Didn’t we know what worked in games 1 and 2? All the same, Woody had those guys doing defense they way they needed to. Thank goodness for the defensive wrinkes.
Why? Because the Buck’s gameplan was simple: wait for us to do that stupid switch, then exploit it. I have no freakin’ clue why it took 3 WHOLE GAMES to figure out how that was happening.
After we stopped the dribble exhibitions by JJ and Jamal, we went to the post more, and that created some better looks and opportunities. Meanwhile, Mike Bibby and most notably Jamal Crawford made shots. Jamal was Mr. 4th Quarter. Horford helped out some there as well.
Good thing, too, because Joe was doing everything but what we needed him to do, since his hot start. I’d like to give him props for still managing to get 22 points, but the fact is…he took 24 shots to get there, and he was only 4-4 from the line. That’s not being aggressive, that’s just taking a bunch of shots. Some of those shots were just plain awful. I think he’ll have a much better game 7, though. In fact, I’m all but sure of it. Glad to see his teammates step up and take the load in the second half. His defense looked pretty damn good though, bottling up Salmons like it was nothing.
What stood out to me most was:
Al Horford’s constant battling in the paint, on the glass, wherever he happened to be on the court. We really, really needed it.
The energetic defensive play of Josh Smith, who eventually began intimidating the Bucks, making nearly all of them stay outside for their shot attempts. He stayed calm, played under control, and helped Al fight on the boards. The way those two guys play together and feed off of each other can be beautiful to watch. Loved the blocked shots, but that steal he made that ended up in a basket and foul was pure fuel for the Hawks. Call him a dummy all you like, we need that guy, and he’s headier than you want to believe, as long as he’s focused.
Mike Bibby impressed me with his defensive effort as well, believe it or not. He bodied up to guys, taking away their dribble moves. As bad as he can be defensively, that worked, and Jamal should take a page from that book.
Jamal was composed, aggressive, and effective on offense. Aggressive is not taking a bunch of shots (particularly contested fall-aways). Aggressive is attacking the defense.
Good win, and way to withstand the Bucks final run in the 4th. Now let’s take this thing back to Philips, beat the Bucks, and shut their fans up for good.
Big Ray
May 1st, 2010
12:47 am
As for those who point to a resurgent game 6 win as a reason to “postpone” the Mike Woodson funeral, I have news for you.
1) Mike Woodson is not the only person on the bubble here.
2) Mike Woodson signed that 2 year extension. He didn’t have to. What, he decided to stay here and take an insulting 2 year offer with all those other great head coaching offers he was getting? What’s that, there weren’t any other offers? Ahhhh….
3) Woodson’s ability to produce effectively was not hampered by the length of his contract. To say so is to be naive or in denial. Jamal Crawford is only here on a two year contract. Does that mean he can’t produce because he doesn’t have the safety and security of a 4 year contract? Will somebody volunteer that as an excuse if he doesn’t shoot well? Man, please. See point #3. The man didn’t have to sign the contract, but he did. Maybe his wife told him she’d kick his a$$ if he didn’t, but he signed it. He came to work for a new GM, a guy he hadn’t worked for in this situation before. At least he got 2 full years to show what he could do.
4) We just got pushed to 7 games in a first round series last year, by a team that featured a superstar. We then got swept by what ended up being the East’s second best team.
This year, we have gotten pushed to 7 games in a first round series, by a team that has no superstar, no star (yet), and is missing it’s best player, who happens to be their starting center. Gearon and Sund have stated that they feel this team is truly to be judged in the playoffs. Have you seen an improvement?
Tell you what, if this team doesn’t win this series and then at least compete with the Orlando Magic, you are going to have a hard time hanging your “Woody has improved the team each year” hat on 6 more regular season wins.
I would MUCH rather Woody and the Hawks succeed and show more in the second round (assuming a first round win). I really hope they do. Otherwise,
A postponed funeral…..is still a funeral.
MoeHawk
May 1st, 2010
1:28 am
Woody still has to go! His failure to make adjustments has this team in a game 7 against a team with a good rookie and a bunch of scrubs! Yes there were adjustments but this team played off of the notion that they knew they were better than those deers!
Jokeman 4000
May 1st, 2010
2:09 am
I Will Be There On Sunday I Will Be In A Group Of 6 We Will All Be Starting The Chant KILL THE DEER!!! KILL THE DEER!!! KILL THE DEER!!! KILL THE DEER!!! Making Sure The Bucks No There Season Is Coming To A END All Those Coming To The Game I Hope You All Join In With The Chant And Have That Place Rocking Our Team Needs Us!!!!!
BUBBA CREW COVERT FILES....
May 1st, 2010
6:45 am
IN EVERY LOSS AGAINST THE BUCK HORE FORD HAS PUT UP EMBARRASSING NUMBERS LIKE 3 REBOUNDS OR LINE 8 POINT 2 TURNOVERS AND 6 FOULS.
IN EVERY WIN HORE FORD HAS PUT UP DECENT DEFENSIVE NUMBERS. SO GO HORE FORD SO GO THE HAWKS.
IT TIME FOR THE FLORIDA CONNECTED HORE FORD NUTSUCKERS TO STOP DEFENDING THEIR BYTCHH AND LET HER BECOME A MAN AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE HAWK IN THE PAINT!
FAGGGOTTT AISE BUBBA CREW.
BOB WEISS
May 1st, 2010
6:47 am
I CANT UNDERSTAND WHY HORE FORD CANT DOMINATE IN THE MIDDLE AGAINST A TEAM THAT DOESNT HAVE A CENTER.
BOB WEISS
May 1st, 2010
6:51 am
WHAT THE F U C K IS HE GIOING TO DO AGAINST TEAMS WITH A REAL CENTER?
I SO GLAD THAT PHILLY HAS MADE A MOVE TO GO AFTER WOODSON. SUND HAS ASKED WOODSON TO STAY BUT THE OFFER FROM PHILLY IS BETTER, BESIDE, LET HORE FORD RUIN ANOTHER COACH’S CAREER…
Ken Strickland
May 1st, 2010
7:01 am
I wonder how Woodson feels after i got through with his his thick……
Ken Strickland
April 30th, 2010
10:18 pm
Woody's the man!
May 1st, 2010
8:31 am
The hawks just need a point guard, a shooting guard, a dominating center and a power forward to be a complete team next year. Look for the hawks to get d-wade for the scorer, the point guard in the draft and a center by a trade to be in the NBA elite next year. Woody should get a huge raise to keep him around.
drmaryb
May 4th, 2010
9:40 pm
Sit JOE down! Put in Mo
Put in Teague.
Put in a Center. Move Horf to the 4. Move Josh to the 3.
Stop hoisting Jumpers.
Go to the Rim 50 times straight.
drmaryb
May 4th, 2010
9:48 pm
EXPOSED!
Mr. SUND – Build YOUR Effin’ TEAM!
1. PG – a real one!
2. Center – a real one!
3. SF – get one!
4. A Damned Bench!
This TEAM is Copy & Pasted.
Swing the damned ball!
drmaryb
May 4th, 2010
9:54 pm
NO TRUST on this TEAM! Do they really LIKE each other – I can’t tell.
We Played 1 quarter so far!
Not one possession of ball sharing! We make Vince look like MJ!
We need to break this team up! Keep Joe & Coach! Get at PG & a Center!