Magic at Atlanta Hawks Game 3: Final(ly) Movement?
The strange thing with listening to the Hawks talk about their problems with stagnating offense is they all seem to agree on the problem:
“Ball movement, like there was in the first three quarters [in Game 2],” J.J. said. “In that fourth quarter, we did a lot of ‘iso’ instead of moving the ball and getting good shots.”
“It all starts with our guards,” Al said. “We have to create movement, we have to have guys moving around. When our guards are doing that, it opens up for us and opens up for them, as well. [The Magic] can’t just sit there and pinpoint.”
“We’ve just got to have more movement and guys have got to make shots,” Woody said. “It’ ain’t scientific or no big secret.”
The Hawks say these things and then they go out and fall back into iso at critical times of the game. When things go bad and the pressure is on, it gets even worse. It’s not always about just missing shots they normally make, it’s about getting better shots, particularly in the playoffs. And the Hawks (and every team) is much better at that when players and the ball are moving.
The Hawks missed some open shots in the first three quarters of Game 2, but didn’t they also get better looks until they faded late?
“Yes but we made shots, though, too,” Woody said. “Joe made a 3, Jamal made a 3. We had some good looks in Game 1 and we didn’t make shots. You can’t have starters and guy coming off bench go 11 for 54 not going to beat nobody in the league.”
According to Hoopdata, in Game 1 the Hawks were 6 of 26 on long jump shots, the bane of basketball number-crunchers, 15 of 25 from closer than 10 feet and 2 of 13 on 3-point shots. In Game 2 they were 7-for-22 on long jumpers, 9 of 20 closer than 10 feet and 6 of 11 on 3-pointers.
If the Hawks stay away from iso, maybe some of those long jump shots become open, spot-up 3-pointers or shots closer to the basket. None of that would solve their considerable problems with defending the Magic, of course. But because of their abilities, talent and temperament the Hawks’ best hope to at least make this a competitive series might be moving the ball and scoring enough points to overcome their defensive deficiencies.
They seem to know iso isn’t the way to do that even if they don’t always show it.
MC
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621 comments Add your comment
Ramon
May 8th, 2010
9:12 pm
By the way, Haywood is a free agent also.
Ramon
May 8th, 2010
9:13 pm
Basketball 101, Josh and Horford received votes for the all NBA teams.
JeJe
May 8th, 2010
9:13 pm
LOL REMEMBER NORTHCYDE ASKED TO NAME 5 COACHES OR HOWEVER MANY BETTER THAN WOODY THIS YEAR
LOL
VenomSpitter
May 8th, 2010
9:14 pm
Ramon if u have a love affair with woody I don’t know what to tell u lol
JSS
May 8th, 2010
9:16 pm
Josh made a big step this past summer when he listened to coaches finally about the 3’s. Now he has to work on the rest of the grey matter… Get a good sports psychologist, listen and learn! Go to Hakeem and get your game tight! Joe Johnson, sorry but enjoy New York or Chicago, all you had to do was show up and lead! You just didn’t get it done… So realistically, Joe, Mo, Mario, Rand Mo, and Collins are gone…
Ramon
May 8th, 2010
9:17 pm
Venom, what have I said about Woody coming back? Woody is out the door in my mind. But on paper, if he was re-signed I would still be a Hawks fan and would have to roll with what is dealt.
Grandad
May 8th, 2010
9:18 pm
VS – c-mon now, Josh for Hassan Whiteside.
You gotta do better than that.
JeJe
May 8th, 2010
9:18 pm
I CANNOT EVEN REMEMBER A GAME FROM THE CLEVELAND SERIES LAST YEAR
FIRE WOODY
JeJe
May 8th, 2010
9:19 pm
DUMP EVERYONE BESIDES JAMAL, AL, TEAGUE, AND ZAZA. THOSE ARE THE ONLY GUYS WHO CARE
Sautee
May 8th, 2010
9:21 pm
Truth-serum (Basketball 101),
If Woody DOES come back, you won’t have ol’ saltee to banter with. Something to give you hope, I suppose.
I couldn’t stand another season of wasted talents.
I have tried all season to temper my comments on our coach, and to stay positive (unlike SOME multi-named posters who spew negativity). I even gave him a B- rating, and remarked on SOME improvement with his play calls and his rotations. But when a team plays the way this team has in the most important games of the year, I MUST conclude that PART (not all) of the fault is with the coach. Even Woody himself said as much.
Here’s Woody himself: “What is coaching but getting players to become the best they can be, then showing that on a nightly basis?”
Truth-serum, do you seriously think that he has gotten his players to be the best they can be? Seriously?
And how has that “showing it on a nightly basis” thing worked out in the playoffs?
joke the choke johnson
May 8th, 2010
9:23 pm
o yea did i mention the bench. lol can we scratch mo, J.Collins, R.Morris, Joe Smith and move Marvin and Bibby to the bench with Jamal & may b start Jeff. And get some energy guys that play hard. This team has to do a lot of work to get to the next level. You can forget wade people
O'Brien
May 8th, 2010
9:23 pm
cp,
The rumor before the draft was that Marvin was out of shape for his Hawks workout. I also remember hearing that CP3 had a very good workout with the Hawks. But I remember hearing somebody saying Woody did not want CP3 (I dont remember what the reason was).
But for those blaming BK for drafting Marvin, that ship has sailed. Blame Rick Sund for resigning him last year for 5 years, $37.5 million.
Blame Rick Sund for resigning Bibby at 3 years, $18 mil (although Woody has not helped the situation). Not sure if we should blame Rick for ZaZa though.
But give Rick Sund credit for trading for Jamal.
Didn’t Woody say he would call on Joe Smith in the playoffs? He played 23 minutes so far in 10 games (0 points).
It will be interesting to see what Rick (and JJ) does this summer. That picture of JJ on the ajc.com page with his jersey over his face is disturbing. If I had to guess right now, I would say JJ signs somewhere else.
northcyde,
JJ was 3-15. Did you want to see him go 4-20?
Clyde
May 8th, 2010
9:25 pm
The Hawks need to clean house. They need new ownership, new coaches, new players, new dance team, and new entertainment during timeouts (kiss cam been played out for 3 years now).
When I got to Hawks games instead of being entertained I leave disappointed.
fire woody
VenomSpitter
May 8th, 2010
9:26 pm
Well who should we trade Josh for becuz I believe for this team to improve we need to either find a good coach or trade Josh.
slim
May 8th, 2010
9:31 pm
Listen to this Section 303! Save your money next season like I did this season. The Hawks are an embarrassment. Mike Woodson just shave your eyebrows again and just save us sometime and quit before game 4 next week. You have officially lost this team dude. And take Marvin bitchass Williams and Josh Smith with his middle school attitude and offensive skillsl set with ya while you kick rocks!!!! Bye-Bye JJ we wont miss you either. Mike you move like the matrix”slowww motionnn” Rick Sund you might as well start over because this was Billy BONEHEAD Knight’s team and its a wrap!!! Lose by thirty at home. Billy Knight, one thing for sure you were a PRETENDER GM and so was your TEAM 04-2010 Hawks………………………….
Sautee
May 8th, 2010
9:32 pm
Truth-serum,
No fake fan here, just a burnt out one. I put a lot of energy into being a Hawks fan this year, just like YOU put a lot of energy into being a Horford hater.
I’m 60 years old and have been a Hawks fan since ‘68, but I will NOT continue on this blog if Woody is back. I’ll still watch the games, but if he is back the blog will become WAY too tiresome and the very same arguments will be re-hashed over and over again. No thanks.
As far as my fanhood goes, it will remain. But goodbye to this blog if Woodson comes back. But don’t worry. I’ll be sure to come by and give you some parting shots.
Sautee
May 8th, 2010
9:36 pm
Truth-serum,
Well, if you have to peak early, then do it as an All-star. I’m sure Atlanta fans would be more than satisfied for Al to be an All-Star Center year after year.
MagicRocks
May 8th, 2010
9:36 pm
Hey Hawks, looks like game 3 was a repeat of game 1. Look at the bright side, you only lost by 30 pts.
One advice for Mike Woodsman: Start looking for another coaching job.
Sautee
May 8th, 2010
9:39 pm
Truth-serum,
You said: “Sautee, I think thats the players responsibility to get better. ”
Woody said: “What is coaching but getting players to become the best they can be, then showing that on a nightly basis?”
Do you disagree with Woodson’s idea of what coaching is?
Grandad
May 8th, 2010
9:39 pm
Redick may actually be a better investment than Joe.
His production (by min. played) I’m certain his PER
would be near or exdede Joe’s.
Offensively – of course.
I don’t altogether buy into Hollinger’s theory,
but for the money, hey?
slim
May 8th, 2010
9:42 pm
wouldn’t hire Woodson as middle school Head Coach. But good luck Mike. Maybe that brilliant mind Billy Knight can find you another coaching assignment??? Yeah right, don’t hold your breath!!!
2 FOR JOHN DREW
May 8th, 2010
9:43 pm
JOHN DREW …. WASN’T THAT DUMB. HE WAS ONE OF CHARLES BARKLEY’S FAVORITE PLAYERS, PLUS HE STAYED HIGH ALOT ….. YOU’RE RIGHT ! …. HE WAS DUMB.
COTTON FITZSIMMONS ONCE ADMONISHED DREW & THE OTHERS THAT THEY REALLY NEEDED SOME D (as in defense, of course) AND MY BELOVED DREW SPOKE OVER HIS COACH W/ THESE WORDS OF WISDOM …..”NAH UH,WE NEED SOME PERNTS (points) GOTTA LOVE IT !
Wabe
May 8th, 2010
9:45 pm
Basketball 101
May 8th, 2010
9:12 pm
“Trade horford! What a waste of defense. Sorry bubba crew and florida fans. We will never get past the 2nd round with the number 18th shot blocker amongst NBA centers. Horford did not receive any votes on the defensive player of the year polls, nor did he get any votes on the All NBA player, Josh was the #2 defensive player and JJ made the all NBA team. ”
This same guy always seem to suggest trading Horford, but won’t name a single target to go get.
He always seems to find fault in one man alone.
Never has anything but “he’s the 18th ranked center in shotblocking” to justify his argument.
What’s funny is, Horford averaged as many blocks through the playoffs as J.Smith. I believe they were both averaging 2 per game? Someone can check me on that, but if that’s the only stat you’re gonna throw out there to justify your argument, and even that falls flat, you don’t have much to go on…
slim
May 8th, 2010
9:46 pm
I’d take John Drew in his prime anyday of the week over Marvin the “tin man” Williams..The official space codet for your, Atlanta Hawks..
Not so casual observer
May 8th, 2010
9:47 pm
QUITTERS -the worst thing you can say about an athlete or a team and the Hawksflat out quit in games 1 and 3.
Marvin Williams has been exposed for a truly poor use of a high pick. Marvin could not play among the first 8 or 9 for the better teams in the East, much less the West where there is more talent.
Joe Johnson turns down big $$$ from the Hawks and then stinks up the playoffs and now has the nerve to dismiss the fans as unimportant. No wonder he mostly keeps his mouth shut – better to sit silently and let people think you a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!
Say goodbye to Joe and Woody, and hopefully Marvin but who in their right mind would take Marvin and his contract to be a role player off the bench?
Josh Childress won’t you please come home?
Paul Hewitt's Agent
May 8th, 2010
9:47 pm
When asked what he thought of the Hawks, John Berry said, “I was taught growing up, if you don’t have anything good to say about someone, don’t say anything.” And he didn’t. Ouch!
Sautee
May 8th, 2010
9:47 pm
Wabe,
Good luck trying to get T-s to actually justify his hate.
Ain’t gonna happen, LOL.
Grandad
May 8th, 2010
9:47 pm
Sautee:
‘Basketball 101′ – Earlier today mentioned that maybe it was time
for a coach change. [using one of his aliases]
slim
May 8th, 2010
9:48 pm
Hey Rick, just trade the whole d—- team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wabe
May 8th, 2010
9:49 pm
JJ’s comments don’t point to a return in ATL.
I think the way fans booed him off the floor basically signaled the end of the JJ-Hawks era.
I personally would love to bring the guy back if we were to get another headcoach in here. NO WAY I’d throw max money at the guy, but if you can lock him up for around 14-15 million a year, I’d say bring him back.
However, there will definately be a team out there that’ll dish JJ bigger bucks than the Hawks do, and JJ will go where the money takes him. He’s not going to pass up the money to stay here.
Sautee
May 8th, 2010
9:51 pm
Grandad,
I meant to correct you earlier. Truth-serum very often will paste another post that he wants to comment on. That’s what he was doing. It was NOT his original post.
You can rest assured that he is firmly a Woodson supporter. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Wabe
May 8th, 2010
9:51 pm
And Jon Barry,
…………………..no comment…………….go f-yourself………
slim
May 8th, 2010
9:51 pm
BYE-BYE JOE> You wont be missed around these parts!!!!!!!
Rick Sund
May 8th, 2010
9:53 pm
Why would I trade a team that has much UPSIDE. Can’t you fans realize that it TAKES TIME to win in the playoffs. Based off of our REGULAR SEASON RECORD we are an ELITE TEAM.
Wabe
May 8th, 2010
9:55 pm
I don’t know why you guys keep commenting under the “Rick Sund” tab.
He’s the one guy who DIDN’T throw a contact at Woody for regular season performance…
Not so casual observer
May 8th, 2010
9:55 pm
Slim,
John Drew, when high, was a better player than Marvin.
Sautee,
Do not give up hope, there is a sound core of players who give effort and have talent and there is always the chance Josh Smith will decide to give the effort his God-given talent deserves. I have seen all but perhaps 25 home games since 1968, in person, and this team is significantly more talented than most of the other 41. The exceptions are the 1st year and the Wilkins, Rivers and Willis teams, along with the Maravich teams for the most part. Pretty sad that those are the only teams to come to mind out of 41.
Rick Sund
May 8th, 2010
9:56 pm
Will you UNGRATEFUL not be so hard on Marvin. With his POTENTIAL and UPSIDE and the fact that he is still LEARNING, he will be a great player. Joe had a tough day, but no SUPERSTAR is perfect. People please be patient we are still LEARNING HOW TO WIN.
slim
May 8th, 2010
9:56 pm
Basketball 101, please put down the pipe!!!! You are joking that Josh is going to be an All-star??? Taking plays off and can’t buy a jump shot wont allow that to happen in this matrix dude….
Clyde
May 8th, 2010
9:57 pm
“They don’t bother me. It’s about us in this locker room. We could care less if they showed up or not.” – JJ
I told yall we gave up too much when we got JJ. Belkin was right. Maybe he should run the team.
FIRE WOODY
Wabe
May 8th, 2010
9:57 pm
“Its been a great year and we did good with what we had. May be next time well have the michael jordan’s or magic johnson’s, dwight howards or lebrons …kobe’s….”
Funny, would’ve thought you would’ve listed a bunch of centers…
tidog
May 8th, 2010
9:58 pm
As Dandy Don Meredith would say for those old enough to remember the man, “Turn out the lights the party’s over.
Rick Sund
May 8th, 2010
9:58 pm
Wabe why are your EXPECTATIONS so high for such a YOUNG team. Why can’t you be SATISFIED like Big Ray. Woodson done a great job. He has accomplished our main goal which is not a championship, but PROGRESSION. Didn’t we win 53 games, what more do you fans expect?
mykhalc
May 8th, 2010
9:59 pm
see ya Woodosn!!! see ya Marvin!!! See ya JJ??? see ya bench!!! man i’m so glad i did not invest any energy into this series. HAWKS need a REAL leader…but first they need a REAL coach!!! like someone else said earlier…this team has hit its’ ceilin’…especially with the coach that’s here. see ya next season fellas…or should i say, see ya in the summer. should be interestin’!!!
Wabe
May 8th, 2010
9:59 pm
After all, I thought it’s all about having big 7′0 centers to win rings…not the Kobe’s, Lebron’s, Wade’s in the league.
Clyde
May 8th, 2010
10:00 pm
WE SHOULD HAVE TRADED JJ LAST SUMMER AND LET BIBBY AND MARVIN WALK.
FIRE WOODY
Wabe
May 8th, 2010
10:00 pm
Damn, maybe you should be pinning the blame on JJ, since he is supposed to be this teams “Kobe”, or “Lebron”, or “Wade”.
Why go off on Horford then?
Wabe
May 8th, 2010
10:01 pm
Rick Sund,
You can join Jon Barry.
Rick Sund
May 8th, 2010
10:02 pm
For the record mykhalc, Joe and Josh are our leaders. JOE is tough on the court with SUPERSTAR demeanor and Josh is tough MENTALLY never letting things like REFEREES get to him. So I don’t know what you are talking about.
slim
May 8th, 2010
10:03 pm
Hey Rick Sund, maybe you should pickup a pipe??? Your delusional man…..
VenomSpitter
May 8th, 2010
10:03 pm
WOW @ Joe:
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-hawks/johnson-on-unhappy-fans-522943.html
He said: “We could care less if they show up”
Oh really Joe. Why would we want to see u dribble the ball 4 20 seconds anyway chump.