Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 98, Heat 89
J.J. and Hawks got by LeBron's Heat. (Curtis Compton/ ccompton@ajc.com)
–This was nothing like the Magic game for the Hawks. They were ready from the jump, defended hard until the end and didn’t blink when the Heat threatened to open up a lead after halftime.
– Both teams went at each other hard and had their starters on the floor to finish. “It didn’t feel like a preseason game at all,” Jamal said. “As the preseason winds down, we’re just trying to get into a rhythm we can carry into the regular season and they are doing the same.”
– “Two teams came out and really made a statement,” J.J. said. “It was fun.”
– Props to J.J. for 27 points, six rebounds, six assists and just one turnover. He’s quietly been the most consistent guy in the preseason. You can see him start to figure out where he can find space in the motion offense. There are still some isos but, for the most part, he picks the right time to do his thing.
– “The Hawks have a little more movement offensively,” Udonis Haslem said. “Last year they were more of a one-on-one team. They still have versatile big players. They’re going to be just as good as last year, most likely better.”
– That remains to be seen but would anyone have said that about the Hawks just three days ago?
– The Heat didn’t have D-Wade and this game showed the potential problems when any of the Super Friends are out against good teams. LeBron went for 38 points on 11 of 22 shooting and 13 of 19 free throws; his nine teammates combined for for 51 points on 10 of 57 shooting and 11 of 15 free throws.
– “I’ve seen improvement in the defense the last couple games,” L.D. said. “Tonight we did a good job collectively on them. One thing I wanted them to focus on was the transition defense. We let LeBron get away a couple times but for the most part we did a good job with that.”
– Having LeBron means the Heat are never really overmatched. I can’t even say Marvin did a bad job against him. LeBron is just so big, fast, strong and skilled. That’s no revelation, I know, but the guy provides reminders each time you see him.
– “When LeBron comes to town you know he’s going to score 30,” Marvin said. “That’s what he does. It’s the other guys you’ve got to cut off.”
– 11 rebounds and nine points points on 4 of 8 shooting for Marvin. That plus good D gets it done.
– Smoove was really strong in the post against Bosh. He set the tone early by blocking his dunk attempt and stripping him of the ball a couple other times. He never let Bosh get comfortable.
– Josh also showed growth within a 5-minute span of the third quarter. Joey Crawford gave him a tech. “All I said was, ‘Hey Joey,” Smoove said, and J.J. backed up his story.
– Later, Josh was called for a foul on LeBron and calmed himself down, with his palms facing the floor. A few moments later he stole James Jones’ pass and soared in for a dunk that gave the Hawks their first lead of the second half.
– Bibby said he was putting it on himself to get guys easier shots. He ended up with five assists, made two big shots late in the game and showed some energy on D. His issues are well known but the guy is a pro.
– Teague looked like he needs more time to get back in rhythm.
– Jamal seemed less interested in defense than crossing over whomever the Heat put in front of him. His moves fired up the crowd, though. And he ended up with six free-throw attempts: “I’m just trying to get my timing back.”
– Al looked out of sorts again. He couldn’t get his jump shot to fall and too often settled for jump hooks far away from the basket. He still made four free throws, collected nine boards and three steals and did a good job challenging Bosh at the rim.
– Twin missed on a chance to send LeBron to the ground with a foul, instead just touching him as he went by. He made amends a few minutes later with a hard foul on Bosh that prevented a dunk.
– Josh Powell was active again. He’s not shy about shooting the ball or mixing it up.
– With all of the regulars available and the regular season approaching, L.D. said he’s starting to set his rotation . Tonight that meant 22 minutes for Powell and the first DNP-CD for JC2.
– “Jordan will have his time for sure,” Jamal said. “He’s a really, really good player. But I think right now we are settling down into what we will do in the regular season.”
– Good effort for the Hawks, especially defensively, but they know the next step is to keep it up.
– “I knew this was a big game and I never have to worry about us in big games,” J.J. said. “It’s ther other games that are not so big that I worry about [the energy].”
– “That’s how you become a great team is to do it night in and night out regardless of what the offense is like,” Al said.
– “We knew it would be like that,” Josh said. “We stepped up and played with passion and with our hearts out. That’s how we’ve got to play all the time. I think this is the toughest division in the NBA and wins are going to be precious. This showed that we can play with them and be a force to be reckoned with but we’ve got to do with with everybody.”
– I’m out, Hawks fans.
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134 comments Add your comment
i_am_soulstar
October 22nd, 2010
8:56 am
This breakdown of minutes is pretty awesome if it lasts through the regular season.
Breakout season for Josh Powell anyone????????????????????????????
drmaryb (*_*)
October 22nd, 2010
9:09 am
Bench Warming!
It was good for Jordan to sit and wàtch and learn last night.
We all know what he can do. Just like Doc Rivers sat the shoot first PG Nate for 38 games to learn the TEAM OFFENSE and DEFENSIVE requirements.
He got his burn in the play-offs and it paid dividends and a new contract for Nate. Just be patient Jordan, your time will come!
Ramon
October 22nd, 2010
9:10 am
O’Brien, Josh made a couple of those jumpers. And still shot 50% for the game.
oldmike
October 22nd, 2010
9:19 am
Don’t know if any of you watched SportsCenter this AM. Seems there was only one player on one team in the building – and it was – guess who? Right. The oft maligned LBJ. They didn’t even post the Hawks scoring leaders. Just LBJ and Bosh’s stats. So, all the teams save for the ones with what ESPN deems to be marquee players just don’t matter. I am QUICKLY getting over ESPN!!!!!!!
drmaryb (*_*)
October 22nd, 2010
9:20 am
Ding …
Not so casual observer
October 22nd, 2010
9:23 am
How many games into the season before Powell starts at the 3?
Sports Illustrated has the take on Marvin – not a 3 or a 4. The upper body of a 3 and the lower body of a 4 as I have posted before.
Teague will be fine, Mo will contribute and ZaZa and Collins will fit in situational areas. Thomas will be a contributor as well.
Miami is a long way from being a “super team”.
HoosierHawk
October 22nd, 2010
9:25 am
Bibby, although slow and a big question mark to me, was suprisingly scrappy on D. He had a few strips that turned into easy buckets. And he can still stroke it. I think Teague really has to earn the starting job. Horford’s shot was so bunk the first half and Josh settled for some long 2’s circa 2008. But other than that i was impressd. Contrary to what those who only looked at the box score said, Zaza played well. He did lots of little things on D. And Marvin, despite my skepticism towards him, did make a big 3 to seal the game. GO HAWKS
Rufus1
October 22nd, 2010
9:27 am
Section 303
I think the most impressive thing Teague did was LOCK DOWN EDDIE HOUSE…he could not get a shot off when Teague was on him. Did you see the defensive rotation when Teague refuse to leave House and let Chalmer shot the open 3….. LD I love it.
11 man rotation
Defensive intensity
Ball movement
I will say it again…IT IS TIME FOR SOME OF YOU TO START DRINKING THE LD KOOLAIDE!!!!!
We are talking about a 53 win team that looked better last knight, than they did all last year(except maybe the Utah game)
J from the A
October 22nd, 2010
9:28 am
I am not sure, but I think Josh & the mid-range jumpers are a bit of “pre-season experimenting.”
I, too, cringe every time I see Josh (half-)open at 17-18ft. Before he even takes the shot, I am like, “Noooo, don’t do it!”
But at least a couple of the 17 footers looked liked they came off of set plays. If Josh can start hitting the mid-range jumper, that would really open up opportunities for him. His man would have to start playing him close anytime he caught the ball within 17 feet, as the opposing teams would be forced to respect the mid-range shot. And as his man is forced to play Josh a bit closer around the perimeter, two beautiful things will start happening: (1) Josh will be able to exploit bigger, slower PF’s and blow right by them. (2) The lane will be a little less congested, clearing the way for Josh to make some nice assist to Al or a cutting Joe, Marvin, Teague, Mo, Jamal, etc.
However, if this experiment doesn’t look like it is panning out, say by the end of November, I want to see those jumpers cut down to no more than 2 or 3 a game … and even those better come only when there is little to no choice in the matter.
But whatever Josh does, please, please NO THREE’s!!!
Manny
October 22nd, 2010
9:29 am
I can care less about ESPN because they are trying to fix their image regarding LBJ and “The Decision” debacle. They have to somehow justify that stupid thing they did.
But here’s what I saw: I saw the Motion Offense and I think I will like it later on. It is definitely a work in progress because it requires the open man to make the open shot. That’s fine, but what I don’t like is that there’s hesitation on the boards. That means that it’s not clicking yet. The boards needs to be attacked and it allows the defense to recover when there’s hesitation.
Also, even though Bibby looked really good and that he can spot up really well; Teague’s speed and slashing abilities makes the motion offense work better. The problem is that he is so green. He needs more floor time. But if and when Teague gets better and able to make better decisions, this offense will sing. Teague’s maturity, to me, is what excites me the most about this year.
Astro Joe
October 22nd, 2010
9:31 am
Big confidence builder for the Hawks. Let’s hope we stay healthy after tonight’s game.. I vote for playing Pape Sy 45 minutes tonight… oops, never mind.
OB, I said as much last year, Jamal is a bad backcourt partner for Teague. He needs to play with someone like Joe or Mo. But the idea of playing Bibby and Jamal together is frightening when thinking about defense. Unless you have “expendable” bigs down low to get in foul trouble when the opposing guards constantly penetrate into the paint.
J from the A
October 22nd, 2010
9:44 am
If I am not mistaken, the Hawks best lineup last year (as far as plus-minus goes) was Bibby, Jamal, Joe, Josh, and Al. So, whatever defense deficiencies this line up has, they more than make up for it with offensive output.
And, I think last night was a sign that Bibby still has a role. He is a good court general, sees the floor well, and can hit the open jumpers. However, it is no secret that he gets exposed bad against some of the better PGs in the league.
Ken Strickland
October 22nd, 2010
9:59 am
As you can plainly see real Hawk fans, the NEGATIVE MINDED, GLASS HALF EMPTY TROLLS have come out in full force. Last night the Hawks brought a BIG DOSE OF REALITY to them, and made it harder for them to maintain their fantasy about the Heat being a dominant force and a certainty to become this yrs NBA champions.
Yes, this was a PRESEASON gm, but in every respect this gm was played exactly the way a regular season gm between these 2 teams would have been played. Both teams definitely went all out to win.
Najeh-Sometimes I don’t understand your reasoning. I know you’ve questioned JTeague’s readiness and ability to run this team, as well as make known your preference for MBibby as the starting PG. You’ve used Bibby’s ability to protect the ball and subsequent low turnover rate as your reason. But, why would you expect Marvin to be a LOCK DOWN DEFENDER, not just a good or average defender, yet not ever say a single word about any expectations you might have about Bibby being more than an OPEN DOOR DEFENDER? It’s Bibby who’s been the teams biggest DEF liability, not Marvin, followed closely by JaCrawford.
With multiple options on OFF(ISO, motion OFF, pick and roll, high low post, fastbreak), the Hawks will be much better equipped to win on the road. With Miami not likely to be as dominant or as successful as Cleveland was last yr, and with Boston becoming even slower, older and more injury prone that the team that got swept by the Hawks last yr, I don’t see the Hawks finishing lower than 3rd in the East.
Even with the addition of CBoozer, and the Bulls turning over half their roster, they won’t be any more successful against the Hawks than they were last yr. The Bucks are too frail, and won’t be able to take advantage of the stupidity, rigidity, predictability, and lack of adjustments, like they did in last yrs 7gm 1st rd playoff series. While they get MRedd and ABogot back, the Hawks handled them during regular season last yr when both players played, including resigned SG JSalmons, with 2 of the 3gms being played in Milwaukee.
The only team standing in the way of the Hawks getting to the Eastern Conference Finals is the Orlando Magic. One other observation about Bibby. With him knowing he’d be accountable for defending his man and having to watch out for and fight over picks, rather than relaxing and expecting to switch on every pick like last yr, he appeared to be more active and effective on DEF last night than he was all of last season.
The Hawks didn’t make a big splash in FA, or any significant changes to their roster, player wise. However, by hiring LDrew as the Hawks new HC, along with the positive chances he’s installed, they certainly made the change that will make them the most improved team in the East, with the possible exception of Miami. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Section 303
October 22nd, 2010
10:05 am
Rufus1, that is a good point. Eddie House was perfect from 3, if I’m not mistaken. Teague played good D. But, I thnk that D is one of this strenghs. Teague is quick and seems to have a good feel. You don’t see him get caught up in screens very often.
Also, on Teague, he seemed very aggressive with the ball last night. He attacked the rim several times last night. He is not afraid to mix it up.
ILL-Logical
October 22nd, 2010
10:09 am
Good Preseason win and on national television. wonder when the marketing campaign will begin? And who will it feature-to sell the most tickeyts and mechandise?
Wabe
October 22nd, 2010
10:29 am
Big Ray
October 22nd, 2010
2:49 am
Better hope:
Shaq – doesn’t hurt his toe, or get grumpy about playing time
Jermaine – gets two brand new knees for Christmas
Delonte – doesn’t get caught trying to screw somebody else’s mom, or get caught with 15 different firearms strapped to his motorcyle in the middle of town at 2 a.m.
Nate – can defend as well as Tony Allen….not!
Big Baby – doesn’t get in trouble again
Wafer – can play defense
LMAO @ at Delonte.
Wabe
October 22nd, 2010
10:37 am
Few comments on the game itself…
People are quick to call Teague’s performance “scub-ish”. He might’ve not been scoring – but I thought he showed some good court vision. He’s a good complement to what we have out of Bibby. Quick – penetration – upgrade at the PG DEFENSIVELY.
You might’ve not been too thrilled by his performance, but, he’s capable of playing a role – and a pretty good asset for a team featuring gaurds like Joe and Jamal who can step behind the arc and knock down open looks that you can credit to Teague’s penetration.
As for LD, I like what I see. I’m excited. I said yesterday, the guy is cool, calm, and collected. Doesn’t seem to get flustered and take anything out on his players. Keeps his composure and actually looks like he knows how to attack both offensively and defensively. Someone mentioned his in-game interviews, and it’s a relief to have a guy who actually seems to know that there’s something more to basketball than just his guys energy level. He sprinkled in the energy note – but also noted other advantageous points the Hawks need to keep attacking (IE – Teague/Jamal quickness in the backcourt).
I’m siked.
Not expecting a championship, but I definitely think we’re better off this season.
Bench play seems suspect though. Seems like a repeat to what we saw last season. Jamal and “the other guys”.
Wabe
October 22nd, 2010
10:37 am
meant to say “scrub-ish”
drmaryb (*_*)
October 22nd, 2010
10:39 am
Manny T?
Is that you? I hope so. IDK Manny, but he said:
“I can care less about ESPN because they are trying to fix their image regarding LBJ and “The Decision” debacle. They have to somehow justify that stupid thing they did.”
ANY legitmate sporst network would have been derelict in their duty not to air The Decision. In their defense, ESPN aired it, got tremendous Neilson Ratings, sold commercial slots and did what they had to do.
If LeBron & Team wants to make an azz of themselves – so be it!
ESPN mad no mistakes there. Didn’t the whole world watch?
Giving the people what they want is just great business.
Ramon
October 22nd, 2010
10:48 am
Drmaryb, say what you want, but Lebron made raised a lot of money by doing his decision.
Everyone says Lebron should’ve called Dan Gilbert first, before the show. But if he called him, it would’ve been leaked on every channel and website of the decision he was going to make. So business wise it was pretty smart not to call. Gilbert should be happy Lebron made Cleveland as valuable as he did while he was there.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 22nd, 2010
11:04 am
Ramon
Very true.
However, I was only speaking of ESPN’s role in that.
I don’t believe LeBron was paid to air that?
If he was, so be it. But, it was more about LeBron than anything else.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 22nd, 2010
11:10 am
Cleveand’s feelings being hurt is their problem.
The man honored his contract admirably and was free to do whatever.
He owes Cleveland nothing – that’s business and it’s a hard knock life!
How many athletes have learned they were traded on a news stream or while listening to the radio while driving their cars. Didn’t Dominique get traded without knowing up front?
The knife cuts both ways!
I have no problem with LeBron not telling Cleveland he was about to DIP!
If he wasn’t the 2X MVP? Cleveland wouldn’t have told him if he was beong traded to the Clippers either.
O'Brien
October 22nd, 2010
11:19 am
AJ,
Good point. Bibby and Jamal defensively will be much worse than Teague and Jamal. However, I think Bibby and Jamal will be better offensively than Teague and Jamal, so LD will have to find the tradeoff.
Last night was the only game I’ve seen this pre-season, but I thought Bibby played well overall, which I was good, because from looking at boxscores and other comments, it looked like he sucked the other games.
However, lets keep in mind that Miami has Carlos Arroyo and Mario Chalmers at PG. I think Teague will be needed more when we play the faster PGs, so hopefully Teague can learn to move his feet and play aggressive/smart defense without fouling.
Will LD be willing to start Teague against some teams (N.O., Phoenix, Chicago, Washington etc), and then start Bibby against some teams?
Ramon
October 22nd, 2010
11:19 am
Agreed.
I.MUS WRITE
October 22nd, 2010
11:26 am
Observations 101
Jeff Teague*** needs more time- His shot is still MIA, while he provides good D and pushes the ball, Slow footed zbibby still gives us a better chance of winning. I see them splitting time this year.
ZaZa – Sigh… I want to like the guy but he is garbage IMO -It wont happen but I would look for a trade.
Smoove- Still taking those 3’s, STOP IT !!!!!!
Jamal C- looks like he is not intrested in playing this year -It looks like he isnt giving full effort because he is pissed about his contract with the CBA situation right around the corner. C’mon son be a professional and quit pouting like a child
Ball movement was good last night-
Mo Evans- *&$%$%#()#)
Powell is EHHHH….other than the occasional jumper what does he do besides commit fouls-Zaza is better, thats sad
I would like to see us make this trade- or one similar to this
JC1/Mo/ ZaZA for R Fernanzez / Pryzbilla
I.MUS WRITE
October 22nd, 2010
11:28 am
Fernandez
A-Run
October 22nd, 2010
11:44 am
Mr. Cunningham,
Would you please give the team a quick report card on the Pre-Season here below?? Thanks for all the hard work you do covering this team!
Offense: ?
Defense: ?
Coaching: ?
Chemistry: ?
Front Office: ?
My take………..
Offense : C+ (The scheme looks good and you can see things are slowly improving but not quite fluid enough and team scoring too low, so far)
Defense: C- (For the most part, individual effort is there. Team effort is not quite there. Still too many lapses in transition and opposing players getting to the rim without being diverted)
Coaching: B (Like all of these critiques, it is still way to early to get a true evaluation but I like what I see. Coach Drew has a “no nonsense” view on defense and will no let his players hear anything other than responsibility, cuplibility, and effort. It is my hope that the players’ do not get tired of his voice before they “truly buy in” to his schemes)
Chemistry: C (Is it just me or is it REALLY HARD to tell whether or not this team has “cliques” in the locker room or are they one big happy family and totally cool with each other? Al Horford’s comments regarding ISO JOE and lack of defensive effort is concerning, at times)
Front Office: D (It sure would be nice to see us go ahead and lock up Al Horford immediately and take care of what ails Jamal Crawford, trade or otherwise. Can anyone say legit Center? Anyone? Anyone? Get off your hands please
)
3Klub
October 22nd, 2010
11:47 am
I have to admit that I liked what I saw last night. The new system is MUCH easier to watch, and with the ball movement and more guys getting shots, you see more activity on the other end of the floor, ie Marvin with 11 boards. I know Teague has missed a lot of time, but I need to see more from him. As it stands Bibby and JC1 might suck up all the minutes at PG and JC2 may have more value than Teague off the bench with his scoring. Especially in those 3rd qtrs when the offense lags.
N-Trigue
October 22nd, 2010
12:12 pm
What game were you all watching? I was satisfied with everyone’s play and coaching. Good timeouts were called he switched the offense from motion to isos at different times during the game. Teague being that this was his first gm back from the ankle sprain did good his quickness was on display this is gonna be a totally different team when Teague is running point with the starters e showed me his ability to gt around screens on defense which is where Bibby struggles. He had a good game and as the preseason winds down I expect for him to be more in sync with the other guys and the offense. Zaza looked good doing all the little things I like the role Drew has planned for him. And I like the fact that the Hawks seemed to be a little tuffer than previous years especially downlow in the paint I saw them send a couple of Heat players to the ground when they tried to come inside. Cant wait for the season to start this is gonna be a really season watch I predict 55 wins or better!
Westurd
October 22nd, 2010
12:19 pm
Who is Twin?
Westurd
October 22nd, 2010
12:20 pm
By the way MC, great collection of quotes…..now can you see if you can find me some tickets on the cheap. Thanks
drmaryb (*_*)
October 22nd, 2010
12:20 pm
Obrien
As usual, nice breakdown of how to use all the guards.
Your plan puts everyone in the best situations to be successful.
I.MUS WRITE
Re: Observations 101,
I enjoyed your feedback. Give it some more time you will be at ease. Like Al said, “he will go to war with what he’s got.”
I’ve never seen Josh Powell play before joining the Hawks. I sense he can help the team more when things calm down.. Coach tightened the rotation last night to evaluate some things he didn’t know yet, IMO and to get some film to study.
I also, noticed Coach talked to the players like Men. Very calm and supportive.
One frame, I saw Coach rest his hand on Jamal’s chest and make contact while instructing him in that 4th Quarter. Did anyone else notice that too?
The overall facial expressions, body language and control that Coach has.
Conversely, Dwight stated that he and SVG have had bumps due to Dwights aloofness -vs- SVG Intensity. And, that he and SVG really sat down and talked about SVG needing to relax a little and have some fun too.
-paraphrased- from The NBATV Magic Training Camp interview with Dwight.
Can’t have Sautee getting me. rof-lol -smiles-
Aye Sautee! What up Man? You keeping us quoters and liars in line?
drmaryb (*_*)
October 22nd, 2010
12:27 pm
If you don’t who Twin is by now?
Then google it.
Apparently you don’t know ISH about The Hawks roster if you don’t know who anyone is. It’s not rocket science, but do me a favor, log off and do some research. All your silly questions have been asked and answered under your other 17 user I’d’s.
Geez! Whining kids and yapping dogs are annoying!
drmaryb (*_*)
October 22nd, 2010
12:31 pm
* Coach rested his hand on Jamal’s chest and made EYE contact …
Najeh Davenpoop
October 22nd, 2010
12:37 pm
Twin is Jason Collins. I figured it out the first time using process of elimination.
Stuart
October 22nd, 2010
12:43 pm
Hawks looked great last night! The game was very encouraging! The motion offense looked great–not much standing around as was the case last year. Plus, Joe Johnson seems like he can definitely be a formidable threat in this offense. He is still able to produce in the points/rebounds/assist departments. With the offense, there also weren’t many shots having to be jacked up as the shot clock was going off–players were getting wide open shots on the floor and even down low around the basket. The pick-and-rolls, screens, and give-and-goes looked excellent. Another plus was the effort on the defensive end. Again, for the most part, it looked pretty solid. There was great effort all around–especially by Josh Smith, which really changed the game.
After seeing the game, I am convinced that Bibby still needs to start at point. I saw a few great things from Teague but Bibby still seems to control the ball well (without any turnovers) and that is a huge plus when running a motion offense like the Hawks are. Plus Bibby seemed to work well in the offense, hitting down shots when he needed to. Teague will still get his minutes though–more than he did last year. Bibby also looked a little better defensively, which was also encouraging, but he will probably still be exploited big time when facing the young, athletic guards like Rondo and Jennings, so that’s where Teague will especially need to come into play.
Anyway, looks pretty good! Especially considering how the shooting was awful (especially Horford) and some of the finishes around the basket for Zaza and Powell weren’t put down quickly like they should, and Josh Smith took a few shots that he probably shouldn’t have—-but all this is small stuff and can be fixed… and the Hawks still won on top of this! Plus, most of the Heat runs seemed to be when LeBron and a few of their starters were out on the floor against our bench. When our starters were out there, we were on top of it! The +/- on LeBron was -17 and all of the Miami starters were in the negative while all the Hawks starters were on the positive side. So, very encouraging! Still have to maintain the intensity for 82+ games though…so, a lot of work to be done (plus figuring out Orlando…).
AT WORK AKA NUNNA!!
October 22nd, 2010
12:44 pm
give it up jeje..wats with the teague bashing..
i hate to bring up his name,but i think u are woody.
Stuart
October 22nd, 2010
12:45 pm
Also would have been nice to see JC2…
Najeh Davenpoop
October 22nd, 2010
12:46 pm
“Drmaryb, say what you want, but Lebron made raised a lot of money by doing his decision. ”
Come on now. A guy worth $100 million raised $500,000 by doing the decision on TV for the Boys and Girls Club. If you want to paint that like some huge act of charity, that’s the equivalent of someone making $50,000 a year “raising” $25 for charity. He could have just as easily given that money out of his pocket without exposing himself as a self-centered douchebag on national television.
There’s nothing wrong with the choice to leave Cleveland and go to Miami; that’s his right and he doesn’t owe any explanation to the Cavaliers organization. But someone who wasn’t so oblivious to the people around him would have made an effort to not do the fans of the city of Cleveland the way he did. If you are going to leave, there’s a right way and a wrong way of doing it, and LeBron chose pretty much the most wrong way possible.
northcyde
October 22nd, 2010
12:53 pm
LOL . . the range of emotions on these blogs are crazy.
While the motion within the offense was good, we did only shoot 42% FG. But the defense, especially in the 2nd half, was stellar. For the game, Miami shot 37% FG. That’s the type of defensive effort we need out of this team more often than not.
As I’ve said all summer, I’m not worried much about the starters, it’s the bench I’m worried about. As others have said, the Teague – Jamal backcourt may not be ideal for Teague, because Jamal still tends to dominate the ball. But if Teague isn’t ready to lead, we don’t have any choice but to let Bibby start. The jury is definitely out on Teague in that regard, but LD will give him a shot to prove himself.
For this offense to work, guys must knock down their open shots. I personally can’t remember the last time that both Bibby and Marvin shot 50% FG in a game. In the 2nd half of the season last year, both guys missed a TON of open looks. This year, it’s more important than ever for them to make wide open jumpers.
The ease that JJ scored the basketball within the offense is probably the most noticeable thing about last night. And his shot chart proved that. He was 5 – 12 FG on his jumpers and 6 – 11 FG on shots in the paint. And some of those shots in the paint came from him catching the ball in the 15 – 18 ft area, and immediately driving into the paint to shoot the ball within 10 feet.
AT WORK
October 22nd, 2010
12:55 pm
is it me or did jc1 audition for other teams as a point last nite?
he was on display for himself most of the game..
speaking of cliques,his buddy buddy is zsa zsa..he made some nice passes to him in the low post..
i hope we can work something out with jc1 but if not..we need a defensive center..he don’t even have to score more than 6 a game just on rebounds alone..
just guard the paint,block shots,get rebounds..then go home..thats all he has to do..
another jc1 issue i have is that he is always bringing up the ball when teague is in,and if he noticed,all he has to do is get open and teague will get him the ball..
gotta go make some calls..and yes,i am a telemarketer,and i will be calling upon your job,or your business,lol..
1
Najeh Davenpoop
October 22nd, 2010
12:57 pm
“Najeh-Sometimes I don’t understand your reasoning. I know you’ve questioned JTeague’s readiness and ability to run this team, as well as make known your preference for MBibby as the starting PG. You’ve used Bibby’s ability to protect the ball and subsequent low turnover rate as your reason. ”
Uh… no I haven’t. I’ve been one of the biggest Teague supporters on this blog since day one, and I’ve repeatedly characterized Bibby’s contract as one of the worst on the roster. Don’t know where you’re getting this from.
“But, why would you expect Marvin to be a LOCK DOWN DEFENDER, not just a good or average defender, yet not ever say a single word about any expectations you might have about Bibby being more than an OPEN DOOR DEFENDER? It’s Bibby who’s been the teams biggest DEF liability, not Marvin, followed closely by JaCrawford. ”
Bibby is 32 years old and his physical skills are rapidly declining. Expecting him to be anything but a defensive liability at this point in his career is wishful thinking — which is a big part of the reason I’ve always been such a big supporter of increasing Teague’s minutes. Players generally don’t get better at age 32, and they certainly don’t improve in lateral quickness at age 32.
Marvin, on the other hand, is a young guy who has been on the Hawks for five years without ever carving out a defined role. Yes, a big part of this is Woody’s fault, but Woody can really only be blamed for Marvin’s offensive inconsistency; nothing ever prevented Marvin from carving out a role as a lock down defender. He has all the physical tools to do so — long wingspan, good lateral quickness, and height — it’s really just about focusing and developing the mental toughness necessary for that role.
And anyway, I am saying that in the context of the team’s needs and the fact that Marvin doesn’t have that defined role. The Hawks have more than enough scorers and more than enough athleticism to run the break; therefore, it’s not essential for Marvin to excel at scoring or finishing on the break (although it certainly wouldn’t hurt). What the Hawks don’t have is a physical defensive presence on the wing who can take some of the defensive burden off of Joe Johnson. That is the area where Marvin can most contribute to the team, and that’s what he needs to be working on.
Gilley
October 22nd, 2010
12:58 pm
I feel a whole lot better about the Hawks after this win….but I just don’t understand how Jordan Crawford gets a DNP. Sounds like a Woody type thing to do. This was a preseason game. Give the man some burn!!!!!
northcyde
October 22nd, 2010
1:15 pm
And I still say that LD just doesn’t like something about Jordan Crawford. The bench shot 7 – 23 FG last night. We can use anybody we can get, when it comes to bench scoring.
I agree with Najeh. If Jordan is not projected to be in the rotation, send him to the D-League for a month or two, so that he can develop more as a NBA level scorer/playmaker.
We’re overloaded at guard anyway, so if he isn’t going to play, send him somewhere in which he can enhance that “dog” in him as a scorer.
STK
October 22nd, 2010
1:16 pm
This game reinforced my theory that Chris Bosh is highly overrated. He will take a beatdown from any tough forward in the league. So really it’s only the Big Two, Bosh and a bunch of stiffs. This team will surprise everyone by not being as good as hyped.
JeJe
October 22nd, 2010
1:20 pm
The problem with Bibby is EVERY shot he takes is contested. Yes he made a lot of nice jumpers last night, but ALL contested. He CANNOT get in the lane, create space, or move quickly. This is a HUGE problem for this team.
Jamal was incredible last night. I was hoping we’d iso him on James Jones or whoever and let him drop 45
Manny
October 22nd, 2010
1:20 pm
Hi. I’m Manny, not MannyT. I normally write on the Falcons boards.
And ESPN DID get flack because they did get good Nielsen ratings, for about 10 minutes. But experts would tell you that the decision to air that mess was a mistake. ESPN used poor judgment and it hurt it’s brand. Not that it has great competition, but people thought it was laughable and a waste of time. (And Lebron has the money to just cut the Boys and Girls clubs a $500k check. It was unnecessary.) But I’m not going to continue to harp over the success and/or failures of marketing Lebron’s decision to go and play with the Heat.
As far as the Hawks are concerned, the Motion Offense, and Jeff Teague potential role in it, should give some hope to the fans. It is certainly a work in progress. It didn’t look good all the time. People missed some open shots. Players were forcing the pass at times. Sometimes, people looked lost. That’s fine.
But what I did see was an offense that will not only work well for Teague and Joe Johnson. I saw that this offense may give a spark for Marvin Williams. He looked pretty good yesterday, too. He seems to thrive in this type of offense.
And if they improve and make the playoffs again; even if we get swept in the 2nd round, I would take that. Larry Drew looks like he is making progress so far.
J.J.M.
October 22nd, 2010
1:21 pm
why does espn show all lebron higlights but dont show none from the winning team? why couldnt they show bosg getting dunked on by marvin or josh smith steal/dunk? NBA where predictable happens
Big D
October 22nd, 2010
1:32 pm
I no bibby played well last night but the fast break is not there when he is in the game, it’s time 2 starte teague with the starter and let him make his mistake on the court he will only get better with time.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
True Hawks Fan
October 22nd, 2010
1:33 pm
I co-sign with Northcyde and Big Ray. Hawks fans are so fickle. Yesterday, I saw “Fire LD” and “Bring back Woodson” comments. I will live and die with this team. Nothing will ever be as bad as 13 wins.