Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 100, Cavaliers 88
Hawks are 4-0. (AP Photo)
– The Hawks keep squandering leads to teams with less talent but they keep winning games.
– “We are handling situations better,” Al said. “Last year this would have been a game we let slip away. We feel confident. We are going to keep working to get better. We still have a ways to go.”
– Even so they are 4-0, 3-0 on the road and showing that they can be very difficult to guard when they share the ball and take care of it. Maybe it won’t be so easy once opponents start catching on to these new-look Hawks (and when the opponents get better). Or maybe the Hawks get better at running L.D’s motion sets and their balance and talent still win out.
– “Our guys are starting to buy into it and they are really playing together and they are playing very unselfish,” Drew said. “If they continue to do that, they will spread the wealth among the points. The feel of it right now that I am getting from the players is they are really starting to feel good about themselves and what we are doing.”
– L.D. had a talk with Marvin after he didn’t score against the Wizards: “I told him I had to get him more shots. I have got to put him in better situations. I want him to be more offensive-minded. With that being said, I don’t want him forcing things. I thought tonight he did a great job. When I ran plays for him he was aggressive. When ran plays for someone else, he waited until the ball rotated around to him and he knocked the shot down. But I’ve got to get him more touches.”
– That’s a good idea when he’s going like this. “I really wanted to be aggressive from the jump,” Marvin said. “Last game I wasn’t aggressive at all, and it hurts my team when I’m not very aggressive. I really wanted to come out and establish myself early.”
– L.D. replaced Jamal with Marvin with 4:50 to go despite Jamal’s 16 points on seven shots. Jamal didn’t look happy about it. Marvin got a rebound, made two free throws and buried a key jumper down the stretch.
– The Hawks got all the open looks they wanted in the first quarter. With Marvin involved, the Hawks had five guys who were threats to score and the Cavs just couldn’t guard them all. The numbers were ridiculous: 15/21 field goals, 11 assists, one turnover, seven guys with points.
– “I thought they hit some tough shots, but we had some defensive lapses as well,” Byron Scott said. “Then they got going and we still challenged shots and they still made them. You have to figure at some point they are going to calm down and miss some of those shots.”
– It happened in the third quarter, but really I thought Atlanta’s problems putting Cleveland away were due to lax halfcourt D in the first half. It wasn’t such an issue because they had seven steals in the half but the Cavs made it a game when they held on to the ball in the third quarter.
– L.D. didn’t see it that way: “I thought we were OK [defensively]. Hickson made some shots. He shot the ball a lot better than what I anticipated, I give him credit for that. Our defense was really solid. Pick-and-roll we did a great job. Coming in our gameplan was to limit their transition game, which we did. Only two transition points in the first half. Overall I thought our defense was pretty good, they just made shots.”
– Smoove continues to hold down the back line against all comers. He had five blocked shots and 11 rebounds and his 3 for 11 shooting hardly mattered with Marvin picking up the slack.
– “That’s what makes me special,” Josh said, grinning. “I don’t mean to pat myself on the back, I don’t hang my head because I’m not making shots. I have so many [other] attributes to be able to help my team. I did that on the defensive and offensive boards. I was able to deflect some shots, and whenever you deflect shots early it makes teams think about coming in there.”
– He made two long jumpers but was missing around the rim. Go figure.
– Another night where J.J. shot the ball poorly but the Hawks won. He started off overpowering Anthony Parker and Daniel Gibson in the post but never really went back to that.
– it turns out that poor opener at Memphis was an anomaly for Horford. He posted his third straight double-double. For some reason, the Cavs left him completely alone at the top of the key to make a jumper to put Atlanta up 95-87. Maybe that’s just the poison they decided to pick.
– “He’s doing a tremendous job for us,” L.D. said of Al. “He’s rebounding the ball, he’s hitting his perimeter shots and he’s doing a little bit of everything. When he’s playing that way, we’re a very effective ballclub.”
– Another game where Teague couldn’t finish when he went to the basket and didn’t come close to making a jumper. But it really does make a difference when he’s pressuring the ball. There are fewer breakdowns.
– Some Cleveland reporters asked Hawks players about not getting as much attention as Boston, Orlando and Miami. They didn’t pull the no respect card.
– “If you look at Boston and Orlando they are the teams that have had success in the last couple years,” Al said. “Obviously Miami with their Big Three. We are going to keep going about our business, keep playing and get better. We will get our respect when it’s due. We just have to prove it to people.”
– I’m out, Hawks fans.
MC
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148 comments Add your comment
cp
November 3rd, 2010
2:35 pm
Marvin had a good game last night but his problem has always been his consistency. He is known to have a game like last night then follow that up with 3 or 4 bad games. If he can consistently score 14 a game pull down 7 boards and play good defense then I think we all will be happy with him. Consistency is the key……..Teague was a scorer in college who wasn’t known for his defense. Now he seems to be becoming a good defender but cant score. I think he should just attack the rim at will until he perfects that floater because that jumper just isn’t there yet…I think he will eventually get it but its going to take time.
MsDee
November 3rd, 2010
2:38 pm
If Teague could just have an attitude where he can just be aggresive AT ALL TIMES, not caring about mistakes like Josh Smith had when he was a rookie/2nd year player, Teague will more than less see more improvement in his game and see more min on the floor too.
dukester
November 3rd, 2010
2:46 pm
@THE TRUTH- About the convo me and YESSIR have been having about LD’s impact. I agree I mean you can tell the difference with this team especially on the offensive end. And YESSIR your right when teams adjust and when we have fatigue, and better competition, injury all of that will factor in but for now I have to say lets wait and see how LD adjust.
YESSIR you would have a point if we were 2-2 and only averaging 90 pts but we are scoring good so i am cool.
The Truth
November 3rd, 2010
2:54 pm
AJ
Expanding a bit further from last season, the Hawks November record was:
10–5 (Home: 5–1; Road: 5–4)
So, it is this 3-0 road record this season that is the standout
yessir
November 3rd, 2010
2:59 pm
@dukester, we will wait and see. Its early. Like I said before anything less than last yr mark is a failure because we were improving 6 yrs in a row.
The Truth
November 3rd, 2010
2:59 pm
After 4 games last season our road record was 2-2
The Truth
November 3rd, 2010
3:03 pm
dukester
Yes, though still early, LD impact is quite obvious on offense. It is the point distribution and the ability to closeout games that is the standout.
The Truth
November 3rd, 2010
3:05 pm
*that are the standouts
JeJe
November 3rd, 2010
3:09 pm
If we trade Smoove, I assume it’s for expirings.
I’d strongly consider Smoove for Dalembert + Udrih (massively underrated) or K.Love + Ridnour.
These 2 PGs are severely underrated and Dalembert/Love is that center you need to shift Horf over. Plus, Dalembert is long + athletic
The Truth
November 3rd, 2010
3:09 pm
*After the first 4 games last season our road record was 2-2
Troll Spotter
November 3rd, 2010
3:17 pm
All “yessir” has to do now is mention the Hawks needing a center and we’ll ALL know for certain. He’s already hating on Teague and LD.
Actually some of us DO know.
dukester
November 3rd, 2010
3:42 pm
Speaking of Josh, Do you see how that Detroit writer just put Josh in a trade rumor. Now who knows what information he has. But I sure wish our writers would lie and put there credibilty on the line sometimes for our teams. LMAOOO. This dude came out and said what the Hawks organization will probably doing because they signed Horford. I love it. Even though i would love to have Rip Hamilton for Marvin or even better Tayshaun Prince for Marvin.
We have to move Marvin guys i am telling you he is the weakest link!!
oldtimer
November 3rd, 2010
3:45 pm
@MsDee, excellent point about Smoove vs. Teague comparison:
“If Teague could just have an attitude where he can just be aggressive AT ALL TIMES, not caring about mistakes like Josh Smith had when he was a rookie/2nd year player, Teague will more than less see more improvement in his game and see more min on the floor too.”
I think difference is personality type. Smoove comes across as outgoing and not bashful. Criticism is not taken inwardly. He probably is much more comfortable pushing back.
Teague seems more introverted and shy. I think the last year under the old regime has an impact bigger than any one can imagine on a psyche of a young man. I am sure Drew will heal the wounds that exist. By the end of the year, I am hopeful, we see a more productive and aggressive player, similar to one that Sund drafted. Sure he will have to exercise judgment on how to attack, and his shot may still not look pretty, but he will show improvement.
It is very difficult at that young an age, to take criticism in such an open manner from your mentor and coach. Drew seems like the type that will provide support and push Teague at same time, while he gains confidence that was taken from him last year.
O'Brien
November 3rd, 2010
3:54 pm
yessir,
There were a lot of games against weak competition where Woody still did not go 10 deep.
In 2008-2009, we started out 6-0. But then we lost our next 5 road games. So these Hawks need to keep it going, and not let up.
JeJe,
I would not trade Josh for Dalembert. However, I would love to see us sign Dalembert as a FA. I would also be okay with signing a guy like Chandler as a FA.
I like ZaZa, but I would prefer a better defensive guy added to the center rotation.
dukester
November 3rd, 2010
3:58 pm
@Oldtimer I agree with you and MSDEE. But you guys failed to mention MARVIN WILLIAMS he has the talent as shown last night but he has no heart!! Josh is really not a pure basketball player do you folks know he was a QB on his football team. He switched to basketball because he kept growing. LOL (a 6′ 9″ QB) He is a athelete with a lot of fight and heart. Joe, Marvin those guys are pure basketball players. Its a reason Josh struggle with basic fundamentals of shooting he played all sports growing up and never mastered any of them. But he is so atheletic is scary.
O'Brien
November 3rd, 2010
4:00 pm
Speaking of ZaZa, has anyone noticed his production?
Game 1: 17 points, 11 rebs in 30 mins
Game 2: 7 points, 7 rebs in 14 mins
Game 3: 6 points, 5 rebs in 17 mins
Game 4: 3 points, 2 rebs in 16 mins
He is just one of those guys where to maximize what you get out of him, he needs more minutes. But its hard to give him those minutes when Al is playing like he has the last 3 games (3 straight double doubles).
Speaking of Al, has he played any minutes at PF this season?
i_am_soulstar
November 3rd, 2010
4:06 pm
Jamal VS Marvin at the end of the game???
Depends on the situation and who you’re playing. Jamal is an excellent big shot maker and closer. But if the other team has scorers on the floor that have it going also, do you leave Jamal with his questionable defense to trade shot for shot with the other team??
Or do you put Marvin in who is not as big an offensive contributor, but can allow Joe to move to SG and both can get stops on the end that really matters.
I like this move by LD. If the other team isn’t producing offensively, then leave Jamal in. But if they are, don’t risk losing a shootout w/ Jamal VS whoevertheirhotplayeris.
Somebody should’ve yelled “DEFENSE WINS GAMES!” as Jamal sulked his way to the bench.
i_am_soulstar
November 3rd, 2010
4:12 pm
Although it definitely works better with an aggressive Marvin. I don’t know if I’ve seen the Hawks lose many games when Marvin gets 20.
i_am_soulstar
November 3rd, 2010
4:24 pm
dukester,
J-Smoove’s jack-of-all-trades status serves him well in his role as a habitual stat-stuffer with the Hawks.
He is a great timing guy also. The passes, the steals, the blocks, the rebounds, it’s all timing.
And honestly, if a guy like Smoove could shoot lights out, we probably wouldn’t be able to afford Smoove, Al, and JJ for real.
JoJo the Godfather
November 3rd, 2010
4:25 pm
OB,
I haven’t seen Al play any PF, but I keep waiting for it. With Mo out, we’ve been sliding Joe up to the 3 when Marv’s out, but we’ve yet to slide Josh down to the 3 and get Al & Za Za on the floor with him. Foul trouble shouldn’t be an issue with Collins & Thomas on the bench. Maybe trying Josh at the 3 in practice hasn’t worked out so well. Who knows?
Rufus1
November 3rd, 2010
4:29 pm
@I am soulstar
I don’t think the hawks have lost a game in the last 3 years when Marvin has scored 20pts.
What is your preference?
Hawks win 65 games and our the #1 seed with the Magic #5 seed or Heat #1 seed and the Hawks #5 seed..
I will take the 1st option.
Astro Joe
November 3rd, 2010
4:33 pm
The Truth, weren’t the Lakers and Portland or Phoenix in that early mix of road games? That’s why I expanded it, because to compare the first few games of this season vs. last season is tough. David Stern sent us out west almost as soon as the season started last year. At least, that is what I remember.
i_am_soulstar
November 3rd, 2010
4:39 pm
I think it was Lakers, Portland, Sacramento, and Charlotte I believe (probably not in that order). Came back 2-2 with L’s to the Lakers and Charlotte.
(I think we got blown out in Charlotte, and squandered a 19 point 1st quarter from JJ in L.A.)
Nate ArchiBALL
November 3rd, 2010
4:39 pm
@ Rufus1 I don’t think Marvin has ever scored 20 points in back to back games in his career…. I know for sure that last year he didn’t. In fact, the three times he scored in the 20’s last year he followed it up with a single digit game…….Tonight will be a test for Marvin.
Ken Strickland
November 3rd, 2010
4:41 pm
I don’t know why Jamal would get upset by being replaced by Marvin down the stretch. After all, when LDrew wants more DEF, does he actually expect him to keep his NO D behind in the gm? LDrew is not only coaching the team, he’s coaching individual players as well, which is something that didn’t happen over the last 6yrs. He’s working to instill, not destroy confidence and trust.
jwilli120
November 3rd, 2010
4:43 pm
I don’t think we should sweat our regular season record
but judge the team on getting past the second round,now
that’s improvement!!!!!!!! GO HAWKS
i_am_soulstar
November 3rd, 2010
4:45 pm
Rufus1,
I’m gonna reserve judgment until I catch this Hawks-Magic game next week. Interested to see if LD can get the guys to give a decent effort against the Magic, and on an away, last game of a back-to-back no less. Should be interesting (or depressing).
Fundamentals
November 3rd, 2010
4:46 pm
Big Ump & JeJe – I’m not saying Teague needs a hug, just that he didn’t get the chance last year, so the expectations are higher this year. It’s obvious he’s getting crushed under the pressure. If the kid can’t run the team by Feb there’s little to no future here for him. He’s gotta produce. It’s weighing on him mentally and reflecting physically. Hopefully he’ll settle in, but it’ll take consistent minutes for it to happen. LD’s giving him that.
I think the jumpers will come, but how many floaters does he have to see hit like a line drive into the stand to understand this ain’t rec ball? He’s proven he’s got the ups, why can’t he take it to the rack?
Time will tell, hopefully some improvement tonight and a reappearance of Marvin 2 nights in a row.
terrell
November 3rd, 2010
4:50 pm
Where’s Rod from college Park? Hadn’t heard from him in a while. Could it be because Marvin has played well in 3 of the 1st 4 games? Holla at us Rod. You kill him when he struggles, gotta give him some props when he actually looks like he supposed to be out there. lol! Come on Rod. It wont kill ya.
The Truth
November 3rd, 2010
4:56 pm
AJ
Game 3 @ Lakers, Games 4 @ Trailblazers, Game 5 @ Kings
Najeh Davenpoop
November 3rd, 2010
4:57 pm
“I’d strongly consider Smoove for Dalembert + Udrih (massively underrated) or K.Love + Ridnour.
These 2 PGs are severely underrated and Dalembert/Love is that center you need to shift Horf over. Plus, Dalembert is long + athletic”
Love is no more of a center than Horford — he is the same height and weight as Horford and is a defensive matador — and Dalembert’s basketball IQ is lower than Smoove’s free throw percentage.
Don’t know what you see in Udrih for that matter… he’s a nice complementary player, but has nowhere near Smoove’s impact on a game.
Anything less than Melo is not worth it for Smoove.
The Truth
November 3rd, 2010
4:59 pm
This was last season schedule
KevinM
November 3rd, 2010
5:02 pm
“i_am_soulstar
November 3rd, 2010
4:12 pm
Although it definitely works better with an aggressive Marvin. I don’t know if I’ve seen the Hawks lose many games when Marvin gets 20.”
Here ya go soul……..
-When Marvin scores 20+, the Hawks are 24-24 for his career. (including last night)
-When Marvin scores 25+, the Hawks are 8-3 for his career.
Marvin had 17 20+ point games in 07-08 (his best), 10 in 08-09 (contract year).
He has ONE 20+ pt game in the playoffs (Game 5 vs. Milwaukee-loss).
So, its not the Hawks will go as far as Marvin will take us……
This does tell you how up and down his career has been with us. I know its about number of touches and how involved he is in the offense, but consistency is not part of Marvin’s resume.
We do need him more for defense than we do for offense.
Looks like he and JC1 will be fighting for 4th quarter minutes going forward.
KevinM
November 3rd, 2010
5:07 pm
Smoove for Melo doesn’t work in the $$ machine that the ASG is using…..
Sund won’t bring in another elitist to compete/combine with Joe. He himself told us Joe is our leader.
terrell
November 3rd, 2010
5:48 pm
Kevin M, Marvin didnt have Joe, Jamal, Bibby, Horford, or LD for his entire career, so those numbers dont mean a thing. If Marvin avg’s 20 on this team, we’ll be hard to beat. Hell, he coulda avg 50 from 2005-2008 and it wouldn’t of mattered. That’s how bad the Hawks were.
terrell
November 3rd, 2010
5:50 pm
Maybe he did have Joe, but still. Cant remember when Joe came. lol! Think it was 2005. Idk?
Najeh Davenpoop
November 3rd, 2010
6:00 pm
No Jamal Crawford tonight. Probably means more playing time for Marvin… maybe also more playing time for Jordan?
Big Ump
November 3rd, 2010
6:29 pm
Fundamental
Good Post. We all hope he’s the answer. Fundamental we on the same page. Always enjoy reading your post if I disagree or not.
Hawk n the Ham
November 3rd, 2010
6:30 pm
Awww Yeah!
I hope JC2 gets in the game tonight and Rocks the Bells!!!!
Freshfromatl AKA Fresh
November 3rd, 2010
6:36 pm
terrell,
“Rod from college park” got exposed on the blog a long time ago. That dude’s gimmick is up. He’s only gonna show his face when Marvin put together a streak of bad games and then he’ll come up with some lame excuse about why he has “coincidentally” been away from the blog so long smh.
Grandad
November 3rd, 2010
6:37 pm
Najeh;
Thanks for the info on Jamal.
A person is certainly not going to find any information
by looking on the Hawks page in our esteemed paper.
Whoops, there I go sounding critical of MC/AJC again.
The criticism will surely reign. [malaprop-ism intended]
Najeh Davenpoop
November 3rd, 2010
6:39 pm
Grandad — follow MC on Twitter (@ajchawks). That’s where I got the info from.
Freshfromatl AKA Fresh
November 3rd, 2010
6:43 pm
Hope JC2 is ready! This is his chance with the bright lights on!
truthspitter
November 3rd, 2010
6:44 pm
Jamal and his discontent has now moved to acting injured. Jordan needs to make himself look needed tonight. So, we can get closer to moving Jamal
Freshfromatl AKA Fresh
November 3rd, 2010
6:48 pm
Oh and BTW, I’m going to go ahead and predict that if JC2 has a standout game tonight scoring anywhere between 15-20 pts, there will be a fury of trade speculations and ideas regarding JC1. Hope ESPN got their trade machine ready…it will most definitely be in use tonight. Lol!!!!!!
truthspitter
November 3rd, 2010
6:51 pm
I am going to predict that Jordan and Teague play important minutes and we lose because of trying to play 2 guys who are basically rookies too many minutes against a veteran team with good depth. I hope I am wrong though
~~MAC-ToWN~~ (Area Code 478 Westside Macon)
November 3rd, 2010
6:51 pm
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/508832-a-dark-horse-looms-in-the-carmelo-anthony-trade-sweepstakes
“Of all the teams rumored to be in the hunt for superstar small forward Carmelo Anthony there is a dark horse team lurking, and if the Atlanta Hawks decide they are serious about competing with the Miami Heat they have the assets to get it done”
truthspitter
November 3rd, 2010
7:01 pm
Trading Josh kills your defense. I would not trade Josh straight up for Carmelo to be truthful. Carmelo is slightly better than Joe at best. Like I have posted before I would prefer a trade of Marvin, Zaza, and a 1st round pick for Hedo and Robin Lopez which helps spacing and spreading the floor plus defense. Hell Marvin and a 1st round pick for Gerald Wallace. Get the point people we need some more defense not a player that’s all about offense and probably does not want to play here either