Atlanta Hawks: Celtics 99, Hawks 76

Shaq and the C's pounded the Hawks. (AP Photo)

Shaq and the C's pounded the Hawks. (AP Photo)

– I wondered if L.D. would try to keep an even keel after this beat down. You know, try not to overreact to a bad regular-season loss. Keep it in perspective. Say something soothing instead of the something scathing.

– Nope. Not even close. He finally emerged 20 minutes after the game ended and ripped his team for its second surrender in the last two weeks.

– “This was very, very embarrassing,” he said. “If I had to sum it up in one word: embarrassing. To come out with that type energy; that type urgency. What I see with our team right now I don’t feel real good about.”

– The scene was eerily similar to the aftermath of the Orlando series. Bickering players, poor body language, lack of resolve and booing fans during the game. Quiet locker room and questions about character after it. “We came out tonight and didn’t compete,” Jamal said.

– Same group, new coach, and so far the same results. Actually, I can’t even say same results since the Hawks beat some good teams along the way to 53Ws and the No. 3 seed. They haven’t beaten any yet this season. The Hawks are supposed to match up better with the Celtics, especially with Rajon Rondo (ankle) in street clothes.

– Matchups hardly matter when the Hawks fail to show up. “We have some soul-searching to do,” Al said. “I don’t think we are [accountable]. We tend to have excuses for everything.”

– “I never would have thought we would come out so not ready to play,” J.J. said. “They remember we swept them last season. They wanted to come in and send a message and they did it.”

– Not surprisingly, there were some flareups in Atlanta’s huddles. At one point Al tried to huddle up the team and calm things down. “Guys have got to understand you can’t be sensitive to policing,” Josh said.

– “I am disappointed that we are not playing with a hunger,” L.D. said. “We are looking to point fingers. We are playing the blame game. More importantly, our energy level is not good at all. We are not doing things quick, we are not doing things with speed, we are not doing things with urgency.”

– The Hawks again looked more sluggish at the start than an opponent that had played the day before. The same thing happened against Milwaukee and Dallas.

– “We are playing like we are coming off a back-to-back-to-back,” Drew said. “I told the guys I don’t know what you are doing the night before we play, I don’t know what you are doing away from the floor. Something is going on that is not allowing us to play with an energy and passion that we should be playing with. As a head coach, I’ve got to find out what it is.”

Nate Robinson ran circles around the Hawks in the opening three minutes with five points and two assists. Plenty of open shots were available for the Celtics and they made most of them. Boston collected pretty much every Atlanta miss.

– “Something is going on and I’ve got to get to the bottom of it,” L.D. said. “Players have to know themselves. They have to know their bodies. They have to know how to get physically and mentally ready for every game, especially at the start. First four minutes of the game, when I see my players bending over grabbing their shorts because they are winded, something is going on. Something is wrong.”

– The Hawks never really threatened to rally after Boston’s opening barrage. The Celtics’ older, experienced heads schooled the younger, faster and more athletic Hawks.

– “We never hit back,” Joe said. “We made it real easy for them.”

– “The Celtics know who they are,” Mo said. “We don’t have an identity, unless it’s when things go bad we go the other way. Maybe that’s out identity and we don’t know it.”

– Before the game, L.D. said he thinks the Hawks hadn’t yet figured out how to “tighten the screws up” when they face adversity but he believes they have the personnel to do so. The close losses to Phoenix, Orlando, Dallas and Utah and the beat downs from Milwaukee and Boston suggest otherwise.

– “We start making excuses,” L.D. said. “We start getting on the officials. We start getting on teammates. All of those things start to seep in when things aren’t going well. That’s not a good sign at all.”

– L.D. has talked about accountability. What can he do once he figures out the problem with his players? “I’ve got to address it with each individual,” he said. “If I see something wrong, I have to address it. It can’t be sugarcoated.”

– Sorry for not posting the usual pregame blog post. I had it written and it was a masterpiece. But when I tried to post it the blog monster turned on its owner and ate it, leaving behind no remains to salvage.

– I’m out, Hawks fans.

MC

218 comments Add your comment

MsDee

November 23rd, 2010
1:39 pm

So northcyde, could you please hand me back my rose-colored glasses?? Thx!!

doc

November 23rd, 2010
1:48 pm

northcyde you forgot m daniels on your list of players the celts hired over the off season.

good points all including those regarding collins who is a very one dimensional player at best.
that may be giving him more cred than he deserves.

terrell at lest dunta r knocked himself out for his team. i havent seen that yet from jj.

my 42 to 48 looks very safe. this is not an elite team anymore by the 50 win definition is it? 42 and 26 down the stretch?

doesnt look like a top four team (sund’s stated goal) unless it is by default. dont look now but the bulls are gaining on us, where the bucks?

ILL-Logical

November 23rd, 2010
2:00 pm

Last night’s display may cost some jobs.Beware December 15th.

BOB

November 23rd, 2010
2:02 pm

Enter your comments here

Walter R. Terrell

November 23rd, 2010
2:09 pm

I am ole time Hawks fan. When we had nothing and fought to the end. I remember scrappy, tenacious, never say die Atlanta Hawks. Can’t blame the coach on this. Desire is something you either have or not another name for it is “Heart”. This version of the Hawks are truly athletic and talented but that’s not enough to win in crunch time in the NBA. Last eve against Boston a team I truly believe we own,they showed us a glimpse of their heart. Basic, fundamental understanding of the game is not a part of these players core. These Hawks can win on talent and atheleticism alone and continue to fizz out early in the playoffs but if you do not understand the game then losing is the final outcome. Like my daddy use to say…”Give an honest days work for an honest days dollar”, that way you can sleep with respect.

i_am_soulstar

November 23rd, 2010
2:09 pm

northcyde

November 23rd, 2010
2:12 pm

MsDee . . . I’ll make a deal with you.

I’ll hand you back the rose-colored glasses, if the Hawks can win 6 road games next month. By the way, these are our road games:

@ Miami
@ Orlando
@ San Antonio
@ Detroit
@ Boston
@ New Jersey
@ New Orleans
@ Milwaukee
@ Oklahoma City

If the Hawks can posr a 6 – 3 record vs these teams on the road, you can have those glasses back.

I do agree though, that if the Hawks can win 23 – 27 road games, it’ll actually show that they might be better prepared for the playoffs. But we have to do like Boston, and beat some top notch teams on the road

Until then, just give the High Definition 3-D glasses a try. They’re stylish, they look good on you, and they will help you see better.

Astro Joe

November 23rd, 2010
2:13 pm

doc, I think the Bulls are slightly ahaed of us (with Boozer returning in a few weeks).

OB, I would probably go with the usually starting line-up but if I had to call a TO to stop an early run by the Nets, I would immediately put 5 bench players in the game. So if the Nets jumped out to a 14-3 lead, I would bench the starters for the remiander of the quarter (if not the half).

Grandad

November 23rd, 2010
2:16 pm

northcyde

Realizing it was a figure of speech;
nonetheless I have not defended Sund.
Perhaps, -over- a year ago, when he signed Josh & Bibby.
However, within the last year I have vehemently criticized sund.
Maybe on different points than yourself, but I’ve taken him to task
all the same.

On Joe [or Jamal] or anyone on the roster, I would not trade,
-Unless- we get talent for talent!!! And I’ve said that a # of times
as well. In Joe’s case I was all for re-signing him because we lost
our opportunity to cash in @ last years trade deadline. *[Noah]
Now it will be hard to get value on the dollar.
I will have a trade prop. momentarily.

My biggest venue when it comes to the Hawks;
is Team, and team trumps talent. *(see Miami)
However, a Team with Talent = Celtic [and/or] Lakers.
The Hawks have talent, but somethin’ ain’t right.
There is a rotten apple.
I don’t know, but suspect it’s Joe?
Years of observation.

I’ve changed my tune on Bibby.
That guy is playin’ all out. “Balls to the Wall”
He has bought in [to and for] LD.
Sure he’s not the player he once was, but the Celts are loaded
with those type guys.

One way to unload Joe: [G-dad's Trade O' the Day]
Ok City gets:
Joe Johnson & Jeff Teague
Hawks get:
Jeff Green, Eric Maynor, Nick Collison, & Byron Mullens

Then we trade;
Houston gets:
Marvin Williams
Hawks get:
Shane Battier

Collison & Battier both exp contracts.
However both experienced team leaders who play defense.

That oughta’ do it!

Astro Joe

November 23rd, 2010
2:17 pm

Sorry, I don’t care what color your glasses are, you can’t compare a recent champion’s path to the Finals with what the Hawks are trying to do. The Celtics didn’t learn last season that they could have a “decent” regular season and still get to the ECF, they knew that based on their championship run from 3 years ago. They didn’t know based on a good regular season road record that they could win road playoff games, they knew that based on their playoff experience of winning road playoff games. They have the mindset, heart and experience of a champion… we ain’t got that.

JeJe

November 23rd, 2010
2:18 pm

THIS TEAM HAS HAD THE EXACT SAME STARTING LINEUP FOR 4 FREAKING YEARS.

THAT IS NOT A TYPO.

MARVIN HAS “EARNED” HIS STARTING SPOT 4 YEARS IN A ROW.

THE BUCK STOPS HERE.

START MO EVANS OR JORDAN CRAWFORD TONIGHT – WHILE THEY AREN’T THAT GREAT, THEY WILL PUT EFFORT INTO THE GAME.

IF NOT, START COLLINS AGAIN. DUDE IS FREAKING HUMONGOUS. HE IS THE BIGGEST PLAYER WE’VE HAD ON THIS TEAM SINCE JASON COLLIER (R.I.P.). LET THE GUY PLAY. HE HAS FLAWS BUT HE IS A BIG BODY AND ACTUALLY TIED TO GET BETTER THIS OFFSEASON (BESIDES HORF AND SMOOVE, WHO ELSE ON THIS TEAM IMPROVED THIS OFFSEASON? SEEMS LIKE EVERYONE ELSE GOT *WORSE*).

SO START MO EVANS/JOCRAW OR COLLINS AND JUST SUSPEND MARVIN FOR THE REST OF HIS CONTRACT. HE DOES NOT DO ONE THING WELL FOR THIS TEAM. THE NEW OFFENSE IS SUPPOSED TO HELP HIM, NOT MAKE HIM WORSE. SAME FOR JOE AND JAMAL. STEP YOUR GODDAMN GAMES UP ALREADY

Fundamentals

November 23rd, 2010
2:21 pm

Props to LD for having the guts to call it like it was, an embarassment. I think it’s 100% on the players. They quit on Woodson, they quit on LD, they quit on Atlanta. Maybe we should make our own Nike commercial about quitters.

Who needs to bash Lebron when we have the Hawks to define QUITTING!

I’m disgusted as I’ve ever been. Been watching since ‘83. Sad day Hawks fans! Sad, sad day…

northcyde

November 23rd, 2010
2:22 pm

@ doc . . . I believe Marquis Daniels was already on the team, but he was hurt all year. But because of that, you’re right. He’s another guy that is part of the rotation this year, that wasn’t with Boston last year.

Plus they may get Perkins back at the end of the year.

The Celtics refused to stay put. They got rid of people like Tony Allen, Eddie House, and Brian Scalabrine, and got even stronger.

LOL . . we get rid of Mario West . . and might could actually use him right now. That’s sad.

Fundamentals

November 23rd, 2010
2:23 pm

Did I mention these quitters make more in a minute than almost all of us make in a month? Sad, sad day!

Fundamentals

November 23rd, 2010
2:25 pm

The Celtics get stronger b/c of their mentality and effort. Their resolve is amazing. Even Shaq is afraid to pull his regular antics. The Celtics seem focussed, motivated and on their way to LA this summer for a showdown.

Hawks, Orlando, Heat, ect have a lot to learn from Garnett, Pierce and Allen.

JeJe

November 23rd, 2010
2:25 pm

CELTIC BENCH WOULD BEAT OUR STARTING LINEUP

JeJe

November 23rd, 2010
2:26 pm

FUNDAMENTALS I’M WITH U BRO

Fundamentals

November 23rd, 2010
2:28 pm

Where do we go JeJe – it’s time for your real plan from last summer. Gave you alot of crap about it, but let the new ideas flow. These cats have lost my respect. It’ll take alot for any fan to come back in Atlanta.

Good job Hawks, you cut your own throat.

JeJe

November 23rd, 2010
2:29 pm

I FEEL LIKE MARVIN INTENTIONALLY PLAYS BAD SO HE CAN GO RELAX ON THE BENCH WITH THAT STUPID TOWEL-AROUND-HIS-HEAD THING HE ALWAYS DOES

JeJe

November 23rd, 2010
2:33 pm

“I heard on the radio this morning that some of the players are hosting parties with incoming teams. If this is true, the guys responsible need to get their priorities straight. Basketball first (it is their occupation) and party in the offseason.
I’m pretty fed up with this team. The listless play at home is inexcusable. ”

FROM HAWKSQUAWK. WHO ON THIS TEAM PARTIES A LOT?

JOSH?
SEEMS LIKE JOSH HAS A FAMILY TO LOOK AFTER, SO IDK WHO ELSE. I DOUBT HORFORD PARTIES TOO MUCH. I THOUGHT THESE GUYS WERE ALL QUIET AND DIDN’T TALK A LOT. JUST STAY AT YOUR DAMN HOMES AND PREPARE FOR GAMES. JESUS

Grandad

November 23rd, 2010
2:34 pm

The Celts understand what it means to be professional.

JeJe

November 23rd, 2010
2:34 pm

AL SAID THERE’S NO ACCOUTNABILITY. IS THAT A CALL OUT OF THE COACHING STAFF OR WHAT?

Fundamentals

November 23rd, 2010
2:36 pm

Even Nique knew how to party it up and perform the next night.

Maybe Joe hosted the parties to encourage all the new free agents to give us a look? Maybe Magic City gave him a discount if he had X number of friends show up at the door?

JeJe

November 23rd, 2010
2:36 pm

THIS TEAM HAS NO SHOT OF GETTING BETTER IF OWNERSHIP WILL NOT TAKE ON LONG-TERM CONTRACTS. THIS CBA BULL!@#$ WILL ONLY MAKE THE MATTER WORSE. WE ARE SCREWED WE WILL BE STUCK WITH WORTHLESS DRAFT PICKS ON THE ROSTER NEXT YEAR. GOOD JOB ASG AND SUND. CAN WE GET NEW OWNERS PLZ? AND WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG FOR THE HORNETS SALE TO GO THROUGH

Fundamentals

November 23rd, 2010
2:37 pm

Maybe LD can’t hold them accountable? What coach could? If Al really is calling out LD, he needs to know there’s 4 more fingers pointing back at himself and the big C on his uniform.

I support LD. He’s said nothing but the right things from day one. Maybe his head will roll b/c of this, but to me it’s on the players to unite and listen. Not to try to do it their way.

Fundamentals

November 23rd, 2010
2:40 pm

Even with a bad GM, bad owners, coaches and staff it’s still on the players to come out ever night. We haven’t done that since Orlando.

If its all on the coaching & administration the players should be giving 100% to show the glaring weaknesses. That way it’s obvious why we can’t win. Thus a need for change.

With this crap it’s too hard to judge where the problem lies b/c everyone is afraid to show their hand in an effort to mask their issues.

JeJe

November 23rd, 2010
2:42 pm

A GUY ON HAWKSQUAWK SAID THESE PLAYERS HAVE NO INCENTIVE TO TRY SINCE THEIR CONTRACTS ARE GTD LOL./

I’D LIKE TO SEE LD MORE EMOTIONAL/ACTIVE DURING THE GAME

Fundamentals

November 23rd, 2010
2:43 pm

I’d like to see him sit everyone who isn’t giving 100%. Even if it means leaving Jordan out there by himself. 1 on 5.

lp

November 23rd, 2010
2:46 pm

I agree with what i saw on peachtree hoops, the problem may be josh smith. He is the only player who doesn’t want to play a role. He wants to be the pg, sg, sf, pf, and c. He wants the stats. When its going good, its great but the bad turnovers, free-styling and trying to take over the team will make this team blow up. Its like bibby saying im A.I. and i’m going to put up 30. its cool to step your game up, but the difference with our team and good teams is that players improve their game with what the team needs, we have a team where everyone wants to be the scoring or statistical star.

Voyce

November 23rd, 2010
2:47 pm

I always rooted for the Hawks but once they decided to keep Joe Johnson after he threw his fit after they lost earlier this year in the playoffs,I knew I couldn’t deal with them anymore.In my opinion he is not the caliber of player that should have the highest salary in The NBA.Dude disappears and he does not have the swag to encourage his teammates to do better,in other words HE IS NO LEADER!

doc

November 23rd, 2010
2:54 pm

yeah even if m daniels was injured he is one more good vet to pair with shaq. we got bad vets who wouldnt know how to play with him around them. might even say he was the cause of the problem. glad shaq didnt come here to get that rap as that would be all the scam now how shaq broke up alllll the goooood chemistry we have. we got chemistry all right.

doc

November 23rd, 2010
2:55 pm

jeje you want to fire moi?

northcyde

November 23rd, 2010
2:59 pm

I do think that Drew needs to seriously think about playing Joe Johnson more at SF . . . and not just with Bibby and Crawford on the floor. If anything, it may get JJ more active near the rim and as another rebounder.

And I do agree with going out and picking up Stackhouse. Just add any kind of quality depth to this squad, and shuffle the lineup around.

If we do that move, maybe the next move is to give Marvin limited minutes at SF, and play him the bulk of his minutes at PF. Better Marvin at backup PF than Powell . . I guess.

Scoop

November 23rd, 2010
3:06 pm

We need a change. I think a spark to this team would be to start Mo Evans at shooting guard and move Joe to the three.
First, Marvin seems lost in his role. There simply isnt enough touches to go around for him and he is much more then a spot up shooter offensively. I also feel like the lack of touches offensively is affecting his defense as well. He is not aggressive defending or rebounding, but that can be said about our whole team. Defense is more about the mindset then the scheme. If Marvin is moved to the bench he can be the focal point of the offense for the 2nd unit and provide a go-to man that it seems to be lacking when executing the offense.
Secondly, you can rely on Mo to play aggressive defense and bring energy. Plus, he can knock down open three’s, which we need to space the floor as team have keyed in the paint against us. Mo will also chase guards around screens and allow Joe more energy for offense.
Thirdly, we need a spark and I feel like Mixing up the starting lineup will do this and allow us t take advantage of all of Marvin’s ability which continues to be under-utilized.

Mike is back

November 23rd, 2010
3:23 pm

lp, of course you pick Josh…he is an easy target…However, it ain’t Josh. It ain’t but one guy…that routinely shows up for big games…looking like he just left the morgue.

I bet the guys be all excited and ready to play…look up and see him coming…everybody turn and say shhhhhhhhh…here come grave yard asssssssss…dang…it’s gon be a looooooooooooooong day. lol

JeJe

November 23rd, 2010
3:24 pm

I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY JAMAL IS SO WORRIED ABOUT THIS CONTRACT. HE EVEN STATED HE’LL BE A TOP FREE AGENT. THE GUY HAS BEEN IN THE LEAGUE 10 YEARS AND IS MAKING 10M A YEAR- THAT’S A TON OF MONEY. HE SHOULD KNOW HE’LL GET GOOD MONEY NEXT YEAR IN THIS LEAGUE

JeJe

November 23rd, 2010
3:25 pm

IF U ARE ALL WORRIED ABOUT THE BENCH, BRING DUCK AND JAMAL OFF THE BENCH TOGETHER. DEFENSIVELY IT WON’T BE AWFUL AND THEY CAN SCORE A BIT ON WEAKER COMPETITION (MAYBE DUCK CAN- I DOUBT IT)

lewis

November 23rd, 2010
3:34 pm

It doesn’t take too much intelligence to see that Jordan Crawford is a better/more creative passer than bibby and teague, has the ability to drive and dish, ability to take it to the lane and finish better as well. Not to mention his sweet stroke and unlimited range. He’s a willing defender with a better nba body than bibby too.

Taking the blue collar – play who can ball – approach, if I were LD tonight:

Starters: Jordan/Mo/Joe/Josh/Al

Bench: Bibby, Jamal, Marvin, Powell, Collins

Teague just doesn’t really deserve any minutes of any kind. May as well let JoCrawford defer to whoever because he moves better without the ball than teague and can actually hit a shot.

cp

November 23rd, 2010
3:36 pm

@Fundamentals I have been talking about the guys quitting for the past few days. They clearly quit on Woodson and they have quit on LD twice already this season. Quitting last year should have been enough for the front office to realize moves had to be made. I dont care how much you might dislike a coach or not get along with him, you dont quit. Essentially its quitting on your teammates and the fans who support the team. The problem is I dont think enough dudes on this team even care. They have come out with no energy in multiple games already this season and there is no excuse for it. Most of the teams are coming off back to backs while the Hawks have been resting. I wouldn’t be shocked if some of the guys were partying to much… Sund needs to get on the phones but knowing his history nothing will be done and we will be discussing this all year.

northcyde

November 23rd, 2010
3:36 pm

I don’t think the partying issue is that big of a deal because every team and every star in the NBA ( unless he just don’t like the party scene ), does the party scene every once in a while.

And honestly, the energy from the starters hasn’t been the issue most of this season. The problem has been the bench giving up leads and/or putting us in a deeper hole.

LOL . . having said that . . if you want to know where some of the Hawks may be after the Wizards game, this is where they may be.

http://www.atlnightspots.com/2010/keri-hilson-the-atlanta-hawks-host-the-gold-room-thursday-november-25th

Honestly . . I’d want to be where Keri’s fine self is too.

LOL @ Jamal . . . you’re on the flier dog . . . so don’t be thinking about Miss Keri Baby while you’re taking all of those quick shots.

And Teague will automatically have a bad game. It take an average of 24 months to become numb to all of the eye candy in ATL

(( NOTE: Just because these two are on the flier, doesn’t mean that they’ll be there . . although they, and the rest of the Hawks, are definitely probably invited. ))

cp

November 23rd, 2010
3:38 pm

JeJe I dont even know if Marvin could take advantage of coming off the bench and playing lesser talent. He would probably just defer to Jamal and blow easy shots at the rim.

O'Brien

November 23rd, 2010
3:41 pm

northcyde, doc

Coming off an NBA champhionship, it would have been easy and understandable for the Lakers to stay status quo.

But after winning their title a couple seasons ago, they let Ariza go, and signed Ron Artest. And after winning their second title in a row, they let Jordan Farmar go, and signed Steve Blake. Kobe was even recruiting Raja Bell before he signed elsewhere.

And although they already have Ron Artest, they went out and signed Matt Barnes. But hey, Rick and LD are satisfied with Marvin and Mo Evans as our SF (with JJ picking up minutes too).

I know the Hawks dont have the resources, but there were still moves they could have made.

And by the way, Stackhouse plays for Miami. They signed him after losing Mike Miller.

lewis

November 23rd, 2010
3:47 pm

pierce switched to sf around 30 too

joe’s about to make the switch too

we’re too strong at pg to bench jordan and jamal for Joe’s unprodutive a$$ to be our volume shooter

northcyde

November 23rd, 2010
3:48 pm

Boston can handle the “night before” partying, even going to a visiting city. Why can’t the Hawks?

And this is the Sunday night spot in ATL

http://www.atlnightspots.com/2010/marquis-danielsnate-robinsonshaqrajon-rondoglen-davis-velvet-room-sunday-nov-21st

JeJe

November 23rd, 2010
3:51 pm

“And honestly, the energy from the starters hasn’t been the issue most of this season. The problem has been the bench giving up leads and/or putting us in a deeper hole.”

YeaH WELL THEN HOW DID WE COME OUT SO FLAT VS. A TEAM COMING OFF A LOSS THE PREVIOUS NIGHT ALL THE WAY IN TORONTO?

I KNOW U SAID MOST, BUT THAT WAS JUST EMBARRASSING. NATE ROBINSON SONNING JOE JOHNSON AND BIBBY LOL

JeJe

November 23rd, 2010
3:52 pm

NORTHCYDE WHERE U FIND THIS ISH?

LOL SO THIS TEAM LOST IN TORONTO, FLEW ALL THE WAY OVER HERE, PARTIED, THEN DESTROYED US

WOW

doc

November 23rd, 2010
3:55 pm

@nc, boys will be boys. do it while you can.

@ o’b, great points about shaking things up of course with quality. thye are over the tax line we cant move a toe beyond.

JeJe

November 23rd, 2010
3:56 pm

O BRIEN, STACK IS BEING CUT

doc

November 23rd, 2010
3:58 pm

nc ….odd, i heard they took a bus ride back to boston from toronto somewhere.

JeJe

November 23rd, 2010
3:58 pm

HEAT HAVE 5 CENTERS AND ARE THIN AT WING

WOW. AND THEIR CENTERS SUCK TOO.