Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 96, Raptors 78
Raps couldn't control Smoove. (Rueters Photo)
Toronto–Maybe you are thinking the Hawks beat another lackluster opponent. But funk that: They beat the mess out of a lackluster opponent, and don’t think there isn’t a difference in this league.
– The Hawks dominated the Raptors because Smoove did it all, Marvin did more (again) and they didn’t let down in a circumstance where it had to be tempting. Yes, they are a much better team than the Raptors, but give them credit for leaving no doubt about it.
– Raptors coach Jay Triano summed it up: “You go one through five: DeMar got outplayed by Joe Johnson, Jose got outplayed by Mike Bibby, Andrea got outplayed by Josh Smith, Sonny got outplayed by Marvin Williams, Joey got outplayed by Al Horford. Nobody could score and we couldn’t stop those guys and that is why you have a 20-point game.”
– The Hawks have won three in a row after the famous Wednesday meeting so they deserve to feel good about themselves. “What we have been doing these last three games is something special,” Josh said.
– OK, maybe that’s a bit much, but still. “We are going to have ups and downs all season,” Marvin said. “I think sometimes other people panic more than we do. We just can’t get too highs on the highs and too low on the lows. We started off 6-0, obviously we are going to hit some rough spots. The one thing about this team is we stay together.”
– Smoove made all the right plays at the right times, effort and otherwise. He controlled the defensive boards, passed when he should have and (of course) helped make the Raptors jump shooters when the Hawks took control in the third quarter.
– “It just seemed like he was all over the floor,” L.D. said. “When he plays like that and plays under control, he is such a force. His defensive game, he was all over the place, rebounding the basketball, helping defensively and talking. Just a super overall game.”
– “He impacts the game in a great way,” Al said. “For this team to take it to the next level, everybody has to be the same way.”
– Back-to-back day games. An opponent that thrives in Sunday matinees (7-2 in its last nine). No problem: 11 of 20 field goals, seven assists and 27 points in the first quarter. “I was a little concerned with our energy, whether we would have our legs,” Drew said. “We started the game with good intensity.”
– You had the feeling the Hawks would dominate if they could limit Toronto’s offensive rebounds, points in the paint and take care of the ball. They did all of that in the third quarter and were off to a comfortable W.
– Watching Marvin go for 17 points and 12 rebounds a day after he was good against the Knicks, i remembered he had a couple games like that in the first two weeks. Then he hurt his knee. Now he says he’s moving better even if the pain is still there.
– “I am starting to get my confidence back in it,” he said. “There are still some things that still bother me. Coach is doing a good job with slowing me down and letting me sit out in practice.
– After three straight games with no free-throw attempts and nine rebounds combined, Marvin took seven free throws and collected 20 rebounds in the last two. “I feel more explosive out there. When I first got it banged, I didn’t feel explosive at all. These last couple games I’ve been getting to the line because I feel more comfortable pushing off. I still feel pain but I am starting to feel better each day.”
– Joe made 6 of 12 field-goal attempts overall despite missing 4 of 5 threes. It’s just the third time in his last 10 games he’s shot at least 50 percent from the field. So of course his teammates ribbed him for getting just one rebound.
– “Well, I had 10 yesterday, so that makes up for it,” Joe shot back.
– J.J. seemed more upbeat after this one. “Honestly, I don’t worry about the misses,” he said. “I am sure here soon I will get it back on track. As long as we keep winning, that’s the main thing, but I will get it back.”
– The Raptors are one of the best rebounding teams in the league with Reggie Evans. Not so much without him. “I think that was big,” Josh said. “He’s been a monster this year. He is one of my good friends. I hated that this had to happen to him, but I’m kind of happy I didn’t have to play against him. He’s a tough player.”
– Toronto’s defense, not so good to begin with, also suffered without Evans. But when the Hawks take care of the ball and share it they are tough for even good defensive teams to guard (see the Pacers). “When we play the right way, it’s beautiful basketball,” Smoove said.
– Keep beating up on the likes of the Raptors and they can buy time to figure out how to do it ugly against better teams.
– I’m out, Hawks fans.
MC
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238 comments Add your comment
Fundamentals
November 29th, 2010
9:34 am
I remember the Laker game well, a real whippin we put on’em that night.
I enjoyed a big time family meal with each of our wins…now I’m struggling to get back in the swing of things.
It’s all about chemistry JeJe. When they get along and play together we win, when they sulk and point fingers we definitely lose. We can beat anyone when we want to. It’s all about chemistry.
JeJe
November 29th, 2010
9:44 am
Exactly, Fundamentals
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/news/story?id=5862172
Excellent article on the Heat. Read last paragraph:
“”They don’t want to step on each other’s toes,” the person said. “There’s no leader on the team. Somebody has to speak up and be the leader on the team. They can’t be afraid to step on people’s toes. They need a vocal leader who’s going to make everybody accountable. I don’t think it’s on the coach. It’s on the players.”
JeJe
November 29th, 2010
9:46 am
THE WHOLE KEYS TO THIS TEAM ARE:
1) REBOUNDING
2) MARVIN BEING AGGRESSIVE. WHEN MARVIN ATTACKS THE BASKET AND HITS OPEN JUMPSHOTS, NO ONE CAN GUARD THIS TEAM. WE HAVE 5 LEGITIMATE THREATS ON THE COURT LIKE LD SAID. THIS CORE ASG TALKS ABOUT IS LEGIT WHEN MARVIN ATTACKS
MARVIN IS THE X FACTOR AND THE KEY TO THIS TEAM
AND HE WILL PROBABLY FOLLOW UP 2 SOLID GAMES WITH HIBERNATION TIL JANUARY
PROVE US WRONG
Rufus1
November 29th, 2010
9:52 am
The Real Record
7-2 on the road…. Winning on the road is only the true test to how good a team really is…ASK BOSTON AND LA.
I think Boston won 25 games at home and 25 on the road…. I won rather have that record, than what we had last year…WE ARE WELL ON OUR WAY.
O'Brien
November 29th, 2010
9:59 am
“A solid effort against quality teams in December will prove to the “easy schedule” crowd it ain’t who we play, but HOW we play the game.” Fundamentals .
Co-sign. But that’s what makes it so frustrating. When the Hawks play the right way, they have a chance to beat anybody. But for various reasons, they have not done it consistently this season.
Hopefully, they will get it going in December. And one positive for the Hawks is we have gotten some of the back to backs out of the way.
And I can see the Hawks are not the only team to call players only meetings. Add Portland to the list (and I think Miami had one last week too).
From hoopshype.com;
(Brandon) Roy said the players-only meeting was “good,” and Marcus Camby called it “positive.” Wesley Matthews said conversation was open, frank and honest, and every player was given a forum. “We talked … about what we need to do,” Matthews said. “We don’t feel we’re an 8-8 team and that’s the gist of it. .
Mike is back
November 29th, 2010
10:02 am
MC, Great Stuff.
Another nice win…but these guys…always get excited and say the same thing win they are winning. When LD can get these guys give the kind of gritty determined effort like them BIRDS for four quarters…FOR EVERY GAME…those seats will fill up at Phillips…THAT’S WHAT UPS!!!
For once I agree with Samuel…these guys ain’t prove nothing yet…let see what happens in December. I’m off the Kool-Aide…until we can give a consistent effort…despite our circumstances…and despite our opponent…WORD UP!!!
Tremendous effort Smoove…I would be remised…if I didn’t mention that.
GREAT EFFORT OFF OF A BACK TO BACK…NOW LET’S KEEP IT GOING HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
terrell
November 29th, 2010
10:39 am
1st it was Paul Silas’ fault, next it was Mike Brown’s fault, then it was Delonte West’s fault, and now it’s Eric Spoelstra’s fault. Lebon James is a freakin joke. Should’ve NEVER left Cleveland. Ruining his rep. BIG TIME!
JeJe
November 29th, 2010
12:12 pm
“”I can’t change my game dramatically, and I don’t think he can, either,” James said. “It doesn’t make any sense to do that. I’d be a role player at that point, if I changed my game dramatically.
“We have to figure out a balance, where we continue to be who we are for the better of the team, for the better of each other.”
LOL so how then will LBJ and Wade adjust? Neither is changing their game
Fail
i_am_soulstar
November 29th, 2010
12:17 pm
Kudos to LD.
It seemed like he had the majority of players getting back on defense rather than going for an offensive rebound as a part of his scheme against fast break-happy teams (Knicks and Raptors). On several offensive possessions during the Raptors and Knicks games, the players would shoot, and if no one was near the basket, they’d get back on defense. I thought it was crazy at first, but it actually seemed to limit the offensive efficiency of both opposing teams.
Kinda makes sense though if the opposing team uses fast breaks, speed, and open court play for many of their points, and your team shoots a high percentage.
And then the offensive rebound is a very infrequent occurrence in most cases. And so maybe LD is trading it for increased defensive competency.
I’ll take it.
I wonder if this scheme is effective against a good team????
JustAThought
November 29th, 2010
12:35 pm
There seems to be some people on this blog that is somewhat “concerned” with the heat……..all I know is when LBJ and DW get their act together, I have no doubts that team can have a 10-15 game run (a couple to be sure). So all you hawks fans, don’t worry they will figure it out (even if old man Pat Riley have to get invloved). Just continue to “hold your breathe” about this hawks team, cause you know like I know………..
O'Brien
November 29th, 2010
12:40 pm
i_am_soulstar,
I dont think the problem is the scheme. I think the problem is the execution.
terrell, JeJe,
One of the issues discussed before the season, was how will Wade and LbJ co-exist, when they both need the ball, and they are not great shooters.
That being said, most people are not surprised by the Chemistry issues. However, I am surprised they look this bad. One thing they are not doing is defending, but nobody on that team is a great defender, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
I just hope the Hawks beat them next week.
Ken Strickland
November 29th, 2010
1:09 pm
OBRIEN-you’re correct. The DEC schedule will tell us a lot about how far the Hawks have progressed, but only to that point. Some of you are far too focused on the teams regular season record, which is the same flawed thinking that got Woodson dismissed. LDrew realizes that his task is to prepare the Hawks to be more successful in the playoffs than in the past, and that’s why he’ll use the regular season to develop, teach and mold the team into a more productive and successful playoff team, which could mean sacrificing a few regular season wins.
When LDrew took over he was expected to:
1- improve team DEF,
2-provide more consistent OFF,
3-develop our younger players,
4-improve our ability to win on the road,
5-get more consistent production from our players, especially Marvin, Bibby and Smoove,
6-change the attitudes and focus of the players that quit on MWoodson.
While he’s still working on 1-3, he’s definitely had success with 4-6. It doesn’t take an extremely high IQ to realize it’s extremely more difficult for a HC to develop a team that’s able to win on the road than win at home.
I went walking this morning and started thinking about the teams future beyond this season, and here’s what I came up with. With Smoove having another off season to work on the much improved ball handling and shooting skills he’s demonstrated so far this yr, it could create some definite changes next season. If he continues to show consistent OFF and DEF production throughout the season, there could be some serious consideration for making him next yrs starting SF.
Of course, that would mean we’d have to acquire a starting quality center and move Horford to PF. I don’t see EThomas, MEvans or JaCrawford returning next yr. A bench with SF-MWilliams, C’s-ZPachulia & JCollins,
F-JPowell, SG/PG’s-JoCrawford, JTeague, (or MBibby), Pape’ Sy, would be very versatile and deep. The adjustments would add another shot blocker to the starting lineup and give us an automatic matchup advantage at SF against most teams.
JUST FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
Fundamentals
November 29th, 2010
1:27 pm
JeJe at 9:45 AM is dead on it.
Heat are having the same issues as us. Just do what it takes to win. Your “game” should meet the need every night. Matchup’s change. We need leaders who hold our team accountable to giving 100% and playing their role.
I agree – Marvin is the X-factor. Has been for how many years? It doesn’t take much from him to completely change a game. Sad thing is he hasn’t touched his potential in terms of what he could be. I personally think he’ll continue to emerge…but that’s just me. He can be exactly what we need to put us over the top. Question is – does he want to be that guy? I think so. If we could see what we got the last two games from Marvin we’d be unstoppable.
northcyde
November 29th, 2010
1:44 pm
MsDee . . I’m happy . . see?
I’m happy that this season didn’t spiral completely out of control and that teams that were supposed to be good, are also struggling.
If we can get to 13 – 7 before we start these road games, I’ll be even more happy.
The regular season matters folks. If we can’t win the division, we must finish in 2nd. But the playoffs are more about matchups, than anything else.
If the Hawks are 44 – 38, we really can’t expect them to do anything come playoff time. Using the Boston example is dangerous, because Boston started the season out on fire, before injuries decimates them and they went into a freefall. Once they got everyone healthy, they went back to being a great team.
We took care of business against the lesser teams. Now lets get back on track and see if we can beat some good teams. But until we do that, there will be skepticism about this team.
MsDee
November 29th, 2010
2:35 pm
@O’Brien 8:11am post..
I understand the Hawks haven’t beaten a ‘playoff team’ as of yet but if you were carefully reading what I posted at 12:20am and 5:02am, I clearly stated that those loses to the ‘playoff teams’ were WITHOUT MARVIN AND MO WHO ARE BOTH OUR ONLY SF’S ON THE TEAM!! And b4 you say it doesn’t or shouldn’t matter, WELL IT DOES CAUSE IT CAUSED JJ TO PLAY EXTENDED MINS AT SG AND SF AND ALSO KELP JAMAL IN THE GAME LONGER THAN HE NEEDED TO BE TO GUARD THE WRONG PLAYERS!! You guys will have a valid argument once we play Miami and Orlando WITH ALL OUR PLAYERS COMING UP THIS WEEK!! Until than, WE ARE IN 3RD PLACE!!!!!
Melvin
November 29th, 2010
3:00 pm
Can Hawks send the Nets their TPE along with a draft pick in return for Terrence Williams would could play SF…
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/An-NBA-and-D-League-first-Terrence-Williams-dem?urn=nba-289670
jeje
November 29th, 2010
3:11 pm
O’Brien,
I predicted right after The Decision how overhyped Miami is.
I said that all you gotta do is play a physical zone and cram the lane and this team will bend over and take it badly. They have no shooting outside of Mike Miller and Eddie House (who is about as bad as Bibby at everything outside of shooting – namely defense). Ilgauskas may be their 2nd best midrange shooter.
LeBron said that he and Wade are so good that they can’t defer, but there’s a need for balance on the team. WTF is he saying?
Why does Wade not want Riley as coach?
The best insight into these issues is always the comments section on the ESPN articles.
I think LeBron would easily get a ring if he had a healthy Joe Johnson or a younger Ray Allen next to him. The team has no jumpshooters, no PG, and no Center.
JUST PLAY A ZONE AND THEY WILL LOSE
Astro Joe
November 29th, 2010
3:13 pm
Kind of funny, LD used the word “accountability” in virtually every interview. Meanwhile, Avery simply demoted a knucklehead player to the NBDL. I wonder which lockerroom feels like there is truly “accountability” for actions on and off the court?
jeje
November 29th, 2010
3:19 pm
“Trust us: Frequently passive play from the big names, shaky shot selection and James and Wade meeting the media separate while Bosh roamed the American Airlines Center halls with his own security escort after the team meeting all stood out in Dallas more than that bump getting all the air time. ”
From ESPN.com
LOL do LBJ and Wade already not like Bosh?
O'Brien
November 29th, 2010
4:01 pm
AJ, I agree about a lack of accountability with the Hawks.
For example, after 2 or 3 games where we started slow, and he questioned their whereabouts on the night before games, what did LD say to MC?
He didn’t say he would change the lineup, he didn’t say he has thought about changing the lineup, he said he “might” have to think about changing the lineup. To me, the players don’t pay that any attention.
There was also talked about defense (guard your man, or else), but clearly, that doesn’t apply to Jamal or Bibby.
As for the D-League treatment, to be fair to LD, the Hawks players have not done anything to deserve that kind of punishment.
Terrence Williams, on the other hand…
“And in the month of November, repeated tardy violations earned Williams a two-game suspension. Further violations, following the suspension, upset Nets coach Avery Johnson so much that he sent the second-year forward to the D-League as punishment.”.
O'Brien
November 29th, 2010
4:12 pm
Melvin,
Hawks have had plenty of opportunity to upgrade the backup SF spot.
They could have traded for Chris Douglas Roberts at the trade deadline last season or during the off-season from the Nets (he eventually went to Milwaukee for a second rounder), but they were not interested.
They could have gone after a SF backup thyis off-season (Rodney Carney, Matt Barnes etc), but they were not interested.
But I would be ok with Terrence Williams. And since the Nets already have Travis Outlaw signed for the next 4 or 5 years, and they drafted Damion James in the first round (another SF), maybe they are willing to part with Terrence Williams.
Another trade option is Mo Evans for Terrence Williams, so we wouldnt pick up any extra salary.
But given Terrence Williams issues in NJ, I think Rick will pass on him.
I.MUS WRITE
November 29th, 2010
4:23 pm
Marvin Williams sighting…..Good game for him but we all know whats coming next. Drum roll please- Its David Blain time….Marvin will have minimal effect on the next 5 games-time for him to disappear .Trade this guy if anyone will take him.
Still not impressed by the win yesterday-lets see these guys beat playoff type clubs. By the way is there any doubt that Smoove is or best player now…..What a bargain for 11.5 per year. JJ should go to the bank with a mask on the way he’s robbing the franchise, he didnt pay himself though………SIGH!!
Ken Strickland
November 29th, 2010
4:26 pm
ASTRO JOE-AJohnson sent his player down as punishment for his rebellious attitude and off court behavior. In fact, many people, especially D-league officials, are questioning the move and wondering how it’s supposed to correct his actions of defiance and disrespect. It looks like AJohnson was just passing a problem he couldn’t or wouldn’t handle on to someone else. I wouldn’t call that type of over the top action ACCOUNTABILITY.
Recently we’ve seen the mins of JoCrawford, JTeague and JPowell reduced, so how can you assume it wasn’t an act of accountability? There are numerous ways to address accountability, and maybe our lack of awareness is due to a the lack of perception, limited knowledge, and/or understanding of what’s taking place.
I love the way the players, especially our captains, took matters into their hands and saught answers to the teams problems, because their recent play proves it obviously worked. In some respects LDrew is faced with trying to to do a complete 180 degree turn around of attitudes, habits and behavior that have been in existence for up to 6yrs.
We all know Woodson has stated his goal of making JJ an All Star, which might have become the focus of certain players. LDrew’s focus is to create a solid and competitive playoff caliber team, whether we have any All Stars or not. Running the motion OFF tends to spread the wealth and reduces the overall scoring opportunities of previous and hopefull All Stars, which could be the cause for the team experiencing periods of limited ball and player movement .
Spreading the wealth and creating more scoring opportunities for others is why we’ve been able to win convincingly on the rd with JJ playing poorly offensively, which wouldn’t have happened in the past.
northcyde
November 29th, 2010
5:04 pm
I just don’t understand what some of you want Drew to do, when it comes to accountability. You know that ( for the most part ) we have a subpar bench. So why do people expect everyone to be held to the same accountability standard?
So when Bibby and Jamal play bad defense, they should be held accountable for that?
OK
So what happens when Teague or Jordan come into the game, and give you bad offense and turnovers? Should they stay on the floor, to continue to “punish” Bibby and Jamal for bad defense?
That’s why we can’t afford to make an example out of Josh Smith or Joe Johnson on most nights. Their replacement may solve one problem, but may create 3 new problems.
The only thing Drew can do, is play the people that will win him games.
Jeff
November 29th, 2010
5:19 pm
trade for Steve Nash Hawks,
WE FLIPPIN NEED THIS MAN!
He will turn Josh Smith into a 20 and 10 player with ease
Fundamentals
November 29th, 2010
5:49 pm
Jeff, how is Nash going to help us over the next 5 years? We need a PG for the future. Sure it’d be great now, but what then? Dude’s 36?
JeJe
November 29th, 2010
6:14 pm
FIRE SUND
Ray
November 29th, 2010
6:40 pm
I’m telling you now trading for Steve Nash would be a big mistake. Actually that would be terrible I like the guy great point guard he’ll be in the hall of fame no doubt, but he’s 36.
He probably won’t have but 2 years left vs. Mike Bibby who would have maybe 6 at the most.
We do need a future PG, and maybe Teague needs some competition for minutes at that spot and no Jodran Crawford isn’t the answer
I think Teague has what it takes to be a great PG just needs a kick in the rear if you know what I mean to get him going. Some people need that cause he needs to learn to be aggressive and bold at the same time. He’s got one part, but lacking the other if he gets the other we have a great PG on our hands.
Oh yeah he needs a jumpshot, but how long did it take J-smoove to acquire one and then have it be consistent?
Fundamentals
November 29th, 2010
6:50 pm
Took J-smoove one summer of quiet work to get a jumper..and he didn’t have one before that. Teague had one in college. He just needs time to believe in himself, to relax and to run the team. He needs to realize he isn’t being asked to be an All-Star, just to contribute. That’s what all our players need to understand. Just play your role,the rest will come with winning, not through individual stats.
L-QUE
November 29th, 2010
7:22 pm
Gulfway Atlanta dont have enough talent. we set on the side line holding the checkbook while our true competition went shopping. I am talking Boston, who added size and weight plus resigned speed. orlando added guards. miami, not atrue factor right now , they must reduce the big three to the big two to trully get players to compete for the east.IF ATANTA CAN NEUTRALIZE S.ONEAL, we have a good shot at winning. A playable big man & DEFENSIVE MINED GUARD atlanta should be ok.we have Josh at PF,SF-Marvin at SF,PF- Al at PF we dont need to go there.We can use another seven footer to keep bigger and heavier centers from wearing Al down, he’s not heavy enough.
ant banks
November 29th, 2010
7:34 pm
it is amazin’ that after 3 years and a new head coach, this STILL IS billy knights team, the core minus chills is his. sund ain’t left his mark yet, well maybe wit’ jamal crawford
Ray
November 29th, 2010
7:39 pm
@ Fundamentals
Well I understand where you are coming from in Smoove not having a jumper before this past summer.
I guess I have no choice to agree either seeing as the past few years he didn’t hit many shots with said jumper.
terrell
November 29th, 2010
8:02 pm
Ray, Bibby might have 6 what??? I know your’e not talking about years? I’d pay money to see Bibby play defense in 6 years. lol!
northcyde
November 29th, 2010
8:02 pm
82games.com stats for 2010 – 11 have finally been updated.
+/- LEADERS
Bibby ( +97 )
Smith ( +84 )
Horford ( +62 )
Collins ( +50 ) . . . which is incredible for the amt of time he’s played
In all . . 9 players have a positive +/- rating ( Thomas, Teague, Zaza, and Powell don’t )
*******
5 MAN UNITS
( Best +/- ): Bibby – JJ – Smith – Horford – Collins . . . ( +30 )
( Most Successful ): The starting 5 ( + 22 . . . 10 – 4 record ) and the Core + Jamal w/o Marvin in lineup ( +23 . . 10 – 4 record )
( Worst ): Jamal – JJ – Marvin – Smith – Horford ( -24 . . . 1 – 6 record )
*******
BY POSITION
( Strongest ): PF . . 20.1 PER . . +4.4 PER advantage over opposing PFs . . This also takes into the account the production of Horford at PF, along with Smith and Powell.
( Weakest ): PG . . 12.8 PER . . -5.8 PER disavantage under opposing PGs . . This is Bibby, Teague, and Jamal when he plays the point.
*******
SHOOTING
- 51.6% eFG . . ( 50.6% eFG last year )
- 71% of shots have been jumpers . . ( 66% last year )
- 63% of shots have been assisted . . ( 56% last year )
Ken Strickland
November 29th, 2010
9:10 pm
NORTHCYDE-excellent points in your 5:04PM post. The Hawks don’t have a dominant player like DHoward, or a player that can carry a team like LJames, DWade or KBryant, or a prolific scorer like CAnthony or KDurant. Therefore, we have to rely on speed, quickness and athleticism, along with OFF/DEF team work, to be successful. With a new HC, with a new OFF/DEF approach and philosophy, it’s going to take longer than a training camp, preseason, and 18 regular season gms to overcome yrs of bad habits and limited OFF/DEF decipline.
Jae Evolution
November 29th, 2010
9:12 pm
Has anyone seen Ish Smith from the Rockets? Jeff Teague should be taking notes on his play…
SteveW
November 29th, 2010
10:06 pm
I know the Hawks have won 3 straight over “weak sisters”. Still, it seems that we are coming together. My observation:
1) The Hawks were not used to a strenous training camp under Woody. With the increased intensity, we came out of camp a little banged up. And Mo’ was not over his knee surgery either.
2) Jamal was a little pouty over his contract status, and the different expectations under LD.
3) JJ is hurt, and trying to play through it.
But it seems like we’re starting to gel. We do have a fragile psyche, so I hope Miami or Orl don’t blow us out, or we’re apt to go into a funk for 5 or 6 games.
My biggest 2 questions of late: Were have ZaZa and Teague been? Talk about falling off the face of the planet. Those 2 have nosedived as of late.
One last observation, I do think LD has settled in as Head Coach. I think he was on the verge of losing this team during the 5 game losing streak, but he seems to be settling in as well. I think the Hawks are buying in to what he’s selling. And what I wouldn’t give if we could package ZaZa, Etan, Josh, and Jason for 1 decent big. That big, with Al and Josh would be a dangerous rotation for the rest of the League.
Hope JJ finds his shot soon, or he will be known as Mr. Contract.
SteveW
November 29th, 2010
10:11 pm
I do think during JJ’s funk, he is showing why he’s a top 25 player in the NBA and an All Star. Playing very good D, his Assists are good, and he’s rebounding fairly well. He’s been hurt, but he’s not whining about it (check out Andrew Bynum in LA for how not to be injured). I’ve been impressed. But as I said before, we need his shot.
And I hope Marvin does what he did last game the rest of his career.
Melvin
November 29th, 2010
10:24 pm
Watching OKC/Hornets game. Nice PG battle between Westbrook/Paul. I will have to give Westbrook the edge in this game b/c his 4th qtr performace. He scored like 11 of 24pts in the 4th.
SteveW
November 29th, 2010
10:29 pm
Grades after 18 games: Horford – A
Smoove -A- (Would be a solid A except for his funk during our beat downs).
Marvin – D- (F except it looks like he may be improving, and he is playing hurt)
JJ – B- Where did his shot go? Like the rest of his game
Bibby – B- Playing a little better than expected. Wish he were 2 or 3 steps quicker.
Jamal – B- Just doesn’t seem like he has “it” this year.
Mo’ – B Playing hard and tough. Good role player
Rest of bench – D- Bad, really bad, with rare exceptions. All of them show glimpses (ok, all but Etan), but nothing consistent.
Coaching – C I thought Teague was supposed to develop under this guy?
Team grade – C Until we get deeper, can play good teams well, and defend the Home court, it seems that ESPN’s ranking of 13 fits us about right. Just a little better than average at this point.
And with the Heat signing Dampier, when they get Udonis and Miller back, they are going to be trouble. Count on it. Wouldn’t want to play them after the All-Star break, unless Wad gets hurt or something. Wish Houston would have signed Dampier.
And has anybody signed De’Sean Butler yet? If not, can we?
Melvin
November 29th, 2010
10:36 pm
Here’s a backup SF the Hawks could sign for cheap. Wasn’t this the reason why the Hawks left the final roster spot open. To be flexible to sign a guy if needed.
Marc J. Spears: Kings waive guard Antoine Wright. Twitter
MsDee
November 29th, 2010
10:50 pm
Umm Melvin, now why would we want THIS GUY??? Its stated in an article that he has been a regular bench guy for the past 5 years with about 4 different teams with a stat line of 0.3,,,,0.4,,,,,0.0..again I ask, WHY WOULD WE WANT THIS GUY??
Melvin
November 29th, 2010
11:26 pm
MsDee,
He’s a former 1st round pick, so maybe he can resurrect his career and he could be signed on the cheap for a position of need. Heck, we all know the Hawks will not spend the money needed for a quality guy for the 15th spot. So we may as well sign someone with some NBA experience and possible potential…
MsDee
November 30th, 2010
1:00 am
Melvin,
I understand the “He’s a former 1st round pick” and the “So we may as well sign someone with some NBA experience and possible potential…” Isn’t that what we did for Acie Law?? He too was a 1st round pick with NBA experience with possible potential but aren’t Memphis about to release him as well??
MsDee
November 30th, 2010
1:02 am
All I’m saying, Melvin is that we don’t need another bum on the team..we still trying to get rid of the cob webs by Marvin.
SteveW
November 30th, 2010
1:11 am
At this point, I wouldn’t mind if we re-signed Acie if Memphis releases him. Did I just say that? It must be late.
Looked at Dampier’s line during the game tonite – 5 Boards in 7 minutes. We could have used this guy, especially if ZaZa continues in the tank.
SteveW
November 30th, 2010
1:13 am
Steve Nash is such a fitness freak, he probably has a couple of good years left at least. Nobody has ever averaged their career high in points after 15 seasons in the League. Nash is on pace to. With 9.7 apg as well. Incredible.
L-QUE
November 30th, 2010
1:16 am
THE FIGHT IN THE EAST IS GONNA BE HELL! ORLANDO IS TRYING TO SIGN MELLO OR CP3 MANAGEMENT SAY ONLY HOWARD WONT BE TRADED.THIS BY YARDBARKER FOXSPORTS I THINK THATS THE RIGHT LOCATION
SteveW
November 30th, 2010
1:16 am
If the Hawks stay healthy, JJ finds his shot, Teague develops, Marvin becomes a semi-beast, we may win 50 games. Sure wish we had 1 more legitimate inside presence. Maybe we’re planning on drafting Howard Thompkins. He would be a good fit for the Hawks system and needs. Doing pretty well playing on a gimpy ankle right now.
northcyde
November 30th, 2010
2:02 am
( drumroll )………………… ( hitting symbols )
I agree with MsDee.
“We don’t need another bum on the team.”
Couldn’t have said that better myself.
And that includes Acie. He’s a bust folks. If Grevais Vasquez, a rookie, looks twice as better as Acie, a 3rd year player, then Acie’s time in the NBA is almost over.
We are not a developing team anymore. We don’t have time to wait on projects.
The NBA stands for “No Bums Alowed”.