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
Astro Joe
November 30th, 2010
7:38 pm
MsDee, if Josh can do this agains the playoff caliber teams consistently, then he becomes close to untouchable. But I think that we haven’t yet seen that happen. Oh, and Steve Nash is GREAT, don’t sleep.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 30th, 2010
7:41 pm
Josh for Nash is an idiotic trade, mainly because Nash is 36. If this was 2004, sure. But in 2010, when Josh has at least 10 years of All Star basketball ahead of him while Nash has maybe three years left in the league? Hell no.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 30th, 2010
7:42 pm
And by the way, I keep telling y’all — Bleacher Report is worthless. The people who write there are no more knowledgeable — and in most cases much less knowledgeable — than us. They don’t have any more credibility than we do.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 30th, 2010
7:44 pm
“So what does this tell us? It tells us that you can maintain a good REGULAR SEASON record and make the playoffs by consistently defeating none playoff teams, but it’s much harder to accomplish if you have trouble defeating those teams. To be honest, the only time defeating top playoff caliber team really matters is IN THE PLAYOFFS.”
If you’re talking about the Celtics or Lakers — teams that have shown they can win in the playoffs — this is fine. If you’re talking about the Hawks — a team that has only shown that it has no clue how to beat good teams in the playoffs — this is irrelevant. The Hawks have growing up to do when it comes to beating good teams, and they need to show that in the regular season.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 30th, 2010
7:49 pm
And by the way, KG was 31 years old when Boston traded for him, and he was an impact player on both ends of the floor both before and after the trade. Nash, as great as he is offensively, is 36 and is an even bigger defensive liability than he was in his prime. Not to mention, Josh has accomplished a lot more at this point than Al Jefferson had by 2006.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 30th, 2010
7:53 pm
“Didn’t Miami trade for an old Shaq by giving up a relatively young Lamar Odom and Caron Butler? ”
Shaq was 32 at the time of that trade, and like KG was an impact player on both ends of the floor at the time of the trade. Nash is 36 and is an impact player on one end of the floor.
darrell starks
November 30th, 2010
7:54 pm
Will it ever come down 2 trading josh or horford 1 day ?
My opinion is yes unless josh move 2 small forward.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
November 30th, 2010
7:56 pm
If the hawks ever want 2 win a championship first ASG must spend the money or sell the team.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
November 30th, 2010
8:04 pm
LD must make changes in the line up in order 2 produce a tough minded team that will compete, you can’t judge this team off the last 3 win and say every thing is ok which is not.
WIZARD 5 – 11
KNICKS 9 – 9
RAPTORS 6 – 11
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
L-QUE
November 30th, 2010
8:33 pm
WHO in the hell wants STEVE NASH- ANT BANKS- you seen a game all year . NASH will nevvvver get another max contract. Why would the Hawks give away a 25 year old terror for awashed up slow footed guard. The Suns bring in a faster guard on defense. we got bibby, The Hawks needs Childress back, leave the junk there , stop by Dallas and bring J. Terry home, leave Zaza and Teague in the mid west. Play the seven foot twin, stop letting heavier centers wear Al down Josh is always there to help on defense,play Powell at the small foward, in some match ups, Josh & Josh both have the quickness to play pf-sf.
RealSquawk
November 30th, 2010
8:34 pm
Why even suggest trading Josh Smith right now? Does Josh have the worst contract on the team? Is Josh in what seems to be a slump that has extended from the playoffs until now? Is Josh closing in on thirty? Is Josh not from GA? Whose marketing reach is increasing? Whose is decreasing?
Who does the team rest on to get them all playing? Who does the team seem content to watch dribble the ball into predictable? Who actually seems to care more about winning and what the fans think?
I have had my share of trade Josh moments, but now is not the time. I would say this might be the worst time possible.
And seriously Josh for Nash? Hmmm. Right, let’s trade the best compliment for Nash, for him, so Nash can give the ball to Joe and oh look Joe can dribble. Funny right?
Why not do something constructive? Trade Joe to one of the teams willing to pay him over the summer and cut some salary add a solid veteran, a draft pick, a big man?
I am so confused. People clamoring for front court depth want to trade one of the best front court players in the league.
I swear you guys must be plants from other teams. Shoot. Maybe you are Steve Belkin.
MsDee
November 30th, 2010
8:48 pm
@AstroJoe
You must didnt read my 4:45pm post carefully..I DID say Nash was GREAT, Josh is YOUNG & GREAT..while Nash is OLD & GREAT. No NBA team will trade YOUNG & GREAT for an OLD & GREAT player. I was saying that AL Jefferson was YOUNG & GOOD while KG is OLD & GREAT. GOOD and GREAT has 2 different meanings, which meant I would have traded AL Jefferson for KG TOO!!
Ramon
November 30th, 2010
8:50 pm
I would never think about a Josh for Nash trade. However, one trade that I would do (if possible), that many of you may not like is:
Atlanta gets:
Monta Ellis
Andris Biedrins
Rodney Carney
GS gets:
Jamal Crawford
Al Horford
L-QUE
November 30th, 2010
9:00 pm
THE HAWKS IS AN ELITE TEAM period. They are being judged by fans who want to see them advance further than last year.But our weakness is still there no facilitating guard who can shoot the jumper no inside help ” off the bench” misuse of our hybrid players.There are few big small forwards in the league Marvin is one ,Artest,James & Dirk should be Dallas will never win with him playing PF he ain’t one.
Astro Joe
November 30th, 2010
9:03 pm
Would I rather have a 10 year All-Star or a legit chance to contend in the next 2-3 years? For me, that’s a no brainer. I personally don’t believe a nucleus of Horford, Josh & Joe can be the core of a legit contender. So watching this team win 50-ish games for the next 6 years is always an option… with a likely ceiling of the 2nd round of the playoffs. But at least we stay somewhat relevant.
Astro Joe
November 30th, 2010
9:05 pm
MsDee, seriously, great? With at best 1 All Star appearance in 6 NBA seasons? Great? Wow.
O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
9:20 pm
Ramon,
That is an interesting trade proposal, but I would pass.
But I would consider Monta Ellis and Vladimir Radmonovic for Jamal and Bibby.
An interesting comment from Mike Smith, Falcons head coach. From ajc.com;
Smith knew the potential perils of year three.
“Sometimes familiarity is not a good thing,” he said. “It’s natural for a staff and players to get into a routine and become comfortable with one another. It was important that we looked at all levels, starting with me, and we held ourselves to higher expectations.”.
What stood out to me, is I feel like thats a problem with the Hawks and LD. There is a level of comfort and familiarity, so the players are taking longer to get out of their Woody ways, and buy into LD’s ways.
MsDee
November 30th, 2010
9:21 pm
Because he IS a difference maker on the court..To be honest with cha, ALL-STAR recognitions are basically other people’s opinions, facts. So just because Josh didnt make it, doesnt mean he doesnt deserve it. He is a GREAT YOUNG BALL PLAYER AND I WOULDNT TRADE HIM FOR NOTHING..AND THAT MEANS WADE OR LEBRON, cause lately it isnt working for them either!
MsDee
November 30th, 2010
9:25 pm
@O’Brien
That’s true but LD is in no fashion like Woody..he has HIS OWN VISION, WAY HE COMMUNICATES TO THE GUYS, AND DIRECTION..The Hawks just needs to stop being immature and get it together sooner than later!!
Astro Joe
November 30th, 2010
9:26 pm
MsDee, it sounds like you;re a bigger Josh fan than Hawks fan. There is NOTHING wrong with watching your favorite player for 10+ years… I just personally have a different agenda. I could give a crap who wears the Hawks uniform, I just want to see that uniform drenched with championship champagne.
Ramon
November 30th, 2010
9:43 pm
O’brien, tomorrow, I may would pass on that deal also. lol But for this team, I would rather have Monta Ellis over Carmelo, because he’s half the price. And he can play the point and really put pressure on the opposing team. I would consider Jamal, Bibby, and a first for him and someone else.
L-QUE
November 30th, 2010
9:54 pm
And with your ten year allstar you will see he couldn’t do in Atlanta no more than he did in mizz. So whats the point, he can’t help them .he want help us Atlanta dont need NASH. but if you talking ROSE,CP3,CURRY, RONDO,NELSON,WILLIAMS,HARRIS,or some of the good young talent coming in the league thats a horse of a different color.JORDON&PIPPENS STAYED TOGETHER , The Bulls just added players asNEEDED. They didnt burst the core.Same can be said for Boston, Lakers , Chicago. Build to your needs and the future Nash is not even a quick fix .10 Steve Nashes wont deliver a championship to us this year or next.Trade for now and the future, the NBA is moving into the future.why do you think so many older players are playing for pennies on the dollars, the Suns trying to dump him and his check. FOR YOUTH. That would set HAWKS basketball back years.keep JOSH.S. AL ,MARVIN TOGETHER.as for as FAN SUPPORT ,just win they Will come .I know I WILL. The best show in town.Win or loose.
O'Brien
November 30th, 2010
10:44 pm
MsDee,
I agree that LD is is very different from woody. But he was still woody’s right hand man for 6 years, and the players are very comfortable with him. As a result, I think they tune him out sometimes.
Hawks better not sleep on Memphis. Memphis will be tired because tomorrow is the second game of a back to back. However, Memphis just beat the Lakers in Memphis.
Hawks have been off since Sunday, so There is no reason for them to start sluggish tomorrow.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 30th, 2010
10:46 pm
“Would I rather have a 10 year All-Star or a legit chance to contend in the next 2-3 years? For me, that’s a no brainer.”
If Nash couldn’t win a title in his prime with Joe Johnson as his 3rd best teammate behind Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire, what makes you think the Hawks will “contend” with Joe Johnson as Nash’s best teammate when Nash is past his prime?
The Suns are 8-9 right now. Just saying…
Ken Strickland
November 30th, 2010
10:49 pm
The Lakers just lost their 3rd consecutive gm to the Grizzles, which gives them a 13-5 record, which is only 2gms better than the 11-7 Hawks. I guess it’s time for them to start trading away players, based on the way some of you seem to think.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 30th, 2010
10:49 pm
And even if you want to argue that Horford is at least as good as Joe, I don’t see how Horford/Joe/Marvin is a better supporting cast than Marion/Joe/Amare. Nash couldn’t even make the Finals with that team, and that was when he was 30.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 30th, 2010
10:49 pm
“The Lakers just lost their 3rd consecutive gm to the Grizzles, which gives them a 13-5 record, which is only 2gms better than the 11-7 Hawks. I guess it’s time for them to start trading away players, based on the way some of you seem to think.”
If they hadn’t won a second-round playoff game in 20 years, then yeah, it would be.
Section 303
November 30th, 2010
10:56 pm
So, we’ve waited years for Josh Smith to finally start becoming a star and people want to trade him? Makes no sense. Let’s stop talking about it. Would be a disaster of a move.
darrell starks
November 30th, 2010
10:56 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epaQHrSN4BQ
L-QUE
November 30th, 2010
10:57 pm
ASTRO-JOE allstars or voted by how popular you are not how good you are.Just like dancing with the stars.In most cases the larger fan base the more you might be an allstar. Truth has shown us a player may be hurt most of year and still be a allstar.A lot of player should be allstars for how well they played that year .if every thing was fair or justifiable then JESUS wont have to take over rulership. A player cant be judged on allstar appearances, factully a player may be an allstar this year and get voted in each year after. its more to be popular to sell endosment products now .Very few years are the players playing the best that year are chosen. the media just now know him playing on a major network a few times a year
Section 303
November 30th, 2010
10:57 pm
I was wondering who would be the first basketball genious to try and equate the Lakers 3-game skid to the Hawks. Ken, you are the winner. Congrats!
darrell starks
November 30th, 2010
11:27 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rBRDWLD11c
MsDee
November 30th, 2010
11:32 pm
The Lakers last 3 loses has been to Utah, Indiana, & Memphis…The Hawks only lost to Utah and that was because Horford chocked at the line to tie the game..The Lakers lost to 2 ‘non-playoff teams’ BACK-2-BACK!?!? Plus, add what Ken said. AGAIN, WE WILL BE JUST FINE!!!!
darrell starks
November 30th, 2010
11:33 pm
Today i would trade
HORFORD
JAMAL
BIBBY
FOR
MONTA
BIEDRINS
RODNEY CARNEY
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
November 30th, 2010
11:36 pm
STARTER MONTA, JOE, MARVIN, JOSH, BIEDRINS
BENCH JC2, MOE, RODNEY, POWEL, ZAZA
RESERVE TEAGUE, COLLINS
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
Melvin
November 30th, 2010
11:52 pm
Since the Lakers lost to Grizzlies in Memphis, does that boost the Hawks victory over Memphis now….
drmaryb (*_*)
December 1st, 2010
8:39 am
Melvin
No.
Lakers are the 2 Time Back 2 Back NBA Champions & HOF laden Kobe, MVP, Perenial All-Star, surrounded with superior talent and a deep bench, with a 10 Ring HOF Coach and Jerry Buss.
Move on people …
ant banks
December 1st, 2010
1:35 pm
L-Que,
I simply stated that i liked the idea of it for the short term. but if we want to get to the NEXT level, we will have to trade some pieces to get better or keep our same core until 2016. rick sund does not have a hustler mentality. we have some assets to move, but you can’t be scared to move them.
WOULD YOU TRADE JSMOOVE FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP? i am not sure that most of y’all would answer appropriately to this question. shaq, garnet, ray allen are all hall of famers. their respective previous teams were NOT AFRAID to deal them.