Hawks 98, Cavs 84
Greetings, all-
Sorry this is a little late. I wanted to get out of the arena media work room so the poor gents who have to wait on me to leave so they can lock up could get home a little earlier than normal, and then once I got home, I was futzing around a little bit.
Anyway, I confess I don’t have a ton to offer you. We found out about the Atlanta Spirit settlement right after the first quarter, and I spent much of the rest of the game helping out on a story about that, so I didn’t get to watch much of the game itself. I hope this doesn’t sound like I’m asking you to feel sorry for me because I’m not. Just explainin’ is all. It sounds like it was actually a pretty impressive second half.
Anyway, a brief thought on the settlement. I saw some entries on the blog about how this might affect the team. My guess is not much. One point that Bruce Levenson made is that he’s never had a player or coach or any Hawks or Thrashers staff member ask about how the lawsuit was going. It’s not like it was hanging over anyone’s heads, except for those directly involved, I presume.
It’s worth noting that to buy Steve Belkin out, of course, the ownership group had to give him money to go away, so presumably the shoe box with all the cash in it just got lighter. It’s conceivable that with the settlement out of the way, the Spirit group will be better able to attract investors, which they need. However, I think you’ll agree that this doesn’t likely strike most as a terrific investment. Both teams are having trouble drawing despite both performing fairly well.
I guess this would strike the more bold as a great time to invest in that the Thrashers certainly seem like they’re on the way up and the Hawks figure to be competitive for the near term. But, then, there’s a pretty long history of people not buying tickets that you kind of have to get around.
Anyway, on to the game.
Team was very flat to start. Larry Drew said he’d told the team at shootaround and then before the game to be wary of coming out slow. 1) They’d just beaten Orlando. 2) They were at home. 3) Cleveland is very easy to look past. 4) It’s almost Christmas.
Despite all that – or maybe because of it – they were still not into it at all. It picked up a lot in the second quarter, I thought, and then Drew said he talked to the team at the half, and that’s when the game changed.
Obviously, Joe Johnson’s best game since coming back from surgery. He said it was one of his best games of the season, saying he hasn’t felt in rhythm much this season. Drew said he called a lot of plays for him and that Johnson was playing with confidence. I haven’t seen a ton of games, but I can’t recall one in which Johnson had such a height advantage over the guy guarding him.
Didn’t get to talk to Marvin Williams afterwards, but a great game, evidently. Perhaps the not starting really did get under his skin. I’ll say this — he invariably is in a good mood and has a good attitude so I was a little surprised at how much not starting Monday bothered him. If that was the bee in his bonnet tonight, maybe it’s a stick that Larry Drew can use with him. As for how often he’d go with Jason Collins at 5, I’m not sure, but I imagine it’d be every time they play someone with a dominant center.
Some Drew quotes:
“We tried to exploit some mismatches that we thought were to our advantage. That’s the way we have to play. That’s the way we want to play. As I told the guys, we have enough play sets that we can get into different things where teams can’t lock in on us. Certainly, when you see what you think is an advantageous matchup you’ve got to go right to it and that’s what we did tonight.”
On the second half:
“Didn’t do a whole lot as far as any type of adjustments, but what we did was I thought we did thing sa lot harder we were fighting through screens a lot harder. We were making a conscious effort of boxing out. We were pushing the basketball off the boards and when we got out there and started running, that’s when we were at our best.”
From reading the game thread — I really wish I’d heard “dagger in the coffin.” Thanks for sharing that.
whatcha think?
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
287 comments Add your comment
bigdave
December 25th, 2010
4:44 pm
id like to think that Dwight will grow tired w/ the Orl style of basketball.. on several occasions i watched him get position early and wasnt fed the ball.
it also appears that the refs have equal amount of hate for him as they have for his best friend..
O'Brien
December 25th, 2010
5:21 pm
Merry Christmas one and all,
bigdave,
If Dwight was here, what makes you think he would get the ball early when he has position? Not with JJ here (imo).
drmaryb,
Denver can send Melo to anywhere they want, because he does not have a no-trade clause. The key is the team that trades for Melo must realize that he will be a half season rental, because he will sign with the Knicks over the off-season.
O'Brien
December 25th, 2010
5:23 pm
As bad as Orlando has looked recently, they still put an end to the Spurs win streak, and they just put an end to the Celtics win streak.
Those are 2 huge wins for their confidence going forward.
And go Lakers.
cp
December 25th, 2010
7:31 pm
Merry xmas to my fellow bloggers
MsDee
December 25th, 2010
7:47 pm
WOW!! The Lakers just got creamed by LeBron and Friends!! We are in trouble in our division!! I was so banking on Boston and the Lakers to give us 2 huge x-mas gifts with wins over Miami and Orlando, but both just laid an egg for us..DANG-IT!!!
Grandad
December 25th, 2010
8:08 pm
Merry Christmas to all my family on the blog.
Yawl are just like my real family;
diverse, some older, some young, opinionated,
each one of us is always right and we don’t hesitate
to let everyone know.
My fellow bloggers are colorful, articulate, conservative
and progressive all at once.
You are my family, community, friends, antagonists and
fellow lovers of the greatest game ever.
To all of you;
I give my friendship, my support and my loyalty.
May God Bless,
Grandad
drmaryb (*_*)
December 25th, 2010
8:19 pm
OBrien
Yeah Man, I know. That’s why I said Melo will be an UFA next Summer.
What team will give away talent if Melo doesn’t sign an extension? That was my point back there. But, we shall see. I still say, Melo will go to NYC.
Maybe, CP3 will join him there, with all their ownership issues. Sounds familiar?
Even with Belkin gone, ASKG still sux! Now, they can’t point to Belkin and hide behind him as the reason why we can’t make any moves.
Lakers look terrible and Celtics look very old.
drmaryb (*_*)
December 25th, 2010
8:25 pm
Grand-Daddy!
I LOVE YOU so MUCH! You are so cute! Mmmmwah! (A big ole sloppy wet kiss!)
Rev in Tampa
December 25th, 2010
8:30 pm
drmaryb (*_*) ,
Sorry for delaying so long on answering your question from Thursday. I am married with four children between 17-9 years old. My wife got a kick out of your response to me after the cold shower comment. She is even fine with the fact that you call me Rev Baby. You are the only other woman besides my wife in the whole world that calls baby. I kind of wish she would get a little jealous, but she knows I’m such a nerd that no other woman would have me.
Grandad
December 25th, 2010
8:30 pm
Merry Christmas to TS AKA the Mad Hatter
*[sorry about the screen name]
*[filter will not allow TS to be spelled out]
If you’re out there;
Happy new year and may God provide you and your family
with a special blessing.
Grandad
December 25th, 2010
8:34 pm
Mary Ellen,
That was the best present yet!
Love you too darlin’
G-Dad
Rev in Tampa
December 25th, 2010
8:36 pm
Merry Christmas Grandad! My parents just arrived at my house a couple of hours ago from Palmetto, GA. They said it is cold up there. I thought I’d let you know that it is 68 degrees here in Tampa at 8:30pm. Ya’ll stay bundled up in GA.
drmaryb (*_*)
December 25th, 2010
8:45 pm
Rev in Tampa
Ha Ha! I knew you had a daughter, I was just curious.
I am married also, no kids though. I am waiting on God’s Kingdom before starting my family of little ones. Anyway, tell your wife Thanks for sharing.
I’m still gonna’ cal you Rev Baby, with Mrs. Rev’s permission.
Especially, since you lived in my hometown + Aiken, SC.
Merry X-Mas to you and your family.
drmaryb (*_*)
December 25th, 2010
8:55 pm
Rev in Tampa
We got 5 inches of snow at my house in Roswell, GA. (Fulton County).
Hard to believe it’s 68 degrees there.
Hawks better Bust A Move! Magic and Heat are 4 Real!
Ramon
December 25th, 2010
9:33 pm
The Heat are for real. The Magic just caught the Celtics on a bad day. I still don’t believe Orlando is better than Atlanta or Chicago.
slimjr
December 25th, 2010
9:42 pm
WOW!! The Lakers just got creamed by LeBron and Friends!! We are in trouble in our division!! I was so banking on Boston and the Lakers to give us 2 huge x-mas gifts with wins over Miami and Orlando, but both just laid an egg for us..DANG-IT!!!
Don’t worry we have Joe Johnson to step up and get the job done! Just wish he had some help…..
Dept. of Unintended
December 25th, 2010
10:27 pm
Who am I???
Enough said………..
L-QUE
December 25th, 2010
11:10 pm
GRANDAD its good to know there is ole scool on this tool,[computer] I have six daughters thanks to Jehovah they are grown and gone,I LOVE them dearly put I am still paying some college loan money. Seven grands myself , just two grandson 5&2, Iam over come by womens , aguess thats why iam such a good fisherman iam just not a fisherman of men when my kids were born ,so best wishes to all and if i ever say any thing that offend i dont intend to i am trully sorry. great post GD
L-QUE
December 25th, 2010
11:17 pm
Man i just butchered that note [school] i didnt have any sons ,this one finger on the keyboard dont leave time to proof read
doc
December 25th, 2010
11:36 pm
MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL!
great reads among great hawks fans although we have to agree to disagree often.
Clyde
December 26th, 2010
1:50 am
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Fire Sund
Clyde
December 26th, 2010
1:52 am
Will The Hawks ever get a team together that could blow out the Lakers in LA?
O'Brien
December 26th, 2010
2:00 am
Hawks have 2 good wins. Both against Orlando.
N.O. have struggled after their hot start, so hopefully hawks can get a win. I think PG play will be key. Can we slow down CP3? And will bibby hit enough shots on offense to offset his horrible defense? Will teague play well?
slimjr
December 26th, 2010
9:53 am
Hawks will be left behind. Bring back Mookie Blaylocke…
Sund=Billy Knight
Dept. of Unintended
December 26th, 2010
9:54 am
who am I???
enough said….
bigdave
December 26th, 2010
10:23 am
o’brien…
i just dont see the selfish player that most see in Joe. keep in mind off misses Joe rarely has the ball in his hands. he’s usually sprinting down to spot up. if Dwight runs directly to the basket, pins his man under the rim, its coming. every Hawk starter is a willing and or skilled passer at his position. im not sure Orl has that luxury. ive seen the ball handler look to feed the post, but hesitates to make the pass.
while we’re on it, was i the only one impressed/encouraged by the ball movement we saw vs. Clev. in a game where Joe had favorable match ups, and appeared to get his shot back, he dished out 7 assist. everyone looked to make the extra pass..
i want to see this team move forward w/ out Jamal. Teague’s play of late has been encouraging. looking to assert himself and contribute his unique skills to the game. clearly we’ve seen him be less aggressive when sharing the backcourt w/ Jamal. hopefully it continues when he returns.
J from the A
December 26th, 2010
11:14 am
This is a trade that has been proposed by (myself and) others on this board, but I (think I) like it:
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2bu7smj
Portland receives:
Ja. Crawford
Pachulia
Evans
Atlanta receives:
Camby
Miller
Trade allows the Hawks to go big with more regularity — perhaps even start big more often with more consistency. If Marvin doesn’t like coming off the bench when the Hawks go big, the Hawks could trade him, too. If Marvin adjusts to his role coming off the bench (at least some of the time), the Hawks could become beast.
The only uncertainty I have is whether Andre Miller would be a good fit for the Hawks. But Miller’s contract is non-guaranteed for next year, so it doesn’t really matter.
The trade could be adjusted to take on Pryz instead of Camby, but I like Camby better (even if his contract is a bit less than ideal), and I think Portland would be more willing to make the trade with Camby. If Portland really wanted to they could throw in R. Fernandez. Fernandez may prove to be a valuable “throw in” piece if the Hawks needed to make one more small trade after this one.
J from the A
December 26th, 2010
11:16 am
Doesn’t “selfish” Joe Johnson lead the team in assists?
[rhetorical question, if it wasn't obvious]
drmaryb (*_*)
December 26th, 2010
11:48 am
Haters will always nit-pick the players they dislike, regardless of truth and stats.
lol
December 26th, 2010
11:59 am
Atl gets C Billups
Denver Gets Jamal Crawford, Kyle Korver and B. Scalabrine
Bulls get J.R. Smith
Bulls get an off the dribble-creator
Hawks get a PG
Denver gets a solid backup SG and an expiring in Jamal, Lawson free to become starter
Grandad
December 26th, 2010
5:34 pm
Rev,
sorry I left the blog early last eve.
It snowed here yesterday and all night and is still snowing.
[You know where I live]
It was heartwarming and cheerful to watch the snow in the
twilight with neighborhood Christmas lights, it looked like a
Thomas Kincaid painting.
Happy Holidays my friend, for all your loved ones.
Grandad
December 26th, 2010
5:47 pm
L-QUE,
I get it.
All I can say is bless your heart.
We try to maintain a balance here and make sure
we never get outnumbered or [and this is important]
we never leave one dude by himself.
*[torture by females was not covered in the Geneva concention]
L-QUE
December 26th, 2010
6:32 pm
BEEN GOING DOWN WITH THE TEAMS OF ATLANTA FOR YEARS & YEARS & YEARS THE EXCITEMENT OF THE POSSIBLITY OF WINNING CARRY ME TO THE NEXT TEAR. PUT A POINT GUARD & BENCH SCORING ON YOUR NEW YEARS WISH LIST. AN OUTFIELDER, HOPE FOR THE FALCONS& THRASHERS, BECAUSE ATLANTA APPEAR BEFORE ALL THE [TEAMS] STAY THE COURSE
Astro Joe
December 26th, 2010
8:09 pm
Marvin has been the best 2005 draft pick on the floor in the first half.
And Joe has simply been the best player on the court… by FAR in the first half.
slimjr
December 26th, 2010
8:29 pm
GO Joe Johnson!! You are far the most talented player on the team!!!
slimjr
December 26th, 2010
8:35 pm
Will somebody please bench Josh Smith!!! He’s going to shoot us right out of this game tonight!!! He is brutal to watch with limited offensive skills…BRUTAL……………..Hawks are 8-7 on the road..Mediocrity. We expect that in this town people..This is freaking Georgia……New Orleans will win tonight and Milwaukee will win tomorrow….Go Joe!!!Josh just missed a 3!!! WOW…..
slimjr
December 26th, 2010
8:39 pm
Hawks are 1 for 10 in the third quarter with the three stooges!!! What else is news??