Atlanta Hawks at Thunder: Marvin to remain in ATL
Oklahoma City–Marvin won’t join the team on this West trip and instead will remain in Atlanta to rehab his back injury. L.D. said an MRI showed no further damage so the diagnosis remains a bruise.
“Hopefully after we get off this week road trip he will be back and be ready to play,” Drew said.
Add these four games for Marvin and that brings Atlanta’s total to 50 games missed because of injury/illness after 38 games. That number was 25 for 82 games last season.
The Hawks will use the Twin lineup tonight.It’s their most efficient defensive lineup and has the best plus-minus differential but tonight the alignment means Smoove draws Durant. There may not be another guy in the league who is a tougher test for Small Forward Josh.
“But there are probably going to end up being three or four different guys guarding [Durant],” L.D. said. “We have to give him different looks because he gets a lot of touches and he’s a tough guard. We will have to change some defenses in trying to limit him as much as we can. He gets a lot of shots but he’s a prolific scorer. The thing you have to do is try to make him work for everything.”
Party time?
It’s New Year’s Eve. The Hawks fly to LA after the game. They don’t practice until 4 p.m. West Coast time tomorrow. You see where I’m going with this.
“I’m always worried about that,” L.D. said. “But I am going to pose a challenge to them tonight. This is the last game of 2010 and there is business at hand that needs to be taken care of before we think about any kind of a party. We have got to bring our business mentality tonight. We’ve got a game to play against a really good basketball team and we can not look ahead by any means.”
Michael Cunningham
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198 comments Add your comment
Hawks vs Thunder
December 31st, 2010
10:15 pm
hey Durant, how about you come over here and play 6 years for $119 mill instead of Joe?
Val
December 31st, 2010
10:15 pm
Looks like Bailey was right. Underutilize Horford and lose the game. I think I read an article about that over on Hoopinion a while back, as well.
ItsNotMe
December 31st, 2010
10:15 pm
With JJ’s money, seems like he would hire his own personal shooting coach. All season he’s been jacking up brick, after brick, after brick…!
yodaddy
December 31st, 2010
10:17 pm
Jamal Crawford does what Joe Johnson should be doing
Steve
December 31st, 2010
10:17 pm
I think it’s fairly logical to say that Joe Johnson is the team’s third best player at this point in time.
Wabe
December 31st, 2010
10:18 pm
Durant is in the category of “max guys”…
Joe Johnson is not.
I understand the thought behind it, kinda.
If you let Joe walk, the likelihood you court any other big name FA is very slim. The team itself would suffer in terms of wins.
But, giving that kinda money to Joe just becomes more laughable every time I see I guy like Durant. On another level…
yodaddy
December 31st, 2010
10:18 pm
I second that @ItsNotMe
Joe Johnson…aka real estate agent
yodaddy
December 31st, 2010
10:19 pm
has Joe Johnson had a 30 point game this year????????????????????
LionHearted
December 31st, 2010
10:19 pm
Another good team another loss
Im glad I just watch this for pure entertainment becuz I know this team will never ever amount to anything lol
Screw this
December 31st, 2010
10:22 pm
You guys don’t know how much I hate Joe Johnson, i rather have Jordan Crawford playing instead of Joe, at least he can shoot.
But Damn that was a nice dunk By Josh: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2IUyyj-YdU
Thanks for the link HELLO.
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
10:22 pm
Another 15pt 4th qtrs….
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2010
10:23 pm
When we had a 15 point 4th quarter last year, most of the blame was directed in one general direction.
Happy New Year y’all.
leear1n
December 31st, 2010
10:26 pm
Concerning SG Joe Johnson he is washed up he is still throwing up bricks enough to build a 4 bed room house.We fan have seen him get worse for the past 2.5 years and he knows it you can tell by his play
I would rather see a hunger young team with an up side than what we put on the floor,they are so boring and we know they will lose to the good teams.
L.D. Supporter
December 31st, 2010
10:27 pm
Another terrific game of coaching by our coach of the year candidate, L.D. It’s amazing that we ever lose with the amazing job he does. He makes such intelligent decisions throughout the game and always seems to do a great job getting the ball our superstar Joe Johnson, who seems to never, ever miss a shot. Happy New Years Eve, everyone. Let’s all celebrate the accomplishments of our outstanding coach.
yodaddy
December 31st, 2010
10:28 pm
Joe Johnson has had ONE 30 pt game all year. ONE. And we pay this guy 128 million dollars in the worst contract of all time in any sport. 28% from 3, 40 % from the floor…..= STEALING MONEY.
Tired of these subpar performances. I’d rather let Crawford start…Joe Johnson seems like he’s out of shape and has looked that way the entire year. Throwing up bricks on wide open shots…jogging up and down the court….just terrible
Worldwide Clyde
December 31st, 2010
10:29 pm
Same ole Hawks.
Happy New Year
Sautee
December 31st, 2010
10:31 pm
yodaddy,
Got another guarantee for us?
yodaddy
December 31st, 2010
10:31 pm
6 for freaking 20….gotta be kidding me….Durant putting up 30 and it seemed like he was uninterested in this game. Joe Johnson missing wide open shots and getting blocked constantly.
He gets double teamed because he moves so slow and takes forever and a day to make a move.
And here’s the kicker…..THERE’S NO WAY TO TRADE THIS GUY
yodaddy
December 31st, 2010
10:33 pm
@ Sautee
I guarantee we will lose to the next team with a record above .500….Joe Johnson will have 15 points on 5 for 17 shooting and will no show when it’s showtime. He will refuse to get in the paint and mix it up and miss wide open 3’s.
Worldwide Clyde
December 31st, 2010
10:34 pm
We should have resigned Jamal Crawford and let Joe walk.
Fire Sund
Screw this
December 31st, 2010
10:36 pm
LOL, I’m watching Larry Drew’s postgame press conference and it looks like the dude wants to cry.
Geoff
December 31st, 2010
10:36 pm
FIRE SUND
Geoff
December 31st, 2010
10:38 pm
the jokes theyre telling on mtv are better than the hawks. thats right the jokes theyre telliing on MTV
Andrew
December 31st, 2010
10:41 pm
Joe is obviously overpaid for his ability, but I think that people would dislike him a lot less if he didn’t consume such a vast majority of the Hawks’ shot attempts. I honestly think that the team would be a lot more effective if they ran the offense through Al and Josh and played inside-out more often. I used to think that Joe’s presence on the court, alone, really helped the team out, since he drew so much defensive attention, but now it looks like his presence is not even making much of a difference. Honestly, the team was just as potent offensively during his absence. With some coaching modifications the team could easily muster the same amount of points and efficiency that they muster right now, without Joe Johnson.
Joe’s biggest asset at this point is his play on the defensive end, however, as solid as Joe is on the defensive end, it’s not incredibly difficult to replace him with a solid defensive shooting guard. The league is filled with them (e.g. dahntay jones, arron afflalo, raja bell, tony allen, etc.). I’m convinced at this point that Joe is not what he used to be. This is not the same smooth, effortless scorer that we used to watch 2-3 years ago. Now, Joe Johnson’s numbers have always been a little bit inflated due to the fact that he’s been the majority of the team’s offense ever since he came to the team, but he used to be a pretty dangerous scorer, even in 1. vs. 1. and sometimes 2 vs. 1 situations. Now, even when getting easier shot attempts, he is struggling. Something is up with Joe, and he clearly no longer the best player on the team. Don’t get me wrong, he still benefits the team on both ends of the floor, but he is not what he used to be, and he is not even looking like a top 5 shooting guard anymore.
Since Joe is not very likely to be traded with his new monstrous contract, it’s time for a coaching change that take Joe out of his role as the focal point of the team’s offense. We can’t be giving a guy 20 shots a night and letting him overhandle the ball excessively when we are getting below-average results as far as efficiency goes out of that attempt. I just hope that the coaching staff will realize this soon.
Ron
December 31st, 2010
10:45 pm
I’d really like to see Larry Drew’s post-game press conference. Unfortunately, I don’t have SportSouth. I guess I’ll have to wait until the video is posted later on.
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2010
10:48 pm
I’d love to see the offense run through Al in the post. But someone needs to first get him back in the post… same for Josh. Joe should serve as a decoy for the indefinite future… but (again), that requires efficient shot attempts from the other teammates and accountability from the head coach. If Woody lost the team when he played favorites, I wonder how much different the players are feeling about Uncle Larry?
Sean
December 31st, 2010
10:49 pm
Maybe I’m too hard on the team or need to lower my expectations, but it seems like I’m disappointed almost every time I watch the Hawks play. Even when they win, I typically find myself disappointed in something, whether it’s the coaching, the effort, individual performances, or something else, I’m rarely happy following a Hawks game these days. I think this team just needs a revamp, personnel-wise. That includes both players and the coach.
superiorblogman
December 31st, 2010
10:53 pm
Hawks are stuck in mud, this is becoming a boring show that has been seen over and over again that you know will never end how you would like it to. The Management needs to make some moves to get this team moving forward or risk more and more people turning the channel.
Andrew
December 31st, 2010
10:58 pm
“If Woody lost the team when he played favorites, I wonder how much different the players are feeling about Uncle Larry?”
I tend to think that the same issues that players had as far as favoritism go are still around amongst the players. With all of the talk about accountability at the beginning of the season, I would have expected to see an equal opportunity consequence/reward type system, but there is really no sign of that. It seems like Larry Drew is still in somewhat of a feeling-out process as far as the rotation goes, and there are few signs of accountability.
Players, like Mo Evans for example, who seems to make comments eluding to this in his post-game comments, have to wonder why guys like Joe are continually getting incredible volumes of shot attempts with extended playing time, regardless of how effective they are or how effective their decision making is. I think Drew is trying to do what he think is “playing it safe” by sticking with the same rotations and strategy that he saw under Woodson. Honestly, aside from occasional ball movement, there is not a huge difference on the offensive end from last year. Horford will occasionally get a play run for him, but not very often, and Josh looks like the same Josh from 2 years ago, with some improved shooting accuracy. Outside of that, not much has changed, and players certainly haven’t been punished or rewarded based upon their play, so I’m guessing that the favoritism issues are still around in the locker room, we just haven’t had anyone openly admit that to the media.
yodaddy
December 31st, 2010
11:01 pm
@ Andrew
It used to be Kobe, Wade, Joe Johnson
now its Kobe, Wade, Monta, 2 other people and then JJ in the bottom half of the top 10.
If he’s still hurt then damnit sit out for the weeks and heal up. We don’t need him out there dribbling and throwing up bricks on wide open plays….Mo Evans can do that.
Fact is that he is having one of the most disappointing seasons I can ever remember. It’s not like we want him to lead the league in scoring or be Kobe esque. All we ask is to make the open shots…you get paid 128 you should be able to do that.
I have factored in the injury, defensive assignments, and the distribution of shots but his performance is still disappointing. His performances deflate the team and the fact that he’s only scored 25 or more twice this season is unacceptable. He averages a mediocre 17 ppg. (Luol Deng averages more points than our premier player).
I agree…either we don’t run as many plays for him and live and die on the shoulders of Josh Smith and Al Horford or try some kind of trade because he is simply not getting it done.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
11:02 pm
“I’d trade the entire organization for Durant + Westbrook.”
I’d be surprised if there is anyone who wouldn’t.
jtshoopsblog
December 31st, 2010
11:08 pm
Don’t want any new year’s hangovers when u face the Lakers
Larry
December 31st, 2010
11:11 pm
“I’d trade the entire organization for Durant + Westbrook.”
“I’d be surprised if there is anyone who wouldn’t.”
Surprise, surprise. I wouldn’t do this. They are two very promising players, but the combined entirety of our team can very definitely do more than the combination of durant and westbrook. I’d love to have westbrook on the team though.
Larry
December 31st, 2010
11:13 pm
Disregard the phrase “very definitely” on my last post and replace it with just “definitely”.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
11:13 pm
If Joe is injured, he needs to take a break until he is healthy. If he is healthy, well… get your head in the game dude.
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
11:17 pm
I think Joe should rest that elbow. I appreciate his willingness to comeback early after surgery but I’m not so sure if allow his elbow enough time to heal…
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2010
11:22 pm
The way the elbow injury was previously described, he probably alternates between good days and bad days, with little rhyme or reason. It seems like the head coach should be the one making the decision to yank him when he isn’t effective… of course, 11 assists isn’t easy to bench.
doc
December 31st, 2010
11:26 pm
until jj can straighten his elbow he wont be 100%. folks that may be never. his game is going to have to change if he is to earn his 124 mil. he cant rely on the outside shot and floater as they are touch shots. if you cant shoot the way you used to you cant score the way you used to. damaged goods folks and until he becomes an inside outside point forward he will not be able to carry his load. uh he is big enough and quick enough to pull it off if he has the cajones and guts to go inside first.
of course that means another sf for the team as al wants to be a pf. make a trade my boy rick quickly to get either a point guard that can defed as well as protect the ball and a perimeter guy as well as a young stud big no one has heard of instead of retreads that the nbas picks up half the bill on!
the blazers are in the same kind of trouble with roy who refuses to give up his role and recreate himself like grant hilll did. me thinks jj might have to as well as his elbow thing isnt as uncomplicated as many believed and hoped. incidentally it didnt start in training camp. imagine how it would feel to have a slight twinge and lock in you shooting elbow?
Joe Johnson
December 31st, 2010
11:27 pm
Guys I’m really sorry my game isn’t what it use to be, I promise I will play better against the Clippers and Hopefully for the rest of the season, and maybe even the playoffs. It really hurts to Know I’m disappointing the people that once were my fans, but you guys have to realize I am not the only one hurting this team, I will not give out names cause i don’t want to throw any one under the bus. But please guys, have faith in this team, we will get our act together.
And one more thing I’d like to say, please don’t hate me for the contract I received this Off-season. You guys have to understand the NBA is a business, and I had to do what was best for me.
Sincerely: Yours truly Joe Johnson
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2010
11:31 pm
Don’t worry Joe. Just “try to make something hapen” like your teammate and all of your sins will be forgiven. We’re always willing to take the good with the bad.
Samuel
December 31st, 2010
11:33 pm
Don’t sleep on the Clippers either. I watched them against Utah and they have probably the most athletic team in the league. We better come to play or we may not win but 1 game on this road trip.
Screw this
December 31st, 2010
11:37 pm
“and maybe even the playoffs.”
C’mon Joe.
Roger
December 31st, 2010
11:41 pm
Can anyone give me an update on what Larry Drew said in his post-game press conference? Anything new, or just the same old stuff?
Screw This
January 1st, 2011
12:07 am
@Roger
Here’s the video: http://www.foxsportssouth.com/pages/video
slimjr
January 1st, 2011
12:09 am
The Thunder are not even consider an elite team, but on the cusp and they flat out own the Hawks!!!! Get ready Hawks fans cause this team will be dismantled come playoff time…The Hawks peaked last year and were destroyed by Cleveland in 09 and Orlando in 10.. Same old stuff. Cant defend the perimeter and the help defense is non existent most of the time. Their shooters are erratic and inconsistent. No threat in the paint..No intimidation down low..Same ole Hawks…. Yawn.. Sottie(Sund) jettison the core now!! Make it so!! JJ just keep hoisting man!!
Sund=Billy Knight(worst GM in Hawks history)
Roger
January 1st, 2011
12:17 am
Thanks, Screw This.
terrell
January 1st, 2011
11:30 am
Joe MAXed out.
STRETCH
January 1st, 2011
11:46 am
OKC is younger than the Hawks and has less experience. The Hawks on the other hand should be poised and primed for these kind of games. Theyve been together for 6 or 7 years now. Smooth continues to think he is a SG and the coaching staff continues to turn their heads.
Back in tha day when someone started jacking up shots the coach would call timeout and sit his behind!
And furthermore, to be honest, the Hawks dont have HEART cause they dont have any bigs. Thats why they shoot jumpers all the time. For anybody that has played any organized basketball knows that when your fighting for a game and people start jacking up bricks….IT TAKES A LOT OUT OF YOU MENTALLY. And the Hawks are NOT tough mentally.
TIME TO GET BACK TO WORK, HOLIDAYS ARE OVER, MAKE A MOVE SUND…OR DO YOU HAVE A PULSE?!!!!