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
Joe Mac
December 31st, 2010
7:59 pm
I want to see the Hawks prove tonight that they are better than the much more popular oklahoma city thunder. The Thunder are a very good team, but they are probably the most overrated team in the league when you look at the media attention and credit they are given based upon what they have accomplished. A lot of people would probably say that the Thunder are a more impressive team than the Hawks and are likely to go further than the Hawks this season. I don’t believe that, and I think it’s time to put an end to popular belief and make a statement tonight. Let’s get this one.
hawkfan
December 31st, 2010
8:08 pm
well we will see tonight if the team is looking ahead to the parties in LA, it might be hard not to but they are paid that much to be professionals so let’s hope we don’t stink the joint tonight
LionHearted
December 31st, 2010
8:12 pm
here we go
LionHearted
December 31st, 2010
8:22 pm
Josh with the stupid pass
tyler
December 31st, 2010
8:22 pm
Enter your comments here
tyler
December 31st, 2010
8:24 pm
joeisthebe
st
LionHearted
December 31st, 2010
8:29 pm
Hmmm seems like no one else is posting. I guess its cuz no one else cares about the game lol
Sautee
December 31st, 2010
8:29 pm
Al has his hands FULL with Green. Not a good matchup for the Hawks.
Sautee
December 31st, 2010
8:31 pm
Lionhearted,
Yeah only the old folks and those who don’t have a life.
I’m old. How about you?
Blast
December 31st, 2010
8:32 pm
Thunder looking super good vs Hawks again. I don’t like Hawks chances tonite, especially when they are not getting calls, and the Thunder is.
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2010
8:33 pm
At the risk of stereotyping conferences, the Thunder play defense like an Eastern Conference team.
Blast
December 31st, 2010
8:33 pm
Al needs to look to attack more. Too many passes.
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2010
8:34 pm
Early love for Teague.
LionHearted
December 31st, 2010
8:34 pm
I just dont have nothin else 2 do right now lol
LionHearted
December 31st, 2010
8:34 pm
Zaza worst player EVER
LionHearted
December 31st, 2010
8:35 pm
LOL Man Zaza is terrible
terrell
December 31st, 2010
8:36 pm
Zaza = GARBAGE
Sautee
December 31st, 2010
8:36 pm
AJ,
Early TIME for Teague. Not sure about the love.
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2010
8:37 pm
What was that? A shot?
terrell
December 31st, 2010
8:37 pm
Time to see what else is on TV. Looks like one of those “we didnt have the energy” nights.
Geoff
December 31st, 2010
8:37 pm
hawks lose final score 130-69
LionHearted
December 31st, 2010
8:37 pm
@terrell
Im glad u agree with me. I cant stand him.
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2010
8:37 pm
Sautee, I stand corrected.
ATL FAN
December 31st, 2010
8:41 pm
smoove needs to be much more careful with the ball…
Bailey
December 31st, 2010
8:41 pm
Awful first quarter on the defensive end. I don’t like some of the match-ups so far. I hope that we see Damien Wilkins get a shot at defending Durant tonight because I don’t feel comfortable seeing Mo Evans on him. Josh, obviously, has the size to defend him, but with durant’s length and quickness I’m worried about that match up as well. Also, Green got off to a hot start from the perimeter. I don’t expect him to knock down shots from 20 feet at a high clip all night long, but you never know. Dribble penetration is hurting us once again. I hope the defensive intensity picks up in the second quarter, and we need to stop with all of the touch fouls.
Blast
December 31st, 2010
8:41 pm
Why Hawks always play tight/nervous against the good team?
Yawn!!! What else is on tv? Wrestling?
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
8:42 pm
I’m amazed that LD hasn’t used Damien Wilkins. I would have started him and gone Bibby/Joe/Wilkins/Smoove/Al. OKC is not a big team, and it makes no sense to start the big lineup against them.
It’s amazing how we all consider the Hawks to be an athletic team, and yet the Thunder blow the Hawks away athletically at almost every position. The only position at which the Hawks have an athleticism advantage is PF, and as usual they haven’t really exploited it.
Samuel
December 31st, 2010
8:42 pm
Here comes the hook. See ya JTO. Go sit down. LOL!!
Sautee
December 31st, 2010
8:43 pm
Bailey,
We don’t have anybody, even Teague who can keep Westbrook out of the paint. Just contest everything.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
8:43 pm
If Zaza doesn’t get called for a foul, the chance of him contributing anything offensively is zero. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more uncoordinated player.
Sautee
December 31st, 2010
8:44 pm
Najeh,
I agree with your lineup. Too bad LD didn’t.
Samuel
December 31st, 2010
8:44 pm
Why are you so amazed?
Samuel
December 31st, 2010
8:45 pm
Thank God for ISO Joe.
Blast
December 31st, 2010
8:45 pm
Maynor fouled Mike three times before the refs called it.
Hawks seem to be picking it up. Defence and offence.
ATL FAN
December 31st, 2010
8:45 pm
lol Samuel, agree
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
8:45 pm
Considering how bad the Hawks have played and how many stupid plays that they have collectively made (Teague’s floater airball, Smoove’s fadeaway airball, the collective insistence on ignoring Horford in the post, everything Zaza has done, Joe’s wide open bricks to start the game, etc.) it’s really surprising that they are only down 7.
Sautee
December 31st, 2010
8:45 pm
Is it just me, or does Scott Brooks look like the actor in the Coke Zero commercials?
Blast
December 31st, 2010
8:46 pm
Hawks have no hope of winning tonight if Joe doesn’t play well.
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
8:46 pm
Just turn the game on…. We were down 11. What happen? Bigdave where you at?
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
8:47 pm
“Is it just me, or does Scott Brooks look like the actor in the Coke Zero commercials?”
He looks like a cross between Steve Kerr and Bill Simmons.
Geoff
December 31st, 2010
8:47 pm
marvin for kevin durant? make it happen sund!
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
8:48 pm
Ibaka Flocka Flame would look pretty good in a Hawks’ uniform. Better than any of the Hawks’ backup big men anyway.
ATL FAN
December 31st, 2010
8:48 pm
nice play
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
8:48 pm
“marvin for kevin durant? make it happen sund!”
And Zaza for LeBron too. Don’t forget that one. I heard they are restarting those talks.
ATL FAN
December 31st, 2010
8:49 pm
harden looks like a bum
LionHearted
December 31st, 2010
8:50 pm
Josh’s dumb count is up to 2 now lol
Geoff
December 31st, 2010
8:51 pm
yeah i heard about the zaza lebron talks as well. i dont know if id do that trade though.
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
8:51 pm
That was nasty Josh…
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
8:51 pm
Smoove! Finally we are seeing dunks with authoritah!
{MAC-Town Georgia 478}
December 31st, 2010
8:51 pm
Sportscentered him lol
Sautee
December 31st, 2010
8:52 pm
Best pass of Crawford’s Hawks career.
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
8:52 pm
ATL Fan,
but Harden hasn’t missed a shot…lol
LionHearted
December 31st, 2010
8:53 pm
Damn the Thunder are pulling a HAwks Classic collapse lol
Their givin up the lead lol
Bailey
December 31st, 2010
8:53 pm
Oh no, L.D. has resorted to the Horford treatment again. With the Hawks already down by near double digits, I really don’t like that move at all. I don’t want to see the deficit get out of hand, and if the Thunder decide to use any sort of athletic lineup, such as Ibaka at the 5, I think we might have a tough time playing Collins at the 5. I just hope things don’t get out of hand while Horford is out.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
8:54 pm
Just looked at the box score and realized former Hawks’ starting point guard (seriously) Royal Ivey plays for the Thunder. I wonder if we’ll get to see him in this game.
eastlaketb
December 31st, 2010
8:55 pm
i like the effort but i still would like like 2 see d.wilkens.
Blast
December 31st, 2010
8:55 pm
OKC is hitting some incredible shots.
Then again, we’ve seen it before. They do that every time they play the Hawks.
Hawks need heart to win this game.
Thank God! Refs trying to call the game somewhat even now.
ATL FAN
December 31st, 2010
8:56 pm
wtf bibby
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
8:56 pm
Still really, really surprised we haven’t seen Damien Wilkins. Maybe Nique and LD got into a fight. If he’s not going to get in the game with Marvin out against a top-2 SF, when will the Hawks ever use him?
Bailey
December 31st, 2010
8:56 pm
Westbrook’s and-1 probably couldn’t have been any easier on that last possession…
ATL FAN
December 31st, 2010
8:58 pm
lmao collins
Bailey
December 31st, 2010
8:59 pm
We are actually getting to the line pretty consistently in this quarter. I’m impressed. The aggressiveness has picked up a bit, but more importantly, the Hawks are actually getting some respect from the refs. That’s pretty shocking.
LionHearted
December 31st, 2010
8:59 pm
LMAO @ Nique and LD getting into a fight.
LD:Why do u always say Heatcheck
Nique:The same reason u always wear the same suits. Im not creative
J.J.M
December 31st, 2010
9:00 pm
here comes the blow out
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
9:00 pm
Why are we trying to squeeze passes into Collins when he has hands like bricks???? Know your personal…
Geoff
December 31st, 2010
9:01 pm
ZAZA FOR LEBRON
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
9:01 pm
Smart play by Collins. I never, ever thought he’d actually be one of my more favorite players on this team. He’s like the bizarro Zaza.
ATL FAN
December 31st, 2010
9:01 pm
DAMIENNN
Freshfromatl
December 31st, 2010
9:02 pm
No Teague
No Damien
No Josh Powell
Fire LD!!
J.J.M
December 31st, 2010
9:02 pm
welp im dress headed downtown…im sure the hawks will lose though…happy new years people..stay safe
Ron
December 31st, 2010
9:03 pm
I wonder if we will ever see Al Horford play his regular minutes in the second quarter when he has two fouls. It seems highly unlikely at this point. Larry Drew seems pretty convinced in his ways. It doesn’t seem like anything will change his mind, not even if it costs us victories. I would respect L.D. much more as a coach if he’d show a bit more trust in his players and show that he is learning and growing as a coach. I like the way he has adjusted his rotation lately (3 bigs, less powell, and consistent minutes for Teague), but some of his habits still really annoy me, like the 2 foul rule, regardless of the situation.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
9:04 pm
“I want to see the Hawks prove tonight that they are better than the much more popular oklahoma city thunder. ”
The Thunder are more popular because they have a surefire top-5 player in the league. Whether the Hawks even have a top-20 player really depends on your point of view.
If it’s just about wins, the Thunder may or may not finish with a better record than the Hawks. One thing is for sure, though — they are a nightmare matchup for this team. A team with a quick point guard with a reliable jumper and a star small forward can take advantage of the Hawks’ two biggest weaknesses — poor perimeter defense at the point guard position and a lack of small forwards on the roster. It also doesn’t help that the two players who could remedy this deficiency somewhat (Teague and Wilkins) are plastered to the bench by LD.
Ron
December 31st, 2010
9:05 pm
Oh, I forgot to mention, I’m also very annoyed by the fact that Damien’s defensive skills are completely ignored on this team in favor of Mo Evans.
Geoff
December 31st, 2010
9:05 pm
HAWKS 2011 NFL CHAMPIONS!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
9:06 pm
I’ll freely admit that the Thunder are my favorite non-Hawks team in the league. If I was a brand new NBA fan looking for a team to pull for, the choice would be pretty easy.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
9:06 pm
Damien Wilkins sighting.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
9:06 pm
“HAWKS 2011 NFL CHAMPIONS!!!!”
They have to beat the Rams on SNF first.
ATL FAN
December 31st, 2010
9:07 pm
Damien showing his defensive skills!!
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
9:07 pm
Damien comes in and plays good D on 2 straight possessions. Wonder if this will mean more playing time for him in the 2nd half.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
9:07 pm
Big 3 on one end, great box out on the other end by Smoove.
Geoff
December 31st, 2010
9:08 pm
hey marvin if you like football better, play for the falcons. or get traded to the hear for carlos arroyo
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
9:10 pm
Hawks having trouble guarding Westbrook and Durant… pick your poison…
Samuel
December 31st, 2010
9:10 pm
R. Ivey>J. Teague
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
9:11 pm
I’m really not saying this to hate on Joe, but watching Durant just makes you realize how far the gap is between Joe and the real superstars in the league. This is a typical game for Durant. He’s not even making it look that hard, and he’s still on pace to score 32, all within the flow of the offense. If Joe was having that kind of game, it would easily be one of his best games of the season.
Geoff
December 31st, 2010
9:11 pm
hawks coulda had the number 2 pick in the 2007 nba draft, too bad we didnt suck enough!!
Sleepy
December 31st, 2010
9:11 pm
Smoove would have serious trouble playing for any topflight coach we had no choice but to go with LD
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
9:12 pm
Smoove ends an otherwise terrific half with a really bad turnover.
Sautee
December 31st, 2010
9:13 pm
Najeh,
Agreed on Joe.
Geoff
December 31st, 2010
9:13 pm
smith on his way to a triple dubs, only needs four more turnovers and four more rebounds.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
9:13 pm
Maybe I should have just said “pretty good”, not “terrific”. He’s kept the Hawks in it with his scoring and rebounding, but I didn’t realize he had six turnovers until I looked at the box score.
{MAC-Town Georgia 478}
December 31st, 2010
9:14 pm
J. Johnson = inflated ppg because of how much our offense was reliant on IsoJoe
Flippy
December 31st, 2010
9:16 pm
Najeh,
Did you even watch the first half? Smoove is way to careless with the ball
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
9:18 pm
“Najeh,
Did you even watch the first half? Smoove is way to careless with the ball”
I watched most of it. Yeah, he’s too careless with the ball. He’s also knocked down at least two or three big shots and is the primary reason the Hawks are as close on the boards as they are. 17 and 6 on 88% shooting is nothing to sneeze at.
Bailey
December 31st, 2010
9:20 pm
I like what I saw from Josh on the offensive end in that first half, for the most part. Most of his shots were pretty good and went in the flow of the offense. Also, he was pretty solid on the glass, but I really hope he is more careful with the ball in the second half. Some of those turnovers weren’t entirely his fault, but six turnovers in a half is way too many, for any player, regardless of the position he plays. Aside from that, Josh played a great half of basketball.
Geoff
December 31st, 2010
9:21 pm
bob pettit come back
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2010
9:21 pm
Thunder need Durant to score at an outstanding rate to win, Hawks don’t need the same from Joe. Hard for me to make the comparison between players without factoring wins and their respective roles on their team.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
9:23 pm
That said, Horford needs way more touches in the 2nd half. OKC has nobody who can guard him. This is a game where Horford should be putting up 25 and 10. Going to the post will help the Hawks maintain control over the tempo of the game too. This is one of the rare teams against whom the Hawks are better off playing slow, because if they start running with them, Westbrook will eat them alive.
Flippy
December 31st, 2010
9:24 pm
Agree Astro, but Joe should still be able to at least sink those open shots with ease, given he’s considered an elite player in this league
Roman
December 31st, 2010
9:26 pm
I think the biggest difference in this game so far is the fact that the Hawks are having to work hard for their baskets against a very energetic Thunder defense, whereas the Thunder are getting easier opportunities thanks to the penetration from Westbrook and the defensive attention on Durant. At any rate, our defense needs to pick up. 60 points in a half is way too much to give up.
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
9:27 pm
Josh, 6 of the 9 1st half turnovers. Yikes…
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2010
9:27 pm
“Joe should still be able to at least sink those open shots with ease, given he’s considered an elite player in this league”
Even if he’s not considered an elite player in the league, some of the shots he’s missed today and in recent games are shots that above-average, non-All Star SGs make on a regular basis. Those shots where Smoove sets him up with a wide open look should be automatic.
I understand if he’s still injured, but if he’s not 100% he should rest until he is. It doesn’t make sense to play hurt if he’s going to be so far from 100% that he actually hurts the team. 3/10 and 0/5 from 3 ain’t going to cut it.
Sautee
December 31st, 2010
9:28 pm
Najeh,
I’d like to see Horford at center some. He has more of a mismatch there.
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2010
9:28 pm
Joe is having a rough season. And Durant has a physical advantage over 95% of his competition. The max salary has NEVER been reserved for the top 10-15 players in the league…. that is a reality that too many fans don’t grasp. Kenyon Martin was never as valuable as KG (as an example), but he got a huge contract nonetheless because he was considered that valuable to the Nets.
Blast
December 31st, 2010
9:29 pm
Do not disrespect the OKC Thunder. That is an awfully good basketball team. If they played in the East, I might designate them the East champs. They took Lakers to 6 last year in the 1st playoffs.
Hawks have made a game of it, but I just don’t see them winning this game. Thunders are just too good at home, and away.
Folks used to say teams like OKC and Memphis built their teams based on the Hawks model. The only problem is those teams made better choices of their draft picks, while Hawks chose Marvin, AC, Salim, Jordan Crawford, Pape, guys who cannot contribute right away, maybe even Teague, the way he is going….
Then you have the OKC choosing Durant 2nd, Westbrook, Green, and all the rest.
And you wonder why.
ATL FAN
December 31st, 2010
9:30 pm
wtf josh
LionHearted
December 31st, 2010
9:30 pm
Josh’s Dumb Count is up to wat now 10 LMAO
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2010
9:33 pm
I wonder how many of Josh’s 7 TOs will be blamed on his teammates or head coach or Marvin (or the popcorn vendor)?
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
9:35 pm
Why is Bibby in the game? He is not effective in this game. OKC has too much size and the speed of this game is too fast for him…
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
9:35 pm
LionHearted,
are you happy now? Josh may be out for the rest of the game.
LionHearted
December 31st, 2010
9:38 pm
Why would i be happy about Josh being injured?
I was talking about all of Josh’s mistakes this game. Never once have I hoped for Josh or anyone else to be injured.
bigdave
December 31st, 2010
9:40 pm
broke out the zone..
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
9:41 pm
Lionhearted,
Of course I know you didnt wish any harm to him. But you got take the good with the bad (turnovers)…
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
9:42 pm
Joe is shooting the Hawks out of the game this qtr…
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2010
9:44 pm
Melvin, but he has a lot of assists… good with the bad, right?
Bailey
December 31st, 2010
9:45 pm
The Hawks are under-utilizing Horford to an incredible extent in this game. Usually, when that happens the Hawks lose. I hope that is not the case tonight. Horford definitely needs more involvement in the offense.
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
9:46 pm
Why run a pick n roll with Collins? He doesn’t shoot it well enough to pop nor does he has good coordnation to roll to the rim…
bigdave
December 31st, 2010
9:46 pm
10 dimes..
if he doesnt look for his offense, or take his shots..
no way he’s able to create for others..
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
9:47 pm
Astro,
True… Hopefully he will Heat up…
Ramon
December 31st, 2010
9:48 pm
Bailey, Horford is playing injured. So its hard for them to continue to go to him too much when his hand is in so much pain.
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2010
9:48 pm
10 assists and 0 TOs. Who knew one could handle the ball that much and still protect the team’s possessions?
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
9:50 pm
Jamal… with a nasty dunk
LionHearted
December 31st, 2010
9:50 pm
Jamal lol
Ramon
December 31st, 2010
9:51 pm
This may be the best game the Hawks have played all season long!
Also many of Josh’s turnovers came on reaching fouls, and two came on passes to Collins, who wasn’t ready.
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
9:52 pm
Astro,
Sometimes bad, forced or ill advise shots are just as effective as a turnover…
Samuel
December 31st, 2010
9:53 pm
Hawks are ballin right now. Good game.
bigdave
December 31st, 2010
9:55 pm
lol @ our coaching staff looking like some deacons/ushers standing up overseeing the defense..
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2010
9:56 pm
Melvin, I agree. Part of the good with the bad.
LionHearted
December 31st, 2010
9:57 pm
Josh that adds to your dumb count
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
9:57 pm
Did they knock the sense out of Josh…lol
Sautee
December 31st, 2010
10:00 pm
Horford pulling a Marvin disappearing act tonight.
bigdave
December 31st, 2010
10:01 pm
Damien should have taken the close look he had in the paint instead of kicking it out for a bad look @ 3..
Sleepy
December 31st, 2010
10:01 pm
OKC is a really ultra-aggressive team all you have to do is keep your wits about you and take it strong to the rack and they will foul you . They seem to take teams by surprise with there aggressiveness
JoJo Dancer
December 31st, 2010
10:01 pm
I wish we would trade Josh Smith! He will never listen as long as he is a Hawk. What has Jeff Teague done to not get any playing time. The other team’s point guard is killing us. I don’t understand what we are doing on defense. This coaching staff sucks!!!
JoJo Dancer
December 31st, 2010
10:02 pm
I can’t stand Jamal Crawford. We can’t stop anybody’s backcourt.
bigdave
December 31st, 2010
10:02 pm
Mo is space.
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
10:04 pm
Is Damien that bad of a freethrow shooter
evettec
December 31st, 2010
10:05 pm
Brothers still wearing doo doo brown suits?
bigdave
December 31st, 2010
10:05 pm
bs from Joe there.
Hawks vs Thunder
December 31st, 2010
10:05 pm
a 4 pt 4th quarter isn’t going to beat a team on the road
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
10:06 pm
Good with the bad…
Sautee
December 31st, 2010
10:07 pm
Durantula is a freak.
hawkfan
December 31st, 2010
10:10 pm
and that’s game, good night, well at least it’s about to be a new year
Sautee
December 31st, 2010
10:10 pm
Bad with the bad?
Hawks vs Thunder
December 31st, 2010
10:11 pm
I think it’s almost a safe bet to say the Hawks will go 2-2 on this road trip. They’ll of course lose to the good teams but beat the Clippers and Kings
Melvin
December 31st, 2010
10:12 pm
Turnover and bad shot by Joe the last two possession….
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2010
10:12 pm
2 of the Thunder have way over 50% of their team’s FGAs. I wonder how some bloggers would like that kind of ratio… 2 Hawks taking close to 60% of the shots.
HELLO
December 31st, 2010
10:13 pm
Josh Smith dunk is already in Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2IUyyj-YdU
anyways this game is over, Thanks to JJ, Dude flat out SUCKS.
Sautee
December 31st, 2010
10:14 pm
AJ,
If both players were burgeoning superstars, I’d be ok with it.
Wabe
December 31st, 2010
10:14 pm
I’d trade the entire organization for Durant + Westbrook.
Joe, Jamal, Josh, Horford, all the scrubs on the bench…
Everybody.
yodaddy
December 31st, 2010
10:14 pm
Joe Johnson has to step up more….15 points on 5 for 18 shooting is not going to cut it
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?!!!!