Atlanta Hawks: Sixers 117, Hawks 83
- “I could have never imagined that kind of win tonight,” said Sixers coach Doug Collins, who apparently hasn’t watched the Hawks very much.
- Perhaps this a chicken-and-egg thing for the Hawks. Do they just not care enough to play better than this against an opponent they eclipse in talent, or do they just look like they don’t care when they can’t play better than this against an opponent they eclipse in talent?
- L.D. seemed to think it was more of the former after another home surrender:
- “It is just totally unacceptable to come out and play with that type energy, that type so-called passion, to play almost as if they don’t care. And that’s a reflection of me. If that’s the case, then I am going to have to make some changes to my starting lineup. I’ve seen that way too often and if that’s the way we are going to start basketball games, I am not going to sit here and take it I am going to make some changes.”
- Which of course begs the question: Which changes could he possibly make to fix what have been persistent problems for this team?
- Drew can get Al back in the lineup, ASAP. That’s not going to suddenly make the Hawks be a team that doesn’t rely heavily on making jump shots to score, rebounds on defense, defends dribble penetration and slows opponents in transition that match (or exceed) their athleticism.
- Here is what L.D. had to say about Jrue Holiday and Co. dancing through his team’s defense:
- “Bad defense. That’s all it was. We were broken down off the dribble where it was man-on-man. We were exploited off the dribble. We know Philadelphia has guys that are capable but we cannot come out and constantly let a team penetrate our interior like that. And it happened from the start and it happened until the end. When you play where team is constantly breaking down off the dribble, you are in a lot of rotation situations, you are forcing bigs to come and help, they put it up in the glass, they get the offensive rebound.”
- This is not a new revelation. As I said, it’s not like L.D. has a lot of good options but his distribution of minutes this season shows that this is a weakness that he has not purposefully tried to shore up with the personnel available to him.
- After the Hawks surrendered defensively in the first half, Drew could have made good on his threat to change lineups. The move would have sent a message to his starters at the same time it allowed him to experiment. Instead, he sent out the same group that couldn’t defend in the first half and saw them fail to do much better after halftime.
- So, back to the chicken-and-egg thing: Did this happen because the Hawks don’t care or did it just look like that because they couldn’t overcome their deficiencies?
- “I don’t think anybody didn’t care,” Marvin said. “Obviously when you get down by such a huge deficit, guys’ body language is going to change and that’s what frustrates [Drew] the most. He doesn’t like to see that. But anybody that laces their shoes up cares, especially on this team. I can say that wholeheartedly.”
- At the very least, Marvin (10 points, 10 rebounds, a handful of hustle plays) can say that for himself in this game.
- Home fans booed the Hawks a bit at halftime and again in the second half. Eventually, they just seemed to grow bored and disinterested. I mean the fans, not the Hawks, though I guess it could be both if you buy into L.D.’s theory.
- “I don’t care who we are playing, we should never be down by 30,” Jamal said. “I think that is just caring more. We have got to continue to hold each other accountable and keep getting better.”
- With Al out, Etan inactive and the game moving too fast for Twin, L.D. tried various small lineups that included Smoove, Josh Powell and (if I saw what I think saw) even Damien at center.
- The Sixers continued to run past the Hawks, dominate them on the boards and make most of the plentiful open shots that were available and the few that the Hawks managed to challenge.
- “When we wasn’t making shots, every rebound they got they were pushing it and pounding the ball down our throat,” J.J. said. “We wasn’t playing no help defense. The defense tonight was just non-existent. They got whatever they wanted.”
- The Hawks also couldn’t make shots, starting 4 of 14 from the field. Then, like happens with this team, the lack of jumpers falling (and the lack of a marquee opponent to keep them revved up) eventually led to an all-systems failure.
- “I hope that’s not the case,” L.D. said. “You are going to miss shots. But there is no excuse for giving up easy baskets the way we give up easy baskets. It starts from our starters. When they come out and play like that at the very beginning it’s hard to overcome a deficit like that.”
- The big question for the Hawks is how they will fare once the schedule toughens. But before we can even get to that, it’s already time to wonder about a team that regularly takes home beatdowns like this (Milwaukee, Boston, New Orleans and now Philadelphia, just one real contender among that group).
- That just doesn’t happen to serious teams, so it’s a major red flag for the Hawks.
- “Joe and I were talking about the same thing on the bench on the fourth quarter,” Marvin said. “You see this happen a couple times on the road, but this has happened to us a couple times at home. Obviously there are going to be nights like this but you can’t chalk it up to that. We just weren’t ready to play as a team.”
- That seven-game circus trip is right around the corner. Orlando won tonight and is still right below in the standings while Chicago is still two games ahead.
- “Especially at home, we cannot come out and play with that type energy, we cannot play with that type effort and play such a lethargic game when every game has such a a meaning to us,” L.D. said. “Here we are about to play our last game before we go out on the road for seven games. It is just totally inexcusable for us to come out with that type effort, with that type energy and play such a game that we are fighting for our lives trying to move up in the standings.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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110 comments Add your comment
superiorblogman
February 8th, 2011
11:39 pm
The Hawks suck. The ASG is garbage and so is Drew. He let his boy quit and his team quits on the regular. The Hawks need a starting level PG and another big who can play and hold his own in any situation preferable a C. What a sorry ass team and franchise.
Geoff
February 8th, 2011
11:40 pm
fist?
Melvin
February 8th, 2011
11:42 pm
Good post game right up LD. I hope LD makes some changes with the rotation b/c we know Sund and the ASG will not make any personnel changes.
Geemack
February 8th, 2011
11:45 pm
MC
This should not be a surprise. The is the exact same team that got blown out last year in the playoffs by Orlando on their home floor.
The Bucks came into the Hawks house in the playoffs last year and beat the Hawks with a short handed team.
Mr. Sund refuses to shake up the personnel and Drew refuses to change his starting unit and both know this is a flawed team but will not a move to spark life into it.
Geemack
February 8th, 2011
11:49 pm
The Lakers excuse for playing poorly from time to time is they’veplYed over 300 games the last 3 seasons and won 2 titles.
What’s the Hawks?
kaminari
February 8th, 2011
11:56 pm
How can this happen? They won’t make the necessary changes to be real winners. That’s why with the sixth best record in the league, the Hawks will be ranked about 11 or 12 overall. They are perceived as losers with an inflated record. All it takes is for an injury to a starter for the whole ship to sink. I still want to know why Teague doesn’t get minutes. The last two years he’s played in only two games with 25 or more minutes. In both he excelled. Why isn’t he playing?!
slimjr
February 8th, 2011
11:56 pm
“The Hawks suck. The ASG is garbage and so is Drew. He let his boy quit and his team quits on the regular. The Hawks need a starting level PG and another big who can play and hold his own in any situation preferable a C. What a sorry ass team and franchise.”
Cosign!
tom
February 8th, 2011
11:57 pm
this team is soft.
Kitis
February 9th, 2011
12:00 am
This team’s true character shines through when they face any hint of adversity, and the roll-over-and-quit attitude was evident from halfway thru the 1st qtr on in this one. Even the worst teams in this league are able to make a run to cut a lead to a somewhat respectable margin at some point during a blowout, but this was wire-to-wire embarrassing.
The missed shots are an afterthought compared to the lack of team defense, the total disregard for boxing out, and a general feel of indifference when the odds are against them. Everyone in the NBA knows that the Hawks stop playing when the going gets tough, so jumping on them quick is all it takes to put them down for the count.
Al (I can’t believe I’m about to type this) and occasionally Marv are the only ones who play with any fire; Joe and Jamal are just out there playing to get theirs, Smoov is too busy bickering with the refs, LD and everyone else that’s supposedly out to get him, Bibster is just below everyone else athletically to actually compete with any intensity, and even Zaza has long since lost that spark due to his preoccupation with his mediocre restaurant ventures and his overhyped fashion sense.
This team lacks any semblance of leadership- LD tries to get them to play hard, lord knows, but these guys have been together too long to respond or even respect what he has to say.
I’ve held out as long as I can, but this team will be lucky to get through the first round this year, and that will be as good as it gets with this bunch. Might as well flip the roster while we still can and start over fresh. This group is played out, I’m sorry to say. Thanks for always tellin it like it is, MC.
And to the ASG, there are no words to describe my utter disgust for everything you represent. Y’all are more of an embarrassment to this franchise night in and night out than tonight’s performance ever could be.
slimjr
February 9th, 2011
12:02 am
You Guys ain’t seen nothing yet. They have a brutal schedule over the next three weeks. They could easily go 3-9 over the next 12. They will get dismantled up in Charlotte this Saturday night!!!! Stick a fork in the Hawks….Marvina’s back. That’s how the Hawks played tonight…Got their ish slapped around the court again…It’s curtains for this crew….D-league stuff……
Sund=MAJOR FAIL for 31 yrs and counting…The beat down will continue fellas…………..
Grandad
February 9th, 2011
12:04 am
I just arrived and haven’t read everyone’s perspective.
Here’s mine:
LD had best back up what he says;
“shake up starting line-up”.
There was no excuse for this garbage.
These supposed professionals did not earn their exorbitant checks tonight.
It’s on LD just as he says [a reflection] at least he understands.
Plus he’s correct to call out his charges in public.
They were a public disgrace.
Once in a season…but twice in 3 wks.
Gomer [Pyle] said:
“fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice , shame on me”.
This is totally unacceptable.
Did they go out on a binge last eve?
Were they hung over?
Do they even care?
Why do I care?
Too long, too many times, with this bunch.
I can’t wait to hear the same ol’ drivel…..
This is not X’s and O’s and it’s not about a pg or a Big.
Someone @ the top has to figure out who posses these qualities:
*Warriors *Winners *Competitors *Heart *Leadership
*Responsibility *Industrious *Team 1st *Perseverance.
Then get rid of the chaff…break up the durn core!
I feel better now.
Original Thought
February 9th, 2011
12:04 am
Yeah, that will fix it. A “starting level” PG and a C who can “hold his own in any situation preferable”. You think we could trade Etan and Mo for Dwight Howard and Chris Paul? Or somehow sign Steve Nash away from the Suns? Or maybe ask Bill Russell if he can come out of retirement.
Come on man, the problem is not the personel we don’t have, but the personel we have that don’t seem to enjoy playing basketball on a couple nights here and there.
Jlove from Denver
February 9th, 2011
12:05 am
I love the Hawks… they have always been underrated but still had a cool swagger. Unfortunately, it seems like they’re one or two players away from making a real push to challenge the elite in the conference. Still, they reside in the East where they have a great chance to at least make it to the conference finals if they can play more consistently as a team and improve their defensive schemes. In my opinion Jamal and Josh Smith give the Hawks the best chance to win, but as everyone in the league probably agrees… despite his talent, signing Joe Johnson to such a massive contract was a huge mistake.. All analysis aside.. the Hawks losing by 34 to the freakin’ Sixers (or ANY team) at home is completely unacceptable!
Rev in Tampa
February 9th, 2011
12:06 am
I missed the game tonight, thankfully, but I saw the Milwaukee, Boston, Detroit and New Orleans beat-downs so I feel like I have seen this game as well. This is a replay of the Orlando series. This team has a mental flaw somewhere in its genetic makeup. Whenever the right button is pushed this team just wilts.
Significantly, or not, the five beat-down losses were NOT after back-to-back games. This team seems to play more focused on the back end of a back-to-back.
Worldwide Clyde
February 9th, 2011
12:06 am
Free Jordan Crawford
Worldwide Clyde
February 9th, 2011
12:07 am
Where was Joe Johnson tonight?
slimjr
February 9th, 2011
12:10 am
one or two away,Try 10 to compete for a title plus new ownership!
Worldwide Clyde
February 9th, 2011
12:10 am
We need to start calling Mike Bibby “Pops.”
slimjr
February 9th, 2011
12:10 am
LD your fired!
slimjr
February 9th, 2011
12:11 am
Mike Bibby=old geezer
Worldwide Clyde
February 9th, 2011
12:12 am
We keep getting blown out but Zaza continues to get playing time. When will Drew realize he is too soft to play in the NBA? Bench Zaza
Tweets that mention Atlanta Hawks: Sixers 117, Hawks 83 | Atlanta Hawks -- Topsy.com
February 9th, 2011
12:15 am
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Worldwide Clyde
February 9th, 2011
12:16 am
Pops was getting beat off the dribble 2 years ago but we still gave him a new contract. I guess bad defense is rewarded in the Hawks organization.
Worldwide Clyde
February 9th, 2011
12:18 am
Free Jordan Crawford.
He couldn’t have did any worse than Bibby tonight. Hell if Joe didn’t want to play we could have gave Jordan the start.
FREE JEJE
Worldwide Clyde
February 9th, 2011
12:19 am
Drew ain’t bout to change the lineup. He just talking. Plus the Spirit Group won’t allow him.
Jlove from Denver
February 9th, 2011
12:21 am
umm.. bench ZaZa and play who at center until big Al comes back? For most match ups playing small usually is a bad idea.
Worldwide Clyde
February 9th, 2011
12:29 am
Sign Sean Williams to a 10 day contract for all I care. Zaza is trash. A waste of a contract.
slimjr
February 9th, 2011
12:35 am
Shame on you Hawks!!!! You are officially PATHETIC!!!!
Jlove from Denver
February 9th, 2011
12:39 am
ehhh.. i like ZaZa. he’s a solid back up center in the NBA.
MsDee
February 9th, 2011
12:40 am
Its just 1 lost, people..weither we had lost by 30+(which we did) or by 1, its STILL just 1 game. We are like 5-18 when playing games after 3 or more days off. To me, playoffs matter more than regular season games. With statistics like this after 3 or more days off, THANK GOODNESS, we wont have to worry about playing games in the playoffs after sitting 3 or more days.
darrell starks
February 9th, 2011
12:41 am
Why in the H LD continue 2 play small line up, what is he thinking absolutely absurd.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
Jlove from Denver
February 9th, 2011
12:43 am
I will agree this is a bad loss for the Hawks but they will get back on track.. I dont understand everyone acting like the team hasn’t been one of the top players in the east for years.. maybe you should try being a Cavs fan.
darrell starks
February 9th, 2011
12:46 am
The hawks have 2 either trade for a big man or just prepare 2 lose in the first round, because for some strange reason he refuse 2 starte collins at center and teague at point, bibby is now trash rank dead last in assist per game and with no defense.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
slimjr
February 9th, 2011
12:47 am
i am incapable of positive thought. all i do is btch n moan
darrell starks
February 9th, 2011
12:48 am
BIBBY PLAYED 22MIN WITH 1 ASSIST WOW!!!!!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
slimjr
February 9th, 2011
12:48 am
Hawks=PRETENDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lose by 41 and 34 in the weeks…What a joke….Sounds like those playoffs losses to Orlando last year… Its hawks history repeating…
lewis
February 9th, 2011
12:51 am
the players are too complacent, if for any reason the Hawks need to make a trade, it’s to keep the players on their toes
Worldwide Clyde
February 9th, 2011
12:53 am
I predict another 2nd round sweep for the Hawks.
darrell starks
February 9th, 2011
12:55 am
What would it take 2 get BYNUM in a hawks uniform.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!
darrell starks
February 9th, 2011
12:57 am
MARVIN, ZAZA AND A 1ST FOR BYNUM.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
slimjr
February 9th, 2011
12:57 am
“Significantly, or not, the five beat-down losses were NOT after back-to-back games. This team seems to play more focused on the back end of a back-to-back.”
Playoff format are not back to back=beat down…
Worldwide Clyde
February 9th, 2011
1:00 am
Drew has no problem calling Teague out but he won’t call Bibby out.
Atlanta Fawkers
February 9th, 2011
1:01 am
Let me guess… there is a positive from this loss too?
SWATS30311
February 9th, 2011
1:14 am
The word I would describe this team as is bi-polar! You don’t know what team you’re gonna get night to night!
Plus, you paid JJ to be a leader, but he doesn’t have it in him. We need a player in that locker room who will stand up and dayum near come to blows with his teammates when the team’s slacking – like tonight.
Dayum shame.
And LD keeps allowing Smoove to jack up silly ass shots! One ill-advised jump shot will get you pulled out the game QUICK around here!
northcyde
February 9th, 2011
1:25 am
@ slimjr . . . now you know better than that. 80% of fans threw dirt on the Hawks after the New Orleans beatdown. And it really didn’t phaze them one bit. They’ll go to Charlotte and take care of business, like they always do when they lose like this ( except in the playoffs vs good teams )
@ Rev . . . the problem is 4-fold, to me
1) lack of defense on both the perimeter and point blank around the rim ( with the defense at the PG position with Bibby, Jamal, and Teague being a major problem . . Bibby is by far the worst, then Jamal, then Teague )
2) lack of rebounding, which really shows up when we play frontlines that like to bang.
3) inability to create points on the inside, especially in the post, but also via penetration.
4) inability to get to the FT line, which is why/how teams can go on long runs, when we don’t make jumpers
Usually 2 of these 4 issues will show up in a typical Hawks game. We’re usually good enough to overcome it. But when 3 or all 4 show up, we’re dead in the water.
Despite us taking a ton of jumpshots, we’re 26th in the league in Offensive Rebounding %. And that’s because our guards take ill-advised shots and our big guys love to shoot jumpers.
We were 4th in the league in Offensive Reb % last year. Now, we’re 26th. With all the “good” of the new offense, that stat right there is one of the major differences between the 09 – 10 Hawks, and the 10 – 11 Hawks.
- 26th in offensive rebounding
- 27th in free throw rate
Two ways in which a team can get easy points, and we’re horrible in both categories.
Strength of schedule is 23rd in the league . . and we have very few “easy” home games left. These are not issues that are going to clear up with “effort”.
Either the team is going to have to play smarter, with more aggression on both offense and defense ( which is against their nature ). Or they have to bring in more aggressive players ( plural ) to the mix.
As of right now, neither will get done. This is why we’re simply a “good team” instead of a “contending team”
Big Daddy
February 9th, 2011
1:31 am
I did not see the game but wow, lose by 34 points at home! I have read about it and it is obvious in the tone of MC’s article that he is frustrated. It appears LD tried a lot of different combinations and nothing seemed to work.
My frustration, when I read this comes from two very distinctive points. First, how is it that your power forward has 7 assists and your starting and back-up point guards have 2 combined. Next, on all of the teams that I see that are any good, nights like this is when your superstar and one of the highest paid players in the league takes the team on his back and has a career night. He doesn’t end up with half the points of the guy who just came off two 10 day contracts. This was the night when people should come away saying we got our butts whupped tonight but did you see the show that Joe put on tonight. That did not happen and it should have.
This is beginning to not be an anomaly. How many times this season have the Hawks gotten blown out and this is at least the 2nd time at home. I like all of these guys but, it is obvious that changes have to be made. Sund, the clock is ticking. Are you just going to let Jamaal’s contract run out and get nothing for him if he chooses to go to another team or are you going to make a deal. On a night where even Teague scored more points than the person who will be playing in the All-Star game in 2 weeks, a statement was made by this team. Unfortunately, it was not a very good one.
Ra'mon
February 9th, 2011
1:32 am
Northcyde, the differences in offensive rebounding has more to do with transition defense than it does offense. As soon as the shot goes up, LD sends everyone but the 5, back on defense. So oppose to four people crashing the offensive glass you only have one. LD knows a team can easily score in transition if Bibby is the only one back (or Crawford). With this lineup its like pick your poison. And to make it worse the back up bigs don’t rebound at all. When your starting PF and C both are ranked in the top 15 in rebounding. That shows its everyone else who isn’t doing a decent job rebounding.
Ra'mon
February 9th, 2011
1:34 am
Also, after the show he put on, should AI be considered as a possible trade option? He’s clearly available, and you have to think JC1 or Marvin and a pick would be enough to acquire him.
NorcalHawk
February 9th, 2011
1:54 am
I don’t blame LD for wanting to “punish” his starters by reshuffling the lineup. Trouble is the bench……..
well, there is no bench after JC1 and even he’s been off his game more often than not. Larry may send a message by sitting some guys down, but I doubt it’ll make much difference in the long run. I’ve been a long time fan of Mike Bibby; it’s time now to ask if his days of contributing on the court are over.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 9th, 2011
2:03 am
In the NBA this season, a home team has lost by 34 or more twice. The first time was when the Hawks lost to the Hornets, and the second time was tonight. No other team — not even the Cavs — has lost by 34 or more at home.
nahzt
February 9th, 2011
2:09 am
props @ northcyde
“- 26th in offensive rebounding
- 27th in free throw rate
Two ways in which a team can get easy points, and we’re horrible in both categories.”
fantastic point.
mykhalc
February 9th, 2011
2:11 am
time to start hintin’ about bein’ traded Al…this rerun is gonna last forever!!! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
vava74
February 9th, 2011
2:19 am
Simple moves:
Start Teague (regardless of how unconvincingly he played yesterday)
This will:
- diminish our offense’s reliance on jump shots;
- improve perimeter D;
- increase ball penetration;
- increase FT’s;
- increase inside assists and dish outs after penetration;
- increase transition buckets (we will again see layups and dunks by our PG).
Dump Jamal ASAP:
This will:
- improve perimeter D;
- improve 3pt consistency off the bench (by using Bibby on that role);
Get Bibby to be the designated scorer/PG off the bench:
This will:
- keep Bibby fresher;
- maximize Bibby’s scoring mentality as this was his game in the past.
- improve the second unit’s organization with a PG which still knows how to distribute and rule the pace if the game with lesser quality teammates (I bet that with some insistence, Zaza would be a viable pick and role and pick and pop player jointly with Bibby).
Give more burn to Jordan:
This will:
- develop him faster;
- compensate Jamal’s departure;
vava74
February 9th, 2011
2:20 am
Oh, by the way:
Teague and Jordan BOTH rebound better than Bibby and Jamal and my guess is that they will be more capable/willing transition defenders as well.
Gilk
February 9th, 2011
2:29 am
This gm is a wake-up call to Sund to make a trade(s) at deadline to shake up this roster. At minimum, they must acquire a distributing PG who can stay in front of their opponent on the other end. And yes you will have to involve a “core” piece like Josh. Package him and Jamal’s expiring contract for Andre Miller and Camby. Do something Sund. Because Hawks fans are waiting for something bold. Can’t sit tight with your so loved “core”!
vava74
February 9th, 2011
2:52 am
The above would, IMO, change completely the complexion of our game.
It should be noted that out blow out losses ALWAYS come:
- at home;
- after a few days off;
- with Bibby sucking big time (replacing him with Jamal is the way forward when you are being burned defensively?????);
- with Josh not making a difference defensively (Brand was 4/5FG 3/4FT in the 1st quarter).
My guess is that there is a significant lack of discipline in this team and that Bibby, Josh and a few others whenever they have an opportunity (stay at home too long, the opponent does not look too difficult, …) exercise their party bones till exhaustion.
Zaza for instance probably goes on a fine dinning and wine drinking rampage, since I am under the impression that he also looks horrible during these losses.
{MAC-Town Georgia 478}
February 9th, 2011
5:10 am
I was out….ha….I get in to see that the Dawgs lost a game that would improve their NCAA resume, and an embarrassing lost by the Hawks at home. Smh.
Willy
February 9th, 2011
5:23 am
The next time someone on the Hawks pays $200 for a meal I hope the chief burns it, takes their money and says “There’s always going to be nights like this. But what you don’t realize is it’s just one meal. I’ll try to hold my staff responsible moving forward.”
Willy
February 9th, 2011
5:36 am
Chef, that is… Imagine if the fans tossed a hissy fit like Josh every time we saw play like this at home.
O'Brien
February 9th, 2011
7:02 am
Good writeup MC. But does anyone (including the players) take LD seriously?
How many times has he criticized the team for bad defense? But yet he continuously plays Bibby and Jamal big minutes even when they are struggling offensively?
And like you said. Why not start the second half with a different lineup?
We have seen this before in the playoffs under Woody. And now we are seeing it under LD. Obviously the roster is flawed, but I dont think the coaches have lived up to their threats either.
O'Brien
February 9th, 2011
7:08 am
The Hawks are 17-8 at home this season. The last 2 seasons under Woody, they were 34-7, and 31-10.
But for some reason, this Hawks team is not focused at home.
Can Rick really stand by and say “I like our core” after seeing multiple home losses like this?
Does the ASG not realize that home games like this do NOT help marketing? Oh, and BTW, Hawks already average less home fans this season than they did last season.
If they’re not careful, home attendance will go down even more next season.
2 losses at home by 34+ points? Unacceptable.
terrell
February 9th, 2011
7:23 am
Blah blah blah
Ray
February 9th, 2011
7:25 am
Yep same old hawks except now we’ve regressed to the point that we will be put out in the first round of the playoffs forget the second round.
I just don’t get it you think you learned about them once then they lay these multiple eggs gosh. We may need a scientist to tell us what’s wrong with them.
O'Brien
February 9th, 2011
7:37 am
I have been a big critic of Marvin. But I must give him alot of credit for his game tonight.
On a night when it would have been easy to hang his head, and just go through the motions, Marvin played hard, and finished with a double double.
Keep it up Marvin.
Trojan
February 9th, 2011
7:44 am
LD speaks like a man with principles with Teague but is a hypocrit with Josh, Bibby, Zaza, Joe, Crawford.
Larry wants our team to be a team that relies on offense, jump shots, not penetrating, no defense from the guards and poor shot selection.
That formula will NEVER work in the NBA and especially against good teams in the playoffs. We are destined to fail!
Ra'mon
February 9th, 2011
7:48 am
Question, right now, is a jumper from Josh not better than a jumper from anyone else not named Joe or Jamal?
JeJe
February 9th, 2011
7:50 am
Can’t you all see the pattern?
We have the same schedule every week:
Play Friday and Saturday then on Tues or Wed.
We always have 3 or so days off til our Tuesday game, which we always collapse in. We’ve lost to Milwaukee twice after choking both games.
This team is a joke.
Rick Sund won’t do anything because BASG won’t go into the LT for a player (EVEN THOUGH THEY SAID THEY WOULD) and he actually thinks we’re ELITE because we have been similar to the Spurs in that we got swept in round 1
TRADE JOSH SMITH FOR CURRY AND BIEDRINS
THAT FIXES EVERY SINGLE PROBLEM THIS TEAM HAS. THEN BRING BIBBY OFF THE BENCH FOR SPARSE MINUTES
RICK SUND, PLEASE READ THIS
JeJe
February 9th, 2011
7:52 am
INCLUDE MO EVANS OR WHOEVER U NEED TO
MARVIN IS PLAYING BETTER AND DAMIEN HAS BEEN SOLID
WHO IN THE STARTING LINEUP WAS LD REFERRING TO WHO HAS NOT BEEN TRYING? ]PROBABLY JOSH
LD SHOULD’VE JUST BENCHED THE STARTERS. WOODY DID SAME THING. IF STARTERS SUCKED, HE’D PUT THEM BACK IN WHEN THE BENCH BROUGHT US BACK OR JUST LET THEM PLAY REGARDLESS
SO WHO IS BETTER: LD OR WOODY?
LD LOSES AT HOME BY 40 EVERY FEW GAMES BUT BEATS ORLANDO AND MIAMI
WOODY DOES NOT HAVE US GET BLOWN OUT AS MUCH, BUT COULDN’T BEAT THE BIG BOYS (EVEN THOUGH ORLANDO IS KINDA WACK RIGHT NOW. ARENAS TRADE WAS A JOKE)
FIRE SUND
JeJe
February 9th, 2011
7:53 am
EVEN IF MARVIN BLOWS, AS ROD AND EVERYONE ELSE KNOWS, HE STILL CAN SCORE 7 OR 8 ON A CRAPPY NIGHT
BIBBY CAN’T DO ANYTHING ANYMORE. PERIOD.
JeJe
February 9th, 2011
7:55 am
JOSH SMITH FOR BIEDRINS AND CURRY.
THROW IN MO IF NEEDED
THAT WAY WE GET A CENTER WHO CAN REBOUND AND A QUICK PG WHO CAN SHOOT THE HELL OUT OF THE BASKETBALL.
GET RID OF PLAYERS WITH ATTITUDE ISSUES.
CURRY IS COACHABLE AND IF BIEDRINS CAN STAY ANYWHERE CLOSE TO HEALTHY THAT’S A PLUS. I’M SURE HE NEEDS A CHANGE OF SCENERY. PLUS HE HAS NICER HAIR THAN ZAZA – NO HOMO
JeJe
February 9th, 2011
7:56 am
lewis,
Did Sund really say he reads Hoopshype for trade rumors? Lololol even if it’s a joke
Section 303
February 9th, 2011
7:58 am
This is what makes me so mad….we all know this will not be the last time the Hawks get their heads kicked in at home. There will be at least one or two more of these games before the season ends (likely in the 1st round).
If there isn’t a trade, then it will end all arguements. The organization just flat out does not care about winning. We already know the players don’t (I could give two sh#ts what Marvin Williams says, I know what I see). Time for the ASG/Sund to get something done. You cannot leave this group intact.
My solution: Find a way to trade for a PG. And, I belive Rodney Carney is available. He might be able to help with D on the perimeter at a cheap price.
Ra'mon
February 9th, 2011
8:03 am
Jeje, trading Josh is not the answer. Trading one of your best 3 players is not the answer on this team. The problem is turning the players 5-12 into a serviceable depth. As I said after Joe, Josh, Al, JC, and possibly Marvin, what other player on this roster would see more than 15 minutes a game on ANY other play off team’s roster? Just about the entire bench needs an overhaul. The starting line up sucks because they have no one on the bench to step in at PG or C if someone goes down, or if Bibby isn’t shooting well. Joe, Josh, and Al are really one of the NBA’s best trios.
terrell
February 9th, 2011
8:15 am
All I got to say is, if 2 wins over Orlando doesnt mean a thing in the REG season(to most of you fairweather fans), then a loss to Philly(without Al) shouldnt mean a thing either. Now put that in your pipe and smoke it!
terrell
February 9th, 2011
8:19 am
It’s not like we dont know this team is flawed. Philly will cool off sooner or later, and we’ll go on a run. That’s usually how it happens in the NBA. I’m giving them a pass(sorta) on this one. Living in Atlanta and all the SB parties spelled disaster. lol! Especially without our leader. Not to mention, Philly’s on a roll right now. Lets see how we respond on Saturday. Throw this one out the window.
Westurd
February 9th, 2011
8:21 am
DISGUSTED!! This happened at home and has happened multiple times this season. HAWKS are making me illnana!
Last nights lose was on the players, not the coach. Sorry all you LD bashers.
Section 303
February 9th, 2011
8:31 am
JeJe, I’m not sure I want to trade Josh Smith. However, any trade that would send Mo Evens out of town has my intrest. I really see no value in Mo Evens, whatsoever.
Still kills me that he had the nerve to say he was “undervalued” making $2.5-million/per. He really has nothing to offer this team. His defense is severely overrated and his offense, at best, is bad.
slimjr
February 9th, 2011
9:01 am
“n the NBA this season, a home team has lost by 34 or more twice. The first time was when the Hawks lost to the Hornets, and the second time was tonight. No other team — not even the Cavs — has lost by 34 or more at home.” WOW…..
@northcyde
even you realize this team is going no where in the playoffs. The New Orleans and 76′ers home games are statement games!! This team is not a contending team by any stretch of the imagination.. No more excuses. Break this ish up now…The 23rd easiest schedule ride is over. Now it gets much tougher.. Do you think they are going to improve between now and the playoffs as presently configured? I bet 80% on this blog think not………….
Sund=fail………
STRETCH
February 9th, 2011
9:01 am
The problem’s are:
JJ the so called “Superstar” who gave us what…6 pts last night???
JS the “Crybaby” of league right now.
JC is just what he is a 6th man, he’s a good one, but you cant depend on him to score 30 every night.
And no bench!
MAKE A MOVE SUND!!!
ILL-Logical
February 9th, 2011
9:08 am
MC: What is the relationship between Sund and Drew? Can there be a meeting of the minds between them to address the critical issues of the current roster or at least a shared vision of what it is going to take to stop the bleeding?
slimjr
February 9th, 2011
9:17 am
If Joe and Al don’t show up every night this team has no shot. They are the “dirty south” version of the Cleveland Cavaliers…………..lol
Nookah
February 9th, 2011
9:19 am
Greetings Hawks fans!!
What we witnessed last night made my stomach turn for the 2nd time in 2 or 3 weeks. In a word…pathetic!!!
It is very difficult to be a fan of any ATL sports franchise especially the Hawks. However, after last night I have a new found respect for all diehard Hawks fans, those who have suffered for longer than 1988, because that’s how long I have been a fan of the Hawks; and to think there are so many more people on this blog who have been fans for much longer than I have. I cannot imagine how you all must feel. This team needs to be shaken up big time.
As Tom put it much earlier in the blog we are “SOFT” plain and simple. We are soft physically and mentally and if I were Sund……sorry did I say soft??!!! Next topic.
Just for your enjoyment:
http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2011-02-08/four-nba-trades-that-should-be-made-before-the-deadline.
Go Hawks anyway!!!
Mr Mojo
February 9th, 2011
9:38 am
And Ownership and Sund refuse to make a move. How can you run a franchise like this? Marvin, Crawford and a 1 for a Melo rental lets go for it. and for anyone who says that isnt enough its 10x more than what the Knicks are offering.
Astro Joe
February 9th, 2011
9:46 am
My guess is that LD will slightly change the rotation (Teague will likely receive his “get-out-of-jail” card Saturday) but I seriously doubt that he changes the starting line-up. I could see him using Teague or Wilkins as his new 6th man (depending on the match-ups) with Joe moving to PG when Damien enters. That way, he can apply more defensive pressure in the backcourt to change the pace of the game (as opposed to Jamal changing the pace purely on the accuracy of his jumper). As long as he decides to have Bibby and Jamal as 2 of his 3 guards who play the majority of minutes, he can’t expect too much in the way of defensive intensity. I’m not giving up on Bibby, most players are ready for a break at this time of year (thus, the All-Star recess). I’ll pass judgement on Bibby in the last week of February.
Big J
February 9th, 2011
9:49 am
Good God, Hawks, how do the folks who attended last night’s game get a refund? I think the Sixers are better than their record, but still to lose by 34 (and it wasn’t even that close) at home to a sub-500 team, especially after a recent 41 point beat down at home against New Orleans, is just terrible. What good team (33-19) gets repeatedly thrashed at home like that?? The Sixers guards, Holiday, Meeks, and Williams, absolutely sliced and diced the Hawks, resulting in open look after open look, start to finish. Meanwhile Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford just force one on one moves and hoist up contested jumpers, and Josh and Marvin take too many long range jumpers. UGLY. I’m not sure what the solution is, but you probably have to look at the two team leaders, JJ and Josh — good leaders just don’t let this sort of debacle happen, especially repeatedly.
O'Brien
February 9th, 2011
9:49 am
Ra’mon, Section 303,
It would be great to build around JJ/Al/Josh. The problem is, if we keep those guys, then it will be very difficult to make any moves.
Nobody wants Mo Evans ($2.5 mil)or ZaZa ($4.5 mil), Marvin ($7.5 mil)has little trade interest around the league, while Bibby ($6 mil) is old and slow and is best suited as a shooter off the bench.
By the way, shout out to Rick Sund for giving these guys that money and number of years (sarcasm)). IMO, each of them got one or two years too long on their deals
When Jamal’s contract ($10 mil) expires, we will still be over the cap, so all we will have is the Mid-Level exception, the $3.6 TPE, and the bi-annual exception.
So I think the Hawks options are limited when it comes to upgrading the team. I would love to keep Josh, but after Jamal, he is the best trade option to help upgrade the team.
O'Brien
February 9th, 2011
9:52 am
BTW, I gotta agree with Samuel (somewhat) on this one. Ever since LD has been hired, I think he has consistently said all the “right things” to fans, the media, the players and Rick Sund.
But I dont think his actions have backed up his words consistently enough.
superiorblogman
February 9th, 2011
10:00 am
Realistically Devin Harris is the guy the Hawks should be after.
superiorblogman
February 9th, 2011
10:08 am
Have you ever seen or heard a 7-foot-1, 270-pound man beg? Stand near Tito Horford the next time he picks up the telephone to call the Hawks’ front office. “I’ve been begging [general manager] Rick Sund and the Hawks for the last three years – please get a center so my son can pay his normal position,” the elder Horford said Tuesday from his home in the Dominican Republic. “He can’t push guys out of the box like I could. If he moved to forward, he would have a longer career.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is going to get ugly after the Hawks get dismantled again in the playoffs this year. I can see Al asking for a trade and he should.
Grandad
February 9th, 2011
10:59 am
I’m still mad.
This team has no -PRIDE-!
Trade Joe Johnson right now, to Houston – Kevin Martin & Battier.
Same Josh Smith to Golden State – Stephen Curry & filler
Marvin + Teague & or JC2 to Toronto – Amir Johnson & Barbosa
-Then-
Make Battier & Horford Co-Captains.
Anybody don’t play with effort & pride…trade ‘em to Uzbekinefinstan
in the Russian Basketball Federation.
Somehow LD has got to hit ‘em in the pocketbook;
fine ‘em for not showin’ up for work.
Bullcrap – just trade their ass!
Hawks73
February 9th, 2011
10:59 am
It’s hard to really buy into this team with performances like this one, and it’s not about getting beat it’s about showing up and putting forth effort. It’s almost impossible (without trying) to get down by 30 befort halftime (yet it’s happened twice to this team at home).
It’s almost a foregone conclusion that the Hawks will make the playoffs, it’s the apathetic performances and eager willingness to quit that gives this team’s fan base no hope (for anything other than a first or second round debacle).
ag
February 9th, 2011
11:14 am
After reading many of these blogs, I cannot offer anything that I have not previously posted. Yet, the one major positive that may come out of this loss is for him to make changes in the lineup and hopefully Jeff Teague will start.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 9th, 2011
11:17 am
Something has to be done!
Billy Knighr would have cleared the bench by now. I never saw a GM unload this much garbage for something valuable, since he quit!
Solomon Jones
Speedy Claxton
Alan Henderson
Dikembe MuTumbo (not garbage)
Demarr Johnson
Salim Stoudamire
Acie Law
Et. Al.
____________________________
Why can’t Sund do that. I heard Sund doesn’t even have a computer on his desktop, he doesn’t like computers! How does he research and scout?
slimjr
February 9th, 2011
11:34 am
Hawks=QUITERS!!!!!
SUND=Retard
ag
February 9th, 2011
11:38 am
Over the last 5 games, Bibby has averaged 24 minutes, 4.2 ppg (21) 7-30fg 6-22 3fg ( wow made only one shot that is not a trey) 2 steals and 13 ast (2.6.) Teague in 12.8 (21 last night) and one DNP 5 ppg (20pts) 8-16 fg 2-3 3fg 2 steals and 4 ast. He also has 4 to’s to Bibby’s 3. I promise to never watch another Hawks game because we can all see the weak link
slimjr
February 9th, 2011
11:39 am
Sund must has pictures. How does this buster hang around for 31 years and won nothing?????????????????????????????????????????????????????//
slimjr
February 9th, 2011
11:42 am
“Bullcrap – just trade their ass!”
@Grandad
Cosign!
Ray
February 9th, 2011
11:42 am
It’s tough man to talk about who we should trade
I’m all for Jamal Crawford, Mike bibby, Mo Evans, Zaza, and even Thomas.
Thing with Josh is crowd attendance is already bad without him it drops to almost zero sorry to be harsh. We’d need a big name to attract the home crowd if Josh has to leave. I’m all for letting him go just bring someone in that has a lot of pull if you know what I mean.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 9th, 2011
11:45 am
Good from Fat – Far from Good!
Listening to The Heard on 680 The Fan – CNN:
Melo is the black hole. A high volume scorer, shooting 47%, he scores 51 points w/no assists. If he gets 3 assists the win that game that they lost 108 – 103. Melo plays no D either. In NY, who will Melo and Amare stop? NO ONE!
_________________________________
It’s like bringing home the stripper named DAKOTA – who are you gonna’ talk to?
ROF-LOL!
_________________________
Seriously, The Hawks may need to trade Josh Smooth and some pieces for Curry and Biedrens! Curry not a great defender but, has proven PG skills. Biedrens plays defense and rebounds well. I would miss Josh, but if he gets us a PG and Center – we become a balanced team with some teeth!
______________________________
Rondo can’t score a lick, but he plays defense and rebounds and is a fiesty hand full! Maybe Teague can do some of that and back up Curry!
slimjr
February 9th, 2011
11:48 am
JChill can get you 10/10 per night for less than Marvin.. Bye Marvin…Take Mike the Geezer with ya……That’s a start….
ag
February 9th, 2011
12:04 pm
He sure is doing that in Phoenix!!lol
david
February 9th, 2011
12:08 pm
Six points, Joe Johnson/ come on man.
ag
February 9th, 2011
12:17 pm
I will chalk it to a career worse night for Joe. He also had four fouls and five to’s. Josh also had a bad game. Funnny, Marvin had his typical game other than boarding a little more, but really if Joe and Josh would have played better this would not have happend.
Nookah
February 9th, 2011
12:49 pm
Folks, it’s obvious, our Hawks have no heart, zero!!! This team needs to be gutted from top to bottom i.e. from ASG to Drew!! until we get basketball minds who want to win and who have the desire to win a championship the Hawks will continue to be mediocre. We are mediocre because our owners, GM and coach are just that. Nuff said!!
Go Hawks………………………….and take the Thrashers with you!!!
MJC
February 9th, 2011
1:33 pm
FREE JEFF TEAGUE!
Sautee
February 9th, 2011
2:43 pm
For all of you hoping for a trade (and I’m included in that group) just remember this:
Mikey likes our core.
Unless THAT changes, then the Hawks will sit pat with Sund sitting on his hands until the next CBA is signed. And all of our “hoping” will be (and likely is) in vain.
I understand the urge to act, but unless Mikey changes his mind then “it aint happening”.
nba-stinks
February 9th, 2011
2:45 pm
I hope the hawks leave town, no better way to waste money and time.
sam'l
February 9th, 2011
5:49 pm
It’s time Gearon et all and Drew had a strategy sit down. The Hawks might want to hire a consultant to join in…..someone who has done this before, successfully. The first sitdown will be…..what trade can we make that will make sense”? How can we maximize this team to the end of the year?
The second sitdown will occur at the end of the year…….any sleepwalkers sent packing!
sam'l
February 9th, 2011
5:51 pm
I agree that Jeff Teague should be freed………out of the Hawks.
Mike is back
February 13th, 2011
12:12 am
Free Teague and JC2…same ole coach…and same ole Hawks…maybe a couple of more loses should due the trick…after all…we like our dang core. lol
Notice people…no caps…this thang 4 real. heh heh