Hawks-Bobcats game thread
Greetings, all
Ken here for the last time in awhile as MC braces for the mother of all road trips.
1) You may find this interesting. On my way in to the arena, I was thinking to myself, If I were ever to feel good about wagering on a game (not that I wager), this would be it. Hawks have spent three days stewing over an embarrassing loss, playing at home where they’ve beaten Charlotte seven in a row, Al Horford back, Charlotte coming off a back to back, etc.
However, I confess I was not aware of what happened in Charlotte last night. The Bobcats lost at home to New Jersey, which had come into the game having lost 12 in a row on the road. Not only that, but Charlotte never led the whole game.
Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace excoriated their teammates for their lack of effort. Read these gems, excerpted from the Charlotte Observer game story (written by the very capable Rick Bonnell, who is sitting behind me in the media room):
“To not even show up at all is embarrassing,” said Jackson (21 points). “It’s sad that a coach has to ask guys to play hard…to care.”
“We acted like the other team was just going to fall down. There are only two or three teams in the league (good enough) that they can be like that. We’re not one of them.”
Or as Wallace (20 points and nine rebounds) added, “We just gave away a game in Indiana (Wednesday). We can’t keep doing that.
“We haven’t lost two (straight) games; we gave them away with our (lack of) effort. A coach should never have to ask for that.”
So, rather than being a gut-check game for one team, it’s a gut-check game for both. I still give the edge to the Hawks by basis of rest, being at home and the fact that they’re better, but this could be a bit more of a fight than you normally see in February.
2) This sort of feeds into 1), and is kind of amusing. I was in the locker room prior to the game, and it came to light that Wallace, from tiny Childersburg, Ala., bought 80 tickets for the game. Apparently even the mayor is coming. So Marvin Williams kiddingly wished Josh Smith good luck in defending a presumably extra-motivated Wallace. (Childersburg’s website claims it’s the “oldest city in America.” Not sure how that’s possible, but, hey, who am I to argue?
3) Nothing else new to report, really. Horford’s still going.
Enjoy the game.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
442 comments Add your comment
Worldwide Clyde
February 12th, 2011
10:40 pm
What’s the excuse tonight Hawks?
Guess everybody was ready to party at Mansion Elan tonight.
slimjr
February 12th, 2011
10:48 pm
“What’s the excuse tonight Hawks?”
Where were the Fans tonight?????? They should have guarded Capt. Jack on that fade away from 22ft from the leftside of the box.He probably would have missed the shot…….LOL Fans make some NOISE……………………………………..Don’t be surprised if the Hawks go 4-7 over the next brutal 11……………….Its gonna get real ugly round here………………………
cp
February 12th, 2011
10:48 pm
Other than having an “offensive system” I don’t see any difference between LD and Woodrow…This team still goes away from what gets them the lead, still sticks with unproductive vets, and still cant score in the 4th quarter. Teams know that when LD goes with the Bibby and Jamal backcourt just attack and attack those two. For some reason recently when LD has needed perimeter defense he has gone to the worst two perimeter defenders on the team….The Hawks need a trade but I don’t know if one is coming. It was reported a few weeks back that it was doubtful a move will be made. I honestly don’t know if this team will even make it out of the first round this year…..If the Hawks aren’t going to trade for a pg its time to give Teague a chance because they aren’t going to go anywhere with Bibby.
slimjr
February 12th, 2011
10:51 pm
” (’,’)
_ _ / /)
( (_`,–……_._,/ / \ rest of nba
\ ) `( ,__ ‘-’-)-’\ ))
(/ \ | ‘ 7,/` | /
\\ / / ( |
hawks” | ) | )
=’-’ =’-’ ”
PRICELESS!!!!!!!! Sund in the football stance….LOL
rusty
February 12th, 2011
10:51 pm
I guess ld is showing all us bloggers who’s the boss.he knows we want jt to play so he will not play him. What a guy.
Hawks game vs Bobcats
February 12th, 2011
10:52 pm
threaten to make lineup changes, threaten to even make trades and they still have a horrible 4th quarter … some things never change, some things stay the same
slimjr
February 12th, 2011
10:52 pm
The way they are playing right now.Hawks get swept in the 1st round……
rusty
February 12th, 2011
10:56 pm
If they make it to the playoffs I am finally beginning to realize that jj is a big choker.
Ra'mon
February 12th, 2011
11:00 pm
Its funny with the Hawks that big leads normally leads to the Hawks losing. If the Hawks go up big early, they normally fold late, and lose the game. If the Hawks go down big early, they never rally to win or take the lead. After Joe, Josh, and Al, this team sucks (I’m including Jamal because most nights he suck on at least of the court (defense), and 2 out of 5 nights he sucks on the offense also. I didn’t get to see the game tonight. But it seems as if the Hawks went away from what was working so well in the first half (Josh in the post). Sometimes I feel like everyone in a suit needs to be fired, from the owners to management to the coaches.
slimjr
February 12th, 2011
11:01 pm
ASGEEMen, got an idea you want more fans in the GYM??? Huh???? Hire some shoe models and set some poles up because that will be far superior entertainment then whats appearing at the lowlight factory right now!
slimjr
February 12th, 2011
11:06 pm
“I still give the edge to the Hawks by basis of rest, being at home and the fact that they’re better,”
@Ken,
slimjr
February 12th, 2011
11:07 pm
“I still give the edge to the Hawks by basis of rest, being at home and the fact that they’re better,”
@Ken,
GOOD THING YOUR NOT A BETTING MAN OR YOU WOULD HAVE LOST A BUNDLE TONIGHT?
superiorblogman
February 12th, 2011
11:14 pm
This team is so depressing that they will not draw 15,000 fans a game in the playoffs. No sensible being believes in this team at this point.
prison mike
February 12th, 2011
11:15 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEW0bh0U1Q8
Already has hit the net, gotta love it. Also Jamal or Joe, one or both of them have to go.
Ken Sugiura
February 12th, 2011
11:15 pm
slimjr – ha ha. it’s a very good thing.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 12th, 2011
11:22 pm
“Najeh – What’s your solution for this team? I know mine, but LD ain’t goin’ to come close it looks like. You got any ideas?”
Haha… depends on how realistic you want me to be. If the personnel can’t be changed, there’s only so much that can be done. It starts with LD reserving a seat on the bench for whoever brings the ball up any time the ball doesn’t go in the post. At this point it should be blatantly obvious to one and all that when the ball goes in the post, the Hawks play well, and when the ball doesn’t go in the post, the Hawks suck. There is no excuse for continuing to go away from the three things that work for this team — Joe and Smoove in the low post, Joe coming off screens, and Al getting looks in the mid range area. Any possession on which the Hawks don’t do one of those things is a failure.
At this point, I am also in favor of starting Teague for five games or so just to see what will happen. Maybe he sucks and definitively proves that he’s not the answer, but maybe he proves that he can be an upgrade over Bibby. It’s time to make that decision once and for all.
If the personnel can be changed, well… this, or this.
Grandad
February 12th, 2011
11:26 pm
I was unable to see the game.
All I know is:
(1) LD did not own up to his threat. [no lineup changes]
(2) Joe needs to be traded (for .50 on the dollar if need be).
Joe must go! Build around Josh & Al / get a Big & a pg / let’s play!
John Wooden always preached…..”balance”.
This team is unbalanced.
drmaryb has said all along – “too many pieces alike”. [unbalanced]
Joe is strangling this team!
I’m still mad from the Philly game!
slimjr
February 12th, 2011
11:26 pm
Teague and JC2 must get playing time before the playoffs. They will desperately be needed come playoff time.Bibby and Jamal are not cutting it! Sorry Hawks fans.They can’t guard themselves…………………
Ken Sugiura
February 12th, 2011
11:26 pm
FWIW, game story is up
http://bit.ly/dItuZp
Najeh Davenpoop
February 12th, 2011
11:31 pm
I wonder where Section 303 is. He said he would be at the season ticket holders’ meeting.
Rich
February 12th, 2011
11:35 pm
We need to put Teague into the starting lineup, whats the worst that could happen, I dont think that it could get much worse than this. Oh and everybody talking about trading josh smith is an idiot, he is clearly our most complete player.
Mike is back
February 12th, 2011
11:39 pm
Wow, I missed the game…same ole LD…ld and his predecessor still believe in that JJ, Bibby, Jamal lineup to close out games…no Teague…Yawn if you are a Hawks…and for u young Hawks fan without a family…try shelling out cash for two or four season tix…instead of one…now you start to get the picture…don’t fault the fans for the product on the court…they are looking for reason TO CHEER.
You matchup 6’6” Moe Evan on 6’9” SJackson…who has been known for to making clutch big shots…especially against his ole teams…well we know the rest…I’m out Hawks Fans.
FREE TEAGUE AND FREE JC2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
slimjr
February 12th, 2011
11:42 pm
“After going 4-4 in their past eight home games, the Hawks hope the road will be a refuge.”
@Ken,
It’s going to be a monster trip!! This is where they make it or break it Sir…….
slimjr
February 12th, 2011
11:58 pm
LD blew it tonight Bigtime!!! The BobCats went into the penalty with about 7 minutes left in the game so what do the Hawks decide to do? Hoist up perimeter bricks instead of driving to the rim to draw fouls..Big Dummies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Shot their load with blanks…Just sorry situation right now.
LD=Jim Mora( HC in over his head)
northcyde
February 13th, 2011
12:18 am
It was about this time last year in which the wheels were supposedly falling off the wagon. Then March came around, looking at a bunch of elite teams coming to Philips, and they took care of business.
No need for the panic button . . . yet.
I’ll say that we go 4 – 3 on the road trip, with wins over Detroit, Golden St, Portland and Phoenix. Depending of if a Melo trade happens, we may take that game too.
It’s the nature of this team the past 3 years. When people want to dirt on them, they always rise to the occasion. We’ll see if a shake up in the lineup is in order, or if the captains on this team fully take charge.
LOL @ rusty . . Jamal shot the ball like Betty White tonight, and you have the nerve to single out JJ ( who was horrible, no doubt )
@ Grandad . . JJ deferred to the rest of the team for 3 quarters, then tried to turn it on in the 4th. Problem was, he settled for the jumper. With the January that JJ had, we wouldn’t even be in the position we’re in right now without him.
He needs to play smarter though. There’s no doubt on that. But anyone suggesting a trade of JJ, Smith, or Al . . and not bringing in a better player . . are out of their minds.
We have an overall talent issue on this team that is rearing its ugly head in recent games.
Art Vandelay
February 13th, 2011
12:53 am
As it is currently constructed, this roster is HOPELESS. I’ve been a suffering Hawks fan for almost 35 years, and I’m reaching that horribly uncomfortable point of silently rooting against them because change is so desperately needed. I don’t consider making the playoffs a success, nor do I consider 50 wins an acceptable target, especially since this team was completely rebuilt from the ground up under Woodson. It’s absolutely inexcusable that nobody can even PRETEND TO CARE when the offense bogs down and everyone starts settling for jumpers for the 15th straight 4th quarter or whatever it’s been.
If a total meltdown is what it’ll take for Sund or the Anti-Spirit Group to get off their complacent butts and actually DO SOMETHING, then let’s have it. This team’s ceiling is exactly the same as it was last year — maybe win a 1st round matchup and then get blown out in the 2nd round by a team that knows exactly what we’re going to do, and gives us all the jumpers we want…while beating us by 20 every night.
SERENITY NOW!!!!
rusty
February 13th, 2011
12:56 am
Nortcyde jj will never bring us anywhere. It’s so funny how you say he deferred to the team for 3 quarters. He is back to his old ways,playing like crap & we will always hear you making stupid excuses for him & how the hell can you knock jt,he isn’t getting a chance to show how he can play. The crap you always say is he has to produce when he gets time( I want to gag) when the he’ll does he ever any real playing time. Your buddy mb gets plenty of time,what’s he bringing. I think your logic is a joke.
rusty
February 13th, 2011
1:01 am
Enter your comments here
truthspitter
February 13th, 2011
1:03 am
slimjr,
if you are going to be a troll, at least do it well
maavelous
February 13th, 2011
1:11 am
I Marv hereby proclaim tomorrow the day before Valentine’s Day as Maavelous Day. Ain’t I pretty when I swoops through the air with my size 17’s flopping in the breeze? Jordan has nothing on me. I Marv will be an all-pro this year for sure and you the lucky fans will spend a lot of money on season ticket renewals to see me even more Maavelous in 2012..
Worldwide Clyde
February 13th, 2011
1:13 am
Joe has signed a big contract and quit on the team. Rookies will play their azz off to get more money but veterans will quit when they get their money.
Worldwide Clyde
February 13th, 2011
1:15 am
Why is Mo Evans even playing? Damien Wilkens needs to get his minutes and we need to start dressing Etan Thomas and put Mo in a suit.
Worldwide Clyde
February 13th, 2011
1:16 am
Chris Crawford > Mo Evans
Fire Sund
Section 303
February 13th, 2011
1:40 am
Najeh, here I am.
I came home from the game and really wanted nothing to do with anything Hawk related. This team is a disaster.
Anyways…the season ticket meeting with Michael Gerron…
I have to admit this. I left the meeting kind of liking the guy. He seems like a good dude. He was kind of straight with us about things, but not as straight as Billy Knight used to be when he hosted these meetings.
Here are some highlights:
1. Gerron said that the Hawks are always looking into trades (he said this multiple times). As of right now, there is nothing that makes sense. He cautioned that so many teams in the past have made trades and gotten worse. He cited Orlando this year, whose record is either about the same or worse since their big trade. Also, Philly, back in ‘08, was seen as a team on the rise. Then they trade away Miller and Dalembert. Caused them to vanish from the scene (until last Tuesday, anyway).
2. He defended the ASG on the notion that they are cheap. The Hawks have the 7th highest payroll in the NBA (said this several times). He pointed out all the money they sank into Joe, Josh, and Al. He said the payroll grew with the team, which is what they planned all along.
3. Someone asked about a trade for a guard who could defend better. Gerron agreed that this was a weak area. But, again, said that they have not had a deal come their way that makes sense.
4. He praised Rick Sund for being patient and tight lipped. Pointed out that Rick Sund has made some good moves. Namely, getting Jamal Crawford for parts off the scrap heep (my words, not his). I still don’t like Rick Sund.
5. He said that he is frustrated that the city does not turn out to support the team at many games. Someone asked about the blowout losses at home. Gerron said that he truely feels part of the blame is lack of support. “We sometimes do not get the home court lift”. Hard to argue with that. He said that as a native of Atlanta he has seen all the teams struggle with attendance.
7. Also, he mentioned that Josh Childress simply did not want to play here anymore. He said that Josh saw himself as a starter. And, also mentioned that Josh hardly ever plays for the Suns now. I took that as a “told you so” comment towards Chills.
8. Said he likes the lineup with Twin starting.
If I remember anything else, I will post it. I really want the team to make some kind of trade. I understand the caution Gerron talked about. But, some teams have bettered themselves with deadline moves. They are not always failures.
Really, to me, I am going to lose a lot of faith if something is not done. I do not think there is a person who follows this team that does not think some type of change is in order.
Section 303
February 13th, 2011
1:45 am
One more thing…I see I did not write my #6 highlight. I thought it, but didn’t write it. Here it is…
6. Someone really ripped Bibby. The fan told Gearon that Bibby was “worthless” if he was not hitting his outside shot. And, that Bibby was a defensive disaster. Gerron told the guy he was being a little too hard on Bibby. That Bibby is a leader on the court/in the locker room. And, while he agrees that Bibby is not a “lock down defender”, he can still guard people.
What was funny about this was that Bibby was just out on the practice court before Gearon started. The court was split in half with a curtain. Bibby was on the other side shooting around. Would have been interesting had he been within earshot for the guy’s blasting.
Also…I never asked a question. Was not feeling it. And, besides, all my questions would have been about potential trades (like, are they going to make one). Gearon had already said, several times, that they have not seen a deal that works for them.
Section 303
February 13th, 2011
1:48 am
And, I realize I spelled Gearon wrong in my first post. It’s late and I am tired of being a Hawks fan at the moment. This lose was tough to take. I wish there was a pill I could take that would make me not care about this team.
rusty
February 13th, 2011
2:01 am
Nortcyde. One of our biggest problems is when jj try’s to take over in the 4 th, it almost guarantees a loss
Air Zaza
February 13th, 2011
3:05 am
Section 303, ask him about O.J. Mayo. He’s available at the right price?
slimjr
February 13th, 2011
7:34 am
Philly has won 9 of 12!!! Look out!
The Truth hurts………….spit that out……………
slimjr
February 13th, 2011
7:42 am
“Gerron said that he truely feels part of the blame is lack of support. “We sometimes do not get the home court lift”. Hard to argue with that. He said that as a native of Atlanta he has seen all the teams struggle with attendance.”
Lack of support??? Gerron your off your rocker if you really believe that horse sh**! Your Bi-polar team plays bad basketball in stretch and has monster melt downs in the regular season and playoffs and you blame attendance. You Sir are the biggest Troll in Atlanta. Just sell the freaking team if don’t like the support. I would not waste a dime on your product…No ECF visit in 24 freaking years and wont be for years to come……………I get it now Mr. Stern……There will be no Championships in Atlanta!! The Fix is in………………………………………..Yawn……………………….
Walter R. Terrell
February 13th, 2011
9:17 am
Time to play the young fellas. Lets see what Jeff Teague and Jordon Crawford have in their tank. Lock Joe Johnson in the small forward position, he’s the multi million dollar player. He should be able to produce from that spot. Damian Wilkins need to play more because he actually plays defense. Time to see how much gas Etan Thomas has in the tank, at least he bangs. No one has a clue as to why Mo Evans is playing at all. What is going to be done about “smoove”…even when he has a good game he still plays dumb. How can Marvin Williams be used correctly when his game is absent 80% of the time . Jamal Crawford is attempting to play some defense but when his shooting is off he becomes useless, he’s fast enough to get to the inside but I think contact bothers him. Mike Bibby has fallen to 2nd mebbee 3rd tier, essentially becoming no help at all. “Z” Pachulia just needs to bang and play and cut all that other chit out. LD needs to look toward the future now, this season will not be salvaged unless you call 41 and 41 a good season and that can happen playing the young studs and making some trades. The Hawks would fair better now getting draft choices and a few players that are as consistant as what we have in the talent pool now, mebbee not as atheletic but has a desire to win. Move now while the iron is hot and look toward next year.
2 FOR JOHN DREW
February 13th, 2011
10:25 am
@ TheTruth
I’m missing it …What’s that suppose to be ?