Atlanta Hawks at Knicks: Al Horford on Amar’e Stoudemire: ‘He’s a talker. All I do is bring my game to the court.’
New York–Yes, Al Horford said “you take it personally” when someone calls you out in the media the way Amar’e Stoudemire has done twice to Horford this season.
But Horford, not much for hype, says he will make his point tonight at Madison Square Garden against Amar’e’s Knicks.
“He’s a talker. He’s going to talk, you know what I’m saying?” he said at shootaround today. “All I do is bring my game to the court. That’s what I will do tonight.”
Stoudemire has tried to inflame what already promised to be an intense game after Marvin Williams and Shawne Williams scuffled during Atlanta’s 111-102 victory on Jan. 28. Both immediately after that game and again yesterday, Stoudemire seemed to question Horford’s toughness and declared that Horford “doesn’t want to see me.”
Horford seemed more amused than offended by that last part.
“I don’t understand what he means by I don’t want to see him,” Horford said. “Like we are supposed to be scared of him or something. Ain’t nobody scared of nobody. We are all grown men. It’s all good.”
Seemingly lost amid the fight and Amare’s tough talk is that the Hawks own two victories this season against the Knicks, who are being left behind by Atlanta in the Eastern Conference standings.
Before the victory at Philips the Hawks won 99-90 on Nov. 27 at the Garden, after which New York won seven straight against mostly lesser competition.
“I walked out with the W’s the last two times,” Horford said. “So that’s that.”
Horford was productive and efficient in both games. In New York he had 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, three steals, one block and one turnover while shooting 7 of 14 from the field. In Atlanta he had 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, one steal, one block (against Amar’e) and one turnover while shooting 8 of 12 from the field.
Amar’e has scored more than Horford in the matchups but hasn’t been as efficient. In New York he had 24 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block and four turnovers while shooting 7 of 15 from the field. In Atlanta he had 27 points, three rebounds, one assist, zero steals, one block and three turnovers while shooting 9 of 21 from the field.
And Stoudemire is down 0-2 where it counts most, though he’s certainly leading in sound bites.
“He’s making a huge deal out of this,” Horford said. “It’s just another game. I’m coming out ready to play, like I do everything night.”
Oh, yeah, the game.
Coach Larry Drew said he would use the “big” lineup again tonight, unless the Knicks go small with Amar’e at center instead of Mozgov.
“That would not be a favorable matchup for Twin,” Drew said with a wry smile.
As for all the noise surrounding the game, Drew the Hawks don’t need it to get going but said he’s always willing to use “whatever it takes to get my guys juiced up and motivated.” In this case, though, he doesn’t think he needs to say much to his players.
“They see it. They hear it. They got on the bus [for shootaround] telling me some things. They are aware of it. And they were expecting it. It’s not a thing about anybody being surprised.”
Al acknowledged that, in the end, the game could end up being a fun spectacle.
“We’re playing at the Garden, man,” he said. “It doesn’t get any bigger than this, at least for me. Any time I come to New York I am looking forward to it, pre-Amare Stoudemire and with him being here. So I am just excited to play.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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
483 comments Add your comment
Al vs. Amar’e: War of the words | Control ATL Delete | Atlanta Sports Blog – News- Discussion – Scores – Recaps
February 16th, 2011
6:00 pm
[...] Al wasn’t too pleased with the unprovoked attack: “I don’t understand what he means by I don’t want to see him. [...]
Tremaine
February 16th, 2011
6:03 pm
The hawks should give up Jordan Crawford for Sessions
northcyde
February 16th, 2011
6:12 pm
As for the Sessions rumor, I would bet money that it originated either on this board, or on Hawksquawk.
LOL @ “Rival executives believe that we’d spend at or a little over the L Tax to add a guard.” We’re already right up on the L Tax.
The real story is probably more like . . “poster on the ajc’s Hawks blog proposed a very realistic trade that would bring Ramon Sessions to Atlanta, and we ( the writer ) agree with it . . so we’re going to make up fake sources and act like it may be true”.
These national sportswriters tell more lies and half-truths than TMZ and MediaTakeOut. Can’t trust none of them, unless it comes from a truly credible source.
JaReal
February 16th, 2011
6:15 pm
PLEASE, TWIN CAN’T SEE STAT!!!
Grandad
February 16th, 2011
6:17 pm
If Sund were forward thinking and imaginative -?-
perhaps he would pursue this trade:
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4ak6wmq
I do realize Varejao is out for the year.
However, now is the time to burgle & purloin (not a bad word)
this valuable piece of merchandise. *[ A.V.]
superiorblogman
February 16th, 2011
6:20 pm
I saw the article on hoopshype.com. Ramon Sessions is the worst guard the Hawks could get that would help with there needs, which is someone that can penetrate, run the offense, play defense, and draw some fouls.
TOP PG GUARDS in the league at getting to the FT line (FT attempts)
1 Westbrook # 8 in the league at getting to the line: Not available
2 Deron Williams#13: Not available this year, but I can’t see him staying in Utah long term
3 Derrick Rose #15: Not available
4 Devin Harris #20: I think he is available at the right price and he should be. The guy has never led a team to the playoffs as one of the 2 best players on that team. That means he is a 3rd wheel at best. He is also about 2 weeks away from being 28, the Nets had better move him now where they can still get something decent for him.
5. Rodney Stuckey#23: Don’t know if he is available or not and I am really not impressed when I watch him, but he would be a good upgrade, problem is he is about to be restricted FA.
6.Chauncey Billups #24: Guys on these blogs love him but I don’t, he cost too much and is way old. He might be available if they trade Carmelo but it looks like he might also go with him.
7. Chris Paul #31: I’m starting to think his days as an elite all-star are numbered. Surprised that he is this low. He might not be available right now and he would cost too much in talent.
8. Lou Williams #35: I like this guy even though I don’t think much of him as a creator for other people. Doubt he is available though considering his youth and he might be there best player off the bench. You would have to take one of there bad contracts.
9. Ramon Sessions #40: My least favorite, but he would be an upgrade over what we have. Would not give up much for him though. Would be skeptical to even give up Teague for him.
Its sad that we don’t have a single guy in the top 40 at FT attempts. All of the above guys would be upgrades but you have to consider the cost.
Devin Harris, Rodney Stuckey, Billups, and Sessions are the one’s that we have a feasible shot at. Billups cost too much and wants to stay in Denver, let him stay. Stuckey would be the cheapest as of now, but you would have to pay him in Free Agency. Harris would probably call for you trading a piece. Sessions would probably be the cheapest in talent and pieces but I would not trade anything that I think could remotely turn out good for him.
My proposals: I would trade Zaza and Mo for Sessions and Hollins
Or
Teague, Zaza, and a 2012 1st round pick for Stuckey and Wilcox
Or
Jamal ,Zaza, and a 2012 1st round pick for Devin Harris and Kris Humphries
BILLY JACK
February 16th, 2011
6:21 pm
AL -HIT HIM WITH THAT BIG ELBOW IN THE 1ST QTR AND WATCH HIS KNEES BUCKLE-GO GET HIM BUDDY.
ATl
February 16th, 2011
6:27 pm
We dont need Sessions. What we need is help at the small forward. M. Evans and M. Williams are killing us. M. Bibby may not be a top ten PG but he doesnt turn the ball over and he can shoot. I think Crawford and Joe should have been starting together at the start of the season with Marvin coming off the bench along with Bibby. Also, Josh at the SF, Horford and Collins. That would have giving the Hawks a 60 win regular season and a tough match up playoff time
Man Man
February 16th, 2011
6:27 pm
From Bleachers
NBA Trade Rumors Fly As Atlanta Looks To Improve Its Roster
The Atlanta Hawks are a team that’s in an odd position as we get close to the deadline.
Atlanta is a talented team, but it’s not nearly talented enough to compete at the playoffs. The Hawks may win a playoff series, but there is no deep playoff run in store for this team. Atlanta gave Joe Johnson a huge contract that he really didn’t deserve and that will hinder the Hawks for years. I don’t want to get it twisted though, Johnson’s a great player, but he doesn’t deserve franchise player money.
However, the Hawks are looking for guard help according to CBSSports.com and sources are saying that they might be interested in Cleveland’s Ramon Sessions. League executives are reported as feeling like Atlanta may be willing to go over the luxury tax as the deadline if they think it will allow the Hawks a shot at competing with Boston, Miami or Orlando in the playoffs.
Sadly for Atlanta, I don’t see a deal that will really change the face of the franchise and bring new energy to the team. The Hawks are a team that’s destined to be good, but not good enough and Ramon Sessions isn’t going to change that.
Atlanta has plenty of athletes and the Hawks are fun to watch, but that’s about it for Atlanta. Until the Hawks get a legit point guard and another big man, they aren’t going anywhere in the postseason. The only problem is that doing that is easier said than done.
superiorblogman
February 16th, 2011
6:37 pm
Jamal and Zaza for Devin Harris and Kris Humphries, Throw in Teague or a 2012 and beyond 1st if they push.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4lf25mj
That’s the only trade that will help us get to the next level. You will only be a C away at that point.
O'Brien
February 16th, 2011
6:40 pm
northcyde,
I also doubt if this rumor came from the Hawks. 1) Rick Sund is not the type of GM to put his business out there and 2) Hawks have no intention of adding another PG (imo).
However, if they were serious about adding another PG, then trading Mo ($2.5 mil) and Teague ($1.5 mil) for Sessions ($3.9 mil) still keeps them under the luxury tax for this season.
Next season, Sessions makes $4.25 mil, so they would have to figure out a way to work him in. But after next year, his contract is a team option. And if they have Sessions next year, they can consider trading Bibby and his $6.2 mil salary for next season.
superiorblogman
February 16th, 2011
6:40 pm
PG Devin Harris/Mike Bibby
SG Joe/Mo/Jordan/Pape
SF Josh Smith/Marvin/Damien
PF Al/Josh Smith/Josh Powell
C Collins/Al/Etan
ryan
February 16th, 2011
6:45 pm
I would rather have OJ Mayo but i know Sund is to cheap to go and get him .
Tremaine
February 16th, 2011
6:51 pm
I like the Gortat for Za Za and Jordan Crawford deal. That would be a nice upgrade at center.
ATI, Bibby is old. He has to show up more than one game to convince me that he still has it.
Also, “GIVE TEAGUE A CHANCE!”
Sautee
February 16th, 2011
6:52 pm
grandad,
I like the trade, but I’d have to include Mo (and his expiring, since we won’t be re-signing him anyway) and keep Teaguer and JC2 either as future chips, or to see how they develop. Varejao is maddening to play against, but he’d be a great help in place of Zaza.
Mz. Hawkdafied
February 16th, 2011
6:58 pm
Almost game time. Go Hawks!
Sautee
February 16th, 2011
7:02 pm
Mz. H,
You DO know it’s a 7:30 game, don’t you?
Mz. Hawkdafied
February 16th, 2011
7:03 pm
Rumor has it that the Hawks are waiting for the free agency of 2012 to get DWill and D12 to add to the core of JJ, JS, and Al to solve the problems at point and center.
Mz. Hawkdafied
February 16th, 2011
7:04 pm
Yes Sautee, I know. I consider Hawks Live a part of game time.
Sautee
February 16th, 2011
7:04 pm
What rumor, and from what source?
O'Brien
February 16th, 2011
7:09 pm
superiorblogman,
I dont know if the Nets will be willing to trade Harris and hand the starting job to Jordan Farmar. But will the Hawks be willing (or can they afford) to take on his remaining 2 years, $18 mil contract?
I would take Devin harris only if we plan to trade Bibby this offseason. Bibby will make $6.2 mil next year, and thats too much money for a backup PG.
Sautee
February 16th, 2011
7:11 pm
Mz. H, I’d HIGHLY doubt that the ASKG would sign TWO players making more than anyone else but Joe. If that scenario happened the Hawks would have over $77M in just their starters alone. I know Gearon said they’d be willing to go into the LT for the right players, but that would have them paying something like another $15-18M just in luxury tax (depending on where the cap was set).
Do you realistically see the ASKG doing that?
Section 303
February 16th, 2011
7:24 pm
Get in your angry place for this one. Go Hawks! And, Go AL!! I hope he lights up the MSG tonight!
ryan
February 16th, 2011
7:29 pm
Devin Harris sounds good to and if Hawks are going after Derron Williams and D. Howard they do need to something at the deadline to get under the cap .
ag
February 16th, 2011
7:30 pm
Again, why do you suggest we trade our trash for somebody else’s pearls. They are not going to do it. The only good trade I see is Thabeet (whom Memphis has given up on), for Marvin (someone they can use). PLAY JEFF TEAGUE
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
February 16th, 2011
7:33 pm
NBA League Pass!!! Don’t fail me now. BOSS good way to answer the Knick player named AMERIE – the softie.
Flea
February 16th, 2011
7:44 pm
Lets go Hawks! I think if you can get Ramon Sessions you get him. Only if you give up scrubs for him. I.E. Josh Powell Mo evans
Lionhearted
February 16th, 2011
7:46 pm
LOL @ Marvin
J.J.M
February 16th, 2011
7:47 pm
I hate them air jordans 2011
Lionhearted
February 16th, 2011
7:48 pm
OMG Josh shooting jumpers
terrell
February 16th, 2011
7:48 pm
So we go up against a 7 ftr and we go small?
J.J.M
February 16th, 2011
7:48 pm
here josh go
Najeh Davenpoop
February 16th, 2011
7:49 pm
Loved the initial play calls by LD to go to Al in the post and get him going. Still not sure why they haven’t gone back to that.
hawks_4_life
February 16th, 2011
7:50 pm
Josh is doing the job on D but bad shots on O
J.J.M
February 16th, 2011
7:50 pm
man josh pissing me off on the offense side
Najeh Davenpoop
February 16th, 2011
7:50 pm
Smoove D’ing up Amare well so far (one block, one charge taken) but the jumper ain’t falling tonight. Hopefully he realizes and adjusts his game accordingly.
Lionhearted
February 16th, 2011
7:50 pm
umm
J.J.M
February 16th, 2011
7:51 pm
we are taking nothing but jump shots
hawks_4_life
February 16th, 2011
7:51 pm
ATTACK THE BASKET…THERE ARE NO SHOT BLOCKERS
Najeh Davenpoop
February 16th, 2011
7:52 pm
The Hawks literally have four players in the starting lineup who can get WHATEVER THEY WANT in the post in this game. If they go jump shot happy at any point, it will be pretty inexcusable.
Lionhearted
February 16th, 2011
7:52 pm
Why does Marvin’s jumper look so good but rarely falls?
J.J.M
February 16th, 2011
7:53 pm
dang joe was breathing hard when he sat down
O'Brien
February 16th, 2011
7:53 pm
Whatever happened to LD’s comment about Josh establishing himself inside first? That has not happened this game.
Josh is playing well on defense, but he needs to realize his jumper isnt falling, so he should go inside. Plus he is playing PF, so he should spend less time on the perimeter…
hawks_4_life
February 16th, 2011
7:54 pm
Good timeout, just dont put another jump shooter in Crawford in please.
J.J.M
February 16th, 2011
7:54 pm
if im coach I would say attack amare with josh…thats if josh is willing too
Sautee
February 16th, 2011
7:55 pm
O’B,
Doesn’t happen most games.
terrell
February 16th, 2011
7:55 pm
Come on Jamal. We need you tonight.
Lionhearted
February 16th, 2011
7:56 pm
Damn Josh has been awful on offense
J.J.M
February 16th, 2011
7:56 pm
wow what did josh do?
J.J.M
February 16th, 2011
7:57 pm
smh here these refs go