Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 90, Blazers 83
Hawks have gotten defensive since adding Hinrich. (Bruce Ely/The Oregonian)
Portland–Watching the Hawks these last two games, I kept thinking back to what some All-Stars on good defensive teams said in L.A: It’s difficult to stop NBA players one-on-one but you can do it as a team if there is a real commitment to the system.
- I don’t know if the Hawks can become that kind of team. I do think it’s more realistic for them to do so now that Hinrich and Teague are playing most of the minutes at point guard. It made an obvious difference at Golden State and again tonight.
- There no longer is an easy swinging gate open to ball-handlers. That had led to breakdowns and obvious frustration as the Hawks were forced to scramble and cover for the guards. They don’t have to do it so much now and it seems to have had the effect of lifting everyone’s defensive level.
- “Obviously during a game you are going to have to help but when it’s limited to a minimum that makes it that much better,” Smoove said. “I think this team can be known as being scrappy and a team that gets after it defensively. That’s what we’ve been the last two games. I think we are finding an identity.”
- “We don’t have to help as much,” Al said. “It takes a lot of pressure from Josh and myself. The guys are really doing a good job getting over screens and staying aggressive. Now we have to keep it going because we look good when we play like that.”
- And the Hawks don’t look so good when they lose focus and nearly squander big leads. They were in total control from the second quarter until they got sloppy with six turnovers in the final four minutes (a couple of them courtesy of flops by Batum, but still).
- “That was really rough,” L.D. said. “We took a lot of ill-advised shots, and then their pressure sped us up and we turned the basketball over. You just can’t do that but hopefully we’ll learn from it.”
- “We’ve been getting big leads but we still have some room for improvement in closing out games,” J.J. said. “But for the most part a win is a win. We’ll take it.”
- It would have been a shame if the Hawks blew this one because they looked like an inspired ball club in stretches. None more so than that 14-1 run in the third quarter when they challenged shots, rebounded, made the right plays in the open court and got easy chances to score.
- “When you do those things, get a lead and make a run, everybody feeling good about themselves on the fast break, a lot of guys who can finish with dunks and layups,” Zaza said. “It’s just fun to play like that. It’s fun to be part of a basketball team when you do those things.”
- Jamal and J.J. each scored at least 20 points for the first time since Jan. 12 at Toronto. They combined for 45 points on 29 shots.
- It turns out that Jamal’s recent struggles may have been related to grief over the death of his friend and mentor Paul Lawrence.
- Teague held up relatively well in his assignment against Andre Miller, who never consistently backed him down. Whenever Miller started to post Teague, help was quick to arrive and then quick to recover once Miller gave it up.
- The same thing goes for Atlanta’s work against LaMarcus Aldridge. He was doubled when he caught in his sweet spots, was never allowed to get comfortable and was challenged constantly at the rim by Smoove.
- It’s easier to help in those predictable, planned situations as opposed to scrambling because of breakdowns.
- “From a bigs standpoint, it was like me and Al had to pick and choose because we didn’t want to get in foul trouble helping every night,” Josh said. “Kirk is a hard-nosed defender. And you have definitely got to tip your hat off to Teague, who was definitely thrown in the fire after really not playing a whole lot. He’s really been handling it well. Whenever you can limit the help on the perimeter it makes the team that much better.”
- Aldridge had 12 points on 12 shots through three quarters.
- “They tried to take away LA and made the other guys shoot the ball,” Blazers coach Nate McMillan said. “We’ve seen that [before] with some of our guys on the floor, they’re not going to let LaMarcus play and they’re going to clog and they’re going to force you to make perimeter shots.”
- The Blazers couldn’t do it. A fair amount of their 17 missed 3-point shots were open but credit the Hawks for not making anything easy for long stretches.
- The Rose Garden was hyped for the return of Marcus Camby and the debut of Gerald Wallace. They were peeved by all the foul calls against the Blazers in the fist half, then turned on their team when the Hawks took control in the third quarter.
- Hinrich now has more road Ws in the last three days than he did in 48 games at Washington. “I can laugh about it now, I guess,” he said.
- Hinrich said he felt more comfortable on defense than offense.
- “Since I’ve been here we’ve talked about defending and bringing the energy,” Hinrich said. :And when we do that we can be a tough team because of the talent we have and athletes and the shooters. If we can lock down on the defensive end, it will make the game a lot easier for us.”
- Zaza, fresh off his benching at Golden State, came into the game and immediately started thrashing the Blazers on the boards. That was a big reason Atlanta forged a 48-36 halftime lead despite Al playing just 10 minutes.
- “The last two games I couldn’t waste my energy, anyway,” Zaza joked. “I just did the things I was supposed to do and rebound was my No. 1 goal. Bottom line that’s what the coaches want. After the last two games I want to do the things that coaches expect from me.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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205 comments Add your comment
KevinM
February 28th, 2011
11:16 am
Rod, I totally agree; the motion offense works. Can it work in the 1/2 court for an entire game? We will soon find out.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 28th, 2011
11:22 am
This is It!
” it’s amazing what a difference it makes to have point guards who can, you know, move. Granted, he’s been playing off the ball a lot, but Hinrich moves without the ball as well as any point guard I can remember seeing.
_____________________________
A minor, but critical adjustment changes the game.
_____________________________
” How many times have you heard me repeat over and over and over again that Bibby was holding us back with his MATADOR DEF. However, the blame falls at the feet of HC LDrew, who not only insisted on playing Bibby 30+mins, but played him with Jamal.”
_____________
Perhaps, The Coach had to expose the player/problem to the GM and Owners to force a trade. Also, the Coach cried to the media for a shake-up/line up change/ultimately a – trade? These owners are more stubborn than anyone on this staff: Woodson, J-Smoove, et. al.
Edgewood Adam
February 28th, 2011
11:27 am
Either Joe Johnson is hurt or he has just completely broke down. Its gotten to the point where he does not hit open shots. This team could be really something if Joe starts playing to his potential. Why has there been no talk of how horribly he has played over the last 7 games? He seems to just disappear. That is not what the “best” player on this team should be doing. I hate to be so negative because the team has been a joy to watch the last 2 games but something has got to give with Joe.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 28th, 2011
11:28 am
Najeh
I liked the italics you put on “move” in that stellar post.
doc
February 28th, 2011
11:32 am
ken said this a couple days ago at the end of a blog:
“maybe the ole’ defense will be a part of the past. i dont know if this trade is the one but we are better on defense, more able to run, hinrich will actually help on the boards because he still has wheels and good court sense and skills being very heady if not an all star. i like the trade because it was absolutely necessary if we are to entertain beating orlando in seven and out pace the knicks to the finish line.” then maybe take care of business in round two.
what is nice is the hawks can look for stops now. as it was before they didnt know when their defense could do the job. i really like a team that can defend and depend on that being there every game. though it is fun to watch time to time, the high scoring games dont have the tenacity i like to watch and admire. i hope this signals a change in attitude and emphasis. i think the hinrich addition will add flavor to this notion. still want to see hinrich finishing games with the marvin, jj jsh and al ine up or maybe having him with jamal, jj josh and al as the end. i think it will be better at fifnishing as he can do the small vet things to disrupt the other team.
what is also necessary that they begin to respect each and every possession on both ends of the court. they have been too lackadaisical in their approach thinking their mistakes can be taken care of later in the game. if LD wants to preach something that is what i want to hear more of. the truly good teams know this, practice it and it shows.
not sure if the box score line suggests it but though it wasnt mentioned, it seems maybe marvin had the type of game we need him to have every game. i hope he finds the courage to do this on the yellow brick road.
KevinM
February 28th, 2011
11:36 am
DMB, you know how Larry should have exposed Bibster? But slapping his funny bone on the bench! He was dreadful after his hot shooting run. Everyone hear knew he would wear down..how is that possible for a vet who ’should’ be a top conditioned athlete wear down?
Larry is to blame as much as Sund…this coach gets no credit for this move. He is forced to play Teague right now and his true decision making will come out in a week or 2 after Kirk gets acclimated.
Is he going to ride the Hindrich horse until gets hurt?
Does he have zero interest in growing Teague or does he just dislike the kid altogether? Larry and all those DNPs tells me he in over his head and I will stand by that until he no longer the head coach here.
Didn’t I read here that Miller, who was a bad matchup for Teague didn’t get a bucket while Teague was guarding him? Someone help me understand our head coaches’ decisions/comments….
KevinM
February 28th, 2011
11:38 am
Everyone hear…I meant everyone ‘here’…no matter, Bibster is gone!
drmaryb (*_*)
February 28th, 2011
11:39 am
Interpretation is Key!
“It tells me that Larry is letting the players tell him who they are most comfortable with on the court.”
__________________
How do you know that Coach Drew did not initiate and push Bibby out that door? You really don’t know?
_____________________
Be careful, with baseless accusations. Drew may have exposed Bibby to rid Bibby. You just, really, don’t know.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 28th, 2011
11:41 am
“not sure if the box score line suggests it but though it wasnt mentioned, it seems maybe marvin had the type of game we need him to have every game. i hope he finds the courage to do this on the yellow brick road.”
Maybe it would help to have his role defined clearly for him, like how Zaza seems to have had his role defined for him in the last couple of days. Maybe if LD were to tell Marvin to focus on one or two things, like active on ball defense and perimeter shooting, Marvin’s play would pick up like Zaza’s did yesterday.
Marvin has had some good games over the last couple of weeks, but it seems like he either plays well or he is just awful. There’s no in between with him. Having a more defined role may go a long way toward getting some consistency out of him.
Freshfromatl
February 28th, 2011
11:48 am
Doc,
I agree with you about Marvin. 11pts, 7 rebs, and good defense. Good Game Marvin. He needs to bring that effort he brought last night, every night (and that goes for Zaza too).
superiorblogman
February 28th, 2011
11:49 am
“From a bigs standpoint, it was like me and Al had to pick and choose because we didn’t want to get in foul trouble helping every night,” Josh said. “Kirk is a hard-nosed defender. And you have definitely got to tip your hat off to Teague, who was definitely thrown in the fire after really not playing a whole lot. He’s really been handling it well. Whenever you can limit the help on the perimeter it makes the team that much better.”
The players notice that Teague is now a big part of this. Hopefully, that will warrant more minutes. Teague is only averaging 16 minutes since Hinrich came. LD is just waiting to bury him for no reason but we all see now that he has a good effect.
Samuel
February 28th, 2011
11:50 am
I understand the optimism but let’s not get too carried away here. We beat two teams with a combined 59 and 58 record.
Freshfromatl
February 28th, 2011
11:51 am
KevinM,
You touched on a point that I could really see (and would hate to see happen) this ownership group entertaining. If Bibby, in-fact does buy out his contract, would Sund bring him back? Hopefully not, but I wouldn’t be surprised one bit. DON’T DO IT SUND!!
Miles D
February 28th, 2011
11:51 am
How about letting Teague play more at the end of games! His speed is what could help us maintain leads and keep distance, instead of playing not to lose by running Iso Joe too much down the home stretch of ballgames!
Shake Something
February 28th, 2011
11:51 am
Man Joe Johnson should post up the small guards more often like he did these past 2 games and force the doubles like he was doing in the ISO mode.More of that would possibly open Jamal up when he is on the court or Hinrich.I liked Bibby ,but thank goodness we got Hinrich,a second team all defensive guy at one point.I really think Hilton should have been getting some burn,but maybe he will on this home stand.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 28th, 2011
11:52 am
“Larry is to blame as much as Sund…this coach gets no credit for this move. He is forced to play Teague right now and his true decision making will come out in a week or 2 after Kirk gets acclimated.”
____________________
KevinM
But, if Coach had not been forced to play Bibby? (See Sund), Then would Bibby have been a tradeable asset? Didn’t Bibby lead the entire league for 5 weeks in 3 PF%? Isn’t the only measurable asset Bibby displayed this season? Did he not return a PG in Kirk Hinrich? Sometimes, exposure is the best light.
Perhaps, Coach Drew is a smarter, pragmatic and more effective
puppet- master, then we give him credit for.
___________________
How does a rat eat an elephant? That’s right … One bite at a time.
We fans can be overly obsessive and critical from a lounge chair.
“This is The NBA, man!”. -joe hohnson-
Wabe
February 28th, 2011
11:52 am
I want to see how consistently the new-look Hawks play on the defensive end.
If the Hawks continue to build on this suffocating style of defense they’ve played these past two games, they will be a tough out come playoff time.
I don’t think the Hawks have ever put together back to back defensive games like the one’s they just put together. Granted, they weren’t against the best teams in the league, they’re still much better off defensively now than they’ve ever been in recent history.
Hope to see another great defensive performance tonight at Denver.
rusty
February 28th, 2011
11:56 am
JJ just needs to run the offense just like he has since he has been here.we paid him 123m to keep being the man. We need him to take over the 4th quarter & dribble & dribble until he finds a shot . This is his strength,ask nortcyde. We can’t trust the rook jt to handle the ball in crunch time, ld would rather see him where he thinks he belongs on the bench. Oh & we all know he played mb so much that it would force sound to trade him
Wabe
February 28th, 2011
11:57 am
By the way, what is this bum talking about?
@johnhollinger Great job by Joe helping Teague on that Miller post-up. Hawks often just let him get devoured down there. Not tonight.
Teague never sees the floor guy, so how does he just get devoured down there?
Also…
@johnhollinger Teague just successfully executed a fast break. Looks like it’s Atlanta’s night.
Again, this guy never sees the floor, so what are you talking about?
Hate just a bit?
Trojan
February 28th, 2011
12:00 pm
Everyone understanding their exact and limited role is the key. Larry has to define that role. And if LD could not understand the Bibby situation, how should we expect him to define roles?
JoJo the Godfather
February 28th, 2011
12:00 pm
If it aint broke, don’t fix it. Start Teague tonight. Hinrich off the bench.
JoJo the Godfather
February 28th, 2011
12:02 pm
If the hawks lose tonight, they finish the month 6 & 6. Sund will no longer be able to brag about consecutive winning months. Or will he just change it to consecutive months without a losing record?
Geemack
February 28th, 2011
12:03 pm
The Hawks gave up 2 vets and 2 1st rd draft pick (JC2) for Hinrich.
Why is he coming off the bench?
Freshfromatl
February 28th, 2011
12:05 pm
@johnhollinger should be slapped. It’s okay thought, as long as the Hawks keep winning and playing great team defense. The bums will have no choice but to take notice! That’s one reason I love the Hawks schedule in March, they yhave the prime opportunity to get it tuned up just in time for the playoffs and they can put a lot of people around the league on high alert.
KevinM
February 28th, 2011
12:12 pm
Geemack, if you are going to include one side of the deal, include Armstrong as well….and Hindrich will be starting soon enough.
Larry isn’t comfortable with Teague and probably never will be. At least give the kid some regular rotation minutes, and play him more if he excels…that is all I would expect any head coach to do instead of holding a grudge because he’s not a vet that his teammates prefer to have on the court.
DMB, I don’t buy the Sund tells Larry to play Bibster 30+ mpg and he has very little to show for it, and we deal with several blowouts. That is what doesn’t make sense…..but I’m not there, so what would I know? My sight tells me to bench ‘Prime’ and go with energy and think about the team instead of hurting feelings.
Larry has a problem dealing with reality it appears.
Veteran Fan
February 28th, 2011
12:17 pm
It is amazing what a trade will do! The “CORE” is actually playing defense and running the floor! Hope it lasts, but it never has! Actually in Denver on business and will go to the game to see if they are professional enough to put up a strong showing! They usually just mail in the last game on these western trips. Don’t think Kirk will put up with a lack of effort as he is so happy to be out of Washington, he is busting his butt!
mountain_jim
February 28th, 2011
12:39 pm
Hope Za Za keeps the fire going that coach lit under his butt….
I was glad to get to see last night’s game on TV. Don’t get many here and not buying the pass.
Booo!
February 28th, 2011
12:39 pm
Im Pumped for the game tonight. It’s time for some draft day vindication!
Teague > Lawson
KevinM
February 28th, 2011
12:40 pm
Hindrich reminds me of Mo Williams….anything looks better than where I just left!
Do I expect a victory tonight? I really don’t, but if this team starts playing consistently, they should at least make a good game of it. But you won’t win with 20+ turnovers despite our record in Game 2 of back-2-backs….
The Truth
February 28th, 2011
12:43 pm
(See how that works Zaza, you got rewarded 6 more extra minutes for your fine performance) So:
Will the real Zaza please stand up!!!
Props to him for finally bringing some real (big-man) production off the bench; As we have jested in the past about stepping on Marvin’s foot before game-time getting him mad to motivate him, maybe we periodically whisper trade rumor about Zaza getting him angry to play with more passion. He looked freshly rejuvenated and played with a purpose. Maybe the acquisition of Hilton also played a role in his motivation to upgrade his game.
What ever it was, I appreciate the effort.
J from the A
February 28th, 2011
12:45 pm
FWIW (probably not much), several of the betting blogs/sites are predicting a big win for the Hawks tonight.
Keep the turnovers down and the intensity up and this new-look Hawks squad can run with anyone in the league.
Freshfromatl
February 28th, 2011
12:54 pm
I think we should all pitch-in and send flowers to whatever playoff team (Boston or Miami) that signs Bibby. Nothing would make my day more than seeing Teague destroying this dude on the perimeter.
Reggie
February 28th, 2011
1:02 pm
Samuel
February 28th, 2011
11:50 am
I understand the optimism but let’s not get too carried away here. We beat two teams with a combined 59 and 58 record.
That’s true Samuel but those two teams are also a combined 39-22 at home, a place where we pretty much dominated them both.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 28th, 2011
1:18 pm
“I understand the optimism but let’s not get too carried away here. We beat two teams with a combined 59 and 58 record.”
Portland is a legit playoff team in a deep Western Conference. The game against Golden State didn’t prove much, but beating Portland at the Rose Garden is impressive no matter how you slice it.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 28th, 2011
1:22 pm
John Hollinger is a corny ass nerd. Everything in basketball has to fit into his perfect little PER-dictated world for him. He lives in Atlanta and has probably been to more Hawks games this year than most of us on this blog, but all his tweets are either about the Philips crowd or the other team.
KevinM
February 28th, 2011
1:22 pm
Najeh, I got to thinking that perhaps like us Portland shouldn’t have settled for just one significant move. They were ready to blow it up just prior to that winning streak.
I like that team also; they play with a lot of energy, but they do need a change in the backcourt. And moving Pryzbilla only makes their frontline that much thinner.
No way they compete with the Lakers going forward.
tom
February 28th, 2011
1:22 pm
wasn’t golden state 7 wins in 9 games before we played them on friday?
Dr. Warren
February 28th, 2011
1:24 pm
Great article, MC. Full of good information. I like the bullet-pointed style. Easier to read and digest.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 28th, 2011
1:26 pm
“If Bibby, in-fact does buy out his contract, would Sund bring him back? Hopefully not, but I wouldn’t be surprised one bit. DON’T DO IT SUND!!”
Two reasons it won’t happen:
1. The Hawks can’t sign a free agent until March 12 without going over the luxury tax, and even then they can only sign for a minimum salary.
2. Players who get bought out usually try to land in places where they will be able to contribute to a contender. Having been traded away from here for his replacement, Bibby would rightly assume that he can’t get big minutes here. A team like the Celtics (who just traded away Nate Robinson) or the Heat (whose point guard situation is even more abysmal than the Hawks pre-trade) would likely be able to promise Bibby minutes that the Hawks don’t have available.
KevinM
February 28th, 2011
1:29 pm
Well, Miami heading to solidify their PG position:
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/211573/Heat_Will_Pursue_Bibby_Pending_Buyout
That will put the nail in the coffin for the Heatles.
O'Brien
February 28th, 2011
1:29 pm
Also, Portland had won 7 out of 9 coming into last night’s game.
The Hawks have played much better on the road, so it will be interesting to see how they play at home. Will their new found defensive intensity carry over to home games?
I am looking forward to Hinrich on Rose for the 3 games coming up though.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 28th, 2011
1:30 pm
“FWIW (probably not much), several of the betting blogs/sites are predicting a big win for the Hawks tonight. ”
The post-Melo Nuggets are being slept on by everyone. That is a legit, deep team that could make some noise in the playoffs. The Hawks better not take them lightly. JR Smith and Gallinari are going to force the Hawks to close out on the perimeter, the Felton/Lawson combo will be the toughest test yet for the Hawks’ new defensive PG combo, and Nene is the kind of physical center who can give Al Horford problems. They don’t have the go to scorer Portland has, but they are every bit as deep and talented.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 28th, 2011
1:32 pm
“Will their new found defensive intensity carry over to home games?”
One favorable sign in that regard is that the Hawks have several marquee matchups coming up, so fans (myself included) are going to turn out. The Hawks have implied earlier in the season that they get complacent at home because of a lack of crowd energy, but that likely won’t be the case this month.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 28th, 2011
1:36 pm
“I like that team also; they play with a lot of energy, but they do need a change in the backcourt. And moving Pryzbilla only makes their frontline that much thinner.”
If they could ever get healthy, they would be a serious threat. The Przybilla for Wallace trade was a clear talent upgrade, so I can’t fault it all that much, but it definitely makes beating the Lakers more problematic, especially if Camby gets injured again. But they are fun to watch, like a lot of those 2-6 seeds in the West.
Zach Blend
February 28th, 2011
1:37 pm
A few thoughts…
1) Zaza stopped worrying about his Bottle Bar and started concerning himself on the boards.
2) The focus on perimeter defense allows are bigs to be in better position to board.
3) Are fast break is rusty.
4) Hinrich has proved he can hit the open 3.
5) We’re getting to the line and knocking them down (5th best in league)
6) Josh Powell is has brought production the last two nights
7) Joe has proved he can score 22 quitely. That’s ok.
9) Powe, Kapono are available
10) Excitement in the air.
O'Brien
February 28th, 2011
1:44 pm
Jordan Crawford article;
http://www.bulletsforever.com/2011/2/28/2019630/jordan-crawford-wizards-hawks-mavericks/
O'Brien
February 28th, 2011
1:47 pm
Crawford didn’t literally mean that everything he learns is meaningless if he doesn’t get a chance to show it off in game action. He credits lessons learned from Jamal Crawford, Mike Bibby and Hawks assistant coach Nick Van Exel (”like Sam Cassell here” is how he described him) for working with him in practice extensively.
But when asked to follow up a little bit more on how he tries to improve his game even given his previous lack of playing time, he went back to the same point.
“I had Nick Van Exel in Atlanta. It was good for me,” he said. “But as a person, I just feel like games is where you really get better.”
Flip Saunders: “He didn’t play a whole lot when he was in Atlanta, but I was talking to Mike Bibby, and he said ‘Coach, I’m telling you, this kid is extremely talented,” Saunders said. “He might not have played a lot, but he’s got unbelievable talent.”.
KevinM
February 28th, 2011
1:47 pm
OB, JC2 link didn’t work for me
buckhead benny
February 28th, 2011
1:56 pm
dude, I have been trying to tell people that Bibby was a bum- I saw him and Horford, Josh Smith like 3 different times out at tongue and groove acting like complete idiots- Bibby came down to the Atl to get his groove on- and it pretty much shows when you get blown out at home by 40 plus points- I would start drug testing dudes because that crap speaks to partying your a’** off and having no sleep-
trust me I have been there and those dudes did not have their game face on- I will tell you that- this Heinrich, and teague duo I like it man- its exactly what I believe the hawks needed- a smart touch defender that can shoot the ball- and I even like the depth the big man gives them-
I think they should dump Marvin next year too- He just rubs me wrong the way he walks- Men aren’t supposed to walk like that-
Worldwide Clyde
February 28th, 2011
1:58 pm
“I think they should dump Marvin next year too- He just rubs me wrong the way he walks- Men aren’t supposed to walk like that-”
Marvin walk like Wanda from In Living Color