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
ILL-Logical
February 28th, 2011
5:23 pm
The news that there is serious interest in buying out the ASG gives some hope that the long nightmare may be over. No matter if there is a prolonged lockout, the possibility that a more well heeled and motivated ownership structure will replace the current group and hopefully makes some critical changes from top to bottom-sorry Dominique but your days as a “broadcaster” may be nimbered- gives Hawks’ fans something to really cheer about.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 28th, 2011
5:24 pm
Doesn’t Corey Brewer pretty much do the same thing as Damien?
I wouldn’t be opposed to his signing — it’s slim pickins this time of year anyway — but I would ideally rather have someone who isn’t so offensively challenged. Preferably someone who can get to the line and convert once he gets there.
lewis
February 28th, 2011
5:27 pm
there’s no way we could pay brewer
Najeh Davenpoop
February 28th, 2011
5:29 pm
“What’s so special about Troy Murphy? Why are all the teams after him?”
He can hit 3’s and crash the boards, which is a perfect combination for teams that want to stretch the floor. As a role player, he is perfect for any iso-heavy team, and he’d even fit in fine on a team like Boston that has a point guard who can set him up.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 28th, 2011
5:30 pm
Troy Murphy!
He will be that hot-ticket this week! Who is he, asks Emir?
Aaaah … He is only about 20 pts 11-12 rebs per nite @ 6′11″, aah … He lines up real nice at center. IDK a thing about his defense? A rebounding machine though and fantastic post moves, has jumper with long range.
I think Grand-Daddy would call that a stretch 4/5. LOL!
We ain’t getting him though. He gonna want that easy ring team – A Contender. He is past his prime now.
NYC, Magic, Heat, Dallas – all the movers and shakers are lined up for this rare talent. Troy Murphy.
Sautee
February 28th, 2011
5:30 pm
Najeh,
IMO Brewer has a lot more lateral quickness than Damien. I could see him giving opponents the kind of trouble Childress did with his length. He is turnover prone, however.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 28th, 2011
5:42 pm
Peach Turnover!
We don’t need another turnover machine on this team. We actually lead the NBA last year in fewest turns per game. I would rather see us land a nother BIG! We don’t need any more 6′3″ ers.
Our length is our strength. We can’t afford Troy straight up, but he may take less to play for a contender at this stage of his career.
But, like Chris Rock said when Janet jackson dated Jermaine Dupree.
“Fellas! This means … We all had a chance.” I would tickle the luxury tax for Troy Murphy on a Hawks team.
Najeh, Grand-Daddy, Northcyde:
Hey yall, What would it take for Sund to get in on Troy Murphy?
I mean, aren’t Boston, Miami and Orlando cash – maxed too?
How much can those teams really pay him? Unless it’s NYC.
ag
February 28th, 2011
5:43 pm
Bibby just bought out his contract! Why would he not do that for us? We need to get Troy Murphy before Boston or Miami gets him. Bibby may go to Miami.
Sautee
February 28th, 2011
5:44 pm
Y’all watch the sky in the metro area. That was a nasty line of storms coming right atcha’.
Sautee
February 28th, 2011
5:50 pm
drmaryb,
“We don’t need any more 6′3″ ers.”
“Our length is our strength.”
FYI – Brewer is 6′ 9″
drmaryb (*_*)
February 28th, 2011
5:54 pm
Sautee
WOW! Corey Brewer 6′9″ damn … He is as tall as Marvin. Does he play SF? We need defense and offense there to plant Marvin to the bench for stretches. If we can put a true defensive team out there? We will finally have an identity. Who are we now? What type of team are we?
terrell
February 28th, 2011
5:55 pm
Sure does feel good not letting every pg have career nights against us.
Grandad
February 28th, 2011
6:02 pm
* (1) Troy Murphy:
Not past his prime…firmly in his prime.
Career 40% “3″ pt shooter & double digit rebounder.
Average defender = 6 fouls v D.Howard.
6-11, 260.
Has always played hard and been a good teammate !
High basketball IQ.
* (2) Corey Brewer:
MVP (tourney) Nat Champ UF Gators **[2nd]
great defender
Greater Teammate
If we could buy out Marv & sign CB / life would be wonderful.
*[my last statement contained a bit of hyperbole]
mediocre shooter
Plays with tremendous energy and high motor.
Honestly and with passion!::
We need a —-Rebounder—-!
Another one.
Help wanted;
One Rebounder
Must be a Bad Ass
Eats Rebounds for Breakfast, Dinner, and Supper.
Lives for one purpose…..to Rebound.
Should have a poster of Rodman on his ceiling.
If you named your 1st born Oakley; please apply.
ATL Hawks, contact LD not [Sund/ASG]
*(will fly you over from France if need be)
Grandad
February 28th, 2011
6:12 pm
Mary Ellen,
Baby boy playing career finis`.
We shall have our date soon.
Mrs G-dad says okay as well.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 28th, 2011
6:24 pm
I would love to have CB here. He plays defense and is 6′9″.
Sorry Troy, you Sir, are not past your prime. Do we even have a chance at either player. I heard we were looking at Rasul Butler? Who is he?
Sautee
February 28th, 2011
6:28 pm
Grandad,
“Help wanted;
One Rebounder
Must be a Bad Ass”
Wasn’t that supposed to be Etan?
drmaryb (*_*)
February 28th, 2011
6:36 pm
The Trigger – Has no Heart!
LOL. Mr. Riles was shopping Mike Miller hard eh? No takers! How much are they paying this guy? And would they trade him here for Marvin, straight up?
Seriously, Marvin does rebound and play nice defense.
Can Miller do that, if his shot’s not falling? IDK. To Marvin’s credit, he has played better this year. See Drew. Also, perhaps a true PG will now help him get better shots and FT’s. Maybe, we’ve all been to hard on him and Coach.
Man, Drew is getting what Woodson never had. IDK who’s to blame for Woodson, not having that PG. There is probably enough blame to go around, but a real GM makes his own moves and sells it to the owners.
But, you have got to give the Coach a balanced roster at minimum effort. You can not win without the players.
KevinM
February 28th, 2011
6:36 pm
Yes, Troy Murphy…….difference maker….the current leader of NBA players who have yet to play in a playoff game….remember JC1?..
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-hawks/crawford-ready-to-break-465461.html
Murphy gets that accolade as he can’t be counted on IMO, despite the double-double numbers.
Sautee
February 28th, 2011
6:44 pm
drmaryb,
Woody made his own PG bed when he nixed getting CP3 or DWill.
Ra'mon
February 28th, 2011
6:51 pm
If the Hawks could, adding Brewer would REALLY go towards adding that identity of being defensive and scrappy. I always thought Brewer could (defensively) become the newer mode of my all time favorite player, Scottie Pippen. With his quickness and lateral movements, Brewer is able to guard 1-3 positions. I want to start seeing the Hawks have some 80-76 games. The Hawks have an extra roster spot, but would probably have to buy out Etan to add someone else to the roster. I still wish the Pistons would buy out Ben Wallace, lol. But since that’s not happening, Brewer is the best available player for the Hawks.
slimjr
February 28th, 2011
6:52 pm
Bibby agrees to a Wizard buyout.Gives up 6.2 million next year to go to South Beach!!!! Good for you Mike!!!!………………………………..Can you take Marvin with ya???
Sautee
February 28th, 2011
6:52 pm
Ramon,
Big Freakin’ Co-Sign.
JObJO
February 28th, 2011
6:53 pm
do the Hawks have a spot for Bibby if he wants to come back here?
or not? I say not. let him go to spurs while parker is hurt.
slimjr
February 28th, 2011
6:54 pm
another classic large lead in the third lost in the 4th quarter meltdown…..When will this end?????In April, at the end of the season??
slimjr
February 28th, 2011
6:55 pm
Mike is done with Atlanta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He’s going to South Beach and win a Championship…………
Jae Evolution
February 28th, 2011
6:56 pm
If I had the choice between Bibby or Brewer, I choose Brewer easily, another Kirk Hinrich type defender who never gives up on a play and ALWAYS hustles, I put Brewer at the top of the list of people we can acquire.
slimjr
February 28th, 2011
6:57 pm
“Woody made his own PG bed when he nixed getting CP3 or DWill.”
In the famous words of FRED G. Sanford: “You Big Dummy!”
lewis
February 28th, 2011
6:58 pm
Btw, Hinrich’s game winning charge? How has no one mentioned how “heady” that was
RaJaH
February 28th, 2011
7:01 pm
So Bibby is giving away 6 million with a huge chance of a lockout next season…Guess he’s finally serious about chasing that title the league stole from him!
EmirS.
February 28th, 2011
7:02 pm
“Should have a poster of Rodman on his ceiling.
If you named your 1st born Oakley; please apply.”
Lol, GENIUS!
O'Brien
February 28th, 2011
7:02 pm
I’m surprised Bibby waived his salary for next year. $6.2 mil is alot of money for him to give up, because at his age, and with his play declining, and a new CBA, I dont think he will make that money back next year.
From hoopshype;
Brian Windhorst: With several teams chasing Bibby (esp. Portland) it wouldn’t be a surprise if Heat promised Bibby he’ll eventually be the starter at PG. Twitter.
How bad is Miami’s PG situation that Bibby might be the starter?
Chris Tomasson: One agent called it “crazy” Mike Bibby giving up all $6.2 million salary for next year. Said he’s a minimum player so would lose $5 mil. Twitter.
Well, it looks like Rick is off the hook for next year
slimjr
February 28th, 2011
7:05 pm
ESPN Confirmed Bibby headed to South Beach about 7 mins ago…………………Gave up over 6m Large………………..
KevinM
February 28th, 2011
7:06 pm
Bibster planning ahead in case of a lockout? I don’t see a lockout lasting that long. The majority of the players don’t prepare for locking out and I expect to see teams play at some point next season.
Bibster just has an ego that can’t handle coming off the bench IMO.
EmirS.
February 28th, 2011
7:08 pm
I’m looking at Troy Murphys Season/Career Stats.
It’s like he has a few good seasons in rebounding and PPG, but then drops off. His games played are not consistent. Im guessing injuries? Is he injury prone?
Ra'mon
February 28th, 2011
7:20 pm
Bibby is at the point of his career (the twilight) like a lot of players, who have made their money, and now realize not being called a champion will be the difference between a respectable career and a great career.
The Truth
February 28th, 2011
7:20 pm
Partying Bibby would be the perfect fit in South Beach. His brother -in-law (Eddie House) however, would be Bibby’s wife eyes and ears. So Bibby, be careful with the hanky panky. With 4 kids, child support and alimony would set you back a bit (@ your age)
superiorblogman
February 28th, 2011
7:33 pm
Joe Johnson got traded his rookie season and see how he turned out. I would not be surprised if Jordan Crawford’s numbers are not going to be really good before his 1st contract is up, like 15 pts, 3 rebs, 3 assists.
Booo!
February 28th, 2011
7:35 pm
LOL This is perfect, J-Quick and Hinrich will eat bibby alive.
When he was the starting PG I thought our SCHEME defensively was why bibby was always getting switched up on biggs etc. but the exact same thing happend to him in Washington! Multiple times! smh.
He is too prideful, I think Teague wants some getback.
Booo!
February 28th, 2011
7:38 pm
Bibby is selfish. He KNOWS he should have voulntarily requested a buyout from ATL intead of putting us through that nonsese and making our defense look scrubbish in the playoffs. I’m just sayin’
Ken Strickland
February 28th, 2011
7:39 pm
DRMARYB-What’s up young lady? I’m really excited again about the Hawks. All we have to overcome now to win a gm is the opposition. Another positive is we only have one DEF liability on the team(Jamal), and even he’s played better DEF now that he’s playing more SG.
I don’t want to sound like I’m blaming Bibby, because I’m not. If anything, he was a victim of age, wear and tear, and being forced to play too many mins and assuming more responsibility than he could handle. It looks as if it all might work out, with him signing with Miami. He’ll likely provide what they were hoping to get from MMiller, and what they’re not getting from their PG’s.
With DWade and Lebron, they don’t need a PG that penetrates and creates, just one that makes clutch jump shots.
Melvin
February 28th, 2011
7:40 pm
Bibby going to the Heat. So what!!!! His time came and gone in the ATL. I wish him the best but the Hawks have move on. So should us Hawks fans….
drmaryb (*_*)
February 28th, 2011
7:44 pm
Ra’mon
You got me salivating @ CBrewer. He sounds like Mookie’s ole’ running mate: Stacy “Plastic Man” Augmon. Not great offensively but was smothering on defense. A wet blanket fo’ reel.
I like the idea of stock-piling defensive players since we can’t get a true Big, right now. CB hands down over Troy Murphy….waite’! We the Hawks, we’ll prolly get Rasul Butler. Uggh!
drmaryb (*_*)
February 28th, 2011
7:50 pm
Can Mike run with them thoroughbreds in So. Beach?
I hope he doesn’t lumber down the court and park @ the 3 Pt Line. Maybe, Mike Miller will give Bibby a loan? Or take a buy out, (he has been awful for the Heat.
northcyde
February 28th, 2011
7:51 pm
Murphy has always been inconsistent as a big man. But what he represents, is an upgrade over Josh Powell. And anytime we can upgrade what is a mediocre bench overall, it’s a good thing.
If anything, maybe he can be that tough nosed rebounder off the bench that we consistently need. This team desperately needs that from people other than Smith or Horford.
As for Bibby, no surprise there. He gets to play one one of the most high profile teams in the league, possibly go deep into the playoffs one last time AND party in South Beach?
As many late game shots that Bibby has made for us the past 3 years, don’t think that he doesn’t have a few more in him.
Here’s a question . . . how much money did Bibby get in the buyout? I’m not sure how those rules work. Does Washington have to pay off a certain percentage of the money remaining on his contract, in order for the buyout to take place? If so, doesn’t that mean he’ll get part of that 6 mill from Washington anyway?
Bibby stupid for doing this? I don’t think so. May have been the best move of his career, when it’s all said and done.
Sautee
February 28th, 2011
7:53 pm
drmaryb,
Augmon is actually a good comparison for Brewer:
Defensive minded. Played on a Nat’l. Champ. Uses length very well. Limited offensively.
Ra'mon
February 28th, 2011
8:07 pm
Drmaryb, Brewer is a carbon copy of Augmon, now that you mentioned it. Runs like a deer, and jumps like a pogo stick. Someone said Childress. But he’s WAY more athletic than Childress ever was. I guess people forget all of the dunks Childress used to miss. But the East (thanks to Boston trading Perkins) have become a wings league (Boston, Miami, New York). The Hawks regains the title of being one of the most athletic teams in the league.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 28th, 2011
8:08 pm
NorthCyde
The Wizards picked up his balance on this season (what 32 games left?).
Bibby gave back 2011-2012 salary of 6.2M today, in exchange for his freedom. Unlike, Rip Hamilton, who chose to sit on Detroit’s bench for the next two years (that’s 24 months for prison Mike – fedarale’) @ a guaranteed contract amount of 25M! Rip ain’t giving back nane’ dime.
This has to put Joe Dumar’s on the “Fallen From Grace Wall” at the HOF:
He now ranks along-side Isaiah Thomas for “Dunce of The Decade”!
Talk about crazy? Dumars drafted Darko Milicic over Melo.
Fired Larry Brown after winning a Title with – that team?
(Aye! ASG! Detroit was an aberration – Not a model to emulate.
Dumars, traded Big-Shot Billups for Allen Iverson (Practice? and a dysfunfuntional alcoholic), to boot. Dumars has NEVER recovered.
So now, Dumars treats Rip Hamilton like “hot garbage”? And, Bibby thinks he was disrespected? He didn’t know his lame ass was being traded? Come on Mike, look at your stats and read Ken’s posts – if, you ain’t know, your game is NOT tite like Kobe on game nite.
Peace … Bibby.
Sautee
February 28th, 2011
8:15 pm
Ramon,
I was the one mentioning Chills, but only in the comparison of their length bothering opponents passing lanes. I’d take Brewer over Chills all day and every day.
But I’m afraid it’s just a pipe dream. I don’t see the ASKG spending what it would take (into low luxury tax land). Surely there’s another contender with more headroom, or deeper pockets than we have. Too bad. I’d love to start him at SF (defense!!!!) and let Marvin come off the bench.
O'Brien
February 28th, 2011
8:16 pm
northcyde,
It looks like Bibby got paid his full salary this year, but he basically voided his contract for next year.
And although Bibby has big shots left in him, I think LeBron, Wade, and even Eddie House will be the ones taking the last shot.
ag
February 28th, 2011
8:21 pm
I think Bibby will do okay in South Beach. With that team, he is a perfect fit. I also have been a big advocate for Teague. I read because we gave up so much we should start Kirk..NOT. Don’t rock the boat, keep starting Teague because he really does not need much offense playing with the starters. Also, because he is not a good finisher, Josh and Al are loving stuffing their stats with O rebounds and dunks of Teague misses!