Atlanta Hawks: Nuggets 100, Hawks 90
J.J.'s 15 points after halftime couldn't save Hawks.
Denver– I wasn’t thrilled with my seat for the game, which was over a tunnel in a corner opposite the Hawks’ bench. But it turned out to be the perfect vantage point to see the Hawks bumble with transition defense.
- The Nuggets couldn’t wait to get out and run once they collected Atlanta’s errant long jumpers. From my seat I could see why. The Hawks were a jumbled mess as they tried to get back, stop dribble penetration, find shooters and defend the rim. They were lucky if they managed to do one of the four.
- “We had bad floor balance, which is unlikely for us knowing we are playing a team that likes to get up and down the court,” J.J. said. “Knowing that if you didn’t shoot the ball, you have to get back. I messed up a few times on that and it costs us. Just boneheaded plays.”
- L.D.’s message before the game was to control the tempo with good shot selection.
- “Didn’t do it,” he said. “Didn’t even come close to it. We got into a jump-shooting contest early. We ended up 2 for 19 on threes, you are not going to win on the road taking that many threes especially with the other things we gave up. That’s way, way too many to give up on the road. The things we were concerned about coming into this game they completely took advantage of it.”
- To be fair, Hinrich and Smoove could have made a difference for the Hawks in the second half. Hinrich because he’s likely to help the Hawks work for better shots, Smith because when all else fails he can protect the rim.
- “When I went out after the first half, and then Kirk not being able to go I think it hurt us a lot,” Smoove said.
- “I think it helped a little bit by Josh not being in the second half,” George Karl said. “Still a solid win.”
- Josh said he sprained his right medial collateral ligament when J.R. Smith fell on his leg. He’s likely to get an MRI. It’s the same knee he banged earlier this season.
- “For the past two games it was feeling like I was getting back to 100 percent and then this happens,” he said. “It’s kind of frustrating but I can’t control injuries.”
- Al (21 points, 10 of 15 shots) was the most efficient scorer for the Hawks but got just two shots in the fourth quarter (and made both). Marvin was 0 for 4, Joe was 3 for 8, and Jamal was 1 for 3.
- The game got away from the Hawks when they went more than three minutes without a field goal while down 89-85.
- “This was a very winnable game,” Marvin said. “Obviously when Smoove went down the other guys had to step up. We had great looks at it we just couldn’t make shots tonight and couldn’t get stops when we needed it.”
- “We missed looks we normally make,” Joe said. “I don’t know it was dead legs or what.”
- “When they started double-teaming Joe we tried to space the floor,” Drew said. “This was one of those games where we could have used Kirk, could have used Josh Smith. Because one thing those guys can do is space the floor. We turned down some shots out of the double team which we can’t do. If they double team and you get an open look you’ve got to take the shot. We had some guys that were a little bit reluctant.”
- Teague did his part to slow Denver’s dribble penetration in the halfcourt (and got six needed rebounds) but was 1 for 6 on field goals. By my (unofficial) count four of those misses were long jumpers, which still isn’t his thing.
- Raymond Felton and J.R. Smith helped Denver’s bench enjoy a 44-17 scoring advantage. Only Jamal can match that firepower on Atlanta’s bench but the reserves didn’t help matter with poor shot selection during Denver’s rally in the second quarter.
- So the Hawks finished their trip 3-4 with Ws against Detroit, Golden State and Portland and Ls to the Knicks, Lakers, Suns and Nuggets.
- “You know, when you look at the thing as a whole, it’s OK,” Al said. “It could have been worse. This is a game I don’t like to lose but the fact that we came out and competed even though we were shorthanded I liked that fact. We were down one going into the fourth and we had a chance.”
- “It could have been better,” Josh said. “I think we could have won that Phoenix game. We played well in Golden State and Portland.”
- “Not all was bad but you look back at games we could have got,” Marvin said. “The LA game was going to be tough, I think everybody knew that. Phoenix, they got up on us and we fought our way back and could have snuck that one.”
- “Obviously we would have liked to have done better but I think it’s acceptable to finish off 3-4,” L.D. said. “It could have been a lot worse. Now we are still in a position where we can control our own destiny. We have a boatload of games at home and if we have to go home and handle our business.”
- “After the trade as you can see we had a lot of positive things happen,” Joe said. “Those two games were close. We have got to look forward to getting back everybody healthy. Hopefully Smoove’s injury is not serious.”
- It’s Bulls, Thunder, Knicks, and the Lakers at Philips over the next eight days.
- “The good thing about the good teams is there is going to be a crowd there, no matter if they are favoring the visiting team or ours,” Josh said. “I think that gets us going more than anything and trying to play in kind of a playoff environment.”
- “I think we’ve shown that we’ve gotten it together the last few games,” Al said. “Even this game I think we played well aside from the transition aspect. We have to come out with energy and intensity and be ready to go because we have got some real good teams coming.”
- I’m headed home after 15 nights on the road. Ken S. is on deck for the next couple days. Thanks for reading, blog people.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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281 comments Add your comment
myrak43
March 1st, 2011
9:23 pm
Sautee…. you think they would put Bibby on Marvin? Really? 6 foot 1 Bibby on 6 foot 9 Marvin, that would be the day Marvin goes for 40 points 20 rebounds.
myrak43
March 1st, 2011
9:25 pm
and 15 block shots
Grandad
March 1st, 2011
9:34 pm
myrak43
Marvin could not go 40, 20, & 15 against air.
Besides
Why would we have Marv guarding Bibby?
There is no rule that states you must guard the man who guards you.
superiorblogman
March 1st, 2011
9:35 pm
Josh did not have MRI today, they are just calling it day-to-day, seems like normal ATL bad work. We can expect a bunch of jumpshots from Josh as usual, this time people will use this as an excuse though. This team is a trainwreck that noone acts like they can see coming until they lose in the 1st round this year.
Grandad
March 1st, 2011
9:43 pm
I would prefer Joe Alexander or Courtney Sims from the D-League
> over > Marv !
Both having big seasons.
Sims has a big season every year / someone should give him a chance.
Heck;
bring up Pape Sy & let him play the [3].
He’s supposed to be a superb defender.
Just get Marvin off the court!
J from the A
March 1st, 2011
9:58 pm
I think the Marvin-haters are even more hyperbolic than the (sole) Marvin lover (itwasntabadpick).
Marvin is solid defensively (i would go as far as to say well above average), and he is average offensively. I know that Hawks need more than “average” out of him to push it to the next level, but c’mon, you guys (and gals!) really think Thornton or Brewer are better than Marvin?!
Now, if you talking about adding Thornton or Brewer for depth reasons, then maybe you have a (good) point. If you are saying you would rather have Thornton or Brewer (over Marvin) for financial reasons, maybe there is a (decent) point somewhere in that conversation. But to say that either Thornton or Brewer is in fact better than Marvin is a bit of a stretch.
Marvin Williams
March 1st, 2011
10:10 pm
I find all of your comments about me rude and disrespectful. I love the hawks. I would love for us to win a championship. But since my butt extends from my body at an abnormal way, I cant be mr. big shot. Please understand my big ass butt is the reason why you guys hate me. Please blame my but not me.:(
Marvin Williams
March 1st, 2011
10:11 pm
EmirS.
March 1st, 2011
11:25 pm
Hawks over Bulls tomorrow.
Note: If all our players are good to go.
SteveW
March 1st, 2011
11:25 pm
KevinM – The Hawks would have to wait until after March 12th to sign a player w/o going into luxury tax with their current salary situation
Najeh Davenpoop
March 1st, 2011
11:30 pm
Holy sh-t. 97 attempted free throws in a regular season game. That is brutal.
SteveW
March 1st, 2011
11:31 pm
Sautee – I wish Marvin cared enough about his game to implement your excellent idea. This summer if Marvin would hit the weights hard with a nutritional plan, he could gain 20 pounds of muscle to be a PF. And if he would spend some cash on hiring somebody to work on his low post game this offseason, I think he could be a good inside presence for, at least for strong D, boards and hustle. I just don’t think he cares enough
SteveW
March 1st, 2011
11:37 pm
Rod – I’m finally on board with you. Unless something amazing happens this last part of the season, time to let Marvin go. Get 2 vet min. Guys that play hard and won’t hurt you, I don’t care. Marvin has proven that unless he wants to, he’s not a good NBA player. Maybe a 10-13 guy to fill out your bench, but not a solid rotational guy. He can be, but he’s not.
northcyde
March 1st, 2011
11:43 pm
I’ve long given up on Marvin being a star player. I just want him to be consistently average. I want the 07 – 08 version of Marvin back.
Back then, he didn’t even attempt 3s. All he did was knock down the 16 – 23 foot shot at about a 45% clip, and took the ball hard to the hole and got fouled.
These days, he fluctuates from being good to very bad way too often. We get enough of that from Bibby and Jamal. Marvin used to be consistent in his mediocrity. But he’s not even that anymore.
We need Mediocre Marvin more than ever these days. Just be a consitent 5 – 11 FG . . 2 – 2 FT . . for 12 pts and 6 rebs. Don’t score 18 one night, and 6 the next.
SteveW
March 2nd, 2011
12:16 am
Northcyde – Even the Marvin we’ve seen flashes of earlier this year, where did that guy go? 12-6 solid D. minimize mistakes, yes, I’d take that Marvin. Where is he? Man the dudes looked terrible in a couple of games recently. Like consistently embarrassingly terrible.
SteveW
March 2nd, 2011
12:19 am
Marvin’s gone from in invisible to embarrassing alot lately.
Ken Strickland
March 2nd, 2011
12:30 am
FOOD FOR THOUGHT-The Hawks DEF held its last 3 opponents to an average of 87PPG. Prior to that, our DEF held only ONE(1)opponent below 87pts over the last 24gms. I think it’s obvious Zaza will be moved after the season and Jamal will not be resigned. It will be interesting to see who replaces them.
It will also be interesting to see what we decide to do with Marvin. Will he be traded, moved to the bench, or remain our starting SF. By combining Bibby’s and Jordon Crawford’s salaries with the money we’ll save by not having a 1st rd pick, KHinrich $9M salary should be covered.
Shake Something
March 2nd, 2011
12:41 am
Grandad
March 1st, 2011
9:43 pm
I would prefer Joe Alexander or Courtney Sims from the D-League
I would definetly take Joe Alexander
Grandad
March 2nd, 2011
1:03 am
Ken Strickland
I have a gut feeling – they will keep Jamal. (if @ all possible)
I think they move Zaza & / or Marv.
Jamal will not get the same $ he currently reveives.
Nobody wants a draft pick this yr = weak draft.
If the choice was trade “Z” or Marv then I would trade MW
for an equally bad contract – just to get him oughta here.
I don’t know why or what’s wrong but he has quit.
Not so much on the team, he has quit on himself.
Maybe the occasional benching then the trade rumors
messed with his psyche? *[Marvin] that is.
Slimjr
March 2nd, 2011
1:06 am
Marvin=D League..Stick a fork in him……………………………
Slimjr
March 2nd, 2011
1:09 am
Waive Marvin ASAP..HE’s no good .He can’t help in crunch time..HAS NO HEART or the skill set! TOO WEAK..OUT OF SHAPE etc………….BLAH BLAH BLAH……………
Grandad
March 2nd, 2011
1:17 am
Shake Something
D-League, cast-off, buy-out, FA;
I don’t care who,
—but—
we need rebounding !
—&—
We need an NBA caliber [3] !
—so—
Find a [3] that’s a relentless, raging, savage, brute
who happens to be an out of work rebounder.
doc
March 2nd, 2011
1:19 am
with his length and lack of agility, marvin’s future is a power forward by gaining muscle and showing desire and heart. since we already have two of them, he doesnt belong here, a bit of a road block.
Hawks mane
March 2nd, 2011
1:31 am
MARVIN YOU SUCK… We have to get brewer hes better than marvin plus hes boys with Horford. AL TELL SUND TO SIGN BREWER…. One more time MARVIN YOU SUCK
Hawks mane
March 2nd, 2011
1:34 am
Isn’t sad that Damien Wilkins looks better than Marvin out there… at least damien looks like he cares and puts the effort in… MARVIN YOU SUCK
Grandad
March 2nd, 2011
1:36 am
* Idea [insert lightbulb]
Play Collins, Zaza, or H.Armstrong @ the [5].
* (all the time)
Play Josh, Joe, or D.Wilkins [only] @ the [3]
* (all the time)
That way Marvin never gets on the floor unless we use;
“Sautee’s Plan”:
and need to use fouls # 30 – 36 from the Center position
(after Etan & Powell foul out)
-vs- D.Howard or -vs- the Lakers or some such Big team.
Maybe Marvin will get mad & buy out his own contract ?
Hawks mane
March 2nd, 2011
1:50 am
THe one thing the Hawks should have done was deal Marvin Williams… we could of easily done… We have to move him next summer…. Someone will take a flyer on him and nba gms have taken on worse contracts…
The Truth
March 2nd, 2011
1:58 am
Wizards buy out Thornton, who intends to join Golden State
Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/nba/2011/03/wizards-buy-out-thornton-who-intends-to-join-golden-state#ixzz1FQHGzPBD
Sounds like he’s definitely going to GSW
The Truth
March 2nd, 2011
2:03 am
Michael Jordan’s Charlotte, it appears, has replaced Cavs as the upstart trying to crash bidding, with Brewer still weighing his options about 6 minutes ago
Read more: http://hoopshype.com/twitter_media.html#ixzz1FQIn02wA
He’s probably going elsewhere as well
Worldwide Clyde
March 2nd, 2011
3:04 am
The problem with Marvin is he wants to be a star but in reality he’s just a role player. Early in his career Marvin was attacking the basket but now all he does is shoot long jumpers. When he drove to the hole he wouldn’t get a shot off but he would draw contact so he could get to the line.
Right now I think he needs to work on his defense and rebounding instead of his jumper.
drmaryb (*_*)
March 2nd, 2011
4:45 am
Why Not?
Why not just waive Marvin? If possible, what would something like that cost us? Can we offer him a buy out?
__________________
I am done with this guy with a man pinned down on his mammoth azz,
Marvin threw two fast balls back out to Teague. This is the 3rd and critical qrtr of the Denver game. Marvin has no passion nor desire to play lights out nightly.
How do you in year six, not take pressure off the young PG in this situation. Or, try to get to Al, but definitely take that big azz towards the paint. Inside – Outside? Isn’t that what Coach is preaching?
“We took to many jump shots tonight” has worn it’s pathway down and out with us bloggers.
Aye Gearon!
“Give me a reason, to turn this car back around.”
-Tracy Chapman-
drmaryb (*_*)
March 2nd, 2011
4:57 am
Beautiful comments and insight from worldwide clyde. I wish worldwide would share some international love more often, then open up the firing squad.
Which reminds me, “can I get 10K T-Sirts?” I wanna FIRE some people this week.”. Let’s go Egypt and storm the castle! ROF-LOL
Keep it coming worldwide clyde. (*_*)
hawks_4_life
March 2nd, 2011
5:31 am
Rasaul Butler anyone?
JeJe
March 2nd, 2011
7:16 am
LD says after every game how we settled for jumpshots. What a joke.
JeJe
March 2nd, 2011
7:18 am
Clyde, you’re my boy but I completely disagree.
Rod will back me up on this one: Marvin has NEVER in his career stated he wants to be a star. Watch his At Home BS show with James Verrett and you’ll see the guy has no interest at all in basketball. He’s just tall.
STRETCH
March 2nd, 2011
7:18 am
And news out of Minnesota, Eddie Curry just got waived. Wow!
KevinM
March 2nd, 2011
7:28 am
Curry being waived…..not a shock…the guy simply is not willing to commit..he has sat for the better part of 2+years.
And I find this totally the mindset of this organization:
“Obviously we would have liked to have done better but I think it’s acceptable to finish off 3-4,” coach Larry Drew said.
What a settlers mentality! Im sure Sund congratulated the staff and team on their successful road trip as well.
KevinM
March 2nd, 2011
7:30 am
Marvin failed to step up when Josh went out.
Nothing more needs to be said….his contract is becoming Bibby-esque.
O'Brien
March 2nd, 2011
7:33 am
Marvin has 3 years, $22 mil left after this season. I think the Hawks are stuck with duck, a.k.a. big clumsy.
I also think we are stuck with ZaZa (2 years, $10 mil left) after this season. Hopefully ZaZa will continue to bring the rebounding and energy we’ve seen the last couple games. Or Maybe LD should bench him every 5 games or so, to get him riled up.
Looking forward to the Bulls game tonight. I hope Hinrich will be ready to D-Up D. Rose (and I would be okay with HInrich starting tonight). It would be nice if Josh can play too, because if he is out, that means more minutes for Josh Powell.
Mike is back
March 2nd, 2011
8:07 am
MC, dang man you didn’t due LD any favors with that picture and them weak assssssssss comments of his…GEEEZ!
Dude is looking like he is the Roger Dangerfield of new coaches that has taken the reins of NBA teams this season…and add to that…our dubious distinction for professional sports…well did I mention daaaaaaaaaaaang.lol
Wabe
March 2nd, 2011
8:24 am
What’s the deal with J.Smith? Any word on his injury? Will he go tonight?
Fundamentals
March 2nd, 2011
8:53 am
We weren’t cheap picking up Hinrich, but here’s where it kicks in: Michael Cunningham: #Hawks GM Sund says team unlikely to sign any of waived/bought out vets. What’s up with that?
Josh needs to be careful. If he blows it out tonight we’re absolutely, positively done for the season.
Hinrich as well just might tear that calf muscle.
The time is to be patient and conservative. Why not give Hilton some real burn to see just how good or bad dude really is?
Continue to use Teague heavy tonight to see where he really stands. He’s made mistakes, but he seems more confident knowing he’ll get minutes. He’s done a good job of late. Let him grow.
Marvin & ZaZa are in it for the money, not to win. Amen to “they just happen to be tall”
SteveW
March 2nd, 2011
9:08 am
I agree. Hold Hinrich and Smoove out if they’re not ready to ball. Celtics did that kinda stuff last season, and almost won a championship.
Fundamentals
March 2nd, 2011
9:11 am
We can’t take any risks. So you think we’ll pick someone up after the luxury tax date? March 12th?
SteveW
March 2nd, 2011
9:16 am
Teague can hang with DRose. Marvin, if his head is in game can hang with Deng. I say start Etan on Boozer, and give him the D12 treatment. And of course, Al can more than hang with Noah. Wilkens, Jamal, Zaza off the bench, and you can rest Smoove and Kirk.
SteveW
March 2nd, 2011
9:19 am
Fundamentals – My understanding is they can’t be on your playoff roster if signed at that point. So I think the only way is if we need to cover for an injury.
SteveW
March 2nd, 2011
9:21 am
Throw Collins and Hilton on Boozer, Powell also. Just give him the D12 treatment tonight if Smoove is out.
Fundamentals
March 2nd, 2011
9:32 am
I guess the injury wrinkle would help, but I say if they don’t fill the slot before the 12th, that’s just cheap.
Etan isn’t ready.
Collins needs minutes to keep ready.
We need to evaluate Hilton.
SteveW
March 2nd, 2011
9:33 am
And speaking of bad trades, getting rid of Pau Gasol has to rank right up there with the worst trades in Hawks history. And Jamaal Tinsley for what turned out to be Dan Dickau was pretty bad to.
Fundamentals
March 2nd, 2011
9:38 am
Funny how the Heat & Celtics recognize Bibby’s role for a team, but we failed to use him in that capacity. We always try to force players to be what they’re not instead of playing their strengths.
Hawks have never had luck making those kind of decisions. We just always seem to find the diamond in the rough that turns out to be a black rock and not even coal.