Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 91, Blazers 82
Teague took it to the Blazers. (AP Photo)
The Hawks were desperate for a W and it showed before the game (L.D. bucked his recent trends and started Teague and Zaza); during it (the Hawks were forced to grind for three quarters and did it); and after (a strong sense of relief in the locker room).
- “I’m just glad we got the win,” said Teague, whose pep was just what a tired and beat down team (and the stagnating offense) needed.
- “He was absolutely sensational from start to finish on both ends of the floor,” L.D. said. “Defensively he did a great job of picking the ball up and harassing the ball. His speed and his quickness is just something we don’t have. When we put him in games we rely on him to be a nuisance defensively and offensively just to stay in the attack mode.”
- Teague did both against the Blazers. With Andre Miller no threat to get around him, Teague cut off his space and made it difficult for Miller to initiate Portland’s offense. And there was no one on the floor faster than Teague, who ran circles around the Blazers while batting passes, blocking shots and sometimes running a one-man break through traffic.
- “Jeff Teague had a great game,” Wesley Matthews said. “He played the passing lane well and was really active and caused some problems for us.”
- Teague’s 6-0 run at the end of the first quarter gave the Hawks some life and snapped sleepy Philips out of its slumber.
- “Those possessions at the end of the first quarter changed things,” Blazers coach Nate McMillan said. “It gave them some energy and got them right back in the game.”
- “Coach told us to get up there and put on the pressure and try to overplay the passing lanes and make something happen,” he said. “I got my hands on a couple of the balls. I got lucky.”
- Nothing lucky about Teague’s line: 24 points, three assists, five steals, three blocked shots, one turnover, 11/17 FG. He dominated his matchup with Miller, who never could back him down into the post.
- About the only thing Teague didn’t do well was shoot free throws (1 for 4) or finish on open floaters in the lane.
- “I am hoping this will be kind of a springboard for him,” Drew said. “It’s been kind of an up-and-down season for him. He’s played some minutes, he’s started a few games, and he’s gone stretches where he hasn’t played. But during that stretch I never stopped believing in that kid because I saw the package that he brings. He can make shots, he’s got speed, he’s got quickness, he can go from end to end. Defensively he can be a nuisance.”
- Teague couldn’t be blamed if he didn’t always feel the love from Drew but he said his confidence never wavered.
- “It felt great to get an opportunity to get out here and play, something I’ve wanted to do all year,” Teague said.
- “It’s important that he keeps believing in himself because I will never lose the belief in him,” Drew said. “I’m committed to him. I know that at times he shows signs of a lack of confidence. For whatever reason, I don’t know, because I recognize the fact that this kid if he’s playing at a level I know he can he can be pretty good and tonight he showed that. I just have to keep being that little birdie on his shoulder and keep letting him know how good he can be for our team.”
- Just as important as Teague’s spark was the interior defense provided by Josh and Zaza. Aldridge never found much space around the basket.
- “We did our best with him,” Drew said. “They started making threes so we made a decision particularly in the second half to just play him heads up and I thought both Zaza and Josh Smith did a great job on him. He made some shots but they were contested.”
- Atlanta’s rebounding got a big boost from Marvin (eight total, six defensive). This was another game where he seemed to be comfortable coming off the bench and focusing on a limited role.
- Joe still can’t get on track with his shot but his four rebounds in the third quarter were important. Josh also had four and Zaza had three as Hawks rebounded all 12 of Portland’s misses in the third quarter (two were credited to the team).
- “We were missing shots like crazy,” McMillan said. “We were missing threes last night (at Charlotte) and tonight we were missing shots again. We were missing layups and we just looked drained tonight.”
- Damien Wilkins made 6 of 9 shots, had two assists and no turnovers in 26 minutes. He doesn’t often force things on offense: “Joe was in foul trouble and so was Jamal. I had to come in and be aggressive and hold the floor down until they got back.”
- Wilkins is effective defensively when given an assignment that requires more force than finesse.
- “Damien came in and gave us some really good minutes,” Drew said. “He really played a physical game. He really banged with Roy, who they like to isolate.”
- The Hawks solved Portland’s zone in the second half, no small thing for this team. Jamal was a big reason why.
- “We actually went back to our man-to-man offense against the zone which turned out to be pretty good,” Drew said. “We started moving the ball real well and then Jamal started being a little more aggressive. First half I thought he was lethargic. At halftime I called him into my office and told him: ‘I need you to be aggressive, I need you to be in attack mode. Stay off the officials and just play basketball.’”
- The Hawks had just 18 assists on 40 field goals but a lot of that was because they had 13 field goals and 27 points on the break.
- “We’re at home,” Teague said. “We’ve got to try to play an uptempo game and get some easy buckets because our shots wasn’t falling lately. Getting some easy run-outs and things like that helped.”
- The Hawks get Milwaukee next in the game that was postponed by the snowstorm.
- “Hopefully this will take a little bit of the sting out of what we’ve been going through lately,” Drew said. “It’s going to be a grind every time we step on the floor. We’ve got to be prepared to bring our ‘A’ game every single time. We’ve got to grind it out. I know some guys are banged up, mentally they are fatigued, but guess what: So are 29 other teams. So we have to just step up and respond like other teams do.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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163 comments Add your comment
Rufus1
March 12th, 2011
11:32 pm
1st
doc
March 12th, 2011
11:37 pm
tempting
Little Fawkers
March 12th, 2011
11:43 pm
Hey Marvin Williams….. how dat bench feel?
Najeh Davenpoop
March 12th, 2011
11:45 pm
Small lineup: Teague/Kirk/Joe/Smoove/Al, with Damien/Jamal/Zaza/Marvin in that order off the bench
Big lineup: Teague/Joe/Smoove/Al/Collins, with Kirk/Damien/Jamal/Marvin/Zaza in that order off the bench
Clearly Teague plays better with the starters. Clearly Marvin provides more energy as a bench player. Clearly Damien plays consistently well enough to deserve a prominent role. Clearly Teague and Kirk are capable enough at the point guard position to where Jamal should not see a single minute at the point. These are all very easily observable things.
Seriously, if LD buries Teague on the bench again this year, as far as I’m concerned it’s a fireable offense.
Jae Evolution
March 12th, 2011
11:46 pm
If Joe Johnson gets back to his normal 20-25 point self, we can easily get to the second round in the playoffs, this team is good we just don’t always play like we are.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 12th, 2011
11:47 pm
“I am hoping this will be kind of a springboard for him,” Drew said. “It’s been kind of an up-and-down season for him. He’s played some minutes, he’s started a few games, and he’s gone stretches where he hasn’t played. But during that stretch I never stopped believing in that kid because I saw the package that he brings.
This guy acts like he had nothing to do with Teague “going stretches where he hasn’t played”. He talks about “believing in him” like he’s some fan who was hoping he’d play more. Unbelievable.
K.W.
March 12th, 2011
11:47 pm
Nice win for the Hawks.
ATL FAN
March 12th, 2011
11:48 pm
Great game by Teague… doubt he’ll keep it up though…
Najeh Davenpoop
March 12th, 2011
11:50 pm
“The Hawks solved Portland’s zone in the second half, no small thing for this team. Jamal was a big reason why.”
So was Teague for that matter. Normally nobody makes more than a half hearted effort to drive inside against the zone. Yeah, zones will collapse when you try to drive, but that’s when passing lanes open up. Teague attacked the zone on several occasions in that 3rd quarter, and that opened up at least a couple of those shots Jamal hit.
Jae Evolution
March 12th, 2011
11:51 pm
Also the rest of this month, we play Miami, Chicago, and Orlando. We WILL get faced against one of these three in the first round, so it’s important we play smart against these teams.
It’s been awhile since I’ve been relieved about Jamal, but tonight he did a good job of hitting his shots, and not being a terrible liability defensively, Great game by Teague, kid BEASTED! Overall this was a good game.
rusty
March 12th, 2011
11:55 pm
The only thing I can say is ld is a lying idiot.
Buddy Grizzard
March 12th, 2011
11:56 pm
It’s funny that only the emergence of Jeff Teague, a player whose confidence LD has tried to destroy at every opportunity, is the only thing that can save LD’s job.
rusty
March 12th, 2011
11:58 pm
Wheres nortcyde
rusty
March 13th, 2011
12:01 am
I sure hope that jt don’t save LD’s job. To think that we gave jc2 away for nothing. That’s on him too
RED ZONE 1
March 13th, 2011
12:01 am
I’m going on record to be the guy who coined the phrase TEAGUED!!!! Portland was the first team to get TEAGUED. Next the BUCKS, and then the rest of the league!!!! I told everybody, he is the second coming of Rajon Rondo!!!!
Melvin
March 13th, 2011
12:16 am
It’s nice to see one of our bench guys/non rotational player score a career high. Nice game Teague… Keep playing Teague (KTP), LD….
northcyde
March 13th, 2011
12:22 am
I knew I wouldn’t be able to see the game tonight.
Damn . . so I missed the “The Teague Show”.
I’m proud of the kid taking full advantage of his opportunity. I saw the highlights on NBA.com and like the voice over said . . he was BALLIN’.
Coach Drew . . with the way this team is right now, you pretty much have no choice but to play, and even start that kid.
Rusty . . I said earlier in the week that Drew needed to think about starting Zaza and Teague. Not because I thought those two could ball, but to balance the team out. If Horford and Smith are going to insist on playing out on the perimeter, we need some role players who will do the “dirty work”.
If Zaza can do it from a rebounding standpoint, and Teague can do it from a perimeter defense standpoint, that’s all good in my eyes.
Lineup should be . . Teague – JJ – Smith – Horford – Zaza
That way, the reserves can be somewhat balanced too, with Hinrich – Crawford – Damien – Marvin – ( Smith or Horford or JJ/when Marvin or Damien isn’t in the game ).
All I wanted Teague to do, is to make an impact. He made a hell of an impact tonight. Those steals were huge, because he converted almost all of them into points. In essence, that was the point margin in the game.
Art Vandelay
March 13th, 2011
12:23 am
Seeing Jeff playing so well was awesome! I’ve been a big supporter ever since we drafted him. He was great in the ACC… one of the best in the division! I don’t see how he didn’t deserve PT as soon as he got in the league…
I am however sad to see Jordan Crawford playing well for the Wizards. I thought we got a steal when we drafted him, and now he’s put up 22 pts and 16 pts for Washington is back to back games and he was 3rd on the team with 16 shots (even though he missed 1/4 of them).
We could have really used him on our team. Oh well.
northcyde
March 13th, 2011
12:25 am
And I agree that LD is “embellishing the truth” a bit. I won’t call him a flat out liar.
But when you DNP the kid one night, and play him the next ( probably due to pressure from the front office ), you can’t sit there and act like you had confidence that the kid could do this on a nightly basis. If you believed he could, then why in the world wasn’t he playing?
Ironically, since the Bibby trade . . we’re 3 – 0 in games that Teague has started. 3 – 0 or 3 -1 . . can’t remember.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 13th, 2011
12:31 am
It’s 3-1. They lost to the Suns.
HawkEye
March 13th, 2011
12:36 am
LOL. That is the most times i have seen Marvin fall in a game. This guy has on skates. A much needed win nonetheless. Let Teague start from now on.
Christian
March 13th, 2011
12:37 am
Did anyone hear a brief MVP chant for Jeff Teague while at the free throw line?
Najeh Davenpoop
March 13th, 2011
12:50 am
“Did anyone hear a brief MVP chant for Jeff Teague while at the free throw line?”
Yeah, I started it. Glad you heard it.
darrell starks
March 13th, 2011
1:03 am
Najeh Davenpoop i cosign.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 13th, 2011
1:07 am
If TEAGUE DONT STARTE EVERY GAME FROM HERE ON OUT LD SHOULD BE FIRED THE NEXT DAY, woody and LD have destroyed players development so much that it’s a crime shame that the GM continue 2 be the one with the finger pointed at, FIRE LD.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 13th, 2011
1:11 am
I no billy night made some bad draft choices, but you have 2 wonder with woody and LD stuberness in playing the young guys, on how many careers they have destroyed.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
Eric
March 13th, 2011
1:16 am
I fell asleep Saturday woke up caught the end of the second quarter and thought I was dreaming. Jeff Teague looked like Isiah Thomas out there on the court. Portland never knew what hit them, Teague was an animal. He had like three one man fast breaks tonight, and he held Andre Miller to only one point. Let’s hope Drew keeps him in the starting lineup, and really hope Teague keeps this up.
Jae Evolution
March 13th, 2011
1:17 am
At first I was hesitant to start Teague at the PG position, I realized this game the kid doesn’t need to run an essential PG, we have a lot of people that can run the offense, but this kid makes scoring easier for everyone, and when he penetrates he converts or dishes it off to a teammate for an easy deuce.
I have high hopes come playoff time, we won’t have a guaranteed advancement this time around, but I expect us, if we can get past the first round we can go far.
Also when the off-season rolls around and we rid ourselves with the end of the bench scrubs and possibly get some solid rotation ‘bigs’ we can do big things next year.
gonzaedger
March 13th, 2011
1:17 am
If you could not find a job for a long time it is time to change your career guys.. The time is now. Be on your way to earning an accredited degree. Check out high speed universities and they sure find suitable career based on yoIf you could not find a job for a long time it is time to change your career guys.. The time is now. Be on your way to earning an accredited degree. Check out high speed universities and they sure find suitable career based on your interests.
darrell starks
March 13th, 2011
1:19 am
What is it with MARVIN, woody starte this guy no matter how bad he plays, and LD does the same, this is unbelievable on how much grape coolaid LD HAVE DRUNK, on thinking this guy is the second coming of the iceman, what a pathetic way of thinking as a coach, it is clear as day that marvin should never starte a basketball game in his career, but yet he continue 2 let him destroy this team at the 3.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paradise Lost
March 13th, 2011
1:25 am
Najeh & northcyde,
It wasn’t only LD’s comment about the believing and the long stretches Teague didn’t play, but also this one “His speed and his quickness is just something we don’t have.” that struck me.
Perhaps LD meant to say “No one else on the roster has his speed and his quickness.”? Or maybe he meant to say “When I give him a DNP-CD, we don’t have his speed and his quickness.”? I mean, if Teague is on the roster and you play him, then yes, LD, we DO have “his speed and his quickness.”
Mike
March 13th, 2011
1:30 am
LD should keep Hinrich at the 2 guard position, I’ve always thought he was a natural 2 not a point. On another note, can someone please wake Joe Johnson up. He looks like he’s taking a stroll in the park out there on the court. The 100 million dollar man is averaging like 11 points lately, let’s start earning some of it Joe!!!
darrell starks
March 13th, 2011
1:30 am
Last night this team was out rebounded,
HAWKS 28 REBOUND BULLS 50
Tonight
HAWKS 40 REBOUND BLAZER 34
This is why you have play your bigs and stop with this smallish lineup,
but LD with his stubberness, and him continue 2 drink marvin grape coolaid IS THE REASON FOR HAWKS FAILURE, HORFORD IS NOT A CENTER FIRE LD.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
hawks_4_life
March 13th, 2011
1:31 am
GLAD TO SEE HIM GROW A PAIR AND STOP BRINGING THE BALL UP ONLY TO DUMP IT OFF.
darrell starks
March 13th, 2011
1:37 am
STARTER TEAGUE, JOE, JOSH, HORFORD, COLLINS OR HILTON DEPEND ON MATCHUP, like last night hilton should have started because of his quickness 2 contain noah.
BENCH HINRICH, JAMAL, DAMIEN, MARVIN, ZAZA.
RESERVE POWELL, COLLINS.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 13th, 2011
1:43 am
HAWKS SUCCESS
1. Never starte marvin again
2. let josh play the 3 he is the best smallforward on the team
3. Never let horford play center again
4. Rotate your big at center COLLINS, ZAZA, HILTON
5. Starte teague every game and rotate him and hinrich at point
6. Defense is the bread and butter
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
TheAntiMe
March 13th, 2011
1:48 am
“I never stopped believing in that kid (Jeff Teague) because I saw the package that he brings” – Larry Drew
Well you sure could have fooled me, LD. It looks to me like you just make these comments up as you go along regardless of what your past history has shown. Do you think that no one has paid any attention to your coaching proclivities for this entire season? Incredible.
hawks_4_life
March 13th, 2011
1:57 am
Wilkins should be the first one off the bench instead of jamal. Ill take his defense any day over a shaky streaky J. JJ earn your check.
Paradise Lost
March 13th, 2011
3:01 am
Watching Game Time and listening to Dennis Scott and Kendall Gill call out JJ on his [lack of] leadership. Kendall: “He is the quiestest $120 million man I’ve ever seen.”
superiorblogman
March 13th, 2011
3:27 am
Teague is the “King of the South” for a day. If he can average 15 pts 5 assists, 3rebs, and 2 steals for the rest of the season he will overtake Al as my favorite Hawk. He can do it if he gets 30+ minutes a game from here on out.
Paradise Lost
March 13th, 2011
3:51 am
“quietest” … I am way too reliant on spellcheck!
Najeh Davenpoop
March 13th, 2011
3:22 am
One thing I noticed in this game (and a lot of other recent games) — a big reason Jamal gives up so much on the defensive end is that he insists on doubling down when the other team has the ball in the post, leaving his man open and recovering too slowly to challenge the shot. The rest of the Hawks are good enough at man to man defense that Jamal really doesn’t accomplish much by showing the double team, and it almost always leads to a defensive breakdown and/or an open 3 for the other team. The worst part about this is that it isn’t even necessary. Jamal, stick to your man, since you have a hard enough time doing that.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
March 13th, 2011
3:53 am
@ paradise lost, wow. I have got to check out that interview glad somebody is calling Mr. Big Shot out. Drew is not a good politician or coach. Imagine how much better we’d be as a team had LD started Teague from opening day. He costed us Jordan Crawford with his sorry self. STOP LYING to your self and Hawk Nation brah.
Big Daddy
March 13th, 2011
5:27 am
This was, hopefully, the breakout game for JT. Last year, he had a game like this against Cleveland at the end of the season. There was a lot of talk that since they didn’t play many of their starters, it was bogus. This was a game where Teague played against Andre Miller and Brandon Roy and still had a monster game. Keep it going Jeff and don’t be shy and give the ball up to Jamal coming up the court like you have in the past. Run the team.
LD, one of the early tenets I learned in life was “hear what someone says, watch what they do”. You have made these comments about having confidence in this kid but I see all of these DNP’s or 2 – 5 minutes by his name for minutes played. That, to me, does not indicated confidence in someone. Does he get yanked again if he has a bad game? I don’t know how you can justify starting Marvin and benching Jeff. Wouldn’t we all like to mark this day on our calendars as the game we saw the emergence of our long wished for and much needed point guard? Go Hawks!!!!
Rev in Tampa
March 13th, 2011
5:43 am
@Hawks Fan In New Orleans,
I agree. When Jordan Crawford grows into his potential I am going to be furious at LD. It is on him, and him alone, that we traded Crawford away. Had he even given an effort at developing Teague Sund might not have felt the need to give away so much to move Bibby’s sorry contract and bring in an established point guard.
Big Daddy
March 13th, 2011
5:48 am
Also, kudos to Smoove. He was 4 assist from a triple double.
tony
March 13th, 2011
6:16 am
I think LD hurt this team alot by not recognizing Teague’s abilities(penetrate, steal, shoot, dunk and quickness). He’s not a good assist pg but in LD’s motion offense he doesn’t need to be. Keeping him on the bench caused us 2 first round picks and maybe some games in the lost column.
Having Teague in the starting lineup will force JS to stay closer to the basket and minimize JJ over dribbling. Teams around the league will not like the idea of trying to guard JT. If he doesn’t remain the starter, LD should be FIRED!
The Game Has Changed
March 13th, 2011
6:44 am
@Tony-What if Teague goes back to being his old self. Should LD bench him or just let him play?
The Game Has Changed
March 13th, 2011
6:53 am
@ParadiseLost-Maybe Joe shouldnt be paid 20 million a year but do you hear the Bucks crying about Micheal Redd making 18 million a year and hasnt played in two years. So if he can make 18 and dont play I think Joe can make 20 and lead us to the playoffs year after year.
sam'l
March 13th, 2011
7:03 am
I’ll believe Teague when he has a couple more good games…..remember, he has been consistently “not so good” for a couple of years……..you gonna trust Teague in the playoffs? You may have to.
Rev in Tampa
March 13th, 2011
7:13 am
@The Game Has Changed,
What is Teague’s old self? Is it being slow and unable to defend? Is it being a turnover machine? Is it being an undisciplined jumpshooter who jacks up a three everytime he touches the ball on the perimeter?
I think the question is, “Why doesn’t LD give Teague more minutes when other players are playing poorly?”
The Game Has Changed – Is your name really KIRK HINRICH?
tony
March 13th, 2011
7:20 am
The Game Has Changed
Old Self? He needs experience 1st young man. He has the abilities, he just need to get starter’s minutes so he will be comfortable running the offense. JS and MW revert back to their old self all the time. Keep him in the lineup. He will be find.
What is your interpretation of >>>>show up<<<<
Trojan
March 13th, 2011
7:29 am
Last time we played Portland, LD said, Teague is not a good matchup for Miller. Wow, was he wrong.
I like the lineup because it keeps the ball out of JC and JJ’s hands. They are ball hogs and they always will be. They are talented ball hogs though.
Good move by LD.
South Ga boy in the Atl
March 13th, 2011
7:36 am
I can’t believe how fast LD “got Jeff Teague religion.” Jim Jones would be proud of how fast LD made and drank that whole 40 oz. Bottle of Kool Aid. Seriously, we gave up JC2 because LD was “job scared” and did his Woody imitation by playing Bibby aka “the Vet that’s teacher’s pet.” LD should definitely run for office after coaching the way he did a 180 and started “slurpin him so Jeff Teague” after the game. As I said a couple of days ago, if we can get a quality 5 and an avg 3 for Smoove and Marvin during the offseason then ASG better make the trade as fast as LD can talk out of both sides of his mouth. Shoot, just get a true center and a backup 3 for Josh and Marvin and I believe we could compete with Just about any team with Damien at the 3, JJ, Al, Teague, and a legit 5. We would have 3 quality backups for the front court and need to get a vet SG or SF for the league min and along With Kirk we would have 10 players that could compete and beat any team in the league. Only ? Would be whether LD would be the HC to take us where we all want to be. I’m willing to give him another yr with a team that is composed correctly not one where 2 of the 3 best players play the same position and there was no PG ( until he’s finally seen the light about Teague) that could compete with Rose, Rondo, etc and a team that has no legitimate center or a team that has role players that are never given a role (Zsa Zaa, Kirk, Damien, etc). We are closer than most people realize with just one big trade of a “core” player ( I’m sick of hearing about “the core”). “The core” has to have a change.
prison mike
March 13th, 2011
7:49 am
We have roughly 16 games left and I see no reason why teague can’t get a lion’s share of the minutes at point. Hopefully the seasons last week is predetermined and jeff can go out and play without the coach monkey on his back.
Lacsho
March 13th, 2011
7:55 am
Some of you bloggers sound like LD; you act like you’ve been supporting Teague out the gate. While others like myself knew what we had in JT. He just needs consistent minutes with the starters.
Two of these three starters need to go in the off season Joe, Josh, or Marvin. Also, for the life of me we get rid of JC2, and keep JC1 “Really”, I blind man can see this kid’s potential. Oh I forgot we’re talking about LD, Hell I think he has a LD (learning disability).
Northcyde and the rest of you haters should be ashamed of yourselves. You guys flip flop more than an Ihop cook. Give me a break fellas, please get a clue. Anybody can cut and paste stats to manipulate their argument. Have you actually made it to a game, or are you still using that Tennessee excuse.
Peace to the old heads that started with Sekou. You know who you are.
Lacsho
J from the A
March 13th, 2011
7:58 am
@MC: Do you get a sense that the team is not becoming acclimated to Kirk?
As I’ve watched the games (including in-game footage and when Kirk is on the bench), several of the other players seems to be a little cold toward him. Am I imagining things? Are the players still trying to get used to Kirk? Or have, at least some of the players, decided they don’t want to get used to Kirk?
J from the A
March 13th, 2011
8:04 am
I don’t know what Teague the rest of you bloggers have been watching all season long, but, earlier in the season, Teague was not ready for major rotational minutes, let alone starting.
However, things have started to look up. Teague has played a couple decent games post-All Star break, and last night Teague was simply a beast.
I’ve been one of Teague’s biggest critics this year — well, I am not sure if ‘critic’ is the right word; rather I think I am one of the few that haven’t been lost in some Teague dream world.
However, of the Teague “critics,” I have also consistently said that Teague had the raw tools to develop into a very good player. I always saw potential in Teague, even if I didn’t see actuality in Teague. Last night I saw both. Hopefully, last night will serve as a break out game for Teague. I would love to see more from him!
Lacsho
March 13th, 2011
8:25 am
I saw this same Teague last year. It’s hard to look legit, when your coach consistently kills your confidence. The kid would have several good games, then LD would hit him with several DNP’s. Keep in mind he’s watching JJ, Marvin, Smoove, Jamal, and Bibby make the same horrible mistakes every game, and there’s no accountability for them. LD has pulled a Woody, and he continues prove to me, that he is the definition of insanity. That’s when you continue to repeat the same stupid mistakes and you expect a different outcome.
Like my boys Cypress HIll would say LD is insane in the membrane!!!!
JeJe
March 13th, 2011
8:26 am
LD’s comments are just knee-jerk reaction BS.
LOL @ him saying he never stopped believing in Teague. THEN WHY HASN’T THE GUY PLAYED
NATIVE SON
March 13th, 2011
8:27 am
To me; a big misnomer is that coaches develop talent. Hogwash!! A player’s talents develop themselves, through personal committment. Teague played like he was committed to staying on the floor last night. On the flip side; a coach is culpable for keeping those talents on the bench.
PEACE from the Most NATIVE SON
JeJe
March 13th, 2011
8:28 am
“He gave it to me in a big way tonight,” Drew said. “He was sensational from start to finish.”
Trojan
March 13th, 2011
8:37 am
LD will probably pay Teague 3 minutes in the next game. Come on LD, we have nothing to lose by getting the ball our of JJ and JC hands and hoping that this team changes directions.
Lacsho
March 13th, 2011
8:37 am
I really enjoyed the book “Native Son”, but I totally disagree with your comments. I played sports all of my life, and I’ve been coaching for 15 years. I’ve coached, basketball, soccer, track, and football. Every sport has a consistent theme. Any kid can have natural talent, but it takes a good coach to develop the talent. That’s the main attribute of being a good coach.
doc
March 13th, 2011
8:45 am
wassup lacsho?
The Game Has Changed
March 13th, 2011
8:50 am
Rev In Tampa-His old self is not being assertive. Not to mention taking too many jumpers. Last night he did a good job getting to the rim over older and slower players so lets not crown him now. I do wish him well. He better do well, this is my team.
Banks
March 13th, 2011
8:58 am
Listen slow the Teague hype train. Some of you on this blog go crazy when a guy has one good game. Let him do it consistently and then we can slowly begin to hype him up. Remember Damien wnet for 40 on us, Mo went for 30, while playing in Orlando, and even Marvin had a 36 point game against Seatle. Point is any one can snap for one game, but your really good players are consistent. Don’t crown him yet. Let’s see what he does against Brandon Jennings and Bucks.
The Game Has Changed
March 13th, 2011
9:01 am
Amen Banks
Lacsho
March 13th, 2011
9:08 am
What’s going on Doc? I’m still lurking around lol.
hawks_4_life
March 13th, 2011
10:16 am
NEXT SUNDAY
DETROIT PISTONS
3HR DRIVE FROM FT GORDON
2PM GAMETIME
IM THERE
doc
March 13th, 2011
10:40 am
glad to see it bro. me too probably for the long haul into the grave. heh heh
yeah teague has to show some contiunity before being crowned starter in my opinion, just the same great effort last night on is part. if he is for real wuld like to see the line up of teague, kirk, jj, josh and al starting games. i posted it on the other site and think najeh has here already.
i would prefer to see jj more at 3, if his ego can stand it. he is more of a paul pierce guy anyway in size rather than a legit two that can run around screeners anymore while getting space for his shot. he would still have ops for threes at certain points but let kirk take that shot or jamal off the bench. it would pay to our overall talent better. d. wilkins should be available for some spot dty as well as he is a legit pro making pro like decisions on the court. smart and heady guy which we need.
as far as marvin fitting in? in my eyes, he is a backup 3 and 4. the experiment of marvin being a legit starter should be over now unless he really shows he can be more consistent.
Tremaine
March 13th, 2011
10:50 am
Teague should be starting. No, he will not put up those numbers every game but we shouldn’t expect him to. We have a washed up guy making 120 million (Joe Johnson), ball hog (Josh Smith), and a guy with the fourth best shooting percentage in the league (Al Horford) that we should be getting scoring from. We need Teague to start so he can push the ball up the floor and make plays for others.
Tremaine
March 13th, 2011
10:51 am
“GIVE TEAGUE A CHANCE!”
Sautee
March 13th, 2011
10:52 am
doc,
Yeah I posted last night about Damien’s poise. He just looked calmer and more in control than many of our starters.
And I’ll co-sign what you said about Marvin.
Sautee
March 13th, 2011
10:54 am
Lacsho,
Good to see you haven’t dropped off the face of the earth. Post more often. Always glad to see your posts.
Michael Cunningham
March 13th, 2011
11:04 am
@J from the A: “@MC: Do you get a sense that the team is not becoming acclimated to Kirk? As I’ve watched the games (including in-game footage and when Kirk is on the bench), several of the other players seems to be a little cold toward him. Am I imagining things? Are the players still trying to get used to Kirk? Or have, at least some of the players, decided they don’t want to get used to Kirk?”
i haven’t noticed that. both he and his teammates seem happy he’s here. i know Josh and Al are happy not to have to clean up perimeter breakdowns on a nightly basis. Bibby was just such a big presence in the locker room and Hinrich has a different personality so i’m thinking it will take time for him to be fully integrated.
steve brown
March 13th, 2011
11:04 am
I saw Teague make an actual jump shot. There is hope.
northcyde
March 13th, 2011
11:18 am
Lascho . . I am the last person you shoule be calling out. I’ve made 5 – 10 games the past 3 years, including at least one playoff game . . driving 600 miles round trip from Tennessee.
If I lived in Chattanooga, and was only less than 2 hours away from the city, that number would approach 20 games a year, because I’d be able to make more weekday games.
Unfortunately, I live on the TN – Kentucky state line, in a different time zone. The “Tennessee Excuse” is NOT and will never be an excuse for me watching the Hawks, when I can take off to go to a game. That’s why I have no sympathy for you folks who live a mere 20 – 45 minutes from Philips and STILL don’t support the Hawks at the arena.
As far as me “flip-flopping” on Teague, that isn’t true either. I’ve questioned that dude’s leadership ability ever since that 0 – 15 FG preseason game vs Orlando in the preseason of his rookie year. I don’t believe he’s a true PG.
The ONLY reason I suggested that he start ( even before last night’s game ), was because this team was totally out of whack, and needed a different mix to balance things out.
And it’s a known fact that Teague has not played well alongside Jamal, but seems to play well alongside JJ. So when you’re in a rut like we were, why not try anything? INCLUDING starting Zaza, which I also stated earlier in the week.
LOL @ flip-flopping. You won’t see me declaring Teague as the savior after one great game. Salim used to have games like this too, when he got playing time.
The key for Teague is for him to consistently make an impact on the game. If he can continue to do that, he should continue to play. Salim, nor Acie, nor Shelden could do it. Let’s see if Teague can.
northcyde
March 13th, 2011
11:51 am
And since people despise stats so much, here’s 2 more.
Josh Smith has grabbed 10 or more rebounds in 29 games, by my count. The Hawks record in those games?
22 – 7
Conversely, he has pulled down 6 or less rebounds in 19 games. Tha Hawks record in those games?
5 – 14 . . including losses in our last 8 games.
It is so important that a guy like Josh rebound the basketball, especially on this team. And because of the lack of depth on the frontline, he has to be a borderline great rebounder.
honest_abe
March 13th, 2011
11:52 am
j from the a & doc: spot on with your comments on teague. he just wasn’t ready for a bigger role this year. things have slowly turned around for him lately.
as far as marvin is concerned he’s just a tantalizing talent. he does about 90% of something good but always flubs the last 10%. best example is against the bulls when the hawks made the comeback, he gets a steal rises for the dunk and ………..he loses the ball on the way up. he does this every night, blows by a defender gets in great position and then trips. gets a steal and starts the other way only to lose control of the ball. most have given up but others still believe one day he’ll put it together. i’m starting to lose hope.
honest_abe
March 13th, 2011
11:55 am
oh ya give damien some consistent minutes! he’s the only guy i can think of that “brings” it on a nightly basis. and he does this without all the stupid stuff like josh smith. damn give damien josh’s physical attributes and he’s a first team nba player.
vava74
March 13th, 2011
12:07 pm
Just finished watching the game. A few notes:
1. The Portland guys were wasted, so that made things A LOT easier.
2. This was Teague first real opportunity (I’ll explain) and he made the best out of it doing exactly what I always though he was able to do.
He had some trouble playing the half court offense and still bricked a couple of teardrops but Rome was not built on one day.
I said “first opportunity” above since this was the first time he started AS A VOLUNTARY OPTION BY LD and not by default – injuries and trades.
This makes a heck of a difference in relation to getting the go ahead with a bottom line of “tomorrow X will be back and will start” or “tomorrow Z will arrive from the trade and will start”.
3. Zaza also played with a lot of energy and fought for every ball. Some of us have been saying that probably the best way of extracting value out of Zaza is to start him since he is very “minutes/incentive sensitive”. I think this was a good example that this could be indeed true.
4. Josh would have had an excellent game if he had not thrown away so many stupid passes.
5. Last, but not the least, we were saved by the “two foul rule” this time: when Jamal picked his second and went to the bench, we got back to the game to end the 1st quarter in style and played a “hard-fought-hair-in-the-chest” type of basketball throughout the 2nd quarter instead of the powder puff stuff we have been putting.
On the second half that type of bball rubbed in on Jamal – coped with the fact that he did not play PG and POR were tired – allowing him to play well on both ends.
So, due to a lucky event, LD used Jamal as he should always be used: put him in, if he struggles to start going, pull him out without too much ceremony, then try again later and if he struggles again, keep him on the bench, if not and he is balling, try to maximize his minutes and his production (AND NEVER AT THE PG SLOT).
rusty
March 13th, 2011
12:20 pm
Nortcyde you have downgraded jt so much,kissed jj azz,kissed woody azz, kissed lt azz. I always thought you hated jc1 & alway thought you had something going with your wonder boy ball hog jj.
rusty
March 13th, 2011
12:21 pm
Oh I forgot mb azz
honest_abe
March 13th, 2011
12:24 pm
rusty is that some kind of new english you’re speaking?
rusty
March 13th, 2011
12:24 pm
Oh please don’t keep ld next year. He is dumb
brad
March 13th, 2011
12:49 pm
I still think L.D. should be fired! He a crackhead..seen him on dill ave buting crack! He has no leadership. His players do not respect him enough to play good fundemental basketball. Its sad! Makes me very sad
Ken Strickland
March 13th, 2011
1:00 pm
LACSHO-I’ve been a JTeague supporter from the very beginning, and been consistently open about it. If LDrew wanted Teague to show more confidence, aggressiveness, and consistency, then he should have been more reciprical with him. Snatching him out of gms whenever he made a mistake, following up one of his good performances with a DNP CD, or maybe 4 or 5 mop up mins, or publically criticizing and punishing him for not doing enough of the things Bibby almost never did, didn’t work for Woodson, so how can he expect it to work for him?
NAJEH-All I can say is CO-SIGN. You made every point I intended to make. And until JJ regains his shooting form, he needs to generate his OFF closer to the basket, and become more of a facilitator.
drmaryb (*_-)
March 13th, 2011
1:09 pm
“He gave it to me in a big way tonight,” Drew said. “He was sensational from start to finish.”
__________________________
We are talking about Basketball, aren’t we?
cp
March 13th, 2011
1:11 pm
lol@LD. Dude just makes it up as he goes along I see. My position on Teague has always been, he cant be any worse than Bibby.. BIbby would have so many games where he would score 4 points have about 2 dimes and play absolutely no defense yet he would still clock about 30 minutes. Teague just has to play consistent when given consistent minutes. I think LD has done a bad job of giving him minutes when guys in front of him have struggled. That was one thing i didn’t like about Woody is when the vets struggled he would just leave them in and not try something different. LD does the same thing. Teague played well on the west coast trip and went right back to the bench but hopefully LD keeps him in the rotation. We have to wait and see with LD because he always says one thing but does another.
big o
March 13th, 2011
1:12 pm
A win is a win I guess !!! But Im not going to emotinally invest in this team this year !!! As a native Atlantan I’ve seen it all. I’m moving on to baseball and my Braves. I will say this though and I’ll admit I have not followed the team closely this season but for the fans that have…. Can someone please tell me How Deron Williams was available and the Hawks didn’t even try and get him ? Also, Am I the only one who thinks we overpaid for KH. and Since we ran off Woodson whould it have killed us to go in an entirely different direction for a coach ? And lastly What would it take to Bring Dewight Howard Home ? In this league the star players play where they want Lets get Dewight back home even if it takes #1 picks for the next 5 years. Good Luck Hawks !!!!!
doc
March 13th, 2011
1:27 pm
lol out dmb and her clinical mind.
Sautee
March 13th, 2011
1:29 pm
northcyde,
Good stats on wins and losses with Josh’s rebounding. Now about this:
“It is so important that a guy like Josh rebound the basketball, especially on this team. And because of the lack of depth on the frontline, he has to be a borderline great rebounder.”
Hmmm… right now he’s 14th in the league, and he plays mostly in tandem with the #7 (Al) so THAT is going to limit some of his rebounds (as Josh will limit some of Al’s). None of the other forwards ahead of Josh play with a center who is also in the top ten in rebounding.
He’s 10th among all forwards, rebounding better than E. Brand, Amare, Scola, Bosh and Millsap.
Couldn’t the case be made that he is already a borderline great rebounder? Remember you said “borderline”.
Of course that’s totally unrelated to his POTENTIAL as a great rebounder. I think we all know that if rebounding was his focus, he could likely average 11+ or so.
But IMO Josh is already a “borderline” great rebounder, just using his athletic ability. I just wish he’d learn to block out. He could add 1.5+ per game if he did.
terrell
March 13th, 2011
1:48 pm
Earth calling Joe Johnson. You copy?
Sautee
March 13th, 2011
1:49 pm
NOTE: Please excuse my non-Hawks post:
This is for all you “older” folks who can appreciate it:
Today (actually tonight) is the 40th anniversary of The Allman Bothers Fillmore East concerts. Most of the material for the generally acknowledged “best live album ever” was recorded on March 13, 1971.
I was fortunate enough to see the original band (with Duane and Berry Oakley) dozens of times including many at Piedmont Park in the Spring and Summer of 1969. We had no idea that they would get so popular, we just knew that was some of the best blues-rock we’d ever heard.
So today, I’ll listen to the Fillmore East concert in memory of a fine time, and some of the best live music anyone has ever made.
Anybody else go to Piedmont Park for those free concerts?
Sautee
March 13th, 2011
1:52 pm
I think I like Allman Bothers better than Allman Brothers, don’t you?
Sautee
March 13th, 2011
1:54 pm
Whew, that was close. I think I probably just missed a visit from the department of unintended irony.
Sautee
March 13th, 2011
1:55 pm
terrell,
He’s too busy counting money.
drmaryb (*_-)
March 13th, 2011
1:57 pm
Doc,
Yeah baby, I read that Drew quote and my Blackberry started vibrating in my purse. I didn’t know if I should answer it or not?
So, how are you doing doc? Thanks for the shout out yesterday.
Yeah doc, “I Got Jokes!” I guess that’s how I deal with loss, disappointment and failures. You either laugh or you cry – right?
Doc, did you see where I added a new side item:
Locks & Bagels (etan thomas). LOL!
That’s for the hair and zeros (mins.,points, rebs.).
mykhalc
March 13th, 2011
2:01 pm
well i can’t wait to see what LD took away from the POR game!!! i have no confidence in his thinkin’ at all at this point.all i can say is that if i see Marvin in the startin’ 5 i’m gonna go postal on TV!!! the Marvin experiement has gone on long enough. it’s time to put him in his rightful place…on the f’n bench!!!
and to echo another poster…Damien should be the first person off the bench. the cat looks soooooooooooooo much more polished and collected as a player than Marvin. it’s way past time about gettin’ real on who on this team gives ‘em the best chance to win!!!
mykhalc
March 13th, 2011
2:01 pm
postal on the TV…
Sautee
March 13th, 2011
2:05 pm
myk,
Non-Hawks, but did you ever get into Oakley’s playing? Man, you should listen to “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” today and dig his bass playing on that track. SOOO locked in with both the drummers and the solos.
It’s my favorite bass track of all time. And that’s covering a LOT of ground.
Sautee
March 13th, 2011
2:08 pm
OK, we now return you to your regularly scheduled Hawks complaints.
mykhalc
March 13th, 2011
2:09 pm
yo Sautee…i’ll have to check that bro!!! thanks for the heads-up!
Sautee
March 13th, 2011
2:24 pm
myk,
To be clear, I’m speaking of the live version from Fillmore East.
JSS
March 13th, 2011
2:27 pm
@ Sautee…
I’ll share my Duane Allman playing my old Stella acoustic and playing touch football with us when were kids back in 1969 with you one day…
JSS
March 13th, 2011
2:30 pm
@ Sautee…
I’ll share my Duane Allman playing my old Stella acoustic and playing touch football with us when were kids back in 1969 story with you one day…
O'Brien
March 13th, 2011
2:38 pm
I dont know how to explain it, but I think Teague’s problem is simple.
When he plays with the bench, he is not as confident, he is not as aggressive, he defers to Jamal, and sometimes he makes good passes only to see a bench player (maybe Josh Powell or ZaZa) fumble the ball or miss the shot.
Also, when he would make a mistake on defense, it would get magnified, because he had Jamal and Powell and/or ZaZa on the court with him.
But I am very disappointed in LD (and his coach speak), and I hardly take him seriously anymore.
There were games when Bibby was giving us nothing (and we would lose), and it never crossed LD’s mind to try JT as the starter? Bibby and the team might struggle in the first half, and fall behind by double digits, but what would LD do? Start the same lineup in the second half, only to see the team fall further behind.
LD complained about too many jump shots, and how we let the other PG get in the lane. All Bibby did was take jump shots, and his defense was horrible, and it never crossed LD’s mind to try Teague with the starters?
All season long, Ken Strickland and others suggested trying Teague with the starters to see what he could do. But LD never did. And give Strickland credit. he has always said that if Teague got 30 mpg with the starters, he could easily average 9 pts and 4 assists (which is what Bibby averaged). Sure, Teague is not the 3-pt shooter Bibby is, and he will have his ups and downs (as any second year player will), but as LD said. His speed and quickness is something nobody else on this team has.
LD was forced to start him after the trade, and the team played well with teague starting and Kirk coming off the bench. But the minute Kirk was ready, back to the bench for Teague, with inconsistent minutes again.
I’m not saying Teague is our saviour. But LD (at the very least) can give him the Royal Ivey treatment. Ivey would start the first half and second half (for Woody), and that was the bulk of his minutes.
LD needs to do the same with teague. Start him. If he seems lost out there after a few minutes, then pull him and bring in Kirk. But maybe Teague will do enough with the starters so that the bench unit will be stronger with Jamal and Kirk.
The question is, will LD start Teague on Tuesday? I think he should. But I wont be surprised if he doesn’t.
mykhalc
March 13th, 2011
2:40 pm
@Sautee…got cha bro!!
i_am_soulstar
March 13th, 2011
2:47 pm
I’m a fan of what Teague did last night. I don’t think he’s gonna do it every night, but the guy clearly can contribute on both ends when given the minutes. And he wasn’t asked to run the point either, he just got to be his regular combo-guard self. I wonder what line-up Drew’s going with next game. Any bets?
i_am_soulstar
March 13th, 2011
2:50 pm
I don’t know about starting Teague at PG. He plays his best as a 2 guard, although he’s small for a 2. If anything, I’d start Kirk/Teague/Joe/Josh/Al for now. He’s not ready for PG.
AG
March 13th, 2011
3:08 pm
I know I am not the mad blogger, but I have said all along START JEFF TEAGUE. Even when Bradley said bench Marvin,I was like bench Bibby. I think as long as he plays 30 min he will do well. Oh, how dumb is Josh Powell???
Najeh Davenpoop
March 13th, 2011
3:16 pm
“Salim used to have games like this too, when he got playing time.”
No he didn’t. Salim was an awful defender and subpar ball handler whose one offensive skill didn’t make up for his D-league quality skills in every other aspect of the game. Teague, at least over the past couple of months, has been a fantastic defender whose other skills at least show the potential to develop into NBA-caliber assets if they haven’t already. There is zero compatison between the two.
Shake Something
March 13th, 2011
3:37 pm
Clearly Teague plays better with the starters. Clearly Marvin provides more energy as a bench player. Clearly Damien plays consistently well enough to deserve a prominent role. Clearly Teague and Kirk are capable enough at the point guard position to where Jamal should not see a single minute at the point. These are all very easily observable things.
Seriously, if LD buries Teague on the bench again this year, as far as I’m concerned it’s a fireable offense.
Co-sign with all of that Najeh.Its like you stole my thoughts.Its been clear all season for doing such things and thats why LD still should be fired regardless if he buries Teague or doesn’t continue to tinker the lineup. Its bad when the fans know more than the coach.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 13th, 2011
3:40 pm
“But IMO Josh is already a “borderline” great rebounder, just using his athletic ability. I just wish he’d learn to block out. He could add 1.5+ per game if he did.”
Among all players who have played over 1000 minutes, Smoove is 41st in rebound rate, while Al is 22nd. I’m not going to bother counting all the people after him, but I see that he statistically is a better rebounder than such players as Luis Scola, Paul Millsap, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Nene. I think one can assume from that stat that Smoove is a good rebounder, and of course this doesn’t take into account that he is playing next to another good rebounding big man (unlike some people ahead of him such as Kris Humphries or Jeff Foster). I think there is some truth to northcyde’s point — in many (I would say most) games, Smoove is a borderline great rebounder, but there have been enough games in which he has underwhelmed on the boards, which has hurt his overall rebound rate and has also lowered the chance of a Hawks victory.
And really his defensive rebounding rate is pretty good, stacking up with most of the people ahead of him, only percentage points
below Al. It’s his offensive rebounding that doesn’t approach the level of most of the people ahead of him on that list.
Evey
March 13th, 2011
3:53 pm
You people seem to have a problem with jj making his millions what I don’t understand is why not be mad at the owners who offered him the money,it amaze me how fans or so call fans always get upset with the athlete and not so much the owners,that’s dumb,they offered it to him and he took it just you or I would have so lay the f..k off this man for doing the same thing we would have done,you’re all loving Jeff for right now,I wonder how that’s gone last.
D.S.G.B.
March 13th, 2011
3:57 pm
Finally. Teague gets some significant pt. Our best lineup is
1=teague
2=kirk
3=jj
4=josh
5=al
This way, you have two knockdown perimeter shooters, that cannot be left open, which opens up the floor for teague to get into the lane. now add the unmatched athleticism of josh and al cutting to the basket, and no team in the nba can defend the hawks. and just think of the production off the bench. I dont see what is so difficult here.
D.S.G.B.
March 13th, 2011
4:01 pm
with the type of team that we have, which could be athletically dominating, we need space to exploit it. Basketball period, needs space to have a flowing offense. I see it sooo clearly, i just wish somebody that can do something about it would see it too.
northcyde
March 13th, 2011
4:19 pm
Najeh Davenpoop
March 13th, 2011
3:16 pm
“Salim used to have games like this too, when he got playing time.”
No he didn’t. Salim was an awful defender and subpar ball handler whose one offensive skill didn’t make up for his D-league quality skills in every other aspect of the game. Teague, at least over the past couple of months, has been a fantastic defender whose other skills at least show the potential to develop into NBA-caliber assets if they haven’t already. There is zero compatison between the two.
*******
Najeh . . I’m not talking about games exactly like this. I’m talking about games in which he was highly effective playing HIS TYPE OF GAME, while he was in the starting lineup, or when he got major playing time.
Rookie year:
- 30 pts on 11 – 15 shooting ( 4 – 7 from three ) vs New Orleans . . the game in which he scored like 24 in the 4th quarter after the Hawks were getting killed. Dude damn near won the game for us.
- 21 pts on 7 – 15 shooting ( 3 – 5 from three ) in a win @ Denver, in a game in which he was instrumental in bringing the Hawks back into the game after being down 17 in the 4th quarter. I still have this game on tape. It was also one of Shelden’s better defensive games. Chill, Marvin, and Zaza were out. Salim was the Player of the Game.
- 26 points on 10 – 17 shooting ( 3 – 7 from three ) in a blowout loss @ Sacramento . . a game in which JJ was out and our main guys played like absolute crap. But Salim straight up balled, in a blowout situation.
- 37 points on 14 – 20 shooting ( 6 – 9 from three ) in a close loss vs Portland . . JJ had gotten hurt in March ( or we just decided to “tank” the season to have a possibility at a top 3 pick ), and Salim had to play major minutes in his absence. The 37 points is the highest point total scored by ANY HAWK not named Joe Johnson in the past 6 years.
- 21 points on 7 – 15 shooting ( 7 – 11 from three ) in a win vs Milwaukee . . I’m trying to think when was the last time a Hawk made 7 threes in a game since JJ has been here. Now that I’ve looked, JJ did it one time. Nobody else in a Hawks uniform the past 6 years have done it.
********
I can even do this for a guy like Shelden Williams. He’s had some big games when he has gotten a chance to start. But Salim’s numbers, on a per 36 minute basis, was very comparable to Jamal Crawford’s ( before he joined the Hawks ). That’s one of the reasons I was initially against bringing Jamal here. He played well enough last year to prove me wrong. But he’s reverted back to his “feast or famine” self this year.
Consistency is the key for Teague. He doesn’t have to be this stellar every night. But he does need to be solid every night. We have too many guys on this team that fluctuate from great to garbage, including our main guys like JJ and Smith. So we need people who can give us a consistent effort on a nightly basis.
If Teague plays 20 minutes a night, I’ll take 8 points – 3 assists – and a steal or two from him in a heartbeat.
northcyde
March 13th, 2011
4:20 pm
Note: all of those games didn’t occur in Salim’s rookie year. Only the first game did. The rest was during his 2nd year.
O'Brien
March 13th, 2011
4:23 pm
As for the Josh discussion, What I want from Josh is for him to make up his mind that every game, he will focus on defense and rebounding. Those 2 things rub off on the rest of the team.
He does not need to make up his mind that he is going to knock down three 3’s, and he doesnt have to make up his mind that he will be a distributor on the break.
All he needs to do, is to focus on defense and rebounding…and let the offense come to him. Too often (like last night) the PG is next to him, and rather than give it up, he tries to make a play.
In addition to his 5 turnovers last night, He almost had 2 more turnovers (they called a blocking foul, when it was real close to being an offensive foul). When he is flying high and dunking and is energetic, I think thats when the team benefits the most.
O'Brien
March 13th, 2011
4:26 pm
northcyde,
If Teague plays 20 minutes a night, I’ll take 8 points – 3 assists – and a steal or two from him in a heartbeat..
Co-sign. Especially if he utilizes his speed and is pushing the ball, while playing good defense. And I think he is more likely to do that IF LD plays him with the starters.
Do you think LD will start him on Tuesday?
northcyde
March 13th, 2011
4:32 pm
And the reason why Smith’s offensive rebounding rate doesn’t approach the other guys, is because he hangs out on the perimeter too much. Thing is though, last year, he was a pretty good offensive rebounder. He was a top 20 offensive rebounder last year.
To me, the rebounding issue with Josh Smith, is just like the free throw issue with Joe Johnson. It’s an indication that both players aren’t willing to bang on the inside, like they should be. It’s the reason why both players are considered to be “soft” by a lot of people.
If we can get some extra toughness out of those two, maybe things wouldn’t be a chaotic as they are right now.
We need Smith to play like “Smash”, not “Smoove” . . and we need JJ to play more like the big guard that he is, not like a 6-4 shooting guard.
prison mike
March 13th, 2011
4:37 pm
What I don’t hear is what js did to la on defense. Only allowed 4 points when matched up directly on him. 2 of those were on a pick and roll lob dunk and the other 2 was on free throws from a hinrich foul.
Josh is professional enough to lose weight to better play the 3 when or if they finally bring in a solid big.
northcyde
March 13th, 2011
4:43 pm
LOL O’Brien . . . I want to say yes, but I don’t think he will.
Although with the way Milwaukee’s team is constructed, you could go with a Teague – Hinrich combo at the guard, and JJ at the 3. I don’t think LD will bench Hinrich in favor of Teague, even if it would balance the team out better.
And to me, the issue is still on the inside as well. If Horford and Smith continue to play more on the outside on offense, we need someone on the inside to try to keep a few possessions alive via offensive rebounding.
To me, he should try Teague – JJ – Smith – Horford – Zaza
But I wouldn’t be mad if he went Teague – Hinrich – JJ – Smith – Horford
But knowing LD, he’ll go Hinrich – JJ – Smith – Horford – Collins
terrell
March 13th, 2011
4:44 pm
Told yall Zaza, Mo, Powell, etc… would make Magic Johnson look bad. Much less Jeff Teague. Looks a little different when playing with guys that can actually play huh.
terrell
March 13th, 2011
4:57 pm
Northcyde, I dont like Hinrich at the 2, or Josh at the 3. Let Kirk backup Teague. Teague cant play wih Jamal. Hinrich can.
Id go
Teague/JJ/Damien/Josh/Al
Hinrich/Jamal/Marvin/Zaza
Bench helluva lot deeper
Grandad
March 13th, 2011
5:01 pm
terrell
[`cept for Zaza, played 30+ min.]
Najeh Davenpoop
March 13th, 2011
5:39 pm
“You people seem to have a problem with jj making his millions what I don’t understand is why not be mad at the owners who offered him the money”
The owners certainly deserve the blame for Joe’s contract, not Joe. Joe did what anyone else would do if offered $126 million. But it is fair to hold Joe accountable for his performance regressing from the last couple of seasons.
O'Brien
March 13th, 2011
5:39 pm
northcyde,
To me, he should try Teague – JJ – Smith – Horford – Zaza.
I’m ok with that. Just like Teague, ZaZa seems to play better when he starts and gets decent minutes. However, if Josh is playing SF, LD needs to tell Josh that he wants him to get 10 rebounds. maybe giving him a specific goal like that will help Josh to bang a little more.
Knowing LD and Josh, LD probably just tells Josh “Do what you do, but be more selective”.
But I wouldn’t be mad if he went Teague – Hinrich – JJ – Smith – Horford.
Since being traded to the Hawks, Hinrich is 15-28 (54%) from 3. He is the one guy I am most comfortable with shooting 3’s right now. And his defense is good enough where he can handle SG, so I’m ok with this lineup too. Plus it gets Josh back to PF, so he should spend less time on the perimeter.
But knowing LD, he’ll go Hinrich – JJ – Smith – Horford – Collins.
If he starts Hinrich, I think Teague will not be as productive playing with Jamal off the bench (assuming Teague gets minutes).
And if he does not start Teague, what kind of message is he sending to the young fellow. LD: “Jeff, although you were sensational playing with the starters (and is probably the main reason why we won the Blazers game), I am going back to Hinrich (although Hinrich played 16 minutes and went 0-4 from the field).
But don’t worry. I still believe in you. And you will get minutes coming off the bench playing with Jamal.”
As for Collins…On the season;
Bucks at Hawks; 11/10/2010; Bucks win.
Collins starts. 10 minutes, 0 points, 1 assist, 3 turnovers, 3 fouls.
Bogut: 26 minutes, 8 points, 6 rebounds.
Hawks at Bucks 12/27/2010; Hawks win.
Collins starts. 32 minutes, 4 points, 12 rebounds
Bogut: 26 minutes, 14 points, 11 rebounds.
This is our third matchup of the season, and since Collins has started both games, I think he will start this game. However, even if Collins starts, I think LD needs to start Teague at PG.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 13th, 2011
5:50 pm
Smoove’s defensive rebounding and total rebounding rate are both at career high levels this year. His offensive rebounding rate last year was a career high (which still put him outside the top 100, only marginally ahead of Josh Powell), and this year it has come back down to the level at which it was two years ago.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 13th, 2011
5:53 pm
I’m not a fan of Zaza starting. He’s an energy guy who can’t block shots. That is the kind of game ideally suited for a bench player. He does a decent job of man to man defense, but his off the ball defense is pretty terrible, and we all know about his hands and ability (or lack thereof) to finish inside.
Collins doesn’t screw up nearly as much as Zaza does and he does a better job of playing within his ability, not to mention he has proven he can handle Dwight Howard one on one, something Zaza has not proven. The guy takes two charges every time he starts. Keep him in the big lineup.
Ra'mon
March 13th, 2011
6:34 pm
Najeh, Josh’s offensive rebound rate could be caused more from LD’s scheme than from Josh’s play. I say this because, when a shot goes up, where most PF’s have the opportunity to crash the boards, Josh has to get back on defense to hinder any possible fast break opportunity. Playing 60% of the season with Bibby (and Joe/Jamal) as the back court, leaves Josh as the only viable on transition defense. I believe if LD allowed Josh to crash the boards on the offensive glass, Josh could easily average 10.5 – 12 rebounds per game. However, while his individual numbers would go up, the team would suffer more.
Ra'mon
March 13th, 2011
6:39 pm
viable option*
Rashod
March 13th, 2011
6:46 pm
Joe johnson sucks.Get this man off the team,then we’ll be a better team
prison mike
March 13th, 2011
6:52 pm
Agreed, it’s time to sit johnson out because it’s obvious something is right.
We won’t catch the magic so the line up of this one until joe is “right”.
Teague
Hinrich
Williams
Smith
Horford
can keep us above water until joe “finds himself”.
prison mike
March 13th, 2011
6:53 pm
or is not right.
drmaryb (*_-)
March 13th, 2011
6:54 pm
Nice
Nice stats on Salim’s scoring highlights, thanks. But, where is ballin now?
I hope he saved his money. (no sarcasm there)
_________________
What Teague did last night goes beyond scoring. Teague almost has
John Wall speed, I won’t go so far as Iverson speed, though, that man was a blurr. Like the DOT sign says: SPEED KILLS
___________________
What Teague did was amazing. His defense is a gift, did you see the blocks. You can’t lose defense and energy between games, defense never goes cold like shooting. Defense is a gift and Teague has the gift.
drmaryb (*_-)
March 13th, 2011
7:00 pm
Nice (cont’d.)
.
Energy, heart and desire can’t be captured in stats.
doc
March 13th, 2011
7:53 pm
funny stuff dmb.
maybe j powell needs to be nuts and berry flakes for breakfast after last night.
Evey
March 13th, 2011
8:07 pm
Najeh I understand he should be held accountable,but why do fans continue to harp on the money he makes,that’s not the reason he’s hasn’t been playing well lately,get on him about not playing up to his capability,not for the amount of money he makes.
HawkEye
March 13th, 2011
8:48 pm
All NBA teams should strive for easy baskets/points. The main thing about the Hawks on offense is they must learn how to get easier shots everytime they are on offense, especially when they are struggling making shots. In order from easiest to hardest: dunks, lay-ups, 2-point jumpshots (uncontested), 2-point jumpshots (contested), 3-point jumpshots (uncontested), 3-point jumpshots (contested). Most of these shots depend highly on the player (for some people cannot shoot jumpshots). Also, if you were to factor in free-throws, they would fall either before or after dunks and lay-ups, (again, depends on the player), but definetily before 2-point jumpshots. Furthermore, in-game situatians may alter the degree of difficulty of these shots. For example, if Jamal has his shot going, run plays to get him more looks most out of him until he cools off. However, again the focus would be to make sure that Jamal gets easier shot attempts. All I am saying is that the Hawks should get easier shots (mostly uncontested and free-throws).
I am not much of a stats person, but i would love to know the hawks percentages and frequencies of each of these shots during a game and their record according to these shots. Something tells me their record when they hoist up more that 15 or more 3’s is abysmal.
Sautee
March 13th, 2011
8:52 pm
Evey,
The reason folks mention his salary is because it’s reasonable to expect your highest paid player to be your most productive player, and lately the word productive and Joe don’t belong in the same sentence.
rusty
March 13th, 2011
8:54 pm
I don’t understand why any one would want to keep watching our crappy slow iso offense except possibly nortcyde as I know he wants it to run through jj. Jt brings speed uptempo basketball to us
Making us look like a team worth watching.this team needs jt a hell of a lot more than he needs them. He can be a star somewhere else. If ld don’t give him hugh min he is beyond stupid. The dumb asses should have game him a REAL chance last year
Najeh Davenpoop
March 13th, 2011
8:57 pm
Pacers beat the Knicks at MSG. Tyler Hansbrough led all scorers. Hawks are now 3.5 games up on New York (3 in the loss column). Hawks have 16 games left; Knicks have 17.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 13th, 2011
9:12 pm
Also, the Bucks — Atlanta’s next opponent — just scored 56 points against the Celtics.
hawks_4_life
March 13th, 2011
9:55 pm
Real question is who do we matchup better against. The new look Magic, the Bulls with with the legit MVP or the cry baby Heat. Boston is getting the number one seed anything else is a toss up.
O'Brien
March 13th, 2011
10:05 pm
Najeh,
Its looking more and more like a Hawks vs Magic first round matchup. And if that happens, I think the Hawks have a chance to beat them in 7 games. However, JJ needs to find his form for that to happen.
J from the A
March 13th, 2011
10:24 pm
@hawks_4_life
I like the Hawk’s chances against the cry-baby Heat or the new-look Magic.
I am really unsure about the Bulls.
Either way, any of those match-ups would be a tough (but perhaps winnable) match-up.
I really don’t see the Hawks falling to the 6th seed. I doubt the Magic move ahead of the Heat. This should leave the Hawks facing the Magic (with the Magic having home-court advantage).
Jae Evolution
March 13th, 2011
10:39 pm
Right now our goal should be to grab the 4th spot from the Magic, and try to gain homecourt in the 1st Round.
Not sure that’s going to help us all that much seeing as The Highlight Factory lately should be renamed The Morgue, but it would be nice to get off to a strong start with a possible booming crowd.
EmirS.
March 13th, 2011
11:20 pm
No anything else is not a toss-up.
We more then likely will not face the Bulls or Heat. The Bulls are .5 games behind the Celtics and playing some nice basketball. The Heat may be struggling but dont throw out a possible surge from them to get the number one or even number two spot.
I dont think we need to worry about whose ahead of us. Instead, we should be looking over our shoulder. I feel uncomfortable with the Knicks and Sixers so close behind us. Compared to the Knicks and Sixers, our schedule is ALOT more harder. I rather face the Magic then getting a 6th seed and facing possibly the Bulls, Heat, or even the Celtics. Anything is possible at this point.
hawks_4_life
March 14th, 2011
12:32 am
If we can get our “chi” together, I dont see a team in the east thats a bad matchup. The celtics got smaller and still old, Magic is not big either, Heat is not tough but do have the star power (refs lol) and the bulls would be an all out war. The knicks well who cares, we just have to put all together “COACH”.
Freddie G
March 14th, 2011
2:36 am
It is good to see Coach Larry Drew finally giving Jeff Teague a chance to play. However to say he never lost confidence in Teague is nothing more than a Joke, he probably thinks today is All Fools Day. For the Hawks sake and Teague’s confidence I am glad he is now getting an opportunity. Teage will be a very good PG if given the opportunity, because of his speed and quickness as well as his overall athletic ability. His decision making will only improve with more playing time.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
March 14th, 2011
3:11 am
@Sautee and myk, I’m a young dude but I rocks with some classic Allman Brothers. They were part of the golden age of Rock.
I forgot JJ had an ‘off year’ in his contract year. That in itself is odd being that in almost every sport, players put in mega-effort in the contract year. Last year coupled with this year is troubling. He can’t use injury as excuse – hope he is not in decline.
superiorblogman
March 14th, 2011
5:12 am
Mr. Cunningham do we have 2 2nd rd pick or 1 2nd rd pick this upcoming draft? I read some places that we have 1 and some places that we have 2?
Hawks Fan
March 14th, 2011
7:20 am
LD+WOODY= ROOKIE KILLER
Kerry
March 14th, 2011
9:09 am
Great job Teague, GO HAWKS!
MsDee
March 14th, 2011
9:20 am
@Jae Evolution,
Even though moving up is always good, but in this case, not so sure. 4th place would give us home court and Im not sure if we can handle that this season. But then again, IT WILL BE PLAYOFFS TIME and fans WILL come out to support the Hawks. We just need to REALLY make a huge effort in the 2nd round for us fans to see the Hawks in a ‘new experience’, which is TO ACTUALLY WIN A GAME IN THE 2ND ROUND!! If we do that, FANS WILL COME OUT AND SUPPORT LIKE WE DID THAT YEAR AGAINST BOSTON. Remember cause that season was a ‘new experience’ for the Hawks, its was the 1st time in YEARS the Hawks had made the playoffs…just give the fans something, ANYTHING to cheer about, HAWKS, and I promise ya, we will have yall backs!!
KevinM
March 14th, 2011
9:22 am
Great job by KenS on the discussion of the SEC tourney in town this weekend…anyone catch who was actually at the game besides Gator Al Horford?
Rick Sund and Mike Woodson, although it was pointed out they were not together….now why would Rick Sund actually be seen at a college basketball game? Is it the first time he has been spotted at a college game? Good find Ken S….our GM has one questionable agenda one after another. Wasn’t this the same guy who said he doesn’t watch college games?
Sautee
March 14th, 2011
10:24 am
Hawks Fan in NO,
Good taste, dude.
Blue
March 14th, 2011
10:41 am
I agreed the Hawks needed to “shake things up” before the Trade deadline. However, they gave up WAY TOO MUCH in that disastrous trade. Why not offer Mike Bibby, Mo Evans, Pape Sy, and a second round pick … but nope, we gave up the 2011 FIRST-ROUND PICK, as well as Jordan Crawford, who mark my words, WILL BE A PLAYER IN THIS LEAGUE … just watch. The Crawford and Teague tandem were developing as a nice one-two punch and I believe were on the cusp of doing great things together. But we’ll never know now due to the continuous inept leadership with the Hawks. And what do we have to show for it. A Mike Bibby-clone who can play better defense and a 7-foot stiff who can’t see the court … Just beautiful.
Blue
March 14th, 2011
10:53 am
And while I’m on my soap box, this franchise is handicapped by the Joe Johnson contract for the next 5 years. Nice enough guy, but let some other franchise pay him max money. We should have let him walk. Come on man! This cat averages like 12 points per game. There are guys coming off the bench on other teams that has better numbers than that. This guy has lost his touch, has no leadership qualities, and hog/dribbles the ball until there is 2 seconds left on the shot clock, then jacks up some ill-advised three pointer. Come on son!
i_am_soulstar
March 14th, 2011
11:01 am
Hawks can definitely beat the Magic, but it will all depend on one person. L.D.