Sixers 105, Hawks 100
Greetings, all-
Hang another L on the tree. If you’re still counting, the Hawks have lost four of five, eight of 11 and 14 of 21. I’d say it’s looking more and more like Philadelphia will catch the Hawks, which would likely put them in a first-round matchup with the Miami Heat. Yikes. The other possibility is Boston.
- I know you’re wondering, so I’ll bring you Larry Drew’s comments on why Jeff Teague got his 12th DNP-CD, particularly with a little guy like Lou Williams making hay (17 points on 5-of-8 shooting in 20 minutes).
“That wasn’t the problem,” Drew said of the defense of Williams. “I thought we did a really good job on Louis. A couple times we played him a little too soft and he just jumped right up and shot it. We actually fouled him twice at the 3-point line to send him to the free-throw line. That wasn’t the problem. We had the game under control. We just let it get away.”
I’m not sure what to say. Maybe it didn’t come out quite like the way he intended.
- Another symbol of the Hawks’ status as a rising power bit the dust, a few days after the five consecutive years with an improved record. With the loss, the Hawks will not finish at or above .500 in this brutal month, ending their string of 15 consecutive months with a record of .500 or better. (If memory serves, the stat the Hawks touted was consecutive winning months, and then they went .500 in February, so it was consecutive months of .500 ball or better, and now it’s kaput.)
- Interesting quote, in some ways, from Al Horford: “I think we played well. We just kind of ran out of gas at the end.” Perhaps it was because this was a game the Hawks might have lost even when they were playing well — against a surging team in its building on the back end of a back-t0-back – but it doesn’t sound like the Horford I’m used to hearing after losses.
- Joe Johnson was pretty downcast, more than anyone in the locker room I saw. The highlights:
“Down the stretch, I just think we don’t understand who should get the ball. Throughout the game, everyone’s free-flow playing, taking shots, making plays. … (But in the last five minutes), we don’t understand or we don’t know who that person is. If you notice the last four or five minutes, (expletive), I don’t think we know who should take the (expletive) shot.
On if it’s because plays aren’t being called: “I don’t know. It’s frustrating to me. You’ve got to go with the flow.”
More Johnson: “That’s why we look a little stagnant and lost the last three or four to five minutes, because nobody knows and everybody’s out there just jacking up shots.”
Finally: “I’m just frustrated. Like I said, we do a lot of talking but at the same time, we get out there on the court and we do nothing right, even though we know what to do.”
I’ll say this. Johnson is the one who seems most bothered by the way the team’s playing.
- A very strong game by Josh Smith – 33 points and 12 rebounds. Played closer to the basket.
“I was just trying to play off the guys that were getting plays called for them. I know they were trapping Joe heavily and I was just trying to put the onus on myself not to settle.”
- Kirk Hinrich sprained his right thumb in the second quarter. He still ended up playing 38 minutes, but he only scored three points after that. He said he’d be fine.
- Drew played seven guys – off the bench, Jamal Crawford and Zaza Pachulia were the only ones who got in. Both contributed well, I thought. Crawford had some pop in the rather free-flowing first half.
Horford said the minutes, particularly on the second night of a back to back, was a factor.
“I think it was,” he said. “I thought we were solid, but they just kind of kept bringing it. We had a good effort tonight, we just couldn’t get it done.”
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230 comments Add your comment
slimjr
March 24th, 2011
11:03 am
Larry you have some loose screws!!!! Time to get out a makita power screw driver with a freshly charged battery pack and tighten that ish up real quick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
11:08 am
Under a normal, rational Coach, JC2 was the perfect draft pick. Give a scorer a year to “season”, then he replaces Jamal, and you probably don’t miss a beat. Then you have 2 young, exciting G’s to help your team win. Pendegraft and Sund had done their job.
Under LD, you have him playing Mo’ and Bibby to the Bataan death march (no offense fellas), totally destroying the team. So in an effort to save the Coach from his self, you have to trade Bibby, Mo’, JC2 and a 1st pick, to get an upgrade on Bibby.
When the solution was just play Teague 15 to 20 per night, rest Bibby more so he’s fresher, and it’s a win, win.
I was in a corporation once. There was this guy that was unbelievable at what he did. Off the charts. And there was the Presidents son-in-law, that he desperately wanted to promote to vice president. But the entire, fairly large corporation wanted the more talented guy. And every time they let the talented guy make a presentation, he totally, unintentionally humiliated the President and the son-in-law.
Guess who’s VP today and who’ no longer with the company? The son-in-law is VP of course. For some reason I’m reminded of that every time I see Teague play.
Wonder why LD suddenly got Teague out of the rotation when it was time to play against Bibby and Miami? He would have looked like a total imbecile. I mean he already does, but even worse.
Geemack
March 24th, 2011
11:09 am
Props to the NBA for inventing the league pass, because I no longer have to be subject to this
horrible franchise.
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
11:12 am
If this bunch of stragglers and no names comes in here and beats the Hawks, what will happen then? LD almost single handidly lost the Pistons game for us remember.
Geemack
March 24th, 2011
11:12 am
Where is Woody when you need him.
slimjr
March 24th, 2011
11:14 am
Sund is getting his fishing gear ready and his boat!!!!!!!!!
Count down please, games left before the historic 3rd consecutive beatdown to commence on national TV :10-9-8-7-6-5 et al….You know the rest……….Class dismissed…………….
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
11:14 am
The Hawks don’t retain Woody, and one of the top reasons was failure to utilize and develop Jeff Teague.
LD has officially given Teague more DNP’s – CD than Woody.
And we still have 10 games left.
Woody was not stubborn compared to this guy.
Geemack
March 24th, 2011
11:15 am
How special is KB24? When you watch these guys, 5 titles and he’s still playing like it’s his 1st year in the league.
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
11:17 am
The Chicago beatdown on national TV, being down by 47, has to be pretty historic. I mean we were almost down by 50 to a team some on this blog over the summer was saying we were still better than.
I can’t remember a team ever being down 47 on a game like that. Maybe it’s happened, I don’t know. I remember a Valentines Day masacre with the Celts-Lakers years ago. Maybe it was that bad.
Salvador Gonzalez
March 24th, 2011
11:17 am
WHAT DOES A COAH HAVE TO DO TO GET FIRED IN ATLANTA?
THIS LD GUY IS DESMANTLING THE HAWKS!
IS EMBARASSING TO SEE THE LACK OF EFFORT OF THE TEAM AND I BLAME LD FOR IT!!!!!
WORST COACH IN THE HISTORY OF THE NBA!!!!
Geemack
March 24th, 2011
11:18 am
SteveW
I don’t think these guys understand what they want in a coach.
For the record Don Nelson is available. If the Hawks are looking for a coach at the end of the season.
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
11:21 am
And who was this guy saying you can’t build a team on late 1st round picks. Sure you can. I’ve done the list before, but what about Rondo? Ellis? second round, Big Baby, Landry, Sessions, etc. That’s just off the top of my head. There’s a ton of late 1st and 2nd pick that are stars in this league.
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
11:22 am
Sund where are you? We need to hear from you? Your thoughts on the situation please.
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
11:23 am
At least Sund wasn’t responsible for hiring this abomination. They say the owners overruled Sund and hired him anyway.
rusty
March 24th, 2011
11:23 am
I watched the Washington game last night. Jc2 was 0 for 7 to start, but then he started to make shots. He played pg at times. He is a much better passer than people here ever gave him credit for.he shows more energy than anyone on the hawks , he appears to have jets on his feet. Just another stupid move on our point. Already Washington thinks he will be a real good player in the league
Najeh Davenpoop
March 24th, 2011
11:27 am
“I agree with northcyde. Something happened between LD and Teague that we dont know about. Because given the results on the court, how does he not even give Teague any minutes on the second of a back to back, with the starting PG hurt, and Jamal ineffective at PG? ”
To be honest, I don’t think this is necessarily true. I think LD’s refusal to play Teague is a result of simple incompetence and not any kind of animosity or contempt for Teague. LD likes players who make shots, and even though Jamal doesn’t make shots with any kind of consistency, he still has a longer track record in that department than Teague. Sund had to save LD from himself when it came to his “shotmakers” Bibby and Mo, but unfortunately he didn’t find a way to trade Jamal and force LD’s hand completely.
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
11:29 am
From Peachtree Hoops – the guy who has been defending LD for most of the season
“is it strange that Zaza Pachulia can get yanked from the game for taking what is perceived as a bad shot in a blow out loss yet Smith and other players have had the green light to do as they want the entire season?
Those things my friends are a lot of the small things that over time can derail what was once a very promising season.”
And I wonder if Josh was only close to the basket some last night trying to save his enabler’s job?
rusty
March 24th, 2011
11:29 am
The hawks with jt & jc2 would have been a fast breaking team for years to come. It would have been fantastic watching these 2 play together, a lot better than watching jj dribble.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 24th, 2011
11:29 am
“I wont be surprised if we fall to 6th and play Miami. ”
The DASG would probably prefer this, since it would mean they can jack up the prices on those tickets. For all we know maybe the Hawks are tanking it on purpose so they can draw Miami.
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
11:31 am
The Hawks thought Jordan Crawford would be a real good player also. But if LD won’t play him, the point is mute.
He would have been the perfect replacement for Jamal next season, as his time with the Wizards has shown.
Just under the wrong Coach, that’s all. Happens all the time in the NBA.
rusty
March 24th, 2011
11:33 am
JJ has to take a lot of shots to make a lot of points & now he can’t make shots
Najeh Davenpoop
March 24th, 2011
11:33 am
“his percentages are awful. you look stupid to bring his name up because his game is worse than jamal’s.”
All good points — it was clear from day one that Jordan pretty much had no concept of shot selection. But at the same time, who knows whether a playoff caliber coach on a playoff caliber team with a more structured offensive scheme might have been able to develop Jordan’s ability to shoot more selectively by now. At the very least, the fact that he can put up these kind of numbers as a rookie on a bad team hints towards the possibility of him putting up numbers approaching those at a more efficient rate on a good team as he grows and becomes a better player.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 24th, 2011
11:35 am
“Atlanta fans grip and moan and wish for players like Dwight Howard and othe future free agents that they will never get but don’t raise heck about good players they had and the sorry organization lets go. Atlanta fans must demand better judgement from their teams ownership and management and giving away a talented kid like Jordan Crawford is a good example.”
You think not showing up to games and chanting MVP for opposing players isn’t a strong enough statement against Hawks management?
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
11:37 am
Maybe this from Hoopinion will shed some light on JJ’s comments from last night:
“Over the first 9:45 of the fourth quarter, Al Horford scored four points on three shots. Josh Smith scored two points (with the bucket assisted by Horford) on four shots. Joe Johnson scored two points on two shots. Jamal Crawford and Zaza Pachulia were both scoreless on two shots each.”
So Josh had 4 shots, Al 3 and everybody else 2 shots.
How’s that Jamal breakout coming BTW? Still worth losing games over? I guess so.
slimjr
March 24th, 2011
11:42 am
I hope the Hawks do play Miami in the 1st rd. They will lose by an average of 30-40 points a game as they get swept outta here………………..
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
11:44 am
Well a back to back with NJ and @Cle. should be good for what ails you. Even though we have struggled vesrus the Nets this season. Haven’t we lost 2 to them already?
And then it’s:
The Magic at Home
Celtics at Home
@ Houston
San Antonio at Home
@ Indy, who is fighting for a playoff spot
Before we close out @ Washington, and get to see JC2 possibly punk us and humiliate LD further (if he’s still here)
Miami, which will possibly be resting the Big 3, while we won’t be resting anyone according to LD
And @ Charlotte, which should be a W. Even though they beat us last time at Home, coming back from 17 down,
I see maybe at least 5 or 6 wins here in the last 10. But maybe not with LD coaching.
I did predict 46-36 before the season. I may be kinda close.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 24th, 2011
11:45 am
I had 49-33. Safe to say that ain’t happening.
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
11:45 am
Next year, if LD’s still here, we’re in the lottery, guaranteed. Maybe that’s the master plan, IDK
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
11:51 am
Great LD quote:
“The Hawks have some nagging injuries, but Drew said he wouldn’t give players games off even if the Hawks are locked into the fifth seed before the end of the regular season.”
That has got to be classic. From Hawks Notes, Tuesday night, Larry Drew Settles on a Lineup
That’s also were we learned Teague was def. out of the rotation for the remainder of the season:
“Drew said there are certain games when he still may use a “big” lineup with Jason Collins or Zaza Pachulia at center. He said Pachulia, guard Jamal Crawford and swingman Damien Wilkins are “for sure” among the bench rotation and guard Jeff Teague and Collins also could get minutes.”
So much for Wilkens being a “for sure”
ag
March 24th, 2011
11:53 am
Okay, we are playing back to back in another city. Okay, your starting PG gets hurt. Okay, last night the only guy to play with any heart scored 20 points in under 20 minutes and did not assist because the scrubs you played with did not score. Also, the young guy you believe in gets rewarded with a DNP.
Forget START JEFF TEAGUE… FIRE LARRY DREW
ag
March 24th, 2011
11:54 am
The losing will continue at NJ. They are playing better.
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
11:55 am
LD – I will march my players into the 1st round of the playoffs in wheelchairs and crutches, just like we did against the Cavs 2 seasons ago. We will compete, and I will not play Jeff Teague. You can’t make me.
doc
March 24th, 2011
11:57 am
Najeh Davenpoop
March 24th, 2011
11:29 am
“I wont be surprised if we fall to 6th and play Miami. ”
The DASG would probably prefer this, since it would mean they can jack up the prices on those tickets. For all we know maybe the Hawks are tanking it on purpose so they can draw Miami.
as i said in the other blog as a season ticket holder i would prefer this to orlando as no one would want to see either team. howard is not a draw at all.
doc
March 24th, 2011
11:58 am
najeh, i had 44-48. that may not happen either.
Mike is back
March 24th, 2011
12:00 pm
Please, Trade LD already…what a joke.
ag
March 24th, 2011
12:01 pm
Were is that fire Larry Drew website?
KevinM
March 24th, 2011
12:01 pm
I am reading apples and oranges, apples being JC2 and no conscience on teh court and Teague who has proven he can play with Ty Lawson and whoever else he’s compared to. He’s our closest thing to Westbrook.
There is not another player on this roster that can do what Teague does, while all the other parts on this team are interchangeable. Perhaps that’s why Larry doesn’t like him: he’s one dimensional!
Its safe to say that had we kept JC2, we wouldn’t be any better than we are now….how many more low percentage jump shooters do you want on this team? JJ and JC1 don’t have enough shots going up?
With Teague, we are just flat out better. I don’t care what Larry thinks. He is just taking his own career down with him. I know Larry would play Drew II over him, so get him out of here, before he convinces the ASG that his son needs major minutes.
ag
March 24th, 2011
12:02 pm
I mean fire larry drew on facebook
doc
March 24th, 2011
12:02 pm
to the baseblall worle where life is still good:
barry’s head is getting smaller:
http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2011-03-23/only-thing-wrong-with-the-bonds-trial-is-fehr-and-selig-arent-co-defendants
i agree totally with this reporter.
Jamm on
March 24th, 2011
12:05 pm
Tired of hearing about AL Horford being so good he’s a solid player that played four years of college ball. AL just does not have the motor of a true allstar. I like Al he just does not dominate on a constant basis at all . True allstars demand the ball and respect if they have cofidence in their game. The time is now for Al to step up and be a leader for this team if he really wants to be considered an allstar. The great ones dont settle for their teammates to be lazy and heartless.
ag
March 24th, 2011
12:06 pm
I cannot believe Rick Sund or even the ASG is stupid. They see what we saw. The national media who stuck around watched the “core” get blown out by 40 points, and watched Jeff Teague score all the points in the fourth. They also wonder how much better JT would be and make the team with the starters. They also know KH is a B level pt guard who can play SG. They also know MW is a bust and Joe is the best post player we have.. so him playing SF is okay. They know we are 4-3 starting Teague -dispite what the box score says.
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
12:17 pm
Well, Jeff T’s PER is now equal with Jamals, and Jeff give you alot better D.
Jeff’s PER is 14.3, Marvin’s is 13.3, ZaZa’s is 11.8, Kirk’s is 11.3
Jeff averages more blocks per game than ZaZa and Marvin.
Jeff averages more steals than Marvin. Despite playing less than half his minutes.
On a per minute average, Jeff:
Far more steals than Josh Smith, by far our leader in that category
More points than Hinrich or Marvin
Almost as many blocks as Al
Far more assists than Kirk, Jamal, Josh, or Al
Far more boards than Jamal or Kirk. He almost outrebounds Jamal straight up in less than 1/2 the minutes.
He is by far our fasterst player, our best penetrator, and our only PG that can defensively stay with quicker PG’s.
But he’s so sturdy, he can stick with guys taller than him.
LD, please don’t be so stupid as to not play this kid. We are fans. He gives us the best chance to win. Come on LD, give the kid a chance.
cp
March 24th, 2011
12:20 pm
Its hard to win games when the head coach doesn’t think playing bad defense is a problem…….As bad as JC2 shooting percentages are, he has still been more productive than JC1 has been recently.
slimjr
March 24th, 2011
12:20 pm
Hawks are 3-8 in their last 11 games.There is no such thing as a guarantee win with this group of scrubs…………..They are playing some of the worst basketball in the league right now!!!!!!!!!!!Scrubs………………………….Bye Josh,Bye Marvin,Bye JC, run dont walk…………………………….
slimjr
March 24th, 2011
12:20 pm
43 wins at most………
slimjr
March 24th, 2011
12:22 pm
AL for NENE yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sleepy
March 24th, 2011
12:27 pm
Teague sucks you can post all the stats you want but that doesnt change the truth. Some of you are doing the same thing you did with Marvin Al and Josh which got us in this position in the first place.
ridiclous ……….
Section 303
March 24th, 2011
12:35 pm
After ripping him most of the year and getting on fellow posters call for him to play more, I have now switched sides. I am firmly in the camp that says Teague should play more. He has played well enough, I think. And, he has proven to have a better shot than I thought.
Some of you talking about Jordan Crawford…….here’s what I liked about him: he was/is fearless. He does not play scared at all. Thinking about the Boston game, over Thanksgiving (the one where they beat us by 100pts). Jordan Carwford came in an hit shots, even had a dunk. His shot selection needs work, but he can hit the long range shots and is not afraid to take them. We’ve all seen so many of the other Hawks play afraid. Never Jordan.
That being said….I still like the trade for Hinrich. I think Hinrich is a good player and has played well since coming to Atlanta.
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
12:36 pm
I mean didn’t Northcyde run stats showing that by far our best on court combination for Offense and Defense was Teague with the starters?
SteveW
March 24th, 2011
12:37 pm
That’s obvious to the fans, shouldn’t it be obvious to the Coaches?
And Section 303 – Welcome over!