Atlanta Hawks: Zaza Pachulia and Jason Richardson suspended for Game 4
The NBA suspended Hawks center Zaza Pachulia and Magic guard Jason Richardson for Game 4 of the first-round Eastern Conference playoffs series Sunday at Philips Arena.
Pachulia and Richardson were ejected in the fourth quarter of Atlanta’s 88-84 Game 3 victory at Philips Arena.
The incident started after Pachulia fouled Magic center Dwight Howard and Howard followed through with an elbow to Pachulia’s head. Pachulia screamed in anger as Richardson came over to confront him.
Pachulia headbutted Richardson twice as they stood face-to-face; Richardson retaliated by smacking Pachulia in the face. The league said the players were suspended for those actions.
“I got elbowed after the foul,” Pachulia said today before the suspensions were announced. “I was just trying to show [officials] that I got elbowed. That wasn’t right. Suddenly Jason Richardson came behind me. I don’t know what he thought. He came behind me and started talking and that’s when everything started.”
Pachulia said the headbutts were not intentional.
“I was talking to him,” he said. “Maybe first one or two [were] like manner of talking but third one was like big one. That’s a tough situation: nerves, tension high, people screaming and you are just losing yourself.
“Maybe you have got to be more careful but it is a very tough situation. Very few people can control themselves in that situation, especially when you guys know my character. It was tough.”
Pachulia’s suspension severely damages Atlanta’s efforts to defend Howard. Of the five players who have checked Howard this season, only Pachulia and starting center Jason Collins have managed to hold their ground against Howard’s powerful post moves.
Collins has been most effective against Howard but he’s likely to be slowed after suffering a bruised tailbone while drawing a charging foul on Howard in Game 3. Collins did not participate in Atlanta’s light practice on Saturday but said he would play in Game 4.
Atlanta’s other options to defend include forward Josh Powell and centers Etan Thomas and Hilton Armstrong. Coach Larry Drew has avoided assigning Al Horford to guard Howard because he wants to avoid foul trouble for Horford.
“We still have bodies,” Drew said before the suspensions were announced. “Will the bodies still be effective, that’s the question.”
Pachulia played 19 minutes in Game 2, including 15 relatively effective minutes guarding Howard in the second half. Pachulia also harassed Howard while playing 26 minutes in Game 3 as Collins was limited to 17 minutes in part because of the back injury.
During Atlanta’s 103-93 victory Game 1, Collins was limited to 17 minutes because of foul trouble. Pachulia played nine minutes, Powell eight and Thomas seven.
“From yesterday’s game you might think, ‘They need Zaza for Dwight,’” Pachulia said today. “But we have great players, professionals and I expect them to step up if I am out.”
Richardson’s suspension creates a dilemma for the Magic. He’s been the primary defender against Hawks shooting guard Joe Johnson, whose size has created match up problems for the Magic.
J.J. Redick is likely to replace Richardson in the starting lineup. He missed the final 17 games of the regular season with an abdominal injury and coach Stan Van Gundy said before Game 3 that Redick still is affected by the injury.
The other shooting guard options for Orlando include Gilbert Arenas and Quentin Richardson. Arenas didn’t play in Game 3 and Richardson has logged 35 minutes in the series.
Pachulia has given the Hawks a jolt with his energy and toughness but he’s also earned a reputation among opponents for being a physical nuisance.
Earlier this month Houston guard Kyle Lowry needed six stitches to close a cut on his lip after a collision with Pachulia that he called “a dirty play by him.” A trainer held back Lowry as he tried to go after Pachulia.
This is the second time Pachulia has headbutted an opponent during a playoff game. In 2008 he tangled with Boston forward Kevin Garnett.
“I’m not trying to be dirty,” Pachulia said. “I am out there to play basketball, not fight. But if it comes to that situation one thing know is I am never going to back down from anybody.
“It’s not something I am trying to fight or show you something or prove something. If I feel disrespected like that, I am [reacting]. That’s what happened. It might be bad thing but everybody has own personality and that’s my personality.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
189 comments Add your comment
JeJe
April 23rd, 2011
3:00 pm
ACTIVATE MAGNUM
JeJe
April 23rd, 2011
3:03 pm
oe better drop 35+ tomorrow
If Duhon is activated, I’d play Teague a bit if he gets in so that Hinrich gets some rest
MUST-WIN TOMORROW
If we lose tomorrow, we are !@#$ed
tbhawksfan
April 23rd, 2011
3:04 pm
You go Zaza.
Ant banks
April 23rd, 2011
3:07 pm
Enter your comments here
K.W.
April 23rd, 2011
3:07 pm
Yeah but what about those elbows that Dwight Howard gets away with.
DunwoodySteve
April 23rd, 2011
3:08 pm
Suspensions hurt Hawks much worse than Magic. Hate to beat a dead horse, but I am so tired of watching Hawks take jump shots and not making Howard work on defense (thus keeping him out of foul trouble)!
James
April 23rd, 2011
3:09 pm
ZAZA is a playoff hero for the hawks. I will never forget the picture of him standing forehead to forehead with Kevin Garnett. Glad to see him playing with fire, I hope he isn’t still bothered by some of the trade rumors early this year. The fans always seem to appreciate him at games. Keep it up Pachulia!
ThrashersFan
April 23rd, 2011
3:10 pm
ZAZAAAAAAAAAAAA PACHUUUUUUUUUUUULIAAAAAAAAAAAA
Floze
April 23rd, 2011
3:11 pm
How is it that Dwight got a tech for nailing zaza but not a personal foul? That would have put Dwight at 6
Ant banks
April 23rd, 2011
3:11 pm
It’s called Heart and I’m glad someone on the hawks team has some. When bynum took out Michael beasley his teammates lauded him. Some teammates need to come out and suppport zaza. Has anyone heard from teammates?
JOSH SMITH FOR 3!!!
April 23rd, 2011
3:12 pm
Stern protecting his paycheck, I mean players as always. Is Dwight’s elbow sore from all the offensive fouls?
CONservative Johnson
April 23rd, 2011
3:13 pm
I wonder how many stories would be printed if the Magic had that many fans at a playoff game in Atlanta like the Bulls do in Indianapolis; or if the Bulls were to in the next round . . .
CONservative Johnson
April 23rd, 2011
3:14 pm
Floze, because it was technically after the play. The personal foul on Zaza ends the play (other than the ball going up) . . .
Ant banks
April 23rd, 2011
3:15 pm
FLOZE, fouls have to be called immediately. Can’t look at replay to access fouls, only technical fouls
Kapoonka
April 23rd, 2011
3:29 pm
Advantage Hawks! Let Dwight score all he wants…Joe is going to kill Redick and the Magic surely miss JR’s points….
Put Marvin on Dwight…he can spare the fouls.
REAL FANS STAND UP!!!
April 23rd, 2011
3:33 pm
ATLANTA HAWKS FANS MORE THAN EVER THE HAWKS NEED YOU ON SUNDAY AND BEYOND!! ZAZA SHOWED MORE FIRE AND COURAGE WITH HIS DEFENSE OF SELF AND TEAM. TIME FOR ALL OF THE OTHER “BIGS” TO MAKE A NAME FOR THEMSELVES!!! ATLANTA HAWKS FANS >>>RISE UP !!!
steve
April 23rd, 2011
3:35 pm
This hurts the Hawks big time. Dwight will go off again.
JeJe
April 23rd, 2011
3:38 pm
I’ve noticed every time ZaZa gets into an altercartion, his teammates just stand around. He is the only non-soft player on this team besides Hinrich and Damien
Texas Pete
April 23rd, 2011
3:40 pm
Dwight will go off again like in Game 1? I’ll take it. Dwight has never killed the Hawks. The rest of the Magic is what hurts the Hawks. I love how ATL has played this series. If not for our offense wanting to settle for jumpers all the time we’d be up 3-0 right now. Hawks still win this in 5 or 6.
Ant banks
April 23rd, 2011
3:40 pm
The hawks will win this series. They have a real shot at beating chitown too. The hawks could very well rep the east in the finals. Boston and Miami series will beat each otha up. Wow
JeJe
April 23rd, 2011
3:41 pm
Need Collins to be as healthy as possible and for Etan to play (hope he’s doing okay).
Also need Hilton active and maybe even Magnum Rolle (LOL). Was Magnum signed at all for this year, or just next year?
doc
April 23rd, 2011
3:41 pm
figures, it is one way stern can exert his influence. jj will have to kill whoever guards him now. richardson bumped zaza from behind and lucky he didnt get more. why not howard as well? zaza has to protect himself as well as is going to be wary after getting an elbow in the neck. he has done less and been ejected before just not howard.
floze refs didnt want to see it. they couldnt ignore it on the screen.i imagine they didnt want zaza to be as right as he was.
Ant banks
April 23rd, 2011
3:43 pm
Mike woodson will never be a head coach again if hawks win this series. It will be an indictment on him.
Mac-Town #maconchevyrider
April 23rd, 2011
3:44 pm
From reading the comments of certain blogs and articles all around the internet these playoffs, I’m wondering how the Hawks and Magic performances against each other (2 teams thats have been in the playoffs several consecutive years) somehow prove the Bulls will have a breeze in the 2nd round, yet the Bulls performance against an under .500 Pacers teams proves nothing lol.
O'Brien
April 23rd, 2011
3:44 pm
With no ZaZa, Hawks will have to go hack a Dwight. And if thats the strategy, they need to wrap him up and not give up any And Ones.
If Dwight finishes with 45 pts again, so be it.
J-Rich’s suspension helps the Hawks, becuase they dont have anybody else who can guard JJ, so they will probably double him at times. JJ needs to be decisive with the ball, and either go quickly before the double comes, or pass the ball quickly out of the double team.
JeJe
April 23rd, 2011
3:44 pm
How did Dwight not get suspended for that elbow? He got suspended vs. Philly and Kobe’s elbow suspensions a few years ago were extremely similar.
WTF?
Does the NBA want Orlando to win game 4?
And why is Collins so ineffective in this series compared to regular season?
JeJe
April 23rd, 2011
3:47 pm
We cannot let Dwight establish position in the post. Gotta keep him as far out as possible. His hook shots are unstoppable
FIRE LD
Joe Tess Fish House
April 23rd, 2011
3:48 pm
Basketball is 4 loosers
john
April 23rd, 2011
3:55 pm
We know Collins will bring the same intensity and commitment to guarding Howard in the paint. Hopefully Etan will play with passion and step into Zaza’s shoes and give the crowd another thrilling victory. Jamal Crawford and Joe Johnson need to both score 20+. I want to see Josh Smith take it to Dwight Howard as a first option, and not settle for a long range jumper. More importantly, I want to see Josh Smith make smart decisions when he does attack Howard and dish off to his teammates once Howard commits. Howard can’t block shots with his back turned. Can’t let him stay in his comfort zone.
Last night’s game was incredible to watch. Even my girlfriend who hates basketball was jumping up and down on the couch. incredible game. KEEP IT UP. GO HAWKS!!
Rufus1
April 23rd, 2011
3:56 pm
“Mike woodson will never be a head coach again if hawks win this series. It will be an indictment on him”- Ant banks
Co-sign
We have a very good chance to make it to the ECF, because the Bulls are the Magic, with less shooters.(One dominant superstar)
Doles
April 23rd, 2011
3:58 pm
Pachulia is one of the dirtiest players in the league, his headbutts were 100% intentional. I’m not a fan of either team…I’m a Celtics fan, but if I was Orlando, I would take my least played bench player and tell them to punch Pachulia in his face.
ZAZA Sucks
April 23rd, 2011
3:59 pm
Zaza sucks just like his restaurant. Trade him and get him and his terrible food out of town.
Mac-Town #maconchevyrider
April 23rd, 2011
4:01 pm
Rufus1
April 23rd, 2011
3:56 pm
“Mike woodson will never be a head coach again if hawks win this series. It will be an indictment on him”- Ant banks
Co-sign
We have a very good chance to make it to the ECF, because the Bulls are the Magic, with less shooters.(One dominant superstar)
……………………….
I like our chances against them better than ORL.
Jeff
April 23rd, 2011
4:03 pm
Let’s hire Tree Rollins for a game
mykhalc
April 23rd, 2011
4:06 pm
i only wish the Hawks had the smarts to take advantage of the suspensions. knowin’ this team they’ll allow QR to go for 30 pts…
I MUS WRITE
April 23rd, 2011
4:08 pm
Dwight Howard is slowly becoming a cheap shot artist. Get under his skin with good defense and he loses it. Is Al Horford that much better than Brandon Bass? Jamals shot to win the game speaks for itself- Joe johnson- Sigh……………………………..Props to LD for finally pulling Josh- He almost cost us the game with those dumb shots. I think our players ignore LD alot – he kept saying go to the rim and dont settle for jumpers, and soon after its bombs away SMDH…
Teague should hv played a few more minutes ….pacers going HAM right now. They will be a problem in a year or two. Hibbert with the block on Rose git that ish outta here
ICEMANcometh10
April 23rd, 2011
4:08 pm
Hey Doles
I guess you are a fan of Kevin “DIRT MOUTH” Garnett?
O'Brien
April 23rd, 2011
4:11 pm
From ESPN.com;
Although the Hawks managed to win Game 3, Atlanta has gotten progressively worse at shooting jump shots during their series with the Magic. After shooting 51.4 percent (19-37) on jumpers in Game 1, the Hawks made only 42.0 percent (21-50) in Game 2, and 32.6 percent (16-49) Friday.
However the Magic have not been able to capitalize as they have shot poorly throughout the series as well, particularly from behind the three-point line.
Orlando made just eight of its 28 three-point attempts (28.6 percent) and have now shot under 30 percent from three-point range in each game of this series..
I know Orlando has missed some shots they normally make, but I think the Hawks are also making it tough on them.
moboman
April 23rd, 2011
4:14 pm
NBA definitely wants Orlando to win game 4. Zaza gets suspended, Dwight gets nothing for inciting the whole incident. Zaza was only going to complain to the ref, and Richardson jumps in his face. Why Zaza gets punished for reacting to Richardson and Dwight doesnt even get a fine is beyond me. But Zaza was foolish to risk suspension by headbutting, knowing how important he is in this series.
Roach
April 23rd, 2011
4:14 pm
Shame this isn’t baseball. Appeal to delay the suspension until Game 5, back in Orlando. Go all out to win Game 4 here, then just need 1 more somewhere.
Rufus1
April 23rd, 2011
4:15 pm
Mac-Town #maconchevyrider
“I like our chances against them better than ORL.”
I agree because we could pack the lane against the Bulls and force them to shoot jumpers.
Rufus1
April 23rd, 2011
4:17 pm
OB,
Are the saying the same thing about the Bulls?….Making excuses gfor their wins.
The U
April 23rd, 2011
4:17 pm
The obvious answer is that JJ has a huge skill and height advantage should Riddick starts the 2 position. The qustion is will an game plan designed to take advantage of the mismatch ? will the JJ trust his teammates when the Magic double him while helping Reddick ? will the other hawks make themselves a cutting lane to the basket when JJ is doubled ? or will the other hawks stand on the perimeter and watch the double waiting for their precious pass and jump shot ? inquiring minds want to know how will the hawks respond to this advantage ?
superiorblogman
April 23rd, 2011
4:21 pm
Bad news now the guards will just jack up more bad shots.
Flint Tropics Ball Boy
April 23rd, 2011
4:33 pm
What is up with Josh Smith shooting 20 Foot Jumpers?????? He needs to DRIVE the lane. After LD called a TO and reamed them for lack of dribble and drive, JSMOOVE goes out and jacks up a 20 footer. JLOAF had at 4 of the Hawks 9 turnovers at one point. If LD doesn’t pull Josh, the Hawks don’t win..Josh is the one player that can be traded on this team, need to re-sign Crawford and for goodness sakes get a real 5 so that Al can get locked in at the 4.
SWAT Native
April 23rd, 2011
4:33 pm
I wonder if Etan Thomas will be back from the death in his family in time to play in game 4? Now they really need him.
Beast from the East
April 23rd, 2011
4:34 pm
Zaza should have clocked him if it was going to cost him a game. Get your money’s worth, Zaza!
Katie
April 23rd, 2011
4:37 pm
So will ZaZa even be allowed to be there tomorrow?
JeJe
April 23rd, 2011
4:39 pm
IF IT WASN’T FOR LD’S IDIOTIC, IGNORANT, AND INEXPLICABLE 2 FOUL RULE, WE’D BE UP 3-0 AND CLINCHING THE SERIES TOMORROW. INSTEAD, WE WILL PROB WIN IN 5 OR 6 AND CHI WILL BE WELL RESTED FOR US
TheAntiMe
April 23rd, 2011
4:40 pm
Zaza is the Hawks enforcer. For a team that often goes entire quarters and even games playing without any emotion – or more importantly, energy – Zaza brings a very much needed intangible to the table. I can live with an occasional suspension as long as it is only one game.
JeJe
April 23rd, 2011
4:40 pm
I wonder if ORL starts Q.Rich on Joe, since they are tight with each other and maybe Q knows Joe better.
I have a bad feeling SVG brilliantly puts Hedo on Joe and shuts him down completely
Flint Tropics Ball Boy
April 23rd, 2011
4:40 pm
Someone needs to tell JSmoove that there is a “P” in the word PLAYOFFS. He is treating it like a LAYOFF..Watching him loaf around the court almost sulking prior to being pulled by LD late in the 4th is no way to maintain your status as part of the “CORE” of the Hawks foundation.Next time he jacks up another brick from 20ft, make him cover Dwight Howard for a while and get the crap elbowed and banged out of him..
JeJe
April 23rd, 2011
4:50 pm
When Z gets into an altercation, no one else on this team knows what to do since everyone else on this team besides Kirk is a scaredy-cat
JeJe
April 23rd, 2011
4:51 pm
MC,
Is Magnum going to be activated for this series?
mykhalc
April 23rd, 2011
4:51 pm
kinda like the P in PAINT…which Josh sees as AINT…
JeJe
April 23rd, 2011
4:57 pm
It annoys me when players say “the pressure is on them now” after they take a series lead. That is an AWFUL mentality and the lack of a must-win mentality will result in a series loss for us if we treat tomorrow as a casual game
drmaryb (*_-)
April 23rd, 2011
5:16 pm
Spell Check!
“Basketball is 4 loosers”
__________
You can’t even spell losers! You really shouldn’t use words that you clearly can not spell. You lose credibility and come off as ignorant.
You even have to know how to spell to use a pictionary-dictionary.
LOL!
Dept. of Unintended Irony
April 23rd, 2011
5:19 pm
Joe Tess Fish House
April 23rd, 2011
3:48 pm
“Basketball is 4 loosers”
As, apparently, is spelling. Or maybe the point was that you must be loose to play basketball. Yeah, that’s the ticket.
Slimjr
April 23rd, 2011
5:32 pm
The godfather, chief gangsta himself has spoken, Superman must advance at all cost
how bout more pick and rolls, pick and pop, pick and 2 step dunks???????
and yes the regular season does matter for winners………..
Hey Magic jr(Josh not smoove) stay on the weak side and cut to the basket…MOTION MOTION MOTION MOTION..The bigs need to stop standing around like a bunch of statues…
Game 4 is a must win for Atlanta or Magic in 7….
bigs= keep Al,shop ZaZa and Magic jr, cut or trade the rest of those stiffs this summer pronto………
Slimjr
April 23rd, 2011
5:38 pm
@Rev, lol
#2 Lottery pick GOT 2 MORE REBOUNDS AND 2 MORE POINTS THEN DAMIEN(DNP-CD)..He HeHe…
Slimjr
April 23rd, 2011
5:43 pm
I betcha joe fish is a Braves fan????????????????Ding Ding Ding!!!!!!
Go root for your home team dude if your bored, oh thats right I see they are near the cellar these days……..Yawn…..looks like another playoff run??? NOT……………………
Gwinnett Fred
April 23rd, 2011
5:48 pm
My observations:
1- When Zaza gets into confrontation mode, he bobs his head when he talks. Does it even when the opposing player is 5 feet away – so I agree with him it’s not intentional head butting
2- Richardson deserved to be tossed even if he didn’t slap Zaza like a little panty waste. Why won’t the NBA take one of the better NHL rules and use it – 3rd man in is automatic ejection. Richardson had no business in the post foul scene – he raced in from 10 feet away.
3- Zaza gives Atlanta fans at the game more to get excited about than any other player. Forget long jumpers, big dunks and blocked shots – NOTHING gets fans into a game than someone like Zaza standing up to crap like cheap forarms (Howard) and thug-like play (Garnett). He’s the combination Rocky – Rudy. Won’t back down and has more heart than the rest of the team put together!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
RA
April 23rd, 2011
5:54 pm
The only winner in this situation is Dwight Howard who has managed to hurt one of our ceters and whose actions led to the suspension of the other. I honestly hope that at some point, the league takes and objective look at how he plays the game and decides to enforce it’s rules objectively.
Slimjr
April 23rd, 2011
5:57 pm
Too bad Armstong has the basketball IQ of an Amoeba!! We sure could use him against cry baby…..
KevinM
April 23rd, 2011
5:58 pm
Gwinnett Fred
If you were at last nights game, you would have seethe Rocky/Zaza video that was made famous in the Boston series in ‘07.
Zaza’s legend is only growing now….Game 6 will be crazy if played!
We can only hope Joe fish isn’t a teacher of young people!
terrell
April 23rd, 2011
6:00 pm
Bullshi……! Zaza was walking away. Richardson initiated the nonsense that occured afterwards. And wasnt the altercation provoked by Dwight? Idiots!
terrell
April 23rd, 2011
6:02 pm
DO NOT PUT JOSH POWELL ON DWIGHT! I repeat, DO NOT PUT JOSH POWELL ON DWIGHT!
terrell
April 23rd, 2011
6:06 pm
Can we sigh Dikembe for a game?
terrell
April 23rd, 2011
6:07 pm
*sign*
Gwinnett Fred
April 23rd, 2011
6:08 pm
@Kevin M:
Wasn’t at last night’s game, but was at the Boston game 6 and like the rest of the crowd, got a big kick out of the ZaZa Balboa video.
Also, I think I heard someone say Joe Fish is big on Tractor Pulls & Monster Trucks. Figures.
Slimjr
April 23rd, 2011
6:13 pm
“And, I didn’t see a need for the nasty elbows. This idiot throws about 7 elbows per game and cries like his sisters:
The Cry-Ami Heat, every time someone touches him. He is the reason The Magic will not have JRich on Easter Sunday. He will be in his hotel room ordering a Peachtree Burger and Fries @ 630 PM.
When will Diaper-Man grow a pair?
Please tell me when? I’ll take a stab at this one:
When he comes home to the ATL!
We don’t coddle our players, we man them up. Too much silly
Disney Land going on down there:
In that presser, SVG & Dwight looked like:
Grumpy & Dumbo! Where was Minnie-Mouth? The only way she will see DRose in round 2? Is from her couch, I’ll be at the game LIVE!
Only a foolish man, looks past a formidable opponent, a week before the ball is tipped! Only a fool would do that and disappear in the games and at the podium. If it weren’t so TRAGIC, it would be PATHETIC!
Welcome to Atlanta, where the players play … And we ride on them thangs like e v e r y – d a y.
_____________
TKO! That’s TECHNICAL for the sloow people. We will see you in Orlando @ 3 – 1 and It’s a Wrap!
We will celebrate on your LOGO this Year! Please have the confetti and helium balloons ready for the round1 beat down party! Pay-Back is a Bytch. – Bytch!”
GO GET EM drmaryb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
Deborah( DJ) Jackson
April 23rd, 2011
6:14 pm
Dwight Howard is a dirty player and i feel he should have been fined ejected or something.The Hawks got to go in there tomorrow ready for Howard. Go Hawks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you can do it.
SteveW
April 23rd, 2011
6:50 pm
Any player signed after like March 15th or something like that cannot be on the postseason roster. So Magnum will not be playing, unless there’s something about the rule I don’t know about.
And I know Etan didn’t look good in game 1, but Etan can give you quality sub minutes against Dwight. He’s only a legit 6-7 or 8, but he’s also built like Hercules. Collins, Etan, Powell, Hilton should be able to bang on Dwight awhile.
I just hope Collins doesn’t get hurt, or we’re toast probably.
SteveW
April 23rd, 2011
6:54 pm
You know Chicago could just as easily be down 3-1 in that Indy series.
That series is not a cakewalk. And Indy plays a ton of guys alot of minutes, so their not a dinged up. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Indy won game 5 in Chicago.
KevinM
April 23rd, 2011
7:13 pm
If you saw Collins on the sidelines last night, he looked like he had had enough of Dwight/wrestle mania. He went to the locker room after Q1, didnt play in Q2, and got knocked around enough in Q3 to have a huge pack wrapped on his right hip.
He had had more than enough by then. Myself, I question how good of shape he really is? LD’s rotations are about as consistent as the weather, so I expect more chaos in Game 4.
Magnum Rolle nor Magnum PI is gonna help against Lex Luthor’s rival. He toyed with Hilton Armstrong, who look totally helpless.
Orlando is truly looking like a w
Section 303
April 23rd, 2011
7:15 pm
Major Eff you to Jason Richardson. Will be great ending his season.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 23rd, 2011
7:18 pm
“Any player signed after like March 15th or something like that cannot be on the postseason roster. So Magnum will not be playing, unless there’s something about the rule I don’t know about.”
That’s only if they had been waived by someone else. Magnum wasn’t, so he is eligible.
KevinM
April 23rd, 2011
7:19 pm
If you saw Collins on the sidelines last night, he looked like he had had enough of Dwight/wrestle mania. He went to the locker room after Q1, didnt play in Q2, and got knocked around enough in Q3 to have a huge pack wrapped on his right hip.
He had had more than enough by then. Myself, I question how good of shape he really is? LD’s rotations are about as consistent as the weather, so I expect more chaos in Game 4.
Magnum Rolle nor Magnum PI is gonna help against Lex Luthor’s rival. He toyed with Hilton Armstrong, who look totally helpless.
Orlando is truly looking like a worse team as every day going forward. They have been exposed counting on Turk 2 and Arenas. Those 2 kill the Magic’s chances like Josh and Marvin have a way of doing that for us.
If Milwaukee’s GM hasn’t lost his job already, Otis Smith might be the next on the chopping block.
The Magic’s future no longer looks promising when not too long ago their 2nd unit looked as strong as our starters….but that was when we had the Bibster!
SteveW
April 23rd, 2011
7:20 pm
We have used Collins, ZaZa, Etan, Hilton, Powell, Horford and Josh on Dwight this series. That’s 7 guys. But only 2 have played him well. Etan can play him ok, we’ll have to see in game 4.
And I’ll have to disagree with that Bradley article. I think this hurts us way more than it hurts them. JRich is a very good player, but he has been playing terrible since coming to Orlando. And really been playing badly this series. And ZaZa has been playing very good and learning from Collins maybe on how to be a Dwight stopper.
And Orlando can roll Reddick, Q.Richardson and Arenas at SG. That’s not too bad. They can even bring in Duhon as backup PG.
And I think the guy costing Orlando the series is Anderson. He has been MIA.
So advantage Orlando on the suspensions, but we can still beat them.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 23rd, 2011
7:21 pm
I think this hurts the Hawks a lot more than it hurts the Magic. J-Rich wasn’t doing much offensively and couldn’t guard Joe one on one anyway. Joe’s problems this series have resulted from Turkoglu’s length and Dwight’s double teams, not J-Rich. With Zaza out, though, the Hawks only have one effective Dwight defender.
I think they will have to outscore the Magic to win Game 4, which means they will have to play like Game 1 or the first half of Game 3 on offense.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 23rd, 2011
7:23 pm
^^I meant they will have to win a high scoring game. No sh-t they will have to outscore them. Didn’t mean for that to come out like something Tim McCarver or John Madden would say.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 23rd, 2011
7:25 pm
They should sign that fatass from the A-Team Dancers to go hack Dwight a few times.
SteveW
April 23rd, 2011
7:34 pm
Marvin is as big or bigger than Hilton. Let him use a couple of fouls on Dwight also.
And with the games now becoming every other day, which the Hawks seemed to love in the regular season, I think the pounding on Dwight begins to wear the beast down. But he is a beast, make no mistake about it.
And I know Teague looked bad yesterday. But if you want to wear Dwight out, bring in Teague, he can do it, run him out of the gym. And he may help us outscore Orlando also.
terrell
April 23rd, 2011
7:39 pm
Dallas choking bigtime. Indiana nearly did the same thing. Great games today.
SteveW
April 23rd, 2011
7:42 pm
And if we can get past Orlando, Chicago definitely looks beatable.
And a cornered animal is always dangerous. SVG is coaching for his job according to reports. I think he’s pulling out all the stops to beat us.
But we can win that game tomorrow – Go Hawks!!!!
lewis
April 23rd, 2011
7:43 pm
let us discuss Jason collins epic heroicism battling dwight through injuries
oldtimer
April 23rd, 2011
8:11 pm
I think Orlando will go with this lineup: Howard/Anderson/Bass, and they move Turk to shooting guard.
That will be tough for Hawks and JJ’s length won’t hurt them as much if matched vs. Turk. The Zaza suspension is a real bad loss for Hawks. Have to get JJ and Jamal scoring over 20 each and Josh and Al playing smart ball
O'Brien
April 23rd, 2011
8:42 pm
Najeh,
I think they will have to outscore the Magic to win Game 4, which means they will have to play like Game 1 or the first half of Game 3 on offense.
^^I meant they will have to win a high scoring game. No sh-t they will have to outscore them. Didn’t mean for that to come out like something Tim McCarver or John Madden would say..
At least you caught it before the Dept of Unintended Irony tried to make a case…
Booo!
April 23rd, 2011
9:19 pm
“They should sign that fatass from the A-Team Dancers to go hack Dwight a few times.”
LMBO!!!
Which one??? Pictures pleeease!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
April 23rd, 2011
9:22 pm
NBA Playbook has a great breakdown of the Hawks’ final offensive and defensive possessions.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 23rd, 2011
9:22 pm
^^2nd to last
KevinM
April 23rd, 2011
9:27 pm
Josh and the term ’smart ball’ are like oil and water.
Have you ever heard me say how much I wanted Mike Conley Jr. Prior to him signing an extension?
Johnny Davisnand Lionel Hollins (both excellent guards in their day) must be getting through to him.
And Hasheem who?
KevinM
April 23rd, 2011
9:29 pm
The Hawks made NBA playbook? That has to be a first!
Woody never had a playbook!
Slimjr
April 23rd, 2011
9:32 pm
Man what a huge problem with ZaZa gone for game 4????
And Collins banged up…..
AllStar Al better eat his Wheaties and not get punk-ed out there! Time to flex those guns dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
That @2 Lottery Pick needs to have a transformation type playoff game 16 and 6 at least!!!!!!!
Its going to be brutal to watch but somebody’s got to do it…….
Slimjr
April 23rd, 2011
9:34 pm
Rather have CP3 over Conley Jr..Make a wrong a right Sund!!!!
Slimjr
April 23rd, 2011
9:54 pm
^^^^#2 Lottery Pick
O'Brien
April 23rd, 2011
10:11 pm
Even as the #4 and first PG taken, Conley started off slow. And by year 3, there was a big improvement. I’m hoping the same thing will happen with Teague. Next year is year 3, and I expect big improvements from his next season (assuming LD gives him PT).
Sometimes I wish Josh would look at Zach Randolph’s game. For the last 6 seasons, ZBo has averaged double digit rebounds 5 seasons, and 9.4 the other.
Also, if you watch him play, he makes most of his living in the paint. That is what Josh should do.
And cut down on the 3-pt attempts.
Slimjr
April 23rd, 2011
10:15 pm
Looks like Memphis is going to go up 2-1!
Slimjr
April 23rd, 2011
10:17 pm
Zach Randolph= The Real Smoove please stand up!
JeJe
April 23rd, 2011
10:20 pm
WE SHOULD BE UP 3-0 IN THIS DAM NSERIES.
SCREW LD AND HIS STUPID 2 FOUL RULE
Slimjr
April 23rd, 2011
10:22 pm
I would take Nene over Allstar Al anyday of the week.. Nene just attacks the rim with devastating power dunks…He’s playing right now…..Wow….
doc
April 23rd, 2011
10:45 pm
As Pachulia talked to reporters Saturday about his physical altercation with Orlando’s Jason Richardson in Game 3, Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins walked by and playfully shadowboxed in Pachulia’s direction.
“I’m learning from that guy,” Pachulia joked.
very funny
RayBud
April 23rd, 2011
11:00 pm
@Michael Cunningham….i know i am fetching far into the future, but what are the chance u think of Dwight Howard coming home to play for ATL?
Slimjr
April 23rd, 2011
11:19 pm
Man OKC is rolling!!! A thang of beauty to watch this very talented young and very well coached team..They are fun to watch…………..
Najeh Davenpoop
April 23rd, 2011
11:20 pm
Apparently Zaza raps too. WTF?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFvRcBa1uak
flyin blind
April 23rd, 2011
11:44 pm
I appreciate the fire,,,but the head butt thing ..ZAZA needs to stop with the excuse of “caught up in the moment” , Elbows in basketball are like floppin , everybody does it , some more than others. WWE is most def a option ater zaza retires
Michael
April 24th, 2011
2:00 am
I was at that game and they should have suspended Dwight Howard if anybody. They instead took the easy way out and suspended ZaZa. He’s THE ENFORCER for the love of God. You push his buttons and he’s going to drop the hammer down upon you. That’s his job is to ENFORCE the physical nature of the Hawks and no matter what he will continue to play that role to perfection.
TheAntiMe
April 24th, 2011
3:02 am
Were I in Larry Drew’s position I would seriously think about adding Josh Smith to the Center rotation as opposed to Al Horford to guard that goon Dwight Howard. Although Josh would be at a little bit more of a height disadvantage than Horford, he probably does have the better hops of the two if his knee is not a factor.
Another reason to use Josh instead is that – when he wants to be – he is the Hawks best overall defensive player and even if he did pick up fouls more quickly you would miss Josh much less than you would Al on the offensive side if Josh gets into foul trouble by joining the anti-goon squad. Finally, it would be an interesting story line to see the former school buds going at it head-to-head.
sam'l
April 24th, 2011
5:28 am
Enter your comments here
sam'l
April 24th, 2011
5:33 am
Pachulia was dumb to get suspended…..it hurts the team’s efforts to win. He thinks it’s okay because it’s his nature……crazy. Howard is obviously being protected by the league. He is a brutal player who uses his elbows to hurt people and gets 8 fouls a game regularly. He has consistently denied elbowing Pachulia, smiling, throwing his arms up in the air, complaining about the technical call. If is now obvious to anyone watching that we have a pathological liar being promoted by the league.
Hawks were pathological to open the third quarter…..watch it again. They went into a trance, just stood around.
Hawks versus Bulls…..give the country something to wonder about……
Go Hawks….but Pachulia……please don’t be stupid like that ever again……
The Game Has Changed
April 24th, 2011
7:18 am
@JeJe and Rufus-Now you are talking more non sense. I love you guys. First it was fire Drew because he was gonna get swept in the first round. Now it sounds as though you think we are going to advance to the second round. Wow. Are you guys jumping on the band wagon? Thanks. Now you are saying if Drew makes it to the second round Woodson would never get another coaching job. Wow. So what if the Hawks never make it back to the second round, should Woodson coach again?
The Game Has Changed
April 24th, 2011
7:30 am
You sit back and realize the game has really change. 20 years ago, they would not have been suspended. Maybe a couple of techs but this players these days are so soft and jumpy. Jason had nothing to do with the incident but he claims he was sticking up for a teammate. I dont think Howard needs anyone to stand up for him. These guys these days would not be able to stay on the court againt Karl Malone, Charles Oakley, Rodman, Lambier, or Rick Mahorn. The game has changed
KevinM
April 24th, 2011
8:21 am
What hasn’t changed in the game is the coddling of the better bog men in the game. Shaquille used to get 8 fouls/game, so really the refs are still confiding to their own guidelines. Dick Bavetta was there for there for both. This is why you see Collins and Zaza playing more aggressive. You know you are going to get a call or two; it’s just that Howard always gets the benefit of he doubt in altercations.
I think the Magic go back to double teaming Joe tonight and Dwight will get up minimum 25 shots.
We could easily be 2-2 after tonight if Josh and Marvin play average basketball.
Tech Sucks
April 24th, 2011
8:57 am
Total BS. Zaza got screwed. Dwight should have been ejected for the damn elbow.
tc
April 24th, 2011
9:08 am
LD needs to be more vocal about the foul mismatch. We have VG whining about the Magic getting the short end of the deal. It is a great strategy and it helps DH continue to not get called for fouls. VG is a master at getting officials to have sympathy for DH. LD would do well to learn something from him.
James
April 24th, 2011
9:29 am
Where is Larry Drew’s emotion? When your player keeps getting dirty elbows AFTER the fouls are called, the coach is supposed to YELL IN ANGER at the refs to make sure something gets done about it. So what if he picks up a Tech? That will put the focus on the dirty plays of Howard, plus it will fire up the Hawks players when they see their coach standing up for them. When Howard got that Tech call against him and the refs went to explain the call to the coaches, THAT was the time for Drew to make that point going into the rest of the games in this series. He didn’t. He just walked calmly back to the bench. C’mon Drew! Show some emotion- show some passion- show some disgust at the dirty plays of Dwight Howard… AKA Mr. camps out in the paint for 5 seconds and rarely gets a 3 second violation (ON BOTH ENDS).
GET A CENTER HAWKS,HORSFORD IS A PF
April 24th, 2011
10:32 am
PLEASE START MARVIN WILLIAMS OVER JOSH WHEELIN SMITH!
Richard P
April 24th, 2011
10:32 am
MOST OF DWIGHT’S BEST ELBOWS COME JUST AFTER THE FOUL CALL JUST AS THE REF TURNS HIS HEAD TO GIVE THE OFFENDER’S JERSEY # TO THE SCORERS TABLE. VERY SCREWED VERY SNEAKY.
HAWKS GAMEPLAN MUST BE TO TO KEEP DRIVING DIRECTLY INTO THE PAINT UNTIL HOWARD FINALLY GETS IN FOUL TROUBLE!! ENOUGH WITH THE JUMP SHOTS GUYS!!! PENETRATE AND 1) GET TO THE FREETHROW LINE MORE OFTEN (2) GET HOWARD IN FOUL TROUBLE. SIMPLE RECIPIE FOR HAWKS SUCCESS
GET A CENTER HAWKS,HORSFORD IS A PF
April 24th, 2011
10:33 am
JOSH SMITH = J.R SMITH OF DENVER!
Richard P
April 24th, 2011
10:36 am
Why start Marvin? All he does is stand behind the 3pt line waiting for that one lucky 3pointer. He doesnt move enough, he never makes his defender have to work because he never moves. He is Mr. Stand around. I’d rather have Josh jacking up shots – at least his defender has to expend energy guarding him. Marvin is not nearly aggressive enough. I say bad call on that idea
drmaryb (*_-)
April 24th, 2011
10:51 am
Slimjr & Rev
I couldn’t let you two have all the fun on that Orlando Basketblog.
I just couldn’t do it! Trash Talking is waaay too much fun!
If I were a gambling woman, I would put money on it!
_______________
ZaZa has always been one of my favorite Hawks and he is climbing to the top of that list very quickly. With him being out, it is clearly an
opportunity for someone else to step up in the paint.
Rebounding is going to become the biggest need. So come on Al, Josh and especially Marvin. I can’t even believe we are still waiting for Marvin and his butt to actually do something. Is he a Romulin or what?
Is that a fore-brain or a hind-brain?
Can somebody please box out?
_____________________
Who ever mentioned the low scoring and descending scoring percentages? Child please! This is the NBA play offs man.
Where every possession is magnified, defense is fierce, 100 pt scoring teams typically hover around 88 points. Look around the League, the two highest scoring teams in recent history Portland-Dallas ended what?
86 – 84
That’s Portland and Dallas people. More importantly, it’s the play offs where you play the same team 7 times straight and their goal is to take away what you like to do. It’s a chess match, so NO, the low scoring percentages means absolutely nothing to a woman like me!
Just score one point more than the other team and I’m good!
Real good!
Let’s Go!
drmaryb (*_-)
April 24th, 2011
11:13 am
Trix!
“Finally, it would be an interesting story line to see the former school buds going at it head-to-head.” -The Anti-Me-
____________________
Silly Rabbit! Trix is for kids. This is the NBA Play Offs maane.
If you need interesting plots, go see a movie. I’m just saying.
-smiles-
Najeh Davenpoop
April 24th, 2011
11:15 am
“Which one??? Pictures pleeease!!! ”
I meant fatass like Eric Cartman, not like Nicki Minaj. I doubt that you really want to see pictures.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 24th, 2011
11:17 am
“At least you caught it before the Dept of Unintended Irony tried to make a case…”
Haha yeah, I’m proud to say DUI still hasn’t caught me for anything… yet.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 24th, 2011
11:22 am
“PLEASE START MARVIN WILLIAMS OVER JOSH WHEELIN SMITH!”
I’m actually not entirely opposed to this idea with the big lineup — not because Marvin has been playing well or Smoove has been playing bad, but just because Smoove coming off the bench would balance out the bench scoring and not make it quite so perimeter oriented. Also, Marvin as a natural SF may be more likely to keep up with Turkoglu on the perimeter than Smoove, who is out of his element chasing perimeter players around screens and closing out on shooters. I’d still play Smoove a hell of a lot more minutes than Marvin, though, don’t get it twisted. Smoove is still the far better player of the two even out of position at SF.
darrell starks
April 24th, 2011
11:24 am
No ZAZA ok
COLLLINS, HILTON, ETAN.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
April 24th, 2011
11:26 am
Najeh im sorry bro but marvin should be playing D league basketball.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
11:26 am
What is the link for the Orlando blog? can’t find the user comments
darrell starks
April 24th, 2011
11:29 am
STARTERS TEAGUE, JOE, JOSH, HORFORD, COLLINS
BENCH HINRICH, JAMAL, DAMIEN, POWELL, HILTON
RESERVE MARVIN, ETAN.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
11:44 am
Good quote from LD this morning
MUST-WIN TODAY MUST-WIN TODAY MUST-WIN TODAY MUST-WIN TODAY MUST-WIN TODAY MUST-WIN TODAY MUST-WIN TODAY MUST-WIN TODAY MUST-WIN TODAY MUST-WIN TODAY
drmaryb (*_-)
April 24th, 2011
12:06 pm
All about Them!
Like I posted after game 1. It’s clearly not about what Dwight does, it’ll all come down to what the perimeter 3 pt shooters don’t do.
“It’s not about HIM – It’s about THEM” -drmaryb-
That was my actual quote. Did yall see the undergarment Tee Shirt Dwight had on underneath his jersey on the side line, Friday night?
It read: “IT’S NOT ABOUT ME”.
That is the realist cliche’ if ever there was one.
That lesson was pounded into my head and heart while in Practice Management training.
So, Coach Drew stick with your game plan, let Diaper-Man get his,
stop THEM!
drmaryb (*_-)
April 24th, 2011
12:24 pm
The suspension actually favors the Hawks.
The Magic relied heavily on JRich as he is the most potent 3 point weapon with a combination of defense and toughness.
Let’s face it, he did pester Joseph Johnson and he did deliver the dagger in game 2, or they would be down 3 – 0 today.
So yes, SVG will look more constipated than ever tomorrow.
I’m sure Otis Smith is frustrated with Dwight too, for all the silliness in his
baggage compartment.
So tonight my Hawks! Let’s Get SILLY!
brigadierjerry
April 24th, 2011
12:48 pm
This will need to be a must win for the hawks to hold serve on their home court tonight. If they lose this game even if they win game 6 it will be impossible to win game 7. Hawks need to treat this game like they are down 3-0 in the series. Again let Dwight get his, I worry more of the players like Nelson, Redick and Hedo hitting big shots than Dwight making a game winning shot. Must win for the Hawks tonight.
drmaryb whats up will you be at the game tonight?
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
1:15 pm
Jamal said the pressure is on Orlando now. WTF? If they win today, they win homecourt [and most likely the series]
‘
WE MUST HAVE A MUST-WIN MENTALITY TODAY.
We also must have the same mentality if we win today for Tuesday and not just think that we can finish it off in game 6
WIN TODAY AND TUEDAY
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
1:19 pm
JOE BETTER GO OFF TODAY
TAKE OUT THAT PUNK RICHARDSON
drmaryb (*_-)
April 24th, 2011
1:55 pm
I Mean – Really?
“A Magic squad that’s struggled to score in the regular season and playoffs against the Hawks will be playing Sunday night without shooting guard Jason Richardson, Orlando’s second-leading scorer this season. He was suspended a game for Friday’s fourth-quarter fight with Atlanta center Zaza Pachulia. Richardson said the Magic clearly got the worst of that swap.
“Of course, they got the best out of it. Anybody can see that,’’ Richardson said after hearing of the suspension. “I don’t know if that was the plan to get me out of there because I haven’t been playing that well in this series. But we’re a deep team and other guys will step up for us to get the win.’’
________________________
A plan to get you out of there? Was it your plan JRich to come 10 feet and interject yourself into the picture, when the two parties involved had walked away? That is the real question, Were you born stupid or, did you learn to be stupid? Besides that one winning shot in game 2?
What have you really done in this series, to become a serious threat to the Hawks? Unbelievable garbage. You may be your team’s 2nd leading scorer this season, but you are of no consequence to the Hawks.
Go look at the “nimbers” 5 of 7 wins total in both these seasons this year!____________________
Yes! The Hawks will clearly miss ZaZa,m but the Magic will miss you more!
_____________________
brigadierjerry, not tonight Sir, I am in SC visiting family and eating some good ole’ home cooking – just like my Hawks will be.
You guys have fun and Let’s Go!
Dept. of Unintended Irony
April 24th, 2011
1:56 pm
“Haha yeah, I’m proud to say DUI still hasn’t caught me for anything… yet.”
It’ll happen eventually, Najeh. You were close, but caught yourself. I’ll just wait until you’re in a hurry sometime. That’s where most of my material comes from……Haste makes waste, but it also spawns the DUI.
Worldwide Clyde
April 24th, 2011
1:58 pm
Hawks in 6
northcyde
April 24th, 2011
2:01 pm
All of this talk about what the Hawks should do at center now, is funny to me.
Don’t we have a 2-time All-Star playing center? How about him stepping up and try to handle Dwight for a while?
As much ragging that people do on JJ, let me remind you guys that he’s guarded 3 positions in this series. He’s guarded everyone from Turk, to J-Rich, to Nelson. So God forbid that Al try to take on the big man for about 8 – 10 minutes tonight, seeing that Horford IS an All-Star at center . . . not PF, but Center. He’s a much better option at center than Josh Powell or Etan or Hilton or whatever person you want to throw at Dwight. So he should be the one that steps up and does it tonight.
HORFORD should step up and do it. Even if he can’t do it, step up and try.
Out of all the starters, Horford is probably playing the most below regular season levels. So how about he be the one that steps up tonight? If JJ essentially won Game 1 . . and Jamal essentially won Game 3 . . how about the anointed leader of the Hawks ( by the fans ) step up and lead us to a Game 4 win?
Buddy Grizzard
April 24th, 2011
2:03 pm
It’s going to be on Kirk to check Jameer in this game and not let him have a huge game to make up for the absence of J-Rich. Etan is also going to have to play well in this game to cover for the loss of Zaza. If Armstrong and Powell play significant minutes, Las Vegas Larry strikes again.
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
2:08 pm
A plan to get you out of there? Was it your plan JRich to come 10 feet and interject yourself into the picture, when the two parties involved had walked away? That is the real question, Were you born stupid or, did you learn to be stupid? Besides that one winning shot in game 2?
What have you really done in this series, to become a serious threat to the Hawks? Unbelievable garbage. You may be your team’s 2nd leading scorer this season, but you are of no consequence to the Hawks.
Go look at the “nimbers” 5 of 7 wins total in both these seasons this year!____________________
^Wow I actually agree 100% with DrMaryB. J-Rich is @$$hole these days on the ball court. He was beastly last year with PHX and I liked him until I realized he sucks now
I was worried ORL would try something like put Hedo on JJ and somehow shut him down, but I hope JJ can destroy Q-Rich.
Like I said before, we need Joe and Jamal to combine for 45 a game for us to win (47 or so in game 1 and 44 the other night)
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
2:09 pm
I also agree with Buddy about shutting down Jameer. Hinrich has done a very nice job, but we can’t assume Jameer will be scoring 13 a game the rest of the series. Game 1 he beasted, but we gotta keep him in tact
MUST- WIN today
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
2:13 pm
northcyde,
I’d love to see Al step up. I’d also like to see Marvin score some damn points. Seems like he has no role in this series but to stand around and hustle back as soon as our possession is done.
This seems like a series all about the guards and bigs, so I guess guys like Duck and Turk can’t get it going.
Have a strange feeling Josh will put up a monster statline tonight and we win
Again, we CANNOT have this mentality that “the pressure is on them now.” THat is the dumbest ISH I’ve ever heard. Also must have a must-win mentality on Tuesday and finish these dee-bags off. Should be up 3-0 now and waiting after today for CHI/IND to end
Oh Well
northcyde
April 24th, 2011
2:13 pm
And what a great 24 hours of basketball I saw on Friday and Saturday nights. The Hawks win was dramatic enough, but what I saw last night in Memphis was incredible. It was their first home playoff win, and that arena was jacked up at the end of the game. Great atmosphere for playoff basketball down there. Memphis is really a college basketball town, so at times, they bring that sort of enthusiasm to Grizzly games. Beale St. was rockin all night.
I wish I could make it a trifecta, and make the Nashville Predators – Anaheim Ducks playoff game tonight, but I couldn’t get tickets. Plus I need some rest after all of that road travel ( probably 15 total hours in the last 48 hours ). I need a nap before the Hawks game. Damn . . if I were 25, this wouldn’t even phase me. I wouldn’t even be tired.
Irv
April 24th, 2011
2:15 pm
Superman’s Kryptonite = GET HIM IN FOUL TROUBLE!! JJ, Heinrich, Crawford, Teague- take a page out of Tony Parker’s and Rondo’s book. Drive & throw your body into Howard in the way up, forcing the refs to have to call against Howard. The more they try it the more chances they have to succeed. Hell, they only have to get the guy 6 fouls in 48 minutes and it’s Easy Street after that. They don’t even have Gortat to back Howard up anymore. Also, get Howard to pick up an offensive foul or 2. Collins needs to flail his arms more by exaggerating the effects of Howard lowering his shoulder and using his famous elbows to get into position to score- A little more Flopping could get another foul on Howard. What does Collins have to lose if hes gonna get called anyway.
northcyde
April 24th, 2011
2:16 pm
JeJe I agree. The pressure may be on them, but the pressure is on us too.
If Orlando wins tonight, they regain home court advantage. It’s the same situation we were in 2 years ago @ Miami, after they took a 2 – 1 lead on us, and had a home game for Game 4. We had to grind that game out to get a win and tie the series. Once that happened, we regained the home court, which we took care of in Games 5 and 7.
The Hawks can’t relax one bit. Lose tonight, and that Game 1 win in Orlando basically means nothing.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 24th, 2011
2:24 pm
Floppers?
SVG over there at the Orlando Sentinel newspaper, calling the Hakws big men – Floopers? When “Diaper-Man” hits you? You fall down!
Its simple: that’s NOT flopping, that’s flagrant territory.
That man has a huge body.
KevinM
April 24th, 2011
2:25 pm
Haha, SVG complaining about flopping..
JRich complaining about being a victim…
Howard crying more than Josh..who would’ve seen that coming?
The Magic are on the ropes and I never thought it could have happened. I had the Hawks down 3-1 after Game 4.
Horford’s a center like JC1 is a PG…a myth. Al told you he doesnt like going up against guys who outweigh. Horford has has an ok series, but we could easily be up 3-0.
Somehow, when the Hawks think they have an advantage, they lay an egg.
And whoever is promoting Marvin, you must not have watched him the last 2 years. Very rare that he steps up when needed. His points come at garbage time many times.
That a/c commercial where the cash is being sucked out the window? That’s Marvin’s production more often than not. And He could present a huge advantage for us, but he chooses to play cautious basketball.
KevinM
April 24th, 2011
2:27 pm
Irv, we don’t attack the basket..therefore, no foul trouble for #12.
It’ll nev
KevinM
April 24th, 2011
2:29 pm
Irv, we don’t attack the basket..therefore, no foul trouble for #12.
It’ll never happen in this offensive scheme. We live and die by the jumper.
Thanks Sund for bringing in JC1. The best move you have made in your 31 years in the NBA.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 24th, 2011
2:33 pm
DUI!
Hey, The DUI hasn’t caught me yet either! I’m too slick for him.
Ha ha ha … Cuff me if you can, but you have to Catch me first!
I’m “winning” and, like Charlie Sheen – I’m Gone!
LOL!
Its my time!
April 24th, 2011
2:36 pm
Yea, Ive been waiting for Al to step up for years now. The guy is a “soft” defender and gets punked often. He runs his mouth pretty good to the press but the reality hes not a man in the locker room or a boss on the court. He actually makes this team worse because he wimps out from playing center and to accommodate his selfish demand Josh is forced to the perimeter to take bombs from the 3 position. If only Al could enforce the center lane and cup wed be a near contender. The best thing that could happen to the hawks is to move Al for a more establish defender, bring Josh back to the wing where he is free to take it to the cup and give weakside help to the real (horford’s own words) center.
Until that happens look for the hawks to be discombobulated. Woodson had them playing about as good as they get. Teague is still a burst under any coach. Time to ship this project.
We spent the off season stacking big bodies and shipping others to prepare for Orlando in the second round. Who would have thought that both the Hawks and Orlando would be taking steps backwards……
either one will get beat soundly in the second round….Amen goes there
Bottom line? Hawks 1 and done. They lose in the second round 4 games to 1
Shout out to the master. T.S.!
Irv
April 24th, 2011
2:37 pm
KevinM – DONT attack the basket and CANT attack the basket ate 2 different things. We all know they are essentially perimeter. That’s partly on the coach, but mainly on the players. If they really want to win, that is a proven formula. Too much emphasis on defending against DH and his dominance. Mindset needs to be how to chop down Goliath not how to implement strategies to tolerate him.
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
2:38 pm
Mark my word:
Josh will have a dominant game tonight and will post a near-triple double.
We all know this will happen. Most people hate him for how he played Friday (I think he could’ve been worse).
Now he’ll make us love him by dominating this game.
2:38 pm – JeJe
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
2:40 pm
Tonight, watch out for Jameer and Josh to really get it going.
Like I’ve said a thousand times, if Joe and Jamal combine for 45+ (44 is adequate), we win. A bit nervous Jamal will fall off though. This game is on Joe
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
2:46 pm
If this team wants to win in 5, it’ll take care of business at home in front of the disintegrating white towels, then wear the red unis on the road and win in Orlando. Gotta wear the red unis
Wabe
April 24th, 2011
2:48 pm
This does hurt the Hawks, but this may hurt the Magic more than it hurts the Hawks.
The Hawks philosophy this series has been to let Dwight get his and bog down on the 3-point shooters.
Dwight went off on the Hawks in game one for 40+ points, but the Hawks still managed to get a W. The same happened in game two – Dwight went off. Although we didn’t win game two, the game was still right there for the taking. We did manage to keep him somewhat in check compared to our first two games vs. him, but bottom line, you’re not gonna keep that guy down all the time. He’ll get his.
But for the Magic, they lose the guy that checks JJ. This forces Reddick into the starting lineup and Quentin Richardson will probably log some heavy minutes gaurding JJ as well. I’m assuming the doubles will be coming at JJ tonight, so the Hawks should be prepared, because they’ll be seeing open looks. The problem with this though is, you can’t have Josh roaming around the 3 point arc. They need to have him down low by design to help force Magic rotation. Nobody’s gonna leave their man to rotate to Josh.
You can look at Dwights numbers if you want. But, truth is, for the Hawks, when JJ has had decent to good games this series, the Hawks offense has been pretty good and efficient. Again, it doesn’t matter if Dwight goes off if we hold all the other guys in check. But, if JJ’s going, it opens up opporutunities for everybody else within our offense. We’ve performed fairly well against this team when JJ’s got it going, and with no Richardson, the Magic lose one of their better 3-point shooters + their guy to defend JJ.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 24th, 2011
2:49 pm
JeJe
Thank You for the holler – back! Yeah, JRich blowing his wind bag over at the newspaper. Talking ’bout we definitely lost more on the suspension.
What an ego-idiot! Like SlimJr says, “kick rocks”
As if SVG didn’t have enough problems already, now he has to compensate for the loss of his idiot “invisible” 2 guard.
ZaZa for us has been phenomenal since the trade deadline has passed.
He has the Proverbial – Chip on his shoulder and has been playing inside like a rabid dog! He is only 26 years old now and we all know how long it takes the big man to develop, but if can find a pet move this Summer, we may have found our Center of the Future.
MJ did it with Luc Longley and after rebounding, all he had was a base line jumper. I think Za already has that, we just never use it.
Too bad we didn’t hire Doug Collins, heh?
What do you think, JeJe? ZaZa at Center or am I reaching?
drmaryb (*_-)
April 24th, 2011
2:58 pm
Spike It!
Watching: Jet Li’s Fearless on Spike TV.
The Hawks should do that, like Phil Jackson does, have the team wacth a motivational Movie to get their mind right. I just watched
Jet Li slay the Giant and overcome power, size and strength with
speed, technique and skill.
Jet Li used the Giant’s:
Power for momentum
Size for leverage
Strength for weakness
_________________
Good Stuff! Too bad I don’t play, cause I’m ready!
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
2:58 pm
Hopefully Dwight is tired now that he only had 1 day of rest
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
3:00 pm
I don’t think ZaZa is far off from being a starting center. When this team used to suck up until a couple yeras ago, I always felt like he was a top reserve center.
I have maintained my belief that ZaZa is only effective in physical matchups. Versus non-physical teams, that’s where he tries to take over and do those Michael Jordan moves. He is one of 2 non-wimps on this team (Kirk is the other) and we need him out there. He is also the fan-favorite on this team (Jamal may compete with him on that one, but I think Z got it).
The ovation ZaZa got when ejected the other night was one of the loudest ovations I’ve ever heard at a sports game
Wabe
April 24th, 2011
3:02 pm
And say what you want about Horford, but Horford’s at least got a go-to aspect part of his game. He knows what he does well and what he doesn’t do well. He may shy away from the post, but I’m assuming this is because he knows he’s not that type of player.
Our other PF though seems stuck playing towards his weaknesses. Talk about the system all you want, but truth is, J.Smith at some point should know that staying on the perimeter and shooting jumpers is not his thing. How many years has dude been in the league? How many people do you think have told the dude directly or indirectly that shooting long jumpers isn’t his game? But dude still manages to take the dumbest of shots and exercise terrible shot selection. Dude has had a SF on him for most of this series, but hasn’t really done what you’d expect to do with a mismatch. You’re bailing Turk out sitting on the perimeter. Get that ball inside and force the double to come.
I’m want to reiterate. I’m not a Josh Smith hater. Dude has a world of potential. But at some point, after so many years in the league, you’ve gotta know what type of player you are. This dude’s still playing like the player he wants to be. I completely co-sign with the notion that a good coach who defines Smith’s role in an offense will do wonders for his game/identity. But, all 5 players are working with the same coach/system. Nobody on this team seems more lost offensively than J.Smith. The other guys may not be the players we want/need them to be, but they at least play within themselves. They know what they’re capable of.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 24th, 2011
3:18 pm
FIYAH!
Northcyde & JeJe on fiyah! A lot to chew up on now.
ASA @ Center need to put the onus on himself to earn those two AS appearances! Be That Type of Player that Amare said you are not!
Be that Man! Rebound, bang and get dirty like ZaZa taught you!
Since you laid TJ Ford out cold in Toronto, your rookie year and got suspended. You ain’t scared no one since. Let’s Go ASA!
Scare the little kids and make them cry in the stands tonight!
Be the Boogie Man!
Aye Marvin! Can you please box out and grab 12 boards, you ain’t even got to score? For The Love of God! Please do something! Anything besides just breathing.
Samuel
April 24th, 2011
3:21 pm
Even though the Hawks are in control of this series, tonight’s game is still a “must win” IMO. You don’t want to be in a 3 game series without home court advantage. The play was officiated as it should have been. ZaZa made a hard foul on Dwight and payed for it. JRich should never have entered the situation. Howard is a big boy, he can handle himself. ZaZa clearly head butted Richardson twice and Richardson slapped him. Both should have been suspended. Ehan can foul so we won’t be hurt that much. Reddick can shoot so Orlando won’t be hurt that much. pretty much evens out.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 24th, 2011
3:27 pm
Well …
“I completely co-sign with the notion that a good coach who defines Smith’s role in an offense will do wonders for his game/identity. ”
_________________
Well, didn’t Mr. Woodson do that perfectly?
Its my time!
April 24th, 2011
3:28 pm
Our best power forward is “forced” to play on the perimeter to accommodate our center’s demand to play another position.
I dont think this is a case that JJ and Crawford are beating the Magic as it is a case that we have more balance and dept that Orlando. Outside of Howard this is a very, very, average team. Atlanta has 1 legitimate allstar and a coach’s choice reserve, plus stars in Josh and Crawford. They are much deeper and more balanced than the Magic. We should be blowing this team out.
Atlanta is clearly the better of the two Also Rans. Either one is done in the second round.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 24th, 2011
3:30 pm
Oh yeah …
Youngest player to 1K blocks!
Runner Up for DPOY!
______________
All under the guise of Mr. Woodson. Since then, nothing!
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
3:32 pm
Dwight unfortunately has not been shooting FTs horrendously.
I’m still waiting for a 2-12 or 4-15 performance from the line. How the hell did he go 15-19 in game 2? I don’t even think Joe Johnson could go 15-19 in a game.
Can a player reading this (JAMAL) PLEASE tell the coach that Joe should NOT be allowed to take technical free throws under any situation? Please let Kirk, Al, Marvin (if he’s in), or Jamal get the honors
How does this guy ALWAYS miss Technical FTs?
drmaryb (*_-)
April 24th, 2011
3:33 pm
Bang!
Holiday Williams – WOW! Go Philly!
Its my time!
April 24th, 2011
3:33 pm
Good point Drmary(*_-) Woodson fought Josh and brought out the best in him. Coaching Does that.
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
3:34 pm
Last year, Orlando had one of the deepest lineups I’ve ever seen.
They had Barnes, Pietrus, Gortat, Anderson, and Redick all off the bench, unless Barnes started.
Now their bench consists of Redick (hurt), Anderson, Arenas (sucks and hurt), Duhon (sucks), and Earl Clark (is he still alive?)
drmaryb (*_-)
April 24th, 2011
3:36 pm
Hawks should use Etan or Powell to elbow Dwight into next week and tell him – “see you next Thursday!”
Make Dwight lose it and get suspended for game 5.
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
3:52 pm
Exactly, drmaryb.
Let’s just get Dwight frustrated. We gotta make him commit some fouls. If Horford can man up Dwight at all, that’s HUGE because Dwight always leaves the center for weakside help on Joe, so he may have to stay at bay with Al at the 5.
MUST WIN
drmaryb (*_-)
April 24th, 2011
4:07 pm
Gold Diggers!
I ain’t saying he’s a gold-digger, cause he got needs …
- kanye shrug –
Anyway, like JeJe said we need some gold-digging from Joe and Jamal.
We need no less that 44 pts from that back court tandem and whatever we can get from Captn’ Kirk offensively to go with his perimeter defense.
The guys in the paint need to go hard at Dwight and draw some contact fouls on him, make him WORK! He will get tired eventually.
Or, we die trying!
Najeh Davenpoop
April 24th, 2011
4:08 pm
“Jamal said the pressure is on Orlando now. WTF? If they win today, they win homecourt [and most likely the series]
‘
WE MUST HAVE A MUST-WIN MENTALITY TODAY.”
Real talk. Whoever wins this game has the advantage going forward in this series.
Prison Mike
April 24th, 2011
4:11 pm
How is a player playing sf going to “play inside” when he has to get by his guy(6-10) and then a 6-11 monster that has no responsibility to his man and plays 90% help defense.
Some people play too many video games on easy where their favorite player scores 100 in a quarter and some how relates it to real life.
With that said I haven’t counted one pick and roll opportunity for JS this series and not many for Al for that matter.
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
4:14 pm
Josh Smith, as much as people hate him right now, has been damn good at penetrating the lane and hitting that lefty hook shot. Is there any chance LD can get Smoove some post opportunities?
If HORF is at the 5, Dwight can’t drift the lane enough to help. If COLLINS or another scrub is at the 5, Dwight can do whatever the hell he wants out there.
THINK, LD
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
4:19 pm
LOL @ D’Antoni saying Rondo should try playing on Minny and see how he ends up.
We all see Bibby sucking on Miami. If Bibby was on Boston, would he come close to putting up Rondo’s numbers? No. Rondo is obviously a special player
Najeh Davenpoop
April 24th, 2011
4:25 pm
Northcyde has a point — if Joe and Smoove can guard three positions, it shouldn’t be asking too much for Al to be able to guard positions other than his “natural” one. Strangely, though, Al seems to be much better at guarding people smaller than him on the perimeter than people bigger than him in the post. In more ways than one he’s almost a SG/SF in a PF’s body, who on this team happens to play center.
With that said, I’m more worried about the inevitable foul trouble and subsequent bench time from LD he will get if he has to guard Dwight for stretches at a time. He is too valuable on offense and on the boards to sit for long periods of time again. I’d like to see Collins get 30+ minutes today if he’s not in foul trouble. I know he doesn’t rebound, but Smoove and Al are more than capable of compensating for his rebounding deficiencies from the SF and PF positions. Each of them has a double digit rebounding game in the series — now is the time for both to get 10 boards in the same game.
KevinM
April 24th, 2011
4:32 pm
DanToni the moron wishes he had a Rondo!
The Knicks are on summer break as of today!
KevinM
April 24th, 2011
4:36 pm
We are too small with Al and Josh being our back line.
Dwight will go off today….I hope we have enough to offset?
terrell
April 24th, 2011
4:44 pm
Knicks look as bad as we looked against Orlando last year. Maybe worse.
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
4:48 pm
I wonder if Rondo adds a jumpshot this summer? I’ve never seen this many superstar PGs before.
Whoever plays the hottest on a certain night gets all the recognition. One day it’s Rondo, then it’s Rose, then Westbrook (OKC is quietly going to get to the WCF)
Najeh Davenpoop
April 24th, 2011
4:51 pm
Gotta love the Pacers and Sixers. After three demoralizing losses both teams could have easily folded in Game 4 like the Hawks in the second round the last two years, but they scrapped their way to Game 5.
terrell
April 24th, 2011
4:53 pm
This season will be judged on how we do in the 2nd rd imo. Hell, we had Orlando’s number in the reg season. Only to drop eggs against the likes of the Knicks and Sixers. And those home blowouts are still lingering in the back of my mind. Beat Chicago in a 7 game series, I’ll take back everything I’ve ever said about LD ,and some of the “core” members. But until then………………………….
terrell
April 24th, 2011
4:53 pm
If we get to the 2nd rd, that is.
honest_abe
April 24th, 2011
5:20 pm
the hawks never play well when ahead. whether it be in a series or a game. they don’t have a vocal leader to push them them over the top. when you’re ahead you need a certain type of “killer” instinct which the hawks sorely lack. if they want to win tonight they need to come out with a sense of desperation, crazy energy and some really physical play.
josh smith’s number looked average which is fine for some … but once again it’s what doesn’t show up in the box score that is so maddening. will someone please take a sign to the game that read… “josh you’re wide open for a reason” … not to mention 4 turnovers the last of which was an inexcusable across court pass with 2 minutes to play that landed in the 2nd row. ugh.
Grandad
April 24th, 2011
5:58 pm
Message for – ” Its my time! ”
Hatter – I hope all is well.
Go Hawks !
terrell
April 24th, 2011
8:03 pm
Wtf is Josh doing??