Atlanta Hawks: The doubters are back
The Hawks are a hard team for their own fans to trust even when they are going good. So it’s not surprising that the first sign of the Hawks going bad again brings out the skeptics among NBA watchers.
The Hawks had a sample of that doubt placed in their lockers today: Printouts of this column from the Orlando Sentinel’s Mike Bianchi. The more inflammatory passages were underlined for effect.
First, understand that caustic columns are part of Bianchi’s schtick. He’s a funny dude whose goal is to write provocative columns that generate buzz. And he’s not above making a full flip-flop in advancement of that goal.
For instance, before the playoffs started, Bianchi wrote the Magic should “Beware of the Hawks.” After Atlanta won Game 1, he wrote: “This was not a fluke, ladies and gentlemen. This is a trend. The Hawks have now beat the Magic four of five times this season. And let me tell you something: The Magic are in trouble. Big trouble. . . . In fact, a case could be made that the Hawks are simply better than the Magic and should be favored in this series.”
And, finally, after Atlanta’s W in Game 5, Bianchi wrote: “The Magic are now down in this series 3-1 and it’s all but over. Does anybody out there really, honestly believe the Magic can rally back from 3-1 against a talented and athletic Hawks team?”
Apparently Bianchi now thinks they can.
Jamal was the only Hawks player still around when I noticed the printouts. He was more amused than annoyed. He also apparently already is familiar with Bianchi’s flexible opinions.
“He changes with the wind,” Jamal said.
Jamal also was not impressed with the “Birdbrains” insult: “That’s a good one, huh?”"
Now all of the Hawks have heard it.
“It wasn’t my idea but I heard the article got passed around,” L.D. said. “Certainly we can use bulletin-board material. But at this stage of the game it’s just about us coming ready to do battle. I told the players after last night’s game we are still in a great position.”
It seems there aren’t many outside of Philips who still believe that. When I got home from practice, I flipped on the television to find the PTI guys doubting the Hawks.
Wilbon set it up the segment by noting that Dwight promised that if the Magic won Game 5 they would go on to win the series:
Wilbon: The Hawks appeared to treat this game like one in December. Now that’s it’s 3-2 and Atlanta has reverted to its dog form from last year’s playoffs, do you think Dwight Howard is right about that?
Kornheiser: I really don’t know about that. I am struck by the oddity of Dwight’s Howard’s performances. His team is 18-3 in games where he takes 10 or fewer shots. He took four shots last night. Then he goes and has a Wilt game with 46 and 19 and they don’t win. So I can’t get a handle on what Orlando can do and can’t do with Dwight Howard. I don’t get it.
Wilbon: That is a crazy stat and is hard to explain. But here is what matters with Orlando: They give effort. They might not play well, they do something that infuriates their coach, Stan Van Gundy. But they are paying attention and they give effort. And the Atlanta Hawks, last night, where was the effort? What were they doing? Is it because they get a home game in Game 6?
Kornheiser: Do you have them done? Do you have them losing?
Wilbon: I had Orlando winning the series and now, more than ever, I have them going to Atlanta and winning Game 6 and then taking the series.
For my blog people who also may be losing faith that the Hawks can close out this series, take solace in history–and not just that only eight of 194 NBA teams have come back from down 3-1.
Mike Prada of SB Nation says just because Game 5 was a blowout doesn’t mean the Hawks will lose the series. In fact, recent playoff results suggest they will win Game 6.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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198 comments Add your comment
Slimjr
April 27th, 2011
6:43 pm
1st again?????????????????????
Slimjr
April 27th, 2011
6:43 pm
2nd again???????????????????????
Slimjr
April 27th, 2011
6:43 pm
3rd again????????????????????????????????
Slimjr
April 27th, 2011
6:44 pm
4th again??????????????????????????????????
Slimjr
April 27th, 2011
6:45 pm
Those babes on LATINEURO. will give ELLE DUNCAN a run big time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
joBjo
April 27th, 2011
6:51 pm
5TH
tyger
April 27th, 2011
6:52 pm
IT’S THE FAN’S FAULT!!!
They should love to get their hearts broken year after year, it’s their fault. They should love spending good money after bad running behind the Atlanta Quitters. And if they hesitate, then well, you see, they don’t love us, it’s their fault!
joBjo
April 27th, 2011
6:52 pm
i am praying for the Hawks to play hard and smart and close out orl in 6.
really, i am.
O'Brien
April 27th, 2011
6:54 pm
northcyde was right. hawks fans are just as mentally fragile as the team.
Regardless of what happens this series, our GM needs to shake up the team and bring in some players who are mentally tough, and who play physical.
Rod from College Park
April 27th, 2011
6:59 pm
from previous blog repost:
“But we lost because of coaching. LD was great coming up with the Collins strategy. And it has taken the Orlando staff a few games to adjust. But this is the playoffs, and unlike Woody last season, they have adjusted.”
This is the point that everyone needs to understand. We got outcoached last night plain and simple. Van Gundy was able to adjust by playing more pick and roll, instead of passing to Howard, and standing around, and he also made another subtle move that destroyed the Hawks last night. He started trapping Jamal like they do with JJ, and we had no answer for it.
Again, for all the Josh Smith haters, please know that Josh is not my favorite player by any stretch of the imagination, but to critisize him after every game is absurd. Josh Smith is not an ALL STAR. Joe Johnson and Al Horford are ALL STARS. Al is a 2 year All Star, and Joe is a 4 year All Star. Please name one other team, in the playoffs, whose ALL STARS don’t carry the team. I can argue for the Hawks, that Jamal and Josh, have been much more productive in the playoffs than Joe and Al. Is Al Horford a leader, and a smart baskeball player, if he continues to pass up a shot (midrange jumper), that he was one of the best at shooting during the regualar season, and pass to Josh standing behind the three point line? Joe Johnson was terrible in every facet of the game last night.
FYI (2011 playoffs)
Jamal Crawford – 29mpg. 44%FG, 51%3p, 1.8 rpg, 3.2apg, 20.8 ppg
Joe Johnson – 40 mpg, 39%FG, 35%3p , 5.8 rpg, 3.4 apg, 17.0 ppg
Josh Smith – 34.8mpg, 46%FG, 23% 3p, 9.0 rpg, 2.4apg, 15.6ppg
Al Horford – 38 mpg, 41%FG, 9.8 rpg, 3.2apg, 1bpg, 12.4ppg
Let me also point out that in this series, Josh has 26 free throw attemps (he has been terrible at the line), while Joe has 22 attempts, while being guarded by JJ Reddick, Jason Richardson, and Turk, and Al has 14 attempts, while being guarded by Brandon Bass, and Ryan Anderson. Which player is exhibiting the highest basketball IQ? If our ALL STARS can not dominate their matchups, we will not win this series period. To really be specific, Al and Joe need to at least put up their season averages in points, and stop depending on Jamal and Josh to carry the team.
It was not a bad pick
April 27th, 2011
7:02 pm
@Rod from College Park
you just want everyone to blame Marvin for every loss..The real problem is the guy with the Max contract…
mykhalc
April 27th, 2011
7:05 pm
smart based on experience and quality of play oberseved ain’t the same as mentally fragile!!! i’d say it’s more of bein’ a smart, informed NBA fan…who happens to be a Hawks fans. some of us have decades of supportin’ and breakdown these teams. NOW THIS particular incarnation of a Hawks team is probably mentally fragile. stay tuned…i’ll KNOW FOR SURE tomorrow nite…
mykhalc
April 27th, 2011
7:06 pm
breakin’ down these teams…
Ethan
April 27th, 2011
7:15 pm
You want bulletin board material for the Hawks LD?…read Facebook and this blog.l You will know how your players are seen out here. We might not be pro players but it doesn’t mean we don’t understand the game. get your “S” together! I dont expect a win every night, but I do expect to compete every night. NOT TO MUCH TO ASK!!!!
Barton
April 27th, 2011
7:16 pm
The doubters never left… we’ve developed the “believe it when we see it” attitude with the Hawks. MC I think you put it best in your notes from the game – You can’t praise the Hawks or they make you look bad and you can’t criticize them because they make you look bad. One constant I have seen though – when the words “I think we’ve finally figured it out” come out of one of the players mouth (Al Horford before the 6 game losing streak to end the season and JC1 before game 5) the Hawks get whooped.
I saw comments in other posts about the hawks fans hating on the hawks for being up 3-2 and losing one game and thus being fair-weathered. There is a difference between being a fan of a team that you know can right the ship after a blowout loss and dismissing it as just 1 loss and then there is being a true hawks fan and knowing this could be catastrophic. I think the Hawks might want to take a look at some of the offensive sets the Mavericks run, which open up the lane for the guards and allows them to attack, dish or kick out (which would help better utilize Teague, our better jumpshooters, and let JJ throw up that floater or become the assist master of his earlier days (I know he’s a more than capable passer). All we would need is Josh Smith to follow the ball to the hoop and he’d be throwing down dunks all day.
LakeDawg
April 27th, 2011
7:20 pm
Last night’s effort by the Hawks just proves that they will never overcome what they are. Even if they manage to win this series, the Hawks are through developing and progressing. What you see is what you get. A team that will never win anything of consequence. Not because they aren’t talented, but because they can’t be bothered to really sacrifice for it. No mental toughness, no courage, no ambition. I exclude Al Horford (and maybe Zaza) and nobody else including Jamal Crawford.
LakeDawg
April 27th, 2011
7:24 pm
Rod from College Park…..all of your points are legitimate, but J Smoove still sucks.
deron
April 27th, 2011
7:26 pm
The Hawks will win the series. The Magic are a one dimensional team. Stan Van and Dwight need to stop whining and play. The should be just worrying about the Hawks. If the Hawks win; they will be the 9th team in the last 30 years to successfully avenge a playoff sweep from the previous season.
http://www.theresastatforthat.blogspot.com
honest_abe
April 27th, 2011
7:31 pm
back? where’d they go? the doubters have been here all year long. i don’t mind being wrong. prove me wrong hawks! go get em!
has joe johnson ever stepped up in a critical game?
can someone give josh some aderol?
al needs a pair of _____ i’ll let you fill in the blank.
ld needs to disappear.
now onto more important issues will tomorrow’s game be on tnt or do i have to listen to bob and nique again. god bless my ears.
This Gets Old
April 27th, 2011
7:32 pm
@Rod from College Park
Yep…
bigdave
April 27th, 2011
7:48 pm
Rod from CP
good post sir.
True Hawks Fan
April 27th, 2011
7:50 pm
Go Hawks! Win game 6! I’m with you as always. ASG and RS are the ones who need to go after the season. Take KH with you while you’re at it. In the meantime go Hawks, win game 6!! I mean all of the Hawks, even Pape Sy.
GT Alum
April 27th, 2011
7:51 pm
O’Brien -
There are a number of fairweather Hawks fans. However, there are those of us who have been fans since the 80s (or before) who lost their faith in this team with the Rider debacle and still aren’t able to put our full faith in this team because they blow too hot in cold. I’ve honestly been waiting all series for a game like last night, because they come all too often with this team, usually just in time to seriously erode any confidence in them they’ve built among their fan base.
However, what’s important now is how they come out tomorrow night. If they lose that game, it’ll be down to 1 game in a rocking Orlando stadium with the Magic on a 2 game winning streak. They better come out playing with a sense of urgency, or their backs will be against the wall.
NCBravesFan
April 27th, 2011
7:53 pm
Honestly, I don’t think it’s time to panic unless the Hawks lose Game 6. We’ll see tomorrow night how that plays out but as MC has pointed out so nicely here, odds are the Hawks will be fine.
DanDickau
April 27th, 2011
8:08 pm
My prediction: Hawks win at Philips by 15+. This is their year.
Section 303
April 27th, 2011
8:20 pm
I’m still disgusted by what I saw last night. And, I still stand firmly in the corner that says you can’t just turn effort on and off. Once it’s off, it’s off.
They have to win tomorrow night. They simply have to. I may have a complete meltdown if tomorrow ends in anything but a victory.
HawksGoingBackward
April 27th, 2011
8:28 pm
I used to be a huge Hawks fan. I defended them to anyone who opposed their progression, to anyone who questions their direction.
Then I noticed that in every big game they have these mental lapses that dont company good teams. In every playoff series there isnt a player that steps to the forefront when things get the toughest kinda like when Bibby came out and called the Boston fans fairweathered to take the pressure off of his teammates because he could handle the pressure himself.
After last nights game 5, how many players did you see dive for a loose ball?
How many players did you see give a hard foul to send any type of message?
How many players did you see give any effort that would be considered extra-ordinary?
NONE.
This Hawks team will go as far as their best player will take them, This organization will go as far as the coaching will take them, and after 8 years (since I moved to Atl) I see that they arent going far at all. (check the name)
Ive never seen a team so willing to bend over and take it anyway an opposing team wants to give it to them. Any adversity and this team folds, how do you expect people to root for that.
J from the A
April 27th, 2011
8:36 pm
L.D. said, “I told the players after last night’s game we are still in a great position.”
This is the problem. No sense of urgency. No team is in a great position until they have won … it all. When the C’s won their first two games, did Doc say they were in a great position? No, he ripped into them over their quality of play in spite of the fact that they won. smh.
Joke Johnson
April 27th, 2011
8:37 pm
Say what you want, but the fact of the matter is we have a joke of a starting shooting guard who has a max contract. Joke Johnson was and will never be a Kobe, Lebron, Wade, D. Rose, etc. He is soft and weak. When was the last time a real superstar going scored 5 pts in a closeout game and completely quit on defense. Please trade this joke of a team captain.
O'Brien
April 27th, 2011
9:11 pm
Section 303,
These Hawks are like no other. They are just as likely to lose by 30 one game, and then win the next game on the road when nobody thought they would. As nire says, they are consistently inconsistent.
I would not be surprised to see them come out and win game 6, but then lose game 1 by 30 to the Bulls. They are very up and down.
it was not a bad pick,
The problem is, since the Hawks passed over CP3 and Deron Williams, there has been instability at PG. And then this error was compounded by the drafting of Shelden.
Buddy Grizzard
April 27th, 2011
9:16 pm
We get to see the real Joe Johnson in Game 6. Horford needs to step up and show up. His field goal percentage has dropped precipitously compared to the regular season. Josh needs to not take another three pointer for the rest of the series.
And Las Vegas Larry needs to sit his ass on the bench and spectate. He has proven beyond a doubt that he is not capable of coaching an NBA playoff team. In Game 2, he sat an All Star for an entire half and allowed Orlando to win by 6 points and avoid a sweep. The Hawks could be resting up right now getting ready for a CHI series.
In Game 5, with Dwight Howard on the bench and nothing to save Orlando but perimeter players, Las Vegas Larry benched KH, a perimeter defender, and sent JC1 out there to take long jump shots and ignite the Orlando fast break. It reminded me of Bret Lagree of Hoopinion’s analysis after the Game 2 disaster. He said Las Vegas Larry “did everything in his power to ensure an Orlando victory.”
We’ve got an All Star frontcourt player in Al Horford and a potential All Star in J-Smoove, but do we go inside against Orlando after DH goes to the bench? No, look at the play-by-play to close out the first quarter after DH checked out and JC1 checked in. JC1 missed 25 footer, missed 20 footer, missed 23 footer. Meanwhile Orlando went from up 10-8 to close out the first doubling the Hawks up 26-13.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 27th, 2011
9:26 pm
“Peyton Hillis? he beat Mike Vick in the final. Peyton Hillis? Cleveland Browns? Really?”
Big fan of Hillis. Fantasy free agent pickup of the year. I’m glad Vick lost anyway; part of me still believes in the Madden Curse.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 27th, 2011
9:29 pm
““Certainly we can use bulletin-board material. But at this stage of the game it’s just about us coming ready to do battle. ”
I’m with LD on this. If players need some columnist to fire them up at this stage of the game, they don’t belong here in the first place. It’s good to get us fired up though. Maybe they should put copies of that column on every seat in Philips before the game.
Buddy Grizzard
April 27th, 2011
9:34 pm
Actual basketball-related analysis:
http://www.basketballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=1675
Najeh Davenpoop
April 27th, 2011
9:40 pm
The silver lining for us as fans is that if the Hawks win, of course that’s the result we all want, but even if they lose, presumably big and necessary changes are on the horizon.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 27th, 2011
9:42 pm
Big Talk!
Mums the word. Sshhh … Haven’t the Magic learned to be quiet from the Jameer comment to Rose. When you are down in a series and history is not on your side, you should keep your head down and shoulder on the boulder and grind.
Not Talk Big. Pride is before a crash. To overcome the Hawks, the Magic need a three game swep of the hapless Hawks. As hapless as they are, they can and will still beat the Magic.
Worldwide has said all along, “Hawks in 6.”. I hope he is right.
But, to lose the way the Hawks did last night is utterly unacceptable -
It was just wronge’. Just wronge’ on every level – pathetic.
Downright tragic.
To a man, from the front door, to the floor, to the window, to the wall -
till the sweat drop of their balls.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 27th, 2011
10:03 pm
Epic Changes!
Najeh, I agree with your comment up there.
However, do you trust that the eight feces throwing orangutans will come together to agree upon a vetted buyer’s offer, without discourse?
What if, they resort to slinging urine next and begin filing injunctions if
the appraiser returns a franchise property value lower than what they paid in this down market?
That is what they did to low ball Steve Belkin when he tried to settle and surrender a quit claim. To date, they have yet to even buy him out seven years later.
Do you trust them to make the right changes in lieu of any sale.
You know they don’t spend wisely as it is.
There are so many questions surrounding this organization, a term I use loosely. I would be thrilled just to see the ASKG sell this franchise without it being a story.
I would love to hear your thoughts. I wait eagerly. I can’t even talk about the team right now, my heart is worn.
JeJe
April 27th, 2011
10:04 pm
FIRE LD
JeJe
April 27th, 2011
10:10 pm
J From The A,
Jamal was making very similar comments. The guys just want to play better tomorrow – they don’t want to win
SMDH
JeJe
April 27th, 2011
10:11 pm
If we don’t defend the damn P&R tomorrow, we are finished
JeJe
April 27th, 2011
10:12 pm
Center Al Horford said it’s not exactly pressure the Hawks are feeling since they aren’t facing elimination.
“There’s a sense of urgency, though,” he said Wednesday. “We know that we have to handle our business here at home.”
SMDH
JeJe
April 27th, 2011
10:13 pm
LD: They were the desperate team. They played that way. We didn’t respond to it.”
How can you be saying things like that in the Playoffs? EFFORT should always be a given in the Playoffs
JeJe
April 27th, 2011
10:14 pm
The Orlando roster is full of punks:
Dwight
Q-Rich
J-Rich
Jameer
Harpie
April 27th, 2011
10:15 pm
Larry Drew: Worst coach in history!!!!!!!!!
Mike is back
April 27th, 2011
10:21 pm
MC, like stated in a previous blog…these opportunist don’t give a crap about the Hawks…hey everybody likes to kick you…when your down.
I will admit it’s disheartening watching the level of ineptitude this team can reach…so it’s kind of hard to blame the Hawks detractors…even ole Wilbond…the numbers don’t lie.
Heck, I’m already eating crow…I’M GOING TO SAY WE STILL WIN THE SERIES…in a perfect world…the Hawks will win game six…however we talking about the Hawks…so forgive me…if I’m kind of feeling a lil skiddish.lol
WIN OR GO HOME…That’s whatzup…Lets go Hawks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
drmaryb (*_-)
April 27th, 2011
10:22 pm
Who is that Grizzly back up center that got displaced by Gasol?
Does anyone think he could help the Hawks, or is he a total buster?
I’m tired of settling for scrubbage at center – we need some cabbage!
O'Brien
April 27th, 2011
10:23 pm
Despite being up 3-1, and playing in San Antonio against the #1 seed, its nice to see Memphis not quitting like the Hawks. In fact, they are up 3 going into the 4th. I hope they pull it off.
Earlier in the year, Rick compared the hawks to the Spurs. And I think the Spurs are in a similar position like the Hawks now.
If Spurs lose in the first round, i think they will have to break up the core, because they have been eliminated early the last 3 seasons. And Duncan isnt getting any younger. Tony Parker in a trade…anyone?
The Real Mandingo
April 27th, 2011
10:25 pm
In order to improve the Hawks’ chance of winning Game 6, I think Coach LD should strongly consider starting Jamal Crawford aka Crawdaddy in lieu of Kirk Hinrich in the first quarter and/or third quarter. I believe if Jamal and Joe establish themselves as efficient and prolific scorers out the gate, this will further enable the dynamic duo to be better clutch scorers down the stretch, if, and when, necessary. The best recipe for the Hawks’ success is that Joe and Jamal combine for 40+, preferably 50+, points. Depending on how Josh Smith is playing in Game 6, I would sub in Kirk Hinrich for Josh Smith early or late in the first quarter. I heard Greg Anthony say the following on NBATV after the Hawks Game 2 loss when discussing LD’s move to sit Al Horford for the remainder of the first half after Horford received two early fouls in first quarter: “All bets are off, this is playoffs. If I’m a (head) coach, I want my best players on the floor most of the game.” I would rather have Jamal get it going early from an offensive standpoint than have him come in off the bench late in the first quarter and miss his first three or four shots. We all know Jamal begins to press when he misses his first few shots. This Orlando Magic team, although revamped, is still an experienced team and should not be compared to the Milwaukee Bucks of last years playoff team which the Hawks defeated in two elimination games (Game 6 and Game 7). That Bucks team had a rookie point guard (Brandon Jennings) and no Andrew Bogut at center.
Furthermore, the Hawks just need to do what they did in Games 1, 3, and 4 of this series versus the Magic, work on the pick and roll defense, and use the guard to guard pick and roll with Joe and Jamal with both guards taking turns handling the ball on the guard to guard pick and roll. The Hawks are still in a good position to close out this series.
Wabe
April 27th, 2011
10:25 pm
O’Brien, you beat me to it.
Exactly what I was about to say. Memphis fans should appreciate what the Grizzlies are doing. Even if they do come out losing tonight, they still didn’t lay down like the Hawks did last night.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 27th, 2011
10:26 pm
Brevin Knight is doing commentary for this MEM-SA game on NBA TV. Shout out to former Hawks.
NagoyaHawk
April 27th, 2011
10:31 pm
I’m just happy I can watch the game live. Thank Goodness I was working the last game. I’m not expecting much. We all know the Hawks have potential. But the best team will win the series regardless. And the Magic have found a weakness. What’s interesting is if LD can respond. I hope so but would put my money on the Magic if I were a betting man. But I stink at gambling, so Ho Gawks.
brigadierjerry
April 27th, 2011
10:39 pm
In a lot of ways Joe Johnson is a good player but he is a second tier player that is paid as if he is a 1st tier player. He isnt that type of player that will carry the team on his back on a consistent basis. He has moments but it is few and far between.Although not as good defensively and on the open court, JOhnson reminds me a lot of Scottie Pippen, especially mentally. IF you remember Pippen used to have mental issues against the Pistonsand Knicks and had to go through that but what made him go through that is he had Jordan to push him to make him a better player. The Hawks dont have an alpha male player to hold teammates accountable. Even if Joe was on an average team such as the Pacers or the Sixers he would play the same way. He needs an alpha male type player so he can blend in similar to what he was in Phoenix where he doesnt have to be the lead dog. If you think about it Johnson has better stats but he isnt that much better that say Granger .
When watching the New York Boston game 2 the other day with Carmelo and bunch of average players when stat was out he carried him on his back that team even though they still lost, you see when a team struggles and you need to grind out a win Joe Johnson really isnt that type of player.
Regardless of what happens in the playoffs for the Hawks, outside of them making the Finals, changes will have to be made.
Drew will be back because of the impending lockout. He still has one year left on his contract. They are going to fire Drew and pay for 2 coaches.
The makeup of the team will have to change and the question will be whether or not is worth trading, Horford or Smith?I think one of them will be traded. They both are power forwards but one is always playing out of their natural position. Smith should play closer to the basket and pattern his game after Zach Randolph. The only way really this team personality is going to change is for the team to acquire a star player an alpha male type personality so Joe Johnson can play the background role so to me it comes down to getting the chance to go after Howard or Paul. Have to at least try and attempt to acquire either of those two players. That will change the complexity and personality of the team. Even if they dont acquire one of them they have to try.
cp
April 27th, 2011
10:54 pm
I dont know if I have ever seen a so called “good” team lay down as much as the Hawks do. Hopefully they remember this is the playoffs and close this thing on out…. Im also hoping the Falcons draft a playmaker and not another average azz player as they have done the past few drafts ( not including Ryan)
superiorblogman
April 27th, 2011
10:55 pm
This storm will keep it from being a full house 2morrow night. The Hawks will need the fullhouse but they will still lose. This team does not deserve to win a series. You can’t just sleepwalk through the season and turn it on. I just would not be fair if you look at what we are all taught to do as right and wrong. I am a Hawks supporter but they will and should lose IMO.
cp
April 27th, 2011
11:01 pm
great game between Memphis and the Spurs.
JeJe
April 27th, 2011
11:02 pm
Horford says he feels no pressure tomorrow. He must feel we’d actually have a chance in a Game 7.
SMDH
mykhalc
April 27th, 2011
11:08 pm
for those that make excuses for the Hawks…PLEASE see MEM on how to close-out on the road!!! the effort was outstandin’!!!
mykhalc
April 27th, 2011
11:09 pm
great shot by SA!!! great game!!! WHOA!!!
JeJe
April 27th, 2011
11:09 pm
Storm could screw over our crowd tomorrow .SMDH
terrell
April 27th, 2011
11:11 pm
Spurs window has officially CLOSED. Wait a minute, it just reopened. Neal with the 3. Wow! Damn Grizz. Howd you let that happen?
terrell
April 27th, 2011
11:13 pm
Mykhalc, close out? What close out? lol
mykhalc
April 27th, 2011
11:15 pm
oooppppssss….lol
mykhalc
April 27th, 2011
11:16 pm
ok…how bout close-out effort???
drmaryb (*_-)
April 27th, 2011
11:19 pm
A Little Nugget!
This Memphis team reminds me of when The #8 Denver Nuggets and Dikembe upset the #1 seeded team (?) back in the day?
Was it ‘94 or ‘95? It was some years before Dikembe became a Hawk in a blockbuster trade. I’m pretty sure it was the beginning of The Billy Knight. era.
Can someone help me out? Any old timers still awake? LOL!
SteveW
April 27th, 2011
11:19 pm
JJ = Robin
Al = Robin
Josh = Two Face
Jamal = The Joker
Marvin = The Penguin
Teague = The Invisible Man
ZaZa = The Riddler
Etan = Solomon Grundy
Jay Richardson is Catwoman for that slap he did on ZaZa
SteveW
April 27th, 2011
11:21 pm
After the Lakers this season and probably next – the two teams to beat in the West are going to be the Thunder and the Griz. Been saying that since last summer, and I stick to it.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 27th, 2011
11:21 pm
Twin!
Dang! Mike Bibby looks just like his old man. Asst. Coach for Grizzlies.
terrell
April 27th, 2011
11:22 pm
Think it was 94. I still remember Deke laying on the floor in disbelief. lol
drmaryb (*_-)
April 27th, 2011
11:24 pm
Real Coach!
Popovich. Period.
terrell
April 27th, 2011
11:24 pm
*lying*
mykhalc
April 27th, 2011
11:26 pm
yep…
mykhalc
April 27th, 2011
11:27 pm
to be clear…co-sign drmaryb
mykhalc
April 27th, 2011
11:28 pm
MONEY Mano too!! along with Neal..
Melvin
April 27th, 2011
11:28 pm
If OKC win, then all the home teams would have won their game 5. Just a thought as so many Hawks fans are disappointed with the game 5 road lost.
SteveW
April 27th, 2011
11:30 pm
And I’m going to go ahead and call out maybe my favorite player, Al Horford.
Dude needs to quit whining about playing C, hit the weight room hard over the summer and put on about 8 lbs of solid muscle. He then needs to do the same the next summer, and the next.
He’s big enough to take all but about 5 C’s in the League. But if he wants to be a PF, he needs to learn that there’s alot more to being a PF than shooting 15-20 foot jump shots. He still needs to bang in the post. He still needs to develop some handles. He still needs a low post game.
So let ZaZa/Collins start against a few teams next season – against Bynum, Shaq (if he’s still around), Dwight and maybe a couple of others. Al can still punk Bogut, either Lopez, Bargnani and the likes. Hibbert also probably. Noah.
Al, man up and play C 75% of the time. Work out. Work on your game. Right now you don’t have the low post game, handles, or quick decision making ability to be a good PF in this League.
And did I mention your not quick enough to be a great PF in this League? If you go to PF, no more All Star games for you. 15 and 9 don’t cut it as an elite PF.
But it does as a C in the NBA right now, because we are severely lacking in Center’s in the NBA, and I don’t see many coming down the pike either.
The Real Mandingo
April 27th, 2011
11:32 pm
@drmaryb (*_-) and terrell…that Denver Nuggets team defeated the former Seattle Supersonics now Oklahoma City Thunder.
SteveW
April 27th, 2011
11:40 pm
Man, I know I was harsh on Al, but he really isn’t anything spectacular as a 4. Can’t really create his own shot either.
Find Noah’s personal trainer. Ya’ll seen the pipes that dude is growing? Al used to tower over him, but Joakim is doing the time in the weight room.
And Josh’s detriment to the team doesn’t show up in the box score, which is usually pretty good for him. His whining more than Kobe and those dudes really costs the team. Taking plays off more than the average player does also. How do you stat those things?
Yes, I know Kobe and LeBron whine. But Josh sure looks like he whines more to the detriment of the team. And most all NBA’ers take some plays off if they play alot. He just seems like he takes more plays off, or walks up the court more than others. Most everybody around the country who catches Hawks games notices it.
But his statline does look good, but he still hurts the team sometimes.
But in fairness, the only 2 Coaches Al and Josh have every known are Woody and LD. Maybe if we got a good Coach in here, Josh would be different. The guy knows the game, he just doesn’t always play it with a high IQ.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 27th, 2011
11:42 pm
terrell (don’t call me Te-Relle)!
Yeah! That was ‘94? Dikembe on the floor crying and kissing the ball!
Man, he looked so young back then, with that Dominque fade.
What a memory! That’s when teams played for the Love of Basketball!
Bobby Brown had the fade too! Them were the good ole’ days!
These Grizzlies remind me of that nuggets team. I hope the do that in their game 6.
Thanks Terrell. Mmmmmwah!
drmaryb (*_-)
April 27th, 2011
11:48 pm
The Real Mandingo?
Man you wild with that handle? Mandingo? For real?
(I better slip you my digits then).
LOL! You a straight up fool for that one!
_____________
Yeah! Seattle Supersonics … WOW! Did they have Cliff Robinson on that team and Sam Perkins and Pervis Ellison? Can you recall that starting 5 off the top of your head? (Look up boy! Your other head.)
ROF-LMBAO! I needed a good laugh tonight. As you can see, I’m refusing to talk about these Hawks today, I’m on hiatus until they give me
something to talk about.
SteveW
April 27th, 2011
11:49 pm
Nuggets are fighters. I’d like to have Karl as Coach here. I think he could do something with this team.
That Perkins trade may be one of those win/win deals. I think Green helps the Celts, especially into the future.
And Perk helps OKC now and later alot.
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
12:13 am
Hawks have fair weather busters for players..And we so called fair weather fans can see through the bullsh_t Billy Knight and Rick Sund assembled and put on the floor..
Then you add a guy who should be coaching high school players and what do you get???
Highly overpaid busters playing pickup basketball
Najeh Davenpoop
April 28th, 2011
12:16 am
Kevin… motherf-cking… Durant.
mykhalc
April 28th, 2011
12:19 am
just saw one of our many former answers at PG on OKC sideline…Royal IIIIIIIIIIIIIvey!!!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
April 28th, 2011
12:24 am
LMAO. Royal Ivey. The one rookie point guard Woody would start.
The Real Mandingo
April 28th, 2011
12:34 am
drmaryb (*_-)…I don’t recall the starting five for the Sonics that year but I think they had Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, Hersey Hawkins, Sam Perkins, Detleff Schrempf, an old Ricky Pierce, maybe Michael Cage, Coach George Karl, maybe Alton Lister, Vincent Askew, maybe Nate McMillan, etc…check out basketball-reference.com
mykhalc
April 28th, 2011
12:36 am
aaahhhh…now i get it. the Collins start was formerly called the Ivey start!! got it!!!
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
12:40 am
Allstar Al playing like Mr Softie……He’ll be fishing come next Allstar weekend..
This dude is overrated big time…Almost 6′11″ and no post up, cant take stiffs off the dribble, no drop step. cant shoot a turn around jumpshot, must i go on????? Technically he has what is call a set shot and he shoots it well but ALLStar material…NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! imho….
Hey Allstar AL why dont you step up carry the team..Make believe your a real Allstar for a change??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Sleepy
April 28th, 2011
12:44 am
After watching Ibakas nine blocks and 22 in 4 games ……..wow
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
12:45 am
Congratulation to OKC for advancing on!!! Denver put up a valiant fight!!
OKC is for REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
12:50 am
DeAndre Jordan and Derrick Williams would look great in a Hawks uni????
Add Tony Parker???
honest_abe
April 28th, 2011
12:53 am
royal with cheese. please.
mykhalc
April 28th, 2011
12:56 am
man…we have really had some Colonel Klinks in charge…SMH
The Truth
April 28th, 2011
1:02 am
Simply put, the Hawks loss Game 5 because they couldn’t stop Orlando’s dribble penetration created by either Nelson getting in the paint or Redick curls off screens and then passing to open shooters. If the Hawks clean that up and stay home tightly guarding their man, then the proper adjustments would have been made. At the end of the day, winning is about defense.
The reason why the Hawks should win is because Orlando’s offense is not new to them and will not change. They should know it like a book by now and should make the proper reads and adjustments. If they don’t win, then LD didn’t do his job during preparations or the players didn’t execute or both. Most of what they do offensively is through “set plays”, something that can be game planned against. They can control what they know; it’s what they don’t know that kills them. After Carter left, they really don’t have effective ISO players other than Dwight who can create his own shot in the paint. Given the Hawks familiarity with them and their predictable offense, they “Should” be able to make effective adjustment. They are basically a team that run different screens and “stunt plays” (dribble penetration by the guards or Dwight inducing a double-team) to create space for their shooters.
The Hawks, mostly an ISO team, on the other hand, is just the opposite of Orlando. Their offense is really predicated on spontaneity and improvisation. As bad as they can like at times, they can look equally as good. Game planning against them can be easy or difficult depending on whether the players are “hot” or “not”. Most of the Hawks so-call set-plays are really set ISO plays. LD basically rolls the dice and hopes he comes up with a winning hand on offense. If he does, then its “jack-pot” that night, if he doesn’t then it’s a bust. In other words, it’s feast or famine. SVG likely has to make more “on-the-fly adjustments as the game on-folds than LD. The problem, however, is if too many Hawks players get into a groove on ISO plays, they can be difficult to defend against. Playoff Game 1 was a good example. Yes Orlando was flat, but often times, Orlando defense had no answer for the Hawks “hot” offense in that game. I repeat, in that game.
Given the magnitude of game 6, I expect the Hawks to at least be the most focus in front of the home crowd. Predicting anything further beyond my previous comment makes me a bigger gambler than LD.
We definitely shall see
The Truth
April 28th, 2011
1:07 am
*as the game unfolds
The Truth
April 28th, 2011
1:10 am
*The Hawks can control what they know; it’s what they don’t know that kills them.
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
1:12 am
ISO and JC1 will get it done.If you waiting for Allstar Al, Josh and Marvin to carry a team..You’ll be waiting alllllllllllllooooong time…………..
Eric
April 28th, 2011
1:21 am
Most of the criticism I read here in regards to Horford is really pretty off-base. He’s not perfect, but he’s by far the most valuable player on this team. He’s solid and consistent, just about every night, and he almost never makes dumb decisions that hurt the team. People on this blog will nitpick about every single flaw in any player’s game when it comes to this roster, but the fact of the matter is that you just don’t appreciate what you have. You can talk trash about Al, Steve, but you and I both know that you can’t name 5 players better than Horford at either the C or PF position. When you factor in his high IQ, offensive and defensive contributions, as well as his intangible qualities off the court, it’s tough to come out with many better big men in this league.
There’s a reason why the national media, which thrives on poking at player flaws, praises Horford as much as they do whenever they write about him. It’s because he deserves it. There’s a reason why the coaches vote him onto the All-star team and openly admire him. It’s because they know how valuable he is on any team. Also, I’ll take the opinions of people who have actual NBA experience and whom have played/coached against Horford over the opinions of couch critics on this blog who have never played a second of NBA basketball.
News flash, not every player in this league has flaws, some more than others, but sometimes you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone. Sometimes I wish that guys like Al were traded to another team so you could see what it would be like without them.
Eric
April 28th, 2011
1:23 am
Correction on my last post – *EVERY* player in this league has flaws…
Ignore the not in that sentence in the original post.
The Hawks Are (A puzzling team)
April 28th, 2011
3:06 am
“take solace in history–and not just that only eight of 194 NBA teams have come back from down 3-1″
yeah but I doubt many people were picking the hawks to get beat as badly as they did last year. Numbers mean nothing when it comes to this team.
Heck as bad as game 5 was I’m inclined to believe that games 6 and 7 will be much of the same, with the Hawks reverting completely to last years form and the magic blowing them out and advancing. I’d like for them to prove me wrong but I really don’t think they will.
“But at this stage of the game it’s just about us coming ready to do battle. I told the players after last night’s game we are still in a great position.”
the thing about talk is that’s all it is .. talk. Talking is easy, backing it up is something the Hawks also find difficult to do.
Grandad
April 28th, 2011
4:12 am
1993-1994 Supersonics Roster:
Gary Payton
Shawn Kemp
Nate McMillan
Detlef Schrempf
Michael Cage
Kendall Gill
Sam Perkins
Vincent Askew
Ricky Pierce
Steve Scheffler
Ervin Johnson
Rich King
Chris King
Alphonso Ford
Coach George Karl
hawks D
April 28th, 2011
4:13 am
the hawks are NOTat all in a “great situation” (quoting LD)
The magic come to Atlanta with a “nothing to lose” strategy again.. Hawks are against the wall..
Atlanta MUST WIN, I repeat game 6 is a MUST WIN!!! They will not win it game 7 in Orlando, just not happening.. Hawks need to come out and kill on D and make shots.
hawks D
April 28th, 2011
4:18 am
I hope the hawks squad realise how dire and desperate their situation is… Magic will be a different team in Atlanta, they tanked some self confidence… WAKE UP CALL ATL, last chance to win it. If the hawks anchor down on D and make shots with the crowd in their backs they can do it. Anything less than that, the magic will take this series…
hawks D
April 28th, 2011
4:19 am
WAKE UP CALL ATL!!!!!!!!!!!
Grandad
April 28th, 2011
4:21 am
‘94 play-offs:
“I can’t deny the butterflies felt like rocks,” said Sonics coach George Karl. Issel, meanwhile, looked at his team and suggested, “I don’t think our kids knew they were supposed to be nervous.”
Denver center Dikembe Mutombo put it this way: “I don’t like to be rude, but these are the playoffs. Nobody invites you into their house. You just have to go in and get comfortable.”
source – NBA.com / history
Buddy Grizzard
April 28th, 2011
4:58 am
Since nobody at the AJC will engage in any meaningful critique of their boy Las Vegas Larry’s disastrous coaching in this series (remember, I said they would win the series on superior talent and IN SPITE OF LVL’s coaching), I keep having to get it from other sources:
http://www.hoopinionblog.com/
Key passage:
“In the second quarter, the Atlanta Hawks attempted 19 field goals and not a single free throw. Larry Drew’s response to falling behind early was to play his WORST POSSIBLE defensive backcourt and the players’ response was to double-down on jump shots.”
hawks D
April 28th, 2011
5:23 am
Last chance Hawks squad, if you want to win this series, tonights gotta be A game.
UGASlobberknocker,
April 28th, 2011
5:23 am
Actually, I am a doubter who never left..Ive just been hoping I was wrong.
Damn. Right again.
Fireld!
April 28th, 2011
8:07 am
Ya’ll can blame JJ, JC, and JS all you want but at the end of the day it’s LD that does not hold them accountable. Come on guys ya’ll saw the pathetic effort our starters gave in game 5. How about taking them out of the game, but LD won’t do that and the players know it. Getting into a players physche is a part of coaching as well not just x and o’s. LD does not have the wits or guts to do either. That’s why true basketball fans don’t buy into LD’s product. We see past this Magic series into a very grim future no matter who the Hawks face next round or next year. LD’s B-Ball acumen or lack there of has this team hostage and some people actually blame the fans for pointing that out. FREE JEFF TEAGUE!
Section 303
April 28th, 2011
8:10 am
Buddy Grizzard, Thanks for the link. That was good stuff.
rudy
April 28th, 2011
8:23 am
Why don’t the Hawks post up Joe Johnson? I would post him up every time untill JJ Reddick or whoever is out of the game.
JeJe
April 28th, 2011
8:24 am
Need a packed crowd tonight. Whiteout would be nice. Maybe if BASG reminded everyone that…
terrell
April 28th, 2011
8:25 am
Steve W, I’ve been saying it for years. Josh is the best PF on this team. Al is the best CENTER on this team. Point blank.
terrell
April 28th, 2011
8:26 am
And Joe is the best sf on this team.
JROLL1
April 28th, 2011
8:33 am
76′ERS, PACERS, NUGGETTS, MEMPHIS, ALL PLAYED HARD, COMPETED AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. CLOSE GAMES…HAWKS GET BLOWN OUT!!!! ANY QUESTIONS?
Ice
April 28th, 2011
8:47 am
If we don’t win Game 6, I”m not even gonna watch Game 7.
O'Brien
April 28th, 2011
8:53 am
Durant is a beast. He is so smooth with the ball. I wonder if Portland fans talk about KD and Oden the way we talk about CP3 and Marvin the mistake.
One thing I wish JJ would take from him is KD usually makes his move quickly, while JJ pounds and pounds.
And the second best thing about the Perkins trade is it allows Ibaka to focus on PF. He had 9 blocks last night. I know Josh is playing SF, but even at PF, Josh rarely has those games anymore.
Hawks need to defend like their life depends on it later. They need to hold Orlando to less than 85 pts to win (imo).
Melvin
April 28th, 2011
9:03 am
With the OKC/Spurs comeback wins last night, all the home teams have won their game 5. Now the Hawks needs to hold serve on their homecourt tonight.
Melvin
April 28th, 2011
9:06 am
“Durant is a beast. He is so smooth with the ball. I wonder if Portland fans talk about KD and Oden the way we talk about CP3 and Marvin the mistake.”
OB,
I said a few years ago that the Portland fans/organization are kicking themselves for passing over Jordan and Durant. Their draft gafts maybe worst than the Hawks….
JeJe
April 28th, 2011
9:38 am
Horford said he doesn’t feel pressure tonight, but feels a sense of urgency.
He must think that if we lose tonight, we’ll win game 7
I hope the players aren’t too tense tonight
This game is on LD finding a way to contain the P&R because I doubt the Magic go to Dwight in the post.
If they do P&R and Collins is in, we are screwed because he cannot move AT ALL
ant banks
April 28th, 2011
9:40 am
WHICH TEAM TRAILING 3-2 IN A SERIES IS MOST LIKELY TO FORCE A GAME 7?
HORNETS, TRAILBLAZERS, MAGIC. 58% OF THE NATION FEEL LIKE ORLANDO WILL FORCE A GAME 7.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/fp/flashPollResultsState?sportIndex=frontpage&pollId=111694
tom
April 28th, 2011
9:51 am
LD has to let the guys play through foul trouble. Gotta leave it all out there tonight. Need this guy to get it going. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhGeQWOHwHQ
Rufus1
April 28th, 2011
10:06 am
I will take the Hawks with their backs against the wall in a game they Can/Should and have to WIN!!!!!
Go Hawks.
JeJe
April 28th, 2011
10:09 am
AL HORFORD WASNT EVEN IN FOUL TROUBLE THE OTHER NIGHT. LD TOOK HIM OUT FOR NO REASO N IN THE 2ND
SMDH
FIRE LD
O'Brien
April 28th, 2011
10:11 am
Melvin,
I dont think they kick themselves as bad for passing over Jordan. They had a good SG already, so they went with a big man. I think they are kicking themselves for taking Oden though.
They have had some tough luck. Brandon Roy is a fraction of his former self due to injuries.
Jimbo
April 28th, 2011
10:16 am
Zazza is a no-talent pus*y.
KevinM
April 28th, 2011
10:18 am
Those comments about KD got me thinking; he has to be the best #2 draft pick of all time. That is very rare in the NBA for the 2 to be better than the 1.
And the Hawks don’t win with just a ‘cup of Joe’. We need the whole pot to show up.
This game will show the true Hawks. See if they can finally respond to adversity for one of the few times this year.
Buddy Grizzard
April 28th, 2011
10:31 am
Let’s break down the first half of Game 5, where the Hawks got outscored 58-35 and lost the game. The point differential in the second half was 43-41 in favor of the Magic, so the first half is the story of this game.
I’ve broken down in other posts how Josh Smith pounded the ball inside and drew two early fouls on Dwight, causing him to go to the bench with 5:39 to play in the first quarter and Orlando leading 10-8. With 5:33 to play and the Hawks trailing 10-9, Kirk Hinrich picked up his first foul, and Las Vegas Larry immediately subbed in JC1 for KH.
Q+1 rule means in the first quarter, Q1+1 is two fouls to be in foul trouble. KH goes to the bench, not in foul trouble. I believe this is what Bret Lagree was referring to in his Game 5 breakdown when he said Las Vegas Larry “created foul trouble where none yet existed.”
With Dwight on the Bench and Orlando forced to rely on its perimeter players, the obvious move would be to leave KH (not in foul trouble) and Joe Johnson on the floor to try to slow Orlando’s guards. Instead, Las Vegas Larry almost immediatly sends in Atlanta’s worst perimeter defender.
I find it very easy to believe, much as Michael Cunningham tried to discredit it, the New York Post’s report that a former Hawks player described Las Vegas Larry’s game preparation a “f-ing joke.” Do you think Las Vegas Larry had a game plan if Dwight went to the bench? Do you think that game plan involved JC1 tossing up 20 to 25 footers producing long rebounds and Orlando fast breaks? Do you think that game plan involved the Hawks attempting only 4 free throws for the rest of the half, including zero in the second quarter?
I’m not an NBA coach, but I would have told my guys to pound it inside to Josh Smith and All Star Al and let them go to work on Orlando’s Dwight-less front court. I would have told them to keep drawing fouls and try to keep the game at a slow tempo. None of that happened.
And when Josh Smith saw that his good early work was not rewarded with additional post touches, and saw that effort undone by JC1’s cold shooting, he went with the only game plan the Hawks ever had… toss up outside shots, hope they go in. And hope that Orlando, the most productive three-point shooting team in the NBA during the regular season, continued setting postseason records for three-point futility.
Meanwhile, JC1 checks in at 5:33 with the Hawks trailing by a point. After missed shots from 20, 23 and 25 feet by JC1, Atlanta calls a full timeout with 2:36 to play and Orlando leading 19-9. Kirk Hinrich re-enters the game and picks up his second foul with :45 to play in the first quarter. The half ends with Orlando up 26-13, having closed the quarter on a 16-4 run since JC1 entered the game. At this point Kirk Hinrich is -4 and JC1 is -12.
Atlanta starts the 2nd quarter with JJ, All Star Al, Marv, Zaza and JC1. Orlando starts the quarter with Dwight, Reddick, Arenas, Q-Rich and Ryan Anderson. With 6:09 to play in the half, KH re-enters the game replacing JC1. The score is 42-21 and Orlando has outscored the Hawks 16-8 for the quarter and 32-12 during the 11 minutes, 24 seconds JC1 has been on the floor. Does it take a 20-point swing in favor of the opposition to figure out something isn’t working?
With 2:13 to play in the half, JC1 subs back in for Kirk. The score is 52-30, Orlando has outscored the hawks 10-9 during KH’s three minutes, 56 seconds of playing time in the second quarter (with two fouls, not in foul trouble; Q2+1=3), and KH is -5 over 9 minutes, 3 seconds of first half playing time. JC1 plays 13 minutes, 37 seconds in the first half and goes to the locker room -21 with Orlando sporting a 23-point lead. Orlando would only outscore the Hawks by 2 points in the entire second half.
JeJe
April 28th, 2011
10:34 am
Buddy G,
your posts have been excellent lately (that play-by-play).
I can’t believe we took out Hinrich with 5 minutes left in the first. I was wondering WTH he was taken out so early
JeJe
April 28th, 2011
10:36 am
We need ZaZa in the game when ORL runs the p&R. Collins will get eaten up. The guy cannot do anything besides body up Dwight
I hope we win tonight but am for some reason not confident. Thankfully the storm is past, so hopefully the place is packed. WHITE OUT OR SOMETHING
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
10:37 am
Hawks will win tonight.In a close one again….Lets hope they dont get crushed in game 1 against Chicago…But I would not be surprised if Rose goes for 40…
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
10:38 am
iso for president…
Section 303
April 28th, 2011
10:42 am
JeJe, I’m with you. I have no faith in the Hawks getting a win tonight. This game just feels like a loss. I have a feeling we will see a never ending display of stupid Josh Smith shots, missed shots by Joe and Jamal, defensive breakdowns, awful coaching calls by LD, and just lack of effort.
So tired of the indifference shown by these players. There needs to be major urgency tonight. They can’t lose. We know that…I don’t think the players do.
I ready for the most disappointing loss in my 7 seasons as a seson ticket holder. It’s happening!
O-town Jimbo
April 28th, 2011
10:42 am
Magic have to keep the ball on the perimiter. Dwight’s shot selection sucks and he wastes too much time off the clock after Jameer aleady has wasted time ponding the ball into the floor. Hawks are a basketcase team not a basketball team. Keep up the good work Bianchi! When the Magic win tonight they might as well not even waste time having Game 7 in O-town.
Melvin
April 28th, 2011
10:42 am
Slimjr,
I *just fell out my seat*, I can’t believe you pick the Hawks to win tonight… You must be going soft…LOL
Barry
April 28th, 2011
10:43 am
HEY’Y'ALL:
THE HAWKS GOT THIS!!!!! THE WORLD DOES NOT STOP BECAUSE OF ONE GAME. THE HAWKS HAVE BEEN CONSISTANT IN WHAT THEY WANT TO DO AGAINST THE MAGIC. THEY HAVE DONE IT ALL SEASON AND THEY HAVE DONE IT IN THIS PLAYOFF> TONIGHT THEY WILL BE SHOOTING THE LIGHTS OUT AT PHILLIPS ARENA AS THEY HAVE ALWAYS DONE AGAINST THE MAGIC. DWIGHT WILL GET HIS BUT OUR HAWKS ARE GING TO SHUT EVERYONE ELSE DOWN!!! DEFENSE WILL BE THE KEY TO THIS GAME. WE KNOW OUR OFFENSE WILL BE ON POINT. OUR FANS WILL ALSO BE ON POINT. THEREFORE, GET YOURSELF READY TO CELEBRATE A VICTORY IN ROUND 1 FOR OUR HAWKS. ITS GOING TO BE A NASTY WIN, BUT IT IS GOING TO BE FUN! THE PUNCH WE GIVE ORLANDO TONIGHT WILL BE “THE KNOCKOUT PUNCH!!!!!”
NOW, ARE YOU READY TO RUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMBBBBBBBBLLLLEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
AND WE HAVEN’T EVEN DONE THE SHUFFLE YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LET’S GO HAWKS!!!!!! LET’S GO HAWKS!!! “SHOCK THE WORLD!!!”
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
…………………………..”SHOCK THE WORLD”………………
Melvin
April 28th, 2011
10:44 am
2 days on the same blog with only 3 pages of comments. Where is northcyde to correct this issue?
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
10:46 am
Hey Allstar AL for once turn into a beast and destroy those stiffs checking you?? Stop playing like Mr Softie… Play like LaMarcus Aldridge and dismantle that front line..
Oh that’s right not skilled enough to perform that miracle……………Allstar your azzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
ISO and JC1 will step up cause they are……Whew……………..
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
10:48 am
Hey Melvin, I am trying to BELIEVE!!! LOL
Melvin
April 28th, 2011
10:51 am
It’s time for Kenny and Charles to put Superman (Dwight) and Mighty Mouse (Jameer) on that fishing boat tonight…..
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
10:55 am
Also THE HEIMLICH MANEUVER WILL HAVE A GOOD GAME!!! HIS JUMPSHOTS WILL FALL! HE WILL PLAY GREAT DEFENSE AT THE POINT OF ATTACK AND EARN HIS KEEP…..
hawks D
April 28th, 2011
10:57 am
“Sense of urgency” is the biggest BS I have ever heard. IF THEY DONT WIN TONIGHT ITS OVER.
IT SHOULD BE WIN OR GO ON VACA
Buddy Grizzard
April 28th, 2011
10:59 am
Thanks for posting Jimbo! Enjoy your last postseason with Dwight
bigdave
April 28th, 2011
11:05 am
http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2011/04/28/hawks-need-more-than-average-joe/
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
11:09 am
CAN DOUG COLLINS COACH OR WHAT???????????????
WON ONLY 3 LESS GAMES THEN THE HAWKS AFTER GOING 3-13 IN THEIR 1ST 16!!!!!!
IF HE COACHED THE HAWKS, THEY WOULD HAVE WON 60 GAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ole Hawks Fan
April 28th, 2011
11:13 am
The way this current hawks team is constructed, they will not listen to their coach. I don’t care if it is Doc Rivers, Red Auerbach, Bill Russell or Dr. Jack Ramsey. This team needs to be broken up after this season but with Max JJ contract a hinderance of sending him out of here, this team will be burden with his Max Contract durning it’s duration which will hamper the make-up of this team. ASG should have let JJ walk doing the off-season. Compound JJ Max Deal and Poor Draft Picks under BK and it will take years to make this team a winner. The Hawks or Who They Are and It isn’t pretty. They will loose tonight and game seven in Orlando.
JOSH SMITH FOR 3!!!
April 28th, 2011
11:18 am
If they lose tonight, my Hawks budget gets reallocated to support the Atlanta Dream. At least they made the Finals, and their owner is an absolute fox.
SteveW
April 28th, 2011
11:49 am
Eric – The point of my post was that Al should play C against 75% of the Centers in the NBA. But I can’t name 5 PF’s in the game better than Al? Well I won’t say all of these PF’s are better than Al, but the argument could certainly be made that:
Amare
Dirk
Blake Griffin
ZBo
Gasol
Aldridge
Duncan
Love
Garnett
Bosh
Odom
Are all as good or better than Al. Now I said Al may be my favorite player. But to make ludicrious statements is not beneficial to the points at hand.
All you said is that every player has flaws. Duh.
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
11:50 am
Hawks win tonight!! OKC will be in the finals!!!!!
JeJe
April 28th, 2011
11:51 am
YESTERDAY I SAID THAT THE ARTICLE SHOULD BE PUT ON THE PLAYERS’ LOCKERS.
IT WAS PUT ON THE PLAYERS’ LOCKERS
THANK ME LATER
YAGA
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
12:01 pm
You people need to remember, that Larry is a “company man”. He got to phone call from the godfather, chief gangsta to make sure this series is extended!!!!!
Superman must advance at all cost………
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
12:12 pm
“News flash, not every player in this league has flaws, some more than others, but sometimes you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone. Sometimes I wish that guys like Al were traded to another team so you could see what it would be like without them.”
AL for NENE
Al for DeAndre Jordan
Al for Derrick Williams
Al for ______________fill in the blank……..Scottie Make is so….AYE Captain…..
heartofdarkness
April 28th, 2011
12:25 pm
Professional basketball playoffs, IMHO, have always been about the adjustments that are made during the course of the series. The Hawks were in the position of having to absorb Orlando’s adjustments in the last game. Orlando changed their offense, in a manner that was predictable, in the last game. The Hawks were not able to adjust well enough to make it a close game, which I would think is a characteristic that has plagued this team for a number of years. Orlando also seemed to have their frontline play with a lot of zone characteristics down low, funneling attempts to get at the basket into Howard, who did an excellent job defensively. Now the ball is in the Hawks’ court, and the key to the series will be how they counter the changes Orlando made in the last game. If they can pull Howard out of the paint to defend and get the ball to their cutters when he does, the Hawks should get more high percentage shots. One problem is that the best big man shooter from 15 feet, Horford, is also the best big man cutting to the basket. Maybe we will see Josh fill this role in this game, but this has not been a significant feature of his game during the season (i.e, interior passing, cutting and the 15 foot jumper. If the Hawks defend well, forcing Orlando to miss jumpers coming off screens, and rebound the miss, they could get some breakaways and force Orlando to adjust.
JeJe
April 28th, 2011
12:26 pm
YESTERDAY I SAID THAT THE ARTICLE SHOULD BE PUT ON THE PLAYERS’ LOCKERS.
IT WAS PUT ON THE PLAYERS’ LOCKERS
THANK ME LATER
YAGA.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 28th, 2011
12:32 pm
Da Bulls!
Carlos Boozer felt something pop in his toe
Carlos Boozer (F) – Chicago Bulls
(Wed, Apr 27 – 9:07am ET)
Carlos Boozer has been diagnosed with turf toe after feeling something pop during Tuesday’s win over the Pacers.
X-rays taken after the game were negative, but Boozer is set for further evaluation Wednesday. It’s especially concerning for the Bulls considering Boozer’s checkered history with injuries. The good news is that Game 1 of the second round won’t be until Monday. We’d expect Boozer to be ready by then, but Kurt Thomas and Taj Gibson may end up being called upon.
Source: ESPN Chicago
____________________
Is anyone surprised? This guy is reminiscent of the Chris Chandelier led
Super Bowl bound Falcons in the early ’90’s.
If DRose still has the lingering sore ankle sprain, coupled with Carlos Boozer’s turf toe? Tonight would be ideal for the Hawks to wrap up the Magic and head to Chi-Town on Monday. IF only IF wasn’t a part of that scenario.
northcyde
April 28th, 2011
12:33 pm
JeJe
April 28th, 2011
9:38 am
Horford said he doesn’t feel pressure tonight, but feels a sense of urgency.
He must think that if we lose tonight, we’ll win game 7
I hope the players aren’t too tense tonight
This game is on LD finding a way to contain the P&R because I doubt the Magic go to Dwight in the post.
If they do P&R and Collins is in, we are screwed because he cannot move AT ALL
***************************
I agree.
And Drew’s response can’t be to go with Zaza either. And he bet not go with Powell. He has to go with Horford at center.
And once that happens, the next adjustment by the Illusion will be for them to go back into the post to Howard . . with Horford on him. That’s when Horford simply has to man up, and try to do the best he can do to slow Howard down.
Hopefully our guards will be on tonight, so that the chess match that will materialize won’t hurt us as much.
J
April 28th, 2011
12:37 pm
Have to agree w/ Najeh, put that column on seats in Philips for tonight. If we have to carry the team tonight and fire them up, so be it. Let’s get loud, rowdy & crazy tonight! Everybody stand up!
Daniel
April 28th, 2011
12:40 pm
“The Hawks are a hard team to trust even for their own fans even when things are going good.”
MC- You have summed up the entire 2010/11 campaign in one sentence.
tidog
April 28th, 2011
12:41 pm
1st team to 4 wins = series winner. I’d still prefer 1 more win vs 2 wins. Who among you would prefer the Hawks being in the position the Magic are in. Tuesday night they had 0 choice but to get their act together or go fishing with Kenny the Jet. They still need 2 wins, I like the Hawks odds better.
BYC
April 28th, 2011
12:53 pm
EARN YOUR MONEY JOE!
ant banks
April 28th, 2011
12:53 pm
vegas has atl +2.5 at home. i would take this bet.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 28th, 2011
12:54 pm
Consider my mind blown. Slimjr picking the Hawks to win is like Marvin’s granny calling Marvin a bust.
What’s next, Clyde calling for Woody to be re-hired?
drmaryb (*_-)
April 28th, 2011
12:54 pm
MRI
“X-rays taken after the game were negative, but Boozer is set for further evaluation Wednesday. It’s especially concerning for the Bulls … ”
___________________
X-rays would only reveal a fracture or dislocation of the bone or joint.
Carlos will need an MRI to evaluate the ligaments, tendons and muscles of his toe. I haven’t heard anything about any MRI findings.
Let’s Go!
TheAntiMe
April 28th, 2011
12:55 pm
These talking heads are totally worthless. They never give the Hawks any chance in Hades of winning games and when the Hawks do win, these same talking heads get mad and start bad-mouthing the team that they choose to beat the Hawks as if it were just a totally shameful collapse by said team and the Hawks were just lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.
I have no use, whatsoever, for these so-called experts as they never take accountability when they are wrong. Instead, they blame it on any and everyone else but their useless selves.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 28th, 2011
12:58 pm
“And Drew’s response can’t be to go with Zaza either. And he bet not go with Powell. He has to go with Horford at center.
And once that happens, the next adjustment by the Illusion will be for them to go back into the post to Howard . . with Horford on him. That’s when Horford simply has to man up, and try to do the best he can do to slow Howard down.”
And this is why the more I think about it the more I’m with Section 303. If I had to put money on it, I don’t see the Hawks winning tonight or on Saturday.
The Magic now have two ways to beat the Hawks. They can either a) dump it down to Dwight when he’s being guarded by Al, Powell, Etan, or Hilton, knowing that none of those players can effectively guard him for long stretches, or b) run the high pick and roll when Collins or Zaza is in the game, knowing that neither one of them is mobile enough to effectively defend the pick and roll.
At any given time, the Hawks have the personnel to guard one of those plays. They do not have the personnel to guard both at the same time. So if the Magic just go with the play that the Hawks at any given time are not equipped to defend, theoretically they should be able to score at will.
Bottom line is this: LD is going to have to earn every penny of his paycheck tonight. Because if he doesn’t come up with a new defensive wrinkle to neutralize this advantage for the Magic — and let’s face it, we can scream until we are blue in the face that Al needs to man up but the chances of that happening are slim — the Hawks are going to be on the ol’ fishing boat by Sunday.
Worldwide Clyde
April 28th, 2011
1:07 pm
Hawks in 6.
The Real Mandingo
April 28th, 2011
1:16 pm
I read all this criticsm of JJ’s contract and I agree he’s overpaid. To be honest, JJ does average at or around 20ppg, 5rpg, and 5apg. With that being said, his contract is still not the worst in the history of the ATL Hawks franchise. That dubious distinction belongs to Jon “Contract” Koncak when he signed his contract back in the ’80’s that paid him more than Magic Johson, Larry Bird, and, I think, Dominique Wilkens. Giving Koncak that contract in present-day times would be like giving Zaza Pachulia a four-year deal worth between $64mil. and $80mil. Let me quit while I’m ahead; I don’t want to give Hawks mgmt. any ideas with respect to renegotiating Zaza’s contract.
MistaGamer
April 28th, 2011
1:16 pm
SteveW:
That is exactly my point with Al and everyone saying that he needs to play is so-called “natural” position of PF. Al is an Allstar at center because their, he is a match-up problem for I’d say 90% of the centers in the league.
At PF he is just not that big of a match-up problem. In all the games he plays at PF is not like he gives you anything more than what you can get from Josh at the position or more than what he gives you at center.
But, when he is at C, he can give you things there that %90 of the centers can’t. Al’s problem, which is also Josh’s problem, is two-fold. Number one, this offensive scheme does not cater to feeding the bigs in the low post. Number two, they don’t play along side a penetrating point guard that will open up lanes and allow both of them to use their above average athletic abilities.
Free Jeff Teague…
MistaGamer
April 28th, 2011
1:23 pm
TheReal:
Way to stretch that 18ppg to 20 and that 4apg to 5 lol. And for the playoffs it’s even worse, combined with a 39% field goal pct and 79% FT pct. That being said, can the Hawks get a refund for services not rendered? lol
vava74
April 28th, 2011
1:23 pm
JeJe,
“If they do P&R and Collins is in, we are screwed because he cannot move AT ALL”
Actually you are dead wrong, IMO.
Collins may not be fast but he moves his feet and shows his hands in the right defensive postures a lot better than most players in the whole league.
That is why he got more charges called in our favor than all other Hawks put together before the Hinrich trade (who is the close second).
If correctly assisted by the Guard who is playing with him the pick and roll D he is not such a liability that justifies him not being on the floor at all out of being afraid of the PnR.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 28th, 2011
1:26 pm
Slimjr!
I got 5 on it.
______________
I hope northcyde and his family are ok, word on the street is that
TN got rocked by that tornado last night. Hope Alabama-ians are safe too. To all the lost – RIP.
I won’t be able to see most of the game, I have to go to the Kingdom Hall @ 730 … I’ll be praying for a win, I hope the Lord forgives me, because I’ll have to peek @ my B-Berry in silent mode. I just have to.
____________________
Let’s Go!
If slimjr picks a winner, I’m all in – up to $5.
LOL!
MistaGamer
April 28th, 2011
1:27 pm
Najeh:
You are absolutely right on what the Magic will do to us now. Especially since the one option we do have in Jeff Teague will sit on the bench all night. I would play Jeff and force them to beat us by relying on the offense going thru DH and take away the pick and roll option. And if DH scores 40 who cares, we’ve alreay proven that plan of attack won’t win games against us.
Hollywould
April 28th, 2011
1:30 pm
I got 5 on joke johnson giving up more 3’s than going to the foul line. Any takers?
MistaGamer
April 28th, 2011
1:31 pm
Maybe Damien can get in the game. Hell we used him all season as a defensive specialist and soon as we get to the playoffs we go with a plan to outshoot the Magic using Jamal instead of stiffling the Magic with our defensive stoppers.
Free Jeff Teague…
MistaGamer
April 28th, 2011
1:32 pm
Hollywould: I’ll see your 5 and raise you 10 in agreement with you.
Free Jeff Teague…
drmaryb (*_-)
April 28th, 2011
1:35 pm
I got 2 words!
DE FENSE
Same as I had for the last game. I don’t give a rat’s tail about the offense. Just score one point more than them. I’ll take a 45 – 44 Win.
That’s just me.
James on Pharr Rd
April 28th, 2011
1:40 pm
Section 303 ….Najeh-on Magic reviving the offensive edge on the post
If LD doesn’t strictly run to a conservative plan, we have a good shot. I say the notion of saving players “AL” for the 4th quarter has to end. Every possession counts and the last time I checked when shots are not dropping for the Magic early in the game-they fold like a cheap suite-almost like when we go down by 15+ which is what we are avoiding.
We lost on Defense, not Offense: the team just called it in on O once the lead was too big. Why are we in such a rush to get Jamal in the game? LD can earn his 1.2 million tonight by switching it up and going big off the bench with Marvin and Teague first. Joe has to play 45+ minutes and Kirk should play 35 as well.
Daniel
April 28th, 2011
1:43 pm
Najeh
The Hawks have proven that Howard going off is not a hinderance to the Hawks winning. Don’t switch on the P/R with Collins or Za, stay with Nelson or Riddick. However, ultimately the isssue isn’t the Hawks defense, the issue is the offense, will Crawford and Joe hit their jump shots? Will Horford get his mid-range going? Can we get some paint points from Josh and Za?
The way to combat the Orlando offensive wrinkle is to give them more to deal with defensively.
UGAKev
April 28th, 2011
1:44 pm
How about we all go to philips arena tonight and give our full support to these guys for atleast this one game. If they let us down tonight then we can trash them or whatever. But, I am fixing to buy tickets for 8 bucks on stubhub to the game tonight…you can print them off your computer. You cant beat 8 bucks!! Let’s go Hawks!!!
mykhalc
April 28th, 2011
2:05 pm
unless i’m usin’ other people’s money, there is NO WAY i’d bet on this incarnation of Hawks!!! regardless… GO HAWKS then KA BOOM after the season!!!
James on Pharr Rd
April 28th, 2011
2:11 pm
drmaryb (*_-)
Cosign on D ALL DAY,
We fall into droughts on OFF all the time, and will do so this game, but thats fine if the Magic aren’t scoring either.
Daniel
April 28th, 2011
2:12 pm
“GO HAWKS then KA BOOM after the season!!!!”- that makes absolutely no sense, is totally crazy and is probably the only honest way us real Hawks fans can feel. At least I’m not alone.
mykhalc
April 28th, 2011
2:23 pm
“and is probably the only honest way us real Hawks fans can feel.”….a lot of that bein’ thrown around lately…SMH
The Real Mandingo
April 28th, 2011
2:30 pm
I love all y’all on this blog(lol); it’s great. I think I’m officially addicted for now. With that being said, let’s not overcomplicate this series matchup. The Hawks just need to play like they have all year against the Magic except for Game 5’s blowout loss. The Hawks should muck it up, slow it down, grind it out, keep the Magic’s field goal shooting percentage low, and make the game ugly. Outside of Game 1, when the Hawks have defeated the Magic this (regular and playoff) season, the Hawks held the Magic point total below 90 points. Even in the first regular season matchup this year between the Hawks and the Magic, I believe the Hawks lost 93-89. The Hawks just need to get control of the tempo and slow down the pace of the game. This formula has proven to be successful. I know my game plan suggestions seem very general/generic but I’ll leave the game plan specifics for you experts. In conclusion, if the Hawks shoot well from the field (50+%), this further increases ATL’s chance to be victorious.
Sautee
April 28th, 2011
2:36 pm
“However, ultimately the isssue isn’t the Hawks defense, the issue is the offense, will Crawford and Joe hit their jump shots? ”
Daniel, that’s just what I was thinking. If those two are on, we’ll likely win. They were a combined 4-20 in Game 5. If they are not “on”, we lose unless Josh or Al go crazy.
Speaking of Al, I’m shocked that he has shot SO poorly in this series. He needs to step it up to take some pressure off JJ and JC1.
mykhalc
April 28th, 2011
2:36 pm
@Daniel…just re-read your post…my bad…think i mis-interpreted. i think i follow u now…need that 2nd cup of coffee…still early out here in the Bay…
Mama Says
April 28th, 2011
2:37 pm
just stop J Smooth from shooting those stupid 3’s and we MAY have a chance. I still have to say trade Smith and Williams for one big center, put Horford at power forward and sign a mid level point gaurd. In the meantime if Smith takes one long range shot tonight I bench him. PERIOD !
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
2:46 pm
Najeh got jokes!!! LOL
Yeah Hawks will wrap it up tonight!! Section 303 and thousand of others will energize these cats at home!!
drmaryb its a lock!! LOL
Allstar Al earn YOUR MONEY TONIGHT AND ATTACK THOSE SCRUBS DEFENDING YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SHOW YOURSELF AND OTHERS YOU’RE A FREAKING ALLSTAR!!!!!!!!!!
AT THE FIRST HINT MAGIC JR HEAD’S IS NOT IN THE GAME,BENCH HIS AZZ…..
FREE TEAGUE. USE DAMEIN…ESPECIALLY IF MARVIN PUT ON HIS INVISIBLE CLOAK ONCE AGAIN…..
TEAGUE NEEDS TO GET WARMED UP FOR ROSE!!
OH AND ONE MORE THING, LEAVE IT ALL ON THE FLOOR TONIGHT!!!!! WE’LL KNOW IF YOUR FRONTIN OR GIVING IT ALL, IT WONT BE HARD NOT TO SEE…..
NO AND 1′S FOR THE MAGIC.A FOUL MEANS NO MADE BASKETS!!!!!!
yeah………………………………………..
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
2:53 pm
@Sautee
“Speaking of Al, I’m shocked that he has shot SO poorly in this series. He needs to step it up to take some pressure off JJ and JC1.”
Why are you shock about Al’s play?..He’s playing like he’s intimidated, hence his #’s reflect it just from eyballin his body language on offense. He’s passing up a ton of opportunity on the low blocks…
Dude needs a handle in the worst way……….
iam shock this dude made the Allstar team 2 yrs in a row and LaMarcus Aldridge has not?????????
Daniel
April 28th, 2011
2:57 pm
mykalc- yeah, I meant I agree with you. (just show’s you how crazy this team makes us).
Sautee- I think we will need Josh and Al to go off to beat Chicago (if we get there). Joe and Jamall HAVE to score for us to beat Orlando.
Sautee
April 28th, 2011
3:13 pm
Slim,
I think you are WAY off base when you talk about Al not having a handle. Najeh has attempted to tell you this a few times but you ignore it.
Al’s handle is NOT the problem when he posts up. His biggest problem (like Joe) is his indecision. When he gets the ball and immediately turns and drives, he does great. Do you not remember the final play against the Clippers when he drove for a dunk and got smashed by Griffin? How was his handle then?
He has a weak post game, yes, but he has one of the better handles of any big short of Lamar Odum. How many big men in this league can get a rebound, turn, and dribble up the floor without turning it over? Answer: NOT MANY. His assist to turnover ratio is the best for his career. Slim, do you know how many big men in the league have a better assist / to ratio than Horford?
One. Chuck Hayes. Horford is second among all Centers and Power Forwards in assist to turnover ratio. SECOND, Slim!
http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Turnovers.jsp?league=00&season=22010&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&qualified=Y&yearsExp=-1&sortOrder=4&splitDD=All%20Teams
Now tell me HTF he does that with a poor handle?
I know you are trying to stir the pot, but at least TRY to be real in your criticisms if you want to be a valid part of the blog. There are LOTS of things to criticize about Al, but his handle would be near the bottom of my list.
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
3:31 pm
News Flash Sautee, I am not looking for validation from you or anyone else on this awesome blog….
Tech Sucks
April 28th, 2011
3:32 pm
Hawks are going to crush Orlando tonight.
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
3:36 pm
throw all the stats you please out there on Al and any of the other bigs on this roster..This playoff run will only goes as far as ISO and JC1 will take it………..
Chuck Hayes, btw took our whole front line to school at 6′6′..I am glad you mentioned him…
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
3:37 pm
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^wtf^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^at Chuck Hayes destroying our front line!!!!!!!!
drmaryb (*_-)
April 28th, 2011
3:39 pm
new blog!
Najeh Davenpoop
April 28th, 2011
3:53 pm
“However, ultimately the isssue isn’t the Hawks defense, the issue is the offense, will Crawford and Joe hit their jump shots? Will Horford get his mid-range going? Can we get some paint points from Josh and Za?
The way to combat the Orlando offensive wrinkle is to give them more to deal with defensively.”
This occurred to me too, and in theory you are right. The most reliable way to beat the Magic to me is to get Dwight in foul trouble and then incessantly attack the basket and win the game at the free throw line. The problem is, the Hawks are so undisciplined on offense that the only thing they can consistently do is shoot mid range jumpers. In Game 5, they got Dwight in foul trouble in the first quarter and could have probably made a run of their own when he went to the bench, but they elected to shoot jumpers instead and the Magic ended up being the team that went on a run in that situation. If they were capable of playing disciplined and efficient enough on offense to dictate terms to opposing defenses, they probably would have won a lot more than 44 games.
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
3:56 pm
every once in a while a squirrel lucks out finding his nuts(ref. Allstar Al taking the ball to the rack)…..Yawn..
Slimjr
April 28th, 2011
4:07 pm
if your a big man for the Hawks and you got guards who shoot the ball pretty good, than a guy like AL will get a ton of assist while camped out on the low block and throwing the rock back out to his shooters to hoist em up…..DUH…………………….