Atlanta Hawks: Notes, quotes and links
Some tidbits before I hop a flight to the Chi, where at least it’s warmer now . . .
- Before the Hawks left for Chicago today, L.D. said he’s not sure if he will use the Twin lineup for Game 5. My guess is that he will use it but didn’t want to let the Bulls know that more than 24 hours before game time.
- Drew on Twin not getting a rebound in 12 minutes: “He brings a presence. There are guys in this league that require special attention in keeping off the glass. Noah’s activity, to me he could be considered one of those guys. Sometimes it means Twin boxed him out and he’s not coming up with the ball. His first assignment is to get him boxed off and allow someone else to come up with it.”
- L.D. on another benefit of the Twin lineup: “Asking Josh to defend Noah at times, he’s much taller and much longer. It’s a tough assignment for him. Having him go against guy like Boozer who is real physical is also tough. Another physical body has been good for us. It frees up Al and Josh up to a certain extent.”
- The Hawks have more playoffs experience than the Bulls, both overall and as a group together. Maybe that’s giving them an edge.
- Smoove hears what you are saying when he winds up for Js. More on that from Josh: “I’ve been a pretty good perimeter shooter this whole season. If people have been here all season they know I’ve done it all year. People who are here for the special times don’t understand.”
- Josh also heard you repping at the end of Game 4: “It felt good at the end to hear the ‘A-T-L’ chants instead of ‘M-V-P’ chants. The cheering throughout the game, it felt good. It did a lot for us. It gave us something extra.”
- Josh on his game: “I wanted to be aggressive and play with a ball of energy. I played my game, played with confidence and rode the tidal wave of the crowd.”
- J.J. on teammates talking to Josh about playing that way: “We definitely stayed on him. When he puts his mind to it and is not settling and going to the basket, he’s tough to stop. He did it a few times and saw they were not even contesting it, so he kept doing it.”
- Jamal on Smoove’s eight assists: “To be a good passer you have to be a smart player, and Josh is a smart player. People get on him but we’ve got his back. He believes in himself and we believe in him.”
- Aside from one stretch of the third quarter, the Hawks had crisp ball movement and motion. “We moved the ball really well,” L.D. said. “We made plays out of double teams. We just shared the ball. We ended up with 23 assists. We try to keep harping on it as a staff and showing them video, that when do move the ball we are more effective than playing isolation.”
- At nbaplaybook.com, Sebastian Pruiti breaks down a familiar Hawks play from Game 4.
- L.D. on the traps against D-Rose: “Chances are you are going to be in some type of rotation. You have got to be on point with it. Last night we did a good job with our rotations, whether with double teams or getting broken down off the dribble [and giving] help. With Rose on the floor, changes are he is going to put you int that situation and we have to make sure we react to it and are in good spots.”
- Teague’s attacking style makes Atlanta’s closing lineup tough to guard. Now there are five scoring threats on the floor and three of them can make plays off the dribble. Add in Al’s shooting ability and Smoove’s slashing and the Bulls will have to be sharp to account for everyone–assuming, of course, the Hawks share the ball and play to their strengths.
- “With Jeff on the floor because he brings the speed and quickness and he has the ability to make a shot, it causes havoc,” L.D. said. “Their game plan is similar to ours as far as making sure they can contain us on the dribble and keep us out of the paint area. With Jeff and his ability to get in there it opens up a whole new dynamic. We certainly want him to stay in attack mode. You’ve got five guys out there that are attackers in their own way.”
- L.D. on Teague pulling the ball out instead of driving into traffic late in Game 4: “Really, really smart move. During the timeout, I told him and acknowledged that was a smart, smart move on his behalf. He made a veteran decision on a couple of those breaks. On the other hand, Jamal throwing that lob. . . .”
- Drew on if Teague is playing more confidently because he doesn’t have to look over his shoulder: “Still have Jamal over there if you want to talk about he has that ‘look over his shoulder’ mentality. There is somebody over there I can replace him with. I think it has been more [Teague thinking], ‘I am going to accept this challenge and this opportunity. I am playing against the MVP of the league and this is my time to shine.’ That’s the impression I get.”
- More Drew on Teague vs. Rose: “Derrick Rose is good, it’s no fluke he’s MVP. But clearly Jeff Teague is not taking a step back as far as the challenge. He’s attacking with just as much aggression. The difference is Rose is going to have the ball in his hands more and put up more shots. Jeff is more of facilitator and attacks at opportune times.”
- Drew on the Bulls matching Korver on Teague late: “I don’t know what their game strategy is as far as throwing Korver in there, whether it’s putting a bigger body on him. With Korver on him I like his chances to get to the basket rather than Rose on him. We just want him to stay in attack mode.”
- Josh on the spirited discussions in huddles: “We are screaming at each other because it’s in the moment. We want each other to do so good and we want everybody to be on the same page. Even thought it may not come out the same way in that particular moment, we understand the message. It’s not how it’s presented. We understand everyone in this locker room loves each other like brothers. Everybody takes up for each other but you have some moments where you have to do some self-checking. No one is sensitive, no one feels like it’s personal, and we just keep trying.”
- Jamal: “As far as the mental toughness, we can take a team’s really good effort and bounce back. We handle adversity better. In the past when adversity came we went our separate ways but now I think it actually pulls us closer together.”
- Hinrich is improving but he hasn’t done any court work. Today he was on one of those balancing things the P.T. had me using when I blew out my frickin Achilles’ three years ago”
- Hinrich says he could return if the Hawks advance but don’t expect him to play against the Bulls. “There’s still no anticipation of expecting him back this series,” L.D. said.
- With all of the upsets in the playoffs, the Hawks are starting to talk about their chances of making a run.
- “Memphis is up 2-1 on Oklahoma City,” Josh said. “Dallas, nobody would have expected it. It’s wide open. Anybody can take it. A new champion is going to be crowned.”
- “These teams that are left, anybody can win it,” Jamal said.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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196 comments Add your comment
terrell
May 9th, 2011
10:13 pm
I hope LD was joking. He better go big. Whether it be with Twin or Zaza. If Marvin starts, I’m going to …… Yall can fill in the blank.
doc
May 9th, 2011
10:18 pm
so the hawks have learned eh? so they can do what no teams did this year and beat the bulls twice in a row? i will believe they have learned when there lesson is marked in stone with a win in this series as i have learned as well about these guys and how well there word translates to reality days later.
griz learned it fast as they play the only other team to have avg more than 100 points a game for the season.
JeJe
May 9th, 2011
10:19 pm
KEYS TO GAME 5:
1) ATTACK (in all facets – NO JUMPSHOTS for Josh, ZaZa keep attacking your man, being physical. Joe stay in killer mode)
2) FAST START (MUST get early lead. Odds are not in our favor)
3) Actually CONTEST Rose and Boozer (Rose cannot be given a wide open floater every time. Give him the mid-range jumper. Make him shoot that. If not, meet him in the lane and CONTEST. Let’s see him go LEFT and finish for once. Boozer was ALWAYS open yesterday).
Summary: ATTACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO JUMPSHOTS FOR JOSH. His Quotes in this blog are a complete joke.
Fast Start
CONTEST SHOTS
EmirS.
May 9th, 2011
10:19 pm
C’s in 7.
JeJe
May 9th, 2011
10:20 pm
We MUST use Twin or ZaZa lineup tomorrow.
Is LD honestly thinking of starting Marvin?
Don’t let guys like northcyde fool you all – Marvin is the worst basketball player on this team. Only Hilton approaches his level of inadequacy. He cannot post up one player in this league.
Marvin CANNOT post up one player in this league and finish the play.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it
FIRE LBJ
terrell
May 9th, 2011
10:21 pm
Memphis has to move either Gay, Battier, or Sam Young. Just a thought. We could use a sf. Unless we plan on just gettin a center and making Josh the fultime sf. And btw, I wonder if everyone realizes that if Kirk was healthy, my boy JT would still be riding the pine. Talking bout a blessing in disguise. Faith in the “kid” my azz. I’m still not buying it. Teague showing out by default. Go Hawks!
drmaryb (*_-)
May 9th, 2011
10:21 pm
Yeah, but Miami feasting on some old Mustangs.
Thoroughbreds past their prime. That’s why I wanted to Hawks to get a crack at ‘EM.
Miami has a cake walk to the Finals, but they will lose if they make it there. No PG, No Center. Sounds familiar?
terrell
May 9th, 2011
10:25 pm
Exactly Mary B. Garnett was tired as hell. lol. I was hoping the Celtics could pull it out ,cause we dont stand a chance against Miami.(I dont think) Not getting ahead of myself. Just sayin.
Section 303
May 9th, 2011
10:27 pm
O’Brien, Josh doesn’t get it. In fact, I think it might be time to put a cork in him. It was one game. He played terrific last night, but his history suggests the safest bet would be for him to tank tomorrow night. I think he is talking a little too much right now.
Arthur Trish did him a favor last night. Trish cut off the postgame interview right as Josh was comparing himself to TO. Good move by Trish.
And, most of us on here have watched this team all year (and years before this year). I don’t even think Josh’s strongest defenders would argue in favor of him shooting jumpers. Josh just needs to play. Everything is right there for the taking. Eastern Conference Finals, upsetting the Bulls, sending a big eff you to a lot of media talking heads…..Josh doesn’t need to talk anymore. He’s bound to say something stupid.
terrell
May 9th, 2011
10:29 pm
I can still see Marvin on that fast break. lol. All he had to do was drop it off to Horford whop was trailing right behind. Instead he goes up for an awkward looking layup, almost breaks the backboard, and causes Horford to commit a foul trying to rebound that backboard breaker. LMAO! GTFOH!
doc
May 9th, 2011
10:29 pm
no way ld can start someone other than collins. their are two bigs he can get in the way of if he cant do anything with noah or gibson.
JeJe
May 9th, 2011
10:33 pm
The biggest problem is not one person on here can definitely say how we will play tomorrow
3 choices:
1) We play huge and win by 8 (VERY unlikely)
2) We show some tenacity but their shooters are on and we lose by 12 (likely)
3) We lay an egg in the 2nd quarter and lose 99-76
What do you all think?
1, 2, or 3?
Booo!
May 9th, 2011
10:35 pm
I vote for Jamal getting hot and saving the day…..it’s been three games already!
drmaryb (*_-)
May 9th, 2011
10:38 pm
“So they can do what no teams did this year and beat the bulls twice in a row?”
- doc -
_________________
Are you talking regular season? Because, that doesn’t matter now.
Are you talking post season? Well, you’re right again, but its hard to beat the same team 4 of 7 times, because you know all their plays and weaknesses as well as strengths.
I sure hope the Hawks, kill that record of two wins in a row, they did it!
It’s our turn now.
James on Pharr Rd
May 9th, 2011
10:53 pm
I vote for Jamal getting hot and saving the day…..it’s been three games already!
I vehemently descent-If Jamal is going to take too many bad shots, we will be playing into Chi plan. In the last two games he has actually played very well as a decoy attracting double teams-and when he passes the ball quick, we have gotten good shots at the basket: something, I hope to see in game 5. At all costs, the Hawks must maintain decent possessions that maintain multiple offensive threats, and Jamal needs to be held on a short leash like in game 4-28 minutes.
Section 303
May 9th, 2011
10:55 pm
JeJe, put your three choices in a hat and pick one. Any of them could happen. I’m knocking on wood as I say this, but I think the Hawks are going to play well tomorrow. My concern (as always) is how the game is officiated. Other than the 1st quarter, I thought the game was called well. There weren’t many weak fouls. Refs let the guys play. I afraid the officials may be looking to protect Rose tomorrow.
Collins got away with hitting Rose twice while Rose went to the hoop to start the 3rd. And, there was a play late where Josh (I think it was Josh, anyways) hit Rose going to the hoop. Rose fell. The ref said Josh stayed verticle and did not blow the whistle. Not sure that the whistle won’t be blown tomorrow night.
James on Pharr Rd
May 9th, 2011
10:56 pm
^
Our offensive weakness suffices whenever threats are ignored and the Defense gets comfortable-usually that is when Joe is jacking ISO plays, Josh is playing stagnant and away from the paint, Jamal is shooting with 20 seconds left on the clock, and Al is playing outside of his strengths.
truthspitter
May 9th, 2011
10:58 pm
Anybody claiming LD has earned his keeps is a FOOL. Anybody claiming he and Woody handled Teague correct is a FOOL.
LD had a horrible regular season in every facet.
A. I still don’t see that great offense working well but once a twice a game against good teams. You know why because good teams will take you out of it, by doubling your key players and making others beat them. Stupid to hire him based off of some delusional great offense he is supposed to bring.
B. We regressed in damn near every measurable phase during the regular season.
C. He caused our future to not look as bright as it could look by giving away 2 1st rd picks and adding more salary with a backup PG that is aging and now will have injury concerns also.
D. If the rumor of new owners becomes a reality, why would they feel the need to retain a guy who is not there guy.
E. LD never settled on a lineup which is and was one of the more bush league situations I have ever seen.
Finally, its LD who should be looking over his shoulder. Maybe Billy Donovan will fall in love with the Hawks while he is at some of these games. Remember he almost went to Orlando. Also, if Doc walks away from Boston and the interest was mutual we would be stupid not to go after him even if we make it to the Finals and win it. I know that would be hard to justify but Doc has much more of a track record and is also more respected than a little wanna-be slicker like LD.
Slimjr
May 9th, 2011
11:00 pm
HAWKS WIN!!!!!!!!!! Tomorrow…….
terrell
May 9th, 2011
11:03 pm
There’s Teague’s old teammate from Wake Ishmael Smith. Didnt know he was on the Grizzlies roster.
JeJe
May 9th, 2011
11:08 pm
terrell,
Ish was in that Battier trade.
Looks like he screwed up that play at the end of the half
SteveW
May 9th, 2011
11:11 pm
All NBA Defensive Team – Voted on by the Coaches:
4 Hawks received votes:
Al Horford 3 First Team Votes, 1 Second Team Vote
Josh Smith 1 First Team Vote, 5 Second Team Votes
JJ 1 First Team Vote
Hinrich 1 Second Team Vote
Al and Josh finished tied with Ron Artest for 19th place in total votes – basically finishing on the 4th team so to speak.
Congrats Hawks!!!
terrell
May 9th, 2011
11:13 pm
Yeah, I’d love to see Josh and the fellas listening to Billy Donavon. lol. No thanks. We need an established vetaran coach.(Rivers)(Aldeman) Not some college coach. Talking bout a match made in hell. And Al could do no wrong in Donavon’s eyes. Get enough of that crap from the fans. lol. He stepped up in game 4, but other than that he’s been as soft as charmin. Hope the “Boss” shows up tomorrow night.
Buddy Grizzard
May 9th, 2011
11:13 pm
Isn’t Smoove 0-for-22 from 17 feet and out in this series? I hope he understands at this point that CHI has nobody that can stop him if he keeps pounding the ball inside. I wish he had two more assists last night because the national media would really have to stand up and pay attention if he had a triple double.
Teague last night, 4 assists vs. 3 turnovers, his worst ratio of the series. All season long we were saying Las Vegas Larry needs to let him play through his mistakes. In this series he’s barely made any.
terrell
May 9th, 2011
11:16 pm
I thought Ish was in the D-league myself. He actually started at pg at Wake until he got hurt. Teague moved to the 1, and that was that. Smith was a nice college player when healthy though.
SteveW
May 9th, 2011
11:17 pm
And before you discount Josh and Al, consider:
They finished with more votes (points) than Serge Ibaka, Shane Battier, Lamar Odom, Manu Ginobili, Andrew Bogut, Tayshaun Prince and Andrew Bynum to name a few others who received votes.
Only 42 players received any votes at all out of the 360+ players in the League.
SteveW
May 9th, 2011
11:18 pm
Actually the total number of players in the League is over 400….
terrell
May 9th, 2011
11:19 pm
Horford 3 1st team votes. Josh 1 1st team vote? Hmmm????
JeJe
May 9th, 2011
11:20 pm
Someone please tell Josh before tomorrow night he is an awful jumpshooter (as others pointed out, his percentage dropped throughout the year)
and to ATTACK the hoop
MC, PLEASE
ag
May 9th, 2011
11:24 pm
Before we all crown LD coach of the playoffs, JT would not have gotten any playing time if the injury would not have occurred. Sad, I think our season would have been over with KH.
SteveW
May 9th, 2011
11:26 pm
I thought finishing 19th for Al and Josh out of 400+ players on the All Defensive Team was good. You figure there are 150+ starters in the NBA, and another 3 quality reserves on each team – another 90 players – thats alot of players that NBA Coaches think you are better than.
I mean only 28 guys in the League got any 1st Team votes. We had 3 of those 28 guys. That’s pretty good.
Rev in Tampa
May 9th, 2011
11:37 pm
The eye test tells me that the Hawks play better overall with Collins on the court, but I don’t know exactly why. I would think that he slow down the overall athleticism of the Hawks.
I’m looking forward to tomorrow night.
SteveW
May 9th, 2011
11:45 pm
More on the All NBA Defensive Team:
Josh finished 4th among PF’s in voting
Al finished 5th among C’s
JJ finished tied for 6th with Manu and Bogans among SG’s
Hinrich finished tied for 6th with Jrue Holiday among PG’s
When you figure there are 30 teams in the League, those are not bad numbers.
And I’m sure Teague would be ranked pretty good if he would have been allowed to play consistently also.
That means at the end of games, when Josh, JJ, and Al want to lock in, we can be tough to score on. Throw Teague in that equation also, and Hinrich when healthy.
truthspitter
May 9th, 2011
11:55 pm
David Stern, his refs, and the leagues insisting on making guys into superstars has ruined the NBA. These guards are hard to watch as people like Rose, Wade, Lebron and Durant and there coaches bytch there why through the playoffs
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
May 10th, 2011
12:16 am
tru dat truthspitter – these primadonnas feel like they are entitled.
We go big – we win big.
LD needs to leave the little chicken hawk line-up alone and stick with the foghorn leghorn ‘big bird’ lineup. If he does otherwise, he is in essence throwing in the towel for game 5 and the series.
Buddy Grizzard
May 10th, 2011
12:24 am
At this point the trade for Hinrich is looking really good to me. The Hawks get out from under two rookie scale contracts (that of their first round pick from the upcoming draft, as well as that of JC2 aka “The new Adam Morrison”) for two players who were not likely to contribute anything any time soon.
You also dump Bibby’s horrible contract and take on Hinrich’s expiring contract, which can be used in trades or we can just play him in a guard rotation next year. Our backcourt defense to start next season will look nothing like how we started this year with Bibby. Maybe JC1 resigns for a fraction of the $10m he’s getting paid now or maybe he moves on to another team. I’m fine either way. Teague, Hinrich and JJ will be the best defensive guard rotation in the NBA next year.
Sleepy
May 10th, 2011
12:25 am
Section 303 – I agree that the whistle will probably blow differently tomorrow night but that shouldnt matter . It was about us getting back to the business of knocking people around and making them think twice before driving and we got that accomplished.
We cant worry about fouls the message has to be sent every game normally Rose would be dead tired about now but because we refused to touch him in games 2 and 3 hes not nearly as tired as he should be . Those hits accumulate and take there toll over time .
Stay aggressive ,Stay physical and hold them to one shot and we can win even with the bad refs
I MUS WRITE
May 10th, 2011
12:39 am
Conley for 3!!!
Ole Hawks Fan
May 10th, 2011
12:48 am
I hope all the Moms on here had a Great Mother’s Day on Sunday. I didn’t see much of the game on Sunday, my son took me and my wife out to dinner for her celebration of Mother’s Day. I read MC Blog and Josh Smith and JC1 do not get it. They are clueless as to how to win BIG GAMES. On Tuesday’s game, watch Josh take More JS as Chicago drop off of him, baiting or daring him to shoot the JUMPER and guess what…………………….JOSH will be jacking those jumpers on. The Bloggers on here who have called for Jeff Teague to get minutes when Mike Woodson was HC and then when LD took over this year. As most have said oh here, if Capt Kirk wasn’t injured, Jeff Teague would still have DNP-CD. FIRE LD, RICK SUND and ASG as OWNERS! Would BONO buy Philips Areana, The Trashers and these HAWKS and bring in Doc Rivers as Coach/GM. Win IN CHICAGO HAWKS. FREE JEFF TEAGUE!
mykhalc
May 10th, 2011
12:55 am
Westbrook ain’t much longer in OKC…
Najeh Davenpoop
May 10th, 2011
12:55 am
““With Jeff on the floor because he brings the speed and quickness and he has the ability to make a shot, it causes havoc,” L.D. said. “Their game plan is similar to ours as far as making sure they can contain us on the dribble and keep us out of the paint area. With Jeff and his ability to get in there it opens up a whole new dynamic. We certainly want him to stay in attack mode. You’ve got five guys out there that are attackers in their own way.””
They couldn’t have possibly used this for the first 164 regular season games of his career, could they?
Najeh Davenpoop
May 10th, 2011
1:02 am
Regarding the article about the Hawks’ playoff experience — no matter what happens in this series, this incarnation of the Hawks would have officially played a half a season’s worth of playoff games. 7 first round games each of the last three years (21), 6 this year (27), 4 second round games each of the last two years (35), and at least six second round games this year (41).
Najeh Davenpoop
May 10th, 2011
1:04 am
If only OKC knew how to close out games…
Najeh Davenpoop
May 10th, 2011
1:06 am
“In the words on John Hollinger:
“Mike Bibby started ahead of Jeff Teague for 50 games this year. This really happened.””
Hollinger can eat a dick. He was clowning Teague all year long. F-ck him.
Wabe
May 10th, 2011
1:07 am
I really question the way OKC’s offense has functioned tonight, at least in late game/late clock possessions.
These guys take wayyy too long getting into their sets. If you’re gonna set up Durant, give him more than 2-3 seconds to get to his spot and get a good shot off. I’ve seen this more than a couple of instances so far tonight.
Wabe
May 10th, 2011
1:12 am
OKC’s offense looks very ’street-ball’ like right now.
Just two guys taking turns going one on five.
The difference, they’ve got two guys that are some of the best at their respective positions. But still, right now, it isn’t pretty to watch.
Sleepy
May 10th, 2011
1:14 am
Najeh Davenpoop – why do you assume that jeff could do what he is doing now from day one ?
I would say that Jeffs experiences during his time as a hawk is what prepared him for the moment when his name was called to step up .
Im glad LD is not doing the “fans way ‘ because the fans ways is what created Marvin and Josh
LD is a former PG and Im sure he knows what he needs to see from his pg when he looks into his eyes more than you, me, or anyone else
Najeh Davenpoop
May 10th, 2011
1:15 am
“Miami has a cake walk to the Finals, but they will lose if they make it there. No PG, No Center. Sounds familiar?”
I don’t know. Like Smoove says it is wide open this year. The Celtics traded away their advantage in the paint. The Bulls are a one man offensive team. The Thunder don’t know how to close out games. The Mavs are impressive, but unless Caron Butler gets healthy I have a hard time seeing them guarding LeBron and Wade effectively for an entire series. The Grizzlies can’t shoot, which would hurt them against a team like Miami that has the athletes to make finishing at the rim difficult, particularly when their go-to guy (Z-Bo) doesn’t jump. And as we all know you never know what the Hawks are going to give you night in and night out.
It just seems to me like the cards are lined up in the Heat’s favor. Yeah, they are far from being a complete team, but they may be more complete than anyone left in the playoff field just by virtue of having their big two-and-a-half. And I say this as someone who is pulling for anyone but Miami to win the title.
Columbus
May 10th, 2011
1:21 am
Josh you might have been a decent jump shooter during the season….BUT you are so much valuable to the team when you play in the paint brother! We have PLENTY of jump shooters OK? We dont have that much power offense in the paint and none that can slash in then lay it in, jam it or dish out to a wide open guy….then you are in position to get the rebound if they miss…the team is so MUCH better when you take it to the basket instead of shooting from near the arc! You are not and never are going to be Joe or Jamal…and why would you want to be? Scared to get hit even if it gives your team the BEST chance to win in the playoffs? We love you man but we cant have all jump shooters, it’s TOO easy to defend…come on man…..just for the playoffs…? you can take a few j’s when necessary or when you “feel” it but not just because you are open and “hope” it goes in when there is 15 seconds left on the shot clock….drive in then “create” brother! or pass it and post up…get a rebound away from them rebounding machines of Chicago if you pass it out or shoot a 6 footer instead of a 15 footer from the post, skyhook, up and under….it’s all good man when you are our man in the paint!
SteveW
May 10th, 2011
1:22 am
What a game!!! Memphis can’t buy a layup