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Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks: Bulls 95, Hawks 83

1:18 am May 11, 2011, by Michael Cunningham

Chicago–The energy and effort were there for the Hawks but their execution and poise (and maybe their legs) were lacking at the end.

  • The Hawks gradually clawed back from their early 15-point deficit. They survived foul trouble and poor shooting early. They held their own on the boards and limited the Bulls to 63 points over the final three quarters.
  • But the Hawks couldn’t finish. Now they have to win Thursday at Philips or the season’s over.
  • “We are not content with a loss but we can hang our hats on that we competed,” Josh said. “In Game 5 in Orlando you know what the outcome was with that.”
  • The Hawks scored 69 points through three quarters with 36 of those in the paint. They shot 53 percent, had 11 points on the break and just six turnovers. They worked for good shots Chicago’s relentless D.
  • In the fourth quarter the Hawks scored 15 points with six in the paint. They shot 31 percent, had two points on the break and four turnovers. They settled for shots against Chicago’s relentless D.
  • “For the first three quarters I thought we did a really good job,” L.D. said. “In the fourth quarter we lost our composure. I don’t know if it was their pressure or we did not have the juice.”
  • “We were confident,” Al said. “We weathered the storm after we were down early in the game. We stayed with it. I think they just made more plays than us and they were aggressive going to the basket. That might be something we need to do more of instead of settling for jump shots.”
  • Al had a couple bad turnovers in the fourth quarter. You could see a turnover coming when he put his head down and tried to post up Noah on the baseline. Throwing that outlet pass away was even worse.
  • Teague has been the most consistent player in the series for the Hawks. His line was impressive enough but watching the matter-of-fact way he makes difficult, important plays is truly remarkable.
  • “He is doing exactly what they want him to do,” D-Rose said. “He is not turning the ball over. He’s been very tough, especially in transition.”
  • Rose made his usual assaults on the basket and usually came away with a score or a foul. Smoove and Al challenged at the basket but it didn’t seem as if there was as much resistance on the perimeter.
  • “He made unbelievable plays,” Josh said. “He came off the pick-and-rolls and exploded, drew attention and was able to find guys on the perimeter. When he is doing that for that ball club and being aggressive they are hard to beat.”
  • The traps on Rose didn’t work as well, either, mostly because Deng made plays off the dribble when the ball came around to him.
  • Josh’s early foul trouble was costly. He was playing with zip when he went out. With him on the bench, Deng and Rose found easier passage to the basket.
  • The Bulls shot 28 free throws to 17 for the Hawks but they also had 43 field-goal attempts in the paint compared to Atlanta’s 32. By the end, Teague was the only guy going to the basket for the Hawks.
  • Teague thought Rose fouled him on a layup and again when Teague was headed down court with a steal.
  • “You cannot go on the road in the fourth quarter down by one point and feel like the officials made bad calls or even the calls that were made in the fourth quarter affect you,” L.D. said. “A call probably didn’t go our way but at that point you cannot allow that to take you out of the game. That is just not being mentally strong. We have to play through it.”
  • J.J. went into traffic late and also didn’t get a call. “I just try to play through it,” he said. “It is what it is. The refs are not going to change it so you might as well get back. I know one time when Jeff scored, I think he may have thought he got fouled, but we all should have got back on defense because Derrick Rose went right down and laid it up. Those are the plays you really can’t have in the fourth quarter.”
  • Smoove got heated when Boozer swiped at him after his dunk. “He cleared me with an elbow to the jaw,” Josh said. “Nobody is going to do that to me, I don’t care who you are. I’m a man first. It was intentional.”
  • Zaza kept the Hawks afloat in the second quarter. He was the only bench guy producing.
  • Jamal was just 1 for 9 and never could shake free. He also lost Bogans on those two 3-pointers in the first quarter.
  • Marvin managed one rebound in nine minutes. The rest of the bench guys didn’t get in until garbage time as L.D. shortened the rotation.
  • The Bulls closed with Taj Gibson, Asik and Brewer instead of Boozer, Noah and Bogans. The three bench guys combined for 13 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and two blocks in the period.
  • “They had a good rhythm with their bench guys and they rode them as long as they could,” Drew said. “I was actually in that situation in the third quarter, we were in a really good rhythm so I left Jamal on the bench a little bit longer. Their bench guys did a good job. They played with a lot of energy and a lot of intensity.”
  • This game was testier and more physical than the others. Game 6 figures to be more of the same.
  • “It’s five straight games against the same opponent,” Tom Thibodeau said. “It’s a fight. You’ve got to be able to get through it. They’re a hard-playing team. We’d like to think we’re a hard-playing team. That’s just the way it is.”

Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat

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332 comments Add your comment

Ray

May 11th, 2011
8:48 am

I’m sorry, but if you ask me the only three people that should take the biggest share of the blame is Joe, Jamal, Marvin, and possibly LD.

When Jamal is cold he’s cold like Antarctica and plus there is no defense from him what so ever.

Joe well he’s just not producing like a max contract guy should.

Marvin………………………We already know he just needs to be traded no matter what.

LD was bone-headed to leave Jamal in like that Zaza or Collins should have come in.

Still say Game 5 was a rigged job by the refs no matter what.

RobbF

May 11th, 2011
8:49 am

To Scoop: Your list of bad calls/no calls is indicative of every NBA game this year. You neglected to mention the bad calls that helped the Hawks. I could make a list of them from game 5 that would reflect your list but go the other direction. That is why LD said in the post game that you can’t worry about the calls. You gotta play through it. In game 4 Rose was fouled on that 3 point attempt but didn’t get the call. Those 3 free throws he didn’t get would have made it a 1 possession game. That sucks but it is a part of the game. The good teams win anyway. The bad teams have all off-season to cry about it. The real blame for the game 5 loss was the Hawks reverting to their ISO offense after sharing the ball beautifully the entire game and outplaying the Bulls. Why they went away from Teague driving to the hole is beyond me.

Wabe

May 11th, 2011
8:51 am

Bottom line, before last night, the Hawks should’ve been thinking they had 2 chances to get one win in Chicago if they hold serve at home. They had a shot last night, and they imploded in the 4th. Many mistakes were made, many folks were M.I.A. throughout the game, but the Hawks still had an opportunity to win that game last night.

But essentially, they’re 0 for 1. Now, if you’re the Hawks, you hold serve at home, and shift all of the pressure back to the East’s #1 seed to do the same at home in Game 7. The Bulls have played 3 games at home so far this series, and haven’t really been all that impressive in any one of them. Most here would argue that the two we lost in Chicago were both very winnable games. So, why should I believe that a Game 7 would be any different? I think that should the Hawks force a Game 7, they’ll find themselves in a similar game. If they can learn from what happened last night, hold serve at home, and get back to Chicago to get another crack at it – I still like the Hawks chances.

Section 303

May 11th, 2011
8:53 am

RobbF, I’d like to see that list of bad calls in the Hawks favor. Remember, we’re talking Game 5. You’re list won’t get past #0. There were no close calls that went the Hawks way last night. None.

tyger

May 11th, 2011
8:53 am

Win One, Lose Two…

1. Hawks didnt quit until the 4th, big deal, they still quit.
2. Good teams play to the wire.
2. Team is flawed, from ownership/mgt. to 14th man.
3. Difference in $16M player vs. $11M player? The former finishes.
4. Horford’s soft – Mr. Nice guy, won’t protect the rim, won’t foul anybody, sit him.
5. ZaZa is playing like ZaZa of 3 years ago – shouldve played down the stretch.
6. Again Collins gets no minutes and we lose – is there a pattern here?
7. JJ needs the ball at the key, it is what it is.
8. JJ/JC’s undisciplined iso street ball killed us down the stretch.
9. Teague is scoring, good – but PG penetrate and dish, I dont see that.
10. Marvin come out, come out, where ever you are.

SteveW

May 11th, 2011
8:55 am

I hope we don’t re-sign Jamal.

I say Start Teague at Point and let KH take Jamal’s place as the 6th man/ 3rd Guard in the rotation.

KH doesn’t have Jamal’s shotmaking ability, but he is deadly at mid-range and a way better defender.

BYC

May 11th, 2011
8:57 am

Now that Josh Smith seems to be changing his ways for the better, we need Larry Drew to take an honest look at himself as well.

-Start Jeff Teague next year and give him the opportunity to make mistakes and improve his game
-subbing in Jamal Crawford is not always the answer when you need scoring
-iso-Joe is not always the answer for crunch time scoring (especially when he’s not having a good night)
-There are at least 2 better bench players than Marvin
-Stick up for your players, both during the game (refs), and after the game (media)
-If someone is hot, let them play (Teague subbed out 3 min before the half, Zaza didn’t play much in the 2nd half)

SteveW

May 11th, 2011
8:58 am

Al – “…and they were aggressive going to the basket. That might be something we need to do more of instead of settling for jump shots.”

Wow Al, what a revelation

PS – Al made the All Star team because of the Center shortage in the NBA, not because he is a great player. Solid, yes, but not great. And he’s playing too many minutes for him.

SteveW

May 11th, 2011
9:00 am

MC and D-Rose on Teague – “Teague has been the most consistent player in the series for the Hawks. His line was impressive enough but watching the matter-of-fact way he makes difficult, important plays is truly remarkable.
“He is doing exactly what they want him to do,” D-Rose said. “He is not turning the ball over. He’s been very tough, especially in transition.”

So Larry cost us Jordan Crawford, the #18 pick, and Mo’ and Bibby for this series because he wouldn’t play Teague?

Wow

And anybody who saw Teague play, especially that Boston game on Dec. 16th and beyond knew the man was ready to play.

Notice I didn’t say kid

Terrell

May 11th, 2011
9:01 am

Atlanta had bad possessions because they knew they weren’t going to get the call if they were to drive to the lane. JJ settled for jumpers because he’s not going to get the call. Horford settled for jumpers because he wasn’t going to get the call. The only person that got “A” call was Teague and that was because the refs had to at least give him one call.

Section 303

May 11th, 2011
9:03 am

tyger, I thought Jamal was terrible last night. In fact, I really do not think he has performed well most of the playoffs. He was great in Orlando Game 1. Great in Chicago Game 1. Other than that he’s gone between very average to terrible. I thought he played bad in the Orlando Game 3, where he banked in the 3. That shot covered up his poor play throughout the entire game.

I was upset when Jamal was subbed in for Teague at the end of the 3rd. Felt like Jamal was better off on the bench. If he is not hitting his shot, he is worthless.

Also, refs aren’t giving Jamal the foul call on 3’s anymore. The past few games Jamal has taken a 3 with a defender closing on him, got the shot off, fallen down as the defender came in, no call given. It’s like the officials have made a pact that Jamal will not get that foul call. Wonder if Jamal has gone to that well too many times?

SteveW

May 11th, 2011
9:04 am

On fouls – ““You cannot go on the road in the fourth quarter down by one point and feel like the officials made bad calls or even the calls that were made in the fourth quarter affect you,” L.D. said. “A call probably didn’t go our way but at that point you cannot allow that to take you out of the game. That is just not being mentally strong. We have to play through it.”

Funny, you miss one call on D-Rose and a ref has to apologize and make amends before a whole nation. It’s literally national news.

We get mugged and no calls, and nothing

Section 303

May 11th, 2011
9:05 am

I see some on here ripping Al still. I get it. He has not played up to his standards. But, I feel like he is coming out of his shooting slump. It was strange last night, he missed two jumpers early. Then, he dropped the pass from Josh that would have been an easy dunk. After that play, he found his touch and shot the jumper well. At least, he shot the jumper well from above the L’s. From the corner he was still bricking every shot.

Section 303

May 11th, 2011
9:05 am

SteveW, that’s a great point. Refs miss a call on Rose and a Presidential apology is required to make ammends. Joe gets whacked by 3 guys going to the hoop, no call, and no one says anything.

The double standards in this league are just absurd sometimes…..

SteveW

May 11th, 2011
9:06 am

“Smoove got heated when Boozer swiped at him after his dunk. “He cleared me with an elbow to the jaw,” Josh said. “Nobody is going to do that to me, I don’t care who you are. I’m a man first. It was intentional.”

Good. That was dirty. Say what you want about Smoove, but he’s not dirty.

Suspend Boozer for the next game.

SteveW

May 11th, 2011
9:07 am

And good for the League for coming down on Bynum.

Hope they come down on Odom also – not as bad, but send a message.

I wonder if we should get in on the Lakers fire sale – Gasol, Bynum, and Odom are evidently all on the block.

SteveW

May 11th, 2011
9:08 am

“Jamal was just 1 for 9 and never could shake free. He also lost Bogans on those two 3-pointers in the first quarter.”

Jamal saved us in the Orlando series. He hasn’t shown up for most of this series

SteveW

May 11th, 2011
9:10 am

“The Bulls closed with Taj Gibson, Asik and Brewer instead of Boozer, Noah and Bogans. The three bench guys combined for 13 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and two blocks in the period.”

Take notes LD, take notes. Trust your bench.

And I haven’t run the stats, but was it Marvin on the court when Deng ran wild? I didn’t put that together last night.

Marvin should at least be able to play D on Deng.

SteveW

May 11th, 2011
9:15 am

Hawks in the playoffs in ‘011 way better than the Hawks in the playoffs last season. Way better.

We’re better than Chicago, we just gotta win the games

JeJe

May 11th, 2011
9:20 am

Is Jamal going to show up again in this series?

Is Marvin still alive?

How can we beat a #1 seed when 2 of our rotational players are literally doing NOTHING?

How is Joe only scoring 15 points?

Teague, who did NOT play at all during the season, has been better than Joe in this series. The dude has DERRICK ROSE GUARDING HIM.

Why ARE ALL OF ROSE’S LAYUPS UNCONTESTED? MAKE HIM GO LEFT

I SAID THIS BEFORE THE GAME. MAKE THE GUY GO LEFT FOR ONCE. WE ARE FORCING HIM TO GO RIGHT

SMDH

Westurd

May 11th, 2011
9:21 am

Next season will be a problem with Teague taking the ball out of Joes hands more and more.
I don’t think Joe likes the young buck taking away his shot attempts and dishing the ball to the others. I think with Teagues added value we will see a decline in Joe. We are effed.

JeJe

May 11th, 2011
9:23 am

Jamal is always trying to hit hero shots. Just run THE OFFENSE. SMDH

SteveW

May 11th, 2011
9:26 am

Micheal Wallace on ESPN gives ATL some props:

“Still, Derrick Rose and the Bulls finally have the much-tougher-than-expected Hawks against the ropes. Chicago is in position to land the knockout blow in Game 6 on Thursday in Atlanta. But if you’ve followed this series, you should feel certain that it’s far from over.”

SteveW

May 11th, 2011
9:28 am

We definitely have D-Rose’s respect – from the same ESPN article:

“With the top-seeded Bulls now one victory from advancing to the Eastern Conference finals, Rose was asked Tuesday about a potential showdown with the Miami Heat, who have a 3-1 series lead on Boston entering Wednesday’s potential elimination game in Miami.

Rose’s response was the slowest he’s moved all series. Eventually, it was obvious he wanted no part in looking past the Hawks. Especially not with the way this series has been going.

Instead, he equated the challenge of getting past the Hawks to walking through fires and getting through wars. To Rose, it seems this series has trudged along for 50 games, not five.

“It’s seems like we’ve played a lot against each other,” Rose said. “We cannot get tired. This is the biggest thing. We know that game down there, they are going to give us their all. We know this is going to be a war going to Atlanta. The next game is the biggest game of our lives. That’s what we have to go in there thinking.”

That sentiment was mutual.”

JeJe

May 11th, 2011
9:28 am

We would not want Boozer suspended – the guy is already hurt (although he doesn’t play like it). If he is out, Taj would play and he has been owning us (STOP LEAVING HIM OPEN)

1) Joe: 15 points. WTF?
2) Marvin and Jamal: Where the hell are you guys?
3) Josh and Al: Solid games last night…Josh, still too many jumpshot
4) Teague: You are our best player in this series (amazing since you never played before this series) but you gotta defend Rose better. WTF has Hinrich been telling you? FORCE ROSE TO HIS LEFT
5) I really like LD’s in-huddle speeches. He and Doc Rivers are very inspiring

FIRE JAMAL
FIRE MARVIN
FIRE JOE IF HE CAN ONLY MUSTER 15 POITNS

WE HAVE THE 2ND-5TH BEST PLAYERS IN THIS SERIES

gcs

May 11th, 2011
9:29 am

The fat lady is warming up her voice.

.

JeJe

May 11th, 2011
9:30 am

damnit JAMAL.

WE NEED YOU TO SCORE THE BASKETBALL

COME ON GUYS

WE CAN WIN THIS SERIES

I REALLY BELIEVE IT

JeJe

May 11th, 2011
9:32 am

Jamal, STOP TRYING TO BE HERO

LOL @ LD drawing up play at end of first half for Marvin to lob

JeJe

May 11th, 2011
9:34 am

All I want to see from Josh as a Hawk:

1) Driving the ball to the hoop
2) Tough defense
3) Fighting back thugs like Boozer like he did last night

Do that and he should retire a Hawk

JeJe

May 11th, 2011
9:34 am

Is it possible we could start ZaZa over Collins tomorrow?

SteveW

May 11th, 2011
9:35 am

Derrick Rose and Russel Westbrook are both shooting below 41% for the playoffs

Jeff Teague is shooting 53%

Just amazing

NagoyaHawk

May 11th, 2011
9:38 am

The whole league just laughs at the Hawks. If we play well, they say it’s luck. Then we finally break down & they say “our true colors finally shine.” If the Bulls do badly, they say “what’s wrong with the Bulls?” Nobody says that about the Hawks. They all expect us to lose. Chicago won 6 championships in the 90’s. Now they think they are entitled to more. What’s wrong with our guys, why can’t they win? I really don’t expect the Hawks to really play in game 6. They are finished. But I hope they prove me wrong. There’s always hope.

calihawks

May 11th, 2011
9:40 am

With JC suckin and JJ shot not goin down… We where only down by 1 point with 1 quarter 2 go in Chicago no less… THe hawks didnt play bad they didnt get there averages by there 2 main guys that gets them most of the points… But Teague is flat out on fire in this series ,. Al and Josh are playing better and ZaZa is lookin good and hasnt gotten 2 crazy yet .. …. If we just had Hinrich i think we be up 3-2.. I admit The bulls Defense was on last nite but we still got good shots and drove the ball to the paint … We can beat the Bulls!!!! Game 6 is gonna be crazy ..

BirdDirty

May 11th, 2011
9:41 am

What about the refs resetting the shot clock for the Bulls in the fourth quarter? TNT never even re-visited the play via re-play. Marv Albert mentioned it and that was about it. Larry Drew and the Hawks coaching staff never even reacted. I guess they like getting screwed.

truthspitter

May 11th, 2011
9:48 am

I love the Hawks and a loss at the Highlight Factory on Thursday would not change that. I will give them a pass if they just come out and quit. I understand life and human nature. Why go back to Chicago to get cheated again? Why give the Bulls the thrill of cheating you in front of there home fans? Just move on and hope Teague can develop into a star that can gain fans and get calls. Maybe we can get the royal treatment from Gangsta Stern soon. Phuck this shi+ quit and throw a free party at Magic City Hawks.

O'Brien

May 11th, 2011
9:53 am

Steve W,

Next season, I think Hiinirch will be here, and Jamal will not, for the simple reason that Hinrich is under contract, and Jamal is not. I dont see ASG spending $7 mil+ on another guard, especially with Teague playing so well.

And would anyone be surprised if LD said Hinrich is his starter for next season?

It would be nice to trade Marvin, but nobody wants him. Maybe the Hawks can pull off a sign and trade for Jamal.

Sleepy

May 11th, 2011
9:55 am

We lost because of a tired iso joe and iso teague in the 4th quarter and Drews refusal to sit them to start the 4th quarter so they could rest . Thats why we lost the game .

Normally at the start of the 4th jamal is the one with the ball and Joe sits and he does his thing and considering he shouldve had the freshest legs considering he didnt come in until late in the 3rd LD basically blew it

1:58 Jamal Crawford enters the game for Jeff Teague 62-63
1:45 Josh Smith makes 22-foot jumper (Jamal Crawford assists) 64-63
1:06 Al Horford makes 20-foot jumper (Jamal Crawford assists) 66-65
0:45 Josh Smith personal foul (Luol Deng draws the foul) 66-65
0:45 Jeff Teague enters the game for Joe Johnson 66-65
0:33 Josh Smith shooting foul (Luol Deng draws the foul) 66-65
0:33 Joe Johnson enters the game for Josh Smith 66-65
0:09 Zaza Pachulia makes 10-foot jumper (Jamal Crawford assists) 68-67
0:00 Jamal Crawford misses 40-foot three point jumper 68-69
0:00 End of the 3rd

There was no reason for both JJ AND Teague to be in to start the 4th one of them shouldve been resting and went to jamal and Zaza along with Al and even Marvin and Damien in that situation giving Smoove

We go to both Joe and Teague and they are tired going against a fresh defensive frontline

Jamal is by far the most explosive hawk and we should bench him . Is that what its come to now ?that we dont need Jamal to beat the Bulls ? seriously ?

JeJe

May 11th, 2011
9:56 am

Best thing is that if this series goes 7 games, there is no excuse for us to not play our BEST basketball and exert our most effort

tfizzle

May 11th, 2011
10:16 am

Moving picks in an NBA problem, not an Omer Asik problem. Both teams set moving picks and all teams in the NBA set them. I wholeheartedly agree that it is innervating to watch but it’s an accepted standard (and both teams have benefited from it during the series, repeatedly).

tidog

May 11th, 2011
10:20 am

When jamal and joe become primary ball handlers with Teague on the floor bad things happen. I f the could put the ego aside for the series and allow Teague to run the “O” they could get some unbelievable open shots versus the incessant pounding the ball to create space. Teague gets to rim at will, space out be ready to shoot and he’d get the assist and they’d get the bucket. Everybody wins. They have been playing ball too long not to see what has transpired with Teague in charge on the floor. It’s so frustrating watching joe and jamal give the series to the bulls.

DHunt

May 11th, 2011
10:23 am

The Hawks beat themselves in the 4th. The were playing against the Bulls and the refs, and had both of them on the ropes, and then didn’t finish. Enough blame to go around, LD, JJ, JC, MW, AH, all could and should have done a better job.

But I predict that this game was the turning point in the Hawks becoming an elite team. I think they are finally going to get their minds right. I’ve seen a lot of looks on the hawks faces after losses like this, but last night, I actually saw anger, determination, some looks that said revenge is right around the corner. I think they finally realize that they are as good, if not better, than any team in the league. They’ve said it a lot of times, but I think they proved it to themselves last night. Game 6 in ATL is going to be a blowout victory for Atlanta. I guarantee you see some hard fouls for a change. I guarantee nobody on the team is going to settle for another jumper when they could attack. I guarantee this team doesn’t quit again. Game 7 in Chicago, a tough battle, at least two Hawks foul out, but the Hawks still pull out the win.

On a side note, the moving screens by Asik on just the one play where Rose penetrated and dished to Deng that put the Bulls up for good in the 4th was the most outrageous thing I have ever seen. Made Dwight Howard’s moving screens look perfectly fine by comparison. Dude was blocking like a downfield receiver. Still, the hawks have to fight harder to get through those illegal screens and maybe the refs won’t be able to ignore it so easily.

kwooden

May 11th, 2011
10:25 am

Tough loss last night, but the HAWKS showed a lot. The Bulls hit some 3’s early to take the 15pt lead but we really fought back to take the lead a few times in 3rd. I think the depth of Chicago was the difference tonight and as Sleepy said LD got out coached by Thibs. LD needed to get Jeff and JJ rest at the end of the 3rd and begining of the 4th. LD lost his early rotation schedule because of being down early but he still needed to find away to get those guys some rest late. Our offensive looked really good during the 2nd and 3rd, but we also can’t go 1-12 from 3 and expect to win. This team better not think this series is over, because all the Bulls can do is foul a lot and hope that Rose scores 50!! We’ve got to keep executing the offensive and attacking the basket.

GO HAWKS!!

XavierDaniels

May 11th, 2011
10:26 am

Zsa Zsa Pachulia better be careful with his moving picks. I saw him doing that a lot in last night’s game. I hope everyone is NOT down on the Hawks and does not give up on the Hawks. I AM NOT A FORTUNE TELLER OR A SOOTHSAYER, BUT I COULD SEE THE EXPRESSION ON THE BULLS FACES IN THE THIRD QUARTER. THE BULLS KNOW THAT THE HAWKS ARE A MORE TALENTED TEAM AND HAVE BETTER PERSONNEL. The problem is getting the Hawks to believe that. THIS SERIES COULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN OVER AND THE HAWKS COULD HAVE ALREADY CLOSED OUT THE BULLS HAD THEY TAKEN BETTER CARE OF THE BASKETBALL AND BELIEVED IN THEMSELVES MORE. WHERE WAS JAMAL CRAWFORD LAST NIGHT. 2 POINTS FROM HIM IS UNACCEPTABLE. JOE ONLY HAD 15 POINTS AND 2 BOARDS, WHICH WAS DEFINITELY SUBPAR. I was glad to see Al Horford find his stroke again. Look Hawks team you can easily get past the Bulls if you DOUBLE-TEAM ROSE AND DO NOT LET HIM COME THROUGH THE PAINT TO MAKE LAYUPS. HE DID THAT ALL NIGHT IN SPITE OF YOUR EFFORTS TO KEEP HIM OUT OF THERE. DOUBLE ROSE AND YOU SHOULD WIN ON THURSDAY WITH GOOD SHOOTING NIGHTS FROM JOE AND JAMAL. Hey guys, lets win this game on Thursday for the Gipper. Win the next two games for the two guys who were the architects of the team — MIKE WOODSEN AND BILLY KNIGHT. Win the next contest for those two geniuses. Go Hawks, close out Bulls in 7.

tfizzle

May 11th, 2011
10:26 am

@scoop,

three plays off the top of my head that contradict your allegations of favoritism

Noah cleanly blocks Zaza Dunk Attempt, getting only ball = No call
Zaza drapes arms around Boozer as he drives to the hoop = not only no call, but TWO official timeouts for the cut on Boozer’s head to be treated
Collins puts hand on Boozer’s shoulder as both players attempt to jump for rebound which keeps Boozer from being able to jump = no call

This is not to say that there were not bad no calls against the Bulls, just that they went both ways. It’s just an acknowledgment that the calls in the game did not make the difference. If I can pull three no-calls from memory, it’s reasonable to expect that there were many others that favored the Hawks.

tidog

May 11th, 2011
10:30 am

If jamal and joe could play more Rip Hamilton like or Reggie Miller like .ie moving without the ball to score this thing could have been over.

JohnDrew

May 11th, 2011
10:31 am

BOOZER IS A LOSER. I wish that Josh Smith had punched Boozer’s lights out when the two drew technical fouls for their skirmish last night. Boozer is a good player and a complimentary piece, but he is a loser who couldnt win in Cleveland and Utah and WILL NOT WIN IN CHICAGO EITHER.

ntrigue

May 11th, 2011
10:32 am

Terrible decision to let run sets for Joe when clearly we shouldve stuck to what was working for us I think in the 3rd or 4th qtr when came down and ran like 3 plays in a row for Joe and got zero pts at same time I think Derrick Scored on each missed shot. And if Jamal and Teague is in at the same time and Jamal isnt having a good game stop letting Jamal run point. You would think Drew would know this by know. Mc can you ask Larry why when Teague is playing good and he goes to the lineup where Jamal and Teague are on the court together why does he not let Teague run the point it would free up Jamal and keep the offense from stagnating.

The Truth

May 11th, 2011
10:34 am

What happened to the Hawks “picket fence” defense that discourages D Rose’s penetration in the 4th quarter? He was scoring at will with little resistance. As good as Zaza played offensively, he was soft and slow on defense. That’s because he’s a “banger” that needs to bang to punctuate his impact. Unfortunately for the Hawks, the Bulls interior defense consisting of Taj Gibson, Asik and Brewer was not predicated on banging anyone but quickness, speed and athleticism. It was on full display with Taj Gibson effectiveness using his “quick” feet and “quick” release. Defensively, that made Zaza the odd man out when Josh needed help. Al Horford could have answered the bell if he had felt like it. But he epitomizes the Hawks season, Up and Down.

For the Hawks to win both game 6 and 7, LD must make adjustments to counter the Bulls quicker interior lineup. Al Horford must play beyond himself and Josh must bring”Incredible Hulk Like” physicality to match the Bulls energy. LD must also present a new wrinkle; an interior X-factor to show something different. Maybe it’s Damien, or Marvin, maybe Hilton or even Magnum Ross; whoever, someone has to step-up.

Rod from College Park

May 11th, 2011
10:36 am

Section 303,

“I see some on here ripping Al still. I get it. He has not played up to his standards. But, I feel like he is coming out of his shooting slump. It was strange last night, he missed two jumpers early. Then, he dropped the pass from Josh that would have been an easy dunk. After that play, he found his touch and shot the jumper well. At least, he shot the jumper well from above the L’s. From the corner he was still bricking every shot.”

So when Josh plays below his standards, he is horrible, dumb, needs to go, he is hurting the team, uncoachable, will never learn……… But when Al Horford plays below his season average, it’s always a but. LOL

SteveSchaefer

May 11th, 2011
10:38 am

Zsa Zsa Pachulia is the guy who gave the Hawks a chance to win last night. Zsa Zsa had 11 points at half-time and played solid defense and did all the gruntwork and dirty work for the Hawks down in the low block. Zsa Zsa and Teague should have gotten game balls for their steller performances last night. Great job guys. I think the Hawks have STRUCK FEAR IN THEIR OPPONENTS–THE BULLS ARE NOW SCARED OF THE HAWKS BECAUSE THEY KNOW THE HAWKS ARE GOING TO WIN THE SERIES.

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