Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 106, Nets 70
Newark, N.J.–The Nets without Brook Lopez are not very good and they likely were gassed after coming back from 21 down to win at Washington last night. On the other hand, it kind of felt like the Hawks could have won with their second unit, and when’s the last time you could say that about them against any opponent?
- The reserves scored 55 of 106 points and collected 27 of 51 rebounds. More importantly, the Hawks extended their lead even as the reserves kept checking in. None of the starters played more than 26 minutes.
- “Man, I tip my hat to those guys,” Josh Smith said. “This is probably the deepest bench we’ve had in a long time, where [starters] are coming off and the bench is keeping the same intensity and energy as the starters, if not more. If we have this on a consistent basis I think we are going to be a pretty good team.”
- There’s no one on the bench you can expect will regularly have the kind of scoring impact as Jamal Crawford. But maybe there are enough pieces that can do a little bit of everything to cobble together an effective unit. “It’s a little different look,” Al Horford said. “We don’t have that explosive scorer like Jamal but we are doing it as a unit.”
- Zaza Pachulia (13 points on 8 shots) was getting deep position on post-ups and did his usual good work on the boards. He dunked on Shelden Williams for an and-1.
- Like he did in the preseason, Vladimir Radmonivic (five assists, four steals) showed he can offer more than just 3-point shooting. The Nets for some reason kept losing him at the 3-point line. He passed up a couple open looks because the Hawks were coasting and he wanted to use some clock.
- After sleepwalking through camp, Tracy McGrady suddenly was posting up, driving to the basket and generally playing with pep. He didn’t get a couple calls on drives and was hit with a tech for complaining about it.
- I figured he T-Mac was saving it. “I’m a gamer, man,” he said. “That’s what I am. I just get bored with preseason. I know that sounds crazy but I really do. The anticipation builds up for the offseason, especially being healthy and get out there and play. I’m like, let’s get this real thing going on.”
- Marvin Williams was the most effective starter. It was the textbook for how he can get involved: crash the glass (four offensive rebounds), get to the line (6 for 7 on free throws) and get in the open floor. His 3 for 9 shooting line included a couple tip-ins that wouldn’t fall.
- “I know his back is feeling better,” Larry Drew said of Marvin. “I told him I want him to be more aggressive. I want him to get the ball off the glass and bring it the length of the floor. He’s capable of doing that. Sometimes he gets a little timid.”
- “He’s been telling me to do that the last couple of seasons,” Marvin said. “I worked on my ball-handling a lot in the offseason and even still 15 or 20 minutes after practice or before games. I feel more comfortable with it.”
- Josh and Al helped control Kris Humphries. Jeff Teague and Jannero Pargo made Deron Williams work. “We’re having a tough time getting Deron space out there on the floor,” Avery Johnson said.
- Pretty much every time the Nets turned the corner or swung the ball there were bodies and flailing arms waiting. “We have guys that are versatile and have length,” Drew said. “Our defensive scheme tonight was to try to put them under as much duress as we possibly could.”
- Teague said his left ankle is still sore. It was hard to tell on a couple of those explosive drives to the basket. And if he really has improved his 3-point shot, look out.
- Drew used some of the trapping and ball pressure schemes the Hawks showed in the preseason. It had the desired effect of forcing the Nets to speed up and they aren’t good enough to make plays at that pace. The approach won’t work against better opponents or if Atlanta’s reserves don’t bring it like they did tonight.
- “Some nights we trap, some nights we don’t,” Drew said. “We try not to be a predictable ball club. A lot of times the game and the personnel predicate how we cover certain things.”
- I’m curious to see if the Hawks drill Washington tomorrow, too. “We can’t get satisfied with this,” Zaza said. “We have to keep it up. We should put this game behind us when we get to the plane.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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100 comments Add your comment
ICECOLD
December 28th, 2011
5:58 am
I just don’t understand why so many teams are trying to be like Miami, they didn’t even win a championship. Only True teams win championships, Lakers, Dallas, Spurs, Detroit, Miami back then had a true team. those where teams who got players through the draft, ( and Shaq , but who dont try to get a true center, )
Lebron was closer to a ring with a true team in Cleveland.. he might always make the playoffs, but I dont think he will get a ring . Other teams are getting better too.
LETS GO HAWKS !!!!
Just Joe
December 28th, 2011
6:10 am
Too many long 2’s. Poor assists to turnovers ratio for our PG’s (of course all we have on the roster is a bunch of combo guards).
Better PG play, and get Josh and Al closer to the basket. Just a couple of things I hope to see tonight.
Just Joe
December 28th, 2011
6:31 am
No complaints on the defensive end. Thought Teague and Pargo did a great job of getting over screens. Can’t say enough about ZaZa. The length of Vlad and TMac is disruptive.
troy
December 28th, 2011
6:45 am
Been waiting a very long time Tmac, but it has been worth the wait. He will only keep on getting better. More good things are to come for this Atlanta Hawks team. This is their year to shine
richbrave
December 28th, 2011
7:22 am
Can’t be here tonight unfortunately, two of my grandsons have a B-Ball tournament in CUMBERLAND, Va., but I’ll be rooting for both teams to show well. I love me some CHRIS SINGLETON. I think the WIZZIES caught lightning in a bottle, a good player. I also think SHELVIN MACK will be a BILLUPS-type if the coaching in WASHINGTON doesn’t ruin him first.
Anyway, great win HAWKSTERS, and keep it up. Beat up on BLATCHE will you? He and NICK YOUNG need to go. Well, YOUNG will be gone after this season at least.
FreshFromAtl
December 28th, 2011
7:44 am
Richbrave,
Haven’t saw you around these parts in a looonnnngggg time.
Tremaine
December 28th, 2011
7:50 am
LMAO at the “I told you so” guys. Let’s not get carried away. It was a great win against a team that we are much better than. There were alot of positives you can take from this game (Marvin, Teague, Vlad and bench play as a whole) but can they do this against real competition? Luckily, we will get our answer next week. We got the Bulls and Heat twice.
Buddy Grizzard
December 28th, 2011
7:52 am
If the Hawks lose to a horrible team like the Wizards, then this is the same Hawks as last year. If they truly have turned the corner, they will win convincingly tonight. Watch JC2 try to guard Joe.
ICECOLD
December 28th, 2011
7:57 am
Tremaine
December 28th, 2011
7:50 am
LMAO at the “I told you so” guys. Let’s not get carried away. It was a great win against a team that we are much better than. There were alot of positives you can take from this game (Marvin, Teague, Vlad and bench play as a whole) but can they do this against real competition? Luckily, we will get our answer next week. We got the Bulls and Heat twice.
I feel ya, but this team still had Derron Williams, Chris Humphrey and they did win against The Wizards. and this same team that we just beat by 36 points, we couldnt even beat them at home last year!!! and the Hawks are still learning how each other play, they still trying to figure each other out!!
So to win by 36 and yo starters didnt even play the whole time, thats saying a lot!!
So yes , People should celebrate, especially when you see teams like the Lakers go 0-2, Boston 0-2, Orlando 1-1 against average teams.. .Winning by 36 is pretty good. ( pretty Good team )
So be proud.! ! !
and dont forget the season is only 66 games.. So every game trully counts !! So we better go 3 and 0 starting because one game could cost you the playoffs this year!!
Tremaine
December 28th, 2011
7:57 am
@Buddy Grizzard
The Hawks should be 4-0 after this week. Real season starts on Monday.
Tremaine
December 28th, 2011
8:03 am
@ICECOLD
Really, you mentioned the Wizards and Kris Humphries? I’m happy the Hawks took care of business but shouldn’t we expect this from a second round playoff team or have we lowered our expectations again this year?
Trojan
December 28th, 2011
8:06 am
Green and Pargo were active on defense. We have never had reserves play that hard on defense. McGrady showed glimpses of his potential, Vlad looked great, ZaZa looked great, Teague looked great, Ivan looked great, Marvin looked great.
Wow!
Mike is Back
December 28th, 2011
8:12 am
MC, I would suspect you enjoyed this performance by the Hawks…as much as the fans did.
TERRIFIC start by the HAWKS…now we need to see more of the same as the season unfolds. It’s only one game…let’s see what happens…when we play Miami and Chicago.
OUSTANDING TEAM EFFORT…from start to finish.
KEEP IT GOING…LET’S GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wordsmithtom
December 28th, 2011
8:23 am
Icecold,
Spot on about team concept. True teams are more than any “big three”. Check out the flag presentation at Dallas. Who was the first player to stand up and talk? Their 6th man, Jason Terry. Miami hasn’t proved yet they have the heart. They beat Dallas Sunday, and have more pieces than last year when it comes to the bench, but do they have the heart to jell as a unit, not just a “big 3″.
That’s the intangible we’ve lacked, but in TMac, Stack, and Vlad, we now have.
Manny
December 28th, 2011
8:27 am
All I kept saying was “Dang, we gotta deep bench!” I mean, they just kept coming off the bench!
OK, granted that the ASG went to Goodwill to shop for some of our bench players, but you can find good deals at the Goodwill.
I agree, we need better PG play as far as assist vs. turnovers, but I think that will come. But Radmanovic is a beast. And I saw some life in McGrady (but tell Mcgrady that he’s coming off the bench. He’s not going to get the same calls.)
Trojan
December 28th, 2011
8:32 am
Marvin had spring in his step. He had confidence in his shot. He can be a real difference maker in our team.
honest_abe
December 28th, 2011
8:40 am
still too many jump shots. but i’m definitely encouraged by marvin’s “newfound” health as well as the bench. willie, tmac, radmonovic, zaza = pretty solid. add hinrich to that bunch and it’s definitely one of the better benches in the league.
Rev in Tampa
December 28th, 2011
8:40 am
This condensed schedule is going to be as tough on me as it is on the Hawks. I’m out several nights a week and a committed family man. I’ve already been strategizing about how I am going to be able to watch the game tonight while promoting harmony in the family. Thankfully I’ve spoiled my children and they are all Hawks fans, but my wife is not so enamoured with basketball.
Ernest
December 28th, 2011
8:41 am
One of the most complete basketball games I’ve seen by a Hawks team in years. True, this was the Nets without their starting center but these are still professionals. I can’t wait to see how this team matches up with the ‘anointed’ powers in the league. Some may have more overall talent in the starting 5 but it will be hard for teams to match up with our 2nd 5. Having the ability to apply constant defensive pressure while not giving up much offensively can be the difference this year.
honest_abe
December 28th, 2011
8:43 am
btw pargo sucks worse than i thought.
JM
December 28th, 2011
8:44 am
Good game even if it was the Nets. The Hawks have had problems with bad teams over the last few years; either playing down to them or not putting them away. Last night was a great of example of taking care of business with these lesser teams. Let’s keep it up tonight against the Wiz.
ry
December 28th, 2011
8:44 am
I like Ivan’s energy and rebounding,but with the technical last night I think he showed that he still can’t control himself. That’s too bad.
Just Joe
December 28th, 2011
8:46 am
Marvin still has the worst hands in the league. Fumbles the ball way too much, and kept missing easy tip-ins at the rim. 33% from the field as a result. Let’s not forget that he was being guarded by Marshon Brooks and Damion James for a good portion of the game. He needs to win his matchup with Rashard Lewis tonight as well. Also surprised we didn’t get a “heat check” from Nique last night when Marvin launched his 3rd 3-pt attempt, which was from way too deep.
Tremaine
December 28th, 2011
8:58 am
What is the goal for this year Hawks team?
chris
December 28th, 2011
9:06 am
I’m glad Ivan got the tech. We need someone who will not back down from anyone. Okur was trying to push him around on purpose. We have All-stars, team players, the good Vets, but the only bully we had was Pachulia, and he is only a bully in the playoffs. We need Ivan as much as Tmac, Vlad, or Pargo!!!
KevinM
December 28th, 2011
9:06 am
“wordsmithtom
December 28th, 2011
5:20 am
And while I’m on a soapbox, where are the macaroons who said to amnesty MW? 14pts and 9 boards in 22 minutes. Amnesty material???!!! Sheesh, the idiocy of some posters.”
I am here to tell you I asked for Marvin’s amnesty. You can’t see why?
After one game, you are going to say Marvin is a changed player? How many YEARS have we been waiting for his potential? Where is he ranked among SFs in the NBA?
One game against NJ, one game against Cleveland last year, one game here and there is not going to change my opinion.
I can say that Marvin played well, but I still see alot of the old Marvin as well. When his shots go down, he looks good. Rathburn even gave him kudos on a tipped offensive rebound for nothing because we didn’t keep possession.
I stand my ground and still say we could have amnestied Marvin and gotten more in return for his 8M/year that what he gives us. The problem is if you amnesty him, who says Gearon will spend money in his absence. If he isn’t, roll the dice with him. We’ve only been doing that for what 7 years now?
Wait til Marvin plays against teams that are playoff contenders. NJ and Washington are not in that class yet.
Kudos to Marvin on a positive start.
Amnesty material? Joe is amnesty material as well. Whatever it takes to give your team the ability to continue to improve.
If Rip Hamilton, Gilbert Arenas, Chauncey Billups and Baron Davis can be amnestied, then Marvin more than fits that model here.
hawks_4_life
December 28th, 2011
9:07 am
I was at the game and here are my notes:
Teague’s jumpshot looks really good.
Marvin was the “x” factor last night. His effort was undeniable and he was rebounding like a monster.
Pargo’s defense and effort was awesome the minute he got into the game, he made Deron a no factor.
T-mac if he plays like last night will make us forget about Crawford because he has so much more intangibles to offer.
Radmonovic’s jumpshot is for real.
Truth B. Known
December 28th, 2011
9:07 am
MC’s write up was pretty good. I think he did a good job of capturing the essence of the moment. I hope he can keep that up. I missed parts of the game but the write up covered what I would have been looking for and feed my curiosity.
2 of the issues being over looked in terms of relevance. 1. The nets were gassed, had to travel back home. no rest, juxtapose that with the hawks who were excited to get the 1st game underway, also being the last team to play so you know the energy would be there. 2) Do we penetrate as much with a healthy Lopez in the paint? Do the Nets perimeter defenders play a different game if the post is anchored? / Yes, Yes. / This would have been a different game and much closer if you consider the aforementioned 2 factors .
Bottom line is, its was a fun win, and winning is always fun, however don’t get it “twisted”, this was by no means a measure of the teams performance capability, but more a measure of what NJ brings to the table, which was intensified by the lack of Lopez, and the schedule.
where are the real fans
December 28th, 2011
9:12 am
Good game by the hawks last night. The bench was great last night, even with their (few) miscues. They’re going to be a above average defensive group with good scoring. Maybe not 55 a night but an average of 35-45 a night. I’m not worried about are starters they barely had a chance to really hit a stride. Yes they were in there for 20+ minutes, but Josh was in foul trouble early on(and you saw some of the old Josh leak out with all those soft fouls they were calling), Joe started heating up then was put on the bench, Al had a mixture of Josh and Joe, Teague played well when he was in there, and Marvin NEEDS to play like this on an almost every game clip(he’s going to have off nights).
KZ
December 28th, 2011
9:12 am
“What is the goal for this year Hawks team?”
To be competitive and entertaining
Ken Strickland
December 28th, 2011
9:12 am
There’s still so much talk about replacing Jamal’s OFF, and not enough talk about the awful DEF we also lost with his departure? With our improved DEF, particularily our perimeter DEF, we’ll definitely offset some to the OFF we’ve conceivably lost. This team is now about playing solid DEF, not just talking about it.
It’s funny how some can appreciate the Bulls DEF being the foundation for their success, but they can’t seem to appreciate it becoming the foundation for the Hawks success. And you can’t keep trying to overlook or minimize the vast improvement of our bench, but Radmanovic, Johnson, and TMac will provide more rebounding, scoring, more consistent scoring and rebounding, ball handling and DEF than EThomas, DWilkins, JPowell, and HArmstrong ever provided.
Pargo gives us our 1st true backup PG in I don’t know when, especially one with enough speed and quickness to continue providing the OFF and DEF pressure that Teague provides our starting unit. Also, with the exception of IJohnson, Zaza and Twin, all of our other 5 none starters(Pargo, Sloan, TMac, Radmanovic, Green, and Stackhouse) can effectively shoot 3s. Besides Jamal, who off last yrs bench could effectively shoot 3s?
J from the A
December 28th, 2011
9:13 am
Everything has already been said, but:
1. Good win is good
2. Perspective: The win was against the Nets — a Nets without Lopez
3. But the Hawks split with the Nets last year, so maybe a blowout against the Nets is something of note.
4. To my pleasant surprise, the bench looked impressive.
5. Again, the bench looked impressive _against the Nets_
…
germanhawksfan
December 28th, 2011
9:14 am
Radmonivic – Michael Cunningham, you better learn to spell that name right: Radmanovic!
But you’re gonna go for a nickname anyway, right?
He looks like a great addition to the Hawks roster!
J from the A
December 28th, 2011
9:16 am
Ivan might have received a tech last night, but I am not sure if the tech was a result of him “loosing control.” The response that “earned” him the tech was very moderate. Unless I missed something, it wasn’t clear that he deserved a tech. (McGrady’s staredowns of the refs appeared more tech-worthy than Johnson’s complaint.)
hawks_4_life
December 28th, 2011
9:18 am
I love the defensive intensity, IT WAS AWESOME.
Hawks4Eva
December 28th, 2011
9:21 am
Ken Strickland
December 28th, 2011
9:12 am
==============================
ALL GREAT POINTS…
Comparing the bench of last year with Ethan Thomas, Damien Wilkins, Josh Powell, and H.Armstrong and few other bums with Our current bench Pargo, Sloan, TMac, Radmanovic, Green, Ivan Johnson) is a significant upgrade – without question!
Quote of the Day — December 28, 2011 | JockSpin.com
December 28th, 2011
9:27 am
[...] Tracy McGrady: “I’m a gamer, man. That’s what I am. I just get bored with preseason. I know that sounds crazy but I really do. The anticipation builds up for the offseason, especially being healthy and get out there and play. I’m like, let’s get this real thing going on.” [...]
joe white
December 28th, 2011
9:30 am
Good win for the hawks, and we should play like night in and out. We can go far with this team.GO Hawks
Fundamentals
December 28th, 2011
9:30 am
Upgraded bench, defined roles, TEAM ball, hustle. Top to bottom a nice job. Starters will shine tonight. Great job Hawks!
DS
December 28th, 2011
9:32 am
Is it really possible that Dwight comes home????
Al/Kirk/Marvin/Zaza for DH12/Hedo/Duhon
I know the Magic would never take that, but I’m still really hyped from the game last night! So let me fantazise with that trade for a little while.
DS
December 28th, 2011
9:34 am
*fantasize
Hawks4Eva
December 28th, 2011
9:37 am
2010 Last Years Bench Team:
Jason Collins
Jamal Crawford
Maurice Evans
ZaZa Pachulia
Josh Powell
Jeff Teague
Etan Thomas
Hilton Armstrong
This Years Hawks Bench:
Jason Collins
ZaZa Pachulia
Pargo, (Kirk Hinrich)
Sloan,
Tracy MacGrady,
Radmanovic,
Green,
Ivan Johnson
Combine the upgraded bench with:
1.) An healthier and improved Marvin Williams
2.) A more confident and experienced Jeff Teague
3.) A more determined Joe Johnson
4.) An improved emphasis on Up tempo Offense
5.) An improved emphasis on hustling/aggressive defense
6.) A shorten season with more games compacted back-to-back
I believe makes us the #3 team in the East behind:
1.) Miami
2.) Chicago
3.) Atlanta
4.) Boston
5.) Milwaukee
Laughing out Loud
December 28th, 2011
9:40 am
High Flying Hawks!!!!!!!!!!! ! – O for the season! It’s great to see the bench scoring from the newcomers.
KevinM
December 28th, 2011
9:43 am
Add Travis Outlaw to my list of players that were amnestied and justifying why Marvin could have fit right along with them.
He has to produce now.
KZ
December 28th, 2011
9:48 am
Ivan’s technical foul was the play of the game last night.
About time.
Tremaine
December 28th, 2011
9:51 am
KZ
December 28th, 2011
9:12 am
“What is the goal for this year Hawks team?”
To be competitive and entertaining
Is that it?
KZ
December 28th, 2011
9:58 am
“What is the goal for this year Hawks team?”
To be competitive and entertaining
Is that it?”
****************
Ask Michael Gearon Jr.
Wabe
December 28th, 2011
10:02 am
I’ll wait before I eat my crow…
Wanna see how they do against some of the better teams in the league.
But, just watching last night, I think it’s safe to say we do have a deeper bench than we’ve had.
- Pargo plays solid defense.
- T-Mac will be good for 10-12 ppg if he can stay healthy
- Rad was a great signing. I like this dude’s game. He can do a lot more than shoot. He can do a little bit of everything. We haven’t had a true stretch 4 ever, and this guy gives us something new.
- Wasn’t all that impressed with Willie Green, but, he’s got the track record to be a pretty decent player coming off the bench.
- Ivan Johnson has some intensity and hustle in him. Not sure how many minutes he’ll get. Got some garbage time last night.
This is all minus Hinrich, who should be coming off that bench backing up JJ at the 2. Pargo, Hinrich, T-Mac, Rad, Zaza. That’s not a bad 2nd unit.
Michael Cunningham
December 28th, 2011
10:03 am
new blog is posted. shutting down this thread.
ATL Hawks vs. NJ Nets: Reactions & Recaps From Around The Web - Soaring Down South
December 28th, 2011
2:35 pm
[...] Michael Cunningham of the AJC talked about how great the Hawks bench played and got some good quotes… [...]