Atlanta Hawks: Video: Solid victory in home opener
My CineSport recap of Atlanta’s victory over the Wizards in the home opener. (Cut me a little slack, blog people. I was sleepy.)
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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187 comments Add your comment
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 29th, 2011
5:43 pm
Is it me or is Al horford unimpressive- still no post moves, shooting jumpers blah blah blah. I would trade that dude in a minute for a healthy brook lopez or DH12, Al is soft on top of being undersized at the 5. Thats just great. Josh goes to the bench and its a layup drill. seriously is Al that much better than Brandon Bass…….
Yikes Lopez and Bass? I wouldn’t go that far but, eye on playoffs, How do you feel about a future 2nd rounder and Horford for 7 footer Jon Leuer at Forward and Andrew Bogut at center?
Horford destroys low grade centers but thats about it, he’s peaked and his ceiling is a complementary rebounder that needs to be carried on offense and defense.
Rod from College Park
December 29th, 2011
5:50 pm
“Marvin is looking really good – Hope he keeps it up but he has been jackyll n Hyde for most of his career so…..maybe its the fact that jamal isnt here hoggn the ball and all the shots-”
This is another misconception. Jamal did not take shots from Marvin. Marvin was scared to take shots that were there. He had many opportunities prior to Jamal being here to establish himself. This is part of the reason LD told him to be more aggressive. Marvin should be blamed for Marvin, nobody else. If he was injured for three years, he should have had surgery three years ago. The next step for him is to see if his shot stop falling, will be still be aggressive, or go back to the passive Marvin.
richbrave
December 29th, 2011
5:52 pm
I MUS WRITE:
Nothing of import except the congressional bickering which affects all our lives in this great nation. Not part of any of that. Divorced myself from politics in the early 80’s. Haven’t been actively involved since I became aware of just how rotten it truly is.
My eldest grandson was the MVP of a little B-Ball tourney in Virginia’s heartland last evening. A mixed A – AA competition between four local counties. AAA is the big leagues in Virginia.
The 14-year old has his ups and downs in his first year of organized hoops. Football is his first love and he’s good at it. But he’s danged good at baseball also. Carries an inferiority complex around because of his older brother though who’s pretty good in baseball. Ranked 149 in the country by Perfect Game.
Can you tell I’m a proud grampa? The youngest is 10 months and I gave him the nickname of ‘Tank.’
I’m pretty busy over with the BRAVES and the grandkids [5]. All local, so I’m always baby-sittin, or going to events for them. Haven’t gotten over here much. Miss yakking with you folks about the merits of the WIZARDS and HAWKS………well, using the term ‘merits’ in conjunction with the WIZARDS is pretty much a misnomer, but certainly apropos in the HAWKS case. They just keep getting better despite our trashing the ASG.
Loyal Thrasher Fan
December 29th, 2011
5:53 pm
Atlanta has an NBA basketball team??? Really??? Go figure……
Ryan
December 29th, 2011
6:48 pm
I dont get the Pargo hate. Does he look like derrick rose? Lol no but he isn’t supposed to. He’s managing the games and playing pretty good D. Also, don’t forget that in 1 month or so he will be the 3rd PG. So are you saying he isn’t worthy of a 3rd PG spot? Really? Pargo has done more for me than Willie Green. I don’t doubt Willie can contribute but he hasn’t so far….
I MUS WRITE
December 29th, 2011
7:29 pm
S.L.B are you the agent for Leur and Bougt? I mean im say’n. I would take Brook Lopez over Horford but thats just me.I like his game athletic big -post moves ,scoring and Defense-being 7′1 doesnt hurt either, Al looks soft to me- limited post moves/jump shooter.
Rod -Jamal took alot of shots last year and he was alot less effective than year one. he dominated the ball too much to get his points and he was an azz sandwich on defense. With that said he did win alot of games for us when JJ was in lala land. The bench we hve now is alot better that the Joe smiths and Powells of the past.
Richbrave -Thats cool sounds like your grand kids have some talent maybe one day i’ll get to see them in Richmond or Atlanta.”Braves” Dont have kids so I support my nephew -Pretty big yungn he plays footbal with the 11 yr olds at age 9 becase of his weight -he went to the all city game this season -Falcons D Lineman 2025…………
Astro Joe
December 29th, 2011
7:38 pm
Rod, chances are, Marvin received a few options for his back. And like most people (professional athletes and the common person) he opted for the less evasive option first. In pro sports, we see it all of the time. An athlete is told that something can be treated with rest and exercise, only to find out sometime later that surgery is required. My guess is that any surgery likely would have meant that Marvin would miss games (based on a normal off-season schedule). I think most fans would prefer to see their team’s players “tough it out” or “rub dirt on it” before under-going the knife. Finally, if he was truly feeling numbness in his leg, that could certainly explain some of the falls. Ever try to do much running or jumping when your leg is asleep?
Now, with all that said, I agree about Marvin’s passiveness. Like every NBA player, he will have games when his shot doesn’t fall but hopefully he will continue to do work on the boards. I am also interested in seeing how well he defends against some of the better SFs in the league (which he hasn’t faced yet). That is another area that can be a consistent strength regardless of his shooting percentage.
Ken Strickland
December 29th, 2011
7:57 pm
richbrave every thing appears OK on the medical side. The problem I’m having is putting my foot in my mouth as often as I do. Its really hard for me to admit that I don’t know a damn thing, but hey if I can fool you guys, then what the hell does that say about you?
Stupid is as stupid does right?
Hey, you got an extra shoe horn?
richbrave
December 29th, 2011
8:19 pm
KEN S:
Great news!
And for the record……….you are a funny man!
richbrave
December 29th, 2011
8:24 pm
I MUS WRITE:
Being there for the young man is great. Sounds like you’re a stand-up kinda’ guy. Good on ye.
Say, I don’t see doc post up much anymore. He still going to the games now that the HAWKS have become respectable?
I was dowen in the HOTLANTA this past July for a 10 day baseball tournament set up by PERFECT GAME. Really enjoyed the ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER. Got to CARTERSVILLE, and sundry other spots in the northern and northeastern ‘burbs.
Ken Strickland
December 29th, 2011
8:24 pm
I MUS WRITE-As much as I’d like to be right about everything, no one can even come close. But I have been right so far when it comes to certain things concerning the Hawks though.
RICH BRAVE-As you can probably see, some COWARD, who’s either jealous or envious of my successful predictions, or is just an ANAL MINDED MORON, if not both, has jacked my name. As you know, there’s never been a shortage of these gutless cowards on these blogs. I am doing just fine, and I’ve completely recovered from my surgery. I’ve even found a replacement for my little DOBE GIRL that I had to let go in July. He’s right at 60lbs at 7mos 1wk, and has more energy and is more active than any of my previous 10 dobermans by far. He’s been a real challenge for an old man like me, but I love it. He keeps me going, and I can feel the difference. But I’m doing real good, I feel really good, and thanks for asking.
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2011
8:40 pm
NJ is within striking distance of Orlando midway through the 3rd
Ken Strickland
December 29th, 2011
8:40 pm
The next time I blog you will know its me and not that COWARD, because Ill be the one with a shoe horn in my hand.
P.S. that’s right you cant see through the internet. Hmmm. let me get back to you.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 29th, 2011
8:47 pm
Brook Lopez is soft.
NJ is within striking distance of Orlando midway through the 3rd because Brook Lopez is gone.
He is inept at defense and shoots too much at average efficiency.
NJ is playing defense 1 on 1 to Dwights and then guards are scoring off Isos.
Lopez plays the wrong way and is soft. Mentally and physically to slow and lazy to rebound or box out.
I can point out Horford;s weaknesses as a defensive anchor but one center I’m not looking for is a “scoring center”. Lopez cant effect the game without the ball and is not dominant with it.
his best season Win Shares per minute is virtually tied with such 1 dimensional players as Hasheem Thabeet.
Lopez is atrocious.
KevinM
December 29th, 2011
8:50 pm
Watching Houston tonight vs. the Spurs…..It’s tight early.
phil
December 29th, 2011
8:53 pm
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2011
1:02 pm
Atlanta gets the Heat both times in January on the back end of a back-to-back for the Heat. The Heat play the Bobcats on January 1 in Miami and then the Hawks go to Miami on January 2. Hopefully the Bobcats will give them fits again.
The Pacers play the Heat on January 4 in Miami and then the Heat come to Atlanta on January 5.
Meanwhile, the Hawks have the day off each time they play the Heat.
*********
so what. The Heat will be in the Finals again. The Hawks will be sitting at home again and as usual.
KevinM
December 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
Old blog favorite Dalembert blocking Duncan’s flat footed push shot.
I think he’s a great fit there in Houston under McHale.
phil
December 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
rash
December 29th, 2011
4:09 pm
some of yall people are idiots the hawks are 2-0 instead of 0-2 dont matter who they play they look damn good to me …it dont matter what they do some of yall r haters go to your team site idiots
********
You’re calling other people idiots? Did you make it past 3rd grade? Can you even read this?
Ken Strickland
December 29th, 2011
9:05 pm
OK richbrave I done figure it out. The way you can tell its me blogging and not that COWARD. Underneath my name on the left hand side you will see the date, and underneath the date you will see the time I blogged. That how you will know its me and not that ANAL MINDED MORON COWARD!!
bigdave
December 29th, 2011
9:11 pm
Brooks is filthy..
KevinM
December 29th, 2011
9:12 pm
The best home crowd in the NBA….OKC..it sounds like the playoffs.
I see why they’re on TNT.
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
December 29th, 2011
9:36 pm
phil
December 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
rash
December 29th, 2011
4:09 pm
some of yall people are idiots the hawks are 2-0 instead of 0-2 dont matter who they play they look damn good to me …it dont matter what they do some of yall r haters go to your team site idiots
********
“You’re calling other people idiots? Did you make it past 3rd grade? Can you even read this?”
And then there’s last night:
phil
December 28th, 2011
9:56 pm
Tard Munkey
December 28th, 2011
9:53 pm
Who the hell is the guy they just had on camera?
Oh hell, is that Phil?
******
“Now an idiot named Tard Munkey is joining the other doofs attacking me? What a crew here!”
You’re calling people idiots, phil?
As my Grandmother used to say: “Be sure your sins will find you out”.
So phil, are you the pot or the kettle? ROFLMAO!
Ken Strickland
December 29th, 2011
9:40 pm
Looks like that took care of that!
A lot of yall been going round saying” hey, how dumb is Ken?” Well, I not as dumb as I might appear. So dont play me cheap. I figures stuff out.
Like the Larry Drew character. Didnt I tell you guys he was going to be a winner. I told you that when he was hired over Woodson. Having said that now yall can see what Im talking bout. I know my sh!t. Now you now my sh!t. Sh!t.
Fundamentals
December 29th, 2011
9:44 pm
I’ll agree Marvin’s problems do relate to his aggressiveness, but honestly he has had periods where he is aggressive…only to fall or get undercut on a drive where he hurts his back. The back has been an issue since he arrived in the ATL.
I dissagree about Jamal. Dude commanded the ball and you definitely saw everyone defer to him. You’ll see Teague, Joe, Josh, Marvin & Al relish the idea that they’ll definitely get more shots. I’m not trying to knock Jamal because he was ready to shoot when our guys needed seasoning. Now that he’s gone and our folks have had time to learn, they’ll be ready.
I hope Jamal does well. I see our guys doing the same all year. Same as Teague waving by to Bibby. He was overdue for that opportunity. Now he’s shining. Hopefully Kirk will play his role when he returns and allows the young fella to continue to develop with a quality backup ready to assist.
Amen to OKC having the best crowd!
Fundamentals
December 29th, 2011
9:46 pm
MC – where did our new focus on defense emerge? What happened to the motion O for “shotmakers?
We pulled a 180 to focus on what makes teams win? Who had the idea? Was it the same guy that told Marvin he was tall, long and destined to rebound well? Can they teach it to Josh & Al? Get those two in the paint nightly banging the boards and we’ll be unstoppable!
Some of us know
December 29th, 2011
9:51 pm
Well, I see Ken’s secret admirer has returned. Let’s hope he doesn’t get angry and shut the blog down again.
Ken Strickland
December 29th, 2011
9:56 pm
You guys dont know nuthing. What make the Hawks work is the Princeton offensive that Drew is doing. Drew has been hear a couple of years now and the Princeton sh!t is working. That how you wind ball games.
Some of us know
December 29th, 2011
9:57 pm
and heres a hint. It aint me
Mom Wants Her PC Back
December 29th, 2011
10:03 pm
Hopefully, Mom will come home soon and get Troll Boy off her PC and send his silly butt to bed in the dark corner of her basement.
SteveW
December 29th, 2011
10:04 pm
Al Horford was on ESPN (Fox? I get both where I live) Radio today defending the Atlanta fans. They were taking ATL to task for how bad of a sportstown this was. Al said he liked the fans. Good job Al?
I wonder if OKC would listen to a Teague and a 1st pick for Westbrook, since ‘Brook and Durant are fighting?
Would you guys do that trade if OKC would?
brigadierjerry
December 29th, 2011
10:34 pm
his best season Win Shares per minute is virtually tied with such 1 dimensional players as Hasheem Thabeet.- Smith.Leuer.Bogut
You proposed a trade awhile back wanting Thabeet on the Hawks?
Astro Joe
December 29th, 2011
10:37 pm
Remember when folk suggested that John Salmons could replace Joe Johnson for much less? I think there is a reason why Salmons continues to bounce around the league…. he isn’t very good nor consistent. Heaven knows, he wrecked my fantasy team last season.
Steve, I don’t think those salaries match. But yes, I would take Westbrook from the Thunder given that LD’s offense doesn’t require a floor leader to play the PG position.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 29th, 2011
10:38 pm
Watch the Blazers game. Their crowd is literally 10x better and bigger than ours
Astro Joe
December 29th, 2011
10:40 pm
And when Westbrook goes rogue, Josh Smith could put him back in line and explain the concept of quality shots to the younger Westbrook.
Big Ray
December 29th, 2011
10:48 pm
Well, I see Ken’s secret admirer has returned. Let’s hope he doesn’t get angry and shut the blog down again.
noticed that myself
Big Ray
December 29th, 2011
10:49 pm
Much as I like Westbrook’s talent, if he can’t recognize his role, along with the simple fact that Durant is THE star….what’s he gonna do on this team, under Uncle Larry?
bigdave
December 29th, 2011
10:52 pm
he good.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 29th, 2011
10:59 pm
The Hawks are wayyyy underestimated by the media.
I know Hawks fans are a joke. No one cheers at the games besides the fan section and maybe 40 other people in the whole arena.
Go watch a Blazers game (no we’re not talking about the Heat, Thunder, Celtics, Nuggets fans….The F’ing Blazers) and look how enthusiastic those fans our. I think ATL has the worst fans in the NBA.
And screw ASG for what they did to Philips Arena. The arena is barren – there are no score updates besides some pathetic bar above the premium section telling how man points the person at the FT line has. The average fan has no way of instantly knowing who is in the game because the stats grid above the sections behind the baskets IS NO LONGER THERE.
HALFTIME IS A JOKE – THERE ARE NO EVENTS.
JUST SELL THE TEAMS GEARON. NO ONE WANTS YOU HERE
Grandmaster JeJe
December 29th, 2011
10:59 pm
Hawks are way underestimated because this is a top 4 team in the East [again]
SteveW
December 29th, 2011
11:00 pm
AJ – You are correct – Teague and Westbrook doesn’t work on the trade machine – Hinrich for Westbrook does – but I doubt seriously OKC thinks about that deal even with a 1st pick thrown in.
There is a growing consensus I hear on sportradio and read that either Durant or Westbrook has to go from OKC. This goes back to last season. And I’m sure it won’t be Durant who leaves.
OKC does have a pretty good plan B in Eric Maynor. Plan C not so good – don’t they have Royal Ivey as plan C?
Jannero Pargo was the no.4 PG in Chicago. They kept Lucas, who is really bad, instead of him as the #3 PG. So what are we expecting from Jannero Pargo? I think he’s a serviceable backup until Hinrich gets back.
And he and Green are learning the playbook on the fly. Let’s see where he’s at in a couple of weeks. He did play with CP3, so even stuff he tells Teague in that regard may be valuable, just like Hinrich played with Rose in Chicago.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 29th, 2011
11:00 pm
Big Ray,
They should’ve traded Russell for CP3, but should now try get Rondo.
Let Westbrook score his 28 ppg in Boston. That team will blow hard next year (it will already suffer this year. Jermaine O’Neal is their starting center. LMAO). Rondo will let KD score and rack up 90 assists a game with that offense
SteveW
December 29th, 2011
11:04 pm
AJ – Gotta admit a team with Westbrook, Josh, and Ivan could make some noise for various reasons in the media.
But if you get Westbrook, and then swing a deal for Dwight (farfetched I know), you’ve got a potential lineup of:
Westbrook
JJ
Hedo
Josh
Dwight
You can win a Championship with that lineup in my opinion.
With the newfound Marvin, Orlando may even listen to a Al+Marvin trade for Dwight and Hedo’s bad contract.
Stranger things have happened.
Grandad
December 29th, 2011
11:31 pm
Observations:
(1) My semi-retirement may have been premature.
* If the present trend continues [and I hope it does]
I may have to apologize to Mr Sund and Mr Gearon;
due to my sabbatical from the blog being triggered by those two !
(2) Pargo needs to go / just chiming in on that debate.
He plays inspired defense, but, atrocious shooting and turnovers
negate any positive effect gained on defense.
(3) kirk will be a tremendous [positive] addition to our already formidable bench.
(4) McGrady can have an immeasurable effect on the team’s offense;
** by playing in the post ** if they will use him to that affect.
He is one crafty vet. ….. He also gives our team cachet due to his achievements.
(5) Rad-man another “crafty” vet
(6) Willie Green – nice guy / would have preferred a Big
* but who am I to say … I’m retired … and Sund/Gearon are “the Men”.
(7) northcyde – I’ve seen Joe playing really good def. [including off the ball]
(8) The defense has been inspired & the ball movement on offense is beautiful.
(9) Why is Jason Collins on the team ? [I know, I know, he guards one guy really well]
(10) LD is not a bad X’s and O’s coach.
(11) Jeff Teague has been an inspiration !
* [also my apologies to Marv - I did not know he was hurt]
** (understandable – that he has been ineffective)
(12) The Hawks have been playing splendidly,
to which I say, if they play at the same level of
-teamwork with intensity-
exhibited this week;
then they -can- contend with Chicago and Miami !
note:
my remarks are more analytical rather than my usual mindset of
thinking of ways to fix things.
As noted previously, the Hawks are in good hands, and are to be applauded.
One cannot fix what ain’t broken.
If they get a really good Big man, I’ll probably un-retire.
Until then – I’m waiting for change.
[or to admit that Sund/Gearon are closet geniuses / whichever comes 1st]
For now, Go Hawks !
Grandmaster JeJe
December 29th, 2011
11:46 pm
LOL @ Al and Marvin for Dwight and Hedo
Ptis would be fired faster than a New York minute if he ever made that trade, even if only Dwight was included
Grandmaster JeJe
December 29th, 2011
11:48 pm
Otis
northcyde
December 30th, 2011
12:06 am
Jamal is being Jamal
12 points
5 rebs
2 asst
3 – 12 FG ( 0 – 4 from three )
6 – 6 FT
5 turnovers
( -12 ) +/- rating
in 20 minutes
Najeh Davenpoop
December 30th, 2011
12:14 am
Jamal is doing his thing in the 4th quarter though, starting to heat up.
A lot of good games today. Dallas-OKC might be the best game of the year, Portland-Denver is good, and the Alamo Bowl is just insane.
northcyde
December 30th, 2011
12:17 am
And then Jamal promply takes over the game . . scoring 9 in a row and making his next 3 shots
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 30th, 2011
12:23 am
Seeing RED!
“Legit point about Philips Arena though. Looking for scores/stats is impossible – there are none around in the overheads. There is no halftime show.” -KZ-
_________________
This sounds about right, why invest in a “Stats Board” or “jumbo-tron” when you can sell “sizzling” steaks instead? I queried when the RED story broke, if the restaurant would be situated with a view of the basketball court? What a group of spirit killers we have for owners. (smh)
northcyde
December 30th, 2011
12:23 am
LOL @ the Alamo Bowl . . . more like Madden on rookie level. Absolutely no defense in that game. Whichever team has the ball last will win the game.