Atlanta Hawks at Bulls: Game thread
Chicago–Regular lineup for the Hawks. All Hawks except Kirk Hinrich (shoulder) and Donald Sloan (inactive) are available. Ronnie Brewer is starting in place of Rip Hamilton (groin) for the Bulls.
- Hinrich had his eight-week checkup today. “Good news,” Hinrich said. “They are going to let me start doing all of the non-contact stuff with the team. A couple weeks from now, we will see how it goes from there. It’s one of those deals where I’m excited to do some things. Hopefully I can get my conditioning right and keep strengthening. I have some weakness. I need to get stronger before I get out there.”
- Larry Drew said he hasn’t decided on Hinrich’s role when he returns: “We will see how that goes with Kirk. We are certainly going to bring him along slowly. But as far as who is going to be the starter, I haven’t made a decision.”
- Drew doesn’t think a zone defense can be as effective against the Bulls as it was against Miami: “You are talking about two totally different beasts. With having to defend Wade and LeBron I think it’s totally different from having to defend Rose. With Rose I think he may be more explosive. Both LeBron and D-Wade are very explosive but Rose’s explosion is a little bit different. His ability to get into the paint is more of a havoc than LeBron and Wade. LeBron and Wade are more open court. Rose can get into the basket open court and half court.”
- Jeff Teague is back in the building where he started the best run of his young career. He said he’s not still drawing confidence from those moments against Rose, though: “I’m a confident player, anyway. I don’t really get into the matchup last year. He’s going to come back with something totally different.”
- Vladimir Radmanovic is 0 for 10 from the field in the last two games, including 0 for 4 on 3-pointers. He passed up a couple open attempts at Miami. Drew wants him to keep shooting. “We brought him here to shoot when he’s open,” Drew said. “He hasn’t had his typical type games but I am not going to instruct him to stop shooting. He’s got to keep putting them up.”
- Al Horford had a productive game around the basket against Chris Bosh. Joakim Noah is tougher by multiple degrees. “I think you have to try to match his energy as much as you can,” Horford said. “He is going to bring that every night and I think that’s what makes him such a great player.”
- Josh Smith was 1 for 7 on long 2s against the Heat before settling down. “He got into a jump-shot mode,” Drew said. “When he came out that first time, we spoke to him at that time. Then he just kind got it together and started putting it in the floor and getting to the basket, which is a strength of his because he’s long and he can elevate. He did settle down.”
- The Hawks are playing their sixth game in eight days. “We are doing OK,” Horford said. “At this point everybody has got something that is wrong with them. That’s just a part of it. Tonight is a big game for us so we are going to come out here and focus on tonight and tomorrow hopefully we will get to rest and recover.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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1,299 comments Add your comment
Harry Hawk
January 3rd, 2012
11:29 pm
Teague doesn’t impress me. He won’t impress me until people shut up about him and he balls hard for a few seasons.
the truth
January 3rd, 2012
11:29 pm
The Hawks And Their Coach Are Stupid. Typical Atlanta Team…………………….
Grandad
January 3rd, 2012
11:30 pm
This game was no one’s fault;
the Hawks played Championship caliber basketball for 3+ qtrs.
No; they did not finish – but – they are “competing” !
We must give them props.
____________________________________________
We need a legit Big !
MattP
January 3rd, 2012
11:31 pm
Harry Hawk,
He is better then what we have. If they amnesty inconsistent Joe this off season we could probably get a decent/good PG.
JaeEvolution
January 3rd, 2012
11:33 pm
“Hawks bench: 5/18, 12 points, 10 boards
Omer Asik: 9 boards”
Kyle Korver had 8 as well in…28 minutes. Our backcourt needs to make more of an effort to rebound, Joe Johnson especially if he can’t score get your big 6′7 ass in there and grab some boards and get dirty, I refuse to believe Korver should get 8 and Joe shouldn’t get just as many.
LakeDawg
January 3rd, 2012
11:33 pm
When you cut through all the analysis it still comes down to one thing with the Hawks. As currently constructed, they will never win a game of consequence. They will do whatever it takes to lose. Don’t be fooled by the talent. They have no leadership or heart as a whole. That’s all I have to say about the Hawks this year. They can move to Winnipeg for all I care.
MattP
January 3rd, 2012
11:34 pm
Grandad,
That was LD fault he played bench to long in 4th, didnt call TO when they were making a come back, let Joe handle the ball and not Teague, and he didn’t play McGrady at the end which would have play smart.
Harry Hawk
January 3rd, 2012
11:37 pm
Teague is what we have, MattP. I don’t think he’s a bad player, but I think we saw what his teammates and Larry Drew think of him at the end of that ballgame. When we were in the front-court, the ball was out of his hands. Teague is not a great shooter, so if he’s not going to be running the show late, he shouldn’t even be on the court.
Grandad
January 3rd, 2012
11:37 pm
By the way:
Thanks to cybo … from the last blog.
Rusty
January 3rd, 2012
11:38 pm
This coach is so fking lousy & stupid choker gunner jj tries to take over the game[just what the team did not need] jj has been crap over the last 3 seasons & there is a lot of people on this blog always making excuses for him,saying he is great when he really isn’t..
MattP
January 3rd, 2012
11:42 pm
Harry Hawk,
I agree with you that Teague should be running the show, but I do think they need to bring in a veteran PG to help Teague learn more. I just wish they get a new/experienced coach this off season.
Harry Hawk
January 3rd, 2012
11:43 pm
Hinrich will probably get Teague’s minutes late. He’s a vet who will probably space the floor better for Iso-Joe.
Devil's Advocate
January 3rd, 2012
11:43 pm
Joe Johnson 3-17 10 points 2012 Salary: $18,038,573
Derrick Rose 8-22 30 points 2012 Salary: $6,993,708
And there it is Hawks fans…
Grandad
January 3rd, 2012
11:44 pm
MattP
I mentioned some of those very things myself earlier.
As for LD, having coached, “I know” that no coach – ever -
coaches a perfect game.
I’ve been a huge critic of LD on this blog.
However, at this time, LD is doing a fine job.
Perfect – No.
But he was not to blame.
Individual players were not to blame.
It was a team loss in a team game.
Pure and Simple.
The one thing I cannot justify was the reversal on the out of bounds call.
There is much to like and admire from these Hawks.
Now is not the time for picking at nits.
Harry Hawk
January 3rd, 2012
11:49 pm
Nit-pick all you want, fans. That’s what this damn thing is here for. Well, that and page hits.
Wabe
January 3rd, 2012
11:50 pm
Again, I love how we use a 2 point defeat against the league’s top team to declare this season another bust…
Folks need to relax and not get so bent out of shape.
LD made mistakes tonight.
JJ clearly wasn’t on point tonight.
Neither was Teague.
We didn’t get as much pop off our bench.
Yet we lost by 2 points.
It stings, but chill. Dallas suffered a loss like this in a playoff game last year @ Portland. It’s not as much about the loss as it is how they respond to the loss.
Thus, wait till Thursday. Should this team beat the Heat twice in a week, I’m guessing folks will be singing a different tune…
Grandad
January 3rd, 2012
11:50 pm
Going back to MC’s article:
“I haven’t yet decided If I’m going to start him” [Kirk] … paraphrase
That is more than a nit that I will pick.
If he cannot see that Teaguer is his guard……………….
then LD is is just weak, mean, stupid or all the aforementioned plus plus.
Grandmaster JeJe
January 3rd, 2012
11:51 pm
With TMac out looks like our leadership is gone.
Three captains. Reminds me of the Jets.
FIRE LD
Grandmaster JeJe
January 3rd, 2012
11:52 pm
Cosign Grandad.
Glad to see you here. Sorry about your loss.
LD does not like Teague….
It Aint Hard To Tell
doc
January 3rd, 2012
11:53 pm
only way to beat stern rules is by winning by double figures last night or the other guy not makig the mae up shots/chances. rose did the latter and the hawks didnt do the former as they did last night.
gdad irrefutable wasnt it?
superiorblogman
January 3rd, 2012
11:59 pm
Teague will be the greatest PG in Hawks history. He should have gotten these failures out of his system years ago but let him fail some he will be okay.
Big Dog
January 4th, 2012
12:02 am
I can understand why horford is all the way out on the perimeter during the course of the game and especially with the game on the line. He wants to be the hero so bad that it may stomach turn. With 7 seconds on the clock he should have given the ball to JJ. The hawks already had the lead. Instead mr Bone Head draws a foul and bricks. Then he is all the way on the perimeter with 1.2 seconds bringing extra bodies to JJ. Thanks mr. Bone head Hoford.
Josh ? 15 points 11 rebounds 2 blocks…. as usual
Al 6 rebounds 0 blocks and played much of the game on the Arch . Its really time to trade this idiot for a real center.
Can you say Al and 1st rounder for Super man D12?
NUNNA!!
January 4th, 2012
12:02 am
The thing that i see about this game is that we beat ourselves at the end..Missed free throws,low scoring in the 3rd contributed to the bulls comeback..
In years past,we would have been blown out going from Miami into Chicago on back to back nights and yall know it..
The thing i hate is that when it looks like Marvin may have the hot hand early we stop going to him and sub him for Tmac..But if Tmac is playing great,Marvin still rides the pine!!
And i agree with someone earlier that if Teague is not gonna run the show late then he needs not to be on the floor..But i think he was on the floor only to keep up with Rose because he sure didn’t stop him lol..
Melvin
January 4th, 2012
12:04 am
Coaching and FT’s lost this game….
Melvin
January 4th, 2012
12:06 am
This lost sucks….
superiorblogman
January 4th, 2012
12:06 am
Grandad
January 3rd, 2012
11:50 pm
Going back to MC’s article:
“I haven’t yet decided If I’m going to start him” [Kirk] … paraphrase
That is more than a nit that I will pick.
If he cannot see that Teaguer is his guard……………….
then LD is is just weak, mean, stupid or all the aforementioned plus plus.
What article? Happy to see you brother, how are u?
Rufus1
January 4th, 2012
12:13 am
Low self esteem Hawks Fans…
We hold the Bulls to 76pts at home, coming off a tough game with the Heat the previous night and the SKY IS FALLING……WOW, please get a grip.
Slimjr
January 4th, 2012
12:15 am
SeenthisB4:
The Core front line with much difficulty scoring the ball due to lack of skills allowing 3rd quarter blown leads which results in another loss..
That Chicago 25 to 5 run at the end of the 3rd and 1st 5mins of the 4th(about 7.5min span) was a killer..
The missed free throws(6) were huge too..Valiant effort but against the elite help will be needed to get over the hump on offense. We need a #3 who can score the ball inside or out…
Great effort though.
George Jettson.
January 4th, 2012
12:15 am
Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Al Horford Surprised By Trade Talk
Dec 31 11:28a by Kris Willis
Read More: Joe Johnson (G – ATL), Josh Smith (F – ATL), Dwight Howard (C – ORL), Al Horford (C – ATL), Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks
After an initial report that the Atlanta Hawks had engaged in trade talks with with the Orlando Magic involving Dwight Howard, Hawks beat writer Michael Cunningham weighed in on the original report that the trade with Atlanta was centering around Joe Johnson and Josh Smith.
Cunningham confirmed that trade talks between the two teams had taken place but that it was unlikely that Josh Smith was a part of them. Cunningham further cites that the Hawks would be reluctant to include Smith because of the hope that the presence of his child-hood friend would entice Howard to sign a long-term extension with the club. That would leave the deal to center around either Johnson and or center Al Horford.
In a recent interview with ESPN Radio, Horford was asked about the rumors and was genuinely taken aback.
“Wow,” Horford said. “I guess I’m heading back to Florida. … I don’t know, that’s interesting, I know that Dwight is from here, but as far as I know, this is the first I’ve heard of it. But it’ll be interesting.”
The two-time All-Star Horford would seem more appealing to the Magic due to his University of Florida roots and the fact that while he is somewhat undersized, he does have experience playing the center position.
It is also important to note that the Atlanta Hawks are not on Howard’s list of preferred destinations and any trade would presumably happen without an assurance that Howard would re-sign with the club.
http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-hawks/2011/12/31/2672579/dwight-howard-trade-rumors-al-horford-atlanta-hawks
George Jettson.
January 4th, 2012
12:17 am
“Wow,” Horford said. “I guess I’m heading back to Florida. … I don’t know, that’s interesting, I know that Dwight is from here, but as far as I know, this is the first I’ve heard of it. But it’ll be interesting.”
The two-time All-Star Horford would seem more appealing to the Magic due to his University of Florida roots and the fact that while he is somewhat undersized, he does have experience playing the center position.
Grandad
January 4th, 2012
12:19 am
Harry Hawk
My fault Harry Hawk I thought this blog was for:
meaningful intelligent discussion.
Perhaps not ?
But good to know that “pickin nits” is an open topic.
Head lice has always been a fascinating topic of mine;
Are you aware that cooties are another name for head lice ?
Are you also aware that “African Americans” cannot get head lice ?
Well – until next time – I’m itchin to discuss any topic.
George Jettson.
January 4th, 2012
12:22 am
“Wow,” Horford said. “I guess I’m heading back to Florida. …I know,….. I’ve heard of it…. it’ll be interesting.”
Slimjr
January 4th, 2012
12:23 am
Joe was not getting clean looks..The Bulls did not want Joe to beat em…
They knew the front line is the weakness when it comes to scoring the ball..It worked for the bulls…
Dennis Green
January 4th, 2012
12:24 am
The Bulls are who we thought they were, and that’s why we took the damn court. So if you want to crown them, then crown their a$$es, but they are who we thought they were, and we let them off the hook.
Iron Balls
January 4th, 2012
12:25 am
Horford fcked up again in the 4th quarter, now he wants to go back to Florida. Well I for one wont miss his sorryaiz
Slimjr
January 4th, 2012
12:27 am
Memo to Josh: Your jumpshot is permanently broke! Just sad…..
Iron Balls
January 4th, 2012
12:29 am
Joe would have had clean looks if our center wasnt dragging his man out to the perimeter to double/triple joe. What the hell was Horford doing spending so much time on the perimeter? Shouldnt his big aziez be under the basket trying to get a freaking rebound and put back? How can you be a 6′ 10″ center and only get 6 rebounds? You aint Dirk Dummy. Get under the basket and defend.
Grandad
January 4th, 2012
12:29 am
Superblogman::: [from MC's article "Game Thread"]
@ the heading of this blog.
•Larry Drew said he hasn’t decided on Hinrich’s role when he returns: “We will see how that goes with Kirk. We are certainly going to bring him along slowly. But as far as who is going to be the starter, I haven’t made a decision.”
Slimjr
January 4th, 2012
12:31 am
All NBA is what he is.. Very limited offensive skills but he makes the most of his limitations and it got him two Allstar invites.
Are you going to win Championships with him at the 4 or 5?
Does it snow in Bimini?
JJ, marvin,Josh, Dwight/ new hawks core
January 4th, 2012
12:33 am
Hinrich is better than Teague who doesnt know how to get his teammates involved. Hes a ball hog who is turnover prone and is too much of a boy to have an impact in a mans world.
Grandad
January 4th, 2012
12:34 am
SuperDuperBlogman:
I’m fine thanks for askin’.
Hmmmm
January 4th, 2012
12:34 am
WHAT I MISS HMMMMMMMMMMMM?
JJ, marvin,Josh, Dwight/ new hawks core
January 4th, 2012
12:35 am
Are you going to win Championships with him at the 4 or 5? You are going to watch it on tv with him after the second round. Hes too soft at either position.
Hmmmm
January 4th, 2012
12:36 am
HINRICH IS BETTER THAN TEAGUE???? OH LAWD I DONE HEARD IT ALL NOW!
LOG OFF AND CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION.
superiorblogman
January 4th, 2012
12:37 am
JJ, marvin,Josh, Dwight/ new hawks core
January 4th, 2012
12:33 am
Hinrich is better than Teague who doesnt know how to get his teammates involved. Hes a ball hog who is turnover prone and is too much of a boy to have an impact in a mans world.
PG Slim you are more and more of a joke as the days go by. Hinrich averaged 3.3 assists a game with the Hawks last year, I hope Teague is traded for his personal good.
Hmmmm
January 4th, 2012
12:38 am
Of course I miss Rumeal Robinson too. By Al, Ill holler… Hello D12
Hmmmm
January 4th, 2012
12:41 am
HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS ON THE GAME:
THIS TEAMS SUCKS AT SHOOTING FRRE THROWS AND DREW GOT OUTCOACHED BY THIBODEAU.
FOUR GAMES IN FIVE DAYS AND YOU’RE RELYING ON YOUR STARTERS TO HOLD DOWN THE MVP??? C’MON LARRY AUERBACH, THIS IS WHY YOU MAKE THE BIG BUCKS! THIBS IS DRAWING UP PLAYS, WHILE AUERBACH RELIES ON ISO BALL FROM TIRED LEGS. GOTTA MANAGE THE MINUTES BETTER AND YOU COULD’VE STOLEN IT. NOBODY WINS BACK TO BACK IN CHI AND MIA. HAWKS WORE DOWN IN THE 4TH QUARTER WHEN ROSE AND DENG WHERE GETTING THEIR SECOND WIND, BUT DREW DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO SAVE THEM.
Grandad
January 4th, 2012
12:42 am
Big Dog / Hatter / “whomever”
Al got the 1st foul setting a screen
[7 or 9 sec ?]
Yes he missed FT’s, as did Teaguer.
However;
Al has been a consistent and clutch FT shooter in the past.
[remember last yr when B.Griffin took him out (cheap shot)]
Al got up from that nasty fall and made two huge, clutch FT’s.
Last shot:
If Al was near Joe;
most likely the play was for him to set a screen.
Which Joe chose not use.
Poor play designed by LD from the get go !
(looked like somethin’ Woody drew up)
Michael Cunningham
January 4th, 2012
12:43 am
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.