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Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 92, Trail Blazers 89

12:36 am January 19, 2012, by Michael Cunningham

  • The Hawks faced their toughest foe since Al Horford went down and won again. After the W they said a lot of things about guys stepping up to do more in his absence. Normally such cliches inspire eye-rolling from a cynical hack like myself but, I’ve got to say, that’s what’s happened so far.
  • How else to explain a W in which the bench kept the Hawks in it until Joe Johnson got hot, and then the starters closed it out after the reserves faded and Jamal Crawford tried to do his thing where he shakes off all of his earlier misses with fourth-quarter shot-making? What else to think about a game in which Jannero Pargo and Tracy McGrady play big roles along with Joe, Jeff Teague and Josh Smith?
  • The pieces seem to be fitting together.
  • “It really feels like these guys are starting to get a feel for one another,” Larry Drew said. “In the first half felt like we had a good flow with the starters and reserves. A few times in the second half we fell out of rhythm but guys are starting to mesh together. Any combination I put on the floor we seem to have some kind of chemistry. We feel like the players we have brought in complement the players that have been here.”
  • Look at some areas in which Horford produced and the Hawks have several players who, either consistently or at crucial times, have offered a bit more than usual since he went down: rebounding (Joe, Zaza Pachulia, Marvin Williams, Tracy McGrady), scoring (Smith, Johnson, Pargo, and Willie Green), assists (Johnson, McGrady).
  • “We’ve got a lot of guys who can do different things,” Williams said. “I think everyone has stepped up to give a little more to fill that void. You can’t replace a guy like Al so everyone has to chip in.”
  • “I think everybody is doubting us because Al went out,” Teague said. “I think it’s [made] us tighter. Guys want to win.”
  • If you weren’t impressed by the Ws against Charlotte, Minnesota, and Toronto then you at least have to give the Hawks Ps for this one. It’s not like it was a given they would win all of those games after the shock of losing Horford. “I didn’t know how we would fare because he does so much for this ball club,” Smith said.
  • Since blowing leads against Chicago and Miami, the Hawks have showed some finishing kick to close out New Jersey, Minnesota, Toronto and now the Blazers. None of those teams is as good as the Bulls and Heat but the Hawks have to get it done consistently against lesser competition if they hope to do it against the better opponents (which sounds kind of weird to say since they are missing their All-Star center).
  • “We maintained our composure,” Drew said. “That’s one area we have to continue to grow in. Last year in a situation you could read our body language, and runs kind of let the wind out of our sails. As of late, we have been withstanding runs and that’s a great sign to me and tells me we are starting to grow in that area.”
  • The winning plays included Smith blocking Gerald Wallace’s layup attempt and Johnson creeping up from behind on Wesley Matthews for a steal that led to an alley-oop dunk by Jeff Teague.
  • “I don’t know if he thought I was not going to try to get back in the play,” Johnson said. “He didn’t have any awareness when I was coming from behind. I didn’t want to tap the ball forward to where he could get it so I tapped it to where I could get it. Jeff Teague, I saw him running down the wing and I know he can fly so I just threw it up there and he went up there and got it.”
  • Johnson started 0 for 5 and then 8 of his next 14 shots. He had 10 of Atlanta’s 30 points in the second quarter and seven of 17 in the fourth. “That’s all it takes is to see a couple go in the basket,” he said. “We are doing a good job mocing the ball but I wanted to be a little more assertive in that second quarter.”
  • Smith didn’t make jump shots tonight but he had 11 rebounds, three blocks and three assists against three turnovers. LaMarcus Aldridge, Smith’s friend from their prep days, tested his slimmer frame and Smith held up pretty well while taking swipes at the ball to throw off Aldridge’s rhythm. “I was just trying to absorb the contact and get some help as little as possible,” Smith said. “When he caught it deep I was wanting them to come down and scrap a little bit and show him different looks. It definitely wasn’t just me.”
  • Williams had eight rebounds and 12 points on eight shots in 21 minutes. That’s similar to his production before he got hurt so maybe Drew needs to ride him when Ivan Johnson isn’t having much of an impact, like tonight.
  • Teague was driving to pass or get fouled (13 points on five shots). He did a good job on the ball-handler in pick-and-rolls–the problem at times was Aldridge easily shaking free on the pop.
  • Speaking of which, Drew’s decision to play Jason Collins against Kurt Thomas led to Thomas leaking out for those mid-range jump shots he favors and controlling the boards.
  • Meanwhile Zaza (11 rebounds in 27 minutes) was solid. Finishing at the rim remains an adventure and he didn’t get to the line tonight but he covers so much more ground than Twin and is always challenging ball-handlers and shooters.
  • Pargo came in and made his first four shots. He appeared to be a bit peeved about coming out after his second turnover in the first half.
  • Jamal tried to steal one from his old team. “I knew that was coming,” Josh said. “He actually probably still wanted to be here. It would have been nice to see him in a Hawks uniform. Things happen in this business. I wish him the best. I’m glad we were able to slow him down a little bit.”
  • “I tried not think about coming back to Atlanta and just tried to focus on getting a win,” Crawford said. “The Hawks are playing great even without Al in the lineup.”
  • The Hawks made 21 of 27 free-throw attempts but, go figure, two of the six misses came in the final 7.6 seconds.
  • Vladimir Radmanovic was a DNP-CD. “There were a couple times I wanted to get him in there but at that four spot I didn’t want to play him against certain guys,” Drew said. “He will be back into our rotation because I definitely need him.”
  • Print

152 comments Add your comment

Astro Joe

January 19th, 2012
11:24 am

MattP, do you think the Heat should trade DWade? They are undefeated without him after losing 3 straight with him.

Astro Joe

January 19th, 2012
11:26 am

BTW, do the Hawks get extra credit for winning a nationally televised game? No? Then who gives an ish how many people watch them win or lose a game?

yoursporthouse dot com

January 19th, 2012
11:32 am

Hawks drop in power rankings after winning 4 straight…

doc

January 19th, 2012
11:38 am

aj problem was that burger lost its freshness, was poisonous and with bibby would have been out in 5 is my guess instead of extending the season into a very fun extra few games that really shows what each team has. unfortunately, this entertaining part is just dress rehearsal for the real theatre which is what i really thrive on. most of the nba becomes relevant with each game having meaning during that season you dont put much value on. it is march madness the way we used to know it, blown up as big as bonds head and mcguire’s forearms on roids. i love 40 games in 40 nights concept on tnt, awesome! i would also like my team a part and sadly agree it wont happen below the mendoza line.

SteveW

January 19th, 2012
11:39 am

MC said, “Williams had eight rebounds and 12 points on eight shots in 21 minutes.” Yep. Forget he’s the 2nd pick. I’ll take that all day long from Marvin. Good support role.

Noticed Teague got some calls tonite on the drive he normally doesn’t get. Maybe the refs are starting to recognize him.

Such a shame, as much as LD has improved this season over last in some areas – and I give him props as maybe his biggest critic last season – that if Hinrich hadn’t gone down for Chicago, then this season, Teague would probably be languishing out of the rotation, and maybe even gone. Wow, sometimes things happen in life that make a positive, like that situation. I just hope LD doesn’t sit Teague when Hinrich gets back. Rest him, yes, but bench him, no.

Rev in Tampa

January 19th, 2012
11:41 am

I wasn’t at all impressed with Portland last night. The only thing that impressed me were all the steals. They made the Hawks look sloppy.

I think the Hawks could have played alot better – even without Horford.

I think the Hawks are a little better than we’ve given them credit. Its a shame Horford went down this year.

SteveW

January 19th, 2012
11:41 am

LD said, “Any combination I put on the floor we seem to have some kind of chemistry.” Very noticeable. We played 10 guys last nite, and that’s without Vlad Rad playing or Kirk. Deepest team since at least the 80’s maybe ever that I can remember for these Hawks.

SteveW

January 19th, 2012
11:42 am

Do need 1 more Big that’s serviceable – Daniels, ‘Sheed, Dampier, Pryzbilla, somebody, and then we’ve got an incredibly balanced team.

SteveW

January 19th, 2012
11:46 am

Josh said, “…;osing Horford. “I didn’t know how we would fare because he does so much for this ball club,” Smith said.”

Some of Josh’s supporters may not like Al, but Josh sure has made all the correct statements since he went down. Just sayin’, ya’ll don’t have to pilliory me – ya’ll know I like Josh.

Rev – The Blazers, at times, looked fast too me. Very quick team at certain positions. But JJ looks like the best on the break to me – one of the best in the NBA on the break – I like the ball in his hands on the fastbreak.

And if we could put Bibby’s brain in Josh’s body, you would have a player better than LeBron.

Astro Joe

January 19th, 2012
11:47 am

doc, I’ve moved on from every bad decision made in the past few years. I have even stopped harping on the decision to hire L and try to only focus on his game decisions (like we would any other head coach). Can’t change time. Bibby is gone (obviously a few years too latefor you), Teague is here (a few years too late for many), Jamal is gone, Hinrich will hopefully be healthy soon, etc. Time to focus on the here and now. Need another sevriceable big and for Joe, Josh, Marvin and Teague to continue to be aggressive.

ole richie

January 19th, 2012
11:49 am

josh smith is playing like hawks fans have always wished he would.

bigdave

January 19th, 2012
11:52 am

talks of breaking up Boston’s big 3 and going young have heated up..

how many mins can KG give you a night making 21 milli.. ?

does that deal bring you a ECF birth?

would a move centered around Marvin get it done?

bigdave

January 19th, 2012
11:52 am

*Marvin/Kirk

SteveW

January 19th, 2012
11:55 am

That above statement was not meant to be a knock on Josh – I always admired how Bibby always seemed to know exactly what to do with the BB – like he saw the game ahead of time. Josh is becoming a great ballplayer, but if he had that – wow!

O'Brien

January 19th, 2012
12:01 pm

AJ,

Speaking of the Thunder, at 12-2, they lost to a Wizards team that was 1-12. Ouch.

PMC

January 19th, 2012
12:01 pm

Just keep winning Hawks. FTW!

Admiral Ackbar

January 19th, 2012
12:03 pm

ITS A TRAP!!!!

doc

January 19th, 2012
12:03 pm

yup aj, that was what i was doing saying how refreshing it was to see teague do that remembering the times bibby missed em at the very same basket below me on layups. in this regard we are moving ahead. pargo and green looked legit last night against what portland, with a rook, had to offer as well.

a competent big would fit the bill, or play ivan more there and see how he holds up. it is not like he doesnt have the same size as shels. funny last night i looked at ivan and thought i saw a resemblance to shels body, just better feet and hands. zaza just has no hands and though he plays hard it limits him.

O'Brien

January 19th, 2012
12:05 pm

bigdave,

The only reason I would trade for KG is because his contract is expiring. His skills have declined tremendously, and he has played aton of NBA games in his career. With this compressed schedule, we need guys who can handle it a little better, and I dont think he can handle the schedule or father time.

doc

January 19th, 2012
12:08 pm

btw, i think the thunder can take it as they have some nuggets below the waist, very good guard play, a scoring savant that stresses defense and bigs to the point they traded one away for a 2nd round draft pick i was salivating about. balanced, young and mean with a center who has been there against the best, now back in shape after knee surgery and if he had been healthy the big three in boston would have had one more ring to take to the grave. they are what we should have been, instead of entertainment.

bigdave

January 19th, 2012
12:18 pm

Ob..

i agree, he’s not all pro KG..

couple positives though aside from the freed cap.. you move Marvin Williams, you fee a lot better than running ZaZa out there night end and out.

KG has been effective when seeing mins at the C position..

depending on match up; Sf- Josh Pf-KG C- ZaZa or Sf-Rad/Mac PF-Josh C-KG

Section 303

January 19th, 2012
12:21 pm

I just read Michael’s blog from yesterday about Jamal Crawford. I like Jamal a lot. Was one of the people giving him a standing ovation last night. But, I think his the big shots he hit (Phoenix, Orlando, Game 1 Bulls series) overshadow all his poor shooting nights. He had a lot of them last season. And, really, the Game 3 heroic 3 he hit against Orlando, came on a night when Jamal could not hit a basket. Over all, he was brutal that game. He just happened to hit the big shot to clinch the game. Had he been more consistent that night, the big shot would not have been needed.

I think T-Mac, Pargo, and Green are way more consistent players. This is a big reason why the Hawks are 11-4 right now. That’s not even getting into how much better defenders they are compared to Jamal.

Jamal is a great person. He had some awesome moments with the Hawks. But, the Hawks are better off after letting him go.

bigdave

January 19th, 2012
12:24 pm

not to mention you make that deal primarily for a serious playoff run vs regular season..

given we have the perennial master of minutes/fouls of a head coach

bigdave

January 19th, 2012
12:25 pm

veteran minutes that is..

BigTimeTECHFan

January 19th, 2012
12:40 pm

Update: Keith Benson DNP , coach cut him preseason.

How come all other teams seem to find these new big guys and develop them in game, yet Hawks won’t give anyone a chance. Took Ivan Johnson to embarrass them on National TV to get playing time. Last night Dallas played they have new big guy who did pretty good. It’s because they let him play early in the season and now he impact the game.

Took Teague forever to get playing time and he’s making a hugh impact.

Anyway Hawks are looking pretty good. They are better team simply because Teague is big upgrade from Bibby. 2 seed with Horford, not sure now that he’s hurt.

Rufus1

January 19th, 2012
12:52 pm

“And if we could put Bibby’s brain in Josh’s body, you would have a player better than LeBron.”-SteveW

I’ll take Bibby’s brain in Teague’s body.

Najeh Davenpoop

January 19th, 2012
12:54 pm

” I’m still not of the opinion that you can be both an elite team AND a non-tax paying team. I have not in the past nor currently have any faith in the Thunder (if anyone wants to offer them up).”

The Thunder will be a tax paying team once they extend Westbrook after this season. Westbrook and Harden are still on their rookie contracts. Either they both get extended or one gets traded.

Najeh Davenpoop

January 19th, 2012
12:58 pm

“Any combination I put on the floor we seem to have some kind of chemistry.”

…and both the starting unit and the bench have a legitimate point guard and/or playmaker (Teague, T-Mac). Coincidence?

Najeh Davenpoop

January 19th, 2012
1:02 pm

Just as I typed that last post, Westbrook signed for 5 years, $78 million.

Thunder still only have about $56 million in committed salaries to 11 players for next year, which speaks to how well Sam Presti has put together that team. But after next year, Harden and Serge Ibaka will be up for extensions, and at that point it is going to be close to impossible to avoid the tax.

Rufus1

January 19th, 2012
1:03 pm

“The Thunder will be a tax paying team once they extend Westbrook after this season. Westbrook and Harden are still on their rookie contracts. Either they both get extended or one gets traded”-Najeh Davenpoop

Don’t forget Ibaka and maynor.

Two are getting traded, because they can’t afford the LUX TAX. If they don’t win this year, they will be the western version of the Hawks…

The Truth

January 19th, 2012
1:42 pm

Kudos to the Hawks on a gutsy win, I was at the game and can testify that the backbone of this team w/o Al is still very good. That is because the backbone of this team has changed but not (currently) in decline. Without question, however, Al will be missed, but his double-double game is proving to be easier to replace than Josh or JJ all around game. As it stands now, the bench (by committee) is doing a fine job in filling the weaknesses of this so-called “soft team”. Frankly, I think the Hawks will be harder to game plan against because on any given night, different crème rises to the top.

Perhaps the toughest match-up problem for opposing teams will be a lineup with JJ, Josh and Tmac (assuming these players are on their game). I notice Portland started to double Tmac leaving Josh open. If Josh is in a zone, T-mac “balling”, and JJ “stroking” the offense of Al will not be missed. Again, though, if opponent game-plan is for that lineup in the 4th quarter, the Hawks is proving to still win in different ways with different players.

The maturation of Jeff Teague and the coach LD are also factors. Teague growth this year is showing up mostly in his BBIQ while LD is learning better how to mix and match players at the right time, in the right situations.

The chatter on this blog about a center upgrade is justifiable but I’m not ready to throw Collins under the bus yet. Does he score, no (not needed). Does he rebound, occasionally (but bench committee is filling the gap nicely). But Collins uniqueness that doesn’t show-up in the stats is lane enforcement. When he’s in the game, there is no “block parties” in the paint. Just his presence, discourages lane penetration. He’s better at that than even Al Horford. I’m sure the scouting reports for Jason Collins punctuates his ability to draw offensive fouls. LD is masterfully preparing him for his real purpose which is to stop D12.

Collins situational role might not be much, but it could be the difference between the Hawks advancing in the playoff or going fishing. Jeff Van Gundy commented last season that Collins defense against D12 was the best he’s seen all year. Remember also that Collins had other suitors pursuing him as a FA based primary on his D12 defense. So as this blog screams for a center upgrade, remember also, if there was one in the NBA it would require a near team blow-up to get him. That would be like cutting your noise to spite your face. In other words, you would cut some of your best players because you don’t like not having a better center. That would amount to checkmate for “the haters” and the foes.

I say “cherry-pick” a D-leaguer and move on.

KevinM

January 19th, 2012
2:04 pm

Has there been something said somewhere that has stated OKC would not go over the luxury tax if needed? I haven’t read that nor have do I think their timetable is limited as much as ours.
We have been told by the ASG if needed, we will go over that tax. Today, do you think they are going to come out and say we are now in the business of winning a championship?
We can wish all we want, but we do not hear what we want to hear from the ASG…..a lot of hope and wishes for them to see the limited window we are approaching. OKC has more flex than we do and they have already proven they can get to the conference finals.
We haven’t proven we can beat ORL in the playoffs. That’s it!

Bigman needed

January 19th, 2012
2:09 pm

Agree with most of your post truth. Collins contributions do not really show up in box score never have. But he clogs the lane. D12 didnt have the post arsenal to dominate like he needed to.

But we have to get a better than dleague center. We’ve got the piece to do it: heinrich. Pargo did a great job backing up. There’s no minutes for henrich. Let’s get a chandler, defense first type in here, not a dleaguer project

We need a defense first center: chandler

Bigman needed

January 19th, 2012
2:10 pm

Chandler type- not chandler!!!!!

Astro Joe

January 19th, 2012
2:12 pm

Kevin, it was a little fortuitous that OKC played the 8th seeded team int he second round of the playoffs. We have yet to face a lesser seeded team in the conference semi-final round.

There is a little too much western conference envy on this blog. Portland heasn’t made it out of the first round since McMillan became the coach AND the Hawks have won the last 5 or 6 meetings against them, yet, they get crazy love on this blog. I never understood the reason… they are no more elite than the Hawks. They made a boneheaded draft decision in 2005, have been hard pressed to find a PG and mostly run iso plays in their offense.

I guess it is one of those “grass is greener” things.

The Truth

January 19th, 2012
2:24 pm

“But we have to get a better than dleague center. We’ve got the piece to do it: heinrich. Pargo did a great job backing up. There’s no minutes for henrich. Let’s get a chandler, defense first type in here, not a dleaguer project” – Bigman needed

If we can find one w/o blowing up the roster, than great. but if Sund didn’t do anything bold in the last 4 years regarding center help under the old CBA, the new CBA gives him more ammo to do what he really wants to do. NOT A DM THANG

KevinM

January 19th, 2012
2:32 pm

Jermaine O’Neal fits the model we need, but he isn’t leaving Boston. His last interview, he was talking about his role with Boston, and scoring wasn’t part of that.

Looking at the Detroit roster, I see one guy who needs some minutes and he’s one of those guys like DeAndre Jordan from a couple of years ago: a guy who needs minutes, but a rookie and needs time to learn.
The name I come up with: Vernon Macklin – Detroit 6′10″ 240…currently behind Monroe and Ben Wallace……here’s snippet of a scout report:

Reminds me of:
Plays a lot like former Gator Al Horford when he decides to assert himself on the backboards.

16/6 at Florida last year and Coach Donovan thinks he could be a handful at the next level. If he works at rebounding and develops a left hand, he will be formidable.

At least he fits the salary structure we have here…….

The Truth

January 19th, 2012
2:44 pm

“The name I come up with: Vernon Macklin – Detroit 6′10″ 240…currently behind Monroe and Ben Wallace”

KevinM, how would you compare him to Benson?

STRETCH

January 19th, 2012
2:48 pm

Some of my thoughts from watching last nights game:

If this team continues to pass the ball they are a hard team to guard.
JJ – Seems like he’s getting tired of people blasting him about that contract. He looked the role once again. He doesnt need to be a 25/10/4 guy everynight but most nights. Thats what the bench is for.

Josh – For every good play he makes, he make a bad one. (This dude scares me!)

LD – Stood there on the sidelines and watched a 13-0 run by the Blazers before calling a timeout. This dude scares me too!

Zaza has heart but NO hands!

The Bench came through again last night. Gotta give a shout out to those guys!!!

But im really worried about free throws when it gets to crunch time.

Also, Marc Stein dropped them like 5 or 6 spots just because Al got hurt, and they just won 4 straight.

They are just going to have to go out there and earn the respect. LD playing Sir Charles’ comments might have something to do with it as well. Sund, go get a BIG!!!!

KevinM

January 19th, 2012
2:52 pm

Benson not thick enough; I dont’ see that being an issue with Macklin…he has the 20-25 lbs that Benson needs.
Benson is a better spot up shooter, Macklin’s game is around the basket.
Macklin is 2 years older as well…..not that that is a big factor. I see Macklin able to help more now if needed. But being a rook, he needs those minutes to get him acclimated.

Can you get him for cash? Not usually the way deals are done, but perhaps a trade exception could be the incentive, if we still have that TPE active?

Rufus1

January 19th, 2012
2:56 pm

The Knicks are so DESPERATE…

They are chanting “We Want Woodson’’…He is the perfect coach for them and they have Bibby. It woould be nice to see Bibby guarding D12 in the paint after the switch.

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/it_getting_ugly_Z0Sf9Eu8Jt4zTKCMbyZg8M?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=

KevinM

January 19th, 2012
3:00 pm

:Astro Joe

January 19th, 2012
2:12 pm
Kevin, it was a little fortuitous that OKC played the 8th seeded team int he second round of the playoffs. We have yet to face a lesser seeded team in the conference semi-final round.”

Well, to play a lesser seeded team, you first have to be seeded high enough for that to happen…being a 4 seed isn’t getting it done.
Now going forward, finishing 1 or 2 is key getting a more favorable playoff run.

No West envy here…we have enough issues on our coast. But the ECF on your resume is what it is…and OKC doesn’t have our division to get through.

We aren’t getting any breaks in our setup.

Our synopsis should say if we finish 3rd again in our division, we should blow it up. That alone speaks about where you are in the conference.

We almost have to win the division to be a 1 or 2 seed….how tough does that make our journey. No one has us 1 or 2 coming out of our division.

We have a lot to prove and will have to do it for the entire season before getting any respect.

MattP

January 19th, 2012
3:03 pm

“Daniels, 27, who left the team Sunday to play in South Korea.”

I guess Chris Daniels is out of the question. I was hoping they would atleast go after this guy.

The Truth

January 19th, 2012
3:04 pm

I may be a bit too cynical but I find it hard to believe Detroit would help the Hawks, an ECF contender, to sharpen our run in the playoff.

KevinM

January 19th, 2012
3:14 pm

Truth, we’re not a ECF contender yet…..what would DET ask for in this scenario? He was pick #52 last year….what is that worth?

This is where we are in dealing with the ASG. We can ‘hope’ for a bigger option, but we have to look on team’s benches to find a diamond in the rough….that’s how we ended up with Zaza and Collins.
But we also saw a decent college player, Randolph Morris, did with his skills after he turned pro.

Billy Bob

January 19th, 2012
3:17 pm

What do you mean they haven’t proved they can beat orlando in the playoffs? U must have forgotten how the hawks advanced last playoffs

Astro Joe

January 19th, 2012
3:21 pm

Kevin, OKC was the 4th seed last year. Memphis was 8th, and beat the #1 seeded Spurs. That left OKC with home-court advantage in the second round against the Grizzlies. Lakers & Mavs met in the other series. That is why I originally used the word “fortuitous”, because the Thunder did NOT have an “elite seed” to help them make their conference finals.

KevinM

January 19th, 2012
3:38 pm

Yes, OKC got that 4th seed, but they also made a huge trade during the season to push them forward and make them a better team in the latter part of the year as well as in the future.
We didnt have a move like that in the years we were a 4 seed. And SA or Memphis, OKC could have played with SA as well as they did with Memphis….and they almost lost to seed 8 as well.
We underachieved last year durng the season, and we played the 4th seed, and couldn’t keep up the momentum with the 1 seed.
Seeds supposedly don’t matter in the playoffs, but I beg to differ. We felt like successes because we beat ORL. That was satisfying enough for us.
All you have to do is swing one road game in your favor…we did that, and that wasn’t enough to prevent the collapse. Are we better for it this year? I don’t think anyone knows….we can lose as easily as we can win….that’s where we are.

KevinM

January 19th, 2012
4:32 pm

From a SI / Celtics article as to whether to blow up the Big 3:

“People might mention Atlanta’s need to free up money by dealing Josh Smith or Al Horford. But those players are the team’s best assets, the Hawks reportedly have tried to elbow their way into the Dwight Howard talks and, in case you’ve missed it, they are actually playing quite well as is.” (posted today at 12:43 ET)

Well, they are talking out in the open about how to move forward, because as they say, being around .500 is about the worse thing you can do.

KevinM

January 19th, 2012
4:35 pm

“Billy Bob

January 19th, 2012
3:17 pm
What do you mean they haven’t proved they can beat orlando in the playoffs? U must have forgotten how the hawks advanced last playoffs”

I didnt’ forget; I just typed it wrong…

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