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Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 97, Bucks 92

11:43 pm January 23, 2012, by Michael Cunningham

Milwaukee–The Hawks really didn’t solve their issues with holding second-half leads. They still had too many bad possessions, still gave up too many rebounds, and still had too many turnovers at key times.

  • But they also had Joe Johnson, who took over after a rough opening half. In this league, sometimes when a lot of things aren’t going right a team just needs its best player to make plays. Joe did it tonight in spite of Stephen Jackson and Co.’s best efforts to slow him.
  • “I just tried to alter my focus a little bit coming into tonight,” Joe said, “understanding that these five road games are very important and without Al [Horford] we all have to step up and do just a little more.”
  • Joe said he got it going on a play call in the third quarter that got him into the lane. From there, he showed off his ball-handling skills and all-court game. “That’s why I gave him the ball every time down,” Jeff Teague said. “He was just making plays like an All-Star should. He’s almost unguardable. He can dribble, he can shoot midrange, he can get to the cup. Just get the ball in his hands and he goes.”
  • “You’ve got to milk the cow until there is no milk left,” Josh Smith said. “They was beating on him all night and he showed so much resilience. He didn’t stop playing, played hard and kept adding physicality on his end. It’s just good to see when your leader is able to lead like that.”
  • Joe (and Teague and Josh) played all 24 minutes after halftime. “The one thing I wanted to do in the second half was get him into a rhythm,” Larry Drew said. “I had my mind made up I was going to ride him in the second half.”
  • Josh had another All-Star line: 19 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, three blocked shots, no turnovers. And, of course, that dagger 3 from the corner with four seconds on the shot clock.
  • Josh said he didn’t know it was going to swing around to him: “I was ready for it, though. I just cherish moments when guys give me the opportunity and put the trust in me. I feel obligated not to let them down. ”
  • Teague probably could have shot or made a play off the dribble but instead passed to Josh when Ersan Ilyasova came off of him. “I’ve got confidence in Smoove,” Teague said.
  • That sequence was set up when Johnson drew a double team and passed to Teague on the weak side. “We broke down a little but but Joe puts pressure on you,” Scott Skiles said. “He’s a legitimate 6-8, he collapses the defense and he can see people. He made a nice pass out, Teague made a nice play and Josh knocked it down.”
  • That play, Joe’s six free throws in the final 16.7 seconds and Marvin Williams’ deflection of Mike Dunleavy’s pass) salvaged what had been another lackluster offensive fourth quarter for the Hawks. “We had some bad stretches in the fourth quarter, but we kept fighting,” Drew said. “When they took the lead in the fourth quarter, it was a chance for us to see what we are made of. Our guys persevered and Josh came up with the three and Joe was absolutely phenomenal.”
  • Atlanta defended Milwaukee well in the fourth quarter but gave up five offensive rebounds.
  • The Hawks got a nice road W in a rough-and-tumble game. The Bucks tried to muck it up and Josh and Zaza Pachulia (14 rebounds, five personal fouls) were up to the task. It was pretty physical around the basket, similar to the game at Indy, and the Hawks responded better this time.
  • Teague was excellent in the first half (11 points on five shots, four rebounds). He struggled after halftime: Brandon Jennings rubbed him off screens too easily and kept picking his pocket.
  • Marvin never really got into the flow offensively, so he played 22 minutes to Tracy McGrady’s 26.
  • T-Mac missed some clean looks but it’s kind of fun to watch him when he’s in playmaker mode (five assists, no turnovers). Sometimes it looks like he’s dribbling aimlessly into trouble but then suddenly he’s passing to a teammate for a good look. His athleticism has declined but he has plus court vision and instincts and also always seems to come up with a couple key rebounds.
  • Vladimir Radmanovic reversed recent trends by making shots (2 of 3 3-pointers) and not adding much else in the box score in his eight minutes. Give Jannero Pargo credit for his ability to get his shot off when the offense is bogged down.
  • Ivan Johnson got second-half burn but was quickly pulled when he took a quick J in the fourth quarter.

Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat

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279 comments Add your comment

vava74

January 25th, 2012
11:50 am

Ken,

The troll’s purpose and aim is to get a kick out of the reactions to his posts, not to post quality or at least sincere/frank “hoopinion”.

I don’t have Horford in a pedestal like many, including you, and I don’t consider that Al is beyond reproach and criticism, in particular in light of his cr@ppy playoffs last year.

Al is not a PF, does not have the speed or the skill set to play PF effectively in the NBA so his wish to play PF in our Hawks should be targeted for criticism since the view that he can be a good PF is a GROSS mistake.

Al is what he is: an undersized C who typically worked his butt off down low to using his superior speed and agility (without the ball) but lately got too enamored with the glitter of those open jump shots.

Having said this, I think that Al was getting back to form slowly and his stats were down due to that (MC reported that he did not look in shape when he reported), so, again, some criticism on his off-season may be deserved BUT we should also factor the fact that he played for his country during the summer and may have needed to “wind down and relax a bit” (I personally believe that he should have worked to bulk up too instead of working on developing PF skills).

Also, I noticed that Al realized that his open looks from the baseline and the elbow were no longer as easily available and was starting to mix it up inside more so his loss was IMO a huge blow.

The point is:

1. Al should be the aim of justifiable and balanced criticism (I am not backtracking on my post playoff Diaper Al rants because IMO he deserved them THEN);

2. Criticism/commentary from the Troll should be seen strictly as “blog noise” and not the aim of rebuttals since it’s pointless: you are using up valuable energy replying to someone who is thrilled to tickle your nerves.

Rufus1

January 25th, 2012
11:59 am

Benson has just signed with a D-league team.

http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2012/1/25/2732354/atlanta-hawks-keith-benson-nba-development-league

Ken Strickland

January 25th, 2012
12:05 pm

STEVEW-these HORFORD HATING BASHERS don’t deal with FACTS or REALITY when it comes to Horford. If they did, they would have come up with the same FACTS you did, when it comes to Josh’s performance before AL went down. But that’s not what these ANALS are all about, and it doesn’t support their obsession.

I’d like to divide the remainder of the Hawks season into segments, like the 5 gm road trip we’re currently on. We can go 5-0 or 4-1 without much difficulty.

vava74

January 25th, 2012
12:06 pm

Rod,

POR’s game in ATL a few days ago was a perfect example on how Jamal, even on an OK night is a two way commodity:

Jamal started really hot, then overstayed on the court, shot blanks after blanks whilst not playing any D and POR went into a hole, then he got hot again and POR got back into the game but it was not enough.

The problem is that Jamal is too one dimensional to play so many minutes.

So, don’t bring Vinny into the mix because Vinny had better numbers ACROSS THE BOARD on assists, rebounds, steals, whatever…

Vinny was instant everything, not only instant offense.

Jamal is a very talented offensive player but he has way too many holes. I prefer consistent team play always.

Eric

January 25th, 2012
12:22 pm

Damn! talk about thought police! They just removed Almost Al of J.M. post. I guess he was right. this is a Al horford fan club. Im out of here.

This is like the gestapo

Eric

January 25th, 2012
12:29 pm

no wonder the poor fellow has to post under so many names, when he voices his opinion you block his name and IP address, then he has to start all over under a new name and address. Then you call him a troll. Thats not fair AJC

This is the Gestapo.

How many others who have commented negatively about Al have you blocked?

You have no credibility with the public only these with these spineless “dittioheads” on this page.

What a page of losers.

Fck Al Horford now block me too!

vava74

January 25th, 2012
12:32 pm

And where as I suck Dick you will have to have at least 8 inches for me to work with you.

vava74

January 25th, 2012
12:34 pm

Troll dicks are my favorites

daniel

January 25th, 2012
12:41 pm

Crawfords teammates want him to be an ineffecient chucker? thats because that who he is,

Rod from College Park

January 25th, 2012
12:43 pm

vava74

“So, don’t bring Vinny into the mix because Vinny had better numbers ACROSS THE BOARD on assists, rebounds, steals, whatever…

Vinny was instant everything, not only instant offense.”

“The 1990-91 season would be Johnson’s last with the Pistons. The “Microwave” played in all 82 regular season games for the Pistons averaging 11.7 PPG and 3.3 APG” he also averaged 3.4rpg, 32% 3 point percentage, 43%FG, 64% FT, and .9 steals per game.

Jamal last year with the Hawks averaged 14.2ppg and 3.2 apg, 1.7rpg, 34%3 point percentage, 42% FG, 85% FT, and .8 steals per game.

His numbers don’t look better across the board to me, they look very similar, but maybe I’m just seeing things (LOL). Vinny Johnson was instant offense, nothing else. He played on better teams.

Again, Jamal is paid to be a scorer, and that’s what he does. Drew asked him to score, McMillian aske him to do the same thing. If you don’t like that style of play, thats understandable, but Jamal is doing what is askedof him. Stop Hating.

Ken Strickland

January 25th, 2012
12:49 pm

VALVA74-I don’t think any player is above reproach, but there’s a big difference between being objectively critical of a player, and downright bashing, lying and misrepresenting facts about a player. I was critical of Bibby hurting the team in his role as a starter, and him playing major mins, but I didn’t blame Bibby, I blamed Drew. I didn’t refuse to acknowledge Bibby’s attributes and contributions. I just felt the team would have been better served with him utilizing those attributes off the bench and playing fewer mins.

And everything I said about both he and Jamal has been proven correct, and I never had to lie, misrepresent, trivialize, or make up anything about them to make my points. My mother is a retired psychologist, and being around her has had a profound influence on me. That’s why I find it so facinating, and sometimes annoying, that someone who wants attention, and to be viewed as intelligent and mature, would continuously utilize such a childish and obviously stupid approach to garnering attention to himself.

When you factor in his habit, or perceived need, to utilize multiple names, it takes it to a level where emotional and/or psychological issues become an issue.

vava74

January 25th, 2012
12:53 pm

Rod from college park that may be true but he let me ride his dick .

No Ken Srickland I dont think any player is above reproach as long as he has a big dick

Rod from College Park

January 25th, 2012
12:56 pm

“POR’s game in ATL a few days ago was a perfect example on how Jamal, even on an OK night is a two way commodity:

Jamal started really hot, then overstayed on the court, shot blanks after blanks whilst not playing any D and POR went into a hole, then he got hot again and POR got back into the game but it was not enough.”

Jamal Crawford had nothing to do with Portland losing that game in Atlanta. Hell, he was the only reason they were in it. Aldridge getting held to a draw by Josh, and Portland’s starting backcourt (Matthews, and Felton) were 5 of 22 from the floor. If not for Jamal, they lose by 20.

vava74

January 25th, 2012
12:57 pm

whoooaa!! I got hijacked!! Finally!! (didn’t take long :-D )

Ken Strickland

January 25th, 2012
1:05 pm

ROD FROM CP-I don’t think any of Jamal’s HCs asked him to ignore playing any DEF whatsoever, or to be a streak shooter, or take so many shots to score. The Hawks have managed to improve greatly upon what Jamal provided by signing and utilizing castoffs and minimum contract players that aren’t afraid of playing DEF.

Ken Strickland

January 25th, 2012
1:11 pm

VALVA74-Have you noticed how often these ANALS start posting these types of comments under someone elses name right after I post a scathing comment about them? THE TRUTH HURTS.

vava74

January 25th, 2012
1:13 pm

Rod,

You neglect several things, being that the first one is that stats don’t tell everything. But even so, just on stats, there is a world of difference between Jamal and Vinnie:

1. You are comparing Jamal aged 30 with Vinnie aged 35 when his game was decaying. Try comparing with Vinnie in 88/89 OK? :-D Vinnie’s FG% from the field was typically around .46, not .42.

2. You are comparing Jamal playing 30.2 minutes per game with Vinnie playing 29.1 (again in his last season with the Pistons when he was older and playing the second highest minutes per game average since 82/83).

Try to compare Jamal with Vinnie’s production on all stats when he was playing 24/25 minutes* which was his normal average.

3. You are not valuing 1.7 rebounds per game MORE from the G spot which is way wrong when dissing my argument of Vinnie’s much better all round game. Rebounding wins games and a guy coming off the bench averaging 3.4 rebounds per game on 29 minutes is pretty good whilst Jamal is KNOWN to be the poorest most disinterested rebounder in the league.

4. You did not present stats on TURNOVERS: 1.44 for Vinnie against 1.91 for Jamal (I acknowledge that AS A HAWK, Jamal was better than previously and that he improved there too).

5. I advise you to look at career numbers to see all the above clearer.

* 24/25 minutes per game should be the MAXIMUM usage ceiling for Jamal. It’s a pitty that all HC use Jamal too much.

drmaryb.[*_*].

January 25th, 2012
1:26 pm

5 Tools!

“The ASG will have to make a decision on whether to pay Josh $30m more than other teams are offering or start rebuilding. ” -my buddy-
__________

BuddyG, I think they do it. Especially IF Josh breaks the AS glass ceiling. Of course the ASKG will have to dump some salaries: take your 4 picks from the litter. Even if that means Horford. Josh gives you 5 players rolled into one and would anchor the Big Three concept. He young and he IS the highlight factory all by himself, (see Nique).

In a way, it would be the start of re-tooling with an all-in-one player. Should Josh bolt, who will protect the rim?

Besides, they said they would go into the tax for the right player – Josh fits that criteria.

Joe
Josh
Al
Teague

Like Ivan said, if not Kobe, Bron, D12 – the rest are “extras”. Josh is NOT an extra.

Najeh Davenpoop

January 25th, 2012
1:37 pm

New blog up.

For what it’s worth (not much), Hollinger’s crazy computer models give the Hawks a 48.9% chance of winning the division and a 11.5% chance at the #1 seed — both better odds than Miami or Orlando.

Bigman needed

January 25th, 2012
1:39 pm

Tyger: that 3 way trade with granger is a thing of beauty, works for all teams. Granger has not been himself this year and of course okafor is what we need here, a true defensive bigman who doesnt need shots. Money makes sense, but hawks would be committing more salary.

Mcgee is even more intriguing, a cheaper option, true 7 footer, shot blocker, but baggage, may need touches. A lot of upside.

Either way we need to make the move for a true center and we’ve got the pieces to do it

Ra'mon

January 25th, 2012
2:14 pm

I honestly could see Josh going to Boston or LAL. I also see Josh heading to SAS also, or Houston. I think Josh is the type who will go where he can win, and not be caught up in money.

tyger

January 25th, 2012
2:17 pm

Thanks Bigman, I’m in the wrong profession:

Javale McGhee is harder to match…
His potential is far greater than his current salary…
His attitude is a result of his circumstance…
You dont want a player satisfied with losing, it ought to hurt…
Again, WizBullets a mess, look like old Clippers…
Too many bad and min. contracts, Vesey is attractive…

DS

January 25th, 2012
2:50 pm

Why do people here keep thinking that NO would take Marvin/Hinrich for one of their bigs? They already have plenty of guards and 2 wings that are comparable to Marvin (Ariza & Aminu). If you say they’re after expiring contracts, they already have one on Kaman.
I’m just saying…trades need to make sense for both parties, you know?

hittman jamillion

January 25th, 2012
5:54 pm

Rufus mcgee is a betters rebounder,defender,shotblocker,more athletic,and over 7feet. If he avg ten pts a game we good. Thats only like four points less than al,but the presence of a full time shot blocker in itself will cut down on easy baskets tremendously. Its a no brainer business decision and the wizards a bite on that trade i proposed,just like last year i suggested we trade for deandre jordan before the league seen how good he was,guess you wouldn’t do that trade either

Censorship

January 25th, 2012
6:35 pm

“no wonder the poor fellow has to post under so many names, when he voices his opinion you block his name and IP address, then he has to start all over under a new name and address. Then you call him a troll. Thats not fair AJC”

Censorship My Azz

January 25th, 2012
6:39 pm

“no wonder the poor fellow has to post under so many names, when he voices his opinion you block his name and IP address, then he has to start all over under a new name and address. Then you call him a troll. Thats not fair AJC”

Poor fellow. Thinks his “opinions” are why he is blocked and not his filth.

The AJC lacks the funding to even send a beat writer to Texas, and this fool thinks that they have someone dedicated to poring over his posts to censor him. Like they give two half sh!ts about his drivel. LOL!

tyger

January 25th, 2012
7:01 pm

DS must I spell it out for you verbatim…

NO is owned by the league…
The league is trying to sell the team…
New owners want small payroll..
.
Winning is secondary…
Hinrich + Kaman = $22M off the books – that’s a win…
Marvin, Ariza, Aminu would make a nice tandem…
In fact, I would dare say Marvin would be the man…

Marvin needs more freedom, deferring to JJ is no way to live…

doc

January 25th, 2012
8:05 pm

one of the best bargains in the league and he was only one of the players that stupid guy dolans gave up to pay mega millions to melo:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/4468

4 yrs at 42 mil. would love it if marvin came close to those nimbers of 17.5 and 6.

Big Lou

January 25th, 2012
8:13 pm

Kirk is back… where is the new blog at? Almost game time!

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