Atlanta Hawks at Lakers: Game thread
Los Angeles–It’s the usual starters for the Hawks. Steve Blake (ribs) is active for the Lakers.
- Jason Collins (elbow) has joined the team here but Larry Drew said it’s doubtful he will play on the trip. That means there’s a pretty good chance Erick Dampier will stick around for a second 10-day contract.
- Collins said the elbow is feeling a lot better and has a checkup with his doctor tomorrow. He’s eager to play. “Especially a game like tonight,” he said.
- Kirk Hinrich said he “feels great” physically and sounds as if he’s ready for more minutes: “I’m just staying patient.”
Hawks players gathered around Josh Smith’s IPad to watch Knicks underdog sensation Jeremy Lin hit a game-winning 3 at Toronto.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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624 comments Add your comment
Ra'mon
February 15th, 2012
1:44 am
Grandad, you say Josh played poorly, though he played great on the defensive end, kept the team in the game on the offensive end in the first half. And started the 3rd quarter with 2 great assists (to Teague and Joe), and screened Joe free on a jumper in the lane for Joe on 3 out of 4 possessions. But you turn and say Vlad played great, even though he was the one getting out rebound, and scored on helplessly during the biggest stretch in the game (not to mention getting dunked on by Artest at the end of the game). We all have our opinions. But that’s a strange one.
Hawks Fan Down Under
February 15th, 2012
1:46 am
And again we lose to a plus 500 club and JJ is just ok against a plus 500 club. How on Earth is JJ an All Star…seriously?
I didnt think beating up on dud ball clubs but failing against the elite would make you an All Star but I guess I’m wrong.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 15th, 2012
1:47 am
“What the f do the Hawks do RIGHT NOW to improve this team as it i to compete for the rest of the season!!!”
Am I “Nazr”? Nazr Mohavenpoop?
Trade Kirk for a big man, cut Twin, sign Dampier for the rest of the season, run at least 5 pick and rolls with Teague and Josh every game, and send Al Horford to Kobe’s German doctor to get his shoulder to heal quicker.
Or trade two of the Hawks’ medium-sized three for Dwight Howard for the rest of the season.
Rusty
February 15th, 2012
1:47 am
Let’s face it LD is a heavy anchor on this team.
Rod from College Park
February 15th, 2012
1:47 am
Bet I can guess what the starting lineup will be tomorrow. LOL
Hawks Fan Down Under
February 15th, 2012
1:50 am
Josh played well, Josh played bad, Josh played well, Josh played bad….This is Josh in a nutshell. He does great stuff then stupid/selfish stuff. Back-to-back 3 pt attempts??? Is he serious?!?!?! Then he’ll make a great move down low or lead the break for the easy score, then jack up a selfish 22 footer then lead the break and throw the ball straight into the stands.
This IS Josh and he’ll never change. Trade him for lottery picks or a defensive center and lets move on from the yo-yo PLEASE!
northcyde
February 15th, 2012
1:52 am
Co-sign Najeh @ 1:18
And it’s not the first time he’s done that either. He’s even done it with JJ and Teague. Without Al Horford, he simply can’t sit Josh for long stretches like that. He’s just gonna have to accept the fact that against top notch teams, JJ and Josh need heavy minutes. Play them 6 minutes and rest them 3 minutes, if you’re that concerned about their minutes.
How a “tough guy” like Ivan doesn’t play in this game is beyond me. My bad. I remember. Drew is an offensive minded coach, not a defensive one.
@ Grandad -were you proud of JJ’s defense on Kobe tonight?
Kontract
February 15th, 2012
1:53 am
Thats better Najeh…at least part of that is realistic right now!!! What “big man” we gonna get for Kirk, though?Can we trade 2 players to get Dwight?
Chicken Hawk
February 15th, 2012
1:58 am
Can this team PLEASE go to another city and let them watch this mess year after year? I have been a fan since a kid watching Tree Rollins, Steve Smith and Wilkins. I admit in 2007 I really thought these baby Hawks were on the verge of something big but it has not gone to another level.
Horrible signings, empty arena, lackluster play over and over, coach changes, etc…
Still the same crap. I support my Atlanta teams but it is getting hard to continue sticking with these Hawks. Tired of no emotion Joe Johnson. Tired of the ugly Josh Smith jumper. Tired of Marvin Williams period. Time to move on. Let another city enjoy this team because we don’t.
northcyde
February 15th, 2012
1:58 am
Drew created the jumpshooting Josh when he changed the offense and played Smith at SF last year. Now he doesn’t like what he sees. Well Drew, change the offense again to where Josh is never out on the perimeter.
Can’t play the discipline game now with him. It’s too late.
Buddy Grizzard
February 15th, 2012
2:01 am
“Hell, I’d even be interested in hiring JVG at this point. Can’t be any worse than LD.” – Spyro
Cosign. I think Jeff is a better coach than the Master of Panic (or the Apprentice of Panic, LD for that matter). But JVG lost all his hair and lost his passion for coaching. He’s a commentator for life I believe.
“Buddy: Chalk u up as a blowhard like the other trolls..Damn, tryin to ask a serious Q about our Hawks….” – Kontract
I’m dead serious. The only thing that can save the Hawks is for Josh Smith to become a superstar. JJ is what he is and he’s not getting any younger. Josh is the only Hawks player with superstar upside. LD is not the coach to bring that out of him. LD simply does not have the STATURE to tell Josh how to play and have him listen (not that I think LD knows the correct way to play or how to teach it). By hiring a first ballot hall of fame coach such as Phil Jackson or Jerry Sloan, you’d have a coach that was A. actually qualified to teach Josh the game of basketball and B. of a great enough stature that Josh would actually stop and listen. Who the F is LD? He will never have another head coaching job in the NBA. Why should Josh listen to him?
Now how extactly was I trolling?
Rusty
February 15th, 2012
2:05 am
Buddy your a 1000% right.
Buddy Grizzard
February 15th, 2012
2:08 am
“Can’t play the discipline game now with him. It’s too late.” – northcyde
Sad but true… explains the whole psychological dynamic between Josh and LD. LD created this monster… can’t put him back in the closet.
Timmy
February 15th, 2012
2:12 am
I agree that the only chance the Hawks have is for Josh to become superstar. Sadly it’s not going to happen.
Grandad
February 15th, 2012
2:15 am
Najeh Davenpoop
‘`Because you see what you want to see`’
Not so;
If that were true why would I be on here having a
‘`schizophrenic meltdown`’ over JS.
I am for the hawks. I’m not a hero worshiper.
I see the players for who they are.
I wish for Josh to succeed.
To say:
I see what I want to see is; both inane and empty.
One thing you say is Josh is our most important defensive player.
I can’t agree with that statement.
He blocked 3 shots tonight, but, Bynum and Gasol had their way !
Josh is a poor … check that … bad fundamental, position defender.
He takes himself out of plays going for steals,
he does not transition well to defense, poor help defender,
yes I said poor help defender, *[take his eyes off the ball];
*[turn his head and loses his man for back cuts]
Does not box out, leaks out early (cherry picks).
I could continue but I’m tired of picking on our best player.
I watch the dad-blasted game !
Dunks & alley oops count two points – thats it.
They do not impress me.
You are right, I see what I wish to see.
Good team defense and overall team play.
And for others who see what they want to see:
V-Rad played a good floor game tonight; * Spyro *
I reckon yawl wanted him to do badly.
For the last time:
I watch the game & I watch alot of the little things
that win & or lose games.
I’m sorry for those who wear blinders.
Yes, Josh is a curiosity ?
I hope all yawl enjoy watching him chuck chuckers
and wondering if the ball’s going in or gonna miss the backboard ?
I say trade him [JS] now.
Gasol is twice the player.
No, Josh did not deserve to be an all-star.
Neither did JoeJ.
But who cares.
The object is to win games that count.
Buddy Grizzard
February 15th, 2012
2:20 am
If G-Dad saw what he wanted to see…
…naked Brazilian maidens?
Chicken Hawk
February 15th, 2012
2:20 am
Sign an Asian player to spark this team.
Grandad
February 15th, 2012
2:24 am
Ra’mon
Did you even read and attempt to comprehend what I was saying.
And, No, I did not say V-Rad played Great.
I think I said:
‘`he played well`’.
Which he did.
Watch the whole game.
Not just what you want to see;
as Najeh says.
As it pertains to V-Rad.
Grandad
February 15th, 2012
2:27 am
nc
The answer is Yes.
Also, I really wish for Joe to succeed.
He seems to be such a nice man.
Grandad
February 15th, 2012
2:28 am
Buddy G.
“…naked Brazilian maidens? ”
Finally someone who understands me !!
High-sider
February 15th, 2012
2:34 am
@Kontract
“Nazr as well…quick to criticize throw out some astute facts but unable to answer the Q: What the f do the Hawks do RIGHT NOW to improve this team as it i to compete for the rest of the season!!!” – Kontract
Kontract, the Hawks should make a trade/deal to acquire a bonafide [spelling?] scorer. Willie Green is not the answer. I know it’s extremely unlikely to happen but the Hawks should try and swap Kirk Hinrich for Jamal Crawford straight up. Portland is disgusted with Felton and Jamal is unhappy. [The] Portland [Trail Blazers] would love a veteran guy like Hinrich to possibly take over or backup the point guard duties. Then, the Hawks could move Willie Green for another serviceable big [man]. Firing LD is out of the question; that termination [firing] would make no sense and would be a bad PR [Public Relation] move. The Hawks’ [win-loss] record is just too good at 18-11 right now to make that drastic of a decision such firing LD. LD is not the best coach in the NBA but he’s not the Hawks’ biggest problem. The Hawks’ biggest problems are weak front court depth and the lack of scoring, more specifically, the lack of a bonafide [spelling?], prolific scorer. Jamal Crawford gives you that scorer, playmaker, and long-range shooter who can stretch the defense, however, Jamal’s defensive ability [or lack thereof] would be a major area of concern for the Hawks and the AJC bloggers who hate Jamal.
High-sider
February 15th, 2012
2:38 am
@Spyro
I hear ya. So you consider that shade to be ginger, interesting.
northcyde
February 15th, 2012
2:48 am
Jamal ain’t doing Jack but proving why good teams didn’t pick him up or why bad teams didn’t overpay for him. His unrelated cousin destroyed him tonight. Blazer blogs are on FIRE tonight. Batum stepped up big time. Jamal laid down and quit. Keep that dude on the left coast.
Michael Cunningham
February 15th, 2012
2:50 am
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.