Atlanta Hawks: Warriors 85, Hawks 82
- If you didn’t just click on the headline with the score, would you be able to tell which game Larry Drew was talking about when he said this about his offense: “We settled, especially in the first half. I thought we shot way too many jumpers. We cant’ be seduced into taking jump shots. We fell prey. We’ve got to be smarter and understand the flow of the game. It’s one thing if you are making jump shots but, if you are not, then you can’t settle.”
- I’ve been covering this team for 2 1/2 seasons now and Drew (and Mike Woodson before him) could say the same thing about the vast majority of the games the Hawks play. The difference between winning and losing often is the difference between making or missing those jump shots–with the occasional twist, like tonight’s 16 of 26 shooting from the free-throw line.
- A night after the Warriors were blown out by Indiana, they beat the Hawks not with a high-possession, high-efficiency game–which would still be bad but at least somewhat expected–but with defense, rebounding and David Lee and Monta Ellis doing what they do down the stretch.
- The Hawks saw Dominic McGuire, replacing Stephen Curry in the backcourt, collect 15 rebounds while successfully harassing Joe Johnson (who was sore-kneed, but still). The Hawks couldn’t score or rebound against a bad defensive and rebounding team.
- “I’m not surprised,” Drew said. “They are pretty relentless on the glass. You have to get bodies on guys. Lee is a good rebounder. [Ekpe] Udoh is a good rebounder. McGuire, that’s what he does.”
- It’s true that Lee and McGuire are good on the glass. But Udoh is not a good rebounder and collected 8 in 31 minutes against the Hawks. Brandon Rush had eight in 29 minutes, Klay Thompson had six in 29 as Golden State got 18 rebounds in 91 minutes from its bench vs. three in 49 minutes for the Hawks.
- Speaking of the reserves . . . Thompson worked over Willie Green, who still played 21 minutes in small lineups even though he wasn’t scoring. Tracy McGrady, who can rebound and create shots for others (even if he’s still struggling to finish or get calls), didn’t play after a six-minute stint in the first quarter.
- Remember when the Hawks blew all those layups against the Lakers? The Warriors are not the Lakers but they recorded nine blocked shots and the Hawks couldn’t finish against them, either. “I thought we just missed a lot of point blank shots with nobody us,” Johnson said. “It happens. It’s tough but I’m sure we will bounce back and get the next one. This is definitely a tough loss for us because we definitely felt like we should have got the win.”
- Monta Ellis sure likes to shoot a lot of Js. But he supplemented that with lots of post-ups against Jeff Teague, who struggled to hold his ground and challenge once Ellis fired away. Teague had a solid offensive game that could have been better if his teammates made more of the good looks he created.
- McGuire is the latest rangy wing to make it tough on Joe to score. After a 1 for 8 start, Joe made 5 of his next 9 shots. He looked stiff-legged at times. “It got a little stiff, especially in the fourth quarter,” he said. “Other than that, I was pretty good. I wouldn’t say I’m 100 percent but I was decent.”
- “A few times he looked like he was dragging it a little bit,” Drew said. I know the Hawks need to keep winning games but if eight days off doesn’t get Joe to 100 percent then perhaps they should think about sitting him, especially considering his history of poorly managing his injuries. You can’t question Joe’s toughness so he doesn’t need to prove it at the expense of never getting the knee right.
- Drew said Green sprained his back when Lee crashed into him. He didn’t have any details on his status.
- Josh Smith missed 15 of 20 shots while taking too many Js, was sluggish on defense, and could have had more than eight defensive rebounds with better focus. The Warriors encouraged him to face up when he looked like he wanted to post up.
- Marvin Williams missed some open looks. He usually attacks the basket when that happens but tonight he stopped doing that after he struggled to finish when he got there. At least he had five defensive rebounds.
- Zaza Pachulia struggled to finish, too, which is his weakness. But he played to his strengths, too, doing good work on the boards and offering some resistance when the Warriors ventured inside.
- Kirk Hinrich has been iso-happy lately.
- Drew and Johnson each were offered the rust excuse.
- Drew: “It could have been [rust]. One thing is with a few days off, you don’t want guys laying around the whole break. But I’m not blaming it on that. We didn’t play the way we were capable of playing and we didn’t play with energy.”
- Johnson: “Granted, the layoff, but, no excuse, man. They beat us to a lot of hustle plays. They got a lot of easy baskets. We shot a lot of jump shots and we weren’t making them, so it was tough.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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456 comments Add your comment
pointguardslim
March 1st, 2012
5:20 pm
As for size mismatches that PGSlim pointed out, why does it seem like our most important players don’t want to play in the paint? Can you imagine Sir Charles suggesting he’s a mismatch at the SF instead of driving the ball to the hoop?
————-
Ironically there is video somewhere on youtube of Sir Charles starting at small forward to match up with the Los Angeles Lakers.
And Sir Charles was 6′5 280 lbs. Josh Smith is 6′8 225 lbs. That’s like comparing a cannonball to a string bean.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 1st, 2012
5:21 pm
“When was the last time the Hawks made a mid-season trade? $500 for the first correct answer.”
The atrocious Kirk trade from almost exactly one year ago.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 1st, 2012
5:22 pm
“That figure of 150 comes from sportscenter…
I myself have no clue how they came up with that.”
I think they mean combined years. The Braves, Hawks, and Falcons have each been here about 50 years. If they added the Thrashers and Flames it would probably be more than that.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 1st, 2012
5:23 pm
“Are there folks on this blawg still:
‘` wishin` and hopin` ”
that Dwight the ‘` quitter`’ will come here,
for a short spell.”
So Dwight is a quitter, but Kaman and Zaza would be our Twin Towers?
Grandad, why are all your favorite players white? Just wondering.
Ra'mon
March 1st, 2012
5:32 pm
KevinM, who was the last highlight factory PF to win a title? Go ahead with the answer, I’m waiting….. Josh has been trying to work on his jumper to prolong his career. Name any high flying PF’s that didn’t get a serious injury within 6-7 seasons? Stoudamire, McDyess, Kemp did about year 8th. You can’t have a successful career playing that style of basketball. And Josh won’t be able to go and match up on the block with 6′11 or 7′0 forwards posting up successfully. Imagine in your mind Josh posting up Duncan or Gasol. Its not a pretty picture.
northcyde
March 1st, 2012
5:32 pm
Lol Najeh. People forget that we traded for Kirk. That trade is looking worse and worse, with the way Faried and JC2 are playing lately.
Ra'mon
March 1st, 2012
5:34 pm
G’dad, how has D12 quit on his teammates when he’s having a career season in rebounding? And is in line to get his 4th straight Defensive Player of the Year award? People want Dwight, the same way they would’ve wanted Ewing if he became a free agent in his prime.
Ra'mon
March 1st, 2012
5:35 pm
Najeh, I wondered that a while ago too, but didn’t say anything. But oh well. They play ‘the right way’.
Sautee
March 1st, 2012
5:35 pm
Najeh, Grandad has said many times that Rodman was his favorite player, so it’s definitely NOT what you are thinking.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
March 1st, 2012
5:37 pm
FIRE LD
Rev in Tampa
March 1st, 2012
5:38 pm
I got worried that Drew wasn’t going to blame the loss on lack of energy. But he snuck it in there right at the end of the article. Whew!
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
March 1st, 2012
5:38 pm
When was the last good trade the Hawks made at midseason?
prison mike
March 1st, 2012
5:44 pm
Make that happen asap with Al and JJ for DH and Turk. Even throw in an unprotected 13 pick as a deal maker.
pointguardslim
March 1st, 2012
5:45 pm
“So Dwight is a quitter, but Kaman and Zaza would be our Twin Towers?
Grandad, why are all your favorite players white? Just wondering.”
Najeh I think Grandad is/was a ginger in his youth. It explains so much.
pointguardslim
March 1st, 2012
5:45 pm
At times Rodman was a ginger as well
LT
March 1st, 2012
5:48 pm
“#Hawks player Josh Smith says Larry Drew was feeling ill last night vs. GSW. “That wasn’t his typical game management.”
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
pointguardslim
March 1st, 2012
5:49 pm
Ra’mon people see D12 the same way they see Josh. Uber athletic so he should dominate every game.
Dwight is a 6′10 Tyson Chandler.
pointguardslim
March 1st, 2012
5:53 pm
@LT just to reiterate thats a fake tweet twisted by me.
I’m just sick of these PR (public relations) stunt statements.
Here’s Josh Smith getting dominated by /playing vs Scalabrine. Then I can show a video of Josh vs Paul Pierce. He’s a natural monster at small forward.
For example If Joe Johnson is being guarded by Dominic Mcguire then why not go with Josh Smith vs Dorell Wright?
Why Marvin (-7 +/- yesterday, only starter with negative +/-) vs Dorell Wright?
Why Josh Smith vs David Lee?
Make the adjustments LD.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
March 1st, 2012
5:54 pm
Terry Stotts > LD
pointguardslim
March 1st, 2012
5:54 pm
Bad Matchups: SF Josh Smith vs PF Size (Scalabrine)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obkac655JRM
Ra'mon
March 1st, 2012
5:59 pm
PGS, I didn’t see Johnny Cochran dominate every case. I haven’t seen where Gordon Ramsey always dominated the kitchen. And I know there’s not a single person in this blog who dominates their job every single day. Josh and Dwight aren’t professionals going against amateurs. Give credit to the opposition. Three seasons ago Dallas’ fans were furious with Cuban for having an untouchable status on Dirk. It’s crazy to be unrealistic. No one player in any sport won every match up. Buster Douglas beat Mike Tyson. Now on what other day of the week would Douglas have won that fight? More often than not Josh will be one of the three best all around players on the court, no matter the other team. And Dwight will be best big man in the game. But they’re still human.
Ra'mon
March 1st, 2012
6:01 pm
What other Hawk player would have missed fifteen shots on a terrible night and still end up with a double double?
pointguardslim
March 1st, 2012
6:02 pm
That old video of Scalabrine vs Josh is 3 years old I believe.
Here’s Josh vs Lee: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMNIR0WGLng
This scouting report is old. Use size to frustrate Josh and keep him outside. Play him to his right hand.
Play big, he’s 225 lbs. dont let him back you down. Keep him off boards.
So if he cant back you down what happens? Jumper city!
We never have the better matchups throughout our whole starting lineup. Just read MC’s hints he drops in his report how many times he mentions “size” or “small”
But the absolute scariest part about Josh and saddest thing about being a Hawks fan is that Josh Smith led the team in +/- with +8 last night.
Marvin 41 minutes -7. Small bench guards negative numbers. McGrady negative numbers. Ivan at center negative numbers.
Now Dampier is back try bigger lineups.
Let marvin play backup PF for time being or something like that. Egos need to be checked at the door. Just win
Jeff-Joe-Josh-Ivan-Zaza
Pargo-Hinrich-mcgrady-marvin-dampier
Joe for 3
March 1st, 2012
6:05 pm
Bob Sura!
Rod from College Park
March 1st, 2012
6:07 pm
“Why Marvin (-7 +/- yesterday, only starter with negative +/-) vs Dorell Wright?”
Don’t tell northcyde that. He thinks MAAVALOUS had a wonderful game. He had a double-double you know. LOL
Mac-Town (#maconchevyrider)
March 1st, 2012
6:07 pm
#Hawks officially re-sign C Erick Dampier for rest of season. 3 hours ago
CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!
pointguardslim
March 1st, 2012
6:08 pm
PGS, I didn’t see Johnny Cochran dominate every case. I haven’t seen where Gordon Ramsey always dominated the kitchen. And I know there’s not a single person in this blog who dominates their job every single day. Josh and Dwight aren’t professionals going against amateurs. Give credit to the opposition. Three seasons ago Dallas’ fans were furious with Cuban for having an untouchable status on Dirk. It’s crazy to be unrealistic. No one player in any sport won every match up. Buster Douglas beat Mike Tyson. Now on what other day of the week would Douglas have won that fight? More often than not Josh will be one of the three best all around players on the court, no matter the other team. And Dwight will be best big man in the game. But they’re still human.
Tell that to Grandad and LD. Tell him Josh should take Marv’s spot and that he does nothing good and find a PF who can hit a jumper.
Josh Smith led the team in plus minus yesterday (+8). Followed by Teague (+7)
Marvin -7.
Then as a fan I have to go on the 1st page and read Grandad talk about Marvin would never go 5 for 20. THAT’s THE PROBLEM. HE CANT GET HIS OWN SHOT!
That’s the saddest part of this team. Dumb coaches and fans who wont admit Josh is human and admit he doesnt have advantage in the post. And wont adjust accordingly.
Starting Marvin (or any non All Star caliber SF or G) next to Josh is diluting the lineup makes this team undersized and soft.
Play Ivan and pound the glass
Ra'mon
March 1st, 2012
6:15 pm
PGS, I’ll admit, that Josh is the 2nd best SG on the team (Joe’s the first), and still the best PF on the team. Its funny though, while Josh can’t hit a consistent jumper. In his first 5-6 seasons, I don’t remember Grant Hill being too good at that mid range jumper either.
pointguardslim
March 1st, 2012
6:18 pm
Josh’s a SG? You mean SF?
Its Any case its funny because Joe Johnson will often be covered by SFs while SGs cover Marvin Williams.
Sub Marvin for Ivan and we’ll see nobody pick on us anymore. LD is a miserable coach for his aversion to big lineups.
Ra'mon
March 1st, 2012
6:22 pm
Yea, SF.
Grandad
March 1st, 2012
6:31 pm
Dennis Rodman & Shane Battier;
are white ?
I understand Battier has parents from a multi-cultural marriage.
Does that make him ….. what ….. I don’t know ?
I really like Al – now he`s Dominican:
what color are they ?
As a younger man, I liked Wilt above all.
-color- ?
I support Obama who is an Hawaiian American.
Myself – part native American / either *Creek or *Cherokee.
I’ve been unable to substantiate which.
My dead-beat dad was most likely in the Klan.
[although, I would`t know, as he was never around]
However, I was raised by my single, hard-working, forward thinking,
progressive, Renaissance Mom who would not allow me to harbor
neanderthal, unenlightened, nor intellectually backward thinking.
Without divulging everything concerning my family;
I`m certain it would surprise you to know the make-up;
no pun intended, of my nuclear family.
If you have any further concerns about my, ahem,
open minded, progressive thinking on:
race, politics, religion, faith, existence, Quantum Physics,
Southern living, Georgia History, Basketball, logic,
Ron Paul, Charlie Pride, the Atl Braves, the Dawgs,
‘`Leave it to Beaver`’, Roberto Clemente, cornbread,
Health and or Fitness, World History, Geography,
Jimmy Carter, Gandhi, Robert Dole, Ross Perot,
or Dorothy Dandridge ?
I will be happy to share with one and all.
By the way:
Favorite Braves;
Murph, Maddux, Andruw Jones … in that order.
Favorite Dawg … al-time … Hines Ward !
Any furter questions about my integrity:
-direct them to-
Mary Ellen – (aka) – drmaryb
pointguardslim
March 1st, 2012
6:39 pm
lol Grandad the over defensive white guy.
“I support Obama who is an Hawaiian American.” Oh lawd.
Grandad how would you feel if Josh Smith played the SF on some superteam and we were stuck rebuilding?
Because every coach knows that Josh Smith is more Shawn Marion than Amare/Dirk. I don’t want him to be my PF.
And Josh will become Dennis Rodman (6ppg or whatever) when you find Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan.
closest Hawks have come to Michael and Scottie are Joe Johnson (all star) and Marvin Williams (all trash/klutz/big for nothing).
Grandad
March 1st, 2012
6:40 pm
pointguardslim
Tell me what the heck is a ‘`ginger`’ and I’ll answer your asinine,
libelous remark.
Grandad
March 1st, 2012
6:41 pm
Ra`mon
You got something to say ?
ryan
March 1st, 2012
6:41 pm
IMO Lenny Wilkins was the best coach we ever had that team with Steve Smith , Mooky Blaylock , Mutombo , was the best time being a Hawks fan now it just hard to cheer for this any more .
pointguardslim
March 1st, 2012
6:49 pm
Damn Grandad relax. A Ginger is a red haired Caucasian person. Google is your friend.
BIG DOG
March 1st, 2012
6:50 pm
pointguardslim i like that line up.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Ra'mon
March 1st, 2012
6:51 pm
G’Dad, I say anything I have to say. My response was to Najeh’s response to Clyde question about the last mid-season trade. I said Bibby, and it was Kirk. The trade that was supposed to improve us so much.
But I have to ask. How is Andruw Jones one of your favorite players (one of mine defensively), but you call Dwight a quitter, and you fuss about Josh Smith. Was Andruw not benched for quitting? And if Josh reminds you of anyone would it not be Andruw? Andruw came no where near close to reaching his potential. And his work ethic in the off season was worse than Josh’s. Not to mention he got into it with Bobby Cox how many times? You contradict yourself on that one buddy.
KevinM
March 1st, 2012
6:51 pm
“Ra’mon
March 1st, 2012
5:32 pm
KevinM, who was the last highlight factory PF to win a title? Go ahead with the answer, I’m waiting….. Josh has been trying to work on his jumper to prolong his career.”
Ra’mon, you better not represent Josh, because based on his strengths/weaknesses, your justification just lost your client millions of bucks. So why should we resign a guy who is content with playing on the perimeter, while the perimeter is the part that makes him a weak player?
It doesn’t make sense; Josh isn’t a SF, and him dropping that weight didn’t help any. He is the same guy as last year with or without the 20 lbs.
No way would I resign him and continue to watch what we have been watching….if that is his desired position, then we have 2 SFs we have to get rid of. Josh is not Luol Deng.
We definitely miss Al more and more every day.
BIG DOG
March 1st, 2012
6:56 pm
Josh playing SF and starting Ivan.
The Hawks would have 2 bangers in the post, the reason Ivan have not look good lately is because of Woody Jr. lack of playing time for Ivan, we all no Ivan have skills but he must warm up to the game, JUST REMINISCING BACK TO LAST YEAR WHEN TEAGUE ONLY PLAYED 5MIN A GAME AND LOOK BAD, JUST DAM.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Ra'mon
March 1st, 2012
6:57 pm
KevinM, I didn’t say Josh should play consistently on the perimeter. But I did say he does have to have a decent mid range shot, to be able to play in this league in his mid 30s. And by the way, the ’same old Josh’ as you mentioned averaged a double double for the month of February. And he shot close to 40% from the 3 point line in the same stretch. And when you say Josh isn’t Deng. Well, Marion wasn’t Deng. But in his prime, I’d take Marion over Deng any day.
Joe D
March 1st, 2012
6:59 pm
A decision has to be make concerning the 3 spot. Either start TMac or make a trade for a SF. Scoring SFs are a dime a dozen in the NBA. The Hawks have Kirk, Marvin, and two 2nd round picks as trade assets. At this point, a Center is NOT an option. The Hawks cannot score, but scoring help can be found!
Next year, fire LD and make a big trade using one of your core players!
Sund, do something!
BIG DOG
March 1st, 2012
7:00 pm
Teague, Joe, Josh, Ivan, Zaza
Pargo, Green, Tmac, Marvin, Dampier
Hinrich, Vlad, Stack
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
pointguardslim
March 1st, 2012
7:02 pm
Josh is not Luol Deng.
LMAO thats the point. Do you know Luol Deng has a worse FG% than Josh Smith? The guy is as likely to set a pick and roll as he is to come off a screen.
No post up game and average athleticism. Josh also plays the passing lanes better than Deng. Josh’s steal % is higher.
Josh Smith is a SF and a bunch of you’re too stubborn to admit it and give him a break.
AS IF Josh Smith isnt better than Deng. Oh but Deng does average a Marvin Williams esque 3 point % and 1 3 pointer a game. smh
P.S. here’s Al at PF vs Kevin Garnett at PF, his desired position.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Oi1XpW4hlk
pointguardslim
March 1st, 2012
7:04 pm
Big Dog LD has 6′8 Ivan playing center next to Marvin or Vlad or Josh.
SMALL BALL. thats why we keep coming up SHORT
Buddy Grizzard
March 1st, 2012
7:06 pm
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
March 1st, 2012
4:59 pm
We started losing when LD cut Big Ivan’s playing time.
http://www.hoopinionblog.com/2012/02/initial-feedback-volume-shooting-almost.html
During a stretch of 4 games from Jan. 29th through Feb. 4th, Ivan averaged 23.5 minutes, 9.5 points and almost 8 rebounds per game playing primarily as backup center. During that stretch, the Hawks out-rebounded 3 of 4 opponents. In the 7 games that followed, Ivan averaged 8 minutes, 3 points and 2 rebounds. In those 7 games, the Hawks were out-rebounded by 6 opponents. Against Chicago, Ivan played 2 minutes and the Hawks were out-rebounded 51-41.
BIG DOG
March 1st, 2012
7:07 pm
pointguardslim wow me and see the same thing.
Why LD can’t see that ?
Hawks are being out rebounded 90percent of the games, and this Woody Jr. play Ivan at center SMH.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
BIG DOG
March 1st, 2012
7:11 pm
Buddy Grizzard if you bring Ivan of the bench atleast have a big man beside him so he can do more damage on the boards.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
pointguardslim
March 1st, 2012
7:17 pm
He plays Josh SMith at center. I don’t know if he’s shopping Hinrich with those 4 guard lineups or wants us to play small so we can say we needed Horford or he’s just incompetent. I dont know.
But seems to me he doesn’t respect size. Doesnt respect the block out. Doesnt respect the rebound.
Wabe
March 1st, 2012
7:18 pm
Najeh,
He was on round 4:15-4:30 or so talkin bout the Forbes thing.