Atlanta Hawks: Heat 89, Hawks 86
Miami–The Hawks talked pretty big after an L but I’m willing to give them a pass. The Heat sent out at least two and probably three better players than the Hawks, got their fair share of their favored run-outs, saw LeBron James score 31 points on 20 shots and had 25 free-throw attempts to Atlanta’s nine.
- The Hawks made a game of it with their depth, defense and toughness. “No moral victory,” Jerry Stackhouse said. “But I think that team is aware of us. We came down here early in the season [to win] and now we are competing with some main pieces out. I am pretty sure they are aware if we see them in the playoffs we are a formidable foe.”
- “I don’t fault our effort, not one bit,” Larry Drew said. “We played last night, we got in at 1:30 this morning and we come in and play against one of the hottest teams in the league. Our effort was there. They did a phenomenal job in fighting every possession. We had an opportunity and we kind of let it get away.”
- That last part is true, and it had nothing to do with Miami’s advantage in free-throw attempts and everything to do with the unforced errors that ignited the Heat’s third-quarter surge. The Hawks got rattled and were sloppy with the ball.
- “We had too many turnovers, mostly me,” Jeff Teague said. “I had five, a couple other guys had three. And we still was in the game. We had some chances to seal the deal. It was a great effort us being down a couple people.”
- The Hawks held down the league’s top offensive team. For long stretches in the second and fourth quarters they turned the Heat into jump shooters, rebounded the misses and controlled the pace.
- LeBron made some tough pull-up Js, which is preferable to him barreling to the basket. Dwyane Wade scored on some acrobatic moves and got a couple D-Wade calls, which will happen. Chris Bosh needed 14 shots to get his nine points and Udonis Haslem made some weak-side Js.
- “I thought we were pretty good [defensively],” Drew said. “With that team, because they are so good off the dribble with LeBron and Wade, they can put you in tough situations. The second half they started isolating LeBron more and he made some jump shots, which we were going to live with that at that point.”
- In the third quarter LeBron denied Josh Smith in the post. That took away a big element of Atlanta’s offense. “We wanted to go to that matchup with Josh and LeBron,” Drew said. “It took us out of it because they were forcing Josh out on the perimeter. We didn’t stay with that long. One thing I didn’t want to do was become stagnant in just trying to get the ball to Josh. I wanted to get some movement.”
- In the closing minutes Josh made a 3 at the shot-clock buzzer and fed Vladimir Radmanovic for a layup but missed a fadeaway along the baseline and a 3 . Marvin Williams missed a clean look from 3 and Zaza Pachulia missed a free throw.
- Drew went to Jannero Pargo to close the game after Teague rolled his ankle when he stepped on Mario Chalmers’ foot. Pargo responded with an and-1 and got off a clean 3 at the buzzer. “It was a good look,” he said. “I thought it was good.”
- “We fought our tails off,” Josh said. “We played extremely good on the defensive end. They hit some tough shots down the stretch and I think if we were a little bit more controlling of the basketball and not so many turnovers we probably could have won.”
- The Hawks lost for the first time this season when Josh scores at least 20 points. Josh needed 22 shots to get his 23 points. He probably deserved more than four free-throw attempts with the way he was scrapping around the basket. “I’ve never seen a game where a team doesn’t shoot a free throw in a half,” he said.
- Zaza Pachulia continued to make his case that he’s a starting-caliber center with another strong effort. It could have been even better with a couple more finishes at the rim. Zaza gave the Hawks the physical presence they needed in a heated game and had some scratches on his arm as proof of his tussles with LeBron: “Probably just because his nails were too long.”
- LeBron didn’t like it when Zaza grabbed him to stop a breakaway. “That’s my fault,” he said. “I didn’t know they were in the bonus. I was just trying to stop the fast break.” Of the scrap with LeBron for the loose ball, Zaza said: “We fell down it was loose ball, I dove for the ball, he dove for the ball. I don’t know what happened. The ref called something.”
- Marvin played strong D against Bosh and did what he could with LeBron. Kirk Hinrich made Wade work (like always), hit a couple shots and had four rebounds but (like most of his teammates) fumbled the ball away for a couple turnovers.
- Jerry Stackhouse had his best game of the season. But he also fell victim to the careless turnovers that plagued the Hawks.
- Ivan Johnson was active on D and on the boards but he also . . . .well, you get the idea.
- Stackhouse: “I’ve said that all along from the beginning. It’s a process. Nobody is contenders right now. They put that team out there as the world beater, and we come in here competed with them as much as anybody else and felt like we should have won the game. We felt like a few less mistakes on our part and we give ourselves a better chance. We feel we are a good team. We are not where hope we will be on April 28th but we are getting there.”
The Hawks have their faults but they deserve Ps for their last three games. They’ve been good without all of their horses, so is it crazy to think they can be legit once they are whole?
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
88 comments Add your comment
City Of Atlanta Still Recovering From William Tecumseh Sherman
March 7th, 2012
11:52 pm
If marvin is on this team next season I will start a kony 2012 movement
K.W.
March 7th, 2012
11:52 pm
Hawks were playing five on eight………
ntrigue
March 7th, 2012
11:56 pm
Mc ask Drew why he subs out Teague every game at the 4min mark no matter how the rhythm of game is going please!
ntrigue
March 7th, 2012
11:56 pm
Mc ask Drew why he subs out Teague every game at the 4min mark no matter how the rhythm of game is going please!
ntrigue
March 7th, 2012
11:56 pm
Mc ask Drew why he subs out Teague every game at the 4min mark no matter how the rhythm of game is going please!
ntrigue
March 7th, 2012
11:57 pm
Cpu issues srry
O'Brien
March 8th, 2012
12:04 am
Najeh,
Hawks are 15-6 in games decided by 10 points or less. But isnt that misleading. How many of those wins came against good teams?
Also, Hawks are 8-10 in games decided by 10 points or more. When they lose, they lose by 10+
Najeh Davenpoop
March 8th, 2012
12:04 am
“is it crazy to think they can be legit once they are whole?”
Is it crazy to think they won’t be any better when they get Joe and Green back?
I know that come playoff time the Hawks are going to need scorers, but it just seems like the ball movement and movement towards the basket is much better when the offense is centered around Teague and Josh. I hope when Joe gets back that it stays that way, and the Hawks don’t revert to giving it to him and standing around watching.
Ra'mon
March 8th, 2012
12:04 am
I would consider a Teague for Jason Kidd deal, if Dallas would accept it. Or Al for Kidd and Odom.
Rusty
March 8th, 2012
12:04 am
Anyone who thinks LD didn’t hurt this team tonight is a moron. JT shoots 8-12,jS 8-21′or JJ usual 6-18 complains about JT . This team plays so much better when he is on the floor.Who was it that held chalmers 1-5. Who is the only player who ever penetrates on this team. What the hell doesKH bring.JT has JJ always trying to handle the ball & then LD has KT in at the same time when it is questionable whether he can handle a sg.tonight LD kept JS & JT out way to long. This LD hurts the team brings nothing any fool should be able to see this.
O'Brien
March 8th, 2012
12:07 am
FTPB,
Marvin is a good rebounder per 48 minutes for a SF (I think he is top 10). But that being said, he should be making the vet minimum (imo).
Najeh Davenpoop
March 8th, 2012
12:07 am
“Hawks are 15-6 in games decided by 10 points or less. But isnt that misleading. How many of those wins came against good teams?”
Only 6. You’re right, it is a little misleading, but I do think the Hawks have generally done a good job closing out close games this year, with the glaring exception of the two early January games against Miami and Chicago. I think they have generally got better at it since then.
aytunstoppable
March 8th, 2012
12:07 am
I’m ending my night in saying i’m proud of them boys from a fan stand point. I can’t wait til the playoffs
Rusty
March 8th, 2012
12:08 am
Either LD has absolutely no feel for the game or he has money on the opposition.
Ra'mon
March 8th, 2012
12:09 am
Atlanta gets:
Jason Kidd
L. Odom
Dallas gets:
A. Horford
K. Hinrich
Najeh Davenpoop
March 8th, 2012
12:09 am
“I would consider a Teague for Jason Kidd deal, if Dallas would accept it. Or Al for Kidd and Odom.”
Kidd is 38 years old and shoots 32% from the field. If Josh for KG doesn’t make sense, neither does Teague or Al for Kidd.
Trading a good young player for an over the hill veteran only makes sense if a) you are one piece away from a championship and he is that piece or b) you are trying to clear cap space with a clear plan to target a free agent.
SteveW
March 8th, 2012
12:12 am
Missing JJ, Al, TMac, and Green – not bad.
I kinda wish we would have had Ivan in there at crunch time instead of Marvin. The Heat would have been scared to death with Ivan and ZaZa on the floor.
The Heat don’t want to play us in the playoffs I’m sure. We lost. But besides that, I’m liking what I’m seeing. We do play better without JJ on O sometimes – the ball doesn’t stop.
I do think ZaZa, Al, and Josh would make a good frontline. If I were ZaZa, i would work on catching entry passes for an hour every day in the off season, contested, and from every conceivable angle.
HawkEye
March 8th, 2012
12:14 am
To the Hawks defense somewhat, some of their turnovers were a result of the Heat’s overaggressive defense, which should have been fouls. A lot of reaching, grabbing, and pulling. However, Hawks had a slew of unforced turns on bad passes.
I usually don’t complain or make excuses but cmon. Refs clearly wanted Larry, Curly, and Moe to win this game. On one Hawks possession, LeBron clearly pulled a Hawks player down (think it was Damp but not sure) down and it was called an offensive foul on the Hawks. Just unbelievable.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 8th, 2012
12:14 am
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7gr9bmm
Hawks need a perimeter defender off the bench and preferably also more big man depth. This trade is unspectacular but it addresses both those issues.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 8th, 2012
12:17 am
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7kn5jeq
New Orleans won’t go for this, but damn that would be a nice short-term trade. Interior offense off the bench and an upgrade at SF all while shedding payroll.
SteveW
March 8th, 2012
12:18 am
I think a physical team can give the Heat problems. And I think we can be that physical team.
Maybe this schedule is getting to Wade and Bosh.
I’ll say it again – props to Sund for getting us that bench!
And as far as closing out – I was hoping Jannero was going to be in the last 5 minutes. He at least can make the shot, and has no conscience.
Closing out tonite:
Teague
Pargo
Josh
Ivan
ZaZa
The only thing wrong with that – Hinrich plays DWade better on D. And maybe Marvin plays OK D. But you have to have somebody on the floor who can put the ball in the hoop in the last 5 minutes, and right now, Pargo is the only healthy guy who can do that consistently.
SteveW
March 8th, 2012
12:25 am
The above is another version of maybe who we could have had closing out.
Our 3 best closers when everyone is healthy? Green, TMac, and Pargo.
JJ every so often. Same with Josh, but he’s so good with the ball – passing etc. Teague’s not quite there yet as a closer. Same with Al.
Ra'mon
March 8th, 2012
12:25 am
Najeh, I had already changed that trade before you posted, lol. I included Kirk in leu of Teague. And by the way, Kidd is on an expiring deal. I’m convinced that Zaza should be the starting center for the Hawks over Al. So I say get rid of him now. Even if its Al and Kirk for Kidd and Marion. Marion – Josh – Zaza would be a great rebounding front court for the Hawks.
ntrigue
March 8th, 2012
12:25 am
@Rusty thats the truth!
LD sat Josh and Teague too long Miami took a 6 pt lead while josh and Teague was out gotta let the youngins finish the game in the 4th !
Grandad
March 8th, 2012
12:28 am
Rusty;
you are a moron.
I`m not a huge LD fan;
but get over it.
I still think you`re in Jr. High.
Go ahead & google some old timers.
[Harry Gallatin, yeah right]
You don`t act like a man with some years on him.
Anyone blaming LD tonite is goofy.
tyger
March 8th, 2012
12:30 am
Valiant effort but no bonus for verbocity…
Still say quickest fix is PG…
ZaZa has proven, the BIG need is overrated…
No JJ, TMac or Green proved too much…
Lack of star power evident in F/T disparity…
In re: Teague – improved, speed an asset, but not starter…
Hinrich improving but if we can upgrade, better…
Marvin’s length, defense needed against upper-level teams, but…
Wish Vladi had a lil’ more…something…
Stack getting burn, refs apparently dont remember him…
Interested to see team at full strength, before trade deadline…
Maybe all we need are Green, JJ, Tmac and possibly Horford…
Would like that PG upgrade however…
SteveW
March 8th, 2012
12:30 am
I’m hoping Otis in Orlando gets nervous the closer we get to the deadline. With Lopez of the Nets so injury prone, it would be great if he decides Al Horford is the better option, and he’ll take Al, Marvin, Hinrich, and maybe the ‘013 1st pick for Dwight and Turkoglu.
Probably takes alot more than that to get Dwight – I’m sure the Lakers would give Gasol and ??? – but who else would the Magic want? Kobe and Bynum aren’t going anywhere.
Grandad
March 8th, 2012
12:30 am
Joe Johnson needs not play another game in a Hawks uniform.
Try this one – yawl might like it ?
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7vd9khh
SteveW
March 8th, 2012
12:35 am
Tyger – I’m for Marvin to the Cavs for Sessions. Having Teague and Sessions in the backcourt – assuming we can re-sign Sessions, solves our PG position for the next 5+ years.
And I think it will take a tough team to beat Miami – we’ve got ZaZa and Ivan. TMac can get a little tough with the smaller guys. JJ is huge for a SG, maybe he can get physical. Get Teague mad, he can probably take Chalmers.
Marvin is still a weak spot – how’d we get him to fight that guy Stevenson in NY last season?
PS – I think Damp and Collins could probably be tough also. Vlad, not so much.
Buddy Grizzard
March 8th, 2012
12:37 am
Go to the 2:00 mark:
http://www.nba.com/video/games/heat/2012/03/07/0021100573_atl_mia_recap.nba/?ls=iref:nbahpt1
Never seen a more obvious three steps in my life.
Grandad
March 8th, 2012
12:37 am
tyger
The ‘`-Big- need`’ is not overrated.
We still need another Legit Big.
I`m for Josh playing the [3];;;
removing Marv from the line-up
and going BIG.
We played with Zaza, Ivan and Josh tonite some.
Plus; Zaza can play the [4].
It`s more about Rebounding !
Grandad
March 8th, 2012
12:40 am
V-Rad is a very good piece.
I do not know why Dampier is still in the League;
much less with us.
Damp does not contribute.
He makes Collins look like an All-Pro !
SteveW
March 8th, 2012
12:40 am
Al is so highly regarded around the League – All Star, 3rd Team All NBA etc. – Even injured, I’m only trading him if I get premium pieces. Not Marion or Odum – both too old. Now it may be difficult to turn down both of them, especially if they throw in Beaubois and Jones, and will take Marvin’s contract, and Hinrich.
But I’m not sure Odum’s head is right at the moment.
O'brien
March 8th, 2012
12:46 am
Coach pop was ejected in San Antonio for yelling at refs. At that time, his team was up by 20+ points.
Pop does it, Phil Jackson does it, doc rivers does it. I think LD needs to yell at the refs.
TMACfan
March 8th, 2012
12:46 am
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=8a57pha
D12 NOW!
Ra'mon
March 8th, 2012
12:47 am
Najeh, another deal is, the Mavericks may would consider Joe Johnson for Kidd and Marion, alone. Cuban is known for taken chances on expensive players. And Joe still is the 3rd best SG in the league. The Mavs get the SG they’ve wanted every since Finley left.
TMACfan
March 8th, 2012
12:49 am
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7e3k5cl
Ra'mon
March 8th, 2012
12:51 am
G’dad, I’d do that deal all day any day. But if GSW only getting Joe back, why not just trade Joe and Collins for Ellis and Biedrins.
TMACfan
March 8th, 2012
1:01 am
D12 + Jsmoove = Win
O'brien
March 8th, 2012
1:01 am
Ra’mon,
Dallas is saving cap space to go after deron Williams (who is from Texas) and maybe Dwight.
Kidd is expiring, and I think odom is only partially guaranteed for next year. Plus al is injured. Why would Dallas make that trade?
Unlike hawks, Dallas had a plan going into this season. Let JJ Barrera, Tyson chandler and deshawn Stevens go to preserve cap space for this offseason. They won’t change that plan for anything hawks have to offer.
ntrigue
March 8th, 2012
1:15 am
MC,
Any truth to the Monta Ellisand Andres Biedrens to Hawks trade rumors? Boy I really wish we could unload Joe Ill take that trade in a heartbeat! I would even throw in Hinrich and a 1st round draft pick to get that deal done come Sund lets go!
cp
March 8th, 2012
1:16 am
Hinrich is improving? Really? What games have you been watching..We all know you dont like Teague but stop the B.S.. PG is not the issue for the Hawks right now. They need another legit big and a sf who actually contributes night in and night out.
The Truth
March 8th, 2012
1:23 am
The Hawks missing link in this game was Tmac. With his length and play-making ability, the Hawks could have won this game. Lebron on Josh would have forced Wade on Tmac. Tmac length would have bothered Wade and occupied him. With Lebron locking-down Josh man-on-man in the 4th, our perimeter threats were neutralized with the other Heats players playing a pseudo-zone defense. Tmac in the lineup would have forced help-defense causing defense breaking-downs. Our shooters would have had better looks and/or easier baskets as a result.
Also Tmac handling the ball might have reduced some costly TOs since he’s not an easy player to trap. If they tried, Tmac has the ability to make plays for his teammate.
Despite the many TOs, the Hawks only needed a few more points or stops to secure the victory. Tmac might have made that difference.
Grandad
March 8th, 2012
1:38 am
1st … Ra’mon
Golden State is interested in Joe + they would like to dump
Biedrins … especially if they are going to take on even mora money.
They want a big defensive minded guard to pair;
either with ellis or preferrably Curry.
The way I suggested;
we get Nash- hopefully for two years – Nash puts us in contention,
can play as the point alongside Teague and Teague can back him up
+ learn from the master.
Nash contract exp, he`s 39, that`s why I said two yrs;
hopefully he re-ups for at least one Xtra yr.
Nash would put fannies in the seats.
Nash would put Josh on the all-star team next year.
*Biedrins gives us a young, long, defensive minded rim protector.
*[to back up Zaza]
I would prefer Nash over Ellis.
____________________________________________
ntrigue
I have read multiple articles, publications, scuttlebutt,
rumors, legit and otherwise, pertaining to;
the Hawks & Gldn St / Joe Johnson for Monta Ellis + AB.
Where there is smoke ………
I hope this time maybe, perhaps, there is a slim chance …
that there is fire.
falCans
March 8th, 2012
1:51 am
JOSH SMITH FA PRESIDENT!!! I SEE THE #5 haters are on hush mode lol
4evaNaDay
March 8th, 2012
1:52 am
@Ra’mon I think those trades would be nice for both side,
especially if we can sprinkle sum 2nd round picks and get a 1st
4evaNaDay
March 8th, 2012
1:54 am
You might actually be on to sumthing
4evaNaDay
March 8th, 2012
2:16 am
Fell off the teaguer wagon
Rusty
March 8th, 2012
2:17 am
Does anyone at all think that LT is a NBA coach of any value besides grandad the flowery poet(in his own mind)
ag
March 8th, 2012
2:36 am
Good fight tonight guys. Again 5 against 8. I hate Miami. The officiating was terrible.
Grandad
March 8th, 2012
2:58 am
Rusty
Can you say anything of value besides;
he`s a:
*moron * stupid * idiot * imbecile (sorry that was a big word)
[yawl don`t get to that one `til the 11th grade]
*dumb *loser *dense *retarted (I misspelled it for you)
*foolish *dim witted * dummy *uhhhhhh *moron yea moron
You know;
I do appreciate you complimenting my flowery poetic discourse.
Therefore, I will refrain from making acidulous bon mot
at your expense due to the puerile nature of the commentary
you cast in the direction of Master Drew.
However;
In the future, please be specific with your analysis.
Such as:
when you criticise LD;
tell us what he did and how you would have / could have
done it far better.
I think I shall write you a poem tomorrow ?
We shall have to wait and see what the new day brings ?
Grandad
March 8th, 2012
2:59 am
* yawl as in Rusty`s class in Jr High
Buddy G
March 8th, 2012
2:59 am
GREATEST HITS FTPB:
“So with 6 mins left in the 3rd, Nique announces that the Hawks “have taken over this game.” The KISS of death!” – DawgNole
What an idiot. There are few people in sports broadcasting who know less about their sport than Dominique.
“Not to mention the refs have Miami heat thongs on under their uniform not a good look” – Smh
Awesome.
“Miami doing a good job taking away Josh’s post ups and the Hawks haven’t responded with anything else.” – Najeh
I thought the same… you have to give LeBron credit for his D. I think Josh got a little worn down and stopped fighting for position.
“YOU GET THE FELLING HE DESPISES ATLANTA? Da Chief Gangster?” – Slimjr
Nah Slimjr, Atlanta is a good market for the NBA… NBATV is even headquartered here. This would be a destination city if the Hawks had competent ownership. You think Dwight wants to come here to play for LD, the most low-budget coach in the NBA? It’s not that Stern hates Atlanta, it’s that the NBA loves superstars like LeBron and Wade who raise brand awareness. One thing he doesn’t like is workers who question the integrity of the system like Josh.
“Alright LD, do not draw up a turnover…” – Section 212
Priceless.
“The bigger question was who let Haslem loose for the oop…” – Big Ray
As noted, Vlad Rad apparently decided he should leave his man to cut off the lane for Wade, thus leaving Haslem uncontested. MC uses Synergy and says Vlad is a decent defender. I use my eyes and say that Vlad probably cost the Hawks this game.
“Larry brought PARGO IN TOO LATE…” – Slimjr
Was thinking the same thing right when you posted it.
“A lot of folks knock Pargo’s game, but dude’s a solid rotational player.” – Wabe
Agree, and would not have said this three weeks ago. I thought he was a scrub and said so repeatedly on these blogs. Now I have to back track and say yes, he is a legit NBA player. You just have to understand he’s not a point guard. He should be playing off the ball and running off screens to get open looks because his J is deadly. I was a major Pargo hater, but I’m starting to be a fan.
“Larry has zero techs this year? huh?” – Slimjr
You will never see LD get ejected because he’s a control freak. He couldn’t deal with watching the game from the locker room with no control over who plays and who gets yanked. He lives to whistle at his players like a pack of dogs and yank Teague after 4 minutes. Also, he would never give one of his assistants a chance to shine… too much chance one of them might do to him what he did to Woody.
“Kinda wish the Hawks still had Damien Wilkins.” – Najeh
Thought this since the summer.
“The more Pargo played, the more he would have turned it over.” – G-Dad
This is true because, unlike the previous game against the Pacers where Pargo played off the ball and was set up by Teague (helping Teague to 9 assists in the game), Pargo was once again back in his role of ball handler and distributor in this game. Pargo is a streak shooter. That is his singular NBA skill. He is a poor ball handler and a worse passer. To ask him to play point guard and set up others for shots is delusional.
Mac-Town (#maconchevyrider)
March 8th, 2012
3:06 am
Marvin and Kirk have to go….”Ain’t No Way Arooound it”
Buddy Grizzard
March 8th, 2012
3:26 am
“Is it crazy to think they won’t be any better when they get Joe and Green back?” – Najeh
Look what happened to NY when ball-stopper Melo came back.
“If I were ZaZa, i would work on catching entry passes for an hour every day in the off season, contested, and from every conceivable angle.” SteveW
Steve this is a great point, and what it really shows is the Hawks organization’s complete failure to develop talent that’s been ON THEIR ROSTER for years. Bret LaGree talked about the Hawks “shockingly-bad talent evaluation.” He was talking about their evaluation of draft picks. But if you look at the under-utilization of Teague and Zaza until there WERE NO OTHER OPTIONS, you will realize that what’s truly, shockingly bad is the Hawks organization’s evaluation of talent that is ALREADY ON THE ROSTER.
Najeh trades:
NJ doesn’t need an expiring point guard, they already have one.
“New Orleans won’t go for this…” Um… no, they won’t.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 8th, 2012
3:35 am
“MC uses Synergy and says Vlad is a decent defender. I use my eyes and say that Vlad probably cost the Hawks this game.”
Vlad at SF, I think, is a decent defender. Vlad at PF is overmatched on both ends of the floor. When Vlad was guarding Haslem, he was matched on a PF and predictably failed.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 8th, 2012
3:35 am
“Decent” may be too kind… let’s call him “average” at SF.
Mac-Town (#maconchevyrider)
March 8th, 2012
3:56 am
Jamal Crawford, G 29 3-13 0-6
lmao
EmirS.
March 8th, 2012
4:17 am
Hawks are 16 – 1 when they score 92+ plus points.
I think that was the stat line in that Thunder game. We need to score 92 points then!
Just Joe
March 8th, 2012
5:54 am
Good game for the Hawks. Can’t put it all on the refs. Teague, Hinrich, Pargo, and Stack combined for 13 turnovers and only 7 assists. Loved the effort though.
Glad to see so many getting on board with the dump Joe Johnson crowd. Not sure GS is interested. Wasn’t that rumor that GS said they thought they could get Joe, but wasn’t sure he was an upgrade to Ellis? Send Joe to Orlando for whatever you can get. They are desperate to show Dwight they can improve.
STRETCH
March 8th, 2012
7:12 am
Heck, send JJ, Marvin and KH. I know the Hawks can get something for that group! But, its clear they can do ok without JJ.
Someone brought up a great point earlier about how the Knicks have hit the wall after Melo came back to the lineup. Same with the Hawks when JJ comes back.
Looking at the Knicks while Melo was out, they had guys that sat on the bench and did a lot of observing, had time to reflect and plenty of time to get in their heads what they wanted to do once they hit the floor.
And they were ready. The Knicks won like, what…7 games in a row? Now, take the Hawks, i hate Sund, but i do realize he has to work within a budget. And i mus give him credit with the bench, cause if you look throughout the NBA, there are about 20 more teams out there that wish they had a bench like the Hawks!
They lose Al and win what 10 of 12 games? They lose JJ and others, then on FEB 23, knocks off Orlando, FEB 29 they lost by 3 to GS whom we all know they should have beat. Came from behind to beat MIL, then they beat a great OKC team, a good Indy team on the road, and should have beaten a fully manned Heat team.
They lost the season series 3-1, but we also know that it could have very well ended up 3-1 in favor of the Hawks. So they are playing well, management just needs to make a move or two.
But they can definitely do without JJ, Marvin and KH. And Larry Drew has got to find a way to be more creative when calling plays on offense in my opinion.
bamaboy
March 8th, 2012
7:24 am
Can someone get LD a bigger piece of gum ?
O'Brien
March 8th, 2012
7:29 am
Just Joe,
JJ is an upgrade over Ellis because JJ is a legit SG with size, who can defend. Ellis is a SG in a PG’s body, does not defend, and has terrible shot selection at times.
JJ + Curry is better than Ellis + Curry overall. And keep in mind, given Golden State’s system, it is easy for Ellis to get buckets. Plus that team loses alot of games anyway, and its easy to put up points on a bad team.
G’dad,
Would you do the JJ and filler for Ellis and Biedrins trade? I think Hawks would take a step back with that trade, but we would only be stuck with those contracts for 2 years, versus being stuck with JJ for 4 years.
Buddy Grizzard
March 8th, 2012
7:45 am
“When Vlad was guarding Haslem, he was matched on a PF and predictably failed.” – Najeh
This statement presupposes that Vlad was in fact defending Haslem on the play in question. In fact, Vlad left his man to challenge Wade in the lane after Wade broke Kirk’s ankles on a crossover. The problem with Vlad’s decision is that Josh was also shadowing Wade, making Vlad’s defense of the paint unneeded. All Vlad had to do was stay with his man and that alley-oop never happens. If you look at the replay you can see that Josh is exasperated with Vlad after the play. It’s not that he was over-matched guarding Haslem, it’s that he left his assignment. In this case Vlad’s poor defense was a result of bad decision-making, not any physical deficiency.
Admirable Snackbar
March 8th, 2012
7:47 am
Coach Drew did a good job last nite. cut down of the give aways and Hawks win.
justahawkfan
March 8th, 2012
7:53 am
Hawks got fouled several times and they were not called. The refs kept close until Miamii was able to get over the hump.
Dawg
March 8th, 2012
8:05 am
The Hawks are better with Josh as the focal point instead of JJ. JJ is a great talent but he needs to not be the ISO king and he needs to play to funnel Josh inside.
CrαZy
March 8th, 2012
8:07 am
If Karma was real I’d be in trouble, b/c I’d love to see King James get the absolute dog chiat beat out of him!!!! Maybe even suffer a major injury. Not because he went to Miami, but because he’s a whinny little biatch!!
Admirable Snackbar
March 8th, 2012
8:22 am
There was one thing Coach Drew did that gave me a chuckle. I couldn’t believe it at the end before Pargo’s rim rattler [that was after the buzzer] and Coach Drew called a time out to set up a play and we ended up with ISO Josh from the wing!? Maybe it’s not ISO Joe as much as the big dog eats.!
LD seems to keep a good poker face and it appears to be carrying over to team. I haven’t noticed as much whinning, pouting and general lollygagging lately. It looks like the team is coming together and I hope it continues. No matter what you think of Coach he is the leader and we gots to follow him if were going to become a cohesive unit. go Hawks!
Slimjr
March 8th, 2012
8:48 am
Waive Larry
terrell
March 8th, 2012
8:53 am
Take your time Robin(JJ). Cut Marvin.
Admirable Snackbar
March 8th, 2012
8:54 am
thats a good idea Slimjr, we need to start a Larry wave at the games in the stands for Coach Drew!!
get a section to spell L D while doing the wave!! now that’s team work there. show the team we are Hawks fans!!
Kerry
March 8th, 2012
8:54 am
Great game hawks, you played well last night! Josh keep up the good work!
Slimjr
March 8th, 2012
8:59 am
3-1 w/o Iso? Impressive indeed…
KevinM
March 8th, 2012
9:00 am
2 things last night…..we weren’t going to win that game unless we had a ‘closer’ to free up our streak shooters. Unlike LeBron, Pargo has little conscience and I loved him getting up the last shot. But we have to do better than Pargo at the end of games, We need a Meeks type of shooter out there. We simple do not have enough options at crunch time.
Right out of the gate starting at Detroit, we need more Ivan, less Marvin. Ivan is a decent foul shooter as well, so i dont think we lose much as he was on LeBorn late. We are limited with T-Mac as week, and we can’t depend on him each night, which is frustrating.
To sum it up, I’m all in now with the Hawks no matter the result. This unit the last week has won me over with their effort, and tell Sund to go ‘blockbuster’ and see what you can get for Al and Joe.
Back to reality, what team ever considered trading their only 2 all-stars because the current roster displayed more grit than those 2 do on a regular basis.
Teague, Zaza, Josh, iIvan and Pargo do it for me….I am behind those guys 100%!
ejh
March 8th, 2012
9:03 am
trade Marvin williams for corey Magette
No Crying
March 8th, 2012
9:15 am
I watched the game tonight with a great deal of trepidation, fearing another lackluster performance against a far superior team. I kept waiting for the classic third quarter collapse. Too often they tend to fold early and just play out the game. How many 20+ losses have we suffered through in the past couple of years. What a surprise! The over matched hawks fought with grit and spirit the entire game. They gave the Heat fits and played tough with a bunch of blue collar journeyman. This game was fun to watch despite the outcome. The hawks played like a team with an attitude, like a team with pride. This was fun, I like these Birds.
Big Daddy
March 8th, 2012
9:37 am
I was prepared for a blowout. I thought the guys play a game with tenacious defense and smart moves. Too many turnovers spoiled what could have been a tremendous upset. With all of the players the Hawks have out including their two All-Stars, the remaining group has made some impressive showings.
What that tells me is the chemistry of the group is better with the group playing now. Many of the post here have alluded to what is it going to be like when Joe returns. Do we go back to long isolations of one-on-one play? It will be up to LD and the other coaches to make sure that does not happen.
Josh has been inspirational the way he has been playing down low. He is still trying jump shots but he is also making his presence known in the blocks with rebounds and offensive moves. Let’ hope he keeps that up. I know he is taking a beating but soon it will be that he gets the calls, if he keeps scoring like he has.
I have much higher hopes for this road trip now. I understand the team can’t win every game. All I have asked is that they remain competitive and they did that against the Bucks (win) and the Heat (close).
I can’t believe that was the play that LD drew up in the time out. We all knew it had to be a 3 pointer to tie. But, to call for Pargo to take the shot he took? If it was he should have set it up so that he had some picks he could run around and not have Haslem on him for the final shot, a fade away 3pointer. GO HAWKS!!!
bamaboy
March 8th, 2012
10:13 am
I cant believe some of u think LD did a good job,huh ? Did u watch the game ,if u did u seen that when he whistle and everyone stop and see what play to run we turned the ball over or it led to a bad shot ,then he hurry up and go sit back down .another thing it good for a coach to get a tech every now and then,if he would have stood up for the team instead of looking confused while chewing that little piece of gum ,maybe that would have been the extra energy we needed since we wasn’t getting the calls. If you preach energy but don’t coach with it what’s the point . Do yall feel me
STRETCH
March 8th, 2012
11:38 am
7-3 over the next 10 games is very propable. Lets see if they can stay focused!
northcyde
March 8th, 2012
12:27 pm
Some of you DO realize that one of the benefits of ISO basketball, is that the turnovers will decrease ( if the right people have the ball ) and you’ll at least get a shot attempt on the possession.
Moving the ball from side to side is the best way to play basketball, ONLY if you’re not throwing the ball all over the place or losing the ball. When you do that, you completely waste a possession.
That’s one of the key reasons why we were by far the #1 team in least turnovers in 09 – 10 . . . when we won 53 games. Guys like Bibby and JJ just didn’t turn the ball over. Crawford was more ISO than JJ that year, and at least got a shot up without turning the ball over. Josh led the team in turnovers, but only had 2.4 a game. No other Hawk had more than 2 turnovers per game.
It’s just that when you play the ISO game, you better have guys crashing the offensive boards to get you 2nd chance points. IN 09 – 10, we did just that, and was 4th in the league in offensive rebound rate. This year, we’re 26th in the league in offensive rebound rate.
Boston moves the ball as well as any team in the league. But they are notoriously one of the worst offensive rebounding teams in the league because guys like Garnett and Pierce ( who are also 2 of the teams best rebounders ) aren’t in the paint to gather rebounds. So if they miss a shot, more than likely the possession is over. The midrange shots that they take ( and miss ) is also the reason why a guard like Rondo can rack up a lot of rebounds ( if he crashes the boards )
What is happening to the Knicks is NOT the fault of Carmelo Anthony. The simple fact is that the Knicks aren’t playing garbage teams anymore. During that 7 game win streak, the best team the Knicks and Lin played, were the Lakers. Since then, they’ve had to play Dallas twice, Miami, Boston, San Antonio, and us. The Lin honeymoon is over, and now teams are keying on him to stop him.
Also, he’s not playing scrub PGs anymore. Parker lit him up for 32 points last night. Rondo had the MONSTER triple-double. D-Will destroyed dude. Let’s see how he does against Brandon Jennings tomorrow night.
The truth about basketball is that you don’t want just anybody shooting the ball at critical times. You want to make sure that your shot makers get the ball, whether through motion, pick and roll, or through ISO
flash
March 8th, 2012
12:31 pm
You don’t want Biedrins on the Hawks. He has been worse each year since the “we believe” team. I am in norcal and see him play alot. He was just replaced as the starter by Udoh (who I said for the Hawks to get here via trade weeks ago) and the W’s just called up a rookie big to take AB’s minutes. He is garbage, trust me
flash
March 8th, 2012
12:34 pm
Basically you would give up the 3rd best SG in the league (Joe) who plays offense and defense for a scorer who is too small and can’t (or won’t) play D in Ellis and nothing in Biedrins. Bad idea
northcyde
March 8th, 2012
12:41 pm
KevinM . . you’re simply getting caught up in the moment. The only time we beat the Heat this year, was when we were at full strength. And we should’ve beaten them the 2nd time when we were full strength, but guys went through the motions for some strange reason.
While I’m not against a trade of any one on the team, that trade BETTER bring us back a player who is at least equal or better than what we’re giving away. Some of you want to give Al away for a bag of Doritos. That talk is nonsense. Horford > any other big man on the team not named Josh Smith.
People forget that the offense and defense was pretty much clicking on all cylinders when The Core was healthy. Since Horford went down, we’ve only broken 100 points 6 times. That’s 6 times in the last 29 games.
People are getting gitty and want to anoint Josh Smith as the leader of the team. That’s cool. But that doesn’t mean that you trade Al and JJ for scraps. Don’t lose focus of what the TRUE GOAL of this team is . . . to get to the NBA Finals to get a shot to win a title.
The only thing Drew needs to do from here on out, is manage the rotation better. Quit trying to play 12 guys, and play the people who will help you win games on a nightly basis.
northcyde
March 8th, 2012
12:51 pm
LOL @ Kobe going 9 – 31 last night. That dude loves to shoot forreal. Gasol and Bynum were having their way with the Wiz frontline, but Kobe kept gunning away. Shoots 3 – 18 in the 2nd half alone . . lol. But hits the big shot to send the game into OT. 1 – 10 FG in that 4th quarter.
Kobe has taken 934 shots this year. The next highest is Kevin Durant, with 775
Full Recap: Hawks Have Most Impressive Lost of the Season vs. the Miami Heat - Soaring Down South
March 8th, 2012
1:00 pm
[...] Josh Smith on the effort: We fought our tails off. We played extremely good on the defensive end. They hit some tough shots down the stretch and I think if we were a little bit more controlling of the basketball and not so many turnovers we probably could have won. [...]
Jay Dubu
March 8th, 2012
1:14 pm
Can Marvin get more than 5 shots with JJ and Horford out?
Michael Cunningham
March 8th, 2012
2:50 pm
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.