Atlanta Hawks: Clippers 96, Hawks 82
Los Angeles--At the end of a long road trip and with a roster depleted by injuries, the Hawks gave a pretty-good-if-sloppy effort against the Clippers but couldn’t make plays at winning times and finished the trip 2-4.
- “We clearly just ran out of steam,” Larry Drew said.
- Whether you see that as an excuse or a legitimate explanation probably depends on your mood. My guess is it’s not charitable because of the sting of close Ls at Miami, Detroit and, especially, Denver.
- “We can’t hang our heads, but you have got to be a little disappointed,” Josh Smith said. “We had an opportunity to win in Miami. We definitely had an opportunity to win in Detroit. And the game last night was definitely our game and we gave it away. This is our last long away trip. We’ve got to take care of the home games and worry about these Eastern Conference teams and try to climb up.”
- “We have just got to fine tune these last 20-something odd games,” Joe Johnson said. “The trip is definitely not as successful as we wanted. Nowhere near. We have just go to get back home and try to string some wins together and move up the ladder board.”
- The Hawks already were down Al Horford and Ivan Johnson in the frontcourt and another option, Marvin Williams, was out too. Then Vladimir Radmanovic (back) was a late scratch and Josh was in early foul trouble.
- “I’ve got to take my hat off to my guys,” Drew said. “We knew coming in this would be a physical game and, big-man wise, we were limited. Then we got word right before the game Vladimir couldn’t go because of his back. That left us with one big guy coming off the bench, [Erick] Dampier. So basically we were left with figuring out how to stay in the game and manage the game.”
- It turned out the Clips guards Mo Williams and Eric Bledsoe hurt the Hawks more than their bigs. But a good deal of that could be contributed to Atlanta playing zone and the guards sagging to help with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Also, Reggie Evans bulled his way 10 rebounds, four of them on offense.
- “We paid so much attention to their inside presence and Chris Paul running the pick-and-roll that [Mo Williams] basically went out there shooting darts,” Joe said.
- “It looked like they were moving a lot faster than we were,” Drew said of Mo Williams and Bledsoe.
- You can see the Hawks’ offense slowly start to evolve to the point where it needs Josh on the court to function effectively. As soon as he entered the game in the second quarter after sitting with two fouls, he scored four straight baskets. As soon as he left after picking up his third, scoring became a struggle again.
- “We didn’t have anybody to go to in the post to go to to pressure their guys,” Joe said. “We basically shot a lot of jump shots and we kind of lost rhythm.”
- The Hawks managed to stay in striking position. Josh scored five points on one trip when he made two free throws after a clear path foul and then sank a 3-pointer. But that’s when it looked like the Hawks lost their legs at the same time Mo and Bledsoe were hitting everything.
- Here’s how their next eight possessions went: Josh missed on a drive, Jerry Stackhouse had his layup blocked on the break, Jannero Pargo turned it over, Tracy McGrady turned it over, McGrady made a 3, McGrady turned it over again, Kirk Hinrich shot an airball, and Joe turned it over.
- Joe: “No excuses. Everyone’s schedule has been pretty tough. We wanted to give ourselves a chance to win but we just kept turning the ball over and couldn’t really close the gap.”
- Ivan Johnson is expected to return to play Friday against the Wizards. Marvin, Vladimir and Willie Green are up in the air. The Hawks just can’t ever seem to get their full complement of players dressed.
- Drew: “It feels a little bit like ’snakebit.’ But it is something we are going to have to work through and push through and face. We can’t make any excuses because a lot of teams go through injuries. We will lick our wounds on this trip and we will go home and be OK.”
- Joe: “We keep mixing and matching lineups. You don’t know who is going to play or not play. It’s a little tough and mind-boggling but, at the same time, the way the schedule is, we have just got to deal with it.”
- Josh: “We are not worried about it. We have just got to stay positive and not worry about anybody catching up to us and just put a strong of games together and not worry about the pressure of dropping a seed.”
The Hawks have to get it together because Boston is creeping up from behind in the East.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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271 comments Add your comment
Micheal
March 15th, 2012
2:18 pm
Sund got a hour but I think he is just sleep in his bed, dreaming of retirement.
Astro Joe
March 15th, 2012
2:19 pm
OB, Travis Outlaw received a similar deal from NJ. San Antonio gave something close to RJ and now are trying to cut him loose for a comparably overpriced, injured and attitudinal Captain Jack. Sund isn’t the only GM to make that mistake, in fact, my guess is that Marvin’s deal is probably an average contract for a starting SF NOT in his rookie contract. Luke Walton makes over $6M and hasn’t played in 1.5 seasons. Al Thornton (beloved on this blog for some strange reason) and Julian Wright are unemployed because GMs are only now beginning to realize the insignificance of the SF position in today’s game.
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 15th, 2012
2:19 pm
Vava, are you sure that’s a 1st rounder for Sessions.
OB or anyone, isn’t Marvin always injured the week of the trade deadline? I wouldn’t mind seeing the stats data on that one. Too lazy to look that one up or, just don’t care enough to really know. Did anyone see this buster get hurt, he said someone bumped him on his hip? So what … No player plays @ 100, ever. What a loser! Can’t call him a girl, we give birth – repeatedly. Pain IS our pleasure, just glad to contribute to the male population.
The only thing reported on Hoopshype re: Hawks is that Stack wants to be a coach after another year of broadcasting. LOL
Ray
March 15th, 2012
2:19 pm
@ Just Joe nope cause they got a draft pick from that wouldn’t say they got robbed.
Melvin
March 15th, 2012
2:21 pm
I think it speaks to the notion that SFs are not particularly valuable in today’s NBA. If you’re not LeBron or Durant (and maybe 2-3 others), then you are essentially a dime a dozen (including Wallace). – Astro,
Could we flip Marvin and get another SF out of that dozen. B/c he’s worthless… Like a penny with a hole in it…
STRETCH
March 15th, 2012
2:23 pm
TMACfan,
I thought the same thing a month ago. That would have been the safe deal. Then they could have dealt KH to the Lakers. Any deal would help the Hawks right now. ]
I like them as a group but they seem to need rubbing alcohol every night!
Its like a team full of nursing home players!
JaeEvolution
March 15th, 2012
2:23 pm
Houston just got Camby more details soon.
Can we at least flip Hinrich for a pick or something?
Just Joe
March 15th, 2012
2:24 pm
A late first round pick is my compensation for giving up a pretty good PG & having to pay Luke Walton $6.1M next year?
Dawg
March 15th, 2012
2:25 pm
I bet Sund is trying to get someone to help him get on the intRAnet.
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 15th, 2012
2:25 pm
Build It and …
What owner worth his salt would, pay a SG Calvin Johnson type money – when he has NO true center. That’s the equivalent of signing a WR when you have NO QB to get him the ball, in reverse.
Sure a SG can throw the ball inside, but to who? A small center who can’t draw a double, play with his back to the basket, post up anyone or dribble in the paint? All our guy can do is throw it back outside to Josh.
This team has puzzle pieces that will never fit, healthy or otherwise. F! Sund and his arrogance re: “We just need to get healthy.”
Healthy for what? To get unhealthy?
TMACfan
March 15th, 2012
2:26 pm
Marcus Camby was just sent to the Rockets.
Ray
March 15th, 2012
2:26 pm
@ Just Joe
Got to remember the situation Cleveland is in their basically in a rebuilding mode Kyrie Irving is the first piece they basically must build through the draft.
Also this draft is supoose to be one of the deepest in a very long time is what’s being said at best.
Astro Joe
March 15th, 2012
2:28 pm
Mary, from a professional standpoint, there is no good reason why Marvin would object to a trade. He won’t make any less money, could potentially land with a ateam that will involve him more in the offense or give him a better chance to win, and if he is traded, he can’t be amnestied by the new team. Or said differently, what is so special about the Hawks that Marvin should be begging Sund to let him stay?
Ray
March 15th, 2012
2:29 pm
If I’m not mistaken it’s a lot more going into that deal with the Cavs I forgot all it said, but something about the Lakers being able to flip flop draft picks with the Cavs next year or something on that line.
Cavs won’t lose it just that Lakers would gain that spot instead and flip with them or something.
Yes Camby is now a Rocket just saw that.
SteveW
March 15th, 2012
2:30 pm
Pacers get Barborasa for a 2nd pick
Sixers get Sam Young from the Griz
Good moves
Spurs ditch Richard Jefferson for Stephen Jackson – another good move – possibly
JJ
March 15th, 2012
2:31 pm
It’s truly amazing to me that Sund and MG Jr. think this team can win anything signficant “if they get healthy”. Even if they get through the 1st round again, and even with a healthy Al does anyone really think they can win three straight series against Heat, Bulls, and WC Champ??
Wabe
March 15th, 2012
2:31 pm
vava,
You’re right that trades do not necessarily gaurantee improvement. I agree 100%. But, with that said, this team, as currently constructed, is not a legitimate threat, IMO, to advance any deeper into the playoffs than we have in years past.
We’ve been throwing the same group out there year after year hoping that this will be the year, and it hasn’t panned out yet, and it isn’t gonna be any different this year.
At this point, I’m more inclined to follow new faces play worst just for the sake of watching something new. I’m tired of the same ish day after day, year after year. It’s like choosing to watch the same average movie 50 times vs. watching a new movie, even if the new movie isn’t any better, and possibly worse than that movie you’ve watched 50 times.
I’m more inclined to watch something new and actually *hope* it turns out to be better off for the franchise than sit here and watch the same ish night after night and remain hopeless…
Melvin
March 15th, 2012
2:31 pm
Portland is playing dang near .500 ball (a little worst than the Hawks) and they are having a fire sell. While the Hawks phone line is disconnected. At least borrow Joe’s cell phone to make some calls, I’m sure he can afford to pay his bills….
Astro Joe
March 15th, 2012
2:32 pm
Blog fav Thabeet on the move again.
Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA Reply RetweetedRetweet
Delete
FavoritedFavorite · Close Open Details The Rockets will send Jonny Flynn and Hasheem Thabeet to the Blazers, source tells Y! Sports.
SteveW
March 15th, 2012
2:33 pm
Flynn and Thabeet to Portland in the Camby trade…
TMACfan
March 15th, 2012
2:34 pm
Thabeet is garbage… how is he a blog fave?
SteveW
March 15th, 2012
2:34 pm
Warriors get a 1st pick in that Stephen Jackson/Jefferson trade…
Ray
March 15th, 2012
2:35 pm
Well at least portland got younger rather quickly I might add.
Thabeet not the best C by a long shot, but much younger and at least he’s healthy vs a Greg Oden.
Johnny Flynn feel sorry for the guy seems to be bounced around that’s where his career is headed anyways.
bigdave
March 15th, 2012
2:36 pm
given limited practice time.. im surprised we’ve had even this many moves.
SteveW
March 15th, 2012
2:36 pm
Dwight stays, and Orlando is Miami killers – I hope they somehow play in the 2nd round.
TMACfan
March 15th, 2012
2:36 pm
Chris Kaman unlikely to be moved…
SMFH
SteveW
March 15th, 2012
2:37 pm
Portland also gets Minny’s 2nd pick in the Camby trade
Houston still trying for another trade
SteveW
March 15th, 2012
2:38 pm
Jamal just said nobody has told him if he’s been traded
Big Lou
March 15th, 2012
2:38 pm
Do you guy really think this management will make a trade?
Especially after making the ‘we need to get healthy’ excuse. Come on man!
Ray
March 15th, 2012
2:39 pm
So the Hawks actually decide to stand pat this year and I’ll watch as we exit the first round because of two people Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams.
Oh and because Sund and ASKG like this group of CORE PLAYERS the only person in the core worth anything is Josh Smith because he’s actually good, and don’t need isolation plays ran for him to make him look good SMGDFH!!!!!! ARGGJHHHHHHHH!!!
JaeEvolution
March 15th, 2012
2:39 pm
Every team ahead of us in the standings has gotten better so far today.
Orlando keeps Dwight.
Pacers get Barbosa for a 2nd round pick…
Sixers get another athlete for cash?
Miami/Chicago already a level ahead of everyone.
Melvin
March 15th, 2012
2:39 pm
Houston and Portland both whip the Hawks azz and they are making deals while the Hawks are making excuses of why not to make trades. Oh, add the Lakers in that group as well… SMH
Astro Joe
March 15th, 2012
2:39 pm
TMacFan, I can’t explain it, but Thabeet’s name comes up often as a possible answer for the Hawks’ center position. No Those who mention his name fail to realize that he is awful and has been from the very beginning. Maybe if he gets a consistent 20 minutes/game, he could become the next Mutombo. Oops, never mind.
SteveW
March 15th, 2012
2:39 pm
Cavs get Walton and Kapono in the Sessions deal? Joy – Somebody call Stern quick – LA has heisted another PG not named Chris Paul
Kaman to stay with Hornets according to reports??
TMACfan
March 15th, 2012
2:40 pm
WE HAVE 20 MINUTES TO MAKE A TRADE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ray
March 15th, 2012
2:40 pm
Well in nicer news
Murray St. Racers off to a good start in NCAA Tourney oh and Kansas St. is winning which I was hoping for LOL!
Better news then this joke of an organization.
SteveW
March 15th, 2012
2:40 pm
LA still working on acquiring Micheal Beasley according to Alex Kennedy
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 15th, 2012
2:41 pm
Talking Dead!
Biggie Lou, hot thunder … Your theory of an increased air-borne infection does make more sense now. Typically a virus is either air-borne or not unless the virus is mutating itself and getting stronger as it spread.
However in this case, the crew has been incubated by being sequestered on the farm. Shane and the farm prisoner are the only two that were’nt scratched, it seems and they turned rabid somehow. So, in this instance air-borne infections make sense and does answer the query.
Now about the escape plot coming up next. That horde of walkers looked to be about 30 walkers, (can’t really tell). The prisioner boy did say his camp had about 30 people and were approximately 5 miles away so, it is probably them and that amount coming outa’ them woods.
Remember, before Shane killed Otis … Herschel was ropimg the walkers with an apparatus of a pole with a rope for it’s noose and, guiding them into the barn. Once there, the blonde haired, suicidal daughter was throwing live chickens in there to keep them fed? As sick as that was it was working and Rick’s crew had no idea they were in there for many days.
Here’s my point: Rick or Glenn will bait them into the barn and bolt the lock, “let them eat cake” burn the barn down and get the hella on. Some of the crew may die, but the core will survive. Aslo, don’t forget … Herschel was storing food in the basement for the future/next scene. Something will happen in the basement too.
What’s your take?
BTW: The Hawks ain’t gonna do squat!
Melvin
March 15th, 2012
2:41 pm
Josh is definitely gone after next season at the least. Astro will be happy. Good Job BASG and Sund.
SteveW
March 15th, 2012
2:42 pm
I’m more concerned with the Pacers and Sixers deals than anybody’s – they get stronger – and we are battling with them for spots 3-6 in the East
Wabe
March 15th, 2012
2:43 pm
Ain’t no trades happening man…
This is the city of Atlanta…the most miserable freakin’ city to be a sports fan in.
The Hawks have the biggest bum of owners. Even when you think they’re gone over the summer, they’re back. And they’re still f’n with the fans.
SteveW
March 15th, 2012
2:43 pm
Breshnahan says Beasley to LA deal is falling apart – Good!
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 15th, 2012
2:43 pm
I bet Kirk and Marvin at home peeing in their pants. Those are the only two in danger for the next 18 mins.
CrαZy
March 15th, 2012
2:44 pm
I love being a Hawks Fan!!! Geeez… Get us a player that makes us better this year OR trade assets and start trying to build a team that can win tomorrow. Standing pat gets us nothing more than a 1 and done.
SteveW
March 15th, 2012
2:45 pm
Kaman looking at being bought out – with Miami, Boston and San Antonio trying to acquire him if that happens according to Adrian Woj.
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 15th, 2012
2:45 pm
MC – Really Maannne?
SteveW
March 15th, 2012
2:46 pm
Raymond Felton can’t be dealt – no takers yet
Melvin
March 15th, 2012
2:46 pm
The Lakers are like Droid. Whomever they want, they get… Besides Chris Paul….
Wabe
March 15th, 2012
2:46 pm
The next time someone goes to a Hawks game, please man, make your dissatisfaction known…
Run around the freakin’ arena with a big ol’ “F the ASG” sign if you have to. Or find a way to get right up by Nique and Rathbun and yell it off the top of your lungs…
Tired of these bums man…
Ray
March 15th, 2012
2:46 pm
If ya’ll want anything to happen hope for the worst and something will actually I’m hoping hawks end up missing the playoffs. As much as you can blame it on injuries you just can’t we’ve had injuries before and we still got into the second round.