Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 102, Wizards 88
Vivlamore reporting from Philips Arena. Here is my updated game story from Friday’s victory over the Wizards.
One figure was written clearly on the Hawks’ locker room white board. It read simply 53 percent.
That was the only point coach Larry Drew needed to get across to his team during a halftime speech Friday. The Wizards were shooting such a high field-goal percentage – and the Hawks’ defensive effort was clearly the issue.
The Hawks came out with a much-better effort in the second half, erased a six-point deficit, en route to a 102-88 victory over the Wizards at Philips Arena.
“Defensively, we made a stand,” Drew said. “I came in at halftime and that team was shooting over 50 percent against us in the first half. I just told the guys that was ridiculous. … I knew we could be a better defensive team than what we were showing. We just had to make up our mind to go out and guard people and not rely on help. That third quarter we made a strong stand defensively.”
The Hawks held the Wizards to 43 percent shooting in the second half and had 16 of their season-high tying 30 fast-break points in the final two quarters. The Hawks also forced 22 turnovers, including nine by Wizards point guard John Wall.
“It starts with our defense,” Drew said. “We can’t come out thinking we can outscore people. We have to defend and be solid. The first half I thought we gambled [defensively] entirely too much.”
The Hawks didn’t fall victim of a classic trap game – but they came close for awhile.
Home after a six-game road trip, where they went 2-4 including losses in four of the last five games, the Hawks rallied against the lowly Wizards. The didn’t return from the trip until landing in Atlanta at 5 p.m. on Thursday after a cross-country flight.
Joe Johnson led the Hawks (25-19) with a game-high 34 points, tying his season high set two games ago against the Nuggets. He scored 15 first-quarter points, half the Hawks’ total after the first 12 minutes. He was 6-of-7 from the field, including three 3-pointers. Johnson had 18 first-half points. The Hawks are 14-2 when Johnson scores 20 or more points.
“We had great ball movement and I was in the right place at the right time,” Johnson said. “…You can make the first couple, get a couple easy baskets, and the rim just starts to get a little bigger. Tonight was just one of those nights.”
The Hawks also got 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists from Josh Smith. He tied Dikembe Mutombo for sixth on the Hawks’ all-time offensive rebounds list (1,228). Smith has scored 20 or more points in eight of past nine games.
“We came out a little sluggish,” Smith said. “I don’t know if it’s because we were traveling so much. Normally when you come from the west coast you have a couple of days to recuperate. We had less than 24 hours to recuperate. We came in and probably were a little flat coming in. When we finally found our stride we were able to play some defense in that second half and go away winning.”
Jeff Teague added 14 points and Zaza Pachulia nearly had a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high seven assists.
The Wizards (10-33) led by at the half 54-50 and by as many as six points early in the third quarter. However, the Hawks closed the third on an 18-6 run. Smith scored the first eight points of the third to close the Hawks within two points, 60-58. The Hawks got 3-pointers from Johnson, Kirk Hinrich and Jannero Pargo on the decisive run. They led 71-64 at the end of the third quarter. A 3-pointer by Smith early in the fourth quarter pushed the Hawks lead to 10 points. With 6:17 remaining in the final period they lead was14 points and the rout was on.
“That’s been happening the last three or four games,” Pargo said of the team’s defensive effort. “We have to realize we are not playing the type of defense we are capable of playing.”
The Hawks, who snapped a two-game losing streak, extended their home win streak to eight games over the Wizards, who last won in Philips Arena on Jan. 11, 2008. The Hawks also kept their position of sixth in the Eastern Conference playoff race. A loss to the Wizards, combined with Celtics win over the Kings late Friday, would have dropped the Hawks to seventh, a half-game behind Boston.
The Wizards led at halftime thanks to a 17-4 run midway through the second quarter. The Hawks led by seven points before Shelvin Mack and Roger Mason hit back-to-back 3-pointers to ignite the run. The Wizards capitalized with 15 points off turnovers in the first half.
The Wizards were led by Trevor Booker with 18 points. The Hawks limited Wall, who was a major concern, to 14 points.
The Wizards played short-handed without Nene and Brian Cook, who have yet to join the team after Thursday’s three-team NBA trade deadline deal.
The Hawks, who also defeated the Wizards by 18 points in December, will play in Washington in eight days to conclude the season series.
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173 comments Add your comment
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
March 17th, 2012
7:56 pm
“As I said before, I wont be talking to you so it would be considerate if you and your illusion/ subtlety package would leave me along.”
Along where? A long what?
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 17th, 2012
8:15 pm
Talking Dead!
Biggie Lou, lip smacker, (I liked that last one – inflated?). Ha Ha Ha … In your dreams boy!
Where you gettin’ all this info from? You know somebody in a 12 hour time zone? I figured there may be about 30 walkers. From what you’re saying, seems more like a thousand!
You said Dale, but you meant Glenn. Hmmm … It’s about to get real ugly Sunday Night. I may have to skip the Hawks … Who do we play next anyway?
Biggie Lou, we’re living the wrong life man, we should have been film writers and directors. You can’t make this stuff up! Where did you get your info from? Sounds legit.
I can’t waite! LOL
Big Lou
March 17th, 2012
8:29 pm
drmaryb, clueless wanderer, I meant ‘inflated’ as in egotistical/a know at all.
Actually, we’re both wrong. I got the names mixed up and so did you. Daryl Shot Dale in the head, not Glenn(the Asian guy). Yet, the predictions rest as stated.
No. I’m just taking a wild guess. It just seems that the burning of the barn makes sense, but as I saw from the sneak preview on talking dead… there’s more than just 30.
I’m just going to do what I did last time and catch the 11 showing, since Talking Dead is afterwards. Also, NO SPOILERS! You will forever be ignored! Cavs, I believe and Boston Monday night.
Again, just speculation and watching the older episodes again. I just have a feeling your partially correct. I’m still hoping to see some new survivors, though. Actually, I do write stories and I am currently working on a novel about the zombie apocalypse.
Buddy Grizzard
March 17th, 2012
8:30 pm
“Josh’s recent development as a decently reliable low post scorer…” – Vava74
But wait…. I thought Josh had no post game? I guess certain people were too stupid and lazy to figure it out until there were no other options. Can’t wait to see Josh on a contender.
Buddy Grizzard
March 17th, 2012
8:36 pm
“Why on earth would you PURPOSELY make this blog an unpleasant place to be for other Hawks fans?”
MASSIVE self esteem issues. He’s like an anorexic girl who looks at all her attractive friends’ profiles on Facebook and cries.
High-sider
March 17th, 2012
8:52 pm
Sarge’s aka Coach McMistake’s aka Coach [Nate] McMillan’s firing [termination] is currently at No. 6 on Yahoo’s top ten “Trending Now.”
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 17th, 2012
8:52 pm
A Novel Idea!
Biggie Lou, running man … So, you’re writing a novel – Zombie Apocalypse. Very nice … this movie is perfect for you to then. I would love to read your writings someday.
I love your ideas up there. I think we’re both on the right path though. Ok, I’ll watch my Hawks demolish the Cavs first, Kyrie Evans is so special. Then, the walkers at 11 – I don’t want to be a spoiler as you know, I can’t keep a secret.
Inflated one … Ok, you got me there – it’s true.
Later, cohorts. I’m outa’ here.
Let’s Go Hawks!
ag
March 17th, 2012
8:58 pm
Can’t believe you guys are having a ZaZa vs. Al debate. I know against Denver, Al would have dunked that hit!!!! Al is a great finisher, and I Josh can continue to work the block while Al is at the top of the key.
Buddy Grizzard
March 17th, 2012
9:03 pm
NetsDaily.com @NetsDaily Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
With T-Will release only 3 of Rod Thorns last 15 Net draft picks still in NBA: Lopez, Anderson and Favors [D.James who is out for year].
Wow… Billy Knight has a much better record with draft picks than that.
On point
March 17th, 2012
9:09 pm
Dept. Of Unintended Irony Im busted. You are the best proof reader ever… (check that for me…)
Yes, thank you for correction, Leave me alone.
On point
March 17th, 2012
9:12 pm
“Why on earth would you PURPOSELY make this blog an unpleasant place to be for other Hawks fans?”
Why for ‘ANY’ HAWKS FANS? Just because a person doesnt share your view or has a different view about your favorite player is no reason to so bad seeds.
Shaq M. Bradley
March 17th, 2012
9:22 pm
Hawks beat the bad teams and lose to the best teams (Heat,Bulls,76ers). Ain’t no Wizards gonna be in the playoffs… Horford ain’t a center and will be exploited when/if he returns. Hawks Mgmt. mailed it in again. Why didn’t they trade for Chris Kaman ?
Buddy Grizzard
March 17th, 2012
9:27 pm
Actually we’ve beaten most of the top teams in the league. Yes, the Hawks get most of their wins against bottom feeders, but that’s actually a good sign. For years, the Hawks could beat a contender one night and get blown out by the Wizards the next night. So far this year the Hawks have very few bad losses and a lot of close losses against good teams. Given the drop off in competition, the Hawks should be on their way up in the standings for the rest of the season. If the Hawks are 6th or lower at season’s end, it’s time to blow it up.
High-sider
March 17th, 2012
9:36 pm
Knicks [team] is 3-0 with Woody at the helm – three consecutive double-digit victories. Go Woody!
northcyde
March 17th, 2012
9:37 pm
Najeh Davenpoop
March 17th, 2012
1:01 am
Damn bigdave, down to 10-1 over northcyde? Quit slacking man, I need that 11-0 to boost my playoff hopes.
******************
LOL . . . I;m just trying to lose 3 – 8 at this point. If I can win the FT% – 3PTM – and REB categories, I’ll be satisfied. As long as you and Metta stay at 3, everything is gravy.
Shaq M. Bradley
March 17th, 2012
9:39 pm
The Magic are the only good team Hawks have beaten twice. Against the Heat,Bulls,76ers,Celtics,Lakers,Spurs,Clippers,Rockets,Mavericks they get eaten alive.
On point
March 17th, 2012
9:52 pm
Good teams beat the teams they are suppose to ….
On point
March 17th, 2012
9:54 pm
*sow bad seeds.
Shaq M. Bradley
March 17th, 2012
9:56 pm
Good teams meet good teams in the playoffs. Hawks are toast…
Rev in Tampa
March 17th, 2012
10:11 pm
Indy loses and Phil & Bos down by double digits. Looks to be a good night for the Hawks in the standings.
Another GM
March 17th, 2012
10:18 pm
So, some of you guys are making fun of Mike Woodson and you have Larry Drew for a head coach. Thats the funniest thing Ive heard in a long time.
Melvin
March 17th, 2012
10:24 pm
Grandad,
I like Perry Jones III. Although I wish he play with more aggressiveness. He kid is 6-11 and have skills like a SF. Reminds me of a bigger, right handed version of Lamar Odom.
Melvin
March 17th, 2012
10:29 pm
Philly and Indy lost tonight. And the Celtics lost last night….All good for the Hawks…
Buddy Grizzard
March 17th, 2012
10:31 pm
“The Magic are the only good team Hawks have beaten twice. Against the Heat,Bulls,76ers,Celtics,Lakers,Spurs,Clippers,Rockets,Mavericks they get eaten alive.” – The Troll’s Latest Handle
Yeah we got killed last time against MIA… how many free throws did we get?
Buddy Grizzard
March 17th, 2012
10:31 pm
PHI and IND lose, that’s the two teams immediately ahead of us in the standings. Just need DEN to take care of BOS and this will be a good night.
On Point
March 17th, 2012
11:20 pm
Yep buzzard, I agree, that is a troll,(“The Magic are the only good team Hawks have beaten twice. Against the Heat,Bulls,76ers,Celtics,Lakers,Spurs,Clippers,Rockets,Mavericks they get eaten alive.)
One of many.
Melvin
March 17th, 2012
11:26 pm
Celtics lose again tonight. Good day for the Hawks as the two teams ahead of them and the team behind them lost……
doc
March 17th, 2012
11:46 pm
stern is lethal:
a take on the further demise of the hornets, still stuck with kamen:
Loser: NBA/New Orleans Hornets
The Hornets gave Chris Kaman a leave of absence a month ago while openly shopping him, allowed him to return to enhance his trade value and then failed to move him. While there was some interest in Kaman, the Hornets will end up getting nothing for him after he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The Hornets also unsuccessfully tried to trade forward Carl Landry, who also will hit the free-agent market this summer.
The way it looks now, the Hornets will have traded their franchise point guard (Paul) for a player who’s leaving (Kaman), a guard who’s played only two games and also could leave in the summer (Eric Gordon), underachieving forward Al-Farouq Aminu and a 2012 first-round pick that might not end up in the lottery.
Imagine how different it would be if NBA commissioner David Stern hadn’t vetoed a trade that would have given the Hornets guard Kevin Martin, forward Luis Scola, forward Lamar Odom and guard Goran Dragic.
Slimjr
March 18th, 2012
12:10 am
doc, maybe the chief gangster is trying in an underhanded way to rid New Orleans of this basketball franchise known as the Hornets?
Woody with 3 blowouts in a row? What is going with the force?
This coach is going to win 10 in a row then secure a permanent job if he keeps this up!
Go Woody!!!!
BIG DOG
March 18th, 2012
12:16 am
On Point how you figure.
Answer this ?
Pick and choose
Team A Teague, Joe, Josh, Horford, Zaza
OR
Team B Teague, Hinrich, Joe, Josh, Zaza
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Slimjr
March 18th, 2012
12:17 am
Buddy, if the Hawks get the 5th or 4th seed and get blown out in the 1st rd., I say jettison the Core..Package Marvin and his buddy All fluid Al…
BIG DOG
March 18th, 2012
12:17 am
Team A will beat Team B all day long, So how you figure Team B is better than Team A ?
SMH
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Rev in Tampa
March 18th, 2012
12:19 am
My family is glad that I’m not a betting man or we’d be broke. 88.7% of people who picked an NCAA Tournament bracket are doing better than me. And that’s after I started 11-0. I hate losing.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
March 18th, 2012
12:24 am
*YAWN*
I’m ready for the playoffs so we can really see which teams are for real.
doc
March 18th, 2012
12:24 am
duke and mizzou the culprits rev?
Rev in Tampa
March 18th, 2012
12:30 am
Duke & Mizzou are only part of the problem. I picked Vandy to go to the final four as my sleeper. And, don’t tell my congregation, but I picked against the hometown darlings from USF.
doc
March 18th, 2012
12:36 am
only one thing left to do rev …. pray for your deliverance and salvation on your knees now bro.
On Point
March 18th, 2012
12:42 am
I see your point Lil Mutt….
Smoke weed every day..
Rev in Tampa
March 18th, 2012
12:45 am
My bracket has put me in a bad mood on a SATURDAY NIGHT. I’m up brooding over something that has no significance to me. I better not take this into the pulpit tomorrow morning. I’m starting a new series on Philippians. Philippians is nick-named “the epistle of joy”. LOL.
EmirS.
March 18th, 2012
1:11 am
Bold Prediction: Hawks earn number 3 seed for the playoffs.
Rufus1
March 18th, 2012
1:17 am
I want the hawks to draft Royce White from Iowa State…. I love his game.
doc
March 18th, 2012
1:29 am
you go rev, joy, joy joy. heh heh
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 18th, 2012
7:12 am
Rev, you are in my prayers so, keep the faith.
PREACH …. CHURCH … PULPIT!!!!!!! (smile)
____________
doc, do you see what Stern did there? He didn’t get the best trade for CP3, (see Denver) his goal was to block LA from the Block PartY! Collusion at its highest level. Stern basically traded CPR for some gym socks …
Paul said he would sign an extension with Atlanta, so, why couldn’t Sund get oin on that action. I mean really, Sund?
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 18th, 2012
8:13 am
Blow The Whistle!
Hey Slimjr, you may appreciate this: Goldman Sachs stock plummets 1B in stock value last Friday, (see bail out) all because a high level executive quits and published a Wall Street Journal article saying the bank has a FK the people toxic attitude towards it’s investors. The culture @ Goldman Sachs is worse than before they crashed the economy.
Why would anyone invest with these people, who are in the Mortgage business. They are looking to foreclose on whoever they can. Hey cohorts, better hope your mortgage bank doesn’t get packaged and sold to these vultures. Pay attention to who your lender is and if. It changes every 3-6 months or so. These crooks are swapping loans like girls and boys in a swingers club!
Toxic! How many wanna’ bet ASKG has Goldman Sachs stock? They probably care more about their bank accounts, than the Hawks roster.
Why aren’t these Bank Robbing Criminals in Jail? Don’t just lock up Bernie Madoff!
Najeh Davenpoop
March 18th, 2012
8:46 am
Haha @ T-S calling Buddy Grizzard “Buzzard”. I might start using that.
Dawg
March 18th, 2012
8:52 am
I hope that none of the Hawks decide to date a Kardashian. They would lose both their wallets and their sanity.
Look what has happened to Lamar.
doc
March 18th, 2012
8:53 am
aj, an interesting look at the man behind the man woody:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/sports/basketball/woodsons-approach-runs-a-straight-line-from-broad-ripple-to-th
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 18th, 2012
9:20 am
“That girl is poison” -BBD-
darrell starks
March 18th, 2012
9:21 am
My Friend dymaryb, every thing the people are witinessing today are starting to come to light, the monetary system have all ways been and illusion to maintain power thru out 4corners of the earth for the elite, your dollar bill you carry around in your pocket is worthless and have always been since the beginnig of currency being started from what we call paper trail toilet tissue.
Money have always been back by gold, thats why when you see these crazy a$$ comercial talking about we exchange money for gold i just SMH and lol.
Today and ounce of Gold is worth almost 2 thousand dollar, so that alone is telling you that pretty soon the Monetary system will no longer exist because it have reach it’s peak.
That’s why your Goldman Sachs and all the top dogs getting there now before every thing collapse, it’s all a game like they say this an’t checker it’s chess being planed carefully by every one in that circle.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Admiral Snackbar
March 18th, 2012
9:25 am
“Coach Woodson, he’s more of – he’s a player’s coach,” Stoudemire said. “It’s a matter of us as players playing hard for him and trying to get these wins.”
3-0 under Woody.