Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 103, Cavs 102
- The Hawks played hard after a lackluster start (especially Josh Smith) and Joe Johnson made some big shots. Jerry Stackhouse (!) balled like it’s 2001. The Hawks won, which can never be taken for granted in this league.
- But, honestly, that’s about all the praise I can muster for them after this one.
- The Hawks just made fewer blunders than the Cavs at winning time and escaped with a hard-fought-but-fortunate W. “I thought we were dead in the water down six with two minutes to go,” Larry Drew said. “I guess the basketball gods were with us. We made plays to finish.”
- I guess that’s one way to think about it, but one of the basketball gods had a strong resemblance to Byron Scott. He decided not to foul before Joe tied it with a clean look from 25 feet in regulation. “We figured we would just play solid defense instead of taking the foul,” Scott said.
- Neither did the Cavs pressure, blitz, deny, trap or do anything to disrupt Joe on that shot, the 3 he made just before that or the short J he made near the end of overtime. Compare that to the way the Celtics absolutely would not let Joe have a chance to beat them late in the game Monday.
- I just can’t believe the Cavs didn’t do something, anything to prevent Joe from getting clean looks with the game on the line and neither could Joe: “I really was surprised that I caught it and turned and I was that wide open. All I could think about was getting it up.”
- Joe needed one screen to get in position for the game winner. Antawn Jamison appeared to consider helping when Joe got closer to the basket but then decided it was best to let him take an uncontested 12-footer. “We gave them the game,” Scott said, and at least he included himself.
- Before all of that Drew had tried to one-up (one-down?) Scott by choosing not to to foul with the Cavs up 89-88 and about a three-second differential between the game and shot clocks. Kyrie Irving blew by Kirk Hinrich for a layup to score with 5.4 seconds to go and actually could have ran off even more time and left the Hawks with maybe a second or so.
- “I thought about [fouling],” Drew said. “But I made the decision to go ahead and defend. I didn’t think they take a shot at the expiration of the shot clock. I thought we would get another opportunity.”
- Zaza Pachulia blew another important layup and this time he was even more wide open than he was at Denver. Zaza had a good game otherwise and is having a career season but finishing at the rim remains the big hole in his game. Sometimes he looks like he’d rather be fouled.
- Drew: “I told him, ‘Big fella, I’m going to continue to come to you and I have all the confidence in the world in you. You’ve blundered a couple but it doesn’t change the way I feel about you.”
- Bad: Joe needed 19 shots for 22 points. Good: He made big shots, made five of six free-throw attempts and had six rebounds, five assists against zero turnovers and two (!) blocked shots.
- Josh settled for Js late but I’m inclined to cut him slack. He had little help on the boards (13 of Atlanta’s 26 defensive rebounds, four of its 11 offensive), was alone as usual defending the rim and nobody else was really making shots until Joe did so late in the game.
- Josh and some people around him think he takes too much flak from hometown fans. I don’t think that’s always true but it would be in this case if the focus is on his missed Js after had had nearly half his team’s rebounds, more than half of its free throws and played 51 minutes. “I’m tired as a mother[bleeper],” he offered before hitting the showers.
- Once again the Hawks faced a bad team and, instead of smothering them with defense, went ahead and tried to trade baskets. At least the Nuggets are a good offensive team. There’s little excuse for the way the Cavs came out scoring so easily. “We didn’t come to play in the first quarter and it gave them confidence,” Drew said. “We offered no defensive resistance. They scored at will.”
- The Hawks picked it up in the second quarter by getting steals and running. Josh started it off with eight straight points on drives or free throws and then Stackhouse (!) kept it going with a flurry of steals, passes, and 3-pointers.
- The Hawks had a game by then, though. A (rare) good start to the third quarter wasn’t enough to shake the Cavs, and Irving had a lot to do with that.
- Irving’s talent + Jeff Teague’s typically blase pick-and-roll D + Kirk Hinrich’s declining footspeed=problems for the Hawks.
- At least Teague had 12 points (6 of 9 FG), seven assists, four steals and just one turnover. Hinrich was 4 of 13 from the field with a couple short misses.
- Willie Green returned after missing 10 games with back and hamstring injuries. He played 15 minutes. “It felt OK, not great,” he said. “It’s just about continuing to monitor it and hope it continues to get better. I want to continue to get in rhythm.”
- Drew said Ivan Johnson will return to play against the Nets Friday and Marvin Williams could return: “We hope to get some bodies back.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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392 comments Add your comment
O'Brien
March 23rd, 2012
11:20 am
Dmb,
Woody was also booted because this team had been embarrassed by the Orlando Magic in the second round, being swept by the highest average margin of defeat in NBA history (~25ppg). And we were also swept by the year before.
It’s not all his fault (the players struggled big time), but after 2 consecutive sweeps in the second round (one of them in record fashion), it appeared the team had peaked with Woody, so a change had to be made, especially when it appears the team was tuning him out.
Plus his contract was up, so they didn’t have to fire him. They chose not to re-sign him.
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
11:28 am
I’ve seen rats in NYC as large as full grown men. Yep, in fact there are full grown men!!!!!!!!!! hehehe
I hope Woody crushes it up there..Becomes the Next Phil Jackson! Come up with a “Tango” Offensive scheme to feature two All-Star ISO players…They will be huge come playoffs!
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
11:28 am
they^^^
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
11:30 am
It does take take two to “Tango”? Get it? I thought so….lol
Rod from College Park
March 23rd, 2012
11:30 am
doc,
Whatever meds your on, you need to slow down. We don’t want another Whitney Houston situation. LOL. I’m going to tell you what to do. Go to the Hawks vs. Knicks game, get there early, watch warmups and shoot around, and wait to see if you see Woody, and LD chopping it up like 30 year friends should. Then you can make your own judgements. 24 hours later and you are still puttin words in my mouth, and coming up with scenario’s in you mind. SMH
Astro Joe
March 23rd, 2012
11:34 am
doc, Laimbeer looked like he has shed some weight… he needs to pass along his tips to Rick Mahorn.
We’ve seen assistants hired when the head man gets canned during the season (e.g., Whitman taking over for Flip Saunders). But that is usually when there is no formal interview proces. Seeing an assistant interview for a gig after the owners have rebuked the previous regime (which you were an integral member of) is a little different.
Astro Joe
March 23rd, 2012
11:37 am
Woody was let go because ownership wanted them to lose better. Had they actually wanted them to advance past the 2nd round, they would not have hired one of the lowest paid coaches in the league.
doc
March 23rd, 2012
11:51 am
rod as i said if your sources are correct then i am sad for woody because he is still in grade school and among pariahs now. sorry he wasnt a big enough man to say i lost it now go for it as you hace helped me for many years and didnt go to saramento when you wanted to after we gave you the interview only to pull it away. good luck as i had my chance. woody cried all year about being a lame duck without a contract saying he deserved better and wasnt being treated fairly. dont you think that rubbed his bosses a bit or even chaffed their asses hard as they were paying him 4 mil a year on scale with the best, especially as his team blew up in front of everybody by over 25 a night? his playoff losses werent coming cheap ya know? puhleeze rod and others it was not about larry. this was between woody, rick and the basg. then basg went cheap on us all and hired the cheapest gun in the east to coach its team.
aj, many have stepped in behind former bosses as in dallas a few years back and fratello even in atl. throw in the basg dysfunction factor and there you go.
Astro Joe
March 23rd, 2012
11:58 am
doc, I’m not sure about “many”. Don Nelson (I assume tha is the Dalls situation you referenced) had Avery coach some games for him. He was grooming the younger Lil General for the gig. Woody didn’t retire, he was essentially told that the team needed a new voice… so an old voice went in there and got the job.
Big Lou
March 23rd, 2012
12:09 pm
No Zaza tonight?
Oh Lord… have to watch Jason Collins lose the game.
It’s a trap!
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
12:11 pm
Huge loss for the Hawks..
It is a TRAP!
4-10 next 14 would put a fork in Larry Leisure Suits squad…
doc
March 23rd, 2012
12:27 pm
slimj up from 4-8 eh?
again once the vacancy then all bets off. woody is major control freak if he begrudges someone else that he knee for so long getting a chance to make some bucks especially if he held him back before in the offer to go to sac. assistants sometimes go to shaky positions like woody did hoping the axe will fall. did anyone but me think my woody and dantoni are strange bedfellows with contradictory philosphies and nothing in common? give ke a break folks if you think woody wasnt thinkng the next possible step. those ops happen infrequently. in business this is std unless there is a sweep. again this is between basg and woody.
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
12:33 pm
By numbers alone, Larry was a better NBA player then his teammate Woody but between the
loyalty piece it may have rubbed Woody the wrong way big time as Grandad was eluding too last night. There was some baggage being that they were good friends for over 30 years? What I don’t get is Larry disparaging his close friend’s job performance to the Media!? That alone motivates me to cheer for Woody to crush Larry by 30!
Larry Drew that’s a real class act(wrong)..What a piece of work you are?
Woody has his hands full now! Oh boy! Get ready for some Drama next Friday..
Hopefully the Hawks will be healed up..This will be like a playoff game and will have ramifications next month for sure….
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
12:37 pm
doc, ZaZa not playing is a huge loss..
Nene will destroy Ivan and Collins…
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
12:38 pm
Check that, Ivan is gone too? Wow….
Oh well go small ball..Put Josh in the middle and have Collins back him up
Rod from College Park
March 23rd, 2012
12:41 pm
I will say again that all these easy games a couple of you see on the schedule, wont be so easy. This is the Hawks we are talking about. Detoit is not an easy game. Wizards with Nene won’t be easy…..
doc
March 23rd, 2012
12:42 pm
slimj as i said that was a piece that left me with my mough open saying i cant believe he is saying this even though it was absolutely true and what all of us had said for years. it is what rubs aj’s ass a bit when he gets worked up and starts his thang on the accountability of players issue. right aj?
i dont root for woody against the hawks but do want him to succeed as i think he is a decent fellow unless he truly is pissed a friend has gotten a job that was vacant even if he had sat in the chair. that is truly sad for him. if you were best friends with charlize theron’s boyfriend and they broke up and you were on an island together only with charlize or even say, beyonce, would you still say, no mam?
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 23rd, 2012
12:49 pm
There’s Something about Mary!
“There’s is something about Larry? Hmmmmmmmmmm.. Cant put a finger on it?” -slimjr-
__________
Is it the he is “sneaky” strong. Kinda’ like Dennis Rodman … dress like woman – strong like bull! LOL
Many people underestimated the heart of a champion when sizing up Dennis Rodman. His core strength stability was beyond human. Strong abs!
Conversely, Marvin should be a rebounding warrior with his size. But, this guy never goes up strong inside and to the hole. Every shot is blocked by windshield bugs … Why is his chest muscles so weak! Doesn’t he do push ups! What a waste of size and skill.
Back to Drew, he is quite crafty between the ears. The one to watch when you turn your back.
Big Lou
March 23rd, 2012
12:50 pm
Slimjr
NeNe?
They’re playing the Nets!
Wizards are mañana!
I would make Ivan come down here before they get blown out two games in a row. Fire LD!
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
12:56 pm
“if you were best friends with charlize theron’s boyfriend and they broke up and you were on an island together only with charlize or even say, beyonce, would you still say, no mam?”
Hahaha doc..Interesting perspective for sure?
Speaking of charlize theron, she’s an awesome lookin women but you’ll notice nobody put a ring on it after 36 years? Why you ask, cause she’s a neat freak! She’ll drive you nuts and far away to the other side of the island!!
Now Beyonce would have to renounce her Illuminati affiliations…
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
12:57 pm
My bad Big Lou! Thanks for the correction!
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 23rd, 2012
12:59 pm
Depleted!
RCP, you are spot on, Sir. The Hawks are decimated with injuries – they can’t look past anyone!
“This is the NBA – man!” -Joe Johnson-
Slimjr
March 23rd, 2012
1:00 pm
Marvin should play in the WNBA..He’d be an AllStar in that league for sure….LOL!
Big Lou
March 23rd, 2012
1:03 pm
You kiddin’ me about Theron and beyonce right?
Those women are old now. Females age like milk, just saying. They are past their experation date.
Give me some of that young Rihanna. If I HAD to go older, I would love some Keri Hilson and Shakira(hips don’t lie). Amen!
Big Lou
March 23rd, 2012
1:04 pm
“Marvin should play in the WNBA..He’d be an AllStar in that league for sure….LOL!”
Candice Parker will still find a way to block his sorry azz. Lol
Grandad
March 23rd, 2012
1:18 pm
doc
I have no idea what was discussed between D`Antoni and Woodson.
D’Antoni resigned and as was recanted ^ above ^ ;
Woodson is essentially an interim whereas LD
actually sought out and interviewed for the vacant Hawks job.
There is no way of knowing.
What we do know;
Woodson is from the Bob Knight school of thought;
once a bond is broken, `tis broken forever.
*[many examples cited in '`a Season on the Brink`']
Plus;
LD has mishandled situations before:
* his son & Roy Williams to name one
Unrelated but:
The strange and curious situation of trying to leave the Hawks
and BK / ownership whomever not letting him out of his contract
remains mysterious.
By the way, we cannot count that against LD, per se, as I believe
there was another asst who tried to leave at the same time.
I think with both men; whatever the cause;
it appears a wedge is firmly in place.
doc
March 23rd, 2012
1:31 pm
ok rod let us go back and you said first:
From what I heard, LD backdoored Woody. LD basically went to management and told them that he would be willing to coach the team for much less than what they would have to pay Woodson. Perfect situation for the cost cutting ASG, who refuse to spend money on a coach. That is why he is still the lowest paid head coach in the league.
do you really think that is possible? preposterous, what if they had won the round against the magic then ld is gone. no one even a mouse would undercut as early as you suggest or be able to perdict how bad woody would fail. huge creative friends you have there and irrational as well though they may know the man. i think woody was gone within days.
then you went on to say:
“Woody is only interim. He may have been justified in his actions, because if I remember correctly, Drew was trying to leave, and had another job offer, and Woodson blocked him. I don’t think that they are too fond of each other.”
again that doesnt make sense does it to hold back someone you now are going to dislike, he is going to dislike you. no i fact sekou reported ld would carry on as the professional he was and never was doubted or heard from again in the media except that bk had wanted to can woody shortly after not letting him go to sac to replace woody. hmmmm where does that fit with yu or your friends in the know (ha!) or your fabrication rod? all this went back to the stumbling years with bk?
as in the article, bk was the one who gave permission and to take it away. woody didnt have that power and it seems bk called his own shots, didnt it? yes, in the article as i gave you from sacramento it threw woody’s name in. i cant give the archived one from sekou because it doesnt exist but that was never speculated by sekou that woody had anything to do with it. if he did want him, then fine live with it until the contracts are then done, if that was the peeve. the gig was over and woody and everyone was without a contract years later. do you think they coexisted with animosity that long from the sac job with reggie theuss? so go for it ld and get your own job.
again woody is pretty small if this is truly what has him upset. i would prefer to go with the line that i have suggested and slimj threw out there than to say he demands such loyalty as that to affect the livelihoods of families when he has gotten his millions, which he did; unless he pays too much for his suits and bad eyebrow cuts cost more than i think they do. woody is in pretty good shape right now and i doubt he has bigger fish to fry than ld. no to answer your question, i dont expect them to hug on the sidelines based on what ld said not the supposition of what he did.
and true to form rod, i suspect you will laugh it off, make a snide comment without substance and not answer any of the critical statements that refute your friends conspiracy theory.
Grandad
March 23rd, 2012
1:37 pm
Big Lou
I wish to inform you sir.
A beautiful woman has no expiration date.
____________________________________________
If you are on a deserted island ?
Any woman atall, ain`t got no expiration date !
____________________________________________
Now, when you get to my age,
you don`t even bother lookin` at the date on the jug.
____________________________________________
And for all yawl that thank I`m particular;
because every now and then I poke fun at stereotypes;
I like chocolate milk, sweet milk, skim milk, buttermilk;
muscadine cider, ginger ale, sweet tea,
and my coffee black thank you.
doc
March 23rd, 2012
1:39 pm
yup, it was all basg, bk dysfunction gdad which seems to pander to this from the break up of their group. just the same, that is small piddling stuff and woody better know where his place is even if he goes all the way with this bunch. even the best stalwart men like donnie walsh couldnt stay out of the way of dolans and isiah when it came to melo. now it is woody’s and he may only be auditioning for a job somewhere else.
yes, interesting to wonder if ld’s boy sticks last year around if he wouldnt be front and center stage and thought that as soon as the pg went down.
doc
March 23rd, 2012
1:41 pm
big lou, a few lines is okay. promise you might come to like finer aged wines as well.
Big Lou
March 23rd, 2012
1:46 pm
No offense, Grandad. You have your tastes I have mine. Our age differences are probably miles apart as well, just by your name alone. I love all women, but I will not give as much effort to the ‘wrinkled class’ as much as the smooth/shiny.
A man with no options and no choice will go for the vintage.
I like the chase, the challenge, and the feeling of conquering ‘fresh’ score. I’m like the Lion through the tall grass, prowling for a new lioness to add to my pride. She needs to be able to hunt, gather, and satisfy the multiple needs.
Nobody likes used goods. Would you rather have the new iPhone 4s or the old, scratched up Motorola Razor? “Nough said!
Big Lou
March 23rd, 2012
1:48 pm
doc
I’m not saying I don’t like fine wine. I’m just saying that if I had to option of fresh shots of Jack, compared to wine, I would go for the shots every time.
Now IF I had no choice, I would sip that wine slowly and enjoy every moment.
northcyde
March 23rd, 2012
2:02 pm
Big Lou likes those unstable women. Rihanna might stab you and slit your throat. Beyonce would just cry and leave you. Don’t die Big Lou. Don’t die.
Grandad
March 23rd, 2012
2:03 pm
whoa doc
Clarify ?
I`m not saing anything definitive nor [pandering] for sure ?
My only narrative was to add my personal experience.
‘`My`’ asst coach, actually went back or forgot or was disloyal
- whatever -
to a verbal arrangement;
In which I took a bullet (so to speak) for he and another asst.;
protecting them, which in my opine is / was part of my professional duty.
Then, said asst. decided it was in his best interest,
to apply for my vacated job would be the most beneficial for his career.
F I_I ( I< loyalty.
That`s all I was saying.
That and I think wdsn is stubborn like Bob Knight;
-&-
LD is smarmy.
Pandering ?
northcyde
March 23rd, 2012
2:07 pm
So no Zaza tonight. I guess Collins will get the start ( even though Ivan should probably start ).
Nene is good, but he’s not a beast. It’s not like he’s going to go for 20 points – 15 rebounds just because Zaza is out. He’s a decent center, not a great one.
Big Lou
March 23rd, 2012
2:07 pm
“Big Lou likes those unstable women.” northcyde
There is nothing wrong with a little crazy–keeps things interesting. Some men like battle wounds after a night with his lady. Don’t knock it until you try it. Also, the point of the conversation was young versus old, not personality.
“Beyonce would just cry and leave you. Don’t die Big Lou. Don’t die.”
Sounds boring. If you are not risking your life somehow, then you’re not living.
Big Lou
March 23rd, 2012
2:08 pm
“Nene is good, but he’s not a beast. It’s not like he’s going to go for 20 points – 15 rebounds just because Zaza is out. He’s a decent center, not a great one.”
Why do people think we are playing the wizards tonight? We play New Jersey!
northcyde
March 23rd, 2012
2:17 pm
Had Woody coached the 2010 – 11 Hawks, we could’ve conceivably won the division last year.
37 . . 45 . .and 53 wins were Woody’s last 3 seasons as a Hawk. Does the trend say that the Hawks win 61 games the following season? If so, we win the division and are the #2 seed in the East.
Woody had purged the 3 point shot out of Josh Smith’s game. He had gotten a career best efficiency year out of Jamal Crawford on both offense and defense. And he was imploring Horford to continue to develop his mechanical post game. With no Bibby around, who knows how good of a defensive team the Hawks could’ve been the following season.
The reality is that the ASG had to make a major decision. Re-sign Woody at a higher price than his lat contract, or promote his assistant and pay him a Dollar Store salary. They chose to do the latter.
doc
March 23rd, 2012
2:17 pm
big lou, find a real cougar.
gdad i was not asking you to clarify anything, only rod in his assertions by “friends in the know” that doesnt add up with history or facts given. if you go back a reread it he was conjecturing a lot and never answered any direct questions about how the story dosent fit a time line or what really went down through the years. after all dont we have someone on this blog with “friends in the know” from phoenix selling us something like amare or nash coming and in trade discussions? heh heh
my point again is woody could be pissed over the comments find but not a guy getting a job he long lost on his own accord.
i aslo think anything to do with the basg is like being on an island as the hawks fans are. just wish a pretty suitor would come along and rescue us. liberty and the braves is not much better. we are going down this year.
doc
March 23rd, 2012
2:20 pm
yup northcyde, in a nut shell but do you think they consult if ld was available for hire before they made their move? no, is my guess. they could have made the move 3 years earlier couldnt they?
Big Lou
March 23rd, 2012
2:20 pm
“big lou, find a ‘real’ cougar.” doc
Good looking and old versus good looking and young.
No thanks. You keep on with your play, more power to you. Somebody has to take one for the team. lol Respect.
doc
March 23rd, 2012
2:21 pm
gdad no where does it say woody protected ld only he might have stood in his way, catch the distinct difference?
Grandad
March 23rd, 2012
2:22 pm
Big Lou
‘`A man with no options and no choice will go for the vintage`’
So saith whom ?
‘`Sometimes a man has endless choices;
only to realize, his first was the most delicate and pleasing`’
*’`G-dad`’*
doc
March 23rd, 2012
2:23 pm
big lou, at some point you will find out, just the same, right now, i am dating young now.
was just saying kick the tires, right queen dmb?
Rod from College Park
March 23rd, 2012
2:24 pm
doc,
Ok. You are correct sir. Hope that clears your mind. LOL
Grandad
March 23rd, 2012
2:30 pm
doc
I have *’`no`’* idea what went on between Wdsn and LD.
I was only offering up a theory based on ‘`coaching exp`’ .
When I say exp, I mean other situations to which I`ve been privy,
as well, besides my own.
Once again;
I`m not arguing one side or the other.
My only intent was to throw in the loyalty factor.
____________________________________________
Now; pandering ? what ?
northcyde
March 23rd, 2012
2:31 pm
Big Lou
March 23rd, 2012
2:07 pm
“Big Lou likes those unstable women.” northcyde
There is nothing wrong with a little crazy–keeps things interesting. Some men like battle wounds after a night with his lady. Don’t knock it until you try it. Also, the point of the conversation was young versus old, not personality.
“Beyonce would just cry and leave you. Don’t die Big Lou. Don’t die.”
Sounds boring. If you are not risking your life somehow, then you’re not living.
*********************
OK man. All I’m saying is that you may end up on the First 48 messing around with those types of females. And not as the suspect . . but as the victim.
First 48 Announcer: “Atlanta . . . 10:16pm . . . A man and a woman is heard arguing in the Techwood Dr. parking garage across from Philips Arena after a Hawks – Knicks game . . . When Atlanta Police arrive at the scene, they find a man in a pool of blood with multiple knife wounds to the head and chest area . . and a stiletto lodged in his eyesocket . . . DEAD”.
northcyde
March 23rd, 2012
2:34 pm
Beyonce: 30 years old, banging body, Country girl shy
Rihanna: 24 years old, banging body, Caribbean-crazy
your choice.
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 23rd, 2012
2:35 pm
Hey doc,
Cousin Boo-Boo knows all about phoenix to hawks fantasy trades. LOL
____________
The Pink Panther!
You guys are so funny … But, hey – it’s all PINK on the inside. The heart wants what it wants. LOL at all the big talkers.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 23rd, 2012
2:42 pm
Not a Heat fan, but this is pretty cool.