Hawks 93, Nets 84
- The Hawks have to take this W, a professional effort against a scrappy opponent, and move on to Washington. They have a small margin for error that was razor thin without Zaza Pachulia, a reliable rebounder and source of easy points (from free throws if not always layups) on a team short of both and needing both tonight.
- The Hawks never could quite shake the Nets because of Deron Williams, New Jersey’s offensive rebounds and their own bad possessions. Finally, Josh Smith went to work in the post and got to the line, the Hawks outscored New Jersey 31-15 in the period and they secured their fourth W in five.
- “Sometimes you have a game like this where teams trade baskets and [it's] team makes a stand defensively and creates some separation,” Larry Drew said.
- The Hawks did it in the fourth quarter, when they played solid team defense and really made the Nets work for their shots. New Jersey is not a good offensive team but it’s not like that always matters with the Hawks. That thin margin and all.
- This time Josh settled for jump shots long before fatigue became a factor. But then he scored 21 points on 14 shots in the second half, when the Nets couldn’t handle his athleticism and skill around the basket without fouling. He finished with his latest monster line: 40 minutes, 30 points on 25 shots, 12 rebounds, four assists against one turnover, two blocks and a steal.
- Drew on Josh: “I know he’s tired. I’ve been riding him. When we need baskets we put him in the post and he responds very well. When he attacks the basket he’s tough to defend. I tell him, ‘Don’t let people off the hook by settling for jump shots.’”
- Early in the game Joe Johnson was making 3-pointers and slipping in for his floater. Then he got his shot blocked on a couple drives in the second quarter and never really got back on track. But credit him for being noticeably more decisive with the ball in the first few games. He had four assists against no turnovers in the second half but he’s got to do better than two rebounds when the opposing wings are getting 15.
- Jeff Teague took the challenge against D-Will and struck the right balance of driving to score and driving to set guys up. Six assists with no turnovers and 17 points on eight shots. The three rebounds were a bonus, too, on a night the Hawks needed everyone to help.
- Kirk Hinrich finding his shot (4 of 6 on 3-pointers) has to rank high among the positive developments for the Hawks heading to the playoffs. Drew likes Hinrich for his defense but it doesn’t matter if he can’t score and kesp turning it over.
- Marvin Williams had a successful return with 11 points on eight shots and six rebounds in 26 minutes. If he can produce lines like that on a consistent basis then the Hawks wouldn’t need to rely as much on the does-he-have-it-tonight games of Vladimir Radmanovic and Tracy McGrady.
- Ivan Johnson’s seven rebounds in 21 minutes is a reason to wonder why Drew insists on starting specialist Jason Collins (two rebounds in 14 minutes). Ivan’s four turnovers and Twin’s zero points are reminders that, outside of Zaza and Josh, the Hawks aren’t getting many points from their frontcourt.
- You might have heard that D-Will is pretty good. “They always pose a problem because of Deron,” Drew said. “He’s always been a hard defend for us.”
- D-Will needed 20 shots for his 20 points but in the context of the Nets it’s hard to blame him for his high usage. Williams is impressive to watch and it’s no wonder there are teams with better talent eager to put him in control. “He can shoot it, drive it, post it, he’s strong and he has the green light,” Teague said.
- Jannero Pargo on the timetable for his return: “It depends on how I feel, but a week or so.”
- After the game, Teague nervously watched his little brother play a game for that other school next door at the Dome.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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151 comments Add your comment
Spyro
March 24th, 2012
12:27 am
if Adelman or Popp were our coach, Smoove would never take a jumpshot, and he would be an MVP Candidate
Hell, even Woody had his jumpers down to a good amount. He just didn’t give him the ball enough.
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
12:28 am
And I’m still not against a ZaZa, Al, Josh, JJ, Teague lineup for next season.
And has anybody else noticed some good chemistry between Teague and Josh on the court lately? Really some good chemistry with a few of the players on this team. There playing some really good basketball with nice passing going on at times.
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
12:30 am
If we can re-sign Josh, I’d trade Al and Marvin for Jefferson and Favors from the Jazz. We’d still need to re-sign Jefferson though – I think his contract expires after next season.
Jazz beatin’ Denver pretty bad last I checked.
Wendy
March 24th, 2012
12:32 am
In the 14 games since the all-star break, Kirk is shooting 47% overall and 46.5% from 3. I’d say he’s definitely found his shot.
Buddy Grizzard
March 24th, 2012
12:33 am
JC1 ballin.
Section 212
March 24th, 2012
12:35 am
Last!
Section 212
March 24th, 2012
12:38 am
Wendy – I think Kirk is slowly finding his touch….
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
12:40 am
Did Woody and Melo get into it during a timeout? What happened?
hawkfan
March 24th, 2012
12:40 am
so Utah is looking tough now, I don’t see us doing well next week and starting Sunday lose at least 3 games next week, so hopefully the teams under us keep losing too, and it’s funny how one loss and some knicks fans are already questioning woodson and lin’s limited minutes, deja vu ring a bell
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
12:43 am
We can’t even offer Smoove an extension this summer because these morons let Memphis sign him to an offer sheet and were too scared to offer the money
Buddy Grizzard
March 24th, 2012
12:48 am
Lakers just too big.
High-sider
March 24th, 2012
1:03 am
@Buddy Grizzard
“JC1 ballin.” – Buddy Grizzard
Very funny, Buddy Grizzard. [dripping with sarcasm]
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
1:13 am
Josh’s jumper is beyond reproach or replication…..
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
1:15 am
its that time of the month for Melo… Ignore him…
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
1:17 am
Two guys combine for 85 points in a game, is that a record for two teammates?
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
1:18 am
Wilt scored a hundred and bag over 20k groupies..
WILT WAS BALLIN FOR REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
doc
March 24th, 2012
1:21 am
stevew yeah i bet the jazz just jump all over that one bro.
doc
March 24th, 2012
1:23 am
kirk is 50% from three this month folks. cant sneeze at that, better than bibby and he does want a try to do defense.
Buddy Grizzard
March 24th, 2012
1:25 am
If the Hawks win at Washington and at home Sunday against Utah, they will be the 7th team in the league to reach 30 wins (Lakers reached 30 tonight by beating Portland).
Buddy Grizzard
March 24th, 2012
1:26 am
“5th in east means out in round one…” – phil
If 76ers win the Atlantic, yes. If Boston wins the Atlantic, no.
doc
March 24th, 2012
1:27 am
slimj not to ummm quibble but i followed wilt’s career pretty closely since he was my era and i thought he was held to 10000 total women with 1000 virgins. heh heh
wilt could also military press his weight of 295. now that was strong for a skinny looking guy.
Grandad
March 24th, 2012
2:04 am
Slimjr
Wilt + Al Attles = 117 pts … *[ Wilt 100, Attles 17 ]
Kobe + Smush Parker = 94 pts … *[ Kobe 81, Smush 13 ]
Grandad
March 24th, 2012
2:19 am
Top Ten Individual Scoring Games All-Time:
1. Wilt Chamberlain, Phi.March 2, 1962 vs. New York: 100
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. LakersJan. 22, 2006 vs. Toronto: 81
3. Wilt Chamberlain, Phi.Dec. 8, 1961 (3OT) vs. L.A. Lakers: 78
4. Wilt Chamberlain, Phi.Jan. 13, 1962 vs. Chicago: 73
5.Wilt Chamberlain, S.F.Nov. 16, 1962 vs. New York: 73
6.David Thompson, Den.April 9, 1978 vs. Detroit: 73
7. Wilt Chamberlain, S.F.Nov. 3, 1962 vs. L.A. Lakers: 72
8. Elgin Baylor, L.A. LakersNov. 15, 1960 vs. New York: 71
9. David Robinson, S.A.April 24, 1994 vs. L.A. Clippers: 71
10. Wilt Chamberlain, S.F.March 10, 1963 vs. Syracuse: 70
_________________________________________________
Wilt had 6 of the 10
Elgin does not surprise
Of the two Davids, I remember Thompson when he did it;
but I have forgotten about Robinson achieving the feat.
Hawks Fan Down Under
March 24th, 2012
2:33 am
“And here we are at 28-20. That’s a good record.”
Imagine if we had a good coach!!!!
tyger
March 24th, 2012
3:08 am
A win is a win…
Much rather run weak teams like Cavs, Nets, Wiz out, but…
We’re significantly short-handed so, at least we didnt lose…
Teague had a good game, this is the way he should play…
Pass first, penetrate, penetrate and dish, make FT, defend…
Be aggressive but play within yourself, you cant shoot so dish…
Hinrich is coming around…keep fingers crossed for playoffs…
Marvin looked rejuvenated, maybe he was just tired…
Now Green is rusty…such is Hawks life…
I like LD playing Collins, wish he would play Dampier more too…
Yes, Ivan is more active and productive stat wise, but…
Come playoffs, Collins and Dampier’s size will pay off, if ready…
Would like to see more Stackhouse/McGrady as playoffs near…
Wiz an opportunity to rest starters and let bench develop, but…
Have to have a killer instinct, get up 20 early, let bench take it home…
Buddy Grizzard
March 24th, 2012
3:51 am
I’m not looking past the Wizards… complete culture change with Nene on board, even if Denver did drop him like a bad habit.
jamesbiden
March 24th, 2012
6:57 am
Dont count on seeing tmac play muc or if at all even in the playoffs. Tmac has been in the doghouse since he called out drew the idiot rightly so. I just dont know why the Hawks didnt waive tmac and let him latch onto a contender elsewhere and we could have signed another player who could have used.
This idiotic saga is sad
Big Daddy
March 24th, 2012
6:58 am
Great win and I really like the way the team tightened up the defense and pull away in the 4th quarter. Teague had an excellent game, fighting through screen, penetrating and dishing to teammates and SMOOVE, what a game.
Being this short handed and playing this well tells us what this team is actually capable of doing. I know it is against a bad team, but let’s not forget how many people are out and what was accomplished here.
Tough weekend for the guys, with back to back to back games. LD is going to have to do a good job in marshalling their minutes are they are going to fall apart in the 4th quarter. Can’t wait for the Knicks to come in and the crowd can give Woody the Bronx cheer when he is introduced.
Admiral Crackbar
March 24th, 2012
7:32 am
I wuz worried about Jeff after he airballed the three at the buzzer the other nite but he shot a three in crunch time last nite and hit it. guess he isn’t the head case Woody thought he wuz after all.
Marcus
March 24th, 2012
7:50 am
me and Steve W. were kindred spirits re: renegotiated contract (if possible) for JJ and Kito Benson pickup on rebound. Something will have to give come next year, either Boss or Smoove will walk over money, PT, or just plain management decision.
Looking at some mock drafts, a lot of them have us taking the SF from Vanderbilt, presumably to take Marvin’s spot. Some of these same mocks have Fab Melo (C, Syracuse) falling past our projected draft position to the early 20s draft positions. With all the gnashing of teeth by the Hawks players to get a typical C and our passing over of the ‘Keith Benson project”, Melo would be hard to pass up if he is there. Depending on who is available when we draft might also dictate a draft-nite deal / domino effect on forcing LD/Sund/ASGs hand in regards to the future of Boss and Smoove. …
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 24th, 2012
7:51 am
“7 games in 9 days for these Hawks, 10 in 14 days – LD you need to rest them when you can.”
_________
They can rest when they’re dead! No excuses people, they have 21 hours between games – rest then. These guys can pay someone to sleep for them. LOL! I just have no pity for the million dollar babies.
_______________
If anyone should restructure their deal, it is Marvin.
High-sider
March 24th, 2012
8:26 am
I didn’t realize that last night’s game against the Nets was the first [game] of a back-to-back-to-back [or three games in three days/nights] for the Hawks.
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 24th, 2012
8:34 am
Melo is a coach killer! He gave George Karl “throat cancer”
in the locker room. Get a refund like “50 Cents” Melo, he ain’t dead yet. Woodson, next? LOL
If Woodson get’s “coach cancer”, he better do like Michael Jackson and “Beat It!” (sniggles)
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 24th, 2012
8:40 am
What’s up with the wrong time on this blog.
vava74
March 24th, 2012
8:47 am
Still doubting Josh’s main cog status as the way forward for the Hawks?
I also think that JJ is doing a fine job filling in the blanks: he has been stepping up when he needs to be a scorer but settling in better as a #2 guy when Josh is balling and the offense is going through him.
Last night JJ’s shot was off – way off – in the second half and he started to feed others.
Nice game by Teague who – I believe – is starting to show better floor recognition and passing skills.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
8:48 am
“http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/220037/Bulls_Could_Go_Deeper_Into_Luxury_Tax”
That’s not us
FIRE SUND
Rufus1
March 24th, 2012
8:53 am
The Bulls sell out every game…..That’s not us either.
Dawg
March 24th, 2012
9:02 am
If we had not sold the 2nd round pick, we may have been able to bundle a couple of picks in order to draft someone like Fab Melo who’s stock is falling in to the 2nd round.
Would someone please give me one reason to look forward to draft night? The draft night performance of our front office is not just bad. It takes great fore thought and skill to mess up as bad as we have drafted and managed our picks.
Can’t wait till we sell a pick again for a trade exemption that will never be used. Can’t wait to sign Collins next year as the back up center and “specialist”. Exciting times, being for Hawks’ fans.
Rufus1
March 24th, 2012
9:11 am
We are getting Killed on the Boards…
I want Marvin Back in the Starting line-up….I know JJ is scoring more efficiently at SF, but he doesn’t rebound well enough and it is KILLING us…I don’t think our offense has improved, but our rebounding is definitely WORSE(I don’t see an increase in pts)…. 5 offensive rebounds and most in the 4th Qt.
REBOUNDING IS A FORM OF DEFENSE!!!
I wait for your unreasonable HATE!
Mick
March 24th, 2012
9:18 am
Hey Cunningham, What’s with that “other school” comment? Man that’s “THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA. You better recognize!!!
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
9:19 am
FIRE LD
FIRE SUND
FIRE WOODY
FIRE ASG
FIRE MARVIN
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
9:21 am
“The Bulls sell out every game…..That’s not us either.”
We have 983 owners who consistently claim they are not afraid to go into the LT, yet they are allergic to getting embarrassed in the 2nd round, so no moves are ever made.
*******
“I want Marvin Back in the Starting line-up….I know JJ is scoring more efficiently at SF, but he doesn’t rebound well enough and it is KILLING us…”
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Marvin is NOT a starting-caliber player.
LD needs to grow a pair and confront Joe about his rebounding LIKE HE SAID HE WOULD BEFORE THE SEASON, YET NO ONE EVER MENTIONS.
I agree Joe’s rebounding is horrid, but Kirk is a very hard-nosed player who doesn’t quit unlike some players on this team, and our 3 guard starting lineup has been solid.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
9:22 am
Next year could be rough, as we will lose Kirk, Ivan, Joe’s salary increases, and the year after we will lose Smoove and ZaZa (someone is going to give ZaZa more money). Better hope we do something this year if GUYS WOULD STOP GETTING THESE INJURIES
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
9:23 am
The Blazers sell out every game.
1) It is f’ing Portland
2) That team sucks
Ken Strickland
March 24th, 2012
9:32 am
JE JE-Why don’t you get off that negative BS? With limited resources to work with, Sund did an excellent job of putting together the deepest, most versatile and talented bench the Hawks have had in almost 2 decades. And Drew has done an excellent job of keeping his team competitive and in contention despite a daunting schedule and a constant rash of injuries to key players. Both need to be given credit for doing an excellent job.
I’m proud of the way our players, coaches and team have overcome these obstacles to maintain a solid position in the Eastern Conference standings. I like the fact that we’re showing consistency. No long winning streaks offset by long losing streaks. If we can get everyone healthy and functional come playoff time, we will definitely be a team to recon with.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
10:01 am
“JE JE-Why don’t you get off that negative BS? With limited resources to work with, Sund did an excellent job of putting together the deepest, most versatile and talented bench the Hawks have had in almost 2 decades. And Drew has done an excellent job of keeping his team competitive and in contention despite a daunting schedule and a constant rash of injuries to key players. Both need to be given credit for doing an excellent job.
I’m proud of the way our players, coaches and team have overcome these obstacles to maintain a solid position in the Eastern Conference standings. I like the fact that we’re showing consistency. No long winning streaks offset by long losing streaks. If we can get everyone healthy and functional come playoff time, we will definitely be a team to recon with.”
Sorry for the negativity. I realize I should be ecstatic about a team that has HAD THE SAME CORE FOR 5 YEARS STRAIGHT, an ownership which has shown NO dedication to winning a championship (they want to be competitive and entertaining…Go ask Gearon Jr), and a head coach who has no idea how to confront a player. If you think this postseason will be any different than past years, you really are a disillusioned ignoramus. There are people here who are hopeful we can win in Round 1, WHEN WE’VE WON IN THE 1ST ROUND 3 YEARS IN A ROW.
LOL @ “excellent job.” LD is one of the least talented coaches in the league, and we are beating up on cupcake teams right now. We got completely slaughtered in February (go look at all the games this team quit), and this is the same team that LOST 3 STRAIGHT HOME GAMES TO NON-ELITE TEAMS. To lose 3 straight home games in the NBA, there is something definitely wrong with your team.
We have a power forward who would be a superstar if one of these incompetent coaches could just ONCE get to him and convince him to stop taking damn jumpshots.
I guess I’m just AN ANAL-MINDED MORON
Dawg
March 24th, 2012
10:15 am
JeJe was negative but his comments weren’t BS. This group has done well in spite of horrible management. The biggest move that the FO could muster is selling of a 2nd round pick. It’s hard to be a Hawks fan.
I still watch them, I still pull for them, I still like them but ineptness surrounds this franchise.
We have a coach because he cost the least. We draft 2nd round picks who would not have been drafted. We trade 1st round picks for Hinrich, when everyone knew they were going to get rid of Hinrich.
Rufus1
March 24th, 2012
10:29 am
JeJe,
That is the only prof. team in Portland…Just like OKC.
I like Kirk in the starting line-up, but we know JJ can guard SG better than he rebounds.
….REBOUNDING will be our undoing
Dawg,
I want a playmaking wing(Royce white, Tony Wroten or Deion Waiters)….
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
10:45 am
This is the only team I have ever seen that returns the EXACT SAME CORE EVERY YEAR and expects DIFFERENT results. The Lakers and Celtics have had the same core for a while (they have made more changes than we have), and BOTH HAVE WON RINGS.
WE HAVE THE EXACT SAME TEAM EVERY DAMN YEAR AND ALL WE DID IS GET OWNED IN THE 2ND ROUND.
You Should Stop Posting
March 24th, 2012
11:59 am
tyger
March 23rd, 2012
7:10 pm
Allen Iverson…
seasoned PG for playoff run…
sell 5,000 more tickets…
will more than pay for salary…
generate national interest in team…
PG is an issue w/o Pargo…
Al better than any big available…
will not shoot a game losing airball…