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
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 24th, 2012
12:17 pm
NBA Draft Prospect Fab Melo
7,0 – Center – Syracuse
Melo showed great improvement in his second season for the Orange but his season ended early, when he was declared ineligible prior to the NCAA Tournament.
Pros
Has unique size that you can’t teach. Worked hard to get into better shape and is now a much more fluid, athletic and in-shape player. Excellent shot blocker who can play way above the rim. Could become one of the better shot blockers in the NBA in a few years. Good rebounder who averaged nearly 6 boards in only 25 minutes per game.
Has improved his free throw shooting and, although it is still way to low, it looks like he has the potential to become a solid free throw shooter. Has a lot of upside!
Cons
Needs to be more assertive and aggressive on the court. Foul prone and needs to learn the finer points of the game, especially becoming a more fundamentally sound defender.
Limited on the offensive end of the court and is not likely to be much of scorer at the next level. Not the most mature player and if he doesn’t put in the work he could be a major bust.
Projection: late lottery to mid first round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
____________
I’m sure some team will pick this player before he falls to the Hawks pick. But, if I were Atlanta, I would take this pick. If it works out great! If not, oh well … At least we tried and drafted a need as opposed to another PF/C or SF. We need size at all costs and, everybody knows we don’t spend wisely.
Now, IDK how The Orange are doing in this March of Madness, but if they do well or make it to the final 8 without this guy, then I may pass on him. Since his team did well without his play.
What do you think, Grand-Daddy? Do you take Fab Melo IF he is staring down your barrell?

drmaryb.[*_*].
March 24th, 2012
12:25 pm
Sounds like this Melo guy could track in the NBS like Andrew Bynum has … A project with upside. Listen, we’re not getting Dwight … we have to grow our own groceries – right?
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
12:33 pm
“we have to grow our own groceries – right?”
Marvin Williams
Shelden Williams
Salim Stoudamire
Keith Benson
Solomon Jones
Acie Law
Josh Childress
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 24th, 2012
1:04 pm
Yuck!
Ok Grandmaster JEJE. LOL … Do I have to eat my vegetables? That menu makes me want to throw up! Well, we got Josh, Horford and Tegue – right?
It is what it is … These fools can’t make a trade to save their lives!
Dawg
March 24th, 2012
1:26 pm
Those groceries were duds before they were picked. Fab Melo could be a great long term pick assuming he is coached properly after he gets here. Maybe Larry can then start yelling at Melo and he will not just pick on Teague.
Ken Strickland
March 24th, 2012
1:45 pm
JE JE-This has nothing to do with intelligence or being ANAL MINDED. It has everything to do with attitude and approach, and yours always seems to be negative. You act like the things you mentioned and are using as your excuse only exists for you. Those are issues we all have to deal with, but you seem unable to deal with it from anything be a negative perspective.
You should know by now your approach isn’t going to change a damned thing. So, unless you really are nothing but a negative minded individual, lighten up.
Ken Strickland
March 24th, 2012
2:04 pm
We can bitch and moan all we want, but at some point we have to reach the point where we accept the fact that our ownership is cash strapped. That’s a major issue that affects our GM, HC, and ultimately our roster. Once you accept that fact, you will then realize how fortunate we are to have a team that annually makes the playoffs and isn’t a one and done playoff team.
There are a lot of teams with tons of money to spend, like the Knicks, Pacers, 76ers, Celtics, Bucks etc, and they’re willing to spend it. Yet, yr after yr they still end up trying to catch us in the standings. Our Hawks have done a good job of fighing the odds, injuries, and a difficult schedule to still be a player in the Eastern Conference.
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 24th, 2012
2:31 pm
Amen Kenneth Strickland!
I was thinking the same thing last night. The past two wins have been the most impressive, esp. Coaching wise because our roster is completed decimated.
I posted that Josh’s Jumpers didn’t bother me one bit, because Josh was balling his eyes out and is always looking to pass the ball. Josh is NOT a selfish player, neither is Joe or Al.
That type chemistry is what coaches dream about. Esp with Melo in NYC and most all other franchises. I like our team for what it is!
Let’s Go Hawks! Get Well Boys!!!!!!!
DawgNole
March 24th, 2012
2:44 pm
Ken Strickland
March 24th, 2012
2:04 pm
We can bitch and moan all we want, but at some point we have to reach the point where we accept the fact that our ownership is cash strapped. That’s a major issue that affects our GM, HC, and ultimately our roster. Once you accept that fact, you will then realize how fortunate we are to have a team that annually makes the playoffs and isn’t a one and done playoff team.
_____________________
Forty-five years in ATL–and not even once past Round 2 of the playoffs. You consider that “fortunate”? That’s called loser mentality, and it’s the type of attitude that has permeated this city’s pro teams for nearly half a century. It’s also a major reason why the rest of the nation considers the ATL “Losersville” in terms of professional sports competition. You can never hope to win a championship here if you truly believe this city’s pro sports fans should consider themselves “fortunate.”
Ken Strickland
March 24th, 2012
2:55 pm
DR MARYB-What’s up PYT? Teague has played with so much consistency that we’ve started to take him for granted. I remember the doubters who were making their feelings known about him before the season started. There were several who continued to use the old MWoodson’s HE’S NOT READY excuse for doubting him. Sometimes I wish he be more aggressive and take over when the team is struggling. But he just keeps forcing the players to run the plays.
Injury and fatigue wise, our players have reached the point where it becomes mental more than physical. It appears to be physical during the 1st half of gms, and they the mental part takes over and we make a surge.
With him at the controls, instead of Bibby, we haven’t seen anything even close to the number of ISO JOE’s whenever the OFF faulters.
Ken Strickland
March 24th, 2012
3:00 pm
DAWGNOLE-You can’t seem to appreciate what you now have because you’re stuck in the past. What in the devil does 45 past yrs have to do with what our wounded and depleted is managing to accomplish now. Man, this yrs playoffs haven’t even started and you’re making an issue of past playoffs issues.
Big Lou
March 24th, 2012
3:12 pm
Why isn’t my response going through…
I’m not saying anything bad.
Big Lou
March 24th, 2012
3:21 pm
Lame.
I had a good retort to Ken’s comment, too. Oh well, I accidentally posted it in the cage forum. lol
Big Lou
March 24th, 2012
3:26 pm
Ken
You have to understand JeJe’s concern, though. The Hawks haven’t made any major changes for five years. I mean, at least with the Falcons, they changed coaches, added/removed players, and tried to get over the hump. All the Hawks have done is get rid of an average coach with a mediocre coach, and grab a bunch of ‘used goods’ from the land of misfit toys. Fans want a change, especially the ones who pay money to see the games.
Admiral Crackbar
March 24th, 2012
3:39 pm
no change is the new change.
bigdwarf
March 24th, 2012
3:40 pm
whats with all the negativity all the time.[did i spell that right].atlanta through and through
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
3:45 pm
Chris Wallace, Grizzlies GM, signed Arenas after reading a fan blog post.
Rick Sund has probably never interacted with a Hawks fan or fan of any other team in his pathetic career
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
3:49 pm
“Our Hawks have done a good job of fighing the odds, injuries, and a difficult schedule to still be a player in the Eastern Conference.”
No. That’s the thing – we’re not a player in the Eastern Conference.
The goal of every fan should be to win a championship. Why should I be satisfied that our arrogant and defiant front office flat-out refuses to build a championship contender? We have an owner whose only goal is to be competitive and entertaining. These incompetent owners are secretly thrilled we aren’t at full health, so NEXT YEAR THEY CAN BRING BACK THE EXACT SAME CORE.
Our GM has literally made 2 trades in his 4 years here. One of them was giving up like 9 players for Kirk Hinrich who has been OK.
Let it go. Everything I spit is the truth here and real cats can see that.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
3:52 pm
You expect me to be happy about a team that features a million guards and not nearly enough bigs?
A team whose 3 best players begged for more bigs in December and all we got was Fatazz Collins back and a million guards?
SMH
Anyone who disagrees with the words I am writing is AN ANAL-MINDED MORON
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 24th, 2012
3:59 pm
“Forty-five years in ATL–and not even once past Round 2 of the playoffs. You consider that “fortunate”? That’s called loser mentality, and it’s the type of attitude that has permeated this city’s pro teams for nearly half a century. It’s also a major reason why the rest of the nation considers the ATL “Losersville” in terms of professional sports competition. You can never hope to win a championship here if you truly believe this city’s pro sports fans should consider themselves “fortunate.””
-DawgNole
Couldn’t have said it better.
Grandad
March 24th, 2012
4:01 pm
Mary Ellen
Fab Melo is a project.
No ! ;; I would not take him in the 1st round & probably not in the 2nd;
due to dealing one of our 2nd rounders away.
In our drafting range;
right now, after watching many, many games plus oodles & gobs of film;;
*’`Andrew Nicholson`’* St Bonnaventure – is the man.
6-9;; 250;; PF,C;; frame can add another 15 lbs;;
7-3 w-span maybe longer;;
43% from behind the arc
-but-
he`s a natural low post scoring threat;;
avg 18 pts -&- 8 rebs;; plus 2 blcks
*[a natural Center]
I am anxious to see his pre-draft measurements at the combine.
standing reach, plus max reach are two that I`m most interested.
Huge hands (10 inch)
-more to come-
Grandad
March 24th, 2012
4:04 pm
Mary Ellen
-post script-
Andrew Nicholson:
Canadian; Physics major; Highly intelligent
High-sider
March 24th, 2012
4:10 pm
Check out the link below for Jeremy Lin’s inspiration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7EnaUB2aQ0&feature=related
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
4:20 pm
Doc – Reasons Utah may look at that trade:
Al is a little better thought of around the league than Jefferson
Jefferson is about to become a FA, and probably want quite a bit of cash. Al is considered to have a very reasonable contract
Utah actually has a SF worse than Marvin many think – CJ Miles.
And they may not want to pay Favors in a couple of years – he’s going to command alot of money.
I like Al, alot. But Favors may have a little more upside than Al. He’s only 20, I think, and in a couple of years, I think he can be 18 and 10 good.
And if we can re-sign Jefferson, all the better. I could live with Jefferson and ZaZa at C, and Josh and Favors at PF, or putting Josh at the 3.
If we have to throw in a 2013 1st pick to do it, go ahead – let Favors be your 1st pick for that year.
DawgNole
March 24th, 2012
4:20 pm
Grandmaster JeJe (GM): “The goal of every fan should be to win a championship. Why should I be satisfied that our arrogant and defiant front office flat-out refuses to build a championship contender?”
_____________________________
Well done, GM! Too bad the obvious (45 years w/o sniffing a championship) seems irrelevant to dimwits like Ken S. Unless attitudes like his change, we’ll go another 45 w/o a championship. But hey, we should feel “fortunate,” right? What a lamebrain.
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
4:24 pm
Grandad – how old is Nicholson? Sounds like an intriguing prospect.
DawgNole
March 24th, 2012
4:26 pm
bigdwarf
March 24th, 2012
3:40 pm
whats with all the negativity all the time.[did i spell that right].atlanta through and through
____________________
Have you looked at the history of ATL’s pro sports teams? ONE championship in more than 150 seasons of competition. And you ask why all the negativity? Geez, the ignorance of some on here is mind-boggling.
The Truth
March 24th, 2012
4:29 pm
“Sometimes I wish he be more aggressive and take over when the team is struggling. But he just keeps forcing the players to run the plays.” Ken S
Ken, this type of observation you sited is called “constructive criticism” which I have also commented about Teague as well. It is this type of “special interest” comment that fuels these blogs because it provides value to Hawks fans they can’t find anywhere else. It is perhaps the primary reason they participate in blogging here in the first place to share their own ideas. Of course the daily trolls are the exception.
Constructive criticism, though, can cover a wide range of topics, “The Good”, “The Bad”, and “The Ugly”. Not only that; one man constructive criticism may be another man’s insult.
So, what we have here is drama 101 and the reason why some folks can’t get enough of these Hawks despite their shortcomings.
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
4:31 pm
Now I’m for a championship every year, but I’m also not for making a change for the sake of change – only if it makes us better and moves us toward that goal.
One area I would disagree with some on here, I is feel, after seeing us play OKC, Miami, and the Bulls, Magic etc., is that we can make the ECF or beyond this year, even with Al hurt. I’m not saying we will, but I could see us doing it.
That last Miami game, in miami, when we lost 89-86, and were missing some folks, showed me we can really compete.
My only concern really is LD wearing our guys out so bad, we have nothing left.
Sorry, I can’t sneeze at 28-20 with the injuries we’ve had. I mean, what would the Lakers be w/Gasol, or the Heat w/o Bosh, or the Bulls w/o Deng? They’d still be good, but not as good.
That’s what losing Al is like for us. Bring them all on – it’s all just talk until playoff time anyway.
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
4:32 pm
Tons of typos in last post – hope ya’ll get the drift…
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
4:35 pm
And it won’t surprise me if we lose tonite and win tomorrow – because it should be inversed – and that’s the Hawks way.
SteveW
March 24th, 2012
4:38 pm
But I’m not going to panic if we lose the next 6, unless we have some more injuries to key people. We have a great April schedule with lot’s of rest. LD is just killing our key guys with playing time right now.
By the time Monday gets here, only 16 games left in the season, Wow!
HawkEye
March 24th, 2012
5:22 pm
One thing I’m very concerned about come playoff time is if Al does come back. LD cannot make the mistake of forcing him into the lineup like he did Kirk. Such a brash action could destroy some chemistry the Hawks currently have as well as put Al in jeopardy if he isn’t 100%.
For some reason, I’m very optimistic if healthy come playoff time, we can go far this year. Who knows, we may surprise the world.
HawkEye
March 24th, 2012
5:34 pm
I think the X-factors in the playoffs will be players like Green, Pargo, and Vlad. TMac is a seasoned vet so he will be ready. Ivan will be a big plus as well and even Collins and Damp could be helpful. I believe the biggest advantage for the Hawks will be Teague. We will need him to be aggressive to break down the tough defenses we will see in the playoffs.
The key from now until the playoffs is to get everyone as healthy as possible.
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
5:53 pm
“We may shock the world” – Slimjr’s doppelganger-
The playoff’s are chess match where the game really slows down.. Your team has been dissected, torn down. WEAKNESS are found out and exposed….Defense’s turn it up several notches to dictate and try to force you to make play’s that your squad has not been comfortable making during the regular season that will ultimately lead to multiple failures, which results in lost games and eventually a lost series….
Add to the fact if your undersized and getting beat on the boards, just adds more fuel to a smoldering fire…
Then compound that with inconsistent perimeter shooting, inferior coaching and the rest as they say is history… 0-45 years to an ECF visit….That is beyond belief..You cant smoke this one up….
But let not your heart be trouble because going into the Playoffs we already know that the Hawks will be out manned and out coached whether it be Miami or Chicago…….You can add whoever else you like to the list…..
There I hope you feel better now?
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
5:58 pm
Vulcan Mind Meld
______________________
Remember Grasshopper the regular season and playoff”s season are two totally different animals! Your half court game has to be really really good to defeat the Elites… So dont expect much change in results when they get here…..Comprende? Sir Senor!
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
6:09 pm
Si^^^^
Najeh Davenpoop
March 24th, 2012
6:19 pm
SteveW, I asked Larry Coon the CBA guru about restructuring contracts on Twitter a few months ago and he told me they couldn’t do it. Maybe he was wrong, I don’t know, but that’s what I was relying on.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 24th, 2012
6:19 pm
MC your Cards better win today, because they are my only hope for winning my bracket pool.
ag
March 24th, 2012
6:20 pm
It is funny who LD stumbles on success. It was the injury to KH to force him to start JT – then it was MW injury that forced him to use KH and JT in backcourt. Also, with JJ out, he was forced to go to JS for his offense. Also, injuries to AH and Jason Collins (I don’t want to insult JC or JCII) forced him to play IJ
Najeh Davenpoop
March 24th, 2012
6:25 pm
These refs are really screwing Louisville.
Grandad
March 24th, 2012
6:39 pm
SteveW
22 yrs old … [Dec birthday]
Best footwork in the Post I`ve seen in a long, long time.
Grandad
March 24th, 2012
6:40 pm
SteveW
Atlantic 10 – Player of the Year; Sr.
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
6:56 pm
NeNe is a Beast on the Low Block!! Just punishes people…
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
6:57 pm
Jt will have his hands full with Mr Wall tonight…. I hope this does not get ugly?
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
6:57 pm
3 mins to liftoff!
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
6:58 pm
Game Thread: Hawks vs. Wizards!
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
6:58 pm
Firrrrrrrrrrrrrrst!
Najeh Davenpoop
March 24th, 2012
6:59 pm
I hope MC isn’t celebrating too hard to give us a game thread.
All I need is Syracuse to beat OSU and I have a good chance of winning some money.
Slimjr
March 24th, 2012
6:59 pm
Josh should drop 25-30 tonight!