Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 139, Jazz 133 (4 OT)
- Because my blog people (bless your hearts) like to accentuate the negative, and I’m willing to humor you because I’m cranky, I’ll start with what I’m sure are two of your burning questions after this stirring W.
- Larry Drew on riding his starters in the four overtime periods: “I know they were tired. I know they were out of gas, because I was out of gas. But the guys said they wanted to stay in and stick it out. They wanted to play it out, and I rode them.”
- For all you persistent and vocal Tracy McGrady fans who want an update on his status every five minutes . . . I’m not holding out on you. Drew on T-Mac’s DNP-CD: “I’m keeping an eye on Tracy, he’s been having some problems with his knee. I hope to spot him some minutes in the next few games.”
- But Drew added that McGrady not playing tonight was “more of a matchup thing” because of Utah’s speed on the wings. So T-Mac has a knee problem, he may play a few minutes in the upcoming games, but maybe not if the matchup isn’t right. Got it? Good.
- If you have more burning questions, they will just have to wait because my deadline and a freakin’ 3 hour, 17-minute game meant there wasn’t a lot of time to ask questions. Deal with it.
- Just kidding. Sorta.
- Now, with that out of the way . . . this was quite a victory for the Hawks. Maybe you are tired of hearing about their resiliency and determination and all the things you think they should have, anyway, but try to at least enjoy the fact that they seem to be developing these traits now.
- Drew: “That was something. It’s all happened to us this year thus far. We’ve gone through injury, we’ve gone through emergencies with families. We’ve gone throudh scheduling, zig-zagging across all the states, 11-, 12-day trips. And now we go through a back-to-back-to-back and we have—what was it? Four overtimes?”
- Yes, four.
- “This team, it just doesn’t have any quit in it,” Drew said.
- It may not have taken all that time for Atlanta to win if not for yet another rough start to the third quarter. Atlanta’s offense stalled as the Jazz blitzed Joe Johnson and, with Josh Smith on the bench in foul trouble, no one else could score.
- “We came out sluggish in the third,” Drew said. “Give Utah credit. They took it to us. We were stuck in mud. I don’t know if it was because of the back-to-back-to-back. Our zone helped us out, disrupted their rhythm and got us going.”
- Drew waited a while to get Josh back in the game after he sat with four fouls but I’m thinking it paid off because Josh had some legs left for the fourth quarter. Over the final nine minutes of regulation he had seven points on seven shots, five rebounds, one block,, one steal, one assists and one turnover. The guy was tired but he competed.
- Joe had some sloppy turnovers but he also made so many big shots when the Hawks needed them. None was bigger than that step-back 3 he made to force the third overtime. My seat is directly behind where Joe took that shot and, from my angle, it looked like Jefferson blocked Joe’s view so he couldn’t see the rim when he let it go.
- “We were going to make Joe the option of most everything we did,” Drew said. “We ran a pick-and-roll with [Jeff] Teague that got us a couple things but we came back to Joe. I know Joe was tired. I asked him if he wanted a blow, he said no, so I was going to ride him.”
- Kirk Hinrich has been playing much better of late. He said he tweaked the same hamstring that kept him out of the Chicago series last year but that it’s not serious. “Kirk, he actually was complaining about his leg a little bit,” Drew said. “I didn’t really see where it was slowing him down. But he had hit a point where he was running out of gas.”
- Willie Green replaced Hinrich. He had the freshest legs late in the game and it showed.
- Teague was looking for contact when he went to the rim and was 10 of 11 from the line. That’s how you score 18 points when you shoot just 4 of 14 from the field. He’s learning and getting better.
- Ivan Johnson had another strong effort. He hit the boards as usual and was under control on offense. Ivan is learning and getting better, too.
- Zaza Pachulia had trouble handling Al Jefferson’s effective offensive game. No shame in that, and Zaza held his own with 15 points on 11 shots, 20 rebounds and three (!) blocked shots. Drew: “He was a warrior to play against Jefferson, he’s a really good big man, to go out and battle him he way he did. He’s been doing everything we’ve asked him to do. His performance tonight was typical of what he’s been doing.”
- The Jazz dropped to 1-16 in road games in which they trailed after three quarters. “We showed a lot of character and fight,” Tyrone Corbin said. “That’s what we need on the road in the second half to win.”
- The Hawks are now 5-2 this season in overtime games.
- “In the fourth overtime, the starters we were sitting on the bench and we were talking about, ‘Let’s finish the deal,’” Zaza said. “We weren’t sure we were going to win but we wanted to do right thing from the get go. That’s what we did. We executed out offense, Willie’s 3 was huge and we made free throws. Willie’s energy off the bench was huge and helped us because I think starters were kind of tired.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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191 comments Add your comment
MO
March 26th, 2012
8:07 am
Great heart and character for an 8th place team…oh, wait we’re 5th.
drmaryb.[*_*].
March 26th, 2012
8:19 am
Support System!
Stackhouse has been huge behind the scenes from what I’m hearing. I would love to see a kiss cam on him in the locker room before games but, I guess MC doesn’t have any team access except after closed practices (not that they have time practice really).
These guys are playing on team principles moreso than practice time together. Drew has said they do carpeted walk thrus at all the hotels, that’s probably all they really get. That’s where the veteran leadership is keying the game plans for the different teams they play. That and, I presume a lot of film sessions.
I heard last night that Ramon Sessions is balling his eyes out in LA last night. He has fit in nicely there.
I’m so proud of this Hawks team and, a lot of credit should go to zaza for his toughness in the paint and, Ivan as well. Just hard tough play inside. Josh too, scoring inside on post ups as well – just spectacular to see how far Josh has come.
Joe is terrific and so is coach Drew. Teague has his shine back as well. Ny Hawks have really come together. Jason Collins has been awful, a fouling machine with no production. Instead of riding the bench, Eric should be sitting on a spin-cycle in the tunnel during every game. That’s what Rodman did after every single game late in his HOF career. Eric has to get himself in shape proactively and, not just show up for every team meal.
george
March 26th, 2012
8:21 am
thank you James, it looks to me that it’s not a fair rule,
Slimjr
March 26th, 2012
8:41 am
“It is a fact that Atlanta teams don’t take to kindly to outspoken players, ie: David Justice was cut loose AFTER he won our only world series.”
Guess what happened after he was released…The Braves lost their mojo and been trying to get it back ever since…..Hmmmmm
Hawks WIN!
Slimjr
March 26th, 2012
8:47 am
11-4 with Captain Kirk being inserted into the starting line up! Man has his critics been quiet……He’s certainly won me over for sure…Go Captain!
About time Marvin showed up against a good ball club and played decent! He contested quite a few shots and even blocked a couple…Good job Marvin…
Good job coach! Leave Teaque alone..He improving with playing time for sure..
Slimjr
March 26th, 2012
8:50 am
Teague^^^^
Kerry
March 26th, 2012
9:22 am
Great Game Hawks, Hawks played well to the end, Joe Johnson stepped it up and played like a superstar, just like he did the last 3 games, I feel Joe and Josh are really playing well! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
phamoo8 (LD coach of the year)
March 26th, 2012
9:24 am
I read this blog every day but i never comment because the basketball knowledge from some of you guys baffles me. You want to fire LD but look what he has done. He has givin this team freedom to become a legit threat to a Championship. Why do i say that, let me explain in short. Joe is the best scorer on the team but when you are not a great athlete (Joe isnt athletic just great skill) you can score when there are 5 eyes looking at you on defense. LD has allowed his best all around player to fail and not be chastised and for it so that there is a legit second scorer which takes eyes of of Joe. Previous coach stunted the growth of both Josh Smith and Jeff Teagues and we are seeing the benefits of a coach that takes up for his “favorite” players (which alot of you guys complain about … if you think T Mac can take the hawks to a championship you must be living in 2002)
Look at the team as it is currently built and think how these guys roles have changed because LD “favorite” players seem to be the most talented players….. ummm if i was a coach my favorite players would be the most talented players as well. Not an over the hill ex super star that has bad knees
tyger
March 26th, 2012
9:35 am
Logic says Hawks go 2-2 this week…
Heart says Hawks make a stand at home…3-1
1. Confidence high right now…guys healthier…
2. Owe both Chicago, NYK and Philly…
3. Need to send a message…
4. Need to defend the house…stand your ground!!!
5. Transplant fans will be rowdy…bandwagoners load up…
Gotta feelin’ Green, Tmac, Stack, Vladi, Collins, Dampier…
One or two save the week for us!
phamoo8 (LD coach of the year)
March 26th, 2012
9:38 am
o yea and he has also evolved that offense to highlight each “favorite” players skills. It started as a motion/ Princeton offense to a mix between the triangle, motion, pick and role, isolation, and iso post ups. He runs a good offense that fits his team and the new defensive theory are great as well. again y do u want to fire this guy???
Ken Strickland
March 26th, 2012
9:40 am
SLIMJR-I’m not so certain David Justice was sent packing just because he was out spoken. His personal life had started to create a lot of negative publicity. His arrest in Fla during training camp alledgedly for purchasing drugs, and having the police called on him during the playoffs in LA for stalking Halle Berry, not that I blame him for that move, umh..
doc
March 26th, 2012
9:41 am
love pops and the spurs:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/tim-duncan-missed-sunday-night-spurs-game-because-081218158.html;_ylt=Ai5O6LI56hT17B1dQDYSNcq8vLYF
check the box score
did anyone else notice the very small smile of respect on LD’s face as the game wore on? it was there in the first ot as we were coming back. got to love it.
tmac is fringe folks and not to be counted on for anything more than the occasional play like vlad or maybe twin. speaking of which, i would like to see more of dampier though as he does bring some rebounding and he knows how to foul just as well. just dont see the love affair that twin gets from his coaches. the guy has trouble bending over, geez.
Astro Joe
March 26th, 2012
9:44 am
If anyone watchwes the game again, check out Marvin’s defense on Millsap, pretty much anytime Marvin was guarding him. He was fantastic. Al Jefferson played one of the best half-court games I’ve seen in a while, dude has a great “old school” game. Considering the “heart and soul” of the team was on the bench for most of the OTs, that was a huge effort and win last night. Now this is a stretch worthy of excitement, what, 6-1 or something like that in their last 7 games? Winning ugly beats losing pretty each and every time.
Still Laughing at Mike Bianchi
March 26th, 2012
9:47 am
if we go 2-2 to end March I will be happy (that would be 12-7 in March)
we have an opportunity to be a 3 or 4 and we’re still not healthy yet (Al, T-Mac, Vlad, Pargo)
Still Laughing at Mike Bianchi
March 26th, 2012
9:49 am
@Astro Joe
in the immortal words of Mark Richt: “I think winning is pretty stylish”
vava74
March 26th, 2012
9:52 am
phamoo8,
LD has made atrocious mistakes which only the lack of options due to injury allowed him to correct by mere chance.
He buried Pargo at the end of the bench when he was being extremely productive, giving too many minutes to Hinrich only days after his FIRST practice after shoulder injury.
He is now doing the same with Collins, rather than trying to get Dampier’s mojo going (when he has had a few productive minutes when he gets on the floor), or giving Ivan more minutes.
He only moved JJ to the SF slot – WHERE HE BELONGS – because Marvin was injured, not because he thought it was the right move.
He is only giving Zaza the minutes he deserves because Horford is down (last year, Zaza was at the end of the bench with Powell getting undeserved minutes) when it was clear and noticeable – for instance in the playoffs – that Zaza’s production rises dramatically with more minutes.
Last year Teague was buried deep in the bench and getting DNP-CD even after he had good performances with Bibby and Jamal playing PG and if it wasn’t for Hinrich’s injuries Teague would STILL be buried in the bench.
There is ZERO merit falling on LD. ZERO.
The Hawks’ record is what it is because:
Without Jamal, we no longer have a black hole on offense and a freeway on defense for 30 minutes a game, both killing the second team’s ability to contribute and ruining the first team’s 4th quarters.
With Teague, we have a PG who stays in front of his man consistently (not perfect but a world of difference in relation to what we had before), keeping guys off the lane and allowing everyone to stick with their man rather than scramble all the time.
With Zaza starting and playing 30 minutes, we have a rugged warrior down low giving us TOUGHNESS, with Ivan keeping the intensity levels and the level of D and rebounding off the bench.
Josh has been BALLIN’ and until JJ’s ressurgence in March, Josh CARRIED the Hawks on his back on BOTH ENDS of the floor ONLY because of injuries, NOT BECAUSE LD identified Josh as the LEADER.
Last night LD was (AGAIN) thoroughly out coached, taking 9 MINUTES in the third quarter to adjust to Corbin’s half time adjustments.
It took him NINE SOLID MINUTES and losing the whole 15 points lead for him to go into ZONE D.
We are winning IN SPITE of LD. Just like we did last year and that is WHY WE LOSE WHEN WE FACE BETTER OPPOSITION.
THAT IS WHY JJ DISAPPEARS WHEN WE FACE PLAYOFF TEAMS: LD does not coach JJ into playing differently when defenses focus on him and last night we saw that again with too much ISO and very little coaching in the OTs.
Only a blind man could not see:
- That Corbin drew plays that got clean shots for the win/tie for several players.
- That LD did not drew a single play to get a clean look to win/tie the game and that the shots only came out of free wheeling ISOs.
Astro Joe
March 26th, 2012
9:54 am
doc, Collins is wretchedly bad right now. Maybe he will look good again against D12 (if we play them in playoffs), but he is utterly useless against anyone else. I agree, give Dampier a little PT and see if he is even slightly better than Twin. Hard to believe that he wouldn’t be able to provide better production.
Zaza should be getting CRAZY love from the fan base. I loved how he managed to stay out of foul trouble last night. He never got so frustrated with Jefferson’s offensive assault that he put himself in foul trouble. IMO, that showed a lot of maturity and team-first focus.
doc
March 26th, 2012
9:58 am
still laughing to end likethat would even out the disastrous looking february. we are now at the point we were as we headed inot february at 10 games over .500. to me that is huge while holding our own at 100% clip against the “ought to win no matter” and the “equal to” at home. now if we can sneak in a win against a “shouldnt beat” team then that is gravy and worth getting pumped up about. not sure where to put the knicks quite yet, “equal to” or “shouldnt beat”.
Admiral Snackbar
March 26th, 2012
10:00 am
LD for coach of the week.
Still Laughing at Mike Bianchi
March 26th, 2012
10:02 am
@vava74
I think saying we’re winning “IN SPITE” of Drew is a little bit of a stretch.
is he a top 10 coach in the league: no, but there are only 10 of those
under Drew we have been FAR more successful than under Woodson, under Woodson we did not play nearly as good defense as we do now (#5 in points allowed) and we relied on Joe and Jamaal to save our hides with Iso plays for 40-50% of our possesions
let’s not try to say Drew is the weak link of this team
doc
March 26th, 2012
10:03 am
aj, glad to see someone else sees it, wish LD would. dreadful. maybe vava cant even bring the spirit to defend him at this point. eh, vava?
i think he is so stuck on the without jamal stuff he has lost his other vision.
do you remember when i suggested a trade for al j right after the loss to the magic. the very next day. he would be perfect with al and he might be signed for a bit longer than josh who will be gone unless something really strange happens. love it when j smash comes to play. substance over style of j smmm. still cant say it, osh then.
O'Brien
March 26th, 2012
10:04 am
Good win last night for the team. Despite their tired legs, and Josh being in foul trouble, they pulled it out. JJ has been playing much better since coming back from injury.
From Jeff Schultz;
Johnson has averaged 24.5 points on 50-percent shooting. Compare that to his scoring averages (16.3, 19.8, 14.5) and field goal percentages (43.6, 43.6, 39.3) in December, January and February, respectively..
And great game by Zaza. With the lack of quality centers available, I think another team might be willing to give Zaza a raise to be their starting center when his contract is up. And Zaza’s contract is up the same time as Josh’s, so ASG will have their hands full trying to pay these guys.
O'Brien
March 26th, 2012
10:04 am
Grandad,
Maybe it`s time, some of us, [myself included]
start to give LD a bit of credit..
I won’t. Not until I see him make some good coaching decisions going up against a good team and/or a good coach. After all, LD has more HC experience than Utah’s coach, and the Hawks are clearly the better team. Also, a lot of LD’s decisions were forced upon him (as vava pointed out).
Still Laughing at Mike Bianchi
March 26th, 2012
10:04 am
@Astro Joe
people claim to despise Joe (or at least refuse to give him credit because of his contract) and people claim to LOVE Zaza yet whose jersey do see thousands of in Phillips?
O'Brien
March 26th, 2012
10:05 am
How bad was twin?
9 minutes, 0 points, 0 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 fouls. Ouch.
AJ,
We beat Orlando twice this season without Collins, so I’m not even sure how much he is needed against them.
Still Laughing at Mike Bianchi
March 26th, 2012
10:07 am
@O’Brien
well he OWNS Dwight and the Magic
Still Laughing at Mike Bianchi
March 26th, 2012
10:08 am
@O’Brien
does OWNING Dwight and Orlando count
Still Laughing at Mike Bianchi
March 26th, 2012
10:09 am
don’t ya love when it says “it appears you’ve already said that” and you re-post only to discover you’re post actually went through lol
brigadierjerry
March 26th, 2012
10:12 am
vava74, i would agree with those comments. ld biggest flaw is in game adjustments. actually that was one of the flaws on dantoni. coached too much by feel. hawks advantage this year is better depth
also does anyone else think ivan will be getting decent money next year and will be priced out from the hawks?
brigadierjerry
March 26th, 2012
10:22 am
also i have always liked al jefferson as a player when he was on boston. if i am hawks may want to look at him his contract isnt too long and he would be good long term and is a post up player
doc
March 26th, 2012
10:22 am
im beginning to think collins boxes out his teammates as well in going for loose balls or rebounds. that was the nice way to say it, in other words, he is getting in the way. heh heh
therut
March 26th, 2012
10:27 am
I promised everyone who reads this blog that when Al Horford went out we would not miss a beat, . that Zaza would step up. What a hard worker!
Jody
March 26th, 2012
10:31 am
Quote of the year from a head coach (LD):
“I asked him if he wanted a blow, he said no, so I was going to ride him.”
DawgNole
March 26th, 2012
10:34 am
If I’ve learned anything about the Hawks–having followed them closely since their arrival in ATL 45 years ago–it’s that they will raise your hopes sky high, and then bring them down hard and fast. Never fails.
My hopes once again are way up there now, following this impressive stretch and gutsy 4OT win, but I’m nervously eyeing the week ahead, which appears ominous, with little rest between games and a definite upgrade in competition.
“Maybe this will be the year.” I’ve said that many, many times before–and I’ve been let down (slammed, actually) every single time. It’s always a bitter disappointment, though not as crushing as it used to be because I’ve come to expect it.
Just cautioning those Hawks fans on here who may not be fully aware of this team’s history. Pull hard for them, just like I do, but temper your enthusiasm with a liberal dose of reality. It will ease your pain should they fail us yet again–I promise.
Astro Joe
March 26th, 2012
10:42 am
doc, yes, I recall that you suggested we go get Al Jefferson. Dude reminded me a little of Moses last night. Obviously, he doesn’t always play that way (or he’d be a multiple time All-Star) but it was a pleasure to watch an old school low post player own the paint. Imagine how much better he would be if he had a consistent perimeter force playing with him?
I’ll give LD credit. He’s mostly pushed the right buttons. For every “it only happened when someone got hurt”, he could have also tried other options during that situation. Instead of Kirk, he could have plugged in TMac or Willie or Stack (as an example).
One of the best signs of true fandom is when your team succeeds in ways that are different than you prefer. When your team wins without the mega contribution of your favorite player(s) or when the coach you dispise somehow gets it done. I learned that lesson with Woody (doc remembers, I straight loathed the guy). If you want to see your team win, then does it really have to be done in the way that makes you look like the smartest blogger around? Or is it sufficient just to watch your team exceed expectations (regardless of how it happens)?
doc
March 26th, 2012
10:43 am
dawgnole, i am not delusional enough to think this is the year by a long shot. come playoffs these guys will have to win every game by 10 to avoid the refs and stern’s effort to get his teams in. these guys are not that talented but they are putting forth the effort and that i can get behind.
the other stuff, hoisting a cup, is up to the basg to change how they approach things to get a real winning culture, promote it heavily and hope there is a fan base to support the true desire to win a championship. i am not sure of either group stepping up to the plate. ive been a hawk fan before they made it to atlanta and watched them in the old alexander and there is nothing more would i love than for them to go all the way. right now that idea is not on my plate but i will pay extra to make sure i see them this week as a season ticket holder.
Walt Frazier
March 26th, 2012
10:44 am
March 26th, 2012
10:34 am
DawgNole:
If I’ve learned anything about the Hawks–having followed them closely since their arrival in ATL 45 years ago–it’s that they will raise your hopes sky high, and then bring them down hard and fast. Never fails.
————————————————————————————————————————————–Good post. I basically said the same thing-in my own words, about the two types of Hawks fans-but do not know for the life of me-why the AJC blog gods-would choose to not post mine. There was no profanity; only the truth-unless, that is banned too.
Buddy Grizzard
March 26th, 2012
10:47 am
“Division winners are guaranteed a top 4 seed and homecourt advantage in the 1st round, and the Sixers are currently winning the Atlantic Division.”
This is incorrect. Seeding and home court advantage are determined independently. The top 4 seeds are the three division winners plus the team with the best record that did not win its division. These four teams are then seeded according to best record, with various tie-break scenarios. Thus, the 76ers currently have a top 4 seed, by virtue of leading the Atlantic Division. Orlando is seeded third, although they are not a division leader. They gain the higher of the top 4 seeds over PHI by virtue of having a better record.
In all playoff series, regardless of seeding, the team with the better record gains home court advantage (again with various tie-break scenarios). Thus, if the playoffs started today, Atlanta would play the 76ers in the first round and would have home court advantage by virtue of having a better record than the 76ers. The only thing being a division leader does is guarantee you a top-4 seed, not home court advantage.
doc
March 26th, 2012
10:49 am
aj amen to that, the ego sometimes cant stand it. win the way i want it!
it is nice to see jj at the position he is best suited for even if it is a temp job at sf. too many cultivated bloggers know that is going to be the true path. i can only hope they build around that going forward and creativity is important for this franchise in the next two years to continue to bring entertainment in.
as far as al j, i dont think he is quite what sloan wanted and it showed in his game.
Astro Joe
March 26th, 2012
10:51 am
Dawgnole, in this most recent run of postseason appearances. I never believed the Hawks were one of the 2 best teams in the conference. So I never felt truly disappointed about 2nd round losses. Some were worse than others, but IMO, losing is the same rather it is in 6 close games or in 4 blowout games. Either way, your team is sitting at home. This current team isn’t likely going to shatter the 2nd round glass ceiling. It would take a perfect series and some luck. But watching a team with heart and guts is quite enjoyable and something Hawks fans haven’t seen since the Celtics series a few years back (KG v Zaza).
doc
March 26th, 2012
10:53 am
buddy i guess some of those sloppy wins will still count towards the home court that folks were complaining about last week?
nice description of how it works. thanks.
Big Lou
March 26th, 2012
10:54 am
I really think Joe Johnson’s success is because of the move to SF. The three guard starting lineup has been money for the Hawks so far this year. Funny how it took an injury to make these changes happen.
LD needs to be careful with Kirk. Last think we need is for the great white hope to get injured again when he starts heating up.
I can’t believe ESPN first take is talking about the Love vs Larry Bird comparison instead of the first 4OT game since the 90’s. Lame.
Big Lou
March 26th, 2012
10:56 am
thing* stupid iPhone.
STRETCH
March 26th, 2012
11:15 am
ESPN is at it once again!
The Hawks and Jazz probably played the game of the year last night and ESPN, ESPN 2 (with Skip Bayless and the “2 Live Stewed Beefs”) and Mike N Mike in the Morning are all talking about:
1. Tiger Woods
2. Kentucky vs Louisville
and…..
3. Teebow!
doc
March 26th, 2012
11:28 am
heh heh big lou and his iphone, dont you love it?
big lou we have had the three guard line up for years starting with bibby, flip and jj then to bibby, jamal and jj. problem is the was mo evans to start when marvin went down the first time. only injuries without a true replacement which tmac wasnt clearly have forced the hand here. how long they can avoid going back in the other direction is the concern.
Buddy Grizzard
March 26th, 2012
11:45 am
“Lol @ people who still claim we should amnesty Joe”
We should Amnesty Joe if we fail to re-sign Josh or get adequate compentation in return for him. This team with no Josh in 2013-14 is a lottery team. Might as well tank it at that point and go for high lottery picks. We should also Amnesty Joe after next season if it means landing Dwight.
“It’s sad that ESPN will not even talk about the game.” – Big Lou
I’m perfectly content for the Hawks to fly under the radar. The Hawks are the 7th team in the league to achieve 30 wins (the vaunted Western Conference only has three of those 7 teams). The Hawks have defeated the Bulls, Heat and Thunder and should have beat the former two multiple times. Joe is playing out of his mind. Anything can happen in the playoffs.
“I see many fans saying fire LD…who out there would be a better choice right now?” – Tyrone
All of you LD for CoY posters, please see Vava74’s post at 9:52. LD is and remains one of the worst coaches in the NBA. I don’t know who would be the ideal replacement. I would entrust such a decision to a competent front office executive such as Dennis Lindsey. Dwayne Casey obviously would have been a better choise. After Hawks ownership overruled Sund’s choice (Casey), he went on to be the lead assistant and defensive architect for the NBA champion Mavs last year.
Buddy Grizzard
March 26th, 2012
11:48 am
“By the way, I really think that guys like Stackhouse are having a positive impact on the locker room.” – James
I was a major hater when I found out Stack had been kept on the roster after training camp, and again when his contract was guaranteed through the end of the season (at that point he had contributed next to nothing on the court… he has since had some credible appearances).
But I have changed my mind about Stack. If you look at what has happened to the Clippers since Chauncey was lost for the season, you see a team that lost its locker room leader. I believe Stack is that glue guy in the locker room that helps the coaching staff keep everybody’s attitude right and acts as a go-between for the coaching staff and the players. If you see how the Clippers have fallen apart without Chauncey, and contrast that with how the Hawks have succeeded in spite of all the adversity, there has to be an explanation for that.
I think it’s very possible that the Hawks front office has let T-Mac’s agent know that one more complaint about playing time will result in his being released by the team (in which case, he would not be eligible for the playoffs with another team). Such a move would very possibly end T-Mac’s carreer because he would be seen as a locker room cancer for the last two teams he has played on. The dude just doesn’t have enough left in the tank to be causing problems… he’s not worth the distraction. But how could the Hawks even take the risk of having a guy like that in the locker room? Retaining Stack for the whole season starts to make a lot of sense.
“IMO, that showed a lot of maturity and team-first focus.” – AJ
Well said.
“Does anyone else think ivan will be getting decent money next year and will be priced out from the hawks?” brigadierjerry
In my conspiracy-addled brain, I have been thinking for a while that the Hawks organization was trying to bury Ivan on the bench to hide him in order to reduce the amount of competition they will have when they try to sign him to an affordable extension. Unfortunately for the Hawks, due to all the injuries, there was no way to hide him. Brian Windhorst predicted that we are heading into an offseason of historic cap space and player movement. The Hawks will be able to extend a qualifying offer to keep Ivan for next season, but I think the chances are very high that another team signs him to an offer sheet the Hawks won’t be able to match.
“nice description of how it works.” – doc
Props to Najeh for helping me get it figured out.
Buddy Grizzard
March 26th, 2012
11:56 am
Another way to look at how the playoff seeding works:
Division winners get a top-4 seed which means, theoretically, they might face a weaker opponent in the first rough. If the playoffs started today and teams were seeded strictly by record, the 76ers would be be seeded 6th and face the 3rd seed Magic in the first round. Due to the fact that division winners are guaranteed a top-4 seed, if the playoffs started today the 76ers would be seeded 4th and have a more favorable matchup against the 5th-seeded Hawks, even though the Hawks would have home court advantage by virtue of having a better record.
So the advantage for division leaders is that they potentially face a weaker opponent in the first round. Home court is still determined by record, and the lower seed can have home court advantage over the higher seed.
STRETCH
March 26th, 2012
12:00 pm
Buddy Grizzard,
Yep…two games w Chicago(they blew a 18 point lead in the fourth),
and the let the Lebron/Wade-less Heat beat them at home.
Combine that with the a couple of heartbreakers, one at Denver and the other at Detroit.
Throw in a lackluster effort at home against Golden State and thats 5 games. The Hawks could be 35-15 and at the 3 spot in the division.
So if they had won those games who knows were they would be on peoples radar. But overall, i like the team, just wish they could have added another big man. Dont know how far they go, but they have overcome lots of adversity this season. Gonna be interesting to see where management goes next season.
Guido
March 26th, 2012
12:03 pm
We’re over scrutinizing this team. Every team has bad losses Lakers loss to the Wizards. Miami has dropped plenty of weird. What matters is how we finish the season(ECF or finals is all that matters)?