Atlanta Hawks: Sixers 95, Hawks 90
Vivlamore reporting from Philadelphia. Here is my updated game story with quotes.
PHILADELPHIA — If the Hawks meet the 76ers in the playoffs they will have a body of work to study — and it’s not good.
Despite a game- and season-high 34-point effort from Josh Smith, the Hawks lost all three regular-season games to the Sixers. The latest was a 95-90 Sixers victory Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Hawks (31-23) lost for the third time in four games as they concluded a stretch of seven games in nine days. They have three days without a game before hosting the Bobcats at Philips Arena Wednesday.
Jrue Holiday and Andre Iguodala made back-to-back 3-pointers as the Sixers built six-point lead, at 83-77, with 5:05 remaining. Led by Elton Brand’s season-high 25 points, the Sixers (29-23) won an important game in the Eastern Conference playoff race a night after losing to the lowly Wizards.
“Coming down the stretch we didn’t make the plays,” Hawks coach Larry Drew said. “We missed a couple of defensive assignments and left 3-point shooters open. [Also, there were] the two and-ones by Brand where we gambled in the post and he got the angle on us and got to the basket. It comes down to making plays when you are playing that hard and are right there at the end. You have to make the plays.”
Brand’s basket with 1:30 remaining gave the Sixers a 90-86 lead that all but iced the game. Iguodala added 18 points.
Smith added nine rebounds for the Hawks. Joe Johnson finished with 15 points.
“They beat us to a couple loose balls in the fourth quarter,” Smith said. “It seemed like every time we were a step slow, they capitalized on all of our mistakes.”
The Sixers won the previous two meetings against the Hawks by 11 and 14 points.
Philadelphia is the top defensive team in the NBA, entering the game as the league leader in scoring defense (87.7 points per game) and field-goal defense (42 percent). It was a concern for Drew and the main lesson for the Hawks going forward.
“Right now, they seem to have our number,” Drew said. “We played well in stretches but we haven’t been able to put together consistency in any one game. … We seem to implode against this team. When a team is a good defensive team you have to be prepared to grind it out. All three ball games we were in similar situations where we self destructed at the wrong time.”
Smith scored 13 of the Hawks’ 25 third-quarter points as they erased a narrow halftime deficit and went into the final quarter leading 66-62. Smith picked up four personal fouls during the quarter and spent the final two minutes of the third and start of the fourth on the bench. He returned with 7:30 remaining. Smith fouled out with five seconds remaining after making a 3-pointer that pulled the Hawks within 94-90.
“I sat and I think they took advantage of it early in the fourth quarter,” Smith said.
The Sixers tied the score at 70-70 with 8:31 remaining in the fourth quarter, setting up the decisive final minutes.
The Sixers took a two-point lead, 43-41, at halftime after erasing a nine-point Hawks lead in the second quarter. Iguodala scored nine points in the second quarter to spark the comeback. Brand and Iguodala each scored 12 points in the first half.
The Sixers were 11-of-17 (64.7 percent) in the second quarter, after being held to 8-of-20 (40 percent) in the first.
Smith led the Hawks with 13 first-half points, nine in the first quarter. The Hawks ended the opening period on a 10-0 run to turn a four-point deficit into a 23-17 lead. Seven of Smith’s nine points came with Sixers center Spencer Hawes trying to guard the forward.
“I didn’t want to settle,” Smith said. “I knew he had me length-wise so I wanted to be quick on it. I was able to make some quick moves to the basket and get my rhythm going. But it would have been great if we could have gotten this win.”
The Hawks are sixth in the Eastern Conference and trailed the Pacers, who played at the Spurs Saturday, by a half-game entering the day. The Sixers are battling the Celtics for first place in the Atlantic Division and the fourth seed in the conference. A No. 4 vs. No. 5 playoff matchup between the Sixers and Hawks is a possibility with a month remaining in the season. If it gets to that, the Hawks have a lesson plan to study.
“It could be,” guard Willie Green said of the potential matchup. “They’ve got our number right now. This team, I’m sure, believes they can beat us and they’ve shown it but we’ve got to learn that it’s going to be a physical game. … We lost focus for a little bit down the stretch and they took advantage of it.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
218 comments Add your comment
BILLY KNIGHT
March 31st, 2012
10:47 pm
Keep your head Larry the Family still support you.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 31st, 2012
10:56 pm
JeJe, I missed the playoffs the day after the draft when my 3rd round pick decided to have foot surgery and sit out the season.
Melvin
March 31st, 2012
10:59 pm
Dumb coaching lost this game. ZaZa a DNP in the 4th qtr. Playing Josh at the 5 with 4 fouls to guard Brand instead of playing Ivan or ZaZa at the 5. Marvin played the entire 4th qtr but was invisible except for the 3pt shot he made late in the quarter.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 31st, 2012
11:07 pm
A win in this game would have pushed the Hawks into 5th and put enough distance between themselves and Philly to where they could practically rest assured that they wouldn’t drop to the 7 seed. Now they are in a dogfight to stay away from Miami in the 1st round.
Huge loss.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 31st, 2012
11:10 pm
“JeJe, I missed the playoffs the day after the draft when my 3rd round pick decided to have foot surgery and sit out the season.”
Lol. My 1st rd pick is out for pretty much season. Dumped him. Never drafting Amar’e again
DawgNole
March 31st, 2012
11:12 pm
Najeh Davenpoop
March 31st, 2012
11:07 pm
A win in this game would have pushed the Hawks into 5th and put enough distance between themselves and Philly to where they could practically rest assured that they wouldn’t drop to the 7 seed. Now they are in a dogfight to stay away from Miami in the 1st round.
Huge loss.
_____________________
They’re ALL huge losses–no matter when.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 31st, 2012
11:19 pm
A win in this game would have pushed the Hawks into 5th and put enough distance between themselves and Philly to where they could practically rest assured that they wouldn’t drop to the 7 seed. Now they are in a dogfight to stay away from Miami in the 1st round.
Huge loss.”
Dude. We’re the Hawks. I don’t see any reason why we’ll beat Boston, LAC or the Mavs this season and we could easily slip vs. Toronto or someone else
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 31st, 2012
11:27 pm
Najeh, I don’t necesarily agree your season was lost when Brook went down.
You gotta find players. I found Pekovic who was ripping everything up for weeks. Then he and Amar’e got hurt. Pekovic was probably one of my 5 best players for a 1 month stretch
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 31st, 2012
11:28 pm
Saw you guys are 30.5 back and I’m 28 back. Think I miscalculated the math and thought you were 1.5 back of me. Just made all these roster moves to be safe. Not trying to NOT make the playoffs with 7+ moves left hanging out there
Najeh Davenpoop
March 31st, 2012
11:32 pm
JeJe, look at my roster. My draft was a joke. Pretty much my entire team is free agent pickups. The only reason I even had a chance at the playoffs going into this week is because of the various Pekovic-like players I picked up (Lin, Ilyasova, Thompson, etc.) And the reason I’m not going to make it is because all of them decided to get injured this week.
jeppz23
March 31st, 2012
11:35 pm
Guys, the hawks will still be the 6th seed by the end of the season, beat Orlando in the 1st round and give Miami or Chicago a tough matchup..i just hope al comes back, he would be a valuable asset off the bench
soullrenaissance
March 31st, 2012
11:35 pm
Drew you suck badly. You NEVER hold yourself ACCOUNTABLE.
“Coming down the stretch we didn’t make the plays,” Hawks coach Larry Drew said.
Resign Josh and rehire Hubie or hire Aldeman.
O'Brien
March 31st, 2012
11:40 pm
FTPB,
Najeh,
I still think the Hawks will win a playoff series against this team. They are not that good. Hawks shoot themselves in the foot against them..
You do realize the Sixers are 3-0 against the Hawks this season, right?
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 31st, 2012
11:40 pm
Yeah! Hire Aldeman!!!!!
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 31st, 2012
11:41 pm
Haha Najeh, look at Sy’s roster. Looks damn good on paper
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 31st, 2012
11:42 pm
I still think the Hawks will win a playoff series against this team. They are not that good. Hawks shoot themselves in the foot against them..
********
Najeh also said we are as talented as CHI a few days ago. I think we have a shot vs both teams if LD coaches well
O'Brien
March 31st, 2012
11:44 pm
How often does Josh and JJ have a good game together? 15 pts for JJ will not get it done.
And although Marvin looks better coming off the bench, he is very unclutch (if that’s a word). Too many of his points are empty points SMH.
Hawks played 8 guys tonight, and in the playoffs, LD will definitely shorten his rotation to 8 or 9.
jj
March 31st, 2012
11:47 pm
I know I am probably in the minority,but with this schedule from hell and all of our injuries,I think they are going 2 b fine in playoffs if we can get some guys healthy.I agree CD’s coaching in 4th leaves me a little ticked.Man,I just wish we can get healthy!Heck,Philly don’t scare me!GO HAWKS
Rusty
March 31st, 2012
11:51 pm
We really have to give LD credit,he is really good at something & that is loosing games for the hawks.
Slimjr
March 31st, 2012
11:51 pm
1-3 last 4 games=zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
At least their consistent at losing to playoff bound teams for sure…..
Andre is an ISO STOPPER. Game, Set, and Match!
Slimjr
March 31st, 2012
11:54 pm
Heat in 4, Chicago in 5, Philly in 4……..
Your right Sautee, road games do suck especially for the Hawks…
Slimjr
March 31st, 2012
11:57 pm
How to Guard ISO: Put a 6-6 to 6-8 long armed athletic defender on the jumper shooter and just harass him into being a non-mother freaking factor…Checkmate!
jeppz23
April 1st, 2012
12:01 am
Slimjr, I think the hawks would beat Philly in 6, but were playing Orlando, so it doesn’t matter
doc
April 1st, 2012
12:01 am
ok, for february and march i had the hawks at 16-16(6-7 and 10-9), they went 15-17, not bad. what is it going to be for april guys when it goes silly season as teams rest stars and teams quit to earn lottery balls? it will be tougher to predict because of the injuries and time to heal before playoffs and more dnp’s for fatigue and old age might crop up if coaches honest.
it is going to be ugly for those of you in fantasy trying to do the playoffs under these conditions. no envy there.
0-45!
Slimjr
April 1st, 2012
12:05 am
doc, if they repeat last season, the players will shut it down the last weeks and may lose the last 6-8 games? They lost the last 6 at the end of last season.Saved it for Orlando?
Rusty
April 1st, 2012
12:08 am
We have the X factor Larry Dumbass.
doc
April 1st, 2012
12:11 am
slimj again that is the dilema in the prediction. i dont think they fade like last season because they know pairings and home court is important and they will have an easier time of it if they do well. that is because they are smarter and older feeling less invincible with youth like you might. i’ll say 7-5 and they end up with 38 wins for the year placing them in elite category again percentage wise and exceed my own preseason thought of 36 wins tops. good season for them but they got to go higher in the playoffs and will fall flat but we got to see how it lays out in the seedings before going too much further.
9-2 baby?.
Slimjr
April 1st, 2012
12:15 am
9-2, but no Lin..Its a trap….lol!
beone
April 1st, 2012
12:22 am
Not much ability to keep on topic tonight it appears. Sort of like the Hawks who “lost focus”. If Josh ever played for a Coach who could control him, he would be great. But Coach’s of that caliber will never be in ATL. They earn too much!
doc
April 1st, 2012
12:36 am
heh heh speaking of making predictions:
doc
March 30th, 2012
2:02 pm
thanks for setting it straight for me mark.
i thought the last night was going to be strictly blue with ku and uk going after it.
did you consult your esteemed colleague mr dave o’brien on this or go out on a limb by yourself?
nailed it.
again sorry to MC.
doc
April 1st, 2012
12:37 am
slimj what isnt a trap in your warped mind?
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
12:39 am
Bite Me!
“The only reason I even had a chance at the playoffs going into this week is because of the various Pekovic-like players I picked up (Lin, Ilyasova, Thompson, etc.) And the reason I’m not going to make it is because all of them decided to get injured this week.” -Najeh-
__________
I see injuries BITE on Fantasy Island too, were they in shape? LOL
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
April 1st, 2012
1:18 am
FIRE SUND
DawgNole
April 1st, 2012
1:34 am
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
March 31st, 2012
11:19 pm
Dude. We’re the Hawks.
____________________
Says it all.
DawgNole
April 1st, 2012
1:37 am
jj
March 31st, 2012
11:47 pm
I know I am probably in the minority,but with this schedule from hell and all of our injuries,I think they are going 2 b fine in playoffs if we can get some guys healthy.I agree CD’s coaching in 4th leaves me a little ticked.Man,I just wish we can get healthy!Heck,Philly don’t scare me!GO HAWKS
____________________
You SHOULD be in the minority. Inexplicably, you probably aren’t.
DawgNole
April 1st, 2012
1:40 am
doc
April 1st, 2012
12:01 am
ok, for february and march i had the hawks at 16-16(6-7 and 10-9), they went 15-17, not bad.
__________________
15-17 is “not bad”???????????
That’s why we’re called “Losersville.”
doc
April 1st, 2012
1:42 am
dawgnole, not bad prognostication. too funny.
DawgNole
April 1st, 2012
1:42 am
What–did everybody go to sleep? Cmon guys, wake up! The day’s early.
DawgNole
April 1st, 2012
1:43 am
Go to bed, doc.
Ole Hawks Fan
April 1st, 2012
4:54 am
Please get rid of Twin AND Dampier off this roster. There are better players playing in the D-league who could give this team some minutes off the bench and thse would be productive minutes. Marvin still goes invisible in crunch time and Capt Kirk is killing the team with his JJ inpersonation(dribble the ball too much) plus who can he guard. LD sucks. I thought Willie Green should be getting the minutes Kirk is getting. Fire LD, SUND and ASKG. Tyler Perry please buy this team!
Admiral Snackbar
April 1st, 2012
8:53 am
poor coaching decision at the end of the 3rd quarter when Coach Drew took out JJ who had one foul and left in Josh who had 4 fouls and within a few seconds Josh picks up #5 and Coach Drew takes him out and puts JJ back in. I saw it when he did it and thought that was dumb then within seconds Josh gets his 5th foul and it’s like WTF!! that had to be one of the DUMBEST coaching moves I’ve seen in a while.
Woodson capable of leading Knicks – ESPN (NBA Basketball) - NBA BASKETBALL News Updates - NBA Basketball Fanatic News Blog
April 1st, 2012
9:13 am
[...] Atlanta Hawks: Sixers 95, Hawks 90Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)76ers turn back HawksBoston HeraldSTLtoday.comall 576 news articles » [...]
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
9:29 am
Why?
Ivan: 16:14 mins, +2, 6rebs, 7pts
Zaza: 24:16 mins, -5, 7rebs, 4pts
Why did these guys sit out most of this game? They were rebounding and we were out rebounded by 6 boards total: 41/35 … Just wanna know what was coach’s rationale for rationing these minutes?
Why?
Teague: 31:58 mins, +8, 4asst, 1stl, 2TO, 8pts
Hinrich: 40:38 mins, -11, 6asst, 0stl, 2TO, 8pts
Just why did Jeff sit , nearly 10 mins longer than Kirk and 16:06 mins total? I thought Jeff and Kirk were playing awesome in tandem? Maybe I am missing something from a coaching stand point re: minutes distribution. And, why does Marvin play 27:14 mins over Ivan’s total of only 16:14 mins. What does Ivan have to do to get some quality minutes on a permanent basis. He’s got a kid to feed, let him make his money!!!!!
No Clue Drew! Fire op the presses WorldWide and let’s get them T-Shirts to the market. (smh)
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
9:33 am
* fire up
O'brien
April 1st, 2012
10:03 am
DMB,
I was wondering the same thing. Plus hawks are off for 3 days, so why didn’t Teague, zaza and Ivan play more minutes? IMO, LD does not have a good feel for the game in terms of substitutions and adjustments.
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
10:16 am
Radio Legend!
Mel from SW Atlanta – has coined the famous quote:
“We need a WINNER, man … We don’t need no LOSERS!”
_______________
O’Brien I’ve been on your bandwagon for years, you have a great feel for what’s wrong with this beloved core and both coaches. Who knows where we would be if, we had a really proven coach to teach all our “rooks” and Joe their roles.
It would be remiss to ship out potential talent with high upsides without having had proper coaching here. Because for one, you never know what you have until it’s gone and, secondly it’s more difficult to replace good players than good coaches.
Sautee
April 1st, 2012
10:19 am
doc,
I was right therewith you for Feb. and Mar. I predicted 5-8 in Feb (they were 4-9), and 10-9 for March (they were 11-8) so my aggregate for Feb-Mar was right on the money. Not bad, indeed.
DawfNole, you see, THAT is reality, and not sugarcoating what this team is, or blindly being a homer.
ntrigue
April 1st, 2012
10:33 am
JJoe was back to his old self dribble dribble and more dribble trying to breakdown down double teams by dribbling instead of passing to open man! Josh is a willing passer when teams double him Joe needs to learn to pass quick in those situations. 76ers has Joe number and if Joe or drew don’t realize that by now then hopefully they mk adjustments if we face them in playoffs! Coach drew kept calling ISO instead of letting josh go to work in the post!
doc
April 1st, 2012
10:35 am
yeah sautee, folks were on a delusional roll there in january thinking how the hawks might never lose again. heh heh that 16-6 stat got us going in spite of losing one of the main stalwarts of the team for the rest of the regular season.
ya know the nba is tough. every team, when it gets it going, can beat you and in most games the decision is made maybe on three possessions as most games are that close especially between evenly matched good teams. it is more a chess match than we think as it flows quickly and so fast with such high scoring. it is what makes it frustrating and stimulating at the same time.
right now, the hawks are winning at a pretty good rate on par with what would normally be a 50 win season or durn close to it, in spite of our negativity here. that is the reality. the illusion is we suck the expectation and delusion is that there is no game we should ever lose and someone is to blame with every loss. silly notion but held frim among the minions. funny, the scrutiny but again that is what makes it so fascinating and good for the fan because there is so much to focus on and we each see it differently. love it.
so, how do you see it in april? got some toughies but real cream puffs as well. how many teams are tanking now and how many good teams will sit players to save their legs and reenergize them in anticipation of greater and more important things? how does that affect the predictability going forward? good luck.
Sautee
April 1st, 2012
10:49 am
doc,
I’ll say 6-6 for April. Not quite as optimistic as you. But close. Is 6-6 a half full glass?
doc
April 1st, 2012
11:00 am
sautee, you down on em bro. i was tempted to go 8-4 for april, as i was tempted to say 4-9 for feb, got conservative. we will see and why they play the game, right?
phil
April 1st, 2012
11:02 am
Hawks lose.
What’s new?
Waffle House or Bust
April 1st, 2012
11:11 am
Wake up people! This team only care about girls, weed and partying. I know this because a lot of my female friends work at the top bars around Atlanta and these Hawks can’t stay away when home. Get the playoffs over with and break this team up finally.
darrell starks
April 1st, 2012
11:18 am
Joe played 45min last night are you kidding me.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
April 1st, 2012
11:20 am
LD lost this game last night, Zaza not play in the 4th QUARTER and Sixers scores 33points.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
11:27 am
Gone Fishin’!
I do not believe any contender is sitting arounding and hoping to draw Atlanta in round oune either. Jerry Stackhouse said it best, when he said, “We are on their minds.” after, the Hawks lost by one point to the Heat on a Chris Bosh miracle three without the services of Al Horford.
The playoffs contest begins with all teams at 0-0. Being swept during the regular season by the 76ers should not make the 76ers hope they draw the Hawks in round one. I for one, hope they do wish for that if, that is who we draw in round one. It is very difficult to pummel the same team for seven games straight especially when adjustments arwe made play to play and game to game.
What will advance teams will be more about, how the refs are calling the games, which team is most healthy, who has more dogged determination to play relentless defense for 48 total minutes. The ability to exploit favorable matchups and execute plays on both sides of the ball.
TO’s, FTA, FTM, rebounding, hotly contesting the three point shooters, executing an inside – outside game strategy, and playing relentless defense for 48 full minutes, will do more to advance any team than who you draw as an opponent. Defense being the key to heightening the odds of a series win.
When the Jordan Rules kick in from the Chief Gangsta? Don’t get mad – get even. If you score enough points you can take the refs out of the game.
So yeah, Stackhouse’s comment from a players perspective, far out tallies that of a fanatic who has never played one NBA game. Any team for sure wants to avoid the Bulls and Heat in round one, but in reality I would rather play them while fresh and less banged up on the from end of the magic number of 13, than
on the back end of a rugged two series behind me.
Besides, if you want to be the best – you have to beat the best. No way round that one. So, have NO FEAR!
It’s time to WIN or, GO HOME!
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
11:37 am
*on the FRONT end of the magic number 13.
One more thing, I like ‘ole Jerry, don’t believe the Heat are wishing to draw Atlanta in round one either. We match up pretty well.
prison mike
April 1st, 2012
11:44 am
No worries as the April sched is fairly easy. Philly and Boston have harder scheds. Philly has to play 10 road games this month, got dam.
Side note: did you all see my ninja J dub aka Jeff Withey do his thing. Shut down supposedly the best post scorer in college basketball. Take him with the first round pick!!
Rusty
April 1st, 2012
11:44 am
What we have here in Atlanta is a coach who can not coach & causes the team games.
Rusty
April 1st, 2012
11:47 am
I truly believe that any of the top teams would like to get us in the first round,surely we don’t scare any one.
Rusty
April 1st, 2012
11:52 am
Lin might be out for 6 weeks if that was JT LD would be as happy as a pig in mud.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
11:53 am
Gone Fishin’!
I do not believe any contender is sitting arounding and hoping to draw Atlanta in round oune either. Jerry Stackhouse said it best, when he said, “We are on their minds.” after, the Hawks lost by one point to the Heat on a Chris Bosh miracle three without the services of Al Horford.
*****
sadly what most of you people cannot figure out is that regular season means nothing. We went 1-3 vs Miami. Close losses mean jack….
Miami will roast us in a 7 game series, especially since LBJ usually kills it before the Finals begin. Trust me, we will bend over and take it vs Miami
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
11:57 am
Hopes and Dreams!
The Heat, nor any other contender should be hoping to draw the hawks in round one nor, vice versa. I’m sure Rusty, the Heat would rather see Milwaukee.
Be careful what you wish for. Just wish for your team to be READY to do battle with whoever the opponent is and, that you can impose your will.
doc
April 1st, 2012
12:03 pm
3 day pause on the blog could get interesting, hope mc got filler. already talking playoffs with a month to go.
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
12:06 pm
GM – JeJe!
Reglar season don’t mean Jack, either way. 1-3 don’t mean Jack is right. I know we won’t be in. 7th or 8th slot, so hypothetically we will not draw Miami anyway.
However, there is a greater chance they beat us than us beating them. But, that’s why they play the games – it’s not played on paper.
Here’s my point: don’t be skurred!!! Show up and play, see what happens. Stay positive or, just mail it in from home – why show up if, you don’t believe in yourself?
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
1:00 pm
I assure you all LBJ has not thought of the Hawks once since early March.
We didn’t even compete vs Cleveland for the most part 3 yeas ago, yet ppl only want to talk about the Orlando series.
We are also 0-4 vs Miami the last 2 years.
Better pray we play Chicago
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
1:00 pm
0-4 At home*
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
1:05 pm
Only way we have a chance in Rd 2 (I am confident about rd 1 if we are above 7 seed) is if Pargo is healthy and he keeps that swagger. If he and Willie are balling, we have a shot vs Chi.
I think it’s pretty clear Miami rolls to Finals
DawgNole
April 1st, 2012
1:07 pm
Sautee
April 1st, 2012
10:19 am
doc,
I was right therewith you for Feb. and Mar. I predicted 5-8 in Feb (they were 4-9), and 10-9 for March (they were 11-8) so my aggregate for Feb-Mar was right on the money. Not bad, indeed.
DawfNole, you see, THAT is reality, and not sugarcoating what this team is, or blindly being a homer.
______________________
“DawfNole”??? Don’t you like my regular handle anymore? Pretty good pickin’ for Feb and Mar, and I see you’ve forecast 6-6 for April. Is the glass half full or half empty, you asked. I’m afraid that after 45 years, it’s more than half empty for me.
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
1:08 pm
Special Thoughts!
“I assure you all LBJ has not thought of the Hawks once since early March.”
_______
I assure you as well, the only person Bron thinks of is himself. So, that puts the Hawks in no special category for not being thought of.
What has LeBron proven in the post season that Joe Johnson hasn’t proven. They both have an identical number of rings as well disappearances and Bron has been surrounded by a hella lot more talent than Joe will EVER see play in Atlanta. So, what is so Special about LeBron in your eyes. I say fear DWade and, not LBJ (as you call him).
Big Lou
April 1st, 2012
1:09 pm
Fire LD. Hire a coach with a brain.
Half of the Hawk’s problems are solved.
Coaching has lost at least 9 games this year, not talent–just saying.
Last night’s example(s):
LD playing Kirk too many minutes in the game, making him useless(more than he already is) in the fourth.
Teague not getting enough minutes after warming up in the third.
LD going small, which allowed Brand to take advantage.
It’s not rocket science why this team loses close games. It’s not their effort or abilities.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
1:11 pm
So,
What will TMac’s DNP reason be for Wednesday?
Sleepy
Is my guess.
Smh
DawgNole
April 1st, 2012
1:12 pm
prison mike
April 1st, 2012
11:44 am
No worries as the April sched is fairly easy. Philly and Boston have harder scheds. Philly has to play 10 road games this month, got dam.
______________________
No worries???! Good gracious. Are you overmedicating? Where have you been the past 45 years?!
DawgNole
April 1st, 2012
1:13 pm
phil
April 1st, 2012
11:02 am
Hawks lose.
What’s new?
____________________
Nothing.
DawgNole
April 1st, 2012
1:18 pm
Rusty
April 1st, 2012
11:44 am
What we have here in Atlanta is a coach who can not coach & causes the team games.
Rusty
April 1st, 2012
11:47 am
I truly believe that any of the top teams would like to get us in the first round,surely we don’t scare any one.
_______________________
How, exactly, do you “cause” a game?
Your 11:47 post, on the other hand, is right on.
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
1:31 pm
GM-JeJe
You probably right about Heat versus Bulls for the Hawks draw IF, we make it out of round 1.
Who do you think is the most likely team to beat back Miami this year? I say, OKC.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
1:53 pm
Dr. Mary,
Prob OKC. Lakers too if Bynum ever grows up
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
2:11 pm
April sched will be average if we fail to beat Boston or LAC or DAL.
Given how we blow at home this year, I’m not confident
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
2:28 pm
GM-JeJe
Lakers? Hmmm … No more triangle, Odom, Fisher … Kobe shot is broken right now, IDK. Ya thinks Heat get past Bulls, for sure?
SteveW
April 1st, 2012
2:46 pm
Hawks are exactly where I said they would be to finish 31-23. I don’t get alot of predictions right, but I try to be honest when I do and when I don’t.
And then I predicted 7-5 for April. I’ll stick with that unless a major injury happens.
38-28 for the season.
Boston loses 4 of the next 6 – Hawks play Charlotte twice and Detroit after a long rest. We should get some breathing room.
SteveW
April 1st, 2012
2:47 pm
Also called Lin and Amare going down – my DWade going down with injury by the 1st week of April has not happened yet, so I may have blown that call.
38-28, good enough for 3rd seed if that happens? We’ll see.
SteveW
April 1st, 2012
2:49 pm
My Bucks at #6 seed is going up in smoke. Unless a major winning streak occurs by them, and a major losing streak by some other teams, hopefully not named the Hawks.
SteveW
April 1st, 2012
2:54 pm
I think Miami loses to OKC in the Finals. That being said, how is Miami rolling to the Finals a fait accompli? They’ve sure looked human most of the time this season, and a loss in any round of the playoffs wouldn’t surprise me.
And LeBron is getting dinged up. And if Wade were to go down…
And don’t give me the what if stuff – we lost Al for the season, so remember, no excuses, right? Or is that just for the Hawks?
SteveW
April 1st, 2012
2:56 pm
Man, OKC is decimating Chicago right now.
SteveW
April 1st, 2012
2:58 pm
I have no idea why Chicago hasn’t picked up Coach TT’s contract for next season. Maybe waiting to see what he does in the playoffs? Who are they going to get that’s better, even if they lost in the 1st round or something?
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
3:00 pm
The only benefit Jason Collins and Erick Dampier bring to the city of Atlanta is the fact that they dine daily at Golden Corral, thus helping our economy.
Other than that, I can’t think of anything else.
SteveW
April 1st, 2012
3:01 pm
April 11th is a key date – Hawks at Boston – let’s see where the Hawks are after that meeting.
Then of course April 26th is the real date – we’ll know for sure where we’re at.
Sautee
April 1st, 2012
3:06 pm
“DawfNole”??? Don’t you like my regular handle anymore?”
LOL. At least the F is right next to the G.
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
3:21 pm
Prognosticator Extraordinaire!
SteveW is doing his best Jim Rhome is on Fire – Impersonation. I’m feeling your thoughts all the way – bruh. That’s why they PLAY the games.
Good job SteveW, for keeping it positive and unemotional. Some of these old farts on here are bags of dusty, old hot air. One sure thing about drmaryb, imma’ keep it real on both sides. Nobody knows it all – NOBODY!
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
3:25 pm
LOL! GM-JeJe … Well, the Golden Corral gettin’ ripped off. They better lock the doors and flip the closed sign when, them two roll up – grinning from ear to ear.
frustated hawk fa
April 1st, 2012
3:57 pm
will somebody PLEASEEE!!!…. tell me why Joe still insists on dribbling around trying to shake the double team instead of passing out of it???!!! It was CLEAR they were doubling Joe ALL the time and he doesn’t seem to see it or is too stubborn to give up the rock…then he has to try very diffiucult shots with the clock running down . And speaking of too much dribbling….LD still can’t seem to get them to move the ball around and from side to side!!!….instead they dribble away the clock and rush the shots to beat the clock. When they DO move the ball around the results are spectacular!
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
4:41 pm
No Clue Drew!
“will somebody PLEASEEE!!!…. tell me why Joe still insists on dribbling around trying to shake the double team instead of passing out of it???!!! ”
_________
Because ‘nam one of his teammates move without the ball to create passing angles. And, the coach’s favorite movie is Groundhog Day.
ag
April 1st, 2012
4:50 pm
Except for the game in Atlanta, we played them really well. We just have not played them 4 quarters. The only team I think we really will stuggle with in the playoffs in Miami. This year we have actually beat the teams you suppose to and lost to tougher opponents.
Yesterday, I looked at the body language. JT was very frustrated with ZaZa on that trash he shot to end the 2nd quarter. Josh and ZaZa also go into it that same quarter when ZaZa deflected a pass meant for Josh rolling to the basket.
doc
April 1st, 2012
4:56 pm
stevew we agree on two counts, boy would i love to see durant get his ring before queen.
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
4:57 pm
ag
That is the best and most sound explanation I’ve heard as to why Josh was jawing with zaza. That pass was set up for a dunk! Thanks for that insight.
Perhaps zaza said something side-ways to Drew, because he was planted on the pine after that. Good stuff, ag.
doc
April 1st, 2012
5:40 pm
thanks to deft investigative reporting by MC, you too can know the real eyebrow story:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/why-mike-woodson-had-no-eyebrows-2010-224045517.html;_ylt=AqDT0hb1ioRn
Najeh Davenpoop
April 1st, 2012
5:54 pm
“You do realize the Sixers are 3-0 against the Hawks this season, right?”
I know they have played well against the Hawks in the regular season, but aside from being able to take Joe out of the game with one defender I just don’t see any real advantages they have over the Hawks anywhere. I think the three regular season games this year have been a product of bad coaching decisions by LD combined with the Sixers doing things they are normally not good at doing (like going 6/12 from 3 yesterday). Of course, can’t assume that LD is going to make the right coaching decisions in the playoffs, but I don’t think the Sixers are an unbeatable team for the Hawks.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
6:00 pm
I think we can beat Philly in a series if we actually run plays. Joe would definitely get shut down, as we all know, so someone else would have to really play out of his mind (25 ppg from Smoove)
High-sider
April 1st, 2012
6:00 pm
Fire Erik Spoelstra!
This guy, Spoelstra has no credibility with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh. The Heat are not responding to his [Spoelstra's] message. Mike D’Antoni’s resignation/termination/departure/separation from the Knicks was long overdue as is Spoelstra’s from the Heat.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 1st, 2012
6:00 pm
Since we have three days of no Hawks basketball, here is some draft news.
Jason McIntyre
@TheBigLead
Follow
Buzz in Washington from a source: T Ross is going to the NBA, but T Wroten could stay. Problem: the Atl Hawks LOVE Wroten & he knows it
Montlake Madness @MontlakeMadness Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
RT @Babyyao23: @MontlakeMadness Rick Sund the GM of the Hawks was at least two UW games on person this year.
Here is Tony Wroten’s NBADraft.net profile. They compare him to Tyreke Evans, although this may just be because the Washington Huskies uniforms are the same color as Sacramento’s uniforms.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 1st, 2012
6:12 pm
Question for the blog: would you trade Al Horford for Danny Granger straight up?
DawgNole
April 1st, 2012
6:24 pm
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
6:00 pm
I think we can beat Philly in a series if we actually run plays. Joe would definitely get shut down, as we all know, so someone else would have to really play out of his mind (25 ppg from Smoove)
_____________________
Smoove played out of his mind (34 pts) against Philly last night. How’d we do?
Sautee
April 1st, 2012
6:31 pm
Najeh,
While it would be a good trade, I’d hate to trade a decent big man and not get another big. Maybe as a package? Horford and Marvin for Granger and West?
High-sider
April 1st, 2012
6:38 pm
I believe Marvin Williams and Jason Collins will be [the] Hawks’ co-MVP’s for the remainder of the [regular] season and the playoffs – April Fool!
doc
April 1st, 2012
7:24 pm
h-s been wondering how long he will last. seems there is a significant amount of underacheievement. so sad for them …. not!
also too bad that the magic are having to do without a center. let howard sit.
doc
April 1st, 2012
7:28 pm
najeh, i think the question could be would you trade granger for josh? the problem with this team has always been imbalance, how the devil could granger help our balance? how about al and marvin for hibbert and granger? yeah right, let us make a deal right? fantasy land.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
7:28 pm
“_____________________
Smoove played out of his mind (34 pts) against Philly last night. How’d we do?”
I guess we’d need a Pargo or Willie to step up, because Marvin sure as hell ain’t.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
7:29 pm
“Question for the blog: would you trade Al Horford for Danny Granger straight up?”
I think I’ve overrated Granger quite a bit over the years. Probably not. It’d be dumb to trade Horford for anything besides a big IMHO unless Deron WIlliams was available like last year (smh)
prison mike
April 1st, 2012
7:32 pm
I’ll say no to Granger. I wouldn’t mind Al for Cousins tho.
James
April 1st, 2012
7:38 pm
“Question for the blog: would you trade Al Horford for Danny Granger straight up?”
Definitely not. Maybe if Granger was more consistent and ways playing at the all-star level that was playing at the time when he made his lone all-star appearance, but definitely not now. We have enough scoring wing players. Another one is not a necessity, unless we were to unload Marvin or Joe somehow. Horford is much more valuable. He does the dirty work, and can have a positive impact on the game without even taking a shot. Also, Horford still has upside and has shown improvement in every season of his career thus far (I’m excluding this season since he only really played 10 games and didn’t appear to be in shape at the start of the season). Granger has been up and down ever since that all-star year, so I’m not sure what to expect with him.
I like Granger, but as is, I don’t think he’s that great of a fit for our team, and I think Horford is a better player, even if we don’t know exactly what we’ll get from him after the injury.
Grandad
April 1st, 2012
7:41 pm
Najeh
No … need more Bigs, not less.
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
8:06 pm
No Can Do!
Najeh baby, like the duo “Hall & Oats” said in their hit song from the late ’70’s:
“I can’t go for that … No Oo O … No can do.”
_______
At first, I though you were talking about the big man, recent AS out in Portland … (his name escapes) but, he was diagnosed with: White Parkinson’s, I think.
Lamarcus Aldrige? I might do a Horford for him, illness and all.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 1st, 2012
8:14 pm
“the problem with this team has always been imbalance, how the devil could granger help our balance?”
Well, he would help the Hawks’ balance because they would have five starters who are each playing their best position (unless you think Joe’s best position is SF, which may or may not be true).
Teague-Joe-Granger-Josh-Zaza
Bench Marvin, Ivan, whoever the Hawks pick in the first round, a couple of other role players (at least one of whom can score off the bench)
3 huge advantages to adding Granger to this lineup: he stretches the floor, he gets to the free throw line, and he would make opponents have to pick their poison as to who to guard with their best wing defender. Deng and Iguodala would no longer be able to lock on to Joe like they do now.
I think it’s a fair question to ask whether or not Granger is a better player than Al, but this seems like the kind of trade that might benefit both teams. That lineup would give the Hawks three players at their optimal positions who are good enough scorers to command double teams. I seriously doubt that the Hawks would be putting up point totals in the 70s against Chicago, Boston, and Philly with three offensive go-to guys like that in the lineup.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 1st, 2012
8:16 pm
But I hear y’all on the downside of trading a big man for a non-big man. Hard to replace big man depth, as we see every time Collins enters a game.
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
8:18 pm
Kidney Punch!
Looks like the Mavs ain’t soft no moe! Allegedly, and per SVG, Brendan Haywood went to the Sean Payton School of Hard Knocks!
doc
April 1st, 2012
8:22 pm
ryan anderson rolls ankle. hmmm
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
8:27 pm
Najeh, but I wouldn’t be mad if we had Granger though, for the obvious reasons you just gave. Put zaza at the 5 full time and maybe add someone like Kaman to come off the bench. I might have to say, yeah to Granger for Horford.
HawkEye
April 1st, 2012
8:34 pm
Magic lost to the Nuggets. Hawks remain 1.5 games behind Orlando. Also, Houston is up 8 on the Pacers in the 3rd quarter.
doc
April 1st, 2012
8:46 pm
rondo is a stud
doc
April 1st, 2012
8:50 pm
you get too small najeh, i think jj is and should be gearing to be a three like pp than a dwade at 2.
doc
April 1st, 2012
8:59 pm
mcghee-19 in a win. george got his hands ful.
soullrenaissance
April 1st, 2012
9:04 pm
Ole Hawks Fan
Fire LD, SUND and ASKG. Tyler Perry please buy this team!
I feel or sentiments and passion but Tyler Perry owning The Hawks would be more than awkward – but if Madea could make us a winner…
Najeh _ I would say yes to that trade. Horford may have become expendable with the rise of Zaza and All-star Smith.
doc
April 1st, 2012
9:07 pm
trade al for the wooden award winner.
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 1st, 2012
9:15 pm
If Tony Wroten comes out, I’d trade Al to get that pick. Sounds like this kid might be a mini-CP3 even.
BIG DOG
April 1st, 2012
9:19 pm
Hawks only chance come playoffs if LD make a linup change, but he just like his home boy woody are so stubborn that this will be his last year as a Hawks coach.
Defensive will be the key for Hawks success come playoffs.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Slimjr
April 1st, 2012
9:21 pm
All NBA for Cousins in a “NEW YORK MINUTE”!
Granger, ah not so much…….
BIG DOG
April 1st, 2012
9:22 pm
Teague, Joe, Josh, Ivan, Zaza
Hinrich, Green, Tmac or Vlad, Marvin, Dampier
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Slimjr
April 1st, 2012
9:25 pm
All NBA for LaMarcus Aldridge yesterday..
Aldridge would put up 23 and 12 playing in the EAST for sure….AllStar in the East all day everyday….
BIG DOG
April 1st, 2012
9:26 pm
Hawks are just to small with Teague, Hinrich, Joe, Josh, Zaza.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Slimjr
April 1st, 2012
9:27 pm
9 and 7 from your 5 or 4 in the playoffs= 2 for 12 in the 2nd rd( .143 winning %)…..zzzzzzz
Slimjr
April 1st, 2012
9:31 pm
I like Anthony Davis #23 with Kentucky. Is he the #1 pick coming out this year? Maybe….
doc
April 1st, 2012
9:45 pm
got to love this:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/01/bob-knight-sleeping-college-gameday_n_1394940.html
Rev in Tampa
April 1st, 2012
9:52 pm
Ugh! I thought the Rockets were going to pull out the overtime game against the Pacers.
Rev in Tampa
April 1st, 2012
10:05 pm
Hey doc,
A pastor I knew, now retired, told me he fell asleep for a moment while he was preaching. It must have been a snoozer of a sermon.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
10:23 pm
Looks like I’m going to the Fantasy Playoffs!!
Sorry northcyde and Najeh.
You guys should call me by my full username, Grandmaster JeJe (GM), from now on.
Thanks.
doc
April 1st, 2012
10:25 pm
rev as a surgeon in training i fell asleep more than once standing up during surgery as the second assistant. i had no responsibility to speak of and was going on zero sleep for days. there is a reflex that saves you and it is rude awakening.
at this point knight needs to give it up or get himself checked out for fatigue. too funnt how nonchalant the announcer was in tapping him like it wasnt the first time.
very funny story that a rev put himself to sleep during his own sermon.
doc
April 1st, 2012
10:32 pm
gm jeje, dont get too excited because i know you dont think i have any cred. hate to tell you, i am the first winner of the trophy in the league you are now competing in. it irked the devil out of samuel i came back to bite him at the end in a face to face throw down. he won it the next year.
so, may you join the esteemed group of winners as you will enter a hall of honor. i retired to give you other chaps a chance. heh heh, good luck but let me tell you the last few weeks of the playoffs get silly because there are so few regulars playing. look out for the sheldon williams of the nba world that go for 38 or so and make sure they are on your side.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
10:51 pm
Doc
“gm jeje, dont get too excited because i know you dont think i have any cred. hate to tell you, i am the first winner of the trophy in the league you are now competing in. it irked the devil out of samuel i came back to bite him at the end in a face to face throw down. he won it the next year.”
Thank you sir. I drafted Amar’e and Monta in rds 1 and 2 (I was last pick in 1st rd) which was not smart. Monta has not been that great and Amar’e I am never ever taking again (took him last year). I’m so damn tired of picking at the end of the 1st rd. Just let me get Dwight or LBJ and I will have a better chance of winning a league. My roster right now is pretty anemic, but luckily I have a few roster moves left to make. I let my team suffer these last few weeks because I figured I’d hang on and be a top 6, so I have some moves left to make.
Cheers
~GM JeJe (GM)
doc
April 1st, 2012
11:06 pm
again, good luck gm jeje, it is a fun challenge that takes effort and daily preparation. yup, building a roster is quite a challenge and sometimes folks get too caught up in certain names rather than filling out a balanced flexible roster with the emphasis on felixibilty. by now that has been determined but you need to have some room to move as things move swiftly the last few weeks. honestly, i was up at 6 checking it out and getting my roster set for the day. yeah, i am a little tighter than my punctuation would reveal or suggest.
jeppz23
April 1st, 2012
11:08 pm
Big games coming up for the hawks this weekend..should go 3-0, hopefully Orlando loses some games and then we can take over 3rd in the showdown with them a couple weeks from now
SteveW
April 1st, 2012
11:13 pm
Are the Heat already coasting for the playoffs? That’s 3 double digit defeats in the last 5 games or so for them if I’m not mistaken.
Boston destroyed them.
I may be wrong about Boston. I keep waiting for their old age collapse. But it’s not happening.
But are the Heat just going to turn it on for the playoffs? They’ve still got the big 3 playing alot of minutes like they’re trying to win the games.
LeBron was a -30 today btw in the +/-. Are we sure these guys are as invincible as some on this blog make them to be? Are we just 100% sure we couldn’t beat them in a 7 game series?
Najeh Davenpoop
April 1st, 2012
11:18 pm
” I’m so damn tired of picking at the end of the 1st rd.”
If we do an auction draft next year, you can get whoever you want. Your team won’t be decided based on where you are picking. The draft will be about a half hour longer, but it’s worth it.
jeppz23
April 1st, 2012
11:22 pm
SteveW, the hawks can beat anyone as long as they focus on the task at hand
doc
April 1st, 2012
11:26 pm
i thought portland wouldnt win another game this year after the trades since it seemed they gave up a a lot more than they got; they have surprised me.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
11:32 pm
SteveW,
We have a 0.001% chance of beating Miami in a series.
3 years ago we got owned by Cleveland in 4 games (again, people don’t remember that. They only talk about the Orlando series).
2 years ago we got destroyed by 100+ points and DID NOT MAKE ONE ROSTER ADJUSTMENT IN THE ENTIRE SERIES. Last year, we stole a game vs. Chicago then we were severely outplayed for most of the rest of the series.
We have NOT beaten Miami ONCE in our arena the last 2 years. That is pathetic. LBJ will cakewalk through this arena we call home. Plus, we will be playing against the officials. Not one person in the NBA office in NYC wants us to go anywhere in the Playoffs.
Miami has a ton of rugged guys in their frontcourt, a PF no one on our team can guard (Bosh), and LBJ will destroy anybody we put on him. Joe will be fine on D.Wade.
Again, we need Pargo and Willie playing out of their minds for us to make noise in these Playoffs. Those cats are the truth when they are balling.
Don’t forget Chalmers seems to get in Teague’s head (no homo) a bit and Kirk is iffy these days.
Najeh, how again does the auction draft work?
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
11:33 pm
I like our chances vs. Chicago..
IF:
LD WILL FREAKING MAKE SUBSTITUTIONS AND GET BODIES ON TAJ AND ASIK AND NOT DO IDIOTIC ISH LIKE BENCHING THE ONLY GUYS ON OUR TEAM WHO GIVE AN F ABOUT REBOUNDING
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
11:35 pm
The February National TV Sunday night game vs. Miami, we quit halfway through the 2nd quarter. That ish was embarrassing. We were literally stuck on 18 or 19 points for like 5 or 6 game minutes. We have no shot at all vs. Miami in a series.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 1st, 2012
11:37 pm
doc,
Our fantasy playoffs are starting a bit earlier this year (it seems?), so the weird player rotations won’t be in effect probably until the Championship round. Right now, teams are still jockeying (no homo) for position in the playoffs, so I don’t expect much to deviate from the norm re: playing rotations
SteveW
April 2nd, 2012
12:10 am
The Heat have lost 7 of there 10 on the road.
They have lost their last 3 road games by 15+ points.
By Joel Anthony, Ronnie Turiaf, and Dexter Pittman, I don’t see a rugged big among them.
Udonis, yes. Good ball player.
Something is def. going on in Heat land, to get dismantled by Boston like that, with Boston missing Allen, Wilcox, Green, and O’Neal.
Maybe Doc is just a better Coach than LD or Spoelstra – by quite a bit.
SteveW
April 2nd, 2012
12:13 am
We lose the 7th game of a brutal 7 game in 9 nite stretch at Philly to a good team by 5 points.
Miami loses their 3rd straight road game by 15+ points to Boston.
We are terrible and the Heat are nearly unbeatable to some.
I’m not following the logic.
SteveW
April 2nd, 2012
12:15 am
Oh, I forgot our series vs. the Cavs 3 years ago and against Orlando 2 years ago under a different Coach mean something about this season.
Like the Mavs terrible playoff runs for many consecutive years meant something on the way to winning the Championship last season maybe?
It is not computing
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 2nd, 2012
12:24 am
So freaking what? We lost THREE STRAIGHT HOME GAMES to non-elite teams a month or so ago. That is a disgrace. That is something CHA or NOH does.
Miami is just bored amd ready for the postseason…just like the Pistons and Celtics teams over the last decade. Get real.
Miami had a point last year where guys were crying about the losses, then won an astronomical number of games thereafter. They coasted to Finals and severely dismantled Chicago after game 1.
Done and done
And Najeh you helped me move up a spot to #5…thx
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 2nd, 2012
12:26 am
We lost by 21 AT HOME to a Bulls team without its best player. Plz explain that one. Or are you just a “oh they were tired” sympathizer?
SteveW
April 2nd, 2012
12:29 am
JeJe – Weren’t we missing JJ and Al when we lost those 3 Home games? Or maybe I’m making too much out of that.
But that is what I’ve been asking, is Miami just coasting. You think they are. Maybe we’ll see.
I still have Miami going to the Finals vs. OKC, but they have sure looked human lately.
And I also have Miami beating ATL in 5 if they play a series. But that doesn’t look like a sure thing by any stretch.
SteveW
April 2nd, 2012
12:31 am
JeJe – Are you a Heat fan or a Hawks fan? Which do you like better? Or are you just convinced that the Heat kill us even though you are a Hawks fan above the Heat?
jeppz23
April 2nd, 2012
12:34 am
I think the hawks would push miami to 6 and maybe even 7 with a healthy al and our bench contributing..
jeppz23
April 2nd, 2012
12:49 am
anybody think the hawks have a chance of getting dwill in the summer? Get the player we missed out on by drafting marvin?
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 2nd, 2012
1:02 am
SteveW
April 2nd, 2012
12:31 am
JeJe – Are you a Heat fan or a Hawks fan? Which do you like better? Or are you just convinced that the Heat kill us even though you are a Hawks fan above the Heat?
****
Hawks fan.
Moreso, I am a realist. I am not picking us in a series just because I am a fan. We have a slim shot vs. Chi, provided LD doesn’t fall asleep. We have zero shot vs Miami
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 2nd, 2012
1:05 am
The Hawks have shown nothing the last 2 years to prove they would compete with Miami in a 7 game series. Lose at home in 3OT (at full health) to a team on the 2nd of a b2b without its 2 best players. ROFL. 2-6 in last 8 vs them
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
April 2nd, 2012
2:09 am
Wake me up when the playoffs start.
*Yawn*
EmirS.
April 2nd, 2012
2:59 am
ATLpaul had one of the best rosters in the league…if only he decided to show up at all and manage his roster.
On the brighter side things…as a last minute push….I think I was able to keep a first round bye!
Is it sad that I’ve been more into my Fantasy Team then the Hawks thus far?
brigadierjerry
April 2nd, 2012
7:44 am
Drmaryb,
You mentioned in previous blogs about Mcgrady acting like Christian Laetner did when he was on the Hawks. Could you or anyone more elaborate because I don’t remember that.
JeJe,
I would agree with you in regards to having a chance against Chicago but I only think that happens if Rose is less than 100% as well.
Do you have a preference as far as which seed do you like for the Hawks to end up with?
SteveW,
How do you see the East standing out as far as which teams will be making the playoffs and what seedings?
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 2nd, 2012
8:19 am
Jerry
SteveW
April 2nd, 2012
12:31 am
JeJe – Are you a Heat fan or a Hawks fan? Which do you like better? Or are you just convinced that the Heat kill us even though you are a Hawks fan above the Heat?
LinkReport this comment
Not really. Anything higher than 7. We need CHI in rd 2 although our chances are still slim vs them. You?
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 2nd, 2012
8:21 am
Bulls have best record in league and that’s without Rose for almost half the season wow…thins really needs an extension
Slimjr
April 2nd, 2012
8:36 am
BJerry, when healthy the assembled Knicks squad could make a serious run in the playoff if they make it..Hmmmm.
Lin and Amare’ being hurt now seriously impacts their chances with this brutal schedule they face the rest of the way..But we shall see….
7-5/6-6 for the Hawks..Who do they match up with in the 1st round? Expect a 1st round exit if they do not secure home court…
Doug Collins owns the Hawks.. Whose their Daddy? LOL!
Slimjr
April 2nd, 2012
8:37 am
Anthony Davis for Vice-President 2012!
Slimjr
April 2nd, 2012
8:40 am
Miami in 4…..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz= zebras (5 on 8)? Darth Vadar would not except anything less..lol
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 2nd, 2012
9:11 am
Briggs
Can you paste where I said McGrady acted like Laettner when he was on the hawks?
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 2nd, 2012
9:26 am
*Thibs
O'Brien
April 2nd, 2012
9:39 am
You cannot underestimate the effect of coaching. If Doc Rivers was coaching this team in the playoffs, I think we would be a legit contender for the ECF.
vava74
April 2nd, 2012
9:40 am
I could not watch this game, but it looks like:
a) We could have won and we can win against PHI (first defeat we were also up by a lot and then melted in the 2nd half);
b) LD keeps on making horrendous rotation decisions which he then converts in players not delivering.
““Coming down the stretch we didn’t make the plays,” Hawks coach Larry Drew said. “We missed a couple of defensive assignments and left 3-point shooters open. [Also, there were] the two and-ones by Brand where we gambled in the post and he got the angle on us and got to the basket. It comes down to making plays when you are playing that hard and are right there at the end. You have to make the plays.”
Is this guy f..king unbelievable or what? It’s NEVER his fault. NEVER!
Brand plays the whole 4th quarter, goes 5/6 FG 3/4FT, snatches 5 rebounds (3 offensive) gets 2 assists and 1 block… whilst Josh is in foul trouble on the bench for the first four and half minutes and he does not play Zaza a single minute??
JJ plays 45 minutes?
Teague spends the first 7 minutes of the 4th quarter on the bench? The guy who consistently post the most regular and consistent ± stat on the team and keeps the perimeter D tight??
vava74
April 2nd, 2012
9:51 am
OB,
co-sign
doc
April 2nd, 2012
10:01 am
vava, i guess you missed the mismatch he created that helped us by leaving zaza on the bench. heh heh
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 2nd, 2012
10:09 am
Wednesday will be another game where, after 3 days rest, we will come out sluggish, be down 16 in the 3rd quarter, and have to claw back and give our top players big minutes just to beat a horrendous basketball team.
*Yawn*
vava74
April 2nd, 2012
10:24 am
doc,
yeah, we clearly did not need a post defender and rebounder on the floor…
i’ve seen Brand abuse Zaza’s D a bit in past occasions, but that does not mean that with Josh in foul trouble (and not being a bona fide one on one post defender against burly dudes like Brand) our options should be limited to playing Ivan (who is 6′8” and not that long armed) or only Josh who probably was a bit tentative to body up Brand (in particular because on away games the refereeing is typically pretty bad against us*).
* by the way, in the NYK game, there was pretty lousy foul calling going against us.
Even when they seemed to start to get it right (with Chandler’s moving screen call), the fact is that in the following possession they “compensated” immediately and called a completely bogus call against us.
vava74
April 2nd, 2012
10:26 am
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 2nd, 2012
10:09 am
“Wednesday will be another game where, after 3 days rest, we will come out sluggish, be down 16 in the 3rd quarter, and have to claw back and give our top players big minutes just to beat a horrendous basketball team.
*Yawn*”
IF, we pull through and win. I am very very afraid of a let down defeat.
As you say, after more days of rest our performance is usually horrible.
Slimjr
April 2nd, 2012
10:46 am
Elton dismantled the Hawks interior defense..This dude looked like an AllStar playing the Hawks….
Doug owns Larry…
doc
April 2nd, 2012
11:09 am
i didnt see the sixer game but would have hoped that dampier would get a chance to pound on brand if he got out of control. maybe larry is out smarting them and saving it for later as a surprise. i still dont understand why damp hasnt gotten any time as he does collect rebounds and plays defense or at least clogs the lanes some. none of that falls in twin’s jpb description i guess. that is why i dont make the big bucks.
yup vava, i was at the game friday and there was some fishy refs stuff going on. josh was clearly ball only by the trajectory the ball took after it left the hand and no body on the replay on one great play and got called, problem is when he is now in foul trouble donw the stretch. when you are at the games you dont get to see the replays but you cant flat out see misses even from a distance. it is different than watching at home in slo mo, just the same i have known teague has been up to get a block and get clean ball and get called.
i think it is the refs dont believe they can do those things and it is an expect call. sad part is we get slammed and they swallow the whistle. i think larry and woody are responsible because they never ride the refs. look at Doc who nags on every call and gets away with it. in fact they could get a t every quarter.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 2nd, 2012
11:17 am
vava74
“As you say, after more days of rest our performance is usually horrible.”
Against all bad teams our performance is usually horrible for 3 quarters. I just don’t get why it’s so damn hard to get an early 10 point lead against a sucky team like Washington or Cleveland or New Jersey
vava74
April 2nd, 2012
11:17 am
doc,
In the first half Ivan also had a beautiful block on ‘Melo (I think it was ‘Melo) which was ruled a foul just because his hip bumped ‘Melo’s hip when he was already palming the ball away.
It was a clean play for me but it ended up being one of the 755 times ‘Melo went to the line on Friday…
SteveW
April 2nd, 2012
11:28 am
A multi, multi, multi millionaire who is also a business analyst on multiple TV newsites said he quit watching the news when he was on the set of CNN one time and the producer said of the news “more filler between advertisements” meaning the news was irrelevant, it was all about money. This dude still does the news, he just doesn’t watch once he figured out the game.
Same with the NBA. The NBA will give Boston, Chicago, NY, LA any breaks they can, just for the TV market, just so the ad revenue will go up for the TV deals they sign.
So yes, expect NY and those guys to get the calls. Them in the playoffs mean ratings. And ratings mean money. And money’s the goal.
SteveW
April 2nd, 2012
11:33 am
BG – Ok, I have a somewhat weird theory for the conclusion of the season. Here it goes:
Seeds:
# 1 Chicago
# 2 Miami
# 3 ATL
# 4 Philly
# 5 Orlando
# 6 Milwaukee
# 7 Indy
# 8 Boston
Somehow, and it is probably not logical, I think the Bucks get hot to close out the season, and make the #6 seed on a tear.
The Knicks, Boston, and Indy falter in April, with the Knicks missing the playoffs.
And I think we beat the Bucks in 6, the Bulls in 6, and lose to the Heat in 5.
Again, those are picks based on gut, and not empiricism like I normally like to do.
SteveW
April 2nd, 2012
11:35 am
Nobody laugh too hard at the above picks…
SteveW
April 2nd, 2012
11:37 am
Oh, and I messed up my picks – I think the Heat catch the Bulls somehow for the #1 seed. Maybe Boozer or somebody goes down while DRose stays out.
SteveW
April 2nd, 2012
11:40 am
Empirically I would say:
#1 Chicago
#2 Miami
#3 ATL
#4 Philly
#5 Orlando
#6 Pacers
#7 Boston
#8 Knicks – But I still haven’t ruled out a Bucks run or a Knicks collapse.
And I keep thinking the Celtics will have an old age collapse – their next 6 games will tell the tale.
SteveW
April 2nd, 2012
11:41 am
But I keep thinking ATL wins the next 3, with bunches of rest sandwiched between, and really makes up some ground on some teams. And are then rested up for the remainder of the regular season.
vava74
April 2nd, 2012
11:44 am
The NYK have an horrible schedule to close the season.
I think that there is a huge possibility that they miss the playoffs (virtually ending Woody’s HC career for good).
They have 13 games left and face CHI x2, ORL, LAC, ATL, BOS, MIA, IND and MIL…
vava74
April 2nd, 2012
12:06 pm
My prediction:
#seed / TEAM / REMANING GAMES / FINAL RECORD
#3 ORL (7/6) – finish 39/27
IND (8/6) – finish 39/27
#5 ATL (7/5) – finish 38/28
#6 BOS (7/7) – finish 37/29
PHI (8/6) – finish 37/29
#8 NYK (6/7) – finish 33/33
MIL (9/5) – finish 33/33
I have no idea about the tie breakers, so I can’t tell who will be #3, #6 and #8 between the ball clubs which believe will end up tied.
Astro Joe
April 2nd, 2012
12:07 pm
NYK haven’t won a playoff series in a decade and Woody likely would have had to make that happen for him to keep the job. With Amare and Lin missing for the rest of the regular season (if not more), he will most likely be gone. But he may have done enough to get another chance when some jobs open in the summer.
vava74
April 2nd, 2012
12:29 pm
AJ,
Regardless of personnel situations, if he fails to hold on and go to the playoffs he will be fried by the media…
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 2nd, 2012
12:32 pm
I had no idea Hawks Casino night was last night.
ASG’s marketing consists of outdated billboards off I-285
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 2nd, 2012
12:35 pm
Vava … How fair is that?
drmaryb.[*_*].
April 2nd, 2012
12:38 pm
Mr. Woodson!
He was not a players coach, granted. But, he did take this roster from 13 wins to 53 wins. Regardless of how he got there, how can you not appreciate that feat alone?
I just don’t get it.
HHZ
April 2nd, 2012
12:44 pm
Only Hawk still on this team next season may be JJohnson, and Horford…
unless Howard comes here…this team will be re-built..again.
Rod from College Park
April 2nd, 2012
12:49 pm
“LeBron was a -30 today btw in the +/-. Are we sure these guys are as invincible as some on this blog make them to be? Are we just 100% sure we couldn’t beat them in a 7 game series?”
As Grandmaster JeJe says, NO. We would be lucky to even win a game. We would be lucky in the playoffs to even win a game against Miami, Philly or Chicago. All are better teams than we are, and they have much better coaching than we do. Notice I did not say their talent is better, but their teams are. We might be able to win 2 games against Boston, but we would lose the series.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 2nd, 2012
12:53 pm
“Najeh, how again does the auction draft work?”
Everyone gets a certain amount of fake money (usually $200).
Instead of taking turns drafting players, you take turns nominating players for bidding. So, for example, if I’m going first and I nominated LeBron, it doesn’t mean I get him, just that everyone can bid for him. Whoever puts in the highest bid gets the player.
You can budget your $200 however you want. If you want to spend $180 on LeBron and Dwight and fill in the rest of your roster with $1 scrubs, you can do that. If you want to distribute your money more evenly, you can do that too.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 2nd, 2012
12:56 pm
“We lose the 7th game of a brutal 7 game in 9 nite stretch at Philly to a good team by 5 points.
Miami loses their 3rd straight road game by 15+ points to Boston.
We are terrible and the Heat are nearly unbeatable to some.
I’m not following the logic.”
They have FAR more talent than us. Do you really think they won’t turn it on when the playoffs start? You can take a five-game regular season sample to draw pretty much any conclusion you want to draw. Ultimately, if you are going to beat superior talent in the playoffs, you better have superior coaching, and the Hawks don’t have that.
doc
April 2nd, 2012
12:59 pm
najeh, if i play with you im going the luxury tax route.
true fan i am and not cheap, if it is someone else’s or make believe. heh heh
O'Brien
April 2nd, 2012
1:10 pm
doc,
U wouldnt be satisfied if your fantasy team was putting out an entertaining product hehe
SteveW
April 2nd, 2012
1:15 pm
Najeh – I guess that’s been my question. Is Miami really 15 plus point blowout losses 3 straight on the road bad? Or are they conserving energy aready, and going to turn it on for the ‘offs?
Most think they are in possum mode already. I guess we’ll see.
I just know 3 straight 15+ point losses for the Hawks and it would be Armeggedon on this blog. The Heat do it, and they are the team to beat in the East.
doc
April 2nd, 2012
1:21 pm
o’b i strive for excellence not to be entertaining. just win baby!
Slimjr
April 2nd, 2012
1:32 pm
Colt 45…..
Astro Joe
April 2nd, 2012
1:52 pm
vava, I don’t think Woody will be “fried” my the NYC media. He took over a floundering team and gave them some life (at least prior to the injuries). The reason he won’t get the job is because his name won’t play in NYC. They will surely spend their time chasing someone like Calipari, Coack K, Phil Jackson or even flirt with Larry Brown (in hopes that he becomes the NBA equivalent to Billy Martin). Woody needed to deliver a playoff series victory to give him a better brand name (isn’t that why D’Antoni got the gig in the first place).
Funny, I haven’t bothered looking at the standings or scedhule… I guess I’ve already figured that the Hawks will do what they do (as long as they avoid a healthy Bulls or Heat squad). The ASG has built the model for consistency. I expect nothing different during this postseason.
doc
April 2nd, 2012
1:58 pm
ryan leaf may have a serious personality disorder. ya think?
aj, is it entertaining you enough?
Astro Joe
April 2nd, 2012
2:05 pm
doc, yeah, I think this year’s product has been fairly entertaining. Certainly better than I expected after Horford went down.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 2nd, 2012
2:07 pm
Rod,
I think our chances vs. CHI depend on Pargo and Willie. Need these guys to turn it up. No way we’d beat them in a series with Uncle Larry’s substitions and Taj/Asik lingering around the floor. Better shot vs them than Miami though- that’s for sure.
Philly it’s amazing we cannot beat them. They aren’t overly talented. Just a better team than us.
SMH
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 2nd, 2012
2:10 pm
We can keep it close vs. Chicago but probably won’t win more than 1 game. Joe will disappear as usual vs. good defenders. Won’t beat them in a series with our frontcourt rebounding deficiencies though.
Miami we have 0% chance of beating in a series.
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
April 2nd, 2012
2:51 pm
“Regardless of how he got there, how can you not appreciate that feat alone?”
Because someone is with me?
doc
April 2nd, 2012
2:57 pm
no one can escape dui, you are never alone.
Rod from College Park
April 2nd, 2012
3:01 pm
Agreed.
Melvin
April 2nd, 2012
3:07 pm
Vava,
Either Philly or Boston will be in the top 4 seeds. All divison winners are guarantee a top 4 seeding.
Astro Joe
April 2nd, 2012
3:21 pm
doc, are you talking about the Braves pitcher?
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
April 2nd, 2012
3:36 pm
“The ASG has built the model for consistency.”
A consistent roller coaster?
Astro Joe
April 2nd, 2012
3:43 pm
Nope, DUI, 55%-60% regular season winning percentage and a more than reasonable chance to lose in the 2nd round round of the playoffs. Consistency. it may not be the desired consistency (kind of like comparing a Fuddrucker’s burger to a wonderful ribeye steak), but it is consistent.
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
April 2nd, 2012
4:00 pm
Astro Joe,
I must point out to you that 0-45 is also consistency. Not the kind we want, but consistency, still.
O'Brien
April 2nd, 2012
4:13 pm
Marc Stein’s rankings are up. Hawks dropped 5 spots down to #12.
The committee happened to be watching SportsCenter on Wednesday night when our man Scott Van Pelt, watching Atlanta absorb a beatdown at home from the Rose-less Bulls, opined that the Hawks are quite an “odd team” that’s really good when they’re good and really bad when they’re bad. Pretty much sums it up..
O'Brien
April 2nd, 2012
4:16 pm
I don’t think the Heat are worried. Last year, the Heat were the #2 seed, and beat the #1 seed (Chicago) to get to the NBA finals, so although they are only 2 games behind Chicago, I don’t think it’s a big deal to them if they don’t have home court against Chicago (especially since who knows if Rose and Hamilton will be healthy for the playoffs).
Right now, they are still 5 games up (in the loss column) on the #3 seed (Orlando), so the Heat are fine.
Michael Cunningham
April 2nd, 2012
4:27 pm
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.