Atlanta Hawks: Raptors 102, Hawks 86
- This was a throwback game for the Hawks, harkening to their bygone days of ugliness. Just like old times–by which of course I mean last season–you had a lifeless loss, aggravated fans and Joe Johnson calling out teammates without naming names.
- “I think some of us was ready, and some of us wasn’t,” he said. “It just kind of gave a bad effect on the whole team. But give Toronto credit. They were better than us tonight. If we come out and start like that tomorrow, they’ll be better than us [again].”
- Not sure who Joe was talking about or if he included himself (seven points on 12 shots) among those not ready. Really, it could be anyone outside of Ivan Johnson and Josh Smith. No one else on Atlanta’s roster provided much evidence that they expected to actually have to play to beat the Raptors, who really do deserve credit for taking it to the Hawks.
- “Our season has been up and down but we’re not going to lay down,” James Johnson said. “We still have pride, we’re still men, and this is our job.”
- Larry Drew echoed Joe’s concerns while naming a name: “Early, I know Jeff Teague seemed very passive. His energy level wasn’t very good. I put [Jannero] Pargo in earlier than usual just to try to muster up some energy. Not taking anything from Toronto, I thought they played hard. We told our guys that’s not a team that has rolled over. The played extremely hard against Boston.”
- Joe’s gripes didn’t end with who was or wasn’t ready. Asked about the stagnant offense, he said: “It’s been like that for quite some time. I don’t feel like we take advantage of mismatches for whatever reason. It’s frustrating because of where we are at this point in the season.”
- That’s also the reason this is such a bad loss. It’s been a while since the Hawks turned in such a listless performance, and it would be easier to chalk it up as a bad night if the Hawks weren’t playing for home court. Then again, it’s doubtful many of the fans at the game tonight were inspired to run out and get their playoff tickets.
- “I don’t think this is a game you put our of your mind,” Willie Green said. “I think this is a game we need to think about. We’re supposed to be getting ready for a playoff run. It was a letdown on our part.”
- Actually, come to think of it, this would be a bad L even if the Hawks didn’t have something to play for. That’s always going to be the case when Ben Uzoh, Alan Anderson and Justin Dentmon outplay Teague, Joe, Kirk Hinrich and whichever-bench-guards-were-in-there.
- I’m not sure which was the worst sequence. Was it Josh throwing away the inbound pass just before halftime, leading to Uzoh’s score right after DeMar DeRozan had flipped in an uncontested jumper? Or maybe it was Josh taking a seat and Joe failing to check in, leaving the Hawks with four players on the floor as play started?
- I’m going with those two Pargo airballs in the fourth quarter because, if you can’t even count on Pargo Time, what else is there?
- I’m thinking Dwane Casey played a good amount of zone with the hope that the Hawks, especially Josh, would settle for Js. It worked. “You can’t win a championship with it, but it’s a good thing to have in our back pocket,” Casey said.
- Ivan (14 points on 9 shots, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals) was really the only guy to match Toronto’s effort and pace for the entire game. He needed help.
- Jason Collins started. He lasted less than six minutes. It seemed as if Drew had finally given up on playing Collins in anything but a very narrow role, but this wasn’t it.
- Drew says he likes to start Hinrich because he adds defensive tenacity to the lineup. It’s true that Kirk plays with spunk but he’s just not the defender he was even last season, and I’m not saying that just because he struggled with a tough matchup tonight.
- Green stayed behind in Atlanta as his wife prepares to have a baby.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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219 comments Add your comment
cdog
April 16th, 2012
12:47 am
now can you see the blunder by rick sund by not addressing the center position?
Rusty
April 16th, 2012
12:48 am
If I was JT,I would tell LD,fk you get off my back,idot.
Big Lou
April 16th, 2012
12:49 am
Most consistent players on the team:
Josh(Dumb, but gives it his all. He really wants to win.)
Zaza(Works hard. Makes stupid plays, but always tries to contribute.)
Ivan(Not super talented, but leaves it all on the floor. Never backs down.)
Prado(Iffy on offense, but always gives 110% on defense.)
Teague can be consistent, but he needs a real coach to guide him.
Big Lou
April 16th, 2012
12:50 am
Pargo*
RealTmacFan
April 16th, 2012
12:52 am
TMAC DOESNT PLAY & THE HAWKS LOSE ONCE AGAIN WTF!!!!!!!!!!
Greg
April 16th, 2012
12:54 am
It doesn’t matter who coaches the Hawks with losers like Teague and Joe Johnson leading the team. They are not leaders, but tonight was a surprise. The Hawks usually feast on the leagues bad teams, but rarely beat the above .500(playoff) teams. I haven’t checked recently, but a week or so ago the Hawks were 22-4 vs sub .500 teams and 10-19 vs .500 and above teams. In other words, they suck. Signing Joe to a long-term deal kills any chance of them being contenders…no one wants him at anything close to what the Hawks paid him so they are stuck with him for years to come.
northcyde
April 16th, 2012
1:04 am
Grandad . . . while both may be in a battle right now on who is the “Alpha Dog” on the team, they both seem to willingly pass the ball to each other. I would say that the majority of JJ’s assists go to Josh Smith, and vice versa. If they’re not shooting the ball themselves, they’re looking for each other. Whatever they may feel on the court, doesn’t keep them from passing the ball to each other.
Your criticism of JJ is off base ( as usual ). JJ has shot the ball AND defended much better than he did last year. His 3 point percentage is almost as high as the 2006 – 07 season.
The fact is that, whether by choice or by chance, the offense seems to be transitioning from a JJ dominated one, to a Josh Smith dominated one. It’s Josh that leads the team in FGAs and Usage% for the first time since JJ has been a Hawk.
Most people wanted JJ to become a 2nd option, well, here it is.
It reminds me of how the Dallas Mavericks eventually went from Michael Finley taking most of the shots, to Dirk Nowitzki taking the shots. It was a gradual movement toward featuring Dirk.
I think the same is happening with Josh and JJ. Problem is, Josh isn’t Dirk. But he’s determined to get his shots up.
I will say this though. This postseason will go a long way in determining if Josh Smith can be the featured player for the Hawks to build around. If he shows that he can be a “go to guy” during the playoffs, more of the offense will be ran through him next year. If not, the Hawks will keep JJ as the featured guy.
Both Josh and JJ have played extremely well since the All-Star break, with Smith’s run starting when he got snubbed for the game about a week prior to All-Star.
Joe for 3
April 16th, 2012
1:10 am
It’s mine, I spend it.
http://dimemag.com/wp-content/Images/players/Johnson_Joe/Joe%20Johnson%2008.jpg
Rusty
April 16th, 2012
1:28 am
Nortcyde seriously JJ is just not great,not even very good,his game carrys a lot baggage.
SteveW
April 16th, 2012
1:41 am
Well, at least you guys can’t complain that we only beat the under .500 teams now.
This is a joke of course.
northcyde
April 16th, 2012
1:44 am
Crusty . . nobody said that JJ is great. But he’s been playing at a high level ( most of the time ) since the All-Star break
20.7 ppg
3.8 rebs
4.0 asst
48% FG
42% 3FG
84% FT
I’m sorry, but those are not garbage numbers. Nor are Smith’s since the All-Star break.
They’re not Superstar numbers, but still very good nonetheless. If he has a good game tomorrow, people will say “he only plays like that vs bad teams”.
So he can’t win either way. Tonight was unacceptable though. It happens.
The Truth
April 16th, 2012
1:51 am
Choke-Johnson, I rest my case.
Maybe if he would settled down and become a family, he might be more dedicated to the goose that’s been laying his golden eggs (his profession). But instead we’re constantly getting inconsistency from him during crunch time depending on what he did (or who he’s with) the previous night.
Josh got married, he’s focused and balling big-time. Al got married and would have likely step-up his game if he wasn’t injured. But our so-call “alpha dog” playboy Joe is still running the streets at age (almost) 31. Rumor has it; his latest victim is Kayla Freeman, a former Hawks cheerleader.
Joe, I know she’s fine but how can you still focus with this:
http://atlantahawkscheerleaders.com/dv-container/content/kayla-photos.html
Bravesfan79
April 16th, 2012
1:56 am
Actually i dont mind the loss, and wouldnt mind if we lost tomorrow night as well!
Think about it, what side of the playoff bracket would you rather be on…. Indiana/ Miami…. or Boston/ Chicago?? No way i want to face Celtics in the first round… and then (if we do get by them) get slaughtered by Chicago in the 2nd.
We have a much better chance of beating Indiana, and then maybe catching a Miami team prone to mental lapses. Plus, i truly believe Heat/ Hawks would be a Great series to watch!
Bravesfan79
April 16th, 2012
2:00 am
If anything, i think coach should rest some starters (Johnson/Smith) to get the 6th seed and be fresh to face the Pacers. Look at the pacers easy schedule, there a lock for the 3rd seed.
bigdave
April 16th, 2012
2:03 am
lol @ (c)rusty..
Bravesfan79
April 16th, 2012
2:26 am
I just read all the comments, and not 1 person said anything about playoff matchups! So yall would rather play Boston then Indiana?? And even if u win that u get Chicago. Are you serious??
Buddy Grizzard
April 16th, 2012
3:01 am
9. Hawks’ mgmt. overpays Zaza Pachulia on a contract extension.
Get off the crack. Zaza’s contract is one of the best values in the NBA.
Grandad
April 16th, 2012
3:07 am
Also i mean`t my evaluation of Joe as [just that]
-an evaluation-
not necessarily a criticism.
nc;
Joe has aged since he arrived.
He also [as you suggested] may be playing hurt.
Nonetheless, my evaluation is not statistics based.
So, please do not come back with stats.
What I evaluated – I saw with my eyes.
Joe is slower.
He cannot take his man off the dribble the way he once could.
It`s obvious, and not only to me.
Defensively, he cannot handle a [2] guard anymore,
once again, just like offense he does not have the quicks.
He cannot stay in front of his man.
In my analysis earlier, I stated he seemed to be giving effort.
Why you cannot see Joe in the same light that others
such as MC are seeing Kirk; I do not know ?
But, they are much the same.
They have lost a step.
Back to offense – Joeturns the ball over at a high rate
when he is double teamed now as he cannot escape
the way he once could.
Long range shooting;
I was a bit unfair as he is right around his career %,
though in the last 10 games he is barely over 25%.
You have a valid point in that he is transitioning
to a team oriented offense.
One last thing about Joe`s offense is he has not nor will he ever
get to the line often – so being roughly 1o% points below his career %
should not be much of a hinderance.
About Joe and Josh.
Just because they pass to each other does not mean
they have Great chemistry.
They have passable chemistry – no pun intended.
But you cannot say that Josh, Joe or any of this core
has great chemistry.
If anything it`s the opposite.
you would think that over time chemistry would develop
but it simply has not.
These guys get along and that`s about it.
`Cept for Ivan who evidently took exception to Josh
and was disciplined for conduct unbecoming a pu$$y.
-sorry ladies- I was talkin about kittens.
Anyway nc;
don`t take what I said all wrong.
I`ve been trying to figure this bunch out before Joe Johnson
was suckling on his momma`s teat.
Another baby mammal remark.
Remember, I like both Joe & Josh.
Buddy Grizzard
April 16th, 2012
3:18 am
“It is bush league that the sports reporters in this town have told us basically nothing.”
“Well, did you ask him, MC?”
Lol the answers might not have fit into MC’s preferred narrative.
Grandad
April 16th, 2012
3:20 am
I wonder if I can say koochi-pop ?
Buddy Grizzard
April 16th, 2012
3:30 am
“now can you see the blunder by rick sund by not addressing the center position?”
What do you mean? He signed Damp.
Grandad
April 16th, 2012
3:30 am
” g`nite Wally; g`nite Beaver “
Grandad
April 16th, 2012
3:32 am
I can`t believe it.
… * …
You can`t misspell what.
Grandad
April 16th, 2012
3:33 am
or can`t
Buddy Grizzard
April 16th, 2012
3:37 am
“I just read all the comments, and not 1 person said anything about playoff matchups! So yall would rather play Boston then Indiana?? And even if u win that u get Chicago. Are you serious??”
My comments about match ups were posted on Hoopinion. Don’t care who the second round opponent is because I have very little confidence this team can make it out of the first round.
At this point the three seed is a pipe dream. Orlando is not likely to overtake us with Dwight out. So we’re practically locked into the 5th seed. Only thing left to determine is home court between us and the celtics. They own the tie break so we have to finish with a better record.
Buddy Grizzard
April 16th, 2012
3:50 am
Just noticed we have the same record as Indiana. Hawks should tank the rest of the way to try to drop to 6th and draw Indiana. Hawks have zero chance against BOS. Doc could beat the Hawks in a 7 game series with the d league all star team.
Buddy Grizzard
April 16th, 2012
3:51 am
Same record as *Orlando not IND sry
Buddy Grizzard
April 16th, 2012
4:06 am
When Joe took the absurd step of calling out his teammates, did MC:
A. Ask, “Joe, were you ready?”
Or B. Issue a free pass?
Let's get the 6th Seed
April 16th, 2012
5:04 am
Dear God,
I have been a good boy all year long,
Please Reward me by locking ATL at SEED number 6,
SO WE CAN BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF THEM PACERS.
brigadierjerry
April 16th, 2012
5:11 am
WHen thinking about a new GM how about Donnie Walsh who was GM for the Pacers for a long time and the Knicks who recently gave permission for Walsh to speak with other teams. He is only a consultant for the Knicks until June?
Johnny
April 16th, 2012
5:29 am
Seriously why would any Hawk Fan be mad that we lost tonight. Orlando is quietly trying to stick to number 6, and can you blame them? I mean come on, the way the celtics have been playing THEY WOULD GET 10-15 More Free Throws per game than us. They would get all the calls, PIERCE WOULD BE UNTOUCHABLE, Garnett Rondo Allen as well. we would be deep into foul trouble and get crushed. We would have to score 7 FGS More just to dream of winning a game. AT LEAST against the pacers it would be fair: NO HIGH Profile team, No high profile players, no high profile markets. IT would be a fair fight which is a whole lot better than drawing boston.
brigadierjerry
April 16th, 2012
5:34 am
Also Donnie Walsh did a good job during those bad Knicks team clearing cap space by trading Jamal Crawford and Zack Randolph and drafting some decent players in Wilson Chandler Gallinari and trading those players for Carmelo Anthony and signing Amare. Even though they wont do anything of significance in the playoffs this year, they will probably be better going forward. Hawks should look at Walsh and he wouldnt cost a ton of money as far as being a GM.
vava74
April 16th, 2012
6:31 am
Overreaction.
Disappointing? Yes, but the Raptors beat the Celts just a few days ago and the Celts have been on fire.
If we lose again tonight I would be more worried.
Also, you can’t discount – AT ALL – the fact that we played without Zaza since Zaza not only is our enforcer, he is also a guy who nowadays sets the tone from tip off.
Jose
April 16th, 2012
6:39 am
Why would we expect anything different. That was a taste of the playoffs. Hawks shouldn’t get surprised when they get thrashed. It’s the same last year’s team with a few older legs!! What do we expect a championship?? We will barely survive 1st round (as usual). Regular season is about over!!!!!
Jimmy Crack
April 16th, 2012
6:58 am
The Hawks are like a box of chocolates…
ntrigue
April 16th, 2012
7:28 am
They shouldve kept feeding josh the ball downlow!
Slimjr
April 16th, 2012
7:41 am
Prediction:
Sund is coming back
Larry is coming back
The excuses will be injuries did not allow us not to reach our lofty goals set at the beginning of the season.
The steak will continue next season (46)
Can you say the Hawks wilted yesterday to a scrub BASKETBALL TEAM AT HOME?
This is beyond unacceptable!
PRETENDERS FOR REAL!!!!!!!!!!
Slimjr
April 16th, 2012
7:43 am
“Joe is why the amnesty clause was re-invented” -Gdad-
Rename it ” The Amnesty ISO Clause”
Slimjr
April 16th, 2012
7:45 am
It wont be long now…
O'brien
April 16th, 2012
7:46 am
Northcyde,
As for coach Drew, will you leave Teague alone? LOL @ calling both of the PGs out, when your superstar 2 guard has a Jamal Crawford like shooting performance, and your defensive 2 guard couldn’t stop anybody for long stretches, nor score tonight..
I am fine with LD calling out Teague, but…LD should have also called out JJ. You make $20 mil, Mr. Co-captain, go 2-12, make a rookie mistake like failing to check into the game, and did nothing on defense either? Inexcusable.
And if JJ was any kind of leader, he would have said “Some of us were not ready to play, and it starts with ME”. But of course, he deflects blame.
Terrible all around effort, except for Josh and Ivan. I do have one issue with Josh…14 of his 20 shots were jumpers outside the paint (although he did make 7). In the playoffs, he will fall in love with the jumper. When that happens, hopefully he makes them at a good %.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 16th, 2012
7:48 am
GDad,
Joe at 2 USUALLY. Maybe Z is fourth best. Dude is a nice player.
Gotta cosign Buddy. We want no part of BOS. especially if Teague is sleep-walking out there
WAKE UP DUDE. STOP BEIN A PASSIVE LIL B@&)”‘
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 16th, 2012
7:49 am
MC,
Was Joe referring to himself also??
terrell
April 16th, 2012
7:49 am
Good loss. I want the 6th seed anyway. lol. Much rather face Indiana on the road, than the Celtics + the refs at home.
O'brien
April 16th, 2012
7:51 am
Some hoopinion comments;
Josh Smith: Far and away the Hawks’ best player. His early jump shots were as much a function of Jason Collins’ presence as Smith’s own predilections. His third quarter jump shots go in the “Never Trust the Hawks” file. Both because the team’s comeback centered around sets wherein Smith had the option to take six jumpers in a quarter and that Smith took that option six times. 6/10.
Jason Collins: Given the injuries to Horford and Pachulia, Jason Collins might have needed to play five minutes in this game. One hopes, if put in that situation, one would postpone that eventuality as long as possible. Instead, the Hawks, upon including Jason Collins in the starting lineup, seemed determined to have him touch the ball on every possession. Dig your own hole. 1/10.
Marvin Williams: Competent but unable to impact games consistently. Poor cap management and lack of depth gives him an outsized importance to the team. 3/10.
Slimjr
April 16th, 2012
7:52 am
Indiana in 5
Slimjr
April 16th, 2012
7:53 am
Marvin= self check
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
April 16th, 2012
7:53 am
Only way we beat Indy though is if Z is healthy and stays physical. Can’t let 7″9 Hibbert own glass
kuhndog
April 16th, 2012
8:22 am
Bad loss,you cant build on this.Joe hasn’t had many of these games but tonight was one of them and super stars find other ways to change the game if their shot isnt on.Teauge looked unaggressive,maybe LD pissed him off.We will see their pride tonight if they come out to play win or lose.Collins isnt worth 2 dimes unless it is DW12.Id play Damp. and tell Horf. to be ready for next season.Dont rehire LD or Sund
doc
April 16th, 2012
8:47 am
same ole same ole
said the jj no accountability thing for years
great rundown high sider as it brought chills
again it has been repeated by me until it is in my dna. it starts at tge top with a well defined plan right down to what the character of the team should be. this step probably never mattered as the main desire of onweeship is to entertain right down to a joint restayrant partnership called rain at a healthy sum of 4 million. again it is spun as “this is a response to what our fans have been asking for”.
no integrity. jj only once haa said it is on me which he did say a few games ago. as sorry as josh can be i usually think he works to get above the chatter and influence his will. jj doesnt have tgat gear, nice ball player but not the emotions or words of a true leader. he has no desire or ability to drive it to the hole so when he isnt on there is nothing else. our lack of post presence and really true shooters makes us easy prey for zones. any guess on the type of defense we see tonight? will be interesting to continue to watch casey over the next few years and wonder agaon what if but no we build restaurants.
0-45 and counting
will probably sit these playoffs out after four straight including the two second round no shows. i sense another one coming if they get that far.
Big Lou
April 16th, 2012
9:33 am
“I just read all the comments, and not 1 person said anything about playoff matchups! So yall would rather play Boston then Indiana?? And even if u win that u get Chicago. Are you serious??”
As Grandmaster JeJe and DawgNole would say, comments like these are why ATL is called Loserville. Fans pray for other teams because the Hawks suck so bad. Real NBA teams preform and try to win, no matter the opponent.
I’d rather them play a good team and somehow finally ‘get it’ during the process, or get blown the heck out so they can finally blow up the core/fire coaches/get new owners. To be honest, I hope for the latter.