Celtics at Atlanta Hawks Game 2: Celtics 87, Hawks 80
- Larry Drew was asked if he had any regrets about not coming back with his starters earlier when the game got away from the Hawks in the fourth quarter. But his answer reveals he thought he was being scrutinized for bringing them back too soon.
- “I would have done the exact same thing,” he said. “I thought it was important to hold onto momentum and not allow them to get it. I tried to rest my guys as long as I could to give them a blow but I didn’t want the game to get away from us from a momentum standpoint. So I made the decision to try to bring them back and try to regain momentum. I will stick with that decision.”
- It turned out Josh Smith’s injury overshadowed Drew’s curious decision to not always have Joe Johnson and Josh on the floor with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. Smith suffered what the team said is a sprained left knee, apparently when he landed after a missed layup attempt with 5:14 to play, and appeared to later aggravate it while trying to block out Garnett for a rebound.
- Josh walked to the locker room under his own power and a team spokesman said he left the arena the same way. The Hawks said Josh will be re-evaluated tomorrow.
- Without Josh, Atlanta’s stagnating offense lost one of its best options at a critical time. Josh had scored 16 points on 21 shots up until that point while favoring jump shots and failing to get to the free-throw line. But the Hawks could have used some of his post-ups. He had a nice driving score and missed a clean look on a hook shot just before his injury.
- “He’s a guy we go to down the stretch from a post-up standpoint,” Drew said. “His energy going down to the end of a game and all the things he brings to the table, we were minus it. It certainly did have an impact on the last four minutes of the game. We tried to play small to match up and try to open up the floor a little bit but we didn’t have that low-post presence.”
- While Drew focused on resting his starters, Doc Rivers rode Pierce for the entire second half. Pierce made him look smart by delivering 20 points on 12 shots and nine rebounds after halftime (offsetting five ragged turnovers). “I wanted to give Paul a rest early in the fourth quarter but I just couldn’t with the way the game was going,” Rivers said.
- The weird thing about Drew’s approach is that he tried to manage his starters’ minutes late in the regular season. I thought that was because he could ride them in the playoffs.
- Watching Pierce and Joe Johnson in the second half reminded me of the story I wrote during last year’s Finals about nearly all NBA contenders have had first- or second-team All-NBA talent :” [J]ust 15 of 122 teams to make the finals — 12 percent — did so without a player considered among the league’s 10 best. That trend will continue this postseason: Miami’s LeBron James was named first-team All-NBA and teammate Dwyane Wade and Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki were voted to the second team.”
- And so there was Pierce outscoring the Hawks 16-10 as Boston turned a 65-54 deficit to am 81-75 lead. And there was Joe missing 7 of 10 shots after halftime, throwing the ball away twice at winning time (bailed out by a Pierce double dribble once), clanking a free throw with the Hawks down 81-77 and getting his driving shot blocked by KG.
- Joe stayed away from the iso’s for the most part and made some spot-up Js but he looked pretty passive for much of the night. Now I wonder if his response to the poor finish will be to try to take over in Game 3. The Hawks should hope not because Boston’s defense is just too good for him to still get his when he plays that way.
- The Celtics crowd Joe, bump him, swipe at the ball, clog the lane when he makes his move and generally don’t allow him to get comfortable. Joe just hasn’t shown he can overcome that kind of pressure to score at winning time in the playoffs.
- In the fourth quarter the Hawks scored 14 points on 19 shots, had five turnovers and recorded one assist on four field goals. All but four of those 14 attempts were in the paint with Jeff Teague’s missed 3-pointer the only desperation attempt.
- “In the fourth quarter they pushed us out of our sweet spots,” Drew said. “We couldn’t even initiate our offense the way we were supposed to. We just didn’t handle the pressure very well.”
- “I think it’s a combination of us allowing those guys to take us out of our offense by denying, pressing up and being physical,” Willie Green said. “That and then us not getting us into our plays quicker. I think we’ve got to put pressure on those guys when we get the rebound to get into our plays right away.”
- Kirk Hinrich was very good offensively in the first half (eight points on four shots), not so much after halftime–but who was for the Hawks? He worked hard on defense, where he has a knack for using his strength, positioning and relentlessness to be effective. He’s showed up in the playoffs.
- Teague had some big moments until he was 0 for 4 in 10 fourth-quarter minutes.
- Jason Collins played 22 minutes. He was plus-three but managed just two points and three rebounds and had two turnovers. The Celtics got him on the move more often this time.
- Ivan Johnson had a brutal offensive game (six points on seven shots, two turnovers in 20 minutes). It’s not the best idea for him to shoot jumpers or try to attack KG but give Ivan some credit for trying to make something happen as Atlanta’s offense halted.
- Marvin Williams was a team-worst -13 in 21 minutes and this was one of those times when that stat wasn’t misleading. Marvin wasn’t good defensively, couldn’t shake free to score. His six rebounds were the only highlight.
- Apparently all it took to make Tracy McGrady sour again was a quick hook in the second quarter. He didn’t look pleased while slowly walking to the bench. He had three points on zero shots, a turnover and a nifty blocked shot of Garnett at the time but can’t blame Drew for bringing Joe back in once Rivers summoned Pierce off the bench.
- Give the Celtics credit for winning this game, especially Pierce. If there was any doubt after Game 1, it’s clear now the Hawks are going to have to take this series from Boston. “This is a tough-minded basketball team and having a lot of veterans on your team helps with that,” Rivers said. “The only way we were going to win a game like that without Ray [Allen] and Rondo was if Paul had a game like this.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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152 comments Add your comment
SOULLRENAISSANCE
May 2nd, 2012
1:20 am
F U ISO
Big Ray
May 2nd, 2012
1:20 am
Josh continues to not get near enough credit. If he can’t go at somwhere near 90%….the Hawks will be watching this series go sideways real quick.
Joe can’t be counted on to show up, and when he does, he gets outplayed by a wide margin. The only player less worth the money right now is Amare Stoudamire….
Teague continues to make Woody and Drew look stupid for not playing him earlier.
Speaking of Woody….hilarity going on with the Knicks. Woody never could coach that much offensive talent (and we have always had less than the Knicks do now), and he still can’t get offensive minded players to play defense together.
Karma…the circle never stops.
tyger
May 2nd, 2012
1:28 am
Horribly coached 2nd half…
No bigger LD fan than me, but I lay this one in his lap…
Up 13 in the 3Q, he ran the starters ragged…
They were literally walking up the court…
Yet, his creativity only extended to Marvin and Green…
And neither clearly had it…TMac is right to be upset…
I’m upset…Hawk Nation is upset..
.
We couldnt score a bucket, couldnt do anything right…
And he sits TMac???? That was just dumb…
And if he lets whatever’s going on between him and TMac…
Cost us this series, then he’s just ignorant and needs to go…
He’s acting like he’s JSmoove and JJs beotch…
They start the game off like they were in Summer league…
Smoove shouldve gotten a quick hook early…
JJ missed a layup like he was scared…
Yet, LD so far up their collective as that he does nada…
Smoove jacks up long jumper after long jumper 8-21….
Think LD had balls to say a word to him…
JJ too timid to lead, yet LD forcing his BS down our throat…
Marvin has nothing, yet TMac and Pargo sit…
TMac and Pargo have been saving our as all year…
Now, in the biggest game of the year, neither see light of day…
While the starters drag as up/down the floor…
TMac had them on their heels and gets pulled…thats BS!!!
Why did you sign Tmac if you’re not going to use him?
This issh is old and stupid…this was a horribly coached game…
You really think Ivan, Marvin and Willie Green going to beat Celtics?
Get the F outta here!!! C’mon man!!!
Man in Black
May 2nd, 2012
1:32 am
We missed 4 Free Throws, Josh missed a dunk by getting too fancy, Teague missed a point blank layup – those would have won the game for us.
Marvin Williams still looks like a rookie – when he plays 15 minutes or more we lose 90% of the time – use T-Mac in place of him for rest of playoffs –
Now the Smith haters can see what this team looks like without him – horrible.
But 80 points? 14 in the 4th? At home? – thats bad.
We just need to win 1 game out of 3 in Boston to take this series – how many years must we get beat by Boston in the playoffs before a Hawks team gets fired up about playing them?
Lil Fawkers
May 2nd, 2012
1:37 am
Cmon Celtics! Do your thang and let us start making changes around here finally. Even if Hawks go to round two they will fail. Don’t kid yourself.
Phil
May 2nd, 2012
1:39 am
I really don’t understand LD. does he have something against t-Mac? if he did, then why did the hawks sign him from the first place? t-mac was playing stellar defence on pierce, and in the 4thQ, you’re going with a small lineup, and an undersized hinrich and green are guarding pierce (no wonder he got hot), the dumbest thing I’ve seen. This guy is the most experienced player of all the roster, this is an insult to him, the guy can score at will, but unfortunately LD isnt drawing up plays for him, I feel bad for t-Mac
CamiloAtlanta
May 2nd, 2012
1:46 am
This is why Rivers gets the big bucks. What more can you ask from a blue-light special? Looks like the Celtics in the finals. The dream was good while it lasted. But in the end it’s the same old Hawks.
@pcnitai
May 2nd, 2012
1:51 am
T-Mac should be playing more than Marvin! You don’t even notice that Marvin is on the court cause he doesn’t do anything! Also Pargo and Green needs to get going cause our second unit sucks right now!
High-sider
May 2nd, 2012
1:51 am
@Najeh Davenpoop
In response to your post @1:11am, I will agree [that] you [can] make a strong case for Josh Smith to be named DPOY for this [past] regular season.
northcyde
May 2nd, 2012
1:56 am
LOL @ all of my “fans” concerned about my wherabouts.
1) Northcyde works evenings/nights
2) For some reason, I haven’t been able to post from my phone for the last 3 weeks, unless I’m on a wi-fi connection. Why? I don’t know. If the IT people at the AJC have blocked my IP coming from my phone, I wish they would un-block it.
***************
NOW
@ high-sider/Jeje. . . WTF would I be hiding for? Marvin is having an absolutely horrible series and definitely deserves to be called out for it. Why would I defend a guy whose playing like garbage? I defended him when he was giving us positive contributions off the bench. Dude needs to step it up . . . period
**************************
As for the game, definitely a blown opportunity . . but nowhere near the end of the world, like some of you would want to believe.
The fact is that it took Paul Pierce having one of the best playoff games ( quarters ) of his life, to beat us.
It’s obvious that we missed Josh Smith’s potential to score AND pass the basketball, coming down the stretch of that game. Joe played a decent game, but couldn’t match Pierce’s SUPERSTAR game in the 4th quarter.
What separates JJ from the rest of the superstars in the league, is his ability to get to the FT line. In a game like tonight, with guys hounding him, he simply needed to get the ball and GO run into somebody . . or try to draw a foul off a jumpshot.
Some of you forget that this IS the #1 defensive team in the league. Points are going to come at a premium. So if your shot is not falling, you must do anything you can to get to the FT line. But getting to the line isn’t part of JJ’s game, and that’s why he’ll tend to have a good game . . and not a superstar game. Superstar games come from him ONLY if his 3 ball is falling.
Bad loss without Rondo and Allen in the lineup. Hawks simply need to get it back, which they are capable of doing. Boston played like a desperate team in that 4th quarter, and they got it done. Now the Hawks have to play with desperation in these next 2 games. Let’s see if they can get it done
Robbie
May 2nd, 2012
1:59 am
For all the cricism about Horford being soft, I haven’t seen one Hawks player do anything remotely tough in this series. Soft from the top down, but don’t tell that to the apologists.
Robbie
May 2nd, 2012
2:00 am
“Teague continues to make Woody and Drew look stupid for not playing him earlier.”
He was 6-18 tonight. None of their key players showed up in this one.
Robbie
May 2nd, 2012
2:03 am
“What separates JJ from the rest of the superstars in the league, is his ability to get to the FT line.”
That and his mentality.Getting to the line is about being able to beat defenders off the dribble, and he hasn’t done that in 5 years. But the mentality to finish strong at the rim has NEVER been there.
High-sider
May 2nd, 2012
2:10 am
High-sider
April 30th, 2012
6:21 pm
High-sider
April 30th, 2012
4:19 pm
Marvin Williams’ stat line for Game 1 vs Boston – 2pts, 1reb, 0asts, 2pfs [personal fouls] in 13:34 of playing time
2pts/814secs = x pts/2160secs
814x = 4320
x = 5.307pts
1reb/814secs = x rebs/2160secs
814x = 2160
x = 2.653rebs
814x = 2160
“Per 36 Minutes” statistic[s] for Marvin Williams for Game 1 vs Boston:
5.307pts, 2.653rebs, 0asts and 5.307personal fouls
northcyde, please verify my calculations for Marvin Williams’ “Per 36 Minutes” statistics for last night’s playoff game vs. the Boston Celtics. LOL
—————————————————–
northcyde, I’m waiting for your verification [of my calculation(s)].
—————————————————————
northcyde, I’m still waiting. [with arms folded, tapping my foot, a serious facial expression and LMAO on the inside]
northcyde
May 2nd, 2012
2:16 am
Michael Cunningham . . . this may jeopardize your relationship with Drew, but you need to DIRECTLY come out and ask him why he isn’t utilizing Tracy McGrady more in the playoffs. And when he gives you a BS answer, follow it up with even tougher questions.
I don’t know what the hell is going on behind the scenes between those two, but Drew is in a spot right now in which he MUST try to use McGrady, and the array of talents he potentially brings to the table.
We’re getting nothing from Marvin, and very little from Pargo and Green. So why isn’t McGrady playing in at least as the “Point Forward”? Why isn’t McGrady playing alongside Joe Johnson ( whether it be at SF or PG )?
Drew is singlehandedly undermining your prediction of T-Mac having a big series, by relying on guys who simply aren’t getting it done.
I’ve said for a long time that Drew needs to shorten this rotation, but he refuses to do it. He’s actually coaching like it’s still in the regular season, and not the postseason. He better get out of that mode, or this team may fade FAST.
Teague is getting a pass by most of the fan base, because people are highly upset at JJ and Drew. But Teague went 1 – 8 FG in the 2nd half and only had 2 assists the entire night. He was aggressive, but ineffective, for the most part. It would be nice if he could find the open man when he drives to the hole.
Unlike most of the doom and gloomers on here, I’m actually looking forward to see how this team responds in Game 3 in Boston. No way am I going to slit my wrists and whine and cry just because the Hawks lost a game in which Pierce played like Jordan in the 4th quarter.
That’s a game in which everyone will be picking the Celtics to win. So how will Drew and the Hawks respond?
“A playoff series doesn’t start, until the road team wins a game”
- Charles Barkley
NOW the series has started.
You guys knew this wasn’t going to be easy. And if you’re already giving up on the series, shame on you. This thing is FAR from over.
northcyde
May 2nd, 2012
2:25 am
Robbie
May 2nd, 2012
2:03 am
“What separates JJ from the rest of the superstars in the league, is his ability to get to the FT line.”
That and his mentality.Getting to the line is about being able to beat defenders off the dribble, and he hasn’t done that in 5 years. But the mentality to finish strong at the rim has NEVER been there.
***************
Robbie . . . JJ is soft, as is most of the team. That’s why he doesn’t get to the line a lot. He doesn’t like the contact.
JJ should be diving down on the low block, and damn near wrestling with the opposing SG/SF for position. And when he gets the ball, he should go hard enough to either draw or initiate contact. Make the refs call SOMETHING.
It’s not really about being quick enough, it’s about being willing to take a hit.
Pierce got going in this game in the 3rd quarter, not because his shot was falling, but because he was getting to the FT line and making FTs. 6 of his 13 FTs came in that quarter. Those FT got that dude going ( along with JJ’s less than stellar defense on him tonight ).
northcyde
May 2nd, 2012
2:31 am
“Why did you sign Tmac if you’re not going to use him?”
- tyger
And to me, that’s the Million Dollar Question. Why did we sign him, if we’re not going to use him?
You can’t justify NOT using him, with Marvin shooting less than 20% FG and Green being a non-factor. He’s the one guy on the team that could actually make scoring the basketball a little easier, and he’s not being utilized against the #1 defense in the NBA.
Drew can’t use the excuses of “back to backs” or “giving him rest” anymore. MC needs to get to the bottom of why Tracy McGrady can’t get extended minutes on the floor with our key people.
johnny
May 2nd, 2012
2:36 am
“Why did you sign Tmac if you’re not going to use him?”
someone throw this quesiton to LD and demand a clear answer. Stop using momentum as a excuse
northcyde
May 2nd, 2012
2:57 am
As MsDee pointed out earlier in the day yesterday, the nature of Hawk fans is to turn on each other . . than to focus that negative energy toward the opponent.
I can hear ATL sports talk radio tomorrow. Saying how JJ isn’t clutch. Saying how Drew isn’t coaching right. Just out and out trashing the Hawks.
But Paul Pierce “Tebowing” in the middle of our floor should pizz off every hardcore Hawk fan. It should make you say . . “look at this punk mutha (( bleepa )).” It should even make Rev cuss. It should make the Hawk players cuss too.
It was the ultimate show of disrespect. And ESPN . . opps . . CSPN ( Celtics Sports Programming Network ) . . will be playing the Pierce “Tebowing” shot for the next 3 days. The most arrogant team on earth. Even more arrogant the the Miami Heat.
As much as people hate Lebron, Lebron would NOT have pulled a stunt like that.
To me, that was the equivalent of Terrell Owens doing his “Cowboy Star” pose in the middle of Texas Stadium.
Trust and believe that if Josh Smith did that in the middle of Boston Garden, he would become Public Enemy #1 of Celtic fans, and be a source of motivation for Celtic players.
But not the Hawks and Hawk fans. When a punk does something like that, it will only get mentioned in passing, while the fans and media tear the team apart . . . instead of channeling all of the negativity toward Boston.
So as my boy Tupac said at the end of his song, “Hit Em Up” back in 1996 . . .
(( bleep )) Paul Pierce
(( bleep )) Rondo
(( bleep )) Boston as a city, team, and a mutha (( bleepin )) fan base
And if you wanna be down with Boston, (( bleep )) you too
Chino XL, (( bleep )) you too
All you mutha (( bleepas )), (( bleep )) you too
Big Daddy
May 2nd, 2012
3:01 am
LD should post a picture of Pierce doing a Tebow at mid-court in the locker room (I am sure there is one somewhere) and take it with them to Boston.
Joe should be thinking about what he can do to be like Pierce who had a horrible game 1 but came back and demonstrated why he is the team leader in game 2. MC, I know you think Boston’s defense is too good for him to overcome it, but I have seen him overcome tough defenses before. The question is whether he is motivated and his team mates and coaches will do what is necessary to get him open.
I hope Josh is able to play in the next game. Without him, we have no chance and the series will be shortlived. Jeff needs to stop deffering the ball to Joe and Josh so quickly after he comes across half court. He is never going to get his assists up until he is the one running the plays. I am impressed with his development over the course of this season. He will build on it and I think become one of the better point guards in the league.
Right now, the Hawks have to dig in and show that they belong. No one is giving them credit. Everyone expects for Boston to roll over them. They are definitely shorthanded with Al and Zaza out, but this is how it goes sometimes. And, I might add, it is just not on the players. The coaches have to make adjustments too. GO HAWKS!!!
Mike W
May 2nd, 2012
3:19 am
MC dont be scared to ask drew the million dollar question about t-mac,If he gives you a bs excuse ask another have your own segment of ask tough questions about t-mac 6mins smh but marvina stays in game after not doing nothing and contributing to boston comeback.LD dumb as bricks for staying with marvina so long and not going back to t mac who was “GETTING TO THE LINE” as soon he checked in and playing inspired D. MC just keep asking drew till he admits cause we all know he cnt handle the truth.LD lost us this game with his sry a** playing calling on O late and rotations looking like game 2 of last yr.
Hawks Fan Down Under
May 2nd, 2012
3:21 am
Hawks were horrible offensively in the 4th. JJ being the main culprit followed by Teague. This team is going nowhere with LD and JJ running the show…..just terrible. Seriously no clutch whatsoever!!!!
Series done!
Drop the Ball
May 2nd, 2012
3:22 am
Better yet this same ASG owner who destroyed Hockey again here in atlanta along with Mayor too…yes he can be Jerk of the Year instead never win till ASG sales team ..we never set foot in Phillips arena again Sund a loser of the year in booby prize! Now i told you we would play with lousy players who only play when feel it….Coach can’t decide on why he just draws up plays n ask Josh smith and Joe Johnson and The Lowlight Factory to do it if not its a sad day again….now we go to Boston and have win both there show Fans in atlanta we can beat them…If not U get see Highlight Factory get shutdown and doors locked in Phillips arena game five!
Hawks Fan Down Under
May 2nd, 2012
3:25 am
Northcyde do you seriously think this Hawks outfit has the mental toughness to win this series?
I dont. Where will it come from? Not JJ thats for sure.
Buddy Grizzard
May 2nd, 2012
3:26 am
Stop making excuses for Marvin northcyde!
Geno
May 2nd, 2012
3:43 am
We want tmac!!!! We want tmac!!!! He is the closet thing to a jordan type player we got…. Why in the hell he aint gettn no playing time….. This is what my city has been wondering….. Larry Drew get a clue…u makn the team smell like boo boo… Im embarrased about what tmac thinks about the hawks and this bipolar city…. Tmac n joe coulda been our jordan and pippen….atleast close to it… Marvin has lost all his confidence…..
hawkfan
May 2nd, 2012
3:57 am
i want to piggyback on a little bit of what northcyde was talking about, hawks are always unpredictable and every time when you think you have figured them out, they come and surprise you, i knew when i saw the betting line with atl +5 and 71% chance winning that we were almost 100% going to lose, so now we go to boston and everyone and their momma feels we will get blown out, I have a funny feeling that we will do the opposite and win one of the games there just because we are always unpredictable, and I do feel that without rondo the celtics defense does pickup more when bradley defends but with rondo their offense is better, so it’s pick your poison
Same team, different year
May 2nd, 2012
3:59 am
Get bounced this round or next round. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Disperse
May 2nd, 2012
4:11 am
I feel sorry for T-Mac lol. He picked the wrong team (because of Larry Drew). He could’ve easily went to Chicago or even Celtics with his old coach (Doc River) who will play him until he gets old.
northcyde
May 2nd, 2012
4:34 am
@ Hawks Fan Down Under
This is NOT a great Celtics team. If it takes an All-Time playoff performance from Pierce to barely beat us, I say . . . DO IT AGAIN.
My thing is this. The Celtics are a great defensive team. The Hawks ( at times ) can be very good defensively. That defense held up until Pierce went off in the 4th.
I just don’t see this team rolling over and dying, like some on this blog are expecting then to do. I remember the Miami series in 2009, after the Hawks got embarrassed in Game 3 to go down 2 – 1. People thought we were dead. But the Hawks win Game 4, and regain the home court advantage.
Last night’s game eerily reminds me of Game 5 of the Milwaukee series, when the Bucks came into Philips and beat us ( with JJ not being able to make plays at the end of the game ).
Game 6 in Milwaukee was supposed to be the Bucks’ coronation into the 2nd round. Instead, it became a nightmare for them, with the Hawks playing one of the best defensive quarters I’ve ever seen.
I’m not saying that we’re going to win this series . .. but I won’t be shocked if the Hawks won Game 3. The Hawks shot 35% FG, yet, was a JJ 3 from being down 2 with a minute to go.
This series is even in my eyes, which means the Hawks will win one of these games in Boston.
northcyde
May 2nd, 2012
4:41 am
The other thing is this:
Did the Celtics beat us, or did the Hawks choke?
If you believe that the Hawks choked, then the Celtics aren’t as good as people tout them to be.
northcyde
May 2nd, 2012
4:42 am
Well I can go out and buy those Game 5 tickets for next Tuesday night now. Series should be tied 2 – 2 by the time next Monday comes around.
Don
May 2nd, 2012
4:49 am
Well good old Joe “Choke” Johnson is up to his usual playoff swoon and taking the whole team on his back down to defeat. Signing that guy to big long term money signaled the death to any playoff chances the Hawks will ever have until the contract is gone in what 5 more years. Shear management genius The only one with a clue was Steven Belkin and he was over ruled many years ago.
James
May 2nd, 2012
5:40 am
“Did the Celtics beat us, or did the Hawks choke?”
While you could argue that it is a combination of both, I’d say it’s more that the Celtics beat us. The Hawks played against the Celtics tonight the same way they have played against them during the entire year. The Hawks always struggle to score against the Celtics, there’s no surprise there. I wouldn’t call it “choking” on behalf of the Hawks when you consider the fact that the struggles have been consistent in, essentially, each and every meeting with the Celtics. Like I said before, this series comes down to how effective the Hawks’ defense is and how frequently the Hawks are able to make jumpshots. We have no interior presence against the Celtics, our attempt is perimeter-oriented, unless Teague manages to penetrate and finish at the hoop. Our lone, healhty, low-post threat is not a threat down low against the Celtics. I’m talking about Josh here. If you look at how he’s played against the Celtics in the 5 meetings so far this year, Josh’s offense has come almost entirely from the perimeter, and that continued tonight. For the most part, KG, and even Bass at times, are able to defend him straight up and push him off the block so that he has to try and take them off the dribble or shoot a faceup or step-back jumper to score on them. When he tries to drive and gets by his man, he is either cut off, or has someone come over to help and poke the ball away, or he is forced to make a pass. Josh is still going to put up points and draw attention, but most likely, he’s going to be inefficient, since he’s unable to play to his strengths on the offensive end to score. Outside of Josh and Teague, and without someone inside like Horford or Zaza to clean up the misses, we are basically a one-and-done perimeter team, unless we get lucky and Celtics continue to fumble the rebounds and give us more free second chances.
At the end of the day, it comes down to whether we can stop the celtics from scoring enough to survive each meeting. We know the Hawks will struggle to put points on the board unless they are able to get out in transition, and in crunch-time, it’s going to come down to half-court execution, so if the games get close, we are going to have to hope that someone is able to convert their jump shots in crunch time for the Hawks or that the Hawks are lock down the Celtics offense to the point where they don’t need to score down the stretch to win. That’s a dangerous way to play.
I feel like the Celtics, without Ray Allen, will actually struggle more to score than we will due to the fact that they are a bit short on perimeter shooters, and without Ray, their floor balance and spacing is not nearly as effective, so it basically comes down to counting on Pierce or KG to make a play and score, or counting on Rondo to get someone open for a high-percentage shot. The Hawks have more streaky scorers who can get it going, but again, those scorers are jump shooters, and since most of the Hawks rarely get to the free throw line without the refs giving them some very friendly treatment (this doesn’t happen often), the scoring is going to come down to whether or not we make our jump shots.
I still think that the Hawks have a chance to win, but I don’t feel like we have any definitive edge in this series. We have no great mismatch that really sticks out, and our style of play isn’t something that is a mismatch for the Celtics. The only thing we have that causes the Celtics trouble is our transition game if we can get out and run. The other advantage we have is our size on the perimeter if we move Joe back to the 2 and start either Marvin or T-Mac at the 3, but that’s a big gamble. The entire style of play of the Hawks is a gamble. That’s why I’m not confident about this series. I’m not counting the Hawks out by any means, but I definitely don’t feel like they have the upper-hand in the series.
brigadierjerry
May 2nd, 2012
5:53 am
northclyde,
I missed the game and they gave me the recaps but i saw the highlights and saw Pierce with that tebow nonsense. I respect him as a player but that guy is a big douche. He has done other stuff like that at taking bows at MSG and other arenas after hitting a big shot. If if was a hawks player for the next game when he comes down the lane, I would give him a hard foul via oakley or laimbeer. I got so pissed off seeing that, if I saw him personally he would get punched.
A lot if the next 2 games also depend on the health status of Josh Smith. This is what i had posted from the game thread:
I think one thing Charles Barkely stated awhile back saying the Hawks have too many nice guys are true. You have to have an alpha male who just states, “you know what I dont give a f!!!k I am gonna ride the team on my shoulders and win this game. hawks dont have any player like that. You need a closer. Pierce has that, Kobe has that, heck even Melo who I am not the biggest fan of has that. You need that in the playoffs. There isnt anyone on the Celtics that can guard Johnson but again from what the stats say down the stretch Pierce will get to the line and take it to the basket, Johnson likes to create space and fade for shots. It makes such a big difference even if you are struggling from the filed taking it to the basket and drawing fouls. That is what hurts for a player like Johnson. I like Teague and he is learning and is playing well I dont expect him to be like that now but Johnson is what he is but it isnt enough
northclyde, if the Hawks lose this series due to continued poor rotations by Drew, does Drew deserve to be back and do you blow up this team?
dub366
May 2nd, 2012
5:58 am
DUMB COACHING WITH A DUMB PLAYER IN JOE JOHNSON THAT ALL I GOT TO SAY.
High-sider
May 2nd, 2012
6:28 am
Notebook: Celtics 87, Hawks 80
Posted Wednesday May 2, 2012 12:45AM
By Matt Winkeljohn, for NBA.com
“…NOT: Pierce had game highs in points, rebounds, free throws attempted and made and . . . turnovers (eight). That was a function of him handling the ball so much more with Rondo out. . . . Marvin Williams made just 1-of-6 shots, and after finishing the season fairly strong off the Atlanta bench, he’s made just 2-of-11 shots (18.2 percent) in the series. The former starter is averaging 2.5 points per game, or less than Ivan Johnson (5.0), Collins (4.0) and Tracy McGrady (3.5). . . . Boston has made just 3-of-25 3-pointers in two games. . . . Fellow sub Green has scored just two points in each game so far. . . . Pietrus has missed all five of his shots in the series…”
High-sider
May 2nd, 2012
6:35 am
Notebook: Celtics 87, Hawks 80
Posted Wednesday May 2, 2012 12:45AM
By Matt Winkeljohn, for NBA.com
“…NOTABLE: Hawks officials are hopeful that Pachulia (sprained left foot) might be able to play by Game 5, next Tuesday in Atlanta. … Vladimir Radmanovic has not played in the series, but given Marvin Williams’ work so far may see action in Boston…”
NUNNA!
May 2nd, 2012
6:37 am
EmirS.
4. Are we all in agreement that if Josh is injured and can’t play or is limited to playing time, we can call this series a wrap up?
—————————————————————————————————–
Yes..
Now we all are “coaches” on this blog,and we all seem to know the players better than the coaches do.
With that being said,we know that the coaching staff does not and will not make the major decisions that we all pretty much know will work for this team.
So,why bother? Why bother watching,supporting,or even blogging every game about this team and this organization?
I also notice that most if not all on here(me included) seem to talk about this team as not being associated with us.
Most of the other fans of consistent playoff teams always talk using terms such as “our coach”,”our team”,”our bench”,”our owners”,etc…
But with us its always,”LD”,”the hawks”,”the bench”,”the ASG”,well you know what im getting at this morning lol..
I just hope that “our owners” read blogs like this and notice that we speak for most when not closely identifying ourselves with terms of “we” or “our” when speaking on our beloved hawks.
Dang..I was going somewhere with this but i just got a call that one of my co-workers won’t be in and that i need head to the office to hand out checks on my day off..And from a late night appointment that i just got back home from..
My mind went blank lol..
Sorry..I gotta go..I’ll holla yall..Keep yo head up hawks fam..
Robbie
May 2nd, 2012
6:51 am
Radmanovic should definitely take Marvin’s minutes from here on out.
Defense and rebounding be damned, this team needs OFFENSE in the worst way right now or else they won’t win another game.
Drew’s coaching make Del Negro look like Phil Jackson.
Robbie
May 2nd, 2012
6:55 am
“Tmac n joe coulda been our jordan and pippen….atleast close to it…”
Oh please.
High-sider
May 2nd, 2012
7:01 am
Repost FTPB
High-sider
May 1st, 2012
11:09 pm
Luke Cage
May 1st, 2012
10:16 pm
High-sider
May 1st, 2012
10:15 pm
Anybody miss Jamal Crawford [now]? Hawks only score 80 points. BOS beats ATL, 87-80.
I think Crawford was sitting at home watching this game since he couldn’t get Portland in the playoffs.
—————————————————————————————–
You’re right. Jamal Crawford was probably sitting at home [in Seattle] watching the Hawks and he [Crawford] was also probably laughing at the fact that the Hawks can’t score worth a sh-t without him [in this playoff series]. He’s probably also laughing at Rick Sund and the ASG.
Remember, if the Hawks don’t win at least 7 [seven] games this postseason, this [Hawks] team will not have improved over last postseason’s performance[s].
kuhndog
May 2nd, 2012
7:01 am
Trap game and we fell in the trap,T-Mac did good work and if the coach is going to let personal feelings getting in the way of coaching he needs to go.I thought Marvin was gonna have a better game,NOT. The Hawks dont handle defensive pressure real well.With an 11 point lead they got sloppy and lax,and didnt run any real good 1/2 court sets well.Once they let Boston seize the momentum it changed the game.I also believe LD rode the starters too much in the 3rd and didnt sub soon enough,Pargo,T-Mac and Ivan.If you dont believe in your bench a little your in trouble.We gotta have one in Boston I guess we will see how bad the Hawks want it.By the way J smoove is the best player on the Hawks,Joe wants to be a compliment player,I like Joe but josh is the soul of the team
kuhndog
May 2nd, 2012
7:11 am
Yea we miss JC! but if he would have stayed in the ATL he would have wanted more than he got in Portland 2 years 10 million.I wont make 2 million in a life time lucky to make 1.
Grandad
May 2nd, 2012
7:20 am
The Hawks Body Language was Terrible:
After our Hwks established the 11 pt lead;
for whatever reason the body language gave me pause.
Teague was the 1st that I noticed, as something went missing.
Joe became more and more discouraged / frustrated with his lack
of ability *[game gone South] to deal with tough, hard nosed defenders
who actually guard him.
Joe is no longer feared by anyone in the League and anyone can see.
His slashing / driving ability is no longer there.
*(we all need to admit – Joe has lost a step [quickness] or two)
T-Mac, pissed at LD, Ivan adjusting to 1st play-offs, Marvin just stinks,
Willie Green cannot score when Joe & Josh are in full Iso-mode,
To me it appeared Joe & Josh were taking turns last nite:
Okay – my turn now.
____________________________________________
On top of it all:
You cannot win a playoff series starting Collins. (playing 30+ min)
You cannot beat anyone if Marvin touches the floor.
____________________________________________
Then there`s LD:
talk about ‘`bein` built for the reglar season”
that`s LD;
Bobby Cox part deux
Grandad
May 2nd, 2012
7:25 am
Where is our Reg season offensive sets ?
No ball movement, No player movement, Ball does not change sides !
-stagnant-
*’`Woody Ball`’* … it has been proven; does not work in play-offs !
Grandad
May 2nd, 2012
7:33 am
Last eve I said Celts in ‘`6`’
Today I feel much better:
Celts in ‘`5`’ … !
_____________________________________________
If the Hawks have any testosterone whatsoever;
*[ Tebow ]*
They will come out slugging in Boston !
Anyone wish to wager ? … ~ not me as I do not gamble ~
NoGiver
May 2nd, 2012
7:36 am
This is what McGrady would have done in LD’s face:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtpWVp07A14
Dawg
May 2nd, 2012
7:39 am
Why does Joe bring the ball up and pound, pound, dribble, and stagnate everything? Why does Drew want him to hog the ball? Joe is not quick enough to run an offense. Joe can not dribble enough to run an offense. Boston defends Joe so easily. Joe hurts the team.
Teague is must more effective running the show. Teague can dribble and break down a defense.
ISO Joe stinks.
Dawg
May 2nd, 2012
7:41 am
With Joe and Josh making the decisions, Barkley seems more and more right in his biting accessments of the Hawks.
That offense is painful to watch.