Johnson unhappy with limited number of shots
Vivlamore reporting from Philips Arena, the day after the Hawks’ Game 4 loss to the Celtics.
A day later, Joe Johnson was at loss for words about the Hawks’ embarrassing Game 4 loss to the Celtics that has the team on the brink of playoff elimination.
His one-word answer to a question on his number of shot attempts spoke volumes.
Johnson took just eight shots in Sunday’s 101-79 loss to the Celtics, who are up 3-1 in the best-of-seven series heading into Game 5 Tuesday at Philips Arena.
“I don’t think they are doing anything different defensively on me,” Johnson said. “I think it’s just, basically, getting an opportunity to touch the ball. That’s it.”
When asked if he was not happy with his touches, Johnson answered with a simple, but emphatic, “No.”
Here is what some others had to say about Johnson’s lack of shots in Sunday’s game:
Larry Drew: “We run a lot of things through him. He’s got to be more aggressive in working to get his shots and we have to be mindful when he hasn’t had a shot in one or two trips down the floor we’ve got to get him the ball. All the things that we do run, and we do run a lot of things where we do go through him, I give Boston a lot of credit on how they have defended him. Collectively, while they are out there they have to get him the ball more. Just watching the film in flying back last night there were a number of situations where we could have just made one extra pass and the extra pass would have been to him. We’ve just got to be a little bit more mindful to make sure he is getting touches.”
Jeff Teague: “We’ve got him the ball in Game 3. He got a lot of touches. Last night, they took us out of our stuff and made it difficult to get him the ball. We will try to make a conscious effort in Game 5 to get him the ball and make sure he makes plays for us.
“He is our go-to player. Eight shots is not enough, especially in a playoff game for a guy who can play like him. We’ve got to make sure we get him the ball.”
Al Horford: “Joe is our main guy. We go to him. We has to get us going offensively so he needs to go out there and be an enforcer and make his presence felt. I don’t think my shots or Erick Dampier’s shots are affecting him. I think Joe needs to be aggressive. He needs to go out there and score the ball. That’s when we are at our best when he does that.”
This will be the subject of today’s story for the print edition. You can read the entire story online later. However, feel free to leave your comments on Johnson and his thoughts here.
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358 comments Add your comment
Falcon Fan
May 7th, 2012
6:49 pm
As long as you guys keep buying tickets and going to games the same team will be here next year. I swear I said this like 2 years ago and they are still here with basically the same results. ASG knows you guys are going to spend your money because that is the only way you know how to support your team. I love the Hawks but I haven’t went to a game since the league laughed at us two weeks before the draft when it leaked that Billy Knight was gonna pick Sheldon Williams with the fifth pick of the draft. AND WE STILL PICKED HIM ANYWAY! I still get made fun of when I go to work when we talk NBA. But hey if the fans don’t care, why should the Hawks? This is a business, right?
jim
May 7th, 2012
6:51 pm
you know what joe?
when we took boston to 7 games 3 years ago we were the toughest out for them that postseason that led to the title. why were we tuff? you. you were unstoppable, dominant, and you put us on your back. now we are a better TEAM than that and you need to adapt. so unless you plan on being the MAN again shut up.
BIG DOG
May 7th, 2012
7:00 pm
Joe must get the ball more in the paint instead of 25 feet away from basket, who falt is that coach LD, HA
Josh must do the same thing to instead getting the ball so far a way from basket.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
BIG DOG
May 7th, 2012
7:08 pm
LD will starte Kirk game 5 and Hawks will lose by 10points or more
Kirk is not playing aggressive at all, very passive with ball and never attack, making it more easier for Celtics to double team him..
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
That Dude
May 7th, 2012
7:09 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU8F6N_-tjM&feature=channel&list=UL
OPEN YOUR EYES
May 7th, 2012
7:14 pm
@FALCON FAN- YOU ARE RIGHT ON THE MONEY MY FRIEND!!! HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN MY ALLIANCE??
BIG DOG
May 7th, 2012
7:19 pm
GAME 5
Teague vs Rondo – Teague must attack
Joe vs Avery – Joe 6′7 and Avery 6′2 is advantage Hawks with Joe getting ball in paint.
Josh vs Pierce – Josh 6′9 and Pierce 6′7 is advantage Hawks with Josh getting the ball more in paint and attacking the rim.
Horford vs Bass – Horford 6′10 and Bass 6′9 is advantage Horford must get rough and physical
Collins vs KG – Collins is the key on KG keeping him away from the paint forcing KG to take long jumshots, thats all we need from Collins and Dampier.
Teague, Joe, Josh, Horford, Collins
Hinrich and Pargo, Tmac, Marvin, Ivan, Dampier
Green, Vlad, Stack, Zaza
LD wake up in time and play big Hawks will comeback and win this series.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
OPEN YOUR EYES
May 7th, 2012
7:29 pm
@BIG DOG- THAT WAS NICE GAMEPLAN TOO BAD THE HAWKS WON’T USE IT!!! TRUST ME BRO MARVIN WILLIAMS WILL START AS ALWAYS!!!!!
SteveW
May 7th, 2012
7:30 pm
GM JeJe – I actually agree with you. This series is not over. If Al keeps getting a little better, and if somehow it gets to a game 6, the pressure is all on Boston to close it out in the Garden, and not come back to ATL – may even get ZaZa back somewhere in there.
And if Pierce is really hurt… You just never know.
ESPN Radio today was talking about how Miami doesn’t want to play Boston, and actually was ok with #2 seed, so they didn’t have to face Boston unless they had to. Saying it was “sources” inside Miami saying this.
SteveW
May 7th, 2012
7:32 pm
Man, so Baron’s career may be over. Bibby with the start for the Knicks.
I feel bad for Baron. Good talent, just not a workout warrior. He’s probably got enough cash to last him awhile however.
SteveW
May 7th, 2012
7:36 pm
GM Jeje – Man I hope we don’t choke tomorrow nite. I have seen the Hawks just cash in the chips before. Boston is probably counting on that.
tyger
May 7th, 2012
7:49 pm
Dismantling the Hawks…
Sunday was humiliating but why are we surprised? The
Hawks havent beaten +.500 teams all year. Why now?
Only way into second rd. if they got NYK, Orl or Indy…no luck…
One positive is you get a good eval on this group and it…
Totally dismantles Sund’s core improvement theory…
Teague – Better but insufficient; desperately need a leader…
His 3pt shooting killing us, where’s the defense? steals???
Rondo’s wiping his as with this kid…
Hinrich – Showed flashes of productivity, but exposed now…
Thought his leadership would be key to playoff success, but…
Has regressed instead and doesnt seem to fit w group…
JJohnson – The move to SF seems to have re-invigorated him…
Apparent that he still clashes with Smoove for the ball…
His understated nature doesnt transcend into leadership…
But at $20M per, we are probably stuck with him…unless Amare…
Stick him in corner and let him shoot and defend, he can do that…
JSmoove – probably better off not returning for playoffs…
Too bad for his injury, but hometown boy’s value will never be higher…
He’s played his last selfish card and will get his wish this summer…
We’ll miss the energy, highlight dunks, post defense…but not
The selfishness, long jumpers, poor attitude, bad passes…
We can win without him…Game 3 proved that…
Horford – probably better off not returning for playoffs…
Not good PR for last image to be that of weak link…
But we know fundamentally sound, coachable Big Al…
At full strength, he’s an Allstar and best draft pick…
Marvin – was one of my favorite Hawks at 6′9, 230
He could play 3 positions, SG, SF, PF and defend…
Occasionally showed flashes of brilliance…
But his time has run out and his salary is unjustifiable…
ZaZa – most improved and missed Hawk…
To the novice, they thought ZaZa was garbage…
They forgot ZaZa avg. nearly a double-double as starter…
Now, they know, I miss ZaZa more than Josh or Al…
TMac – was never used properly, wish him well…
Green – has value, but huge playoff letdown…
Pargo – ditto
Vladi – ditto
Collins – continues to prove worth as emergency BIG
Dampier – was never used properly, wish him well…
Stackhouse – ditto
In sum, Hawks will be active at draft, we have enough assets to…
secure two 1st rd. picks and dump some salary simultaneously…
Early favorites are Perry Jones and Quincy Miller, both of Baylor…
They would give us two promising wings to replace Marvin, Smoove…
While still building around:
Jason Terry
Joe Johnson
Al Horford
ZaZa Pachulia
Perry Jones
Percy Miller
Secondarily, Sund/LD has got to acquire a true PG…
A pass first, knock down shooter that can lead…
Teague is fine coming off the bench but he cant shoot…
Maybe Jason Kidd or even Jason Terry…
ZaZa and Horford are as good a frontline as there is…
JJohnson is the shooter and big guard defender…
Acquire a slasher…draft and free agency…
Acquire a true point guard thru free agency…
There will be enough scraps left over from the bench…
Tmac, maybe once Smoove, Marvin removed…
Willie Green is fine as long as the games dont count…
Vladi still a threat to stretch the defense…
Joe Johnson
May 7th, 2012
7:50 pm
I need a raise.
Same Old Joe
May 7th, 2012
7:50 pm
Are we surprised by Jo”s comments? We shouldn’t be, this is the same old Joe complaining about touches and shots. Real players make more chances to shoot the ball, that is the difference between stars and average Joe’s. Joe if your going to stick around here stop being a thug!!! ATL is tired of it, and be a team player!!!
Joe Johnson
May 7th, 2012
7:52 pm
I want to play for a winner, I deserve better than this dump.
Same Old Joe
May 7th, 2012
7:55 pm
ATL deserves more than an overhyped 6th man!!
Joe Johnson
May 7th, 2012
8:01 pm
I made some reservations for a weeklong cruise that leaves this Wednesday, none of my teammates better do anything to screw up my plans.
Joe Johnson
May 7th, 2012
8:21 pm
That Paul Pierce is such a showoff with all his fancy point scoring…I hate him.
guy
May 7th, 2012
8:31 pm
Give him a shot,a parting shot! No one can please ungrateful and angry people. Don’t even try!!!!!!!
Slimjr
May 7th, 2012
8:32 pm
“ZaZa – most improved and missed Hawk…
To the novice, they thought ZaZa was garbage…
They forgot ZaZa avg. nearly a double-double as starter…
Now, they know, I miss ZaZa more than Josh or Al…” -tyger-
Ditto
Tru_Life
May 7th, 2012
8:32 pm
Joe Johnson:
Instead of complaining about how needing more shots, how about you bust your tail on the defensive end of the ball – Paul Pierce is not quick or athletic at all, yet he made Joe Johnson look like he’s the dude who’s pushing 35. Joe Johnson needs to average at least 5 rebounds per game and as much as he has the ball in his hands, he needs to average more assist than what he’s giving the team.
I’m tired of players complaining about their offense when all they do is take jump shots and floaters.DRIVE THE BALL ! MAKE PIERCE WORK !
Larry Drew – STOP PLAYING PARGO !! He is horrible defender and for every 2 pts he scores he gives the defense 4 pts because he either gets lost on defense or commits a turnover that leads to a fast break.
Slimjr
May 7th, 2012
8:34 pm
Start by upgrading the GM and Head Coaching positions…
BTW, this series is over…
Celts in one!
Walt Frazier
May 7th, 2012
8:45 pm
Larry Drew couldn’t coach the M&M peanuts out of a vending machine.
Sautee
May 7th, 2012
8:46 pm
“He lost an 11 point lead and the critical momentum for not only that game but for the rest of this series with his botched substitution patterns….” – slimjr
Actually slim, if you want to blame it on substitutions, it was only a 6 point lead that was lost. The first 5 off the lead came with Josh, Joe and Jeff all on the floor.
http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/playbyplay?gameId=320501001&period=0
LD is fair game for a ton of criticism, but at least keep it factual.
Astro Joe
May 7th, 2012
8:50 pm
SteveW, Teague is still a work in progress. Folk like you make it sound like he has “arrived”, he has not. In the past, bloggers have killed the previous PGs for allowing the opposing PG to have their way. I don’t see how Rondo (nor Rose) have been much deterred. No, Teague is not the single reason we’re down 3-1. There is no single reason. But we’re still at a disadvantage at that key position. Again, this is not as much a criticism as it is a reality check. Jrue Holliday, Darren Collison, Ty Lawson and others from that same draft class would have problems also. And one reason is because the difference between guys like Rose and Rondo and Teague, Collison and Holliday is VAST. IMO, as vast as comparing Horford to D12 or Granger to Lebron. VAST.
Teague made some nice strides, but I’, not yet convinced that the Hawks PG problem is once and for all resolved, at least not in the context of advancing to the ECF.
Sautee
May 7th, 2012
8:50 pm
“Joe’s had better years than Smitty did here, but he sure looks like Smitty now.”
Smitty would take it to the rim, even with bad wheels, and get to the FT line. Joe? eh….not so much.
O'brien
May 7th, 2012
8:56 pm
AJ,
My problem with JJ is why is he not more assertive (vocally) last night?
If the team is not getting him the ball, then he needs to speak up during the game. Obviously I am assuming (based on his history and personality), but why didnt he talk to them during the huddle about getting the ball?
He has been captain every single year he has been here. Well, You cannot be a leader if you’re not willing to speak up.
“He has to be the enforcer,” Horford said. “He has to make his presence felt.”.
Sounds to me like JJ is not making his presence felt.
“He’s got to be more aggressive in working to get his shots..”LD.
So this is not just about players not getting him the ball. he is not holding up his end of the deal either.
Sautee
May 7th, 2012
9:03 pm
During the 18:58 that Joe played in the first half, Boston scored 50 points. If Joe is “the man” on this team, (and he’s paid as such) then I would have HOPED that what he was concerned about after the game would be his piss poor example of defensive intensity.
The fact that he never mentioned his or the teams defense is telling to me. If he is the leader, and yet plays defense so laconically in a “must win” type situation, we need a new leader.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
May 7th, 2012
9:07 pm
Joe and Melo are extremely similar players.
Obviously, Melo is more talented – he is more athletic, posts players up.
HOWEVER, they both NEVER personally take the blame for their team’s faults, they don’t really make their teammates better, and they take terrible shots. Melo is just better than Joe.
O'brien
May 7th, 2012
9:10 pm
From Mark Bradley;
They have Joe Johnson, who makes a mint, which isn’t the same as taking star turns in the crucible of the postseason. Last week Paul Pierce scored 36 points in a game Boston had to win. In 45 playoff games as a Hawk, Johnson has broken 30 only twice. — he had 35 in Game 4 against the Celtics here in 2008, 34 against the Bulls in Game 1 in 2011.
Over the next three games against Boston that year, he averaged 17.3; over the next five games against Chicago last spring, he averaged 16.8..
I’m not sure why LD is giving Boston credit for how they are defending JJ. The recipe for shutting JJ down is simple. Send timely double teams at him, and put a very good defender on him (Iggy, Pietrus, Tony Allen etc) who can crowd his space, and wear him down. Game over.
bigdave
May 7th, 2012
9:11 pm
exactly djscore @ 4:27 and OB@ 8:56
I have a lot of respect for Joe not being one of those modern era floppers, but I turn around and lose it when it comes to his PR, you have to learn to take the onus on yourself Joe. You a big boy, speak up. Don’t sit on the bench and stare in space. What can you do from a approach stand point to make sur you get em up? C’mon man don’t turn into that dude…
O'brien
May 7th, 2012
9:11 pm
FTPB,
Ken S,
Josh only drifts outside when he has trouble beating his defender on the blocks..
Josh drifts outside because that’s what Josh does.
Horford against BBass would give us another matchup advantage.
Bass gave Horford all he could handle in the playoffs last year (when we went up against Orlando).
O'brien
May 7th, 2012
9:17 pm
You watch last night’s game, and it appears Josh lost his focus early on (even MC mentioned it in his interview). 2 silly turnovers in the first quarter (why wont he give the ball up to the PG on the break), and Josh basically checked out after that.
He finished the night with 6 turnovers, and shot 1-8 on his jumpers outside the paint.
It is well documented that the Hawks need his energy. Where was it last night?
And although I am a big fan of Teague (he has come along way, considering this is only his first year starting), he still has much to learn about when to pass, when to shoot, and running an offense, not to mention his defense.
Despite the players faults however, what this team needs more than anything is an established coach with no ties to these players, or this organization.
Slimjr
May 7th, 2012
9:19 pm
okay that 6 pt lead became a 3 pt deficit quicker than you can shake a stick at it…Momentum went out the window in that 5 min span and then the lead just followed. Delayed a bit, but it did follow…Game, Set, and Match….
Like the Economy: Jobs go first than the Housing Market follows…
Air Zaza
May 7th, 2012
9:20 pm
Jeff Teague is not a starting PG. He gets his tail handed to him by the likes of Jeremy Lin, 50 year old Baron Davis, Jameer Nelson, Jrue Holiday, and Rondo is looking like the GOAT PG v. Teague. We need to upgrade that position especially since it’s our biggest flaw.
Sautee
May 7th, 2012
9:21 pm
“Despite the players faults however, what this team needs more than anything is an established coach with no ties to these players, or this organization.”
Co-sign, O’B. No telling what we could have been for the last few years. Damn.
Slimjr
May 7th, 2012
9:25 pm
Sautee
May 7th, 2012
9:03 pm
“During the 18:58 that Joe played in the first half, Boston scored 50 points. If Joe is “the man” on this team, (and he’s paid as such) then I would have HOPED that what he was concerned about after the game would be his piss poor example of defensive intensity.
The fact that he never mentioned his or the teams defense is telling to me. If he is the leader, and yet plays defense so laconically in a “must win” type situation, we need a new leader.”
Sautee, we need a new Head Coach…
Doug Collins wins this series in 4 or 5 games coaching the Hawks. IMHO
Vino
May 7th, 2012
9:25 pm
i still belive
Sautee
May 7th, 2012
9:27 pm
“Momentum went out the window in that 5 min span and then the lead just followed.”-slimjr
Yes, but we STILL had a 2 point lead when the JS/JJ/JT came back in. That means the starters were responsible for 7 points of that 11 point lead evaporating.
There’s no doubt that was a crucial sequence, but we have had momentum shifts before and not folded. If the starters come back in and execute on offense, and play decent D, we likely win, and LDs silly subs are forgotten. They did not, so we HAVE to find something to blame, eh?
Sautee
May 7th, 2012
9:29 pm
“Sautee, we need a new Head Coach…”
See my 9:21
Shamrock
May 7th, 2012
9:30 pm
The Fat Lady sings tomorrow night.
Slimjr
May 7th, 2012
9:35 pm
whats easy is knowing your personnel and than making proper adjustments to maintain that lead. Pull a starter or two eh?
Why play your best passer/post player for only 5 mins eh? Why not put T-Mac in with the starters during that critical stretch that cost them the series? Cause that’s what Larry Leisure does..Put his personal issues ahead of the team..
Greyhound is ready…
Slimjr
May 7th, 2012
9:41 pm
“There’s no doubt that was a crucial sequence, but we have had momentum shifts before and not folded” -Sautee-
13-24, actually they have folded more than the eyes behold…
Slimjr
May 7th, 2012
9:51 pm
IF the Hawks had pulled out game two at home, they would have closed out this series in game 5 in Atlanta!
IFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFIFI
Astro Joe
May 7th, 2012
9:53 pm
Sautee, we only know that quote that Chris V. provided based on the series of questyions he asked. I think instead of asking why was Joe focused on shots, the more accurate question is why was the beat writer asking about offense.
Joe and Smitty have different games but are fairly comparable in terms of impact.
OB, LD calls a LOT of plays during the game. His whistle is a constant in the background noise. I think LD calls the plays more than the PGs… or, of course, they just go with the good ‘ole “first good shot take it approach”.
Sauteem back to you…. the players didn’t pay Joe, the head coach didn;t pay Joe, that was an ownership decision. KG makes more than Rondo, but Rondo runs the team (at least the offense). I’m not speaking directly about your views, but there was a lot of love a month or so ago about Josh taken the main role on this team. Folk seemd quite comfortable with that new role. Now, Josh returns, takes the most shots and folk get made at Joe? The PG was 3-9. Josh turned the ball over 6 times.
The biggest problem with Joe’s quote? That the beat writer didn’t ask questions to other Hawks who also stunk up the gym.
After averaging 25 points the previous 2 games (both more ocmpetitive), I’d be wondering about the wisdom of going elsewhere while staring up at a 25+ deficit most of the night also.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 7th, 2012
9:57 pm
Joe, you have been getting embarrassed on the defensive end by Pierce the last three games. The last thing you need to worry about is your touches.
Joe Johnson
May 7th, 2012
10:03 pm
Pierce is a show off, I like to keep my greatness to myself.
SteveW
May 7th, 2012
10:03 pm
Now of course the PG position could be upgraded, nobody I know of is saying JT is even a Top 10 PG in the League. And if you’ve followed my posts consistently, I still say Teague is at least 2 years away from fulfulling his potential – which may be a little better than Devin Harris.
That said, when the C’s last won a Championship, Rondo averaged 10.6 ppg, and 5.1 assists per game.
In other words, Teague is more than adequate to win a Championship at PG on a very good team. His stats were as good or better than Rondo’s were his Championship year.
Rondo was 22, Teague is 23.
And before that LA won two Championships in a row. D Fish was well past his prime, and averaged a whopping 7.5 ppg, and 2.5 assists per game that last Championship season.
Even last season, the great Jason Kidd, again well past his prime, but still dishing out dimes at a 8.2 per game rate, only averaged 7.9 ppg.
The point being is that Teague is more than enough to win a Championship at Point. He just doesn’t have the talent around him.
And you don’t want me to go into Miami’s PG situation this past season, yet they won the East last year.
I know Teague’s not an All Star, and maybe that’s the only thing that will satisfy you, IDK. But if you look at Rondo the last two months of the season, he torched alot of PG’s – and averaged more assists more game than he is in this series, in less minutes.
And again, his scoring is up because of some lucky shots, that all observers say he rarely makes, and the fact he had to step up because of PP’s injury yesterday.
And he does have more rest than the rest of these guys. Not just missing a game this series, but he missed 3 of the last 4 games of the regular season also.
Astro Joe
May 7th, 2012
10:07 pm
The other thing is that LD’s play calling has been, well, interesting. Why does he rely so much on iso plays when he has this remarkable pentangele offense at his avail? If a player is easily defended because of the predictability of his routine, then common sense suggests to employ other scorers (which folk seem to believe shouldn’t happen because of what Gearon decided two summers ago, as if that should dictate a late game situation) or change the way that player is used in the offensive sets. When Joe gets doubled, he is doing a better job of moving the ball out, guys have to make shots. Unless, of course, Joe’s salary means that he simply MUST defeat the double team by morphing into some other player because is bank account dictates as much.
Speaking of super human powers associated with large bank accounts…. is Warren Buffet an immortal? Bill Gates? Ted Turner? Steve Jobs? Oops, never mind… I guess wealth has little to do with physics, biology and reality.
SteveW
May 7th, 2012
10:07 pm
And complaining a guy you thought deserved to be on the bench, and was during the previous series, didn’t stop the MVP from last season? Teague was the talk of that round of the playoffs how he kept up with Rose. Surely you jest.
Good therapy is honesty. Just say, “I don’t like Jeff Teague, and I will come on here to seize any bad moments I can” instead of just making stuff up – your too smart for that.