Atlanta Hawks: Video: Hawks stay alive, head back to Boston

I joined Dan Shaughnessy of The Boston Globe to review the Hawks’ 87-86 Game 5 victory over the Celtics.

Michael Cunningham
, Hawks beat



116 comments Add your comment

tom

May 9th, 2012
10:01 am

let’s go hawks! force a game 7!

Slimjr

May 9th, 2012
10:02 am

Grandad

May 9th, 2012
10:02 am

Gm JeJe (GM)

Morose … I think not … irascible suits me better.

Boston att 92 FTs … PP & KG:
had been called for only 12 fouls ea. Avg 3 per … prior to last eve
also ea had played the most min = 160 & 159
Game two & three respectively PP att 27 FTs – making 25 …
game two 26 of 31 – PP=11 of 13 … game one 10 of 13
Game three … 22 of 25

Atlanta att 73 FTs
Game two 16 of 20 … Game one 14 of 21 … 12 of 15 …

Someone please read this out loud to JeJe
so he will understand the words on the page.

Last eve;
Our hawks held a 12 point lead and with our plyrs psyche,
precarious comes to mind.

Suddenly Teaguer is fouled twice going to the hoop = no call;
Two illegal screens *[more on that later] / (Damp / Horford);
An obvious
[I counted the steps in slo-mo = five]
walking call on Boston … missed or ignored;
and the 12 pt lead has been cut to 10 by the end of the 3rd qtr.
Yes, we made two egregious turnovers, admittedly.
*note – the psyche thing

My greater point
and anyone contesting what I say must read Donaghy`s book.
*[corraberated by the FBI, specifically - Special Agent Phil Scala]

The NBA sends out memos prior to games with the intent to influence;
Such as:
*directive – watch the hawks for illegal screens … (hypothetical exp)
*directive – a foul was missed on LBJ last nite …
(make sure that doesn`t happen again) ! … another hypothetical exp
*directive – We received a complaint from Boston …
” watch the Hawks ”
& make sure they are –not- being overly physical with Pierce
(another hypothetical)

Plus it is well known from Donaghy`s insider info:
Certain officials hated:
*Iverson – when _______ was officiating …
TD passed info to bet against Philly.
*All officials hated Cuban … one in particular …
-this particular fella officiated last eve for our game-

***It would not surprise me to find out that certain refs
have an agenda against T-Mac.

Clearly I am not saying the refs cost us game four.

Plus, neither am I saying that officials [referees] are the root cause
of the Hawks problems, which are in order:
1. ASG
2. Sund
3. Joe – not entirely his doing; he just cannot live up to his contract.
4. Josh- 90% not his fault = the fault lies in coaching
5. Past mistakes [drafting] … BK
6. Larry Drew

*post script – My feeling is;
With a Josh, Al, Teaguer, Zaza … dynamic,
Including wise drafting and $ management this summer,
Including ‘`one`’ brilliant FA signing, plus an additional Big
-then-
This club can make a run for a championship.

Did I address your issues JeJe ?

Slimjr

May 9th, 2012
10:03 am

Big huge hug for drmaryb!

KevinM

May 9th, 2012
10:03 am

MC, was there any discussion on Josh’s knee? Is Zaza still wearing the boot?

Grandad

May 9th, 2012
10:05 am

My apologies;
the above post is / was irrelevant to this page
-but-
was a re-post from the last blog.

jlewis

May 9th, 2012
10:07 am

CWebb:

I totally agree, its borderline unprofessional and its an attempt to divide the fan base. If JJ is no good, why does he constantly draw double and triple teams. And please, no one has ever considered double teaming Al Horford.

Bona Fide Big Man

May 9th, 2012
10:10 am

The Celtics could not stop Al Horford or any other Bona Fide Big Man!

O'brien

May 9th, 2012
10:18 am

For those complaining about Al and Josh bringing the ball up on the break (I am one of them), see LD’s comments before the game;

Drew on pushing the pace with this lineup:“When we are at our best is when [Al] and Josh rebound the ball and bring it out on the dribble..

The problem for me, is Josh and Al dont know when to give it up, and when to lead the break. It’s one thing to do it early in a game, but in crunch time, they are likely to make a mistake, especially against a good defensive team like the Celtics.

christopher mehegan

May 9th, 2012
10:23 am

U GUYS MAY HAVE WON LAST NIGHT BUT UNDERSTAND THIS U BUNCH OF DEPENDS SCRATCHING OUTHOUSE PANTS POOPING REFEREE BIYATCHING ATLANTA PLAYOFF FOOTNOTE STEPPINGSTONE CHOKERS COME THURSDAY NIGHT THE CELTICS WILL MERCILESSLY WIPE THE FLOOR WITH THE ATLANTA CHOKERS GOOD THE FUNERAL PROCESSION BEGINS B4 GAME TIME THURSDAY THE ATLANTA CHOKERS SEASON ENDS THURSDAY NIGHT CLOSING TIME ATLANTA TIME TO SAY GOODBYE CAUSE U WILL BE SHOWN THE 1ST ROUND PLAYOFF EXIT DOOR INTO THE OFFSEASON U GO GREEN & WHITE FOREVER BIYATCH HAHAHAHAH GO C’S C’S TAKE GAME 6 AND THE SERIES 4-2

Lacsho

May 9th, 2012
10:30 am

O’brien, I read those comments by LD and the only thing I could do was SMDH. LD is clueless. The big’s need to give the ball to Teague and fill the lanes. That’s called Basketball 101.

Lacsho

May 9th, 2012
10:32 am

You know you have to much time on your hands, when one goes to the opposing teams blog and spew nonsense.

hawksfanfordawin

May 9th, 2012
10:35 am

MC please try to be a little more professional in your writing. You need to stop focusing on Joe Johnson’s negatives. We won the game and yet here you are bashing Joe and posting entire blogs about his quotes. It’s no surprise that you as a fan like guys like Josh Smith more than Joe but please stay professional especially when you are writing for the Atlanta Hawks, and not the Joe Johnson Hater Club.

AG

May 9th, 2012
10:39 am

Went to my first Hawk game this season. Even saw MC hard at work as I pointed him out at halftime as I went back to my seat. A lot of people complain about the Hawk PR team, etc, but if you put 10 80 year old men out there to play, the entertainment and excitement between breaks is fantastic! Really enjoyed the Sr. Hawk Dance team… they were hilarious – but good!

Were I was sitting there were plenty of Boston fans flanking me at all directions. The game was not sold out. I know a lot of people get on our Atlanta fans, but we have some many people who left those dumps in Detroit, New York, Chicago etc. to make a better living in Atlanta. I surely can’t blame them. So when their town comes to play once or twice a year, they come out to see their team. Hey, I live here, been to plenty of games, so I pick and choose which games I attend. I guess my point is for Atlanta residents, the Phillips atmosphere brings as much entertainment value as far as many other attractions that you may want to attend. My wife is not crazy about basketball – can’t name two players, but is always eager to go with me.

The game… I called it, just let Al suit and play 5 minutes. He tasted it Sunday. He liked what he tasted. He wanted more. Marvin finally stepped up. I tell my friend all the time, the real X factor is Marvin. Marvin can make the city love the Hawks and embrace Joe. With Marvin hot,- you can’t double Joe. Marvin has to give us 15 ppg to make a run. The other guys are more consistent, but 15 for Marvin is a plus.

Ray

May 9th, 2012
10:42 am

@ Jlewis

Truth is the only reason Joe ends up on triple/double teams is because teams are familiar with the Isolation games. They realize Joe will always take the ball dribble it move around until 8 seconds left in the clock. Then try to pass out which is why another person is someone lurking nearby in case that happens.

People have said this before ISO anything is ineffective in today’s NBA unless it’s done very limited which for the Atlanta Hawks it’s not. Look at what happened before we won the game Joe went into Iso mode and the Boston Celtics were able to climb back into the game at the last second.

In one way you can say the reason Josh or for that matter anyone drifts outside toward the 3pt line is because of Joe whenever he starts his Iso-Joe he’s always nearby the 3pt line or beyond it.

Ray

May 9th, 2012
10:45 am

For anyone talking about MC being professional how about you try being a journalist for the ajc meeting their deadlines you know.

I think MC does a great job and I’m not going to call him out for a few mistakes trying be grammar police.

christopher mehegan

May 9th, 2012
10:46 am

hahahahah ur teams wet dream season ends thursday c’s take game# 6 and the series 4-2 get used to the offseason bwahahahahah go c’s

Ben

May 9th, 2012
10:48 am

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002501368276&ref=ts

There is the Boston D-Bag that keeps posting above. No matter what happens in game 6, we can all be thankful that we aren’t from Boston.

Ray

May 9th, 2012
10:50 am

@ Ben

Kind of unnecessary I wouldn’t have gone that far.

hawkville

May 9th, 2012
10:57 am

One game at a time. Step it up on defense Thursday night and everything will work out. Side note, good thing 12/7 played last night. Instead of trying to compare who’s better (Josh & Al) look at how they play together. It would be stupid to give up on a 26 & 25 year old forwards who can impact the game on both ends. As far as Joe, he’s a Hawk learn to deal with the good and bad. He’s not going anywhere…

Fireld!

May 9th, 2012
10:58 am

O’brien

May 9th, 2012
10:18 am
For those complaining about Al and Josh bringing the ball up on the break (I am one of them), see LD’s comments before the game;

Drew on pushing the pace with this lineup:“When we are at our best is when [Al] and Josh rebound the ball and bring it out on the dribble..

______________________________________________________________________
I never new LD actually admited is ignorance and low bball IQ.

If you add LD’s low bball IQ + Josh’s low bball IQ + JJ’s low bball IQ, you get a very talented team with a very low ceiling.

Lacsho

May 9th, 2012
11:00 am

The highest paid player on this team should be called out. JJ has been a no-show for years. No matter what happens in the playoffs, he should be amnesty and traded. I say give the keys to Teague and Horford. If you keep Josh, you need a established coach. Otherwise, he will be detrimental to this team.
I’d trade Marvin straight up for a frst round pick or I would try to trade him for Michael Beasley in Minnesota.

KevinM

May 9th, 2012
11:02 am

Drew on pushing the pace with this lineup:“When we are at our best is when [Al] and Josh rebound the ball and bring it out on the dribble..”

Drew is not in control of this team….isn’t it obvious? He defends whatever actions take place out there. No one is held accountable and the players are running the show. That’s why they wanted LD to take over. They don’t want someone telling them how to play. They make the same mistakes over and over, and LD will only rotate the role players to mix it up and say changes were made.

Good win, and a slim win, but again, like every game, we have no clue which team is showing up. The head coach has no clue who is showing up.

KevinM

May 9th, 2012
11:08 am

Lascho, perhaps Dallas will take Marvin to get Lamar off their books. Here is the current state of Odom’s contract with Dallas:

Any team that has Odom on its roster as of June 29 must buy him out by that date for $2.4 million or otherwise accept responsibility for the full $8.2 million that Odom is scheduled to earn in 2012-13.

Since we don’t know the state of Rick Sund for next year, chances are we don’t try to move Marvin any time soon if at all. We aren’t known for making quick decisions. Remember how long it took to replace Al?

Rod from College Park

May 9th, 2012
11:10 am

“I’d trade Marvin straight up for a frst round pick or I would try to trade him for Michael Beasley in Minnesota.”

Do you actually think a team would do that? Why would someone trade a 1rst round pick for Marvin? Michael Beasley is much better than Marvin, makes less money than Marvin for less number of years, why would they take Marvin?

cdog

May 9th, 2012
11:11 am

the hawks can win this series if they would play hard, do the sound fundamental things on both end putting defensive pressure on the celtics they need to attack the inside and dominate the paint , finally, their bench need to dominate. see ya for game 7 at he highlight factory and on to eiter chicago or we will host philly.

Hoops

May 9th, 2012
11:12 am

WHEW!!! I’m glad Rondo fumbled that ball. It will take a gigantic effort in Boston to over come the officials! I hope for a game 7 in ATL.

christopher mehegan

May 9th, 2012
11:29 am

hey,ben @ben hahahah oh you’ll be a d-bag alright when the c’s host a funeral procession for the atlanta playoff footnote stepping stone chokers the c’s will mercilessly hammer the chokers right out of boston and into the offseason where u belong green & white forever biyatch go celtics

MistaGamer

May 9th, 2012
11:29 am

What i’ve learned the most is this:

Most people who sit and pound the keyboard about what basketball IQ is and who has it or doesn’t have it don’t know what the hell they are talking about.

kwooden

May 9th, 2012
11:30 am

Thursday, will be very interesting because Boston will have to decide who they want to double in the post, Josh or Al. Finally we can play inside out and get JJ some more space to work on the perimeter. We’re going to have to stop making bad turnovers and knock down open 3s. If we can do that and rebound well enough, we have a decent chance of winning.

GO HAWKS!

DREABABY

May 9th, 2012
11:34 am

The Hawks have to shoot the ball lights out Wednesday to even have a chance at winning.Joe has to score around 25,at least.I hope i am wrong,but the refs will be very partial to the Celts.They are allowed to be physical,whereas the Hawks are called for any slight touch foul.If the Hawks can limit their turnovers and get out in transition,they have a good chance.Lets hope those old vets have run out of gas.

MistaGamer

May 9th, 2012
11:36 am

Furthermore. If people don’t see the chemistry and sheer advantage of having both Josh AND Al on this team is then you’re just deluding yourselves.

Those two being on the same team has never been “the” problem. Those two one of if not the best big man tandem in the league (I can make a case for Gasol and Bynum).

The problem has always been not having an offensive identity established that takes advantage of what we do have. if we could just keep Joe from pounding down the shot clock and keep it Teague’s hands we would be just fine.

MistaGamer

May 9th, 2012
11:39 am

Question are these stats correct, did Josh really play 46 minutes???

Just Joe

May 9th, 2012
11:41 am

I predict Marvin will finally get traded to Cleveland for the expiring contract of Luke Walton, who will actually get bought out soon after joining the Hawks.

cp

May 9th, 2012
11:43 am

They won but they did everything they could to give it away. The turnovers are really killing the Hawks. They have to stop being so careless with the ball. The probably lose about 6 points a game just from the bigs trying to lead the break. I really with they would grab the board, give the pg the ball, and just fill the lanes. The Hawks have to stop going away from whats working. They get a lead and go right into iso ball for whatever reasons. LD and his sub patterns are still baffling. I see no reason why Willie Green should be playing. He is giving the team nothing on offense and is getting torched on defense. Hinrich was playing well last night but didnt get back in the game. If the Hawks lose this series it will be because of all the turnovers and coaching.

vava74

May 9th, 2012
11:48 am

No one in their right mind will trade for Marvin unless they are dumping an even worse contract.

It’s that simple.

Why would CLE trade an asset (expiring Walton contract) for a guy whose game can replicated by guys earning 2/3 million?

Just Joe

May 9th, 2012
11:51 am

Because apparently (based on rumors), CLE has always had a bit of a crush on Marvin’s potential.

Lacsho

May 9th, 2012
11:57 am

KevinM:
Lascho, perhaps Dallas will take Marvin to get Lamar off their books. Here is the current state of Odom’s contract with Dallas:

If Odom gets a divorce (lol), I’d take him in a heartbeat for Marvin.

Rod from CP:

Do you actually think a team would do that? Why would someone trade a 1rst round pick for Marvin? Michael Beasley is much better than Marvin, makes less money than Marvin for less number of years, why would they take Marvin?

It was wishful thinking. Minn. drafted Derrick Williams, and he going to be a beast at small forward. They will trade Beasley in the off season.

I think Marvin can be a good SF in another system. He needs a change of scenery (ala JaVale McGhee going to Denver) We all know he was a lost cause in Washington. Again, I said good, not great.

Peace

Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde

May 9th, 2012
11:57 am

3 blocks for Horford. I’m proud.

Just Joe

May 9th, 2012
12:00 pm

Cleveland only needs a SF to rebound and defend if they take the best SG available with their lottery pick, and a project big with the Lakers’ first rd pick. IMO, Marvin is a so-so defender, but a pretty good rebounder.

Cleveland with a backcourt of Irving and Bradley Beal? Front court of Marvin, Thompson, and Verejao?

PaulWrangler

May 9th, 2012
12:01 pm

Josh Smith tried to gift wrap the game and give it away to the Celtics by passing the ball in to Rondo in the closing minutes of last nights game. I couldnt believe that the great work by Al Horford was about to get wasted because of josh’s inability to excel in critical moments of games. I wish the Hawks could fire Larry Drew and bring in former hawks coach Hubie Brown. Hubie could take the Atlanta roster and probably win 60 games a year with it. I was a little stunned by that play, but thank God the hawks survived it and Al Horford shut down Rondo on the baseline and saved the game for us. AL HORFORD SHOULD HAVE BEEN PLAYER OF THE GAME LAST NIGHT. HE IS A VALUABLE MEMBER OF THE HAWKS TEAM AND THE HAWKS ARE CLEARLY A DIFFERENT TEAM WITH “BIG” AL IN THE LINEUP. I would go one step further and venture to say that the Hawks are a CHAMPIONSHIP THREAT with Al Horford in the lineup. Al makes that much of a difference and should be getting a BIG RAISE the next time he has contract negotiations.

JessieHester

May 9th, 2012
12:04 pm

DID YOU SEE MARVIN (employee 24) LAST NIGHT! Marvin played his best game as a pro and hit 2 three-pointers in a row for the first time in his career!!! EMPLOYEE #24 WAS KICKING BUTT AND TAKING NAMES LAST NIGHT. Thanks for saving our season Marvin.

HoosierHawk

May 9th, 2012
12:05 pm

I had forgotten that Al also (like Josh) refuses to give the ball to Teague and brings it up himself. Watch Teague’s body language when Al does that when he is standing right there looking for the ball. It’s one thing to do it on the break, but another when it it is bringing up the ball to play in half court. There were a few plays where Al literally looked like he did not want Teague touching the ball.

vava74

May 9th, 2012
12:08 pm

HoosierHawk,

But only Josh is “called out” for doing that.

WE SIMPLY HAVE NO COACHING. THIS IS SELF EVIDENT BY LD’s admission that he likes and accepts this.

cwebb

May 9th, 2012
12:08 pm

Michael Cunningham,

It’s so obvious you don’t like Joe Johnson. I think it becomes a little unprofessionnal. You’re a journalist, not a fan. Your have to be fair in your judgements. You have the power to influence people and it is what you do. You’re dividing the fan base by bashing a player. We are Hawks fans. We’re supposed to stay united. Stop trying to divide us and be act like a real journalist.

It’s my post from the previous blog. I repeat for you, MR. CUNNINGHAM, write like a professionnal journalist and not like the leader of the Joe Johnson hate club
We are in the playoffs, stop dividing the fan base with your personnal issues with JJ. It’s a shame. Think about it

JessieHester

May 9th, 2012
12:09 pm

Al Horford reminds me of a young dominant Tracy McGrady. Al has the same build and is just as athletic and almost as skillfull. Al just doesnt shoot nowhere as good as T-Mac used to.T-Mac is a certain lock for the hall of fame and Im glad he is finishing his career with the Atlanta Hoks.

drmaryb.(*_*).

May 9th, 2012
12:10 pm

Najeh

“drmaryb, you got everything right about that Sonics-Nuggets series except the presence of Ray Allen. Allen only made it to the Sonics in like 2005 or something. He played the first seven or eight years of his career in Milwaukee, and made it to the playoffs with Sam Cassell and Glenn Robinson several times.”
__________

Thanks for the Ray Allen insight. But, at least you got the gist of that post. I didn’t know Ray played in Milwaukee, but he has been in the league almost 17 years or so, it seems. Also, thanks for getting my back with that “splackavellie” troll, now I don’t have to put him on blast, (just ignoring that ish).

I’m just so happy we won that game last night. Horford really showed up and displayed leadership. I had forgotten how much we missed his quick feet and sure hands in the paint. No more fumbled passes for us fans to endure, especially in close games that we have lost by less than 5 points. I was wrong about his ability to return this post season too, I guess I just didn’t want to get my hopes up.

Najeh, who do you think is The Hawks true core to get this team to elite status? Who would you keep or, let go? Who would you like to see come in here in a trade, a SF or SG?

vava74

May 9th, 2012
12:12 pm

jlewis

May 9th, 2012
12:13 pm

Ray:

This is an ISO league, if you have league pass, you go and see how many times Kobe, Lebron, Carmelo, Dwade play in isolation. What is your explanation for when they double the guy and he doesnt have the ball, thats respect, you dont be a 6 time all star with respect from coaches in the league. Also, MC is bias against JJ, he hasnt pointed out any of the double teams, he didnt mention JJ forcing Pierce to shoot an airball at the end of the game. He’s trying to cater to the negative element on this blog and he does a good job of it. Call out LD, teague for no defense on Rondo, Josh for making bonehead plays, no big men in the series, but yet he puts it all on JJ. It is unprofessional, the bias shows.

jimh

May 9th, 2012
12:13 pm

Been to lots of games at Phillips but don’t remember as many fans for the opposing team as last night. Thank goodness for the “no mor chickin” folks who put hawk’s fans in cheap seats because the lower bowl was about split. Al made the difference every time they tried to double joe and or josh there was al exposing them.I expect them to run a lot more fouls (and maybe some leper-Con flops) at the hawks next time. That’s where they have a true advantage!

Rod from College Park

May 9th, 2012
12:13 pm

“It was wishful thinking. Minn. drafted Derrick Williams, and he going to be a beast at small forward. They will trade Beasley in the off season.

I think Marvin can be a good SF in another system. He needs a change of scenery (ala JaVale McGhee going to Denver) We all know he was a lost cause in Washington. Again, I said good, not great.”

The problem is not Marvin, it’s his contract. Plus he has a player option in the last year of his deal. No one will take on his production for that contract, unless they are getting rid of a worse contract. Marvin will never have a better chance to be a good small forward than he has here. He will never get as many open looks as he gets with the Hawks. Javale Mcgee is a talented kid who just needs to be coached up, and taught how to play the right way, similar to Josh Smith. Marvin has totally different issues. He knows how to play the right way, he just does not have the talent to do so. He is simply a jump shooter at this point in his career, and an okay rebounder.. If his shot is not falling, he is useless.

glw

May 9th, 2012
12:14 pm

Hoosier Hawk,

Seems as though i remmber that, it seems like Horford totally ignored Teague, it was almost like he was trying to get it to Joe. Drew has to get Josh and Horford to give the rock up. Teague should demand it too. clap hands loud are whatever. Hopefully next season, that will be the next evolution in the development of Teague….truly take over the team

Dept. Of Unintended Irony

May 9th, 2012
12:18 pm

“I never new LD actually admited is ignorance and low bball IQ.”

enough said.

Section 303

May 9th, 2012
12:18 pm

jimh, if that’s the case, then you have not been to that many games at Philips. I’ve seen a lot worse than last night. In fact, I thought the fans were good last night.

drmaryb.(*_*).

May 9th, 2012
12:21 pm

IF!

If you score enough points, you can take the refs out of the game.

LETS SCORE HAWKS!!! Outside peanut butter – Inside Jelly.

Rod from College Park

May 9th, 2012
12:32 pm

I will be the first to admit that I predicted Boston to win this series, but thats why they play the games. The bottom line is Boston is wounded, kind of like we were when the series started. Pierce and Allen are not themselves, and it’s obvious. Any coach worth a grain of salt should notice this and attack. Pierce can’t move laterally because of his knee, so we should be running plays to attack him defensively. Ray Allen can’t check Joe, and never could, so when he is on Joe attack him. The key to beating Boston is limiting Pierce. We should be playing him the same way they play Joe. Make the other guys beat you. Make KG, Bass, and Rondo beat you from the perimeter. Double Pierce evertime he catches and make him give the ball up. It’s really no that difficult.

jimh

May 9th, 2012
12:34 pm

Section 303 been to lots of chi, lakers, knicks,heat and other celts (reg season and playoffs) and the lower bowl was full of green, maybe not up there. Our section 212 had more green than red and were louder than home fans. Talk to some from KC, WV and others who came in for this game.

Jay-Bird

May 9th, 2012
12:40 pm

We will never, no, nada, not a chance win a championship with Josh Smith. And he wonders why his peers don’t select him to the All-Star team. CAN’T COUNT ON HIM.

Ray

May 9th, 2012
12:43 pm

@ Jlewis

All those players you mentioned >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Choke Johnson.

Everyone does do Iso plays, but not as bad as Joe does it. Actually don’t even put Carmelo in there he got the same problem only thing is when they do Iso Melo he can actually score.

vava74

May 9th, 2012
12:54 pm

Rod from College Park

May 9th, 2012
12:32 pm

Co-sign.

BUT: we don’t have a coach, so…

Bostonfan

May 9th, 2012
12:59 pm

Wow. a couple of days ago you were all thinking off season and now with just a win (barely by the way) you think you actually might win the series???? common!!!!
Unless you haven’t noticed, This is the way the Celtics are. Up and Down but bottom line is they are a more talented, experienced and better coached team. you are not winning three games in a row.

Better luck next year Hawk fans…

Astro Joe

May 9th, 2012
1:03 pm

I’m pretty sure that Beasley is a UFA this summer, so any trade would have to be done as a S&T and Miny won’t likely go for that. Odom will be bought out so that Dallas will be able to sign Deron and an above average FA. Don’t expect them to use that cap space to absorb Marvin.

O'brien

May 9th, 2012
1:05 pm

From espn;

And it’s encouraging that the Hawks survived bad games from their two best players while sans Horford. Joe Johnson was 6-of-17 with four turnovers, including a brutal one on a mystifying play at the end of the third quarter that led to an easy Boston lay-up, capping a 10-0 run that rallied the Celtics within two to start the fourth.

Atlanta kept beating the iso-Joe horse in the fourth quarter to little effect and bizarrely played Willie Green instead of Kirk Hinrich in the second half; Green was -11 in seven minutes and only a defensive board saved him from Club Trillion..

Even John Hollinger can see what we all have been saying. But yet LD continues to do what he does SMH

vava74

May 9th, 2012
1:18 pm

OB,

LD continues to do what he does which is “NOTHING”, so it’s easy for him to continue at that.

In the rare occasion that he does “SOMETHING”, that “SOMETHING” cannot be called “COACHING” and is usually detrimental to the team’s success.

JuliusCesaer

May 9th, 2012
1:18 pm

WOW, WHAT A NIGHT LAST NIGHT AT THE HIGHLITE FACTORY. Marvin Williams shoots the ball like Pistol Pete Maravich; Al Horford blocks the paint like Wilt Chamberlain, and last but not least Josh Smith plays the game of his life and looks like Michael Jordan as the Hawks rock the Celtics and extend the series to six games. wow, what an effort!

Astro Joe

May 9th, 2012
1:21 pm

The iso plays are also designed to milk the clock. They are not entirely about scoring. It is hard to perfectly time getting a shot off if it requires passing and cutting and screens, etc. I dont think that LD is running them because they are super efficient and always result in points. I think he is doing it to ensure that the offense takes a good 20+ seconds off the clock before a shot goes up. IMO, the question isn’t should an iso play be run to protect a thin and late lead (I think the answer is clearly yes), but when do you start running them.

Ray

May 9th, 2012
1:27 pm

@ Astro Joe

If that’s the case you’re playing not to lose we want to play to win at least coming from you that’s what it sounds like.

I’d understand milking the clock if you’re up my 15 with like 5 mins left that’s another story, but the Iso Joe happens sometimes just whenever. Our future should be Teague, Horford(gain a lot of respect for him this playoffs), Josh, and Zaza.

Everyone else I won’t say expendable except Joe and Marvin they really are expendable. Those two leaving would hit us in the short term, but Josh or Al leaving effects us long term.

Ra'mon

May 9th, 2012
1:29 pm

Every one getting on Josh for a couple of plays is forgetting some vast details. First, the man is playing on one leg. Playing one of the best defensive teams on one leg. Not to mention, Josh didn’t get ANY plays off during the second half (Joe either). After Josh’s resurgence helped get the lead up to seven, Joe decided to play one on five for the next three-four times down the trip. I see Josh instructing players to get the ball to Joe in the post or on the wing, when Joe has it going. But I rarely see Joe instructing other players to clear out or get the ball to Josh (or Al) when he has it going. Instead he says ‘I’m still the Alpha dog, and I’m going to see if I can get my flow back.’

Now, I’m truly wondering if there is a way the Hawks could turn Joe into Nash and James Harden. A lineup of Nash-Harden-sf-Josh-Al would be very formidable for a few years.

By the way, have any of you guys noticed that when Kirk came here he was used to structured offenses (Kansas, Chicago, Flip Saunders). Now even he plays one on one basketball moreso than not, lol. The Woody/LD affect, lol.

If the I was Michael Gearon, I would do whatever I can, to at least, acquire Jerry Sloan and Steve Nash this off season, no matter the cost. LD is a decent head coach, as is Woody. But neither are a championship level head coach who could win a series in which they are the underdog. Jerry Sloan has done this, and could do it here. Look what Sloan did with Matt Harpring. And if you think about it, is Ivan Johnson’s skill set that much different than Milsap, who Sloan coached into making Boozer expendable?

northcyde

May 9th, 2012
1:35 pm

JessieHester

May 9th, 2012
12:04 pm

DID YOU SEE MARVIN (employee 24) LAST NIGHT! Marvin played his best game as a pro and hit 2 three-pointers in a row for the first time in his career!!! EMPLOYEE #24 WAS KICKING BUTT AND TAKING NAMES LAST NIGHT. Thanks for saving our season Marvin.

*********************

I know this is sarcasm ( I think ) . . . but Marvin has hit 4 threes in a row ( ironically vs Boston in the 2008 – 09 season ). And I think he’s made 5 – 6 threes in a game this year vs Detroit.

Cwebb

May 9th, 2012
1:37 pm

Michael Cunningham

Haven’t you noticed a lot of people are calling you out for your lack of professionnalism the last couple of days ? There even is a thread about you on Hawksquawks.com.
Are you even reading your own blog ? You don’t really seem passionate about your job. Can you answer that question: why are you trying to divide the fanbase ? Try to be a little more professionnal in your judgements.

KevinM

May 9th, 2012
1:43 pm

“Astro Joe

May 9th, 2012
1:03 pm
I’m pretty sure that Beasley is a UFA this summer, so any trade would have to be done as a S&T and Miny won’t likely go for that. Odom will be bought out so that Dallas will be able to sign Deron and an above average FA. Don’t expect them to use that cap space to absorb Marvin.”

AJ, Cuban has been known to make some strange moves, like signing Haywood and Marion longterm, but letting Chandler go…scratching my head on those moves.
Honestly, I would be suprised to see anyone take on Marvin’s salary, but if Odom garners little interest based on his contract, could we get the local GM to make ‘A’ move in the offseason? So far, our offseasons are as eventful as the regular season, where Sund says he doesn’t like to make moves. He inherited the core, added Teague and just goes to a movie.

What was nice about last night’s win is that Pierce wasn’t able to get to the FT line for free points. He was not looking for contact last night and that in itself could sway this series in our favor.

Just saw DWade interview and he was asked if he knew about Mike Bibby….DWade said yes, and Mike made more shots (2) then he made all last season…ouch! Bibby gets the start for Woody tonight….ah, the good ole days from yesteryear.

Ra'mon

May 9th, 2012
1:43 pm

AJ, that strategy is playing not to lose. At the end of the day, when playing a team like Boston, points are a premium. So if you’re in a groove where you’re scoring, it is foolish to shift from that, to milking the clock, when Boston has shown you they can get 6-10 in less than a minute with no problem. That is when you have to know the make up of your team. True you want your defense to lead to offense. But on THIS team, scoring leads to more inspired defense. So if you start running iso with 4-5 minutes on the clock, you’re essentially restraining one of your hands behind your back and hoping you come survive, instead of win. Also wouldn’t it be better if you are going to start doing one on one, to go with the player(s) who has it going that quarter more so?

Fireld!

May 9th, 2012
1:48 pm

Astro Joe

May 9th, 2012
1:21 pm
The iso plays are also designed to milk the clock. They are not entirely about scoring. It is hard to perfectly time getting a shot off if it requires passing and cutting and screens, etc. I dont think that LD is running them because they are super efficient and always result in points. I think he is doing it to ensure that the offense takes a good 20+ seconds off the clock before a shot goes up. IMO, the question isn’t should an iso play be run to protect a thin and late lead (I think the answer is clearly yes), but when do you start running them.

__________________________________________________________

You do not run iso joe up four pts with over 2 minutes left(against the celts pierce,allan, rondo Kg?), mabye 26 seconds left. And if you do don’t dribble for 17 + seconds and then kick it to your center with 2 seconds left. Attack the rim and draw a foul. We don’t just run iso joe when we are up, but also when we are down.

corporate tv ball sux

May 9th, 2012
1:49 pm

al horford is a leader and a proven winner. just what the hawks need at this time. 9 to 5 off the bench. would still have kh starting and marvin off the bench.
gotta like this teams chances when we are healthy, play hard, and play like a team.

KevinM

May 9th, 2012
1:50 pm

Now, as of today, are we thinking that LD is definitely back next year?
He has ‘lifted’ this team to 2 straight #5 seeds for a team that should be a contender by now, but………

I can’t say I welcome the same team back next year, but we probably know what’s coming without even following the team this offseason.

TMACfan

May 9th, 2012
1:51 pm

can’t believe someone compared Al Horford and young TMAC….

There is NO comparison.

JessieHester

May 9th, 2012
1:51 pm

northcyde: I get your point about Marvin Williams. Maybe it wasnt his best game as a pro, but Marvins timely and rare shooting touch helped give the Hawks the momentum they needed to hold off the aging celtics. The Hawks should be running the ball against the celtics and if they do that when the game starts, the Hawks will have at least a 20-point lead by the end of the 3rd quarter. Go Hawks. All the way to the finals against the OKC Thunder.

Fireld!

May 9th, 2012
1:54 pm

And if you are wasting clock it is a way to do it and make the defense work(ball movement) instead of watching one guy pound the ball. Hey, you might even find someone cutting for an open basket and put you up six instead of a fadeaway over 2 people.

Ra'mon

May 9th, 2012
2:05 pm

Lol, T-Mac was the BEST scorer in the game before his back started acting up. At that time, Kobe couldn’t post up like T- Mac can.

Astro Joe

May 9th, 2012
2:08 pm

I don’t disagree that running it too early is a mistake. Like I said, there is a good time to run iso plays.

Kevin, the future is Teague and others? So are you saying that we should use this playoff to develop the next wave of closers and ignore guys who have been successful closing in the past?

And because it is hard to score against the Celtics, there is something to be said for protecting that lead and not assuming that they won;t adjust to the previous set of plays that were successful.

Bottom line, some of y’all make it sound like any guy with a keyboard could call the right play at the end of a tightly fought game against a team like the Celtics. IMO, it ain’t that easy.

Najeh Davenpoop

May 9th, 2012
2:13 pm

From Buddy on Hoopinion:

“Whether my theory proves true or not, or whether the events are far-enough removed for Jeff to finally come clean, I believe it’s not too late for Marvin to reverse the Benjamin Button process. I believe he can resume his former 15 PPG glory. Imagine what would happen if Marvin showed the same professionalism this off-season as Josh Smith displayed when he showed up for camp last year. Imagine if Marvin Williams came back next season in the best shape of his life.”

Kind of hard to come into training camp in shape when you spend your summer sitting in classrooms.

It might also help if he watched basketball, which he admits he doesn’t like to do.

Astro Joe

May 9th, 2012
2:14 pm

Sorry, tat “Kevin” should have been “Ray”… about using this playoff for developmental purposes.

Please read my original post regarding iso plays… I stated from jump street that the issue is WHEN you run them… and I agree that 4-5 minutes left in a agame is way too early.

I suspect that when you guys watch teams in similar situations tonight or Thursday, LD won’t be the lone head coach that asks a player to “hold the ball”. Many a “dagger” shot comes off of a iso situation.

mountain_jim

May 9th, 2012
2:15 pm

Another post to echo what Hollinger and we see but LD does not:

“Atlanta kept beating the iso-Joe horse in the fourth quarter to little effect and bizarrely played Willie Green instead of Kirk Hinrich in the second half; Green was -11 in seven minutes and only a defensive board saved him from Club Trillion.”

Najeh Davenpoop

May 9th, 2012
2:22 pm

FTPB

“Al with some swagger at 0:00 last night with a ‘MF’ acknowledgement…was that directed at motor mouth KG?”

If you watch the final scene of the game as the game clock expired, look closely at the reactions of Al, Josh, and Joe. There’s a really good angle at about 0:28 in this video.

Al: “F-CK YEAH WE’RE GOING BACK TO BOSTON MOTHERF-CKERS!!!!” (note: might not actually be what he said)

Josh: “PHEW I just played 46 minutes and nearly threw the game away just now but I’m so relieved that we won I just want to fall asleep on this scorer’s table”

Joe: “zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz”

Astro Joe

May 9th, 2012
2:23 pm

And Ray, you do realize that LD’s contract isn’t guaranteed next year, right? I seriously doubt that he wants to go home in June and tell his wife, “dear, I don’t have a job anymore because instead of using one of my experienced captains to close out that close game against the Celtics, I decided to give one of our younger players the chance to experience the pressure of making a big shot in the postseason. But the owners do appreciate that I helped develop that player for their next head coach… but we do need to cancel our French Riviera vacation”.

northcyde

May 9th, 2012
2:26 pm

LOL @ people calling out MC for taking shots at JJ. He’s actually been doing it for a while now, but just not this obvious. I think he and most of the media ( including most of us fans ) believed that the Hawks would lose last night, so that “JJ Quotes” blog by him was the gasoline that would supposedly burn the Hawks house down completely, with JJ still in it.

And instead of citing that JJ’s 9 points in the 2nd quarter was key in the Hawks coming back iin that game in the 1st half ( along with Marvin’s 3s and good team defense ), he has to stay consistent with the anti-JJ theme, and cite how he only scored 4 points on 6 shots in the 2nd half.

My thing is, just be objective. JJ didn’t have an overall good game, but his 2nd quarter was one of the keys in us getting back in the game. If he can cite the overall effect of someone like Josh, who had some definite bad moments sprinkled in with some good, he can do the same for JJ.

Having said that . . while MC’s sarcasm was a little unprofessional by some standards, he’s right in that JJ was very indecisive last night. I know I was screaming the entire game for JJ to just rise up and shoot the dang ball. There were plenty of times in that game in which he had Pietrus or Pierce sized up, but went into And-1 Mixtape mode, and tried to dribble around them.

If he would simply do what Melo does, which is catch the ball at a standstill, face up his man, and shoot a standstill jumper from about 18 – 22 feet, he would probably be more efficient of a player. That’s why part of the reason with JJ not getting enough shots up is on him. Just catch the ball, and shoot the dang thing before the double team comes. If he misses, maybe the Hawks get an offensive rebound.

One thing Drew needs to be telling JJ and the rest of the team is, if JJ gets doubleed, someone GO TO THE BALL, Or at the very least, the player who had his guy leave him to double JJ, should be cut toward the basket. He’s left out there to die when the double comes.

@ O’Brien . . . if JJ does break loose for a big game, it’l probably be because he’s red hot from 3 point range. Like a 6 – 8 3FG type game from 3. Usually when a road team wins a game in the playoffs, it’s because someone on the squad has a huge game. JJ did it twice last year ( once vs Orlando and Chicago ). He partially did it in Game 3 this series, albeit on a lot of shots. If he has one more in him, it’ll probably be similar to Game 1 in Chicago last year.

Najeh Davenpoop

May 9th, 2012
2:33 pm

“the question isn’t should an iso play be run to protect a thin and late lead (I think the answer is clearly yes), but when do you start running them.”

It’s also who should be running them. There is only one guy on this team who is quick enough to put pressure on the defense out of an isolation situation and conceivably get a good shot for a teammate. That guy is Jeff Teague. If the Hawks are going to run isos, Teague should be the guy with the ball in his hands.

For the record I don’t think milking the clock is that important, or that iso is so crucial to milking the clock. The Hawks play at such a slow pace in the half court anyway, that if they just ran their usual post up plays, they would end up getting a shot with 5 seconds or less on the clock that would almost certainly be a better shot than they get out of iso-Joe.

Najeh Davenpoop

May 9th, 2012
2:35 pm

Iso-Joe is the equivalent of Michael Turner running the ball right into the middle of the line for no gain over and over again. Yeah, it keeps the clock moving, but if you’re not putting up points (or picking up first downs) the other team is still going to get the ball back with a chance to cut into the lead.

Najeh Davenpoop

May 9th, 2012
2:37 pm

“Now, I’m truly wondering if there is a way the Hawks could turn Joe into Nash and James Harden. A lineup of Nash-Harden-sf-Josh-Al would be very formidable for a few years.”

Harden reminds me a lot of a younger Joe. I agree, if the Hawks could replace Joe with Harden, they would be in great shape for a long time. Unfortunately this isn’t NBA 2k though. I don’t see the Thunder letting him go that easily.

Rod from College Park

May 9th, 2012
2:38 pm

From Buddy on Hoopinion:

“Whether my theory proves true or not, or whether the events are far-enough removed for Jeff to finally come clean, I believe it’s not too late for Marvin to reverse the Benjamin Button process. I believe he can resume his former 15 PPG glory. Imagine what would happen if Marvin showed the same professionalism this off-season as Josh Smith displayed when he showed up for camp last year. Imagine if Marvin Williams came back next season in the best shape of his life.”

Marvin being in shape has nothing to do with his game being what it is either. Marvin being scared, goofy and weak (needs to stay in the weight room) is what prevents him from being better. Marvin has never been out of shape, he has always been in basketball shape, but he does not have that inner dog in him.

Astro Joe

May 9th, 2012
2:40 pm

northcyde, I;m not disagreeing with you at all. But Joe is also often trying to draw the double team in hopes of getting the ball to the open man. So I think that is part of his indecisiveness. One of the last possessions, he drew in the extra defender and passed to an open Horford for a mid-range jumper. It missed, but he milked the shot clock dry and got a teammate a makeable shot. I don’t think Joe is interested in scoring like a Melo… and Melo isn’t interested in setting up his teammates like Joe. Clearly, there is a happy place in the middle. When Joe talks about more FGAs, he isn’t asking for 20, he’s saying that 8 isn’t enough.

Given the way MC has split time with Vivlamore this season, maybe MC is trying to burn a bridge behind him before he moves to some new gig at another spot.

northcyde

May 9th, 2012
2:42 pm

Astro Joe

May 9th, 2012
2:14 pm

Sorry, tat “Kevin” should have been “Ray”… about using this playoff for developmental purposes.

Please read my original post regarding iso plays… I stated from jump street that the issue is WHEN you run them… and I agree that 4-5 minutes left in a agame is way too early.

I suspect that when you guys watch teams in similar situations tonight or Thursday, LD won’t be the lone head coach that asks a player to “hold the ball”. Many a “dagger” shot comes off of a iso situation.

***************

This is correct. Everybody runs ISO at the end of games, especially if they have the lead. It’ the NBA equivalent to just running the ball when a game is under 4 minutes left, to run as much clock out as you can.

I agree that you DON’T run ISO if you’re only up a small margin, or if it’s still 4 minutes in a game.

And I think it is about time that Teague have the ball at the end of games. If we’re still going to run offense through JJ, let Teague hold the ball for 10 seconds, then run a play for JJ with about 10 seconds to go in the clock. This will force JJ to make a quicker decision on what to do as far as shot wise, and it may prevent the defense from doubling him so easy.

If the play breaks down, and Teague can’t get the ball to JJ, then it’s up to Teague to use his speed to get into the paint.

There are ways to run clock, and still get a decent shot off. What we can’t have, is JJ holding the ball and turning it over after having it for 20 seconds. Just get him the ball with 10 seconds on the clock, and see if that gets him a chance at a better shot.

Rod from College Park

May 9th, 2012
2:43 pm

“Iso-Joe is the equivalent of Michael Turner running the ball right into the middle of the line for no gain over and over again. Yeah, it keeps the clock moving, but if you’re not putting up points (or picking up first downs) the other team is still going to get the ball back with a chance to cut into the lead.”

Agreed, or UGA running that same stupid delayed draw play that never works.

Najeh Davenpoop

May 9th, 2012
2:45 pm

I am pretty confident that Teague, Joe, Josh, and Al will play reasonably well in Game 6. Maybe they won’t all play their best, but they won’t embarrass themselves either. Even if that happens, though, the Hawks are not going to win unless some role player steps up and has a big game. In Game 5, that was Marvin. In Game 6, if it’s not him (and knowing his history it almost certainly won’t be), then it has to be Kirk or T-Mac or Ivan or maybe even Pargo.

That’s a big difference between a well-coached team like Boston, where every role player knows exactly where they need to be on the floor, and the Hawks. Players like Brandon Bass know exactly where they need to be to make the biggest possible impact. Players like Marvin — and I’m not making excuses for the litany of disappointing things he does, but this does factor into it — kind of aimlessly drift around on the floor sometimes without consistently being in a position to maximize their impact on the game.

Role players generally play worse on the road. Good coaching can mitigate that. The Hawks don’t have good coaching. The Celtics do.

Najeh Davenpoop

May 9th, 2012
2:48 pm

“Everybody runs ISO at the end of games, especially if they have the lead.”

Boston doesn’t. San Antonio doesn’t.

“And I think it is about time that Teague have the ball at the end of games. If we’re still going to run offense through JJ, let Teague hold the ball for 10 seconds, then run a play for JJ with about 10 seconds to go in the clock. This will force JJ to make a quicker decision on what to do as far as shot wise, and it may prevent the defense from doubling him so easy.

If the play breaks down, and Teague can’t get the ball to JJ, then it’s up to Teague to use his speed to get into the paint.”

YES. EXACTLY.

I have no problem with Joe taking shots at the end of the game. I really don’t have a problem with Joe leading the team in shots. Just make sure he gets his shots within the flow of the offense in positions where he can catch and shoot instead of having to create his own shot. Run plays for him and let someone else set him up.

To those of y’all complaining about MC, he’s really complaining more about the usage of Joe, which is partly on him and partly on coaching.

Astro Joe

May 9th, 2012
2:55 pm

Najeh, if memory serves me correctly, Bass shot a long 20 footer late in last night’s game… it was an awful shot that I’m sure Boston fans were yelling about. It was one of those “just because you can make it doesn’t mean that you should shoot it” kind of shots.

northcyde, it depends on the match-up. Against Boston, it would be hard for Joe to shake Pietrus and Boston’s interior defense is very stout and may leave Teague with very few options. But with Horford back (and hopefully making his shot), having Teague try to penetrate will hopefully leave 1 of 3 very good perimeter shooters open for a jumper. Of course, in a perfect world, Boston would rotate Josh’s defender and leave him open for the 20 footer.

Again, I’m not sure that a head coach with another month of guaranteed money is going to do too much experimenting at this stage of the playoffs.

Buddy Grizzard

May 9th, 2012
2:59 pm

Rod from CP sure he’s in basketball shape, but more strength and less weight would help his balance and he wouldn’t get knocked around so much.

northcyde

May 9th, 2012
3:00 pm

Astro . . yeah I know that’s exactly what JJ is doing . . trying to draw the double team to him. But sometimes, you just have to catch and shoot the ball and look for your own offense.

That was what I was alluding to in the blogs leading up to last night. JJ is sometimes TOO unselfish of a player ( despite people thinking he is selfish ). The top scorers in this league will dang near shoot the ball from anywhere on the court at anytime. JJ doesn’t have that mentality, which is why he hasn’t put up many 30 point games in the playoffs.

His 6 – 17 FG game should’ve easily been a 9 – 22 FG game, if he just shot the dang ball.

PaulWinchester

May 9th, 2012
3:00 pm

No one wants to give JJ his due. There are 3 reasons why the Hawks will win this years NBA finals against the OKC Thunder. #1:Joe Johnson is the second best clutch player in the league behind Kobe Bryant. #2: Will Al Horford returning to his all-star form last night, the hawks now have the muscle inside to keep opposing players from roaming in the paint, and toward the baselines [Rondo found that out the hard way last night when he ran into a brick wall (horford) at the baseline; and #3: the hawks have just barely enough talent to win the title this year, with JJ, josh, Al, T-Mac, Stackhouse, Teague, Hinrich and the gang—I dont see anyone beating the Hawks, not even the Oklahoma City Thunder. Go all the way–beat the Thunder in 7 in the finals! WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BANNER #1 TO GO UP TO THE RAFTERS AT PHILLIPS.

Rod from College Park

May 9th, 2012
3:02 pm

vava,

We have agreed today, but the facts still remain that the offense is what is doing us in. In this series, the first team to 85 wins, except for game 1. Boston actually looks like they are almost running some sort of box in 1 on Joe, and then sending a double team at him also. Someone on the Hawks has to be able to take advantage of that. Last night in the second half, it was Marvin, and Horford. Marvin simply knocking down those wide open 3’s was the difference. People should not get overly excited and think that Horford is a new guy now, it’s simply about the matchups. Whichever guy between Josh and Horford that KG is not guarding ,that guy has a mismatch offensively. Brandon Bass can’t check Horford, or Josh.

Rebounding has been great by the Hawks, but there is a reason for that. Yesterday it was pointed out that Josh is the leading rebounder in the playoffs. We all know that is strange, but it’s because Boston does not go after offensive rebounds. They think it’s more impertant to get back to prevent the fast break. Those rebounding numbers are inflated for our team. The rebounds that matter for us are offensive rebounds, which Horford helped with laat night.

The offensive is what is killing us, and it is not because of Boston’s great defense. It’s because we are turning the ball over at a very high rate, because of stupid passes, and PF’s trying to be Magic Johnson, and stupid predictable offensive sets like ISO JOE, when we were rolling with Teague and Horford running that high pick and roll.. Reggie Miller pointed that out many times yesterday. Having one of those other guys except Josh or Joe, step up offensively is what won the game for us.

Rod from College Park

May 9th, 2012
3:04 pm

“Rod from CP sure he’s in basketball shape, but more strength and less weight would help his balance and he wouldn’t get knocked around so much.”

Agreed. His core strength is terrible, but he is just goofy. No amount of training can cure that.

JuliusCesaer

May 9th, 2012
3:06 pm

Now that Marvin Williams is shooting the ball like the #1 pick in the draft that he was, shooting as good as “Pistol” Pete Maravich, the Hawks have a great chance to win the gold trophy this year.

northcyde

May 9th, 2012
3:11 pm

Funny how Marvin making 3s in the 2nd and 3rd quarters was huge in last night’s win. But if we had lost, those would have been “hollow” points.

ptreeshaq

May 9th, 2012
3:13 pm

MC,

Any word on Zaza coming back for game 6..?

terrell

May 9th, 2012
3:13 pm

Lacsho, WHO IN THE HELL WOULD GIVE UP A 1ST RD PICK FOR MARVIN? lmao

High-sider

May 9th, 2012
3:18 pm

Rod from College Park
May 9th, 2012
11:10 am

“I’d trade Marvin straight up for a frst round pick or I would try to trade him for Michael Beasley in Minnesota.”

Do you actually think a team would do that? Why would someone trade a 1rst round pick for Marvin? Michael Beasley is much better than Marvin, makes less money than Marvin for less number of years, why would they take Marvin?
——————————————————-

Co-sign. Marvin Williams is the epitome of a “toxic asset.” Marvin Williams is an ill-liquid asset stuck and rotting on the [Atlanta Hawks'] books [and/or balance sheet].

SteveW

May 9th, 2012
3:20 pm

I have seen alot of iso players from Jordan, to Magic, to ‘Melo, to Kobe, to Gervin, to Dantley, to Bernard King – but I have never seen anybody take half as long to make a decision on what to do with the rock as Joe. And it’s not by coachng design either – wasn’t LD saying just the other day JJ needs to be more decisive with the ball?

It’s just JJ’s game. Great points made about his: 1) His injury in Phoenix – that’s why he doesn’t take it too the hoop 2) Us not having a Coach for the most part – just get it in the “Stars” hands at the end of games and hope good things happen.

And kudos to the overlooked Teague “The 6-1 Rim Protector”. 2 more blocks last nite.

If only Marvin had his drive and hustle.

HighlightFactory

May 9th, 2012
3:22 pm

All the MO is with us now! If we get zaza back that will obviously be huge but we can win withput him. Did you guys see pierce with his old legs last night? If he’s not 100% the celts have no chance. Go Hawks!! #Beleive

HighlightFactory

May 9th, 2012
3:23 pm

SteveW

May 9th, 2012
3:24 pm

Denver’s really putting a scare into LA.

Hollinger says ZaZa may be back in game 7

Dampier is a mini-hero to this point. Very mini, except his waistline

SteveW

May 9th, 2012
3:25 pm

SteveW

May 9th, 2012
3:26 pm

Go Bulls – at least for 1 more game

Sautee

May 9th, 2012
3:32 pm

“Agreed, or UGA running that same stupid delayed draw play that never works.”

Well, not since Herschel left, anyway.

hawker

May 9th, 2012
3:36 pm

If the Hawks had had Horford and PacMan from game one they would have taken the series now I just hope the force a 7th then who knows remember anything could happen it is the Hawks…

BIG DOG

May 9th, 2012
3:36 pm

Great win by the Hawks, i almost gave away my tickets for free but started reminisce on how much i payed for dam tickets, JUST DAM.

IM HAPPY WE WON

BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE

Michael Cunningham

May 9th, 2012
3:43 pm

new blog posted. shutting down this thread.