Atlanta Hawks: The Horford effect
Boston–I mentioned in the Game 5 postgame blog that it had been so long since Al Horford played center for the Hawks it was kind of astonishing to see the difference. I’m sure the Celtics must feel the same.
Fired up the Synergy Sports Technology machine to look at Atlanta’s offensive possessions in Game 5. There was, as expected, lots of visual evidence that the threat of Horford (and Horford himself) helped lead to some good scoring opportunities for the Hawks:
- There were four possessions used in which Horford was the roll man. He missed two open pick-and-pop Js in the second quarter and later twice scored rolling to the basket.
- There was one screen-roll in which Horford’s presence led to two free-throw attempts for Marvin Williams. Marvin turned the corner off Horford’s pick and Greg Stiemsma was late coming over to challenge Marvin because he couldn’t leave Horford.
- There were 11 good spot-up attempts in which the defense was influenced by Horford’s presence. Five were by Horford himself, with three of those good looks coming after Kevin Garnett left Al to freelance (habit, I guess). Josh Smith got three good spot-up chances after his man pinched in to help from the weakside on Al’s roll to the basket. Marvin made three 3-pointers off that same action.
- Al dunked on a cut to the basket on a familiar Hawks play: After Joe Johnson rubbed Ray Allen off off a pin-down screen, Brandon Bass took a step out to deny Johnson coming off the screen and Al quickly slipped to the basket to take a nice pass from Josh.
Before Al returned to this series, the Hawks didn’t have a center the Celtics had to worry much about on the roll, on the pop or in the post. Now there is one center they have to worry about for all of those play types. As Jeff Teague put it after Game 5: “He’s a real athletic guy, athletic roller. And his presence to be able to pick-and-pop and he can switch it up and roll, that’s big.”
Horford played 41 minutes and the Hawks had by far their most efficient scoring game of the series. Among the starters, Horford’s 0.9 points per possession were third to Marvin (1.25) and Teague. (1.0). Al’s four turnovers were the only blemish on his line.
Now we’ll see how effective Al can be in Game 6 after playing so many minutes in just his second game back. Can he go 40 minutes again?
“I do not know,” Horford said today before shootaround. “That might be a little bit of a stretch. I’ll come out and give a productive run but those guys [the backups] need to be ready.”
But Hoford latter added that if the circumstances dictate it “then I may have to go 40. There is no plan.”
My guess is the Hawks will need him to do it again.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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129 comments Add your comment
Grandad
May 10th, 2012
2:21 pm
Could it be ?
Grandad
May 10th, 2012
2:26 pm
Mary Ellen … *[from the last blog]*
I thought Mr gearon was complimenting `’Damp`’ ::
When he said::
Damp looked like ‘`Grandad`’
Admirable SnAckBar
May 10th, 2012
2:36 pm
Go Hawks!
Buddy Grizzard
May 10th, 2012
2:36 pm
If Green, Pargo and Collins play with the game undecided, the Hawks will lose.
Brian215
May 10th, 2012
2:37 pm
Um yeah, problem solved. Convincing 1pt win, at home, in a must win, Celtics not getting a last shot off. Celtics by 20+ tonight. Then this type of wishful journalism can go beddy bye.
msc
May 10th, 2012
2:38 pm
have a good feeling about tonights game the hawks have so many options with joe horford smith teague and even marvin. If they double joe one of them will be open marvin will have to be productive tonight. It’s our time to win in Boston for once.
I say play kirk over willie as well.
Astro Joe
May 10th, 2012
2:39 pm
Grandad, that’s pretty funny.
Hawks can’t win this series without a game where the bench produces 20+ points. Sorry, I just don’t have that much confidence in our starters to deliver 4 wins by themselves. At some point Willie, Marvin, TMac and Pargo will need to come together and give the team a good 20+ points in around 12-15 minutes of quality play. I’m hopeful that happens tonight.
Slimjr
May 10th, 2012
2:40 pm
Celts in trouble?
Paul Pierce with a bum knee[sprained MCL]?
Have the Hawks caught a break? Stay tuned…
BTW, you need two good legs to shoot made jumpers…
beantown brawler
May 10th, 2012
2:41 pm
atlanta is a joke of an organization
Tony
May 10th, 2012
2:41 pm
Go Hawks!
You can do it!
vino
May 10th, 2012
2:41 pm
For all yall that wants to trade horford over josh remember it took josh 8 seasons for it to kinda click, only took horford his rookie season???????
I love josh but its not happening in atlanta along with marvin….
Brime Lee
May 10th, 2012
2:41 pm
I hope Game 4 disaster was necessarily a needed one for Al to take care of his rust.
I wish LD rotates guys smart rest of the series and then I think we still have a strong chance to come back and win this series.
We all know adversities and negatives about this team but..
We still want this team win, GO HAWKS!
northcyde
May 10th, 2012
2:46 pm
It wasn’t just the offensive effect, but the defensive one as well. The fact that we add another big time rebounder to this squad in the form of Horford, can’t be overlooked either. Horford’s man defense in the post may be a little less than Collins, but everything thing else he does is literally 5x better than what Collins does.
And now, we have a guy who can effectively defend the pick and roll, even stepping out to defend the ball handler if need be. It’s a potential series changer, and I think the Celtics know this.
DawgNole
May 10th, 2012
2:47 pm
Slimjr
May 10th, 2012
1:31 pm
So Paul Pierce has a sprained MCL!!!! Thats huge!!!
Karma? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
He’s only got one good leg.His body wont allow him to score 25-35 points…Joe and Marvin will have much easier time guarding him..
That opens the flood gates for the Hawks…
What a HUGE BREAK for the Hawks! Git’er done people!
__________________
You better hope he’s incapacitated, because the guy’s a proven, cold-blooded killer in crunch time. Abrasive, obnoxious, arrogant? Hell yeah–but a cold-blooded killer nonetheless.
tom
May 10th, 2012
3:11 pm
the most important influence AL can have IMO is to get the guys to remain mentally tough. we could witness the emergence of the leader the hawks desperately need.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
May 10th, 2012
3:17 pm
I like Horford but he isn’t the savior of this team. Game one was our best victory in the series.
BIG IVAN FOR PRESIDENT
glw
May 10th, 2012
3:17 pm
I hope the Hawks can pull it out tonight. But I worry about Drew and his ability to make adjustments.
If Pierce is really banged up, the Hawks have to exploit that, make him work on both ends of the floor. I am almost sure he will be on Marvin. Marvin really needs to find a way to be a factor and if he isnt, use TMac.
I think Horford will be a bit tired and not sure you can expect as strong a game from him so soon after his return from injury. LD really should pick his spot. Limit Horford minutes in the 1st half to around 15 minutes at least. Joe and Teague will need to play in the 42-44 minutes. Only 3 guys should play off the bench…..TMac, Kirk, and Dampier.
KevinM
May 10th, 2012
3:20 pm
So will TNT go on the line that the Celtics could lose because of their injuries and the Hawks could lose because they’re the Hawks?
I hear that coming already. Shaq, Kenny, nor Charles see anything they like about this game or team….it will be Rondo this, Pierce that.
Do I want the Hawks to win? Yes. Do I want to remain intact next year?
No. Simple approach to moving this franchise forward. Rid yourself of those holding you to that #4/5 seed year after year.
Sautee
May 10th, 2012
3:21 pm
“I like Horford but he isn’t the savior of this team” – Worldwide Clyde
BIG Co-sign, Clyde. I was just about to post something similar.
We win as a team, or not at all. I’m delighted to have Horford back, but who knows what he’ll give us tonight? And I’m still not over last year’s playoffs when he was mostly abysmal.
Section 303
May 10th, 2012
3:26 pm
I have to apologize…..I really think the Hawks can win tonight. Everytime I think the Hawks will win, however, they don’t. Just like everytime I think they will lose, they win. So….it’s still not stopping me from getting my hopes up.
I have to agree with Michael, Al and the other starters will have to log big minutes tonight. In my opinion, the bench play has been the most disappointing part of this series. The Hawks bench has been a plus all year. They have actually won several games this season. They’ve done nothing this series. Green, Pargo, T-Mac, Ivan….nearly complete nonfactors. Almost seems as if the moment is just too big for those guys.
Not many times in life that you get a chance to make things right. Hawks have a chance to do so tonight. There will be no more dismissing this team if they go into Boston and win Game 6. Will make them impossible to ignore.
KevinM
May 10th, 2012
3:26 pm
glw….”Only 3 guys should play off the bench…..TMac, Kirk, and Dampier.
”
I like that rotation and we shouldn’t have to go any deeper.
Make the Celtics play their Big 3/4 all the way and apply the pressure to them…those poor old hurt Celtics that are hanging on and making it tough on us….
BobbyD
May 10th, 2012
3:31 pm
Everyone saying that Horford is not the savior may be right. However, only a fool doesn’t notice how much he helps this team on both sides of the floor. Savior? Not sure. Huge piece? Without a doubt
MsDee
May 10th, 2012
3:33 pm
@Sautee,
“And I’m still not over last year’s playoffs when he was mostly abysmal.”
Based on that statement alone is one reason why AL could be that game changer. AL is FRESH, RESTED, PUMPED, AND READY TO CONTRIBUTE AND WIN WIN WIN! No need to base anything on last years’ AL, cause last years’ AL, other coaches were able to guard him on his shots since he had the highest shooting percentage in the PF/C. But this years’ AL, coaches make have forgotten what this guy can offer and im just happy he can share those gifts with us!!
northcyde
May 10th, 2012
3:37 pm
One of the things Drew has to consider, if he wants to get Smith and Horford rest, is mix Ivan into this rotation. He’s had a bad offensive series, but he does give us a guy who could defend and rebound.
I still disagree with Drew taking the starters out in chunks, replacing them with 4 bench players. Drew can do exactly what Doc does with KG. At the 6 minute mark, Garnett is ALWAYS going to come out of that game, substituted by Stiemsma. This is when I’d take either Smith or Horford out, and insert Ivan.
When Doc does this, KG is only out of the game until the next TV timeout ( around the 3 minute mark ). At that point, put Smith or Horford back in the game, and rest the other guy until the end of the quarter.
Then as the 2nd quarter starts, you’ll have the option of either keeping Ivan in the game, or go back to your starting frontline.
And at no point should 4 bench players be in this game at the same time. And no two of Teague, JJ, Smith, or Horford should be out of this game at ANY point.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
May 10th, 2012
3:37 pm
Bobby D how much did Horford help us in game 6 at home against Chicago last year?
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
3:39 pm
Grand – Daddy!
Haha … yes baby, that was a compliment. Damp does look like Grandad. LOL
And, yes it could be? You are 1st. LOL
Swingman912
May 10th, 2012
3:41 pm
Horfords play alone isn’t what got us the win. He played great, but his vocal leadership is what created a difference. Chuck, Shaq, and Kenny were right about 1 thing. Everyone else on the team is too damn cool. Smoove whines at EVERY call, though he does get fouled a lot without it being called, Teague is too passive, though he is getting better. JJ doesn’t have ANY fire whatsoever, though he ” could care less” what I think. Al hustles every play, doesn’t walk up the court on a bad call, and doesn’t quit when we’re down. That’s what can win us games, cuz he’s the only one who does that. Not to mention we now have a legit offensive threat at the 5…..Hawks win by 5 & force game 7…….CHUUUUCCHH
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
3:42 pm
NortyCyde, I love your game plan there. Too bad you’re not our coach.
Man in Black
May 10th, 2012
3:43 pm
This Hawks team if it was healthy from the start would have swept Boston – with Zaza & Horford healthy they would have pummeled Garnett. This is a great team when healthy – they would be all world if they got Dwight in free agency without giving anything up.
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
3:45 pm
Hawks 92 – 87
Jay Dubu
May 10th, 2012
3:45 pm
The Hawks have to come out, and run the Celtics out of the gym tonight. If the Hawks can get past the Celtics, they’ll make the Easter Conference Finals.
Beantown
May 10th, 2012
3:54 pm
Pierce is fine, anybody who’s watched this team in past playoffs knows how much better he is at home. We toy with teams at home, sure winning game 5 would’ve been great, but face it, the Hawks don’t have the intestinal fortitude to win a big road game………..Pierce on the other hand, won one by himself.
Sautee
May 10th, 2012
3:56 pm
MsDee,
I think you have a good point, but I’m certain that Doc Rivers and his staff have been looking to see how Orlando and Chicago defended Horford last year. They may have overlooked Horford for game 5, but they won’t tonight.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Horford’s game. But after last year, he’d got a lot to prove, and IMO didn’t prove that all was forgotten/ forgiven in just one good game. I’m afraid that too many are putting Al in a “savior” role, and that’s not who he is.
That said, it’s great to have an active big who rotates correctly (and timely) and rebounds well. I’m thrilled he’s back, but my expectations of him “leading” us to victory are greatly tempered by his past.
What I would DEARLY love is for Al to drive past Garnett if he comes out to challenge the outside shot. Al has the ability to do that, but rarely uses it. We’ll see in a few hours.
Swingman912
May 10th, 2012
3:56 pm
Clyde,
Horford will struggle against true Centers, like he did against Noah last year. Garnett is not a true C, so as long as Al sticks to the pick and pop, picks his spots to roll wisely, and doesn’t go with those robot like post moves he tried on Noah last year, he should do well
NBA Playoffs 2012, Celtics Vs. Hawks, Game 6: TV Schedule, Game Time And More – SB Nation | Amazing News
May 10th, 2012
3:56 pm
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Dept. Of Unintended Irony
May 10th, 2012
3:59 pm
“If the Hawks can get past the Celtics, they’ll make the Easter Conference Finals.”
Would they hire Rev to coach?
Ray
May 10th, 2012
3:59 pm
So how long until I hear we like our core??????
Celtics 115 Hawks 92
glw
May 10th, 2012
4:02 pm
northcyde,
I agree with you there about not playing the whole bench at the same time. I think knowing his job might be on the line, he will ride the starters, but hope not too much. He has to play the starters most of the night if possible. I say only use 3, but if I use a 4th, it would be Ivan for a couple of minute stretch in the 1st or 2nd quarter. LIke you said, Garnett comes out at the 6 minute mark.
Some other tendencies that LD hopefully realizes when he comes up with his substitutions tonight:
1.TMac plays best with the 1st unit, particularly Joe. I would give him an early look for Marvin, unless Marvin is hot (lol)
2. Dampier should be used when Garnett is in the game, he is a wide body and Garnett cant really root him out of the lane. Also Dampier would work good with Joe and TMac on pick and roll. That pick he set on Pietrus the other night was devastating, though he was called for an offensive foul, I loved it.
3. Joe needs to play as much as possible, probably only substituting him at the end of quarters and for a couple of possessions at the beginning of 2nd and 4th quarters. Let Marvin and TMac check Pierce, we need all the offense we can get tonight from Joe.
4. When substituting for Josh, Ivan wouldnt be all a bad idea. But please use Ivan at the 4 only when Horford is at the 5. Ivan main focus should be rebouding and tough defense.
5. Kirk should subsitute for Teague at Pg and Joe at the 2, please no Willie Green or Janerro Pargo. Kirk might be good to use when Ray Allen is in the game, so Joe doesnt have to chase him.
DZ
May 10th, 2012
4:08 pm
No matter what happens, GO HAWKS!
I think we can win tonight.. if we don’t get sloppy early, and instead come out aggressive, and get easy buckets off transition to the rim, instead of jump shots, I like our chances.
Also, I hope Paul Pierce lands hard on his leg a couple of times. Never wish an Injury on a player..but I’ll take what we get.
If Joe can get hot tonight, and Josh play smart Offense.. oh what could happen.
GO HAWKS
The Truth
May 10th, 2012
4:11 pm
Knowing how to win is an art. It’s rarely a coincidence. These Hawks have yet to learn the difference.
My problem with the Hawks, after all these logged playoff game minutes, they have yet to learn how to win a close game against a formable opponent. They have not mastered the art of extending leads by getting easy buckets or putting together multiple stops to stop the bleeding. They would rather make tough jumpers instead of easy lay-ups. After a great defensive stop, they would squander the opportunity with an untimely TO. Instead of double-downing on defense after an opponent run, they would show us an even uglier side and make bone-headed plays to make a bad situation worse.
These are the same Hawks we are rooting for to win a big game tonight.
Ray
May 10th, 2012
4:11 pm
To rely on someone being injured to win is a cop out which means we weren’t really that good in the first place.
I hope many people realize that.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 10th, 2012
4:20 pm
“I think you have a good point, but I’m certain that Doc Rivers and his staff have been looking to see how Orlando and Chicago defended Horford last year. They may have overlooked Horford for game 5, but they won’t tonight.”
You beat me to it. Doc Rivers and the Celtics are not stupid. They would have been sitting there the last two days coming up with ways to slow down Al and prevent him from being as effective as he was in Game 5.
I don’t know if I will go as far as Astro Joe to say that the bench needs to score 20 points, but someone other than Teague, Joe, Josh, and Al has to step up and contribute on both ends of the floor if the Hawks are going to win this game. Easier said than done in a road game against a team that has the coaching advantage.
mountain_jim
May 10th, 2012
4:20 pm
Well MC’s previous column has hit the media megaphone (as we knew it would):
http://espn.go.com/boston/nba/story/_/id/7914461/atlanta-hawks-co-owner-calls-boston-celtics-kevin-garnett-dirtiest-player
Nothing like giving Garnett something to get motivated about.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 10th, 2012
4:21 pm
Oh yeah, and I don’t buy that Pierce’s MCL sprain is going to make a difference at all. He will come out firing and Joe and Marvin better be ready for him.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 10th, 2012
4:23 pm
“Nothing like giving Garnett something to get motivated about.”
KG is plenty motivated already. Like Charles Barkley says, if you need bulletin board material to get motivated you’re already going to lose.
mountain_jim
May 10th, 2012
4:24 pm
More megaphone – on MSNBC’s home page, the link to
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/10/hawks-co-owner-calls-garnett-dirtiest-player-in-the-league/related/
mountain_jim
May 10th, 2012
4:26 pm
“Is calling KG dirty really a shock to anyone? Even KG? Elbows and cheap shots are part of what he does. Intimidation and physicality is part of his game, particularly if you are an undersized guard.
People will talk about this being bulletin board material… no it’s not. First off, nobody has bulletin boards in the locker room anymore. They could put video of his comments on the high def televisions, but there is no corkboard to stick things on.
Second, the Celtics don’t really need this for motivation. Do you really think KG is going to be more fired up for Game 6 because of this? He’s fired up because Horford being back does change the series and Game 6 is really their Game 7 — if Boston has to travel back to Atlanta they are in trouble. What a rich guy in a suit said is not the motivating factor here.
Finally, if you want to get more calls tell your team to attack the rim and stop settling for jump shots.
And by the way Gearon, we all realize what Horford is doing. Him not playing is why I picked the Hawks to fall to the Celtics in the first place. His return changes everything, it just may not be enough to get out of the hole the Hawks dug themselves.”
Melvin
May 10th, 2012
4:31 pm
Forget all the predictions. Just win baby….
Najeh Davenpoop
May 10th, 2012
4:31 pm
Brrrr, what happened to that boy? He was watching kiddie porn and the Feds put a clap into that boy.
Sautee
May 10th, 2012
4:33 pm
“What a rich guy in a suit said is not the motivating factor here.”
Bingo! Co-sign.
Ra'mon
May 10th, 2012
4:33 pm
Sautee, I’m with you on Horford (as you probably already know). I love his production and the heart he’s shown. At the same time, he’s not the leader of this team, and I couldn’t see him doing what Josh or Joe has done this season for an entire season. When people make the comment that Al played better this or that game, while he’s coming off of injury, they forget that he didn’t have to take his body through the grueling schedule the entire team just completed. This mainly shows that the Hawks can compete ANY TIME they have a CAPABLE center in the game. I firmly believe if Zaza was healthy this entire season, the Hawks would be up 3-2 at minimum. If the Hawks had Horford the entire series, they would be up on the Celtics or would have beaten the Celtics 4-1. Point being that Horford changes the series from allowing the Celtics to be able to double BOTH Joe on catch, and Josh on the post/drive. You have to choose your poison now.
O'brien
May 10th, 2012
4:38 pm
Marvin’s points tonight. Over/under 9.5?
I think Under for Marvin,
O'brien
May 10th, 2012
4:41 pm
Ra’mon,
At the same time, he’s not the leader of this team, and I couldn’t see him doing what Josh or Joe has done this season for an entire season..
1) Who is the leader of this team?
2) What has Joe done this season (against good teams)?
Ra'mon
May 10th, 2012
4:45 pm
OB, that’s a trick question. Marvin could go over 9.5 in garbage time, if the Hawks are blown out.
Desperate ATL Fan
May 10th, 2012
4:46 pm
@O’Brien, Under for Marvin.
Slimjr
May 10th, 2012
4:54 pm
The Pt. Center is indefensible..Will Larry, ah I mean All Whatever deploy his new weapon again tonight?
Stay tuned…
Najeh Davenpoop
May 10th, 2012
4:57 pm
“Marvin’s points tonight. Over/under 9.5?
I think Under for Marvin,”
Either Marvin, Kirk, T-Mac, or Ivan has to be over for the Hawks to have any chance to win tonight. I think if Green or Pargo is the guy who goes over it’s not going to help because they’ll give up just as many points on the other end.
Astro Joe
May 10th, 2012
4:58 pm
OB, Josh takes the most shots and is the most vocal, so other than those who stay fixated on how much ownership paid the dude 21 months ago, who is claiming that Joe is the leader? My guess is that no one in Philly readily defers to Brand just because their ownership paid him large several years ago. I think fans (and media) get caught up in salaries, I think players have more relevent information at their disposal when figuring out whose lead to follow.
Sure, there is video of howe to defend the Hawks with a healthy Horford, but there is also video of how to defend the Celtics. Heck, SVG had video of how to defend the Pacers. Studying is good and it obviously helps the coaching staff develop a game plan… but execution is more important. Celtics are almost as depleted as the hawks at hte big position. The addition of Al should also mean that we should NOT lose the rebounding battle against a poor rebounding team.
I’m not looking for Al to be anything more than a guy who can help us on the glass, move his feet on pick and roll plays with Rondo, provide another finisher on those rare fast break opportunities 9which will hopefully increase with better rebounding performance) and knock down 3-4 open mid-range jumpers. A reliable 3rd or 4th option… not a team savior.
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
4:58 pm
MC
Are you setting up interviews for a new gig. If so, can you ask some Larry King type questions next time you get in front of Sund & ‘Nem?
O'brien
May 10th, 2012
4:58 pm
I dont think Al is as talented as Josh.
But Last year, Al averaged 15.3 ppg, on 12 FGA per game. This year, Josh averaged 18.8 ppg on 17 FGA per game.
Last year, Al averaged 9.4 rpg, with Josh on the court with him. This year, Josh averaged 9.8 rpg, with Zaza and Twin on the court with him.
So with more shot attempts, and more rebounds available, why dont you think Al could do what Josh did?
Ra'mon
May 10th, 2012
5:00 pm
O’B, with the exception of game 3, Joe has done nothing against good teams this year, that I recall. But in the PAST, Joe has been the leader of this team, and lead this team to a top 4 seed. I’m saying in my opinion, Josh could do that. But I don’t think Al could. So much of Al’s offense is relied upon someone else creating the shot attempt for him (I.e. Pick and roll or Pick and pop). Al is a mismatch (this series unlike last year thus far) for Bass. Remember last season Al couldn’t score on Bass in the first round? The difference is, this season Josh is a better offensive player than he was last season. And Doc instructs his bigs to cheat over many times to deter the drive, as opposed to Orlando when D12 was the help defender for everyone. If Doc tells Bass to play Al straight up, then he will need Teague, Josh, and Joe to create attempts for him.
As for who is the leader of the team, its hard to answer that when its not even clear that the COACH is a leader. I don’t think either coach has taught any of these three how to be a true leader. Sad to say.
O'brien
May 10th, 2012
5:00 pm
AJ,
I dont think the Hawks have a leader on the court, on the sidelines, or in the front office.
kuhndog
May 10th, 2012
5:00 pm
I like Horford I dont know if he is out of gas or not,I really think Gearon didn’t need to say anything.Garnett is a HOF and does paly like all pro’s to get every edge.He gets aggressive and thats where the refs gotta tone it down.If the ref let the Cs play that kind D without out making the correct calls then their D will dominate.I have seen it in the past, good aggressive D OK but missed overly aggressive D where there are fouls thats where alot of the no calls happen, this snowballs and a team like Atl. where our mental toughness is in ? that we dont need .This is where Gearron and most talk about lack of calls I suspect.This is my frustrations too call it clamp down D what ever but a foul is a foul.I think Big Al is gassed and we could use a great shooting night by JJ like Pierce had in the blow out game.The only bad to this is the Cs get to rest their starters in a blow out too.Atl 91 Bos 86 GO HAWKS
Slimjr
May 10th, 2012
5:03 pm
Dont compare Josh to Al..
All whatever is the one handed dribbler…..
Astro Joe
May 10th, 2012
5:11 pm
OB, I think they have some mechanism to govern themselves. I’m one of the folk who don’t believe in the individual talent level of this roster, so there must be some reason they achieve success relataive to the other 14 teams in their conference year-after-year. And I personally don’t need to know if it is a committee of leaders, a dictatorship or some other process. I could give an ish… just win, baby.
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
5:11 pm
Obie … over for Marvin (13.5 pts)
KevinM
May 10th, 2012
5:14 pm
Slim, I really don’t want either dribbling the ball with Bradley and Rondo on their tail.
OB, why couldn’t you go against the grain and say Marvin gets us 12 and we have a legit shot tonight.
We can now say we matchup well…..now we have…
Bass…..Josh
KG…..Al
Pierce…Marvin
Bradley….Joe
Rondo…..JT
We take 3/5 of those, with KG and Al the tossup but Al should have the advantage.
Just keep Pierce off the foul line, because that doesn’t take effort.
We can talk about what changes are needed after the series. Right now, we have to beat all the odds……
These numbers are close…..Celtics are favored by 6….
How They Match Up:
The game also pits Boston’s No. 26-ranked offense, averaging 91.8 PPG, against a Hawks defense that ranks No. 6 at 93.2 PPG. The Celtics field goal percentage has averaged 46% so far, more than the Hawks shooters have achieved on the year, 45.4% per game.
Defensively, the Hawks feature the league’s No. 2-rated defense on the road, allowing 92.1 points per game. Boston, meanwhile, comes in at No. 28 in the league in scoring at home.
Last time out for Boston, they were an 87-86 loser as they battled the Hawks on the road. The Celtics covered in the match as a 2-point underdog, while 173 combined points moved the game UNDER for totals bettors. The Celtics got 16 points from Kevin Garnett, but it was Atlanta that prevailed in an 87-86 final on Tuesday at Philips Arena.
Atlanta Hawks Trends:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing Boston are 4-6
After a win are 6-4
Boston Celtics Trends:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Atlanta are 8-2
After playing Atlanta are 8-2
After a loss are 8-2
Celtics have some advantages while those numbers don’t reflect Impact Al…Slim, if Al comes through and helps the Hawks over the hump tonight, you’re gonna have to give kudos for him heading into Game 7.
The Jones
May 10th, 2012
5:15 pm
Anyone get the feeling MC is just going through the motions and takes his job for granted?
Can’t even address the true fans on here
KevinM
May 10th, 2012
5:17 pm
To add to my last post, Sportsbooks has the Hawks -6.
Oddshark has the Hawks victorious tonight, 96-95 and the Hawks haven’t hit 90 points yet.
The end result is probably somewhere in between.
Astro Joe
May 10th, 2012
5:17 pm
I the Hawks win this series, Joe would have done nothing but lead the team in socring. Nothing. Guys, this is one of the 3 best defensive teams in the NBA. They don’t allow teams with 1-2 above avergae scorers to “go off”. If the Celtics win this series, the chances that someone from the 76ers scores more than 18/game against this team is slim to none. Same with the Pacers. And our roster is much more like the 76ers and Pacers than it is the Heat or Bulls (with DRose).
All this Joe has done nothing is amazing, we’re about to tie the series tonight and he is the only captain who has played in all 6 games. Nothing? We wouldn’t have a game blog in about 2 hours if Joe had done nothing against an elite defensive squad.
KevinM
May 10th, 2012
5:20 pm
I’m guessing the red jerseys are not the choice tonight after the last 2 decisions……
Najeh Davenpoop
May 10th, 2012
5:20 pm
“So with more shot attempts, and more rebounds available, why dont you think Al could do what Josh did?”
Efficiency tends to go down when you have to create more of your own shots. Al rarely has to create his shots. Josh often does, and when others create shots for him, too often it is someone who held the ball too long passing to him for a long jumper.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 10th, 2012
5:23 pm
Bill Simmons @sportsguy33
Uh-oh… Bill Kennedy is reffing tonight’s Celtics-Hawks game. I’m just going to start drinking now. Where’s the whiskey?
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I admit, I usually pay very little attention to who is reffing the game, but supposedly Bill Kennedy and Doc Rivers have some personal beef.
The Hawks can use any edge they can get.
Jabroni Joe
May 10th, 2012
5:24 pm
Instead of saying who’s better between Al & Josh, why not just root for them to win, both are big pieces for this team as of TODAY!! Lets worry about getting this victory TONIGHT instead of hating on either, DAMN People!
Jay Dubu
May 10th, 2012
5:27 pm
The Hawks wanted home court advantage in round 1, earned it, and lost it to the Celtics in game 2. They have to take it back tonight, and move on to what will be a thrilling game 7 in the Highlight Factory!!!
Let’s Go Hawks!!!!
ctrim
May 10th, 2012
5:31 pm
Heard Jonathon Vilma put a bounty on Pierce and Rondo. Go Hawks
Jay Dubu
May 10th, 2012
5:33 pm
JJ has played some really good defense on Pierce. Hope that Josh is able to elevate a little better tonight than he was on Tuesday.
With he and Al, it gives the Hawks a game around the rim.
ctrim
May 10th, 2012
5:36 pm
Would like to see Pierce make a “Josh” face tonight after things don’t go well. Go Hawks
Slimjr
May 10th, 2012
5:38 pm
I will SteveW if All helps get it done..
When was the last time the Hawks won up in Boston? Sometime last century?
ctrim
May 10th, 2012
5:39 pm
Horford “Tebos” after a win at the Gardnen tonight. Go Hawks
Heisenberg
May 10th, 2012
5:43 pm
I will believe Paul Pierce is hurt when he is sitting next to Doc in a suit. He does this all the time. Acting like he got hurt so he can make a dramatic return. Does anybody remember him be rolled off the court in a wheel chair only to come bouncing out of the locker room a short time later? Pierce is a punk. He cannot get his shot off with out pushing off and he cannot drive without hooking the defender. I wish someone would foul him the way Blake Griffin gets fouled. That being said I still hate LeBron more.
Slimjr
May 10th, 2012
5:45 pm
Hey SteveW, how about this:
Old school, Magic to Worthy for the dunk
New school, Teague to Horford for the dunk
These two could become a dynamic duo? Yes way!
Larry unleash the new secret weapon on National TV Sir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
5:50 pm
KevinM
Those trends are interesting however, they don’t account for injuries. Still, they are intriguing.
O'brien
May 10th, 2012
5:52 pm
KevinM,
I think Marvin will be under. But I think Hawks win tonight. Willie Green or Pargo will make some big shots (imo).
As for Gearon’s comments, am I the only one who thinks the main reason he spoke up and said what he did, is because even if the Hawks lose tonight, Gearon will bring Rick, LD, and all the players back.
By speaking out, he will have laid the foundation for all the justification for losing the series, and bringing everybody back.
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
5:54 pm
Teague has never really had a good sample of playing with a legit Big Man like Horford to pass to in the paint. Only last years run versus The Bulls, and 12 games to start the season. I guess that is okay but, they have to get re-acquainted now and, again it is the post season.
If those two get in rhythm, we look real dangerous tonight.
Slimjr
May 10th, 2012
5:58 pm
Sorry, my previous post was meant for KevinM! Multitasking with more than one computer..Yikes…
The Jones
May 10th, 2012
5:59 pm
Where is MC?
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
6:04 pm
“By speaking out, he will have laid the foundation for all the justification for losing the series, and bringing everybody back.”
______
Yeah Obie, but if Gearon, Jr is doing this, then I don’t see how that rationale will change the two facts:
KG will still be a dirty player.
The refs will still swallow the whistle.
Neither of these facts make one scintilla of a difference re: there are fundamental and timely changes that must be made to this organization to press forward. e.g. We could really use a more disciplined and structured coach, better role players (Marvin included), a back up SG and PG.
Looks like we are set at Center now, with Horford and Zaza. We just need rotational players behind the PG,SG,SF. Ivan can back up any PF in this league, a third Center would be wise. We are almost there man.
DawgNole
May 10th, 2012
6:05 pm
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
4:58 pm
MC
Are you setting up interviews for a new gig. If so, can you ask some Larry King type questions next time you get in front of Sund & ‘Nem?
______________________
Too bad you won’t get a reply–again.
DawgNole
May 10th, 2012
6:06 pm
ctrim
May 10th, 2012
5:36 pm
Would like to see Pierce make a “Josh” face tonight after things don’t go well. Go Hawks
___________________
He did exactly that when he almost airballed that jumper late in the game Tuesday night.
Astro Joe
May 10th, 2012
6:31 pm
If I owned the Hawks and just watched the team win the equivalent of 50 games while missing my All-Star center, Iw ouldn;t hesitate to return my GM and head coach nor would I feel compelled to have to lay the foundation. Add missing Josh for a playoff game and I surely wouldn’t feel like risking an unfortunate hire was the right move.
brigadierjerry
May 10th, 2012
6:40 pm
last hawks playoff win in boston game 5 the year nique and bird went to seven games i believe
bigdave
May 10th, 2012
6:42 pm
“Sure, there is video of howe to defend the Hawks with a healthy Horford, but there is also video of how to defend the Celtics. Heck, SVG had video of how to defend the Pacers. Studying is good and it obviously helps the coaching staff develop a game plan… but execution is more important. Celtics are almost as depleted as the hawks at hte big position. The addition of Al should also mean that we should NOT lose the rebounding battle against a poor rebounding team.”
indeed… and most importantly if they’re going to play tight on Al, that means everyone is man up. hence, KG out of center field. hopefully Josh can show the ability to take him off the dribble as demonstrated in game 1..
wow.. i always thought that ref had a lil sugar in his tank. may be a wash though, cause he isnt too fair to Hawks either, but who really is.
http://www.redsarmy.com/home/2010/05/donaghy-claim-bill-kennedys-sexuality-at-root-of-hatred-for-doc.html
Sautee
May 10th, 2012
6:45 pm
“As for Gearon’s comments, am I the only one who thinks the main reason he spoke up and said what he did, is because even if the Hawks lose tonight, Gearon will bring Rick, LD, and all the players back.”
No, you are not the only one. Everything is spin with Mikey.
Walt Frazier
May 10th, 2012
6:48 pm
A team victory will happen on the road, if the Hawks move the ball without turning it over. That’s the key. Ball control and that’s starts with Teague will make the difference. Teague is the only Hawks player that has the speed and quickness the overcome the Celtics defensive presence. Here’s my lineup: Teague, Hinrich, Josh, Al, and Ivan. Let Marvin come off the bench. Get Hinrich off early with the 3’s; he’s shooting 3’s at a high percentage as of late.
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
6:48 pm
Astro Joe
“If I owned the Hawks and just watched the team win the equivalent of 50 games while missing my All-Star center, Iw ouldn;t hesitate to return my GM and head coach nor would I feel compelled to have to lay the foundation. Add missing Josh for a playoff game and I surely wouldn’t feel like risking an unfortunate hire was the right move.”
_________
So, you recommend standing pat? You don’t want to reach for higher ground? If your was new Caddy was 7-8 years old, you wouldn’t trade up for the 2013 model, even if the older engine needs new parts? Hmmm … now that’s old skool. (smiles)
Najeh Davenpoop
May 10th, 2012
6:48 pm
“If I owned the Hawks and just watched the team win the equivalent of 50 games while missing my All-Star center, Iw ouldn;t hesitate to return my GM and head coach nor would I feel compelled to have to lay the foundation. ”
If I owned the Hawks and just watched the team win the equivalent of 50 games anchored by my power forward whose contract is expiring next year, I would try to re-sign that power forward and upgrade the talent around him instead of trading him for 50 cents on the dollar.
Sautee
May 10th, 2012
6:50 pm
LOL @ Walt Frazier forgetting that JJ is on the team, LOL. Or maybe he didn’t.
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
6:55 pm
bigdave
Great job on digging up some dirt, I love the behind the scenes stuff. Is Billy Kennedey officiating this game tonight? I sure hope so. We Hawks need a biased whistle for once in our lives, we’ll take whatever edge we can get. (smiles)
Walt Frazier
May 10th, 2012
6:55 pm
Sautee
May 10th, 2012
6:50 pm
LOL @ Walt Frazier forgetting that JJ is on the team, LOL. Or maybe he didn’t.
——————————————————————————————————–
Oops, I did!
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
6:57 pm
Sautee … I saw what Walt did there. That’s just crazy thinking to start Kirk over Joe. LOL
Sautee
May 10th, 2012
7:02 pm
Walt Frazier, did the Just For Men hair coloring affect your memory?
Just kidding, man, you “done good” admitting it.
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
7:02 pm
Nevermind bigdave, I just saw where Najeh posted:
Bill kennedy IS officiating tonight. That’s good. (smiles) Hopefully, this will offset Gearon’s mired comments.
Slimjr
May 10th, 2012
7:12 pm
All is the new Pick and Roll man or Pick and Pop man.
But he’s got to put more arch in that midrange gadget he’s throwin up there…
Unleash the weapon Larry!
The Jones
May 10th, 2012
7:12 pm
MC,
Where you at?
Do you even enjoy your job anymore or are you just going through the motions?
Mike D
May 10th, 2012
7:14 pm
Man TMac better show up tonight!!!
O'Brien
May 10th, 2012
7:15 pm
AJ
What if hawkslose by 20 tonite.Would that change your thought process?
Slimjr
May 10th, 2012
7:17 pm
No Larry the Head Coach better show up tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
7:18 pm
MIAMI (AP) The Miami Heat and public-address announcer Michael Baiamonte are apologizing to Amare Stoudemire and the New York Knicks for a comment about how the forward was “extinguished from the game” when he fouled out of Game 5 of the teams’ Eastern Conference first-round series.
The Heat say the phrase Baiamonte used represented a momentary lapse of judgment.
Stoudemire injured his left hand after Game 2 of the series when he struck a metal-and-glass case that holds a fire extinguisher near the visitors’ locker room at AmericanAirlines Arena. Paramedics and doctors were summoned to stitch the wound, which stretched across much of the bottom of his hand and kept him out of Game 3.
After Wednesday’s game, Stoudemire was quoted saying that the comment “doesn’t bother me.”
Updated May 10, 2012
© 2012 by STATS LLC and Associated Press.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.
___________
In other news, Roddy White is in another twitter squabble. Haha, Roddy should just shut his twitter account down for good.
Luke Cage
May 10th, 2012
7:18 pm
SWEET CHRISTMAS!!!
Luke Cage
May 10th, 2012
7:20 pm
Pierce “Fakin’ The Funk” again with this I’m hurt crap.
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
7:22 pm
“After Wednesday’s game, Stoudemire was quoted saying that the comment “doesn’t bother me.”
_____
Why apologize to Amare’? What he did was stupid, he hurt his team and, there should be jokes, that is fair game IMO. Amare’ should have kept his hands to himself.
Luke Cage
May 10th, 2012
7:24 pm
If Joe Johnson don’t step up tonight he will pass Rashard Lewis as the WORST CONTRACT IN NBA HISTORY!!
Najeh Davenpoop
May 10th, 2012
7:29 pm
Michael Cunningham @ajchawks
Zaza (foot) got some shots up today for first time since injury. Says he could play 2nd round if #Hawks advance.
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drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
7:31 pm
Hero Sandwich!
The C’s three consecutive wins are sandwiched between two Hawks wins. I think the C’s have shot their load. The Hawks need to return the favor and, win their three games in a row to advance.
LETS GO HAWKS!!!
Defend
Rebound
Limit TO’s
Score Inside – Outside
Run Run Run
The Jones
May 10th, 2012
7:32 pm
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/05/10/roddy-white-gets-in-another-twitter-squabble/?cp=all
Notice the Falcons’ beatwriter actually replies to his readers
W.R. Terrell
May 10th, 2012
7:32 pm
Reality or the Inevitable, that is the question
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
7:32 pm
I’m so nervous, I’m pacing the floor!
Luke Cage
May 10th, 2012
7:33 pm
This is the celtics great defense: Pack the paint, stay there for more than 3 seconds because they won’t call it (kg), grab & pull, but when all else fails, whine to the refs & flop in the process.
Slimjr
May 10th, 2012
7:37 pm
dude really was dragging that one leg up the floor in the ATL..
He was not faking it..Its called eating some humble pie!
AG
May 10th, 2012
7:37 pm
Stephen A Smith predicted the Hawks lose by 25 tonight. If we can pull this game off… Funny, last year we beat Boston EVERY game!
Slimjr
May 10th, 2012
7:38 pm
All is going to give KG fits tonight!
doc
May 10th, 2012
7:43 pm
ok i am not an al lover or apologist nor am i an al hater but a yawks fan. he is the only center we have had since motumbo dating back to the early seveties. ill take him and say f u in rev style to the stupids on here with their hate. he has come back waaaay early and every hawk fanvshould bow down to that if they dont have an agenda. he is the onky way to the next level of the second round we got. twin wont get us there and if a see him before damp i will scream.
go hawks, bring it home!!!!!
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
7:43 pm
Advanced stats
4.0Paul Pierce’s FTA per 36 minutes when Josh Smith is on court vs.
10.2 when Smith is on bench.
Luke Cage
May 10th, 2012
7:43 pm
Why does anyone listen to “Screamin’ A. Smith anymore, he spouts off nonsense just to hear himself speak, dude is a pompus A$$CLOWN!!
Blast
May 10th, 2012
7:44 pm
Pierce ain’t hurt. He’s faking it. Does it all the time.
If Hawks don’t turn the ball over and play smart, they have a chance. Includes great defence because if the Celts come out shooting lights out, it could be game 4 all over.
Ivan called KG a dirty player last week. No media picked on it. The entire world knows KG is a dirty player that gets away with murder because he plays for Boston.
KevinM
May 10th, 2012
7:45 pm
Joe says its all about the first 5 minutes…..LD concurs.
So I guess the other 43 minutes aren’t critical…..
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 10th, 2012
7:45 pm
doc
co-sign
Michael Cunningham
May 10th, 2012
7:46 pm
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.