Hawks top Clippers for fifth consecutive win
Jeff Teague scored 19 points and dished out 11 assists and an inspired but short-handed bench sparked the Hawks to their fifth consecutive win, a 104-93 victory over the Clippers on Saturday night at Philips Arena.
The Hawks (8-4) outscored the Clippers 34-19 in the third quarter, and their bench, missing two key players, outscored the Clippers’ 20-0 in the first half. It was the Clippers’ (8-5) third consecutive loss and ended their four-game trip.
“It was a really gutsy win for our ball club,” coach Larry Drew said. “I thought the bench did a phenomenal job, not a good job, a phenomenal job in getting us going.”
Lou Williams, one of those bench players, sparked the team in the second with nine points. He finished with 18 of the reserves’ 31 points.
“I was just playing aggressive,” he said. “That’s what I bring to the table, just to be aggressive and try to create as many plays as I can.”
Zaza Pachulia, who started, had his first double-double this season, with 19 points and 12 rebounds, as five Hawks scored at least 10 points. The Hawks will play host to Charlotte on Wednesday and will try to extend their win streak to six.
The Hawks were without guard Devin Harris, whose status is described as day-to-day because of an injured big toe on his left foot. He has averaged 6.2 points per game. They also watched DeShawn Stevenson closely, as Drew said the team normally does when playing the second of back-to-back games. They ended up not needing Stevenson, who has averaged 6.1 points per game.
They were also without Josh Smith for most of the first half after he picked up two fouls in the first 5:18. He and coach Drew had a short but terse exchange as he was subbed out, but the bench carried the team in the second quarter as the Hawks outscored the Clippers 30-17 to take a 51-41 lead into the half. Drew downplayed the severity of their conversation, pointing out that Smith responded in the second half to score all 17 of his points.
“Like I say, when we find our stride we are going to be a pretty good team,” Smith said. “We are starting to gel and everybody’s starting to figure out. We look pretty good.”
The Hawks opened a 27-point lead before the Clippers cut it to 10 behind the sharpshooting of former Hawk Jamal Crawford, with less than seven minutes remaining.
Kyle Korver made a 3-pointer in the corner to stop the run as the Clippers’ comeback ran out of steam.
Drew said the key for the Hawks was to defend the Clippers’ pick-and-roll and match their rugged style, something they failed to do in the second half of their only previous meeting this season, an 89-76 win for L.A.
Drew also said he didn’t want the Hawks to fall in love with jumpers, something they had mostly avoided during the win streak. That didn’t happen early against the Clippers. Only eight of the Hawks’ 21 points came in the free-throw lane in the first quarter, but they trailed by only three, despite the Clippers looking much fresher.
Teague and Williams began attacking more in the second quarter, helping the Hawks roll off a 16-0 run to take a 35-24 lead with less than eight minutes remaining in the half. Pachulia scored five points in the run and Teague added four.
“We were timid in the first quarter,” Teague said. “But Lou came in and made plays and we fed off him.”
– Doug Roberson, AJC
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179 comments Add your comment
ag
November 25th, 2012
1:12 pm
After 12 games, the Hawks have the same record as they did last year. They actually averaged more ppg, as they scored 100 points 9 of 12 games. Defensively, they only allowed two opponents to score over 100 points. They had signature wins over Miami and Chicago.
This season, we have scored at least 100 points 6 times. We have only allowed 100+ twice. We have signature wins over LAC and OKC.
Although a very small sample, who is the Hawks MVP?
Big Ray
November 25th, 2012
1:24 pm
Keith,
How would we know that right now? How about we play those teams a few times first? As it stands right now, the Pacers don’t even have a winning record and we’re doing better than the Bulls, Celtics, and Nets.
keith
November 25th, 2012
1:31 pm
Big Ray
November 25th, 2012
1:24 pm
In a 7 game series, teams figure you out. We may win 1 to 2 games, but to win a series we need winners(Mike Singletary voice). Josh Smith is not an elite player. We have to acquire an elite scorer somehow. Josh Smith is not, i repeat, is not Dominique Wilkins. Nique is the only elite player we ever had!
keith
November 25th, 2012
1:34 pm
Who has more trade value, Josh Smith or Al Horford Can we win an NBA Championship with these 2 playing along side one another and no superstar? I will answer that, NO WAY JOSE!!!
ag
November 25th, 2012
1:46 pm
Al Horford leads the team in rebounding and assist. He is also shooting a 54% from the field. Yet, he has failed to take more than 11 shots in 6 of 11 games.
Al Horford is Gay
November 25th, 2012
2:23 pm
This may have be the best game I have ever seen teague play….11 intelligent assists.. I am very very critical of teague because he has been brainless, clueless and the coaches have done all they can to teach him. Well good game for teague…. on the other hand even a broke clock is right twice a day.
Can we get something for Al on the market? Gee, piss on Big Rays legs and tell him its raining…. Al is the weakest front court defender on our team…We can do better than that…
Al Horford is Gay
November 25th, 2012
2:25 pm
If you want to motivate the fans to come back get rid of Al for a true center.. We were a much better team last year with out Al.
Last years team would sweep this years team…..
Al Horford is Gay
November 25th, 2012
2:30 pm
Almost half of the NBA centers shoot 50% or better. You are suppose too. You are stand right under the basket… you are the tallest man on the court you arent suppose to miss… so when I here the horford nut smellers braggin that Al is shootin 54%, that to me is like saying A dog was found barking in his back yard. WTF?
ag
November 25th, 2012
2:40 pm
If almost half of the NBA centers shoot 50% or better, then the other half don’t. I guess all the best players in the NBA because they are the tallest?
Trust me, not interested in smelling anything and the dog I used to own I hate because it did bark too much.
I could care less about anybody’s on this blog sexuality – this blog is to talk Hawk talk.
Lastly, the post in wrong earlier. Horford does not lead the team in assist. He leads the team in scoring. The question before has been asked – at this point of the season, who would be the Hawk MVP?
tjhook
November 25th, 2012
2:50 pm
Al Horford + Anthony Morrow+ Johan Petro to the Lakers for Pau Gasol + Devin Ebanks. Gasol is a post that can play high and low, can score on single coverage, and passes well when doubled. Would be a great complement to our shooters. Ebanks would give us the perimeter 3 man on defense as well as a roamer on offense. Decent shooter, very athletic.
Al is a great hustler and versatile but not as versatile as Smith. Smith can put ball on floor (Horford? No), smith is a much better passer, and with Gasol planted low or high, Smith is free to move without posting up being available for alley oops and isolation looks or weak side attacks. He also protects the basket better than Horford.
The wild card is his mental APPROACH. If he tries to be the main guy on the team constantly, he needs to go, if he plays to his strengths, he will get his time to shine and be a lethal complement to Teague, Gasol and Kyle Korver (never thought I would utter that phrase in my lifetime). Extra: keep Harris because we want his experience at point. Teague has surprised me with his assertiveness this year but he has clearly benefitted from the veterans we have brought in.
tjhook
November 25th, 2012
2:52 pm
Jenkins allows us to trade Morrow. Korver is almost untradeable based on this year’s play.
Alex
November 25th, 2012
2:52 pm
The guard rotation of Korver, Teague, Lou, and Morrow is a good one (as evidenced by this past game), but this raises the question of should we go ahead and shop Devin. I know he’s an expiring contract and thus somewhat of a valuable piece for us cap space wise, but if we could get an actual backup center, it would only make us better. Nazr? (Bulls could certainly use a PG), Thabeet? Just anyone but Petro.
Also, Tolliver’s contract was only partially guaranted, right? I’d expect him to be waived before the All-Star break.
Alex
November 25th, 2012
2:55 pm
Just to clarify, I don’t know how the salaries matchup, but talent-wise I’d expect a team like OKC or Chicago to throw in a second-round pick or something.
ag
November 25th, 2012
3:08 pm
Al Horford leads the team in rebounding and scoring He is also shooting a 54% from the field. Yet, he has failed to take more than 11 shots in 6 of 11 games. He leads the team with 5 double-doubles and has scored 20 ppg+ three times.
Most expected Josh Smith to be the new team leader and an All-Star. Overall, he has underachieved. He is averaging only 15.2 ppg and 7.1 rbs. He is only shooting 44% fg’s and 44% ft’s/ His 3pt is 27%. He also is turning the ball over 3.3 times per game. He had 4 double doubles and leads the team in blocks.
A fan favorite, Jeff Teague has only improved in scoring average by 1 ppg, but has improved to 7.3 apg, up from 4.9 last year. He has done this despite dropping his minutes per game. Subjectively, JT0 appears to run the offense better than other point guards and appears the Hawks play better with him on the court.
Kyle Korver is on pace to start every game this season. He has not been a consistent starter since 05-06 when he started 43 games. His 30 minutes per game are the most since 06-07, which was also his last season he has averaged over 10 ppg. JT0 owes Korver a steak dinner as he is shooting a little over 43% on 3-point field goal attempts. His clutch shots are quickly erasing the Joe Johnson era.
In less than 24 minutes of work, Lou Williams is 4th in scoring at 13.3 ppg. His 28% 3-fg is the worse since his rookie year. Yet, he has established himself as the go to man. How would the dynamics of this change if Williams and Teague were the starting backcourt?
Overall, I think the team will be better once the team starts accepting their roles. Horford needs to stop deferring and shoot the ball at least 15 shots per game, Josh should live on the inside, Teague should play 35-40 minutes, and possible starting Lou. In conclusion, this team will not have any All-Stars and maybe Horford would be the MVP.
ag
November 25th, 2012
3:10 pm
Teague has benefitted from better scorers. Marvin and ZaZa last season were assist killa’s.
Ditokushatl
November 25th, 2012
3:51 pm
Teague and Lou Will starting would be better perimeter defense
keith
November 25th, 2012
4:23 pm
Teague-Lou Williams-Kover-Horford-and Josh, right now, should finish all games, IMO. Until we can acquire a Shot Blocker. How Bout Dem Falcons 10-1.
keith
November 25th, 2012
4:38 pm
Help Wanted:
Help Wanted: Basketball Player-Shot Blocker-Post Presence-Must be able to block 2-3 shots per game. Must average 10-15 rebounds per game. Points are not a priority, 15 or higher preffered. Must be a defensive presence. Weak or soft basketball players need not apply. See AtlantaHawks.com for further details.
tbone
November 25th, 2012
5:02 pm
Can someone please take Keith’s keyboard.
Slimjr
November 25th, 2012
5:26 pm
Alex
November 25th, 2012
8:54 am
“Larry Drew said “there was an exchange” between him and Josh when he pulled him in the first and thats why he sat him for the rest of the half. Glad Drew isn’t playing the best friend role and sat Josh for being disrespectful.”
Told you guys Larry has had enough of Josh attitude/Shenanigans..
He benched his azz for the rest of the 1st half to send him a message.
THE MESSAGE WAS RECEIVED LOUD AND CLEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Look at how Josh responded positively in the 2nd half of last night’s game? Hmmmmmmm
Slimjr
November 25th, 2012
5:29 pm
Al is having major problems at the free throw line shooting just 4 for last 17? What gives?
Najeh Davenpoop
November 25th, 2012
5:31 pm
Josh is the best defensive player on the #1 defense in the NBA. Gasoft is the 4th best plyaer on a .500 team. He is significantly older than Josh and Al and kills the Hawks’ salary flexibility this summer, which was the whole point of trading away Joe and Marvin. Can we please stop talking about him?
Slimjr
November 25th, 2012
5:32 pm
“Although a very small sample, who is the Hawks MVP?”
easy answer: JEFF TEAGUE
High-sider
November 25th, 2012
5:51 pm
Slimjr,
Knicks shock Pistons, 121 – 100.
This Knicks [team] is currently 9 – 3. Woody has got his [Knicks] team ballin.
http://www.nba.com/games/20121125/DETNYK/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0021200192#nbaGIboxscore
Slimjr
November 25th, 2012
5:52 pm
10-1?
DODGED ANOTHER BULLET? WHEW……
PLAYOFFS?
High-sider
November 25th, 2012
6:00 pm
Nets quench [Trail] Blazers, 98 – 85.
Joe Johnson scored a game-high 21 points on 10-of-19 shooting from the field and dished [out] four assists.
As a result, the Hawks drop [back] to 5th [place] in the Eastern Conference Standings.
http://www.nba.com/games/20121125/PORBKN/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0021200193#nbaGIboxscore
Slimjr
November 25th, 2012
6:00 pm
Hey High-sider, I am smiling from ear to ear cheering for Woody led Knicks and Larry led Hawks!!
Hawks and Knicks make some noise…
Note to 2 for John Drew: screw the man code [cheer for only one team BS]!
Ya ever heard of M-U-L-T-I-T-A-S-K-I-N-G?
Ex: When you and your women are rehearsing the [big bang theory] while conversing!
Get my drift? lol……
Sautee
November 25th, 2012
6:01 pm
Poor slim. Falcons win and Knicks lose. Oh the Humanity!
keith
November 25th, 2012
6:11 pm
The New York Knicks may be the deepest team in the eastern conference. I would not pick against them once Amare returns.
High-sider
November 25th, 2012
6:14 pm
@Sautee
Sautee
November 25th, 2012
6:01 pm
Poor slim. Falcons win and Knicks lose. Oh the Humanity!
—————————————————————————————————-
What gives? I don’t get it; the Knicks beat the Pistons this afternoon.
Slimjr
November 25th, 2012
6:16 pm
27-9
9-3
Outstanding Woody!
keith
November 25th, 2012
6:18 pm
Knicks are winning in spite of Woody, much like the Hawks and coach Larry Drew.
High-sider
November 25th, 2012
6:27 pm
Slimjr,
27 – 9 is a winning percentage of 0.750 [or 75%].
9 – 3 is [also] a winning percentage of 0.750 [or 75%].
I believe those [calculations] are correct. Oh the Irony! [LOL]
High-sider
November 25th, 2012
6:29 pm
Oh the Coincidence!
JaeEvolution
November 25th, 2012
8:05 pm
“Josh is the best defensive player on the #1 defense in the NBA. Gasoft is the 4th best plyaer on a .500 team. He is significantly older than Josh and Al and kills the Hawks’ salary flexibility this summer, which was the whole point of trading away Joe and Marvin. Can we please stop talking about him?”
Size 50 bolded and underlined, then posted on every Lakers/Hawks/NBA blog, forum and any other online utility where basketball is mentioned until the trade deadline passes…
sameba
November 25th, 2012
9:14 pm
Just watching Denver-Hornets game. Hornets seem to be a very sorry team. So Denver was up 14 points, and HC decided to let Mozgov & another scrub to play. In about 3 minutes Denver was up only 2 points. So coach took out Mozgov etc and let Koufos and Igoudala in. In 2 minutes Denver was up 12 points.
I MUS WRITE
November 25th, 2012
9:25 pm
Pancakes are delicious……10-1 Rise Up
JaeEvolution
November 25th, 2012
9:29 pm
Regardless in 8 minutes he has 7 boards, 2 blocks and a FG…what is your point?
sameba
November 25th, 2012
9:31 pm
JaeEvolution:
Are you related to Mozgov?
JaeEvolution
November 25th, 2012
9:44 pm
Just admit that you were severely wrong in your once-over of Mozgov and that his value far exceeds the bum you compared him to, Johan Petro.
As far as your question goes, me and Marvin’s grandma have met up numerous times to discuss the vast under-utilization of our respected bloodline…
sameba
November 25th, 2012
9:46 pm
I said we already have Petro. Which means our Hawks do not need another scrub with 3-4 million salary. His impact is on the game is zero, irrespectively how many rebounds he gets…
sameba
November 25th, 2012
9:51 pm
Now Denver is up 20+ points. However, I doubt HC will let trust Mozgov again and let him back into the game…
sameba
November 25th, 2012
9:57 pm
Ok, so he is IN. Let’s see what he does in a garbage time.
Slimjr
November 25th, 2012
9:59 pm
Carmelo dropped 29 today? Nice…
Looks like a two man race for League MVP so far..
Carmelo and Lebron
sameba
November 25th, 2012
10:01 pm
So he scored once but his man scored twice over him. He also got offensive foul. Watch further…
sameba
November 25th, 2012
10:04 pm
Just another foul…
sameba
November 25th, 2012
10:06 pm
And yet another, 5th personal on Mozgov!!
sameba
November 25th, 2012
10:08 pm
And all this happens when Hornets play their own scrubs…
sameba
November 25th, 2012
10:13 pm
Finita la comedie!!!! Mozgov fouled OUT!!! Playing scrubs. Do you have anything to say now!!!
JaeEvolution
November 25th, 2012
10:14 pm
Oh look he picked up his sixth foul in only 16 minutes of game action, he should probably go back to Russia now because the NBA is simply too soft for his hardnosed physical D…