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
High-sider
November 24th, 2012
9:52 pm
first?
High-sider
November 24th, 2012
9:53 pm
second?
High-sider
November 24th, 2012
9:53 pm
third?
High-sider
November 24th, 2012
9:56 pm
REPOST [FTPB]
High-sider
November 24th, 2012
9:52 pm
Rusty,
I’m sure you’re very pleased with Jeff Teague’s performance [and playing time] tonight. Jeff Teague almost played 45 minutes tonight; that’s a lot of [game] minutes.
Slimjr
November 24th, 2012
10:00 pm
4TH?
terrell
November 24th, 2012
10:01 pm
Jenkins looks small out tthere. Or is it just me? And btw, LD said forget yall “fire LD” folks. He need a job too. lol. 8 and foe without Joe.
Slimjr
November 24th, 2012
10:02 pm
JEFF TEAGUE IS THE HAWKS MVP TONIGHT!
Larry has figured out he must play Jeff Teague 42-45 minutes per night and this team becomes a 3rd seed or 2nd seed…ESPN maybe right? Hmmmmm
50-55 wins..
Mr.E
November 24th, 2012
10:10 pm
Slimjr as much as I’d like to believe that but I think Teague’s extended minutes today also have to do with Harris not playing.
jgsbirds
November 24th, 2012
10:13 pm
great win tonight hawks…now all you “bandwagon” clipper fans go back to dunwoody, kennesaw and marietta! and please don’t let me hear another person say, “i’ve always liked the clippers.” unbelievable!
zsa zsa is playing awesome, teague looked great as well! keep it rolling wednesday!
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
November 24th, 2012
10:19 pm
Hawks the hottest team in the NBA right now. Not missing a beat without Joe.
High-sider
November 24th, 2012
10:37 pm
Off Topic [kinda/sorta]
Once again, the Wizards snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Bobcats dispel Wizards in 2OT, 108 – 106. Hawks fans, your Hawks [team] is currently 8 – 4 and your [Southeast] Division rival, the Wizards [team], is currently 0 – 11. I hope this give you [Hawks fans and bloggers] a little perspective when you start criticizing the Hawks and LD.
soullrenaissance
November 24th, 2012
10:45 pm
ISO Who?
Ignition
November 24th, 2012
10:46 pm
It’s Teague’s team right now, he should get the ball majority of the time and allow the offense to flow through him. He’s become not only a sharp shooter but I had no idea he was that athletic.
brigadierjerry
November 24th, 2012
10:47 pm
high-sider,
are u a real hawks fan?u seem somewhat upset hawks beat clippers and jamal not a great game. also u r complimenting hawkss fans for the win. r u a bigger clippers fan than hawks cause jamal is o clippers?be honest. if u r that is fine and ur choice
kuhndog
November 24th, 2012
10:47 pm
Great game I questioned weather the Hawks had what it took to beat a good team, they played great for 3 quarters in LA. JT is areally good point guard all star type of player right now.27 played well and need I say more keep it up. The JJ trade now looks like a no brainer JT needs some back up.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 24th, 2012
10:56 pm
So far this season:
Joe Johnson per-36 stats: 14.7 pts, 3.0 reb, 3.5 ast, 0.7 stl, 0.2 blk, 1.5 TO, 38.7% FG%, 2.9 FTA, 84.8% FT%, 45.2% eFG%, 13.4 PER
Jeff Teague per-36 stats: 16.3 pts, 3.1 reb, 8.5 ast, 1.9 stl, 0.6 blk, 3.5 TO, 47.6% FG%, 1.9 FTA, 94.1% FT%%, 51.6% eFG%, 19.3 PER
Different roles on different teams, so all this should be viewed in context, but I think it’s safe to say that Teague has adjusted to having the ball in his hands more a lot better than Joe has adjusted to having the ball in his hands less.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&p1=teaguje01&y1=2013&p2=johnsjo02&y2=2013
High-sider
November 24th, 2012
11:04 pm
brigadierjerry,
I like the Hawks and the City of Atlanta [GA].
Harpie
November 24th, 2012
11:24 pm
As soon as Harris is back, Drew will cut Teague back to 20 minutes a game – just wait, Drew is an ass who doesn’t know what he’s doing. Check back at the end of the season to see the results.
High-sider
November 24th, 2012
11:51 pm
^Correction: “…I hope this give[s]* you [Hawks fans and bloggers] a little perspective…”
tom
November 24th, 2012
11:52 pm
Hawks not skipping a beat! They’ve also been in every game so far this year. So far so good!
Rusty
November 25th, 2012
12:01 am
High-sider you can bet that I’m happy that JT is getting large minutes,he is the key to the hawks.i always felt that he had in him a good chance of being really good,too bad that LD always had no faith in him always playing an over the hill MB & then giving 2 first round picks for a declining KH.if JT was a snake LD would have got bit,too bad.LD sure as hell this season wanted to start Harris over Teague. Now LD needs to play our 2 rookies minutes,can’t afford to waste high draft picks.
Point-forward
November 25th, 2012
12:04 am
Can anyone explain the difference between regular stats and the per 36? Thanks
Rev in Tampa
November 25th, 2012
12:16 am
“Hawks not skipping a beat! They’ve also been in every game so far this year. So far so good!”
You know, I haven’t even thought about those embarrassing blowout games this year. Last year I was always waiting for the inevitable 20+ point loss because the Hawks were so undisciplined.
Getting rid of the Iso- and the Inviso- were really additions by subtraction.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
November 25th, 2012
12:31 am
FIRE LD
Smokey
November 25th, 2012
12:34 am
This is the test for LD does he now use Harris as back up for teague while playing him 40 mins?
Also does he figure out that using Lou at the 2 keeps the flow of the offense gets him better looks and stops him hogging it. Can LD work out that all guards are not combo and cant play both positions?
Wont be long till we find out..
High-sider
November 25th, 2012
12:49 am
@Point-forward
Point-forward
November 25th, 2012
12:04 am
Can anyone explain the difference between regular stats and the per 36? Thanks
————————————————————————————————————————–
“Regular stats” are “actual” statistics and “Per 36-Minutes” statistics are “theoretical” [projected] statistics if a player averaged 36mpg [minutes per game]. For example, if a player averaged 8ppg [points per game], 6rpg [rebounds per game] and 3apg [assists per game] while averaging 18mpg, then that particular player’s “Per 36-Minutes” statistics would be [or equate to] 16ppg, 12rpg and 6apg.
Slim
November 25th, 2012
1:03 am
Great game hawks, non believers “Eat It”.
Sam
November 25th, 2012
1:35 am
I think we need to pick up andris biedrins, He’s a quality player but just dosnt fit in warriors style of play and needs a fresh start, trade him for petro
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
November 25th, 2012
1:47 am
Sam – Petro’s trade value is in the negative.
Buddy Grizzard
November 25th, 2012
1:58 am
Seriously, Ken, Doc, anybody… please help me out with a link or source for this:
“And once again I’ll mention what DOC said about Drew admitting he made mistake in cutting DJames and KBenson in favor of JPetro and ATolliver.” – Ken S.
RA
November 25th, 2012
2:12 am
Here’s the thing. The win tonight should have raised some eyebrows. This is a team that beat Oklahoma City on the road and they mopped the floor with the Clippers tonight. Now, the smart money is on one of those teams to come out of the Western Conference Finals this year. I honestly believe that if they can play disciplined and smart basketball, they can be a much better team than anyone though. Hats off to Ferry. He put a competitive team together, at least, up until this point…
sam
November 25th, 2012
2:14 am
@Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
So is biedrins’ at the moment
sam
November 25th, 2012
2:23 am
and if that is the case, then add tolliver to the trade, biedrins would relish in the hawks system
Honesty
November 25th, 2012
2:24 am
This is what happens when you don’t play Stevenson, Tolliver, and Petro (Yeah LD slipped up ans lost his mind at the end of this one and played him but still)
Buddy Grizzard
November 25th, 2012
2:59 am
Tonight’s game highlights why it was a poor decision to cut Damion James. Tolliver plays the same position as Josh, Al and Ivan. Ivan is obviously a bigger impact player. Tolliver is not filling the hole at small forward. Damion James would give this team a defensive presence at small forward that it sorely lacks, although DeShawn Stevenson has been a credible stop-gap.
JaeEvolution
November 25th, 2012
3:33 am
It makes you wonder if this team could feasibly be 10-2 right now if we had kept Damian. We lost two games vs Houston and Golden State for the SOLE reason of rebounding. if he were here I think we definitely take the GS game, but it is too late and I have nothing to prove this because I don’t know if LD even plays that energy bug.
vava74
November 25th, 2012
3:38 am
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8659906/danny-granger-monta-ellis-jordan-crawford-nba-all-chuckers-squad
BravesFan79
November 25th, 2012
3:38 am
Notice how when Morrow was given minutes over Stevenson we scored over 100! Teague, Horford, Smith, Morrow, Korver is a deadly offensive starting 5 that most would not be able to match!
vava74
November 25th, 2012
3:39 am
interesting read.
RA
November 25th, 2012
6:29 am
I think that what many people in Hawks nation are forgetting is the fact that the Hawks are WINNING! I’m sorry the roster isn’t perfect. I’m sorry they’re 8-4 as opposed to 10-2, but you’ve got a team that’s playing it’s collective butt off, and winning. Can’t that count for anything?
tjhook
November 25th, 2012
6:31 am
Time to trade for Pau gasol. Only the Hawk leaving should be Al Horford. And I have seen his stats this year. The Hawks need a better halfcourt player, the Lakers need another body to help push the tempo.
Big Daddy
November 25th, 2012
6:39 am
Great win for the HAWKS. Jeff continues to show he can do what most of us thought he could if given a chance. Within a couple of years, I predict that his name will be mentioned with Rondo and Tony Parker. However, one cannot help but wonder what kind of night Jeff would have had if Smoove had been in the game. Josh seems more willing to pass the ball to Jeff now but still holds onto the ball too much. Let your point guard facillitate.
On the other hand, it is shows the capbabilities of this team that if one player goes out, others will pick up the slack. GO HAWKS!!!
Hawks_4_Life
November 25th, 2012
7:02 am
Missed the game but great win none the less. Hawks all day.
tjhook
November 25th, 2012
7:09 am
But RA is right, I am proud of the fight the team is showing. LD is to be commended for that
Just Joe
November 25th, 2012
7:29 am
Biedrins is set to make $9M next year. Let’s not mention him again.
ag
November 25th, 2012
7:41 am
BravesFan74, yes I agree – starting Morrow gives you a better lineup than starting Stevenson. Morrow can drive and shoot a floater, has a mid range shot and can shoot the long ball. Stevenson is one dimensional. LD will make adjustments, but rarely for veteran players (he did bench Williams last year). He should shorten the rotation – keep Stevenson on the bench and cut Harris minutes. Teague should play 35-42 minutes per night.
ag
November 25th, 2012
8:26 am
JT0 interviewed by NBA TV They asked JT0 where he heard Joe was traded. He said he was with Joe. He also added Joe had texted him. So…. how does that happen? “Joe has a really big house!” Jeff laughed. lol
Buddy Grizzard
November 25th, 2012
8:27 am
“Can’t that count for anything?”
It counts, RA, but I don’t think this team is going to reach its potential unless Ferry addresses the lack of a small forward on the roster. This team is too good to tank. Ferry isn’t trying to hold this team back in hopes of a lottery pick. But he needs to make some moves around the trade deadline and tweak this roster a bit to give it a real shot in the playoffs.
If no major trade happens at the deadline I would like to see the team cut Petro and Scott or Tolliver and sign Damion James and Keith Benson. That would give the team a shot blocker and a defensive stopper and rebounder at the three position. The Hawks would be much better equipped to make a playoff run with a small forward on the roster.
ignition
November 25th, 2012
8:38 am
LD doesnt start Morrow for defensive purposes, I don’t see it baring out so far but that his reasoning.
I personally like our big lineup with Al at power forward and Za Za at center the best, it gives us toughness.
cb
November 25th, 2012
8:46 am
Did anybody see the second half defensive stats that Fox sports showed during the Bobcats game. Somebody on that Hawks bench is good at making halftime adjustments. It doesnt matter if it is LD or Lester Connor or whoever. Our defense improves after halftime in PPG, Def FG%, and 3pt %. I know its early but LD is a decent coach. Ferry will have to look at extending him in the offseason if this continues. I bet he will still take the job on the cheap. & JT showing why we don’t need to go and spend 12 to 20M per year on a free agent point guard. Extend the little guy over the summer and spend the cash on a center & a small forward. Again, i know its early but pleased with what ive seen out of this team with no periennial all-star.
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.
Doug Roberson
November 25th, 2012
8:58 am
He said he wasn’t going to play him anyway because he had two fouls
Big Ray
November 25th, 2012
9:02 am
Wow. Enjoyable game to watch last night, and I didn’t figure this team to be at 8-4 in the first 12 games. Caution says it’s early in the season, but these guys are ballin’ pretty well. Things I liked about last night’s game:
1) Teague taking control and becoming what some always believed he could be…a legit starting NBA pg. Last night, he was THE MAN.
2) Josh Smith going at it inside hard, turning it all around, and having one hell of a second half. I thought he had a better chance of succeeding than Al did in this matchup from a scoring standpoint and he proved it.
3) ZaZa’s performance. He beat that Clipper front line UP. On BOTH ends of the floor.
4) Lou Williams came to play. jamal who? Ha…
Hey….I gotta give LD’s retarded a$$ some credit…can’t act like they played well in spite of him…
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
November 25th, 2012
9:03 am
LD said forget the Fire LD folks?
And when did LD admit he made a mistake in who he cut? Post your sources or don’t post BS like this
glw
November 25th, 2012
9:19 am
LD is slow at times and a bit hard headed but seems to finally coming around to what we see obviously from afar.
1. Finally Tolliver is out of the rotation. Did he even see the floor last night, even with Stevenson and Devin out?
2. Playing Teague and Williams together isnt such a bad idea. LD has been apprehensible to play this lineup and basically trying to force Lou to be a pg. And this cuts into Teagues minutes. I hope this is the beginning of more to come, obviously you would have to limit Lou minutes at 2 guard against a Kobe or some big 2 guards, but he can hold his own against most, especially jump shot happy teams like the Clippers.
3. The big lineup isnt all bad. Playing Zaza does give you toughness and rebounding. and on offense with the big lineup, i see as long as we make the priority of playing thru Josh posting up smaller 3’s, that lineup will work just fine.
The Truth
November 25th, 2012
9:25 am
Question: What is the biggest factor that explain LD 5-game winning streak?
Answer: LD finally benched Anthony Tolliver
Question: Why is the Hawks jelling so early?
Answer: Less ISO, better ball movement, and no Anthony Tolliver
Ken Strickland
November 25th, 2012
9:58 am
BUDDY GRIZZARD-DOC never said LDrew admitted that cutting James and Benson was a mistake. He said LDREW SHOULD ADMIT TO HIS MISTAKE AND BRING BACK JAMES AND BENSON, and that’s what I was referencing. I’m sorry if I mislead you in any way.
I love this team, and I’ve felt from the very beginning it would be better than any team we’ve had in over a decade, assuming LDrew didn’t screw it up. We have an awful lot of talent for him to deal with, and it seems that he initially had difficulty trying to deal with it all.
He seems to have finally figured out the best way for him to handle all of the talent. He simply reduced his rotation, put his stupid bias aside to a certain extent, and is now playing talent over experience. Rookies need not look to see any action unless there’s a blowout, and even then their mins will be limited.
KKorver and AMorrow are better outside shooters than JJ or Marvin. DHarris and LWilliams can control the ball and penetrate better than JJ. The OFF runs much better and is far more productive with Teague controllng the ball and the OFF than JJ.
Even though our backcourt and SFs lack JJ and Marvin’s size and individual DEF ability, our added speed, quickness and athleticism has allowed us to employ a much more effective team DEF approach. I just can’t help thinking that DJames and KBenson could have ended up being this yrs version of IJohnson if they had been given the same chance he was given.
If given the right development and mins, they could have provided us with more production, versatility, and a much brighter future than Tolliver and Petro are providing, or are likely to provide in the future. When LDrew took over as HC, his gross mishandling of the JTeague MBibby situation proved his inability and/or unwillingness to commit to the development of young talent
If DFerry is as committed as he said to developing his draft picks and younger less experienced players, then he’ll have to replace Drew after the season, regardless of how many gms we win. Otherwise, we’ll end up being the same veteran preferenced perennial playoff team and playoff bust we were before he took over as GM.
Ken Strickland
November 25th, 2012
10:06 am
I watched KKorver frequently when on the DEF end, and he did a pretty good job of staying in front of his man. He’s definitely no longer a DEF liability. He obviously learned a lot about the importance of playing DEF, and how to play it in his time with the Bulls.
sam'l
November 25th, 2012
10:28 am
How good is this team? I really want to know.
keith
November 25th, 2012
10:50 am
Danny Ferry,
You gave us an early Christmas present by jettisoning Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams out of here. Now, lets’ move FORWARD, no pun intended, and move one of our power forwards to Los Angeles and bring Mr. Gasol back home where he belongs. Send Josh Smith preferably.
Buddy Grizzard
November 25th, 2012
10:54 am
Thanks Ken… I was just getting a ray of hope from that thinking they might bring Benson and James back after the trade deadline. Petro becomes dead weight once he can no longer be traded and it’s much more likely they will cut him then to open a roster spot.
Slim
November 25th, 2012
10:54 am
I agree @ignition, I like that opposing teams can’t figure the hawks out. I truly think Ld made the right choices in regards to the players that were cut. At least now the opposing team has to guard everyone on the court, the ball moves, and everybody eats that’s the difference with this years team. If god is willing I hope ferry doesn’t roll the dice on some hum drum small forward, it will allow for more flexibility next season.
Slim
November 25th, 2012
10:55 am
I don’t understand why anyone would want gasoline soft a$$.
keith
November 25th, 2012
10:56 am
For some strange reason, Josh Smith thinks he is a jump shooter. That’s not his strength. Even fans yelling Nooooo when he starts to shoot a jumper doesn’t help? Maybe another coach can get him to get a clue. PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS JOSH.
keith
November 25th, 2012
11:01 am
Zsa Zsa Pachulia hopefully convinced Coach Drew why he should be the starting center for the remainder of the basketball season. 19points 12rebounds 3assists against an elite team. Larry Drew, wake up and start Zsa Zsa permanently please! He will only get better!
Slim
November 25th, 2012
11:10 am
I honestly have no problems with the shots josh taking, he’s not shooting a high volume as opposed to years past, however you gotta live with that shot, it shows his versatility. Nobody has a problem when he’s knocking them down, josh took over many games last season with the jump shot and other areas of the stat sheet that he dominates. I also love to mention he went head up with Durant last year, minus joe and horford, and put on a clinic and oh the hawks won that game. Bottom line he may not shoot well every night, but he won’t shoot you out of a game, also he rebounds, block shots, great passer, and solid defense.
Slim
November 25th, 2012
11:12 am
Josh is an all around player, a triple double waiting to happen, stay off his nuts and kill that trade bullish.
Slim
November 25th, 2012
11:12 am
Josh is an all around player, a triple double waiting to happen, stay off his nuts and kill that trade bullish.
heat check
November 25th, 2012
11:12 am
Beautiful game last night from the Hawks. Once Griffin started going off in the 1st qtr, I had visions of a half-full Phillips cheering the Clippers through the final buzzer. Thankfully this team doesn’t fold like teams of years past. Keep this up and ESPN might start giving some love. No, no they won’t.
Anyone know what’s up with the Hawk’s tv schedule? The DEN, WAS and MEM games don’t show as being televised anywhere that I’ve seen. I was hoping that ORL blackout was a one time deal.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
November 25th, 2012
11:16 am
Korver has been great for this team. I am sure he’s having a blast too, given that he is starting, he’s in a contract year, and he is producing. I enjoy seeing him on the court – no homo.
The Monger
November 25th, 2012
11:18 am
The biggest difference between this year and last year is easy, the addition of Kyle Korver and Anthony Morrow, as well as the progression of Jeff Teague as a point guard. We as a team get great penetration and because of this get a good amount of wide open 3’s. Last year these 3’s were bricked repeatedly by Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams, but now we actually have dead-eye shooters-Korver and Morrow that can drill those 3’s at a much higher percentage than last year, and you gain 3 or 4 more made 3-pointers a game, that turns a 90-88 loss last year into a 100-90 win this year. We have the defense, especially in the 2nd half to compete with contenders each and every night. The difference is this year, we aren’t going to see our offense score only 75-85 points with the consistency they did last year, when MANY games ended up with the Hawks failing to break 85 points, thanks in large part to ISO Joe dribbling around for 23 seconds and hoisting a low percentage fade away, and also as I said the fact we didn’t have a true 3 point shooter, so we relied on Marvin and Joe and VRad to hit those 3’s, and they failed quite often. I predict a 3 seed this year for the Hawks and a 55-27 record.
keith
November 25th, 2012
11:26 am
More minutes for Anthony Morrow, He may be a better overall player then Marshon Brooks. A lot of people wanted Marshon over Morrow in that trade. Morrow is a confident basketball player as well as Kyle Korver. We need this 2 guys to play heavy minutes. Marvin and Joe CHOKED in crunch time.
Right now, Lou Will, Kyle Korver, and A. Morrow, are playing with the most confidence.
ag
November 25th, 2012
11:28 am
Yesterday Josh changed his game. He did not act like the man yesterday, but he played within the flow of the game. He actually took only two shots out of the paint. Maybe he watched Al pad his stats in the paint in the Charolotte game.
keith
November 25th, 2012
11:30 am
Right now, who are the top 5 most talented Atlanta Hawks in order???
ag
November 25th, 2012
11:31 am
Keith is a Laker fan. People in LA HATE GASOL!!!! They would take a trade for Josh in a LA minute. That trade would hurt the Hawks. People call Horford soft, they will be calling Gasol liquid!!!
keith
November 25th, 2012
11:37 am
IMO if we obtained Pau, he would immediately start at center and be a 20/point 10/Rebound player.
He is playing out of position in LA. What we lose in defense, we gain in offense. He has 3-4 years left in the tank.
Joey
November 25th, 2012
11:38 am
I love this Hawks team!
And I love “Sweet Lou!”
keith
November 25th, 2012
11:39 am
Top 5 Hawks in order of talent are:
1. Josh Smith
2. Lou Williams
3. Jeff Teague
4. Al Horford
5. Anthony Morrow
Slim
November 25th, 2012
11:45 am
Gasol has played his best ball, that would be the dumbest trade ever.
keith
November 25th, 2012
11:45 am
Wow! we have the 3rd best record in the eastern conference. Outstanding team chemistry. We are one superstar away from ECF.
keith
November 25th, 2012
11:49 am
Is there anyone out there in blog land who thinks that Josh Smith can lead a team to an NBA championship? Any takers? I love Josh Smith and his skill set, but it’s time for him to move on. He may achieve all he desires to be with the right surroundings. Just not right now in DFs rebuilding plans.
ag
November 25th, 2012
11:54 am
Is there anyone out there in blog land who thinks that Paul Gasol can lead a team to an NBA championship? Any takers? I love Paul Gasol and his skill set, but it’s time for him to move on. He may achieve all he desires to be with the right surroundings. Just not right now with Dwight Howard and Steve Nash. He just does not fit in the D’Antonio’s system.
- this is some blogger from the LA Times, probally named Keith
ag
November 25th, 2012
11:55 am
Gasol’s conditioning an issue?
9:05
AM ETPau Gasol | Lakers Recommend0 Comments0Email The Lakers style of play is a lot faster now with head coach Mike D’Antoni in charge and one player that needs to quicken his pace is Pau Gasol.
“Pau is used to laboring up the floor and coasting a little bit,” Kobe Bryant told the Los Angeles Daily News. “In this offense, we have to put the motor on the first few steps we move up the court.”
When asked, Gasol says his conditioning isn’t a problem for D’Antoni’s system.
“I don’t know if it’s extremely physically demanding.” Gasol said. “It’s an offense that you have to move and have to be on the go and get to your spots run to your spots and find some good flow out there that we really haven’t reached consistently. The offense will evolve and will be better.”
Gasol was beaten several times on defense against the Kings on Wednesday and he needs to move quicker at that end of the floor, too.
11/23 ESPN Rumors
ag
November 25th, 2012
11:56 am
Pau is battling sore knee
10:55
AM ETPau Gasol | Lakers Recommend0 Comments0Email Pau Gasol admitted after Saturday’s victory over the Dallas Mavericks that he has been dealing with knee tendinitis for more than a month, according to the LA Times’ Mike Bresnahan.
“It’s something that has been lingering since this preseason. I’ve been dealing with it the best I can,” he said.
Gasol has averaged 51.9 FG% over the course of his lengthy career, but he is shooting just 43.4 percent from the field so far this season, and his scoring has dropped from 17.4 ppg last season to 13.4 ppg. Considering the significant roster changes the Los Angeles Lakers made between then and now, plus having three coaches already this season, it’s hard to say exactly what role his sore knee has played in his diminishing returns thus far.
11/25 ESPN Rumors
darrell starks
November 25th, 2012
11:58 am
This exactly why Zaza should be starting he do the dirty work in the paint and control the boards on defensive end, plus giving you and opportunity for second chance points.
Hawks must have atleast 1 role player in starting lineup to be successful and Zaza is that guy.
LD wake your A$$ up and starte Zaza the rest of the way.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
keith
November 25th, 2012
12:01 pm
Addition by subtraction seem to be Danny Ferrys’ Modus operandi . I fully expect him to make another trade by the deadline moving forward. Danny is trying to build a championship contender. He appears to not settle for mediocrity, like in years past.
darrell starks
November 25th, 2012
12:03 pm
Danny Ferry need be making some phone calls ASAP and find the Hawks a backup center behind Zaza.
This Hawks team is good just need that player at center.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
November 25th, 2012
12:12 pm
Kyrylo Fesenko is still available.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
keith
November 25th, 2012
12:13 pm
ag
November 25th, 2012
11:54 am
I love the Atlanta Hawks. I do not like Kobe, the Lakers, and i am not crazy about Pau Gasol. It’s just that for the Atlanta Hawks Basketball team to win a Championship, they need to make more changes, tweak their line-up a little bit. I am in favor of taking on Pau’s salary with a draft pick so we do not lose Josh for nothing like we did with Jamal. JOSH SMITH IS NOT RE-SIGNING WITH THE ATLANTA HAWKS, YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST.
darrell starks
November 25th, 2012
12:19 pm
If Anthony Morrow had been playing at beginning of the season before Anthony Tolliver, Hawks might be 12 and 0.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
keith
November 25th, 2012
12:30 pm
Go Falcons!!!!! Go Dawgs!!!! and Go Hawks!!!!!!
ag
November 25th, 2012
12:34 pm
Josh loves Atlanta. He has a Hawk tatoo over his heart. If we pony up the dough, he is going to stay. A lot has to do with the fans and how well the Hawks do. Keith, nobody wants to do that trade because
A. Gasol makes $19 Million
B. I think he has two more years on his contract
C. He is 32 years old
D. Josh only makes 13.2. To make the trade, you have to bundle Lou or Korver and still add one more person.
Those are the objective reasons not to make the trade. We can certainly argue about the subjective reasons, but why bother, the objective stuff is good enough for me.
keith
November 25th, 2012
12:43 pm
ag
November 25th, 2012
12:34 pm
Let’s assume we do not make a trade. Do you think that Josh Smith will lead us to the Eastern Conference Finals?
keith
November 25th, 2012
12:48 pm
As we are currently constituted, Is there anyone out there in Blog Land who thinks we could defeat the Heat, Pacers, Celtics, or Bulls, even Brooklyn, in a 7 game series??? Oh, how about the Knicks and 76ers in a 7 game series? That makes us probably the 8th best team in the EAST.
Rusty
November 25th, 2012
12:53 pm
The key for the hawks is for LD to stop dicking around with JT’minutes,the hawks need him in the game to run the offense,Zazza also needs big min
sam'l
November 25th, 2012
12:56 pm
If Mr. Gasol is having tendinitis problems which are chronic and likely to continue, that should end this trade idea. I am also willing to change my viewpoint of Pachulia should be continue to perform, but like Josh Smith, I want to see some consistently intelligent basketball. If Pachulia can……run the floor and make layups!, hit pressure shots! and actually catch the ball in traffic and finish at the hoop!, then he will win my confidence. (seems like he did this this weekend).
Horford……free throws, free throws, free throws….practice….practice like you are Ray Allen………
I think Josh gets overamped some games and goes into another dimension……I used he think he partied the night the team got home….but now I think he really wants to win, but some part of him goes into a dimension where he has trouble functioning for a while. Recommend yoga for Josh. Then a strange thing might happen……He might become the player he is capable of, and this ragtag team of Hawks {{{{{{{might take it all}}}}}}
Rusty
November 25th, 2012
12:57 pm
Keith stop trying to trade Josh for Gasol that is just stupid,aren’t you the guy who always said that JT was garbage & always wanted to start Harris.
Big Ray
November 25th, 2012
12:59 pm
I don’t know why the Pau Gasol for Josh Smith stuff keeps coming up. Bad move for a lot of reasons. Not worth discussing. The only thing you could come up with is establishing a legit post presence on offense. But we need more than that and we’d be giving up to much to get it, plus that’s a move you make to bolster a championship squad…which we don’t have. Leave it be…
Just Joe
November 25th, 2012
1:05 pm
Gasol has a 15% trade kicker on his salary too…and I don’t believe LA has any picks available to trade any time soon (after the Howard and Nash trades). Not likely to happen.
ag
November 25th, 2012
1:08 pm
Rusty I have posted more than enough reasons for him never to post that again. The only team we could not beat in a series are the Heat.
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…
sameba
November 25th, 2012
10:14 pm
Mozgov is only one who is -10. Now compare with Koufos who is +34.
sameba
November 25th, 2012
10:15 pm
Sorry, I am mistaken, he was actually -12. So please do not spoil this blog again with his name again…
keith
November 25th, 2012
10:23 pm
I said it yesterday. Mozkov is a scrub. period. No ifs, ands, or buts. i would not want this scrub on my team.
sameba
November 25th, 2012
10:27 pm
JaeEvolution:
You said very good words about him going back to russia, where he belongs…
Buddy Grizzard
November 25th, 2012
10:27 pm
You have to think about what Mozgov’s role would be in Atlanta. It would allow Horford to do less work defensively. And if Mozgov was playing with Atlanta’s starters, they would probably not get outscored in the 8 minutes in which Mozgov got the team 7 extra possessions.
sameba
November 25th, 2012
10:34 pm
With any starters he would not get so many rebounds, if any. And would be fouled out during 1st quarter. There are other, better centers you can have for much less…
JaeEvolution
November 25th, 2012
11:13 pm
I don’t care for defending Mozgov to people who have already written him off without seeing him more than one game…
But for your comment, “There are other, better centers you can have for much less…”
Name a few, I’m waiting.
Melvin
November 25th, 2012
11:30 pm
From Hoopsworld…..
Damion James Disappointed In Debut: Bakersfield Jam forward Damion James is one of the top-ranked prospects in the D-League this season. He was a first-round pick just two years ago and was recently one of the final cuts of the Atlanta Hawks. Most expect James’ stint in the D-League to be short, but he struggled in his first two games and fell drastically short of the expectations he has set for himself.
“Not like I should at all,” James said when assessing his play to HOOPSWORLD. “Not like I should at all, man. I’m disappointed in myself, but it’s not about me, it’s about this team. I have to do better for this team to win. I just have to pick it up to a whole other level. I can take it to a whole other level. I don’t know why I just wasn’t on today. I played okay yesterday and we got the win. I didn’t play good today and we lost and I’m not a happy camper about that.
“Literally rebounding, defense, open shots, penetration, turnovers, assists, I have to do better in everything. I can do all those things and I have to do those things to help this team win and be that guy they can rely on every night. Even if my shot isn’t falling, [I have] to bring offense rebounds, defensive rebounds and defense.”
James averaged 15 points and eight rebounds during the opening weekend. While that’s respectable, it’s the 31 percent shooting from the field, 14 percent from distance and six total turnovers that serve as the source of his frustration.
“Sometimes you just have to leave it in God’s hands,” James said. “I just have to do what I do every day and, if I do that, I’ll be right back where I need to be. These two games weren’t my best performances, but one thing I’ve learned is that there’s always another day. I have to go back at it tomorrow. We’ll get back to Bakersfield, get ready to take off and do a great job.”
One thing that James made clear was that his struggles were on him and not an indication that the fit on the Jam isn’t right.
“It’s a great fit,” James said. “I have a great coach. He allows each and every one of us to play to our strengths. I have to take advantage of that as well. I have to get to the basket more and rebound more. There are a lot of things I have to do better. I’m in a great position. The coach loves me, I love the coach, he loves this team. We have a pretty good team as well. We just have to bring it every day.
“I got a great cast, great supporting cast. Those guys are great. It’s just tough after a loss. You just gotta pick it up, man. There’s no other way to say it. I just have to pick it up, do what I have to do to help this team. Today, I didn’t do that. I’m disappointed in myself, it’s hard for me to stay focused right now. I just have to go home, pray about it and bring it next game.”
James and the Jam will have a chance to bounce back on Dec. 3 and 4 when they host Santa Cruz and Los Angeles.
sameba
November 26th, 2012
12:46 am
I don’t care for defending Mozgov to people who have already written him off without seeing him more than one game…
But for your comment, “There are other, better centers you can have for much less…”
Name a few, I’m waiting.
—————————————————————————————-
First, I saw him many times, not just in one game as you write. Second, I already wrote that I would take e.g. Benson over him any day of the week. And there is a Curry over there who can play for a vet minimum. Anyways, I believe Hawks are not interested in a backup center with a two year contract, rather they want someone who plays on a highest possible level…
sameba
November 26th, 2012
12:48 am
Yes, also there is Fesenko out there, who can also play for a vet. minimum until Hawks can find a legit Center.
vava74
November 26th, 2012
2:31 am
Fesenko has motivational problems. Not a hard worker, frequently passive on the floor.
Is he big? Heck yes. Is he serviceable? Ummm…
Mozgov has similar problems. But he played well for his home country under David Blatt, LD’s new teacher.
I think that, just like Zaza is producing well with our “Euro-ball” type of offence (lots of passes and shooters moving in the perimeter, producing space in the lane) he could deserve a look.
The guy has been rotting at the end of the bench with the exception of two blow out games. It’s only natural that he struggles with fouls when he gets significant day light.
Bigs have a tendency of being slower getting into rhythm.
vava74
November 26th, 2012
2:45 am
On Damion James:
His first regular season game was pretty good. His second pretty bad. For the moment it’s meaningless.
First game’s stats:
D. James F min28:39 FG6-15 3PT0-2 FT6-8 ± -15 Oreb1 Dreb6 REB7 Ast3 PF1 Stl 2 TO3 Blk 2 BA1 Pts 18
JaeEvolution
November 26th, 2012
2:45 am
All of the players listed are stop-gap Center’s who have little to no upside and are out of the league for a reason, I’ll stick with Horford, Zaza and even Petro before looking at them.
“Until Hawks can find a legit Center.”
Here is the list of Center’s that should be the beginning and end of our options next summer. Howard, Bynum, Jefferson, Kaman, Pekovic (RFA), Dalembert, Mozgov (RFA).
Howard, Bynum and Jefferson will be retained for the max by their respective teams. Pekovic will be matched at all costs in Minny. That leaves Dalembert, Kaman, and Mozgov left. Kaman has played well this season and will be a good compliment to Dirk and OJ moving forward so I’m sure Cuban talks him into re-signing. Dalembert has been average in Milwaukee, if he can be had for a discount then perhaps. What makes Mozgov a near perfect option is because Ferry could PP the contract just like Asik in Chi and they’d almost surely have to let him go. He’d be easy on our cap early on and a large trade chip if things don’t work out, but I’m almost positive he’d contribute very good numbers.
Mookie Blaylock
November 26th, 2012
6:02 am
The only way Josh “Jack Taylor” Smith’s ppg numbers would have gone up is if he took a billion more shots a game. I have no clue how game after game, people can watch this guy make a fool of himself attempting to cross people over + beat them off the dribble with his band handles, airball/brick poorly timed jump shots, and still believe he’s a real all star or about to lead ANY TEAM anywhere.
Mookie Blaylock
November 26th, 2012
6:03 am
bad* handles
Move Josh for multiple, more fundamentally sound pieces.
vava74
November 26th, 2012
7:22 am
JaeEvolution
I think that the Jazz will move Jefferson by the trade deadline since I don’t think he is in their long term plans with Favors and Kanter showing promise.
You should check the link I posted yesterday which talks about Jefferson amongst other players as a chucker whose defensive liability is well known in UTA.
The article points out to a lot of pluses, but $$ and unbalanced talent will probably lead Utah to a trade.
Jason S
November 26th, 2012
7:30 am
JaeEvolution
November 26th, 2012
2:45 am
“Here is the list of Center’s that should be the beginning and end of our options next summer. Howard, Bynum, Jefferson, Kaman, Pekovic (RFA), Dalembert, Mozgov (RFA).”
***
If I am not mistaken, Hickson will also be a free agent. I know he has traditionally played PF, but he has been starting at C with some success with the Trailblazers. I would be partial to taking Hickson over Mozgov and probably Dalembert (assuming that there isn’t a big differential in cost between Hickson and Mozgov or Hickson and Dalembert).
W.R. Terrell
November 26th, 2012
7:59 am
The win against the Clippers was a good one. The two fouls on the “Smoove” and he having to leave in the first half may have been the most critical changing point in the game. There was a team chemistry that evolved. I think we should have beaten the Clippers the first game but “I am a superstar” helped blow that one, granted, the “Smoove” hit a big 3 pointer in a moment of need and that will come back to hunt but the HAWKS are finding out they play pretty good without “I am a superstar” Smoove person.
I am looking forward to the Bobcats and Cavaliers and hope there’s no let down. These HAWKS are enjoyable and entertaining. Zsa, Zsa, Al, Kyle, Lou, Devin, Ivan, Stevenson and JT really want to win, it’s not about highlight reels and who has the most points or who’s the SUPERSTAR with this particular group, GO HAWKS!
W.R. Terrell
November 26th, 2012
7:59 am
The win against the Clippers was a good one. The two fouls on the “Smoove” and he having to leave in the first half may have been the most critical changing point in the game. There was a team chemistry that evolved. I think we should have beaten the Clippers the first game but “I am a superstar” helped blow that one, granted, the “Smoove” hit a big 3 pointer in a moment of need and that will come back to hunt but the HAWKS are finding out they play pretty good without “I am a superstar” Smoove person.
I am looking forward to the Bobcats and Cavaliers and hope there’s no let down. These HAWKS are enjoyable and entertaining. Zsa, Zsa, Al, Kyle, Lou, Devin, Ivan, Stevenson and JT really want to win, it’s not about highlight reels and who has the most points or who’s the SUPERSTAR with this particular group, GO HAWKS!
W.R. Terrell
November 26th, 2012
7:59 am
The win against the Clippers was a good one. The two fouls on the “Smoove” and he having to leave in the first half may have been the most critical changing point in the game. There was a team chemistry that evolved. I think we should have beaten the Clippers the first game but “I am a superstar” helped blow that one, granted, the “Smoove” hit a big 3 pointer in a moment of need and that will come back to hunt but the HAWKS are finding out they play pretty good without “I am a superstar” Smoove person.
I am looking forward to the Bobcats and Cavaliers and hope there’s no let down. These HAWKS are enjoyable and entertaining. Zsa, Zsa, Al, Kyle, Lou, Devin, Ivan, Stevenson and JT really want to win, it’s not about highlight reels and who has the most points or who’s the SUPERSTAR with this particular group, GO HAWKS!
ag
November 26th, 2012
8:01 am
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.
So Keith is looking for a center who will average 15/15 and block 2-3 shots……
1 There is no center who averages 15 rebounds. Anderson Varejao does average 14.1 rebounds and averages 14.0 ppg. Yet he averages .03 block per game – better yet he blocks a shot only by mistake.
2. Howard gives you 10.6, but also gives you 18 ppg and 2.7 blocks. I am sure the Hawks want him, but does he want the Hawks?
3 Brooks Lopez averages 19 ppg and 2.5 blocks, but only grabs 6.2 rebounds. He also just signed a long term contract to stay a Net. (Why didn’t Orlando trade for this guy?)
4. Marcin Gortat, who is upset with the Sunds, averages 11.9 ppg and 9.1 rpg. He also blocks 2.43 shots. He may available, but do we want him?
5. Larry Sanders does block 2.27 per game, but only averages 8.1 ppg and 7 rebounds.
Like I have blogged before, the golden era of centers are over. There is no David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, or Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s walking through the door. Unless you create a guy on play station, your want ad will never be filled.
Buddy Grizzard
November 26th, 2012
8:24 am
“There is no guile to Dwane Casey, no disingenuous side at all. He is supremely confident in himself and his decisions. He does what he thinks is best, and he doesn’t really concern himself with what people think. Those are important characteristics for any professional coach. He cannot bend to the will of anyone but himself, and Casey is never going to give you anything but an honest answer to a legitimate question.”
http://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/nba/article/1292820–toronto-raptors-lose-to-san-antonio-spurs-in-double-overtime
Buddy Grizzard
November 26th, 2012
8:27 am
“Name a few I’m waiting.”
Me too… already went through the free agent list and didn’t find any pending free agent centers who might sign for bargain contracts.
Buddy Grizzard
November 26th, 2012
8:30 am
Good eye Melvin, google news not doing me any favors on Damion updates.
Buddy Grizzard
November 26th, 2012
8:39 am
“He’d be easy on our cap early on”
On a poison pill contract, the team offering the contract doesn’t have to make the balloon payment at the end. Houston will pay Lin and Asik the average of their total contract each year. Only a team that matches a poison pill has to pay the salary year by year as its written in the offer.
Rim Rocker
November 26th, 2012
8:55 am
We need Joe Johnson back. Should have traded Josh Smith & kept JJ. Josh is most inconsistent player in NBA.
Rim Rocker
November 26th, 2012
9:06 am
Louis Williams should be a starter.
Sam
November 26th, 2012
9:18 am
By the way, that was not the real “Sam” on the first page… I know no one would ever trade for Petro willingly.
Melvin
November 26th, 2012
10:48 am
Astro,
When Teague was being interviewed on NBATV, he said he told his brother to “treat practice like it was a game”. I said to myself, I knew you were somewhere smiling if you saw his interview…