Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 100, Wizards 95 OT (updated)
Vivlamore reporting.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – It wasn’t supposed to be this close. But was it ever.
DeShawn Stevenson, who the Hawks hoped not to play, hit a key 3-pointer with 2:07 remaining in overtime to help the Hawks to a 100-95 victory over the lowly Wizards Tuesday night at the Verizon Center.
The Hawks could have sealed the game at the free-throw line in the final two minutes. However, Stevenson and Al Horford each hit only one of two free throws. After a Jordan Crawford basket and a missed Hawks shot, the Wizards trailed 98-95 and had the ball with 24 seconds remaining. The Wizards’ Nene missed a shot in the paint and Kyle Korver sank two free throws with 7.7 remaining to clinch the victory.
The Hawks ordinarily don’t play the veteran Stevenson in back-to-back games and wanted to save him for Wednesday’s game against the Thunder. However, with Anthony Morrow out and Devin Harris injured during the game, coach Larry Drew had no option. When Harris couldn’t return for the second half, Stevenson got his ankles taped during the intermission.
“We were a little short-handed and I got in a situation where I was running out of bodies particularly on the perimeter and we had guys in foul trouble,” Drew said. “So I had to choice put the play DeShawn and he really stepped it up big time for me. He came in and did a great job defensively, knocked a 3 down, got a tip-in follow on a fast break.”
The Hawks (15-7) defeated the Wizards for the third time this season and sixth straight overall. It was the Hawks’ 18th victory over Washington in the past 19 games between the teams. The only game Atlanta has lost came when Josh Smith was out with an injury April 9, 2011.
The Hawks held the Wizards to five overtime points.
“It was tough,” Stevenson said of his late entrance. “I’ve been through so much in my career, getting played in the fourth quarter for two minutes and two seconds. I’m just mentally strong. We needed that win and we got it.
The Hawks have won 12 of their past 15 games. They play the second of four games in five days Wednesday at home against the Thunder.
Lou Williams led the Hawks with 24 points, including a basket and free throw in overtime. Josh Smith had 17 points and 13 rebounds and Korver finished with 16 points.
“I continued to play and stay aggressive,” Williams said. “Any time that I thought I saw a crease I was able to take it. Tonight was one of those games we didn’t play with a lot of energy so I just wanted to be aggressive any time I had the ball.”
The Wizards (3-19) lost for their fourth straight game. They were led by the former Hawk Crawford with a game-high 27 points. Crawford did a lot of talking during the game, to Jeff Teague and the Hawks bench. Teague was called for a foul after hitting Crawford in the face and it got under the skin of the guard, who hit five 3-pointers.
“That’s my homeboy,” Teague said. “We played together for half a season so we are really good friends. We were just talking a little bit – bragging rights for the summer. … We joked about it after the game. I said ‘You finally made some shots against us.’ He laughed about it.”
With the Hawks holding a one-point lead, 87-86, Smith was fouled going to the basket with 1:05 remaining. However, he missed both free throws and opened the door for the Wizards.
After a Bradley Beal floater gave the Wizards the lead, Williams answered with a 3-pointer with 43.8 seconds remaining. Back came the Wizards on a jumper from Emeka Okafor that tied the game, 90-90, with 23 seconds remaining.
Playing for the final shot, Teague drove to basket but was called for a charge with 2.7 remaining setting up overtime. Crawford missed at the buzzer to force the extra session.
“Coach told me to make a play at the rim and put it on the officials,” Teague said of the final play of regulation. “I guess they made a good play.”
When asked if he thought it was a charge, Teague said “No, but it was the call that was made.”
In three games against the Wizards this season, Smith has averaged 21.7 points and 13 rebounds.
The Hawks led by as many as eight points in the first half and took a 52-46 lead into intermission. Korver had 10 first half points, including three 3-pointers.
Coach and players pointed to the team’s defensive effort in the overtime as the reason for the victory. However, the effort will have to be there again Wednesday.
“We locked down and played solid defense,” said Al Horford, who had five points and 11 rebounds. “We need to be more consistent in that end. Tomorrow that has to be a point of emphasis because Oklahoma is probably the best team in the NBA right now. We are going to have our hands full.”
Notes
* Harris left the game in the second quarter and did not return with what the team described as a sore left foot. The guard had eight first-half points before leaving with the injury.
* Ivan Johnson left the game in the second quarter with a cut on his right hand that required four stitches. The cut was between the fourth finger and pinkie. He returned following halftime.
* Morrow missed his second straight game with a sore back. The guard practiced Monday and participated in the shoot-around Tuesday but was declared out prior to the game. Drew said the team was being cautious with the injury by giving Morrow extra rest. The team is still listing Morrow as day-to-day and his status for Wednesday’s home game against the Thunder is uncertain.
- Chris Vivlamore
LATEST NEWS
* Morrow out, Stevenson questionable vs. Wizards
* A look at the Hawks at the season’s quarter mark
* Hawks look to put worst loss behind them
* A share of first place on the line vs. Bobcats
* Morrow to start vs. Magic, Pachulia warned for flop
* Smith on Smith: Steve says ‘travesty’ Josh never All-Star
* Video: Hawks look to sustain winning ways
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157 comments Add your comment
Just Joe
December 19th, 2012
1:29 pm
You guys are killing me with this FTA argument between JaCraw & LouWill. Somebody simply post avg FTA & avg minutes played for each player. If LouWill avgs more attempts per game (3.7 vs. 3.4), while playing on average 5 less minutes per game, then Lou obviously gets to the line at a higher “rate” than Jamal. The key word being “rate”, which implies an average over a period of time (minute perhaps) or event (game perhaps).
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
December 19th, 2012
1:49 pm
“You are over-analyzing [the] minutiae.”
Considering the source, that’s the most ironic post I’ve seen in a long time. Easily.
Sautee
December 19th, 2012
2:04 pm
“Do me a favor, please show me a shooting guard who shoots over 50% from the field for a career. LOL. Even the great Micheal Jordan could not accomplish that feat.” – Rod from CP
Chris Mullin: .509%
Otis Birdsong: .506%
Sidney Moncrief: .502%
Doug Collins: .501%
Andrew Toney: .500%
MsDee
December 19th, 2012
2:21 pm
Rob from CP,
I think its your move….
Grandad
December 19th, 2012
2:46 pm
I have been perusing the stats:
Al had an abysmal shooting nite;
however, he only missed 3 less shots than Josh,
yet he missed 3 less shots than did Lou [6 of 18];
of whom someone said: should be game co-MVP.
Inasmuch as Al contributed 11 boards, 6, assts, 1 blk,
while committing only 1 turnover and posted a +8 (+/-),
perhaps he was not as dastardly as some would have you believe.
My opinion is:
Al had a night of which he is not proud,
and as an athlete will hold himself accountable
to [his] standard of excellence.
In other words;
most athletes would say of themselves:
” I had a bad nite “.
On the other hand:
a good coach will look deep into the stats;
and see his overall contribution to the collective `Team effort’.
__________________________________________________
MsDee
December 19th, 2012
2:49 pm
Alex Kennedy: Crazy fact: Josh Smith is the only player in NBA history with career averages over 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal. Twitter @AlexKennedyNBA
Rod from College Park
December 19th, 2012
3:00 pm
“On the other hand:
a good coach will look deep into the stats;
and see his overall contribution to the collective `Team effort’.”
Wonder why you never look for things like that when Josh has a bad game? When Josh has a bad game from the field, because he always fills up the stat sheet, he has low baskeball IQ, he does not hustle or he argues with the refs too much. Double standard huh.
Melvin
December 19th, 2012
3:05 pm
I have no problem with Teague making his move under 5 seconds left in a TIED game. Look at it from this prospective, if he had turn the ball over (which he did) or missed a shot and the Wizards rebound the ball (highly likely with the wait the Hawks rebound) then call time out. That would have allowed the Wizards more time to execute a play on their possession. Now if the Wizards had the lead, then I would have preferred him to make his move sooner for a chance at an offensive reb in case of a missed shot attempt….
SteveW
December 19th, 2012
3:07 pm
AJ – You and I have the exact same opinion on Teague. I said he’d be at 13 and 6 this season 2 years ago, just because I knew Teague and his work ethic and also his limitations. He’ll never be a top 10 PG unless a lot of them get hurt.
But he’s still the best PG we’ve had since Mookie, except a season+ stretch with Bibby before he fell off the physical cliff.
This is/was his All Star year with Rosé, Wall and Irving down, but I don’t think he’s going to make it unless he goes on an insane tear.
Teague – no more than 4 years at 6 mill per.
And yes, if we could package some of the wounded warriors together – Korver, Harris, Stevenson, Morrow (two out of those 4) and maybe that Houston pick, I’d take Calderon all day long, and team him with Jeff. On second thought, maybe that’s too much, but yes, Calderon would be a great compliment to Jeff Teague.
SteveW
December 19th, 2012
3:10 pm
Something tells me the Harris, Korver, Stevenson, Morrow injury bug is going to follow us all season. Jenkins may get some burn yet
Grandad
December 19th, 2012
3:15 pm
concerning LD
LD is acutely narrow minded.
“We were a little short-handed
and I got in a situation where I was running out of bodies
particularly on the perimeter and we had guys in foul trouble,”
To which he played DSteve;
“It worked out great for him”. I`ll give him credit for that.
DSteve has been better than I imagined he `could ‘ be.
Now, back to narrow minded Larry.
Were DSteve not available “for real” what would he do ?
answer:
Tolliver, of course – we saw that last nite.
Let`s review options, of which LD could or would nor see:
(1) JJenkins – obv i o u s …choice
(2) Zaza only played 15 min
Why not a Big line-up / I didn`t look at the stat but
WW was killing us on the offensive boards.
Only two – but they are so apparent – Why ?
____________________________________________
Having said:
It made all the remonstrance about DSteve playin`
and being short of perimeter players appear,
as an excuse for playing poorly.
MattP
December 19th, 2012
3:23 pm
Well said Grandad
Rod from College Park
December 19th, 2012
3:27 pm
Much different era’s totally different game than today. Jordan changed the game, and the three point line did as well.
Chris Mullin: .509% – Mullin played SF most of his career alongside Mitch Richmond, and Tim Hardaway. The comparable guy would have been Mitch Richmond. He was the scorer. Mullin was a knock down shooter. Totally different.
Otis Birdsong: .506% – Don’t remember sseeing him play.
Sidney Moncrief: .502% – From what I remember of Moncrief he was one of those hybrid point/ shooting guards who was better at running the team and distributing the ball than scoring. The volume shooters on his Milwaukee teams were Paul Pressey and Terry Cummings. Bad comparison.
Doug Collins: .501% – Don’t remeber Doug Collins game, so I won’t comment.
Andrew Toney: .500% – Best comparison to Jamal. Instant offense of the bench. Volume shooter who played the 2. Very streaky and when he got hot could not be stopped. Still would not get gassed about his shooting percentage because he only palyed 8 years compared to Jamal playing 15 years. Plus he played on much better teams, could not be doubled because of being on the floor with Moses Malone, Dr. J and Moe Cheeks, and he played in a much different era.
The point of the post is that most volume shooting 2 guards won’t shoot over 50%, which is what Vava said Jamal should do. If Jordan, Kobe, Iverson, Reggie Miller and Wade could not do it then why are you holding Jamal to that standard.
Nate ArchiBALL
December 19th, 2012
3:30 pm
Al had an abysmal shooting nite – and that is just based on the shots he took. One must also take into consideration the open looks that he passed up…. on two occasions rather than take the shot he passed to ZaZa who promptly bricked both opportunities. A shot by Al on a bad shooting night is better than any shot by ZaZa. (ZaZa stats last 3 games – 0 for 3 from the field — 7 for 20 from the field for the month of December – 8 games)
When I watch a game not only do I take note of the bad shots that are taken (Josh and Lou) but I also look at open shots that are not taken (Al mostly).
SteveW
December 19th, 2012
3:36 pm
Get CP3 this summer if you can and forget Teague. No brainier. You can match any offer on Teague, and maybe nobody gives him a poison pill.
Slimjr
December 19th, 2012
3:37 pm
Teague broke jumper will keep him from becoming elite and its sad because his penetrations skills are very good. He can get any shot he wants because of his great quickness and agility..
His jumper will hold him back. Why should I have confidence in it when doesn’t? Hmmmmm
And yes Al had an abysmal shooting night and thats being kind because:
Golden St. is > then The Wizards by a long shot.. Hmmmm
Grandad
December 19th, 2012
3:38 pm
Rod f CP
Not True !
That was my whole purpose for writing that post.
I`m tired of “us” tearing down on Hawk to build up another.
Perhaps you missed My diatribe the other day !
One does not have to belittle one Hawk while critiquing another.
Yes,
I have critiqued Josh harshly and will continue if warranted.
I will not attack another Hawk to build my case.
When critiquing Josh I have always ended by saying
and
“I like Josh” !
I would love the opportunity to Coach Josh !
One of three things would happen:
1. He would change for the better
2. He would be gone
3. I would be gone
If and when the time is right I will critique Al and have do so in the past.
My defense of Al has been again st folke who attack
blindly and w/o any concept of what they are talkin` about.
When someone critiques Al fairly – I have No problem.
Josh drives be stark ravin` bananas !
As he does [I`m quite certain] even his most avid fans.
____________________________________________
note
I defended your guy JamalCrawford the whole time he was here !
I pretty much soured on JoeJohnson the last couple of yrs.
Same with Bibby.
Marvin – I defended as long as I could / then I just gave up.
My one Criteria – when I critique;
*[..it is Not Hate (read Jeff Shultz column)..]
* I try very hard not to dismantle one player to build up another.
* note – this is not to say – one should not compare & contrast.
* There is a difference.
____________________________________________
I hope I have answered to your satisfaction.
Grandad
December 19th, 2012
3:39 pm
*one Hawk … not *[on] Hawk !
O'Brien
December 19th, 2012
3:43 pm
Nate,
Al needs to be more aggressive looking for his shot, especially when a) Josh is off and b) he is open. Something about his mindset makes him defer too much at times.
Grandad
December 19th, 2012
3:43 pm
My post at 3:38 pm
most probably set a record for misspelling and typos.
I attempted to type too fast.
It`s like John Wooden always said:
” Be quick, but don`t get in a hurry “
Slimjr
December 19th, 2012
3:44 pm
The [Chief Passer] became just that because he was the slowest of foot speed amongst the Bigs on both sides of the court last night except for Zaza….
Means he was guarded out in his comfort zone[mid-range land] and had no other choice[lack of post game] but to give up the rock time and again.
He is not being attacked personally just his game play. Comprende?
Ah forget it. lol
Slimjr
December 19th, 2012
3:49 pm
Prediction: If the [Chief Passer] drops 5 pts. tonight, OKC will breeze through their 12th win in a row..
I expect 15 and 12 from him tonight!
Slimjr
December 19th, 2012
3:53 pm
Why cant Al and Josh start to work together to produce solid [nimbers] night in and night out?
They have played together for years now.. The Hawks need a solid night from both Allstars or else.
Slimjr
December 19th, 2012
3:58 pm
Teague needs to visit the [Wizard] like the Tin Man in the ” The Wizard of OZ.” lol
So Teague said JC2 was talking smack to him and the Hawks bench as he was raining 3’s?
I wonder what he told Larry Drew?
O'Brien
December 19th, 2012
4:00 pm
Nets and Knicks are playing for the 3rd time this season. But yet the Hawks have yet to play either of them. And we have played the Wizards 3 times already. Quirky schedule
Slimjr
December 19th, 2012
4:01 pm
To borrow a term from [The Rev], JC2 probably told Larry Drew F- U [forgive you]. LOL!
Slimjr
December 19th, 2012
4:05 pm
Looks like the Honey Moon [soft schedule] is [ova]! The NBA schedule always finds you out. Nothing new there…
These 50-54 wins will be earned for sure.. Bring on OKC and the Knicks and the Nets, et al!
Slimjr
December 19th, 2012
4:10 pm
One thing I notice that Al does is play flat-footed. It slows down your reaction speed on defense.Especially help defense..
Watch closely tonight on the big screen in HD! He needs to play on the balls of his feet not his heels..
Sautee
December 19th, 2012
4:13 pm
“The point of the post is that most volume shooting 2 guards won’t shoot over 50%, which is what Vava said Jamal should do.” – Rod from CP
I agree. And my point was that SOME do.
You asked to name shooting guards who shot over 50% for their career. Then when I show you, it’s… well, that was a different era. LOL.
Rod from College Park
December 19th, 2012
4:14 pm
“One must also take into consideration the open looks that he passed up…. on two occasions rather than take the shot he passed to ZaZa who promptly bricked both opportunities. A shot by Al on a bad shooting night is better than any shot by ZaZa. (ZaZa stats last 3 games – 0 for 3 from the field — 7 for 20 from the field for the month of December – 8 games)”
Could not agree more.
Slimjr
December 19th, 2012
4:15 pm
Once the Knicks get their 3 starters back they will blow [The Houston Rockets] out of the GYM…
Book it Dano!
Sautee
December 19th, 2012
4:18 pm
“Why cant Al and Josh start to work together to produce solid [nimbers] night in and night out?” – slimjr
They DO, slim. If they didn’t then how are they both averaging 16+.
You are WAYYYYY over reacting to each of them having as bad a game as they have had in their respective careers. If they didn’t produce night in and night out, they COULD NOT have the nimbers they do.
You act like they have 30 point nights, and then 8 point nights exclusively. Silly.
Slimjr
December 19th, 2012
4:19 pm
Al take those knee braces off and watch your foot speed double..hmmmm
Slimjr
December 19th, 2012
4:20 pm
Scottie, engage the scroll key, make it so. Aye Captain…
O'Brien
December 19th, 2012
4:26 pm
Slim,
Do you think WOody should start A’mare or bring him off the bench?
Astro Joe
December 19th, 2012
4:26 pm
OB, I’m not sure about quirky, seems like some of the divisional opponents are seeing each other more times early in the season. Hawks and Wizards & Bobacts…. Knicks & Nets.
I’d also suggest that Horford would rather pass to an open teammate than take a contested shot. Likely why both his assists and field goal percentage are very good (depsite his middling usage rate). I think that is what you want from someone who is best suited as a team’s 2nd or 3rd scoring option.
Steve, in Teague’s case, it really isn’t about his stats. Watching him be aggressive in one game and then (as cp said) “go through the motions” in the next doesn’t always show up in a stat line… but you can clearly see it when watching him perform. You get excited when he more than holds his own against CP3 only to let Jeremy Pargo look like a promising 1st round pick in another game. I was looking forward to a competitive battle against Ty Lawson, but instead, he was knocked out in the 3rd round of the fight. IMO, it is less a basketball preparedness issue and more of a maturity/emotional issue. Again, I am predicting that he will be super-energized to battle Westbrook tonight. I expect the version of Teague that played so well against CP3 to show up (wearing his big boy pants).
Astro Joe
December 19th, 2012
4:32 pm
Slim, the vast majority of teams designate a single help defender. You don’t want two guys chasing the same shooter. That would essentially mean 3 players are defending one, which will surely result in an easy look for an opposing teammate. Josh is this team’s designated help defender and has been since his rookie season (Woody employed him as a roving saefty, running around the court like a wild man trying to block everything that went up). He is likely to go down as one of the 3 best shot-blocking forwards in NBA history.
You know what would happen in Woody played a healthy Camby and a healthy Chandler together? He would tell one of them to provide help defnse and the other would watch their blocks/game go down.
Sautee
December 19th, 2012
4:33 pm
“I’d also suggest that Horford would rather pass to an open teammate than take a contested shot. Likely why both his assists and field goal percentage are very good (depsite his middling usage rate). I think that is what you want from someone who is best suited as a team’s 2nd or 3rd scoring option.” – Astro Joe
Good point, AJ. Some on the blog act like every pass Al makes, he’s passing up a 12 footer. Personally, I’m glad he is so judicious with his shots. Would I like to see him more aggressive on offense? Some, but with all those shooters, how can you criticize him for getting good shooters the ball?
Unless you just WANT to find fault.
Slimjr
December 19th, 2012
4:37 pm
OB,
no NBA Coach worth his salt would start Amar’e especially after coming off of knee surgery. I like what I heard on ESPN today reference Woody handling Amar’es return next week.
ESPN reported today that Amar’e will agree to however coach Woodson brings him back..Word is he will be brought back slowly coming off the bench as a 5 backing up Chandler..Looks like the Knicks want to keep Melo at the power forward for the time being. Which is a no [brainer] as Melo is averaging close to 30 pts per night as a power forward.
Rod from College Park
December 19th, 2012
4:38 pm
“I agree. And my point was that SOME do.
You asked to name shooting guards who shot over 50% for their career. Then when I show you, it’s… well, that was a different era. LOL.”
You posted players from the 80’s. I was born in the 70’s. Sorry i did not get to see James Naismith play like some of you did.
Sautee
December 19th, 2012
4:42 pm
“You posted players from the 80’s.” – Rod from CP
LOL, you didn’t specify which era, until AFTER the fact. You just said SG over 50% for a career.
Rod from College Park
December 19th, 2012
4:49 pm
“I’d also suggest that Horford would rather pass to an open teammate than take a contested shot. Likely why both his assists and field goal percentage are very good (depsite his middling usage rate). I think that is what you want from someone who is best suited as a team’s 2nd or 3rd scoring option.” – Astro Joe”
Totally disagree. Most coaches I played for were very big on KYP. Know Your Personel. It is a horrible decision for Al to pass up a 15 foot jump shot to kick it to a wide open Josh Smith for 3. It is even worse to pass the ball to Zaza on the move. Al and Josh are the best scoring options on the team. Both should take advantage of shots when they have them. If Al does not feel comfortable taking those shots, then there should be no complaining about Josh shooting long jumpers and 3’s. Somebody has to shoot, and your two best players should be the ones to do it. Only other guy on this team that should have the usage rate of Josh or Al is Lou Williams.
Rod from College Park
December 19th, 2012
4:52 pm
“LOL, you didn’t specify which era, until AFTER the fact. You just said SG over 50% for a career.”
I did not know I was talking a guy who was around when basketball was invented, and the questions was not directed at you, it was directed a Vava, Mr. Smartypants.
MsDee
December 19th, 2012
5:11 pm
Rod from CP,
“and the questions was not directed at you, it was directed a Vava, Mr. Smartypants.”
This is an open blog..what one says to one could be responded by others…
Nate ArchiBALL
December 19th, 2012
5:20 pm
I do think Al and Josh play well together…….If we only had a startling defensive minded Center. Can you imagine this team with Al at PF, Josh at SF, ZaZa as the backup Center and a starting Center like Tyson Chandler……..
Grandad
December 19th, 2012
5:31 pm
A few notes:
Help Defense:
* Although some teams may designate one defender
to pick up the stray dogs, it would usually be a team
with a legit ” rim protector ” … think: Deke or Tree Rollins.
Most teams have a Defensive principle of:
** if your man is two passes away / be in Help position.
note – very rudimentary eplanation.
_____________________________________________
Al was timid about shooting last eve – No Doubt.
Numerous times passing up an inside shot to a perimeter shooter.
_____________________________________________
I`m not sure if a help defender should have his wgt on the balls of his ft ?
I`m am certain he should not be flat footed !
However;
A defender uses the inside of his legs to push.
Agony on the groin muscle when one is playing in correct stance.
“doc” would need to give an anotomy lesson about wgt distribution
all the way to the feet.
A defender also needs to be able to go backward as easily as forward.
Also a staggered stance is advisable.
Active or live feet are a must;
in supplement to slimjr`s assertation.
Grandad
December 19th, 2012
5:34 pm
I`m not real certain what anotomy is ?
Grandad
December 19th, 2012
5:37 pm
slimjr
fact:
knees bent, hands ready, eyes open [on ball]
Rod from College Park
December 19th, 2012
6:00 pm
“This is an open blog..what one says to one could be responded by others…”
Correct, but when you put a person’s name in your response, you are taking to that person. If it was meant for anyone to respond, I would not have addressed it to one person.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 19th, 2012
6:06 pm
“Najeh is just being stubborn. He is one of those fantasy guys also. PER is a fantasy stat. What would someone do if……. I don’t live in that world.”
I never even mentioned PER. I am not talking about “what would someone do if”. I am talking about what Lou actually does per minute vs. what Jamal actually does per minute. I suppose you also think Bibby was better than Teague in 2011 because his per-game stats were better.