Atlanta Hawks: Hawks have lost two of three (with video)
If the Hawks could make a holiday wish, what would it be? CineSport’s Noah Coslov gets the answer from The AJC’s Chris Vivlamore as they discuss the new-look Hawks.
Vivlamore reporting.
PHILADELPHIA — If there is a lesson to be learned from the Hawks’ recent games, including the loss to the Thunder Wednesday, it had better sink in fast.
While the big picture shows the Hawks having won 12 of the past 16 games, a closer look shows a different trend. The Hawks have lost two of the past three games. They were handed a 22-point home loss by the Warriors last week. They needed overtime to beat the lowly Wizards Tuesday. They trailed the Thunder by 17 points before a comeback fell short in a 100-92 loss Wednesday.
“Your pride kicks in,” Hawks guard Kyle Korver said of the Hawks rally against the Thunder. “There are a lot of competitors in this locker room. I thought our energy level picked up. We are not a team that is going to lie down. But we’ve had a couple tough games at home. We have to get better and learn from these losses.”
There isn’t much time.
The Hawks (15-8), off Thursday, play at the 76ers Friday in the middle of a stretch of four games in five days in three cities. It concludes with a home game against the Bulls Saturday. This will be the Hawks’ sixth of back-to-back games this season and they end 2012 with two more. They are 8-2 in back-to-back games this season.
Hawks coach Larry Drew will go for his 100th career victory against the 76ers. With a 99-72 record in his two-plus seasons he would become the eighth Atlanta head coach to reach century win mark.
The 76ers (12-14) have lost five straight games as they continue to play without Andrew Bynum. The center has yet to play for this season due to bilateral knee bone bruises.
The Bulls (14-10) present a different challenge as they lead the Central Division despite not having star guard Derrick Rose.
Against the Thunder, Kevin Durant would have nothing to do with a Hawks comeback.
The Thunder star scored a game-high 41 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter, as the Hawks failed to overcome the large deficit.
The Hawks pulled to within four points, 73-69, early in the fourth quarter. Then Durant went to work. He scored 18 of the Thunders’ next 22 points, including a stretch of 13 straight.
The Hawks continued to fight but could never pull closer.
“He’s very, very talented,” Hawks swingman DeShawn Stevenson said of Durant. “Sometimes you can play good defense but even good defense is not good enough for a guy who is 7-foot tall with a jump shot like that, with a handle. Tonight he had a great night. It was his night.”
Russell Westbrook added 27 points for the Thunder (21-4), who improved on their NBA-best record with their 12th straight victory. Westbrook scored 21 first-half points as the Thunder built their biggest lead in the second quarter. Durant and Westbrook accounted for 68 percent of the offense. Durant added 13 rebounds and Westbrook had 11 assists to complete double-doubles.
The Hawks were led by Jeff Teague with 19 points. Josh Smith added 17 points and 12 rebounds. Al Horford and Lou Williams scored 13 points apiece.
“It seems as the game progressed we wore down,” Drew said of the first half. “We weren’t as sharp executing our sets. That resulted in some bad shots. We had a lot of bad shots in that first half. That was the reason we got down. I told the guys at halftime, when you play against a good team, a team who defends the way they do, you have to trust in what you do. It’s not a time to fragment. I thought early we played too much one-on-one and it resulted in a lot of bad shots. They got out and ran and attacked us to the run.”
LATEST NEWS
* Williams ready for return to Philadelphia
* 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
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130 comments Add your comment
bfred
December 20th, 2012
4:46 pm
@Just Joe – how does that really address our main problem, lack of a true center? A Josh clone (and at 6′8″ 240 you’re right that’s exactly what he is) means we now have three players whose natural position is the 4. I’d rather send Josh or Al in a package for a center, otherwise someone is playing out of position. Al can handle the 5 but will never be elite at the position (yes I know he’s an All-Star but he’d be better as a 4). Josh at 3 full-time is such a nightmare I don’t even want to think about it. There’s already a logjam and Williams would just add to it.
Rod from College Park
December 20th, 2012
4:53 pm
“Huh. That’s interesting. Because it has barely been a month since you said that Jamal was the man when Joe was here. So Jamal was the man, but Joe was a better playoff scorer?”
My direct quote from that post was “First Flip became the man with Joe, then Jamal was the man with Joe”
Meaning both guys came to the Hawks and became the go to guys along with Joe before the Marvin’s, Horford’s and Josh’s on the offensive side of the ball. Jamal was never better than Joe. Joe was the man on this team for the time he was here. Joe was the leading playoff scorer on this team for the last couple of years. Not speculation, It’s fact. No PER or per 36 minute stats can change that.
Slimjr
December 20th, 2012
5:03 pm
Derrick Williams is not, repeat not a Clone of Josh by a long shot..Remember this dude went #2 in the lottery!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0ZsfvRHlYQ
Slimjr
December 20th, 2012
5:06 pm
Our future #3 Star!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9wo1×17SjI
Just Joe
December 20th, 2012
5:24 pm
bfred….nothing about the trade I proposed says that you can’t still “send Josh or Al in a trade for a center”.
This team isn’t one trade away from being a title contender.
Admiral SnAckbar
December 20th, 2012
5:34 pm
Hawks need to bite the bullet and start Zaza and give him the minutes he needs to be productive. sometimes one of Josh or Al may have to come off the bench for the good of the team. When Zaza gets his minutes he gets his nimbers. And he’s the biggest guy we’ve got that gets any pt. Make the other team use up their big to match Zaza. Al and Josh are good enough they can produce irregardless . Zaza proved he can start and we need that production again, NOW. cmon!
SteveW
December 20th, 2012
5:35 pm
Yeh, I’d give up Korver and the Nets/Houston pick for DWill, even though he may be another bust. We’re two major pieces away from contending. Going to have to get fortunate to get those two pieces, like a project, or a piece that somebody just wants to get rid of.
You can win a championship with al, Josh, and Teague starting. You need 1 more star, and another solid player.
And I think ZaZa, Ivan, Lou, Devin, Korver, Morrow, and Stevenson are role guys you could win a championship with. Compare them to Miami and OKCs bench for instance.
2 main pieces away. I have no idea how to get them. Doubt your winning a Championship with Korver starting, unless your the Heat or OKC or something
SteveW
December 20th, 2012
5:40 pm
I do think ZaZa, Al, Josh, whoever, and Jeff is our most talented lineup. Not perfect since Josh and Al are pretty much tweener’s, but that’s a tough frontline to handle, speedy PG, and a good shooter at the 2 spot.
Grandad
December 20th, 2012
5:55 pm
MattP
This is a BLOG, not a TWITTER, Tweet, twit, t`watever !
Grandad
December 20th, 2012
6:50 pm
Obtaining a Center:
There are no Centers anymore.
Dwight; on a career downslope, currently the Best.
Possible inj concerns, attitude definitely a problem.
Would have to overpay to obtain even if available ?
note:
`tis sad that Thabeet can shoot free throws exceedingly better.
Bynum; Will he ever play again, much less be productive.
Once again, must overpay to obtain.
Bogut; broken … kinda like Humpty Dumpty,
“all the King`s horses & all the King`s men …………………” ?
Chandler; Spoken for, plus he`s mostly a defender,
no post game to speak of !
McGee; Nut case, (potential, potential, potential)
(unrealized, unrealized, unrealized) karl don`t even trust `im.
The Gasols:
Pau; Offensively the best, 32 yrs old, overpaid this yr and next.
Best post game, on career downslope
Possibly good to have his expiring contract next yr.,
*with the ability to re-sign at lower salary and play out career.
Marc; Probably the best available, probably untouchable?
Poor rebounder for a +7 footer, still only 27 yrs old.
Elite skill level. High basketball IQ and strong leadership !
Al Jefferson; Center in a Power Forwards body,
same hgt as Al Horford, difference is he weighs 290 lbs.
Always has a very high efficiency rating.
Noah; My personal favorite, most likely untouchable,
I love his energy and enthusiasm, he plays with heart,
and he would not take crap from LBJ [once upon a time] !
DeAndre Jordan; overpaid shot-blocker & recipient of CPaul`s gift lobs.
The rest are mostly young and are Euros;
too early to tell for most:
*Valanciunas, Jonas
*Mozgov, Timofey
*Pekovic, Nikola
*Motiejunas, Donatas
*Cousins, DeMarcus
*Vucevic, Nikola
The Very Best Post Player in the League is LBJ !
I did leave off the rookies and old guys such as [KG].
Merry Christmas … enjoy !
SteveW
December 20th, 2012
6:52 pm
OB – I agree about Dalembart. I’d prefer Sanders or Favors, but I doubt they’re going anywhere. Aminu and Williams look like they could be had at the 3. Maybe one of the blossoms.
Grandad
December 20th, 2012
6:54 pm
I forgot about Kaman; is he still playing ?
Great offensive skill & good rebounder / Defense … not so much.
SteveW
December 20th, 2012
7:11 pm
I know this would not be ideal, but assuming we miss out on D12 and Cp3, would signing Monta Ellis, JJ Hickson, and Jose Calderon, while re-signing Josh, Jeff and ZaZa be a team that’s going anywhere? Just wondering.
Josh 13 m, Monta and Al 12m each, Hickson and Teague maybe 6 m (have you seen Hickson lately? Great), Calderon 5 m along with Lou. Rounding up that’s about 60 mill, and throw Ivan and Jenkins in there.
Oh yeh, ZaZa probably another 5 m. 68 mill for 10 players. Short backcourt I know. Less than ideal, but who else we gonna get?
keith
December 20th, 2012
7:12 pm
“IVAN JOHNSON GUARDING KEVIN DURANT”
Someone must be smoking some serious “Stuff” to suggest that we use Ivan Johnson to guard the Best player in the NBA!!!!!!!
SteveW
December 20th, 2012
7:12 pm
Grandad – Kaman is with the Mavis on a one year deal
SteveW
December 20th, 2012
7:12 pm
Mavs
Grandad
December 20th, 2012
7:21 pm
Marc; Probably the best *[available], probably untouchable?
should have read … *[best all `round] … not available
Best all `round:
would include age, offensive post moves, passing, leadership,
B-ball IQ, defense, rebounding (weak point), great teammate, etc.
** source – Lionel Hollins
* as he is most likely NOT available !
Grandad
December 20th, 2012
7:30 pm
SteveW
We don`t need anymore addin` up type players.
We need *One Player that the other *Team has to *Worry about !
*[Scoring] ! Inside … Outside … or … Sideways … !
We need One Player that Scares the Piss out of the other Team !
Grandad
December 20th, 2012
7:31 pm
Then all our shooters will be open.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 20th, 2012
7:32 pm
Minnesota’s pick and roll is picking apart the Thunder early. How many pick and rolls did the Hawks run last night? One?
Najeh Davenpoop
December 20th, 2012
7:48 pm
“we ran a coach out of town three years ago.
Same coach is currently leading the East with Knicks and the front runner for coach of the year.
Is it the coach or the talent?”
Unquestionably the talent. The Hawks haven’t had a player of Melo’s caliber in 20 years.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 20th, 2012
7:51 pm
“There was a reason holiday went #17, Lawson #18, and Teague #19. It’s called ceiling. I’m still not sure Teague won’t end up better than Lawson, we’ll see.
Johnny Flynn was the outlier that draft”
Jennings went at #11 too, and his career has been mostly unimpressive since that 55 point game he put up a couple of weeks into his rookie season. He isn’t any better than Lawson, Holiday, or Teague.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 20th, 2012
7:57 pm
“The Hawks have been playing without a true starter-quality center for nearly a decade, and the results speak for themselves. There’s just no getting around it, we’ve seen the ceiling without one.’
Who did the Heat have at center last year?
The Hawks just need superstars. Doesn’t matter the position. A center is valuable if he is good, same as any other position, but having an elite center is not necessary if you have elite players at other positions.
Duluth Joe
December 20th, 2012
7:58 pm
Grandad, Nice information about centers.
It is time to balance this unbalanced team. As long as we have Al and Josh on the same team, we are unbalanced. Both have strengths. Al’s intangibles are high. But to me Josh is more dynamic player who can do more things(he also makes more mistakes). Still – trade one of them. Balance the team.
As long as we have both on the team, we win some, but we stay unbalanced and ultimately pay the price vs. balanced teams.
It may be risky, but approach Kings about Cousins with a trade of Al for Cousins. Cousins is a true center, with bulk and attitude (needs to calm down, change of scenery may help him). Kings may not want headache of Cousins any more.
Otherwise, I take Jefferson if available. He is no rim protector, but he can score inside (something we don’t do) and rebounds. May not have to give anything up. Utah has to make some hard choices.
Not sure about Mozgov and how much upside he has. May not have to give anything up. I take him over Kaman(Does Kaman not get injured often?).
Detroit has couple centers (Monroe and Drummond). Could they be tempted into trading one for one of our Power Forwards?
I like both Favors and Kanter, but probably untouchables far as Utah is concerned.
Balance the team.
keith
December 20th, 2012
7:59 pm
We must make a trade by the deadline. I am all in for moving “1″ of our Power Forwards for a player and draft pick…. I am sick and tired of watching Josh Smith take that ugly shot. I would rather see him go. Horfords’ flat-footed shot is not much better…I purchased NBA league Pass to watch pragmatic, common-sense, professional Basketball. I have absolutely no confidence in our PF and Center right now!!!!!
Rusty
December 20th, 2012
8:04 pm
Keith you are about as stupid as LD. I would have played Ivan on KD better than Morrow or Stevenson,if he fouled out so what,Ivan at least could have knocked him on his azz making him think twice about waltzing down the lane.
Rusty
December 20th, 2012
8:06 pm
Keith you have no common sense.
Jody
December 20th, 2012
8:07 pm
I agree with playing Josh, Al and ZaZa together more no matter who the opponent is. Josh is going to take some jumpers, no matter what position he’s playing. When he does, it’s better to have two bigs who can go for a rebound instead of just one. Also, Josh is more effective in the post at the three thus far this season. It’s funny, when the Hawks play small, they struggle to beat teams like the Wizards, Cavaliers and Bobcats. But when they go big, they’ve blown out the Clippers and beat the Grizzlies in Memphis. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. They are a better interior defensive team and a better rebounding team when they play Josh, Al and ZaZa together.
Rusty
December 20th, 2012
8:13 pm
Could Ivan have done less,get real.
Big Ump
December 20th, 2012
8:35 pm
we ran a coach out of town three years ago.
Same coach is currently leading the East with Knicks and the front runner for coach of the year.
Is it the coach or the talent?”
Both. Sure they have talent and Woody got them playing together as a solid unit. They all seemed to be on the same page.
EmirS.
December 20th, 2012
8:50 pm
The Wolves are so good with Pekovic at the 5 and Kevin Love playing the PF spot.
I’m a very firm believer in acquiring the Magics Nikola Vucevic. He’s the same mold as Omer Asik and Nikola Pekovic. He is a 7 footer who can block out, rebound, play defense, give u 10 points a night, 1 to 2 blocks, and just clog up the paint. It would make our defense even better and we could play big every night.
C – Vucevic
PF – Horford
SF – Smith
SG – Korver
PG – Teague
I’m not sure who would need to give up to acquire him, but if we can keep those 4, Lou, Stevenson, Ivan, and possibly Morrow….than I think we can make some noise in the playoffs.
Get an Indetity
December 20th, 2012
8:50 pm
Defense was supposed to be our calling card. Our pride. What we were good at. Yet, we lose 100-92 instead of 86-78 ?
The Hawks need to be SOMETHING and stick with it and never fail to be IT. Win or lose. At this point, the team has no identity that fans can respect them for and opposing teams can fear.
There’s just nothing of substance here. They’re still all over the place just like they’ve always been.
Melvin
December 20th, 2012
8:59 pm
Grandad,
You forgot about Roy Hibbert and Lopez. I like Hibbert better…
Duluth Joe
December 20th, 2012
9:00 pm
Big Ump, Bingo!
Both roster and coaching.
So my original point, complain about Larry Drew after you give him a roster to work with that has a chance to compete at highest levels. He has done as well as could be done “UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES”
Ken Strickland
December 20th, 2012
9:14 pm
SLIMJR/ASTRO JOE-Ivan has very quick feet for a player his size, and Durant is primarily a jumpshooter without much of an inside gm. Exactly what does Durant do offensively that would have automatically created foul trouble for Ivan?
My reason for doing it still stands, because we needed more rebounding from our SF position and Ivan would have given it to us. After Durant scored 41pts and us getting very few rebounds from the undersized SFs Drew chose to play(Morrow/Stevenson)how can you try to make an issue of someone suggesting Drew play someone with size on him?
Why in hell would any HC start a gm out by creating an instant mismatch for the opposition, especially against their best player and leading scorer? Exactly what did Drew expect his 2 undersized SFs to stop Durant from doing? Did he expect them to make it difficult for him to shoot, rebound, pass, or get to the rim?
What did Stevenson or Morrow do to make Durant work defensively? At least Korver would have made him work defensively, but Drew chose to play him at SG.
Sameba
December 20th, 2012
9:57 pm
Now, that Minnesota defeated OKC, it is interesting whether there will be any more excuses for the yesterday’s loss…
O'Brien
December 20th, 2012
10:02 pm
Just Joe,
Korver and a 1st is too much for Derrick Williams. The only trade I would make is Morrow for Derrick Williams.
Sameba,
Maybe OKC was tired from the Hawks game last night. Just like I think Hawks were tired froom the Wizards game the night before.
Sameba
December 20th, 2012
10:09 pm
O’Brien
Maybe OKC was tired from the Hawks game last night. Just like I think Hawks were tired froom the Wizards game the night before.
————————————————————————————————————————-
I do not think OKC was tired, at least could not notice it watching the game. The key to the win for Minnesota was rebounding and the way they played on KD (they got tall & fast SF’s).
O'Brien
December 20th, 2012
10:11 pm
As good as the Knicks have been, they are somewhat similar to the Hawks in that they fall in love with the 3, and shoot alot of them, whether they are falling or not.
In a loss to Memphis, Knicks shot 26% from 3, missing 14.
Loss to Dallas: Shot 48% from 3, but missed 16
Loss to Houston: Knicks shot 44% from 3, but missed 22
Loss to BK: Shot 29% from 3, missed 15
Loss to Bulls: Shot 35% from 3, missed 15
Loss to Rockets: Shot 29% from 3, missed 22
So if they are missing their 3’s, other teams will have a chance to hang around.
Grandad
December 20th, 2012
10:39 pm
Melvin
You are absolutely correct / had him on my list / overlooked `im
Roy Hibbert; Big Stiff, overrated due to breakout season,
strength & conditioning program helped his career,
he constantly must overcome confidence and anxiety problems;
*[although not the type nor as severe as Royce White, Houston]
passing is his best asset, aside from being 7-2,
not the kind of plyr you build a team around,
the kind of piece you add to a good team.
Sorry, I left him off the list.
brigadierjerry
December 20th, 2012
10:50 pm
Thinking about this team and if cp3, dwight an bynum who is made of glass not available here are the list of free agents in 2013:
http://www.hoopsworld.com/2013-nba-free-agents/
Also would like to say as far as head coaches go, a lot of it has to do with how the coach fits with the team. Case in point Larry Brown wins a championship in Detroit becomes a disaster in ny for one year. Carlise does well in detroit gets fired and wins a championship in Dallas after being there for a few years.
Woodson will be determined when it comes to playoffs. if he can get to ecf then he has done his job with ny. Same with Mike Dantoni in phoenix and ny and now La.
Some of us wanted Dwayne Casey and Avery Johnson and you can see so far they have struggled with their teams although Johnson I expect to make the playoffs.
If drew makes it to the second round more than likely he will probably come back.
This will be an interesting offseason for the Hawks.
I dont know wh
Ken Strickland
December 20th, 2012
10:51 pm
MIKE IS BACK-What’s wrong with Ivan defending Durant? Are you afraid Ivan might have allowed Durant to hit more than the 14 of 23 shots, 9 of 10FTs, 4 of 8 3pt attempts, garnered more than 13REBs, 3 blocked shots, or handed out more than 3 assists, than Stevenson and Morrow allowed?
I appears you, SLIMJR and ASTRO JOE share the same limited opinion of Ivan’s abilities that Drew seems to share, which is probably why he’s giving him limited and inconsistent mins.
drmaryb.(""_*).
December 20th, 2012
11:33 pm
Duluth-Full-Ness!
‘DrMaryb, we ran a coach out of town three years ago.
Same coach is currently leading the East with Knicks and the front runner for coach of the year.
Is it the coach or the talent?’ – Duluth Joe -
_________________________
Both. Mr. Woddson is the right coach for that roster. [see mike Dantoni]
Grandad
December 21st, 2012
1:54 am
Duluth Joe
Thanks – Wish I had put all in one post / kept leavin` guys out.
Jae Evolution
December 21st, 2012
2:13 am
JJ Hickson with another huge rebounding night, 18 boards in 34 minutes along with 18 points and 3 blocks.
Zaza and him would be monsters off the bench.
keith
December 21st, 2012
4:49 am
LOVE IS A SUPERSTAR
Kevin Love is a better forward than Josh Smith and Al Horford. That’s why Kevin Love and the Minnesaota Timberwolves beat OKC, PERIOD, Kevin Love is a SUPERSTAR, we have ZERO SUPERSTARS ON OUR ROSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
keith
December 21st, 2012
5:01 am
COREY BREWER AS A HAWK
I watched Corey play up close. Corey Brewer can score Ad-nauseam. The sky is the limit for Corey. Corey Brewer and Noah were the reasons that the Florida Gators were “2-Time NCAA CHAMPIONS” He is also a shutdown defender as well!!!
BravesFan79
December 21st, 2012
7:00 am
Ive always found it ironic that the people who talk about “keepin it real”, the most… are the least likely to keep it real when it comes to talking about certain topics and issues.
BravesFan79
December 21st, 2012
7:12 am
I don’t mind seeing Morrow at the SF position, hes a much better shooter than Stevenson, and at 6′6 can get rebounds, and is quick enough to get steals. For whatever reason, either… Drew not giving him enough PT when he was healthy hurting his confidence like in the first Golden State game; or if his back has been hurting all year; we have yet to see the best of what Morrow can bring to this club, and that’s why so many of you talk about trading him.
What good is having a jump shooting team without as many pure shooters as possible?? Korver and Morrow are 2 of the best in the NBA.
Ken Strickland
December 21st, 2012
8:08 am
I wonder what influenced LDrew to suddenly decide to play JJenkins? He certainly had every reason and opportunity to play him against the Wizards, one of the NBAs worst teams. After not having Morrow available and losing Harris to injury, he chose not to do so.
Then he has this revelation about suddenly deciding to play him against the NBAs best team. It looks like we’re seeing the JTeague/ALaw treatment all over again. I wonder if this bass ackward move was designed to make him look bad and thus silence all of those who’ve been critical of him not playing Jenkins?
KEITH-I’ll give you credit for one thing. You don’t let ignorance or a very low basketball IQ get in the way of expressing your opinion. If the lack of a superstar is the reason we didn’t beat the Thunder recently, then explain how we managed to beat them earlier in the season on their homecourt, and without JSmith? Did we have a Superstar then that we don’t have now?
Why would anyone not expect us to lose when our HC decides to accomodate the other team by creating a size, height, reach mismatch in favor of the oppositions high scoring Superstar SF?
What in the hell did he hope to accomplish by defending the NBAs tallest SF, and one of the NBA’s premier scorers and outside shooters with undersized SGs.
His 41pt 13 rebound performance proves they were unable to challenge him on either end of the court, and the move was a total joke.
No, it wasn’t our lack of a Superstar that cost us a chance to win that gm.
That loss was the result of us lacking a HC with a clue about managing and utilizing players, or how to create matchups that benefit us rather than the opposition.