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
Just Joe
December 21st, 2012
8:43 am
Ken…you can’t have it both ways. We defended Durant the same way in Game 2 of the season, and we won (I think Durant went for 20+ pts & 10+ boards in that game). We lost this game on offensive execution in my opinion. We shot 38% from the field! That’s a ton of missed shots that lead to defensive rebounds, which can lead to easier shot attempts on the other end for the opposition. More made baskets means we could have set up the defense & hopefully held OKC to a few less points as well. The best defense is a good offense (or is it the other way around???).
I think Jenkins played because LD realized after that fact, that Jenkins should have played against Washington. It was on his mind, so when OKC brought in their rookie SG, LD on an impulse, went with Jenkins.
drmaryb.(""_*).
December 21st, 2012
8:50 am
Free Fall!
“Not a real deep FA market after Dwight and CP3.” – SteveW -
—————————
I think CP3 stays in LA. Dwight might be outa there [He has found his Kryptonite]. I haven’t seen him smile once out in LA.
Pure Laziness!
‘I like Dalembert, but only as a backup center, and the price has to be right, because mentally, he does not always give 100%’ – OB -
—————————————–
I read a treasure trove of articles on this Dalembert guy when, The Philly Fanatics packed his bags and, transported him to the Airport for a One-Way day trip. From what I gathered, this is true:
1. Dalembert refused to pick up anything shaped round and colored orange in the off-season.
2. Dalembert refused to work on any low post scoring moves in the off season or, the season itself, [see PRACTICE? ... Practice?? ... practice??? ... p r a c t i c e????] Thesemust be something in the water in Philly when, it comes down to practice.
No one in The NBA ever worked more harder in practice, year round than – Mr. Michael Jordan. He willed himself to greatness and, NEVER once stopped developing his game skills and mind set. The results are self evident on how that worked out for him.
drmaryb.(""_*).
December 21st, 2012
9:03 am
The Nimbers!
Tell all hawks rookies to be very careful when choosing their jersey “nimber”. Teague chose the “nimber” 0 [he playe 0 minutes]. Jenkins chose 12 [has he played 12 minutes?].
I don’t know about yawl, but I see a trend here. [lol] I’m just sayin’]
Just Joe
December 21st, 2012
9:15 am
I’d watch Andre Iguodala in Denver if I was Ferry. He has the option to opt out at the end of the year, so Denver could be looking at losing him with commitments already made to McGee, Gallinari, Lawson, and Chandler. Also, Iggy hasn’t exactly won the Denver crowd over as they were expecting him to be the missing piece, but yet they sit at a game over .500 & in 8th place out West.
If the Hawks could lock up Iguodala & Josh for $14M a year each (5yr $70M deals), would you do it? Josh ($14), Iggy ($14), & Horford ($12). Could you build a contender around those 3 taking up $40M total?
I am aware of the Iggy / LouWill comments, but IMO these guys are professionals & could easily get past that minor issue.
hfc95
December 21st, 2012
9:58 am
just joe
Iggy is a good player but i would only get him for $10-12 range. great athlete but i think his offense is shaky at times. what we need is scoring to beat the elite teams nyk,mia,chi,okc,lac. Whenever we play teams with pure scorers we can not out shoot them and all the balanced scoring is great against inferior teams but we need a guy or two we know can get us 25+ when we need it. Josh is a staedy scorer 15-20 pt range usually and lou can get usually 10-20+ but we have no one guy that will easily get 25+ like a KD35 or Lebron or Melo.
tonight we should win this game by 8+, i think jrue is gimpy and all we gota do is not let nick young or richardson get clean looks from deep. The sixers are a small team so we should be able to challenge all low post shots and out rebound them. Lou will get 20 tonight and i think AL will get out this slump and start hitting his mid range and get 18pts tonight.
High-sider
December 21st, 2012
10:08 am
Najeh Davenpoop,
According to basketball-reference.com, the NBA career average “Minutes Played per Game” (mpg) statistics for the players listed below are as follows (in no particular order):
LeBron James – 39.8mpg
Kobe Bryant – 36.5mpg
Dwyane Wade – 37.0mpg
Dirk Nowitzki – 36.3mpg
Joe Johnson – 36.7mpg
Dwight Howard – 36.2mpg
Carmelo Anthony – 36.2mpg
I will concede that “Per 36 Minutes” statistics are (or become) “actual”/real statistics for those players who have NBA career “Minutes Played per Game” (mpg) averages of 36.0+(mpg). Those players who have career “Minutes Played per Game” (mpg) averages of 36.0+(mpg) have “produced”/”put up”/played/logged the actual/real mpg to substantiate or validate their “Per 36 Minutes” statistics.
Conversely, “Per 36 Minutes” statistics for those players who have NBA career “Minutes Played per Game” (mpg) averages (significantly) less than 36.0+(mpg) are or become projected, theoretical or assumptive statistics. (The calculation of) “Per 36 Minutes” statistics for those players who have career “Minutes Played per Game” averages (substantially) less than 36.0+mpg may demonstrate a trend or pattern but do NOT demonstrate the “actual” or real.
MsDee
December 21st, 2012
10:57 am
Just Joe, I agree with your 8:43am post totally!!
Duluth Joe
December 21st, 2012
10:59 am
“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?”
Ken, Larry Drew is on a one year contract. That means he has to perform now. He can’t take risks.
So what would you do? If you have one year to perform and get most number of wins? Would you play your proven vets, or would you go with a rookie that may help or hurt? Same principle was true with Jeff Teague then.
Just Joe
December 21st, 2012
11:12 am
Hfc95….if we’re going to hold still until we get a “KD35 or Lebron or Melo”, then we may be waiting a long time.
Slimjr
December 21st, 2012
11:31 am
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.”
Mister, your hate filled venom is not welcome on this esteem blog. My advice to you is to stay in stay in your lane and stick to your beloved Braves Blog. I’m certain you will continue to receive much “love” over there..
Note: When you use derogatory language against someone remember this, it reflects back on you.Guess pop never taught that one..Hmmmmm
Slimjr
December 21st, 2012
11:32 am
[delete 2nd stay]^^^
hfc95
December 21st, 2012
12:18 pm
just joe,
haha, im not stating we wait it out for any of those guys as any of them coming to atl is not ever gona happen. Im saying that if we got iggy then we wouldnt have much more room to get a scorer like we need. iggy is a smaller josh smith, athletic all-around type player. im saying we need a volume scorer to carry our offense when our balanced scoring becomes stagnant, lou is the closet guy to a volume scorer but if we could get another guy like lou who can score regardless of circumstance than we would be able to seriously compete with the elite teams. a common feature on the elite teams is they all have a guy that can get 25+ no problem.
vava74
December 21st, 2012
12:20 pm
Ken:
“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. ”
I think he was proving “his” point that the kid is not ready.
He had the perfect opportunity to play the kid against the Wiz and didn’t, so I am not giving him any leeway in the sense of him launching JJ2 because OKC had launched their rook too.
SteveW
December 21st, 2012
12:33 pm
JJ – If I’m not mistaken, Iggy is on cue to make 16.4 m next season. Maybe he opts out for a longer term deal at less money per, but that’s alot of cash to leave on the table.
And won’t Iggy be close to 30 next season? I’d take him, but not at 14 m per for 5 years.
Could:
Hickson
Al
Josh
Monta/or Iggy
Teague/Calderon
With a bench of Lou, Ivan, and ZaZa win you a ship? Hicksons playing lights out, but he’s no rim protector either.
It would be a good team, I know that. Championship, Hmmm….
SteveW
December 21st, 2012
12:39 pm
I am totally convinced I want Hickson on this team next season. Calderon for mid level money is looking good also. Monta, Iggy, Jefferson – Anchor is starting to show wear and tear – he’s not the same player he was 3 years ago.
Hickson is 24 – Give me him for less money on this team.
SteveW
December 21st, 2012
12:42 pm
Hicksons averaging 16.8 and 14.4 his last 5 games. 24 years old. From ATL. 20.99 PER. Get that guy on the team. Unrestricted FA
SteveW
December 21st, 2012
12:46 pm
Rebuild the Hawks:
Resign our FA’s if feasible named Teague, ZaZa, Josh and Ivan
Go after D12 and CP3
Trade whoever of Morrow and co. And picks to get Derrick Williams and Aminu
Sign Hickson, Ellis, and Calderon if you miss on one or both of the max guys.
Call it a day
Ken Strickland
December 21st, 2012
12:52 pm
JUST JOE-Unless I’m mistaken, I believe Drew started Korver at SF when we defeated the Thunder. Korver is a much better SF option against Durant than Stevenson or Morrow. His ability to come hard off screens and consistently hit long range jumpers would definitely cause Durant to work extra hard defensively.
VALVA 74-What has JJenkins done, or been allowed to do, that would give any indication that he’s not ready? Whenever he’s been given a chance(training camp, preseason, D-League), he’s certainly proven he has the ability to shoot and score.
He seems to be a better than average ball handler and passer, based on his scouting report. He’s not considered a premier DEF player, but neither is Korver or Tolliver. Drew certainly didn’t let MBibby’s lack of speed, quickness, OFF or DEF ability to stop him from starting and giving heavy mins.
Neither did he let JCrawford’s DEF liabilites stop him from giving him major mins either. The reason for Drew’s actions, or inactions, towards JJenkins is nothing more than his stupid ROOKIE BIAS.
SteveW
December 21st, 2012
12:53 pm
Could you imagine a second unit of Calderon, Lou, DWill, Ivan and ZaZa? Good stuff
Just Joe
December 21st, 2012
12:55 pm
SteveW…just a guess, but my opinion is that with the limited free agent pool in terms of wing players this summer (along with the fact that he will be 29 yrs old), I’m thinking Iguodala will opt out & look for one last big payday. I see Monta Ellis doing the same thing. Have you seen the free agents they would be up against if they wait one more summer? (I have no idea what either guy will bring in terms of a contract though)
I like Hickson, but not as my starting center. I still can’t completely buy in to having two starting units like we run now. I want our next starting center to be a no-doubter.
Iguodala intrigues me because he’s a versatile two-way player. He has proven that he can guard quicker 2-guards as well as the bigger SF’s in the league. On offense, he can bring the ball up the floor, is an excellent passer, and can hit the 3 if you leave him open. And if we are going to stay with Josh & Al, you can still go “big” with Teague, Iggy, Josh, Al & ZaZa or “quick” with a 2-guard instead of ZaZa in the lineup.
Just Joe
December 21st, 2012
1:02 pm
Ken…I’m pretty sure LD started Stevenson & Korver on the wings for both games. I don’t have the memory to tell you whether he switched their defensive assignments in game 2.
O'brien
December 21st, 2012
1:38 pm
Melvin had mentioned Hickson from when he was available in the offseason. But the Hawks didn’t bite.
terrell
December 21st, 2012
1:57 pm
Guarantee you Ferry told LD to lay Jenkins. lol. No way Uncle Larry gives him min against the Thunder.
terrell
December 21st, 2012
1:57 pm
“play” lol
terrell
December 21st, 2012
2:07 pm
Monta Ellis and Josh Smith on the same team? Wow. THATS A LOT OF SHOTS. lol
Admiral SnAckbar
December 21st, 2012
2:38 pm
hawks need to start Z and get him his mimutes. he proved he can produce if given minutes. Josh and Al are good enough that they can produce even if one has to come off the bench once in a while.
the team would benefit.
SteveW
December 21st, 2012
2:42 pm
JJ – besides D12, any ideas on a C? I think Hickson right now is much better than Zaza
Admiral SnAckbar
December 21st, 2012
2:42 pm
and if hawks can’t do that then at least get Z his minutes.
Z minutes=nimbers
SteveW
December 21st, 2012
2:43 pm
5 years at 70 mill just seems like a lot for Iggy, especially since he turns 30 before the All Star break that first season
SteveW
December 21st, 2012
2:44 pm
Terrell – Your right about that!