Atlanta Hawks: Sixers 99, Hawks 80 (updated)
Vivlamore reporting.
PHILADELPHIA — The Hawks are limping toward Christmas. And it’s a pronounced limp.
The Hawks lost for the third time in four games by dropping a 99-80 decision to the 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center Friday. In all three losses the Hawks have trailed by at least 17 points. The lone win in the stretch was an overtime victory over the three-win Wizards.
This loss has coach Larry Drew considering a change to his starting lineup.
“I’m very concerned,” Drew said. “I’m so concerned that I’ve got to think about the lineup now. That’s three out of four (losses) but I’m more concerned about our energy. That is what concerns me the most. I can take losing but if we don’t bring the energy, if we don’t bring the juice, that’s when I really have to look at things and I’m certainly going to do that. I may have to take a look at our lineup.”
It doesn’t get easier for the Hawks before some off time. The Hawks complete a stretch of four games in five days by hosting the Central Division leading Bulls Saturday. The Hawks then won’t play again until the day after Christmas. They’ll need to make good use of the downtime.
“I really didn’t see this type of performance coming,” Drew said. “I really thought our guys would play with a lot more energy and a more sense of urgency.”
The Hawks (15-9) have now lost six straight games to the Sixers, including all three meetings last season. Through 24 games this season, the Hawks are one loss worse than last season’s 16-8 mark at this point. The Hawks entered the game with the best road record in the Eastern Conference.
Josh Smith had 17 points, 13 coming in the first quarter, for the Hawks. Lou Williams, who played his first six seasons with the Sixers, scored 13 points. Al Horford finished with seven points on 2-of-10 shooting.
“I don’t know if it’s necessarily energy,” Horford said of the recent issues. “I think we need to stay true to what has been working for us and it’s moving the ball of offense, sharing the ball offensively and playing good team defense. I think that it was very obvious that we didn’t do that as we have in the past. We have to get back on track.”
Evan Turner led the Sixers with a game-high 21 points. Thaddeus Young finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
The Sixers (13-14), who snapped a five-game losing streak, opened up a 22-point late lead in the fourth quarter. A Mike Scott basket with 5:58 remaining was only the second field goal for the Hawks up until that point of the final period.
With the substantial lead, and sitting at 99 points, the Sixers dribbled out the final 23 seconds of the game much to the dismay of the crowd. The home fans booed for one more basket as they were entitled to a free Big Mac from McDonalds when the Sixers hit the century mark. That was the only disappointing thing about the night for the 18,061 in attendance.
The Hawks trailed by as many as 15 points in the third quarter as the Sixers took a 69-54 lead. Williams scored 10 straight points for the Hawks to close the quarter and they trailed by eight going into the final 12 minutes. However, the Sixers went on a 16-5 run to start the final quarter and it was time for the Hawks’ reserves to finish out the game.
“The second half we just didn’t have the energy,” Drew said. “We just did not bring it. For whatever reason and I’ve got to find out because we are not a very good team if we do not play with energy.”
The Sixers led by as many as nine points in both the first and second quarters. They took at 51-45 lead into halftime.
The Hawks used an 11-0 run to erase the near double-digit deficit in the second quarter. Zaza Pachulia and Ivan Johnson scored every point. Pachulia scored the first seven points. The Sixers used an 8-0 run near the end of the second to get a cushion, softened only when Pachulia hit a jumper at the buzzer.
“One of the things is we are trying to do a lot of isolations and things like that,” Horford said. “When we are most effective is when we are continually moving the ball, we are cutting to the basket and we are attacking. That’s when we are at our best. On defense, we just have to do a better job period.”
For the second straight game, Drew was denied his 100th career victory.
- Chris Vivlamore
LATEST NEWS
* Hawks have lost two of past three
* 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
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199 comments Add your comment
Just Joe
December 22nd, 2012
1:27 pm
Slim….”Teague fouls are on the rise because he is going up against quality pt guards who are able to blow by him and get their shots anytime they want to. ..”
first game against OKC…no fouls
2 games against CP3…total of 4 fouls
Portland….no fouls
Denver….3 fouls
If its just a coincidence, I’m fine with that. I don’t believe it’s the competition though. Just didn’t know if anyone noticed Teague playing different.
tyger
December 22nd, 2012
1:31 pm
My 5 Observations…
1. This team is a mirage…an illusion of contender…
2. LD, great coach w/o support, still wins!
3. Hawks on the clock…cant eat expiring k’s…
4. Options limited: Gasol, Stoudamire – not sexy…
5. No Allstars demanding to be in ATL…
Admiral SnAckbar
December 22nd, 2012
1:31 pm
ditto on the outlet and fill the lanes concept. duh!
High-sider
December 22nd, 2012
1:47 pm
“This response is (probably) not “apropos” since his (doc’s) above post used capital letters at the beginning of sentences, lacked the usual numerous misspellings, run-on and fragment sentences and other grammatical/punctuation errors and was (really) comprehensible, but I will give it a try nonetheless.”
^Is (Was) the above (sentence) a “run-on” (sentence)? [LOL]
keith
December 22nd, 2012
1:54 pm
The “Best” option for our Basketball team going forward is get get back into the NBA lottery. We have to find the next “Al Jefferson” type of Baketball player. Someone who will give us 20pts 10rebounds and 2blocks on a nightly basis……..
falCans
December 22nd, 2012
1:56 pm
Gotta let Teague go if he costs a penny over 5 mill……Horford will be Horford….2nd tier above Average player….Too bad he is way over paid, still keep him tho. Josh will be Josh…. great #2 option and all around stud BUT since we have no true #1guy please explain why we dont stuff it in to Smoove in the post??? Y are all plays designed to have him on the perimeter??? Gotta admit Smoove can officially shoot but he is a beast on the block
Harpie
December 22nd, 2012
1:59 pm
The problem with this team is LARRY DREW. He is an idiot who doesn’t know how to coach. The Hawks will be mediocre for as long as they keep this pretender as “coach”.
keith
December 22nd, 2012
2:01 pm
Omar Oraby 7″2″ 270lb. Junior USC………Having his way with the Georgia Bulldog basketball team right now….
sour d.
December 22nd, 2012
2:01 pm
Teague
Jenkins
Ivan
Josh
Al
keith
December 22nd, 2012
2:16 pm
Teague
Korver
Ivan
Josh
Zaza
6th man-Al Horford
Grandad
December 22nd, 2012
2:19 pm
Teague is much like Josh;
defensively he tries to get by on his athletic gifts.
He rarely gets in proper stance, he gambles for steals,
and constantly reaches
[uses hands hands as opposed to playing with feet].
Teaguer, whom I like as a Hawk, but do not like as a pg,
is redundant and repetitive with Lou Williams here.
They are essentially the same player [`cept Lou has a jumper]
and gets to the line.
Jeff and Lou are what I call a [1& half] neither a true [1] nor a [2].
As I`ve stated before;
Jeff`s value lies on the defensive end of the floor.
He proved he is not a natural play-maker
at the end of regulation vs the Wiz.
*(final seconds…JT drives…draws a charge,,, Josh wide open)
Josh`s man took the charge…a true pg dishes for the winning basket.
Therefore,
if Teaguer is not or will not become the defensive * “playmaker”
* [i e; "Rondo"] of RR`s caliber then he should be moved.
Therin lies his value.
Swingman912
December 22nd, 2012
2:33 pm
Grandad,
i do agree that both Lou and Teague are tweeners, i dont think they’re the same player. Lou is a high volume shooter, who’s place in this league is to do just that. When he’s at the PG, then the offense becomes 1 dimensional just like Iso Joe. He’s going to shoot the ball. Thats why he’s not a starter in the NBA, though he does have a place. Teague, may not have the passing skills of Rondo, but he has passing this season better than in previous due to his ability to penetrate(pause). His issues are not shooting enough, and when he does penetrate, he fakes to much and misses the shot, or shoots the floater that he hasnt quite perfected…The Rondo comparison on D would be nice, but Rondo has a 7 foot wingspan and hands the size of catchers mitts, and even with Teague athletic ability, i dont think he’ll be anywhere close to Rondo defensively. Decent, but not, on Rondo’s level.
Grandad
December 22nd, 2012
2:43 pm
Al Horford is Not going to be in the HOF.
Al Horford Is a Great kid, a Great teammate, a solid player,
a solid defender, an elite passer for his position,
an above avg rebounder, a good shooter,
an above avg scorer,
*hustles, and *plays hard, **(though not as hard as Zaza),
is likeable, smart,
high efficiency, good enough to have been an all-star X 2,
-YET-
He is not a Great player, nor SuperStar,
*Not particularly tough, **(when compared to Ivan, though few are)
not an elite Scorer,
probably is best suited to be the 3rd best player on a Great team,
-HOWEVER-
On this blog one would think he is a piece of s # ii + e.
____________________________________________
I do not know if he could be trusted to do it on a consistent basis;
BUT;
I think Ivan could replace Josh *’`or`’* Al adequately.
*Under the present circumstances [minus LD].
cp
December 22nd, 2012
2:50 pm
How are Lou and Teague repetitive when they dont play the same game? Lou has a jumper yet Teague shoots a better percentage from the floor and from beyond the arc than Lou. Teague assist are even double from Lou is giving in the assist department. They are two different players. Teague has become a better passer than he was just last year. Lou is a streaky scorer who makes bad decisions with the ball and takes terrible shots. He can get hot but as seen recently he dribbles the air out of the ball then jacks up a bad shot. I dont mind trading Teague if we get an upgrade at point but I never seen one trade idea on here that makes sense. Lou or Devin as the pg is not a good look at all. Devin cant stay healthy and when he has been healthy has been very disappointing with his play.
Grandad
December 22nd, 2012
2:52 pm
Swingman912
Your analysis of JT v Rondo is “right on”.
My intent was more “defense 1st mentality” -than- “Gifted ability”.
____________________________________________
You are also accurate on the Lou comparison:
`though, I think that is more how thier games have evolved
and how they have been developed.
I think their “Gifted ability” is very similar.
____________________________________________
note:
There was truth in all you said !
To which I agree.
Grandad
December 22nd, 2012
2:56 pm
Try to understand what I was saying.
If you think Teaguer is a pass 1st pg
that sees the floor two and or three plays ahead,
then I must disagree.
He is quick and fast and reacts…………….. Period.
W.R. Terrell
December 22nd, 2012
2:56 pm
Patience, have a wang and a prayer. All is well the “Smoove” will take care of it all with his fantastic play. He will be phenomenal tonight as in scoring 50 points, 35 rebounds, 14 blocks, 12 steals and 22 assists
W.R. Terrell
December 22nd, 2012
2:58 pm
snicker>
cp
December 22nd, 2012
2:58 pm
Seriously wtf is up with your fascination with Al Jefferson? How many all star teams has he made? How many all nba teams has he made? Dude has been in the playoffs once I think in his whole career. Solid player who is at best a 3rd option on a good team. If he is the number one option on your team then you are what the Celtics were with him, Wolves were with him and what the Jazz are with him now.
W.R. Terrell
December 22nd, 2012
2:59 pm
That said it will be done in the 1st half
cp
December 22nd, 2012
2:59 pm
I dont think Teague is a pass first pg but he is clearly better playing the pg position than Lou
Grandad
December 22nd, 2012
3:01 pm
*… cp … * —> My 2:56 pm was intended for …*’`cp`’* …
My apologies
cp
December 22nd, 2012
3:02 pm
As far as tonight, I dont think the Hawks win. The Bulls play great defense and play hard all game which is something the Hawks dont do. LD needs to go with the big lineup tonight.
Grandad
December 22nd, 2012
3:04 pm
cp
Perhaps you`re right
I think DFerry plans to bring in CPaul if possible this summer !
If not – we need a pg … a real one … that`s all I meant.
cp
December 22nd, 2012
3:08 pm
Grandad trust me I feel where you’re coming from. Like I said if we can upgrade the position then I am all for it. I dont think CP3 leaves the Clippers.
keith
December 22nd, 2012
3:13 pm
Dream line-up:
PG-Chris Paul
SG-,Kyle Korver
SF-Mickael Petrus
PF-Ivan Johnson/Best available Free Agent(David West)
C-Al Jefferson
Swingman912
December 22nd, 2012
3:15 pm
Grandad,
I do agree with the mindset of Defense first, for Teague, and everybody else. We dont have a lockdown perimeter defender. DStevenson was that once, but he’s way past that now, though i do appreciate his suprising play this year. But the TEAM has to commit to defense, and fast. Especially since the whole team does nothing but shoot jump shots.
CP,
Once again my friend, youre right on! Al Jefferson?!? That guy is not the answer to this team, or any team for that matter. He’s a double double guy no question, but there is a reason why he’s not considered elite. #1 is he’s a defensive liability. Other Centers expose him on the block or with the face up game. He’s a good player, but Al and Smoove do make defensive plays, so i dont know how much better the team would be by adding him. I’d take Joakim Noah over Al jefferson any day…for real
tyger
December 22nd, 2012
3:18 pm
Hawks Easy Button 1.0
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=c2xkjxe
Hawks, Knicks, Lakers:
ATL get Stoudamire, Gasol, Shumpert, Earl Clark = $41M
Knicks get Devin Harris, Morrow, Pachulia, Petro = $21M
Lakers get Smoove, Korver, Teague = $20.6M
Why?
Knicks rid of Amare Stoudamire, gain cap room…
Lakers pair Smoove/Howard, get shooter, young PG…
Hawks get relevant, keep Horford, Lou, Jenkins…
New lineup:
L. Williams
J. Jenkins
A. Stoudamire
P. Gasol
A. Horford
I. Shumpert
E. Clark
M. Scott
========
$61M
keith
December 22nd, 2012
3:18 pm
Only current Atlanta Hawks that I would not trade in any scenario going forward:
SG-Kyle Korver
PG-Devin Harris
G-Lou Williams
SG-John Jenkins
cp
December 22nd, 2012
3:19 pm
@Swingman912..Exactly. I dont understand that dudes obsession with Jefferson at all. I remember during the draft a few years ago BK tried to trade up from that 11th pick and get Noah. Noah would be great on this team.I know Chicago is always trying to cut salary. There were rumors that Boozer will be amnestied once the season is over. I would love to somehow get Noah from them.
cp
December 22nd, 2012
3:21 pm
tyger you cant be serious.
MattP
December 22nd, 2012
3:33 pm
LMAO @ tyger
That has to be the worst trade and roster I have every heard.
Swingman912
December 22nd, 2012
3:35 pm
tyger,
I dont see how that lineup makes us relevant at all. You help out the other 2 teams moreso that the Hawks. Lou is a shoot first guard, so i dont want thim starting at PG. he’s the hired gun off the bench. I dont know who you wanted to start at the 3, but it doesnt matter. This team might actually make the Hawks worse.
paian
December 22nd, 2012
3:38 pm
tyger i think you are turning into another keith
keith
December 22nd, 2012
3:40 pm
” Tyger has been smoking some HIGH POWERED S____”
No way we trade anyone not named Al Horford or Josh Smith…I could trade Josh and Al for Amare in a heartbeat!!!!!!!!!!!! Only problem is that Woody hates Josh???
Swingman912
December 22nd, 2012
3:43 pm
Keith,
why would those players not be traded? Devin and Kyle have been moved before by other teams, so they are expendable. Lou is a scorer off the bench for cheap, so he could be kept, and John hasnt had a chance yet, so i may keep him, but if the right trade came, ALL OF THEM COULD GO!
keith
December 22nd, 2012
3:51 pm
Swingman912
December 22nd, 2012
3:43 pm
Agree, however, the first 2 guys who need to move on(imo) as we revamp this roster, would be
1. Al Horford
2. Josh Smith
3. Johan Petro
4. Anthony “Scrub” Tolliver
keith
December 22nd, 2012
4:02 pm
Imagine this line-up: (I would move Josh and Al by almost any means necessary)
PF-Amare Stoudemire
C–Zaza Paculia
SF-Kyle Korver
SG-John Jenkins
PG-Devin Harris
Sautee
December 22nd, 2012
4:20 pm
ding!
Swingman912
December 22nd, 2012
4:33 pm
keith,
That lineup doesnt look too bad. but it all depends on what we get back for losing our best 2 players.
Swingman912
December 22nd, 2012
4:40 pm
Questions to the bloggers:
Demarcus Cousins has been suspended(again) for conduct detrimental to the team. Would you trade for him? and if so, what would u give up?
keith
December 22nd, 2012
4:46 pm
I do not have any confidence in Coach Drews’ ability to handle a “Big Kid” like DeMarcus. However, I would give up Al Horford and Teague for him or Josh and Teague…..Plus others from Sac-town to make the money match-up????
keith
December 22nd, 2012
4:51 pm
” I can only imagine”
Amare getting “double-teamed” in the low-post and kicking the ball out to Kyle Korevr or John Jenkins, or Devin Harris…..Our other frontcourt guy would only have to “Rebound and Defend”
Just Joe
December 22nd, 2012
4:52 pm
CP3 & Dwight Howard decide they want to play together. Both let it be known in the media.
Horford to Lakers for S&T Howard.
S&T Teague to Clippers for S&T Paul (very difficult to pull off).
Use MLE on Kyle Korver (had to waive his bird rights for free agent trades above)
Bi-annual to bring back Ivan.
Hawks use their two 1st rd picks to draft teammates Tim Hardaway, Jr & Glenn Robinson.
Fill out the roster with veterans.
vava74
December 22nd, 2012
5:22 pm
Amar’e could be could be washed up already, so I would never trade for him neither Ferry will ever do it.
Slimjr,
I think you are banking too much on his come back. I think that just like last year they will take a lot of time until they find a way to use him (6th man??).
‘Melo is playing well at the PF slot so Amar’e will either have to back him and Chandler to get his 25minutes (compatible with his knees but not his contract) or the Knicks will struggle.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 22nd, 2012
6:01 pm
” I’ve never “seen” Najeh so pizzed before. Dude’s usually cool as a phuck.”
Wasn’t p-ssed at all. Just mildly amused and slightly incredulous.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 22nd, 2012
6:11 pm
“I said per-minute stats are actual/real because they are based on or are derived from a player’s actual/real per-game stats. Per-36 minutes stats are theoretical/projected/extrapolated stats when a player’s average minutes played per game stats are (significantly) less than 36.0+(mpg).”
Great, now we’re getting somewhere. I have been talking about per-minute stats for like three days and you keep responding talking about per-36 stats. Per minute stats are not derived from per game stats at all, but whatever. At least I have been able to convince you that per-minute stats are not just some fabrication.
At this point this Jamal vs. Lou thing is getting old and wasn’t particularly relevant in the first place, but I already explained in a previous post that Lou gets to the line better than Jamal at roughly the same rate that LeBron scores better than Josh. Since you now agree that per minute stats mean something, maybe you’ll see the validity in that post. Or not. It’s all good.
Buddy Grizzard
December 22nd, 2012
6:12 pm
Post up:
http://repatl.blogspot.com/2012/12/catching-up-with-numbers-as-hawks.html
W.R. Terrell
December 22nd, 2012
6:36 pm
There’s a lot of crazy scenarios out there concerning trades. Here’s reality, the “Smoove” for a 1st round pick and if a player comes with it that’s viable then good. The HAWKS hopefully will keep Al and also keep the 1st round picks they have. Resign Teague at a reasonable price, keep Zsa Zsa, Morrow and IVAN. There is monies to pick up a SUPERSTAR or at least 3-4 solid players. The HAWKS will be and are in a rebuilding mode but it can be done in a very smart way with good common sense. My only concern is that there may not be that many teams interested in the “Smoove”, the guy is not coachable and his B Ball IQ at its best is below average. There is no need to pay him 14 mill, the guy is not worth it in any capacity. He slows the team down and he can be lazy on defense more then a coach would be acceptable with. I know we all wanted Woody gone but he was right about the “Smoove”.