Game thread: Lou Williams stays in starting lineup (updated)
Vivlamore reporting.
Lou Williams remains in the starting lineup for a second straight game as the Hawks take on the Pistons tonight. Williams got the start at shooting guard in Saturday’s win over the Bulls and coach Larry Drew elected to go with the hot hand.
“Being smaller, it has its advantages and disadvantages,” Drew said of a backcourt that features 6-foot-2 Jeff Teague and 6-1 Williams. “The way we feel we need to play we want to go a little smaller with the quickness. He had a really good game our last game. With he and Jeff in there it makes us a lot quicker, a lot faster and it puts us in a more up-tempo style. We had success with it our last game and we are going to go with it again.”
Drew was pushed in the direction to start Williams against the Bulls, his first in 173 games, with Devin Harris (sore left foot) unavailable and DeShawn Stevenson needing rest on the second of back-to-back games.
Drew said he spoke to Williams about his role with the Hawks after he was signed this summer as a free agent.
“We had the conversation and I think he was happy to hear that,” Drew said. “He’s been a guy who pretty much came off the bench his whole career and, at least I can tell, he understands his role but he embraces the fact he won’t be pigeon-holed as a guy just coming off the bench.”
Williams will be joined in the same starting lineup used against the Bulls with Teague, Kyle Kover, Josh Smith and Al Horford.
* Harris is doubtful for the game. He spent some time on the court prior to this morning’s shoot-around but left before it really got started.
This would be the fourth straight game Harris has missed due to the injury. He also missed two games earlier this season with turf toe and a stomach illness.
* Drew said before tonight’s game he will show his team clips of Saturday’s dominant 92-75 victory over the Bulls to reinforce what they did so well.
* Drew said the key to victory over the Bulls was the early play of point guard Teague. Although Williams started in the back-court and scored 14 first-half points, Teague set the tone.
“It all starts with Jeff Teague,” Drew said. “He got us going against Chicago. His defense was really good. He was active. He was pushing the basketball and he got everyone else going. That is something that we will continue to emphasis and point out with Jeff the importance of his aggressive play early in the game to get us going.”
* The victory over the Bulls was especially key as the Hawks wouldn’t play for three days after that game and had lost three of their previous four.
“I thought it was important to get a win, particularly because of the way we played against Philly,” Drew said. “You go into the Christmas break with a better taste in your mouth after a win than a loss, I’ll tell you that. I was really proud of the way our guys came out and how they sustained for all four quarters of high energy and high intensity.”
* Finally, I hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday. I will update this blog with any new lineup information following my pre-game interview with Drew.
- 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
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361 comments Add your comment
Rod from College Park
December 26th, 2012
5:34 pm
Duh,
You made so many stupid invalid points, that there is no reason to respond to you. Have a great day.
Slimjr
December 26th, 2012
5:37 pm
^^^^^hahahaha
Najeh Davenpoop
December 26th, 2012
5:37 pm
At this point “lineup” and “undecided” pretty much go hand in hand for this team.
Slimjr
December 26th, 2012
5:38 pm
Stick with Lou as your starting two guard for now Larry!!
And then go bury teams early..
Slimjr
December 26th, 2012
5:42 pm
Actually Larry does know, he’s using coach speak to conceal his real intentions. Imho of course..
Najeh Davenpoop
December 26th, 2012
5:43 pm
They should be able to beat the Pistons regardless of their lineup, but this strikes me as the kind of game where they let a lesser team hang around for too long and have to struggle to win in the 4th quarter.
Rod from College Park
December 26th, 2012
5:45 pm
“As for Jamal’s career… My goodness… Am I supposed to be impressed with the fact that he averaged 20ppg for lottery teams whilst shooting .400 from the floor?!?”
Who cares whether you are impressed. Do you like Kevin Love? Did you like Bosh in Toronto?……..
“Jamal is posting his best numbers EVER precisely in the year in which he FINALLY got it that you are wasting your talent if you only play on raw talent and don’t work on your game.”
Either you are blind, deaf or dumb. Which one is it?
Jamal Crawford’s partial NBA stats:
2012 – 2013: 16.5ppg through 28 games played (season incomplete)
2009 – 2010: 18.0ppg in 79 games played (SMOY season)
2008 – 2009: 19.7ppg in 65 games played
2007 – 2008: 20.6ppg in 80 games played
2006 – 2007: 17.6ppg in 59 games played
2004 – 2005: 17.7ppg in 70 games played
2003 – 2004: 17.3ppg in 80 games played
“That double coverage, for your information was in all 4 main guys, JJ, Al, Josh and Jamal. It’s Thibs system, constant trapping on the main guys when they have the rock and, as you may remember, we were always playing 4 on 5 on offense with Marvin or Collins and most of the time 4 on 5 on D with Jamal.”
Now they were doubling Horford? LOL. You obviously did not watch that series, so no need to debate with you. Or it may go back to the blind, deaf or dumb thing.
Slimjr
December 26th, 2012
5:46 pm
Looking forward to seeing Al with his new found mobility go for 20 and 10!
Jody
December 26th, 2012
5:49 pm
From what I saw, the big lineup is what sparked the initial run in the second quarter vs the Bulls.
Rod from College Park
December 26th, 2012
5:51 pm
The Bigs will have to step up against the Pistons, as Jsson Maxiell usually destroys us, for some reason, and the young kid Monroe looks pretty good.
High-sider
December 26th, 2012
5:52 pm
vava74,
“And one final note Rod and mini-Rod, Teague held his own against Rose who did always huge damage when Jamal played point (it had happened in the regular season too).
Unfortunately, you both seem to live in a Stalinist State where Jamal is your ruler and where “Revisionist History” is the norm.” – vava74 @5:02pm, 12/26/2012
Derrick Rose and Jeff Teague (head-to-head matchup) in the 2011 EC Semis (Hawks vs. Bulls):
Derrick Rose – 29.8ppg, 9.8apg and 4.3rpg
Jeff Teague – 14.8ppg, 4.2apg and 2.8rpg
Derrick Rose more than doubled Jeff Teague’s scoring and assist averages in the 2011 EC Semis and you (vava74) call that (Jeff Teague was) “holding his own”? And you say that “Rod from CP” and I, “High-sider,” are “revisionists” (who are) rewriting history? This history is/was recorded in the link provided below.
Game, set (and) match (with the throat slash gesture). (Boo-yah!!!)
http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/h2h_finder.cgi?request=1&p1=teaguje01&p2=rosede01
MattP
December 26th, 2012
5:54 pm
Hawks coach Larry Drew was undecided on his starting lineup this morning in preparation for tonight’s game against the Pistons.
What’s new… I think just about every game he is undecided until an hour before the game.
Duh
December 26th, 2012
5:56 pm
LOL, Ok Rod.
The Proof is in the Articles written by the journalists and they are all over the web. Jamal wanted an extension and was ready to bail if he didn’t get one.
You wanna know how most INTELLIGENT hawks fans felt about giving Jamal that extension?
http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2010/8/27/1655100/jamal-crawford-to-ask-hawks-for
Juice wasn’t worth the (cap) squeeze
Duh
December 26th, 2012
5:59 pm
Where was Rose in the offensive pecking order on his team compared to Jeff Teague? Rose was dam near 50% of that teams offense in the playoffs smh……STOP
Duh
December 26th, 2012
6:01 pm
Doesn’t mean Jeff got killed, there’s only one ball to go around. It wasn’t Jeff’s job to get more offensive touches than Joe, Jamal, Josh, and Al
Jamaaliver
December 26th, 2012
6:09 pm
What happened to MC, guys?
MattP
December 26th, 2012
6:13 pm
MC got another job at AJC, he covers more of Atlanta teams I believe.
Duh
December 26th, 2012
6:18 pm
Jamaaliver,
Covering other things for the AJC. Posted a blog about in right before the season started.
Duh
December 26th, 2012
6:19 pm
“Chris Vivlamore @ajchawks
Hawks starting lineup: Teague, Williams, Korver, Smith and Horford. Team still calling Harris a game-time decision but he’s very doubtful.”
Rod from College Park
December 26th, 2012
6:23 pm
“The Proof is in the Articles written by the journalists and they are all over the web. Jamal wanted an extension and was ready to bail if he didn’t get one.”
Of course he wanted an extension. That has nothing to do with wanting 10 mil per. In the articles that you posted he clearly stated that he wanted a long term deal. That is what he was looking for not 10 mil a season.
“You wanna know how most INTELLIGENT hawks fans felt about giving Jamal that extension?
http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2010/8/27/1655100/jamal-crawford-to-ask-hawks-for”
If you are one of those INTELLIGENT Hawks fans, I’ll pass. I wonder what INTELLIGENT is supposed to mean. LOL. Peachtree Hoops. How many times have I heard that one. SMH.
High-sider
December 26th, 2012
6:40 pm
Duh
December 26th, 2012
6:01 pm
Doesn’t mean Jeff got killed, there’s only one ball to go around. It wasn’t Jeff’s job to get more offensive touches than Joe, Jamal, Josh, and Al
——————————————————————–
No, but it was Teague’s job to “shutdown” or at least “contain” Rose. Rose averaging ~30ppg is not my idea of Teague “containing” Rose.
Duh
December 26th, 2012
7:00 pm
Rod, I know its in an article somewhere, with that being said i’m 100% certain its mentioned on his twitter. No way am I trying to look back that far but Jamal was definitely looking to get more that 5 mill per year. He was literally responding to fans with this stuff, it’s there.
The real issue was the fact that with all of the weapons we had, we were not legitimate contenders. With the new CBA coming down it would have been impossible for us to extend Jamal AND Al Horford while improving via free agency. We would have been capped out and paying severe tax.
Sekou explains it hall here:
http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2010/08/30/summer-solutions/
I do hope the official NBA website is a little more credible to you, especially since it’s Sekou who’s reporting….even though I did post an article on the topic from MC in the previous blog.
Basically It’s either Jamal or Al Horford? That’s what it came down to. The next season we used Jamals money to field a serviceable bench. Instead of just having one great bench player we had five solid players off the bench (even though they were useless in the playoffs).
As it stands today, I’d much rather have Korver/Morrow or Lou/Korver for 10 mill than Jamal.
Duh
December 26th, 2012
7:05 pm
High-sider,
Very True, but it should also be taken into consideration that as our only PG and the only one capable of staying in front of Rose for any period of time, Teague needed to stay out of foul trouble. He played D without fouling….he HAD to. a good trait normally, but it was necessary at that time.
keith
December 26th, 2012
7:09 pm
“On paper’, our starting 5 are “Superior” to their starting 5. These types of games are must win games, let’s see???
Samurai Squirrel
December 26th, 2012
7:11 pm
I don’t think we’ve ever made the comparison on here before, but Lou Williams reminds me so much of Jason Terry. Both are undersized shooting guards in point guard size bodies. Williams and Terry can shoot the lights out and get out to the hole (at least Terry could when he was younger). Hopefully we can keep Williams around and not let him leave like JET did. What do you guys think?
Astro Joe
December 26th, 2012
7:16 pm
Merry (Belated) Christmas!
W.R. Terrell
December 26th, 2012
7:21 pm
Big time waiting on this game with the Pistons. I hope the same kind of play that beat the bulls will be evident tonight. The “Smoove”, played closer to the basket, took better shots, gave the ball up to the guards, rebounded, it was good to see. I may be wishing because I’ve seen this before but it was a beautiful thing to see. Go HAWKS!!!!!!!!
W.R. Terrell
December 26th, 2012
7:21 pm
Big time waiting on this game with the Pistons. I hope the same kind of play that beat the bulls will be evident tonight. The “Smoove”, played closer to the basket, took better shots, gave the ball up to the guards, rebounded, it was good to see. I may be wishing because I’ve seen this before but it was a beautiful thing to see. Go HAWKS!!!!!!!!
W.R. Terrell
December 26th, 2012
7:21 pm
Big time waiting on this game with the Pistons. I hope the same kind of play that beat the bulls will be evident tonight. The “Smoove”, played closer to the basket, took better shots, gave the ball up to the guards, rebounded, it was good to see. I may be wishing because I’ve seen this before but it was a beautiful thing to see. Go HAWKS!!!!!!!!
W.R. Terrell
December 26th, 2012
7:26 pm
WOW! Did I say I was waiting big time for this game tonight?
keith
December 26th, 2012
7:27 pm
This line-up possibly may be the most talented 5 Hawk players on the floor, minus Jeff Teague. Start Devin at the point and see what happens if he’s healthy……
Rev in Tampa
December 26th, 2012
7:27 pm
high-sider,
I don’t recall that you were on the blog when everyone was giving Teague his well-overdo props for his play against Rose in the playoffs. Duh is correct to point out your arbitrary use of stats on this occasion.
O'brien
December 26th, 2012
7:32 pm
I think Rick had already decided they would not resign Jamal (or did not think his value would drop the way it did). Because even if Jamal did want $10 mil (which can’t be proven), his price dropped to $5 mil which was very good value.
But let’s focus on the Pistons tonight. Hawks need to win this game.
O'brien
December 26th, 2012
7:33 pm
And this is the kind of game that JJ would come up clutch SMH
vava74
December 26th, 2012
7:36 pm
High-sider,
If you were a Hawks fan instead of a Jamal fan you would remember that Teague inured himself and his averages were substantially higher before the last game.
Also, I said held his own but you clearly have comprehension issues just like your “creator” Dr. FrankenRod.
FrankenRod,
Love and Bosh posted 20ppg on lottery teams whilst shooting well from the floor and rebounding.
If your only trait is offense, you even have to demand better shooting percentages.
Neither Bosh nor Love were “chukers” always looking for their shot regardless of open team mates or how good or bad is the shot.
Jamal has finally adopted a professional attitude and that certainly includes him being more criterious with his shots.
keith
December 26th, 2012
7:39 pm
Nique just called Larry Drew a “Great Coach” Nique needs to stay away from the Hennessy before going on air!!!!
Smokey
December 26th, 2012
7:41 pm
go hawks
Najeh Davenpoop
December 26th, 2012
7:44 pm
Pretty good post defense by Korver on Prince on that possession.
keith
December 26th, 2012
7:44 pm
Teague has no confidence in his jump shot, PERIOD!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
December 26th, 2012
7:49 pm
Hawks are struggling early on the boards but it doesn’t matter if they force turnovers at this rate.
HawksFan
December 26th, 2012
7:51 pm
Nice start and playing good. Merry Christmas to all the bloggers and special shout out to High-Sider for identifying his issue with excess. LOL
Najeh Davenpoop
December 26th, 2012
7:54 pm
Credit the Hawks’ coaching staff. Clearly they saw something on tape that told them the Pistons would have a hard time with ball security if they pressure the ball handler on screens, and it has resulted in a ton of forced turnovers.
HawksFan
December 26th, 2012
7:57 pm
Really liked that run by Korver. I may uprade his defense from serviceable to above average if he keeps playng like that.
HawksFan
December 26th, 2012
8:01 pm
Agreed on coaching staff Najeh. While LD infuriates me more than any coach I have seen I give im credit for often coming up with a surprisingly great move. I think he has improved every ear as well
Najeh Davenpoop
December 26th, 2012
8:02 pm
The Pistons don’t even look at their teammates on the other side of the court when they have the ball on the perimeter. Makes it very easy to defend and force turnovers by overloading the strong side.
High-sider
December 26th, 2012
8:02 pm
Hawks ballin’.
keith
December 26th, 2012
8:03 pm
Best Hawk 1st Quarter i have seen all season…
Sautee
December 26th, 2012
8:03 pm
Najeh,
Notice all the high-low, even with Zaza. Good to see. They need to make it a staple.
Rev in Tampa
December 26th, 2012
8:04 pm
Not only do the Hawks have a better quality team that the Pistons, but the Hawks are also simply outhustling the them. I’m surprise the Pistons are only down by 15
HawksFan
December 26th, 2012
8:04 pm
Great defense that quarter Hate to speak too early but this looks like an easy win. Accolades to Josh, Teague, Korver, Al. Josh would definitely be an All Star if we played Detroit every night