Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 102, Cavaliers 94 (updated)
Vivlamore reporting from Cleveland.
As the Hawks prepared for the opening tipoff against the Cavaliers, Josh Smith pointed at Jeff Teague. It was a meaningful gesture as if to tell the point guard ‘It starts with you.’
Did it ever.
Teague scored a career-high 27 points, including 14 in the first half, as the Hawks rallied late for a 102-94 victory over the Cavaliers Friday night at Quicken Loans Arena.
The Hawks (18-9) scored the final points of the game, after trailing 94-93, to pull out their third straight win. They got a basket by Teague, a basket and two free throws from Al Horford and a 3-pointer from Kyle Korver to seal the hard-fought victory.
Smith and Teague revealed little about what is a pre-game ritual.
“He always says ‘C’mon, energy, effort,’” Teague said. “That’s our thing.”
Smith would not give details. However, he didn’t hesitate to state the importance of Teague.
“It’s something that we have going,” Smith said. “It’s between me and him. As he goes, in all seriousness, whenever he is aggressive on both ends of the floor it sets the tone for us and we are a successful team. He understands now. He’s coming into his own. He understands where we need him to be.”
The Hawks, playing short-handed, also got double-figure scoring from Lou Williams (16 points), Horford (16), Anthony Tolliver (13) and Korver (11). Teague also had eight assists and two steals and Horford finished with 11 rebounds.
The Hawks were without Ivan Johnson (stomach illness) and Devin Harris (sore left foot). They lost Anthony Morrow (strained right hip muscle) for the second half. They then lost Smith (strained right hip flexor) for the fourth quarter. Coach Larry Drew said he was tempted to use DeShawn Stevenson, resting for Saturday’s back-to-back game against the Pacers.
“The guys who came off the bench did a phenomenal job,” Drew said.
The Hawks led 55-54 at halftime despite leading by as many as 11 points in the second quarter. They used a 14-3 run in the second quarter to take control early. Much of the 11-point lead was built with bench players including Tolliver, Morrow, Zaza Pachulia and Mike Scott. Tolliver had 11 points in the second quarter, including two 3-pointers, with four rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot.
The Cavaliers closed the gap to a single point at intermission with a 15-5 run highlighted by Irving’s crazy running 3-pointer at the buzzer. Waiters and Irving combined for 13 of the points in the run.
“We were just playing hard,” Tolliver said of the bench play. “We all went out there and said ‘We have nothing to lose.’ Let’s play hard and play together. That’s what we did. We made some shots, we created shots for each other and got the good lead.”
The Cavaliers (7-24) had their two-game win streak snapped. Irving scored a game-high 28 points to lead the Cavaliers and Dion Waiters added 18 points.
His hair was there but Anderson Varejao was not. The Cavaliers played without the NBA’s leading rebounder on ‘Anderson Varejao Wig Night’ in Cleveland.
The Cavaliers kept the momentum following intermission and went on a 14-4 run to start the third quarter. They opened a nine-point lead, 68-59, before the Hawks made a run of their own. Aided by two straight 3-pointers from Korver and one each by Williams and Teague they briefly regained lead. The Cavaliers scored the final six points, four on free throws by Alonzo Gee, and took an 80-75 lead into the final quarter.
However, the Hawks outscored the Cavaliers 27-14 in the fourth quarter.
“It was a good example of youth versus experience,” Cavaliers coach Byron Scott said. “If you don’t know what I mean, the last three minutes of the game the Hawks did a heck of a job running their offense and getting the ball into the paint and we just settled for bad jump shots.”
Teague was 11 of 19 from the field, including 3 of 6 from 3-point range.
“I didn’t say a word to him,” Drew said of Teague. “I would like to take credit for it but, no, I’m not going to do it. He just came out and played. He played with the energy and the intensity I’ve always said when he plays with that type of energy he makes us a much better ball club. He came out and took the challenge.”
The win avenges the November loss at Philips Arena when the Hawks failed to hold a nine-point fourth-quarter lead.
The Cavaliers lost guard Daniel Gibson in the second quarter with a concussion after he took an inadvertent hand to the face by Morrow.
- Chris Vivlamore
LATEST NEWS
* Drew acknowledges Smith’s ‘poor shot selection’ late vs. Pistons
* Johnson doubtful vs. Cavs with stomach illness
* Drew speaks to Teague about energy level
* Hawks 126, Pistons 119 (2OT)
* Williams remains in starting lineup
* Hawks have lost two of past three
* Williams ready for return to Philadelphia
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164 comments Add your comment
Fleetwood B
December 28th, 2012
9:50 pm
Nice win Hawks!!!
High-sider
December 28th, 2012
9:51 pm
2nd?
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
December 28th, 2012
9:52 pm
This win was a group effort. Props to Teague.
High-sider
December 28th, 2012
9:52 pm
Looks like MIA will lose tonight. Hawks will gain “ground” on the Heat in the East.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 28th, 2012
9:53 pm
Will Bynum dropped 25 and 10 on the Heat tonight in a Pistons win. No Wade, though.
Fleetwood B
December 28th, 2012
9:53 pm
I guess Teague got the energy memo. Maybe LD will finally unleash him?
Najeh Davenpoop
December 28th, 2012
9:53 pm
I’m pretty sure Mike Glenn just said “syphilis” instead of “selfless” on the postgame show.
Melvin
December 28th, 2012
9:53 pm
Pistons beat the Heat and Will Bynum lit them up for 25…
Astro Joe
December 28th, 2012
9:53 pm
Najeh, I disagree with your assessment of the Nets roster FTPB. A debate for another day/night.
Teague gets another “revenge match” tomorrow with George Hill. Keep on your big boy pants, Jeff, your hometown will be watching you tomorrow night.
cp
December 28th, 2012
9:55 pm
Good win. Nice to see guys who dont play a lot come in and contribute.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 28th, 2012
9:58 pm
LD says Josh aggravated his hip flexor near the end of the 3rd quarter.
Astro Joe
December 28th, 2012
9:58 pm
Josh with a “hip plexor” problem.
Blast
December 28th, 2012
9:58 pm
Any blogger that advocates that Teague should be traded from now on should be banned from this blog. Teague is the point guard Hawks have been looking for since Mookie Blaylock. He can score, steal, assist, and even block shots as well as playing good defence. With more playing time, this dude will be a star in this league. Two games in a row, he has won for Atlanta.
Y’all leave Teague alone. He went up head to head with the no. 1 draft pick, and got his team the win. Great road win, folks!
Blast
December 28th, 2012
10:01 pm
Josh is a warrior, he will be fine. He stunk tonight, but did get 5 awesome blocks, so you cannot discount that, even though he stunk on offense.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 28th, 2012
10:03 pm
Oh yeah, and props to my second least favorite Hawk Anthony Tolliver on a very good game.
Blast
December 28th, 2012
10:04 pm
And y’all complain about Hawks almost losing to the Pistons, but those same Pistons just beat the World Champs. Say it again, any NBA team can beat any NBA team if they don’t come prepared.
Melvin
December 28th, 2012
10:12 pm
Watching the Spurs/Rockets game. The league may need to drug test Tim Duncan. I swear he found the fountain of youth this summer.
Please Answer This
December 28th, 2012
10:16 pm
The regular season is a bit of a joke, anywhow.
However it can shed light on two aspects which teams must posess in order to win a ‘chip or advance deep into the playoffs.
1. The ability to get buckets when a game is on the line.
2. The ability to lockdown defensively (or prevent buckets) when games are on the line.
If the game is not very close in the final 1-2 minutes, a win or loss says nothing important about a team on a cold night in late dec – march.
Big Daddy
December 28th, 2012
10:24 pm
The HAWKS played a great game. Jeff continues to develop into the player many of us always knew he would be if given the chance. LD cannot deny the contribution he made the last couple of games and how he is beginning to really assert himself. I just hope he does not get down on himself if he has a bad game. GO HAWKS!!!!
Sautee
December 28th, 2012
10:42 pm
Missed all but the last 4 minutes (friend’s wedding) but Rod and slimjr got me thinking about Horford and a lack of taking charges on D. So here’s what I found:
http://hoopdata.com/defrebstats.aspx
According to hoopdata, the league average rate of charges taken is 0.13/ gm.
Horford is at 0.15
Josh is 0.30
So, while Horford is half as active as Josh, he apparently DOES draw charges every now and then, and above the league average, at that.
I’ll have to say that I was VERY surprised. I would have thought that he was below average at that particular skill.
Sometimes perception is NOT reality. If these stats are to be believed, anyway.
Sautee
December 28th, 2012
10:48 pm
BTW, on the hoopdata link, you’ll need to go to page 2 to find Horford’s stats.
Jamaaliver
December 28th, 2012
10:55 pm
Hey, Slim. Looks like All-Star Josh really took that talk with LDrew to heart. LD says watch your shot selection, Josh puts up even more jumpers than usual and hits shoots 17% from the field.
BTW, AL had his 3rd straight double-double and is avg 19 pts & 10 rebs since that ‘mini slump’.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 28th, 2012
10:59 pm
Only 6 NBA teams have better winning percentages right now than the Hawks’ .667, and the Hawks have beaten 3 of those 6 teams.
Honesty
December 28th, 2012
11:00 pm
Knicks getting drubbed by 20 in Sacramento without Carmelo. If they loose they loose this game we will be tied in the loss column with them.
Hawks-Cavaliers, Box – San Jose Mercury News | News headlines
December 28th, 2012
11:03 pm
[...] …Cleveland Cavaliers give up 9-0 run to end game in 102-94 loss to Atlanta HawksPlain DealerAtlanta Hawks: Hawks 102, Cavaliers 94Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Teague leads Hawks past Cavaliers, 102-94Huffington PostSoaring [...]
Rusty
December 28th, 2012
11:06 pm
The only thing that can stop JT from be coming an all star is LD why did Lou get 11 more minutes last game than JT & 5 more minutes than Jeff in this game. LD will cost us games against the better teams with his lousy management of substitutions
Rusty
December 28th, 2012
11:11 pm
LD cooked that up with Joah because he looked so stupid with trying to make JT look like a scrape goat when JT won the game for himm.LD looked like he was trying to lose the game by playing Lou at PG for most of the 4th quarter.
O'Brien
December 28th, 2012
11:38 pm
Did not see the game, but good to see the Hawks finish strong (+13 in the fourth). And props to Tolliver, who played well. And Teague played with the energy LD mentioned. No reason he cant do it more consistently.
It appears Josh played well on defense (5 blocks), and 6 assists would be nice if it wasnt for the 5 turnovers. What is frustrating about Josh though, is LD talked to him after the Pistons game (2 nights ago) about his shot selection. And what does he do tonight? 9 of his 12 shots are outside the paint (and he only made one of them).
I didnt see the game, so maybe others can comment.
KevinM
December 28th, 2012
11:39 pm
I just think Zaza makes a difference at the end of games.
This should be the norm going forward for us. Zaza proved his worth last year.
O'Brien
December 28th, 2012
11:40 pm
slim,
Whats up with your Knicks tonight? No Carmelo, and they are are down 21 to Sacramento at the half? Ouch.
And good to see the Pistons beat the Heat
Honesty
December 28th, 2012
11:40 pm
Knicks starting to come back. Only down by 13 now…
KevinM
December 28th, 2012
11:41 pm
OB, the Hawks didn’t miss Josh in the 4th and Al appeared gimpy as well.
Teague, Korver, and even the new JJ hit big jumpers for us at critical times.
O'Brien
December 28th, 2012
11:42 pm
And everything I have seen from Jenkins suggests that Morrow should be traded at the deadline, and Jenkins should get his minutes.
O'Brien
December 28th, 2012
11:44 pm
KevinM,
Josh is in a major funk. 2 for his last 19. Hopefully he gets healthy quick. But if he is hurt, I hope Ivan gets healthy quick.
KevinM
December 28th, 2012
11:45 pm
LD says Teagues played ‘extremely well’.
Teague will help LD with an opportunity to return at HC going forward.
KevinM
December 28th, 2012
11:48 pm
OB, I like having Morrow on our side. The guy gives us good shooting depth should we lose someone.
Cleveland is a bad team. This was a big win.
Honesty
December 28th, 2012
11:50 pm
Knicks down by seven at the end of the 3rd smh…
KevinM
December 28th, 2012
11:50 pm
Korver > Hinrich’s entire Hawk career. Good swap.
Honesty
December 28th, 2012
11:51 pm
Plus morrow can play some SF as well.
Grandad
December 28th, 2012
11:51 pm
Rusty
Please document your source.
“LD cooked that up with Joah”
*assuming you meant Josh
From whom did you garner that information.
I doubt you are seriously making such an outlandish allegation,
however, you are prone to come on this board
and make statements w/o backup.
I understand your hatred of LD & your man crush on Teaguer.
However, are you allowing one cloud your judgement of the other
to the point of fabricating fairy tales in your mind.
Rev in Tampa
December 28th, 2012
11:53 pm
Sorry I missed JT’s apparently brilliant game. I know there will be many more. I hope he can bring it consistently.
Rev in Tampa
December 28th, 2012
11:56 pm
Grandad,
Where is your son coaching? If you want to keep it private then e-mail me.
I had dinner with the assistant coach at Covenant College. I asked him if he knew your son. I thought your son was coaching at LaGrange, but as I thought about it I realized he played at LaGrange rather than coached.
Slimjr
December 28th, 2012
11:58 pm
NO Anderson Varejao? The Cavaliers played without the NBA’s leading rebounder? Whew.. Imagine the Hawks missing one of their starting Bigs? Nothing easy for this squad..
OB, the Knicks are missing their 28.3 point per game scorer. What gives in your mind Sir? Huh?
Imagine if the Hawks lost Josh..
Take the win even against a 7-24 scrub.
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
12:01 am
Slim,
Am I remembering correctly that the Hawks beat the Thunder without Josh earlier this year?
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
12:03 am
Fascinating Stat Sautee. That is surprising
doc
December 29th, 2012
12:04 am
najeh agree on a couple of things. the hawks continue to win and surprise. i suggested 19-10 and no worse than 18-11 at new years. by gosh they might make me a prophet. yes, competition not too good. problem with that argument is as you point out we have beaten 3 of the 6 with better records. sure doubters will come forward and make excuses for winning as stupid as it sounds, excuses for winning? again, looking down the road, there are few worrisome teams left to play, i say we can only beat when they are way off and we are way on. no, not suggesting they win out but should continue to surprise. heard someone on a national show suggest hawks might be the surprise team of the second half.
the nets have very poor depth. they need to stick to a 7 or 8 man rotation and our bench is better. stack playing major minutes either suggests how bad avery was judging talent or a severe lack of back ups. whoever said avery should be commended for pulling stack out of mothballs and reviving his career as a slam to ld needs to really check their own head. it was one of the signs that led me to say it was going to get ugly when the nets a few weeks back started showing signs of strain form the start they had. woody was robbed on that one for sure for com.
big game tomorrow night. never want to say i am ok with a loss but if they follow it up with a win before the new year then i am satisfied with the progress these guys are making.
cudos to teague for busting through the 25 point barrier for the first time on 223 games.
doc
December 29th, 2012
12:07 am
yes, no fan of tolliver but he was cooking there for a while. in the zone and everywhere. good for him.
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
12:09 am
Sautee,
I’d be interested to know at what rate forward/centers take charges compared to guards. It would seem to me that forward/centers would be in a better position to take charges than guards. So it would seem that with Al being just above average, he might really be below average.
doc
December 29th, 2012
12:15 am
let me reverse that. let them win tomorrow at home and if they drop one in houston so be it. not many wins ever in texas.
KevinM
December 29th, 2012
12:15 am
I remember discussing about how Tolliver could help us at the 3 with Marvin being shipped out and there were folks here who said he had on 3 pt shot.
I don’t know, I think Tolliver has a very good face up game. And LD is going to give him minutes to prove it.
KevinM
December 29th, 2012
12:17 am
I meant ‘no 3 pt shot’ as opposed to ‘on 3 pt shot’.
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
12:25 am
Sacramento really knows how to make you nervous, they won….barely 105-106
doc
December 29th, 2012
12:28 am
look out for denver in the second half. now standing at 17-14. they have played 21 of their first 31 games on the road. they are going to have a lot of fun in the second half with folks coming into their mile high environment over and over. they are a cool 9-1 at home.
HawkFan
December 29th, 2012
12:29 am
Nice win against a bad team but one that got hot and pushed us pretty good. Lot of contributions with Josh having an off night. Tolliver, Jenkins, Teague, Al, Lou were solid. Korver is officially upgraded to being a vital defender which is very surprising to me. Make it back to back against the sorry Pacers
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
12:29 am
Were ties with NYK in the loss column with 9 on the season. We definitely need a win tomorrow night. Indy is playing on a back-to-back as well.
doc
December 29th, 2012
12:29 am
tough loss by the knicks at the buzzer.
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
12:30 am
*Tied
ag
December 29th, 2012
12:32 am
It was a good game by AT – but please lets not put him in the starting rotation yet. The more I watch JJ, the more I really like the kid. I can see the Hawks trading Morrow for Williams in Minny and awarding his minutes to JJ.
I think LD just did a good coaching job by keeping Josh out of the lineup in the 4th quarter. I am sure he was no more hurt than Al. Although he struggled with his shot, Josh did help in other area’s.
As I have posted before, we just don’t have consistent players. How do you go from 31 to 7? I am very sure JT0 will struggle tomorrow. Al is the closest player that is consistent.
Nate ArchiBALL
December 29th, 2012
12:37 am
From Hawks PR department: Al Horford has 172 field goals this season, 38 (22.1 percent) were assisted by Josh Smith.
Ken Strickland
December 29th, 2012
12:40 am
JUST JOE-FPB. To answer your question, yes I’d match a $40M 4-5yrs contract offer for Teague, especially if LDrew isn’t retained. That would be a helluva lot better investment than we’ve made for Bibby, Marvin, TLue, or AJohnson.
Teague has Allstar potential, and a less critical and more supportive HC could make it happen. LDrew has done a very good job of developing and utilizing a team OFF and DEF concept. However, he’s often missed the boat when it comes to player rotations and utilization.
Rusty
December 29th, 2012
12:42 am
Grandad have no proof but it sure looks possible as josh kept shooting & missing jump shots,well if that was not the case,we would have to think that Josh just thought hell with you I will do whatever I want. I don’t think any one blogging here don’t have the right to say what they think & I dont have to account to you on anything I say. I have the feeling that anything any one says that you don’t agree with seems to irritate you. I’ ll say it again that I think LD is a lousy coach & he hasn’t done anything to make JT’ career successful.
2 FOR JOHN DREW
December 29th, 2012
12:43 am
Great game to watch …… Teague showed his stuff ….. Tolliver had a good game, saw him on the bench beaming after a good stint ……I’ll take Lou the shooter …. But Lou the PG, no !!!!!! …… I’ve noticed Korver hardly ever takes a bad shot, and boy, you better be in shape if you must guard him. Get well Hawks so we can keep this train rolling ….. Hope Teague shines brightly tomorrow night in his hometown
Rusty
December 29th, 2012
12:43 am
Sue me if you don’t like my opinion.
sam'l
December 29th, 2012
12:45 am
Glad the Hawks won, but they had to win this game. How many “bad” teams can they play? I’m afraid they are so beaten up with injuries it may cost them. Wish the bickerng would stop over lineups and playing time. I like analysis and insight.
O'brien
December 29th, 2012
12:49 am
KevinM,
The assumption is morrow would be traded for a SF.
Doc,
My surprise team in the west is warriors. Currently 19-10, 5 th in the west (although I don’t know if they can last the entire season. That west is tough).
Ken S,
I think Teague’s next contract will be 4 years, and somewhere between $24 – $32 mil.
Rusty
December 29th, 2012
12:56 am
It sure would be great to make 32 million .
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
12:58 am
Derrick Williams is the second coming of Marvin Williams. Straight Trash. As Minnesota fans and they will tell you. They know good basketball. They had KG for 12 seasons. Look At Derrick Williams’ stats and compare them to Marvin’s. Go to his 2nd year stats as well. Horrible. Can’t shoot and can’t dribble.
He is not a SF and Ivan is a better PF than him. We don’t need him.
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
12:59 am
He’s also only 6′7
TMoney
December 29th, 2012
1:08 am
It is time that JT get the props he deserves. Many were trying to grip about his perceive short comings without taking account of increased production over the last two yrs since he has been the Hawks starting point guard. Basketball is a game of confidence that is built on hard work. Jeff has worked hard on his game and it shows points – up, assist – up, steals -up.
Look at what Rondo did in his 1st two yrs starting for the Celtics and you will see the same kind of transition!!! By the way many in bean town did not think he was their point guard of the future, but he keep working and become an all-star.
In JT I see the same kind of potential – All-Star potential. HARD WORK + FREAKISH ABILITY + CONFIDENCE = SUCCESS. You are watching the evolution of a top level NBA point guard!!! YR three will be even more of a break out year if coaching does not get in the way!!!
Rod from College Park
December 29th, 2012
1:13 am
“Missed all but the last 4 minutes (friend’s wedding) but Rod and slimjr got me thinking about Horford and a lack of taking charges on D. So here’s what I found:
http://hoopdata.com/defrebstats.aspx
According to hoopdata, the league average rate of charges taken is 0.13/ gm.
Horford is at 0.15
Josh is 0.30
So, while Horford is half as active as Josh, he apparently DOES draw charges every now and then, and above the league average, at that.”
It was a nice try defending your beloved Horford, but the stats don’t express what we were talking about. We are not talking about the rate one draws charges, or the league average. We were talking about Horford stopping dribble penetration by either contesting the shot or stepping in for a charge. First the stats were posted were based on 20 games this year (incomplete), Second the stats don’t tell when the charge was taken. From watching the Hawks, I would assume a lot of Horford’s charges come from defending centers in the post, and getting pushed around, not him stepping in taking charges from penetrating guards. Third even if you did want to try to use the stat to prove anything, it still proves that Josh and Zaza take charges at a higher rate than Al, which actually would prove our point. But again we don’t know when these charges were taken, and even further Zaza will try to draw a charge before he contest. Better than the league average means nothing in our debate. Good try though.
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
1:19 am
I’d Give up Tolliver, Stevenson, and Petro for Derrick Williams but that’s it. That’s about 3mill+ which is around what he makes….
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
1:25 am
“Utah Jazz Twitter Account Takes Shot At Deron Williams Following The Firing Of Avery Johnson”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/28/utah-jazz-twitter-account_n_2374885.html
Hilarious! The guy got in serious trouble though lol.
Sameba
December 29th, 2012
1:58 am
Given the excellent play by Teague, the game changer today was Zaza. When he played, our defence got solid. I noticed Cavs were not entering our paint that often and they lost the rebounding battle. Zaza was also very useful on offence. With his performance, he has shown that he is more than a backup C.
I also noticed that Teague & Zaza play very well together. Zaza sets lots of screens for Teague and this helps Teague to penetrate and stay aggressive…
doc
December 29th, 2012
1:59 am
o’b absolutely. david lee is balling in an all star way. they just finished a road swing themselves.
Grandad
December 29th, 2012
2:01 am
Rusty
Got you riled up, eh.
I don`t give a rat`s @$$ whether or not you did this that or th`uther.
You know very well why I decided to bait you tonite.
Yes – you are allowed an opinion.
No – you do not have to account to me for anything.
quote:
“I have the feeling that anything any one says
that you don’t agree with seems to irritate you”
-Rusty-
I`m sorry you have that impression – incorrect as it may be.
I really enjoy healthy discourse.
The problem:
The other nite – you made mention of me;
to which I tried to respond;
you devolved into a nattering, name-calling, metaphor mixin`,
poser who would not or could not formulate your intent
much less justify.
____________________________________________
Now Rusty … I`m finished for now.
Your call – keep it up if you wish.
____________________________________________
Rusty part |||:
You and I have a shared opinion of LD;
that is much closer than you may think.
Ditto – Teaguer.
Sameba
December 29th, 2012
2:14 am
Yes, LD also deserves props for utilizing bench and playing (finally!!) our rookies. But I suspect that could be the compelled step from him…
EmirS.
December 29th, 2012
2:16 am
What steps out at me is the 5 blocks, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds that Josh still managed to put up. He was 3/4 on his free throws as well. If he could cut those 5 turnovers to 1 or 2, than his box score wouldn’t look as bad with the 2/12 on his field goals.
Same for Lou, those turnovers really ruin a players scorecard.
Nice win tonight nonetheless.
Johnny
December 29th, 2012
3:12 am
I really like the pick and roll game of JT and Al. This is working a lot of times very well for us. Wether picknroll or picknpub, there is always an easy basket for Al. They have to perfect this and it would be very succesfull for us.
my real name Rick Hayden
December 29th, 2012
3:34 am
To: Danny Ferry….fraid you gots lotsa work to do…same old Hawks story…owners call this a success, but this stuff goes way way back..to mediocraty…Lenny Wilkens asked for some real players and still managed 50 wins with sub players…I pray Bob WEISS IS STILL NOT CONSULTING…YOU CAN FILL Phillips Arena, maybe, with dollar tickets, but there is no faith the Hawks will get anywhere in the playoffs….I am just a barely hanging on fan…Get A real coach, the other night, Larry Drew said”I saw them looking up at the scoreboard(on the 22 point comeback), them being his own team”, ah Larry , what did you say to them? Hire Mark Fox, at least he has a plan. Can Drew, at least let us know we have a coach, screw the won-lost recored, please???
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
6:40 am
An anomaly Rev? Perhaps?
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
6:48 am
Excellent rebuttal Rod FCP!
Yes, it was a valiant try for his [fan club]. hahahahahah
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
6:52 am
Yes doc, Melo is missed big time! Valiant try by his teammates?
Cleveland really did miss their Hawk killer last night…
Whew…..
The Hawks are hanging around with the Elites in the East..Nice…
Hawks Fan Down Under
December 29th, 2012
7:04 am
Great game from Teague but seriously Josh Smith needs someone to sit him down and tell hm to NEVER take another 20 footer EVER again. So frustrating to watch. I thought LD dragged him and sat his dumb arse in the 4th. I guess he didnt so we’ll continue to see stupid 20 footers go up. Josh will never win a title with his offensive mentality. We won in spite of his shot selection tonight!
Buddy Grizzard
December 29th, 2012
7:06 am
“Korver > Hinrich’s entire Hawk career. Good swap.”
Co-sign, says Hinrich’s biggest fan. Korver commands a lot of attention from the defense and gives good effort and surprisingly good technique as a defender. He also takes care of the ball and keeps the offense flowing with good passing. I’m surprised by his all-around game.
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
7:09 am
Josh had 5 blocks. So theoretically, he wiped away potentially up to 15 points…Impact playa? Yes..
See he can contribute in other ways…
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
7:13 am
In the Clutch both Al and Josh are shooting less than 34% at the stripe..
It will comeback to haunt this team down the road..
Buddy Grizzard
December 29th, 2012
7:17 am
“Make it back to back against the sorry Pacers”
Pacers on a 4-game winning streak, 7-3 in their last 10 currently sit two games behind the Hawks. If they win, the “sorry Pacers” will be a game behind the Hawks.
“Teague has Allstar potential, and a less critical and more supportive HC could make it happen.”
Co-sign, Ken S. I wrote earlier this season that LD limiting Teague’s minutes is going to hurt him for All-Star consideration.
Just Joe
December 29th, 2012
7:59 am
Steph Curry – 4 yrs $44M
Jrue Holiday – 4 yrs $44M
Ty Lawson – 4 yrs $48M
The market has been set. Next to be paid, Jeff Teague and Brandon Jennings.
Great game by Teague. That’s what I want to see out of him. As constructed, we need Teague to be one of our top scoring options every night. 19 shot attempts last night (not counting fouls). Averages under 12 attempts for the year. A week ago against Philly, he took 4 shots all game.
Even with the 19 attempts, he still managed 8 assists, which keeps his teammates involved.
Just Joe
December 29th, 2012
8:08 am
Just to get some of you fired up though:
Kyle Lowry last night in 28 minutes….17 points on 7 shots, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal, no turnovers, and was a perfect 6-6 at the free throw line.
Duluth Joe
December 29th, 2012
8:17 am
What a pleasure to watch Teague play the way he is capable of. Games like last night are why people need to be patient with Teague. He has only played regularly for two years. NBA speed is different than College, and just like it slowed down for Josh, it is now slowing down for Teague.
Sure Teague scored 27 points and that is great. But it was his passing (several times driving inside and attacking) and then dishing out that stood out to me. Also that one time he attacked and probed and did a reverse layup, reminded me of how some say he may be like Tony Parker.
As for Josh, if you didn’t see his defense, it is hard to defend his performance. His shooting and shot selection were horrible. But his defense was textbook. Josh is an elite defender. One of few in the league. One block was where he defended his man one on one at the perimeter. His man tried to take him on, getting closer and closer to basket, and then tried a layup, and then Josh blocked. Just perfect defensive patience. Another couple times, it was his defense vs. Zeller. After Zeller forced an offensive charge on Josh, Josh did the same to him the next time up. And then another time, he batted the ball three times from Zeller, before he forced a turnover.
Larry Drew is not going anywhere if he can keep this up. Give the man a multi-year contract and then see if he will develop his rookies or not. He still has work to do on his rotations (Tolliver played well but I am not buying Tolliver over Ivan) and getting on the referees part. But now he has outlasted Avery Johnson! Wonder if he’ll outlast D. Casey in Toronto
Just Joe
December 29th, 2012
8:20 am
Pacers are the best defensive team in the league. They hold their opponents to a league-best 41% FG% and 89.9 points per game. They defend the 3-pt line (again, league-best 30% allowed). They rebound (12 offensive rebounds per game).
They are however, a pitiful offensive team. They don’t shoot well at all (not even free throws).
Hawks need to go with the big lineup and grind out a win tonight.
doc
December 29th, 2012
8:24 am
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
7:09 am
Josh had 5 blocks. So theoretically, he wiped away potentially up to 15 points…Impact playa? Yes..
See he can contribute in other ways…
on yhe othr hand if we dont control any of thise blocks theiretically they csn score 15 or more on spite of them slimj
bad statistical inference there slimj. too many hokes in your theory so you have to look a little deeper than that. sounds like you took bankers statustics eh high sider? heh heh
ok off to the bank.
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:26 am
Give Al credit. His game looks awkward at times but he shows up to work. Another double-double..
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:29 am
doc, guess I was reachin for straws? Sorta like Sautee and his small charge sample? LMBO!!!!!
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:35 am
Straws, Straws, Straws….
Ken Strickland
December 29th, 2012
8:59 am
I want all of you HORFORD HATERS to take a look at this comparison between AHorford and TChandler.
AHORFORD/TCHANDLER
PPG 15.7/12.9, RPG 9.8/10.2, APG 3.2/.8, SPG .77/.8, BPG 1.04/.93, FPG 2.0/3.1, TPG 1.7/1.2
Based on these stats, and what you’ve been saying about Horford not being a good center, especially on the DEF end of the court, it looks like last yrs DEF POY has suddenly become both a DEF and OFF liability.
For all
taudawg
December 29th, 2012
9:16 am
I can’t even watch the games with Josh Smith playing. The Hawks play fast and pass well, except Josh Smith. He is the most overrated player since Joe Johnson. He hogs the ball, forces terrible shots and makes terrible decisions. I honestly feel the team would be better without him. The problem is that no one will trade for him because his basketball IQ is so low, he would not be able to adapt to a new system. I cannot watch the games, I just read about them afterward.
I just don’t get the Josh Smith love fest. No legitimate basketball IQ. He has a lot of talent, but not the brains. Frustrating to watch.
keith
December 29th, 2012
9:25 am
taudawg
December 29th, 2012
9:16 am
Well Said My Friend……Well Said……
keith
December 29th, 2012
9:30 am
OVERPAID BIGS!!!!
I don’t care what the market is! If you owned the Atlanta Hawks, would you be willing to pay Josh Smith over 8 million per season??? He’s not worth the 12 million he is receiving now!!! Having said all that, neither is Al Horford worth close to 12 million….Horford’s next contract should be closer to 8 million per season…..
keith
December 29th, 2012
9:38 am
DWIGHT HOWARD COMES HOME……
Dwight Howard is the one “Superstar” we must get to move this franchise forward..Dwight does not look happy playing next to the “BALL HAWKING KNUCKLEHEAD KOBE BRYANT”…Dwight Howard, and only he, can bring an NBA Championship home to Atlanta!!!
tony
December 29th, 2012
9:53 am
The hawk’s future – Anthony Bennett
http://youtu.be/r5w2T6yqPRk
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
10:01 am
Enter your comments here
HawkFan
December 29th, 2012
10:24 am
Buddy, they are the “sorry Pacers” when they play the Hawks. I despise the team that we play next
keith
December 29th, 2012
10:29 am
I sincerely hope that Danny Ferry will either allow Josh Smith to walk or trade him by the Feb. trade deadline going forward!!! We will miss his DEFENSE and nothing else!!!!! My days of hoping that Josh may become the next “Dominique Wilkins” are over!!!!!!!!! All DOWNHILL with Josh from here on out…
hawksfancents95
December 29th, 2012
10:32 am
hfc95
December 28th, 2012
3:51 pm
Jeff Lou Korver Josh AL
ZaZa and Morrow are are main subs tonight.
Petro may get some minutes at the end of the 2nd qtr.
Deshawn will not play until the 4th qtr when we need a stop with 1:28 left(and you know that I am right on this prediction!)
Hawks 95 Cavs 90
“Coach Larry Drew said he was tempted to use DeShawn Stevenson, resting for Saturday’s back-to-back game against the Pacers.”
-Dang it, I was so close…
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
10:35 am
tony,
The Hawks don’t need a 6-7 PF although Anthony Bennett is a very nice player. Funny that he’s attending UNLV b/c he very similar to Larry Johnson…
hfc95
December 29th, 2012
10:37 am
Old comp had my old user handle sry..
Tonight vs Indy will be a great game. This is two very balanced scoring teams. I think we will win by a couple tonight but a very back and forth game.
Main key tonight is not let Hibbert get them second shot oppurtunities and we have to limit Paul George to under 20 pts.
Also we need to not let the opposing PG get 30+ on us, will bynum and then kyrie irving last night, we cant let george hill get to 30 or we are in for a long night.
doc
December 29th, 2012
10:48 am
slimj, actually, i think sautee was calling you on your bluff and is yet to get a more accurate rebuttal using stats there bro.
not playing referee or anything but i think the ball is still in your court. heh heh
keith
December 29th, 2012
10:59 am
2013 NBA DRAFT POSSIBLE PICKS
Most likely the only Center available when we pick will be 7 “0″ Jeff Withey out of Kansas…This guy is a Shot-Blocking Machine!
Anthony Bennet is a Beast and could fill our void at the “3″
We could come out of this draft with “2″ new starters……..
keith
December 29th, 2012
11:05 am
2013/2014 ATLANTA HAWK PROJECTED LINE-UP
PG-Jeff Teague
SG-Kyle Korver
SF-Anthony Bennet
PF-Al Horford
Center-Jeff Withey
keith
December 29th, 2012
11:21 am
“Our Biggest losing streak of the Season is coming up Boys” If we lose tonight, we may not win again until we see the Wizards!!!
SteveW
December 29th, 2012
11:26 am
I loved Ivan’s tweet to his team before the game: Dont take theses dudes lightly, and go at the neck!
He’s a beast!
tony
December 29th, 2012
11:40 am
Melvin, I don’t think DF will resign JS this offseason allowing AH to move to his natural position assuming they sign Al Jefferson or DH this off-season.
Anthony Bennett is no ordinary player. He’s a strong lockdown defender….just about impossible to guard from an offensive standpoint. Stardom is written all over this guy.
2013 projected lineup
pg-JT ……………….Lou Williams
sg-Kevin Martin……….John Jenkins
sf-Anthony Bennett(r)….Kyle Korver ….Mike Scott
pf-Al Horford…………Ivan Johnson
c–Al Jefferson……….Zaza…Jeff Withey(r)
ag
December 29th, 2012
11:48 am
Keith, should you just become a fan of another team? All of our core players you want traded!
doc
December 29th, 2012
11:51 am
slimj and sautee check out author chris hedges
good stuff
rev too for that matter
hs melvin aj etc.
reading “empire of illusion”
many others
no rose colored glasses here
very deep and thoughtful looks at american culture
Admiral SnAckbar
December 29th, 2012
11:52 am
when osh fades he misses most of his shots. when he goes straight up he makes a better percentage. work on your technique and osh may become Josh. if you don’t know then ax somebody!
ag
December 29th, 2012
12:01 pm
I will give LD some credit – his plays after timeouts usually end up in a basket. I wish we had the stat. I am sure almost 80% it results in two points – in most situations it is a lob to Al.
Nate ArchiBALL
December 29th, 2012
12:08 pm
KS —-
AHORFORD/TCHANDLER
PPG 15.7/12.9, RPG 9.8/10.2, APG 3.2/.8, SPG .77/.8, BPG 1.04/.93, FPG 2.0/3.1, TPG 1.7/1.2
“Based on these stats, and what you’ve been saying about Horford not being a good center, especially on the DEF end of the court, it looks like last yrs DEF POY has suddenly become both a DEF and OFF liability.”
=======================
This season Chandler’s 12.9 PPG on .689 FGP are both career high numbers – His 10.2 boards are his highest RPG total since the ‘07-08 season — a bit of a stretch to say he has become an defensive and offensive liability……contrary to the opinion, he has never been known as a shot blocker – has never averaged higher that 1.8 BPG in his career and that last time he did that was in the ‘06-07 season. Last years 1.4 BPG was his highest in several years – previous seasons BPG 1.1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.1
smittyderf
December 29th, 2012
12:15 pm
I coached BB for 30 yrs. so I know it’s different many times in the locker room than in the media but I wish I knew what was the truth with Josh Smith and Coach Drew. Its pretty obvious how immature and oblivious Smith remains, adamantly failing to understand his own weaknesses in shot selection and turnovers while lamenting his lack of selection to the All Star team. Does Drew recognize all this or does he subscribe to the “Josh is such a gifted athlete” club, susequently refusing to demand improvement from him or rein in his behavior?
Ken Strickland
December 29th, 2012
12:29 pm
DOC-You’re not playing referee, you’re playing instigator, and you’re good at it, lol.
TONY-If DFerry doesn’t give LDrew a contract extension, you’ll likely see JJenkins as our starting SG. Whether JSmith is resigned let go or traded could depend on what quality FA we can entice to come to the ATL.
Although those who hang onto Josh’s jock strap will argue me down, I believe we could be a solid team without him if we acquire a decent center. Without Josh trying to play POINT FORWARD, or mimicing LBird as an outside shooter, Teague would be able to take up a lot of the slack scoring and assist wise.
Horford and his excellent outside shooting ability would be a much better PF option than Josh along side a low post center like DHorward or AJefferson. Playing next to a low post center would just give Josh another excuse to drift outside and continue launching those illadvised long range jumpers.
I see this team functioning without Josh just like it’s done without the size, height, and shooting ability of JJ and Marvin. What seems to be more important than replacing Josh or Horford is finding a more productive scorer, rebounder and defender at SF.
I still think a starting lineup of JJenkins/LWilliams-SG, JTeague/DHarris-PG, KKorver/DWilliams-SF, AHorford/Zaza-C, and JSmith/IJohnson-PF, would be our best and most balanced. With Jenkins in the backcourt and Korver on the wing, no DEF would drop off either to defend the lane.
And forcing DEFs to cover 2 prolific 3pt shooters as they come off a series of screens would create havok for any DEF. Rather than trading or not resigning Josh, I’d like to see him resigned. I’d also like to see Ferry bring in his HC, who’ll most likely bring in the type of decipline that’s characterized by the Spurs approach to dealing with players.
Josh just needs to play and continue developing under a more decipilined HC that’s free from many of the major flaws that charactizes both Woodson and Drew. He needs a HC that doesn’t believe he’s so vital to the teams success that he’s allowed to continue playing his way, or to his weaknesses, rather than the best way, to his strengths.
keith
December 29th, 2012
12:29 pm
ag
December 29th, 2012
11:48 am
We can become a Championship Contender with a few more moves…Lebron is the only player that stands between this team and the NBA Finals!!! You can not stop Lebron, you just have to “ANSWER” his barrage. Right now, we collectively have no one who can answer??? Josh, NO! Al, No!! If not them, then who???
keith
December 29th, 2012
12:32 pm
IMO the New York Knickerbockers are the “ONLY” team in the eastern conference who can “Beat the Heat” right now in a 7 game series…..Carmelo Anthony is the Lebron Neutralizer!!!
Ken Strickland
December 29th, 2012
12:36 pm
NATE ARCHIBALL-I wasn’t trying to show that TChandler has become an OFF/DEF liability. I just wanted to show those ANALS who continue to look for any and every excuse to paint Horford as a sorry defender how stupid their ASSUMPTIONS are.
If he’s a sorry defender because he doesn’t block enough shots or draw enough fouls or grab enough rebounds for their liking, then last yrs DPOY(TChandler)must have become a sorry defender as well.
keith
December 29th, 2012
12:36 pm
Derrick Williams is “Worse” than Marvin Williams, and that’s hard to do!!! Quite frankly, Derrick Williams is a “SCRUB, ” a BUST, a BUM, and will never be an NBA Starter!!!!!!! Those of you who want this guy on our Basketball team, watch some T-Wolves footage please…..
Ken Strickland
December 29th, 2012
12:40 pm
SMITTYDERF-Well said indeed. I believe both Smitty and Teague would benefit tremendously from having a more decipilined HC that doesn’t play favorites or hurt the overall team by adhereing to silly bias’.
keith
December 29th, 2012
12:40 pm
Tyson Chandler is the 2nd Best Center in the League.
When Tyson Chandler is on the floor, opposing players are afraid to attack the rim, consequently, “Myopic-Midget-Monkey-Brains”, his numbers will be down!!!
LouWill83
December 29th, 2012
12:49 pm
FACT: I have been reviewing the tape of the game for the 10th time and this is a FACT. With 4:05 Left in the 4TH Quarter, Larry Drew signaled Kyle Korver to get up and check into the game. Korver gets up, walks towards the scorers table. You can see right behind him Josh gets up as well as if he will follow Korver, but Larry Drew signals him to sit down. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh myyyyyy
ILL-Logical
December 29th, 2012
12:50 pm
One game does not make a season-unless its the final ggame of the NBA Finals. Point? On these blog players are deified /damned on a game by game basis. It’s a fan blog so some excesses are to be expected bu at some point reason should prevail.
Danny Ferry tried to trade ASA and Teague for Dwight. It failed so the Hawks and by extension LD are what they are and it looks as if this will be the roster for the rest of the season. Not great ;sometimes very good but certainly not championship material. But don’t get it twisted Danny Ferry is calling the shots! So let’s focus on the season and the reason for the season: the failure of Plan A.
LouWill83
December 29th, 2012
1:01 pm
Continue to use the pick and pop with teague and horford, we need horford to gain confidence again in his 15 to 20 footer like the one he hite last night in the clutch. That shot was deadly in the past 2 seasons, I wish all the mid range that Josh is taking would be shot by AL
Ken Strickland
December 29th, 2012
1:07 pm
While I wouldn’t call Derrick Williams a Bust at this point, I’d certainly think twice about acquiring him. After looking at his stats over the last 2yrs, it appears to me that bringing back DJames would be a better investment.
If given the same 20MPG that Williams has averaged, James would most likely match or exceed Williams’ overall production. And a minimum contract is all it would cost for James, while Williams’ has a $4.8M contract. You tell me which is the better investment?
KEITH-DHoward, SUbaka, and JSmith have been 3 of the NBAs most prolific shot blockers over the last few yrs, yet players constantly challenge them. But now you’re saying that NBA players are far, far more afraid of challenging TChandler than either of these 3 players. Man, even fantasy basketball isn’t as far removed from reality as you are.
keith
December 29th, 2012
1:11 pm
“WE HAVE TO TRUST DANNY”
He moved “Average Joe Johnson”, when no one thought he could. He moved Marvin Scrub Williams, when there was no market for him. Now, we must pray that he makes a good deal “moving” Josh Smith moving forward!!!
keith
December 29th, 2012
1:14 pm
Ken Strickland
December 29th, 2012
1:07 pm
I agree with you on some of your points, however, let us remeber, the Dallas Mavericks BEFORE Chandler, and AFTER Chandler… Tyson Chandler is an NBA CHAMPION!!!!!
keith
December 29th, 2012
1:21 pm
tony
December 29th, 2012
11:40 am
2013 projected lineup
pg-JT ……………….Lou Williams
sg-Kevin Martin……….John Jenkins
sf-Anthony Bennett(r)….Kyle Korver ….Mike Scott
pf-Al Horford…………Ivan Johnson
c–Al Jefferson……….Zaza…Jeff Withey(r)
Great Line-up!!! This Line-up has Eastern Conference Finals written all over it!!!
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
1:34 pm
Najeh makes a good point about Teague’s release on his jumper. Good defenders will recognize that he needs extra clearance to get it off.
That said, if he can get some freakin’ consistency, he’s one of the better PGs in the League, I figure. That tends to be the issue with him.
Let’s see if Josh bounces back from a dismal game, despite his ability to once again put up some eye-popping stats in other categories (6 assists, 5 blocks). He ususally does. I’m about ready for the “bad shot selection” thing to end. Wasn’t fun seeing that he and LD were on that subject AGAIN.
Horford had a lackluster game…still managed 14 and 11 on more than 50% shooting. Still…it was one of the weakest double doubles I’ve seen….almost like he didn’t earn it.
I liked what Tolliver was able to bring last night. He was one of the keys to the 4th quarter push.
Is there a better backup Center in the League than Zaza? If there’s to be a 7th man award, I’d nominate him in a heartbeat.
Kyle Korver continues to be one of the best FA acquisitions we’ve made in recent years. Smart guy who turns out to be more than just a shooter. Can’t believe he got 3 blocks, LOL
Nate ArchiBALL
December 29th, 2012
1:37 pm
KS – I understand. The key is that sometimes we put too much into stats as a method of judging players, especially defensive stats. There is no stat that counts shots that are passed up in the paint after several blocks or the number of times a player picks up his dribble when guarded by a player who has a few steals or number of times a player leaves his man to provide help defense or not leave his man when help is needed……All of those intangibles cannot be counted. This is why teams send scouts to watch the live games rather than just read the season/career stats on a player
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
1:38 pm
We definitely missed Ivan last night.
Then again, the way LD does him, we miss him even when he’s here sometimes.
Lou Williams was a big help from the field, but he had a large number of uncharacteristic turnovers. This is what comes of making him run the point….
I did like what I saw from John Jenkins.
The Truth
December 29th, 2012
1:45 pm
The Truth Returns: Often imitated but never duplicated:
Merry Xmas (belated) and Happy New Year (In Advance) LoL
A Shout-out to Hawksville Land!!!
The place where cooler heads can talk over the noisy empty cans and still be heard
BTW: Go Hawks!!
keith
December 29th, 2012
1:50 pm
We also have to deal one of our shooters or allow Morrow to walk away before the beginning of next season…IMO, we should attempt to sign Kyle Korver to a 3 year deal. Sign Anthony Morrow to a 4 year deal..John Jenkins may have more value as a tradeable asset along side Josh Smith going forward. I would really hate to see Jenkins go, however, we have to many “2″ guards on this team.
All the same player: 1. Lou Williams 2. Kyle Korver 3. Anthony morrow
terrell
December 29th, 2012
1:57 pm
Cant see Ferry resigning Josh Smith. Especially after Uncle Larry SUPPOSEDLY had a talk with him about his POOR shot selection. I didnt really see DF extending him before this so called conversation anyway. Just sayin. Just sad that he wont just let the game come to him instead of still trying to force things after all these years. Some of his shots and passes literally gives me a headache. Dont even care about his blocks anymore. Its like the bad outweighs the good with this guy. I also blame his teammates for passing him the dam. ball when he’s outside the paint. Btw, I told yall fools about Teague a along time ago. And used to get dogged for it. Clowns. lol
O'Brien
December 29th, 2012
2:05 pm
Ken S,
For Jenkins to get more minutes on this team, Devin needs to stay injured, or Morrow get traded. I think thats the only way he will get more consistent minutes.
But from the sporadic minutes I have seen from him, I like his game.
As for next season, I wouldnt mind a guy like Tony Allen. He is known more for his defense, and can split SG minutes with Jenkins, who will be known for his offense. And I would let Morrow go, but try and resign Korver.
Swingman912
December 29th, 2012
2:06 pm
I like Anthony Bennett, but he is not an NBA 3. He’s an undersized 4 with a decent J. Typical Tweener. We need a guy to defend the best perimeter player on the other team, and he’s not that. Not enough lateral quickness…
keith
December 29th, 2012
2:08 pm
“STATS ARE FOR LOSERS!!!”
Do any of you guys remember Shareef Abdur the “Scrub” Rahim?…..This guy had great numbers. His stats were All-star worthy, however, did he really have any impact on the GAME???
Swingman912
December 29th, 2012
2:11 pm
I like Tony Allen. Pure toughness. Smart and physical perimeter defender. Something that this team lacks… he’s limited offensively but he’s been better than his previous years in the League. He’d be a great pickup
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
2:26 pm
Swap Al and Chandler on that Champion Dallas squad and expect the same results?
Bath Salts are illegal…. hehehehehe
Not a fair comparison for AL.. He does not intimidate anyone in this league.. Chandler does…
How many times did King James give up on his dribble penetration into the painted area when he saw the 7′1″ center step up to defend..Time and again he pass the rock rather go in there and get his ish mailed back to Miami…
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
2:31 pm
doc, Rod responded very well to Sautee’s two cent.. lol…
The Truth
December 29th, 2012
2:36 pm
Could it be? (no). Say it aint so? But, last night performance by Teague confirms “The Truth”
Jeff Teague “inner dog” has arrived and LD despite his many critics will ride his “new beast” to a new contract. Call it luck, or a fluke or some strange coaching osmosis, but Teague got LD’s “Memo” on how to effectively impose his will on this team. But ” energizing” Teague at this next level maybe costly for the injury bug is synonyms to playing hard. It is still plenty games left in this 82 game schedule, so hopefully Teague can withstand the grind.
The Truth
December 29th, 2012
2:46 pm
Stefan Bondy: “Spoke with MarShon yesterday, who is excited about a new opportunity after being buried on the bench under Avery.”
The real “Judas” behind Avery firing: MarShon Brooks
keith
December 29th, 2012
2:52 pm
We need another 1st round pick in the upcoming draft and the only way to do that would be to move “Smoove.” We will be able to acquire a Center and a Small Forward in this June’s Draft. The extra 1st round pick could net us a “Tweener” or back-up PG…Bring Jordan Taylor back?
PG-Jeff Teague-FA-Lou Williams
SG-Kle Korver-A. Morrow-Jenkins
SF-A. Bennet-FA Draftee
PF-A. Horford-Ivan Johnson
C-Jeff Withey-Zaza
keith
December 29th, 2012
2:53 pm
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
2:26 pm
Swap Al and Chandler on that Champion Dallas squad and expect the same results?
DITTO!!!!!!!!
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
3:04 pm
Dallas missing piece was an intimidator/ rim protector, not a 12 and 9 guy at the 5 in the finals….
A 12 and 9 guy at the 5 spot would have probably meant a sweep for Miami..
Intimidation in the paint as a blogger brilliantly eluded too means stats that are not measured yet:
1-Altered shots
2-dribble drive toward the paint then pass the ball
3-Less efficient opposing offense due directly to interior defense at the 5 spot
Sautee
December 29th, 2012
3:11 pm
“How many times did King James give up on his dribble penetration into the painted area when he saw the 7′1″ center step up to defend..Time and again he pass the rock rather go in there and get his ish mailed back to Miami…” – slimjr
So why didn’t that work for the Knicks last year? 4-1 Miami, as I remember. And LOTS of drives to the rim by LeBron. Did Chandler become somehow less intimidating?
Rod from College Park
December 29th, 2012
3:52 pm
“Swap Al and Chandler on that Champion Dallas squad and expect the same results?”
DING!!!!!!!!
Rod from College Park
December 29th, 2012
3:54 pm
Ken Strickland,
That medication is really messing with your common sense.
Sautee,
So why didn’t that work for the Knicks last year? 4-1 Miami, as I remember. And LOTS of drives to the rim by LeBron. Did Chandler become somehow less intimidating?
Shawn Marion.
keith
December 29th, 2012
4:02 pm
Starting lineup for tonight’s game will answer a lot in term’s of how this coach sees his team going forward…
Grandad
December 29th, 2012
4:11 pm
** My early~early~early~early selection for the 2013 draft;~(below)
past selections:
* [`12 - ANicholson; `11 - KLeonard; `10 - TPleiss; `09 - JHoliday]
** player who may be available to Hawks & would be a GoodChoice!
2013:
James McAdoo
UNC / more to come / subject to change !
note:
-using Houston`s pick in 1st round-
High-sider
December 29th, 2012
4:14 pm
My current 2012 – 2013 NBA SMOY (short) list includes the following players:
1. Jamal Crawford – LAC
2. Earl “J.R.” Smith, III – NYK
3. Kevin Martin – OKC
4. Lou Williams (that is unless he’s disqualified because LD “started” him too much) – ATL
5. Jarrett Jack – GSW
High-sider
December 29th, 2012
4:17 pm
^Correction: “My current 2012 – 2013 NBA SMOY [candidates] (short) list includes the following players:…”
Grandad
December 29th, 2012
4:38 pm
Slimjr
I appreciate your 8:26 am post and the fairness thereof.
Along with the assumption, you were sincere.
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
4:45 pm
O’Brien,
PG-Teague/Harris
SG-Williams/Jenkins
SF-Korver/Morrow
PF-Josh/Ivan
C-AL/Zaza
Seems to be plenty of playing time to me. What is so hard about this? Stevenson is a 13/yr vet on bum knees who is a streaky shooter at best. Once he’s gassed his shots come up short & his bad knees don’t help the situation. He is Situational player at best and I do not believe his horrid numbers last year were a COMPLETE fluke. Morrow is a Longer 6′5 than Stevenson and has picked up his D lately.
How many games have we lost when he (Stevenson) hasn’t played? Someone answer that for me because I assure I can’t be more that ONE. The person we really miss is Devin Harris believe it or not.
The point is Stevenson has a low ceiling and we know what it is. He is taking away minutes from guys like Jenkins and Morrow (at the SG and SF spots respectively) who have the potential to “Go Off” offensively at a rate that Stevenson could only dream of achieving in his own. We are only handcuffing ourselves if these guys aren’t in a good groove when he playoffs roll around because us advancing farther than expected will more than likely be on their (Jenkins and Morrow’s) untapped potential (high ceiling) as opposed to Sevenson’s tough D, streaky shooting, and inability to create shots for himself (He can’t dribble).
Korver is not streaky and neither are Jenkins and Morrow (just needs to get into a groove like Korver did at the beginning of the season).
I like Stevenson, I just don’t like the way we are using him right now (to the detriment of better players with bigger potential).
JaeEvolution
December 29th, 2012
4:50 pm
Anthony Bennett is getting consideration around the league as a #1 pick can’t miss type of prospect he will be long gone. If we were to move up I think we should take Otto Porter, a guy who reminds me of Nicolas Batum, Kawhi Leonard and AK-47. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLKl98IkCWg
I also know Danny has his eyes on a ‘Josh Smith’ clone, that being Tony Mitchell who has every athletic tool Josh had coming up, and every mental decision making problem as well.
A long-shot right now would be Ricky Ledo who is regarded as a SG version of Kevin Durant, the guy is a scoring machine and has every move to score in the league RIGHT NOW. He was ineligible to play this year for Providence and it will make his decision to stay for another year or come out before a strong 2014 draft much tougher. He has potential to be an amazing scorer in the league one day.
High-sider
December 29th, 2012
4:51 pm
Road Warriors and is 2/3 (two-thirds) the “lucky number” (or shall I say the “lucky ‘fraction’”) for the Hawks?
This (Hawks) team’s (overall) record is currently 18 – 9 [0.667] and this team is winning at the same rate at home as it does on the road (home record is 10 – 5 [0.667]; road record is 8 – 4 [0.667]). It (also) appears (that) this (Hawks) team has the best road record in the East.
Oh yeah, btw, 2/3 (two-thirds) = 0.667.
http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Cnf.html
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
4:56 pm
We have four picks in next years draft. I say we bundle them and trade up with a team and get one of the more promising centers. DraftExpress has us taking C.J. Leslie with our second draft pick. I like him, very athletic and plays Small Forward. Other than that there are two point guards that inrtigue me. Phil Pressey and Lorenzo Brown. I would take a look at these guys if we can’t bring Devin back at a reasonable price.
JaeEvolution
December 29th, 2012
4:57 pm
Here’s Tony Mitchell if you want to see what Josh would’ve played like in College.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6tNGmh3ieE
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
5:02 pm
“Chris Vivlamore @ajchawks
Preliminary Hawks injury report: Smith a game-time decision. Horford and Johnson are probable. Harris and Morrow are doubtful. #ATLHawks”