Vivlamore reporting. I’m back from Cleveland and ready for tonight’s game against the Pacers.
The Hawks will be without Josh Smith for tonight’s game against the Pacers due to a strained right hip flexor.
Smith experienced pain in the hip area on Friday and played for most of the game against the Cavaliers. However, he was unable to play in the fourth quarter.
Smith was still not moving well enough to play before Saturday’s game.
“As far as the severity, I don’t know but it’s sore,” coach Larry Drew said. “We finished our walk-through and he’s been having it treated. We wanted to see how he could move out of the floor. He wasn’t moving very well so we decided to shut him down for tonight.”
The Hawks will also be without Devin Harris (sore left foot) for the sixth straight game and Anthony Morrow (right hip strain). Morrow was injured in the first half against the Cavaliers and was unable to continue.
Al Horford (right hip contusion) will start. Ivan Johnson (stomach illness), who missed Friday’s game, will be available off the bench. Drew, however, said he would wait until the game to see if there were any limitations of the two.
* With Smith out, the Hawks will start Zaza Pachulia at center, with the 3-0 guard tandem of Jeff Teague and Lou Williams and Kyle Korver and Horford at forward.
Drew said he thought about going with a smaller lineup, by starting DeShawn Stevenson, but decided to match the height of the Pacers – 7-foot-2 Roy Hibbert in particular.
“Roy Hibbert,” Drew said of the reason for a bigger lineup. “We went back and forth about going with the lineup that we have been using our last three wins (Williams at shooting guard). We’ve been going with a smaller lineup and had success with it. I had to make the decision to change it and match up with them. Now, with Josh out, it made my decision a little easier.”
* Drew also said he would likely play rookies John Jenkins and Mike Scott again tonight. Both played eight minutes against the Cavs with Jenkins scoring five points.
“There is a strong possibility they are going to get some more minutes tonight, I tell you that,” Drew said. “I think both guys are chomping at the bit. They want to be out there. They’ve been very patient through this process being rookies and not getting a lot of playing time.”
* Horford has struggled with his free-throw shooting at times this season so the Hawks center looked at video of a recent game to reveal what has been wrong.
Horford watched his attempts from Wednesday’s game against the Pistons, where he went 4 of 8 from the line. One of those attempts, if made, could have prevented overtime.
Horford said he discovered an issue with his release.
“Going back and looking at the (Pistons) game, I’ve gotten away from the little things that make a big difference with my release on the free throw,” Horford said after Friday’s victory over the Cavaliers. “I looked at it on video and there were some bad habits that I’ve fixed in the past but have crept up this year. It’s one of those things that I have to stay on top of and remember and when I do (it right) I feel really good.
“Now, it’s just a matter of I have to keep reminding myself to keep doing it the same way because it feels really good when I shoot it like that.”
Horford made both his free throws Friday night in Cleveland. The makes came with 34.6 seconds remaining and were part of a 9-0 Hawks’ run to close out the game.
For the season, Horford has made 51 of 87 attempts (.586).
Horford is far from the only Hawks player having trouble from the free-throw line this season. The Hawks entered Saturday’s game against the Pacers 28th in the NBA in free-throw shooting, converting just 71.9 percent of their attempts.
- 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
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @AJCHAWKS
257 comments Add your comment
Rusty
December 29th, 2012
5:03 pm
Enter your comments here
Rusty
December 29th, 2012
5:05 pm
I’ve never seen any player with the quickness & explosiviness of westbrooke. That man has major hops.
Rusty
December 29th, 2012
5:15 pm
I find it amazing that someone can go from a mediocre jump shooter to a great jump shooter after playing so many years in the NBA as Jason Kidd has.
Jimmy Crack
December 29th, 2012
5:17 pm
Al was great knocking those down. He could probably use a day or two off for his hip to rest.
Admiral SnAckbar
December 29th, 2012
5:25 pm
big game tonite.
go Hawks
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
5:27 pm
Al or somebody in his circle are reading these blogs? hmmmmm
Good for you Al..
Hey Josh you want shooting lessons. Hit us up here on the blog. Ken S. and I will fix that aching jumper of yours lickety split!
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
5:29 pm
Nique in his prime had a 47 inch vert!
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
5:34 pm
That maybe a good idea to rest Al and also protect him from the mountain man who took him out for the season last year..
Larry you must protect Al tonight! Start Zaza out there..
A Trap?
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
5:52 pm
FTPB
“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?” -Sautee-
Comparing the Dallas Championship Squad vs. the Knicks last season playoff run is like comparing:
Apples and Box Cars…
Let me say this, James like all the great ones looked at the film and decided to worked on his post moves..Also he realized you attack Bigs with your quickness..Use your quickness to neutralize the size of the opposing defender..
Chandler did not change. Lebron made incredible changes to his offensive game which made him a legend at 27 years of age…
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
5:55 pm
Rusty, Gerald Green can put his Adams Apple on the rim!
The Street says his vert is around a 50!
You talk about almost supernatural hops?
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
6:08 pm
3rd?
NORRIS CHUCK
December 29th, 2012
6:08 pm
Chris,
When Josh Smith starts working on his free throws, then write a story about that!
O'brien
December 29th, 2012
6:28 pm
C-viv is on it. He has covered Teague not being aggressive enough, Josh and his shot selection, and now Al and his FT. All in a week’s work. Giving the people what they want.
O'brien
December 29th, 2012
6:30 pm
Slim,
Al will be at PF, so he won’t be guarded by Hibbert. He may have his hands full with David West though. Key for me will be Teague. He needs to be aggressive from the start
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
December 29th, 2012
6:33 pm
Injuries are apart of the the game. People just have to step up.
W.R. Terrell
December 29th, 2012
6:37 pm
The “Smoove”, is out for this game. Personally I think he needs a serious rest for the hip flexor, mebbee 7 – 8 games. I know the team will be a wreck without him but that’s the way it goes. While he is recuperating tho I think there are a few things he could do for himself and the team; Practice his free throw shooting, play lets pretend I am not a point guard and for the sake of having fun play I am not a jump shooter and never will be and no turnover the ball with silliness. The HAWKS will be alright until you return. Lets face it, the HAWKS may lose some games but they will lose them with the “Smoove”, also. The HAWKS need to establish cohesion with the nucleus they have because the future is coming and the “Smoove”, may not be part of it.
Grandad
December 29th, 2012
6:37 pm
Hey Yawl … Great read :
Bil Simmons / Grantland / about Bill Russell & Kobe
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8724362/the-kobe-question
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
6:38 pm
“Drew also said he would likely play rookies John Jenkins and Mike Scott again tonight. Both played eight minutes against the Cavs with Jenkins scoring five points. ‘There is a strong possibility they are going to get some more minutes tonight, I tell you that,’ Drew said.”
We all know what this means… It’s like a preacher looking at his watch while he is preaching. IT MEANS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!
Scott and Jenkins better bring their seat cushions with them to the game tonight because they ain’t leaving the bench.
W.R. Terrell
December 29th, 2012
6:43 pm
I think if LD wants to keep a job he better start using the HAWKS 1st round pick and finding out what Scott can bring to the table also.
keith
December 29th, 2012
6:43 pm
“NO UGLY OR ILL-ADVISED SHOTS TONIGHT” NO GAS FACE TONIGHT!!!
This is an “Outstanding” opportunity to get a glimpse into what next years’ team will look like. Very interested. I have to watch this one from start to finish. I will not have to “cringe” and hold my breath when Josh takes one of those “ugly” shots of his….
doc
December 29th, 2012
6:43 pm
slimj ftpb
rod who?
SteveW
December 29th, 2012
6:43 pm
DWade in his prime had the explosiveness of Westbrook, if not more. Speed to burn…
vava74
December 29th, 2012
6:44 pm
Grandad,
I had already posted that. Really nice piece. Simmons throws a few gems like that every once in a while making it worth it to follow him.
Reggie
December 29th, 2012
6:48 pm
Off the subject but how’s that Joe Johnson trade working for ya Brooklyn? Addition by subtraction. Much as I hate his sub patterns Larry Drew will be a hot item by NBA teams if the Hawks dont retain him. He has proven to be better than Woody with the same talent. The success of Woodson in New York with more talent will only make teams think that Drew will make them that much better. Hopefully this fool plays Jenkins tonight.
Grandad
December 29th, 2012
6:57 pm
For what I`m about to say;
will someone please interpret for Rusty.
Jeff the Teaguer had a Great ……. offensive ……. game last eve.
Kyrie had, ahem, 28 points.
All along I`ve said:
Teaguer Needs To / Must be a Defensive Stopper at the point;
moreso than worry about his offense.
In other words, when he finds his “[so called] Inner dawg”
thet InnerDawg should / Must be Defense.
Some, myself included, wish to compare Jeff to Rondo.
In that event;
Rondo was a defensive DobermanPitBullMastiff 1st & foremost,
and his offense has matured right along.
I will be happy with JT if he puts up these #s on off:
3-1 TO ratio; 45% shooting; 34% from three; between 6-8 assts per,
and 85%+ FTs.
However, on Def;
I want him to scare the Hell out of opposing pgs.
He clamped down on Rose / play-offs `11.
That`s his ticket !
Grandad
December 29th, 2012
6:59 pm
45% shooting from the field is the most lofty goal I set.
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:00 pm
After the way Zaza filled in for Al last year, and the way he has played this year, I’m feeling pretty good about tonight’s game. If Teague shows up, the Hawks will be just fine.
Sautee
December 29th, 2012
7:00 pm
slimjr,
Apparently, I have to explain this to you:
Here’s what you posted in the last blog:
“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
——————————————————————————————-
To which I replied: “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?”
Was there any attempt on my part to compare Dallas and NY? No, I was referring, AS YOU WERE, to Chandler’s intimidation.
Get it now?
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:02 pm
I could sell “Nique” a nicer suit than he is wearing tonight…Come on Nique???
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:08 pm
Keith,
I’d beware of trying to sell Nique a suit. You might get punched out.
drmaryb.(""_*).
December 29th, 2012
7:14 pm
Hibbit – Hobbit!
Hibbert looks like a special olympian running back on defense. LOL
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:16 pm
Korver is going to struggle with Paul George tonight.
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:17 pm
Nice shot by Lou!!!!!
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:18 pm
Nice shot Al
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:19 pm
Al is quick enough that he should not be giving that much space to West on the perimeter.
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:19 pm
GREAT TEAM DEFENSE TONIGHT!!! LOVING THIS EFFORT!!!
Just Joe
December 29th, 2012
7:22 pm
Is that the new release?
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:23 pm
MVP KYLE KORVER BALLIN!!!!
Just Joe
December 29th, 2012
7:23 pm
Here comes the rook!
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:24 pm
A JOHN JENKINS EARLY SIGHTING??????
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:25 pm
Well, I’ll be. Ivan and Jenkins in the first quarter. I am surprised.
MattP
December 29th, 2012
7:28 pm
Surprised Tolliver didn’t come in at SF and Stevenson at SG. Glad to see Jenkins and Johnson getting in early.
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:29 pm
NICE STROKE JOHN JENKINS!!!!
MattP
December 29th, 2012
7:29 pm
Lou 7 assists already? lol
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:29 pm
If Jenkins can learn to stop the dribble penetration he will have a career in the NBA.
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:30 pm
THIS TEAM PLAYS BETTER WITHOUT JOSH SMITH BOYS!!!
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:30 pm
Ivan came to play big boy basketball.
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:32 pm
Petro, Jenkins, & Ivan? All getting playing time in the first quarter and extending the lead!
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:32 pm
GREAT HELP DEFENSE IVAN….
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
7:34 pm
With the potential of Jenkins and the depth at guard position. The Hawks should explore trading Harris. No need to pay him 8.5mil when they can easily replace his production and utilize his salary to upgrade the wing position.
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:34 pm
OUTSTANDING 1ST QUARTER….OFFENSIVELY AND DEFENSIVELY….ALL PHASES LOOK GREAT!!!!!
terrell
December 29th, 2012
7:34 pm
Jenkins in the 1st qtr? Was I dreaming?
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
7:35 pm
Lou with 8 asts in the 1st qtr. Wow
High-sider
December 29th, 2012
7:36 pm
In the first quarter, Hawks shot 0.667 (there’s that number again) from the field, 0.600 from the 3pt, arc and 1.000 from the FT line.
MattP
December 29th, 2012
7:36 pm
I think Ferry made Drew play those guys early., probably getting ready for a trade. Nothing else explains why Drew played Jenkins, Johnson, and Petro in the first.
terrell
December 29th, 2012
7:37 pm
Not gonna say we’re a better team without Josh like Keith just did, but it is nice not watching him launch rainbow after rainbow.
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:37 pm
YOHAN PETRO PROTECTING THE RIM GIRLS!!!!!
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:39 pm
JOHN JENKINS ON FIRE!!!!
JaeEvolution
December 29th, 2012
7:39 pm
JOHN JENKINS!!!
MattP
December 29th, 2012
7:39 pm
Yes, it is only one game but I think this team plays better without Smith. 2 main reasons are because the PG get the ball more, no Smith trying to play point. Also, the real shooters are getting more chances to shoot, no Smith taking just about every shot he is open for.
High-sider
December 29th, 2012
7:39 pm
Petro ballin’?!?!?!?
drmaryb.(""_*).
December 29th, 2012
7:39 pm
Petro!
Petroleum!!! Why don’t we play this guy?
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:39 pm
Jenkins is putting on a show!!! This is fun.
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:40 pm
PETRO MUCH BETTER THAN BLOG SCRUBS GIVE HIM CREDIT FOR!!!
terrell
December 29th, 2012
7:41 pm
Nice min for Petro. Never thought Id say that. lol
drmaryb.(""_*).
December 29th, 2012
7:42 pm
Roll Call!
Where is Najeh?
Where is Big Dave?
Simjr
December 29th, 2012
7:43 pm
Your trying to be a smart azz!
SMART AZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SCROLL KEY ENGAGE GENUIS..
drmaryb.(""_*).
December 29th, 2012
7:43 pm
Petro makes a dumb foul! Maybe that’s why he doesn’t play?
vava74
December 29th, 2012
7:43 pm
Najeh is probably at the game…
RethinkPossible
December 29th, 2012
7:43 pm
These hawks sure are fun to watch.
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
7:43 pm
Good mins by Petro in the lst half…
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:43 pm
Keith and MattP,
One game a trend does not make. Josh Smith is the most important player on the Hawks. The Hawks cannot shoot 65% all game long. This is an anomaly.
That being said; I am very impressed with Jenkins & Petro. I am also impressed with Ivan, but I already knew what he could do.
Simjr
December 29th, 2012
7:44 pm
genius
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:45 pm
Ivan the Terrible
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
7:46 pm
Enter your comments here
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
7:46 pm
Good mins by Jenkins in the 1st half
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:47 pm
Standing ovation for Jenkins
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
7:47 pm
Heat Check Al
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:48 pm
HAWKS ARE PLAYING GREAT TEAM DEFENSE TONIGHT……. JOSH WHO??????
MattP
December 29th, 2012
7:49 pm
Rev,
I agree, I even said that it is only one game. But if you look at the reason I said the hawks are better without him you will probably agree. I know everyone on this blog hates his shot selection and how he likes bring the ball up the court, ignoring the guards.
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
7:49 pm
Petro hit a shot? Well what do you know?
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:50 pm
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:43 pm
Josh Who????
Sautee
December 29th, 2012
7:51 pm
“HAWKS ARE PLAYING GREAT TEAM DEFENSE TONIGHT……. JOSH WHO??????”
Pacers are shooting 50%. LMFAO
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:52 pm
Hibbert pushed Zaza. As if Zaza needed help missing a layup
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:52 pm
Zaza should have gotten the ‘and one’
drmaryb.(""_*).
December 29th, 2012
7:53 pm
Hustle & Flow!
Wow! what a flow to this game. The tempo is unstoppable!
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:53 pm
hate to say it…HOWVER….This team looks much more CRISP without JOSH SMITH!!!
vava74
December 29th, 2012
7:54 pm
Great job Zaza. Excellent ball movement by the Hawks.
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:54 pm
MattP,
I know your reasons, and I still disagree.
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
7:54 pm
Sautee,
And the Pacers scored 26pts in the 1st qtr…..
terrell
December 29th, 2012
7:55 pm
Loving me some Joe and Marvinless hawks. Team playing well without Josh tonight too. Hmmm???
Admiral SnAckbar
December 29th, 2012
7:55 pm
would be hard to trade Harris. he had a bad foot when we got him and it ain’t no better.
drmaryb.(""_*).
December 29th, 2012
7:55 pm
vava74
Thanks! Great Game – eh?
kevkat
December 29th, 2012
7:56 pm
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:53 pm
hate to say it…HOWVER….This team looks much more CRISP without JOSH SMITH!!!
Have to agree with that
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:56 pm
Al Plays much better when Josh is not on the floor!!!
drmaryb.(""_*).
December 29th, 2012
7:57 pm
Dissin’!
Don’t be dissin’ Josh – people!
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:57 pm
MVP KYLE KORVER!!!
drmaryb.(""_*).
December 29th, 2012
7:58 pm
Hibbert!
An All-Star my azz!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a BUSTER!!!!
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:58 pm
Zaza with his requisite moving screen
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
7:59 pm
Hawks are starting to lose focus. Reinsert Jenkins, Petro and Ivan.
keith
December 29th, 2012
7:59 pm
LD have to seriously consider bringing Josh off the Bench going forward….much like Stoudemeire in New York……
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:00 pm
The Hawks are playing “GROWN MAN BASKETBALL” tonight ladies!!!!
Sautee
December 29th, 2012
8:01 pm
Melvin,
Right, and they only average 91.7 for the game.
kevkat
December 29th, 2012
8:01 pm
not quite the last shot you’d want
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:02 pm
OUTSTANDING 1ST HALF!!!!
LD MUST seriously consider bringing Josh off the Bench going forward….much like Stoudemeire in New York……What say you fellow Bloggers????
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:05 pm
FTPB
doc, this was Rod FCP rebuttal to Sautee..
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.”
W.R. Terrell
December 29th, 2012
8:05 pm
This is one entertaining game. The HAWKS have a chance to win if they continue to play in a team mode, watch turnovers and take good shots. This is one entertaining team when “STOOPID” is not in the building.
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:07 pm
Sautee remind me to scroll when you go off on your tangents..Thank you Sir..
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:10 pm
Jenkins is going to be in this league for years.. His jumper is a thing of beauty!
W.R. Terrell
December 29th, 2012
8:10 pm
Folks can say what they want about AL but give me 2 more like him. He bangs, run the floor and grab rebounds and blocks a few shots here and there and as far as taking charges there’s not a lot of primetime players that do.
Mookie Blaylock
December 29th, 2012
8:11 pm
Boy, the Hawks look absolutely horrendous out there without the 3x, virtual, I should have been an All-Star Josh Smith. Hopefully we can crawl back into this one and maybe lose by only 20.
Sameba
December 29th, 2012
8:11 pm
There is just one thing that worries me – teague was a non-factor in the 1st half with his 2 points…
vava74
December 29th, 2012
8:11 pm
DrMaryB,
I am worried. We executed poorly to close the half, Vogel will probably make some adjustments and we can’t hit shots at this rate all night long.
We need Teague to wake up and play substantially better this second half and we need to cut on those turnovers.
Sautee
December 29th, 2012
8:12 pm
My rebuttal to Rod’s rebuttal:
First, Horford is not “beloved” in our household. He’s a basketball player, and while I enjoy watching the sport, my fanhood stops far before “beloved”.
Second, I was NOT trying to defend Horford, but I was surprised by what I found. You conveniently left off the part of my post where I said I thought he’d be below average. That doesn’t sound like a defense to me.
Third, I wasn’t even trying to prove a point of any kind. I just found it curious.
vava74
December 29th, 2012
8:15 pm
by the way, IND has been getting the benefit of the doubt on all plays in the lane in which ATL is on offense.
2 FTs? Zaza and Ivan got whacked a couple of times and Teague had a doubtful play too where I think he got hit in the elbow, had to move the ball way to his left and got stuffed.
Mookie Blaylock
December 29th, 2012
8:16 pm
What a horrible game. People didnt tune in to watch rookies like John Jenkins, we want to see All-Stars on the court like Carmelo, Lebron and Josh Smith. Lord Knows I’d much rather see Josh Smith bombing 3 pointers as opposed to Jenkins…
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:18 pm
BRING JOSH OFF THE BENCH GOING FORWARD LD!!!
LD have to seriously consider bringing Josh off the Bench going forward….much like Stoudemeire in New York……
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:19 pm
MVP KYLE KORVER BOYZZZ!!!!
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
8:20 pm
Korver is automatic
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:20 pm
Chandler intimidates when he played for Dallas and does also for the Knicks.. Two different teams, two different systems, same type of player at the 5..A player the Hawks could use at the 5 every night.
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:22 pm
Let’s get Ivan back in the game…….Nice roll by Zaza!!!
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:23 pm
ZAZA playing grown man Basketball tonight…….
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:24 pm
Dallas, Knicks = apples and box cars…
Yes I did bring that into the equation Genius!
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:25 pm
Kyle Korver is our “Ray Allen” with much better defense!!!!
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
8:26 pm
Teague is not filling up the basket, but he is playing a fine game nonetheless. He is bringing lots of ‘energy’ and is facilitating the offense. Four assists.
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:28 pm
Josh Smith has been holding this team back…..The ball moves much better without all-star JOSH!!!
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
8:29 pm
Al is having a monster game offensively, but he is being abused by West. West is completely canceling out Al’s offensive production.
Sautee
December 29th, 2012
8:29 pm
slim,
Which part of “I wasn’t even trying to compare DAL and NY” did you fail to understand?
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:30 pm
doc @ 19 and 9 it would be a great way to end the old year and bring in the new one?
Who would have thunk besides Ken S. and ESPN [rated the Hawks a two seed at the end of the regular season]?
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
8:30 pm
My bad, West is not just canceling out Al’s offensive production. He has scored 18 to Al’s 14
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:30 pm
ZAZA FILLING IT UP…..
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
8:32 pm
I think Lou wants to stay in the starting lineup LOL.
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:33 pm
Kyle Korver is playing Big Boy defense tonight!!!!!!!!!!
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
December 29th, 2012
8:33 pm
Organ player jammin
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
8:34 pm
you know, violet palmer does a lot of our games….
High-sider
December 29th, 2012
8:34 pm
So far in tonight’s game, I haven’t seen A) a Hawks’ player take an ill-advised jump shot (Josh), B) a Hawks’ player take a (jump) shot outside (of) his (normal) skill level (Josh), C) a Hawks’ big trying to be (a) “Magic Johnson” and lead the fast break (Josh) and D) a Hawks’ player trying to do too much which usually ends up in that (Hawks’) player making a bad pass and/or committing a(n unnecessary) turnover (Josh).
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
8:36 pm
Pretty move by Lou. I thought he was going to dunk that
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:36 pm
I have not been this excited about Basketball since the Joe Johnson TRADE……This is Big time basketball tonight…
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
8:37 pm
Yep…..Lou doesn’t wanna come off the bench anymore
High-sider
December 29th, 2012
8:37 pm
Oh yeah, btw, I forgot to mention Josh is not playing in tonight’s game (vs. the Pacers).
Mookie Blaylock
December 29th, 2012
8:37 pm
Ferry has to notice how much better this team is playing without Josh Smith, he’s a ball stopper like Joe Johnson, except much less offensively talented than Joe.
Josh for a back to the basket big….coming soon.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
December 29th, 2012
8:37 pm
Hawks are a deep team when LD decides extend his rotation.
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:37 pm
Wuuuuuuuuusha…
“Al is having a monster game offensively, but he is being abused by West. West is completely canceling out Al’s offensive production.” Rev
Hey Rev, with Al playing his so called natural position [4] nights like this may become the norm for him? Perhaps?
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
8:38 pm
Hawks could have four players with 20 points. No wonder Teague only have 5 points.
W.R. Terrell
December 29th, 2012
8:38 pm
Is anyone enjoying this 3rd quarter? This is just a fun group of guys to watch, and they are BALLIN right now. GO HAWKS!!!! Win or lose this is a fun game to watch.
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:38 pm
Korver is a KEEEEEEEPPPPPER!!!!
Resign HIM YESTERDAY!
Just Joe
December 29th, 2012
8:39 pm
You have also seen 1 block by the Hawks, our opposition shoot 49% from the field, and we’ve given up 34 pts in the paint.
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
8:39 pm
All the Hawks starters are in the +30’s & +40’s in the +/-
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:40 pm
IVAN JOHNSON ….GROWN MAN MOVE….
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:40 pm
Al shooting 8 of 9!Wow!
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
8:40 pm
IVAN, IVAN, IVAN!!!
Blast
December 29th, 2012
8:40 pm
Hawks are whooping their azzes.
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
8:40 pm
Jenkins first missed comes on his easiest shot of the night…
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:41 pm
DANG….TYLER SCRUBSBOUROUGH IS BACK!
RethinkPossible
December 29th, 2012
8:42 pm
@Slimjr – I agree… besides the great shooting he is a hustle team player.
Admiral SnAckbar
December 29th, 2012
8:42 pm
hopefully osh learns from watching that we don’t need him jacking up jumpers. we have people that can make shots. we need osh to bang and play D and fill the lanes.
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:42 pm
GOOD HELP DEFENSE BY IVAN….NO EASY BUCKETS….
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:43 pm
Just Joe, nobody is intimidated inside against the Hawks..
Giving up 34 in the paint? Sheesh! Only one Block?
It will haunt this team in the [playoffs]
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:44 pm
NICE PLAY ALL AROUND BY IVAN THE TERRIBLE……
RethinkPossible
December 29th, 2012
8:44 pm
Did IVAN just cross someone over?
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
8:45 pm
1st double double of Lou’s career
stizz
December 29th, 2012
8:45 pm
Lou will try his best to have a bad game and shoot the game away.
kevkat
December 29th, 2012
8:46 pm
He should’ve gave the ball up to whomever was following on his right..
vava74
December 29th, 2012
8:46 pm
Poor execution again to close the quarter… these guys would play better in Europe with 10 minute quarters…
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:46 pm
Kyle Korver is one of the best pickups in years!
This guy can flat out play ball..
W.R. Terrell
December 29th, 2012
8:47 pm
Well, this is the quarter that counts as far as the win goes. The game of basketball is so much fun to watch when the team plays in unison.
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
8:48 pm
Glad to see Ivan smiling at the Ref after being called for a foul
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:49 pm
Hurry back Josh! We’ll need you for the Houston game on the road Monday!
Sautee
December 29th, 2012
8:50 pm
Good timeout by LD
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:51 pm
agree
vava74
December 29th, 2012
8:51 pm
cr@ppy calls all against us, minus 1 on West. All others against us.
High-sider
December 29th, 2012
8:52 pm
LouWill currently has 16pts and 11asts and you (bloggers) said he (LouWill) can’t play point guard?
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
8:52 pm
When it comes to resting Smoove vs. Horford, rest Smoove.
So much of his game depends on his supreme athleticism. Not that Horford doesn’t need his own athleticism, but he’s not the athlete Josh is.
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
8:52 pm
“He’s gonna talk to his Point Guard here.”
Dammit Bob you’re director needs to talk to you about how many calls you get wrong on the air. It’s not that difficult. Just wait for the official to give the call if you don’t know basketball Smh….
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:53 pm
Ivan is what we have been missing boys…….
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:53 pm
9 to 5! and one!
High-sider
December 29th, 2012
8:53 pm
Mr. 9-to-5 (Ivan) is a straight-up enforcer.
vava74
December 29th, 2012
8:53 pm
Man, Ivan soooo good.
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
8:54 pm
LouWill currently has 16pts and 11asts and you (bloggers) said he (LouWill) can’t play point guard?
Shouldn’t…not can’t .
It’s not the best way to use him, much like it’s not the best way to use Jamal.
And you don’t have to play PG to pick up assists.
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
8:55 pm
Gotta love Ivan. With him and Zaza on the floor, that’s a big dose of “won’t quit” when it comes to rebounds and loose balls.
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:56 pm
John Jenkins making a play……Great work by Ivan…
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
8:56 pm
John Jenkins getting minutes…a bit of a surprise around these parts. He does seem to take advantage of them.
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
8:57 pm
Ivan the great got his monies worth tonight! lol
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
8:57 pm
Almost a good sequence…almost…
RethinkPossible
December 29th, 2012
8:57 pm
All I want for Christmas is a Ivan Johnson post game interview.
Blast
December 29th, 2012
8:58 pm
You gotta love Ivan, man!
keith
December 29th, 2012
8:58 pm
Tyler is a dirty player…..LOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
8:59 pm
Nice work by Korver, especially right after having gotten knocked on his arse.
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
8:59 pm
Lou is excellent as a secondary play-maker. Teague has been getting trapped heavily on all of his Pick n’ rolls tonight so Lou has has a lot of opportunities.
Blast
December 29th, 2012
8:59 pm
And you gotta love Josh’s cheerleading. Shows he cares about the team even when he is not playing.
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
8:59 pm
Luck
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:00 pm
Lou is excellent as a secondary play-maker. Teague has been getting trapped heavily on all of his Pick n’ rolls tonight so Lou has has a lot of opportunities.
Good call…
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
9:00 pm
West is too quick for zaza LARRY!!!!!!!!!!
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
9:01 pm
“All I want for Christmas is a Ivan Johnson post game interview.”
Ditto
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
9:01 pm
Hes bringing them back with plenty of time left on the clock!
Blast
December 29th, 2012
9:01 pm
2 or 3 times tonite, Hawks have tried to make that xtra pass when they could have taken the shots themselves. Sometimes you have to be selfish
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2012
9:01 pm
Lol wtf was that teague
keith
December 29th, 2012
9:02 pm
TEAGUE……COME ON MAN…..2 BIG TURNOVERS……..
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:02 pm
Wild stuff…Hansbrough is an active body.
We come up with the ball anyway, though.
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
9:02 pm
Larry switch Al on West or watch this lead evaporate quickly..
vava74
December 29th, 2012
9:02 pm
ugly ugly ugly…
vava74
December 29th, 2012
9:03 pm
this is where Teague lack of experience shows…
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
9:03 pm
Six points. Come on, Hawks!
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:04 pm
Dammit Teague…
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:05 pm
We tryin’ to give this one away
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:05 pm
As if we didn’t have enough injuries…Korver twisting an ankle.
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
9:05 pm
Lou may have 11 asts but he should have passed that ball to AL on the break for his 12th….
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:05 pm
Nice shot, Al.
keith
December 29th, 2012
9:06 pm
Good help defense by Al…….
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:06 pm
True that, Melvin.
Meanwhile, I see all the Hawks have been practicing free throws together…even Korver is missing now…LOL
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:07 pm
Al forgot to jump on the jumpball, LOL
Slimjr
December 29th, 2012
9:07 pm
never easy?
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
9:07 pm
How did AL lose that jumpball to a PG?
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:08 pm
Zaza is doing GREAT.
15 and 12 on the night.
keith
December 29th, 2012
9:08 pm
Nice decision by Jeff…..
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
9:08 pm
Hansbrough fouls somebody on every play. Some times his own teammates….
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:09 pm
Lou Will is everywhere tonight….
And gets smacked in the eye by damn Hansbrough. I can’t stand that dude.
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:09 pm
LOL@ Melvin …
keith
December 29th, 2012
9:10 pm
Al should have jumped out….
Honesty
December 29th, 2012
9:10 pm
I’m just glad Psycho-T took out Lance Stepenson for us! Guy was becoming a problem….
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:10 pm
Love that aggression/patience by Teague.
RethinkPossible
December 29th, 2012
9:10 pm
ISO-TEAGUE FTW
Blast
December 29th, 2012
9:10 pm
Pacers ain’t gonna win this game.
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
9:11 pm
Teague is the Hawks’ closer.
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
9:12 pm
Hansbrough needs to play for Colts. I swear he’s just hitting and running into people.
MsDee
December 29th, 2012
9:12 pm
Wow, let me find out that Detroit and the Bucks are trouble for the Heat!!
vava74
December 29th, 2012
9:12 pm
Well, glad that he corrected things!
Blast
December 29th, 2012
9:14 pm
Zaza is the man!
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:14 pm
Whose idea was it to have Korver on West?
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
9:14 pm
Zaza is always ready to step into the starters spot. To think LD was itching to trade him a couple of years ago.
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:15 pm
Damn…Teague with ANOTHER fine play in clutch time.
Speeeeeeed….
MsDee
December 29th, 2012
9:15 pm
Let me find out Teague is the NEW closer now that Lou is starting
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
9:15 pm
NIce to see Teague come alive in crunch time…
terrell
December 29th, 2012
9:15 pm
Teague is the new closer.
keith
December 29th, 2012
9:15 pm
Jeff Teague looks like D. Rose tonight…..He’s a keeper Boyzzzz…..He finally got a clue!!!!
Blast
December 29th, 2012
9:15 pm
Teague is the first man, and Zaza is the second. Horford is the 3rd!
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:15 pm
If Joe Johnson had Zaza’s heart, we’d have never traded his a$$ off…
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:16 pm
OH….that was SWEET
vava74
December 29th, 2012
9:16 pm
Man, Teague seems to play possum some nights… he was playing like cr@ap throughout the first 3 quarters and now he’s ballin’
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
9:16 pm
Nice pick and roll
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
9:17 pm
Teague with another nice play to set up AL for the jumpshot
keith
December 29th, 2012
9:17 pm
This the Best Defensive effort by the Hawks all year…..
bigdave
December 29th, 2012
9:18 pm
Great win!
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2012
9:18 pm
Lol josh screaming paul george
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
9:18 pm
JTO and Zaza!
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
9:18 pm
LOL, Teague with the layup with 3 seconds left…
bigdave
December 29th, 2012
9:19 pm
Teague played some point that 4th
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
December 29th, 2012
9:19 pm
Hawks are forreal
Melvin
December 29th, 2012
9:19 pm
Good team win by the Hawks. Standing and clapping….
Blast
December 29th, 2012
9:19 pm
This win might be better than the Cleveland win. At least this was a team over 500 and chasing Hawks in the East standings.
MsDee
December 29th, 2012
9:19 pm
What a game!! WOW we are GOOD!!!! (w & w/o Josh)
keith
December 29th, 2012
9:20 pm
Zaza……Zaza…..Zaza…..He should be starting every night….If i am Danny Ferry….I am loving this….Time to SHOP JOSH!!!!!!!
waltbellamy
December 29th, 2012
9:20 pm
NIce team effort. It was great to see Jenkins play meaningful minutes. 19-9 far exceeds my expections for this point in the season. Happy New Year all!
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
9:20 pm
Zaza – such a warrior.
Teague closes out the game in fine fashion.
Glad Lou held it down for us while needed.
Horford with a nice offensive game.
How about the rook in real minutes?
Rev in Tampa
December 29th, 2012
9:20 pm
“This the Best Defensive effort by the Hawks all year…..”
Uh, the Pacers scored 100 points. May have been lots of effort, but not very effective.
W.R. Terrell
December 29th, 2012
9:21 pm
Like I said earlier, the HAWKS will be fine without the “SMOOVE”. Zsa Zsa is not as flamboyant but much more consistent and team play is always better then those wannabe friggin SUPERSTARS. I hope the “SMOOVE” takes a long break.
High-sider
December 29th, 2012
9:21 pm
Hawks shot 55% from the field, 50% from the 3pt arc and 78.6% from the FT line. Do those (shooting) stats drop (considerably) if Josh (Smith) had played tonight? I don’t know.
http://www.nba.com/games/20121229/INDATL/gameinfo.html?ls=iref:nbahpgt0021200438