Game thread: Smith back in Hawks lineup (updated)
Vivlamore reporting from Houston.
Josh Smith returned to the Hawks lineup Monday against the Rockets. The forward missed the team’s last game, a win over the Pacers Saturday, with a strained right hip flexor.
According to Smith the extra day of rest was beneficial.
“I’m going to play,” Smith said. “It always helps when you have an injury and you can get some extra treatment and extra therapy.”
But is Smith still in pain?
“I’m going to play,” he said. “I’m all right.”
The Hawks didn’t hold a shootaround Monday but Smith warmed up prior to the game and declared himself ready.
“Prior to our last game we wanted him to rest and treat it,” coach Larry Drew said. “It’s feeling better. We wanted to wait and see how he did when he got over to the gym today. He went out and warmed up and he felt pretty good.”
* With Smith back, the Hawks returned to a starting lineup of Jeff Teague and Lou Williams at guard, Kyle Korver and Smith at forward and Al Horford at center.
* Guard Devin Harris (sore left foot) and Anthony Morrow (right hip strain) did not travel with the team to Houston. According to Drew, they will also miss Tuesday’s game at New Orleans. They remain in Atlanta and a further evaluation will be made when the team returns.
* The Hawks will be looking to avenge their season-opening loss to the Rockets with James Harden went for 45 points. Williams will draw the initial defensive assignment on Harden.
Drew said the Hawks’ defensive lapses were the main issues in the 109-102 loss at Philips Arena.
“We are going to have to do a good job stopping dribble penetration,” Drew said. “That was the one thing that just killed us the last time we played this team. They just continually got to the basket. A lot of was just off of our pick-and-roll coverage. We didn’t do a good job on our pick-and-roll coverage. They are a team that plays a real up-tempo style, make or miss. Our last game they really pushed the ball down our throat. We didn’t get back and get matched (up defensively). It’s going to be important that we try to control the rhythm of this game and not try to get into a jump-shooting contest or run-and-shoot contest with this team. This team is built for that.”
* I asked Drew if he would take a different tactic with Harden considering his 45-point effort in November.
“I remember. Don’t remind me,” Drew said of Harden’s game. “We just have to be better with our defensive coverages. That’s where we had the breakdown. I think defensively we are in a better place that the first game of the season.”
* The Hawks will be looking to avenge another home loss with a win on the road. The Hawks defeated the Cavaliers Friday after Cleveland won at Philips Arena in November.
- Chris Vivlamore
LATEST NEWS
* Harris, Morrow not on trip to Houston
* Williams wants to remain starter
* 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
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211 comments Add your comment
Astro Joe
December 31st, 2012
5:55 pm
Welcome back, Josh.
For those who seem to always side with the players (as if they can do no wrong), I offer you this story from another team/head coach:
Under current coach Rick Carlisle, the Mavs had no such luck on Sunday in snapping a five-game swoon. Instead, though the Mavs showed signs of competing, the team was blown out by the San Antonio Spurs in a 111-86 embarrassment. And Carlisle, according to the Dallas Morning News’ Eddie Sefko, has had it up to here. (Points to his forehead.) “I [have] to be inventive and find ways,” he said. “I don’t have a better answer than that. The last week, I’ve had to literally scream in the face of two guys in practices and shootarounds to get the point across. And I will continue to do that. “If I have to start suspending guys for not doing things they’re supposed to be doing on the court, I’ll do it. And Mark and I will get into it about that. But somehow, things have got to change and it can’t just be about that it’s a tough schedule. It just can’t.” Yahoo! Sports
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
6:05 pm
welcome back Smoove. hope that hip is ok. wonder if the flying non Royce White will play tonite?
payback time.
Sameba
December 31st, 2012
6:06 pm
It would be better to have Zaza in the starting lineup. I think Horford will have a trouble in fighting with Asik for rebounds, like in the first game…
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
6:09 pm
I agree Sameba. Z shut down Hibbitts and deserves the start.
Rev in Tampa
December 31st, 2012
6:11 pm
Enter your comments here
doc
December 31st, 2012
6:14 pm
well, got to say congrats to my bees. was pretty down on them and their coach fearing a 7-9 season when they got into the acc championship game. they proved me wrong and beat usc today.
i cant stand the trojans. only trojan i like is a magnum.
texas is not the place to get a win for the hawks through the years. 19-10 is an awesome start unless they surprise and sneak in a win.
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
6:14 pm
not to mention the good nimbers Z put up against allstar Hibbitts.
LouWill83
December 31st, 2012
6:16 pm
SMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
6:18 pm
anyone else here think DWade is a dirty player?
MattP
December 31st, 2012
6:18 pm
Looks like Miami is having a hard time with Orlando. Could they lose another?
Slimjr
December 31st, 2012
6:28 pm
Trap?
Sautee
December 31st, 2012
6:31 pm
Admiral SnAckbar.
Is it not a trap?
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
6:32 pm
Sautee. I hope not!
I hope it’s a trap for the Rocketts.
Sautee
December 31st, 2012
6:35 pm
Well, in a sense, we win regardless of the score. If the Rockets win, it helps them stay in playoff contention, so we can use that 1st rd. pick.
I rather get the win though.
Sautee
December 31st, 2012
6:36 pm
Make that “I’d” rather get the win.
keith
December 31st, 2012
6:42 pm
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
6:09 pm
I agree Sameba. Z shut down Hibbitts and deserves the start…
Zaza deserves to start tonight…..Josh should come off the Bench…The offense was “Smoove flowing”, no pun intended.., without All-star Josh Smith…
KevinM
December 31st, 2012
6:49 pm
Sautee, I want that Rockets pick as well…I hope they keep playing lights out.
Good comments AJ…but the players have the control, a la NJ. They just have to quit performing if they want to make changes.
EmirS.
December 31st, 2012
6:51 pm
Nikola Vucevic….
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
6:52 pm
funny how Smoove and AMo both got hip strains…..
wonder if it has to do with workout regimes?
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
6:57 pm
Z is a team player and will scrap no matter if he starts or comes off the bench.
Smoove hasn’t had to come off the bench much so don’t know how he would react.
W.R. Terrell
December 31st, 2012
6:57 pm
Bad biz with the return of the “SMOOVE”. I know, I know some folks feel he’s the franchise. The HAWKS tasted chemistry the other night but the “Smoove” will ruin that. Hopefully LD will pull him if he gets that stoopid thing going. ZaZa deserved the start with good play, hustle and effort for 4 quarters. If by some chance the “Smoove” does have an excellent game it is no more then “FOOLS GOLD”. Mark my words “STOOPID” has not left the building and that’s ashame.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
6:59 pm
FTPB
““Rick Sund’s shining moment as GM of the Hawks. He traded two low first rounders (both complete non-factors in today’s NBA) for a guy who could start at either guard position and currently starts at point guard for a team in playoff position.””
LMAO what? Sund unnecessarily gave up a pick that could have been used on Kenneth Faried for a player who blocked Teague from assuming the starting point guard role he rightfully deserved for a full year. Faried is worth Kirk and at least one first round pick. That was a horrible trade.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:01 pm
Kirk for Jordan Crawford straight up would have been a decent trade. Kirk for Jordan Crawford and a mid first rounder was straight up foolishness. “Rental” trades are only worth it if the rental puts you over the top to become a championship contender (a la Rasheed Wallace in 2004 for the Pistons). Otherwise, it is just a waste of assets. Kirk was a lot more like the Mark Teixeira trade for the Braves than the Rasheed Wallace trade for the Pistons.
KevinM
December 31st, 2012
7:06 pm
We are a team full of complementary players. Now all we need is a couple of disgruntled superstars who want to play for our head coach.
The only way that happens is the draft lottery. We can all see it, but some of us think we actually look like a contender.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:08 pm
I’d like to see Zaza start today, if for no other reason than that he and Omer Asik can trash talk each other in Turkish.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:09 pm
Bob Rathbun sounds like he has a pretty serious cold.
Rod from College Park
December 31st, 2012
7:09 pm
For those who keep posting that we played better without Josh for a game, based on your logic, Al should have never gotten his starting job back after last year.
Sameba
December 31st, 2012
7:10 pm
Najeh Davenpoop:
I’d like to see Zaza start today, if for no other reason than that he and Omer Asik can trash talk each other in Turkish.
—————————————————————————————————————-
Najeh, georgians have their own unique language… We do noty speak Turkish. In fact, if Zaza is not a washed up Georgian, he should give 200% fight against turks
doc
December 31st, 2012
7:11 pm
sheed trade was awful because we didnt even get a reasonable pick did we, much less young blood to work with. it also covered a mistake on bibby. there was something better out there than a three year deal for bibby.
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
7:11 pm
“Not sure how closely you follow the Lakers, but this was clearly a case of Jim Buss vindictively sticking it to Phil Jackson one last time. You have to understand the history of Phil disrespecting Jimmy and the power struggle between Jim and his sister Jeanie/Phil’s girl friend, who wanted to take GM responsibilities away from Jim.” – Buddy Grizzard @3:39am, 12/31/2012
I’m sure Jim Buss wanted to stick it to Phil (Jackson) since Phil was probably “sticking it” to Jim Buss’ sister, Jeanie Buss.
JaeEvolution
December 31st, 2012
7:12 pm
“Nikola Vucevic….”
Nik Vucevic currently has more rebounds solo than the entire Heat team, jeez.
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
7:13 pm
Can the Magic “upset” the Heat today/tonight?
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:13 pm
I know Zaza is Georgian but he speaks (and occasionally tweets) in Turkish too.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:15 pm
“sheed trade was awful because we didnt even get a reasonable pick did we”
Hawks got the pick used on Josh in the Sheed trade.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:16 pm
Great start for Al. Josh doesn’t look 100% though. Not getting his usual lift.
HawkFan
December 31st, 2012
7:18 pm
Nice start by Al
Ken Strickland
December 31st, 2012
7:19 pm
ASTRO JOE(FPB)-To answer your question, I would expect LDrew to learn from his mistakes and not repeat the same stupid mistake with Jenkins that he made with Teague. I would expect him to at least give the kid a chance to show what he can or can’t do.
I’d certainly expect Drew to play Jenkins early and give him an honest chance to show whether he’s ready, not use his rookie status as his reasoning for believing he’s not ready. I believe we’ve had enough of ignoring or cutting our draft picks in favor of filling the roster with minimum contract, over the hill vets. There’s no future in it.
HawkFan
December 31st, 2012
7:20 pm
Asik = Judge Reinhold
HawkFan
December 31st, 2012
7:22 pm
Korver. No conscience and that’s a good thing
Rod from College Park
December 31st, 2012
7:22 pm
Al being aggressive actually helps the offense.
Sameba
December 31st, 2012
7:22 pm
Josh is not playing well…
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
7:25 pm
Heat and Magic are going to OT.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:26 pm
Nique just called him “Al Harden”.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:27 pm
Jenkins sighting!
terrell
December 31st, 2012
7:28 pm
Zaza shouldnt dribble. EVER!
HawkFan
December 31st, 2012
7:28 pm
Let’s not forget that Jenkins still has a lot of guys on the team that do what he does. JJ had a nice game but so did Morrow last week and Korver has had many lately. Certainly his continued good showings make Morrow and Harris and potentially Stevenson expendable in a trade which is great. We’ll have to hope he keeps up the good work.
Get somebody on Harden, Teague is way overmatched.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
7:28 pm
Just imagine if the Hawks would’ve had Harden on this team. He’s the true #1 option this team is missing…. He would make this year Hawks team Championship caliber…
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
7:30 pm
I’ll say that due to Smoove hip Coach prob wanted him to not stiffin up after warming up so he starts him even if he wanted Smoove to come off the bench, which I doubt he did.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
7:31 pm
Dare I say, Lou has guarded Harden better than Stevenson in this 1st qtr…..
HawkFan
December 31st, 2012
7:32 pm
Nice pass JJ
Duluth Joe
December 31st, 2012
7:33 pm
Al and Zaza been playing excellent ball
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:33 pm
James Harden is a pretty special passer.
W.R. Terrell
December 31st, 2012
7:38 pm
The HAWKS are hanging, they do have the capability of beating Houston. Turnovers must be eliminated and the defense has to pick up. This looks like an entertaining game. The Rook JJ may get a chance to unleash tonight and Deshawn kept us in the 1st quarter. So far not too bad.
EmirS.
December 31st, 2012
7:39 pm
Once again….Nikola Vucevic….
This Heat/Magic game is epic.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:40 pm
Didn’t realize before the game that Houston plays the fastest pace in the league, but it’s not surprising watching them play. They really push the tempo as much as possible.
Sameba
December 31st, 2012
7:41 pm
Teague is a also non-factor …
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:42 pm
Looks like the Heat are going to win and the Hawks will have to win tonight to stay 1 game behind.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
7:44 pm
Jenkins didnt even get a shot attempt while on the floor
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:45 pm
No reason why Lou should be playing PG with Teague on the floor.
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
7:45 pm
osh jackin up long j’s again. tsk tsk. will he EVER learn?
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
7:46 pm
Heat dispel Magic in OT, 112 – 110.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:47 pm
Houston is shooting 67%.
Rod from College Park
December 31st, 2012
7:47 pm
If Houston does not cool off this will be a blow out.
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
7:47 pm
Douglas flop on that 3. think he;ll get fined?
LouWill83
December 31st, 2012
7:48 pm
goodbye ATL
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
7:49 pm
you’d think pros could learn to use their left hand on layups from the left side.
smh
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
7:49 pm
Houston is picking the Hawks apart on offense…
W.R. Terrell
December 31st, 2012
7:50 pm
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo comment!!!!!!!
EmirS.
December 31st, 2012
7:50 pm
Wow and all of this with Harden on the bench.
LouWill83
December 31st, 2012
7:51 pm
HAHAHAHAHAH 13 PT LEAD WITH HARDEN ONLY 2 FTS HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH THIS ONE WILL BE DECIDED 2 MINUTES INTO THE 3RD. BETTER GET OUT AND START PARTYING CZ THIS RESULT IS ALREADY OUT. HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS..oh and go hawks
Honesty
December 31st, 2012
7:51 pm
They made that run with Harden on the bench? Might as well call this one right now…
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:52 pm
Rockets 7/12 3FG, Hawks 3/7 3FG.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
7:52 pm
That was a nice dunk by Josh
HawkFan
December 31st, 2012
7:52 pm
Damn, leave for a second and come back to this. Houston is a lot like Golden State in h way they matchup with us. Harden is really good. We can’t make a shot. They can’t miss
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
7:53 pm
IT’S A TRAP!!!
Blast
December 31st, 2012
7:54 pm
Game turning into a one-sided affair. 3’s not going in, stop jacking them up. Play good defence and stick to what worked in the 1st quarter.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
7:54 pm
I guess LD is fine if he uses his timeouts
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
7:55 pm
GOOD D BY JENK. ROOK CALL
EmirS.
December 31st, 2012
7:55 pm
Kid can shoot….
LouWill83
December 31st, 2012
7:55 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:56 pm
Rockets 65.7% FG%, Hawks 40.5% FG%. Hawks taking a lot of jumpers and not getting second chances. Rockets pushing the tempo every possession and catching the Hawks on their heels. I expect the word “energy” to be used a lot in the post game press conference.
Rod from College Park
December 31st, 2012
7:56 pm
Bottom line is when we are hitting the 3 we are good, when we are not we are not. Does not matter if Al is there and Josh is out or the other way around. The only other thing that makes a tremendous difference for our team, is if Teague is being aggressive.
LouWill83
December 31st, 2012
7:57 pm
hey switch channels guys at least joe is keeping brooklyn in their game. Where are you joe?? come to our rescue
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
7:57 pm
Jenkins barely touched him on that foul. Looks like Harden is enough of a superstar to get superstar calls now.
Blast
December 31st, 2012
7:57 pm
Houston can’t miss a shot or free throw while Hawks can’t buy none.
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
7:58 pm
Hawks’ players look like they got their minds on Dreams and Harlem Knights.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY1eJs9gmXo (starting @3:00)
keith
December 31st, 2012
7:59 pm
BENCH JOSH SMITH…………..YOU BIG DUMMY!!!!!
3-9 8 Points…..Need I say more….Bench this guy ASAP…………He is the problem rather than the solution…LARRY…
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:00 pm
A healthy Josh would have at least 8 points in the post against Morris so far.
Honesty
December 31st, 2012
8:03 pm
These Texas teams really grind my gears. Why are they always ho hen we play them?
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:04 pm
Wow, that was a pretty terrible time to get called for a moving screen.
Honesty
December 31st, 2012
8:04 pm
*Hot
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
8:05 pm
Hawks not prepared tonite. unusual so far this year.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
8:05 pm
Terrible 2nd qtr by the Hawks.
LouWill83
December 31st, 2012
8:06 pm
Yes Najeh because according to drew the game plan doesnt matter its just the energy. Obviously he had no plan whatsoever coming into the game. Get us a real coach
Sameba
December 31st, 2012
8:07 pm
The only solution, at least partial, I see in benching Josh. Everyone is looking for him rather than play a damn basketball!!
JaeEvolution
December 31st, 2012
8:08 pm
“I remember. Don’t remind me,” Drew said of Harden’s game. “We just have to be better with our defensive coverages. That’s where we had the breakdown. I think defensively we are in a better place that the first game of the season.”
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:08 pm
Kevin McHale was a pretty terrible GM but he is an underrated head coach. Harden is a great player but that team overall plays above its talent level.
MattP
December 31st, 2012
8:09 pm
What a second quarter meltdown
EmirS.
December 31st, 2012
8:10 pm
@LouWill83
Ironically enough, it seems to be pretty damn close to being true. Teague isn’t playing with energy tonight. We don’t seem to have a plan B, C, or D. If we lose this, does Teague get blamed for not playing with energy tonight? Do we single out one specific person?
Yea…you bet your ass we do.
Heh.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:10 pm
John Jenkins played more minutes than anyone else on the bench in that first half.
Honesty
December 31st, 2012
8:10 pm
The Bad thing about it is, we were leading when Harden went to the bench. Then Lin, Patterson, and Delfino caught fire.
Sameba
December 31st, 2012
8:10 pm
Nobody is boxing out.
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
8:11 pm
switching to WWE
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
8:12 pm
Teague is 0-7 from the field with 0 points; he’s definitely got his mind on Dreams in Houston (TX).
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
8:12 pm
Kid n Play performing at Halftime in Houston?
The Hawks should bring back Kris Kross then.
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
8:13 pm
What’s wrong with Teague; 0-7 from the field with 0 points.
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
8:13 pm
Haha @ High-sider . . . it’s either Dreams or Onyx. And the Onyx in Houston is much nicer than the one in Atlanta.
keith
December 31st, 2012
8:14 pm
I BEG OF YOU DANNY FERRY…PLEASE TRADE JOSH SMITH…HE IS A HORRIBLE PLAYER…..
Trade Deadline about 7 weeks away…We need to start working the phones….If this is painful for us as fans to watch? IMAGINE HOW HIS TEAMMATES TRULY FEEL ABOUT HIM? HE SUCKS THE LIFE OUT OF ME, HE SUCKS THE LIFE OUT OF THE TEAM, AND HE SUCKS THE LIFE OUT OF THE ENTIRE CITY OF ATLANTA!!!
LouWill83
December 31st, 2012
8:16 pm
@Emir S I’m never for blaming or singling out Teague like drew will do after the game, however this is definitely Teague’s worst half of the season & by far!! You can’t slip up defensively on the road and they just did not defend in that 2nd quarter + we went away from Al so there you go
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
8:17 pm
As for the game, the Rockets did this exact same thing to Memphis about 2 weeks ago. They were shooting lights out from 3, and there was nothing that Memphis could do about it. And when they did start to close out on the shooters, Harden started to go off.
Sameba
December 31st, 2012
8:19 pm
Teague is -20 in the first half!
LouWill83
December 31st, 2012
8:19 pm
hey at least brooklyn s gonna lose right? that seems to console me every time
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
8:21 pm
Yeah Josh…
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:21 pm
Don’t know why Teague gave that to Josh instead of Korver on the other wing, but it worked out, so whatever.
Nice start to the half, hope it continues after the timeout.
JaeEvolution
December 31st, 2012
8:21 pm
They did it to Memphis…they did it to Chicago…they did it to the Knicks, twice. This was almost expected, you either match Houston’s pace or completely take away their shooters which is impossible because Harden can’t be stopped.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
8:22 pm
That was a 5 point play by Josh. His block save 2pts and his 3 that he made.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
8:24 pm
Hawks are shooting too many 3’s
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
8:25 pm
Of course they hit a 3 as soon as I say that…
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:26 pm
If Josh was 100%, I’d say they should try him on Harden for a while and go big with Zaza. I’m not sure Josh can move laterally quick enough to do that tonight though.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
8:28 pm
How many shots does Josh have to block of Parsons before he stay out the lane
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:30 pm
Looks like the Philips Arena shot clock operators got a hold of the NBA stat feeds tonight. +/- stats in the box scores are all messed up. I know Teague has not played well in this game but I’m pretty sure he’s not -50.
LouWill83
December 31st, 2012
8:30 pm
LOU WILLIAMSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
LouWill83
December 31st, 2012
8:31 pm
after the time out. willing to bet anythg: Shooting Foul on Kyle Korver ( James Harden Draws Foul)
Blast
December 31st, 2012
8:31 pm
Well, let’s see if Hawks can pull out a miracle here.
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
8:31 pm
Impressive run by the Hawks. The bench need to at least hold their own when they get in. They have to match the tempo of this team, or slow the game completely down.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
8:33 pm
Harden has shot more FTs than the Hawks
Blast
December 31st, 2012
8:33 pm
How come Zaza cannot buy a minute?
W.R. Terrell
December 31st, 2012
8:33 pm
Well, STOOPID has not left the building!!!!!!!!
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
8:33 pm
And I think I may have found where the Hawks will be going tonight, if they don’t immediately board the plane to go to New Orleans.
http://www.kicktickets.com/houston/5095/2012/12/31/the-drake-houston-new-years-eve-2013-the-drake-houston
LOL . . James Harden’s beard is photoshopped on that flyer. His beard is never that trimmed up.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
8:35 pm
Teague having a nightmare game.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:35 pm
I was just going to say the same thing as Blast. No idea why Zaza has only played 7 minutes.
Lou and Al keeping the Hawks in this game.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
8:36 pm
How many bail out calls will Harden get
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
8:36 pm
Harden is getting lequeen type calls.
W.R. Terrell
December 31st, 2012
8:37 pm
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSssssssssssssssssssssssss STOOPID is not in the gameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
8:37 pm
Oh . . . and Pilar Sanders will be there too, with her fine a–.
https://twitter.com/PilarSanders
Deion cheated on THAT?
Honesty
December 31st, 2012
8:37 pm
Jeff Teague! Some nights man…..smh
Tony Parker NEVER had trouble scoring in the paint. NEVER. At least he’s keeping Lin in check.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
8:37 pm
ZaZa didnt play well in the 1st half
LouWill83
December 31st, 2012
8:37 pm
You can thank Metta World Peace for all the calls harden is getting
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:38 pm
Houston is now under 50% shooting for the game. Considering they were over 60% at halftime, that is a pretty impressive accomplishment.
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
8:39 pm
Did anybody see the 7 minutes that Zaza played? He was completely ineffective and the Rockets went supersmall.
Wow . . what a move by Lou.
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
8:39 pm
Delfino = Batista ( former WWE wrestler )
LouWill83
December 31st, 2012
8:41 pm
Trade the whole team and keep Lou Williams
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:41 pm
Josh goes out of the game and Houston goes on a 9-2 run. At least 3 uncontested layups during that run too.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
8:41 pm
Rockets 2nd unit has killed the Hawks tonight
JaeEvolution
December 31st, 2012
8:42 pm
Al missed that.
Rod from College Park
December 31st, 2012
8:42 pm
This horrible lineup LD has on the floor has caused this run.
LouWill83
December 31st, 2012
8:43 pm
Trade All these bums and keep Lou Williams
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:44 pm
Could be worse… San Antonio just outscored Brooklyn 30-5 in the 3rd quarter.
Rod from College Park
December 31st, 2012
8:45 pm
Bad match-up. Just chalk it up.
Sameba
December 31st, 2012
8:45 pm
Zaza must play when Asik plays. Zaza should be much less on the floor when Rockets play small lineup. Big mistake by LD.
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
8:45 pm
Spurs blowin’ out the Nets and “Coach Killer” (Deron Williams) at the end of the 4th quarter, 85 – 52.
Blast
December 31st, 2012
8:45 pm
Zaza might not have played well in the early half, that does not mean he won’t play better in the 2nd. Only Hawks playing well in the 2nd are Lou and Al. Everybody else has stunk it up. Josh, Teague, Korver, Ivan…
You name it.
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
8:47 pm
Teague is currently 1-13 from the field; make that 3-of-15. Two quick buckets.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:47 pm
Lin fouled the sh-t out of Jenkins on that layup, no call. Sucks to be a rookie.
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
8:47 pm
Batista killing us.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:48 pm
17 points on 12 shots, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks in 23 minutes. Josh hasn’t been that bad.
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
8:49 pm
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
8:47 pm
Teague is currently 1-13 from the field; make that 3-of-15. Two quick buckets.
*******
If Josh Smith was having that type of game, this blog would literally be on fire right now.
Nice stroke from Jenkins.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:50 pm
Pretty sure at least 5 of those Teague misses have been layups.
Blast
December 31st, 2012
8:50 pm
Seems like Hawks are the only team Houston can beat on a consistent basis, otherwise their record would be better than it is.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
8:51 pm
ZaZa ain’t doing nothing tonight. Put Ivan back in….
Rod from College Park
December 31st, 2012
8:51 pm
“17 points on 12 shots, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks in 23 minutes. Josh hasn’t been that bad.”
Just about to say, Josh has played pretty well. Not sure what game these other dudes are watching. The guard and wing play has killed us. Other than Lou Williams, no production and no defense.
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
8:51 pm
Josh Smith is the only Hawks’ player who’s attempted a FT in tonight’s game?
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:52 pm
Teague is 1/9 in the paint and 1/7 at the rim. On nights like these he needs to start drawing whistles when he drives inside.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
8:52 pm
Lin and Harden are getting too much respect from these refs
Blast
December 31st, 2012
8:52 pm
Refs freaking killing us, as usual.
Not like Houston is a championship team. Why refs have so much bias against the Hawks?
LouWill83
December 31st, 2012
8:53 pm
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:47 pm
Lin fouled the sh-t out of Jenkins on that layup, no call. Sucks to be a rookie.
Well Sucks to be a Hawk, because Teague penetrated at least 7 times and missed and at least 2 were definite fouls. The difference in this joke of a league is if you are a superstar they will give you free throws to gain confidence and start hitting shots but if youre not than you have to make shots before they start blowing the whistle… Joke
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
8:53 pm
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
8:45 pm
Spurs blowin’ out the Nets and “Coach Killer” (Deron Williams) at the end of the 4th quarter, 85 – 52.
*******
WHAT???
I was watching this game, and it was 55 – 47 at halftime, with JJ trying to keep it close.
And they only scored 7 points since then? Wow. 10 points now
Outscored 39 – 10 in the 2nd half right now.
FIRE PJ
Sautee
December 31st, 2012
8:54 pm
Delfino killing us
Nate ArchiBALL
December 31st, 2012
8:54 pm
If Teague could shoot a left handed lay up when he’s on the left side he would be dangerous……..always brings the ball back to his right for the layup.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
8:54 pm
Houston is shooting it too well tonight.
W.R. Terrell
December 31st, 2012
8:54 pm
The HAWKS lost timing and continuity with the starting unit put on the floor tonight. Another reason LD needs to go. The man has believed in a dream concerning the “Smoove” for too long. ZaZa should have started. Josh throws everything off, his only quest is to get his points.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
8:55 pm
Put ZaZa on the bench
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
8:55 pm
And that’s why Zaza shouldn’t be in.
Gotta love what Jenkins is doing right now.
LouWill83
December 31st, 2012
8:56 pm
Someone please Beg for Drew to take a stand behind his team and criticize officials after the game.. Oh Wait, That Fine is Probably 3 month salary with what we re paying him.. oh well
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:57 pm
“If Teague could shoot a left handed lay up when he’s on the left side he would be dangerous……..always brings the ball back to his right for the layup.”
Very true. Or even if he could just go up strong and draw contact.
Jenkins has looked good and even Scott has looked like a player who belongs in this league.
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
8:57 pm
Korver has only three field goal attempts?
Rod from College Park
December 31st, 2012
8:58 pm
“Josh Smith is the only Hawks’ player who’s attempted a FT in tonight’s game?”
That is the problem with the Hawks as constructed. Nobody gets to the line regularly.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
8:58 pm
The Hawks other than Josh are 0/0 at the free throw line. That is pretty unbelievable.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
9:00 pm
Jenkins!
JaeEvolution
December 31st, 2012
9:00 pm
JOHN JENKINS!!!!!!
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
9:00 pm
His shot is so pure. Git em Jenkins.
That damn Batista hit another 3. Get it back
Blast
December 31st, 2012
9:01 pm
Jenkins! Love that guy! Drew stupid for not playing him, but Carlos is killing us, man.
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
9:01 pm
northcyde,
I meant to say “85 – 52 at the end of the 3rd quarter.”
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
9:02 pm
Carlos Delfino season stats: 36.7% FG%, 33.9% 3FG%, 2.1 ast, 1.3 TO
Tonight: 8/10 FG, 6/8 3FG, 7 ast, 0 TO
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
9:03 pm
If Drew doesn’t put the starters back in now, they’re not coming back in. Drew may be saving them for tomorrow night . . or he wants this to be a comeback that Teague spearheads.
Sameba
December 31st, 2012
9:03 pm
The small forward problem is haunting Hawks??
Mookie Blaylock
December 31st, 2012
9:03 pm
So its safe to say Morrow and/or Harris is gone in a trade at some point this season?
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
9:03 pm
No starters.
And Zaza is a statue.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
9:04 pm
For comparison’s sake, Josh shoots 35.6% from 3. So the Hawks have let a worse 3 point shooter than Josh shoot 6/8 from 3, which is basically the difference in this game.
That and-one by Harden is probably the dagger in the coffin.
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
9:04 pm
John Jenkins channeling his inner Salim Stoudamire.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
9:04 pm
Hawks are not getting the touch fouls like Houston…
JaeEvolution
December 31st, 2012
9:05 pm
Man, John Jenkins is nice…
Mookie Blaylock
December 31st, 2012
9:05 pm
I thought this guy couldnt drive and couldnt defend? Nice to see guys in Hawks unis overachieving as opposed to watching our “all stars” Al and Josh under perform most of the time.
Melvin
December 31st, 2012
9:05 pm
This shooting by Houston is unbeliveable…
Nate ArchiBALL
December 31st, 2012
9:06 pm
Two games in a row where AS-Al has zero free throw attempts.
Offensive light is on for JJ.
Blast
December 31st, 2012
9:06 pm
Who is guarding these 3 point shooters? Nobody. They are too good to be left wide open!
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
9:06 pm
This is like reverse Clutch City right here. Instead of tossing it to Olajuwon, and he kicking it out to shooters, the guards break everybody down and they kick it out to the shooters.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
9:06 pm
Houston is the 14th best 3 point shooting team in the league, at 35.5%. The Hawks are 8th at 37.4%. Tonight the Rockets are 14/27 (51.9%) from behind the arc.
Admiral SnAckbar
December 31st, 2012
9:07 pm
Hawks have to sag in too much cause we don’t have a rim protector in the middle and get killed from the outside. too many wide open shots. but we haven’t folded. keep fighting till the end and maybe….
Sautee
December 31st, 2012
9:07 pm
“Two games in a row where AS-Al has zero free throw attempts.”
Which is not to say that he hasn’t been fouled.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
9:07 pm
The human defeat cigar Johan Petro is in the game.
Blast
December 31st, 2012
9:07 pm
Ball game!
W.R. Terrell
December 31st, 2012
9:08 pm
Houston shooting lights out with the 3’s but that’s OK. The HAWKS have gotten some consistancy going, better timing and cohesion. I wonder whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
9:08 pm
Petro is in; LD is waving the white flag.
Blast
December 31st, 2012
9:09 pm
Hawks just running around scrambling while Rockets pop in 3 after 3.
Honesty
December 31st, 2012
9:09 pm
WTF LD with 3minutes to go? WTF It T-mac can score 13 points in 30 seconds, there no damn reason for you to give up on the game right now!!!!
northcyde
December 31st, 2012
9:10 pm
LOL @ Petro
Honesty
December 31st, 2012
9:11 pm
Glad Stevenson is in with the scrubs were he belongs. Morrow should have his minutes.
Sautee
December 31st, 2012
9:11 pm
The sliver lining is that perhaps our two losses to the Rockets will help them make the playoffs, so we can use that 1st rounder. Perhaps.
High-sider
December 31st, 2012
9:12 pm
If the Hawks had won tonight, I was gonna start referring to LD as “Long-term Deal” but after this disastrous loss to the Rockets, he’s still “Lame Duck.”
Najeh Davenpoop
December 31st, 2012
9:13 pm
No reason why Teague should be leading the team in field goal attempts, even on a good night. 3 shots for Korver is way too little.