Atlanta Hawks: Drew searching for way out of four-game slump
Vivlamore reporting.
Perhaps another meeting is in order.
The Hawks have lost two games – part of their current four-game skid – since holding a team meeting Sunday to air issues affecting their recent play. While coach Larry Drew described that session as “very productive” the on-court results have been quite the opposite.
Consider the losing streak:
* They trailed by 19 points before a fourth-quarter comeback fell short against the Pistons Friday.
* They couldn’t hold a 19-point second-quarter lead in a loss to the Celtics Saturday, prompting the team meeting.
* They fell behind by 17 points in a loss to the Kevin Love-less Timberwolves Tuesday. Drew said his team was “soft” in the first half.
* They fell behind by 19 points in a loss to the injury-riddled Cavaliers Wednesday. It was just the ninth win of the season for Cleveland, who also won in Atlanta, which played without four regulars.
Not a good week at all.
The Hawks, who have also lost five of their past six games, no longer have what was a firm grip on third place in the Eastern Conference. They are now fourth behind the Heat, Knicks and Pacers and just a half-game ahead of the Bulls and Nets entering Thursday’s NBA schedule.
The Hawks host the Jazz Friday before games at the Wizards Saturday and Bulls Monday. Coach Larry Drew vowed following Wednesday’s loss that he would do what is necessary to jump start his team.
“This is a slump we are going through,” center Al Horford said. “We have to overcome it.”
Drew changed his starting lineup Wednesday, bring Lou Williams back off the bench. He said he may tweak the lineup again. He played rookies John Jenkins and Mike Scott in the first quarter. Clearly, Drew is looking for a way out of the slump.
The Hawks now play eight of their next 10 games against teams currently with .500 or better records, including rematches with the Timberwolves and the Celtics.
- Chris Vivlamore
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105 comments Add your comment
Sameba
January 11th, 2013
1:24 am
Cousins was ejected at the end of the game. I guess his value drops further? Will D.Ferry still wish him in the Hawks uniform?
W.R.Terrell
January 11th, 2013
6:04 am
MIKE SCOTT over “SMOOVE”. What could it hurt, the “Smoove” is not going to change. Time to see what the young folks have, one may get surprised. Being stuck in neutral is about as idiotic as watching the “Smoove” do the same thing day in and day out and not make an attempt to light a fire.
hjgdjdf
January 11th, 2013
7:15 am
Drew searching for way out – jusr resign to”spend more time with the family”. if you can’t get this bunch to quit taking stupid shots and standing around watching the other team take shots and get all the off/def boards, you might as well quit before you get fired.
hot.trod.87
January 11th, 2013
8:26 am
Have to correct perimeter D. Josh and Al had to help out a lot which leaves the paint open if Al is the center. Clear cut to the basket. That’s why Zaza is important. Need him in the paint so Josh and Al can help the perimeter. Also Korver doesn’t drive so he’s not working his defender. He’s a catch and shoot guy. Teague doesn’t move without the ball as a point guard. he’s not working his defender. Guards not playing much defense will not get exhausted where it’ll affect their offense. Errors by Larry Drew not to pick up. Pick up the fact that we need Zaza for rebounding. That we need Lou for consistent scoring. That we need Josh for rim protections.WE have to figure out why we need Teague and why we need Al. Find out what they bring to the lineup on a night in and night out basis.
hot.trod.87
January 11th, 2013
8:30 am
What can we expect to get out of Al and Teague EVERY night? Without defense and rim protection, they are very much not a priority to start… THe most physical guys on our team is Josh, Zaza and Lou. Ivan is bad on rotations and he may shoot a jumper or attack the rim but it’s not enough to change the game