We’re live from . . . a wake?
Here's the Hawks' Joe Johnson looking down in Game 3. It's kind of hard to lead that way, isn't it? (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)
Before getting to some pre-game thoughts, let’s talk about what’s really important.
As far I know, LeBron James has not booked any restaurants for a post-game party tonight in Atlanta. I’m not sure if that’s because he figured “24″ would hold down the crowd, or simply because the Cavaliers have a charter flight taking them back to Cleveland immediately following the game.
I mention this only because word of James pre-booking a party at Trois in midtown following Game 3 Saturday night sparked quite a bit of reaction in the blogosphere, and some even in the locker room. Al Horford was stunned, and even said after the Game 3 loss, “I wish I had known that before the game.”
Question: Would it really have made a difference? I mean, would that little bit of extra anger have carried the Hawks over the top in Game 3, setting up the possibility of them evening the series tonight?
Uh, no.
Which leads to tonight. I’ve covered several potential sweep-completing Game 4s before, and in three difference sports — basketball, baseball, hockey. There’s one common thread: The team on the verge of being swept ALWAYS comes out playing hard. The vast majority of professional athletes have a ense of pride and they don’t like being associated with a playoff sweep.
But what tends to happen is, the moment the team that’s up 3-0 punches the 0-3 team in the mouth, things quickly unravel. Negative thoughts creep into players’ minds. A sense of, “Just get me to the end of this game,” takes over.
That’s my concern about the Hawks tonight — not that they won’t play hard at the outset, but how’ll they’ll react when James basically says, “OK. Enough of this. Take that!”
And how will Joe Johnson react? The playoffs the last two years have revealed more bad than good about him. That’s something I might get into more in tonight’s game column. It’s not always about scoring for a star player, it’s about leadership, and Johnson hasn’t provided it. What he shows tonight could impact how he’s viewed by fans, media and even the organization. Remember: he only has one year left on his contract.
Josh Smith sometimes says one thing and does another. But at least he said the right thing after today’s shoot-around: “It’s all about pride, not giving up, not throwing in the towel. Even though they only have one more game to win, you don’t want to just roll over and give them that win, without at least giving them a fight.
”It left a sour taste in my mouth how the season ended last year. I don’t want to go through another summer of having nightmares of not performing the way I know how to perform.”
A CAVS LETDOWN? Not likely. I just asked Cavs coach Mike Brown if he would feel the need to talk to his players about not giving the Hawks life in the playoff series. “I’m not a big cliché go or anything like that. This team has been very good the entire year in terms of focusing just on the next game because it’s the next game and hopefully this game is no different. I have not told them that. I’m sure I won’t tell them that. I have heard them say it, led by LeBron.”
Now that’s a leader.
LIVE FROM PRESS ROW: Had some wireless issues in Game 3, causing hiccuping in responses to reader posts. But technical issues aside, we’ll try it again tonight.
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205 comments Add your comment
wxwax
May 11th, 2009
6:12 pm
The Hawks will probably lose. That’s not important.
What is important is the manner in which they lose. If they go down fighting, then the city and the team’s management will end the season with a reasonably positive vibe.
But if they get pounded and lose the will to fight, I think the city may lose its interest in this team. And I think it will force Sund to consider making major changes to the roster.
We already know the Hawks need more leadership in the locker room. What the guys are playing for tonight could be their jobs.
Ben
May 11th, 2009
6:35 pm
This team better come out with some fire and win or i’m done! i’m not going to spend anymore money going to games watching this leaderless team. Smoove needs to get pissed and start dunking on folks. Someone needs to elbow Lebron in the mouth and send him a message. We have been manhandled this WHOLE series and it’s time to get physical!
Kenneth
May 11th, 2009
6:39 pm
Lack of confidence of the bench players are what’s behind this fall from grace. All year long we have begged Woodson to develop his bench just for situations like this. There is no team unity even among the starters much less the bench. Cleveland is a team of 12 or 13 deep and anyone they put in will play with confidence. Overworking the starters and injuries is the sure fire method of being dead in the playoffs.The signs were there against the Heat, now it’s just more pronounced. This a painful lesson that I hope the Hawks management learn from.Changes are necessary in the leadership of this team despite its acomplishments this seasons because to me, they still under achieved based upon their talent. Cleveland will win tonight and end their misery so they can go nurse their wounds.!
maurice
May 11th, 2009
6:43 pm
So right Kenneth! So Right!
Todd
May 11th, 2009
6:52 pm
Love the Hawks, win or loose and back the [layers on the roster and the team thats on the floor. That being said, this has never been a team that can win it all or take it to the championship series; just can’t do it with a bunch of 2, 3 and 4 position players; cant have your power forward shooting three’s when his best game is taking it to the rim and throwing it down; can’t with a star that’s not a star. The Phoenix trade was a good trade, but his talent level is not on par with DWade, Kobe, Iverson in his prime.I like the fact that Joe Johnson si on this team, but the Hawks need a real big man in the middle and a flat out scorer that donot give a crap about the other team.
I hope we get a win to night, but even with two otr three wins or perhaps pull off the unthinkable and do a back end sweep, the Hawks just do not have what it takes.
herbK
May 11th, 2009
7:10 pm
Hawks will attempt to do something, but………………….
Final: Cavs 104 Hawks 80
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
7:11 pm
Hawks respond to 12-6 with back to back buckets by Joe and Marvin. A good VERY EARLY sign.
HawkDawg
May 11th, 2009
7:13 pm
I would love to see a hard elbow into the side of LeBron’s head. The sweep will be OK if I can witness a elbow to his head! The whole season would be a success.
I hope he is fouled very hard while going up for a dunk and lands hard on his back. PAIN!!!!! Make him hurt!!!!!
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
7:13 pm
For those of you not here — and that’s probably all of you — there’s at least 3,000 empty seats, including a few almost completely empty sections upstairs.
CaliHawks
May 11th, 2009
7:15 pm
Come on hawks dont go down like this…..
HawkDawg
May 11th, 2009
7:16 pm
I would rather watch re-runs of the Gilmore Girls with my wife than to trek downtown and watch a the Hawks get corn-holed.
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
7:16 pm
WxWax – I think that’s the case for the whole series. Don’t think many people really expected the Hawks to win this series. The question was how difficult would they be to beat.
Ben – I think this team can use you in the locker room. For speeches, if nothing else.
HawkDawg – Maybe Ben needs an assistant.
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
7:21 pm
Nice little run: Hawks 10-3 since trailing 12-6 and Flip going to the line.
It’s over!
Kidding.
NOBAMA
May 11th, 2009
7:24 pm
Hawks are playing well so far, love the swarming defense
NOBAMA
May 11th, 2009
7:25 pm
Have you seen how many pass deflections we have had, that’s a sign of desire that was lacking in games 1-3
CaliHawks
May 11th, 2009
7:26 pm
hawks are acutually healthy for tha 1st time all series…
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
7:28 pm
Hawks now on 10-0/16-3 runs and with 7-pt lead (22-15).
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
7:28 pm
Hopefully that’s just a late arriving crowd.
I know personally for me it’s hard to go to games when they are not playing like they care it really messes up my week.
CaliHawks
May 11th, 2009
7:31 pm
Best 1st qtr of the series ….
RJ
May 11th, 2009
7:32 pm
why doesn’t joe just pull up for a 3 at the end of quarters?
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
7:33 pm
Nobama — agreed. That was some nice defense. But Cavs also have looked a little sluggish so far.
Calihawks: sprained ankles and sprained wrists don’t heal in a couple of days. more like weeks. but at this point every team is playing through injuries.
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
7:35 pm
What you’re missing during the commercial: Harrry The Hawk is playing musical cheers with four kids at center court. Hey, high priced entertainment here.
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
7:36 pm
Harry’s being very physical. I think this team needs him on the front line.
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
7:42 pm
Bad sign: Cavs pull even (24-24) with LeBron on the bench — and LeBron has only 7 pts.
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
7:44 pm
Mo Evans is supposed to be our defense specialist?
RJ
May 11th, 2009
7:44 pm
mo evans is awful
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
7:44 pm
defensive
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
7:45 pm
I think we should get Mike Tyson to be our coach
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
7:47 pm
He certainly hasn’t been the offensive specialist.
LeBron’s coming back into the game.
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
7:49 pm
RealSquawk: You want Tyson on or off his medication?
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
7:49 pm
should Bibby really be deferring to Al Horford as the clock runs down
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
7:52 pm
Didn’t know there was a difference, but I will say off the medication.
And didn’t Zaza get ejected for such antics just two days ago.
Finally somebody wrapped up Lebron.
HawkDawg
May 11th, 2009
7:53 pm
Can we trade Joe Johnson back to Phoenix?
CaliHawks
May 11th, 2009
7:59 pm
dam goin back and fourth.. wheres joe johnson??
COME ON AL
May 11th, 2009
7:59 pm
I have counted 3 Air Balls by Hortford. Bend your knees, have you forgotten how to shoot the basketball. COME ON
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
8:01 pm
Might be better if Al just goes to the basket.
CaliHawks
May 11th, 2009
8:02 pm
there makein there free throws.. dam where that been all playoffs
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
8:04 pm
Cavs don’t seem to grimace when Ilgauskas shoots 3s like Hawks do when Josh fires them up.
CaliHawks
May 11th, 2009
8:07 pm
ahhhh dam Lebron…..
Eman
May 11th, 2009
8:10 pm
Joe Johnson does not care!! He is heart less!!
Rollins Tree
May 11th, 2009
8:10 pm
Woodson looks like he knows already his days as coach are over in Atlanta. Can see it in his face.
Big R
May 11th, 2009
8:11 pm
Solid effort in the 1st half
Here we go again
May 11th, 2009
8:11 pm
sloppy first half…. normally when both teams have an “off” night, the cavs would be way up… so at least it’s close. on the other hand, it says a lot that lebron sat for that long (how long, jeff?) and scored that few points (how many, jeff?) and the hawks are STILL down at the half.
we had an AWFUL lot of missed shots coming off wide-open looks.
Tony
May 11th, 2009
8:12 pm
Way to sell out the arena. No wonder Atlanta is the worst sports city in America
NoleRick
May 11th, 2009
8:13 pm
Haha at Tree Rollins. We can only hope that is the case.
Dr.Dialtone
May 11th, 2009
8:15 pm
Cleveland has always been a strong 2nd half team… If you don’t have a 20 point lead at the half, you can forget it. They have a awesome coaching staff, and make the necessary adjustments. Coach Brown lets the assistant coaches do their thing.
PlusSizeModel
May 11th, 2009
8:16 pm
The worst thing that could happen here is a Hawks win, because the fools at Atlanta Spirit may decide to keep Woodson around.
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
8:16 pm
Rollins: You’re a face reader?
Here we go: Agreed. Sloppy first half. And not a good sign for the hawks that the Cavs are up and LeBron hasn’t done anything yet.
Big R
May 11th, 2009
8:17 pm
JJ needs to take over the 2nd half
TNT Crew
May 11th, 2009
8:19 pm
I have never seen a more bias one sided halftime show than that. Charles Barkley basically ranked the Hawks as a d-leauge time and said they have no chance of winning this game. I love Charles but come on. How do they let a criminal/cheater like C-Web on tv.
HawkDawg
May 11th, 2009
8:20 pm
This may be Joe Johnson’s last game as a Hawk. He most likely will be traded next year. Say goodbye to Mr. No-Heart. His best days are behind him, if there ever were any.
Dr.Dialtone
May 11th, 2009
8:20 pm
How can we allow that many empty seats? At least the network didn’t show it. Atlanta, come on and step it up!
Dillosuional
May 11th, 2009
8:21 pm
JJ Is the cornerstone of this team. He is the cliche “scorer” there is no way we let him go. You guys are crazy.
Dillosuional
May 11th, 2009
8:22 pm
HawkDawg-Are you off your rocker about JJ man.
Tony
May 11th, 2009
8:23 pm
you can hear the emptiness in the building. Apparently a metro area of over 5,000,000 couldn’t find 20,000 people interested enough in Playoff basketball.
Big R
May 11th, 2009
8:24 pm
JJ can play – hey Jeff, how is the crowd?
PlusSizeModel
May 11th, 2009
8:26 pm
Anyone notice how much Woodson and and the Rain Man Chris Dimino look alike?
Jake
May 11th, 2009
8:27 pm
The Cavs beat writer was taking note of the empty building
https://twitter.com/PDcavsinsider
CaliHawks
May 11th, 2009
8:27 pm
come on hawks ..lets go!!
PlusSizeModel
May 11th, 2009
8:28 pm
“How can we allow that many empty seats? At least the network didn’t show it. Atlanta, come on and step it up!”
Why aren’t you there? I’m not going back until they have a new coach, even though helping to pay Josh Smith to be the dumbest player in the NBA will hurt as well.
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
8:29 pm
Big R: There were at least 3000 empties before game. many have been filled but I’d say still at least 1000 scattered empties. Must be some ticket dumping/giving away going on outside.
Big R
May 11th, 2009
8:29 pm
josh nooooooooooooo
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
8:30 pm
PlusSize: Aside from the bald heads — no.
Jake
May 11th, 2009
8:30 pm
Smith thinks it’s a missed assignment by the Cavs defense. Someone should let him know they want him shooting those because he can’t hit them
PlusSizeModel
May 11th, 2009
8:32 pm
Eyes too close together, no necks, fat faces, semi-retarded expression. Try looking at side-by-side photos sometime.
rod
May 11th, 2009
8:33 pm
Atlanta and the fair weather fans wish we had cleveland’s fans no matter how much the browns suck they still support them.
Big R
May 11th, 2009
8:33 pm
bibby’s washed up
HawkDawg
May 11th, 2009
8:35 pm
You are watching the same Johnson I am. How many shots has he missed in the past few minutes?
That’s right. Get over it.
HawkDawg
May 11th, 2009
8:35 pm
Every time Johnson misses, the CAVs score.
Here we go again
May 11th, 2009
8:36 pm
this feels like a sunday afternoon game in january. not a 2nd round playoff elimination game in may.
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
8:37 pm
LeBron’s great but the way he blew past Horford on that dunk, there’s clearly still something wrong with Al’s ankle.
PlusSizeModel
May 11th, 2009
8:38 pm
Bibby is like Doc Rivers all over again. Not a natural point guard and if he isn’t hitting, we’re pretty much sunk.
MMMM Sumthing is UP!!
May 11th, 2009
8:38 pm
Some questional playing going on. There is one thing to play bad. But to not play at all. Bibby no points no shots WTF????? We already heard a writer say Acie wont be back. These guys mailing it in. Dont wanna go back to Cleveland???? WTF is going on????????
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
8:39 pm
Well that was a very competitive half of basketball, but the way this half is starting is making me think I should I have not bought those game six tickets.
Big R
May 11th, 2009
8:39 pm
flippppppppppppp
Jake
May 11th, 2009
8:39 pm
rod, they go to the Browns games just to boo the team
Big R
May 11th, 2009
8:40 pm
JJ time
Big R
May 11th, 2009
8:42 pm
bibby yawning on da bench
Big R
May 11th, 2009
8:43 pm
playin better w/ bibby on da bench
CaliHawks
May 11th, 2009
8:43 pm
yeah makin run finally .. flip cant be tha only 1 makin shot tho..!
preston
May 11th, 2009
8:43 pm
and I am yawning on the couch
Dr.Dialtone
May 11th, 2009
8:45 pm
I really don’t think the NBA wants Cleveland to win this series 4-0. They will loose millions in TV, ticket and merchandise sales. I think they will be happy for a 4-2 series, 4-1 at worst. I don’t think Cleveland wants to sit around for another 9 days either.
JD
May 11th, 2009
8:45 pm
Maybe next year we can hire a different sound guy. This lonely snare drum is both annoying and embarrassing.
Big R
May 11th, 2009
8:46 pm
everyone see big baby push that kid?
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
8:47 pm
I am not sure why anyone would want to go and see a non competitive team play.
Its like continuing to buy the same thing over and over again even though you know its already shattered and broken in the box.
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
8:49 pm
something must be done about the no foul calls on Joe Johnson
Big R
May 11th, 2009
8:50 pm
crowd needs to get fired up
Dr.Dialtone
May 11th, 2009
8:50 pm
ZaZa got hit with an ugly stick.
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
8:51 pm
the first hard foul on lebron lets see what happens next
CaliHawks
May 11th, 2009
8:52 pm
so i guess there melting down again
Big R
May 11th, 2009
8:53 pm
about 20 more points
Dr.Dialtone
May 11th, 2009
8:53 pm
Maybe next year we can hire a different sound guy. This lonely snare drum is both annoying and embarrassing.
This is soo funny.. He sounds like the most uptight, and whitest man in Ga. Funny!
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
8:57 pm
do they still call carries?
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
8:59 pm
Joe can easily get on my bad side if he continues to smile and chat with Lebron.
Big R
May 11th, 2009
8:59 pm
flippppppppppppppppppppppp
CaliHawks
May 11th, 2009
8:59 pm
dam gave up that 3 to lebron but flip got a drive at tha end of the 3rd
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2009
8:59 pm
Bibby can take a nap over there. He’s 0-for-4 and MW doesn’t look like he’s in a hurry to put him in.
preston
May 11th, 2009
9:00 pm
I predict a 4th quarter LBJ massacre…..
Eman
May 11th, 2009
9:01 pm
Flip has the most heart on this team and its sad bc Joe is getting paid like a superstar and flip is only making 1.5 this season!!!!!! Joe your a heartless soft little rock nobody!!!! I see way the Suns let you go so easy!!!
Big R
May 11th, 2009
9:02 pm
if lebron does, better revoke the tickets from the guy in the front row
plussizemodel
May 11th, 2009
9:04 pm
Flip is a superstar? Have you not noticed how he gets used on defense?
Big R
May 11th, 2009
9:05 pm
wow
CaliHawks
May 11th, 2009
9:05 pm
bibby still yawning
preston
May 11th, 2009
9:06 pm
lol…………Woodson is really selling his players out…..no Acie….no Bibby….
plussizemodel
May 11th, 2009
9:07 pm
You cats won’t believe this, but a chick I work with thinks Zaza is hot. She’s not kidding.
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
9:10 pm
So the Hawks must not understand the idea of elimination cause we got one good set of defense and then back to bad defense
LetsGoHawks!!!!
May 11th, 2009
9:11 pm
Here it is Baby!!!! Last few mins!!!!! Come ONNNNNNN!!!!!!
Big R
May 11th, 2009
9:13 pm
josh noo noooooooooooooo
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
9:14 pm
That was real cute Josh Smith real cute. I will get your fishing rod for you.
Big R
May 11th, 2009
9:14 pm
bibby = liablilty
plussizemodel
May 11th, 2009
9:15 pm
LeBron looked Jordanesque there, but in the bad way: throwing up a desperate, out of control shot. As great as Jordan was, he had a lot of those too. A lot more than Lebron does, I’d say.
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
9:16 pm
that puppet showed more emotion than the hawks
preston
May 11th, 2009
9:16 pm
ok folks………the Cavs are about to end this and put us out of our misery!!!!!
plussizemodel
May 11th, 2009
9:17 pm
LOL @ the puppet comment..
Rob
May 11th, 2009
9:17 pm
if Bibby is not scoring he cannot be on the floor, he doesn’t contribute anything else
CaliHawks
May 11th, 2009
9:17 pm
Dam its look grim..
Big R
May 11th, 2009
9:18 pm
my wife liked da puppet
The Truth
May 11th, 2009
9:19 pm
Hey Hawkdawg or hotdog where u at fool…………..cryin foul at a loooong summer break, lol Now YOU know !!!! The A- Town dancers got more game than those declawed hawks….enjoy the summer. out
plussizemodel
May 11th, 2009
9:20 pm
Hawks 33% from the field. Talk about clutch!
Rob
May 11th, 2009
9:21 pm
when Lebron is anything other than superman, Cleveland can be ordinary
plussizemodel
May 11th, 2009
9:22 pm
If they congratulate the free throw shooter both when he misses and makes, why do it at all?
The Truth
May 11th, 2009
9:23 pm
hawks launching 3sss and hittin nuthin
Big R
May 11th, 2009
9:23 pm
that’s it
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
9:23 pm
Tease me Tease me Teaseme
Josh Smith I am not amused and that does not make up for earlier.
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
9:25 pm
So I don’t think Lebron has gone basket hard since ZaZa tried to take his headband from him.
preston
May 11th, 2009
9:25 pm
well hopefull this will end the “Mike Woodson” era!!!
LetsGoHawks!!!!
May 11th, 2009
9:25 pm
Letssss GOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! 2 STOPS 2 THREES!!!!!!!!!!
plussizemodel
May 11th, 2009
9:25 pm
There are a ton of Ohio peeps in that crowd tonight. Any comment Jeff?
Jeff???
plussizemodel
May 11th, 2009
9:27 pm
The worst thing that can happen is Josh making a long shot. It only means he’ll miss the next five trying to prove he can do it again.
Tarred n Feathered
May 11th, 2009
9:27 pm
Hawks have no true go to guy in the clutch, thats why its taken then 4 plus years to get here and still gots nothing to show for it. Til they get a consistant scorer they will continue to come up short. Look at Miami last year 15 wins and already in playoffs. What has ATL actually done?
Big R
May 11th, 2009
9:27 pm
JJ’s having a good game
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
9:29 pm
The Heats turn around does not count they tanked that season to get a high draft pick.
LetsGoHawks!!!!
May 11th, 2009
9:30 pm
I dont give a DAMN!!! I would rather lose 4 in a ROW to King James than be like the Grizz Wolves or Bucks.
ATL
May 11th, 2009
9:30 pm
A town dancers….the only highlights in the factory
plussizemodel
May 11th, 2009
9:30 pm
JJ’s having a good game?? Has he made a hoop in the past eight minutes? He’s the worst go-to guy ever.
MiltonDawg
May 11th, 2009
9:31 pm
Ok so on to the draft now, what direction. Woodson gone?
D.Carter
May 11th, 2009
9:32 pm
why let him turn the corner…MAKE HIM GIVE IT UP
ATL
May 11th, 2009
9:32 pm
The hawks have had plenty of high picks and much have amounted to nothing…where is Childress??
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
9:32 pm
My dad has only been to one hawks game, but he just recited every hawks play to me.
CaliHawks
May 11th, 2009
9:32 pm
COME ON HAWKS LETS GO!!!!
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
9:33 pm
Was that joke?
summer vaca
May 11th, 2009
9:34 pm
Some solace at least hawks will not lose by double digits finally…..or are they???
plussizemodel
May 11th, 2009
9:35 pm
Dagger’d
BALDSPATZ
May 11th, 2009
9:35 pm
see ya next year atlanta
CaliHawks
May 11th, 2009
9:35 pm
Goood season Hawks it was fun .. Next year who Knos..
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
9:35 pm
The only positive to come out of this would be the termination of Mike Woodson.
brewdawg
May 11th, 2009
9:35 pm
The Hawks never mailed it in. That’s very little consolation, but they fought these last two games. Cleveland is just that much better. Kudos on an otherwise good season to the Hawks.
kj
May 11th, 2009
9:35 pm
Mike Bibby go. Pleases Go away.
blazerdawg
May 11th, 2009
9:36 pm
BRAVES 6, Mets 2; Top 8th
kj
May 11th, 2009
9:36 pm
Keep Flip Murray.
Rollins Tree
May 11th, 2009
9:36 pm
Cant wait to see what the Hawks do next year with a new head coach. Someone they ALL respect and inspires them more than Woodson could.
plussizemodel
May 11th, 2009
9:37 pm
I love the way Lebron clowns around with the crowd. Dude is suuuch a star
If I were Woodson right now I”d hit up Brown for an assistant gig in a few minutes.
The King
May 11th, 2009
9:37 pm
MVP….MVP…..MVP
Rollins Tree
May 11th, 2009
9:38 pm
Were they chanting MVP or Woodson sucks? Couldnt tell.
kj
May 11th, 2009
9:38 pm
Where was Mike Bibby? The Hawks look bad. This was their worst playoff appearance ever.
HawkDawg
May 11th, 2009
9:38 pm
How many freaking threes are they going to hit down the stretch?
keno
May 11th, 2009
9:39 pm
Well, that’s the game. Can we do something about the suspect defense in the off season? Switching obviously is not working because someone always has to help Bibby and then no one rotates to the open guy.
kj
May 11th, 2009
9:39 pm
I never saw the defense switch on Lebron as he would go to the hole. It look like they were scared or let’s just let Lebron score. Bibby it’s time for you to go.
preston
May 11th, 2009
9:40 pm
and another double digit loss!
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
9:40 pm
I can’t wait until they play some real competition.
I cannot believe we are being swept and anybody who thinks they competed is a fool. They don’t look desperate and they don’t look like they care I am not shaking anyone’s hand I am not mingling with anyone. this display of friendship is kiling me
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON. YOU FOOLS JUST GOT SWEPT YOU JUST GOT SWEPT!! YOU JUST GOT EMBARRASSED ON YOUR HOME COURT. COWARDS!! HOW DARE YOU LOOK SO HAPPY.
D.Carter
May 11th, 2009
9:40 pm
FIRST – NEW COACH… AVERY, HELL SAM MITCHELL, ANYBODY WHO HAS AN OFFENSIVE GAMEPLAN AND CAN MAKE AN IN GAME ADJUSTMENT
2ND- MARVIN FOR RUDY GAY
3RD RESIGN FLIP AND ZA ZA
4TH – TRADE MO EVANS FOR WHATEVA… A BAG OF CHIPS
5TH – SEE WHATS OUT THERE FOR JOE, AND AL.. PHOENIX WANTS TO TRADE SHAQ… JOES CONTRACT IS UP AFTER NEXT YEAR SO IS SHAQS…
6TH MAKE A SERIOUS PLAY FOR KEVIN MARTIN AND MAYBE UNDER A NEW COACH WITH A DIFFERENT SYSTEM ACIE MIGHT BE READY
kj
May 11th, 2009
9:42 pm
To CaliHawks good season. Only people in Atlanta except stuff like this. This was not a good season. We did not show up. We loose in four and you say good season. Come on.
kj
May 11th, 2009
9:44 pm
I agree with real RealSquawk. We did not compete. This was ugly. We should not have went seven games with Miami. Like the commercial say. People wake up.
truth-serum
May 11th, 2009
9:45 pm
HAWKS NEED A CENTER! HAWKS NEED A CENTER! HAWKS NEED A CENTER! HAWKS NEED A CENTER! HAWKS NEED A CENTER! HAWKS NEED A CENTER! HAWKS NEED A CENTER!HAWKS NEED A CENTER!
YOU CANT COMPETE AT THE NEXT LEVEL WITH OUT A CENTER.
THE GAME ALWAYS REVERTS TO A HALF COURT GAME AND WITH OUT A CENTER YOU WILL NOT WIN.
HAWKS NEED A CENTER! HAWKS NEED A CENTER! HAWKS NEED A CENTER! HAWKS NEED A CENTER! HAWKS NEED A CENTER! HAWKS NEED A CENTER! HAWKS NEED A CENTER!
LETS GO AFTER THAT 7 FOOTER FROM UCONN.
kj
May 11th, 2009
9:45 pm
On our own court. Embarrassing.
IfYouHaveTivo
May 11th, 2009
9:45 pm
Go to about 2 mins into 2nd quarter and see Bibby cuss Woodson out! Hawks sold out on thier home floor. Mo Evans was calling guys OUT?? Reallly??? OH WELL! No shame in losing to the MVP!
Mo is a NO
May 11th, 2009
9:45 pm
This is Mo Evans the entire playoffs:
1. Shoot and miss
2. Hustle back on defense and get dunked on
kj
May 11th, 2009
9:45 pm
Bibby still yawning.
Rollins Tree
May 11th, 2009
9:47 pm
People kill me when they mention trading Horford. That guys the real leader of this team. Not Johnson.
kj
May 11th, 2009
9:48 pm
truth-serum i have said it plenty of time. we need a center. a veteran. hawks by by.
kj
May 11th, 2009
9:48 pm
To many guys who play the same position.
kj
May 11th, 2009
9:49 pm
No. You don’t trade Horford. By Bibby.
don'tcare
May 11th, 2009
9:50 pm
watching the pregame interviews of the Hawks should have been convincing to all that this team quit and laid down.
RealSquawk
May 11th, 2009
9:51 pm
o and the TNT folks talking about whether it is Joe or Josh? not Marvin or Josh or Joe, but Joe and Josh?
Non fair-weather fan
May 11th, 2009
9:52 pm
Hawks fan since I was a kid….thanks for a great season….now let’s go get Avery Johnson to coach this team to the NBA Finals next season. Talent is there, inspiration is not.
kj
May 11th, 2009
9:52 pm
People it was an ok season. I’m getting ready to watch a real game. Denver Vs Dallas. The thugs vs the Cuban. When it’s all said and done it the Cavs nor the Lakers will not be the champs. The champs will be the Denver Thugs.
Grounded
May 11th, 2009
9:54 pm
TNT talking about finding a certain style of play its either gonna be Joe or Josh…cant be both. Or bye bye in playoffs next year
ajw
May 11th, 2009
9:54 pm
The Hawks played hard. at least they kept their composure. Hawks were just over-matched in this series plain and simple. I thought they might get one win, but it didn’t happen. I enjoyed watching them play for the most part this season. I think the refs took us out of most of this series, but we were still over-matched. We need to make some serious changes to this team to compete at a higher level than the second round. we have too many people that do the same thing and none of them do it well enough. My favorite Hawks of the season in most important first is: Josh Smith, Zaza Pachulia, and Flip Murray. My answer is to trade Joe Johnson for someone who can penetrate and take charge. Joe Johnson just sucked in the playoffs period. He looks totally out of place in the all star game. No way are we re signing Mike Bibby. He is good in the reular season, but awful in the playoffs too. OMG! Steve Smith is calling the game in Dallas???? Freaky! NBA is desperate!
kj
May 11th, 2009
9:54 pm
F———the hawks.
kmilton41
May 11th, 2009
9:54 pm
i agree with charles barley, we need another penetrator like flip, keep za za he was tough all playoff, josh you are not a shooter, drive in there and get foul, to many players playing the same position, like the other night the coach of the lakers said in the news conference he was upset about way they played woodson never said that woodson must go, not a good moving offense team. i hate every year saying wait till next year, can’t just settle for this fans of atlanta.
preston
May 11th, 2009
9:56 pm
couple of obvious observations on these Hawks:
JJ – a very good player, the best on this team….but he is not yet ready for prime time. He had only one good game out of 11 in this yrs plaoff…..a time when the hawks needed him the most.
Mike bibby – another good player, but he did not and will not take the Hawks to the next level in their ever increasing demand for a true pg to run this team.
Jsmoove – a hec of an athelete and he has improved his game, but he is still a very reaw player that needs to mature in his game.
Mwilliams – is probaly the biggest disappointment of all….he is a very akward player….the only smooth thing about his game is his jumpshot, but he is never healthy…..I think this is as good as it gets with him.
Acie Law – we dont know what we have in him, and we probaly will never find out with Woodson as coach.
Mike woodson has improved his win totals each year as the Hawks coach, but does any body feel any better about the hawks and him as head coach of this team than they did when he took over this team?
herbK
May 11th, 2009
9:56 pm
Hawks had a fine year. That said, uhuhuh, byebye. The Cavs are a literal machine at this point.
cdog
May 11th, 2009
9:58 pm
BLAME WHOEVER WAS IN CHARGE OF MAKING A TRADE FOR A CENTER FOR THE HAWKS NOT RISING TO THE NEXT LEVEL. WHEN HE SO CALLED HAD A CELL PHONE STUCK IN HIS EAR AND FAILED TO GET A CENTER THATS WHAT DOOMED THE HAWKS SEASON. IF HE STICKS A CELL IN HIS EAR DOING THE OFF SEASON AND FAILS TO BRING IN A DOMINATING CENTER, HE SHOULD BE LET GO INSTEAD OF ANYONE ELSE IN THE SYSTEM
kmilton41
May 11th, 2009
9:59 pm
now u know why nobody comes out during regular season games, i started to buy season passes.(not)
kmilton41
May 11th, 2009
10:01 pm
this is the most woodson can get out of this team.
DeeMack
May 11th, 2009
10:02 pm
Well, Birds I’m glad you gone. You can fly off to some warm weather place and mediate. Cuz, where the broom? I wanna get to sweeping now so I can sweep you Hawks off the floor. One more note, pls tell your fans in the Arena to stop antagonizing players. It only adds fuel to the fire. Show some class in the ATL.
DW
May 11th, 2009
10:02 pm
It has come down to this… JOE or JOSH… I say get rid of Woodson first. He constantly ran plays where Josh was the open wing man. Josh was shooting bricks because he was open. That’s a coaching problem. Josh gives us flashbacks of Dominick. Joe gives us flashbacks of Steve Smith. I say Josh has the bigger upside. Package Joe with a draft pick and let’s get into the lottery. Resign ZaZA resign flip and keep Josh. Sorry Joe, but you gotta go.
ajw
May 11th, 2009
10:07 pm
DW ! Amen we need to package Joe for some thing good. the double teams he sometimes draws are what the defense wants. Its no advantage to us.
J.J.M.
May 11th, 2009
10:17 pm
lol joe and josh are not going no where…if the hawks office thought the team wasnt gonna work with them they woulda never resigned josh or they woulda at least did a sign and trade with josh…marvin will be most likely traded. Hawks will draft a big or pick up one in free agency. I would ratha have flip then bibby(acie has to step it up NOW) and what about josh childress? bring him back? I also would release speedy so we can have more money to work with.
Rob
May 11th, 2009
10:17 pm
Cheer up folks I’m already over it, lets look forward.This is now Rick Sund’s time to make this team his own. The hawks have 9 free agents and about 17 million dollars under the cap. Woodson has one year left on his contract.
Hopefully the Braves will keep us entertained until NFL training camps starts.
DW
May 11th, 2009
10:19 pm
The thing that made me so mad was, the Cavs ran the same defense that the heat ran. And the celtics ran last year. They doubled with the center. Josh ’s man rotated to Horford. That left Josh all alone 18ft from the goal. Josh kept shooting bricks! They dared Josh to shoot. It was embarrasing. Woodson should have made an adjustment. As for Joe, he was passing the ball before the double team even came. He played scared and he was not agressive. Joe did not get his average in any game vs. the cavs. He has maxed out his potential. The NBA is about the playoffs, not the regular season.
ken
May 11th, 2009
10:19 pm
Man i’m from little rock and joe didn’t represent this year seems like he was begging lebron to stay in cleveland so they can play together. It hurts me to say this but trade joe and bibby to phoenix for amare & jason richardson. Then hire avery or paul silas to coach the team. Package marvin and our draft pick to move up to get ricky rubio or brandon jennings + a vet. resign flip to mid level exception. Find vets to back up all positions like cleveland and let them run the rest of the east in the ground. If the trade for amare falls through trade josh or joe to new orleans fot tyson chandler. Please atlanta spirit fire mike woodson tonight i could coach better than him he sucks royally. I’m hurting bad my team didn’t even leave their house tonight.
braveshater
May 11th, 2009
10:22 pm
Disgusting. Mike Woodson has to go. He cant draw up a play for a playground team. Disgusting.
Avery Johnson
May 11th, 2009
10:24 pm
Yall coaching really sucks
TROTTINGHOME
May 11th, 2009
10:28 pm
GLAD THAT’S OVER WITH
J.J.M.
May 11th, 2009
10:31 pm
let bibby go sign a.i.?
jaxman
May 11th, 2009
10:47 pm
AJW, are you kidding me? ” I think the refs took us out of most of this series”. Can’t believe you could seriously make that statement. The Hawks were a bunch of jump shooters for 2 1/2 games. There was so much home cooking going on in this one I thought for sure they were going to win. The referee gave ATL every chance to win this game! That may be the most phantom calls against Cleveland that I’ve seen in a game all season. Pathetic for you to blame the refs. How about the lack of heart from your team….oh and Josh Smith failing to realize his game is 10ft and in! Bibby is a total stiff. Only defense he would ever be involved in is if he is sued! Joe Johnson is NO superstar. He lacks heart. You need a coach that will make Josh stay near the hoop. Then keep only Williams, Pach, Flip, and Horford. Everyone else must go!
GeeMack
May 11th, 2009
10:50 pm
Kurt Hinrich and Chris Kaman are the two guys we need to go get. Kaman would give us rebounding, low post scoring, and block shots. Hinrich at the point give us a penetrator, 3 point shooting, and a good defensive point with playoff experience. I like JSmoove, but I would rather have Al at the 4 than him. For all the woody haters on this site. When the players play the way he tells them we win. when they don’t we lose. Woody aint the problem this is a defective team. To many players playing the same position.
Ned Bartlett
May 11th, 2009
10:56 pm
Jeff:
So much for your “validation” of Woodson as the Hawks’ coach. If anything, Woodson showed that he couldn’t get this year’s team to come close to the play of last year’s team, which forced the eventual champ Boston Celtics to 7 games. In a series with Cleveland, Atlanta lost all 4 games by double digits, including both at home, where the Hawks beat the Celtics 3 straight last year. We could argue whether this year’s Cavs’ team or last year’s Boston team is better, but what is clear is that this year’s Hawks’ team didn’t play near as well against the Cavs as they did against the Celtics, but then this team has been woefully inconsistent throughout most of the year, despite having a better record than the year before. If beating Miami were to serve as validation for the job Woodson has done for the Hawks this season, then the Hawks would have been a much sterner test for the Cavs. The fact that the Hawks lost to the Cavs in 4 straight games, all by double digits, including 2 losses at home, shows that the Hawks’ series win over an undermanned Miami team, was nothing but fool’s gold, not validation of anything!!
Mike Fratello
May 11th, 2009
11:01 pm
I’m available guys!!!
NoleRick
May 11th, 2009
11:02 pm
J.J.M. you gotta be kidding right? A.I.? maybe 10 years ago. A.I. and Josh should never be on the same team.
Patrick
May 11th, 2009
11:06 pm
I think either Woodson or Josh needs to go. Outside of the feuding, they don’t make sense as a pair. Mike wants to play slow, grinding Pistons basketball, and Josh was meant to play in a fast system. Either let Mike go and get a coach who is willing to run, or ship Josh to Golden State for Andris Biedrins, who is young, talented, and an actual center.
NUNNA YO BIZZNEZZ
May 12th, 2009
12:03 am
hey..we could have done better,but,we went into the 2nd round this time..am i satisfied,heck no!!
do i want more?? i wanted to go to the finals!!!
we faced the best team in basketball tonite..
i just wanted to say to the hawks,i really enjoyed this season,thank you for getting as far as u did and taking the city with u..
im pissed,cause i thought u could have gotten further..
i don’t want to go Any further because my heart And emotions for the hawks would get in the way,and i would say things i would regret later..
so,i’ll reserve my comments until i have time to cool down..
A few things i heArd on 790 that i know im agAinst is..
1.i dont’ wAnt to get rid of bibby,i’d like to keep him for our half court gAme that will pick up stArting next year..
2. i do,do,do wAnt woodson out of here..
3. i made A comment on one of mr.bradleys blogs before the season started, about how the players go elsewhere with other coaches to work on their games during the off season..this should tell us all something about our coach and his staff..true some players do this on other teams,but,we had everyone who did do some kind of workout during the offseason,doing it with someone else..thats not good..
4.i want to keep josh, flip,bibby,joe,horford,marvin-only if they get him more involved into the offense when joe is also on the court..
And especially gardner/hunter and they have to play more!!!
And,unlike most of u,i think randolph morris would be a good sub for the center position,i would keep him..
mario west-no shot whatsoever but good defense/solo-because he is too soft to play center/mo evans/speedy-bless his heart/marvin williams-only because he is injury prone but i think he will be a good player and come close to being an all star for someone,and head coach mike woodson all have to go…every last one of them..
i see the starters And subs as
bibby-law
jj-flip
horford-power forward from draft
josh smith-othello hunter
center from free agency-randolph morris
gardner has to be put into the mix,i don’t care how u do it,at the sg position..he is that good..
the biggest question mark is acie law..next season,will be the year he comes in as the no.2 point guard and spell bibby..regardless of injuries in the past,we will know what he made of come this november..
we’re gonna need 5 players..2 free agents at center and power forward..And,3 more rookies to draft to take over as replacements for bibby,joe,and either flip or josh smith after come at the end of the ‘09-’10 season..
wanna know who i like??
1.At power forward–
One of the more improved prospects in the country as far as production goes, Gani Lawal is having a strong season for the Yellow Jackets, leading his struggling team in scoring, rebounding, and field-goal percentage, while more than doubling his production from last season. The 6’8 athletic power forward’s offensive role has expanded, and while he still would be described as raw in many areas, he’s shown improvement in quite a few from last season. There are not many players in college basketball who offer his combination of length, athleticism and activity level at the power forward position, which makes it fairly easy to envision him developing into a useful complimentary NBA player as he develops down the road..
2.At shooting guard–Robert Vaden-UAB
Birthday: 3/3/85 NBA Position: Shooting Guard Class: Senior Ht: 6-5 Wt: 205 Hometown: Indianapolis, IN High School: Cathedral Team Site Profile Statistics
NBA Comparison: Keith Bogans
Strengths: Deadly three-point shooter with quick release … Unlimited confidence from beyond the arc. Gets in a zone and is truly unconscious … Can catch fire very quickly and is hard to cool off, just ask Kentucky who he scorched for 28 second half points including seven 3-point field goals en route to a 79-76 win at Kentucky Has a solid midrange game and uses pumps and fakes well to free himself up Terrific free-throw shooter at >80% for career Has solid size for his position Field goal percentage is in low 40’s but because over two-thirds of his field goal attempts are 3-pointers, its not a major concern Moves well without the ball and gets to areas in which he can get a solid look at the basket Has a calm demeanor. Plays very mature, composed, not easily rattled … Has some leadership skills … A solid athlete though nothing off the charts …
–Weaknesses: Can be too reliant on the 3-point shot, making him too predictable and easier to guard Should improve his ball handling skills and look to attack the basket more Needs to cut down on turnovers Developing a balanced attack of an inside/out game would be beneficial and would enhance his great shooting abilities….Plays in the lackluster Conference USA which besides Memphis doesn’t really have a high level of talent to challenge him Lacks great foot speed both laterally and his first step off the dribble His lack of great lateral speed could inhibit his ability to guard shooting guards on the next level At 23 years of age is two years old for his class (mainly because of year he had to sit out because of transfer rules) As a shooter he is definitely NBA caliber, he just needs to work on rounding out his overall game to maximize his potential for the next level…
THATS ALL I GOT..
WHO WOULD U LIKE TO SEE IN A HAWKS UNIFORM NEXT YEAR???
SomeOfThesePost
May 12th, 2009
1:08 am
Make me think of Robert Deniro in the Fan. Yoooo Bobbby. Its just a game people. Hell we made it to the 2nd round of the NBA playoffs. Got beat down by the LEAGUE and the BEST PlAYER in the LEAGUE. The Hawks have been in the gutter of the NBA for the last 12 years. Now with a LITTLe success you get all these NUT jobs, saying the TEAM or the coach aint this or that. Take Pill n chill. If ur typin NOVELS on a blog you really need to Evaluate who you should take out of YOUR OWN LiFE..GEEEZZZ.
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