We’re live from Hawks-Cavaliers: Will it be a new story?
The Hawks are hoping to control LeBron James and the Cavaliers better than in their playoff series. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
If you’re wondering whether tonight’s game between the Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers will play out any differently than last year’s playoff series, you’re not alone. LeBron James isn’t sure what to make of the Hawks yet, either.
“We controlled the playoff series the whole way through,” James said moments ago in the Cavaliers’ locker room. “They’re a talented a talented team, but we controlled them and did what we wanted to do.”
When asked if the Hawks seem like a significantly different team now, James said, “I’ll tell you tonight after we play them. … I’ve watched tape. But you can’t just watch tape . When you play them, that’s when you can really tell about a team.”
The Hawks view tonight’s game as a measuring stick. They’re 21-8 but for the first time face the team that bounced them from the playoffs last season in four straight games. The Hawks are more versatile, deeper and better defensively than they were a year ago. They’re probably also a little tougher mentally. But James is right: You never really know about a team until games like this.
Josh Smith echoed those sentiments a little while ago, saying, “Any time we play against a marquee team in the East, let alone the NBA, we’ve got to gauge ourselves. We’ll definitely face adversity throughout the game. So we’ll just see how we’ll deal with that, too.”
It should be interesting. These are the fun games to watch and I’m here to chat about it, so let me know what you think.
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296 comments Add your comment
Pete
December 29th, 2009
6:42 pm
These are the games that Lebron waits for. two losses for Atlanta
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
6:51 pm
Pete — Think this game means that much to LeBron?
Pete
December 29th, 2009
6:53 pm
sure does! Watch his facial expressions during the game
Dreman1731
December 29th, 2009
6:56 pm
I believe it does. If they’re up by 20 and he’s dancing around the baseline, he probably won’t care. I hate that we have to play them tomorrow again up there.
Desmond Roberts
December 29th, 2009
7:00 pm
Hawks can possibly pull off an 2 game upset if they do one thing BENCH MARVIN WILLIAMS PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jerry
December 29th, 2009
7:00 pm
what a pro town this is 4 post . My goodness
Jerry
December 29th, 2009
7:01 pm
Jamaal must come up big and joe has got to want to be the man
Jerry
December 29th, 2009
7:03 pm
and ofcourse Josh must run the floor and take his game inside
Jerry
December 29th, 2009
7:03 pm
Helloooooo lol
Desmond Roberts
December 29th, 2009
7:05 pm
And Josh Smith has to play LBJ like he does everyone else and stop being scared to possibly get dunked on. No big deal it’ll just be on sports center top plays.
Jerry
December 29th, 2009
7:06 pm
lol and thats it
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:07 pm
Desmond Roberts — Josh Smith is the X factor in almost every game because he can do things most NBA players can’t at both ends of the court . . . except LeBron.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:08 pm
Jerry — Hello back to ya.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:08 pm
Jerry — About Joe: This is one of this big game moments we all talk about.
Chipmunk
December 29th, 2009
7:08 pm
Go Cavaliers…sweep the Hawks
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:09 pm
Jerry — Patience, dude. It just went up.
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
7:10 pm
wonder why the game got block out on nba tv
Time
December 29th, 2009
7:11 pm
I still think a healthy Hawks team atleast pushes the Cavs last year. They’re healthy and gotten better. Should be a great game.
Jerry
December 29th, 2009
7:12 pm
Shaq looks like he just realized he had too big of a pregame meal
atmdawg
December 29th, 2009
7:12 pm
I worry that the hawks have put too much on this one game. That can really work against us if things do not go well tonight.
Time
December 29th, 2009
7:12 pm
The game got blocked on NBA TV because it’s on SportsSouth.
Desmond Roberts
December 29th, 2009
7:13 pm
Im vivid hawks watcher and supporter but this is the only team Josh Smith seems to shut it down against everytime he has to matchup with LBJ when he plays a superstar capable of doing the samething he does but better so I hope he can at least keep him under 40 points
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
7:13 pm
thanks@ time
Jerry
December 29th, 2009
7:14 pm
oops here we go
Time
December 29th, 2009
7:15 pm
Joe hits his first 3. A good sign.
Jerry
December 29th, 2009
7:16 pm
joes being joe
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
7:16 pm
noooo foul trouble
Desmond Roberts
December 29th, 2009
7:17 pm
LET ME SEE IT IN THE 4TH QUARTER WHE IT COUNTS.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:18 pm
JJM — Don’t know. But it’s on locally.
Time — Agreed.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:18 pm
Looks like Shaq can still make a move or two.
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
7:18 pm
here the refs go
Jerry
December 29th, 2009
7:18 pm
how long does shaq get away with that
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:19 pm
Joe looks good early.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:20 pm
When Josh runs the court like that, hawks are a different team,
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:21 pm
Roster says Shaq outweighs Horford by 80 pounds. Looks like 180.
Desmond Roberts
December 29th, 2009
7:21 pm
If the every game was a 1 quater game the hawks would have won a championship already.
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
7:22 pm
lol 180
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
7:23 pm
wonder why joe not rockin the space jams
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:23 pm
. . And the LBJ fans go crazy . .
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:24 pm
Hey– he got called for a foul! Isn’t that against the rules?
Jerry
December 29th, 2009
7:24 pm
looking like our night early
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
7:25 pm
Hey Jeff does every team play a home and home game?
GWH Rich
December 29th, 2009
7:25 pm
Emailed you back, Jeff. Thanks.
Hey, everybody, during a timeout or something, check this out and come out and celebrate a piece of Atlanta history with the family.
Desmond Roberts
December 29th, 2009
7:26 pm
A Schultz Marvin scored he might reach single digit scoring for the season.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:26 pm
Joe 4-for-4 w/11 points.
Jerry
December 29th, 2009
7:27 pm
Hey shaq stole my move. You get down low ,throw your gut into somebody and go up . Works everytime
Desmond Roberts
December 29th, 2009
7:28 pm
Change that another bad shoot for marvin.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:28 pm
JJM — you do it when schedule allows. I like it. Wouldn’t want to see a lot of them but it’s fun once in a while.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:29 pm
Jerry — Guess he just has better connections than you.
Jerry
December 29th, 2009
7:31 pm
lol yea and I’m 5-10
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
7:32 pm
man i just knew josh was going to get in foul trouble
atmdawg
December 29th, 2009
7:33 pm
Woody PLEASE use the bench! Starters foul more often when they are tired.
Meek
December 29th, 2009
7:35 pm
Joe must score his quota (25 points), the bench must be solid (Jamal always does his thing), and Josh needs to keep his cool and the Hawks should win easy.
Jerry
December 29th, 2009
7:37 pm
easy? these are the hawks
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:37 pm
Here comes Joe Smith . . .
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
7:37 pm
playing sloppy now
Time
December 29th, 2009
7:37 pm
Welcome back Joe Smith. Nice to have another big back off the bench.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:38 pm
One quarter down. Hawks 26-23. …Started strong, crisp. Finished kinda sloppy.
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
7:38 pm
Jeff, is this as dull as the first half of the independence bowl?
atmdawg
December 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
Pass the d… ball Joe!
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
just saw the pro bowl players….curtis lofton didnt get invited
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
i thought the home team in basketball was supposed to win every time. No?
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
7:40 pm
jjm, are you that guy that was on the show too close for comfort?
John Konkak
December 29th, 2009
7:40 pm
Was I a bust..???? hope not I played hard…played really good D….
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:40 pm
Joe leads all scorers with 11 … LeBron only 1 for 4 from floor. … Hawks have taken eight more shots (11 for 23) than the Cavs (9 for 15).
Blair Rasmussen
December 29th, 2009
7:41 pm
I’m still getting paid by the Hawks……
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
7:41 pm
Lyndon Baines Johnson?
Time
December 29th, 2009
7:41 pm
Wow, all the luminaries are out tonight….Willie Martinez, John Konkak. I’m oto be posting with such local sports hero’s.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:42 pm
Jerious Norwood is here. Let’s see if he can make it through this game without another injury.
Jerry
December 29th, 2009
7:42 pm
are we booing king James? sounds like it
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
7:42 pm
Jeff, is LeBron that good or overrated?
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:43 pm
Time — Koncak was a hero?
Jerry
December 29th, 2009
7:43 pm
jerous will be ok just put a fishing pole in his hands
Time
December 29th, 2009
7:43 pm
Mo Evans might be the most underrated bench player in the league.
John Konkak
December 29th, 2009
7:43 pm
Time…my vertical leap was 18 inches…..and I played like a girl….
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:44 pm
That’s already 4 more points for Hawks’ bench this quarter than in first.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:45 pm
Willie Martinez — Yes, he is that good, but not this game so far.
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
7:45 pm
Have our point guard scored yet?
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
7:46 pm
the water girl says overrated.
John Konkak
December 29th, 2009
7:47 pm
J.J.M. good question…that’s the ONLY weakness with these Hawks….
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
7:47 pm
well, Jeff, nobody’s great all the time.
Time
December 29th, 2009
7:47 pm
John Konkak, no matter how slow and generally bad you were, you were still a thousand times better than Danny Manning.
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
7:48 pm
Jeff, did you every see Pete Maravich play in person?
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
7:49 pm
i was at georgia with the Human Highlight Film. he was the best i ever saw.
Not Disappointed
December 29th, 2009
7:50 pm
Evening Jeff! what’s the score?
John Konkak
December 29th, 2009
7:50 pm
willie…jeff was young jewish boy getting picked on when Pete was playing……look at him now…what a recovery….
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
7:51 pm
Willie — only remember seeing Maravich on TV a few times, never in person.
John Konkak
December 29th, 2009
7:53 pm
willie martinez …I got Nique’s autograph at the UGA vs Kentucky football game…1981 or 1982…(too lazy to google…) he’s a class act….and YES..he could throw it down…
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
7:58 pm
Jeff, Maravich was several years older than me and my dad (the cynic) said, while Pete was very talented, it was the fact that his father was his college head coach that made him look to be a finer player than he really was.
Mahdi
December 29th, 2009
7:58 pm
Hawks will overcome the Caveliers once they learn to get what Cleveland has: a number one option. We all know that Joe Johnson is a perfect Scottie Pippen who needs a Jordan by his side. Unless Joe starts showing some aggression and leadership, it’s going to be kind of hard to see us surpassing Cleveland, or the other dominant teams in the east.
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
7:59 pm
lol somebody is yelling at lebron from the srowd
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
7:59 pm
konkak, Nique was a great player and person. very approachable on campus when i occasionally saw him.
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
7:59 pm
crowd^
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
8:00 pm
I wish the hawks would drive more
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
8:00 pm
Mahdi — That’s always been the question about JJ. He’s a great player but is he a great No. 1 option, esp. in big games and playoffs. This post-season will tell a lot, but so will games like tonight.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
8:01 pm
Crawford is the acquisition of the decade.
ronjc in columbia, sc
December 29th, 2009
8:01 pm
Jeff, do you think im crazy for wanting to get Tracy McGrady if Joe Johnson leaves?
John Konkak
December 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
willie martinez …was I a bust..?????? a big white stiff…..tell me..??
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
now Hugh Durham was a different story. He seemed ambivalant to the student body.
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
no D
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
8:03 pm
Crawford leads the Hawks with 14. That’s good for him — but not really in big picture. Joe has been stuck on 11 for a week.
John Konkak
December 29th, 2009
8:04 pm
Hugh Durham could coach…but he couldn’ talk..??? his voval chords were gone….that always bothered me…..
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
8:04 pm
konkak, check the blog. i never said you were a bust. and get out of here with the ethnic attempt at humor.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
8:04 pm
Bibby is 0 for 4 and still scoreless.
ronjc in columbia, sc
December 29th, 2009
8:04 pm
I have only seen JJ make one game winning shot in big games. Could you do some research and let us know his numbers against Cle, Bos, Orl, and LAL?
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
8:05 pm
Koncak — Durham’s one of the all-time great guys, and a great quote, vocal chords notwithstanding.
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
8:05 pm
wonder if teague will play
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
8:06 pm
Jeff, i agree with the previous peice you wrote. Meyer is damaged goods no matter what. Seems like most recruits prefer stability over most else.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
8:06 pm
Ronjc in Columbia — Right now? No. Watching the game. They might have it broken down in media guide but can’t get to it now.
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
8:07 pm
Jeff, i didnt say i didnt like Durham. i thought he was great for UGA basketball. He just never seemed to acknowledge the students at the game. Even Felton did that.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
8:07 pm
LeBron looks very average, for LeBron, that is.
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
8:08 pm
these tip ins are getting annoyin
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
8:09 pm
Only guy that was a better athete my time at Georgia was some guy named Herschel. you could pick him out of a crowd.
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
8:09 pm
is LeBron having a bad night or is someone actually defensing him?
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
8:09 pm
wooooooooooooooow
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
8:10 pm
4 points from the cavs that should have never happened
John Konkak
December 29th, 2009
8:12 pm
willie martinez …Terry Hoage was a pretty good athlete….IMHO
ronjc in columbia, sc
December 29th, 2009
8:12 pm
anyone else out there interested in McGrady if JJ leaves at end of year?
Pete
December 29th, 2009
8:13 pm
That last shot shows what Lebron is capable of. Not much of a factor in first half but well rested in case the Hawks show an unwillingness to conceed in second half
atmdawg
December 29th, 2009
8:14 pm
JJ seems to be crying about not being the go to guy. He took the last two plays off and it really hurt. Crawford is hot. Come on JJ be a team player!
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
8:14 pm
Willie, both. But what would you know about defense?
trik
December 29th, 2009
8:15 pm
Hawks win by 2 in ot I say
Herve T
December 29th, 2009
8:17 pm
they need to leave Marvin on Lebron
John Konkak
December 29th, 2009
8:17 pm
Jeff Schultz….words hurt…….I guess this is a big boy blog…..
Trembling Chihuahua
December 29th, 2009
8:26 pm
Jeff, Lebron was out partying til 4 am this morning in ATL. He was sluggish in the first half but his hangover should be about gone for the second half. Gotta love mini dude Jermaine Dupri for throwing him a party last night. I still think the Hawks will pull away in this one if Smoove doesn’t get in foul trouble in the 2nd half.
Eric P.
December 29th, 2009
8:26 pm
Need to play better defense this half.
GTFan1
December 29th, 2009
8:27 pm
Jeff, looks like a full house on TV. Any scattered empties in the upper deck that often get hid on TV?
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
8:27 pm
wow joe didnt see bibby
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
Am I fashionably late or just rude?
Anthony
December 29th, 2009
8:29 pm
They’ve got to withstand the Cavs run early in the third and they’ve still got to move without the ball and crash the boards. That’s the key right now.
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:30 pm
Good ball movement by the Hawks there, it’s always their hot button issue.
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:33 pm
Yhere’s a highlight factory moment!
Sonny Clusters
December 29th, 2009
8:33 pm
Jeff, are you courtside? Blue shirt?
John Konkak
December 29th, 2009
8:34 pm
Anthony…good post….
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
8:34 pm
bench bibby
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:34 pm
WOW, king James looking rather pedestrian tonight
Sonny Clusters
December 29th, 2009
8:36 pm
We was never any good at basketball. Clusters don’t jump.
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:37 pm
Al swinging it one time too many…
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
yea horford should have went up strong with that one
CavsFan1
December 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
Nice blog you have going here…..
http://thesportsdebates.com/2009/12/28/the-best-league-of-2009-debate-%E2%80%93-what-happened-to-all-the-drama/
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
As a side note Jerome J. has entered John Sterling territory.
Not Disappointed
December 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
Glad to have you back on the blog Jeff. Hope you had a great holiday. Two questions; Will you be at the Orange Bowl with us next week & what are your numbers on the blog this year.
MAD-DONNA
December 29th, 2009
8:41 pm
I just don’t get all the standing around stuff!
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
King James must have had a VIP Party before the game.
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:43 pm
Josh has to make that play.
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
where would the hawks be without crawford
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
Sorry folks… had to start working on another column ..Offensively, not much has changed. It’;s the Jamal Crawford show, which is a good thing because Joe hasnt hit a bucket since the first quarter.
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
Hawks activity in the O paint in this quarter has been bad
Trembling Chihuahua
December 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
Lebron is hungover!!!!!
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
Sonny — I’m about halfway up stands in main press row, not on floor.
Ed-Milledgeville
December 29th, 2009
8:47 pm
ACLaw & Speedy Claxton for Jamaal Crawford? Rick Sund should have a bronze bust in the HOF for that deal alone!
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
If Joe J. lays another brick he’ll have to apply for a union card.
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:49 pm
Ed: Spot on.
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
8:50 pm
horrible
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:51 pm
Offensive rebounds…. Hawks D nailed to the ground right now.
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
Crawford glass magic!
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
Ed Agreed — Jamal now has 24 points. Next closest Hawk has 13 (Joe, but no baskets since 3:48 into the game).
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:54 pm
That makes 7 missed FT’s.
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:56 pm
ZaZa guarding Lurch tight.
Sonny Clusters
December 29th, 2009
8:56 pm
Jeff, you are two minutes from the closest Dairy Queen. 50 Upper Alabama St SW Ste 140. We was craving a waffle bowl sundae. Buy one for Crawford if you get a chance.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
8:56 pm
Nice end to quarter, except for that shot. At 75-74 (cliche coming) it’s anybody’s coming. Has anybody seen Mike Bibby?
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
8:58 pm
Bibby? He’s the one with the tattoo. Oh wait…
DAWG A
December 29th, 2009
8:58 pm
Jeff…. I am shocked you have not shut down the earlier blog about Georgia. It has really gotten out of hand! You have said more than once that you would not allow racist comments. Take the time to switch over and close it!
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
9:02 pm
Cleveland trying to give it away and the Hawks won’t take it…
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:02 pm
smh
jwill
December 29th, 2009
9:03 pm
this is crazy
Goldenglove002
December 29th, 2009
9:03 pm
anyone else struggling with the feed on this game or is it just the TV?
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:03 pm
call a timeout both teams are playing horrible
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:03 pm
the ball must be on fire
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
9:03 pm
Wow .. that never used to be traveling in NBA.
jwill
December 29th, 2009
9:04 pm
thats a jump stop lebronze woulda got away with it
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
9:04 pm
Quite a block and Crawford can’t get the steps King James does…
Vince Dooley
December 29th, 2009
9:05 pm
Can any of you guys come over tomorrow and help me rebuild my house?
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:05 pm
lebron would have got away with that
Vince Dooley
December 29th, 2009
9:07 pm
I can come pick you up if you need a ride….
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
9:07 pm
Will this be the final score?LOL
Goldenglove002
December 29th, 2009
9:08 pm
nevermind, its the TV. I’m house sitting and their TV is going to do this to me? I better get a bonus!
Brett
December 29th, 2009
9:08 pm
Hawks better win this one cause LB goes for 40 tomorrow
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:08 pm
thats game
jwill
December 29th, 2009
9:08 pm
here we go with fix
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
9:09 pm
DawgA — just did but don’t have time to clean up now, thanks.
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
9:09 pm
Woodson keeps them at the T line…
Vince Dooley
December 29th, 2009
9:10 pm
Remember, I am the BEST COACH!
Please name the stadium after me NOW…I’m not getting any younger!
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
9:10 pm
5 mins. w/o a point…
Brett
December 29th, 2009
9:10 pm
haven’t scored in 5 minutes and Josh throws up long one!
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
9:11 pm
Josh gets a fifth…I drink it…
jwill
December 29th, 2009
9:12 pm
david stern demands a title for lebron this year so he can leave for new york
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
9:13 pm
Woodson needs let the Hawks RUN!!!
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:13 pm
bench joe bring in teague…we need somebody that wants to play
dawgfan13
December 29th, 2009
9:13 pm
its the same ole same ole with the Hawks down the stretch no ne can hit big shots. If you plan on giving JJ a huge contract after this season rememeber against the top teams he folds and so does the other players. I am so sick of looking at J Smith complain about every call. He fouls all the time but he says he dosent.
jwill
December 29th, 2009
9:13 pm
the u sux
atmdawg
December 29th, 2009
9:14 pm
JJ should have tken contract. He is not a big game player.
The Boss
December 29th, 2009
9:14 pm
Ok little help here. I’m down in Fla and listening live on 790.
Steve Holman making it sound like refs taking the game away.
Is this homer talk or is this legit?
Refs or not we HAVE NOt SCORED `ALL QTR!
DAWG A
December 29th, 2009
9:14 pm
Thanks Jeff!!! I may not agree with you at times or a lot of the people who blog.. but there is no place for that!!! Thanks again!
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:15 pm
still cant score
dawgfan13
December 29th, 2009
9:15 pm
Clank clank clank!
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:15 pm
josh goes out cavs will drive the rest of the game
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:16 pm
lol panic time…josh comes back in
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:16 pm
bench joeeeeeeeeeeee
dawgfan13
December 29th, 2009
9:17 pm
clank clank clank for JJ
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
9:17 pm
This quarter is not seven mins, 20 seconds old and Hawks haven’t scored.
atmdawg
December 29th, 2009
9:18 pm
PASS the ball JJ!
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:18 pm
joe is horrible tonight
atmdawg
December 29th, 2009
9:18 pm
PUT JJ on the BENCH!
ronjc in columbia, sc
December 29th, 2009
9:18 pm
where is Bibby? Woodson needs to ge some movement on O.
Jason Elam's Brother
December 29th, 2009
9:20 pm
Has anybody seen my bro?
dawgfan13
December 29th, 2009
9:20 pm
clank clank clank clank clank clank clank
ronjc in columbia, sc
December 29th, 2009
9:20 pm
A scoreless quarter???????????????
JM
December 29th, 2009
9:20 pm
What a chokejob by the Hawks. My god.
Sonny Clusters
December 29th, 2009
9:21 pm
We was thinking the Hawks should get closer before they shoot.
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:21 pm
hawks just gave up
The Boss
December 29th, 2009
9:21 pm
Empty the F’n bench and see id ANYONE can score!
The Boss
December 29th, 2009
9:21 pm
“if”
dawgfan13
December 29th, 2009
9:21 pm
Lebron is not even having a big game and the Hawk s are stinking up the joint expect at least a 20 point drubbing tomorrow night in Cleveland!
Brett
December 29th, 2009
9:22 pm
tomorrow night will tell us a lot about this team and JJ
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
9:22 pm
Vince Dooley: If you need brick layers, call Mike Woodson, he knows a few.
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:22 pm
Joe Johnson “they are who we thought they were”
Pete
December 29th, 2009
9:23 pm
why does the Atlanta offense remind me of the Cleveland Browns?
atmdawg
December 29th, 2009
9:23 pm
I have never seen anything like this. It all started when Crawford started scoring. I swear JJ started sulking and things went south.
Atl Hawks
December 29th, 2009
9:23 pm
This is sad hawks … you’re embarrassing yourselves badly.
First round team .. at best!
jwill
December 29th, 2009
9:23 pm
this is bull honkey
The Boss
December 29th, 2009
9:23 pm
Glad I sold my tix for big premium and went south!
This sux…and homer Holman only make sit worse.
Talk about laying an egg!
FIRE MIKE WOODSON EXPRESS
December 29th, 2009
9:23 pm
What the hell Mike Woodson haven’t drawn a set play yet.And y’all want to keep him around???????
Mike Hunt
December 29th, 2009
9:23 pm
Hawks do not belong on the court with the better teams in the league. Pretenders. Joe Johnson – choke city. Not ready for prime time.
The Boss
December 29th, 2009
9:24 pm
Put in 3D…Dennis Scott!
Brett
December 29th, 2009
9:24 pm
only took 8:50
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
9:24 pm
Break ‘em they scored!
FIRE MIKE WOODSON EXPRESS
December 29th, 2009
9:24 pm
The Hawks can’t beat the good teams.
Damon Evans
December 29th, 2009
9:24 pm
Jeff, sorry, i got knocked off line for a while. Funny retort though. Best, willie
Dawgs Man
December 29th, 2009
9:25 pm
Choking fools. its obvious there is a curse on Atlanta teams
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:25 pm
a lil 2 late joe
dawgfan13
December 29th, 2009
9:26 pm
Quarters like this is the reason why the Hawks havent offered Woodson a contract! A good coach would draw up a play to at least get a freethrow attempt! Woodson will be gone next year and this game is a true indication of what the Hawks really are this year, a number 4 or 5 seed in the East. they cant beat the big bois!
Brett
December 29th, 2009
9:26 pm
joe johnson reporting for duty.
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
9:26 pm
Hawks need stops and Bibby’s on the floor. Go figure.
Dawgs Man
December 29th, 2009
9:26 pm
We will lose by 30 tomorrow.
jwill
December 29th, 2009
9:26 pm
do it crazy
The Boss
December 29th, 2009
9:27 pm
Lord its hard to be an Atl sports fan.
JM
December 29th, 2009
9:27 pm
If you want to be elite, you’ve got to beat the elite teams on your home floor. In our two biggest home games this year (Orlando and Cleveland) our offense has totally disappeared. It’s looked like a clear case of stage fright in both games.
We’ve come a long way but we haven’t arrived yet.
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:27 pm
hahahahahahaha
daddydog
December 29th, 2009
9:27 pm
Hawks got 6 fouls on Cavs, then went over 10 minutes without driving ball. Who is calling for all jumpshots?
FIRE MIKE WOODSON EXPRESS
December 29th, 2009
9:27 pm
He called two times out and didn’t draw up one set play. And y’all really want to keep him around???? I’M CONFUSED.
jwill
December 29th, 2009
9:27 pm
lurch with the dagger
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
9:27 pm
Lurch sends em to the aisles.
The Boss
December 29th, 2009
9:28 pm
Good Night!
atmdawg
December 29th, 2009
9:28 pm
Leave JJ at home tomorrow. Start Crawford. I just can not believe how bad he plays in big games.
Mike Hunt
December 29th, 2009
9:28 pm
what a choke job! hawks can beat the average teams. can’t hang with the good teams. lack of size, lack of heart, lack of a leader on the court. hawks = average team at best. like all atlanta pro sports teams. average to slightly below average.
Atl Hawks
December 29th, 2009
9:28 pm
“that’ll pretty much do it”
yeah, we kinda new that when the team gave up at the end of the 3rd. I can’t believe these guys get paid to quit like that.
J.J.M.
December 29th, 2009
9:28 pm
hawks will get blown out tomorrow
FIRE MIKE WOODSON EXPRESS
December 29th, 2009
9:29 pm
dawgfan13 can’t agree more lol.
dawgfan13
December 29th, 2009
9:29 pm
Expect at least a 20 point loss tomorrow in Cleveland because Lebron will go off! he has 14 points tonight and they won the game easily! Tomorrow he will have at least 30 with a 20 point win. The Hawks wont recover from this by tomorrow night.
Brett
December 29th, 2009
9:29 pm
prime games this season at home (ORL and CLV)- total collapse in 2nd half in both
Pete
December 29th, 2009
9:29 pm
Atlanta , see you tomorrow night! Dress warm it is cold up here, but not as cold as your shooting!! THIS is our year!!! Go Cavs!!
FIRE MIKE WOODSON EXPRESS
December 29th, 2009
9:30 pm
WILKINS JUST SAID THE SAME THING. TO MANY JUMP SHOTS THIS HALF. NOT ONE SET PLAY DRAWIN UP. HE WAS TO BUSY DROPING THE F BOMB.
jwill
December 29th, 2009
9:30 pm
lebrons a dick
The Boss
December 29th, 2009
9:30 pm
Giving JJ the BIG money would be as pitiful as 11 million over 10 year per for Kovy!
Forget them both!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
atmdawg
December 29th, 2009
9:30 pm
You better get it this year Pete. Because your best player will be headed to NY after this year. You guys will sux again.
MAD-DONNA
December 29th, 2009
9:31 pm
THIS TEAM IS A TOTAL FARCE! ABSOLUTELY NO HEART! 42-42 MAYBE!
jwill
December 29th, 2009
9:31 pm
Enter your comments here
FIRE MIKE WOODSON EXPRESS
December 29th, 2009
9:32 pm
Rick Sund will look back on this game and say Mike Woodson is a douch.
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
9:32 pm
Hawks inabilty to score in the half court game is a coaching issue.
whitedawg
December 29th, 2009
9:32 pm
Wisconson beating up on Miami.
How about that ACC!
The Boss
December 29th, 2009
9:33 pm
Max contract for Sonny Clusters would be Spirits best move!
atmdawg
December 29th, 2009
9:33 pm
ACC is a joke. GT would be no better then 6th in the SEC
Damon Evans
December 29th, 2009
9:34 pm
Jeff, is Mike related to Henry?
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
9:34 pm
Sund just drew a diagonal line through four vertical lines.
Pete
December 29th, 2009
9:34 pm
By the way, Atlanta we respect you but despise the Celtics. Please beat Boston! They are the team that deserves to be hated!
MAD-DONNA
December 29th, 2009
9:34 pm
IS THIS REALLY WHAT THEY PRACTICE????????
The Boss
December 29th, 2009
9:34 pm
Dogs suck..take that crap elsewhere.
Mike Hunt
December 29th, 2009
9:34 pm
Joe Johnson doesn’t show up for the big games. Period. Hawks MIGHT make it to the second round of the playoffs. I feel a bad January coming on for this team. No leader on the court. No inside game. Cleveland totally owned the boards tonight. Hawks fell into the half-court game and could not compete with a much more physical Cav team. Tomorrow night will be brutal.
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 29th, 2009
9:35 pm
“It’s just one game, yada…” January could be a very long month.
atmdawg
December 29th, 2009
9:35 pm
Pete, I hate Boston too. But LJ has no heart and will leave a great city for greed.
MAD-DONNA
December 29th, 2009
9:37 pm
…AND THEY WONDER WHY THE FANS DON’T COME OUT TO SEE THEM?
Pete
December 29th, 2009
9:38 pm
We’ll cross that bridge when the time comes! For now we are making our move to the top of the East. It was frustrating to have the best record last year , but not the best team.
whitedawg
December 29th, 2009
9:38 pm
If I were the Joke by Coke, I wouldn’t want to talk about it either.
Sonny Clusters
December 29th, 2009
9:38 pm
Clusters could probably coach a little if needed. We was always watching Coach and trying to learn from him. We was planning on being a nuclear scientist and Jeff was planning on being a coach but we both got sidetracked. We could coach enough to tell them they was only shooting jump shots that wasn’t dropping. They was some nice tattoos out there on the court and we couldn’t even see the sportswriters where they was sitting. Mama Clusters wouldn’t want us to get tattooed so we will probably need to stick with baseball. Pitchers and catchers report February 18.
atmdawg
December 29th, 2009
9:38 pm
This Hawks team was built to run…they are too small and do not match up with the Cavs. We match up better with the Celtics or Orlando.
FIRE MIKE WOODSON EXPRESS
December 29th, 2009
9:38 pm
Why no set plays?
The Boss
December 29th, 2009
9:39 pm
Whitedog, the fries are ready, the line in drive thru long, get back to work bud!
woodie
December 29th, 2009
9:40 pm
Wow- there is a of anger on here. Settle down people and don’t let a ballgame ruin your life.
MAD-DONNA
December 29th, 2009
9:41 pm
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSE FOR PLAYING THAT WAY…..ESPECIALLY AT HOME!
whitedawg
December 29th, 2009
9:42 pm
deflect, deflect, deflect from the issue at hand.
Psychology101
Mike Hunt
December 29th, 2009
9:43 pm
Pete – Guess it will be even more frustrating when it happens again this season. Nobody will beat the Lakers. Write it down.
whitedawg
December 29th, 2009
9:44 pm
Wisconson putting a beatdown on Miami.
Wisconson! Can you believe that?
Pete
December 29th, 2009
9:44 pm
Mike, guess you didn’t see the game on Christmas
FIRE MIKE WOODSON EXPRESS
December 29th, 2009
9:44 pm
WOODSON JUST SAID HE THOUGHT THEY PLAYED PRETTY WELL.
FIRE MIKE WOODSON EXPRESS
December 29th, 2009
9:47 pm
WOODSON THINKS IT VERY FUNNY IN POST GAME.
FIRE MIKE WOODSON EXPRESS
December 29th, 2009
9:48 pm
Woodson saids he couldn’t draw up a set play because he hasn’t had to draw one up all yeah. ARE YOU JOKING ME??
Atl Hawks
December 29th, 2009
9:50 pm
“Wisconsin putting a beatdown on Miami.”
when one touchdown can put them back in the game, it’s not a beatdown. Maybe by Wisconsin standards, a 10 point lead is a beatdown.
Ken
December 29th, 2009
9:52 pm
I truly beleive that JJ quit after the first quarter when he saw Crawford taking over the scoring load. There is a problem on this team. In that forth quarter they all started playing completely selfish basketball. Under pressure these problems surface because character is revealed under adversity. To go over eight minutes on your home floor in the biggest game of the season is totally insane. Coach Woodson again continued to play Bibby when he gave them nothing tonight. I don’t think Teague saw the floor at all even when it was clear that Bibby could not guard anyone all night. I hope they compete tommorow in Cleveland. Forth seed in the east at best unless problem areas are addressed.
Pete
December 29th, 2009
9:54 pm
remember- we will add Leon Powe for the stretch run this year-not Joe Smith!
JohnnyWalking
December 29th, 2009
9:57 pm
Yeah right Sund did a great job this off season. I hear that 1 more time im gonna puke. Crawford scores but no D whatso evvaaa. His +/- was -26, but they lose by 11. WTF??? You see why Cleveland let Head Smith go.
We are left with Morris and Dunkin doenutts eatin Collins for Bigs. We need a DAMN CENTER. MANNNN. They put TWO seven footers on the floor and our tallest player on the court is 6′8. Joe Johnson n Bibby….. No comment needed. 10 POINTS in a Quarter??? 2 in the first 8 mins of the 4th???? They wonder why this place has 9,000 on game nights? Whats the plan for this OFFSEASON?? Get some damn Bigs that can play and some guards that WANT to be here and WILL play D. Pleaseeee..
One of the best records my eye. Against who???
playmeortrademe
December 29th, 2009
10:04 pm
Meet the new Hawks, same as the old Hawks.
Woodson is no head coach. Dump him, get someone in here that can coach a young athletic team before it’s too late.
Meek
December 29th, 2009
10:05 pm
I knew that would happen…Jamal showed up to play, but what happened to Joe? Joe MUST reach at least 25+ points for the Hawks to keep their confidence.
To JohnnyWalking: Lol! Hey, give Collins a break, will ya?
willie martinez
December 29th, 2009
10:30 pm
some great defense in this game!
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2009
11:09 pm
Folks, the Hawks’ game column has been reposted and updated if you want to shift commenting over there. Thanks. What a disappointment, huh? And has anybody seen Joe Johnson?
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2009/12/29/hawks-saved-their-worst-for-rematch-with-cavaliers/
Mike Hunt
December 30th, 2009
8:08 am
Pete – actually, I didn’t. Game on Christmas or NBA Finals? We know the Lakers will be there. Not sure about the Cavs. Like someone said above, this is your last shot. Better make it happen this season. After that, it’s back to the middle of the pack for the Cavs.