Hawks quit on season (and Joe doesn’t care what you think)
If one picture can say it all for the plight of Joe Johnson and the Hawks, this is it. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
Let’s start with the obvious: The Orlando Magic are better. They have a center. They have a point guard. They have a roster of players with complete sets of working organs, and isn’t that a novelty?
But sometimes things happen in sports that make you declare, “Push the button and blow the whole damn thing up.” This was one of them.
In a home playoff game, in an obvious desperation game, in a game where the Hawks had an opportunity to show us what substance they were made of, they collectively screamed, “Goo.” They didn’t score. They didn’t defend. They didn’t rebound. They didn’t compete.
We saw better performances when bodies were being jettisoned and the roster was all about 10-day contracts and cap space.
Down 2-0 in their second-round playoff series against Orlando, the Hawks tossed on a little seasoning, propelled themselves onto a rotisserie and told the Magic, “Flip the switch.” They trailed by 10 points after one quarter, 19 after two and 24 after three. A small gathering of fans at Philips Arena stuck it out until the end of Saturday’s 105-75 loss, perhaps hoping it would earn them some sort of refund.
Sorry. Payback will have to come in the afterlife. If you need to know what that’s like, just ask the Hawks. They’ve flat-lined. They’re down 3-0. Their backs aren’t against the wall. They’re on the floor.
Wait. It gets worse.
Al Horford, the best hope this franchise has for a leader, openly questioned his teammates’ heart.
“Effort. Effort — that’s all it is,” he said. “Guys can say all they want about coverages and all this. But it came down to effort — [not] going for loose balls early in the game, missing rebounds when they missed shots.”
And then: “It’s frustrating. I’m not the kind of person who’s going to go out there and point people out. I’ll let them know. But you’re not going to see me cursing somebody out. They know what they have to do, and it’s frustrating when the effort is not there.”
Wait. It gets even worse.
Joe “Max Money” Johnson might have permanently torched bridges with both the Hawks and the city of Atlanta. On the court, he shot only 3-for-15 and scored eight points. In the past six games, he has shot 31.2 percent (30-of-96) and averaged 11.5 points. His scoring totals in the last half-dozen: 13, 22, 8, 8, 10, 8.
“These guys look to me for guidance, and when you’re playing like that, it’s almost impossible for us to win,” Johnson said.
He was half-right. Pretty sure his teammates stopped looking to him for guidance long ago.
Before these playoffs, Johnson was determined to prove he belonged among the NBA’s elite players. He certainly has removed all doubt, but not in the way he has hoped. Even Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy said, “Yeah, we’re double-teaming him some in the post, but he’s getting shots he would normally make.”
How does Johnson follow this performance? He basically tells Hawks fans that he doesn’t care what they think.
The Hawks were booed often, including as they were leaving the court at halftime and after the game. When asked about this, the “team leader” unloaded this gem: “They don’t bother me. It’s about us in this locker room. We could care less if they showed up or not.”
Good news, Joe. The arena might be half-empty for Game 4 on Monday night.
It’s the Hawks’ worst home loss of the season.
It’s their worst home playoff loss in franchise history.
If nothing else, coach Hawks coach Mike Woodson gets points for best summation: “Tonight was just non-existence.”
He looked defeated afterward. He looked like he knew the end was coming — for both his team and himself.
If Johnson has made a loud statement in this postseason about what he is worth, what kind of statement has Woodson made? He was outcoached by Scott Skiles in the first round and so far by Stan Van Gundy in this round, if for no other reason than Van Gundy is getting maximum effort out of his players.
Do Hawks’ players look like they’re fighting to save their coach’s job?
It doesn’t matter that Orlando is better. It matters that Orlando is the only team that showed up. The other one has checked out.
♦
Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC and on Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC
♦
Earlier Hawks posts
♦ We’re live from Hawks-Magic: Can they make it a series?
♦ Thumbs up or down: Josh Childress a Hawk again?
♦ Hawks show their best side in desperate times again
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591 comments Add your comment
cloudy
May 9th, 2010
12:29 am
PLease don’t blame the fans for the poor performances of this team. They make a lot of money; the fans have every right to expect them to come to play; to play for 4 quarters; to not QUIT. And they did quit.
Greg
May 9th, 2010
12:29 am
The guy at the linked article is a MORON. The Hawks averaged 90% capacity for the year so wouldn’t it make sense that most of that same 90% attended this game? Wouldn’t that give them the right to boo?
As for the OKC comparison, that team played the Lakers a very competitive series….almost taking them to 7 games. What have the Hawks done in comparison. This isn’t about winning as much as it is NOT COMPETING.
These guys make millions of dollars each year. They are supposed to be professionals – it would be nice if they acted like it….on and off the court.
BBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Vick Supporter
May 9th, 2010
12:30 am
@Numb2daGame
Show me a post where I brought up race
jim
May 9th, 2010
12:31 am
Embarrasing—Woodson and Johnson should be gone–maybe B4 the next game. Get rid of Marvin also.
START ALL OVER!!!!!
Jim
Vick Supporter
May 9th, 2010
12:31 am
Greg
OKC had 99% capacity for the SEASON. Get it right
Suns Fan
May 9th, 2010
12:31 am
I was sad when JJ left for ATL but knew then that he is not a #1. He is a 3rd option on a good team.
He cannot carry a team. A #1 leads by example, sure….but also needs to be a vocal leader. “Do as
I say AND Do as I do”. Hawks have talent…..just need a coach that…..well…..coaches. Get Avery Johnson
and you guys will be just fine.
Taylor
May 9th, 2010
12:31 am
Vick supporter is just one of those guys who wants to argue with everyone, weak stuff
Vick Supporter
May 9th, 2010
12:32 am
cloudy
May 9th, 2010
12:29 am
PLease don’t blame the fans for the poor performances of this team. They make a lot of money; the fans have every right to expect them to come to play; to play for 4 quarters; to not QUIT. And they did quit.
————————-
The Hawks got their asses beat. plain and simple
bobo
May 9th, 2010
12:33 am
Fan “support”, like friendship, is earned and lost based on experiences. Hawks did have great support back in Wilkins day-they eaned it. Frankly, they may have lost a lot of it when they booted him (right or wrong). Hawk’s were starting to earn it back,but their play and attitude has created a backslide.
Atlanta is a tough loyalty city,but check out GA football and see if it’s the city’s problem.
Abraham Lincoln
May 9th, 2010
12:34 am
Sure, Atlanta fans leave something to be desired on many occasions, but Joe should keep his mouth shut. Like a good slave hand.
The team needs to be reconfigured with Horford and Smith as the core plus Teague if he demonstrates he’s capable.
Duckbutt is a waste of time at this point. Bibby is too old. JJ too expensive.
Taylor
May 9th, 2010
12:34 am
They didn’t just get their asses beat. They QUIT!! Are you stupid? No team should lose by 30 @ home in a 2 vs 3 match up. Whenever times get tough they QUIT and FOLD see Golden State loss see Dallas loss see cleveland loss @ cleveland. I could go on and on
Vick Supporter
May 9th, 2010
12:35 am
Taylor
May 9th, 2010
12:31 am
Vick supporter is just one of those guys who wants to argue with everyone, weak stuff
—————-
Who am I arguing with? I would love to fight this Mike Hunt guy though…I did say that
Taylor
May 9th, 2010
12:35 am
You would love to fight someone…that’s classy
Greg
May 9th, 2010
12:36 am
I said the Hawks were at 90% capacity. OKC is a new franchise and a city that has never had any type of professional sports team previously. When you combine that with the fact that they have a first team all-NBA player in Durant and they haven’t had the habit yet of getting dominated by the better teams in the league, then it’s not a real comparison. Apples to oranges.
All tonight did was validate that the Hawks don’t deserve the city of Atlanta’s support. Try harder…
Orlando Magic News & Notes: | Howard the Dunk | An Orlando Magic Blog
May 9th, 2010
12:36 am
[...] You can find that story here. [...]
Vick Supporter
May 9th, 2010
12:36 am
Taylor
May 9th, 2010
12:34 am
They didn’t just get their asses beat. They QUIT!! Are you stupid? No team should lose by 30 @ home in a 2 vs 3 match up. Whenever times get tough they QUIT and FOLD see Golden State loss see Dallas loss see cleveland loss @ cleveland. I could go on and on
————————-
Question: Who do the Hawks have that can guard Dwight Howard. Cmon expert. Tell me
bobo
May 9th, 2010
12:37 am
Agree that racism still lives and some here prove that.Please don’t confuse all of us who may not agee with you with these idiots.
Vick Supporter
May 9th, 2010
12:37 am
All tonight did was validate that the Hawks don’t deserve the city of Atlanta’s support. Try harder…
————
Well stay your ass at home.
Taylor
May 9th, 2010
12:38 am
Dwight Howard is worth a 30 point difference? didn’t think so, he was in foul trouble and they still could not do anything. When it gets tough they fold
Dog_Bits_Vick
May 9th, 2010
12:38 am
@Vick Supporter
You think you all that, trashing the fans and posters. But I haven’t heard you say a thing about how the Hawks have played. So, what do you think? Come on, inquiring minds want to know, Have they played good, bad or ugly? You seem to have an opinion about everything else, tell us what you think about the Hawks Play, After all, that’s what this is all about.
Vick Supporter
May 9th, 2010
12:39 am
bobo
May 9th, 2010
12:37 am
Agree that racism still lives and some here prove that.Please don’t confuse all of us who may not agee with you with these idiots.
—————-
I’m not even talking about race…I’m getting attacked over a username that I refuse to change and my stance on JJ being correct…thats as far as I’m going to take it………
Tiger
May 9th, 2010
12:40 am
The Hawks couldnt even beat an AAU team. Four words Avery Johnson, Byron Scott.
lovedthehawkssincemaravich
May 9th, 2010
12:40 am
why is race beong brought into this? I cheered Mike Vick, until he proved personally unworthy of the cheers, and I have loved the Hawks since the 70’s; but, that does not mean they didn’t quit. Yes I said quit. They are a heartless bunch that show up when they get ready. They are just as likely to win by 25 or lose by 40. They give inconsistant effort. As for Joe Johnson, he is one of the most overrated players I have ever seen. He is mediocre. The team would be better off with him gone playing Crawford as the starting 2. The reason the fans quit on this team is they know, if the Hawks can’t get by on pure athleticism, they are about to get blown out…be it the Bullets or the Magic. Yes this team won 53 games this year; but, they are the most inconsistant 50 win team in the history of the NBA….want the fans support?…briong in some Dominque Wilkens, Dan Roundfield, Doc Rivers, Lou Hudson type plaers that can be counted on when the game is played above athleticism.
Hawks Coach Hewitt
May 9th, 2010
12:41 am
who gives two s#@ts about the NBA and the Hawks??? The no effort league. All I know is that there is a GREAT basketball coach down on the Flats. Here’s hoping the Hawks wise up and hire him so the only REAL basketball team in town can end its Groundhog Day mediocrity.
Hawksfan2010
May 9th, 2010
12:41 am
I say we keep Marvin, Crawford, and Horford. I don’t think that Josh Smith is coachable. We get a decent big man and a good coach and we will be in business. The jury is still out on Teague. I think that with the right coach Marvin Williams can be a very good player. He needs a coach that will challenge him. Woody let these guys develop too many bad habits that he didn’t break them out of. I mean you can’t argue that we don’t have talent. For too long the guys had to defer to JJ on offense and it was a detriment to their games.
Taylor
May 9th, 2010
12:41 am
Your user name is nothing but a way to bait people. I am sure you are one of the fools trashing matt ryan when the falcons boards open up
Vick Supporter
May 9th, 2010
12:41 am
Vick Supporter
May 9th, 2010
12:32 am
cloudy
May 9th, 2010
12:29 am
PLease don’t blame the fans for the poor performances of this team. They make a lot of money; the fans have every right to expect them to come to play; to play for 4 quarters; to not QUIT. And they did quit.
————————-
The Hawks got their asses beat. plain and simple
—————
@Dog_Bits_Vick . Does that answer your question?
marko
May 9th, 2010
12:42 am
JJ priced himself out of having fans.
Fans don’t want to hear about someone with a huge contract unless they are one of the best 2-3 players in the league. JJ doesn’t deserve the big contract that he will end up getting. Everyone knows that, including JJ and his agent.
bigrig
May 9th, 2010
12:42 am
We must remember JJ has never been a proven number one star. This was a good year but we must make changes. The goal of playing in the NBA is to win the title not go to the playoffs.
Vick Supporter
May 9th, 2010
12:42 am
@Taylor
You must be new here. I’ve used this username for 5yrs. If you don’t like my comments, don’t reply to them. Its simple
Taylor
May 9th, 2010
12:44 am
I am well aware of you saying you have used it for 5 years, you are the problem with sports fans in ATL. Most care about INDIVIDUALS, not the team. I am sure you were jumping up and down when the he scored on the falcons
Vick Supporter
May 9th, 2010
12:44 am
@Taylor
Find a post (except one) where I specifically talked about Vick. Please show me
Taylor
May 9th, 2010
12:45 am
obviously you have not talked about him on the Hawks blog, that would make zero sense
P. Bull Terrier
May 9th, 2010
12:45 am
It looks like Atlanta owes Steve Belkin an apology. Turns out he was right about JJ.
For the record, I admit to being a fair weather Hawks fan. Years ago I used to go to 20 – 25 games a year, but the only game I’ve attended since the Hawks traded ‘Nique was Dominique Wilkins appreciation night. Since then I’ve tried to get excited about the Hawks, but every time they get close to bringing me back into the building, they come up with something like this series against Orlando.
Since JJ doesn’t understand where the money that he makes comes from, he wouldn’t care that thousands of people like me would love to get excited and fill the stands supporting a team that gave it’s full effort to winning. Since I do understand where Joe’s money comes from, he won’t be getting any of it from me.
Astro
May 9th, 2010
12:46 am
**** Joe Johnson and **** the Hawks!
melancholy
May 9th, 2010
12:46 am
Hey while were all venting and brainstorming, what about this plan? 1) Get rid of Woody and hire Avery Johnson, contrary to popular belief A.J. coached Dallas better than any other coach and made Dirk even look tough. 2)If you must get rid of Joe Johnson sign and trade him for Joakim Noah and John Salmons. You get the center we been looking for plus he hustles and defends and reunite him with Al Horford. John Salmons is a good defender and has come into his own offensively this season. 3)Please, please get rid of Bibby. Now problem solved. Compete next year in the NBA final.
Vick Supporter
May 9th, 2010
12:46 am
Taylor
May 9th, 2010
12:44 am
I am well aware of you saying you have used it for 5 years, you are the problem with sports fans in ATL. Most care about INDIVIDUALS, not the team. I am sure you were jumping up and down when the he scored on the falcons
——————————————-
Yep, I sure was. We’re talking about the Hawks, not the Falcons. yes, I hate the Falcons. Everyone on here knows that. Nothing new. Not something that needs to be discussed on a hawks blog, yet you keep talking about Vick. Let it go
Astro
May 9th, 2010
12:46 am
Enter your comments here
Taylor
May 9th, 2010
12:47 am
Why do you hate the falcons?
Chuck Uga
May 9th, 2010
12:47 am
Know what Jeffie, no one cares what you writers write either. I didn’t bother to read your column, because the fact is the Hawks are as good as they are going to get, and when Joe Johnson leaves for another team, this squad will be finished (NO PLAYOFFS in 2011…BOOK IT). Ownership of the Hawks is about as comical as ownership of the Braves. Just try and get ‘em into the playoffs to sell some tickets…without every intending to field a true championship contender. Mike Woodson, well, he’s gotten as far as he is going to get as a head coach. Thank goodness for the Falcons and Arthur Blank, otherwise we would be known as Loserville all over again.
bobo
May 9th, 2010
12:47 am
Re dog bits like short come routines?
bobo
May 9th, 2010
12:48 am
Comedy,eg.
Vick Supporter
May 9th, 2010
12:48 am
Taylor
May 9th, 2010
12:45 am
obviously you have not talked about him on the Hawks blog, that would make zero sense
———————-
Well why are you saying I’m baiting people? I’m not talking about Vick at all. There’s no point…this is a hawks blog and I am a Hawks fan
Vick Supporter
May 9th, 2010
12:49 am
Cmon Taylor…your lie should be coming any minute now….
Taylor
May 9th, 2010
12:50 am
Chuck, there are pages and pages of comments, someone must care
Morehouse guy
May 9th, 2010
12:50 am
Josh and Al both played well and showed a lot of heart in game 3, but sometimes you just run into a buzzsaw and thats just the way it is.
Taylor
May 9th, 2010
12:50 am
my lie? I just asked why you hated the falcons?
Greg
May 9th, 2010
12:51 am
Vick supporter, I live in Richmond, but I wouldn’t be wasting my money on these fool players and coaches if I still lived there. In that respect, I’m just like any other fan….if I’m going to spend my money to support a team play, I don’t think it’s at all unreasonable to expect them give maximum effort and be entertained. Do you think the Hawks gave maximum effort tonight and were you entertained?
Like I said before, these guys are supposed to be professionals and they get paid handsomely for that ….which means they “should” take pride in theirself and their work…..not be blaming others or getting their feelings hurt because people rightfully express displeasure. Character, integrity, accountability – traits the Hawks and their coach are missing. If you can’t see that and understand it, then I guess you have the same problem.
Munchdawg
May 9th, 2010
12:51 am
I think that instead of booing Joe Johnson when he is announced at Monday’s game, everyone (assuming there will be other fans there also…lol) should just be EXTREMELY silent. I think that would be more awkward than being booed. Booing would show emotion but to be able to hear a pin drop when his name is announced would reciprocate the “couldn’t care less” feeling. On another note, even though the Spurs were down 0-2 and now 0-3, you did NOT and will NOT see them taking plays off and showing no effort. It’s all about expectations. Many times, players will play FOR their coach even when they don’t feel like playing for themselves. With coaches like Poppovich and Sloan, if you don’t go all out, you get to watch the game from the sideline.
Taylor
May 9th, 2010
12:51 am
yes morehouse guy, sometime you run into a buzzsaw and just stop running the floor on defense like Josh Smith, did you not see Hubie Brown ripping him?