Magic wake up and Hawks show their ugly former selves
When J.J. Redick made five straight shots in the first half, Hawks knew it would be a long night.
ORLANDO – Remember these guys?
This is what you feared. Not a game, but a cartoon. Not a loss, but four quarters of exploding body parts.
For most of four playoff games against Orlando, we saw what the Hawks were capable of. Then we saw what we already knew they were capable of because they showed it all too often during their bipolar season.
Before the game was half over Tuesday night, the Hawks trailed by 10, then 15, then 25, and then everybody pretty much stopped paying attention. Now the doubt is back in Atlanta, and the hope is back in Orlando.
The final score was Magic 101, Hawks 76. It would’ve been worse if Orlando hadn’t put it in cruise control early.
The Hawks lost by 25, and Dwight Howard wasn’t even a factor. He scored eight points.
Remember these guys?
There’s only one positive if you’re the Hawks. It counts as only one loss. This remains a very winnable series. They lead it 3-2, and they can still wrap up this playoff series Thursday night at Philips Arena. That would be a good idea because winning a Game 7 back in Orlando generally doesn’t show up on the blueprint.
“Clearly we lost our composure,” coach Larry Drew said, referencing a 26-13 first-quarter deficit. “We did not play with the poise that I thought we would.”
The looks on faces of Josh Smith, Joe Johnson and Zaza Pachulia say it all. The question: Can Hawks avoid a hangover? (Orlando Sentinel)
The Hawks said all the right things before the game. They wanted to close out the series here. They wanted to play like the desperate team. They wanted to take the Orlando crowd out of it early. Then the game started, and they wound up eating those words.
“They were the hungrier team,” Jamal Crawford said. “If they lose, their summer starts tomorrow, and they played like it. We didn’t. We’re just lucky it’s not a round-robin tournament and the points don’t carry over.”
“I actually think we did come out a little desperate,” Al Horford said. “But we rushed things at the offensive end. We missed shots and they made shots, and then we could just never really get into a flow. That was it.”
The Hawks weren’t dominating the Magic at 3-1. But the fact Orlando led for only 42 minutes of the first 192 minutes of this series said something. Stan Van Gundy, the Magic coach, acknowledged he was out of ideas.
“We’ve played 29 different lineups,” he said before the game. “I’m not sure how many more possibilities there are.”
The Hawks didn’t play great at every moment in every game in the first four. But we saw how defensive intensity, effort and the occasional forearm shiver can go a long way in the postseason. It can make up for offensive liabilities. It certainly can prevent things like 41-point losses to New Orleans.
But the “Bad Hawks” returned. Orlando pushed the pace and shot better than at any point in the series. The Magic made 11 of 26 3-pointers (42.3 percent) after making 21 of 96 (21.9 percent) in the first four.
They made three of their first 14 shots, then they made 17 of 30 to close the first half and outscored the Hawks 48-26 to take a 58-35 lead.
The Hawks, conversely, were a mess on offense (36.2 percent). Joe Johnson’s night: 2-for-12 (five points). Crawford’s night: 2-for-8 (eight points). The team’s night from 3-point range: 4-for-16.
Something you never expected also happened: J.J. Redick changed the series. He made his first five shots. He started hitting — scoring 11 consecutive Orlando points at one point — and then everybody started hitting. Jason Richardson. Ryan Anderson. Even Hedo Turkoglu, who had been thrown under the bus during media sessions this series by both his coach and his general manager (Otis Smith).
After the win, Van Gundy was predictably cautious: “We did what we had to do, but all we did was cut the lead. It’s like we cut a 20-point lead to 12.”
But what kind of hangover will this leave in the Hawks’ locker room? They didn’t react well to the onslaught. They didn’t get hands in the faces of shooters. They couldn’t slow the pace and, consequently, were not as physical.
What next?
“I don’t expect any hangover,” Horford said. “We’ll go back to Atlanta, and Philips Arena will be rocking and we’ll try to close this out.”
They’re still in control. But as always, it depends which of the team’s personalities show up.
By Jeff Schultz
♦
Earlier today: Digi-Blog previews Hawks and Magic, game 5
Earlier today: LIVE BLOG: Hawks try to close out Magic (honest)
Earlier today: Cam Newton offered $1 million if he passes lie detector (Update II)
♦
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118 comments Add your comment
Najeh Davenpoop
April 26th, 2011
10:52 pm
At least the Braves are winning.
Same Old Hawks
April 26th, 2011
10:56 pm
“I don’t expect any hangover,”
i don’t either .. i expect they’ll lose some other way
Stan Van vs Larry D
April 26th, 2011
10:59 pm
The hawks did what they couldn’t afford to do. Get blown out. This series is over. Orlando wins it 4-3.
N Dub
April 26th, 2011
11:01 pm
Those were the Hawks we know and loathe. About time they showed up.
tyler
April 26th, 2011
11:01 pm
Not at all surprised by this performance…..they played as if they knew it wasn’t life or death…they played this game like they played the last 6 games of the regular season. There’s something fundamentally wrong with this team’s approach to games like this. LD has no clue how to motivate these guys and says as much after losing time and time again. When a head coach looks as clueless after an embarrassing performance as he does after a huge win…chances are it’s not the guy you want in charge.
J.J.M.
April 26th, 2011
11:02 pm
why is josh always smellin is upper lip?
Freshfromatl
April 26th, 2011
11:10 pm
I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!
I had a funny feeling the whole day something like this would happen SMH.
UGASlobberknocker
April 26th, 2011
11:13 pm
Jeff you should get hazardous duty pay having to watch that debacle live.
UGASlobberknocker
April 26th, 2011
11:14 pm
Dont look now but Josh just missed another three
GT Trumpet
April 26th, 2011
11:14 pm
I was going to watch this game on tv, but was unable to due to studying. I’m really glad I missed this blowout. Orlando wins 4-3.
Dr. Warren
April 26th, 2011
11:14 pm
I actually thought this would happen on Sunday, but it got delayed two days. Uh, go Hawks.
Jesse
April 26th, 2011
11:15 pm
No team that has ever won a championship got blown out like this on their road to the Finals, I’d assume.
buick59
April 26th, 2011
11:18 pm
I believe that in NBA playoff history only 8 teams have come from 3-1 down to win a series….could # 9 be two games away….hey they made playoff history last year…why not add to that. Really wish the team would just relocate…Atlanta has enough problems to deal with.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
April 26th, 2011
11:18 pm
Enter your comments here
#1 hawks fan
April 26th, 2011
11:19 pm
My my my. It’s funny how people change based on one game. When you are winning everyone is in your corner and rooting you own but the minute you lose people jump off the boat. I hate the hawks have to deal with such fairweather fans. Where is the support! What we should be saying is, we will get them in game 6. The magic is a good team and they was due for a good game but the series will end on thursday. Will the real hawks fan stand up and show your true support for the home team at Phillips on Thursday.
PeaceDog
April 26th, 2011
11:25 pm
Good luck guys. Its do or die in Atlanta. I hope that our shooting will be hot on Thursday.
snoopy
April 26th, 2011
11:25 pm
Good Grief – One game!! If you lose by 1 or 31 it’s a loss!!
Quit being so fair weather… & Quit your belly aching!!
Birds rap this baby up in Phillips Thirsty Night!!
dave
April 26th, 2011
11:26 pm
seems like every ATL team prefers being the underdog. Once they get to a point where everyone believes, then they lose. In keeping with this theory, the national media will now go back to their original expectation ( that Orlando will win the series), so now the Hawks become the underdog again, thus winning game 6.
jack bauer
April 26th, 2011
11:28 pm
This series was 2!!!!!!! 3 pointers away from being a 4-1 series win. 2!!!!!! Unless the magic go 3-25 again from 3 point we are done. And did anyone else see Josh Exlax talking trash after knocking down a jumper to cut it to 21? Like Chris Rock said, ain’t nobody above an arse whoopin! – hh
Jeff Schultz
April 26th, 2011
11:32 pm
UGASlobberknocker — Unfortunately salary doesn’t change, good games or bad. Hazard pay would’ve been nice tonight.
Seeer
April 26th, 2011
11:33 pm
Have no fear, Underdog is here!! Hawks win Thursday night by 5 in a thriller! Should be fun!
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
April 26th, 2011
11:33 pm
(P)utrid, (U)gly, (R)idiculous, (E)gregious,
(I)diotic, (N)onchalant, (S)urrendering, (A)cquiescing, (N)e’er-do-well, (I)neffectual, (T)urrible, (E)ffortless
pure insanity for this type of display from coaches and players.
joey1
April 26th, 2011
11:38 pm
come on guys,
i know we just got beat up but did we expect to win in a do or die situation against orlando on their home floor???
the difference was they hit shots and we did not …..it simple they hit 7 more 3 pointes than us thats enough to put us in a very close game.
hawks will win at home thursday in a tough game bc they know if they lose they will not win in game 7 in orlando.
i think with howard on the floor that slows down their offense, if hes in the game they dont shoot as many 3 pointers we cover them better bc of ono on one coverage of howard.
i said before the series hawks win in 6 and they will close it out in front of a spectacular crowd..
so guys lets show up to phillips arena a cheer on our hawks to win, bc we are the sixth man
GT Alum
April 26th, 2011
11:38 pm
# 1 hawks fan and snoopy -
Actually, lots of people were wondering if the Hawks would play at least one game like this in the playoffs. It’s not like this is the first time this team has gotten blown out this season, and it was generally against worse teams than Orlando. This team occasionally phones it in, and, if they can’t hit jumpers, they tend to be in trouble.
Oh, and yes, snoopy, it counts as a L either way, but if you don’t think Orlando has more confidence after winning like this than they would winning by 1 point, then you are deluding yourself.
GT Alum
April 26th, 2011
11:45 pm
joey1 -
It’s not that they didn’t win. It’s that they didn’t even compete.
Oh, and that stuff about Howard being off the floor letting them run is bull. Howard’s been off the floor with foul trouble before, and they didn’t run like that. The reason Orlando got fast breaks is because the Hawks weren’t hitting shots, so the Magic got the rebounds and were off to the races. That, and the Hawks turned the ball over twice as much as Orlando did. Also, the Magic only had 3 more fast break points than the Hawks, so it’s not like Orlando scored so much more easily because they were beating the defense down the floor. The Hawks just didn’t play defense the same way tonight that they did the first 4 games.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
April 26th, 2011
11:46 pm
(P)utrid, (U)gly, (R)idiculous, (E)gregious
(I)diotic, (N)onchalant, (S)urrendering, (A)cquiescing, (N)e’re-do-wells, (I)neffectual, (T)urrible (Y)early
pure insanity – on the coaches for not making defensive adjustments and for the players for lacking the killer instinct to close this one out.
merbertmoover
April 26th, 2011
11:46 pm
man, all i hear is “hate hate hate”, dang guys! chill out! wheres the support? wheres the love? it was a dam frustrating game, but come on, lets get behind our boys for game 6! and all the rest of you haters, go root for the lakers or celtics or some other rich-azz, pretty boy, bandwagon team! get out of the ATL! ill always pull for the hawks no matter what! i got faith that we will put together a game 6 win…..go hawks!!!!
Whopper Dawg
April 26th, 2011
11:47 pm
I didn’t see a second of the game, but let me guess. Lots of none, one or two pass possessions mainly on the parameter that resulted a a late shot clock long range jumper. Any pass to our guys wearing a headband was never seen again. Josh missed a lot of jumpers and seemed determined to bring the ball up the court at times. About right?
Hawks should have lost the last game as well, Orlando just player worse. This team could easily be sitting at home after this round.
Buddy Grizzard
April 26th, 2011
11:49 pm
First quarter before dh gets in foul trouble:
Josh def reb
Josh miss 22-footer
Josh def reb
Josh miss 8-foot hook
Collins def reb
Josh draws foul on Hedo 1-2
Josh draws foul on dh 1-2
Collins fouls dh
ah def reb
jj misses 18-footer
kh misses 25-footer
kh def reb
ah hits 17- footer kh assist
Josh fouls J-Rich
Josh hits 9-foot hook
Josh def reb
ah misses 14-footer
kh makes 18 footer
ah misses 19-footer
Josh off reb
Josh misses layup
Josh blocked bh dh on 5-footer
ah fouls dwight
Josh draws foul on dh 1-2
5:39 1st qtr, Brandon Bass subs in for DWIGHT HOWARD
Orlando leads 10-8
5:33 1st qtr, JAMAL CRAWFORD subs for kh
ah def reb
Jamal misses 23-footer
ah def reb
ah misses 18-footer
4:35 first qtr Zaza subs for ah
Orlando leads 12-9
jj misses 9-foot hook
jamal misses 20-foot jumper
josh misses layup
josh of reb
marv of reb
marv turnover
josh throws pass away
jamal misses 25-footer
2:36 kh subs for josh
Orlando leads 19-9
ah subs for jj
jamal crawford turnover
bass block on ah
marv turnover
ah def reb
marv def reb
zaza makes 2 ft
bass blocks zaza 5-ft hook
zaza turnover
jamal makes 2 ft
End 1st qtr Orlando 26, Hawks 13
Shame on Orlando Sentinel
April 27th, 2011
12:15 am
Has anyone read this article on the Orlando Sentinel website. Not only is the author arrogant and condescending but he is insulting the Hawks calling them ” Atlanta Birdbrains”, “mentally fragile”, “They are still Team Dummy.”
That is as disrespectful as one can get. Shame on Mike Bianchi!
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-bianchi-magic-0427-20110426,0,7657264.column
HawkFanANT
April 27th, 2011
12:26 am
How can a “Coach” who played point guard in this league,not utilize the speed and hustle of Jeff Teague in this series?
Larry Duhh-rew is just killing this kids Confidence!
It just amazes me why Duhh-rew will not put Teague in the game to change the pace. I think that Teague,wilkins and Powell will give us a helluva lot more EFFORT than Josh and Marvin.
Josh Smith is not a jump shooter and Marvin is afraid to play his Size!
Don`t let me get started on the Capt.Me-paid!
But we all knew they were going to tank it tonight.
Duhh-rew needs to look at the other PG`s in the playoffs.
They all have speed and they penetrate and facilitate the Game like PG`s should do….LET JEFF TEAGUE PLAY DAMMIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gwinnett Fred
April 27th, 2011
12:33 am
Please people – have a little conviction in your thoughts, huh?
Just like nobody should have thought the Hawks were all of a sudden a sound team after the first 4 games should think they are back to being worthless after game 5.
If you were proud of the team taking a 3-1 lead, you should be just as proud of them still leading the series 3-2. If not, then you are not a true fan and need to go play video games or something to use up your worthless time.
GO HAWKS – WE’LL TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS THURSDAY NIGHT – I STILL HAVE THE FAITH!!!!!!!!!
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April 27th, 2011
1:06 am
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April 27th, 2011
1:24 am
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MitchC
April 27th, 2011
1:31 am
I didnt see much of the game, only part of it.. but..
I think the “handwriting on the wall is clear”. If the Hawks are going to win this series, they need to do it in Game Six. Even though the Hawks have won one game in Orlando in this series, I just dont see them taking a Game Seven there.
Hopefully, Atlanta can come through.. but.. with as Jekyll Hyde as this team has played this year, nothing would surprise me.
Mike W
April 27th, 2011
1:34 am
#1 hawks fan
My my my. It’s funny how people change based on one game. When you are winning everyone is in your corner and rooting you own but the minute you lose people jump off the boat. I hate the hawks have to deal with such fairweather fans. Where is the support! What we should be saying is, we will get them in game 6. The magic is a good team and they was due for a good game but the series will end on thursday. Will the real hawks fan stand up and show your true support for the home team at Phillips on Thursday.
Co-sign lets go hawks with them through bad or good
JASon
April 27th, 2011
1:41 am
As much as the Hawks have proven they are the better team, as much as they have just outright dominated this series…every aspect of those two things will be erased if they lose the next game.
M
April 27th, 2011
1:58 am
Mike W @ 1;34am blog I totally agree with you. I know the Magic are a good team too. I just want to see us put teams away when we can. The mistakes are for us to learn from to get to the next level. The Bulls are not a joke. I would like to see the Hawks win the NBA Championship “This Year man”. But we can’t make careless mistakes continually. I am a Hawks, Braves, and Falcons Fan. I am born and raised in Atl. I want to see this team go far. I am not hating on the lost, I am hoping for a better well fought game and a win. If we lose, let it be close pleeese! We had them down 3 to 1. We should win the next one at home for sure.
carefree002
April 27th, 2011
3:37 am
What a bunch of Pathetic Atlanta Fans we have…..We hit a bump in the road and we are ready to throw in the towel….. The Hawks have gotten this far and we can’t just enjoy being proud of them! I know we got problems, lots of em, we know we follow them on the court and know what’s wrong and what’s right about this team… I cheer for them no matter what!!!! And yeah we can take care of the Magic in game 6, the playoffs are a chess match game-to-game, and we got what it takes to finish THESE magic! IT’S OUR MOVE NOW, IN OUR HOUSE! Let’s make it known in Game 6! ….i’m still angry about the Wilkins trade in the 90’s, i hate Lenny Wilkins’ teams of that era, but you know what? when they take the court, They are my team representing OUR CITY! Go HAWKS! I believe in ALL OF YOU!
Gamer
April 27th, 2011
4:50 am
MAGIC’S WIN WAS EXPECTED…..AT HOME, RAUCOUS CROWD AND REFS FORCED TO MAKE CALLS ON CONTACT FOR HOME TEAM….YEA, IT WAS A ROUGH PLACE TO WIN LAST NIGHT..
NOW THE HAWKS NEED TO RETURN THE FAVOR TO MAGIC’S BACK AT HAWK-NEST…
JJ Rules
April 27th, 2011
4:56 am
Joe Johnson has been carrying the hawks so far—he’s going to be wanting a big raise in the offseason for all this extra work he’s having to do.
Magic wake up and Hawks show their ugly former selves | Jeff Schultz | ENA news
April 27th, 2011
6:25 am
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deja vu
April 27th, 2011
6:29 am
I can’t watch Josh Smith and Marvin Williams play any more. I’m done.
CoachT
April 27th, 2011
6:38 am
I thought the UGA bulldogs were painful to watch….I thought my daughter’s middle school hoops team was painful to watch….but there’s nothing more painful than watching this Hawks team murder the game of basketball….case in point…watching J-Stooop move Heinrich down to the baseline so that he (J-Stooop) can launch an air ball 3 at the close of the third qtr in game 4-to close out an already disastrous qtr) I give LD credit for TRYING to get this bunch of knuckleheads to play ball. If I’m Heinrich,Horford or Zaza, I’m hoping for a trade at the end of the season to get out of this mess.
Magic wake up and Hawks show their ugly former selves | Jeff Schultz
April 27th, 2011
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Ben
April 27th, 2011
7:28 am
Can we start calling Joe Johnson Joey Smalls now?
2 for 12, 5 points.
All he does is come up small in the big games.
RMikel58
April 27th, 2011
7:31 am
Ah Hah alittle bit different atmosphere in the room this morning after getting schooled by the Magic last night. These are the Hawks we know and love. Orlando has found their MO-JO now and i dont know what the coach said before the game to the players but they came out fired up.
Hawks better find theirselves pretty soon like before game#6 cause im telling ya it seemed to me like the Hawks wanna give this series away now.
Ya’ll better figure a way to keep Orlando’s guards from blowing past your defense and getting easy lay ups and open jump shots. You think last night was desperation night? Just wait til game#6 and if you let the Magic get ahead in game#6 that will only give them more confidence to blow you out at home court.
Hawks the Magic arent here to just get by you guys, their here to show you what a fluke of a team you are and last nights thumping is the true Hawks they pounded in last years playoff.
You better exhibit the need to win because Orlando’s intentions are to get back to Orlando for game#7 and finish you guys off.
JROLL1
April 27th, 2011
7:43 am
ALL THOSE STREAMERS AND CONFETTI THE HAWKS DROPPED AFTER THE LAST GAME WAS WAYYYYY TOO PREMATURE!!!!
jgsbirds
April 27th, 2011
7:52 am
i only hope this is not a re-make of the boston series in the mid 80’s. i was in the omni when the hawks had the celtics on their death bed and let them off the hook. can’t do that tomorrow night–can’t afford to fall behind–desperately need to play with the lead.
last night was awful. i knew a blowout was in the works–josh was simply horrible. how is it possible for him to come down and jack up an immediate three on the first possession? why is he not coached to attack the basket on every shot attempt by a teammate? and seriously how tough is it to step up to the free throw and make 2 free throws? josh has got to play smart for this team to have a shot–sad thing is-playing smart is not up is alley.
better bring it thursday–a return trip to orlando doesn’t look to promising!!!
SEASON TICKETHOLDER
April 27th, 2011
8:02 am
If you live in Atlanta & call yourself a Hawks fan but the you think the Magic will win this series then you need to stop blogging because you know nothing about b-ball. You just need some attention. Please get it from somewhere else & leave the bloging to the Hawks fan & the people who are fans when we are winning.
Veteran Fan
April 27th, 2011
8:03 am
JJ disappears again! Too much money and no heart! Key game we should have shown up and competed! Jamal cannot carry the team! Please trade JJ for NJs last #1 and Lopez and Josh for Kevin Love! Pair two first round picks to whoever can draft Jimmer and resign Jamal. Please break up the Core!
GT81Lawyer
April 27th, 2011
8:05 am
Jeff, you’re giving bipolar’s a bad rap. Even bipolar’s aren’t this crazy. I know this team can put it behind them, they have before this season, but to get blown out like this can’t be good for the psyche. But they’ll probably take their meds and come out and win Thursday. Let’s hope anyway.
The Point Forward » Posts The Opening Tip: Wednesday, April 27 «
April 27th, 2011
8:11 am
[...] Jeff Schultz, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: This is what you feared. Not a game, but a cartoon. Not a loss, but four quarters of exploding body parts. For most of four playoff games against Orlando, we saw what the Hawks were capable of. Then we saw what we already knew they were capable of because they showed it all too often during their bipolar season. Before the game was half over Tuesday night, the Hawks trailed by 10, then 15, then 25, and then everybody pretty much stopped paying attention. Now the doubt is back in Atlanta, and the hope is back in Orlando. The final score was Magic 101, Hawks 76. It would’ve been worse if Orlando hadn’t put it in cruise control early. The Hawks lost by 25, and Dwight Howard wasn’t even a factor. He scored eight points. Remember these guys? There’s only one positive if you’re the Hawks. It counts as only one loss. This remains a very winnable series. They lead it 3-2, and they can still wrap up this playoff series Thursday night at Philips Arena. That would be a good idea because winning a Game 7 back in Orlando generally doesn’t show up on the blueprint. [...]
Marie
April 27th, 2011
8:19 am
Please just go ahead and lose this series Hawks and let a team with some sense of pride advance to round 2. The type of blow out last night is only what we will see when the Chicago Bulls roast their booties in Round 2. So please for the sake of our great city — just go away. We really are tired of you clowns embarrassing us with your gutless and heartless performances.
LakeDawg
April 27th, 2011
8:20 am
New prediction…Magic in seven.
Cam's Dad
April 27th, 2011
8:20 am
Joe Johnson is best businessman in this state. Break down his salary for this game per point (5). man thats makin BANK boyeeee.
Joycee Banicheck
April 27th, 2011
8:39 am
Joe Johnson = Worth every penny
roger
April 27th, 2011
8:44 am
KEEP JOSH I CAN’T HIT A JUMP SHOT SMITH DRIVING THE BALL AND GET HOWARD IN FOUL TROUBLE AND PLAY DAMN DEFENSE THEN THE HAWKS CAN WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BoneCrusher
April 27th, 2011
9:05 am
The two keys to the Hawks in their championship quest will be #1:Jeff Teague pushing the ball up the court quickly, running the fast break, and #2:Josh Smith playing like LaBron James and Dwayne Wade. If the Hawks dont get those two factors working in their favor soon, they will NOT win the NBA title that I believe they are going to win this year. The stage is set. Everything is laid out for them. Josh Smith can dominate a game by playing above the rim and driving the ball down the throats of an opponent and stuffing the basketball home. This is all he has to do each game and he will get 30 points. Jeff Teague just has to come in, in relief of HINRICH to change the tempo and make it an up-tempo game. THESE ARE TWO WEAPONS THAT LARRY DREW IS UNAWARE OF. IF HE USES THEM, IM SURE THE HAWKS WILL BE CROWNED NBA CHAMPIONS THIS JUNE. THATS ALL IT WILL TAKE.
$123.7 mil / 6 = No Show Joe
April 27th, 2011
9:11 am
He’s the highest paid player on the court and you have no idea he’s even in the game. You know when Lebron is in the game. You know when Wade is in the game. You know when Kobe is in the game. You know when Carmelo is in the game. You know when Dwight is in the game. Show up Joe! Earn your paycheck! $123.7 mil is for superstars. When is the last time he went for 40? Superstars go for 40 when their team needs it. Superstars take over games. As much as I like Joe Johnson the person, he’s just not a superstar.
PMC
April 27th, 2011
9:16 am
This is not a big deal. This is the Hawks, it’s who they are.
They had no chance of winning last night. They played like it.
It means nothing for the game tomorrow, you had to know they weren’t going to be focused.
The crowd in Atlanta will be crucial and they can go ahead and close this thing out.
ChiTown
April 27th, 2011
9:22 am
If the Hawks manage to pull out the Orlando series, they will only embarrass themselves against the Bulls and MVP Rose.
RustyDanielson
April 27th, 2011
9:24 am
Its amazing how the fans of Atlanta are just as fickle as the Hawks. We all know that the Hawks are a Jekyl and Hyde team in that some nights they look like world beaters and other nights like last night they look like clowns disguised as idiots. JOE JOHNSON IS STILL THE SECOND BEST PLAYER IN THE NBA BEHIND KOBE BRYANT. JOE JOHNSON IS BETTER THAN LABRON JAMES AND DWAYNE WADE AND HE IS PAID MORE MONEY TO PROVE IT. JOE IS THE SECOND BEST CLOSER IN THE GAME TODAY. IN ATLANTAS GAME 4 VICTORY OVER THE MAGIC WHICH PUSHED THE HAWKS to a 3-1 SERIES LEAD, JOE JOHNSON SCORED THE LAST 10 POINTS OF THAT BALL GAME. IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS GO BACK AND WATCH THE PLAY-BY-PLAY TRANSCRIPT AND YOU WILL SEE THAT IT IS TRUE. JOE SINGLEHANDEDLY PUSHED THE HAWKS TO TIE THE CELTICS AT 3-3 IN THEIR SERIES WITH THEM 3 YEARS AGO. JOE DOESNT GET ENOUGH CREDIT FOR THE GREAT THINGS THAT HE DOES. 7 YEARS AGO, JOE CAME TO ATLANTA FROM THE PHOENIX SUNS, JUST LIKE AMARE STOUDEMIRE DID WHEN AMARE CAME TO THE KNICKS THIS YEAR BY HIMSELF. THERE WERE NO OTHER STARS AROUND JOE, LIKE THERE WERE NONE AROUND AMARE. JOE HAD TO MAKE THE BOLD MOVE ALONE BY HIMSELF, HOPING THAT MORE TALENT WOULD EVENTUALLY SURROUND HIM. LOOK AT WHAT YOU HAVE TO HOLD ONTO NOW. JOE IS SURROUNDED NOW BY THREE OTHER ALL-STARS: JAMAL CRAWFORD, AL HORFORD AND JOSH SMITH. THE HAWKS ARE LEADING THE SERIES WITH ORLANDO FOR A REASON. IT IS ORLANDO THAT IS FACING ELIMINATION AND NOT THE HAWKS. THE HAWKS ARE NOT FACING ELIMINATION IF THEY LOSE THURSDAY NIGHT. THE HAWKS WILL BLOW OUT THE MAGIC ON THURSDAY TO ADVANCE AND PLAY THE CHICAGO BULLS IN THE SECOND ROUND. The Hawks will win the series with the Bulls and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals against the winner of the Miami/Boston series. That is the reality of whats coming up for the Hawks in the days ahead. The Hawks are doing just fine and now is not the time to be down on them. Support the Hawks and watch them win the NBA title this season. Go Hawks and defeat the overrated Magic in 6.
Reid in EAV
April 27th, 2011
9:24 am
I never believed in this team. After last year’s playoff debacle, then Joe Johnson’s $140M reward, I decided to sit this season out, for the most part. 4-3 Orlando here we come. And even if not, even if we manage to squeak out of this round, we’ll be swept by Chicago or whoever’s next. Done. See ya.
We need a new coach and new owners and eventually new players (Joe’s contract will be a millstone around the neck of this franchise for years. Can you say “Koncak?”) Only when that happens will I pay attention again.
PMC
April 27th, 2011
9:30 am
The Hawks are the better team, they will make the shots in game 6. They will come out with avengence and close this thing out.
The Hawks are the better overall team. The Magic were going to shoot well at least once. Get over it. The Hawks all year will beat Chicago and then lose to Charlotte by 30.
Relax. It’s the playoffs.
ASHCAN.
April 27th, 2011
9:36 am
#1 HAWKS FAN,when they get eliminated at orlando in game 7,im going to see if you use those same words “my my my”.
Big D
April 27th, 2011
9:38 am
…if there is a game 7…HAWKS LOSE
Big D
April 27th, 2011
9:40 am
PMC- The Hawks are the same LAME TEAM as last season.. That mid season trade hurt Orlando and this is why this is a series, not because the Hawks are the better team. Get real. The better team closes out when up 3-1 not get their a** kicked by almost 30 relying on a game 6 at home.
Momentum favors the Magic now
RustyDanielson
April 27th, 2011
9:42 am
OK fans. You think the Magic will win the remaining games and eliminate the Hawks. I’ll buy that. My only question is, those fans who are stupid enough to think the Hawks will lose this series, if the Hawks win the series with the Magic and go on to win the NBA championship, “WILL YOU AT LEAST ATTEND OR WATCH THE CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY PARADE DOWN PEACHTREE STREET ON TV? Thats all I want to know. All you doubters out there, will you watch the championship victory parade if the Hawks win the NBA championship this year? Before you answer that question, let me give you a statistic. In NBA playoff history, before the NBA Finals round, the teams that have gone out to a 3-1 lead in their series win 95% of the time. I will live with our chances and not worry about the miniscule .05% chance of us losing the series. Of course in the NBA finals the number of times a team has closed out an opponent after going up 3-1 is 100% of the time. I LIKE THE HAWKS CHANCE TO ELIMINATE THE MAGIC.
heartofdarkness
April 27th, 2011
9:45 am
I am reminded of Nathan Rothschild’s dismay at learning of the rapid end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 at a time when he held heavily appreciated gold, which he expected would fund Wellington’s forces and allies. Anticipating falling gold prices and looking for some other asset class that might be expected to appreciate with the onset of peace, he fixed on government debt, and despite the consternation within the firm that the family enterprise would be ruined, he bided his time and was rewarded with a big payday. Before this event, government debt was not thought to be an asset class to be speculated upon. His success was predicated on the crowd disagreeing with his analysis.
PMC
April 27th, 2011
9:52 am
Big D… it’s not college basketball. Momentum is meaningless unless you can tell me whose jump shots are going to fall Thursday. This has been an awful series for quality basketball.
The Hawks have won something like 6 of 9 this year. They are by FAR the better team when they play like it. It’s just that their effort is so consistantly lackluster. That’s why I’m unconcerned.
The Magic are only in the position they are in because they have the best center in the league. That’s it.
gcs
April 27th, 2011
9:57 am
But, but, but…the Hawks were up 3 games to 1! It is time to relax, right? No reason to work hard anymore. They can just cruise to win #4 because Orlando is just going to roll over.
This one is going seven.
.
Big Waste
April 27th, 2011
9:58 am
I think the Hawks thought they were in construction last night hoisting up all those bricks. JJ & Smoove were head masons no doubt. How does a supposedly star player like J.Johnson disappear in a playoff game ?
Mr. Dawg
April 27th, 2011
10:18 am
I didn’t want to see this. If you’ve been keeping track of this team all year then you had to feel like the Hawks had a game like this just waiting to happen before the series ended. C’mon Hawks!! Play ball and end this thing Thursday! Lose this series and it’s definitely time to blow this team up and go back to the drawing board…again.
EW
April 27th, 2011
10:23 am
Here we all were thinking the Hawks would get blown out of the entire series and what do you know…they are even crueler than that. They went up 3-1, gave us hope, teased us…and now they are going to break our hearts and let it slip away..Yeah I’d say that sounds like an Atlanta team for sure.
Joe
April 27th, 2011
10:28 am
1st Hawks possession, Josh jacks a 3,…………. turn the channel. PLEASE.
RustyDanielson
April 27th, 2011
10:30 am
The Hawks took the wrong mindset into last nights game. The Hawks should have come out of the gates smokin like Joe Frazier and delivered the knockout punch! Instead their mindset was, hey, were up 3-1, lets coast to vicory, relax, take our time and not get our jerseys wrinkled. It was a stupid mindset and the Hawks showed their inexperience with being up 3-1, being in a very favorable, advantageous position. The Hawks did not take last night’s contest seriously. In the first quarter there was turnover after turnover after turnover after bad shot, after bad shot, after stupid plays and the Hawks looked like they were auditioning to be circus clowns. The Hawks could have beaten the Magic in Orlando, gosh, they did it in game 1! C’mon Hawks, please for the sake of the city of Atlanta, take Thursday night’s game serious or you will lose that game by 50 points. Hawks in 6. HAWKS PLEASE DONT EMBARRASS THE CITY OF ATLANTA AGAIN. WERE TIRED OF IT. WERE FED UP WITH IT.
a.horne
April 27th, 2011
10:36 am
This series is over Orlando wins it 4-3! Hawks are not a professional basketball team, they are a bunch of overpaid B-team players! If they lose this series, then ATL should move this team or sell it, I don’t know just get them out of here!
TheordoreCleaver
April 27th, 2011
10:43 am
JOSH SMITH SHOULD ENTER THE 3-POINT SHOOTING CONTEST AT ALL STAR WEEK.
JOSH SMITH SHOULD ASK LARRY DREW TO CHANGE HIS POSITION TO POINT GUARD.
JOSH SMITH SHOULD ASK THE MANAGEMENT TO BE TRADED.
JOSH SMITH COMMITS MORE TURNOVERS THAN ANY PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE.
JOSH SMITH SHOULD TAKE UP BOWLING SO HE CAN THROW GUTTER BALL EACH TIME.
JOSH SMITH IS A LOSER AND YOU CANT TEACH A LOSER HOW TO BE A WINNER.
JOSH SMITH IS LAZY AND DOES NOT WANT TO WORK TO IMPROVE HIS GAME.
JOSH SMITH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE BETTER THAN D-WADE OR LABRON JAMES.
Rico Niles
April 27th, 2011
10:57 am
Listen this is Playoffs not the regular season, some of us fans need to stop slamming the Hawks for one bad game unless you are ban-wagon-fans that go where the wind blows.
Real Hawks fans will appreciate being up 3-2 in a Crucial series like this verses an Orlando Team that hate us more than you can bad-talk the Hawks so QUIT IT! LET’S GO HAWKS and do as we expect to close out this series Thursday in grand style.
We could careless how you get the W just get it!
The Jedi Falcon
April 27th, 2011
11:00 am
I predicted exactly all this to happen:
1. the hawks would get blown out in Orlando.
2. Orlando wins in a close game in Atlanta.
3. This series will go back down to Orlando where Orlando will win the series.
Peter
April 27th, 2011
11:04 am
WOW after how many years this core has been together, and they continue to play poorly.
Tomorrow is a Gut Check….if they don’t win at home………blow the team up.
OR…. Move out of town !
The Jedi Falcon
April 27th, 2011
11:14 am
I have never seen a team flip-flop to such extremes. That seems to be the trademark of the Hawks. Win a game, then completely bomb the next. This team doesnt have any heart
mark33
April 27th, 2011
11:25 am
to quote Dennis Green:
THEY ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE AND WE LET THEM OFF THE HOOK.”
the question now becomes, do the Hawks respond or do they allow the Magic to win the series?
Atlsportsfan1
April 27th, 2011
11:32 am
Yall are pathetic the hawks have one bad game in the postseason and now everyones switching sides what about the good things they’ve done so far smh no faith. The frontcourt will be more effective at home in game 6 in front of a rowdy crowd which in turn leads to the end of the series 4-2 hawks ! Bring on the Chicago Scrubs !
Basketball Jones
April 27th, 2011
11:34 am
We had Dwight in early foul trouble and LD failed to adjust and get some post presence. The Hawks should have been getting easy buckets down low, but kept hoisting jumpers.
SVG probably asked Dwight to leave the room before the game so he could rip all the othe magic players, guilting them into playing hard.
LD needs to lay into these guys and make them aware that they are playing for their jobs as he is.
C’mon Hawks run these clowns out of the gym tomorrow night!
homer
April 27th, 2011
11:52 am
JOSH SMITH JUST MISSED ANOTHER JUMP SHOT
FIRELD!
April 27th, 2011
11:55 am
Season Ticketholder, I am one of the Hawks biggest fans but I’m tired of watching LD put this bad product on the court when we have more than enough talent to be much better. Truth is we probably will lose this series, but not not cause we have to, but because coaching actually matters in the post season. #1 Hawks fan OUT! FREE JEFF TEAGUE!
Justin
April 27th, 2011
11:59 am
@ SEASON TICKETHOLDER
You are so right! Most of the comments you read tells you that a majority of people blogging have no clue about the game.
Ted M
April 27th, 2011
12:01 pm
Orlando shot better but not so great where they would have beaten anybody & everybody. I think the Hawks will win the series but it wouldn’t surprise me if they didn’t.
Either way the Bulls will crush them.
Ted M
April 27th, 2011
12:10 pm
Even though the Hawks were clearly the better team in the 1st 4 games the could have lost all of them.
Did the Hawks blow out any playoff teams in reg season (other then Orlando)?
The Jedi Falcon
April 27th, 2011
12:15 pm
“Oh its just 1 game”. I keep reading that.
NEWS FLASH! EVERY GAME IS JUST 1 GAME! And when Orlando wins Thursday Night IT WILL JUST BE 1 GAME! And when Orlando wins again in Orlando ITS JUST 1 SEASON!
Big D
April 27th, 2011
12:22 pm
2 early fouls on Howard and the Hawks get their a**ses handed to them by role players and NBA vagabons in the swing game.
Down 30 in the 2nd Drew never bothered putting in new 5. Like Woody he has POOR in game adjustments. Crawford shouldve been benched after the 1st. Clearly the most impact player on this team is also a black hole.
Mike Bianchi IS A COWARD!
April 27th, 2011
12:31 pm
I’m pissed! I just finished reading the Mike Biotchi’s article about the game last night (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-bianchi-magic-0427-20110426,0,7657264.column) and can’t believe the coward didn’t open it to comments. Total disrespectful to a team and a city that has been nothing but classy during the 3-1 lead. I’m also pissed that the Hawks would allow themselves to lose like this. As a long-time Hawks’ fan, I am offended and feel disrespected. I hope LD prints this article and bolds the name-calling and the prophecy that the Hawks will lose the series….because Mike Bianchi said so. I think it’s about time the Hawks had a statement win and I believe Thursday night would be a great time to have it. Hawks in 6!!!!
No Crying
April 27th, 2011
12:32 pm
Did anybody truly expect to get through a series without one of these games? Fortunately this game wasn’t on National TV, so I was spared the ordeal of watching it. These hawks are bi-polar, they are either really good or really bad. They are can run with the best teams or fall flat on their face on any given night. They are a special needs team you love to death while they are breaking your heart; and we never walk away.
This reminds me of the Miami series a couple of years ago.
nique
April 27th, 2011
12:45 pm
Wow, the Hawks are their own worst enemy. Imagine the confidence they’d have going into the next series if they would have shut the door on Orlando 4-1 last night. Now they might not even get to the next series.
hhbo
April 27th, 2011
1:07 pm
#1 hawks fan
April 26th, 2011
11:19 pm
My my my. It’s funny how people change based on one game. When you are winning everyone is in your corner and rooting you own but the minute you lose people jump off the boat. I hate the hawks have to deal with such fairweather fans. Where is the support! What we should be saying is, we will get them in game 6. The magic is a good team and they was due for a good game but the series will end on thursday. Will the real hawks fan stand up and show your true support for the home team at Phillips on Thursday.
Dude, it’s not that they lost…. It’s the *way* they lost and how many times we’ve seen them pack it in, tuck their tails and run away over and over. It’s an absolute embarrassment for the players, the coaches, front office, ownership, the city of Atlanta, and in particular, this long-time Hawk fan….
Blue
April 27th, 2011
1:08 pm
“If you want to crown their @$$%$, then crown their @$$%$”
– Dennis Green
I couldn’t resist …
joey1
April 27th, 2011
1:20 pm
again come on guys,
i know we just got beat up but did we expect to win in a do or die situation against orlando on their home floor???
the difference was they hit shots and we did not …..it simple they hit 7 more 3 pointes than us thats enough to put us in a very close game.
hawks will win at home thursday in a tough game bc they know if they lose they will not win in game 7 in orlando.
i think with howard on the floor that slows down their offense, if hes in the game they dont shoot as many 3 pointers we cover them better bc of ono on one coverage of howard.
i said before the series hawks win in 6 and they will close it out in front of a spectacular crowd..
so guys lets show up to phillips arena a cheer on our hawks to win, bc we are the sixth man
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CapedCrusader
April 27th, 2011
1:30 pm
I was the first guy to say fire Larry Drew before Larry Drew OUTCOACHED Stan Van Gundy and coached his Hawks to a 3-1 lead over the mighty Orlando Magic. Then I changed my mind and said sign Larry Drew to a long-term contract shortly before the Hawks got their butts handed to them on a silver platter in a 26-point blowout last night in game 5. Now the Hawks can go either way. They can repeat last years performance against Orlando and keep getting ripped by 30 and lose the series with Orlando, or they can step up and repeat their performance when they led Orlando 3-1 and finish off the Magic by beating them in game 6 at Phillips (Highlite Factory). Thats the problem with following a Jekyl and Hyde team. YOU SIMPLY HAVE NO IDEA WHICH HAWK TEAM WILL SHOW UP AT ANY TIME. THIS HAWK TEAM IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT. I will tell you this: whether the Hawks advance and close out the Magic OR whether the Magic make fools of the Hawks and come back to win the series, one thing I know for certain. LARRY DREW NEEDS TO STEP DOWN FROM THE TOP HEAD COACHING POSITION. L.D., HOWEVER, IS FINE AS AN ASSISTANT HEAD COACH OF THE HAWKS. GO OUT AND SIGN FORMER JAZZ COACH JERRY SLOAN AND MAKE HIM THE HEAD COACH, keeping Larry as his assistant. Then you will see the Hawks improve, develop and dominate the competition in the NBA. Sloan did this when he had two hall of famers (Malone and Stockton), but now Sloan would have five future hall of famers with (Marvin Williams, Joe Johnson, Jamal Crawford, Al Horford and Josh “Smoove” Smith). In closing, Josh Smoove should change his nickname to Josh “SNOOZE” because it seems to me like he is sleeping on the job and sleepwalking through his assignments on the court. Go Hawks, eliminate the Magic and put them out of their misery in 6.
Enquiring Mind
April 27th, 2011
1:31 pm
Why does Josh Smith shoot 3s?
Why do the coaches allow Josh Smith to stand around outside the 3-point line?
Why do other players throw the ball to Josh Smith when he’s standing around outside the 3-poing line?
Why does Josh Smith complain about non-calls after every play, often instead of getting back on defense?
Why can’t we trade Josh Smith and sign Dwight Howard this offseason?
CapedCrusader
April 27th, 2011
1:38 pm
Enquiring Mind: I have the answer. Coach Drew is afraid to stand up to Josh Smith and tell Josh to STOP MAKING A FOOL OF YOURSELF BY SHOOTING 3S THAT YOU CANT MAKE. Coach Drew is afraid to tell the team in the huddle, DO NOT PASS THE BALL TO JSMOOVE IF HE IS STANDING OUT THERE BEHIND THE 3-PT LINE. LET HIM STAND OUT THERE BY HISELF ON THAT ISLAND ALONE AND LET HIM STAY OUT THERE SO THAT YOU GUYS CAN GET A VICTORY. Drew is afraid to coach the team with strength. THIS HAWKS TEAM NEEDS A TOUGH GUY WHO CAN STAND UP TO THE PUNKS ON THE HAWKS. THE NO-NONSENSE COACH WHO CAN DO THIS IS NAMED JERRY SLOAN. SLOAN DOESNT TAKE ANY CRAP FROM ANYONE AND IF YOU DONT PLAY THE GAME THE RIGHT WAY YOU WILL PACK YOUR BAGS AND GET THE HELL OUT OF DODGE. The Hawks need Jerry Sloan as their next head coach.
KevinM
April 27th, 2011
2:11 pm
Who would have thought the Hawks are more prepared to battle with DHoward on the floor? For some reason, they waster the trip down there.
This game just reopened those old doubts of playoff years past. While I don’t think Orlando is a very good team, this is the one winning team we compete with and for the most part have an edge over.
The Hawks were stuck on 9 points for a long time last night when DHoward went to the bench. He goes out and we forget how to play. That team is awful w/o their C. Some how we make them look like a Finals contender.
There is a huge cloud hanging over the ATL today and it isn’t being reported by Glenn Burns. The ability to close out a series is in doubt now. I’m not sure we sellout the place tomorrow.
The worse thing in all of this? We will remain intact next year with this roster and with this head coach. That’s where my frustration is…our talent isn’t consistent enough to go on a Finals run.
Born2Buzz
April 27th, 2011
2:16 pm
Joe looked like he had no desire to play good defense. Josh looked like someone farted and he was smelling it all night. Marvin looked like the worst draft pick mistake ever made (he may not get on the floor for other teams).
But they come home tomorrow and can still win this. Defense is the key.
Big D
April 27th, 2011
2:36 pm
My sentiments exactly caped crusader. Woody was also afraid of JSmith.
Drew makes this clown a team Captain, is laughable to say the least.
We also need a GM who can make bold moves to improve our team cause Sund aint gettin it done
Jesse Sharpton
April 27th, 2011
2:49 pm
The majic have 3 incredible bad shooting games (none of it due to the hawks defense) and Atlanta fans start believing the hawks are for real LOL Majic finally start to hit a few shots and blow the Hawks away like a newspaper in a tornado. Bye Bye Hawks have a fun off season figuring out how to do even worse next year.
Bill Walton
April 27th, 2011
2:51 pm
There are only three problems with the Hawks:
1. No heart
2. No Brains
3. No idea what the hell they are doing
Game 5 Reactions « Howard the Dunk | An Orlando Magic Blog
April 27th, 2011
3:19 pm
[...] Jeff Schultz of the Atanta Journal-Constitution on game 5: The Hawks said all the right things before the game. They wanted to close out the series here. They wanted to play like the desperate team. They wanted to take the Orlando crowd out of it early. Then the game started, and they wound up eating those words. [...]
Trojan
April 27th, 2011
3:41 pm
How can any coach not try ANY thing different until only 7 minutes to go after being behind 25+ the entire game?
Larry is a joke. He talks good but he simply don’t have it.
Hawks need more Joe Johnson, whether he likes it or not | Jeff Schultz
April 27th, 2011
3:44 pm
[...] much is true: The Hawks did not lose game five to Orlando by 25 points solely because Johnson made only two of 12 shots, at least when we even noticed he was on the floor. They all stunk. But Johnson didn’t do nearly [...]
WaltFrazier
April 27th, 2011
4:11 pm
Stan Van Gundy said in the press conference post-game interview that the Magic shot so poorly the first four games that he was surprised that the Hawks didnt blow the Magic out in the three games the Hawks won. That should tell the Hawks something–that when they build a double digit lead by 10 and the Magic cant throw it in the ocean, the Hawks should keep building the lead and add to it instead of saying, OK, we will nurse this 10 point lead for three quarters and coast on to victory. The Hawks philosphy is completely skewed. YOU CANT HOLD A 10 POINT LEAD IN THE NBA FOR 36 MINUTES. I HAVE SEEN TEAMS BLOW 10-PT LEADS IN THE LAST TWO MINUTES MUCH LESS THE FINAL THREE QUARTERS. HAWKS, YOU CAN SLOW DOWN AND LET UP AFTER YOU HAVE BUILT A 30 POINT LEAD, IF ITS THE FOURTH QUARTER. IVE SEEN THE HAWKS REPEATEDLY GET A 10-POINT LEAD IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND INSTEAD OF CONTINUING TO EXECUTE, THEY COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND STOP EXECUTING TRYING TO MAINTAIN A 10-PT LEAD FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE GAME. ITS STUPID AND IF SOMEONE IS COACHING THEM AND TELLING THEM TO TRY AND HOLD A 10-PT LEAD WHEN THERE ARE STILL 3 QUARTERS LEFT TO PLAY, THAT PERSON NEEDS TO BE FIRED. EVERY TIME THE HAWKS BUILD A 10-PT LEAD, REGARDLESS OF WHAT TIME IS LEFT IN THE GAME, THE HAWKS LOOK AT THAT AND SAY, OK WE DID OUR NIGHTS WORK, LETS REST AND SEE IF WE CAN HOLD THAT LEAD. THAT IS STUPIDITY IN ITS HIGHEST FORM AND IT NEEDS TO STOP IMMEDIATELY. ALL 3 OF ATLANTAS WINS SHOULD HAVE BEEN 30-POINT WINS AND THEN THE HAWKS WOULD HAVE HAD ENOUGH CONFIDENCE TO CLOSE OUT THE MAGIC. I JUST DONT THINK THE HAWKS HAVE ENOUGH GUTS, ENERGY AND SAVVY TO CLOSE OUT THE MAGIC AND ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND. THE HAWKS APPEARS TO STILL BE INTIMIDATED BY THE MAGIC AND IT SHOWS IN THEIR BODY LANGUAGE, THEIR EXEUCTION AND THEIR CONVERSIONS AFTER THE GAME. THE HAWKS STINK PURE AND SIMPLE AND I HOPE THEY GET ELIMINATED IN 7 GAMES.
MagicWand
April 27th, 2011
4:18 pm
The Hawks are in trouble and they know it. The Magic shooters have awakened and they will torch the Hawks unless the Hawks meet them at the 3-point line, get in their jersys and defend them. If the Magic shooters continue with clean, open looks the Magic will win the series. Last night I thought the Hawks were going to make the Magic disappear, but it is the Magic who are about to make the Hawks disappear as soon as the Hawks are routed in Phillips in game 6. I hope the Hawks realize that if they lose their opening round playoff series with the Magic that they had a stranglehold on when they were ahead at 3-1, THE HAWKS WILL BE THE LAUGHINGSTOCK OF THE NBA FROM NOW UNTIL ETERNITY.
BBIB
April 27th, 2011
4:49 pm
I’m anything but a Negative Nancy when it comes to this team, but come on how can you not be disappointed that in a position to force Orlando to win 3 straight, we gave them a free win?
Absolutely HORRIBLE decision to bench Horford and Hinrich after Dwight picked up his 1st two fouls by LD
Absolutely HORRIBLE play by the guys on the court not to attack the basket with no DHoward
Absolutely HORRIBLE defense to let JJ Redick look like an all-star in the 1st quarter
Will
April 27th, 2011
8:38 pm
When the hawks came out at the beginning of the gm, they had that loser look, so I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE A BLOWOUT
NFL draft: Cam Newton will succeed, Tim Tebow won’t | Jeff Schultz
April 28th, 2011
8:41 am
[...] – Magic wake up and Hawks show their ugly former selves [...]
FlashGordon
April 28th, 2011
10:41 am
I will reserve comments about the Hawks until after tonights game. I believe the Hawks will advance because of the odds that the Hawks and Magic are dealing with. According to NBA history, the Magic have a 5% chance of advancing to the next round, while the Hawks have a 95% chance of advancing to the second round to play the Bulls. I like the Hawks chances. Now if the Hawks play lathargic basketball and act like they dont care they will lose tonight and lose the series. Someone put it best that THE HAWKS MUST TREAT TONIGHTS GAME 6 LIKE ITS GAME 7. Simply because there aint no way in hell that the Hawks are going to win a game 7 at Amway. It aint happening. So in order for the Hawks to move on, they must win tonight or their season will be over for sure. It will be one of the biggest collapses ever in sports history should the Hawks fail to advance. I noticed that no one changed their prediction that the Magic would win the series. Everyone stood firm on that because they fell all along that the Hawks would blow the series. Me personally, if the Hawks lose tonight, I WILL NEVER WATCH THEM AGAIN.
Enquiring Mind
April 28th, 2011
12:47 pm
Hey Flash, I thought you said you were going to reserve comment until AFTER the game?
NegativeNancy
April 28th, 2011
1:29 pm
The Hawks showed no heart on tuesday and played with NO EFFORT AT ALL. They looked at it and said OK, lets coast to a win and if it doesnt happen automatically, we will close it out at phillips on thursday. That doesnt make sense and the Hawks should realize that Orlando had an ABOVE .500 RECORD ON THE ROAD THIS SEASON–ONE OF THE BEST ROAD RECORDS IN THE NBA. The Hawks are fools for allowing this to happen, not closing out the magic last time. If Joe, Jamal, Al and Josh dont lead the way tonight to a Hawks victory, then sign Michael Vick as a free agent and let Mike play point guard and quarterback the team to Vick-tory. OK guys lets play ball and win the game tonight. Hawks in 6.