Hawks, Josh Smith bounce back in major way over Bulls
Evidence of improved defense: Derrick Rose is surrounded. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
(UPDATED: 11:45 p.m.)
This is what effort looks like. This is what defense looks like. This is what Josh Smith taking over in the fourth quarter with his feet in the paint and not near the three-point line looks like (quick, somebody take a picture!).
Imagine if every game was like this.
The Hawks rebounded from a miserable performance again Sunday night, and the only reason to see it coming was because there was no reason to see it coming. Throw a whiffle ball in a wind tunnel and guess which direction that sucker will fly. That’s sort of like predicting the Hawks. But they showed us something again: potential.
After flopping in Game 3 and failing to lead after any quarter in consecutive games, the Hawks’ 100-88 win over Chicago at Philips Arena showed us how good they can be. They showed us what happens when an occasionally dysfunctional bunch plays hard and plays smart.
Remarkably, they have evened this best-of-seven series at 2-2 wins each against the team that finished with the NBA’s best record (62-20).
Go figure.
“We played with energy, that was the difference,” coach Larry Drew said. “And we shared the basketball. When we do that, we’re an effective ballclub.”
How did it happen? Well, start with players crashing the boards and diving on the floor. Start with effort. And yes, start with Josh Smith.
He had his best game of the postseason. He finished with 23 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists. He took over the game in the fourth quarter, when he scored 11. This is what he is capable of.
“I’m going to bring the tape in and bring him in the office [Monday],” Drew said. “And he knows. Josh and I have a number of talks and I know what he brings to the table. He just sometimes finds his way out on the perimeter and lets it go. When he’s rebounding and running the floor and pushing the basketball — that’s who he is. He has a unique ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor.”
Smith had some of those oh-no moments early in the game when he fired up jumpers, although not to the extent of his Game 3 performance.
“There are people who don’t understand the game, who don’t know the game, but that doesn’t faze me,” he said. “My teammates matter more than anybody else. They believe in me. They have confidence in my game. When I was in my rut, they told me to stay positive, to stay in the game, just do what I’d been doing all season long. I stayed with it.”
Even before tip-off, the Hawks could be comforted by one thought: No matter how the rest of this series went, they were assured of winning one more game in the second round of the playoffs than the Los Angeles Lakers (who were swept by Dallas). In most years, that would be considered a monumental success.
But even at this point of the season, the Hawks are still trying to prove something that shouldn’t even be a question in May: a beating heart. Their propensity to not show up for games, let alone playoff games, is maddening. After splitting two games in Chicago, they returned home for Game 3 and, in Drew’s mind, made one huge miscalculation: They suddenly thought they were good. They lost by 17 points.
It was different Sunday. They came out with energy and attitude – defense even. They led after the first quarter (28-26). They led at halftime (47-46). The significance: They hadn’t led after any quarter since winning Game 1.
Things went so well at the outset, Drew didn’t feel a need to use his first timeout until 12:40 into the game, slightly behind the 49-second pace the last time around.
Joe Johnson, who hit only 4 of 12 shots in the last game, hit his first four on this night. His 15 points at halftime exceeded his 10 on Friday. The effort on the boards were better, thanks in part to Drew’s pregame decision to “go big” with his lineup and start Jason Collins at center.
The defense against Derrick Rose (44 points in Game 3) also was superior, partly because Jeff Teague was better but also because he received far more help from teammates. There was one play in the first quarter when Rose drove to the basket and was surrounded by four Hawks: Teague, Collins, Smith and Al Horford. If the Hawks brought that kind of focus and intensity all the time, there wouldn’t be nearly as many skeptics in this town.
The game was tied at 84-84 with four minutes left. Then Teague and Horford hit runners and the Hawks led the rest of the way. Horford scored the next two buckets, both on assists from Smith.
Suddenly, five players were working in unison. They shared the ball on offense, with five players scoring in double figures. Imagine if it was like this all the time.
By Jeff Schultz
♦
Earlier: Collins starts but will Hawks show up?
Earlier: Hawks’ constant Sybil act reaffirms changes are needed
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128 comments Add your comment
Heath
May 8th, 2011
10:51 pm
Who is that guy and what has he done with Josh Smith?
Chris
May 8th, 2011
10:52 pm
First
Dylan
May 8th, 2011
10:54 pm
Hawks are the most bi-polar team in the NBA playoffs
Chris
May 8th, 2011
10:54 pm
NOOO I always wanted to be first!!!!!
chas
May 8th, 2011
10:55 pm
Great performance …maximized our parts. Teague was great tonight and Josh and everyone else. Don’t think we will take the series, but at least we can come home one more time if anything. Just goes to show you what this team could do.
Edgar
May 8th, 2011
10:57 pm
Way to go Hawks!!!! Great Game!!!! Lets’ get another one in Chi-Town and come home to wrap this thing up!
Cousin Vicker
May 8th, 2011
11:00 pm
I still think the Bulls take this in Game 7. But how great is it to be in the second round and have a legitimate chance to win? And nothing that happened in the first two games in Chicago makes me feel like that isn’t a real possibility.
Corch Myer
May 8th, 2011
11:00 pm
Tues in Chicago will be ugly – get ready
Gulfwaves Gary
May 8th, 2011
11:03 pm
Never sure which Hawks team will show up. I will take this one for the rest of the playoffs. Josh Smith was what we all knew he could be. And all the highlight film made shots. GO HAWKS.
HawksFan
May 8th, 2011
11:04 pm
Good move by Drew, good game overall!
Chris S
May 8th, 2011
11:05 pm
Good work on the writing, Mr. Schultz
Can someone tell me when Al scored 20? I watched the whole game and did not see that happen.
Also, Kirk getting hurt is the reason we have won two games. Although I hate to say it because I love Hinrich.
realistically speaking
May 8th, 2011
11:06 pm
Anyone else notice Marvin Williams stat line…..hell pay me 5 million a year, I could give you that!
Mapmaker
May 8th, 2011
11:07 pm
Let the Hawks run and forget the half court set. J-Smoove and Teague are hard to defend in the open court.
HawksFanNorcross
May 8th, 2011
11:10 pm
right on realistically speaking
JD
May 8th, 2011
11:11 pm
Damn good game, JS just missed a triple double tonight. 2 more games like this one and its on to the conf finals…..
wxwax
May 8th, 2011
11:11 pm
Man, was I ever wrong.
A ballsy effort by the Hawks.
I guess we’re watching Jeff Teague learn to play in the NBA. In the freaking playoffs!
DHunt
May 8th, 2011
11:13 pm
Josh Smith: 23 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 blocks, 1 Steal. Next time I’m at the Highlight factory I am slapping every single moron that dares to boo when the man takes a wide open jump shot, in the flow of the offense or near the end of the shot clock. Get a life, support the team, or Get Off The Bandwagon!
Gwinnett Fred
May 8th, 2011
11:14 pm
I refuse to get excited about Smith – up in Chicago, odds are he’ll turn back to De.Jeckyl.
I want to give my atta-boy to Teague. As much as I enjoyed watching the team win tonight, that was the first game I’ve ever seen him look like he was having fun. I really believe he is a special talent and damn Drew for sitting him as much as he did this year.
If he isn’t the starting PG the rest of the playoffs, however long they may last, AND starting next year, then Drew should be fired and whoever is in charge (SUND) of working with the coach to put the best team on the court should fired too!
On to Chicago and take game 5!!!!
papason
May 8th, 2011
11:15 pm
Damien Wilkins and marvin williams had the same stats for this game except wilkins only played 1 min and Williams played 25…PLEASE Sit his high butt down
JSS
May 8th, 2011
11:16 pm
@ Jeff Schultz…
Like McAdoo, he is what he is (Josh Smith)… Neither of us have enough hair left to keep going crazy over his play… Now Horford is a different story, when he finally channeled Rick Mahorn on Noah in 3rd Qtr; I nearly ruined a brand new MacBook Pro! That is what the low post is supposed to do!
THE WILLSTER
May 8th, 2011
11:16 pm
Hawks finally decided to rise up. Josh Smith finally decides to play his game….Now Game 5 in Chicago…Do they have the balls to win that one?
Remarkable
May 8th, 2011
11:19 pm
Finally, Josh Smith plays the way he should! Great Game
P.S. I thought I’d hate flipping back and forth between the hawks and the Braves, but I didn’t. What a great night to be an Atlanta fan.
am
May 8th, 2011
11:20 pm
Josh is on NBA TV…just answered a question about the fans booing him when he takes jumpers. He’s in denial…big time!
A Hawks Fan
May 8th, 2011
11:21 pm
Good game Hawks…you and and should beat the Bulls. Just remember games #1 and #4. Let’s finsh this next week in Atlanta. I’ll be there.
am
May 8th, 2011
11:24 pm
I have to say this. I think Josh Smith is the glue to this team in the locker room. Dude really puts his team first. I’m proud of his interviews tonight (minus the jumpshot stuff).
gt
May 8th, 2011
11:25 pm
The real difference maker was Teague. This kid has got some talent. His blowing by defenders on the dribble forces Josh to go with him or be sitting by himself on the perimeter.
DHunt
May 8th, 2011
11:28 pm
How could there ever have been any doubt that Jeff Teague was the best PG on this team? The only reason his assists aren’t higher is because the rest of the team isn’t used to playing with him and doesn’t get into good positions when he drives. And he’s making tough layups when no one gets open for a pass. All we heard all year was this, the coach must know best because he sees him in practice crap. When is somebody gonna seriously call out Hawks coaching and management for that? how good could this team be if JT had been allowed enough playing time to earn their respect and cooperation this season?
am
May 8th, 2011
11:29 pm
I’m a hawks fan…but Derrick Rose is a true MVP. Dude is taking all the blame for the loss….accounting for all of his mistakes in the 4th. Such a refreshing young man…I’m happy for him. Hopefully he’ll get to spend more time with his mother after the Hawks take the next 2!
Reid Adair
May 8th, 2011
11:29 pm
If the Hawks can repeat that type of effort, they’ll have a chance.
wxwax
May 8th, 2011
11:30 pm
I don’t think Josh Smith is a bad guy.
But he really and truly doesn’t get it.
He owned the paint in the 4th Q. But when TV asks him about playing under the hoop instead of taking jump shots, he gives a nonsensical answer about “showing his talents.”
Huh?
DHunt
May 8th, 2011
11:30 pm
@am, I hate I missed the answer to that question. Somebody get me a link or a quote please!!!! He should have cussed all they sorry azzes out.
DHunt
May 8th, 2011
11:31 pm
Rose is worn out from carrying four grown men for 48 minutes every night. That kind of heavy lifting takes it’s toll after a while.
Mapmaker
May 8th, 2011
11:32 pm
I’m going to go out on a limb and compare Jeff Teague to Rajon Rondo. Rondo was basically a non factor his first year and then out of the emerged today’s version of Rajon. I think we’re seeing the same phenomenon in JT. Plus compare their size and speed, it’s almost the same player but with JT being a bit quicker. And oh yeah they play a little bit of “D”.
Sage of Bluesland
May 8th, 2011
11:32 pm
I haven’t seen a more overrated, undercriticized “leader” than Al Horford since Keith Brooking graced us with his pile-jumps and ankle-grabs eight yards downfield…
Swingman912
May 8th, 2011
11:33 pm
Are the Hawks playing tough in the face of adversity? Did J-Smoove respond to coaching finally? Is Jeff Teague STILL playing solid ball against DRose, in the playoffs, after barely playing at all in the season? Did Joe make correct passes out of the double team? Yezzir! And I’m on my Mcdonalds flow…..I’M LOVIN IT……chuuuuuch
dapluva!.
May 8th, 2011
11:34 pm
M-V-TEAGUE!!!!!! as long as josh plays like he played tonight here on out we should be good. i hate when he starts jackin up those 3’s you are a post player dammit aye from me to you thats not your game man stop killin the team with that weak s#*t!!!!
el
May 8th, 2011
11:34 pm
Don’t break this team up. They have 3 good young players in horford, smith an teague and I felt that way this morning not just tonight. Was Kerr an irritating homer on TNT or was it just me. “Noah brings more than Smith”, is he blind and Chicago is always in the game? Smith doesn’t always play smart but he can block shots and pass like Noah wishes he could. Chicago has struggled the whole playoffs, even against Indiana.
Eric
May 8th, 2011
11:35 pm
After two of the worst games of his career the real J-Smoove finally awoke. Now if we can only get Crawford back to himself the Hawks would really be cooking.
Gwinnett Fred
May 8th, 2011
11:35 pm
@Sage:
Consider yourself IGNORED.
Your mother is calling you to go to bed!
WR
May 8th, 2011
11:36 pm
I know its been used alot, even overused at times, but if there was ever a team that should have cardiac preceeding it, its the Hawks. If your a fan of the Hawks a nice bottle of Bayer near the remote is a good thing. With the Hawks, its hard to love them or hate’em because you have no clue what team is going to show up. They take a night off and you wonder how these guys made it to the NBA, they actually show up and you wonder why these guys can’t at the least contend for a conference title. At their best, the Hawks are truly an unstoppable force, at their worse a psychologist could get rich off this bunch, including a major motion picture deal. Please, please no more polls on whether the Hawks will win or not, those kinds of polls just don’t make sense, now give me a poll wondering which Hawks team will show up and now you have a nice debate.
Cardiac Hawks, has a nice ring to it, can anyone really disagree.
NorCal Hawk
May 8th, 2011
11:37 pm
Does it get any sweeter- Hawks tie Bulls at 2 apiece, while Lakers go home after 4. Teague for sure is our secret weapon, and please Josh, stay in the zone you’re in. Who knows what might happen.
IceColdATLien
May 8th, 2011
11:39 pm
Y’all hear the crowd???:
“ATL!!!… ATL!!!… ATL!!!”
Game 6 will seal the deal: Hawks vs Celts in a remix of 2008… but this time the Hawks go to the Finals as the biggest surprise in NBA history!!!!
TruthSeeker
May 8th, 2011
11:40 pm
Regardless of what happens the rest of this series, Jeff Teague gives you hope for the future. I don’t know why this kid hasn’t been playing the last two years but better late than never. He is the first playmaking point guard we’ve had in a long time.
Very, very proud of these Hawks.
Kaye
May 8th, 2011
11:42 pm
LET’S GO HAWKS! We gonna win Game 5 & 6!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTY074F6Oio
LakeDawg
May 8th, 2011
11:44 pm
J Smoove and Teague were the difference tonight. Who’d have thunk it. As for game 5? Who knows with these Hawks. They could play great or they could take the night off and lose by 40. One thing I’m pretty confident about though is J Smoove wiil not have a game like tonight. I look for him to revert to form. I knew he had a game in him like he played tonight and have been waiting for it. It couldn’t have come at a better time. However, he only has one of those about every ten games against good competition. I look for jacked 3’s, no rebounds, and plenty of complaining in game 5, but who knows? He could put up back to back big time games. That would match the MO of these Hawks….do what is least expected. BTW Have to give kudos to Larry Drew.
b17211
May 8th, 2011
11:48 pm
Marvin Williams has regressed the past two seasons. He’s a good guy but is virtually nothing as a player. Wilkins should play more.
Josh Smith is an all star when he stays within his game and brings energy every game.
Jeff Teague is a very intelligent player and a great athlete. He should have been playing a lot more during the season. His confidence improves with every minute he plays.
McGarrett
May 8th, 2011
11:50 pm
This proves it, NBA Playoffs must be based on some king of script.
JSS
May 8th, 2011
11:50 pm
@ Sage…
You were right. A little extreme; but right none-the-less…
moboman
May 8th, 2011
11:56 pm
Jeff Teague is finding himself as a player. I didnt think it would happen with this team. Glad to be wrong.
Rishi
May 9th, 2011
12:00 am
Jeff Teague is the real deal! Smoove’s play is bipolar. Marvin Williams should never be allowed to take the floor again. I mean how could we pick this guy number 2 and then be foolish enough to give him $8 Mil a year extension? Horford is struggling this series because of Noah. Crawford and Johnson are great when they have it going and not so much when they don’t. I think Drew is doing a much better job then Woody though. He actually makes adjustments between games and tries to implement a workable system
hawkfan
May 9th, 2011
12:04 am
I said it before and I’ll say it again – For the Hawks to be successful and continue their playoff drive they need JSmith to play at a high level. People can boo all they want … 23 pts 16 rbs 8 assists … and not to mention highlight plays that bring the crowd to a frenzy. The occasional mid-range jumper (if he can regain some confidence and knock it down every once in a while) will not hurt the team when he plays up to his potential.
I loved the 2-man traps on DRose … sort of giving them a taste of their own medicine. But the difference is that the Hawks have other playmakers aside from Joe, whereas the Bulls do not.
PALM BEACH BARON
May 9th, 2011
12:10 am
Keep Marvin’s minutes to less than 10 and we’ll win – GO WITH THE BIG LINEUP AT ALL TIMES – Don’t worry about 3 fouls on 1 on of our bigs or even if they eventually foul out – PLAY BIG LINEUP!
JASon
May 9th, 2011
12:10 am
1)Pass the ball more, check
2)Pound the paint, check
3)Contest all scoring opportunities on defense, check
Win, check. They are finally realizing that just taking jump shots will not equate to wins most of the time. Way to go, coach and team.
CGThree
May 9th, 2011
12:15 am
Just think about it. If Kirk Hinrich hadnt gotten injured. Jeff Teague wouldnt be getting his chance. Im happy for Jeff he was a great player in college. Also just if we can get by chicago and get to the next round we get kirk back comming off the bench behind teague it just makes them that much stronger.
Derek Rose
May 9th, 2011
12:16 am
Ya’ll suckas don’t even know. I’m bout to drop the real ish on you…
Al Horford
May 9th, 2011
12:17 am
Dumbass. Can’t even spell your name right.
Kelvin Frazier
May 9th, 2011
12:18 am
You are right Jeff, if the Hawks played this way all the time there wouldn’t be nearly the amount of skeptics in this town and in the national media. But, let me just make two quick observations. 1.) Josh Smith, if everyone knows and is telling you to attack the basket and play in the paint, why do you insist like in game 3 on playing out on the perimeter where your FG% is extremely low? It drives me and other Hawks fans crazy. 2.) Why hasn’t Jeff Teague been playing more? Are you telling me that Mike Bibby was better than Teague? I don’t know what the coaching staff was looking at, but it seems to me that Teague has been wasting away on the bench when he clearly should have been playing a lot more.
Kobe Bryant
May 9th, 2011
12:19 am
I checked with the league, and I think I’d like to be traded to Chicago now. D Rose can go sit on his ass, cuz I’m the Black Mamba!
MitchC
May 9th, 2011
12:25 am
Jeff, I dont want to sound negative, (and once again I’m guilty of not watching the whole game, because of channel surfing between the Hawks game, and the Braves game).. but.. all that tonight really did is guarantee us a Game 6 in Atlanta.
This team has been absolute Jekyll-Hyde in this series. So good in Games 1 and 4, pitiful in Game 2, and not good in Game 3.
I will be shocked if the Hawks win this series. I think they have the potential to get smashed on Tuesday night.. or.. even if they lose Tuesday.. “honorably”, as Mark Bradley likes to say, and win Game 6, I think they will still lose Game 7.
I think it will be Bulls in seven. Hawks will probably lose Tuesday, win Game 6, and drop Game 7.
I wish I could have more confidence, but, in spite of tonight, the efforts in Games 2 and 3, just dont make me feel very confident.
M
May 9th, 2011
12:29 am
Now this was a great game. Please, please do this in Chicago. Way to go Josh, and team. Stay in the paint Josh and kick A** dude. About time coach Drew. Man stop Rose from running in the middle and we got the series man. Those other Bull players are punks man as you can see> lets Goo!
Section 212
May 9th, 2011
12:36 am
Just got home…..JSmoove is the most maddening player in the league. When he does what all 19K in Philips wants him to do, he can dominate games with plenty of highlights. Also, Horford finally made a positive impact on a game. I’m sure the discussion on here was great.
captguitarman
May 9th, 2011
12:38 am
Schizos, bi-polar poster boys, manic-depressives, AC/DC, Jekyll and Hyde . . . all apply . . . but I’m totally behind them, and they did themselves proud tonight. Like all Hawks fans, I don’t know what team will show up in Chicago for the next game. But, I thought the refs were not fair tonight. I’m not complaining about fouls called on the Bulls, but come one, some of the things the Bulls got away with were ridiculous. Smith was pounded to the floor on a rebound, tip end near the end . . . but nary a peep from the refs. The zebras should call them at both ends, but they didn’t. The Hawks got a good no call at the end on a possible charge, but that was the only break I saw. In Chicago, it will be worse because Chicago is favored. If you watch the NBA, you know that certain players and teams get all the breaks from the refs. Jordan, as great as he was, without doubt, owed a lot to the zebras during his career. Poor Kobe, once a zebra darling, is learning is learning a tough lesson what it’s like to fall from their favor. Rose has his best zebra years ahead of him. Whaddayagonnado? It’s the NBA. I hope tonight’s version of the Hawks shows up in Chicago. Wouldn’t it be something to see them behind 3-2 and coming back to Atlanta?
Section 212
May 9th, 2011
12:40 am
Also, crowd was great tonight. No MVP chants at the end of the game. Bulls fans around us left early, still talking trash though.
djthescorpian
May 9th, 2011
12:43 am
The Hawks have to realize their potential, just as well, they can’t go around thinking that they are that good. The only way to prove it is a ring. Until you prove that-you are on an even playing field. That being said-only fear the Dallas Mavs. What does this mean? The Hawks have the potentail to be able to get to the Eastern Conference Finals. This is what L.D. should be stressin to J.Smooth Monday morning in his office. Oh yea, & it helps the city of Atlanta bring in more revenue.
Winston
May 9th, 2011
12:46 am
HEATH – Thanks for not saying first. Class.
Hawks61
May 9th, 2011
12:50 am
Speaking of Bi-polar…Has anyone scene the real Joe Johnson. He by boi but, dannnng…lol It may be time for him to move on…Wonder how much we can get for him?
Hawks61
May 9th, 2011
12:51 am
sorry…meant seen…LOL…I was typing maddddd.
Mama Juana
May 9th, 2011
12:53 am
Just saw the highlights on ESPN… 90% was Derrick Rose this Derrick Rose that, then at the end oh by the way the Hawks won?!?! ATL teams get no respect on ESPN…
Hawks61
May 9th, 2011
12:57 am
LOL..@Mama U know why? And the Oscar goes to Derrick Rose, best play actor in an NBA game. That dude loves to hit the floor like he’s been fouled…LOL
Mama Juana
May 9th, 2011
1:02 am
I mean, I understand he’s the MVP but THEY LOST!! And another after thought to them was that the series is tied at 2… Nothing new though, it’s the same with the Braves and Falcons, The announcers sounded upset tonight when the Phillies lost…
Hawks61
May 9th, 2011
1:05 am
Yeah, ESPN considers ATL to be TNT’s baby…LOL it’s all good, I like TNT better anyway better game coverage.
Slim
May 9th, 2011
1:13 am
Jason Collins anybody, Zaza Pachulia playing even better off the bench anybody?
give the bigs some credit. It goes against “logic” but when you have bigs you have more energy. You get stops and allow your other players to run.
With Josh at the 3 instead of Mr. Williams, Bogans could not switch it up. Deng stayed on Smith and JJ capitalized. Everybody played big.
No rebounds, no rings! Good Tough wins and cohesion Hawks.
Slim
May 9th, 2011
1:14 am
onto the next game go Hawks.
Hawks61
May 9th, 2011
1:20 am
@Slim, so true…so let’s be straight what’s your take on Joe? Top paid Hawks player. I’m sorry but Joe gotta step it up and play with more heart.
chs98
May 9th, 2011
1:21 am
they need take the whole team to some falcons games and show them how a team plays. but a couple more performaces like this and they could win this round.
Licas3
May 9th, 2011
2:25 am
Josh shoots the jump shot because statistically he should. At end of regular season, he had a better FG% and 3pt% than Joe. He has not shot well in the playoffs. Good players keep doing what they do, in spite of slumps. He has given a solid defensive effort and good stats every night. When he is gone, he will be missed.
And Al, can’t find him since Allstar weekend!
P. Bull Terrier
May 9th, 2011
2:25 am
If Josh Smith would just play like this every night, the Atlanta Spirit Group might want to trade those Kobe Bryant jerseys they have been selling at Phillips Arena for #5 Atlanta Hawks jerseys.
d max hawk
May 9th, 2011
3:22 am
The Hawks are back! Mark this down—the hawks will upset the bulls in game 5 and finish them off in game 6 in Atl! Josh and JJ—the bulls don’t match up!!
tjhook
May 9th, 2011
4:54 am
Two thoughts for Josh Smith: 1) Thank you for entertaining us Sunday Night- it was a great performance.
2) although you have considerable talents, will you focus on the rebounding and flashing in the paint. Al did a great job following your moves and forces the opposing defense to pick what offensive threat to concentrate on: our perimeter guys or Al underneath. Al totally benefitted from your effort. Again, good job and continue to GO HARD IN THE PAINT!!
Davy Dmx
May 9th, 2011
5:53 am
Much better effort tonight. As i stated before when Josh attacks the basket and hustles defensively he is as dangerous as any player in The NBA. We have to take this same type of intensity to Chicago and try to steal another game on the road..
Tia
May 9th, 2011
6:02 am
The Hawks are like a box of chocolates. You never know which one you are going to get. The Bulls may win the series but the Hawks VERY WELL could win it also. They have the skill and the talent–they just haven’t found the right psychologist to help merge their many personalities.
heartofdarkness
May 9th, 2011
6:21 am
Gentlemen, we saw BASKETBALL being played at Philips on Sunday night. Congratulations to the Hawks.
Larry
May 9th, 2011
6:49 am
Al Horford needs to step it up!
RA
May 9th, 2011
6:59 am
The sad part in all this, if there is one is the fact that critics, nationwide are going to look back to that no call on Rose as the defining point in the game. Well, you know, to the extent that he should have gotten the call by jumping into JC (an old shooters trick), and by virtue of his superstardom, maybe he should hasve, but here’s the thing, there were a lot of defining moments in that game. When the Atlanta Hawks when out there without feeling that the outcome of this series was a fargone conclusion, defining moment. All those times when Teague and Smoove finished shots, ended up on the ground, got up and sprinted to the other end of the floor without wasting time complaining, defining moment. When Josh Smith decided to play within the context of what he can actually do, as well or better than anyone in the game, defining moment. Jeff Teague, playing the role of D-Rose in the last two minutes of the game, defining moment. There were a lot of defining moments in last nights game, and most of them belonged to A-T-L.
Paddy
May 9th, 2011
7:07 am
Cousin Vickers…………….”how great is it to be in the second round with a chance to win.” If you were in my dressing room and made that remark; you would never play another game for me. Teams that are just happy to be there, ALWAYS LOSE! It is not great to get there. It is great to win there!
RB
May 9th, 2011
7:20 am
I’m hard on Josh when he plays bad so I now commend him for a GREAT game. He did it all Sunday. His hussle was contagious. Josh, If you give that same effort throughout the playoffs no one will be able to critize you win or lose. Go Hawks, Go Josh!!
RMikel58
May 9th, 2011
7:59 am
I thought the Hawks would cave in and let Chicago pull away in the end but last night it was a dose of Hawks medicine that prevailed.
Theyre defense was 150% better than previous game, didnt just let Rose have easy lay ups. Not so many open shots from the paint, double teamed and great rotation. Without Rose Chicago’s just another mediocre team, they have to get alot of offensive rebounds and second shots to win.
With Miami you have Wade and Lebron and with the Celtics theres 3-4 players who might shoot lights out but not Chicago. Atlanta has more than 1 guy that can step up and have a great game because they have JJ, Josh Smith, Teague, and others who can get 20 plus pts.
These Hawks are more talented than Chicago and if Chicago goes on and wins the series, they have a less chance to beat Miami and Boston in the Finals.
Atlanta if they can keep this up for games 4 and 5 will win this in 6 but if they have to go back to Chicago for game 7 that would not be good at all. They must win 2 in a row ands if they take game 5 on chicago’s turf then chicago will have a big letdown and this will improves Atlantas chances.
This was the case with Orlando getting beat by the Hawks, because they thought it was gonna be an easy series like before and just prance into the semi-finals.
Just show up Atlanta and do the same thing and if you beat them in game 5, game 6 should be easier.
Truth
May 9th, 2011
8:01 am
That was Josh Smith? passing up 18 footers to pass or drive?? WTH??
I think the whole arena was shocked
TRADE J-STUPID
May 9th, 2011
8:01 am
Smith (AKA J-Stupid) is a walking time bomb. They should have traded this idiot on the day he told Drew to go _uck off. Let him be a good player somewhere else – he has zero class, is the dumbest guy in the league and is about as consistent as a butterfly in flight.
BOB FROM ACCOUNT TEMPS
May 9th, 2011
8:10 am
SMITH QUOTE -“There are people who don’t understand the game, who don’t know the game, but that doesn’t faze me,” and smith is at the head of the line of those people!!
hey josh – listen to the coaches and not your daddy.
Trojan
May 9th, 2011
8:10 am
Teague is the difference. He allows the Hawks to use their athletic skills. If LD was not forced to, Teague still would not be playing. Teague is the man that can get our team to a new leve. Josh is best when running, running, running.
JROLL1
May 9th, 2011
8:13 am
KEY WORDS FOR JSMOOVE…FEET IN THE PAINT! WHEN HE PLAYS LIKE THIS, THE HAWKS ARE GONNA BE HARD TO BEAT. IT TOOK NOAH HITTING AL IN THE FACE TO WAKE HIM UP! GREAT GAME GUYS, DO IT AGAIN!
JROLL1
May 9th, 2011
8:14 am
ANYBODY SEEN MARVIN?
JChikara
May 9th, 2011
8:26 am
Credit should go to Coach Drew for how he has made the adjustments necessary for this team to even up the series. Although the move for Teague was born out of necessity, props to the young man for stepping up after playing timid in the first half.
Collins may have only racked up 12 minutes, but his presence is more about the beginning of the game than at the end. Remarkable poise on the part of Atlanta when Rose was getting into a groove late in the game.
I have to agree with my fellow bloggers on the board that Josh Smith is the most enigmatic player on the team. As he goes so does the rest of the Hawks. Notice how Joe Johnson was able to quietly put up 24 points while Smith, Teague and Horford were making the big plays down the stretch. Honestly, I think that’s how he prefers it, similar to when he was the fourth option in Phoenix.
The key will be how they respond when the Bulls turn up the pressure in Game 5 (because you know they will) and whether or not Atlanta is apt to meet the challenge.
Columbus
May 9th, 2011
8:49 am
Have they FINALLY seen the light and learned their lesson? If so they can beat ANYONE in a 7 game series or one game….Sadly I was at Friday’s embarassment…..I can understand Rose hitting a lot from outside but letting him drive in time after time without making him pay? If I had ANY say so, he would be shell-shocked before halftime from getting hammered and would not be so fast to drive in the rest of the game! I like Rose, his attitude and his game but he would be getting up off the floor more times than not when he came driving in the lane…..!!!! Then the series would be over.
TheAntiMe
May 9th, 2011
8:49 am
” When I was in my rut, they told me to stay positive, to stay in the game, just do what I’d been doing all season long. I stayed with it.” – Josh Smith
So your teammates told you to just keep on tossing up bricks from the parking lot like you’ve been doing? Somehow, I think not.
But more importantly, congrats to Josh on a very clutch, all-around playoff performance. Hopefully, the light bulb finally came on for you to realize that it isn’t likely that shooting jumpers is going to get any front court player out of a rut. Only by taking it to the hole can you reasonably expect to give yourself a fighting chance to get out of said rut. Once again, great game to Josh and all the dudes for stepping up and getting it done in Game 4.
Columbus
May 9th, 2011
8:57 am
One more thing….I like Drew for the 1st time this year. He is showing to be a good coach when it counts. He stood up to Joe Johnson also when he said he had to shoot no matter if he was double-teamed or not. I REALLY liked that! If Josh will listen to his coach and to the crowd! and NOT his teammates and forget shooting jumpers in the postseason…..Hawks just might make it to the Eastern Finals! 2 games away!!! Can you believe they are this close even with the terrible games 2 and 3? I think Drew was right on…They thought they were actually good after winning game 1…no they werent, Chicago was cold and they made adjustments and home court was not what Atlanta expected….I was sitting around so many Bulls fans Friday but the worst part was that the Hawks gave the home crowd little to shut the Bulls fans up and they took over the joint….just like they did when Jordan was with them and they came here in the playoffs. Just wrong!
Rabbit
May 9th, 2011
8:57 am
great strategy. if Rose can’t come out, wear him out with a fast transition game.
Jim
May 9th, 2011
9:00 am
In an interview prior to last nite’s game with Marvin Williams all he wanted to talk about was what a great player Rose is–what a crock–Williams doesn’t have a competitive bone in his body–get rid of the guy and go get a decent center and this team looks pretty good.
feudfinder
May 9th, 2011
9:05 am
Finally, Josh Smith has accepted to attend Jeff Schultz’s basketball 101 class. And it showed yesterday at the highlight factory. I hope it stays in his muscle memory because he (Josh) dictates the tempo for this team. THANK YOU MR. SCHULTZ. THANK YOU JOSH
dj
May 9th, 2011
9:08 am
I couldnt agree more @ am 11:59pm
DawginLex
May 9th, 2011
9:19 am
Drew gets credit for making Josh smith play the way he should have played all along. Woody never could make Josh listen.Maybe Woody didn’t know what to ask?
Johny Hammersticks
May 9th, 2011
9:23 am
Teague looks like he is learning from Rose what works in the NBA…
Dan
May 9th, 2011
9:27 am
So hopefully with this game and the first game the Hawks have figured out what they were doing wrong. Smith great job but I think your beginning to realize that you can take all the jump shots that you want during the regular season but during the playoffs every shot counts. Your DR J and Dominque not Larry Bird. Just drive to the basket!
joewhite
May 9th, 2011
9:29 am
J smoove can do this each and every night if he playes his game, he makes the hawks better cause he can run and will share the rock as well, no team has a big man that run with him or jump with him,we need him to play well the rest of the seris, he plays like this we will win the next two.GG Hawks.and refs called a bad game when there is one on four where in the hell is the man with the ball
feudfinder
May 9th, 2011
9:31 am
I can’t blame LD or Mike Woodson for Josh’s nonchalant attitudes. I think the fans actually took him out of that habit with the “oh no” chants. I hope they keep doing that to remind him that he plays at his best in the paint. Moreover, please get off the win one lose one attitude. They need to take the game to the bulls tomorrow. They have done it before, and it can also be done again. Go hawks!
Jcard120
May 9th, 2011
9:32 am
I think it is great that Josh Smith stepped up and took control of the game late on both sides of the floor. If he was able to play like that night in and night out he would be starting in the all star game. He was in total control in the fourth quarter offensively and defensively. But in all honesty, I was most impressed by his composure, and how he didn’t whine and fuss about calls that didn’t go his way. He was focused on one thing, and that was winning the game. I must also give huge props to jeff teague. He hasn’t been given hardly any playing time all year, but comes in and plays flawless playoff minutes. He has been going toe to toe with the MVP and is more than holding his own.He is driving to the paint, taking contact, and putting the ball in the hole. START TEAGUE NEXT YEAR. I will be honest in that I thought teague was a bit soft before this post-season. However, I take it back now that I have seen the way he is willing to sacrifice in the paint with hard drives. this is what the hawks have needed. FREE JEFF TEAGUE
Ted M
May 9th, 2011
9:37 am
I watched the Braves game. The Braves are lookin pretty good.
I would have watched the Hawks if it weren’t for their total lack of heart in game 3.
I’m still pulling for the Hawks even though they make sick on a lot of occasions.
Basketball Jones
May 9th, 2011
9:41 am
Kerr stated it best, describing the difference between energy guys and athletic guys. Everyone knows that Josh, Joe, etc are gifted athletically, but the energy is only intermittent.
If the Hawks bring that every night, they will go far.
KEEP JEFF TEAGUE FREE!
Hawks may have finally found their point guard: Jeff Teague | Jeff Schultz
May 9th, 2011
9:46 am
[...] Earlier: Hawks, Josh Smith bounce back in major way over Bulls [...]
Booo!
May 9th, 2011
9:49 am
wxwax, Actions speak louder than words.He gets it, he just wasnt willing to concede that point to the media who’s been bashing him for the last two games.
steve brown
May 9th, 2011
9:54 am
It is called once in a blue moon. we have all seen this before. But thank G-d and hope his trade value just went up and move the friggin’ genius (Josh “Wooden” Smith) to another team ASAP.
j
May 9th, 2011
9:57 am
LETS DO IT AGAIN HAWKS
Slim
May 9th, 2011
9:58 am
Josh at the small forward means Deng has to cover Josh. Not Joe Johnson. This allowed Joe to get in a rhythm. Jason Collins was open early underneath off double teams etc
clogged the lanes, Josh, Horford and Collins can block Rose etc
So many domino effects
Ted M
May 9th, 2011
10:11 am
I’m watching the Brian Nielsen vs Evander.Holyfield fight from Saturday night. This guy is an old, really flabby white guy with 64 losses. But he’s hangin w/Evander.
Ted M
May 9th, 2011
10:25 am
Evander knocked him down in 3rd w/a solid left hook but unlike Shane Mosley this guy came to fight.
Ted M
May 9th, 2011
10:37 am
I’m in the 7th now both of this guys eyes are cut and swollen but he seem to still have his legs under him.
rexdogma
May 9th, 2011
11:17 am
Derrick Rose forgot he had a team. He tried to beat the Hawks himself. They finally defensed him and he started missing shots. Way to go HAWKS.
Good Effort, Not Great
May 9th, 2011
11:59 am
I am less than impressed with Jeff Teague’s defense on D. Rose which, by itself, can give you a win against the Bulls. Teague’s quick, certainly, but he has too many possessions where he’s simply not energetic enough to stop Rose. You can’t guard Rose with a low energy problem.
The rest of the team played well especially in the fourth quarter. Hats off to Teague and Smith and Johnson and Horford and Drew for staying aggressive and getting the win.
It is possible for this team to get beyond the Bulls if they can stop Rose in Chicago and continue to play as team.
Go Hawks!
Swingman912
May 9th, 2011
12:43 pm
Its virtually impossible to “stop” D.Rose. He’s a combination of stregth and speed that no other PG can contend with. Teague is lightening quick, but even he said D. Rose was the fastest guy in the league with the ball in his hand. Teague did as good as anyone else did at containing D. Rose, but Rose is a guy thats gonna eventually get his, so they did a good job o Rose, teague included, but as team, they definitely corraled Rose every time he got to the paint. He still dropped 34pts, 10ast, but in a loss, i bet he doesnt care how many points he had, and neither do I!……chuuuuuuch Go Hawks!
BartenderBart
May 9th, 2011
12:45 pm
“The Hawks rebounded from a miserable performance again Sunday night, and the only reason to see it coming was because there was no reason to see it coming. Throw a whiffle ball in a wind tunnel and guess which direction that sucker will fly. That’s sort of like predicting the Hawks. But they showed us something again: potential.”
____
I thought the Hawks had been showing us “potential” for the last three years. At what point does it stop being “potential” and become a “realization?”
Big D
May 9th, 2011
12:48 pm
Rishi, great commentary. Mike Woodson was on crack or something for not letting Teague get more burn. If JSmooth ever decides to play to his strengths, ie slashing and the pick n roll he easily a 20+pt scorer night in and night out.
Hawks needs to cut they losses with Williams like they did with Sheldon Willams, who was also a top 5 pick and a bust. JJ needs to continue his high level of play if the Hawks expect to win the series
The Game Has Changed
May 9th, 2011
6:37 pm
@Dylan-lol Thats funny. You think they are bi-polar.
The Game Has Changed
May 9th, 2011
6:40 pm
@JROLL- I dont know where Marvin is. If we had all these guys playing together at one time we would look life Dallas. We have the talent. Marvin is missing in action.
PLEASE TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
May 9th, 2011
10:10 pm
STILL TRADE JOSH!
Billy D Kidd
May 9th, 2011
10:56 pm
if sorry ass horford would play center then josh wouldnt have to move to the 3 then he could stay at the 4 and dominate in the paint like he has
TRADE SORRY ASS HORFORD NOW!
Billy D Kidd
May 9th, 2011
11:05 pm
Hawks finally arrived Too bad the one who prepared them is not here to reap the benefits of his labors.
LIVE BLOG: Hawks look to keep momentum vs. Bulls | Jeff Schultz
May 10th, 2011
7:28 pm
[...] Men.” They’re blaming themselves for letting up defensively and going soft in the Hawks’ 100-88 win in Game 4, similar to how the Hawks’ blamed themselves for falling flat in Game [...]