LIVE: Hawks hope to redeem themselves, extend season
Can the Hawks force a Game 6 after being humiliated in Boston? (AP photo)
(This is an early column that will serve as the live blog for tonight’s Hawks’ playoff game against Boston. It will updated afterward. Hawks coach Larry Drew said after this morning’s shoot around that center Al Horford and forward Marvin Williams will start, joining Joe Johnson, Jeff Teague and Josh Smith. Kirk Hinrich will come off the bench. The move allows Johnson to go back to the shooting guard position and get away from defending Paul Pierce, possibly reserving more energy for the offensive end. Whether it works is another matter. By the way, checked with a pal, Todd Fuhrman of the Caesars Palace sports book in Las Vegas. He said that while he hasn’t posted odds on this, he would make the Hawks an 11-1 underdog to win the next three games of the series. I would’ve thought it would be even higher but the fact two out of three games would be at Philips Arena might be a factor.)
•
Timing is everything, as the partners of the Atlanta Spirit have learned the hard way.
The Hawks’ owners this week sent an email to season ticket holders with a link to a survey, “Help us improve your experience.” Canvassing fans for their opinions on Monday — the day after the team’s humiliating Game 4 playoff loss at Boston Sunday night – probably wasn’t the best strategy, even if the defeat came on the road and the survey focused on the cost of hot dogs and the music played at Philips Arena.
In the end, fans primarily are going to be focused on the product, not the window dressing. They will watch a winner in a damp warehouse with a leaky roof if necessary.
Which brings us back to the Hawks. They faced playoff elimination going into Tuesday night’s Game 5 against the Celtics at Philips Arena. They could point to injuries. They could concede that Boston simply is a better postseason team (as illustrated by the past four years). But folks are getting a little fed up with this same core of players coming up short in the playoffs, and that’s why, “Blow it up,” has been the most prevalent command from the masses.
The complaints might have seemed premature before Game 5. The season hadn’t officially ended yet. But what is an Atlanta fan if not somebody with a feeling of impending doom?
Coach Larry Drew said he’ll sit down with management after the season, commenting, “They’ll be making the decisions on direction, as far as what we’re going to do. Some of these guys have been together for a while. We’ll be talking about the possibilities, but we do that every year.”
As does every team. But this is what sets the Hawks apart from other NBA franchises, and most in professional sports. No part of the organization here may be safe.
Consider:
• Ownership: The Spirit put the team up for sale and seemingly had a deal with Los Angeles businessman Alex Meruelo. But the purchase fell through in November and the season opened the following month with the same ownership in place. Spirit partners say they are no longer interested in selling. We’ve learned in the past what they say and what they do often don’t intersect.
• General manager: Rick Sund’s contract is up. He has an offer to return but hasn’t decided if he wants to come back. He lives in Seattle. He’ll be 61 in June. He’s financially secure. He might prefer taking the less stressful role of consultant elsewhere rather than take on the potential significant headaches of a team makeover.
• Coach: The two-year, guaranteed portion of Drew’s contract is up. He has a team option for next season but hasn’t been told yet if the team is picking that up. Bringing him back seems logical, but a new general manager (or owner) would complicate that.
• Roster: Where to start? Josh Smith has asked to be traded. Nine players have expiring contracts (Kirk Hinrich, Tracy McGrady, Jason Collins, Vladimir Radmanovic, Jerry Stackhouse, Jannero Pargo, Willie Green, Erick Dampier, Ivan Johnson). Joe Johnson almost certainly will be back because he has four years and $89.295 million left on his contract. And no, the Hawks aren’t going to amnesty him because nobody is going to cut a check for $89.295 million just to get him off the books.
The Hawks realize the city hasn’t embraced them. They ranked 23rd in league attendance during the season, and that’s with inflated crowd counts (their claimed average: 15,199).
Still, this team had been a resilient bunch this season until the 101-79 loss in Boston.
“We haven’t had a game like Game 4 in quite some time,” Johnson said Tuesday morning. “It was mind-boggling, honestly. I can’t get why we came out and played so poorly when we were so close in Game 3. I’m still puzzled on that.”
Drew responded in the aftermath of the loss the way he has most of this season: with a positive message.
“Like I’ve told our players, I think we’ve had a great season despite that one game, and that game is no reflection on the rest of our season,” he said. “It happened. We watched film. We talked about it and learned from it. Now it’s time to move on.”
The question was: For how long?
•
Check back later and I’ll let you know of any late lineup changes. Then we’ll live blog from tip-off at 8 p.m.
By Jeff Schultz
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164 comments Add your comment
Land O' Lakes Hawk
May 8th, 2012
4:03 pm
The Hawks can win if Josh decides not to pout when things don’t go his way and Joe makes quick decisions out of the double team.
Eb
May 8th, 2012
4:14 pm
TV guys better keep those cameras pointed low to avoid showing all those empty seats at the Disappointment Factory tonight.
AJW
May 8th, 2012
4:14 pm
Don’t agree with putting Marvin in the starting lineup.
Celtics were just on fire last game. I can’t see anyone stopping them in that game. Ridiculous. Lets just hope the game 1 Celtics show up.
gcs
May 8th, 2012
4:21 pm
@Schultz
Have you let Larry Drew know about the raise you gave him yet?
Buckeye
May 8th, 2012
4:28 pm
Give me the days of Doc Rivers, Spud Web and Dominique. It reminds me, of say, the dogs in 1981.
Frank
May 8th, 2012
4:31 pm
Sending a survey to season ticket holders yesterday tells you the Spirit have no business sense. Wait until the season ends when people can properly reflect.
Jeff- would Hawks eat JJ’s entire contract under an amnesty deal? NBA site indicates the team is on the hook for the difference in original contract and the players new contract out of free agency. That could cut that amount in half.
Jamaaliver
May 8th, 2012
4:39 pm
While I am rooting for the hawks as always, a loss tonight may be the Tipping Point we need to see actual change from management.
No more delusions of grandeur or releveance from Mike Gearon, Jr.
It’s very fitting that tonight we should see the starting lineup (Horford, Smoove, marvin, JJ, Teague) for hopefully the last time.
We need change and, hopefully, Marvin and Josh will be moved this offseason. I predict a win tonight and another embarrasing loss at Boston on Thursday.
Steve
May 8th, 2012
4:45 pm
Jeff what did you do to get punished? Same ole thing with the Hawks as far as never getting past the second round. Amazing that it has never happened.
Hail Munson
May 8th, 2012
4:48 pm
Here’s how the next 3 games will play out:
Game 5 – Hawks win big tonight because the Celtics don’t care if they win tonight.
Game 6 – The Hawks fly to Boston, and somehow pull out a win in a chippy game with an extremely hostile crowd to get our hopes up for game 7.
Game 7 – After the 1st quarter, the Hawks will be up by 9 and up 15 at the half. The Celtics will widdle the lead down to 6 going into the 4th with the Hawks starting a 12-4 run to be up 14 with about 8 mintues to go. The Highlight Factory will be rocking, the Celtics will be yelling at each other, and every Atlanta fan will let their guard down and think, “We’ve got this. No way do the AARP Celtics come back now.” From that point on the Hawks are out scored 24-8 to lose by 2 on a missed Joe Johnson shot at the buzzer. The camera scans to a young fan wearing a Hawks jersey with an utterly shocked and depressed look on his face, while the announcers talk about how cursed Atlanta is as a sports city.
Jamaaliver
May 8th, 2012
4:52 pm
Frank, I can’t see the Hawks paying $100 million+ to make their best player and top scorer go away. He’s still producing at this point and there’s no one in the FA market coming here to take his spot. (The top players haven’t seemed to regard ATL as a viable landing spot to seriously compete for a championship.)
He’s still a good player, and a trade in the latter years of that deal is still very possible.
Rick
May 8th, 2012
4:55 pm
How about do something that no Atlanta teams has done in ATL HISTORY! WIN WHEN YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO AND SHAKE UP ESPN AND TNT! First I hope Joe went to see the wizard for a heart! Second Josh please rebound and give the ball to your point guard and fill the lane you will have a MONSTER GAME! You are unstoppable whem you do that and by far the BEST player on the floodr. Heck I can even live with the jump shot! THIRD, what took you so long to take Joe from guarding Paul? Come on Drew dont go Mike Woodson on me now! And speaking of waiting ao long fto make a good move how about you pull Marvin 3 minutes into the game and split his minutes with Tracy and Ivan? Fourth and this is for the whole team…..HEART AND PASSION…..Dallas only had one sypwerstar and a role players, come on team how about us? JUST ONCE I WANT A ATL TEAM TP WIN WHEN EVERY SAYS WE SHOULD NOT! Signing off from your #1back fan.
Rick
May 8th, 2012
4:57 pm
Typos are my fault writing from a droid.
Lee Gobson
May 8th, 2012
4:59 pm
Trade JJ, zsa zsa, and Marvin to Orlando
For Dwight Howard. Then send Josh and Teague
To NJ for deron Williams. Build team around
Williams, Howard, and horford.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 8th, 2012
5:00 pm
I think they probably win tonight and lose Game 6, but I will stick by my original prediction of Hawks in 7 just for the hell of it.
Shamrock
May 8th, 2012
5:09 pm
The Fat Lady sings tonight.
Frank
May 8th, 2012
5:24 pm
Jaamaliver: From what I read on amnesty, subtract Joe’s next contract from the $100M amnestied by the Hawks. If Joe gets $10-14M per year over 3-5 years in his next deal, Hawks would end up paying between $40-60M to make him go away.
Matt from MN
May 8th, 2012
5:27 pm
HAHAHA…oh, Jeff, you slay me with your sardonic wit. “Redeem their season”??? Not bloody likely for this bunch of losers.
heat check
May 8th, 2012
5:28 pm
Trading Josh this offseason would be a horribly dumb move. So, that’s my prediction for DASG’s offseason plan. Something horribly dumb. My offseason plan would then be finding a new NBA team to follow.
Jamaaliver,
Amnestying JJ wouldn’t cost ATL 100M, they’d pay whatever the new team doesn’t remaining on his contract. And JJ might be the best SCORER on the team, but he’s not the best PLAYER on the team.
Eb
May 8th, 2012
5:48 pm
Hoping this is Hawk’s final game under ASG ownership.
Will
May 8th, 2012
5:56 pm
Joe, says that he needs more touches, how about we address the real dam problem, which is ” DEFENSE”
Mr. Mooney
May 8th, 2012
5:59 pm
Win or lose, Hawks must show passion tonight. No excuse for professionals to ever turn in a performance like Sunday’s. Team going to look very different next year.
heartofdarkness
May 8th, 2012
6:05 pm
Under the new CBA, which team is scheduled to take tonight off?
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
6:23 pm
GCS — “@Schultz. Have you let Larry Drew know about the raise you gave him yet?” <<< Adjust the meds.
Darren
May 8th, 2012
6:29 pm
Trade Al Sorry Ass
Darren
May 8th, 2012
6:31 pm
Starting sorry Al means no defense in the middle and working the hell out of Josh who has to defend Al’s position and his own.
Al is a lazy sorry defender and a bone of contention on the team. Fire Al and Fire Drew.
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
6:32 pm
Frank –”Jeff- would Hawks eat JJ’s entire contract under an amnesty deal? NBA site indicates the team is on the hook for the difference in original contract and the players new contract out of free agency. That could cut that amount in half.”
<< Short answer: Hypothetically if the Hawks put Joe on waivers, teams can make one of two type claims: Full claim or partial claim. If it’s a full claim, they claim the balance of the contract (that won’t happen). If it’s a partial claim, they have to bid at least $8 million (or just under), is the vet’s minimum for JJ’s level times four (four years remaining). The Hawks still have to play the balance. Just if $8 million is the winning bid, the Hawks would still be responsible for $81 million of the $89 million left on his deal.
Logically, there wouldn’t be a bid in which a team would assume half the contract.
John
May 8th, 2012
6:34 pm
These playoffs have been painful to watch.
R. Royce
May 8th, 2012
6:36 pm
“We haven’t had a game like Game 4 in quite some time,” Johnson said Tuesday morning. “It was mind-boggling, honestly. I can’t get why we came out and played so poorly when we were so close in Game 3. I’m still puzzled on that.” -Joe Johnson
Yea right. You know what Joe? Why don’t you take your sorry “puzzled” azz off into the proverbial sunset and ponder away-while laughing all the way to the bank-Joe, you really don’t care, so why are you pretending to care after a loss like this? Here’s where you care: let someone say anything about the paychecks you’re cashing and then we’ll see how you care. So don’t give us that bologna about how you and your team from Larry on down, minds are boggled. You and your team didn’t give the effort worthy of paying fans or tv fans-which you should have given. You basically gave up. As for Larry Drew: he is always one to make excuses for any sorry thing you all do.
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
6:41 pm
Heartofdarkness — “Under the new CBA, which team is scheduled to take tonight off?”
<<< That was funny.
lldawg
May 8th, 2012
6:48 pm
does anyone think there will be a game six? oh my bad i mean game 1 Boston vs Philly…that’s right make sure Joe get enough shots tonight
Harry Hawk
May 8th, 2012
6:59 pm
Speaking of the new CBA, which team will the Hawks play like tonight?
Will it be the Rockford Lightning or the Quad City Thunder?
Stay tuned.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 8th, 2012
7:12 pm
It’s not the number of shots or points JJ got the other night, it’s the D he didn’t bring.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 8th, 2012
7:15 pm
Billy Knight blamed the Hawks latest loss on the lack of forwards.
Coach Dan Henning said it was a lack of tight ends.
IceColdATLien
May 8th, 2012
7:29 pm
ILdawg:
Historically the team down 1-3 wins game 5 about 34% of the time… even better at home. Doesn’t seem like great odds, but it’s still better than Josh’s 3-pt shot…
Blahblahblah
May 8th, 2012
7:47 pm
I think some team would bid $40 million for Joe’s last 4 years. But I don’t think the ASG would eat $50 million, even if it would open up a ton of cap space to rebuild.
Coach
May 8th, 2012
7:47 pm
Jeff, back on the Vilma blog…. WOW, think its time to shut her down. It didn’t work.
LakeDawg
May 8th, 2012
7:59 pm
Smoooooooove!!!!!!!
Frank
May 8th, 2012
8:01 pm
Jeff: Does a team bid only on one year of service when hypothetically claiming Joe off waivers after an amnesty release? If it’s multiple years, the offset number could make the amnesty worthwhile ($10M x 4 years= $40M). My guess is there’s a team willing to pay him $10-12M/yr. Hawks simply made a bad deal at $20M/yr.
Wink
May 8th, 2012
8:02 pm
We have come full circle!
Definition of Insanity: When you keep doing the same thing over & over and expecting a different result…
Drew starting the Core plus Teague…which is the same lineup he put in this time last year for a Must Win game…flash back…31 point beating!
Why not let TMac start over Duck?
hammer hawk
May 8th, 2012
8:04 pm
how many expected for tonights game …7 or 8k ? With 4k of it being celtics fans. Is rathburn on crack saying its sold out lmao
JSS
May 8th, 2012
8:07 pm
Wouldn’t Henning blame it on lack of H-Backs?
Again, Drew is forgetting McGrady… He was money in games 1 and 3… But Larry Drew has refused to ride his natural mismatches since Smith left game 2…
hammer hawk
May 8th, 2012
8:08 pm
lmao!”!” they keep showing me and my brother from game 1 going into the arena before the game. damn is the crowd that bad
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
8:09 pm
Frank — You bid for player and contract that comes with him. Either way, JJ gets paid.
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
8:10 pm
JSS — I’d like more minutes for McGrady, assuming he can. Also thought Ivan Johnson should’ve seen time last game.
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
8:10 pm
Al Horford got biggest cheer during starting lineups.
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
8:13 pm
Bad shot(s) by Josh.
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
8:16 pm
Celtics on 9-0 run. Timeout Hawks.
hammer hawk
May 8th, 2012
8:16 pm
lmao…150% my a**!
That Dude
May 8th, 2012
8:16 pm
here we go again…
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
8:18 pm
Hawks so far: 1 for 5 with 3 turnovers.
hammer hawk
May 8th, 2012
8:18 pm
If this is 150% effort then that tells me all I need to know about this team.
JSS
May 8th, 2012
8:18 pm
Ivan is a natural mismatch against the Celtics second unit…
JSS
May 8th, 2012
8:21 pm
Well, so much for good starts…
JSS
May 8th, 2012
8:25 pm
OK, weathering the bad start…
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
8:25 pm
Johnson has missed his first 3 shots.
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
8:26 pm
Horford out — he’s easily been Hawks’ best player.
heartofdarkness
May 8th, 2012
8:29 pm
Steve Holman full of fight tonight. Chewing on refs, poor shot selection, generally flat play. The effort is there, behind the mike.
heartofdarkness
May 8th, 2012
8:36 pm
It is beginning to sound like Holman is announcing one of the games from the 1919 World Series. Is Arnold Rothstein in the crowd?
JSS
May 8th, 2012
8:36 pm
All he Holman) needs is a pack of Camel’s and heart defibrillator like his idol Johnny Most!
It's Over
May 8th, 2012
8:41 pm
Josh misses his 7th straight shot and then is late getting back to allow Garnett to hit a three. I don’t understand why he has to learn this lesson every game. Stay underneat, don’t settle for jumpers and quit battling the refs.
Tim
May 8th, 2012
8:42 pm
Josh Smith’s last game as a Hawk tonight. Write it down. Hawks will fade in second half and lose by 10+.
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
8:45 pm
Sorry folks. Major wifi issues. Having almost as many problems as Josh Smith (0 for 8).
hammer hawk
May 8th, 2012
8:47 pm
Theres just no effort…everything is nonshalant
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
8:47 pm
10 point lead — Hawks just absolutely getting schooled.
Rick
May 8th, 2012
8:50 pm
I am a true Hawks FAN! However this sh*$ is embrassing and disrespectful to real fans. Please take Josh out the game and play Ivan. Josh is playing like a man whi has QUIT! And again where the FUDGE IS JOE “BACK OF MILK CARTON” JOHNSON. This is a shame to fans that route for the home team. At least put some guys in the game who have to play for a contract next year!
Week
May 8th, 2012
8:51 pm
The Hawks are actually worse than their fans from Atlanta wearing Boston gear cheering for the opponents in the crowd. Quitters should be their new name.
It's Over
May 8th, 2012
8:52 pm
Parental Advisory……don’t let your kids watch the Hawk alone. A parent or guardian needs to be in the room to point out all the low basketball IQ plays and emphasize how smart and hard the Celtics play.
Cedrick
May 8th, 2012
8:52 pm
OK, some people in this blog are just plain stupid. Yeah Josh Smith is struggling but without him this year with “THE AMAZING” Joe Johnson being hurt alot this team would not have made the playoffs PERIOD.
Now whats pissing me off tonight is the amazing “NO SHOW” Joe. How the hell you gonna complain about not enough shots but get into the paint point blank from rim and kick it back outside.
Tim
May 8th, 2012
8:55 pm
Joe Johnson is without question the most overpaid player in the NBA and possibly all of sports.
hammer hawk
May 8th, 2012
8:56 pm
just play the backups..this is not real basketball. The Hawks are out their treating it like its a game of 21.
Rick
May 8th, 2012
8:56 pm
Please remove Josh from the game if this is all we are going to get from him tonight. Play Ivan.
Steve
May 8th, 2012
8:57 pm
Jeff, time to blow it up after they lose tonight and start all over, again? Seems like that would make sense. Not like anyone really cares about the Hawks anyway.
That Dude
May 8th, 2012
8:57 pm
The Hawks need a culture change. No matter how talented you are, you will never win with this level of effort.
Rick
May 8th, 2012
8:58 pm
Cedrick I am a HUGE Josh fan, but if he is going to pout and play like he is playing now sit him and lets play Ivan
Smitty
May 8th, 2012
8:59 pm
Are you watching what Im watching . its the same flaws the hawks have shown during the season but all at one time. They don’t rebound well, despite how well Josh jumps, they dont get in a stance or play defense with any intensity, except for Heinrich, they don’t block out, they dont pass well. The Hawks are laughed at by every sportscaster and especially mocked by Barkley, Shaq, Kenny and even Ernie. When will things change. Is it bad coaching, lacadaisical players, as Stephen Smith hinted and as Reggie Miller is saying right now, or is it all of the above./
coacht
May 8th, 2012
9:02 pm
This series should be called the” worst of 7″ not the “best of 7″.
Obxdawg
May 8th, 2012
9:05 pm
Al, stop shooting. You’re killing us.
That Dude
May 8th, 2012
9:05 pm
Smitty, I feel you. My friends tell me they can’t stand to watch the Hawks play, and now I know why.
Rick
May 8th, 2012
9:05 pm
So I guess Drew is just so against putting in Ivan?
JSS
May 8th, 2012
9:05 pm
Come on, close out the quarter strong!
Cedrick
May 8th, 2012
9:06 pm
Rick, I understand that but as soon as you put him in the bench Boston goes straight to the rim.
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
9:07 pm
Crazy that Hawks are within 4 points despite shooting 12 for 39
Cedrick
May 8th, 2012
9:08 pm
WOW!! A Marvin WIlliams sighting!!!
Cedrick
May 8th, 2012
9:09 pm
Man, Josh Smith is struggling to walk!!
Smitty
May 8th, 2012
9:09 pm
No heart, no passion visible in addition to weak fundamentals, Recipe for failure
Rick
May 8th, 2012
9:09 pm
Who lit the fire?
brett
May 8th, 2012
9:10 pm
Joe Johnson is without question the most overpaid player in the NBA and possibly all of sports and the reason ATL no longer has an NHL franchise!
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
9:10 pm
Hawks have hit 4 straight 3s … (2 Williams, 1 Johnson, 1 Teague) to take 40-37 lead, first lead since 3-2
It's Over
May 8th, 2012
9:10 pm
I told you the Hawks were still in it!….oh wait, I forgot to change my screen name.
JSS
May 8th, 2012
9:11 pm
Holy smoke, that was some turn around!
Rick
May 8th, 2012
9:11 pm
He must be so banged that I have to imagine Ivan gives us a better chance to rebound. But I see what you are saying Cedrick
Rick
May 8th, 2012
9:13 pm
Is it possible for them to play with the same passion they played with for the last four minutes of the 2nd?
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
9:18 pm
Hawks tied at half with a strong finish in 2nd quarter. 40-40 despite shooting 15 for 42 (35 percent) from floor. Celtics not much better at 15 for 39 (38 percent). Josh (1/9) and Joe (4/11) are a combined 5/20 shooting.
G
May 8th, 2012
9:20 pm
I love the TNT guys. They kill the Hawks and call it like it is. Kenny Smith says the Hawks think they are just too cool, no emotion and do the same things every game..
Smitty
May 8th, 2012
9:28 pm
The Celtics are not a great team. Despite all their flaws, the hawks can still win this game, this series and even win the next round vs. Philly. Amazing really considering the weaknesses of this team
Rick
May 8th, 2012
9:28 pm
Lets go Hawks
JayInAtlanta
May 8th, 2012
9:30 pm
Unfortunately couldn’t make it to the arena and can’t watch on TV. From this box score I’m seeing, can anyone tell me how the Hawks are sitting on 10 fouls through the first half and Celtics have THREE? How’s the officiating in our house tonight?
5150 UOAD
May 8th, 2012
9:32 pm
HAWKS SUX…………………………………..
Phoenix loves roasted Hawk
May 8th, 2012
9:34 pm
Awe, come on Atlanta fans, you know in your guts these worthless doves are going down – No advancement for you or your queenie birds. When the times get tough, the Hawks fold and go home! Go SUNS!!!!!
JSS
May 8th, 2012
9:34 pm
They don’t drive and force res to call fouls in the paint… No NBA home should have nopt earned at least parity at the line, especially in the playoffs!
Phoenix loves roasted Hawk
May 8th, 2012
9:35 pm
Poor 5150 – you’re just learning this? Are you also up on the Failcons, the bareveers and every other team in your worthless town?
JSS
May 8th, 2012
9:36 pm
Way to start the quarter!
Frank
May 8th, 2012
9:38 pm
Jeff: I realize Joe gets paid either way on his current contract in an amnesty deal. What I’m trying to get a clearer picture of is the amount the Hawks could potentially offset by the team that picks Joe up off waivers. If its only $9M, not worth it as Hawks would still eat $80M. If its $36M ($9M x 4 years), makes more sense as Hawks portion drops to $53M.
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
9:39 pm
Marvin Williams providing a nice spark (10 points, team’s 3rd leading scorer).
Bama14
May 8th, 2012
9:39 pm
Did some other team put on the Hawks unis for the 2nd half?
Rick
May 8th, 2012
9:40 pm
Says a Phoenix fan…….really?
5150 UOAD
May 8th, 2012
9:40 pm
How big of a Condom does it take to keep all the Georgia Teams (wearing Red & Black) from actually winning a Championship? The GYM Dawgs are the ONLY champions in this state that wear Red & Black.
G
May 8th, 2012
9:41 pm
Josh Smith dribbling the ball all the way up court, turns it over and then next time down launches a 3. Will it ever change?
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
9:46 pm
Marvin now 3 for 6 from threes. Rest of Hawks are 4-for-10.
Cedrick
May 8th, 2012
9:48 pm
ENTER COMPLAINTS HERE ABOUT J SMooth ——> SO what!!
Complain now because he is a free agent and one thing I do know is that there are a lot of teams that are looking at him.
Smitty
May 8th, 2012
9:50 pm
“G” No it will never change. Nobody ha the guts to tell him the truth and/or bench him evidently
JSS
May 8th, 2012
9:51 pm
Thiss was the time in game 2 when it south, come on fellas intensity!!!
Rick
May 8th, 2012
9:52 pm
WOW we missed Al this year!
Rick
May 8th, 2012
9:53 pm
The 4th will make or break the team tonight!
G
May 8th, 2012
9:56 pm
Paul Pierce out of the game and then the Hawks turn it over back to back
G
May 8th, 2012
9:58 pm
Lack of effort by the Hawks again
scfalcon
May 8th, 2012
9:58 pm
Funny how these guys can play tonight, but were hurt 48 hours ago.
Rick
May 8th, 2012
9:59 pm
What the FUDGE IS UP WITH THIS FRIGGING CALLS FROM THE REFS?
G
May 8th, 2012
9:59 pm
Joe Johnson is TERRIBLE!! What was that?
Cedrick
May 8th, 2012
9:59 pm
WOW!!!! just give away a 10 point lead!
5150 UOAD
May 8th, 2012
10:00 pm
I am dating S Yoculan too. She is Bendy still at her age.
Bama14
May 8th, 2012
10:00 pm
That was an unbelievably bad finish. Just like the vanishing 11 point lead in game 2.
scfalcon
May 8th, 2012
10:00 pm
Never seen a team that can get satisfied as quickly as the Hawks. They get a lead and start beating their chest. We are years, no decades, from chest beating.
Rick
May 8th, 2012
10:01 pm
This frigging Josh is killing us tonight! I am a Huge Josh fan but he is shi$ng the bed and killing us. Not to mention these fuc%&ng refs with these bullcrap calls. Are you serious?
It's Over
May 8th, 2012
10:01 pm
Hawks got an early start on their fourth quarter collapse.
And Cedrick, Josh has one more year left on his contract.
l jones
May 8th, 2012
10:01 pm
Can we trade Josh Smith for a bag of basketballs?
Rick
May 8th, 2012
10:02 pm
What the heck is it with this team? Can they not play with a lead and play like a decent team?
G
May 8th, 2012
10:03 pm
Let’s face reality, as much as I hate to say it, it’s better for the Hawks to lose. This team needs a huge makeover. Just cannot continue this way.
Eb
May 8th, 2012
10:05 pm
Al is clearly a cut above the rest of the team and shows heart. Keep him and can the rest.
Mtn Hawk
May 8th, 2012
10:08 pm
Hawks are half assin it
jo
May 8th, 2012
10:09 pm
With refs calling a fair game, hawks are still up by 10 in this game. That wont happen of course.
coacht
May 8th, 2012
10:10 pm
Al had more class than most of these guys. I think he has a winner’s heart.
Rick
May 8th, 2012
10:10 pm
I am so close to saying Fudge this team. Sick and tired of being a true fan and rooting for millionaires who play like they are in a rec leauge.
Eb
May 8th, 2012
10:11 pm
Josh Smith is a joke. His ball handling and shooting is inconsistent at best. Team will be better off without his liabilities.
Jesse
May 8th, 2012
10:15 pm
At times they can look so good…. then they get lazy and stop doing what’s working.
JSS
May 8th, 2012
10:18 pm
Must defend and take care of the rock!!!
5150 UOAD
May 8th, 2012
10:21 pm
People people People STOP Just STOP. If it wears RED & Black in Georgia I SUX and will NEVER be a Champion. Well not unless it wears a LEOTARD.
Bama14
May 8th, 2012
10:25 pm
Need to finish. No turnovers, and continue to score. C’s ain’t done yet.
coacht
May 8th, 2012
10:27 pm
kinda sad
Bama14
May 8th, 2012
10:27 pm
7 point lead evaporates in 30 seconds. Hawks haven’t scored more than 85 in this series…
It's Over
May 8th, 2012
10:27 pm
This play out of the timeout will be telling.
Cedrick
May 8th, 2012
10:27 pm
Please GOD no more ISO-JOE!
Rick
May 8th, 2012
10:27 pm
Same script for the playoffs last few minutes Joe dribbles out clock passes to Josh bad shot. Joe dribbles out clock, turnover. Same script different game
wonderin
May 8th, 2012
10:29 pm
If they got rid of Joe Johnson, they could be monsters.
CamiloAtlanta
May 8th, 2012
10:29 pm
Finally!! The last game, final minutes for “the core”. What a joke!!
Rick
May 8th, 2012
10:30 pm
Amazing when the ball moves out of Joe and Josh hand we get a good play and a basket.
Redandblackpeachy
May 8th, 2012
10:31 pm
Jeff is insane if he truly believes that the Hawks bringing back Drew is logical clearly does not see what we all see. The idea of hiring a coach after firing one who consistently gets a team to the playoffs is that the new coach will get them over the speed bump, not throw the car in slow reverse. Larry Drew is slow reverse.
Bama14
May 8th, 2012
10:32 pm
These refs ARE bull-sweating the home team!
Cedrick
May 8th, 2012
10:32 pm
WHY??? WHY?????
When is Larry Drew gonna learn ISO-Joe is gonna get him fired!!! Did he not learn anything from Woody!!
All this iso dribble then pass at last second is gonna sink this team!!
Bama14
May 8th, 2012
10:38 pm
Josh saves himself after damn-near giving it away…
Vick Supporter
May 8th, 2012
10:39 pm
Rondo is a f’in beast. I would take him over Deron Williams anyday…wouls still Deron Williams though since we could have drafted him…but nooooooo….we draft Duckman Williams.
At least he’s had a pulse tonight. If he could have done this in game 2 we would have won that game smh
CamiloAtlanta
May 8th, 2012
10:40 pm
Oh no!! We won!! One more game of torture.
Rick
May 8th, 2012
10:41 pm
I dont know what to say.
Not Happening Hawks
May 8th, 2012
10:41 pm
if this is the kind of desperation you’re playing with in an elimination game, you’re not winning this series Hawks. C’s have it pretty much wrapped up and you have everything to play for, and they still had a chance to win in the end??? This series will end in 6 … it’ll be a while longer before the Hawks win a playoff game in Boston
Rick
May 8th, 2012
10:41 pm
I can say Al was a BEAST tonight!
JSS
May 8th, 2012
10:42 pm
Yeah, let’s get the jet ready, Game 6 in the Northend!!!
GT Falcon
May 8th, 2012
10:42 pm
Way to stay positive there, Camilo. Oh and.. go Hawks! One more day to fight for!
coacht
May 8th, 2012
10:42 pm
Anybody feeling momentum?
Rick
May 8th, 2012
10:44 pm
We cant win in Boston if the refs call the game like they did tonight.
coacht
May 8th, 2012
10:48 pm
I’m a life long Hawks fan…got the bumper sticker that read Go Hawks – the Atlanta team you can be proud of
Rountree, Drew, the rest of the guys….
I and hate to be negative…but really….these guys have to show me something. I have seen enough to expect disaster. If this doesn’t get better we may not even have a pro hoops franchise unless the Dream stays.
Defense- is it too much to not leave Allen and Pierce wide open in the 4th ?
Offense- How hard is to run a sideline inbounds play to just get the ball in?
And is it really impossible to run a play if the ball is in JJ or JS’s hand with the shot clock under 20?
JadedAtlantaFan
May 8th, 2012
10:50 pm
If we had five guys like Al, we would compete for championships around here everyday. He’s the only guy who shows emotion in the right way. Josh and Jeff show emotion, but it’s more pouting than anything else. Joe – I seriously don’t understand what goes through that guys’ head. I don’t care what happens the rest of the playoffs, please give him away, even if you don’t get anything out of it (I doubt anyone would even do that however!)
I’ll enjoy this feeling for the next 48 hours because it’s over after that.
Smitty
May 8th, 2012
10:55 pm
Coacht…. careful in your praise. John Drew stuffed more dust than possible up his nose while Mike Gearon praised him as the best forward in BB. Same problems of mismanagement as this team.
Jeff Schultz
May 8th, 2012
10:57 pm
Quick game column posted. we can move commenting over there.\
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2012/05/08/hawks-survive-to-play-another-game-just-barely/
IceColdATLien
May 8th, 2012
10:58 pm
We just saw Al officially take over the leadership of this team… much to JJ’s delight, I would imagine. I can’t hate on Smoove for the crappy inbound pass at the end, I place the blame on coaches for having Josh inbounding the rock when they have TMac, Marv, and other better-passing tall/long guys.
Don’t let the ATL boys win game six… cuz game seven will be the resting place of the original “Big Three”