Game 5: The Hawks prove they’re too good for these guys
The wonder isn’t that the Hawks have again taken a series lead. The wonder is that they were ever behind. They’re so much better than the Heat it isn’t funny. And they won’t be laughing if Sunday arrives and they’re back here trying to close this out in a Game 7. This one should end Friday night in Miami.
We know the Hawks can play. What we need is for them to prove they can finish, that they can actually win a best-of-seven series, that they can dispose of a demonstrably lesser opponent and commence with the serious business of chasing LeBron.
The Hawks showed their steel in a first half Wednesday of hard fouls and key injuries, and when intermission arrived they led by 23 points. (They would win by 15.) Said Flip Murray, who scored 23 points and steered the Hawks through the choppy second half: “The game got physical, but I liked the way we kept our composure.”
A year ago in Boston, the Hawks couldn’t do that. Four times the Celtics hit them in the collective mouth, and four times the Hawks buckled. This time they’ve already proved they can win on the road — Game 4 was a huge advance for this team’s psyche — and now they need to do it again.
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.It won’t be easy. Al Horford sprained his ankle in the second quarter — “As long as it comes around, I should be fine for Friday,” he said afterward — and Marvin Williams didn’t play at all. And Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, grasping at straws, made it a point to say: “The game became a highlight reel [at the end], and they really tried to embarrass us.”
He was speaking of one play late in the game: Free on a runout, Josh Smith sought to whip the ball between his legs before dunking. (He missed the dunk, by the way.) But a team that has trailed all night and is down by 20 with 4:16 left should worry more about how badly it had been outplayed. And to his credit, Spoelstra said this: “They kicked our butts in every was possible … They pounded us in every shape and form.”
The great Dwyane Wade made one first-half basket. The Hawks made 13 of their 16 shots in the second quarter. This was the fifth no-doubt game of the series, which is pretty weird in itself, but it’s time now for the Hawks to forget the highlight stuff and to get down and D up and grind one out on the road. That’s the way the good teams do it, and this team has the capacity to be very, very good.
No Hawks team since 1970 has won a best-of-seven series. This team can and should. Forget the Heat’s trumped-up ire — “Yes, we were very insulted,” Wade said, speaking of Smith’s abortive around-the-worlder — and the fan blackout that awaits in Miami in Game 6. Forget everything except the mission at hand, which is getting to Round 2.
“That’s a game we have to have,” Murray said, and it’s a game these Hawks can get if they control themselves and stick to business. It’s time to put this outclassed opponent to sleep. It’s time to say hello to LeBron.
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135 comments Add your comment
Baba O'Riley
April 30th, 2009
1:51 pm
Can someone tell me what Steve Hollman (sp?) said about Spoelstra on the broadcast last night? That has sports talk down here in SoFla in a tizzy.
uga_b
April 30th, 2009
2:08 pm
D-Wade or D(i)-vac? For the uninitiated:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgPHIT61FfU
brewdawg
April 30th, 2009
2:14 pm
It’s not fair for us to speculate and judge how badly D-wade is hurt. Only he truly knows. We aren’t out there grinding night in and night out. We are sitting on our fannies drinking beer and eating chips. (Well, I am at least). As far as milking fouls, Paul Pierce is miles ahead of Wade in that department. In fact, he’s miles ahead of anybody in the NBA. Heat take game six, then the Hawks close it out at home.
ChillyMutt
April 30th, 2009
2:16 pm
So so wrong … indefensible wrong. Missing an easy scoring opportunity for showboating is ALWAYS wrong. And why give your opponents bulletin board material going into the 7th and deciding game??? Just a really stupid and immature act.
Mark Bradley
April 30th, 2009
2:35 pm
We’re not going into a Game 7 just yet.
Darrin "The Vent King"
April 30th, 2009
3:18 pm
Even though D-”Babe” is irking the mess out of me right now, you’re so-ooooooo right brewdog- Paul Pierce is LIGHT YEARS beyond anyone in the league in that department, maybe top ten all-time. And true, we don’t know how hurt D-Pain is, but the reason people even speculate is because of how he always seems to come back not only NOT missing a beat, but playing even stronger! Its hard for people to buy into his pain when he does that in such dramatic fashion. I think his pain threshold is just lower than we expected, something like Vince Carter. Even Wade’s father (in an ESPN piece I saw) claimed his son was too soft and a crybaby when he was a little kid and that comment alone explains some of what I see in him now. Its just grown up sympathy seeking now, just my opinion though. Highly coincidental if I’m wrong though you have to admit…
heatforlife
April 30th, 2009
3:19 pm
You GUYS SUCK ALL OF A SUDDEN EVERYBODY IS A HAWKS FAN.THE MOST EMPTY SORRY ARENA IN THE NBA.AND YOU WANT TO COMPARE JOAN JOHNSON TO D-WADE REALLY? YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO GET YOUR ASSES HANDED TO YOU.THEN YOU WILL FIND OUT WHAT A REAL TEAM IS LIKE. SEE YOU IN ATLANTA,OR MAYBE YOU WONT SHOW UP YOU FRONT RUNNERS.!
keith
April 30th, 2009
3:19 pm
A – Dwayne Wade – Just shut up, think of it this way, you’ll have something to talk with your buddy Chuck about next week at your next commercial shoot.
B – On the Hawks and the history of falling short at the end of series. I don’t think that’s going to be the case this time. I think they’ve already had their make or break moment. Came at halftime of game 4 in my opinion. I was sick at my stomach thinking I was about to see this team fold. But they didn’t. Coming off two games of a unstopable 3 point barrage resulting in losses (noone wins in any league when their opponents shoot nearly 60% from 3), then another one to cut a huge lead at half. Most teams (especially Hawks playoff teams) fold right there. They didn’t, they played with poise, and held them at arms length eventually winning by double digits. I think that was a defining moment, and one we very well could be looking to in the future as the changing point for this franchise.
C – Josh Smith. Who cares what the Jet or DWade’s big buddy says. Do what you do. I for one hope, that if the Hawks are up again by 20 with minutes left in garbage time Friday in Miami, that you try it again. Except this time throw in a 360 and a glass slap as you rip the rim down.
Darrin "The Vent King"
April 30th, 2009
3:26 pm
Outside of that, I think its BEYOND silly that the Heat are getting so upset about one lame dunk attempt that was MISSED. If anything they should be mad at themselves for playing so horribly- that was what was embarrassing! I guess they need extra motivation though. I take to that what some football player once said- “If you don’t want me dancing in the end zone, KEEP ME OUT OF THE END ZONE!” Where was the Heat’s defense on that play? No one could have been too mad, they didn’t try and stop it. The Heat’s coach, Spolestra (or however you spell that), should be more concerned with his team letting Smoove attempt that, than wasting time acting like his and his team’s egos were bruised. It’s all just a ploy too pump the Miami crowd up and get extra calls from the refs when they get to Miami. It’s all good, even IF that works they still have to come back here. That’s IF it works….get ‘em Hawks!!!
Darrin "The Vent King"
April 30th, 2009
3:34 pm
You’re right, we can’t compare J Johnson to D-Babe, Joe is nowhere near the drama queen [Tears in a] Flash is…lol And looky there- I didn’t have to type in all caps either to get my point across either..marvelous!
uga_b
April 30th, 2009
4:18 pm
Last thoughts on Smoove.
I for one admit that I got out of my seat and was secretly hoping he would do some kind of amazing jam. He has won the slam dunk contest; I would have been disappointed. We were all expecting it!
heatforlife
April 30th, 2009
4:44 pm
MAYBE YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE THE CAPS LOCK BUTTON IS JUST LIKE YOUR TEAM DOESNT’ KNOW HOW TO BE PROFESSIONAL.2006 MIAMI HEAT NBA CHAMPS , HAWKS CHAMPS UHHHHHHHH?????????
PMC
April 30th, 2009
5:09 pm
Caps lock is located over to the left on your keyboard.
Nothing like bringing up championships from 3 years ago to make yourself feel better about getting your head kicked in about the better team this year.
Heat fans are starting to sound like Cowboys fans.
Hey, the Marlins are playing well… looks like there are about 48,000 tickets left for the next game.
Mark Bradley
April 30th, 2009
6:19 pm
Go back and watch 10 minutes of pro basketball on ESPN Classic. See how many guys — other than Rick Barry, who was a legendary pill — whined about every call.
Times have changed, y’all.
brewdawg
April 30th, 2009
6:31 pm
Seems like you and Rick Barry have a lot in common Mark!
Mark Bradley
April 30th, 2009
6:35 pm
I’m only a semi-infamous pill, I’ll have you know. Not legendary.
Meanwhile...can you imagine?
April 30th, 2009
7:47 pm
Can you imagine Josh Smith trying to pull that stunt on a Larry Bird led team? A Joe Dumars led team? A Michael Jordan led team?
Need we even speculate on what Bill Russell might have done had Josh Smith even so much as had a glimmer in his eye that might have tipped off Russell to the fact that he even contemplated it, much less attempted it?
I think not
skw6480
April 30th, 2009
8:10 pm
Seriously, why is everybody busting Josh Smith’s balls? So what if he was showing off? If he did something in the pre-game like Cleveland and Lebron, it wouldn’t be a big deal. Hell, what about when Pierce made the choking jesture when Boston beat the Hawks? It was applauded. I’m proud of him. I love to see the Hawks, who have been an afterthought to everyone (NBA, ESPN, anyone who watches sports), show that they aren’t afraid of anyone. Granted, it would have been a lot better if he would have actually made it, but I’ll take it. I want more of it! I can’t wait to see him slam on anyone who plays for the over-hyped Cavaliers.
Spudly
April 30th, 2009
9:06 pm
Over-hyped Cavs? The Cavs have gone deep in the playoffs the past few years- when they were getting 50 or less wins in the reg season. They have probably the best player in the league, who is just beginning to enter his prime. And this year, he’s got a pretty decent supporting cast. But the biggest difference between the Cavs and a team like the Hawks is the level of DEFENSE that the Cavs play. The Heat’s D is an average team and they have been no cake-walk for the Hawks. Defense wins in the playoffs. The Cavs have the best D in the league. Honestly, I be happy if the Hawks can win two against the Cavs. The Cavs are not over-hyped.
PMC
May 1st, 2009
9:45 am
Meanwhile…. I can’t imagine… those teams would never have lied down like dogs and given up a break away dunk at the end of a blow out and then on the subsequent miss…allow a steal to the same player. That is far more embarassing than the dunk. I guess it hurts more to look in the mirror.
Get Over It
May 1st, 2009
11:00 am
So JS tried a sensational dunk. Hmmmm….What could be the down side?….Spoelstra and Wade are OFFENDED?… The Hawks win by two less points?.. I could see the criticism if the game were anywhere near close. THEN it would be a boneheaded play. The GAME WAS NOT ANYWHERE NEAR CLOSE. Go JS. The rest of u haters GET OVER IT!!!!
He Got Hops
May 1st, 2009
11:13 am
Wah! Wah! Wah! Josh Smith has incredible leaping ability and tried to embarass us. Wah! Wah! Wah! Cry me a freakin river Heat fans. If you don’t want Josh Smith dunking anymore then tell D- (I got a broke back and a massive headache and anything else you can name) Wade to jump up and block his dunk attempt. Yeah right!! LOL, the Heat SUCK!!
Kevin
May 1st, 2009
1:00 pm
Seriously, this is what you guys think in Atlanta? From your commentators to your team you have no class, especially this crybaby Josh Smith. I am a fan of what he can do, and like most of the talent on your team like Joe Johnson, but really you all have accomplished nothing and the prestige of your team cannot compare to an organization like the Heat. The Hawks finished 4 games better than the Heat, so where is this obvious difference? I could use the excuse that Wade has been injured since way before this series and he makes up most of the team, but the truth is that the series is 3-2 and that’s what counts. I have no idea where this confidence comes from as you are bringing your garbage road record to Miami against a very motivated team and player that has PROVEN can carry his team in a series and come through in the clutch. I have a lot more confidence in my team than I would being on your side depending on guys like Josh Smith to step up so that they can miss the open shot they’re given. Overall, I think what counts is winning the championship, though making the playoffs with a rookie coach and young team is pretty meaningful after last year, so I hope you guys riot if you win, because in the end you’ll enjoy it so much more apparently. And for whoever thinks Wade didn’t deserve MVP consideration, off yourself you hater.
He Got Hops
May 1st, 2009
2:53 pm
“but really you all have accomplished nothing and the prestige of your team cannot compare to an organization like the Heat”
LOL, and you can thank Shaq for your lone title that will have no impact at all in this series. The Heat have gotten worse since then and the Hawks have gotten better. Maybe you guys can show up at the arena tonight chanting THE 2006 NBA CHAMPS ARE HERE!! That should get 2 or 3 people fired up.
PMC
May 1st, 2009
4:07 pm
Kevin, D Wade is a great ball player. I’ll always cheer for him when he suits up for Team USA. He definately deserves MVP consideration considering what he did the second half of the season playing with the talent around him. I’ll like the guy the rest of the year….but not when they play Atlanta. We don’t and haven’t ever had a guard as good as Dwayne Wade. The “classless” argument…however… ALWAYS comes from the losing team. The laying on the ground, the whining about calls, the whining about dunks… the faux fighting… man it’s just basketball.. physical basketball. The 1980’s Pistons teams would laugh at the “toughness” of this series. Don’t take it personal, it’s just basketball.
Mark Bradley
May 1st, 2009
5:04 pm
Alice Cooper, from “School’s Out”: “Well, we’ve got no class — and we’ve got no principals.”
frank
May 1st, 2009
11:52 pm
you still think the same way after tonights game? You guys are history, just like the braves and the falcons. GO HEAT
HaHa
May 2nd, 2009
12:20 am
GAME 6 – Seems like the tables have turned on all of you haters out there. Your Hawks needed diapers and a box of Kleenex and Enfamil or Similac tonight. Hey but good luck next game from a bunch of “Thugs” as your radio commentator suggested after all the fouls I saw from your flightless Hawks. Mark…hehe…lol..after the game tonight you piece looked like the stuff that come out of the Hawks bowels…….you can write your fun after game 7 when you win the series.
Unbiased
May 2nd, 2009
2:52 am
You are nothing but a biased reportert!!
Paul
May 2nd, 2009
12:40 pm
They sure looked like World champs last night didn’t they? Oh, I mean the HEAT. Now you get the choke factor and Dwayne Wade in Game Seven — Time for Josh to back into his man cave.
IUlia
May 3rd, 2009
8:54 am
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gusman354
May 3rd, 2009
11:31 am
OH OH HE IS PISS : http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-wade-playoffs-hyde-s050309sbmay03,0,7355032.column
gusman354
May 3rd, 2009
11:35 am
HOW ARE YOU TODAY PIGEONS, READY FOR D-DAY?
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May 4th, 2009
11:02 am
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[...] Game 5: The Hawks prove they’re too good for these guys | Mark Bradley blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2009/04/29/game-5-the-hawks-prove-theyre-too-good-for-these-guys – view page – cached Mark Bradley of the AJC writes that, in winning Game 5 of their series against Miami, the Atlanta Hawks have established themselves as the better team. — From the page [...]