One big step for these Hawks, one giant leap for Atlanta
The franchise that didn’t draft Chris Paul and saw its owners sue another over a trade with Phoenix; the franchise of the wayward bird mascot and Cliff Levingston’s running lefty hook; the franchise that hadn’t won a Game 7 since it was based in St. Louis and a best-of-seven series since 1970 …
That franchise stands among the NBA’s elite eight.
Admit it. You laughed at these guys. Heck, we all laughed. But go ask the preening Pat Riley and the illustrious Dwyane Wade how funny it is to play these reborn Atlanta Hawks. Because they’re different. They’re the kind of team we Atlantans don’t see very often. They’re the kind that rises to its moment.
“This has been the kind of situation in which Atlanta has traditionally had trouble,” said Michael Gearon Jr., a lifelong Hawks’ fan who’s one of the team’s many owners. “And not just us. Other teams, too.”
Well, yes. From Lonnie Smith dallying in the Metrodome to Eugene Robinson getting arrested on Biscayne Boulevard, we’ve grown accustomed to the cosmic letdown. But this Game 7 wasn’t that. On the contrary, it was a beatdown. The better team won, and the better team calls Atlanta home. How nice is that?
“It feels good,” said Josh Smith, the Atlantan who scored 21 points and took nine rebounds in Game 7. “It feels like the monkey’s off Atlanta’s back, not just this team’s.”
Said Al Horford, who worked 32 1/2 minutes on a sprained right ankle: “It’s big. People are really starting to look at Atlanta and consider us a basketball city.”
People should. Forget that Philips Arena wasn’t quite sold out for Game 7. What matters is that these guys spent a year saying they wanted a Game 7 at home, and when they got it they made it sing.
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.Joe Johnson, the flashpoint of that Phoenix trade in 2005, had a terrible first quarter but owned the final three, finishing with 27 points (on 19 shots), four assists and five steals. Zaza Pachulia did his Hercules-unchained bit again, the Heat’s Udonis Haslem growing so frazzled he finally threw Zaza to floor and got ejected for his excess. And Mike Woodson – yes, Mike Woodson – had a moment that changed the game.
Game tied, first quarter, 10 seconds left, Heat ball. Woodson — whom I’ve sought to fire a half-dozen times — called for his men to give a foul, which Zaza did. And Woodson inserted Mario West, who harassed Wade into a lousy crosscourt pass that Mike Bibby intercepted. And James Jones fouled Bibby, who made a pair to give the Hawks a lead they’d never lose. Great coaching.
The rest was highlights and laughs, Johnson hitting and Smith dunking and Zaza hitting the floor. The lead would reach 29 points before Woodson began giving his starters curtain calls, which were richly deserved. They had stared down D-Wade. They had won a Game 7. They were the Same Old Hawks no longer.
Said Smith: “To go from 13 wins [in 2004-2005, his rookie season] to this is just a blessing. This is a wonderful team.”
No, it isn’t the NBA’s best team. But it now gets to play the best. LeBron and his Cavs will probably win. But we Atlantans again have reason to watch.
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121 comments Add your comment
Twitted by MarkBradleyAJC
May 3rd, 2009
5:54 pm
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Observation
May 3rd, 2009
5:54 pm
Hawks looked real good today. The final score was not indicative of all about how resounding of a victory this. Hawks utterly dominated the Heat today.
Observation
May 3rd, 2009
5:56 pm
Also have to give big props to Joe Johnson for stepping up and having a big time game that you expect out of your go to guy and star player. When the hawks needed him the most, he stepped up, so good for him as I was a bit critical of him for being the invisible man during the playoffs.
Doug
May 3rd, 2009
6:03 pm
Josh Smith is going to be REALLY GOOD. He does a topn of things that don’t show in the stat sheet as well as fill up the pts, rebs, assist, and blks columns. If this man gets a jump shot while he still has those hops and defensive intensity, the sky is the limit for this hometown kid. I love his mean streak, he just has to control it. Lock down LBJ smoove!
Whopper Dawg
May 3rd, 2009
6:04 pm
Well done Hawks. Nothing is a given and you produced. Congratulations. Play the Cavs hard and who knows what will happen, that is why they tip it off!!!
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2009
6:09 pm
Isn’t it odd? People want Josh to develop a jump shot but cringe when he takes a jump shot.
Me, I’ll take him just the way he is.
devildog
May 3rd, 2009
6:11 pm
Wasn’t sure I’d live this long. Been following the Hawks since Joe Caldwell–1968–and I was 31. I’m 70, still alive and so are the Hawks. Miracles CAN happen.
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2009
6:15 pm
Hear, hear, DD.
Jumpin’ Joe — what a player. One of the most underrated NBA guys ever.
mountain_jim
May 3rd, 2009
6:15 pm
Mark you got this column out fast! Good one!
I was yelling ‘where’s Joe’ all over the place, then he hit those 2 treys – and the game was never close again. He made sure of it. He has to play like that for us to have any chance in next series.
That was fun.
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2009
6:17 pm
I think we all were saying that, Mountain.
And I might not be any good, but I am fairly fast.
Baracked the vote!
May 3rd, 2009
6:19 pm
The difficulty in the NBA, like most pro sports, is taking the step from a playoff team to an elite team. The hawks do not have the one “great” player to take them to the next level. don’t get me wrong, i am not complaining. heck, miami has wade and they are gone. JJ had a heckuva game, bibby has added stability to the PG position and Josh Smith can score and block shots. ZaZa has impressed me and Horford plays beyond his years. i just remember when Moses Malone and Reggie Theus were supposed to be the missing pieces for a championship team and the Wilkins-Manning trade. more recently steve smith and mookie blaylock (yea, pearl jam should have stuck with that name) departing and the jim jackson and the isiah rider fiasco. i look forward to the cleveland series, but expect the hawks to lose in 6 which is nothing to be ashamed of. maybe the ownership question is finally settled, the team can pick up the missing piece.
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2009
6:23 pm
Getting to Round 2 was huge, Baracked. No question. To have lost Game 7 would have thrown all manner of doubt on this organization. But now the point’s moot.
lawton
May 3rd, 2009
6:23 pm
YAWN. wake me up when cleveland laces them up to meet the lakers. between the OBVIOUS fixing of nba games by referees suspect calls ( we all know they want cavs vs lakers), and the fact the hawks, according to charles barkley, have a “TURRIBLE” halfcourt offense, why even bother playing cleveland???
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2009
6:27 pm
Can’t believe I’m defending a corporate entity … but why, if the games were fixed, would the NBA have allowed Atlanta to eliminate Dwyane Wade’s club?
Brock D
May 3rd, 2009
6:33 pm
Lawton, if games were fixed wouldn’t it make sense to send D-Wade to the next round since he is a much bigger draw then the Hawks? Just a thought. Also, not seeing all the Mike Woodson nay sayers today. He did a great job today calling to’s everytime it even looked like Miami might make a run. He has improved every single year with a young inexperienced team. Kudos MB!
Brock D
May 3rd, 2009
6:34 pm
Just saw your post MB. Great minds think alike!
lawton
May 3rd, 2009
6:37 pm
Brock, the “fixing” in this series was the suspect calls wade was getting to KEEP the heat in the series. in the next round, lebron, with his patent travels that they never call, is gonna get the benefit of the “fix”. combine that with the hawks turrible offense, it might be a cavs sweep into the conference finals.
Baracked the vote!
May 3rd, 2009
6:38 pm
the most impressive thing I saw from the heat today was Haslem’s tattoo of FL on his back. with all the ink covering the NBA today, that one is still impressive. glad it is on his skin and not mine, though.
trey
May 3rd, 2009
6:41 pm
Now, where is that guy who was bashing Atlanta when the Hawks were up 3 games to 2? He said if he lost he would be on here taking his lumps on Friday.
loose hawk in the factory
May 3rd, 2009
6:43 pm
SIGN ZAZA LONG-TERM!!!
He obviously loves it in Atlanta (he’s a native Georgian, after all
), and he’s earned it!!!
King James, meet KING ZAZA!!!!!
rotterdam
May 3rd, 2009
6:44 pm
lawton, why are you posting here instead of the on Sacramento Kings boards?
Lost?
Brock D
May 3rd, 2009
6:45 pm
Lawton you are missing the point. If D-Wade is such a draw, why would they let him get eliminated in round 1? And yes Wade gets calls. Unfortunately that’s how the NBA, or all sports operate. Maddox gets the marginal strike call, Jordan gets away with traveling and if you brush up against Peyton Manning it’s roughing the passer.
Cairo
May 3rd, 2009
6:47 pm
Great Job Hawks! I am glad T. Moore was not here to write about it. Probably would have messed up the article and said they did not win by more points. Oh well. Life is good at the AJC again, I guess. Is it football season yet?
jg
May 3rd, 2009
6:50 pm
Mark,
I think there’s a time when we don’t mind Josh taking a jumpshot–that would be in the off season or in practice or heck even in a blowout…but not when Bibby has a wide open look or JJ or even Flip or Mo–he’s got to quit taking those shots! I love the guy and he can develop a 12 to 17 foot jumper similar to Haslem’s in the off season. Just please post up and drive instead of settling or dribbling. The man already is a force–but the great thing is he should only get better!
Great win today! I certainly had some doubts after Friday night–but I tried to keep telling myself that this is the Hawks I’ve watched all year and they would be all right–and that’s what happened. I’m so glad this one wasn’t close late in the game.
As far as the officiating went this afternoon–I believe we finally got a call against D-wade on the charge they called on him against Jsmoove..but that was the only we call we got the entire season. What was the technical on Zsa Zsa–what a joke!!!!!!
Finally, no I don’t see us winning a series against the Cavs and that’s good for me to think that–because every time I doubt this team–they prove me wrong and I love them for that! I’ve always considered myself an Atlanta sports fan since 1972 and the pecking order was always Falcons, Hawks and then Braves…but the past two years have moved the Hawks right up there with my Falcons. Win or Lose this series with Cleveland and the Hawks have made my basketball season a ton of fun. Thanks Hawks and all I ask is to play your butts off against the Cavs–YOU NEVER KNOW!!!!
JUST GO AHEAD AND REALLY SHOCK THE WORLD THIS YEAR IN THIS SERIES.
Great Job Today!
Chattanooga Hawks
Barry
May 3rd, 2009
6:50 pm
Hey Y’all:
Our Hawks are “IN IT TO WIN IT!!. This city has been starving for our Hawks to make the playoff and be successful once they got there. Well, here we are again. These nitty, gritty, young players are “ballers”. They know how to play the game. They are not young players without experience. They are veterans NBA players with game. The are
“THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK” in the NBA and the nation will now see the “NEW AND IMPROVED” version of these Hawks as compared to last year. Bibby has now been with the team for a full year and he is more than comfortable and creative in running the offense. Flip Murray is a quality addition to the mix with these Hawks and appears to love playing the game on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Mo Evans is also part of this process allowing our HAWKS to take “THE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD”. These additions with the maturity and unity of our young guys like Joe, Josh, Marvin and the rest of the crew makes us a “VERY DANGEROUS TEAM” to play. We played “TOE to TOE” with Cleveland this year. And the Cavs know they are in for a battle with these Atlanta Hawks. THIS IS THE PLAYOFF. This team represent the heart and spirit of this city. They play aggressive in your face basketball and don’t back down from anyone. That is what the people of Atlanta and this city is about. I am more than confident they are going to “SHOCK THE WORLD!!!” when the nation see our Atlanta Hawks take it to the Cavs. Believe me. The Cavs are concerned about these atletic HAwks. The can run and gun witth the best of them. Just ask the Miami Heat who was goo preparation for our playing and beating these Cav’s. Therefore our Atlanta Hawks, “MAKE THE CITY OF ATLANTA PROUD” and we, as FANS, willcontinue to “MAKE THE PHILLIPS LOUD!!” WE ARE WITH YOU AND READY TO “SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!”
LET’s GO HAWKS!!!! LET’s GO HAWKS!!!!! LET’S GO HAWKS!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN!! TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!
……………………”ATLANTA HAWK, BOOM-BYE-YEAH!!!!”……………
……………………….”SHOCK THE WORLD!!!”……………………
Najeh Davenpoop
May 3rd, 2009
7:02 pm
This was a phenomenal performance by the entire team. Great to see Joe Johnson finally play like the All Star we have grown accustomed to seeing.
As far as Josh Smith’s jumper is concerned, if he could become as automatic as Udonis Haslem is from 15 feet, he would be a nearly unstoppable offensive weapon. All it takes is a lot of hard work in the offseason.
By the way, this game would have easily been a sellout if the NBA didn’t stupidly schedule it at 1 PM on a Sunday.
David Smith
May 3rd, 2009
7:07 pm
Though i wish we would have finished the heat off within 5 or 6 games we needed a challenge like this to prepare us for another physical series we will face in cleveland. I hope marvin is healthy enough to play because we will need his offense and he defends lebron very well. I can see this series going to 7 games as well if we can win one game in cleveland, play with intensity on the road, and have joe step up to have an huge series. Another reason i want us to win is because the cavs are currently using the “rise up” slogan for the playoffs (we used it first in the 05-06 season) GO HAWKS!!!
JM
May 3rd, 2009
7:20 pm
Just to go along with Mark’s point about how rare this is for Atlanta, this is the first time one of the four major sports franchises in the city has advanced a round in the postseason since the Falcons beat the Rams in 2004-05 NFL playoffs. Since that time (until today) the Braves, Falcons, Hawks and Thrashers made the playoffs just one time, and each lost in the first round.
It’s been a tough few years, but the Falcons and Hawks look like they may be giving us a lot to cheer about for years to come.
D-Whine Disposed
May 3rd, 2009
7:23 pm
Let’s all remember that Josh Smith is only 23 years ago. When compared age wise to 4 year college players, he’s just a rookie. To say he’s only now scratching the surface of his talent is a understatement. I don’t think he took any bad jump shots today to be fair. His were all wide wide open, or at the end of the clock, he just didn’t make them. When Josh develops his jumper just a bit more he will be a MVP caliber player.
I’ve seen alot of harsh comments about Joe on these forums too. Look, for sure his shot was off for most of the series, but still he played the role of facilitator perfectly even when his shot wasn’t falling. Drawing double teams, and making the right pass out of it every time. And like all great superstars, when the time came for him to hoist the team on his back, he did. Knew his slump was over when he just rose up over the defender and drilled that first 3, then minutes later came the 30 ft bomb. Joe will have a great, great series against the Cavs.
I don’t think this Cleveland team is anywhere near as good as a team as last year’s Celtics. We took that team to 7. Steal one in Cleveland, and anything can happen.
niremetal
May 3rd, 2009
7:32 pm
I loved this. Check out the Q&A at 2:06:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1dgp-lOoJE
D-Wade made a mental mistake, and he STILL blames it on the refs. One of many great plays by Zaza in the series. He knocked the ball out of bounds, burned 2 seconds of clock. D-Wade didn’t look at the clock when the ball was inbounded again. And he wants to blame it on the clock and the refs? Or is he saying “My bad” there and I’m just not realizing it?
Onto Cleveland.
SlimG
May 3rd, 2009
7:46 pm
I told you guys to stay with Woody. Finally, Mark, we get some insight into game calls. I thought he did a terrific job all series not doubling Wade and putting us at a disadvantage. Not once did we let anyone believe we had to double. All the so called experts on this blog kept saying to double, but Woody and myself knew we could win without such antics. We have a team and Miami has a vacation.
Oh yeah, who is going to guard Lebron? What’s Marvin’s status? How did Al’s ankle feel after the game? These are questions we would like answers to Mark.
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2009
8:03 pm
Al looked fine afterward. He obviously didn’t have his normal lift today, but he played tough.
And, as I mentioned on the live blog, esteemed colleague Sekou Smith believes Marvin will play against Cleveland. Not sure when, but at some point.
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2009
8:09 pm
I would imagine Maurice Evans will guard LeBron. He and Joe would be the only two possibilities, it would seem to me, after Marvin.
Robert Yates
May 3rd, 2009
8:09 pm
I actually haven’t laughed at them Mark. The only real stretch of games that I’ve missed since ‘90 was while I was in the Marines. Aside from those just starting to catch on there are some serious fans out there who have been hurting for a while. I’m seriously glad for all those who feel we’re almost gonna get some real recognition. We’re all on the brink of a nationally televised game a month, and I’m so glad Joe and the boys are shoving it in the face of the national media who only wanted to see Lebron vs. Dwayne. Thanks Hawks for the effort all season and all the work you’ve put in. It hasn’t always been pretty, but most of us knew where we were gonna end up. The season can now be considered a success, but can it now be amazing??? I don’t think we’ll win, but we didn’t beat Boston last year either. Make a good run and we’ll be the talk from coast to coast. Are you ready?
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2009
8:13 pm
I think if the Hawks take Cleveland to six games it will be a terrific run.
Heat Fan!
May 3rd, 2009
8:17 pm
OK Hawks here I am, I’m a man of my word (unlike Atlanta’s class-less fans: “hey hey goodbye” — how original!) All I’m going to say is that you’re lucky Zaza’s dirty play concussed O’Neal…. Good luck against the cavs, you’re going to need it.
Next year will be a different story.
Hawksgirl
May 3rd, 2009
8:24 pm
Dirty omg! Zaza is so not dirty. He is just a good player. Stop hating. This is seriously cracking me up because zaza wouldnt hurt a fly, just a guy with a red bullseye. lol
cavsfan
May 3rd, 2009
8:26 pm
Glad to see all the positive remarks towards the Hawks. I’ve been watching the NBA since 1969 and the ATL has had their moments ( like Tree taking a bite out of Ainge) but like my Cavaliers, those moments have been few and far between. Let’s have a great series. This may be the start of a real hot rivalry.
Jim
May 3rd, 2009
8:36 pm
Perhaps a prop for Billy Knight in all this. Yes, he drafted Shelden Williams, but he turned Shelden Williams into Mike Bibby.
RA
May 3rd, 2009
8:43 pm
First off, let me say that the Heat played a good series. When you look at the team that they had and the issues that they had, a person might wonder how they even got to the playoffs much less pushed a demonstratively better team to a game seven(sounds a little like the 2007-2008 Hawks doesn’t it?) Anyway, I think that they’ve got some good years ahead with Chalmers, Beasley, and a healthy Wade. I think that they’re a team that can contend sooner than later. They’re in a great city with great fans, and when those fans look at this season, I hope they’ll see it for the success that it was.
Now, as for my Hawks, didn’t see a minute of this game! I was at a religious assembly in Conyer’s GA! But when my sister called me on my cell and told me that the Hawks had won, I planted a big sloppy wet one on my wife right there in the parking lot in front of everybody! Now understand, I’ve been a Hawks fan long enough to see their future become ancient history, and the one thing that I can say is that this Hawks team is different. They haven’t won as many games as they could have this season, and God knows they haven’t won as many as they should have, but they’ve won when it mattered most and they’ve given us more to cheer about than we’ve had in a month of Sundays.
And on a personal note, my dad had to watch this series from a hospital bed. All season long, he’d hoped that the Hawks would give us all something special, like last year, and they did. Now, I don’t know if any of the Hawks or Woody actually read these things, but I do want to say, just in case you do, that you made my old man more happy and more proud than I ever could have, and I do thank you.
RA
May 3rd, 2009
8:47 pm
Heat Fan, you don’t have anything to be ashamed of, but neither do the Hawks. They won the series, there were rotten calls on both sides, but when the smoke cleared, the Hawks were still standing. Don’t cheapen that by saying that they played dirty. And if you’re looking for a Hawks fan that respects your team and the job they put in, you don’t have to look any farther because you’ve got one right here.
trey
May 3rd, 2009
8:53 pm
Heat Fan, at least you are a man of your word and I admire that, and hopefully the other fans of Atlanta do too, since you are grown to admit defeat.
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2009
8:57 pm
Well, yes. Billy Knight finally did find a point guard.
trey
May 3rd, 2009
8:57 pm
As the Braves fan started singing during the 95 World Series to the Cleveland Indians, which should have been sung today, Hit the road Jack, don’t you come back, hit the road Jack, don’t you come back no more.
Smitty
May 3rd, 2009
8:58 pm
Its great that the Hawks won. Game 7 at home was the difference maker as Woodson had been anticipating all along. Best of luck with the Cavs who should be too much for this team. But please people recognize the truth about Josh Smith. He is totally a two edged sword who is so athletic that he does incredible ,memorable things that can help the team win but at the same time so immature and stubborn that he does things that cause a loss. Mike Fratello said it, in game 5, after that ridiculous dunk attempt,” I WONDER IF HE(Josh) HE GETS IT AT ALL HOW STUPID THAT WAS!”
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2009
8:59 pm
Atlanta against Cleveland again. Where’s Tom Glavine? Where’s David Justice? Where’s Pedro Borbon Jr.?
trey
May 3rd, 2009
9:02 pm
Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more, no more, no more, no more. Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more. Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more, no more, no more, no more. Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more.
trey
May 3rd, 2009
9:04 pm
Haha, those were the days. Glavine, Justice and Borbon Jr, now we got the short end with Kawakami and Reyes, even though after the first few innings and last game I thought Reyes was starting to show a little promise.
trey
May 3rd, 2009
9:06 pm
Reyes just had to screw it up.
trey
May 3rd, 2009
9:06 pm
Enter your comments here
doc
May 3rd, 2009
9:16 pm
heat fan look at the picture as the arm came down, there was just as much contact with jon into zaza as the other way around. sorry he had a soft head. quit complaining, you guys still cant stop whining.
Ron Roberts
May 3rd, 2009
9:17 pm
I, too, was impressed w/the eay the Hawks played today; but let’s be real, guys. This will be it. Yeah, being there gives ‘em a chance, but that’s about it. I mean, given some maturity, this team’s ‘abilities’ whould’ve had them win this series in 6, but for us to howl that winning this seris is a “giant leap” for Atlanta is a bit of a stretch. Winning this series isn’t comparable to any of the Braves’ World Series’ runs or the Falcons Super Bowl season, either. I mean, hate to douse the fan-fire with some ice-cold reality…
…still, good to see this franchise not flub when put in position to succeed (a la Lenny Wilkins’ #1 seed let-down or its failure to close out the Celtics’ series in the late ’80s).
But where does this team go from here? How does it get better to the point that it racks up a record LIKE the Cavs, Magic and Celtics – and can beat ‘em in a playoff series?
Good luck w/the Cavs, though! I think going 6 would be VERY respectable!
UVA hawks fan
May 3rd, 2009
9:18 pm
If we can win our first two home games then who knows what can happen…either way, the Cavs are such a good team that I would be happy as long as we put up a fight. That being said, does this not remind everyone of what people were saying before the Boston series? I would not be surprised by anything except if we get swept. LeBron is a great player and is going to get the calls. I expect nothing less than the Hawks to give 100%. Thanks for a great season already!
BravesAreDone
May 3rd, 2009
9:26 pm
This will only be worth it if they win a championship. I could care less about winning one round of the playoffs.
Shamus Thacker
May 3rd, 2009
9:31 pm
Were the Hawks any less an underdog against the Celtics last year?
Look what happened then.
This is now a team of playoff vets, older and wiser than at the end of last season.
This is not about the Cavs, it’s about our ATLANTA HAWKS!
Hawks in 6!
I BELIEVE!!
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2009
9:34 pm
No, they were more of an underdog a year ago. They were a 37-45 eighth seed going against the top seed overall. Now they’re a No. 4 against a No. 1.
brewdawg
May 3rd, 2009
9:46 pm
Sorry, but I just don’t see the Hawks posing a real threat. Not until they consistently put up a fight on the road. I fully expect that both road games will be all but over by halftime. Prove me wrong please!
jchill
May 3rd, 2009
9:51 pm
Just think where the Hawks and Cavs where 10 yrs ago!! I believe we can take them in 4 or 7. Just need to do what we do and WIN!! GO HOME MIAMI AND TAKE THE ENTIRE TNT AND ABC CRITICS WITH YOU!!!
REALBOWLERS.COM
May 3rd, 2009
9:54 pm
Just wanted get on here and show the Hawks some luv!!! Huge game today and the Hawks delivered exactly what we’ve been wanting as fans for years. It was a total team effort, with Joe Johnson stepping up and providing that emotional spark in a crucial game. Coach Woodson called a great game and i had no complaints with his substitutions and the timing of his time out. I serious believe we have a legitimate chance against the CAVS……if we continue to play aggressive, no holds bar basketball we could possibly face Boston in the conference finals to finish what we started last year. That would turn this city upside down!!!!! Congrats to the Hawks…..you’ve made this fan proud.
RA
May 3rd, 2009
10:07 pm
The question, the question of all questions, is can this team be consistant? We’ve seen them play great at home. We’ve seen them play great on the road. If they can maintain that level of play, there aren’t many teams that can stand in front of them. If they can’t, this series will be short.
JD
May 3rd, 2009
10:08 pm
LeBron and his Cavs will probably win.
So what’s next? How do we take it to the next level so we CAN compete with these teams? A late draft pick, free agency, coaching, and Mike Bibby’s age don’t seem to offer much hope.
This is the same Mike Woodson you’ve been calling for to be fired for years now (well…all of us have). He hasn’t changed. I think the level of talent on this team is ultimately what claims the increase in win totals over the years.
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2009
10:09 pm
I reiterate: If the Hawks can take Cleveland to a Game 6, I’ll consider it a victory.
JD
May 3rd, 2009
10:09 pm
Heat Fan! – We’re “classless” because we sang “hey hey goodbye”? What would Miami fans have done? Politely applauded the Hawks? Wrote them thank you cards? Treated them to a “you did your best” dinner?
Blackwell
May 3rd, 2009
10:14 pm
I really like our chances if Marvin is playing. Does anyone know his status?
Robert
May 3rd, 2009
10:15 pm
Who do you guys think the hawks need to go after via the draft or free agency to continue to improve?
brewdawg
May 3rd, 2009
10:17 pm
JD,
I’m inclined to agree with you. I think we need a legit big man ( I say trade up to draft Thabeet … Marvin, Law, and our first round pick ). Then let Horford become one of the best power forwards in the game, Smith to be a nightmare match-up at small forward, then Joe and Bibby as is. Yes, we need a replacement for Bibby eventually, but he should remain productive for a couple more years. We have the cap room to add depth, similar to bringing in Evans and Murray this year.
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2009
10:23 pm
Marvin will be a restricted free agent. They’d have to re-sign him to trade him.
And Marvin will probably play against the Cavs at some point, according to my esteemed colleague and Cobb County neighbor Sekou Smith.
brewdawg
May 3rd, 2009
10:29 pm
sign and trade works for me, but I didn’t know that he was a free agent. Always on the look-out for the misinformed Mr. Bradley is.
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2009
10:35 pm
I’m at your disposal, BrewDawg.
Marvin is at the same stage that the Joshes were last summer — a four-year man who’s a restricted (meaning the Hawks can match any offer) free agent.
SlimG
May 3rd, 2009
10:38 pm
Thanks for the answers Mark! Now if you could get together with Winkle and report some facts we don’t already know, people might start buying the paper again. Haha, very funny, newspapers are so 20th century. Do you have a headhunter working for you Mark?
Eric
May 3rd, 2009
10:43 pm
Did anybody hear John Barry’s comments about the Hawks, where is all the hate coming from??? “Congradulations Hawks it just took you seven games to beat a one man team, now go play four games against Cleveland and go home.” I hope the Hawks are listening to this.
Wabe
May 3rd, 2009
10:47 pm
BIG WIN in today’s game. I can honestly say that the Hawks seemed to play one of the best games I’ve seen them play to this point this season. It started on the DEFENSIVE END – the Hawks managed to force Wade to take some tough jumpers. Aside from a few spot up mid-ranged jumpers from Beasley and Haslem, the Hawks managed to literally shut Miami’s offense down.
Missed shots by the Heat jumpstarted the Hawks offense. Back to back 3’s from Flip and JJ really opened things up for the Hawks in the 2nd quarter. I can say that offensively, the Hawks played one of their best games this season. The ball movement was amazing. The patience helped feed wide open guys for some good looks. JJ was doing what he’s done for most of the season, so it wasn’t much of a surprise to see. Bibby seemed a bit off, but he did a great job facilitating. JSmoove played a great game. I’m not gonna lie, I hate seeing Smoove spot up for jumpers – and today proved why. He’s a much greater threat when he plays inside the paint. He just needs to work on his footwork a bit – selfcontrol.
I’m w/Bradley – although i hardly even buy what he’s selling – if the Hawks push this 6 games…it would be something. I have Cleveland winning in 5.
If the Hawks have ANY CHANCE of winning this series – it will happen in 6. But,I think we need to adopt Mike Smith & T.D.’s catchphrase here:
“It’s a process…” – and this Hawks team CAN go places.
RA
May 3rd, 2009
10:52 pm
Well, it’s fairly simple Eric. Jon Barry wasn’t good enough to get minutes on those late 90’s Hawks clubs coached by Lenny Wilkins and then he moved on to one or two other teams that he wasn’t good enough to play for. Then, ultimately, he accepted his fate and became an analyst. You know what they say, those that can, ball. Those that can’t hate.
SouthAfrican09
May 3rd, 2009
10:53 pm
WTF is all this talk that taking them to 6 games is a victory?
That’s freaking !@#$!@$#%. Name one position besides SF that Cleveland outmatches us in? JJ > whatever SG they put on us.
This is going to be a long and physical series.
Stop shooting for the ceiling and start shooting for the sky
Hoops
May 3rd, 2009
10:54 pm
Great Win Hawks! Rick Sund looks like a genius now. Not resigning Josh Childress, signing Josh Smith, and signing Flip and Mo Evans. That was two great pick ups in Flip and Mo Evans. We would not be hear without them and ZAZA!
We will resign Bibby. What will we do with Marvin and Law? It may be time to move them for a big man!
Joey
May 3rd, 2009
10:55 pm
Hey you guys are great. I’m a student at Purdue University in Indiana, born in Atlanta, and I’ll be making the trip down to Atlanta after my finals for game 3 to cheer on our Hawks baby! Keep up the support guys! Go Hawks!!!
Wabe
May 3rd, 2009
10:56 pm
And just to respond to something someone said earlier about trading up for Thabeet…shifting Horford to the 4 and JSmoove to the 3..
This would never work. Smoove can’t play the 3. Marvin’s a better fit at 3 than Smoove would ever be. I’m not saying they need to get rid of Josh, but I’m saying unless he develops a solid mid range game, he’ll never succeed at small forward.
KEEP EVERYTHING AS IT IS – - AND GO FIND A SOLID “ATTACK MODE” PG!
Bibby’s a good fit for now, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a PG that pushes the ball and isn’t afraid to ATTACK! It’s a PG’s league – and getting a solid PG is much easier than getting a big guy.
This upcoming draft is full of PG talent. The likes Lawson (i know he’s only 5′11), Mills, Flynn are coming out – and the Hawks should be eyeing someone that can attack the basket, create his own shot, and look to feed others. With the team that we’ve already got, I think a solid PG that can attack the basket would do wonders for the Hawks.
Wabe
May 3rd, 2009
11:00 pm
And South African, I’m guessing you haven’t seen the Hawks performances on the road. As impressive as this one was, I would’ve been more hopeful going into this next series if the Hawks could’ve made a statement and closed this series out in Miami. They struggle on the road…
And Cleveland has lost 2 games at home ALL SEASON – should’ve been one but they played their reserves the last game of the season.
Winning just ONE in cleveland will be tough…
Dr. Warren
May 3rd, 2009
11:01 pm
From yesterday’s blog: “I predicted in Mark’s column Thursday the Hawks’ intermittent lack of focus and intensity would surely condemn them to lose in Miami Friday, and they did. But I also predicted they’d win Game 7 at home, and they will. 87-72.”
So I missed the margin of victory by 2. Here’s the prediction for the Cavaliers series: 4 – 2 Hawks.
SP
May 3rd, 2009
11:16 pm
DOES THIS CITY STILL BELONG TO THE BRAVES?
OR CAN WE FINALLY PUT THEIR FLUKE CHAMPIONSHIP BEHIND US AND LOOK AT THE TWO TEAMS THAT ARE REPRESENTING ATL BEST:
HAWKS + FALCONS = young talented organizations that are sure to bring championships!
I read an article earlier this year that had the Hawks as the #4 team in Atlanta sports behind the Falcons, Braves, and UGA Football..
Bradley, didn’t you write that article?
JD
May 3rd, 2009
11:17 pm
Joey – Wouldn’t it be a lot cheaper (and quicker) to go to one of the games in Cleveland?
I bleed Pacman logo red
May 3rd, 2009
11:17 pm
can we please sign Flip Murray to a multi year deal? having a guy off the bench a) who can get his own shot anytime he wants and b) can penetrate at will and c) who has the size, speed and handle to exploit smaller guards (like he did to Mario Chalmers all series).
all of this skill gets open looks for Joe, bc you have to help on Flip, he can just hurt you too many ways if you let him shoot open jumpers and you can’t blanket him bc he can just back down his defender.
we need to resign Flip, w/ a sense of urgency. Same goes for Zaz. He’s a hell of an energy guy, who can get precious offensive rebounds and a serviceable, semi-affordable, and still young at 25, back up center w/ a decent touch around the cup and ever developing basketball IQ.
I don’t feel the urgent need to resign Bibby to anything more than a year to year contract, though he has been integral thus far. I don’t really know where AC Law fits on this team going forward. Woodson is clearly not a fan and it seems stupid to have a first round money draft pick just sitting there soaking up cap money w/ Speedy.
we’re going to get trounced in a few of these Cavs games, there’s no doubting that, but I hope they can steal a few or more and at least make it interesting while the world is watching our Hawks.
I couldn’t be a prouder Hawks fan today. I only wish Josh Smith had made that thru the legs dunk in Game 5.
Lebron, prepared to be booed.
Go Hawks!
Hawk
May 3rd, 2009
11:17 pm
I’ve been hoping for Cavs and Hawks series to happen in playoffs, should be fun to watch. I’m going to agree with Mark about it being a 6-game series, that’s even what Magic Johnson said earlier when he had to stop Jon Barry from talking when he showed no love for us. But then Jon Barry is in studio for a reason too.
JD
May 3rd, 2009
11:18 pm
SP – the attendance at game 7 might indicate that that is indeed still correct.
Gravy Train
May 3rd, 2009
11:31 pm
This team reminds me of a Rocky movie in some way. Nobody knew who they were last season and they took the champ the distance. Now it’s time to earn some respect. The analogy between a big ugly genetic freak like Drago and Lebron is feasable. We just need an Adrian to come along and bolster the Hawks confidence, no offense to Woody. They already will have the world telling them that they can’t win. If they pull it off, the Hawks can cement themsleves as contenders. They have already matched up well with the Cavs during the regular season.
DirtyBirdy
May 3rd, 2009
11:41 pm
Everyone keeps saying “Steal one in Cleveland”…but that seems to be the real trick, doesn’t it. The Cavs lost ONE meaningfull game at Quicken Loans Arena this year. If they had tried at all in game #82, they would have been 40-1 at home…this is a scary series for the Hawks..
Truth though..after all that…if we’re GOING to steal one in Cleveland, it needs to be GAME 1. The Cavs have been sitting forever. They might be out of synch. We have a “punchers chance” Tuesday. If we win that game, we have a shot to upset Goliath….but if we lose Tuesday, I think we’ll lose in 5. It’s a big game.
Grace
May 3rd, 2009
11:51 pm
Don’t be surprise if the Hawks win the first game of this series.
Joey
May 4th, 2009
12:08 am
JD – It would definitely be all of the above. But I am pumped about it. I’ve never been to Philips Arena, I love Atlanta, and I think I’ll enjoy the atmosphere at a home game a lot more. Plus, I’m a college kid with nothing better to do. That said, maybe I’ll try and get to Cleveland for a game as well.
scottbravesfan
May 4th, 2009
12:57 am
SD,
This is still a baseball and football town. The Hawks win is nice but to call the Braves a fluke? You don’t win your division 14 straight years on a fluke. And the Braves farm system is stacked with several young players about to make Atlanta their home. The other teams better enjoy the spot light while they got it because the Braves are about to be real good again real quick.
I mean the Hawks couldn’t even sell out a 19,000 seat basketball arena. There were more people at the Braves game today.
But back to the Hawks I’m glad they won I actually watched their games all these years when they were terrible so it’s nice to see them win a playoff series. Hopefully they can do something against the Cavs.
Mark Bradley
May 4th, 2009
1:39 am
Hey now! Dr. Warren picks the Hawks over the Cavs! Even I wouldn’t do that.
calico
May 4th, 2009
2:21 am
I think we can beat the Cavs but we have to steal the first game and defend home court and i think we have a shot.
Lets Go Hawks!!!!!
Stewart
May 4th, 2009
3:09 am
We may not have a chance to win the series against the Cavs; the national media certainly won’t give us much of one.
However, the Hawks can play with anyone on any given night. This same team took the Celtics all the way last year. The Hawks just have strange motivational/consistency issues. I don’t know if they’ll lack for motivation in the Cavs series; they’ll be getting dismissed by the media and marked down as afterthoughts on LeBron’s coronation journey.
Hopefully the coming series will be very interesting to watch.
Mark Bradley
May 4th, 2009
3:38 am
I’d say Game 1 could be tough: Hawks coming off a grinder series, Cavs coming off vacation. But sometimes strange things happen in such games.
Skyhawk1
May 4th, 2009
4:25 am
The Cavs might be a bit rusty since they haven’t played in over a week. The problem with the Cavs isn’t Lebron. He’ll get 30/8/8. We have to make sure guys like Mo Williams and Ilgauskas don’t go for 20/7 or 20/10. I agree with you Mark, if the Hawks can take this to 6 games I’ll be satisfied. Cleveland is way ahead of us at this point.
Kevin
May 4th, 2009
6:24 am
well No when braves won was no fluke but chokin first two world series is a choke act..then lose to phillies after we won 103 games in 1993 and lost to the sillies is a bobby cox idea….and why is the wife beater still coachin he should been fired in 1999 after losin to Yankees…..Oh and reason Hawks not sale out is fans fickle support of team..But we won and if we play and woodson coach (which is doutfull) we win series 4-1 if not 4-3 cavs… I just go on limb and say game 3 be not sold out n should be black out here to really make us look bad ha ha….
Bigeasy830
May 4th, 2009
6:37 am
I believe in these Hawks, come play-off time they take it to another level. We yook the great Celtic team of last season to 7 games last year so why do people doubt them against the one man gang Lebron and the Cavs, (Jon Barry stated on ESPN last night that we would get swept). The Hawks will take it in 7 on the road in Cleveland. I predicted at the beginning of the seasom that the Hawks would win 45 plus and the 4th seed, after the first 6 games I got happy and changed it to 50 and the 3 seed, we fell short of that but still won 47 and the 4th seed. I stopped calling Coach Woodson, Woody after game 3 against the Celts last year, he deserves respect for the great job he has done. When Coach Woodson became coach of the Hawks his most talented players had college eligibilty left if they chose to go to college or stay in school. True our team at times looks confused on offense but, the influenece that Bobby Knight and Larry Brown has had on coach Woodson’s defensive philosophy and ability to get the best out of his players when it counts the most is evident. We will have that rematch against the Celtics in the finals and I hope KG is healthy for that match-up. Maybe I have been drinking to much of the Hawks Kool-aide But I Believe in this team. I wanted one thing and that was for them to hold it down until I return from the big sand-box in SW Asia, well my flight from BWI lands at Hartsfield-Jackson on Saturdy morning the same day of game 3. So after a full day of kissing the daughter and spanking the wife, I will see you all at the HIGHLIGHT FACTORY!!!!!!!! GET’EM Hawks, GET’EM
GATORBAIT
May 4th, 2009
6:57 am
Lets put this in perspective a first round playoff series win. It is the most any team in Georgia- professional or college has achieved in a long time. Will they do a downtown parade in Atlanta once they lose to Cleveland??
Maddog
May 4th, 2009
7:09 am
Parting shot. I don’t know what’s better – the thrill of the Hawks winning game 7 or the thrill of knowing that recently departed Terence Moore said the Hawks “were done, toast, it’s all over, etc” after game 2 of the series. I truly will NOT miss him and his articles.
Mac
May 4th, 2009
7:40 am
As many times as I typed, “FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!” on the AJC blogs, I never thought I’d say Woodson is a good coach. This was his breakout year. Way to go, Woody.
Mac
May 4th, 2009
7:48 am
Wonder whatever happened to that Heat Fan! guy?
OK, not really.