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
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.