Live from Game 1: In the court of the wine-and-gold king
Cleveland — We come to you from Quicken Loans Arena, known locally as the Q. To enter the media door of the Q, you walk within 75 yards of the left-field foul pole at the Indians’ ballpark, which used to be known as the Jake (short for Jacobs Field) but is now, I’m guessing, the Prog (short for Progressive Field, which is the new official name).
If you’re looking for positive signs, that’s a pretty solid one. The only time an Atlanta-based professional team has won a title in one of the major North American sports, half the games were played at the Jake. The Braves lost two of the three, but without Pedro Borbon Jr. — remember him? — saving Game 4 of the 1995 World Series, our Atlanta-based professional teams might be 0-for-ever.
(About Borbon: The lefty reliever hadn’t worked in 19 days but was summoned by Bobby Cox when Mark Wohlers yielded a leadoff homer to Manny Ramirez and a subsequent double to Paul Sorrento leading off the ninth. Borbon struck out Jim Thome, struck out Sandy Alomar Jr. and retired Kenny Lofton on a game-ending liner. The Braves would win the Series three nights later.)
I’m pretty sure I’m the only person in the Q who’s thinking about Pedro Borbon Jr. The name on everyone’s mind is … well, take a guess. His full-page likeness graced both the front of today’s Cleveland Plain Dealer — not the sports page, but A-1 — and the PD’s eight-page playoff section. His name is Leron Lee.
Just kidding. He’s LeBron James. He’s the best player in the world. He was named league MVP for the first time on Monday, and if you checked a poll on ESPN.com that posed the question, “How many MVP trophies will LeBron win?”, the majority response was, “More than four.”
More from ESPN.com: Of its 10 basketball mavens, not one picked the Hawks to win this series. Not one picked it to last seven games. Only J.A. Adande and Tim Legler see it going six. (Full disclosure: In my own little poll on AJC.com the other day, I cast the first vote. I picked the Cavs in five.) In his exhaustive breakdown, David Thorpe of Scouts Inc. also sees Cavs-Hawks going to Game 6.
This city, as you’d expect, is pumped. We Atlantans moan over the state of our franchises, but Clevelanders have it way worse. For one thing, they have to live in Cleveland. For another, they haven’t seen a pro title since the Browns beat the Colts 27-0 to win the NFL title in 1964. (Gary Collins caught three touchdown passes.) This, everyone here seems to think (including the cab driver who carted esteemed colleague Sekou Smith and myself to our hotel) this is the year.
But first, Game 1. Maybe the nine days’ off will slow the Cavs. Maybe the MVP celebration will dull LeBron. Maybe the Hawks can steal this one. That’s why we’re here — to see if they can.
A gracious GM: Just saw Rick Sund in the hallway. He thanked me for coming and thanked the AJC for sending me. Gee, I remember the days when the Hawks hated the thought of me writing a word about them. I need to rip somebody soon just to prove I haven’t completely lost it.
The voice of the Hawks: Jon Steinberg, a Hawks’ publicist, reports that Steve Holman will be calling his 1,700th consecutive game. Given that he incited civic furor in Miami, I’d say Holman is just coming into his, er, prime.
Some basketball stuff: Mike Woodson said Al Horford will start, which is no great revelation since he started and played 32 minutes on a sprained left ankle in Game 7 on Sunday. (I spoke to Horfy, and he’s in fine spirits. Josh Smith, by way of contrast, seemed quieter than usual. Know what that means? Nothing.)
Woodson also said he plays to start Maurice Evans but is planning to play Marvin Williams around 20 minutes tonight. That’s a fairly big deal, given that the Hawks beat Miami without Marvin playing one second in Game 7.
The commish, again: David Stern, who was in Atlanta for Game 5 of the Hawks-Heat series, is here tonight. He’ll present the MVP trophy to LBJ.
We pause here for a word from our sponsors: Because I hate sitting around ritzy hotel rooms doing nothing, I’ll be doing a live chat Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. The idea is to discuss this series, but if you want to ask me something about the UEFA Champions League I’d be happy to respond.
Non-self-promotion: Esteemed colleague Sekou Smith is about to go live on NBA TV. Given that he’s the best beat writer in the league, you all should run and watch.
China syndrome: David Stern just said NBA China gets more hits than NBA.com does in the States. Which is pretty amazing, if true. (Stern never tires of talking about his league’s global reach.)
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277 comments Add your comment
Brandon
May 5th, 2009
7:26 pm
Time To Rise and Shock The World…Lets Go Hawks!!!
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
7:29 pm
Mark, which are better odds? The Hawks winning this series or World Peace?
Macaroni Tony
May 5th, 2009
7:34 pm
let’s go hawks
leandro
May 5th, 2009
7:37 pm
from ARGENTINA!!!!! lets go hawks!!! joe this is your time to shine!!!!
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
7:42 pm
The Cavs are 11 1/2 point favorites in Game 1. They’re 23-to-1 to win the series.
Mine That Bird was, I believe, 50-1 to win the Ky. Derby.
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
7:49 pm
Mine That Bird, Spirit The Hawk, Mark I think you are on to something. I am calling Vegas and betting my children’s college fund.
JC
May 5th, 2009
7:50 pm
From Honduras!!! Lets go Hawks. Give them The Business.
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
7:53 pm
Wouldn’t it be so freaking cool if, somehow, some way, our basketball Birds can put King MVP and his crew on their royal duffs? Hey, it could happen, in spite of what TNT’s Charles Barkley has to say.
Ken
May 5th, 2009
7:58 pm
“This city, as you’d expect, is pumped. We Atlantans moan over the state of our franchises, but Clevelanders have it way worse. For one thing, they have to live in Cleveland.”
Whatever hater. You know nothing about about living in the greater Cleveland area. To the surprise of many, people choose to live here.
Jesse
May 5th, 2009
8:00 pm
It’s time to shut up and play. If they can play they way they are supposed to this will be a great series…… If not, it’ll be over quick.
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
8:03 pm
Here they go with that LeBron crap. Make me puke!!!
Jeff
May 5th, 2009
8:04 pm
Hawks MUST come out as Enforcers and show the Cavs that we mean Business. When we foul…foul hard. Put LeBron down on his backside when he drives to the bucket. Show the Cavs that there will be NO easy buckets in the paint for LeBron or anyone else for that matter.
D-Whine Disposed
May 5th, 2009
8:08 pm
I still say this Cavs team is nowhere near as good, as a team, as last years Celtics. I think this one gets interesting for sure, and a Hawks series win would not shock me at all.
Go Hawks!!!!!!!
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:09 pm
LeBron just got his MVP trophy. He told the crowd — which is wired — “I know you’ve been sitting in your houses the last nine days waiting to see who we’re going to play, and I’m ready to get on the court myself.”
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:13 pm
A sign above the Q’s floor says: “Welcome to Loudville.”
It is pretty loud. But would you have expected total silence?
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:14 pm
LBJ just did his fling resin-in-the-air thing. Crowd goes nuts.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:16 pm
LBJ dunks on the first trip.
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
8:18 pm
That Cleveland is really going overboard with the King James thing. Mark I bet if you check, the Gideons put a “King James” version of the bible in your nightstand. Will this overload ever stop?
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:19 pm
Hawks 11-4. Bibby with a trey, then a steal, then a feed to Josh.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:21 pm
The NBA hyping its big names. That’s new, isn’t it? Hawks by four.
La Jolla Dawg
May 5th, 2009
8:21 pm
The TNT announcers seem genuinely bummed that Atlanta is up right now. Go Hawks!!!
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:22 pm
LeBron makes one of two FTs. Hawks by three.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:25 pm
Josh jams left-handed off a break. LBJ fumbles away a dunk, dribbles out beyond the arc and hits a trey. Hawks by two, 5:54 remaining in the first. LBJ on the line when play resumes.
The Hawks look fine to me. But Joe passed up a shot in the lane — he has only hoisted one, and that was forced — that turned into a three-second violation.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
8:26 pm
BIBBY NEEDS TO WAIT ON THE SCREEN….. AND GET MO EVANS OFF THE FLOOR… HAS HE EVER HEARD OF A PUMP FAKE
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
8:30 pm
David Stern and his boys would be very bummed if Cleveland goes down to the Hawks. What does anyone want to bet that LeBron shoots 88 zillion foul shots tonight?
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:32 pm
Cavs up now. Anderson Varejao tipped in a Mo Williams fast-break miss. Then LBJ stole the ball and Josh tried to foul him, running over ref Bill Kennedy at midcourt in the process.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
8:32 pm
jOE NEEDS TO CATCH THE DAMN BALL
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:33 pm
LeBron has 12 of the Cavs’ 19. He’s going to be pretty good one of these days.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
8:33 pm
JOE STOOD THERE AND WATCHED VERAJO GET THE TIP
Jeff
May 5th, 2009
8:34 pm
We seem to be playing very timidly on defense in the open court. As if we’re afraid of getting beat off the dribble….consequently the Cavs are hitting their open jump shots.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:35 pm
Cavs 23-19, Josh on the line for two when play resumes. LBJ just grabbed a loose offensive rebound and hit a 14-footer. He has 14.
Marvin was the first Hawk off the pine. Zaza’s also in. Marvin has already made a turnover.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
8:36 pm
LOVE THE BALL SCREEN AND ROLLS ITS CREATING PROBLEMS…. WE MUST HUSTLE FOR LOOSE BALLS
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
8:38 pm
Joe with the steal
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:39 pm
Funny thing they do at the Q: When an opponent is on the line and they’re wanting fans to boo, they flash the Steelers logo on the message board.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
8:42 pm
SET HIM A SCREEN THE GUY IS SMALLER AND QUICKER… I WOULD RATHER SEE FLIP TAKE THAT LAST SHOT
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
8:43 pm
What’s up? The Cavs didn’t double Joe on that last possession of the 1st.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:44 pm
Cavs 25, Hawks 21 after the first quarter. LBJ has 16 and is 5-of-6 from both the line and the field. He also has five rebounds. But no assists!
Josh has taken eight shots, including three jumpers (all three misses). But he’s attacking, which is what he should do. Johnson has four points, three assists.
Not a bad competitive quarter by any standards. A lot better than the blowout stuff we saw against Miami.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:45 pm
Nice observation, Anti. And if Joe isn’t attracting double-teams, the Hawks aren’t as effective. But the Cavaliers pride themselves on their defense.
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
8:46 pm
Yeah Bradley, there is no South Beach in Cleveland with babes. Just a North Beach with some old women and walkers.
kj
May 5th, 2009
8:47 pm
we are not going to get the foul calls. we gotta get ahead and take command of this game
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
8:47 pm
Easier to keep your mind on the game.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:47 pm
Marvin’s out of sorts, as you’d expect. He just missed two shots and was called for a charge. Cavs up six points.
brewdawg
May 5th, 2009
8:47 pm
Evening folks. The Hawks are threatening to keep it close here, but the Cavs have gone up 6, and that can turn into 16 in one minute. Still, I’ve been impressed with the start. NOT impressed with the foul calls so far, but that’s another advantage of playing at home.
kj
May 5th, 2009
8:48 pm
if we can keep it close this quarter we have a good shot. normally we are more effective in the second half of games. Can’t let them get away with it. too many missed shots to start the quarter.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:49 pm
Cavs beginning to separate now. Ben Wallace just dunked off a Mo Williams pass, and now Delonte West makes two FTs after Zaza fouls. Hawks down 10.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
8:49 pm
POOR HELPSIDE DEFENSE BY AL HORFORD
kj
May 5th, 2009
8:50 pm
the key is going to be if we can maintain our composure. the cavs are on a little bit of a run right now but if we can withstand it and counterpunch we will be ok
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
8:50 pm
lemme guess, steelers logo on the big screen
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:50 pm
Ben Wallace just fouled Marvin — might’ve been clean — and Marvin landed on his bad wrist. He misses one of two FTs. Cavs by nine.
kj
May 5th, 2009
8:51 pm
maarvin went down. he will be out another 4 games now
brewdawg
May 5th, 2009
8:51 pm
12 points now, without Lebron on the floor. If it goes above 15, that’ll be that.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:52 pm
Danger time: West drains a three after Wally Szczerbiak passed out of a low-post double-team. Woodson calls timeout. Cavs 34-22, 9:24 until halftime.
kj
May 5th, 2009
8:52 pm
looks like the cavs are trying to put this one away early. I sure hope the guys learned to keep fighting by now. we really need our shots to start falling.
RealSquawk
May 5th, 2009
8:53 pm
Do we really need to double Wally Sczerbiak in the post? Isn’t Mo supposed to be one of our better defenders?
Next time Ben throws Marvin down how about we put Lebron in the second row?
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:54 pm
Look at the guys Cleveland brings off the pine: Ben Wallace, Joe Smith, Szczerbiak, Daniel Gibson. This is a much better team than Miami.
But I’m guessing you all had figured that out on your own.
Cavs in four
May 5th, 2009
8:54 pm
Hawks are intimidated.
RealSquawk
May 5th, 2009
8:56 pm
There has to be a reason why he is missing dunks
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:57 pm
Big trip. Horford takes two offensive rebounds and Bibby nails a trey.
BRAVESHATER
May 5th, 2009
8:57 pm
JOE JOHNSON IS A BITCH. HOW CAN U BE A THREE TIME ALL STAR AND SO CALLED CAPTAIN AND PERFORM THE WAY HE DOES ON THE ROAD. THE TEAM FOLLOWS HIS LEAD AND HE LOOKS LIKE HE STOLE ACIE LAW’S JERSEY. WHAT A CLOWN. ITS TIME TO MAKE JOSH SMITH THE FOCUS OF THE TEAM. TRADE SCARY JOE OUTTA HERE.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
8:58 pm
LBJ back in. Josh makes one of two. Hawks down by 10.
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
8:59 pm
I mean no disrespect to LeBron. He’s something special, but I sure hope we don’t have to watch 55 minutes of him in video clips every game of the series. What’s next, a halftime feature of LeBron going to the bathroom and sitting on his throne?
RealSquawk
May 5th, 2009
8:59 pm
how many hawks have you watched? make Josh the focus?
BRAVESHATER
May 5th, 2009
8:59 pm
WOODSON IS A CLOWN, WE SWITCH HORFORD AND ZAZA ON LEBRON AND DOUBLE WALLY IN THE POST, HAD TO BE HIS IDEA.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:00 pm
Flip scores on a drive. Mo Williams hits one of two. Cavs by nine.
BRAVESHATER
May 5th, 2009
9:01 pm
ITS ABOUT HEART. AND JOE DOESNT HAVE ONE. HE HITS WIDE OPEN SHOTS. DOESNT CREATE, CANT DRIBBLE, AND ISNT AS GOOD A DEFENDER AS YOU THINK. I NEED SOMEONE WHO ISNT SCARED OF PLAYING BALL.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:02 pm
Great Josh change-hands drive on Ben Wallace. And then an Ilgauskas offensive foul. But Bibby misses. And LBJ beats Josh on a baseline drive and gets fouled. Cavs by seven, LeBron on the line when we resume.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:03 pm
Joe doesn’t have heart? Are you kidding?
Jim
May 5th, 2009
9:03 pm
BH can discern the character of human beings from how they play sports. An amazing skill!
RealSquawk
May 5th, 2009
9:04 pm
Anderson running the point? Lebron just had a uncontested conversation with the rim and got the foul.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:04 pm
AGAIN POOR HELPSIDE DEFENSE… HOW DOES LEBRON TAKE 6 DRIBBLES AND GET RIGHT TO THE FRONT OF THE BASKET? PUT HIM ON HIS ASS!!!!!!!! OR JUST PACK IT UP AND COME HOME
niremetal
May 5th, 2009
9:04 pm
Braveshater, that has to be one of the most idiotic pair of posts I’ve ever seen. Make Josh Smith the focus of the team? Are you serious? And you think JJ can’t create and can’t dribble? You obviously are talking out of your rear iris if you think any of that. What a fool.
Doug Edwards
May 5th, 2009
9:04 pm
NOW YOU KNOW!
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
9:04 pm
As soon as I get the words “Don’t foul, Josh” out of my mouth what does he do? Foul, of course, bless his heart.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:05 pm
AL HORFORD NEEDS TO WAKE UP….
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:05 pm
I’ve never been able to do that, Jim. Maybe I should take a class.
“M!V!P!” chant goes up as LeBron steps to the stripe. He hits both. Cavs by nine.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:06 pm
GET AL HORFORD OUT OF THE GAME
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
9:06 pm
How are your seats for the game Mark? Closer than Acworth?
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:06 pm
JOE IS SOFT
RealSquawk
May 5th, 2009
9:07 pm
Zzzzzz and Lebron are they only players that can command a double team.
BRAVESHATER
May 5th, 2009
9:07 pm
I MEAN WHAT GAMES HAVE YOU ALL BEEN WATCHING, WHAT OTHER ALL STAR DISAPPEARS ON THE ROAD. RON ARTEST HAD 21 IN L.A., WHOOPS, ANOTHER TURNOVER. HOW MANY DID YOA HAVE, WHAT ABOUT RASHARD LEWIS, OR EVEN AARON BROOKS, WHAT ABOUT MELO IN NEW ORLEANS, JOE DOESNT COMPARE. ANYBODY CAN BE GREAT AT HOME IN THEIR COMFORT ZONE. WATCH THE GAME!!!!!!!!!!
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:08 pm
LeBron dunks after batting the ball from Joe. But Josh hits a jumper and Ilgauskas misses a hook. (He’d just made one.) Hawks down nine, 3:40 left in the quarter.
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
9:08 pm
This lovefest with Lebron and the tv is just disgusting, get a room!!!
kj
May 5th, 2009
9:08 pm
we gotta get the count down to about 4 or 5 before halftime. can’t let these guys go in with 6 or more point lead on us.
BRAVESHATER
May 5th, 2009
9:08 pm
HE’S A GREAT ROLE PLAYER. NO NEED TO GET ANGRY, IT IS WHAT IT IS.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:08 pm
More like Marietta, I’d say, Cuz.
DW
May 5th, 2009
9:09 pm
Joe Johnson needs to step it up. Either beat the double team or make them pay for double teaming you. He’s only had two great playoff games in the last two years. One vs. the celtics and the one Sunday. Let’s trade him and get Ty Lawson in the draft or a center via trade.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:09 pm
Josh cuts it to seven on a drive. Ilguaskas misses again. And Bibby sinks a 3-ball. Lead’s at four.
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
9:09 pm
three points yeah….
BRAVESHATER
May 5th, 2009
9:09 pm
LIKE I SAID, JOSH HAS HEART, IF JOE HAD HIS MAKE-UP THEN WE WOULD BE A CONTENDER.
kj
May 5th, 2009
9:09 pm
if zilgaskas keeps shooting we have a chance
nunna yo bizznezz
May 5th, 2009
9:10 pm
i don’t see the fuss about woodson..we won in spite of his coaching..
how in the heck will u put in a player with A sore shooting wrist,and now he lands on it And shoots an air ball for his 1st free throw..
how can you dress 2 hurt under 80 percent players And not go with no one from the bench that your gm has brought in for you to play when u screamed you had no one to bring in off the bench last year..
rick sund said in his 1st press conference that woody would not have that As an excuse this year,And guess whAt..he is doing it already..and he is doing it with a gm who knows talent and has helped build winners in the past..has woody done that?? HECK NAW!!
HE BROUGHT IN RANDOLPH MORRIS IN ONE TIME THIS YEAR TO MATCH UP ON SHAQ,AND IT WORKED..
PLUS HE HAS A HORSE IN HUNTER,A STRAIGHT UP SHOOTER WHO NEEDS PLAYING TIME IN GARDNER..
WOODSON DOES NOT KNOW WHAT HE IS DOING..
AND EVEN IF WE WIN TONITE,HE NEEDS TO BE OUT OF HERE..WE COULD HAVE BEEN IN BETTER POSITIONING FOR THE PLAYOFFS AND WON MORE GAMES IF HE ONLY PLAYED MORE OF HIS BENCH PLAYERS AND GIVEN THEM GAMETIME EXPERIENCE..
BRAVESHATER
May 5th, 2009
9:11 pm
JOSH AGAIN.
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
9:11 pm
Will someone please get a rebound? Anyone, at all?
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:11 pm
WE CANT CONTINUE TO LET BIG Z GET THAT LOW…… JOSH ISNT SCARED…. JOE JOHNSON HAS A.D.D !!!!! NO HUSTLE AT ALL……..!!!!!!!!!
kj
May 5th, 2009
9:12 pm
we gotta pound the boards. The cavs are getting too many 2nd chance opportunities. hey mark, whats the board count?
mitch
May 5th, 2009
9:12 pm
Joe is a 1B not a 1A
Brandon
May 5th, 2009
9:12 pm
Poor rebounding…
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:12 pm
Flip just threw the ball away on the break with the Hawks trying to cut it to two. Then LBJ followed a Varejao miss. But Josh scored on a hook. He has 17 points on 13 shots. He’s keeping them afloat.
niremetal
May 5th, 2009
9:12 pm
Mark,
Is Marvin hurt again? Or just resting?
The Hawksta
May 5th, 2009
9:13 pm
Josh is looking great tonight! LBJ has sized him up a couple of times like he knows Josh is feeling it and he wants to shake his confidence! We great players try to find any edge(lol)!
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:13 pm
JOE HAS WATCHED ABOUT 4 LOOSE BALLS… HE NEEDS HIS MEDICATION
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:13 pm
Cavs lead the rebounding 17-16
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:14 pm
Joe has four points. None this quarter. He has taken four shots. None this quarter.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:14 pm
SOFTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Priest Lauderdale
May 5th, 2009
9:14 pm
NOW YOU KNOW!!!!
Doo Da Day
May 5th, 2009
9:14 pm
Hawks haven’t played great, but haven’t played bad either. Just need to keep it close and Joe needs to become a factor.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:15 pm
NEED TO PLAY SOLOMEN JONES
Jeff
May 5th, 2009
9:15 pm
wtf was that Bibby??!?!?!
BRAVESHATER
May 5th, 2009
9:16 pm
4 POINTS FOR YOUR ALL-STAR AND CAPTAIN, JOE CANT BEAT THE MAN AROUND THE SCREEN SO BIBBY TURNS IT OVER. JOE JOHNSON IS A SUCKER.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:16 pm
Bibby just threw the ball away twice. West scored off the first TO. But Bibby now hits a triple off a Joe feed.
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
9:17 pm
bibby four for four. kinda rhymes.
Blair Rasmussen
May 5th, 2009
9:17 pm
Illgauskus reminds me of myslef
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:17 pm
BIB HAS NUTTS…. JOE NEEDS A TESTICULIAR TRANSPLANT
Macaroni Tony
May 5th, 2009
9:17 pm
I guest it ment alot that JS was quite..
BRAVESHATER
May 5th, 2009
9:18 pm
SURE HOPE THEY RESIGN BIBBY, OR TRADE JOE FOR A HIGH PICK, BUT WHO’S GOING TO GIVE UP A HIGH PICK FOR A UNATHLETIC, SLOW, SCARY 30 YEAR OLD.
RealSquawk
May 5th, 2009
9:18 pm
I can’t believe they let Lebron walk up the court and almost get that shot off.
For Bibby to be our point guard he sure is making some lazy passes
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:18 pm
BLAIR YOU WERE ONE HELL OF A SHOOTER FOR A BIG MAN!!!LOL
kj
May 5th, 2009
9:18 pm
i think we got a good shot to win this thing if joe gets hot like he normally does. 5 points is right where i thought we needed to be to be able to stay in this thing.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:19 pm
Hawks down only five at the break. That’s acceptable. They’ve outscored the Cavs by three baskets, but the Cavs have taken 14 free throws to the Hawks’ six. Cavs lead the rebounding 18-17. Hawks have nine turnovers to the Cavs’ four. LeBron has 22, with no other Clevelander in double figures. Josh has 17, Bibby 14. No other Hawk has more than four points.
DW
May 5th, 2009
9:20 pm
I agree with braveshater. Joe is officially an average player with superstar money. Steve Belkin now I know why you didn’t want to overpay him.. Every team plays the same way against him. I also blame Woodson for not making adjustments. Double Joe, he swings the ball to Josh Smith for a BRICK!
mitch
May 5th, 2009
9:20 pm
I think joe is just lazy
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
9:20 pm
it aint over till it’s over.
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
9:20 pm
Way to play, Hawks! We got us a game at the half. The one scary thing is that the Hawks are trailing in fast break points. I’m probably just being paranoid.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:21 pm
All you can ask in the playoffs on the road is a chance to steal one at the end. The Hawks have given themselves that chance so far.
Third quarter’s fairly immense. But you know that, too.
Randy Whitman
May 5th, 2009
9:23 pm
Looks like Miami game 7 Joe was the aberration.
Marvin Williams is…terrible. Charging, missing jumpers, not rotating on D, a DISASTER trying to drive to the hoop (and has always been).
End it this offseason with a sign and trade.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:24 pm
WOODY I KNOW YOUR PROBALY LOGGED ON BY NOW..(LOL)
HALFTIME ADJUSTMENTS; DITCH THE 100 DRIBBLE 45 PASS JUST TO GET JOE THE BALL AND RUN THE SCREEN AND ROLL 100 PERCENT OF THE TIME…
DEFENSIVELY; PLAY ZONE
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:26 pm
JOE WATCHES LEBRON DRIVE PAST JOSH AND JUST STANDS THERE…. THEY JUST SHOWED IT ON TNT
RealSquawk
May 5th, 2009
9:27 pm
i thought it was impossible for Lebron to go baseline with that little bit of space, but when i looked up he was at the rim. well just saw the replay! I was right he was out of bounds.
Hawks can take this game, but they have to hit them in the mouth in the 3rd quarter
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:28 pm
RANDOLPH MORRIS AND SOLO HAVE HARD FOULS TO GIVE….. GOTTA MAKE LEBRON CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY WHEN HE DRIVES TO THE BASKET
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:29 pm
Think of it this way: Joe has done next to nothing, and his team is within five points of the No. 1 seed on the No. 1 seed’s court.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:30 pm
I LOVE THIS HALFTIME SHOW…… REALNESS!!!!!!!!
DW
May 5th, 2009
9:30 pm
Let’s trade Joe Johnson for a high draft pick, move Josh to the small forward, Alford to the power forward, pick up a center (defensive minded), and get Ty Lawson to run the show. Bibby is good but we need a pure point guard who can run the ATL version of SHOWTIME. We need to annoint Josh Smith as the go to guy! Joe gotta go!
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:30 pm
LeBron has no fear. That’s why he’s who he is.
Tommy Cheeseballs
May 5th, 2009
9:31 pm
Bring back Andrew Lang!!
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:31 pm
YOU HAVE TO PUT THE FEAR IN HIM!!!!!
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:31 pm
Didn’t Joe just score 27 points in three quarters in Game 7 against the Heat? I wouldn’t trade him just yet. (Wait until Game 2 at least.)
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:31 pm
LMAO!!!! ANDREW LANG….. BRING BACK DALLAS COMEGYS
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
9:31 pm
I want some of what those TNT Studio dudes are on!
BRAVESHATER
May 5th, 2009
9:32 pm
THANK YOU DW.
RealSquawk
May 5th, 2009
9:32 pm
How could you say Marvin Williams is horrible he is arguably are best defender outside of the paint. He is a threat from anywhere on the floor.
Trade Marvin? If we do that are ability to do anything pass the second round will be null.
do you know how the Miami series would have been if he had been playing? Comeon trade MArvin? Trade Josh and trade Bibby, but MArvin?
BRAVESHATER
May 5th, 2009
9:32 pm
AND JOE HAS PLENTY OF FEAR. THATS WHY HE IS WHO HE IS TO BRADLEY.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:33 pm
Have you seen LBJ in the flesh? He weighs like 550 pounds.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:33 pm
LIKE C.WEBB JUST SAID ABOUT DIRK….. JOE DOESNT HAVE THAT DOG
Mark
May 5th, 2009
9:33 pm
Joe is just garbage….period. He is not an elite player, thank god for Josh(not great, but playing his behind off tonight) and Bibby hitting his 3’s…..otherwise we would be getting blown out
RUCRAZY
May 5th, 2009
9:34 pm
Trade JJ? Are you crazy? This team is where it is because of JJ.
Z-Law
May 5th, 2009
9:34 pm
Is anyone as nervous as I am watching this game? My hands and feet have been sweating all game long.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:34 pm
A 16-minute halftime. And you wonder why writers hate TV.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:34 pm
I BET YOU KENDRICK PERKINS OR HELL RONDO FOR THAT MATTER WOULD GO AT HIS HEAD…. IT ONLY TAKES 1 HARD FOUL TO MAKE YOU THINK TWICE
Hawk49
May 5th, 2009
9:35 pm
The hawks got to start picking these guys up at the three point line like houston did the lakers last night. They cant let james pick his shots inside the arc this half. Joe got to step up, if he had his points like in the regular season we would be winning this game. If we can hit more free throws we would be winning this game.
KLEVER
May 5th, 2009
9:37 pm
I know Joe didn’t have a great series. But I’m wondering why Dick Stockton and Fratello keep mentioning that game 7 was the only game that he played well in. Game 1 was a complete wire to wire blowout with balanced scoring so he didn’t have to score much. Did he not score 25 points in game 5 and consistently get to the free throw line as well as hit a couple of threes. Obvious the national media don’t pay attention to the Hawks whatsover.
Hawk49
May 5th, 2009
9:38 pm
Nice joe lets go
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:38 pm
Joe takes the first shot of the third quarter. Scores on a drive.
KLEVER
May 5th, 2009
9:38 pm
Stockton even made a stupid comment tonight like the Hawks are in it. Atleast for the first half. I mean seriously if you’re down by 4 at halftime you’re in it period.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:41 pm
Bibby stole the ball from LeBron but threw it away again. Mo Williams stole a pass in backcourt and fed LeBron, who fanned it to Williams in the corner for a three. And then Horford missed a jumper and West scored on a drive. Cavs up 10. Hawks call timeout.
Usher’s here, by the way.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:41 pm
HALFTIME DIALOGUE BETWEEN WOODY AND RANDOLPH MORRIS…
Woody: (after everyone leaves the lockeroom) a dolph hold up for a minute let me talk to you..
Dolph: HUH
Woody: I comin to you man… you been getting free checks all year!!!!! you have played less minutes than speedy claxton… If lebron comes down the lane i want him on his ass!!!! YOU GOT THAT (raising his voice)
Dolph: HUH
Woody: MAN GO SIT YO ASS DOWN!!!!!!!!
mitch
May 5th, 2009
9:42 pm
we just dont have a guy that says give me the dam ball
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
9:42 pm
Please start hitting some shots, y’all, or this is going to get UGLY really quick.
RealSquawk
May 5th, 2009
9:43 pm
D. Carter!! Hilarious
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:43 pm
And they just had a little contest between a real usher of advanced age and Usher himself. The real usher danced, badly. Usher just laughed.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:45 pm
To D. Carter: I showed your little Randolph-Woodson conversation to Sekou. We both laughed.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:47 pm
LeBron just took a charge on Joe after Joe threw a lob to Josh. The dunk was waved off. Tough call, but probably the right one. And Mo Williams hit a three to make it an 11-point game.
RealSquawk
May 5th, 2009
9:47 pm
Why can’t we match them defensively. They are up by ten and they initiate full court (nevermind that is Bibby running the point) or is it coaching can’t be coaching.
Hey so Flip Mo is your guy. don’t leave Mo.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:47 pm
LMAO……
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:48 pm
Joe Johnson for three. Has seven in the quarter. Hawks within eight.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:49 pm
FREE LAYUPS FOR LEBRON JAMES!!!….. U GOTTA BE KIDDING
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:50 pm
LBJ hits a trey. He has 27. Cavs up 10. Josh on the line for two.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:50 pm
BALL SCREENS THANK YOU
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
9:50 pm
Boo Hoo, goes the crowd. They’re not supposed to call fouls against us!!!
nunna yo bizznezz
May 5th, 2009
9:50 pm
YO D!!!
U THINK MORRIS IS LIKE DAT FOR REAL,LMAO….
HE KINDA LOOKS LIKE HE MAY SAY HUH A LOT,AND DID U SEE HIM ON THE HAWKS SPECIAL ON FSN WHEN THEY WENT TO PLAY THE BUCKS??
HE HAD THE CAMERA’S FOLLOWING MARIO AND THE FOOD HE HAD PILED ON HIS PLATE AND J-SMOOVE LOOKED AT HIM AND SAID SOMETHING TO THE EFFECT OF,MAN GO SOMEWHERE AND SIT YO BEHIND DOWN,LOL..
BUT,BIG MO NEEDS TO BE IN THE GAME..NOT JUST WITH HARD FOULS,BUT BY PUTTING A BIG MAN IN THE MIDDLED..
SOLO IS TOO SOFT ON THE BOARDS..AND GETS PUSHED AROUND A LOT..
BRING IN MARIO,AND MORRIS BEFORE ITS TOO LATE TO HELP PLAY SOME DEFENSE..
RealSquawk
May 5th, 2009
9:51 pm
That is the result when you put Bibby on Lebron
JenChicktastic
May 5th, 2009
9:52 pm
COME ON HAWKS!
We can’t buy into their hype. They can be beaten. We need to play like a team and execute!!!
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:52 pm
I LIKE THE ZONE THOU
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:52 pm
LBJ on a lob from West. Then LBJ on a tough drive against Josh to make it 12. Had a chance to make it 15 but missed a three.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:54 pm
Hawks are hanging, barely. LBJ missed a layup after Ilgauskas threw a behind-the-backer.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
9:55 pm
THERE ARE MAKING ME SICK OF LEBRON!!!! I FIND THE DOE EQUIS MAN WAY MORE INTERESTING
RealSquawk
May 5th, 2009
9:56 pm
This team is very beatable. Really outside of experience this team is not better than Miami, but they have Lebron and they believe that they are better than any team in this league and they are going to play like it until someone puts them in their place!!!
Macaroni Tony
May 5th, 2009
9:56 pm
we need a seven footer and like now.
D Hawk
May 5th, 2009
9:57 pm
Joe has got to get better with his ball control. He’s killing us inside the paint. He’s got to be smart enough to know when to pull up and pop and when to drive.
JJ
May 5th, 2009
9:57 pm
It’s so frustrating to see Joe hesitate when he’s open and then have no shot. Just TAKE THE SHOT JOE!!!!!
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:58 pm
Just showed Mike Fratello on the big screen. He’s doing the game for TNT, as you know. But he also coached the Cavs.
Just showed Mark Price, who’s the Hawks shooting coach, and he got a huge hand. Played here, you know.
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
9:59 pm
Has that seven foot martian cavalier registered as an alien, call ICE.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
9:59 pm
Ilgauskas and Zaza trade hoops. Like David Stern says, it’s a global game.
O'brien
May 5th, 2009
9:59 pm
Hawks down by 12. We need JJ to get hot, or we start making some 3’s.
And how many times will we fail to get through a Cavs screen?
D Hawk
May 5th, 2009
10:00 pm
This next 3 minutes will decide whether we stay in this thing or not. Gotta weather this storm with our defense.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
10:00 pm
GREAT OFFENSIVE SET THAT TIME JOE…. CLEAR OUT FOR A FORCED JUMP SHOT
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
10:00 pm
lmao – Me too, D.Carter, The way it’s starting to look, I may need a lot of the Dos Equis man’s product, like, real soon!
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
10:01 pm
Z-Man misses another free throw. Then hits one. Cavs by 13. Zaza out with his fourth.
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
10:01 pm
Get Bugs Bunny to guard Martin the Martian.
Ariose
May 5th, 2009
10:01 pm
Really dissapointed in Marvin man. He’s scared out there. He can’t even hold on to the ball….
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
10:02 pm
Iililiaguaukaas, yep he’s an alien.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
10:02 pm
Josh misses one FT, makes the second. He has 20. Hawks trail by 12.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
10:03 pm
Szczerbiak for three against the zone. And then he draws a charge from Marvin. Bad game for Marvin. Hawks trail by 15.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
10:04 pm
MARK NOW YOU SEE MY POINT!!!!
Doo Da Day
May 5th, 2009
10:04 pm
Labron is playing allot of minutes. Gonna hurt them later on in the series.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
10:05 pm
RANDOLPH GET IN THERE
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
10:05 pm
Josh Smith’s all the Hawks have. He blocked a Joe Smith follow that would have made it 17, then got fouled on a drive. Makes both. Has 22. Cavs by 13.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
10:06 pm
WERE NOT TOUGH ENOUGH
D Hawk
May 5th, 2009
10:07 pm
Dang, there’s a Zerbiak (and I mispelled it because I don’t have time to type all the other letters) sighting. Who knew he could still be relevant. Bad foul to close out the quarter, Marvin. He’s already past you.
mountain_jim
May 5th, 2009
10:08 pm
Way to give Lebron the non-foul for and 1
TROTTINGHOME
May 5th, 2009
10:09 pm
it’s over now boys and girls
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
10:09 pm
Almost over, I’m afraid. LBJ just whirled past Marvin for a three-point play to end the quarter. Hawks down 16, 12 minutes to go. I don’t think it’s happening tonight, folks.
LBJ with 34 on 20 shots. Also 10 rebounds and three assists. Good player.
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
10:09 pm
@$#*!!! The Hawks have GOT to find a way to make the Cavs pay for not doubling Joe. Then again, I guess a lot of that is up to Joe.
Macaroni Tony
May 5th, 2009
10:09 pm
some of these hawks have not stepped up tonight.
D Hawk
May 5th, 2009
10:09 pm
MB, what’s the Hawks body language like on the bench? Do you think they’ve got the heart to hang in this game? Someone better start the 4th quarter HOT or it’s over early.
kj
May 5th, 2009
10:10 pm
Josh is the only one who came to play today. joe is playing like crap. What has been up with this guy. he shows up one game last series and if it wasnt for bibby we would have gotten killed in round one.
Randy Whitman
May 5th, 2009
10:11 pm
LMAO! Who’s that dude on here defending Marvin?
Worst. #2. Pick. Ever.
Macaroni Tony
May 5th, 2009
10:11 pm
js have taking more ft attempts than lj
eturn
May 5th, 2009
10:12 pm
Do Joe J have any emotions… damn just mope around
KLEVER
May 5th, 2009
10:12 pm
Horford’s ankle is a big problem he is not even going after rebounds
TROTTINGHOME
May 5th, 2009
10:13 pm
d carter to funny
kj
May 5th, 2009
10:13 pm
keys to the game. crash the boards, we’re loosing. limit second chance opportunities for the cavs. we’re loosing. Everyone shoots their average. only j smooth and bibby. yep looks like we lost this one.
MVP23
May 5th, 2009
10:13 pm
Like BTO sings….”Taking care of business”
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
10:14 pm
Allrighty then.
D Hawk
May 5th, 2009
10:14 pm
Game Over, Cheetah, fellas!!!! Josh is the only one that wanted to play 4 quarters tonight.
kj
May 5th, 2009
10:14 pm
mo williams jsut hit another three. that one broke the will of the hawks. might as well wrap it up and coming out swinging hard in game two.
Z-Law
May 5th, 2009
10:15 pm
Well, it was close for a couple quarters. Time to regroup and get ready for Thursday.
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
10:16 pm
Way to keep it close, Mark I have a few questions on the lingerie football league for your Wednesday forum, study hard.
rabiddawg
May 5th, 2009
10:17 pm
Williams for three…. GAME OVER! This game however was pretty promising for the hawks. Two things that will help. Stop the wuss fouls. If you ae gonna foul, then foul hard preventing 3 pt plays. We gotta stop Mo Williams. LBJ will get his no matter what we do. Gotta stop Williams’ 3’s
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
10:19 pm
Bibby and Evans hit treys, but the Cavs don’t look worried. LBJ’s on the bench.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
10:20 pm
JOSH HAS MY PERMISSION TO SHOOT ALL THE 3′S HE WANTS FROM HERE ON OUT…. AT LEAST HE HUSTLES….. I GUESS ACIE LAW HAS FELL INTO THIS YEARS VERSION OF SALIM STOUDIMIRE…. WE NEED A PLAYER DEVELOPMENT COACH
D Hawk
May 5th, 2009
10:20 pm
Hey M.B., should I take Barcelona or Chelsea in that UEFA semi tomorrow?
D-Whine Disposed
May 5th, 2009
10:20 pm
We make our free throws, and don’t have multiple long cold shooting spurts, it’s a different game. Overall, I think they played fairly well, just didn’t have a good shooting game….which happens. Better now than later in the series.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
10:20 pm
I’m so far from the bench I can barely see bodies, let alone language.
eturn
May 5th, 2009
10:21 pm
What would help is for JJ to start acting like a Captain of the team..and step up
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
10:21 pm
Here’s how deep the Cavs are: Sasha Pavlovic is making like Bill Walton, and he didn’t play until the fourth quarter.
DW
May 5th, 2009
10:22 pm
Does anyone agree that it is unacceptable to not get your ppg average in any series in the playoffs. Bibby is playing, Josh is playing, Joe is intimidated by a double team. We can’t win without Joe getting his scoring average
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
10:22 pm
Back to 21. Mo Williams on a dip and flip.
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
10:22 pm
getting fugly. okay done got that way.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
10:23 pm
Bibby’s mad. Just got knocked down, with nothing called.
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
10:24 pm
If LBJ is on the bench, where is Bobby Kennedy?
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
10:24 pm
I’d take Chelsea over Barca. And Man U. over either. (But I’m a Man U. fan.)
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
10:25 pm
Bibby Kennedy.
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
10:25 pm
News flash to the Hawks: You played all year just to get a game 7 on your home court. You ain’t got no home game 7 to fall back on this series. Are you guys just totally satisfied that you won a game 7 and now, “That’s all folks”?
After working so hard all freaking year, that’s just Looney Tunes!
FrenchyFries
May 5th, 2009
10:26 pm
My big key to this game: 5 Atlanta steals, 11 for Cleveland
turn the ball over fewer times and it’s a closer game I believe.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
10:26 pm
JOE HAS A LOT OF EMOTIONS HE COMMUNICATES THEM TELEPATHICLY (SPELL CHECK)
Cuz
May 5th, 2009
10:26 pm
Okay, Chelsea Clinton over Charles Barkley, I could see that….
Dizzle
May 5th, 2009
10:28 pm
Why is Marvin even playing.. he’s not ready for primetime
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
10:29 pm
OMG IS THAT ACIE LAW AT THE TABLE?
Ariose
May 5th, 2009
10:29 pm
Marvin, Zaza and our 1st round draft pick for Rudy Gay…..Then we Sign Rasheed and Antonio McDyess……And Win a Title….
TheAntiMe
May 5th, 2009
10:31 pm
I’m officially off to the Puke-torium. No more freaking King James!!!
D Hawk
May 5th, 2009
10:31 pm
The King has left the building…well, the floor. So much for being flat after a 9 day layoff.
Yeah, Man U dismantled Arsenal today, I think they’re taking the whole thing.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
10:33 pm
Sorry for the inattention. Writing a little for print now. And also this one’s long gone. It’s 93-69 with 3:17 left. LBJ’s out. Didn’t score in the fourth quarter. Didn’t need to score in the fourth quarter.
Time for the old between-games adjustments, I’d say. And the Hawks have to hope Horfy can get healthy.
Dizzle
May 5th, 2009
10:33 pm
Well, at least ATL fans will WITNESS the sweep on their home court next Monday night.
woodie
May 5th, 2009
10:35 pm
This is gong to be a long series….I mean short one. Oh well, Go Hawks!!
kj
May 5th, 2009
10:35 pm
our bench is gonna have to go deep this series to stand a chance. There is no way our starters can compete with all three waves that cleveland will send every game. what do you think mark?
dhunt
May 5th, 2009
10:36 pm
Poor shooting, poor help defense, no JJ. It’s going to take a team effort, only got Josh and Bibby tonite. What should have been a close game is going into the books as a blowout. I’ve never seen a team look so different on the road. How dare Woodson actually play his bench when it doesn’t matter at all.
Dizzle
May 5th, 2009
10:37 pm
Rhetorical Question… Do you really need Mark to confirm the obvious?
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
10:37 pm
MARIO WEST GOT HANDLES…….LOL
FrenchyFries
May 5th, 2009
10:38 pm
I was kinda thinking they would get beat in game 1 … but I was hoping they’d at least be able to get it under 20 pts, in mild blowout level. Right now they’re bordering on 30 points and major blowout
J.J.M.
May 5th, 2009
10:38 pm
i dare a fan to blame this on josh smith
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
10:39 pm
Back downstairs in the press room now. Still finishing up the print thing. But I’ll be back, I promise.
D.Carter
May 5th, 2009
10:39 pm
MARIO WEST SHOULD GET PAID BY THE HOUR
Dizzle
May 5th, 2009
10:40 pm
How can you not finish a 4 on 1 fast break?!!
FrenchyFries
May 5th, 2009
10:42 pm
they just completely lost it in the 4th, they got nothing going.
Scoring less than 20 in two quarters won’t ever get it done against cleveland.
Tyler
May 5th, 2009
10:43 pm
The Hawks had me fooled for one whole half!!!!
nunna yo bizznezz
May 5th, 2009
10:45 pm
DID U GUYS SEE HOW ONE OF THE ALIENS JUST THRU SOLO ONTO THE FLOOR,LOL…
SOLO,I LOVE HIM,BUT,HE IS TOO SOFT ON THE BOARDS..AND MB..DO U OR MR.SMITH EVER GET INTO ANY OF THE HAWKS PRACTICES??
IF SO,TELL ME IF IM WRONG ON HUNTER AND GARDNER..
DOMINIQUE SAID IN ONE HAWKS BROADCAST THAT PLAYERS WERE FIGHTING OVER GETTING HUNTER ON INNER SCRIMMAGES IN PRACTICE..AND I SEEN WHAT GARDNER CAN DO IN THE SUMMER LEAGUE GAMES THIS YEAR AND READ ON HIS PLAY IN THE SHORT STINT IN THE D-LEAGUE AS WELL..
AM I HYPING THEM UP TOO MUCH MR.BRADLEY?????
KG
May 5th, 2009
10:49 pm
I’m sorry but we got to let Marvin go. He’s just way to slow even when his wrist is healthy. We got nothing out of the 3 position tonight. Get rid of Marvin and bring Childress back.
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
10:52 pm
Mike Brown in the interview room, lauding Wally Szczerbiak for “moving his feet.” Also lauding Sasha Pavlovic.
Eman
May 5th, 2009
10:53 pm
I am sorry but we have to Fire Mike Woodson. When a team gets blow out on the road in the playoffs by more than 15 each road game then the players are not following him!! We have to get a coach with a whip to get these players into the game mentally on the road. Thanks Mike for helping this team this far but we need a change!! I AM A TRUE DIE HARD HAWKS, FALCONS, AND BRAVE FAN and this make me feel bad to watch this SH### each time on the road. If we need to change or trade some players to get some heart, then that is what we have to do!! Joe Johnson, is what he is, an all star but we need a leader and player with so FIRE and he is not that!! I don’t want to trade him but we need a LEADER so bad it’s not even funny!! I am tier of this SHOWING ON National TV and I demand a change in the off season!!!
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
10:54 pm
Maybe just a little, Nunna. Maybe more than a little.
Just too funny
May 5th, 2009
10:55 pm
Please don’t tell me any of you expected this night to go any different than it did?!
nunna yo bizznezz
May 5th, 2009
10:57 pm
woody plays a player who can’t run and is not the force of a rebounder he is when he is healthy,and he plays someone who’s wrist is sore and he re-injures it and shoots an airball free throw..he does not use a big body to help his team at all with other bigger players to get some rebounds and move them off the boards..im not gonna use the D-WORD,on my brother,but as far as his coaching knowledge,he is not smart..
DrewCat
May 5th, 2009
10:59 pm
I’ve said it countless times while blogging, Joe Johnson is given more excuses than any other player I can remember. All coaches and analysts do is praise hm for “stretching the double team” and “making the right pass.” But what they fail to see is that Joe is supposedly our star. And stars have to do more than just play average ball.
Too many times Joe disappears at critical junctures of the game. JJ can have a good night when it doesn’t matter (like in a blowout game), but he never seems to keep the Hawks in any competitive playoff games. He has had two good playoff games in a Hawks uniform–unacceptable. ANd you mean to tell me the Hawks are building a team around this guy??? BIG MISTAKE. Trade him and get some players with a heart. We don’t need a guy who mopes and fails to assume leadership where its obviously needed. In my opinion Joe is dispensable.
lexluther
May 5th, 2009
11:00 pm
I must admit, I’m so proud that the Hawks have made it to the second round of the playoffs, but the coaching stagetic of Mike Woodson is bad. Get the ball out of Lebron’s hands. Double, triple team the guy. And would someone please tell Joe Johnson that the reason they gave him all that money is NOW!!!! Rick Sund, you see the effects of a quality bench?? Lets Go Hawks, and Joe you can come along too….
nunna yo bizznezz
May 5th, 2009
11:11 pm
ok,then mr.bradley..
i’ll take your word over niques..
As far as othello goes..
but if they are as not ready for the nba,as it may seem,and i know u didn’t say it per say,but,why are they on the team..and i know u didn’t say this either,but,mr.sund,must have lied when he said that woody would not have to say he didn’t have a bench this year..
now im really pissed..rick sund lied to me,lol..
oh well..
i guess its not woodys fault like i thought,so,i have to apologize and speak up for A coach who,it doesn’t matter who his gm is,the guy will not bring in enough talent for him to work with..
rick sund needs to go!!!
he did bring in flip and mo,but thats the easy part,everyone knew they could play..but,as far as the remaining talent on the bench,he wasted space with gardner and hunter..And even morris..
i hope he can get rid of those 3,along with a.c.,solo,And himself,And let a qualified gm come in here to put the pieces to this team..
no wonder woody is playing these banged up players..thats all he got..
thats sad,because now i know we are gonna get swepted…
dino
May 5th, 2009
11:16 pm
Hawks fans are so trifling. I’m trying to figure out why every one is blaming Joe. I will admit he could have been more agressive, but I wouldn’t say the rest of the team has played all that great either. Bibby made alot of bad decisions, Flip held the ball too much when he should have passed, and Josh took way too many ill-advised jumpers. I hope the Hawks do trade Joe. He deserves better than this bullsh@t. And you people wonder why nobody wants to play for this city. You act like star players are rushing to come here because of your championship pedigree. Last time I checked, Dominique never got past the 2nd round of the playoffs. What a joke.
Darrin "The Vent King"
May 5th, 2009
11:37 pm
Alright one game in the books…let’s see Jeff Schultz write an article now claiming how great Mike Woodson is now at coaching (rolls eyes) LOL
Mark Bradley
May 5th, 2009
11:46 pm
Here’s the column, mostly on Joe.
Ha Ha
May 6th, 2009
9:50 am
Mark Bradley is a terrible reporter and takes stupid shots at the city of Cleveland because he has nothing better to say. It was nice to see CLEVELAND slap Atlanta all over the court last night. Hey Mark… 9 days off did not slow the Cavs and James was not “dulled” by winning MVP. You are a lame reporter. Go forbid you lose your job and have to live in a city that’s suffering the most from a terrible economy. Keep your unnecessary comments to yourself. The Cavs bring hope to the city of Cleveland. Better luck next year.. Cavs have this series!
jennifer
May 6th, 2009
11:53 am
trash cleveland? is that what you have to do to actually write.?????? horrible journalist. you have to put others down for no other reason than to make your self look good- it did’t work – u look stupid. stay in atlanta. Cleveland is too good for you.
czervik
May 6th, 2009
12:14 pm
I loved reading this whole blog. It was great to see “hope” fade to “despair” in 4 hours of keyboarding. Cute little slap at Cleveland, sir. It might be the only shot Atlanta can take at us. It made me chuckle. Then again, is Atlanta that great a place to live? The pride of Atlantans’ must be a bit tarnished since they do not even support their sports teams. They couldn’t sellout World Series games. Nobody cared when they had Jamal Anderson and were playing good football. It will be interesting to see if they can sellout Phillips for Game 4.
Kareem
May 6th, 2009
12:30 pm
Wow.. I cant believe there were actually Pigeon Fans out there who thought they were gonna win..
Wow..
Cavs Fan
May 6th, 2009
12:35 pm
The Hawks, like Mark Bradley and his opinion suck! Atlanta will be lucky if they don’t lose every game by double digits. Everyone has to eat it this year…the Cavaliers are going all the way!
Jen
May 6th, 2009
8:14 pm
GO CAVS!!!!!!!!! CLEVELAND ROCKS!!!!!
big D
May 6th, 2009
8:54 pm
stupid idea, you posting what is happening-if the reader has internet, wouldn’t they also have tv to watch the game? Cavs will win this series, and ATL will again be 0 and forever waiting….
Live from Cleveland: Game 2, and the Mayor is mad at me! | Mark Bradley
May 7th, 2009
6:28 pm
[...] Cleveland – I don’t like doing television. Heck, I don’t like watching television. But a local station asked if I’d come on live from courtside at the Q before tonight’s game because one of the anchors took umbrage with this scandalous line from the live Game 1 blog: [...]
CURSEDCLEVELAND.COM | Fox 8’s Bill Martin Vows to Fight Atlanta Reporter
May 7th, 2009
10:10 pm
[...] (actually from Buffalo) took umbrage with the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Mark Bradley, who wrote: “This city, as you’d expect, is pumped. We Atlantans moan over the state of our [...]