A breakthrough in Boston for the big-time Hawks
Not to say I told you so, but …
The Hawks just beat the Celtics on the parquet of the new Garden. Yes, it was a regular-season game, but it was as significant as a regular-season game can be in November. The Hawks proved to the NBA — and, more important, to themselves — that they can leave Philips Arena and outslug one of the league’s heavyweights. Armed with this knowledge, who knows where they might wind up?
The world at large has no idea how good these Hawks can be. Heck, until Friday night I’m not sure the Hawks had a clear notion. But they should have an inkling now. They should know they have as many good players — not a superstar, no, but good players across the board — as any team anywhere. They’re 7-2 with victories in Portland and Boston. They’re big-time.
And they’re still relatively young. This is no small consideration. The Celtics and Shaquille O’Neal (Cavs) and Vince Carter (Magic) aren’t going to be any younger come the spring. If any team is built to absorb the undulations of a six-month regular season and still be primed for the postseason, this is it.
Understand: I’m not suggesting the Hawks will win the NBA title in 2010. But I am saying they just took a giant step forward. They won a game that made us sit up and say, “How about that?” They beat Boston in Boston. If you can do that, you can beat anybody anywhere.
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149 comments Add your comment
Man Up
November 13th, 2009
11:09 pm
BOOM BABY Big win for the hawks
Phil
November 13th, 2009
11:09 pm
Watched the whole game and they looked very impressive and they manhandled the Celtics on their court… way to grow up!
jlc
November 13th, 2009
11:13 pm
ATL is for real this year! Boston showed their age tonight
Robert
November 13th, 2009
11:13 pm
How about some respect for the Hawks national media this was a big time win
charles
November 13th, 2009
11:14 pm
and on national tv to boot….wait to go hawks – rebounding won this game
charles
November 13th, 2009
11:14 pm
way i mean
tony
November 13th, 2009
11:14 pm
Two Words! Crawford! Defense!
Bangkapi Ajarn
November 13th, 2009
11:15 pm
I saw some of it in Illinois, and I WAS impressed, especially considering the pedigree of the organization over the past few years.
Mark if you had to point at ONE difference between last year and this year that made this possible, what would you say it is? I am thinking bench play, not just the players but the willingness of the coaching staff to use them.
Mark Bradley
November 13th, 2009
11:16 pm
Jamal Crawford is a really good player. Flip Murray was a nice find, but Crawford is a clear upgrade.
charles
November 13th, 2009
11:21 pm
is it me or does JJ look a step slower this year…doesnt seem like he can turn that corner like he has the last few years….too much dribbling around the top of the key
MyView
November 13th, 2009
11:22 pm
Yes, it was all about the bench, and the ability to be competitive for a full 48mins. This is the type of team that I envisioned prior to the season. This is a fantastic high for me. The natural kind.
Mark Bradley
November 13th, 2009
11:22 pm
I don’t know, Charles. I think Joe looks pretty darn good.
MyView
November 13th, 2009
11:23 pm
or is it hi?
Mark Bradley
November 13th, 2009
11:23 pm
And Bibby outplayed Rondo, which is a major departure. Rondo usually wheels right past Bibby.
Denver Hawk
November 13th, 2009
11:24 pm
yeah yeah yeah…. but what does TED STRIKER think?
Dave Ming Chang
November 13th, 2009
11:24 pm
Handle Cleveland and Orlando on their courts and then call me back!
MyView
November 13th, 2009
11:26 pm
Dang, Dave Ming Chang!!! Can we take one step at a time??? That sounds like hate…
brewdawg
November 13th, 2009
11:26 pm
Every photo I’ve seen of Paul Pierce from the game makes it seem as if he is getting shot, or stabbed, or burned. Am I the only one who finds the guy extremely irritating?
Naysayers are in hiding
November 13th, 2009
11:27 pm
Great start to the weekend! Now, if I can just get wins from Cotto, UGA and the Falcons….
JacketFanMarcus
November 13th, 2009
11:28 pm
Wow. If they keep this up, they may be in the running for a big free agent signing in 2010. They just need one legit superstar to take them over the hump!
charles
November 13th, 2009
11:28 pm
not saying JJ didnt play well…just seems like when he isos with the ball he is having trouble turning the corner or passing out of the double team…maybe im just being hypercritical….but jamal is the best thing that could have happened to JJ
ATL Steve
November 13th, 2009
11:29 pm
Oh baby…big win! Give game balls to Zaza, Joe Smith, Horford and Josh! Our frontline dominated from the opening tip and made Boston look old and slow! As a native Atlantan, I’m calling us out to get behind this team. We’ve begged and moaned for years for a contender and we’ve got one!
Mark Bradley
November 13th, 2009
11:29 pm
Actually, I believe Paul Pierce did get stabbed. About nine years ago.
MattRyanforPrez
November 13th, 2009
11:29 pm
Crawford is the key piece, he kept making shots in the 4th when the Celtics usually would have come back on us.
MyView
November 13th, 2009
11:29 pm
Naysayers are in hiding…..the Falcons, I feel good about. UGA is a toss up, and cotto????
Gilk
November 13th, 2009
11:33 pm
I agree with Charles … Joe played in slow motion in Q4. He needs to stop the constant iso dribbling and pass the ball! Seems to have low trust in his teammates in the closing minutes. Great win Hawks!
David Smith
November 13th, 2009
11:35 pm
Huge win tonight for this young and upcoming team!! This win will do wonders for our confidence going into another teams backyard. Mike Woodson has this team playing inspired basketball right now by having them focusing on defense, ball movement, and a solid rotation of his bench. KEEP IT UP GUYS!!GO HAWKS!!!
dmortone
November 13th, 2009
11:35 pm
Mark, I read preview after preview talking about how the Hawks had plateaued, (remarkable for a team with 3 key players being 23 years old to reach the peak of their nba careers already), wouldn’t challenge the top tier teams, wouldn’t even win 50 games. You’re the only, and I’m including Hawks bloggers elsewhere, who predicted this team would take a leap forward.
Gotta say, I thought you were just being a homer but your faith is looking pretty well justified so far.
Greg Norton Is HOT!!!
November 13th, 2009
11:36 pm
Gotta give some props to the ESPN crew…they were all over the Hawks bandwagon and actually saying lots of nice things about the team…very rare for ESPN!!
The Grinch
November 13th, 2009
11:38 pm
I said it before the season started and I’ll say it again. This team will win 50+ games and has a legitimate shot at the east. I honestly think it may come down to the Hawks and Magic rather than the Celts and Cavs.
And I’ve NEVER backed the Hawks to this point with Mike “Albatross” Woodson as coach. Imagine where they’d be with someone suited to their abilities AND the concept of winning in general?
I’m likin’ it.
About boston celtics, friday, atlanta hawks, nba, shelden williams | Find me About
November 13th, 2009
11:38 pm
[...] Still think Horfy isn’ta center? Still think the Hawks can’t play? (Boston.com) The Hawks just beat the Celtics on the parquet of the new Garden. Yes, it was a regular-season game, but it was as significant as a regular-season game can be in November. …Read Original Story: A breakthrough in Boston for the big-time Hawks – Atlanta Journal Constit… [...]
Cedrick (Arlington, TX)
November 13th, 2009
11:40 pm
WOW!!! I missed the game but I am glad the Hawks showed up and played well in Boston. I have been keeping an eye on J Crawford and he fits in nicely with this squad. Our first 6-9 on the road and we have a 7-2 record. GOOD JOB HAWKS!!!!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
November 13th, 2009
11:40 pm
“is it me or does JJ look a step slower this year”
Quickness has never been one of Joe’s strong suits. He’s always been able to create his own shot with good handles and strength, but his lack of quickness is one of the main things that keeps him from being able to dominate games like the true superstars do. But so far he’s been doing what he’s good at about as well as he usually does.
Terrell
November 13th, 2009
11:41 pm
MB,
Bibby didn’t outplay Rondo. There were times I was worried that Rondo would dominate and take over. He decided to share the ball, but when Rondo was iso on Bibby I got worried. I’m happy we won this game.
Kid me not
November 13th, 2009
11:41 pm
You’re not just kidding me about the Hawks win are you. I was out for the evening and missed the game. Sorry. But, such a victory is big. GO HAWKS!
KSEE
November 13th, 2009
11:43 pm
Very Proud of OUR HAWKS! tonight we celebrate a big win…but then back to gearing up for the next game.
Terrell
November 13th, 2009
11:43 pm
JacketFanMarcus,
I couldn’t disagree with you more. If a superstar doesn’t fit the system the team doesn’t win. When the Big 3 got together in Boston they put their superstar stats to the side to become team players.
willie martinez
November 13th, 2009
11:44 pm
oh brother Mark. cant you write a blog about my talents??
Benjamin
November 13th, 2009
11:44 pm
My favorite thing about this team to this point: we don’t do the same bonehead stuff we used to do. In large part, Josh Smith is no longer trying to be Steve Nash with his crazy drives and no-look passes into the third row, or jacking up threes in traffic with the rest of the offense behind him… he’s been very controlled.
It’ll be interesting to see how things look going forward. Hopefully we can use this as a springboard…
Mark Bradley
November 13th, 2009
11:47 pm
I read the same previews about the Hawks plateauing, and I didn’t understand them. This team has improved four years in a row. How is that a plateau?
Johnny Hazeltine
November 13th, 2009
11:47 pm
Very impressive. Funny enough, Joe didn’t have to do. Hell, Joe didn’t do it. It was Bibby, Smith, Horford, Crawford, Zaza, Joe Smith, etc. Great, great team effort, especially on the offensive glass.
Stockdog
November 13th, 2009
11:49 pm
Great win for the Hawks. Joe isn’t slower. He had a good defender in Paul Pierce with his long arms and a Boston squad that plays good tem defense. I think that the front line has finally matured. Horford and Josh dominated down low.
Flip Murray is a good player, but Jamal Crawford is an excellent player. Marvin Williams will start the games but Jamal will finish with Joe moving to the 3 and Jamal at the 2. Consequently, Marvin is the odd man out unless he catches fire in the third. Great problem to have. Lastly, Mark you are right. the Hawks have 10 good to excellent players but no superstar. I see 50 wins, just break even on the road and win 32-35 at home.
cdog
November 13th, 2009
11:54 pm
i told you the hawks were going to trash the celtics.the celtics are too old to beat a team like the hawks after we dominate new orleans and portland we will be on our way as eastern conference leaders the hawks are too talented and well coached by mike woodson to lose to any one of the teams they face.we will be in the nba finals this year.
Reid Adair
November 13th, 2009
11:55 pm
I was very impressed with the Hawks’ performance in Boston tonight. The young lineup is coming together. Joe Johnson performed well against Paul Pierce, and Mike Bibby held his own against Rajon Rondo (in the recent past, that match-up has gone Boston’s way).
I was very impressed with Jamal Crawford.
dawg
November 13th, 2009
11:57 pm
is a bout time atlanta beat boston in boston
MyView
November 13th, 2009
11:58 pm
Somewhere Billy Knight is saying “I told you so”. Funny but maybe some other rebuilding team should give him a job, if he does not already have one.
bjfussell
November 14th, 2009
12:00 am
only thing missing was zaza slugging kg
MyView
November 14th, 2009
12:01 am
Somewhere Billy Knight is saying, “I told you so”. Maybe some other rebuilding squad should give him a job, because his plan has worked!!!
ILL-logical
November 14th, 2009
12:01 am
Horford is still not a center who will take you to a championship but his hustle will keep the team in contention until one can be found. Good game-a total team effort. Still it is just game 9. There is still a lot of basketball to be played but so far, so good.
bjfussell
November 14th, 2009
12:03 am
the boston fans looked depressed, which felt so good
Kane337
November 14th, 2009
12:17 am
Great win by the Hawks. I’m really digging this team. Crawford was a HUGE pickup. Look out Eastern conference!!!
ATL Sports Fan
November 14th, 2009
12:25 am
Does anyone know anyone who can actually watch an entire NBA game ??
I have tried a couple of times over the last couple of years but it is brutal to try to watch 48 minutes of NBA basketball.
It's Really Sad
November 14th, 2009
12:38 am
Atlanta Hawks and it is still the NBA. Boring. Boring. Boring. Over paid. Boring. Over hyped. Boring. Boring. Boring. Watch the last 2 minutes and you have watched the entire game. Boring. Boring. Boring. Either you get blown out or you win the game in the last two minutes. Boring. Boring. Boring. Give me college anything over pro anything. The NBA is the most boring of all however. Boring. Boring. Boring.
It's Really Sad
November 14th, 2009
12:41 am
ATL Sports Fan…watch an entire NBA game and I guarantee you that you will be brain dead afterwards. What a complete bore the NBA game is. It is almost as bad as watching professional wrestling…almost as fake and the same type of fans.
Stockdog
November 14th, 2009
12:49 am
Its Really Sad and ATL sportsfan, if the game is so boring, then why are you on this blog writing. It must have some excitement for you to stay up until 1241 am to write about it.
Just a thought from us po’ ole dumb profes- senile bak-et-ball, pro rasslin fans
The Grinch
November 14th, 2009
12:54 am
MyView, please back away from the crack pipe. Knight is unemployed and should remain so for the rest of his natural life. This team is good (and even that’s largely due to what Sund has done in the offseason) but if Knight wasn’t the worst talent evaluator the league has ever seen we’d have an all-star at every position. A Rhesus monkey could draft in the top 10 every year for ten years and field a 50 win team eventually (and I’m not entirely sure one couldn’t have done better).
Don’t get me wrong, I love this team. But anyone extolling the virtues of Billy Knight needs to be hanged by their underdeveloped genitalia until dead. He made Don Waddell look like a savant.
oldbird
November 14th, 2009
1:07 am
Well put Stockdog. The NBA used to be boring but now that they allow limited zone defense, the strategy equals the college game, instead of clear out the lane and let the star play one on one. I have enjoyed watching the Hawks develop the last three years greatly. They hustle, and play an exciting brand of basketball. I think that they are really on the rise.
KevinA
November 14th, 2009
1:17 am
Mark Bradley
November 13th, 2009
11:47 pm
I read the same previews about the Hawks plateauing, and I didn’t understand them. This team has improved four years in a row. How is that a plateau?
Silly talk, assume we lose to blazers and boston. now we are 4-5. Our goal this year was to beat he teams we were sapposed to beat. We still have 5 teams in a row that last year we were saposed to lose to. Assume we win 2 because we are at home – now we are 6-7. We would have not been dead – We would still be competive. My goal for this team was 50-54 wins. Even with a bad case seceriono we could have still done it.
We are on our way to the next level. Prob should have taken longer. Aparrently I was wrong. I think 56 wins is now within our reach. Our bench is chomping at the bit and Jamal is playing great. To do this we have to go 4-3 aginst the playoff teams from last year to do this. After Denver, Blazers and Boston = why not.
KevinA
November 14th, 2009
1:22 am
Stockdog, ATL Sports Fan, It’s Really Sad
watch shooting deer. or fishing – redneck.
gasportsfan
November 14th, 2009
1:30 am
Great win …Don’t blow the game tonight with the hornets…Did anyone see Chris Paul get injured in their game so he won’t be available
ATL Sports Fan
November 14th, 2009
1:35 am
KevinA – Actually, I got back from the Thrashers game tonight and I was just checking in to see how the Hawks did because I am an “ATL Sports Fan” and I root for the home team. I have tried to watch the NBA a couple of time over the past couple of years but I just can’t do it. It’s just not fun to watch. I went to a game last year and they were playing music while play was going on. If that ain’t like “rasslin”, nothing is.
ATL Sports Fan
November 14th, 2009
1:38 am
… and by the way, I would rather watch 5 hours of fishing (or hunting or bowling or curling or college football or anything) than 5 minutes of an NBA game.
Kyle
November 14th, 2009
1:48 am
I won’t really be watching the Hawks until after football but I know enough to know they are a way above average team. It will be a good basketball season to watch from an Atlanta point of view but like the Falcons when it really counts I don’t think we will show. That being said, compared to quite a few years gone by it is nice to even be showing signs of heading to the top.
Captain Obvious
November 14th, 2009
1:49 am
ATL Sports Fan – you’re obviously NOT an Atlanta Sports Fan.
This is a team that we can support – I’ll be at the game tommorrow. GO HAWKS!!
Grandad
November 14th, 2009
1:55 am
ATL Sports Fan: Go watch ‘em fly a kite in Afganistan!
MyView
November 14th, 2009
2:32 am
Grinch….you are right. However as I age in life I have learned that we don’t get it right 100% of the time. It seems that Knight was right half the time. When he was wrong, he was waaaaaaayyyyy off!!!! But look at some of the teams that always draft in the top but still never have a contender. And that’s not just the NBA. The NFL has a salary cap and still has teams teams that draft high every year. And they keep drafting high because they never get it right “enough”. All I’m saying is Knight got it right enough to build our core. You make a point though. Sund should get some credit because he took Knights 50/50 drafting, and smoothed out the edges w/o a big budget.
If knight was better than 50/50 at drafting, we could theoretically have CP3 and Brandon Roy, instead of Marvin and Bibby. In a perfect world.
Whopper Dawg
November 14th, 2009
3:14 am
Agreed, nice to be excited about the Hawks again. I DID NOT expect a win. Fantastic.
Dr. Warren
November 14th, 2009
3:47 am
The biggest surprise is that such a dysfunctional ownership group could nurture and produce such a good team.
lawton
November 14th, 2009
4:17 am
Im usually pessimistic about the hawks, because they havent won anything in 40 plus years in atlanta, but i SAW what you are talking about last night. I saw a team, that, FINALLY, has a sense of what they wanna do on both ends of the floor. It all starts with josh smith finally realizing they need him in the post. Jamal Crawford, what more can you say, he frees up everybody and gives bibby and johnson needed rest. They will be alright.
Anthony
November 14th, 2009
4:41 am
People… You got to ignore the rednecks. They don’t know jack about sports. They never did.
Anthony
November 14th, 2009
4:44 am
If the rednecks like watching inferior players (Which is what you mostly get in college sports. Most of those games will be working at Taco Bell like Joe Cox when their career is over) so be it. Their rednecks… They can’t be spending time watching players that listen to that hippity Hop.
Anthony
November 14th, 2009
4:46 am
“… and by the way, I would rather watch 5 hours of fishing (or hunting or bowling or curling or college football or anything) than 5 minutes of an NBA game.”
Bad taste… It’s never something to be proud of. But rednecks are the exception. You stand behind your bad taste tall and proud.
Pinball34
November 14th, 2009
5:33 am
Hubie Brown drove me crazy trying to say Pa-chul-i-a…
David
November 14th, 2009
5:41 am
Got to come home and beat New Orleans or this is for not.
MWC
November 14th, 2009
5:58 am
Hubie Brown drives me crazy, period.
He did’nt start giving the Hawks a little credit till around the end of the first half.It just seems to me every time he does a Hawk game he’s very critical.
Felix the Cat
November 14th, 2009
6:25 am
Great win for the Hawks who I had a dime on and 10 points against Boston.. Yeah i believe I really believe.. Only thing I see missing is a true shot blocking center.. But Pachulia still is a scrappy dude..
Born2Buzz
November 14th, 2009
7:04 am
Give Rick Sund a lot of credit for putting together a solid roster. Jamal Crawford is definitely an upgrade as is Joe Smith. And give Woody some credit for acutally using the bench now. If this team can stay healthy the can challenge for best record in the East.
Maxx
November 14th, 2009
7:04 am
Hubie calls him “Pichoola”
Bill Heller
November 14th, 2009
7:05 am
How long until Crawford starts at SF and Williams comes off the bench?
MitchC
November 14th, 2009
7:45 am
Mark, I confess not to have watched much of last night’s game until the end. Shame on me! I agree with you, though, while it’s only November, last night’s win was a huge win for this team psychologically, to show they can play with anyone, anywhere.
It will be interesting to see what would happen if there is a Hawks-Celts Eastern Finals in May. (Although personally, I think if the Hawks do make it to the Eastern Finals, they will be playing the Cavs)
This team is off to a great start. Let’s hope it continues. We might well see 60 wins or close to it, and then who knows what heights we can reach come playoff time
joe
November 14th, 2009
7:49 am
Mark:
Please use the correct Grammar in your writing.
MitchC
November 14th, 2009
7:50 am
I dont think my comment went up, so I’ll post it again.
Mark, I agree with you. While this was only “November”, last night’s game was definitely a statement win by the Hawks. It proved they can play with anyone, anywhere.
Personally, I’ve always felt that Cleveland was the team that the Hawks would have to get by, to reach the Finals. However, Boston has to be considered a contender for that as well.
If nothing else, psychologically, last night’s game is a huge boost for this team.
Yes, it’s only November, but who knows? The Hawks may well surprise the heck out of everyone, and end up winning 60 games, and just maybe, play in their first Finals, come June.
collegeballfan
November 14th, 2009
8:13 am
Not an NBA fan, but…
Boston usually takes the games in the last 3 minutes. They tried last night & the Hawks just would not let them take the game.
J Clay
November 14th, 2009
8:21 am
Finally have me interested in watching the NBA before the playoffs….for the first time in many years…The overall quality of the league seems to be back with all the young talent
bali smith
November 14th, 2009
8:23 am
great statement game. Maybe the Hawks have grown up. Sure looks that way . It was nice to see the ball movement during the entire game . i know joe is the quote super star of the team but it was fun seeing others take the shot at the end of the game instead of everything running through him
John "Deuces" Drew
November 14th, 2009
8:26 am
Leave my man Hubie alone. He was the most interesting man to ever coach the Aklanta Hocks. He revived the franchise here in the late 70’s with Tree, EJ and me – though I drove the m-f’r crazy.
Hakwsgirl
November 14th, 2009
8:55 am
We owned them with our young legs for like 39 minutes of the 48. I was proud of them to step up and take care of business. The announcers did give us some love but tnt will be the real test. Charles barkleyis forever hating on smooth and the team.
Hawksgirl
November 14th, 2009
8:55 am
Hawksgirl, spelled it wrong
DP
November 14th, 2009
8:57 am
Anybody who wants to read too much into one NBA regular season game should consider that the Nuggets beat the Lakers by 26 last night and held Kobe scoreless in the 2nd half.
However, the Hawks have been very impressive so far. The most incredible thing about them so far to me is the fact that Josh Smith, who hoisted 5.74 3 point attempts per game last season, has not attempted a single 3 this season in 9 games. Whether Woodson asked him to stop shooting them or he decided it on his own, he is playing hard and not sulking. The light has come on for him and he seems to realize that if he keeps his game around the basket on both ends he can be a higher scoring and more athletic version of Dennis Rodman, which would make him an All-Star player. He’s now playing to his strengths and to what his team needs from him. I think he’s the key to this team.
Ed
November 14th, 2009
8:58 am
Terrell was right in his 1141 post. Bibby did not outplay Rondeau. Hubie kept saying it was the Celts’ best matchup, and that Rondeau could school Bibby whenever he wanted. He wondered why they didn’t keep going back to that matchup; frankly so did I. NTL, it was a great win. If Hawks can beat N.O. without their star point guard, it will be a great road trip.
seed
November 14th, 2009
9:04 am
Crawford was awesome, though not as good as Joe. Even though Crawford missed a lot of shots, he kept the threat alive by not hesitating and staying aggressive. Sent the message that “hit or miss this is gonna be a battle to the end” which is a message we haven’t usually sent while on the road in Boston. Can’t forget Horford and Smoove. Never mind Batman and Robin. This is Batman and Karate Man with both guys changing roles any given Knight (my bad). Made the Celtics look old. Made the Rasheed Wallace signing look ridiculous. It’s obvious the Celts would have been better with a young athletic energetic center coming of the bench for back up as opposed to going from slow to slower against the Hawks. Our front line beat them to every lose ball and any awkward rebound…
Still got hate for Billy Knight huh?… Atlanta Hawks win another game and somehow it is viewed as another chance to demonize Billy Knight… Guess it shows why Atlanta has historically been a bad sports town… ie Subject matter ain’t always about winning… BK argument has been pretty much settled on Hawksquawk with BK supporters scoring a scathing victory (BK supporter ends up “suspended” for whipping moderator) LOL
http://www.hawksquawk.net/community/index.php/topic/340915-kudos-to-billy-knight-and-rick-sund/
Beantown Fan
November 14th, 2009
9:06 am
Now lets get serious here for a minute , being a loyal boston celtics for 30 yrs I can say the Hawks won . Who cares its November there are still 70 plus games to go . If this was game 7 of east finals it would be a different story but not game 10 of the regular season . Boston will be fine they are a team geared for a deep playoff run I think they have already clinched there divison lol . If everyone is healthy in june that is what matters , I mean if Boston doesnt go 1-15 at the 3 point line they win the game hands down . An how often with a team of Paul Pierce , Ray Allen , Rasheed Wallace & Eddie House gonna do that not often enough to worry about it . But on the other hand I have said in my circle for awhile now that the Hawks have a great young team but they must resign Joe Johnson this offseason if they are truly go from a middle of the pack team to an eastern contender … Also they did not just win the NBA title , I mean Boston is a top 4 team in the league yes but Portland is no better than 6 or 7 in the west . But kudos to the hawks great win on the road and in NOVEMBER but lets rehash this in june cause we will still be playing and yall will be home watching the Gwinnett Braves …………..GO GREEN
j
November 14th, 2009
9:15 am
the hawks are just too fast and athletic for other teams to match up with.
it was a good decision not to sign jj. he is a complimentary player.
now jamal crawford is the main feature. when you need a bucket he can manufacture one.
for the guy complaining about horford
remember that the celtics and lakers have won without true centers either. horford simply has to develop a low post game.
Big Ten Sleeper
November 14th, 2009
9:16 am
Billy Knights plan has worked? What a joke he drafted marvin and not CP are you kidding me?
Big Ten Sleeper
November 14th, 2009
9:17 am
Enter your comments here
Manny
November 14th, 2009
9:22 am
These guys are very athletic. They simply outhustled the Celtics. The Celtics looked old.
As for Joe Johnson, he doesn’t have to run as hard and take it upon himself to win games. Jamal or Bibby runs it up, Josh Smith is your slasher, and Joe can spot up. If you are spotting up, you gotta get there a little behind the others.
To me, this is the first year where Joe Johnson and Josh Smith looked comfortable. Before this year, they looked scattered and hurried.
But here’s my thought: I think Joe Johnson will be back next year. I think they will not have Bibby next year, though.
freshd
November 14th, 2009
9:22 am
I think Hubie Brown was on point about the Hawks. The best comment he made about the Hawks is that when they spread the floor in that isolation play with Joe, nobody fills the lane and cut to the basket. Woody should watch a rebroadcast and learn a thing or two, because they”ve been running that play for the last four years, and now teams double team Joe.
Outsider
November 14th, 2009
9:30 am
We need to get Marvin going and we should be on cruise control then, Honestly who can run with us?
Hawks on Fire
November 14th, 2009
9:51 am
The statistic that ESPN kept trotting out that amazed me was that the Hawks lead the NBA in points in the paint. For a team that supposedly lacks a true center, that just blows my mind!
Matt
November 14th, 2009
9:54 am
What does for real mean? They played a complete game against a very good team. But before we annoint them as “for real” lets see them beat teams they are suppose to beat. Like Charlotte where they got blown out a few days ago. They got a crap New orleans team next. It wouldn’t surprise me for them to lose this one. Just saying…
All I'm Saying Is...
November 14th, 2009
10:00 am
Great win by the Hawks which I too also predicted.
Horford is not a center which was commented on by Hubie Brown during the game last night who specifically said Horford may be listed as 6′ 10″ but he’s not and that Horford is a power forward. And, Bradley, Hubie has forgotten more about NBA basketball than you’ll ever know.
Still, as long as we play an uptempo game, then Horford has a chance to be effective. Unfortunately, that’s not how playoff basketball tends to go. In any case, let’s leave that concern for another day. Because the best news is that we now have a solid front court rotation with Horford, Joe Smith, ZaZa and Jason Collins to give us some big bodies to put into the mix.
I also liked what Smitty did towards the end (which I also predicted would be an effective tactic) which was to have Joe Johnson, Bibby, and Crawford on the floor as a three guard attack—we have to play to our strengths: guards, energy, and athleticism.
LET’S GO HAWKS!
truth-serum
November 14th, 2009
10:18 am
Hawks on Fire the points in the paint comes from jj and Josh and has nothing to do with playing the post.You are showing your ignorance.
Lozo
November 14th, 2009
10:33 am
What’s the deal with Pierce’s beard? Is that a beard or does he just like having one spot of hair on his cheek?
j
November 14th, 2009
10:40 am
is it me or does anyone find it ironic that somebody named “atl sports fan” would bash the best team in atlanta? what an idiot! …. “i’d rather watch fishing for 5 hours” … what a redneck
Darrin "The Vent King"
November 14th, 2009
10:47 am
Great win Hawks! I will admit I was unhappy when I heard we lost Flip Murray cause I thought we needed someone who was gun happy coming off the bench like he was, but now I agree MB Jamal Crawford is an upgrade. He’s game is like a supersized Flip Murray game and this is having the biggest impact on the Hawk’s offense. Their biggest problem has been waiting around for Joe Johnson to save the day all the time and teams knew this and towards the end o the season it would wear JJ down, but now we have another legit scoring threat and it opens things up for all the rest of them. And HOW ABOUT JOSH SMITH HUN? That guy seems to be finally getting it and with him playing that way and Horford continuing to grow, mannnnnnn this team is going places! There were times in the past I wondered whether they would ever get to this level of play, but now it appears they can and will- keep up the good work fellas.
GO HAWKS!!!
heartofdarkness
November 14th, 2009
11:01 am
First of all, Hubie Brown did a fine job of describing the high level of play by both teams in the first half. For solid focus and effort, from buzzer to buzzer, that was one the of five best halves of basketball I have seen the Hawks play as a team [and I have been watching them for 35 years]. This is a very exciting development in Hawks history, when they move the ball in the half court, and capitalize on their strengths. The Hawks pressured the Celtics to keep up and while the bench was a little sluggish the first half, they made up for it in the second. Crawford gave them mid-range offense, which made the second unit more consistent in scoring and prevented multiple scoring runs by Boston. The entire front line was energetic all night. Josh Smith played one of the best games in his career, ironically, by doing less. He was in front of his man on defense most of the night, made himself available for the dish around the basket, rebounded all night and seemingly allowed the Hawks to outnumber and out-hustle the Celtics in the paint.
The strength of this team appears to be its capability to play either half court or transition offense and to play a hustling team defense. Rajon Rondo is not your prototypical point guard and I don’t think he was as focused on penetration and creating open shots for the Celtics. Against a more disciplined approach to initiating the offense, I don’t think the Hawks have a defensive answer at the moment. Since regular season NBA games rarely feature concentration on another team’s weakness to the exclusion of all else, this may not be as apparent for some time, but it will be an issue in the playoffs. Coaching and consistently high levels of effort will help, but it will be interesting to see how the Hawks deal with top level NBA backcourt play.
Jamal Crawford for Atlanta Mayor
November 14th, 2009
11:05 am
I saw the game last night– GREAT win for the Hawks. One thing that I don’t think anybody has said anything about, though, is the solid play of Joe Smith. He has an uncanny ability to get that critical rebound (usually on the defensive end) or make that clutch shot that somebody’s got to make when the other team is coming back. What a great signing!
VIVA LOS HAWKS!!!!
SadDawg
November 14th, 2009
11:09 am
Used to be an avid Hawks fan, but they broke my heart when they traded Dominique and I quit watching NBA. Started following the Hawks when they got JJ, and I am just thrilled with how this team has grown up. The new GM has made some savy moves since he’s been there. You guys like ATL Sports Fan just don’t know what you are missing.
fayncdawg
November 14th, 2009
11:17 am
Hey Mark, any chance the superstar the Hawks are missing is Lebron? Atlanta (the city) is to me a far better fit for Lebron than either Miami or Orlando. The way the Hawks manhandled the Celts tells you that they ARE one superstar away from competing for the NBA title. ANY CHANCE THE LEBRON SWEEPSTAKES COMES THROUGH ATLANTA?
SadDawg
November 14th, 2009
11:23 am
Josh does “get it”, Darrin, and then some. He was quoted the other day that he “now realized every possession was precious.” I used to notice how Dominique added something to his game every off-season; mid range jumper, post-up moves, 12 ft and in bank shots, 3-pointer shot, defense, etc. Deems like Josh is doing that, on a smaller scale. He’s better down low than last year and has a better outlet pass and full court pass than most NBA centers. He has to be near the top of league power forwards at steals, assists, and blocked shots. And he’s what 23 years old? I predict at the end of his current contract, there will be only a couple of teams that can afford him. It will be fun til then….
Go Hawks!!
Darrin "The Vent King"
November 14th, 2009
11:23 am
Ooo-wee fancydawg, you made my heart skip a beat with that thought. LeBron James on THIS Hawks team? The NBA would be held hostage for the next five years if that happened. Don’t think it will with the moron owners we have, but whew what a thought!
Dr. Warren
November 14th, 2009
11:29 am
Hawks could use Lebron or Dwayne Wade to get over the hump.
Brian Hunt
November 14th, 2009
11:35 am
I’m very proud of these Hawks.
JSasser
November 14th, 2009
11:48 am
It’s about time we have a really legit NBA team in Atlanta. Let’s really support these guys and see
if they respond to a “sold-out” arena every home game! When the “hottest ticket” in town becomes
a Hawks game @ Phillips then we’ll have a really legit chance of getting very deep into the Playoffs.
GO HAWKS!!!
Shamus Thacker
November 14th, 2009
11:56 am
I was a Hawks fan from the time they came from St Louis. Pistol Pete, Sweet Lou Hudson, Walt Bellamy, Skip Caray on the air; I was Hawks fan #1.
Nique for Danny Manning and the slow disintegration that ensued took my fire away. I lost interest for the first time. Never got it back.
UNTIL NOW!!
THIS TEAM IS FOR REAL!
GOOOOOOOOO HAWKS!!
fayncdawg
November 14th, 2009
12:00 pm
DVK you MIGHT be right about the Hawks management. BUT let’s look at some very recent management transactions and evaluate. Their last draft: solid B+. The handling of CMW’s contract situation: solid A. The acquiring of Jamal Crawford for next to nothing: A++++! Hey DVK, I really think the management is slowly but surely gaining some positive cred! I just hope and pray that all sideshows of the previous years are a very distant memory. NOW ALL TOGETHER HAWKS FANS: GET LEBRON!! GET LEBRON!!
Paul,
November 14th, 2009
12:02 pm
Give Mike Woodson a new contract!!!!!!
A Rod
November 14th, 2009
12:14 pm
Problem is they dont have a go to guy in a clutch situation. Joe Johnson is soft and shrinks away from big time pressure.
A Rod
November 14th, 2009
12:15 pm
Also, you have to have a superstar to get calls from the refs. You know how those refs help lebron in the playoffs.
David
November 14th, 2009
12:23 pm
It’s pure and simple what the big differences are. Yes, they are one year older/wiser. Yes, they are gelling. But the big big big reason is that JAMAL CRAWFORD IS AN ABSOLUTE ASSASSIN off the bench. When he’s in there in the 3rd – 4th quarter, with Joe and Josh, teams can’t figure out who to guard. They are over matched. This is the trade of the year pulled off by our latest GM.
JeJe
November 14th, 2009
12:37 pm
My goal for tonight is an easy win and for Teague and RandMo to play 25+ minutes. I want Teague playing serious minutes and I want Marvin to f’ing show up
JeJe
November 14th, 2009
12:44 pm
David –
YES. He is a beast. he destroyed Ray Allen last night, and he is an assassin on the court. I love this dude. And if ZaZa and Joe Smith can rebound like that vs. players like KG, Perkins, Shelden, and Sheed….WOW
I thought Horf and Smoove carried us in that 1st half. I seriously thought we shoulda been down 20 at half time–offense was so putrid for a while
JeJe
November 14th, 2009
12:47 pm
I am so in love with this team.
If LBJ or D.Wade just watched that PTL, BOS, or DEN game, could they not see how potent this team is? Woodson has the trust of all the players (seriously, the players love him. Bibby loves that Woody makes him the coach on the court), Smoove is absolutely impressive right now — hardly any boneheaded players except for the occasional.
CRAWFORD takes away the doubles from Joe, so Joe (who is EXCELLENT 1-on-1) can get his.
If Marvin actually did anything we’d be so sick
I just want us to sign one more 6″6 player/guard for the bench. Don’t we have 1 too many bigs
JeJe
November 14th, 2009
12:48 pm
How could LBJ and D.wade not want to come to this ATL market? Knicks are worse than awful, Miami stinks.
PLEASE COME PLAY HERE
JeJe
November 14th, 2009
12:48 pm
ASG, GET YOUR CHECKBOOKS OUT THIS SUMMER
Terrell
November 14th, 2009
12:51 pm
Beantown Fan,
Your right, it’s early in the season, but it was funny how emotional the fans and Celtic players alike were getting for this just to be “another” game.
Terrell
November 14th, 2009
1:01 pm
JeJe,
The same reason Kobe didn’t want to play with the Shaq. According to people here JJ isn’t a “real” superstar, and James and Wade want to be the guy. In all honesty, they wouldn’t be the guy here. In Miami, LA, and Cleveland, take away Wade, Bryant and James, the team is nothing. What we have noticed is that when J-Smoove is on his game we can’t get beat. Regardless of what you might want to believe James or Wade won’t get our team over the hump if Josh Smith isn’t on top of his game. I like the chemistry we have right now and if we keep this up I would prefer that we get a center to move Horford to PF Smith to SF with Marvin and Crawford off the bench, and eventually replace Morris and Evans.
J-MAN
November 14th, 2009
1:02 pm
There is NO way were in the LeBron Sweepstakes. We would have to trade Sign JJ and then trade him and probably Josh Smith and maybe Horford to get him and then your team is completly dismantled. If we did get somebody it probably would be Chris Bosh. But would the Hawks pay the Luxary tax and that would mean Horford would leave when his contract expired.
Brian H
November 14th, 2009
1:17 pm
Don’t be fooled… It’s only won game.
cdog
November 14th, 2009
1:26 pm
say what you want to, hate on the hawks, regardless the hawks are for real. watch them trash the hornets tonight we don’t give a darn about celtis, cavaliers or majic.the hawks are here to stay and that is on top of the eastern conference. great job mike woodson and rick sund. sund, i use to bash you but you knew something about this team i didn’t know. my apology goes out to you. you and woodson keep up the good work. the hawks will definitely be eastern conference champions this year.
Dan
November 14th, 2009
1:38 pm
Ya it’s one game but something to build on. These Hawks will be in the Finals and Atlanta will be rockin’. If you don’t believe –then go home and put on your Lakers jersey.
hawkslova1
November 14th, 2009
1:40 pm
Jamal Crawford is the new microwave! And Al Horford is a beast on the boards!
fayncdawg
November 14th, 2009
1:41 pm
J-Man, how is it that Miami and Orlando aren’t looking at sign and trades, luxury taxes, and dismantling of teams? Bottom line: market the team, market your city, smartly tweak the roster so you can afford the superstar and not dismantle the team. Do those things and you can easily acquire ONE superstar. The biggest hindrance to the Hawks acquiring Lebron would be management shortsightedness (ie looking more at the immediate financial impact as opposed the the financial impact after the team wins two championship rings). AND TRUTHFULLY, I think the only player that would be too expensive to keep with a Lebron on the team is J. Smith!
jlewis
November 14th, 2009
1:46 pm
What is up with this “superstar” stuff, D-Wade won a championship with a younger shaq, he didn’t have to get double teamed everynight, he hasn’t done anything since. What has Lebron won, he goes to the basket and gets lot of free throws, he has an average jumper, can’t shoot free throws very well and has average handles, he can jump and dunk, it’s the NBA hype machine people. For those of you that think JJ is not as good, why does Cleveland, Miami, Boston and every other team in the league double team him? You are a superstar in this league if you command a double team every night.
Kobe is the only shooting guard in this league better than JJ, bank that. If he got Wade’s calls he would average 30 too…He makes these players better by commanding a double team, J Crawford does not, that’s why every team wanted to get rid of him, he is a gunner, nothing else, don’t expect anything else.
eturn
November 14th, 2009
1:54 pm
Great win for the Hawks last night. But a problem I see is Joe J dribbling ability. The guy cant handle the ball. He dribbles too much, then lose the ball. Am I the only one seeing this? Big ups for Jamal Crawford he is the Man in my opinion
tman
November 14th, 2009
1:55 pm
Too early
eturn
November 14th, 2009
2:01 pm
Great win for the Hawks. But one problem I see is Joe J dribbling ability. The guy cant handle the ball and on top of it he dribbles too much. Then he gets the ball stolen. Is anyone else seeing this? Jamal C is the Man on the team,a ball handler and much more of a finesse player than Joe J.
jlewis
November 14th, 2009
2:17 pm
Enter your comments here
JeJe
November 14th, 2009
2:18 pm
PEOPLE, JOSH CANNOT PLAY THE SMALL FORWARD POSITION
Ron Roberts
November 14th, 2009
2:44 pm
What ought to scare the East elite about the Hawks is that they beat Boston DESPITE missing some easy inside shots. That was the only frustrating aspect of the game last night; we left points off the scoreboard that should’ve gone in. But wow, the bench IS the difference; our 2nd unit could’ve finished the game, the way they were playing in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Jamal Crawfod is VERY clutch.
JS
November 14th, 2009
3:11 pm
All that dribbling by Joe and not passing out of the double will be the Hawks undoing come playoff time. The Celtics send a big to double because they don’t think Joe can hit the open guy. Part of the reason is the the offense itself. One on one and the other guys just stand around and spot up for the three and no one cutting to basket. That offense will not beat the elite teams in the playoff.
jlewis
November 14th, 2009
3:52 pm
What is all this “superstar” talk. Lebron is showtime, he sells tickets, he has an average jumper, you can’t touch him, and he is an average free throw shooter, what has he won? D-Wade won his with a younger Shaq, the nba pr machine made it, you can’t touch him. If JJ got his calls he would average 30+, Wade shoots about 15 free throws a night. You are a star in this league when you can command a double team everynight, JJ does that. Don’t fall in love with Jamal Crawford too soon, he is a gunner that has been run off of 3 teams already, so be careful. That being said, I like the mix of youth and veterans on this team, as long as Bibby is on the floor they will be ok.
If JJ left this team, all of the players will be one on one players making bad decisions, Al Horford is the only one other than bibby and JJ with a hi b-ball IQ. As long as this team was losing, now you guys want to get rid of the one player that came here (when no one would) and helped build it back up. The guy is a solid citizen and good for the community, be smart and keep that. Bradley, you don’t know anything about b-ball, you crucified billy knight, he missed one or two, but all gm’s do. Let the coaches coach and the players play. Remember all of that darkness, if JJ leaves here, it will be back sooner than you think, ask Phoenix, they’ve been trying to get back to where they were in 04-05 and almost ruined that franchise.
MrHughes
November 14th, 2009
4:54 pm
When josh smith crossed up that celtics player i almost **** my pants. I had no idea he had that in his arsenal. And then the spin move he used to get the bucket?!?!? Wow Josh smith has really been working on his game. And to think i used to doubt him. This kid is gonna be good for the hawks for years to come
2 FOR JOHN DREW
November 14th, 2009
6:23 pm
I’ve always dranked the proverbial ” HAWKS KOOL-AID ” …. b/c that’s my team, and I live & die w/ ‘em,
but this kool-aid has something in it (some GIN or VODKA ) I can’t get enough of this…. BEASTLY AL, FOCUSED SMOOVE, DOWNTOWN BIBBY, CLUTCH CRAWFORD, & ” I WANT MO’ MIN TEAGUE ” . I’m watchin’ every game 2 x …… The only other thing better than winning that i’d like to see right now is ….. JJ smilin’ …… Bartender, another glass of that wonderful kool-aid, please !!
About atlanta hawks, friday, boston celtics, game | Find me About
November 14th, 2009
6:33 pm
[...] Still think Horfy isn’ta center? Still think the Hawks can’t play? (Boston.com) The Hawks just beat the Celtics on the parquet of the new Garden. Yes, it was a regular-season game, but it was as significant as a regular-season game can be in November. …Read Original Story: A breakthrough in Boston for the big-time Hawks – Atlanta Journal Constit… [...]
About pierce, friday, atlanta hawks, game, knee, boston celtics | Find me About
November 14th, 2009
8:29 pm
[...] Still think Horfy isn’ta center? Still think the Hawks can’t play? (Boston.com) The Hawks just beat the Celtics on the parquet of the new Garden. Yes, it was a regular-season game, but it was as significant as a regular-season game can be in November. …Read Original Story: A breakthrough in Boston for the big-time Hawks – Atlanta Journal Constit… [...]
Crashing The Glass
November 16th, 2009
3:14 am
For further reading (and gloating) about the Hawks-
http://crashingtheglass.com/2009/279/conundrums-contributing-factors
BBgenie
November 16th, 2009
9:44 am
HAWKS IN 7!!!!! HAWKS Rule!! Joe Johnson & Jamal Crawford Best Backcourt in Eastern Conference.. Damm.
jloofatl
November 16th, 2009
3:48 pm
Good road win for the Hawks to beat the Celtics. The Celtics were too busy crying about fouls all night they could not focus on winning. The Hawks were so cool.