Live from Hawks-C’s: Can apt pupils sweep aging teachers?
Two springs ago we wondered if the Hawks could keep from being swept by Boston. At issue this night is whether the Hawks can sweep Boston. Yes, there’s a difference — those were the playoffs, and this is the regular season — but any graph of the local team’s climb from sub-.500 to near-sublime must include a pushpin for those 15 days in 2008.
In their heart of hearts, the Hawks were probably hoping to win one game. They won three, all at Philips Arena, each more improbable than before. They won Game 3 and the Celtics ran out to a huge lead in Game 4, as if to say, “Order is being restored to nature.” But the Hawks won that night, too, and four nights later they were back at home, this time facing elimination.
Again the Celtics took an early lead. Again the Hawks outfought them down the stretch. (The home side scored on 17 consecutive possessions, which isn’t just good — it’s obscene.) And even if that strangely rousing series ended with a blowout loss in TD Banknorth Garden, it was clear that something had changed in the A-T-L. We had ourselves a basketball team again.
Last season Mike Woodson said it 25, maybe 50 times: “The Celtics taught us how to play playoff basketball.” But it was more than that. From beating the Celtics — who would go on to become NBA champs — three times in the spring of ‘08, the Hawks realized that they were capable of playing not just basketball but inspired basketball. They were tough enough and talented enough to hang in, at least at home, against the absolute best.
And now they’ve stamped themselves as among the best. They were tied for the lead in the NBA Southeast entering Friday night’s game and stood only a half-game behind the imperial C’s for second place in the East. The Hawks have gone from 37-45 in 2007-2008 to 47-35 last season and were on pace to go 54-28 this time. They placed two players on the All-Star roster, should have a third and could have had a fourth.
They’ve gotten so good so fast that they have attracted imitators. Oklahoma City and Portland are trying to do as the Hawks have done, which is to accumulate as much young talent as possible and give it room to grow. And now it’s Boston, which was 4-0 against the Hawks in the 2008-2009 regular season, that’s having to address speculation about being too old to fend off this young usurper.
Or, as was the case after the Hawks beat the Celtics on Jan. 11, not to address it. Were the Hawks, a reporter asked Glen Davis, in the C’s collective head? “Next question,” Big Baby sniffed.
Sweeps don’t really mean much unless they come in postseason, but just being 3-0 and in position to put the ol’ broom to the pride of Beantown offered yet another gauge on these Hawks. No, Kevin Garnett didn’t play in two of the three losses, but he played in the first meeting — Nov. 13 up there — and the vistors won by 11. (Besides, we all know the Big Ticket wants no part of the big Zaza. Yes, I’m kidding.)
It was two springs ago that Boston taught the Hawks how to play playoff basketball, and no one, the Celtics least of all, could have known how apt and ambitious their pupils would prove. The Green People now seem yesterday’s men — they were outscored 35-22 in the fourth quarter of a two-point loss in Orlando on Thursday — while more and more the Hawks seem the team of tomorrow. And maybe today.
And with that, I’ll open the floor to questions, comments and Tweets from Spirit the Hawk. (Remember him?) I’ll be chatting until game’s end, and I welcome your company.
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250 comments Add your comment
UGA 2010
January 29th, 2010
6:18 pm
Well even tho i might not be….FIRST!!?
mark
January 29th, 2010
6:18 pm
Mark, Like alot of sports, NBA is about match-ups and the Hawks match up well against every team in Eastern Conference. Orlando has slipped and if the Hawks get a #2 seed, it will be Hawks vs. Cleveland in Eastern CF. That has game 7 written all over it. The Celts are aging and if rondo gets hurt their offense becomes stagnant overnight.
UGA 2010
January 29th, 2010
6:19 pm
Thats two today. one here and the junkyard….
mark
January 29th, 2010
6:20 pm
Enter your comments here
mountain_jim
January 29th, 2010
6:25 pm
If it’s on he NBA channel then I will get to see this game – Go Hawks!
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
6:32 pm
UGA 2010 breaks the tape. Kudos!
justahawkfan
January 29th, 2010
6:42 pm
Some of your bloggers still believe the Celtics are better than our team. They believe that the celtics are just bidding thier time, waiting for the post season to show thier true colors and take the hawks behind the wood shed. Question, do you think the hawks are worried more about losing to the celtics or vice versa? Which team has more lose at this juncture?
Justin
January 29th, 2010
6:43 pm
I think that Zaza has a higher vertical and moves faster than KG now. I don’t think KG wants anything to do with Z.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
6:44 pm
From the Celtics’ Kendrick Perkins a few minutes ago: “We’re just trying not to get swept.”
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
6:47 pm
Also from Perkins: “We put out a hit on [Jamal Crawford] today.” Meaning: The Celtics have made it a point of emphasis to stop the sixth man who has averaged 17.7 points and 3.3 assists against them in three games.
Sonny Clusters
January 29th, 2010
6:53 pm
Top Ten?
Sonny Clusters
January 29th, 2010
6:55 pm
Is there also a secret to playoff baseball and could you spend some time with Bobby Cox?
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
6:58 pm
Bobby Cox is unbeaten in the playoffs since 2005, Sonny. You could look it up.
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
January 29th, 2010
7:02 pm
Mark, does the Celtics mascot travel with the team? Does he have any lucky charms? Can they correct an a$$ painting gone bad?
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:04 pm
Russ, I don’t believe the Celtic leprechaun travels. He suffers from separation anxiety.
Justin
January 29th, 2010
7:04 pm
Mark, which do you think would be more meaningful? Winning tonight to finish a sweep of the Celtics or winning tomorrow night in Orlando, the only team that we can’t seem to compete with on a regular basis.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:07 pm
That’s a great question, Justin. It would be good for the Hawks to sweep the Celtics just to say they’ve swept the Celtics, but it would be big to beat Orlando, which has hammered the Hawks and is in the same division. Probably the latter would be a tad more meaningful.
hawkfan
January 29th, 2010
7:08 pm
@ mark:
The Hawks match up well with everyone in the Eastern Conference? I havent seen them match up at all vs the Magic. Ugly blowout losses at home and on the road … that’s the team the Hawks really need to improve against if they want to reign in the East down the road.
Sonny Clusters
January 29th, 2010
7:10 pm
Clusters used to see leprechauns out by the practice field at Parkview. They was little and green and moved about real fast. Jeff always thought he could catch one and one day he tried and we had to send him to Gwinnett Medical Center to get his hat out of his ear. None of us could figure how that whole hat, right down to the button, got stuck in his ear but now we think it may have been leprechaun magic.
Justin
January 29th, 2010
7:13 pm
I’d really like to see the Hawks get a big enough lead to give Mario and Collins some burn.
Raph
January 29th, 2010
7:13 pm
Go Hawks! Tought two game stretch here, but if we can win this one, we will have a good chance tomorrow night. We are still young and can get down on ourselves, but can get hot if we win a big game like tonight.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:13 pm
I’m thinking a little green leprechaun would be easy to detect in the Big Orange Jungle, Sonny.
Tony from Stone Mountain
January 29th, 2010
7:14 pm
Let’s beat down the old and tired Celtics within three quarters then rest the starters for Orlando on Saturday!
hawkfan
January 29th, 2010
7:15 pm
Winning vs Magic would be much more meaningful … Hawks dont need to sweep the Celtics to prove they are the better team, but they need a win (or at least a very strong showing) vs Magic to prove they can compete with anyone in the East.
As far as the Cavaliers, the Hawks showed they can play with them despite their 2nd half meltdown and controversial loss last time they met.
Whopper Dawg
January 29th, 2010
7:16 pm
Get out the broom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pepe
January 29th, 2010
7:16 pm
Mark – I can see the argument that Josh is equally or more deserving than Joe or Al, but I definitely think they both belong in Dallas. With that said, who other than A.I. and the others Hawks does Josh have the biggest case againist for making the East roster?
Sleek_Nique_21
January 29th, 2010
7:17 pm
Hello Mark & Hawks from Down Under. I know this is all about the Cs today but win or lose here, in the 2nd round of the playoffs (opps, I’m getting ahead of myself) we are still gonna have to face the Magic or Cavs – sooner or later. Is our (so far) season dominance over the Grand Ole Celtics just a mental thing? It’s one thing to beat up on OAPs, it’s another to be a door mat for SuperHoward and The King. QUESTION: What can we take from our growth against the Celtics that will help us when we face both or either at different stages of the payoffs in a few months?
NOW YOU KNOW!
Raph
January 29th, 2010
7:19 pm
I would love to see eyebrow less Woody coaching in the All Star game. Go Hawks!
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:24 pm
Horford has been great this season, Pepe. Heck, he has been great since his sophomore year at UF. But I think Josh has had the better season by just a bit. (Still, that’s one reason to keep Horford at center, as opposed to moving him to power forward. He’s the second-best center in the East. He wouldn’t be the second-best power forward.)
mmgtfan
January 29th, 2010
7:24 pm
How’s the crowd Mark?
Justin
January 29th, 2010
7:25 pm
Perhaps if Josh Smith dominates KG tonight, KG will bow out of the All-Star game and open a spot for Josh. After all, KG still looks hurt to me, and we’d rather see Josh with his highlight dunks instead of KG missing alley-oops like he did against Orlando.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:26 pm
Sleek Nique, all I can say is that beating the Celtics, who owned the Hawks as recently as last season, can’t hurt. As Mike Woodson said tonight: “To me it shows we’ve grown.”
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:27 pm
I was just about to type something about the crowd, mmgtfan. We’re six minutes from introductions, and it looks big but not full. Not yet, at least.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:29 pm
About that missed alley-oop against Orlando, Justin: The Hawks were watching it on tape when I went into their locker room earlier, and one of them (who shall remain nameless) said: “KG, you ain’t got it!”
mmgtfan
January 29th, 2010
7:32 pm
Will you tell us if we guess?
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:33 pm
No. Sorry. But feel free to tempt me.
Old man
January 29th, 2010
7:35 pm
Did Rasheed Wallace leave his cane in Orlando?
http://ow.ly/11fdP
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:43 pm
Here we go. Place not full. Good crowd, but not the sellout the Hawks wanted. (It might be announced as a sellout, though.)
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:43 pm
Garnett with a jumper. Maybe he has a little something still.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:44 pm
Josh air-balls a jumper — Joe threw it to him with the shot clock down — and then misses a layup after beating Garnett.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:48 pm
Not much of a start. Josh has missed two shots and lost the ball. Marvin has lost the ball and missed a shot. Celtics lead 8-2.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:51 pm
Bibby with his second foul. Crawford in for him. Good. Celtics lead 10-2.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:54 pm
Three layups for the Celtics already. It’s 12-6.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
7:54 pm
I think it’s just me, JJM. I can clear a room like nobody’s business.
J.J.M.
January 29th, 2010
7:56 pm
mark where is everybody?
J.J.M.
January 29th, 2010
7:57 pm
i never understood why horford always fade away instead of drawing contact
Elmore Spencer
January 29th, 2010
7:57 pm
Hawks better find some offense somewhere
freemikewoodsonexpress
January 29th, 2010
7:58 pm
http://www.nbaexpress.net
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:00 pm
Getting it going. Mo Evans stole a Rondo pass and drove for a three-point play. Now Josh scores from the lane and has a foul shot coming. The Hawks have played poorly and trail by four.
J.J.M.
January 29th, 2010
8:03 pm
I think Josh is trying to prove something this game
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:04 pm
I think he is, too, JJM. And that could work both ways. (In fact, it has already.)
mmgtfan
January 29th, 2010
8:05 pm
Hawks are shooting 31 percent and are down by one? alright then
standing up every 2nd and 3rd down on defense in sec 340
January 29th, 2010
8:05 pm
go zaza. slam 16-15
mmgtfan
January 29th, 2010
8:06 pm
Light crowd in the blog tonight isnt Mark?
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:07 pm
Teague throws the ball away, then blocks Eddie House’s layup. And Crawford hits a trey to tie.
standing up every 2nd and 3rd down on defense in sec 340
January 29th, 2010
8:07 pm
teague block. 3 points yes
T
January 29th, 2010
8:08 pm
DRAINO!!!!!!!!!!
mmgtfan
January 29th, 2010
8:09 pm
jesus
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:09 pm
It’s the NBA, mmgt. Everything happens in the fourth quarter.
dogcrap
January 29th, 2010
8:10 pm
Hey Mark, where do you get to sit??
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:10 pm
Hawks lead after a quarter. Crawford nails a 42-footer at the buzzer.
standing up every 2nd and 3rd down on defense in sec 340
January 29th, 2010
8:10 pm
jamaal!!!!!!! 3
Elmore Spencer
January 29th, 2010
8:10 pm
Pierce might be trying to prove something 2
J.J.M.
January 29th, 2010
8:10 pm
nice shot
J.J.M.
January 29th, 2010
8:11 pm
well pierce made the all star
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:11 pm
What a move by Crawford to split two Celtics to free himself at midcourt.
Pretty good ballplayer. Pretty fair acquisition.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:12 pm
Summing up: Hawks played dead for 10 minutes but are ahead after one. They have more good players than the Celtics. I never thought I’d be saying that, but it’s true.
Elmore Spencer
January 29th, 2010
8:13 pm
Crawford is the X factor the Hawks have been missing
T
January 29th, 2010
8:14 pm
hawks should dominate this 5 the c’s have on the court right now
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:15 pm
Zaza has no fear of the Celtics. This we know for sure.
standing up every 2nd and 3rd down on defense in sec 340
January 29th, 2010
8:16 pm
ZAZA ZAZA
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:16 pm
Zaza with a jumper. (Yes, a jumper.) Then with a steal and layup. Hawks by five.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:16 pm
Indeed, T, the Celtics just called time to get this five — or much of it — off the court.
mmgtfan
January 29th, 2010
8:17 pm
Zaza is a beast
mmgtfan
January 29th, 2010
8:17 pm
Where did they put you tonight Mark?
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:18 pm
As for where I’m sitting … in the mezzanine, next to esteemed former colleague Sekou Smith, who’s now with NBA.com. John Hollinger of ESPN.com is here, too.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:19 pm
Speaking of Crawford … another three. He has 11 points. So much for the “hit” the Celtics took out on him.
jeffrey d
January 29th, 2010
8:19 pm
You sure have a lot of esteemed former colleagues, Mark
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:20 pm
Knock me over with a feather. Rasheed Wallace just got T’d.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:20 pm
I’ve been fortunate, Jeffrey. I’ve worked with some great people.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:21 pm
Crawford is toying with the C’s. Just did another crossover and fed Horford on the baseline. Hawks by six.
T
January 29th, 2010
8:21 pm
“Both teams played hard. Both teams played hard. Both teams played hard. Both teams played hard man.” Have another one Sheed.
jeffrey d
January 29th, 2010
8:21 pm
I actually didn’t realize Sekou wasn’t with the AJC anymore
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:24 pm
The bad news: Joe hasn’t done a thing. The good: His team leads by nine.
Buzz
January 29th, 2010
8:25 pm
Zaza is my Papa!
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:27 pm
Horfy with a stepback over Perkins. Hawks up 11. This one has turned, folks.
Elmore Spencer
January 29th, 2010
8:28 pm
Seems like horford can hit the fade away
J.J.M.
January 29th, 2010
8:32 pm
i heard josh yell at joe he said “joe man sh*t”
standing up every 2nd and 3rd down on defense in sec 340
January 29th, 2010
8:32 pm
tomahawk slam
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:34 pm
Why Horford is so good: Just switched on Ray Allen and stayed with him, inducing a miss; then ran the floor and fed Josh Smith for a dunk. Still 11.
J.J.M.
January 29th, 2010
8:36 pm
joe is frustrated
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:38 pm
Joe is having a bad game. But the other guys are tearing it up.
J.J.M.
January 29th, 2010
8:39 pm
crawfordddddd
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:39 pm
Crawford drives and scores. He has 15. Now 16. In one half.
mmgtfan
January 29th, 2010
8:40 pm
Jamal Crawford ate his Wheaties this morning
Ree Roe
January 29th, 2010
8:40 pm
Jamal showin out!
-REEcently Roe!!!
JB
January 29th, 2010
8:41 pm
Mark, I’m sure you have been asked this, but at any point do we decide to start Jamal over Bibby? Is Bibby tradeable?
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:41 pm
Crawford AGAIN.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:42 pm
Here’s why you don’t start Crawford, JB: Because he provides a boost every night when the starters get tired. Bibby wouldn’t do the same if he were a sub. And the Hawks’ depth is what has made them an elite team.
J.J.M.
January 29th, 2010
8:42 pm
this feels like a playoff game
nola hawk fan
January 29th, 2010
8:42 pm
Mark – great stuff, finally back home after trying to fly through the nasty weather that is heading your way. Love reading your recap/blog posts above. How would u rate the crowd energy thus far?
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:42 pm
Hawks by 12 at the half. Crawford has 18 points. Joe has one basket. Marvin has one. Horford and Zaza have been tremendous.
jtb
January 29th, 2010
8:43 pm
Wasn’t it Garnett who said last year that this wasn’t a rivalry because only 1 team one every time? Guess his words are proving to be true for this year as well…
JV
January 29th, 2010
8:45 pm
How long is Crawford under contract?
nola hawk fan
January 29th, 2010
8:46 pm
on espn gamecast is shows Zaza with 8 points 3 board and 2 assists… in ONLY 2 minutes. That is freaking impossible right? the minutes are a typo?
Ree Roe
January 29th, 2010
8:47 pm
Mark, have the Hawks PR or Philips Arena done anything to play up tonights potential sweep?
-REEcently Roe?
bosterazo
January 29th, 2010
8:47 pm
Is it possible to watch live game on NBATV over the internet? I clicked on a few links but theyre all just game highlights.
I have NBA broadband league pass but the game is blacked out …
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:47 pm
That’s a typo, yes. I’m thinking Zaza went at least 10 minutes. Maybe 12.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:48 pm
I’ve got nothing for you, bosterazo. Sorry.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:48 pm
They tried to sell tickets based on the “sweep” angle, Ree Roe. But it doesn’t look as if they sold them all.
Elmore Spencer
January 29th, 2010
8:49 pm
ZaZa played almost nine minutes in the half
bosterazo
January 29th, 2010
8:49 pm
Bradley/anyone: Any advice?
Elmore Spencer
January 29th, 2010
8:50 pm
http://www.nba.com/tvc/index.html?gamecode=20100129/BOSATL&brand=NBA
J.J.M.
January 29th, 2010
8:52 pm
I just hope the hawks dont relax coming out in the 3rd
The Dude
January 29th, 2010
8:52 pm
Getting robbed out of TV coverage up here in snowy East Tennessee… didn’t like the start, got distracted, but I return to find the Hawks put up some big numbers in Q2. Nice. Not sure what the deal on the coverage is… the guide says Celtics vs. Hawks on SpSo… oh well.
Braves & Birds Michael
January 29th, 2010
8:52 pm
Does this game remind anyone else of the 91 Bulls-Pistons series? It’s no like we have Jordan & Pippen or anything, but this sure seems like a young, athletic team having learned how to win and vanquishing the top dog who kept them down. Now, if only the Cavs and Magic didn’t exist.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:53 pm
Crawford’s contract has two years to run after this, but there’s an opt-out built in.
Factory that makes/distributes highlights
January 29th, 2010
8:53 pm
Mark, given the chance late in the season, do you think the Hawks might try to maneuver themselves seed-wise to set up a potential second round matchup with the Celtics? Especially the way we’ve struggled with Cleveland and Orlando.
todd grantham
January 29th, 2010
8:53 pm
Mark, must we talk about basketball or is this open line Friday?
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:53 pm
That’s the thing, Michael. I’m not sure the Celtics are even the third-best team in the East anymore.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:54 pm
We can talk about something else, Todd, but I’m kind of focused on this game.
bosterazo
January 29th, 2010
8:54 pm
thx Elmore S … but its only showing a highlight of Teague blocking a shot. Any way to watch actual game?
mountain_jim
January 29th, 2010
8:55 pm
Game is on the NBA channel here in wnc , THe Dude… (if you get that one)
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:55 pm
The Southeast runnerup is going to be the fourth seed, Factory. You’d have to think Cleveland is going to be the No. 1 seed. That means the Southeast winner would play the Celtics in Round 2.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:57 pm
Pierce is lighting up Marvin. He has made eight of nine shots.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
8:58 pm
There’s no opt-out on Crawford’s deal anymore, I’m told.
Smoltz + Mets = Dead To Me
January 29th, 2010
8:59 pm
hawks feed: atdhe.net
bosterazo
January 29th, 2010
8:59 pm
This is crap … I dont live in the area and Broadband league pass has the game blacked out. Dont understand NBATV … do they only play games over pay-per-view cable channels, or is it possible to watch actual game online?
Please help.
todd grantham
January 29th, 2010
8:59 pm
isnt the thing about over?
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:00 pm
I didn’t see it, and it seems like a rather silly contention to me. I guess only those who shovel snow in New England are allowed to be disappointed.
Factory that makes/distributes highlights
January 29th, 2010
9:00 pm
I was reading Bill Simmons’ column on ESPN.com earlier and he said that because of the Hawks (and Falcons) lack of history, their fans are not qualified for severe heartbreak. I don’t know if you saw this, Mark, but what are your thoughts? He included the fact that Atlanta is a warm weather city as another factor.
The Dude
January 29th, 2010
9:01 pm
Yeah… noticed that up in 700’s from this provider. I’m in temporary company-sponsored housing, so no control over programming. I’m missing my DirecTV channel 649. I appreciate the head’s up though, thanks.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:03 pm
No chance on an exclusive, Elmore. Zero.
Elmore Spencer
January 29th, 2010
9:04 pm
Any chance Smoltz grants you an exclusive if he signs with the Mets MB?
I know you guys go way back.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:04 pm
Pierce is destroying Marvin. Celtics within seven. Mo Evans checks in, about three minutes too late.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:05 pm
Spirit used to Tweet me, but he does no longer.
La Jolla Dawg
January 29th, 2010
9:06 pm
Mark, where’s the update from Spirit? I heard he was going to pose naked for PETA to protest his ban from the floor, can you confirm?
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:06 pm
Paul Pierce has 22 of the C’s 52.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:06 pm
Refs discussing what to do about Josh. Flagrant on Josh. Technical on Perkins. Josh is upset.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:07 pm
Hard foul by Josh on Perkins. Tempers flaring, as they say.
todd grantham
January 29th, 2010
9:07 pm
well, we’re talking weather, ability to clear a room, snow shovelers in new england, and some guy named marvin getting his tail handed to him. i’d say thats a wide ranging conversation.
anyway Mark, you must be able to multi task.
John
January 29th, 2010
9:08 pm
is anyone streaming the game?
Factory that makes/distributes highlights
January 29th, 2010
9:08 pm
I agree, Mark. He listed fan bases for teams like the Cubs (of course), any Cleveland team, the Vikings and a few others from up north as most likely to head for the nearest bridge when “that moment” happens. It’s stupid to assume that because we live in the south, that we’re somehow immune to the heartbreak of a difficult loss. If the Hawks lose Game 7 of the NBA Finals on a buzzer-beater, I don’t think I’m going to take much solace in the fact that it will be warm when I walk outside. Just common northeast we-care-more-about-our-team-than-anyone-else arrogance.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:09 pm
Now Woody gets T’d up.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:10 pm
Got a game now. Horford drives on Perkins, scores and gets fouled. Hawks back up 10.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:11 pm
Just so we’re clear: Josh gets a flagrant, which means the Celtics shoot and keep the ball, and Woody gets a T on top of it. Celtics within eight.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:11 pm
Within six. Pierce over Crawford. He has 25.
Crawford answers. Back to eight. He has 21.
La Jolla Dawg
January 29th, 2010
9:13 pm
I haven’t listened to the Hawks’ announcers call a game in a long time, not necessarily a bad thing. They are a bit chatty for my taste.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:16 pm
I haven’t, either, La Jolla. Can’t pick up 790 The Zone outside the perimeter.
todd grantham
January 29th, 2010
9:17 pm
Mark, are you going to the UGA USC game tommorrow?
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:17 pm
No, I’m not going to the UGA game.
Buzz
January 29th, 2010
9:18 pm
Mark, what are the chances that GT loses to Kentucky State tomorrow? They are unranked you know.
Elmore Spencer
January 29th, 2010
9:18 pm
Three teams bunched behind Cleveland in the East. Of the three I like the Hawks chances.
The Dude
January 29th, 2010
9:19 pm
Kentucky State is coached by Mo Moore… they’re DII. No chance Tech loses, Buzz.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:20 pm
Zaza and Garnett almost got into it.
As it is, Celtics hanging around. Down by eight.
Elmore Spencer
January 29th, 2010
9:21 pm
On June 25, 2009, Jamal Crawford was traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Acie Law and Speedy Claxton
Who got the better of that deal?
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:22 pm
I’m thinking … Hawks by a nose, Elmore.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:22 pm
Crawford with 23 points, six assists.
Elmore Spencer
January 29th, 2010
9:23 pm
ZaZa vs Garnett Steel cage match
Who you got?
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:23 pm
Getting tighter. Rasheed’s trey pares it to six.
The Dude
January 29th, 2010
9:24 pm
Hahaha… good call Elmore. Crawford was probably the best addition any team made in the off-season.
todd grantham
January 29th, 2010
9:24 pm
it seems a very fine on-going story of the cinderella UGA basketball team is being rather ignored in the AJC. an observation, not a criticism.
J.J.M.
January 29th, 2010
9:25 pm
wow kg clearly was laying out of bounce touching the ball
Tron5000
January 29th, 2010
9:26 pm
I want to see Josh block some All-Stars like chumps.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:26 pm
Another wild sequence. Zaza hits the floor. Looked like Garnett knocked him down. Foul’s on Zaza. Also a tech.
Pepe
January 29th, 2010
9:28 pm
The ball was out on KG…how’s Zaza called for anything?
todd grantham
January 29th, 2010
9:28 pm
am i’m still t’d about the pic.
Elmore Spencer
January 29th, 2010
9:28 pm
it seems a very fine on-going story of the cinderella UGA basketball team is being rather ignored in the AJC. an observation, not a criticism.
I think they have covered it. Fox is off to a nice start. Ultimately it comes down to one word
Recruiting
The Dude
January 29th, 2010
9:29 pm
FML the snow knocked out all the cable…
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:30 pm
According to Hawks publicist Arthur Triche, Zaza got the tech for grabbing the ref’s arm trying to explain himself. Automatic T.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:31 pm
Down to three. And the game has deteriorated. Guys getting clobbered on every possession. Refs trying to take control of the game, but I’m afraid they’ve wasted that chance.
The Dude
January 29th, 2010
9:32 pm
Without being able to see, sounds like we must have some female referees tonight.
The Dude
January 29th, 2010
9:33 pm
I’m glad I’m not watching, Mark. What’s the deal?
La Jolla Dawg
January 29th, 2010
9:35 pm
I am actually watching the game on NBA TV and the announcers (Wilkins and Rathbun) won’t stop talking. It is annoying.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:35 pm
No female refs. But not a stellar crew. And the Celtics have slowed and uglied up the game, and the Hawks are now getting frustrated with the refs and each other.
todd grantham
January 29th, 2010
9:35 pm
Mark, i thought arthur triche was the fish and chips guy?
Eddy
January 29th, 2010
9:36 pm
Pathetic 3rd qtr. Hope they play better in the 4th. Lost the what, 11-12 point lead down to 1
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:36 pm
Crawford misses at the third quarter buzzer. Celtics within a point. Hawks got away from what they were doing and went back to watching Joe Johnson pound the ball on the perimeter.
The Dude
January 29th, 2010
9:36 pm
Hey Todd, pass-rushing linebackers are going to be at a premium in GA with Grantham at UoG and Groh at GIT. I’m curious to see if schools outside of GA (TN, AU) will struggle to pull linebackers from GA.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:37 pm
Arthur Treacher was the fish and chips guy.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:40 pm
Hawks are in trouble. They’re standing around.
sasha
January 29th, 2010
9:40 pm
I love basketball and I wish I could pay it.I love the hawks I think thier the best time every.You guys rock so mush I want to come to your concert.I wish I was at the playoff.I love you hawks!
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:42 pm
Hawks up three, 8:45 left. If I’m Woodson, I’m really nervous. His team let the Celtics back in it, and now the game’s going according to the Celtics’ pace. Hawks had 53 points in the first half. They have 80 now.
NRBQ
January 29th, 2010
9:43 pm
Mark:
Hawks are in trouble cause they have a couple guys who disdain the pass.
Won’t mention any names, but one’s initials are J.J.
Alan
January 29th, 2010
9:45 pm
And the calls are all going the celtics way. What a joke
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:46 pm
Celts shot 20 free throws in the third. Hawks have 24 in the game.
NRBQ
January 29th, 2010
9:47 pm
I rest my case.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:47 pm
Joe hits a three. No movement on the play, but he made the shot.
mmgtfan
January 29th, 2010
9:47 pm
joe!
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:48 pm
And now Joe with a fadeaway. He’s going one-on-one (or one-on-five), but he has hit three baskets in the quarter. Hawks by eight.
BobRathbun
January 29th, 2010
9:48 pm
Joe EnFuego!
mmgtfan
January 29th, 2010
9:48 pm
someones getting hot
Miami man
January 29th, 2010
9:48 pm
The celts are gonna melt when they play the heat
Pepe
January 29th, 2010
9:49 pm
Joe Johnson for Threeeeeeeeeee!!!! I love that annoucer for the hometown 3’s.
Elmore Spencer
January 29th, 2010
9:49 pm
Johnson has scored Hawks last 9 points
Ree Roe
January 29th, 2010
9:50 pm
Joe’s been unbelievable so far in the 4th (visions of Game 4 vs. BOS in 08), but Mark, do you think this 1 on 1 spree is a reflection of Joe tryin to reassert himself as alpha dog on the team?
-REEcently Roe?
NRBQ
January 29th, 2010
9:50 pm
And he makes a 2.
But ultimately, how many times per game do they leave him unguarded?
Makes no difference to him.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:50 pm
The good news: Joe’s making shots. The not-so-good: He’s the only one taking any shots.
BoricuaHawkFan
January 29th, 2010
9:50 pm
The Hawks have finally become the team I always wished they were…yes, I’ve been a fan since the 80’s and even through the 13-game winning season. Well rounded, deep bench and a go-to guy that you can ALWAYS count on. Say hello to my little Joe! It’s Joe time.
Elmore Spencer
January 29th, 2010
9:50 pm
Bibby not getting many minutes tonight
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:51 pm
Alan, I’d agree with you in theory. But I’d also point out that the Celtics played in Orlando last night. That’s two road games against two really strong opponents. That’s the NBA sometimes.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:51 pm
I hope not, Ree Roe. But I have to say the notion has crossed my mind.
Alan
January 29th, 2010
9:52 pm
The same will happen again. We will win this game close and then get blown out against Orlando. Hey Mark do you think a team that plays 4 more back to back games in a season has an unfair advantage than a team that doesn’t? The team that doesn’t is the cavs. We play 4 more back to back than them. I think it’s 21 for us and 17 for them. I def know we play 4 more than they do. I looked it up 2 weeks ago and thought that was strange.
BobRathbun
January 29th, 2010
9:52 pm
Ball movement guys-get inside!
BoricuaHawkFan
January 29th, 2010
9:54 pm
Along with Alan’s question, how about a team that clearly plays less AWAY games in the first 1/2 of the season. Lakers only had 5 travel games when some were already in double digits.
BoricuaHawkFan
January 29th, 2010
9:55 pm
HUGE shot by Marv!!!
Alan
January 29th, 2010
9:56 pm
How did your response come before (time wise) my post? LOL
I wasn’t talking about the celts. I know they played last night. I was referring to the Cavs. We play 4 more back to back games than they do. Seems unfair to me. I don’t know what the celtics and magic have. I’ve seen this story before against the celts i believe where we play and beat them and then go to orlando and get blown out
norcrossfan
January 29th, 2010
9:57 pm
not sure why woodosn doesn’t try to open it up and run the celts (or anyone for that matter) ragged…
mmgtfan
January 29th, 2010
9:57 pm
STOP SHOOTING JUMPERS JOSH!!!!!!
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
9:58 pm
I’m psychic, Alan. Or psychotic. I forget which.
Alan
January 29th, 2010
9:58 pm
Man my posts never show up sometimes. Mark, I wasn’t talking about the celts. I was referring to the Cavs and us having to play 4 more back to back games than they do. I don’t know about the celts or magic. I just hope this isn’t like the last time we had the celtics at home and orl on the road.
BobRathbun
January 29th, 2010
9:58 pm
I have the smoothest voice and best lines in NBA Broadcasting…and Joe is STILL EnFuego…
todd grantham
January 29th, 2010
9:58 pm
Mark, they cant ALL be knee-slappers..
todd grantham
January 29th, 2010
9:59 pm
esp or editing?
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
10:00 pm
Exactly like that, Alan. Don’t go protesting, though. David Stern will just ignore it.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
10:00 pm
Killshot. Crawford banks in a 20-footer. (Yes, banks in.) And gets hit and makes the free throw. Hawks by 11.
Lisa
January 29th, 2010
10:00 pm
This is one of those times I want to slap JJ in the back of the head and remind him that he has team mates! We know he is an All Star but dog. As coach, making shots or not he would be sitting by me. His team makes him look good every night but yet he disrespects them. This is our biggest issue as the offence stops when the ball is in JJ’s hands. This problem is all about coaching. FIRE WOODY!!!
Alan
January 29th, 2010
10:01 pm
Whoops. I see it now. I guess your posting clock isn’t working. LOL. Like the shot clock when the hawks played in cleveland.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
10:01 pm
I have that same feeling sometimes, Lisa. But Joe has grown accustomed to taking the big shots the past four years, and he’s making them tonight.
BobRathbun
January 29th, 2010
10:02 pm
Just who is that monotone PA Announcer who drones on “Let’s Go Hawks, Let’s Go Hawks”, and “De-fense, de-fense”…his voice is NOWHERE as smooth as mine…
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
10:03 pm
The announcer is Mr. Ryan Cameron of V-103.
Pepe
January 29th, 2010
10:03 pm
Joe took over to get the lead back under control…if your hitting them, keep shooting!
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
10:04 pm
Down to six. Pierce with 32.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
10:04 pm
Joe goes one-on-five and misses.
Alan
January 29th, 2010
10:04 pm
Bad shot by Joe. Never left his hands
J.J.M.
January 29th, 2010
10:05 pm
man hawks better not choke
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
10:05 pm
Crawford steal and jam. Hawks by nine. Over.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
10:05 pm
Wallace makes a free throw. Hawks by five, 1:34 to go.
Lisa
January 29th, 2010
10:06 pm
Mark, I get you but for every difficult missed shot at least three of his team mates are open with a higher percentage shot. And that is just good basketball IQ.
Alan
January 29th, 2010
10:06 pm
Mark you should do a column that discusses the fair and unfair advantages of the way some schedules set up. Like the cavs getting 4 less back to back games than the hawks.
J.J.M.
January 29th, 2010
10:06 pm
why cant we get crawford to drive and dish of to josh for an easy dunk im pretty sure it will work
NRBQ
January 29th, 2010
10:06 pm
There’s the Joe we know and love. Dribble from one side of the key to the other and miss the jumper.
Never mind the other talented Hawks on the floor.
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
10:07 pm
Joe makes a banker over Pierce.
J.J.M.
January 29th, 2010
10:08 pm
woooooooooooooo hooooooooooo
Ree Roe
January 29th, 2010
10:08 pm
Jamal!!!
-REEcently Roe!!!
NRBQ
January 29th, 2010
10:08 pm
Thanks for the rescue, Jamaal.
Pepe
January 29th, 2010
10:09 pm
Make some NOISE!!!
Dandy Don
January 29th, 2010
10:09 pm
Turn out the lights the parties over
NRBQ
January 29th, 2010
10:09 pm
Boy, I want my son to be just like Rasheed!
Ree Roe
January 29th, 2010
10:09 pm
Lol @ the announcer “Is it a rivalry now?” I guess it’s not a rivalry till they beat us, lol!
-REEcently Roe!!!!
todd grantham
January 29th, 2010
10:21 pm
Mark, are you sure the PA guy isnt Brook Whitmire?
tiger woo
January 29th, 2010
10:21 pm
Joe Johnson – 16 points in the 4th Quarter !! Iso – Joe !!
Take that !!
You're All Gay
January 29th, 2010
10:22 pm
The Celtics look OLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pepe
January 29th, 2010
10:26 pm
Todd – How do you know Brook Whitmire (HHS Grad, UGA Announcer)?
todd grantham
January 29th, 2010
10:31 pm
Brook and i go way back pepe
Pepe
January 29th, 2010
10:44 pm
Just curious…didn’t know if Whitmire’s announcing skills were common knowledge. I haven’t seen that guys since the mid-late 90’s. Good ole Coach Whitmire.
Be aggressive this fall Todd…
Mark Bradley
January 29th, 2010
10:53 pm
Here, if you’re so inclined, is the game column.
uberVU - social comments
January 30th, 2010
4:04 pm
Social comments and analytics for this post…
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January 31st, 2010
6:48 pm
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January 31st, 2010
7:48 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by jason mcintyre, Lang Whitaker – SLAM, Mark Bradley, Mark Bradley, Jason Walker and others. Jason Walker said: RT @MarkBradleyAJC: Celtics center Kendrick Perkins on Hawks sixth man Jamal Crawford: "We put out a hit on him today." http://bit.ly/aXd5Ts [...]