The Lakers came in mad; the Hawks made them madder
See that guy in the background? His team got pounded. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
The defending NBA champions wanted this one. They had gone 2-2 on their road swing, and they needed to beat the Hawks, according to the Zen master Phil Jackson, to “redeem this trip.” Instead the regal Lakers were rebuffed, and rudely.
The Hawks beat the Lakers in every quarter. “That doesn’t happen much against that team,” Mike Woodson said afterward, but it happened for his team.
Down 10 points at the half, the Lakers figured to make a run. (It’s the NBA. Everybody makes a run.) The defending champions never broke out of a trot. The closest they came over the final 24 minutes — the closest, mind you — was seven points. The Hawks led by as many as 19 points, and this wasn’t a case of a road-weary opponent mailing one in.
“We got a focused L.A. team,” said Mo Evans, the sub who scored 18 essential points. “You could see it in Kobe’s eyes. But we matched their emotion and intensity.”
Matched them in emotion. Matched them in intensity. Trumped them on talent. Trumped the defending champions. Think about that.
“This shows we can play with anybody,” Jamal Crawford said, but there’s a difference between playing with anybody and beating anybody. The Hawks have been able to do the former for a while, and now they’re managing the latter. Over the past eight days they’ve beaten both teams that played for the 2009 NBA title. You don’t do that unless you can play some yourself.
The knock on the Hawks — even they concede the point — is that they don’t always fight as hard against the minnows as they do versus the barracudas. But soon that will become a non-issue. The Knicks and the 76ers won’t be playing beyond the 82nd game. Said Crawford, smiling: “In the playoffs you only get good teams. That’s good for us.”
And it is. When the Hawks lock in, they’re a load. The Lakers were motivated in a way great teams seldom are motivated in the 75th game of a regular season — “We tried our best,” Ron Artest would say — and it didn’t matter. The Hawks seized the lead with 1:35 left in the first quarter and never let it slip.
This wasn’t just a victory. This was domination. The Hawks outscored the defending champions by 12 baskets. They made only five turnovers, none in the second half. (Think about that.) Seven Hawks scored in double figures. Their bench outscored the Lakers reserves 48-22.
“They’ve got a lot of hard-nosed guys on that team, like Ron Artest and Lamar Odom,” Josh Smith said. “It felt good to see everyone play hard and not back down.”
On the contrary, it was the Lakers who conceded. Kobe Bryant sat out the final 2:32, his services rendered inoperative. Splendid as he is, there are no 17-point shots in this sport.
“We were solid from beginning to end,” Woodson said, and if the Hawks stay solid there’s no telling how high they can fly this spring. (Indeed, they nosed ahead of Boston on Wednesday for the third spot in the East.) No, they don’t have a Kobe or a LeBron, but they do have a deep and talented and resourceful team.
The consensus holds that the Hawks are doomed to lose either to Cleveland or Orlando in Round 2, but if you’re the Cavs or the Magic do you really want to see this team in a best-of-seven? The Hawks finally broke through against Orlando last week, and they’ll have another chance at LeBron’s crew in Cleveland on Friday. And is there any better fortification for a trip to Quicken Loans Arena than a 17-point drubbing of the defending champions?
“This team has a lot of potential when it’s focused,” Evans said, and these Hawks are focused in a way they haven’t been in … what, decades? As Woodson keeps saying, they’re playing for something. And when they’re playing like this, they can beat anybody anywhere.
Said Crawford: “When you beat the Lakers, a lot of people take notice.” That would presumably include LeBron James. And Dwight Howard. And definitely Kobe Bryant.
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111 comments Add your comment
Stat Man
March 31st, 2010
10:56 pm
Couple of nuggets:
It was the largest margin of victory over the Lakers since 10/21/1973 (129-102) – we’re talking 36 1/2 YEARS!!!!
Tonights attendence was also the all time Arena record for the Hawks!!!
And thanks to OKC for bouncing the Celtics. That is big because of the crap rule in the NBA that the tiebreaker for the 3 seed is division winner over wild card as opposed to head to head. Oh well, we now have the 1 game lead – gotta hold on to it!!!!
Stat Man
March 31st, 2010
10:58 pm
Largest margin of victory over the Lakers in over 36 years!!!!
Thanks ot OKC for beating the Celts tonight too. Too bad the tie break would go to the Celtics (division winner) instead of head to head, but it is what it is – now just have to hold on to that 1 game lead!
django
March 31st, 2010
11:02 pm
looks likethe Hawks are steppin up…i might actually watch now
BirdDawg
March 31st, 2010
11:18 pm
Man this was awesome. That is why it’s so maddening when they play less than their best with poor effort. Because they are capable of games like this on most any night with good effort. Even against mighty Cleveland and Orlando.
Stat Man
March 31st, 2010
11:20 pm
Biggest beat down of the lakers since 1973!!!
Kudo’s to OKC for helping out with the Celts win. Too bad the tiebreaker isn’t head to head, but now at least we are up 1 on them and need to hold on to it!!
BirdDawg
March 31st, 2010
11:21 pm
Man this was awesome. That’s why it’s so maddening when they play down to their level of competition. Because the Hawks are capable of games like this on almost any night against any competition. Even mighty Cleveland and Orlando.
Paul Hewitt's Agent
March 31st, 2010
11:25 pm
What about my client?
DHD
March 31st, 2010
11:29 pm
Hawks!! ‘nough said.
Col. Reb is cryin'
March 31st, 2010
11:30 pm
Were there any Honkeys at the game??? I ain’t seeing any in those pics….
JosephdaKoolest
March 31st, 2010
11:38 pm
Great win Hawks!!!!!!! Great total team effort. Joe showed why he should be mentioned with the top gaurds in the game. Josh Smith played uder control. Al horford played big inside as usual. Marvin hit some opn jumpers. BIG BENCH PLAY!!!!!!!!! Great Job Mo Evans great job Teague Great effort Za Za BIG GAME!!!!! Jamal Crawford Great as usual. Outsatnd defense. Here we come Lebron we are bringing the Joe Johnson show to Cleveland!!!!!!
Ree Roe
March 31st, 2010
11:45 pm
@ Joseph, I understand you’re excited about the win, but let’s not overhype Marvin’s contributions. Marvin scored 2 points on 1/4 shooting. He had more fouls (3) than points & didn’t get to the line. He was as disappointing as advertised tonight.
-REEscinded by Roe!!!
respect this LA
April 1st, 2010
12:02 am
CMW has done an incredible job with the Hawks. Once upon a time we were a door mat that teams wiped their feet on. Today, everyone takes us seriously. Let’s build on it. Let’s see what kind of feathers these birds have and how high they can fly.
Peter
April 1st, 2010
12:05 am
Come on folks………Marvin was 1-4… 2 points…… They are missing their center…….good win yes…Great win no.
Can they stay ahead of Boston for 3rd is key……
Elmore Spencer
April 1st, 2010
12:07 am
paging Sonny Clusters?
Elmore Spencer
April 1st, 2010
12:15 am
a little props to ZAZA.
Elmore Spencer
April 1st, 2010
12:18 am
Jason Heyward just homered
Fred
April 1st, 2010
12:24 am
Not a big thugball fan, but I always support the home team. I actually WANTED to see this game but had to watch a chickflick instead. Glad they won, but I hope you didn’t jinx them Bradley. I remember watching the Hawks beat hell out of Michael Jordan, I mean the Bulls, one year and then getting destroyed by them shortly after wards in the play offs. You gotta remember, when the games are “important” like in the playoffs, the money makers don’t foul and when they miss a shot they had to have been fouled. Isn’t that the Michael Jordan rule? I suppose they call it the Kobe or LeBron rule now………….
Does Woodson have a contract yet? He needs to walk after this season. Aren’t the good players all leaving at the end of the year? The problem with the Hawks isn’t players or coaches, it’s the owners. If the owners are willing to settle for losing then so are the players. Attitude runs down hill. Where the Falcons anything other than a joke before Blank (Blanc?) bought them from Jed and Jethro Clampett? Have the Braves been anything since Ted sold them to Time Warner?
One and done for the Hawks in the playoffs. (one being rounds, not games0. I’d love to see them do more, but why shouldthey? Excellence is NOT rewarded by their owners………
oh and BTW good win Hawks. I’ll be cheering for you………
northcyde
April 1st, 2010
1:40 am
Fred . . .go to bed with that negativity. Let Hawk fans enjoy this win without all of that negative B.S.
“Fans” like you kill me. Always got to down the team, even when they do something good. You’ll be on the bandwagon once the playoffs start. Just make sure you support the team and buy a ticket to the game.
As I’ve been telling people since the 1st of the year on this blog . . . the Hawks are mentally tough. With that 48th win, they need 5 more wins to become the 4th best regular season team in ATLANTA HAWK HISTORY. ( not counting the St. Louis Hawks )
With the 31st home win, they need 3 more home wins to tie the 2-year record for number of home wins. We’re currently at 62 wins. The Atlanta Hawk record is 65 wins ( 35 home wins in 1986 – 87 . . 30 home wins in 1987 – 88 ). With only 3 home games left, we can only tie the record.
Support your Atlanta Hawks folks . . . especially you people in Atlanta.
CJ. ..theres room on the bandwagon
April 1st, 2010
1:51 am
We’ll take all the converts we can get (Lakers fans can trade in their Kobe jersey’s for JJ, or JSmoove, or Horf).
Great win Hawks!!
Race for #3 seed
April 1st, 2010
2:32 am
In looking at the way the schedules shape up, I think a reasonable prediction would be both the Hawks & Celtics go 6-2 over their remaining 8 games, and ironically enough i think they both will lose to common oppenents, the Bucks & Cavs.
Hawks play the Cavs twice, but the final game of the season Lebron will probably rest, so it’s a game the Hawks SHOULD win. The game that could end up deciding the Hawks seeding fate is next Tuesday at the Bobcats (a MUST win in my opinion).
The Celtics play the Mavs twice, in Milwaukee on the second of a back-to-back, & their final game they have the Bucks at home, & the Bucks will probably still be playing for that 5th seed. The game that could end up deciding the Celtics seeding fate is next Wednesday at Toronto (second of a road back-to-back).
I’m sure there’ll be surprises but the Hawks just need to prove it!!
Race for #3 seed
April 1st, 2010
2:37 am
“The Celtics play the Bucks twice, in Milwaukee . . ”
Not Mavs.
Willy
April 1st, 2010
3:00 am
first?
CAVSFAN
April 1st, 2010
3:16 am
REALLY ATL? you seem to have forgotten playoff basketball (i.e. easily swept last year). what would be diffferent?
Willy
April 1st, 2010
3:34 am
Oh. And where is LAKERS ARE IN TOWN, from last night? And really CAVSFAN? You’re one to talk. You guys didn’t fare much better against Orlando, save a last minute half court heave. That series could have easily been a sweep too. And you guys are supposed to be elite. Don’t talk it till you walk it.
Chuck
April 1st, 2010
6:48 am
Well, Cavsfan, last years Hawks team had nothing close to the depth that this one has. Last year Joe Johnson and Bibby were noticably gassed going into the postseason due to the overwhelming minutes required of both.
They both look completely different now, and Jamal Crawford is an assassin. We are more than ready for the Cavs this season.
Dejay
April 1st, 2010
7:26 am
Well, I hope that all the folks I saw last night in newly-bought Laker gear kept their receipts. That way, they can go back to Foot Locker and get their $$$ back…
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
April 1st, 2010
7:31 am
@ Chuck. Very true. Not to mention the injuries to Horford and JJ in that Cavs series played into the lopsided losses. Friday nite in Cleveland should really interesting.
coach joe
April 1st, 2010
8:12 am
ive been going to c hawks all season never seen as many fans as last night. good job hawks and all the (laker fans) went home with a bad taste in there mouth .kobe is overrated i man cant beat a good team like the hawks.the lakers better rethink the star power stradagies.
F-105 Thunderchief
April 1st, 2010
8:18 am
I think Atlanta would be on fire for the Hawks if they won out. Wouldn’t that be grand?
Let's Go Bravos!
April 1st, 2010
8:28 am
Good job Hawks!! Let’s stay focused in the playoffs and bring Atlanta another championship!! (it’s been a while since we’ve had one)
i_am_soulstar
April 1st, 2010
8:35 am
I expected a win for the Hawks because of the prevailing trend of each team getting the home win in the series over the past few years, but I didn’t expect 48 MINUTES OF COMPLETE ANNIHILATION. GO HAWKS!!
I gotta admit though, 4th quarter, I was waiting for the Hawks to let the Lakers back in. But they never did. Who felt like a proud dad last night? I did, I did.
JEWELL ROLLEN
April 1st, 2010
9:02 am
SELLOUT? RECORD CROWD? THEY NEED TO STOP REPORTING TICKETS DISTRIBUTED. I WAS AT THE GAME…SOOOOOO MANY EMPTY SEATS (AND NOT JUST THE SEASON TICKET SEATS). SCALPERS MUST HAVE TAKEN A BEATING! GREAT GAME FOR THE HAWKS…..CRYBABY KOBE WAS PISSED!
Joey
April 1st, 2010
9:05 am
CAVSFAN, bet you were LAKERSFAN last season, and CELTSFAN the season before that and BULLSFAN in the 90s. “Fans” like you kill me. Always picking the frontrunner. Let’s see, you like Jimmy Johnson in NASCAR, and you’re a BIG Saints fan, and been a Yankees fan forever blah, blah, blah ….
The Dogfighter Returns
April 1st, 2010
9:08 am
JeJe
March 31st, 2010
10:16 pm
Everyone played well?
Marvin was garbage!
Link Report this comment
—-
That is his m.o.
where is Chris paul?
Terrell
April 1st, 2010
9:27 am
Fred,
Thugball?? You serious? You can’t comment on the game without an ignorant statement?
Terrell
April 1st, 2010
9:31 am
CAVSFAN,
“Playoff basketball would be different”
Yeah you would know about that. Last year you have the best record in the NBA and what happened? If we’re going to refer back to last year then I guess the Cavs won’t reach the finals yet again.
atlinnc
April 1st, 2010
9:37 am
good job hawks on the win but why is everybody just thinking about the Cs lets keep winning and win our division and get the number two spot
PMC
April 1st, 2010
9:53 am
Whatever Cavsfan…. you seem to forgot the cavs hail from Cleveland. If they had a championship trophy in the last 40 years in any sport it would have rusted away already.
You guys won the lottery for Lebron James otherwise no one would pay any attention.
jg
April 1st, 2010
10:12 am
the hawks played the perfect game last night. and thankfully because it’s been a long time coming. i too was waiting for that laker comeback or for the refs to make sure they made a comeback but the hawks would not let either one happen. i was so jacked after that one–great job!!! that kind of effort and play will keep us playing for a long time in the playoffs!
it seemed like the officiating was fairly even last night too. i know d. fisher had a flop that looked a lot worse than it was on replay and the double techs on artest and mo were accurate…artest threw the first shot on the rebound and mo let him know right a way that that crap wasn’t going to fly. hawks didn’t back down–got to show that same kind of fight and fiestyness (sp?) tomorrow night in cleveland. if the officiating is even i think we’ve got a great shot of winning.
what a night–zsa zsa, mo, bibby early, jj, josh (minus a couple of ill-advised jumpers) and horford in the second half all played awesome! crawford had his moments too–marvin was well just marvin–he actually had a couple of rebounds…but i like the way we win that way–joe didn’t have to score 35 for us to win–everybody stepped up–THE PERFECT GAME against one of the most hated teams in the nba for me–other than boston, cleveland, detroit and orlando. i hope all those so-called laker fans had a safe trip back to dunwoody, marietta, flowery branch and stone mountain–just remember to put your cavs jersey on for friday.
go hawks!!!
Eraserhead
April 1st, 2010
10:39 am
Great game for the Hawks! Both my son and I had a huge time in Philips, especially seeing all the L.A. Faker fans leaving in the fourth quarter. It was very loud last night which was nice to see.
bravefalconhawk
April 1st, 2010
10:44 am
CavsFan, GTFOU…. And Fred, thugball?? Why even post a comment if you feel like that.
AceDawg
April 1st, 2010
10:47 am
The Jekyll/Hyde Hawks ride into the playoffs with momentum perhaps? That’d be nice to see them get the Cavs on Friday and finish with the 3 seed regardless of whether Orlando or Cleveland are a tougher matchup.
ATL 1
April 1st, 2010
10:53 am
Great game for Atlanta. Made me feel really good to see them thump the Lakers with all those yellow shirts in Phillips last night. Let’s start a movement to discourage the blatant disrespect that is so often shown in our house!!!!
All I'm Saying Is...
April 1st, 2010
11:19 am
Great win but let’s not get carried away and please remember that Andrew Bynum was not in the line-up.
The Lakers front-line and team is completely different when they have both Gasol and Bynum on the floor with Kobe, Artest, and Fisher.
Bynum’s presence in the rotation also changes how the bench is used and makes Odom even more effective.
In other words, Hawks played well, got the win, won big, and did so in front of a sell out crowd but lets not start counting anything yet.
LET’S GO HAWKS!
Top Magic and NBA News: Thursday, April 1 | Outdoor sports, camping, tenis, golf
April 1st, 2010
11:29 am
[...] Lakers came in mad, Hawks made them madder, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Mark Bradley The Buzz: The Hawks blew out the Lakers in Atlanta [...]
Robert
April 1st, 2010
11:45 am
Another great win for the Haws. I am a big Magic’s fan but I have lot of respect for the Hawk’s young squad. I can see them, along with the Magic, becoming the dominant force in the East, especially after Lebron leaves the Cs this season for NYC. Don’t be fooled though, their victory over the Magic by a basket this year was a fluke I was happy to witness. We want the Hawks for the no. 3 seed because it will be the best series in the East Semis, even though I expect for the Magic to win in 7 (yep, I said it and that is a reflection of how good the Hawks are this year.
atlsouthside
April 1st, 2010
12:04 pm
Hawks are solid, clicking on all cylinders at the right time.
Observations from last night:
Jamal’s crossover is sick!
Joe Johnson’s shot was wet!
Josh Smith bullied Gasol & Odom! (So did Zaza)
Mo Evans is our #2 x-factor, he’s playing with a chip on his shoulders. (we need that)
Bibby was crucial in the 1st quarter.
Horford has perfected that 15 ft baseline jumper. (that will force opposing C’s to come out of the paint)
LAKERS #1
April 1st, 2010
12:38 pm
LAKERS 15 championships
ATLANTA 1
Do I need to Say more?? This might not be the lakers year to win it all but ITS NEVER ATLANTAS YEAR NEVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!
ELVISINTHEHOUSE.
April 1st, 2010
12:38 pm
Fred go find elizabeth and join her honny!
ELVISINTHEHOUSE.
April 1st, 2010
12:45 pm
Lakers#1 team got beat down and want to find stats,this is denver and dallas year in the west bud! somethings wrong with koby,he’s not that clutch shooter anymore.The team suppose to be better with artest,whats wrong with your boyz? they probably need to change that triangle offense to circle offense,i think that will help.