The Hawks allow the unassuming Bucks to make this a series
Somebody guard that guy! Brandon Jennings exults after another trey. (AP photo)
Milwaukee — They had a chance to show us they’d matured. They had a chance to make quick work of a team that, without Andrew Bogut, is the weakest entity in the playoff grid. Instead the Hawks gave the Milwaukee Bucks reason to believe. If you’re the better team, that’s the last thing you want.
The Hawks trailed by 17 points after 12 minutes of Game 3. They didn’t look like the better team. They didn’t look like much of a team at all. They were outflanked tactically and overwhelmed emotionally.
“Unacceptable,” said Joe Johnson, who scored 16 of the Hawks’ 40 first-half points.
“I was disappointed,” said Al Horford, who had two points the first half. “I didn’t think we were there mentally.”
“We didn’t bring our own energy,” said Josh Smith, who managed only seven points in 36 minutes after stirring up a mini-tempest by suggesting Milwaukee is Nowheresville. (Smith afterward: “I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.”)
Their play in the first quarter suggested the Hawks believed they’d already won the series, which technically they haven’t. (NBA rules stipulate four victories, not two.) They were a step slow from the start, and that’s a bad thing to be when the other team is smaller and quicker.
The Bucks spread the court and ran their guards off screens. The Hawks, as is their wont, switched on everything, which spawned little-on-big mismatches. As good a defenders as Smith and Al Horford are, they can’t keep up with Brandon Jennings and John Salmons 25 feet from the hoop.
Jennings made three treys in the first 7 1/2 minutes. He and Salmons made nine of 10 shots between them in the first 9 1/2 minutes, at which point the Bucks led 31-13. So much for coming on the road and taking the crowd out of the game. So much for matching an overmatched opponent’s fire with fire.
The Bucks know they cannot hope to beat the Hawks by playing conventional basketball. Milwaukee’s only hope is to dazzle its opponent with footwork, and that’s precisely what occurred in Game 3. The Bucks didn’t try to feed the post because they don’t have a post player. They made their last stand on the perimeter, and they wound up standing pretty darn tall.
Let’s be honest: This was the key game in the series. Not regarding its outcome — the Hawks should and will prevail — but its duration. The Hawks came to the frigid Midwest with a chance to put the Bucks to bed, and instead they were wrong-footed. With Orlando leading Charlotte 3-0, that’s a major consideration. You don’t want to be the team coming into Round 2 on short rest.
It’s not that good teams never lose a game in the postseason. They do. Cleveland fell way behind at Chicago but wound up nearly winning. The Lakers lost in Oklahoma City. The difference is, both those Game 3 losers gave themselves a chance. The Hawks fell behind and stayed there. They never put any game pressure, to use a Krzyzewski phrase, on the home team. They made it too easy.
And that’s the reason the Hawks still aren’t considered a first-tier NBA team. Yeah, they won 53 games this season, but they had a losing record on the road. Given a chance to make a bold statement in this essential road game, they looked up halfway through the fourth quarter and saw themselves 28 points in arrears.
They’re better than that, or they should be. They’re seasoned enough to know what’s coming in a Game 3 on the road. They’re gifted enough to take an inspired opponent’s best shot and hit back harder. But on this sobering night they seemed content to rely on Philips Arena to win the series for them.
Which it can. The Bucks aren’t apt to break through in Atlanta. But the Hawks can’t reach the Eastern Conference finals unless they win away from home against an opponent far better than Milwaukee.
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170 comments Add your comment
j
April 24th, 2010
9:34 pm
big stinker, for sure!
todd grantham
April 24th, 2010
9:36 pm
Mark, dont forget about the Ruth’s Chris reservations.
j
April 24th, 2010
9:36 pm
Mark, how about telling them (especially Josh) that if they have nothing to do in MIlwaukee, that should motivate them mroe to play hard and get the hell outta dodge … it makes me sick to see a score like this and no fight either … i love my Hawks but our road troubles will be the end of us …
rms
April 24th, 2010
9:37 pm
And you wanna know why some Hawks fans dont take them seriously. You aint good enough to just turn it on when you feel like it. To rely on home court is risky because they can easily steal one and have you looking real stupid.
and oh yeah, FIRST!!
ChippersLoveChild
April 24th, 2010
9:37 pm
I hope you meant without Bogut, because with them I think they could actually beat the Hawks in a best of seven. Same old Hawks..
j
April 24th, 2010
9:38 pm
rms – try 4th
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
April 24th, 2010
9:39 pm
This is FAR from a championship team. Period.
And the reason is not physical.
Nilo Silvan
April 24th, 2010
9:39 pm
Jon Barry gave great analysis during the game. I really thought he was on point when he said that the Hawks gave the Bucks new life after the way we played tonight. Bucks now definitely believe they can win this series, and every game will be a battle the rest of the way.
J KIRKLAND
April 24th, 2010
9:40 pm
HERE WE GO AGAIN. MIKE WOODSON CANNOT COACH NOR MOTIVATE, INSTEAD OF MAKING A STANCE . WE LOOK LIKE THE SAME TEAM WE HAD 5 YEARS AGO. KNOW LEADERSHIP!!!
MaryM
April 24th, 2010
9:40 pm
I think this farce of a game should disabuse anyone of the notion that this team is going anywhere in the playoffs. The only time these guys will put out the effort is to pick up their paychecks and get to the tattoo parlor before closing time.
Pathetic losers. I feel bad for anyone who staked their Saturday night entertainment on the Hawks.
tyler
April 24th, 2010
9:41 pm
yeah, terrible performance. Woodson is notorious for underachieving- whether it be with his coaching or with his team’s lackluster performance every third game. Bad coach, period. Part of me would rather go ahead and lose and then get a real coach.
Hurting ATlien
April 24th, 2010
9:41 pm
The Hawks are right were they where last year how hard is it to win on the road with the talent you have, This is all woodys fault nothing but his fault and will be his fault when they are swept in the next round> I say as Hawks fans we protest the next home game until the give us word that woody would be next year this is bad and they wonder why people dont show yeah u can win at home but it starts not to mean as much if u cant win on the road bums. Thats what u looked like tonight bums and u will lose game four too but no worries we can go home and win whatever Im about done with this team
Fitten
April 24th, 2010
9:42 pm
FIRE MIKE WOODSON!!!!
jcw_ATL
April 24th, 2010
9:43 pm
the thing is if the Hawks showed effort and lost by 6 or less points…I would not be upset, but this is ridiculous, the Hawks against the Bucks is mismtach central and they lost because they did not want to win…also don’t wear the red uniforms, they seem to lose with those uniforms…
Chuck
April 24th, 2010
9:43 pm
And the players wonder why the fans don’t show up for every game.
You first, we’ve been nothing but disappointed by this franchise for DECADES. Put your considerable wads of cash where your mouths are, then we’ll see if we’ll dip into our meager savings account for some ridiculously expensive seats.
j
April 24th, 2010
9:43 pm
this series won’t go 7 games, we’ll pull it out tomorrow and then put the deer in headlights Game 5 … this is the wake-up call they need (of course, they didn’t really need a wake-up call to begin with)
Chuck
April 24th, 2010
9:45 pm
And Josh – I know what you can do in Milwaukee – practice, practice A LOT.
lewis
April 24th, 2010
9:46 pm
pathetic display. no excuses at all whatsoever. the entire game wa terrible to watch. FIRE MIKE WOODSON AND MIKE BIBBY
MaryM
April 24th, 2010
9:46 pm
Enter your comments here
j
April 24th, 2010
9:46 pm
i think we all know the talent has been what has carried this team, not the coaching … talent can only take you so far though and we might be seeing that this series … seriously, coach should have called a time-out when the Bucks got up by 5. the other teams did that in the playoff series b/c they expected to win the games. you don’t just let your guys play through it and see where it goes after the team gets up by 15 or so points.
Josh Smith
April 24th, 2010
9:46 pm
Sweet I finally found something to do in Milwaukee: lose and play like total sh!t
MaryM
April 24th, 2010
9:47 pm
This farce of a game should disabuse anyone of the notion that this team is going anywhere in the playoffs. The only time these guys will put out the effort is to pick up their paychecks and get to the tattoo parlor before closing time.
Pathetic losers. I feel bad for anyone who staked their Saturday night entertainment on the Hawks.
lee
April 24th, 2010
9:48 pm
too much 1 on 1 basketball,too many bad shots which led to fast break baskets for Milwaukee! it works at home in front of your own crowd but you can not win on the road playing 1 on 1 basketball! people talk about how good the hawks are but they only beat Milwaukee by 10 points in atlanta!
Denver Hawk
April 24th, 2010
9:48 pm
Hey Josh – there’s always PRACTICE GYMS “to do” in Milwaukee! BRING SOME FRIENDS!
j
April 24th, 2010
9:48 pm
UGGGHHH! man, i’m so pissed right now … i’m sure i’ll be over it tomorrow
Matt
April 24th, 2010
9:49 pm
Maybe Josh Smith will learn to STHU and play the game!! This team is in no way a championship team because they continue to lose to lesser talented teams.
Willie Martinez
April 24th, 2010
9:49 pm
By the way, I contacted Mike Woodson prior to Game 3 and he brought me in as assistant coach in charge of defense!!!
Hurting ATlien
April 24th, 2010
9:49 pm
Mike has to go how hard is to win on the road when your team is ten times better then the bucks minus 2 of there players, its his fault all his fault and nothing but his fault, but kno worries tho we win at home thats getting old so what u win at home we will get swept next round and will lose game four of this series because we have woody imagine if Scott had this team skys the limit, I say we protest the next home game and do it until they insure us they’re not keepin woody next season. He is a bum the team inflects his buminship, and as a Hawks fan Im sick of it they wonder why they cant get butts in the seat this is awful
Karen
April 24th, 2010
9:50 pm
I think this farce of a game should disabuse anyone of the notion that this team is going anywhere in the playoffs. The only time these guys will put out the effort is to pick up their paychecks and get to the tattoo parlor before closing time.
Pathetic losers. I feel bad for anyone who staked their Saturday night entertainment on the Hawks.
Karen
April 24th, 2010
9:52 pm
This farce of a game should dissuade anyone of the notion that this team is going anywhere in the playoffs. The only time these guys will put out the effort is to pick up their paychecks and get to the tattoo parlor before closing time.
Pathetic losers. I feel bad for anyone who staked their Saturday night entertainment on the Hawks.
MRicht
April 24th, 2010
9:54 pm
Hey Willie! How you doing, man?
Eric
April 24th, 2010
9:56 pm
This is the main reason Woodson don’t have a contract, for some reason he just can’t motivate his players. Trust me when I say the Hawks have all the pieces in place, they just have major mental breakdowns. They’ll find a way to make this a 6 or 7 game series which it shouldn’t, considering the Bucks are without Michael Redd and Bogut. It’s so frustrating being an Hawks fan, come on Hawks!!!
Hawks Fan
April 24th, 2010
9:57 pm
Hey Mark Bradley.
Go suck on a ckicken wing. As for the Hawks, just play some ball and STFU and this series will be over soon. Man ya’ll sucked!
Willie Martinez
April 24th, 2010
9:57 pm
Great CMR!…Keep clear of Todd Grantham next week I’m gonna put laxatives in his drinks
NoShamSam
April 24th, 2010
9:59 pm
odor
tidog
April 24th, 2010
9:59 pm
It’s not about Woodson. It’s about the team getting down and not fighting for a win. Rick Fox of NBAtv said it best “the hawks are sending a message to the rest of the playoff teams “if you get them down they will give up” That hawk fans is a sad commentary for the # 3 EC seed.
Greg
April 24th, 2010
10:02 pm
The Magic had to be laughing their asses off watching this game. Free pass to the conference finals for them, which gives them a great shot at the Cavs when that series eventually happens.
Woodson had the same hopeless, helpless, clueless look on his face that he always does when the team faces some adversity. No one expects the Hawks to win every game, but there’s no excuse whatsoever not to come out and compete. A team really is a reflection of their coach. This team does not play smart and they play with no heart. At least the Hawks management had the good sense not to offer Woody a contract extension – tonight perfectly outlined why they have done what they’ve done.
President Barack Obama
April 24th, 2010
10:02 pm
Attention Hawks Fans:
I have just instituted a policy aimed at “bailing out” top-tier NBA playoff teams that are “too big to fail. If the Hawks were to lose this series, the economy would collapse; therefore, my policy will provide $700 Billion so that the Atlanta Hawks can buy a road win in the playoffs. Thank you and goodnight.
Ken
April 24th, 2010
10:03 pm
The Hawks are who we thought they were period. They will win this series 4-2 and then lose to Orlando 4-1 because they don’t have the will to win on the road. Good season, but no cigar!
Delbert D.
April 24th, 2010
10:04 pm
“Confidence”, they said. That’s an attitude that will get you killed. This isn’t golf.
President Barack Obama
April 24th, 2010
10:05 pm
My new policy will be aimed at aiding the Atlanta Hawks, a team that simply cannot win road playoff games. Therefore, I will proide $700 Billion so that this struggling NBA franchise can buy a playoff road win. Yes we can
Josh Smith
April 24th, 2010
10:07 pm
Ayy man kin I shoo dat tree nah. Ih be in my range nah I promis
S Uga Fan
April 24th, 2010
10:10 pm
Why no woody blame in the article??? Everyone else can see it!!
Ben Roethlisberger
April 24th, 2010
10:10 pm
I “persuaded” a few ladies once in Milwaukee. I thought there was plenty of stuff to do.
S Uga Fan
April 24th, 2010
10:11 pm
Greg…. you should have written the article! Great job!
truthspitter
April 24th, 2010
10:12 pm
The Hawks will never win a championship until they rid themselves of there curses and demons and that speaks to one person Marvin the “Bust” Williams. Just think if he were Carmelo or Durant or Granger all guys chosen 2 or after. This guy is a bum.
Resign or Resign?
April 24th, 2010
10:16 pm
The Bucks with Bogut & Redd would have swept the Hawks! What does that say for the “progress” this team has made? Crawford, whom I think is valuable, decides to dissappear in the playoffs? Where is the “great bench” (Jamal, Mo, ZaZa, etc.) we all thought we had? They were absent even in the two wins!
Eric
April 24th, 2010
10:17 pm
This team needs a coach that can motivate, unfortunately Phil Jackson and Jerry Sloan are unavailable. We might be stuck with Woody.
pacco
April 24th, 2010
10:17 pm
What a joke! These guys obviously have no pride. I’m so tired of tolerating and wasting my free time watching this lazy ass team! Play like you have some pride. Then again the NBA makes more money having teams throw games to extend series.
Resign or Resign?
April 24th, 2010
10:18 pm
trythspitter:
Or Chris Paul?
Resign or Resign?
April 24th, 2010
10:18 pm
Excuse me! TRUTHSPITTER!
jcwfalcon
April 24th, 2010
10:19 pm
j- if you can figure out a way we will “pull it out tomorrow” that would be AWESOME.
Chipper Jones
April 24th, 2010
10:20 pm
Do the hawks have room on their bench? I’ve got some time on my hands.
ant banks
April 24th, 2010
10:21 pm
i am on the fire woody bandwagon and lettin’ jj walk. these two are the heart and brains of our team and we get blown out by double digit in road playoff games? we only win 1 road playoff game in 3 yrs? we don’t stay focus through 48minutes. all of this while woodson and jj are at the wheel? how will bringin’ them back put us at an advantage?
truthspitter
April 24th, 2010
10:21 pm
Resign Paul does not fit the switch everything philosophy, Deron Williams who is 6-3 and big for a PG, close to Jason Kidd in strength and size was the PG pick if we had chose that route as far as your statement about Bogut and Redd, I disagree, If u want to make that statement then I guess we would have beat Cleveland if healthy last year.
Mr. Green Jeans
April 24th, 2010
10:21 pm
You know, if we had come out, played solid defense, rebounded, shot the ball well, and still lost by 4, 6, or even 10 points – OK, no big deal. But to watch this no-account team tonight was sad, and a terrific indictment of the coach and his philosophies. How can you watch your team come out in the first half, play no offense, get down by 15 points and not call a timeout?
Why is it that Joe Johnson doesn’t have to play defense? How many times did Jennings go right by him tonight and score at will? sure he can shoot the eyes out of the ball, but this is a TEAM sport and everyone seemed to forget that tonight.
I’ve watched this team all my life and tonight was disgusting. Sorry, but the coach has to bear that responsibility – its his job to manage the team, its his job to prep the team, its his job to motivate the team. What he can’t do is play the game, and when your starters are in and aren’t playing team ball, put the kids in and give the starters the night off because they were clearly taking it. How many offensive rebounds did we get in the first half? where was the leadership in managing the ball tonight? You call that playing point Mike Bibby? Horford, you looked lost at times tonight.
I’m sorry, I can’t support this team and more importantly, this Coach. Mike you’ve done a fine job but you are clearly not the Coach of the future for this franchise. Take your money, go home, find another team to spend 10 years rebuilding and get on with your life. You’re done..
jazzyk
April 24th, 2010
10:22 pm
Mark,
You kind of suggested this would be easier than it is.
This is the NBA. More importantly, It’s the NBA playoffs. Anything can happen. It’s a reset.
Regular season record doesn’t matter. Remember the Hawks vs Celtics a couple of years ago?
All that matters is who is playing best right now and you can’t underestimate anybody, not even the Bucks.
Section 303
April 24th, 2010
10:23 pm
Mark, blast away. The Hawks should be ripped for this game. I actually think you are being too nice. Sorry performance. No excuse for it. This team whines about not getting support and then they go and don’t even show up for a playoff game.
Lose on Monday, and I hope I am sitting alone in Philips Arena on Wednesday night. I am stupid enough to go to this team’s games, doesn’t mean everyone else has to be.
truthspitter
April 24th, 2010
10:23 pm
Ant banks I dont follow you on that. JJ was the only one that showed up from the beginning of the game until he was taken out in the 4th. The guy had to feel like D-Wade tonite, if I were JJ I would go play with D-Wade and leave the Hawks to go back to the lottery for the next 2 or 3 years and see if they can get it right this time
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2010
10:24 pm
The above post has been updated to include postgame reaction from the Hawks. Who were not pleased.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2010
10:25 pm
That was a poor effort, no question. I thought the Hawks were further along than this.
truthspitter
April 24th, 2010
10:29 pm
Mark, you should not have posted Josh’s comments after game, he does not count until he contributes. The only thing I can respect him saying is I sucked, meaning he should be critical of himself rather than the team because he was the one All-star caliber player that did not bring it at any point tonight
truthspitter
April 24th, 2010
10:31 pm
Mark, you should not have posted Josh’s post game comments because unless he is gonna say I sucked, be critical of himself he needs to shut up. He is the one of our Big 3 they did not show at any point tonite
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2010
10:31 pm
I think Josh has contributed quite a lot to this team. But he wasn’t very good tonight.
Section 303
April 24th, 2010
10:33 pm
Mark, me, too. This is the hard slap in the face of reality. I don’t care what they do on Monday. Win, lose, or draw tonight should not be forgotten. The Hawks should be slammed for this game for a long time.
Mark, you and the other writers should just rip them apart.
pacco
April 24th, 2010
10:33 pm
Oh well deep down we all seen this coming. Didn’t we?
Mr. Green Jeans
April 24th, 2010
10:34 pm
Its a little late for the mea-culpas Mark. What difference will hindsight make on a game played this poorly? None. the ONLY possible positive outcome of a game like this is that its used to motivate the entire team through the rest of the playoffs. Having watched this same sort of debacle over the last 3 years, nothing short of playing for the Championship will convince me that we’ve moved ahead in terms of team.
This is a second round playoff elimination waiting to happen and I’m sorry, WHEN we play Orlando, not IF, its this same type of play that will cause us to implode. We do not play team ball on the road, and that just can’t continue. Mike Woodson wont be coaching here for the same reason Ray Goff was ostensibly let go at UGA – he has taken us as far as he is capable of taking us.
How many times did we clear the side out for Joe or Al or anyone else for that matter and not crash the boards for missed shots? How many times did Mike’s “go to the ball” double down defense cause us to leave Milwaukee players wide open for 3’s? Where is the game management? Who the heck is minding this stinky store??
Just a bump in the road
April 24th, 2010
10:34 pm
Just a bump in the road to the destination that has been destined for this team since the beginning of training camp. 2nd round exit.
Keith B
April 24th, 2010
10:35 pm
Mr. Bradley’s assessment of his Hawks left me bewildered. Even after the Hawks performance, he is still taking the Bucks as lightly as the rest of the Hawks seem to. If you aren’t aware, upsets are allowed, are perfectly legal, and happen more often than it appears you are aware of Mr. Bradley.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel brought up a playoff series from the 89-90 season between these two teams in which a heavily favored ATL Hawk team was upset by the Bucks.
Maybe Mark Bradley didn’t do his research.
Mr. Green Jeans
April 24th, 2010
10:35 pm
Agreed just a bump – either a sweep or lose in 5.
Chipper Jones
April 24th, 2010
10:37 pm
Hawks played liked they didn’t feel good. I know what that is like. I might miss a few more games. I’ve got an ingrown toenail.
truthspitter
April 24th, 2010
10:38 pm
We need 2 bigs that contribute consistently off the bench, a wing that is better than Marvin because he is trash or ass whichever you prefer and for Teague to act like he knows what the hell is going on. Seriously, we are like 2 or 3 years away, they have to market this half of a team to us, but seriously we are not even close and its more than just desire and focus.
pacco
April 24th, 2010
10:38 pm
Expect the same performance Monday night. Thank God it’s on NBA TV and will be blacked out here in north Georgia
81Dawg
April 24th, 2010
10:40 pm
I think it was the typical 3rd game in the series that is happening all over the NBA. Home team makes their last stand but the best team wins the next two. Hopefully, the Hawks decide to show up and close out the Bucks the next 2.
truthspitter
April 24th, 2010
10:42 pm
Keith B: I agree with Mark the Bucks are a big fraud. I will go as far as to say that the people that keep talking that if Bogut mess are just living in a fantasy world. Bogut was considered a bust at one point and now that he has one really good year he is such a great player in everyone’s minds, please dont fool yourself. The guy averages 13 pts and 9 reb over his career for a #1 overall pick. That’s not quite superstar level, he has proven to be solid at best over the long haul
MitchC
April 24th, 2010
10:43 pm
Mark, I didn’t see the game, as I don’t live in the Atlanta area, but, tonight’s loss doesn’t surprise me. No one predicted a sweep in this series. The Bucks were down two games to none on their home floor, and simply won Game Three. The Hawks still hold the series lead, and home court advantage.
Chances are, the Hawks will win the series. It may just not be easy.
Mr. Green Jeans
April 24th, 2010
10:45 pm
Yeah there’s a matchup for you – Zsa Zsa and Bogut. Please…..
tee
April 24th, 2010
10:45 pm
Man I am so damn mad right now, why can’t this Woodson guy motivate this team, why can’t he. I have never seen a coach not use his bench AT ALL IN COMPETITION. This ass only goes there when the writing is on the wall. We have such a talented bench man, but the coach discourages the millionaire reserves like he has a serious chip on his shoulder. If Teague or Joe Smith come in and does a great job score some quick points and blocks a few shots this jerk will pull them after 4 minutes and never to return, watch him, its true. He has a problem with rookies and reserve players. IF YOUR STARTERS ARE NOT GETTING THE JOB DONE PUT THEM ON THE BENCH FOR THE NIGHT. ITS OK TO PLAY RESERVES THAT HAVE A HOTTER HAND ON THE NIGHT. YOUR TOP 5 ARE NOT GONNA BE IN SYNC ALL THE TIME…. LEARN HOW TO RESPECT ALL YOUR PLAYERS AND WATCH HOW THEY RESPOND TO YOU. YOU ( WOODSON) ARE TOO ARROGANT AND IT SHOWS AND I AM NOT EVEN IN THE LOCKER ROOM .. COACH THE PROFESSIONALS, THIS ISN’T HIGH SCHOOL FOOL….!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LETS GO HAWKS OR BRING CHARLES BARKLEY OR STEVE SMITH HERE AND WIN SOME AWAY GAMES…..7 GAME SERIES NOW MAN GOOD LUCK…
truthspitter
April 24th, 2010
10:50 pm
Who would be so stupid as to match Zaza against Bogut? Seriously you guys can border ignorance
Keith B
April 24th, 2010
10:52 pm
truthspitter: I’m a Milwaukee native so I watch a lot of Bucks games. We weren’t very impressed with Bogut until this season. He was one of the most improved in the league this season. Jennings and Bogut hit it off right away and the supporting cast around them; Ilyasova, Delfino, Salmons, Stackhouse, and Ridnour play as a team. When Redd got healthy for a those 3 weeks, he messed up the chemistry with his dribble with head down, take off balance shot strategy. Scott Skiles teams usually play solid defense.
I understand you think the Bucks are frauds but to say that this Hawks team can’t be upset by this Bucks team I think is incredibly naive.
Hopefully Josh Smith finds something to do tomorrow…
todd grantham
April 24th, 2010
10:52 pm
A game like this is telling on the coach. he obviously doesnt demand much from his team.
todd grantham
April 24th, 2010
10:53 pm
and dont give me the tired line on spoiled overpaid atheletes. you either perform, or i kick you off the team.
George Bailey
April 24th, 2010
10:54 pm
Zasu’s petals!!!
Pete
April 24th, 2010
10:55 pm
Does ANYONE really think the Hawks can actually win on the road………………ANYWHERE ???
Get real Atlanta.
truthspitter
April 24th, 2010
10:58 pm
Keith B: I respect your opinion but you Bucks fans and the media all sound like fence straddlers to me. You wanna say with Bogut this would have happened, as to insinuate that the Hawks have a easy road since Bogut is not here then you want to say that this current team can still win though, but when they lose like games 1 and 2 you want to go back to Bogut. I respect your opinion but I think you are reaching for something to be in your corner.
Crazy Diamond
April 24th, 2010
11:00 pm
This is the year that Woody prooves he has taken the Hawks as far as he can. I would like to thank Woody for doing all that he has done to get the team to the playoffs.
Now is the time for ownership to get a coach that can kick this group in the pants and go deep into the post-season.
Real Talk
April 24th, 2010
11:01 pm
I have some Game 5 tickets on sale for 99 cent if they lose on Monday I just might give them away for FREE
tee
April 24th, 2010
11:02 pm
WHEN THE COACH IS GOTTA GO, FOR REAL THOUGH. THIS IS GETTING OLD, BRING IN CHARLES BARKELEY OR STEVE SMITH. SOMEONE THAT WILL THIS TEAM EXCITING TO WATCH AND UTILIZE ALL THE PLAYERS, NOT JUST WEAR OUT YOU STARTERS. WOODSON PLAYS THE STARTERS SO MUCH COME PLAYOFF TIME THEY LOOK SLUGGISH AND WORE DOWN. USE YOU BENCH IN CRUNCH TIME TOO SO THESE YOUNG TROOPS CAN FEEL A PART OF WHATS GOING ON, YOUR JOB IS TO BRINGTHE TEAM TOGETHER AND STAY TOGETHER. IF I WAS ON THE BENCH I WILL NOT WANNA PLAY FOR YOU EITHER MAN, YOU CAN SEE THE HATE ON THESE GUYS FACES, YOU ONLY USE THEM WHEN WE GET BLOWN OUT, THATS NOT GOOD.GIVE THE RESERVES MORE PLAYING TIME DURING THE SEASON AND WATCH HOW MUCH HAREDER THEY LOVE PLAYING FOR YOU AND BUST THEIR BEHINDS FOR YOU, YOU HAVE TOO MUCH ANIMOSITY TOWARDS ROOKIES LIKE YOU FEEL THEY SHOULDN’T BE THERE, WELL YOU SHOULDN’T EITHER MAN BECAUSE I SEEN YOU TOO MUCH. YOU DON’T EVEN GET EJECTED COACH, HOW YOU GONNA FIRE YOUR TROOPS AND YOU NEVER EVER GET EJECTED…OH I KNOW WHY, YOU DON’T WANT THE ASSISTANT COACH TO SHOW HE CAN DO A BETTER JOB WITHOUT YOU, MAYBE YOU CAN TRY THE BOBBY COX SYMPTOMS SOMETIMES AND GET THROWN OUT BECAUSE YOU ARE TOO BORING TO WATCH AND THEREFORE I KNOW YOU MUST BE A VERY BORING COACH, WE NEED YOU GONE THIS NEXT SERIES, NOT NEXT YEAR, NEXT SERIES, YOUR GONNA RUIN THE YOUNGER PLAYERS, LIKE PREVIOUS ONE, AND BY THE WAY TAKE MARVIN WILLY YAMS WITH YOU. HATER… GO TEAGUE, GO JOE SMITH, GO ALL RESERVES AND YOUR TIME WILL COME, MAYBE WHEN WOODY IS GONE BUT IT WILL COME…. GO HAWKS….
P
April 24th, 2010
11:04 pm
Too many games in between games !!!
Storm
April 24th, 2010
11:05 pm
Just like to thank josh smith for antagonizing and galvanizing the Milwaukee Players, Fans and City in general with his total lack of respect, trying to kick sand in their faces for no reason except he felt like it. Best thing is he still doesn’t get it even after the loss.
Tdawg
April 24th, 2010
11:07 pm
You really do have to hand it to the Hawks. When they suck, they really suck. With a miracle they might pull out this series. They’re not man enough to win the next series though.
truthspitter
April 24th, 2010
11:07 pm
guys quit posting long post and not saying anything
Keith B
April 24th, 2010
11:07 pm
truthspitter: I never mentioned Bogut’s name until you did. And to be frank I am having a hard time following what you are trying to say. My point was that Mark Bradley obviously doesn’t have any respect for this Bucks team, with or without Bogut it sounds like. If the Hawks are capable of playing as bad as they did tonight, they are vulnerable in this series. Would I be surprised if the Bucks won this series? No. Would I be surprised if they lost the next 2 games? No. We are led by a kid who is 20 years old. But one thing that kid has after tonight’s game, playoff confidence. Thanks to your Atlanta Hawks.
ant banks
April 24th, 2010
11:10 pm
MARK,
can you pleasee tell me why in the hell the hawks run that SWITCHIN’ defense? horford checkin’ jennings won’t turn out good in our favor. the switchin’ defense creates a mix-match for the other teams advantage, NOT US. so why do we use that
Quick
April 24th, 2010
11:15 pm
Maybe we didn’t have enough time to rest. That grueling post-season schedule can take it’s toll.
Adam
April 24th, 2010
11:22 pm
At least Josh Smith knows what it’s like to play in front of a sellout crowd.
truthspitter
April 24th, 2010
11:23 pm
Adam, you were not running around talking when your biatch ass bucks were getting there asses beat and you will be sucking deer dick when you get your asses beat Monday
Quick
April 24th, 2010
11:23 pm
I like what Tee said. We could do without the ‘all caps’ emphasis though. Woody got us to 50 wins, congrats, but man, when are we gonna lace up our boots and go to battle. For real. We can’t even play consistent enuff to sweep scrubs like the freakin Bucks!! We gotta take ‘em in 5 if we’re gonna be half way respected as a legit contender. Woody is a soft, rookie and bench hatin chump too. I’m still pissed we got rid of Solo. He’s gonna be a solid backup for someone who knows how to use bench players. He’s not the only one either. We just don’t have a championship caliber coach yall. Bottom line. Let’s just enjoy the regular season and settle for mediocrity. Go hawks, blah, blah, blah..
Adam
April 24th, 2010
11:27 pm
truthspitter, bucks down 0-2 and they still get more people to the games. Fear the Deer baby!! biggest blowout of the eastern conference so far!!
Adam
April 24th, 2010
11:33 pm
“your biatch ass bucks were getting there asses beat”
10 points on the road is getting there asses beat?
rusty
April 24th, 2010
11:36 pm
woody doesnt have a clue. ship his azz out of here. take jj with you
truthspitter
April 24th, 2010
11:44 pm
Adam: Go cut some puckwood or something
13
April 24th, 2010
11:49 pm
Ok fair weather Hawks fan let’s hear your comments about the great Lakers who are getting beat bad by the Thunder, and don’t forget the no one can touch the Cavs got beat also. And Jon Barry who calls the games as bad as he played, you can tell he is bitter about the Hawks for some reason. I wonder why? Did he get cut and can’t let it go, cry baby
Adam
April 24th, 2010
11:49 pm
“Adam: Go cut some puckwood or something”
Nah, it’s more entertaining reading all these comments.. man Hawks “fans” should be on suicide watch after reading these comments.
Fire Woody
April 24th, 2010
11:50 pm
Deer in headlights>Mike Woodson
truthspitter
April 24th, 2010
11:53 pm
Adam: atleast be a man and come back here for entertainment when you are once again bitching about Bogut’s semi-bust ass being hurt and what you would have done after you lose Monday
jcwfalcon
April 24th, 2010
11:54 pm
Adam- I always found it humbling when my team beats another team and that other teams fans are freaking out.
13
April 24th, 2010
11:55 pm
I don’t hear you, Lakers getting beat by 20, Cav lost, I can’t hear you
Eric C.
April 24th, 2010
11:57 pm
Fire Woody, ha…ain’t it the truth. It’s one thing to lose on the road…and the Hawks do plenty of that…but to get run out of the building should absolutely not happen with the talent the Hawks have.
kshizzle
April 24th, 2010
11:57 pm
This was by far the weakest effort I have ever seen. We had 5 days to get ready to what, stink up the joint?????? JB said we looked a step slow. There is no reason for us to be slower then Milwaukee (The Good Land). If we don’t win game 4 then I’d be willing to think there is a good chance this series goes 7 games.
Adam
April 24th, 2010
11:59 pm
truthspitter:
Bucks coming full force without the Big Man!! Yeah BABY! and also have fun losing FA’s next year.. Hawks are on decline Bucks are up!
Adam
April 25th, 2010
12:00 am
jwcfalcon,
I know you’re still leading the series and they are freakin out hahah!! Go Bucks..
Jerome
April 25th, 2010
12:02 am
That’s is why it is so insulting when anyone connected to Hawks from ownership on down complain about fans supporting the Hawks. I would understand if this was an expansion team. To hear players give the same old “This is unacceptable” is another slap.
Adam
April 25th, 2010
12:04 am
Jerome:
And that’s why Atlanta fans are considered fair weather in pro sports.
jcwfalcon
April 25th, 2010
12:04 am
I think you missed the point Adam…but thats OK.
As a Falcons fan, I think we have had the other teams coach get fired the week after we beat them at least 4 or 5 times. At first, its like “Yeah, we beat them SO bad, they fired their coach.” Then you realize it was more like “When the owner saw then get beat down by the lowly Falcons, he knew it was time for a change.”
If you win big, and no one bats an eyelash, you are good. If you win big, and people are freaking out and asking “WTF”…it kind of lacks vindication.
13
April 25th, 2010
12:07 am
Lakers down by 29
jcwfalcon
April 25th, 2010
12:08 am
Phil Jackson looks like he is ready to consume the refs with his eyes
AG
April 25th, 2010
12:11 am
This team played without pride. The coach is horrible. Once he saw lack of effort, sit those guys!!! I would rather lose with Teague, West, Randolph etc!!!! Their effort was HORRIBLE! Make them sit and watch!!! Okay, the Lakers are getting blown outt, but OKC is a really good team that won 50 games. Milwaukee is the WORST of all the playoff teams!
JASon
April 25th, 2010
12:14 am
Mark, the lakers got their a$$ kicked tonight, so by your logic they aren’t considered a “first-tier NBA team.”
Gimme a break. The winner is determined by a SEVEN GAME SERIES. If the media has a problem with that, they can petition to change it. I really don’t care what they think about the hawks.
13
April 25th, 2010
12:16 am
No Chicago is the worst and they beat the best ummm
Hawks Fan
April 25th, 2010
12:17 am
Hmm, Lakers getting handed to them, series will be 2-2. I wonder if the pundits will be as hard on them as they are on the Hawks…I think not. We sucked thoroughly in the game, but hey we still are up 2-1 and I’m thinking (hoping?) will get out act together. Hopefully the Hawks won’t prove me wrong.
Just Me
April 25th, 2010
12:18 am
I wish I could say this was unbelievable…but after watching Hawks playoff basketball the past two years with Coach Woody at the helm, this it is VERY much believable. I just wonder how much longer Hawks fans will have to suffer through this Jekyll and Hyde style of playoff basketball? When you consider how well the Hawks “CAN” and “HAVE” played in the past three regular seasons, there is absolutely NO REASON as to why they continue to suffer blow outs on the road in the playoffs…except there is a disconnect between the coach and players. Nothing personal against Woody, I imagine he is perhaps a very likable guy with certain basic coaching skills. However, this team’s performance in the playoffs the past two years, combined with the current tournament is a flat out indictment that Woody does not have what it takes to guide this team to play basketball at a championship level.Consider the numbers:
1 – Number of road playoff wins the past three seasons (includes this one)
10 – Number of road playoff games played the past three seasons (includes this one)
24 – Average margin of defeat in road playoff game losses past two seasons (not including this one)
If there was any doubt about the players tuning out Coach Woodson, it was crystal clear during one of the time outs in this game where Woody was “wired” and he was attempting to tell the guys to play harder, but they were walking and/or looking in the opposite direction! It was obvious they had tuned him out.
The good news is that old habits are hard to break and this team’s failure to play consistently at a level their talent suggests will no doubt continue. This will likely result in the Magic sending the Hawks home after a four game sweep in round 2. WHEN this happens, it would be HARD for Rick Sund to justify giving Woody a contract extension. He is out of excuses. No more being able to blame “youth” or “injuries” for his inability to deliver in the playoffs. His nine lives should be up before the end of next month. Although…you can never be quite sure what the Atlanta Spirit Group will do, just look at Don Waddell.
ATLFANSTUCKINTEXAS
April 25th, 2010
12:27 am
I guess everyone see why Joe Johnson didn’t sign that extension. He knows this team from the inside. He knows, Woodson, Josh Smith, Bibby, Marvin etc are not going to make it to the NBA Finals. He is outta the ATL this summer.
kshizzle
April 25th, 2010
12:37 am
Didn’t we sign Joe to a 7 year contract in the beginning???? About the only good picks we have had since then are Josh and Al. Joe has seen us waste picks on Marvin Williams, Josh Childress and AC Law. He knows this organization is going nowhere given the owners are still in court. He is gone after this year, with this unwanted owner drama. Thanks for the memories Joe. Funny how he was the only one who actually tried this game.
truthspitter
April 25th, 2010
12:47 am
I am starting to lean towards Joe leaving unfortunately also because he is human and I would, Al will be a restricted FA next summer and he should leave to, leave Josh to shoot bricks and cry to the refs
thebiz
April 25th, 2010
1:16 am
That was the most depressing game Ive seen from the hawks in five years. I was angry through the half, furious in the third and disgusted but accepting in the fourth. What a bunch of crap. No fast breaks. No interior play. I have enjoyed this team and lost a lot of money on it and to see them not give a crap was so disheartening. This looks exactly like the miami series. Let them make fools of you on the road. Get your ass swept by Orlando..not because they are better but because you dont have the heart (or perhaps the caoch to provide/incite the heart). Uhg. Embarassment was the word of the day.
blonju
April 25th, 2010
1:56 am
“fear the beer” is more like it … looked like our hawks were hungover from drinking milwaukee’s best all night at the hotel with the cubbies … with nothing to do in milwaukee but drink terrible beer, i don’t blame them on this one … win on monday and this game will become a distant memory … hawks need to get rest and get back focused ASAP! it’s a 4-1 series if we just put our hands up on D…
truthspitter
April 25th, 2010
2:37 am
I might be in the minority when I type that the coach is not the problem to the point that you guys make him out to be. I get the point that we had no business losing like this anywhere in the world to the Bucks but we will bounce back. On the other hand, we dont have the personnel to beat Orlando or Cleveland and that is on the front office not Mike Woodson as you guys will claim. Just look at the Cavs and Magic from 1-12 then look at us and its no contest.
PowerDawg
April 25th, 2010
3:24 am
Same story every time.
The Hawks can’t win on the road. They will go back to ATL down 3-2 and be lucky to eke out a series win at home. If they lose or split at home against whoever their next opponent is, they’re through.
An absolutely pathetic excuse for a professional sports team.
Bill
April 25th, 2010
4:07 am
I like the hawks but when you let gadzuric and thomas own the boards you deserve to lose…
joe johnson was the only guy who came to play..
And you let gadzuric hit a jump shot as well……. if the bucks win the next game it could go either way..
What?????
April 25th, 2010
6:41 am
“Marvin’s 1 for 7 shooting line looked bad but he had eight rebounds and probably was the best guy on closeouts.” -MC
Das sum old bullsyt. Did you see Kevin Durant Last night? Marvin=Worst #2 pick in history. Dude has no heart or will to be great. We should trade him Mo (overrated utility player, ugliest jumpshot in bench history), and Bibby (old, just wanated that last contract, but knew he couldn’t deliver on it) to Memphis for Hasheem Thabeet and Rudy if the Grizz are that dumb.
hawks sleep
April 25th, 2010
7:41 am
Well lost go’s to there coach what ever..He why we lose he has no game plan n what about facts Buck sold out standin room only Must be very great fans there.We however Me would go but i not.But not means others can fill phillps arena up.See if we lose again tied n guess what hawks lose series 4-2. Say bye to woodson as the coach of the Hawks
hawks sleep
April 25th, 2010
7:45 am
also beside we blame coach fire the problem is GM n owners do not get a high quailty player say a Labron James n couple good guards n forwards we have n a center we be winnin 60’s games a year.Maybe hawks will go after Labron James next year.Oh wait we forget the owners same that screwd up the atlanta thrashers for years.In other words slim we get no one.So we do the worst Fire GM n coach
atmdog
April 25th, 2010
7:48 am
WOODY MIX IT UP ON DEF. PLAY SOME ZONE …..OUR GUARDS ARE NOT QUICK ENOUGH TO KEEP UP WITH THEM.. GOOD COACHES MAKE ADJUSTMENTS DURING THE PLAYOFFS, THE HAWKS KEEP PLAYING THE SAME EVERYTIME DOWN THE FLOOR.
DP
April 25th, 2010
7:59 am
I watched very little of the game last night because it was obvious that the Hawks had mailed it in. But I did see Josh Smith give such a lack of effort on one play that he should have been benched. It was in the second quarter. It looked like the Hawks had turned the ball over but they got it back and Johnson (I believe) passed it to Smith who was driving in for a layup. He missed the layup, then stood out of bounds under the basket watching one Hawk and two Bucks battling for the ball. He was literally two steps from the play and just stood there watching it. The Bucks ended up with the ball and Smith jogged down the court a couple of steps behind the play. Then the Bucks turned it over and Marvin Williams ended up getting fouled by Jennings on a breakaway.
I have rarely seen such a lack of effort in a playoff game and couldn’t believe Woodson didn’t plant Smith on the bench.
nahila
April 25th, 2010
8:03 am
The Hawks were not only outplayed but outcoached in the 3 rd game. The coach does not play but Woodson should have recognized what game plan the Bucks were successfully deploying and should have devised a strategy to stop their run sooner. Obviously, the Bucks had several days to plan to play to their strengths-their guards obviously have more speed and can shoot high percentage three’s against the taller Hawk players. Shooting from the perimeter worked this time, now the question is what does Woodson have planned to stop their guards?
Mz. You Got Punked Hawkdafied
April 25th, 2010
8:17 am
Adam after the performance our Hawks put on last night, I have no problem with you coming on here blasting off. I’m pissed, disappointed, embarrassed, ashamed, irritated, mad, upset…………….
The Hawks didn’t bring their A game and they looked like a bunch of scrubs. Where was the defense? What are they gonna do now? Blame it on the red ATL jersey. Energy, huh? You just had 3 days off. You gotta be kidding right. Last night was a joke. We got punked.
The Hawks just missed a big opportunity last night.
“It’s not that good teams never lose a game in the postseason. They do. Cleveland fell way behind at Chicago but wound up nearly winning. The Lakers lost in Oklahoma City. The difference is, both those Game 3 losers gave themselves a chance. The Hawks fell behind and stayed there. They never put any game pressure, to use a Krzyzewski phrase, on the home team. They made it too easy.”
Exactly Mark Bradley and that’s what brings the most pain.
Northern Songs LTD
April 25th, 2010
8:35 am
sorry if this was covered earlier somewhere, but can anyone explain why there are 17(!!!) days between game 1 and a potential game 7? and if the hawks continue to stink it up in the road, that potential will be fulfilled…
Mz. You Got Punked Hawkdafied
April 25th, 2010
8:35 am
I see my beloved ATL Hawks still don’t know what time it is. Well at least when they go on the road. I won’t knock the 53 wins that the team earned in the regular season. That was an accomplishment. But now the team is in another season. That was then. The playoffs is now. 2-1. It’s time for the team to add to the W’s on the road in the post season. And these blowout losses has to stop. Not a fair weather fan just saying.
j
April 25th, 2010
8:47 am
well, the rest last night and the fact the Lakers got whooped worse than the Hawks kind of made my anger go away …
j
April 25th, 2010
8:52 am
agreed, get this loss out of the way and move on … Lakers got their butts kicked worse than the Hawks did last night and we are also still up by a game, so really can’t be too angry.
adam, your bucks won a game … whoop-ti-do … that was to be expected but i’ll bet you the hawks take the next two games to finish up the series. if bogut and redd had both been healthy, i can almost bet you the games would have been closer but this loss last night would not have been this badly. they would have had a different game plan in place to deal with those two. looks as if the coach didn’t even have the team ready after the first two beatings.
Chuck
April 25th, 2010
9:06 am
Yep, once Joe leaves, we will be starting over
He is the ONLY one that seemed to have tried last night.
Joey
April 25th, 2010
9:10 am
The Hawks will win this series, because they are one of the best teams in the NBA when they are at home, evidenced by wins over virtually every playoff team in Atlanta (except maybe the Thunder?)
Their problem is playing on the road, and for that reason, they have NO chance beating the Magic. What’s so bad is this is probably just a mental thing.
Woodie just has to turn this road-game situation into an “us against the world” thing. Give them a reason to play explosively on someone else’s court with the intensity they have at home. Come on Woodie, take a page out of Pat Riley’s book and get your team to play with some fight!
caroline
April 25th, 2010
9:12 am
Interesting how Josh Smith seems to think Milwaukee is “Nowheresville” despite the fact that Milwaukee proper has a larger population than Atlanta proper. Last I checked he doesn’t work for the Travel channel, so maybe he should just stick to basketball…but it seems as though he and his teammates can’t even do that.
DoBoy
April 25th, 2010
9:23 am
The Hawks STILL have zero road toughness, despite the improvements in wins each year. That’s why nobody being objective seriously believes that the Hawks are a title contender. Bring in Jack Llewelyn (Smoltz’s sports psychologist) and figure out why the Jekyll-and-Hyde act is happening when the game isn’t at Philips Arena.
Solve the road woes. THEN we can debate if the Hawks can win it all…
Hawks73
April 25th, 2010
9:25 am
You are absolutely correct Mark! I am going to go a step further and say that last night’s performance was a complete joke. The Hawks DID NOT SHOW UP OR COMPETE! The elite teams in the NBA always compete and give themselves a chance at the end…alas, the Hawks ARE NOT ELITE. They are too satisfied with incremental increases from previous seasons but are not truly committed to winning a championship. They are probably patting themselves on the back thinking “we only have to win one of two and go back home” which is a losers mentality.
You stated it perfectly Mark, the Lakers, Cavs, got behind, but each of those ELITE teams fought their a!!! off and at least played with intensity. Our Hawks tucked their collectively tails between their legs and were comfortably in defeat…UNACCEPTABLE!
Mark Bradley
April 25th, 2010
9:48 am
Hello again. I’m sitting in a dorm on the Marquette campus. The Hawks are due to practice in an hour. Anything you’d like to know?
Perhaps you’d like to know: Why is a big-time journalist sitting in a college dorm? Because I went to the 7:30 Mass at the Church of the Gesu, which is 100 yards from here. And I don’t feel like waiting on the street for the Hawks to arrive. It’s 40 degrees and foggy. Nice of the NBA to schedule a playoff series in England.
dawgma
April 25th, 2010
9:50 am
Stuffed Bucks will be hanging above the Hawks fireplace in 5 games. They are a joke who happened to make their shots last night but won’t again.
That doesn’t mean I a sold on Hawks getting past Orlando – you boyz better get your D-on.
What?????
April 25th, 2010
10:10 am
Yes Mark,
Why is woodys D Designed to force them to shoot jumpshots when they have NO inside presence?
Why are we doubling the post when all they have is kurt thomas and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute down there? All the Bucks want to do is shhot uncotested jumpers! Why are we aiding them in doing that?
Bibby can’t play a lick of D so why isn’t Jeff Teague in there?
When will Marvin be demoted to the bench?
What?????
April 25th, 2010
10:11 am
Bibby can’t dribble a basketball or penetrate so why isn’t Teague in the game?
Mark Bradley
April 25th, 2010
10:15 am
I don’t think that’s Woodson’s offense that is calling for the jump shots. I think that’s Woodson’s players taking way too many jump shots.
And you’ve got me on Teague and Marvin. I don’t understand why one’s on the floor and the other is not.
PJ
April 25th, 2010
10:16 am
Fans aren’t fair-weather. It more like the players of pro sports in ATL are just fair. Bottomline is you have to win championships to get the type of fans support of LA Lakers or New York Yankees..
ajw
April 25th, 2010
10:20 am
The Bucks were just totally on fire. They hit every perimeter jumper. This prevented any long rebounds and fast breaks. No one went for any steals. Defense wasn’t aggressive at all. Btw, the Lakers/Thunder game looked the same. Wasn’t even close. Zaza needs more playing time too. As a former Buck, he is really motivated to play hard and was very effective last night. Woodson hardly gave him any playing time. I fully expect the Bucks to have a harder time Monday.
jgsbrids
April 25th, 2010
10:25 am
Mark,
Why do we have to double down on anyone on this team? I think the Hawks should be able to play straight up defense against the Bucks, therefore not giving up uncontested jumpers. One thing the Bucks did last night was shoot it well–we’re lucky they didn’t do that in Atlanta or we would be in real trouble.
Also, I want to know why it is when Milwaukee shoots the ball they have offensive players crashing the boards and when we shot the ball last night–everyone just assumed it was going in and didn’t even attempt to crash. There were atleast 5 or 6 times that we shot a jumpshot with absolutely know near the basket and no one charging the boards when the shot was attempted.
I hope they get these things straightened out by tomorrow–team basketball always wins out over “talent” basketball. Keith B. and Adam–I like your team–when they got down by 20 on the road they battled back and could’ve won either Game 1 or Game 2. When the Hawks got down by 15-17 in Game 3 I knew they wouldn’t get back into the game and told a buddy that this one would end up being a 30 point game. The Bucks have some heart and pride–we better match it or we’ll be the ones watching Milwaukee get blown out by Orlando instead of having the chance to play them.
ELIZABETH
April 25th, 2010
10:54 am
This is easy. The games are rigged to play more, sell more tickets (to those dumb enough to buy them), have more TV programming, and sell more commercials. The fix is in folks. Not hard to see that.
dr.maryb
April 25th, 2010
10:59 am
Mark Bradley
The Lakers did NOT give themselves a CHANCE to win game 3. Lakers lost by 21 points & the Hawks lost by 18 points.
So, what is your point you posted up there? Aren’t you the GT Beat Writer?
Big Dog
April 25th, 2010
11:04 am
Bradley: “Why is a big-time journalist sitting in a college dorm?”
Wow, aren’t you special. I feel honored knowing we have a ‘big-time’ journalist grace us with his presence in Milwaukee. I hope you have been able to pamper yourself these past couple days with personal amenities since apparently there’s ‘nothing to do in Milwaukee.’ It’s a shame you’ll have to come back up here to ‘England’ again for Game 6…..
dr.maryb
April 25th, 2010
11:13 am
Mz. Punk
Please explain HOW the Lakers trailing by 31 points & losing by 21 points gave themselves a – Chance
To Win?
Al
April 25th, 2010
11:14 am
What- replace Marvin with who, Mo Evans? Have you seen how pathetic his play has been?
Mark Bradley
April 25th, 2010
11:48 am
The Lakers did not lose Game 3 by 21 points.
DawgNole
April 25th, 2010
12:01 pm
PJ: “Fans aren’t fair-weather. It more like the players of pro sports in ATL are just fair. Bottomline is you have to win championships to get the type of fans support of LA Lakers or New York Yankees.”
______________________________
Actually, many of the fans here are fair-weather, which means the first part of your statement isn’t completely accurate. But you hit it right on the head with the rest of your post: “. . . the players of pro sports in ATL are just fair. Bottomline is you have to win championships to get the type of fans support of LA Lakers or New York Yankees.”
Truer words were never spoken (or written). This city’s major pro sports teams have but ONE championship (’95 Braves) to show for nearly half a century of competition. That’s a record of futility matched by few, if any. It’s also a disgrace–and goes to the heart of why the city is widely recognized in pro sports circles (by fans/media/players) as “Losersville.” The Hawks are who we’re writing about today–a team that has NEVER made it past the second round of the playoffs since arriving in this city 40-plus years ago. Can anyone honestly say that it will be any different this year? Don’t think so. No ATL pro sports fan should EVER have to take grief for being fair-weather. Win championships–just like PJ said–and the fans will be there for you. WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS!
Mz. You Got Punked Hawkdafied
April 25th, 2010
12:05 pm
dr.maryb, at the time I didn’t even know of the Lakers defeat. I don’t give a f about the Lakers. However I do care about the Hawks’ struggles and triumphants. Guess that would explain it, huh?
Broken Record
April 25th, 2010
12:14 pm
“We didn’t play with any energy”
“For some reason we came out complacent”
“We just weren’t ready to play”
“We’ll have to look at the film”
Scott
April 25th, 2010
1:19 pm
Woodson should have benched the entire starting 5 in the first half. I have been watching Hawks teams since their arrival in Atlanta with Lou Hudson, Walt Hazzard…… This Hawks team is so frustrating to watch. Their lack of passion, consistency, and offense will not allow them to ever win anything beyond the first round. Josh Smith’s athleticism is outstanding but he disappears mentally and emotionally way too much. Either the mix of players or the coach or both have to change to get to the next level.
Harpie
April 25th, 2010
2:43 pm
Dear Mike Woodson – Please do Atlanta sports fans a favor: if the Hawks brass is too stupid to fire you, do the decent thing and QUIT! You don’t know what in the heck you’re doing!
Jordan G.
April 25th, 2010
3:17 pm
What do you mean “[t]he Hawks allow the undermanned Bucks to make it a series”? Milwaukee CONTROLLED the game, start to finish. They dominated and forced the Hawks into an utter state of confusion. The Bucks’ defense was superb, and the offense was clicking as well as can be expected in a playoff game.
Milwaukee won’t roll over for anyone, and it seems as though Atlanta expected an easy win coming into the game. It’s for that reason Atlanta cannot win a title; they (and by ‘they,’ I’m singling out Josh Howard in particular) are not mature enough to take that leap. Milwaukee will make it a series. Don’t be surprised if this thing goes seven games.
corrina252
April 26th, 2010
1:30 am
I have lived in Milwaukee my entire life and want to personally thank Josh Smith for firing up the team and entire city with his comments. By the way, having traveled to many cities in the country I have found that some of the most lethargic sports fans you can encounter live in altanta.
corrina252
April 26th, 2010
1:36 am
Ahhhh, poor Mark Bradley! Your mommy didn´t pack your galoshes and umbrella. Get over yourself, you big-time jagoff.
corrina252
April 26th, 2010
1:41 am
Secondly, who refers to themselves as a “big-time” journalist? Only a inferior unknown like yourself.
corrina252
April 26th, 2010
2:42 am
Even if the hawks get past the bucks, they don´t stand a chance in the 2nd round. However, if they do and end up playing Cleveland, which is another city like milwaukee that gets bashed by ignorant thugs, i hope josh smith opens his big mouth about how cleveland sucks.