The Hawks unleash one of the epic collapses in Atlanta annals
Here's one picture. It's worth several hundred million words. (AJC photo by Jason Getz)
This was the Falcons blowing the lead against Danny White and Dallas in January 1981. This was Mark Wohlers hanging the slider to Jim Leyritz in October 1996. Only it wasn’t. It was worse.
Those opponents were top-class. The Hawks just blew a 13-point lead and probably a playoff series to Milwaukee, which is a No. 6 seed missing its All-Star center. They trail 3-2 in a series they led 2-0. They face elimination on the road, a place they’ve won once in 11 tries over the past three postseasons.
Yeah, theoretically they could still pull this out, but how can you win in the Bradley Center when you can’t hold a nine-point lead inside the final four minutes with the series lead on the line? How can you put this colossal choke — I hate that word, but it applies here — behind you?
Up nine, and here’s what happened: Josh Smith missed a dunk by hitting the ball on the underside of the backboard; Jamal Crawford short-armed a layup, the first of his five misses down the stretch; the Hawks watched as Ersan Ilyasova grabbed every loose ball and Joe Johnson fouled out on a charge. Nine points up with 3:55 left, the Hawks saw the lead disappear in 116 seconds.
I say again: One hundred sixteen seconds.
There are no excuses for this game, this series. The team with the better players is the one with one foot out the exit door. The Bucks have two chances to win once. The Hawks are down to their final shot.
“We had control of the game,” Mike Woodson said. “We let it get away.”
Then this: “It’s still a seven-game series. We’re going to see what we’re made of.”
We may already have seen it. We may have seen a team of splendid resources hit its ceiling. The Hawks win because they’re talented, but talent hasn’t been enough against a smarter and more dogged opponent. If anything, talent has undone itself. The Hawks have played into the Bucks’ hands for three games now, and there seems no end in sight. The Bucks are now believers; the Hawks really aren’t sure what they are anymore.
“All winning basketball plays,” Woodson said of the two offensive rebounds claimed by Ilyasova that spawned five immense points, the final three coming on a corner trey by Carlos Delfino that put the Bucks ahead by four. But why can’t Woodson’s men make those plays? Why does everything always come down to Joe Johnson, and why, with Iso-Joe rendered inoperative this crucial night, did nobody have a clue? (Unless hoisting a jump shot is having a clue.) This isn’t supposed to be a one-man team, but right now it’s not playing like a team at all.
Said Milwaukee’s splendid Brandon Jennings: “When Joe Johnson went out of the game, I thought we had a chance.”
Nine points up, four minutes left. Four minutes from a 3-2 series lead. Four minutes that will live in infamy on the long list of Atlanta sports collapses. Four minutes that could lead to the dismantling of this roster and perhaps the dismissal of this coach. Four unbelievable minutes.
Really, though, how unbelievable were they? The Hawks blew a fat lead here against Dallas, nearly blew one against Orlando last month. They’re known as the team that can fall to pieces if you keep applying pressure, and on this wretched night they lived down to that sorry reputation. They wasted a lead that should have been safe and are positioned to lose a series that should already have been won.
Technically the Hawks haven’t yet been eliminated. But it sure feels that way.
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414 comments Add your comment
RB
April 29th, 2010
8:13 am
Can you imagine how much Brandon Jennings could help the Hawks? He wouldn’t!!!! The reason, Mike Woodson would rarely play him!! It’s the Woodson philosphy ( that makes no sense at all). He does not use young talent properly. He also does not use the bigs sitting on the bench either. The Hawks have hit a ceiling with Woody and that’s a sad thing.
TIM
April 29th, 2010
8:17 am
@FAITH27 MIKE WOODSON AND HIS THUGS NEED TO GO. WE NEED TO ESTABLISH ATLANTA AS A TEAM OF PROMISE. I’M TIRED OF LOOKING AT THOSE BLACK SCUM BAGS. THEY MAKE ME SO SICK WITH POTATOE HEAD COACH.
Wanted 2 Coaches!!
April 29th, 2010
8:18 am
Woodson=Bobby COX!!! Fire them both PLEASE!!!!WAKE UP ATL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glenn
April 29th, 2010
8:18 am
Hey gots an idea’r…put those loser braves in to play next game!
AG
April 29th, 2010
8:19 am
Why are some of you still questioning the talent we have? Can anyone actually say Milwaukee is more talented at any position? (okay point guard?) It is coaching and heart! Delpinoand, Luke, etc are playing with a lot of emotion and heart!!! IT IS THE COACH!!! During the last time out, everyone was trying to see if Hortford shot was a three. 1. Determine who to foul (NOT THE 83% foul shooter) 2. Defensive play to get a steal (actually should be first) 3. MAKE SURE THE TEAM KNOW WE HAVE NO TIME OUTS(he was but NOBODY was listening 4. Design a quick and good three shot on offense. Also, he takes to many DUMB timeouts were no plays are run.
Oh Boy
April 29th, 2010
8:22 am
Dont you just get the sense that all Atlanta sports teams are cursed. So frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JeJe
April 29th, 2010
8:23 am
MIKE BIBBY IS A FAT PIECE OF LARD. SHIP HIS ASS OUTTA HERE
FIRE WOODY
BYC
April 29th, 2010
8:23 am
More useless 20/20 hindsight from Woody.
“The Hawks led by nine with four minutes to play, and then they fell apart. “I thought we shot jumps shots and I thought we didn’t execute,” Woody said”
IF YOU FREAKIN THOUGHT THAT DURING THE GAME, THEN WHY THE HELL DIDNT YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT?!?!?!?!?!?!?
This fool obviously does not have the respect of his players, and cannot make an adjustment to save his life. FIRE WOODY
AG
April 29th, 2010
8:23 am
I tell you, some of these people need to move to Whitesville and live a happy life. I don’t care if Marvin was orange – he sucks at basketball!!! Woody is a terrible coach even if he were gray! But outside of basketball I have a lot of respect for each of these men. Marvin appears to be a good young man and so does Woody. He even was the first off of the bus in Milwaukee to help the lady who hit the team bus – making sure everyone was already(according to the news report). Please, if you don’t like African Americans we don’t care and move somewhere we are not and be happy enjoying water polo!
Keep Woody!!
April 29th, 2010
8:24 am
Woody’s the only coach in the city that can get his team in the playoffs—give him a huge raise and bonus, or he’ll leave for a big money job somewhere else!!!
Shug
April 29th, 2010
8:25 am
Sorry, but losing this game or losing this series does not compare to the Danny White to Drew Pearson playoff game or the blown 1996 World Series. Maybe it compares to the Braves losing one of their opening playoff series in 2003 or so.
uberVU - social comments
April 29th, 2010
8:25 am
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by HawksFanZone: The Hawks unlease one of the epic collapses in Atlanta annals: Why does everything always come down to Joe Johnson… http://bit.ly/aFAg7I…
AG
April 29th, 2010
8:26 am
Typo – everyone was alright. Also, let support the Hawks this last one or two games. I bet if they pull it out you people will be right back on the bandwagon!!! This team is to good to lose to Milwaukee in a seven game series. LET’S GO HAWKS!!!!
Joey
April 29th, 2010
8:38 am
Why do other coaches, when sensing a momentum change, call an immediate timeout? It nearly always settles the team down, then they come back out and run a scripted play for an easy basket.
Woody has no such sense of timing, and no plays in his head that result in easy buckets. . .
Life is Frustrating
April 29th, 2010
8:45 am
That was sooo heartbreaking! However, now as a fan, I have a decision to make. Though the reality of the squad is apparent, my faith, hope and love will not tarnish for my team! I am married to a New Yorker and one of the arguments we have concerning sports teams/towns is our ability as southerners to be disloyal based on conditions. In my eyes, to give up on my team is, for lack of a better term, evil. Mad, frustrated, heartbroken…yes, of course! Giving up on my team is not an option. Do we not think the coaches and players are not feeling the sting?? We will win the series and I still believe we have a chance against Orlando and a shot at the Conference finals. You do not give up, cave in or quit. Resilence!!
Neil
April 29th, 2010
8:48 am
This isn’t the Wohlers loss. That was the Series. That said, great column Mark.
Awesome Bucks Fan
April 29th, 2010
8:49 am
Go Bucks.
Joey
April 29th, 2010
8:54 am
Woody doesn’t rest his starters enough in the regular season, and especially the playoffs. The collapses at the end of games is more the starters running out of gas than “choking.”
JeJe
April 29th, 2010
9:00 am
WE ARE NOT GETTING AVERY. HE IS HIRED THROUGH NEXT YEAR
FIRE WOODY
Flatsdawg1
April 29th, 2010
9:02 am
Yea, when joe johnson left the game I actually stopped watching. I knew the bucks would outsmart and outplay our most talented team in the history of the franchise. Is Scott Skiles that good of a coach? Yes, and they figured out how to stop our game and introduce theirs after the second game. Unbelievable, no. Superior coaching. Yes. If a team is talented,not smart, can a coach make them smarter to counter a smarter opponent. Yes, but not Coach Woodson. Coaches win championships because they take their talent and make them better. Coach Woodson hasn’t done that. So The Hawks will go to Milwaukee and may win there and Atlanta but can they beat Orlando.As much as Id like to think they will, who really thinks they win in Milwaukee?
Bucks 4 Life
April 29th, 2010
9:05 am
You can consider your team “more talented” all you want… Unfortunately for you they don’t advance teams to the second round based on talent. It’s about results, and the better team (notice i din’t say most talented) will win this series. Fear the dear.
Bucks 4 Life
April 29th, 2010
9:06 am
*deer
HAWKS=EPIC FAIL
April 29th, 2010
9:17 am
The Hawks have to be the MOST MENTALLY WEAK TEAM I have seen in professional sports in a looooooong time. I have never been on the fire Coach Woodson bandwagon, but after watching him in the huddle last night and this season with the players, he has completely lost this team. When he draws up plays, NO ONE listens. Usually after he finishes diagramming a play, Bibby, Crawford, or Johnson usually show him the play that they want to run. Woodson has to go for no other reason than he has hit the ceiling with these players. They need a new leader they respect and who can maximize their talents to the fullest extent–this team has never reached its full potential.
highest knucklehead-to-talent ratio in the NBA
April 29th, 2010
9:18 am
Gotta love this article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
All over the league, critics are going to say that the Hawks, who may have the highest knucklehead-to-talent ratio in the NBA, have blown it. But that wouldn’t be giving full credit where credit is applicable.
It was Ersan Ilysova making hustle plays while the bewildered, outsmarted, out-coached Hawks stood around and watched, much as the Bucks had in the first two games at Philips Arena. It was Kurt Thomas, in foul trouble for most of the game, taking a charge in the closing moments, the defining moment of a season that got Joe Johnson, one of the Hawks’ most dangerous scorers, off the floor.
Link http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/92382674.html
Ruttin' Buck
April 29th, 2010
9:23 am
Dear Mr. Bradley, this Hawks loss can be summed up your first sentence in the second paragraph. “Those opponents were top-class.” That’s the bottom line. No one including the Hawks players gave (or gives) the Buck any respect. You were all looking at how the Hawks would match up against the Magic. What is also amazing is how 99% of these Hawk “Fans” have already given up. It’s laughable. The Bucks were one of the best teams in the NBA the second half of the season, and even though Bogut was taken out for the season, the Bucks continued to play very good basketball. As a life long Bucks fan watching Lew Alcindor and the Big O, Moncrief and Cummings, to Ray and Big Dog, and now Bogut and Jennings, this is not even close to one of the biggest wins in Bucks history. Just another win to a quality opponent. But I sure did enjoy it. I loved all the zoombie-like blank looks on the fans, the players and the coaches as the last minute of the game ticked away, and the unthinkable in Atlanta was becoming a reality.
Bottom line, Bucks are a good team… a very good team, and for the Hawks not to respect them as such is the reason for their failure the last three games. And you add fuel to this Bucks fire with such disrespectful comments. I’m sure the Bucks are aware of such comments this morning, but I’ll be passing this link to some of my connections within the organization. I’m sure that will make good bulletin board material. Seriously…. the Hawks should “Fear the Deer.” Fear them, but don’t disrespect them.
As Eddie Doucette used to say…. “BANGO!” (look it up Paperboy)
Ruttin’ Buck — out
Rob
April 29th, 2010
9:26 am
Bring back Dominique!!!
Flatsdawg1
April 29th, 2010
9:27 am
NO , he din’t ! I agree,deer, results will dictate who plays orlando,and the better team will advance in this series, so we’ll see friday if its your bucks or maybe they have to come back to Atl. My point was The Hawks shouldn’t be in this position and I think you would agree they should have beat you guys 4 times by now, but coaching has kept you in it and now maybe you win it..
Howard
April 29th, 2010
9:32 am
I have been a Hawks fan for years. When they rebuilt this team I saw the great potential that some of these players have. Nevertheless I have never been a Woodson fan or a Joe Johnson fan. Johnson is not a superstar yet he is paid like one. We can do better with the money. As for Woodson, two points. First, I had the isolation offense. Unless you have Michael Jordan, Lebron, or Coby, you should not be using it. Get a coach who has offensive movement. Second, look at the adjustments that Stiles made both offensively and defensively after the first game. Then, look at the Hawks after those adjustments. Still playing the switch even though no one on the switch could stop Jennings. This was just plain bad coaching and I think the players have given up because they are frustrated having to play Woodson’s way rather than adjust to what they are capable of doing against a given opponent.
They make me sick
April 29th, 2010
9:32 am
They make me sick!!!!!! I have never seen a team that can get so close and loose it. What is the problem, are you being paid to lose? I have been in Atlanta all my life and have never seen any other team shut down like the HAWKS!!!! I told people a long time ago, please move to Birmingham, Alabama. It makes no sense staying here humiliating our city.
ladyhawksfan
April 29th, 2010
9:32 am
The Hawks lost this game because of Jamal Crawford,,plain and simple.He was 4-18 from the field.Bad shot after bad shot,he hasnt figured out when to shoot and when to pass.Although his defense was better tonight,his shot selection killed us on the offensive end.Why didnt Bibby play more in the 4th?Maybe Crawford shouldnt be used as the lead guard.Joe also let us down tonight.His shot selection was questionable and he over dribbled on several possessions.Why does Woody keep spoon feeding Joe the ball when AL has a natural small foward defending him.I dont get it.And those two missed layups by Josh and Crawford was the difference in the game,not to mention the dominance at the free throw line.Were the refs only working one end of the floor.Not to be making any excuses but all was getting hammered whenever he was on the block.All things in consideration the Hawks back court played terrible tonight and they still should have won.Maybe J.J bounces back with a 40 pointer Friday to salvage the series,because he should feel terrible the way he let his team mates down.Ultimately,i still believe there will be a game 7 on Sunday.Lets hope so.
caliban
April 29th, 2010
9:34 am
Josh Smith needed to remember that one little thing there was for him “to do in Milwaukee” um, y’know, Play Basketball.
Kerry
April 29th, 2010
9:35 am
Atlanta had that game and blew it, I’m trying to figure out how are they going to win Friday When they can’t keep a nine point lead at home, It might be for the best, Because orlando was going to whip hawks but, SORRY HAWKS!
Rocky
April 29th, 2010
9:35 am
Thank you to that thug Josh Smith for opening his big fat mouth. He had to spout of about Milwaukee and jack their crowd up. Smith’s mouth is bigger than his game.
Brad
April 29th, 2010
9:36 am
Woodson is the worst coach in the NBA and possible sports!
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
April 29th, 2010
9:40 am
The Hawks seriously need to consider acquiring a European player that can consistently hit 3-point shots from outside. Until then, they will continue to struggle when they play teams that can consistently hit from outside.
Fear the deer « Sucking Funglasses
April 29th, 2010
9:41 am
[...] more to go…and Mark Bradley puts the choke into context. It may be part of my DNA to despise all things Wisconsin, but the Bucks are an exception. Prolly [...]
Milwaukee Fan
April 29th, 2010
9:46 am
Here’s an idea – give the Bucks some damn credit. They are a solid team, playing with intensity and heart. Even without Bogut, they are proving that they belong in the play-offs. I am hoping for a win tomorrow in Milwaukee and then, people will give the Bucks the credit they deserve.
ELVISINTHEHOUSE.
April 29th, 2010
9:49 am
Keep west and teague on jennings and we win round 1.Looking at the hawks coaching IQ that don’t happen so get rid of woodson,let johnson walk,trade marvin and bring back childress,bye bye to bibby,use the marvin trade along with evans and a fat contract to try and lure in wade or bosh.Long shot to get wade but try anyway.Look for a proven point and get a center.People i don’t know how this would happen(speaking of bringing in players) but i hope it do.
Bucky
April 29th, 2010
9:51 am
Hey sm02180n, what exactly are Bucks fans saying on here that is so terrible that is showing a lack of class? Seems to me most of the Hawks fans are giving the Bucks NO RESPECT. Yes, if the Bucks do come out of this series they’ll likely be thumped by the Magic. But, in the NBA playoffs the smart, tough, defensive minded teams are more successful than the show boating, fast athletic teams. Look what’s happening in this series, the Nuggets-Jazz, Mavs-Spurs, and Lakers-Pistons Finals years ago. Give the Bucks and their fans some respect and I really doubt the Bucks are one of the two worst teams in the playoffs right now as one commenter alluded to. GO BUCKS!!!!!!
Pete
April 29th, 2010
9:52 am
The Hawks are the epitome of a clueless, classless, rudderless, ZERO quality sports franchises in the history of all pro sports.
It just doesn’t get any more pathetic.
If you asked ANY sports fan in Atlanta “Who owns the Hawks”………..they wouldn’t have a clue…………nor would they care.
End of story.
Rod
April 29th, 2010
9:55 am
Bottom line is the Hawks once again got outcoached. Woody is stil switching every pick and roll even though the Bucks are abusing it. Scott Skiles adjusted after the 1st 2 games and Woody hasn’t. I think that Sund is watching these events unfold and realizing that Woody has reached his peak with this team. Time for a change!
Tech Sucks
April 29th, 2010
9:56 am
Sure gives a lot more to think about in regards to re-signing Woody and Joe Johnson at a max contract. I love Joe Johnson but we can’t pay a max contract to a guy who scores 14 points or so in the playoffs.
Flatsdawg1
April 29th, 2010
10:00 am
Elvis, I was about to say why in the hell would you not put teague on jennings, nobody else can stop this guy. At least he and mario could disrupt his game , I’ve never seen a player that could drive at will to the basket and circle it without getting touched and come out and set up another play, usually his.Right now it’s like hes playing at the YMCA. The Bucks are a solid team, underrated and a great coach, I like jennings and salmons, but yea Hawks should be resting for Orlando but may never play em.
In The Paint
April 29th, 2010
10:09 am
No…I repeat….No reliable play at Point Guard. This has always been the Hawks problem…We drafted a good PG with the #19 pick last year and he never sees the floor. Instead we watch Bibby, JJ…should have been playing Jeff Teauge considerable minutes all season…big mistake!
calbaby44
April 29th, 2010
10:13 am
Regardless of what has happened thus far the Hawks will lick their wounds and take care of the Bucks in 7 here in Atlanta and will take the Majic all way to a seven game series where they will win and probably fall just a little short to the Cavaliers in the Finals. Be patient Atlanta, its all good we still got this.
Grovetown Brave
April 29th, 2010
10:14 am
Two mistakes the Hawks have made.
1. the drafted marvin williams when chris paul was available.
2. they’ve kept Woodson around too long.
Big D
April 29th, 2010
10:14 am
Mike Woodson is a great reg season coach, his win totals incrased each season is evidenced of that. However, come playoff time thats where it ends with Woody unfortunately. That and the Hawks dont have a player that can take over games. JJ is a solid 2 at best. He fades in big games and last night was proof of that. This team also needs a 7′0 to start at center because AL at 6′8 aint gettin it done.
Not Drinking the Kool-Aid
April 29th, 2010
10:14 am
With all due respect the Bucks play pretty good defense. Without Mike Redd and Bogut they should have been eliminated tonight by any real contender for the eastern conference finals. The Hawks, poor Hawks. The switching defense had Al and Josh twenty feet from the basket last night a fifth grade team could have out rebounded, out hustled , and out played the Hawks last night. Nobodies criticizing Marvin today, goes to show you it is not the players its the coach. Woody, why not try a zone last night or something anything to beat the Bucks pick and roll? In the offseason after Woody gone, hire Avery Johnson, cut or trade for a KFC snack box Mike Bibby, watching last night as a veteran he is a cancer on the bench also, JMO. Resign Joe you have to nobody else is coming here and I think Joe is just tired. Get a big man. And start Teague day one. Draft or get a backup point. Try to keep Crawford. Team will be fine.
Go Hawks 2011
April 29th, 2010
10:24 am
SEE YA JOE AND GET WADE….IF YOU’RE GOING TO PAY THE MAX FOR JOE, WHY NOT PAY WADE??? WHO YOU RATHER HAVE JOE OR WADE.
ladyhawksfan
April 29th, 2010
10:25 am
WOW so many raciest comments on this blog.Do any of u red necks know the definition of a thug.So thats why you dont watch the NBA because black athletes have taken over.Being black and having a lot of tats dont make u a thug,but i do agree we need a couple of white players on the team.Maybe Luke Ridnour .