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
Go Hawks 2011
April 29th, 2010
10:26 am
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOE JOHNSON “SUCKS” IN THE PAYOFF TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ladyhawksfan
April 29th, 2010
10:28 am
The Hawks should be banned from the NBA if the Bucks win this series.
Enough!!!
April 29th, 2010
10:31 am
Hawks are TOAST!!! The team lay’ed down – But since you cannot fire the entire team – you fire the coach!!
SunsFan
April 29th, 2010
10:32 am
The camera shot of the Hawks bench during the delay near the end of the game while the officials were trying to decide if the shot was a three or two spoke volumes. Coach Woodson was trying to draw up a play, but every single player on the Hawks bench was focused on the officials. I was embarrassed for your coach. He seems to have lost this team. Just my opinion as an unbiased fan.
Big D
April 29th, 2010
10:33 am
The Hawks did not improve their team quality wise from last year. They are overal a regular season team only, just good enough to make the playoff without making a serious push for the title.
Jos Smith and Marvin Williams hurt this team more than helps. JJ is a #2 option at best and there still is no true C. Al at 6′8 aint getting it done.
Much as I like Woody its time for a coaching change as well.
jg
April 29th, 2010
10:33 am
3:55 to go in the 4th qtr up 8 points. there is absolutely no way for an nba team to squander that lead. if you move the ball around offensively and milk the shot clock :22 every possession–you should be able to shorten the game, get some very good shots and shoot a lot of foul shots to wrap the game up. well we didn’t have ANY ball movement, couldn’t make lay ups, STILL can’t box out on a missed free throw on the defensive end and shot NOT A ONE free throw.
UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
my 6 year old tried so hard to stay up and watch this game last night but told me he had to go to bed because, “hawks got it dad–we are ahead by 8.” and i can’t stay up any longer–can’t believe i’m going to have to tell him our team blew yet another one.
sad day to be a hawks fan–i typically always root for the underdog in sports. sad thing for me is that the underdogs never seem to win. but now for the first time in a long time my team was not the underdog–but yet this time the underdog appears to have locked the series up.
not giving up–this team has proven me wrong many times before this year after heartbreaking defeats. several times i’ve spouted off–i’m going to put a lot of money on so and so tonight against the hawks…there’s no way they can beat team whatever after that performance–but every time i’ve said that the hawks HAVE shown some intestinal fortitude and won those games. so here goes one more time: i’m betting the house on the bucks friday night–don’t care what the spread is.”
Good News
April 29th, 2010
10:34 am
As soon as the Hawks blow a 2-0 lead you can turn the channel and watch another lousy Atlanta product, the BRaves!!
al
April 29th, 2010
10:40 am
Players play and coaches coach. No adjustments at all, no team in the NBA have there 5 switch on a 1 never!!! no team does that. Give him the jump shot but not the switch. they were told to switch on all screens. That what the coach wants not the player. JJ is a two a shooting gaurd and a good one why was he coving the point gaurd Jennings? Why did you draft Jeff Teauge he is a quick point guard if he can not cover their point then cut him from the team now. he has played two min in this whole series and that why the players are mad. This team has talent it is the one and five position. Joe smith should start at the Five position. Joe smith, Al, josh smith, JJ and teauge back ups Zaza, carwford, marvin, biby and keep it moving the players would agree with this line up due to the fact they get to play the position the want. FIRE Woody now Hire me I need a job will coach the last two games for a 100.00 and diner …
Tell It Like It Is
April 29th, 2010
10:43 am
It is bad losing to the Bucs, but at least it is not as bad as the beating the Hawks would get in facing Orlando. Lets face it, this team is not a playoff team at this point. They have good players but lack team chemistry. You cannot compete and win in the playoffs without team intensity. Changing coaches will not make them any better. The Hawks need speed and penestration at the guard position. If they had a guard like Rondo, the series would be over and Orlando would be next.
lazydawg
April 29th, 2010
10:47 am
Blow that team up and rebuild w/Crawford ,the only player with any common sense.Joe does not know how to lead a team ,his free agent money goes down with every game he plays.Hell sell the team I want to pull for a winner,enough already!!
mws17
April 29th, 2010
10:47 am
Funny how a “team concept” and intelligent play (the Bucks) can oftentimes overcome a group of individuals that may be more inherently talented (the Hawks). While we sit and bemoan the last three losses, Milwaukee’s season has already hit a pinnacle no matter what happens from this point forward. Bucks fans are ecstatic with the way their team has “manned-up” under adversity. And Milwaukee’s front office is paving the way to bigger and better things for that franchise in the years ahead. The Bucks have a game plan! What’s our game plan? Do we even have one? Stay tuned… only time will tell.
Walker
April 29th, 2010
10:50 am
Things couldn’t be going an better for our friend Mark Bradley. He’d LOVE to see the Hawks get eliminated because he’s scared of Mike Woodson. Woody doesn’t like him and Bradley wants him out and wants a new guy in that he can try and get the upper hand on. Same thing with Paul Hewitt.. Hewitt can’t stand Bradley, Therefore Bradley always comes around when Tech struggles. Bradley isn’t respected by anyone in the Atlanta sports scene. Should hawks be looking for the missing coach? or the missing player? …We need depth…Fire Woodson? I say fire Bradley/
Eddie
April 29th, 2010
11:10 am
The Hawks’ days were numbered form the beginning of the playoffs. There was a little hope that they would pull off an upset in round 2 by winning a game on the road, but it wasn’t really expected.
It seems that the players are out of position a lot on defense, and unfortunately, sometimes J. Smooth appears not to give the effort needed. Last night’s game should have been the game in which the Hawks showed what they’re made of.
They were utterly embarrassed in the 1st game in Milwaukee, and should have come out for the 2nd game, and showed that they were the 3rd seed in the playoffs for a reason, but instead they folded again. Probably thinking, that once they got back to “The Highlight Factory” they would turn up the heat on the Bucks. Instead, they laid an egg.
With all the failure on the road during the season and the 4th quarter meltdowns, they now are expected to formulate a new plan, in order to achieve different results. I can you expect to fix in two days, what you haven’t been able to fix in more than half of the season?
One of the Hawks’ beat writers wrote a nice article on the team during the season where he traveled with the team, and sat in on the practices, etc. He noted in the article, that Woodson had to go over plays and player positioning repeatedly, and on the very next run through, someone would be out of place. He didn’t mention names. So, whereas a lot of people want to blame Woodson, maybe he’s done the best that can be done with the players that he has.
Physical prowess is only part of what’s needed to be the very best.
hatfieldgeoff
April 29th, 2010
11:11 am
Woody has proven what I think management wanted to know; he has no Plan B. When another coach counters his move he just keeps doing the same thing. Hawks players would look a lot smarter if they were being used correctly. So long Woody thanks for playing. Hawks improvement the last 4 years is due to the individual improvement of the players themselves. It was not and is not the coaching. The good news it that a proven coach should be interested in this conglomeration of talent. Scott Skiles would have swept this series if he was the Hawks coach. Hopefully management will learn and bring in a good coach. As for Hawk fans this is disappointing but it was over in the next round anyway. The Hawks had/have no chance against Orlando (or Cleveland).
Paul
April 29th, 2010
11:12 am
The matchups on the court may favor the Hawks but the matchup in coaching is the difference in this series. The Bucks play hard, the Hawks have tuned out Woodson.
from section 122
April 29th, 2010
11:19 am
Watched Josh Smith literally too tired to play in the 2Q. Woodson left him in and watched JS not even make it up the court for 1 possession. (we played 4 on 5)
The Bucks don’t match up inside at all. Unfortunately, we didn’t take advantage of it.
Even if we somehow pull this out of our collective asses…Orlando will crush us.
This team peaked last season. Time to rebuild.
DJ Baller
April 29th, 2010
11:22 am
The Hawks are just about done for the season. What more were you expecting from this team? Have you noticed how Joe Johnson disappears in the playoffs? Please look back at the last few years. Here is our multi-million dollar superstar who can not lead this team when he is needed. Did you notice how they were playing playground ball in the 4th quarter? No leadership or guidance from their coach or anybody on the floor!!! It’s time for a change if you really want to get to the next level. So what do you do? Pay Joe $$$$$$$ to get you to the playoffs? Pay the coach more $$$$$$ to get you to the playoff? To me the obvious answer is to let them go.
reddjonn68
April 29th, 2010
11:26 am
Once again another Atlanta team remains a fence-sitter never improving in the off season to get over the hump for a solid run at a ring. Yes Jamal was a lean in the right direction but speed at guard is now what the NBA has come to, play Teauge or trade him. We lost too many games this season with these type of collapses close ones are suppose to make you stronger for the playoffs. Woodson has done nothing to use those games as teaching tools instead the team takes on the same lost look as it had all season in the close ones (yeah we had some miracle finishes but we lost more than we won in games decided by 4 or less). All teams are reflection of its vets, its coach, and its star power. Unfortunately we lack leadership in all three areas. This is the state of ATL sports we just make enough trades to fill spots we never go after differance makers. The Braves are prime examples baseball has never had a salary cap & during that great playoff run we never went out and signed a single big name player. The Jets are doing everything under the sun to surround Sanchez for a run at a ring, what about Matt. Mike Woodson I respect you, but I don’t think your team does, and it showed when times got rough in the clutch, too much anger & not enough desire
Jeffrey
April 29th, 2010
11:37 am
Does anybody in their ‘right mind” think the Hawks have a chance to tie up the series in Milwaukee tomorrow night?? I didn’t think so..The Hawks have been outcoached, outplayed, and have already given up on the series..you can see it from the look in their eyes..UNACCEPTABLE to lose that game last night at home..PATHETIC!!! Scott Skiles is a MUCH better coach than Woodson and it shows in his teams performance compared to the Hawks..Skiles was a tough, gritty player in his time who never gave up and his team plays that way now too even without their best player..players take on the personality of their coach..a huge reason why the Hawks simply can’t get it done in the playoffs year in-year out..Read my Lips Hawks’ ownership: FIRE MIKE WOODSON!!!!!!!!
Drew77
April 29th, 2010
11:44 am
Woodson has taken the Hawks from a 13 win team to a 53 win team in 5 years. Each year they get better. The trouble started when Josh Smith ran his mouth after winning game 2, saying the Bucks were nothing. Since then he has been inconsistent (He scored 7 points yesterday and was trying to show off with a backwards slamdunk that missed with 3 minutes left, that would have sealed the game). Josh Smith is talented but I can’t help but to think of T.O. and Iverson, me me players whose immaturity plagues the team. Remember when Josh Smith left the Hawks went on a run and got up to a 13-point lead. When he came back well… they lost. Woodson may not be great but this is not his fault.
Drew77
April 29th, 2010
11:46 am
I hope they show fortitude and play hard of Friday,otherwise the 53-win year was for nill.
David
April 29th, 2010
11:48 am
The sad part is I wasn’t shocked by this turn of events. I guess the only silver lining at this point is that the Hawks are even good enough to care about. That was a pathetic performance down the stretch that made me embarrassed to be a Hawks fan last night though.
Mike Woodson
April 29th, 2010
11:49 am
After I shave my eyebrows, I am joining the Cleveland Show on FOX. That way my stupidity can be laughed at as opposed to frowned upon!
wilmer
April 29th, 2010
11:50 am
Look at the positive side…at least the Hawks will not be the team that gets destroyed by the Magic. GO MAGIC!!!!
Mike Woodson
April 29th, 2010
11:52 am
My eye brows are on fire son, ON FIRE!
John
April 29th, 2010
11:59 am
Mark, I have to agree vociferously with the previous commenters about your comparison to Game 4 in the 1996 World Series. To state that a loss to an inferior team in Game 5 of a first-round NBA playoff series (especially given that this Hawks team is quite obviously not going to win the title) is somehow worse than choking away an all-but-certain 3-1 lead in the World Series…that is really one of the least intelligent things that you’ve ever written. I have been a Braves/Hawks/Falcons fan since I was about 8, in 1987, and there is no question that the Wohlers/Leyritz game was the most awful moment I’ve had as an Atlanta sports fan. It literally felt like getting punched in the stomach. I don’t know off the top of my head what I’d rank second, but whatever it is, I’m certain it’s a distant second.
savannahdawg
April 29th, 2010
12:09 pm
Good teams, good coaching, good players don’t allow this to happen in the playoffs! Spread the blame to everyone!
Dave
April 29th, 2010
12:11 pm
The Atlanta Spirit ownership group should send a $50,000 check to Scott Skiles, coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, because his team and his SUPERIOR coaching should have removed any doubt that the Atlanta Spirit had about the following:
1) Coach Woodson is a good coach for a group of young players who needed to be groomed to become NBA players, but he is completely out-classed when it comes to game management, calling plays and leading this team to the next level.
2) Joe Johnson is NOT a NBA superstar who is worth a max contract.
I was willing to give both Woodson and Johnson the benefit of the doubt, but last night’s game made it clear to me, the casual NBA fan, that Woodson is NOT a top-tier NBA coach and that Johnson is NOT a NBA superstar.
Sekou Smith said it this morning: The Hawks have their own lighting quick point guard in Jeff Teague, but Woodsin refused to play him enough during the season to get him ready to play in the postseason. That is just ONE failing in a long list that is becoming evident as the postseason progresses.
Even if the Hawks manages to win on Friday (a game I have NO intention of watching) and then again on Sunday (I MAY watch that game if it gets that far), they would have NO CHANCE against the Magic, making what the Spirit must do obvious:
1) Show Woodson and his coaching staff the door by simply NOT offering them contract renewals.
2) Identify a strong, X-and-C coach who CAN lead this team to the Eastern Conference elite. There is probably a long list of available coaches from which to choose.
3) Offer Joe Johnson a good ($65M over four years), but NOT max-level contract this summer. If someone else is willing to spend the max-level for Johnson, so be it. Jamaal Crawford can then step into the shooting guard starting role and the Hawks can shop for a good back-up shooting guard in either the draft or the free agent market, plus MAYBE sign a make-a-difference player at center so Al Horford can be the power forward he is best suited to be.
4) Play Jeff Teague next year for significant minutes to groom him to eventually replace Mike Bibby, whose skills are obviously deteriorating with age.
Just my humble opinion…
Gamer
April 29th, 2010
12:23 pm
ALL OF THIS BITTER-TASTE FROM THREE CONSECUTIVE DEFEATS WILL GO AWAY WITH TWO CONSECUTIVE WINS!!!
HAWKS, SHOW YOUR TRUE SELVES!!!! SHOW YOUR RESOLVE!!!!
JOE JOHNSON, YOU CAN’T LET WEAKER DEFENDERS SUCH AS SALMONS PUSH YOU AROUND AND FORCE YOU TO UNDESIRABLE SPOTS ON YOUR SHOTS…
WOOODY, USE YOUR TIME OUTS WHEN YOUR TEAM NOT PLAYING SMART WITH A BIG LEAD IN THE WANING MINUTES……TO SAY, AFTER THE GAME HOW THE TEAM LOSS IS FUTILE. COACHES ARE SUPPOSE TO HAVE THAT INSIGHTFUL EYE INTO THE GAME BEFORE THE GAME IS OVER!!!! NO EXCUSES, NO LOSING ANALYSIS AFTER THE FACT BRINGS A COACH QUICKER TO HIS OWN DEMISE THEN SULKING WITH A DON’T KNOW MENTALITY OR MUNDANELY REPEATING THE SAME DULL REMEDIES AS YOU HAVE DONE LATELY AFTER EACH LOSS..!!!
WOODY TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND COACH!!!!
CAN MARVIN DUPLICATE HIS GAME IN MILWAUKEE????
GO HAWKS MAKE BEDLAM….STRIKE FRIGHT INTO YOUR OPPONENT!!!!
Dominique?
April 29th, 2010
12:32 pm
How many titles did ‘nique win?
BYC
April 29th, 2010
12:39 pm
Two defensive plays that were horrible yesterday
1. At one point Mbah a Moute got past Horford and had a clear path about 10ft from the basket. Josh Smith is on the opposite side of the basket with his man boxed out. He sits there and watches Mbah a Moute leisurely drive in for a dunk. I thought Josh Smith was known for his help defense blocks?
2. Hawks turn the ball over and Ridnour starts towards the Hawks basket with JJ along side him. Ridnour hesitates and slows down because Joe is much larger and in a good defensive position. Joe SLOWS down with him, and stays side by side, instead of getting between Ridnour and the basket. Ridnour starts slowly driving for a layup. What does Joe do? Get a hand up and contest it? Try to get a block on the much smaller and less athletic Ridnour? No, he two hand shoves Ridnour to the ground without even thinking of playing real defense.
Makes me effin sick
Top Magic and NBA News: Thursday, April 29 | Outdoor sports, camping, tenis, golf
April 29th, 2010
12:45 pm
[...] Epic collapse, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Mark Bradley The Buzz: The Atlanta Hawks took fewer than two [...]
Stuart
April 29th, 2010
12:50 pm
They say that a team reflects its coach. Don’t you see how lazy the Hawks are? They don’t give the intensity like a Scott Skiles-coached team does, or Jerry Sloan, or Larry Brown, or Gregg Popvovich. Woodson isn’t going to go out and grill his team for playing like “dogs” because he knows they can play better. Woodson just sits back saying stuff like “good game” and “to bad that one got away.” Woodson has no fire or passion for his players. Sure he says stuff like “we need to pick up the pace” during the game, but he essentially says it with the tone of a librarian.
To go along with that, Woodson has been out-coached by Skiles this whole series, which has been the team’s biggest flaw. While Skiles has made adjustments on offense (by running a pick and roll up top so he can get a mismatch with a guard, usually Jennings, and an Atlanta big man; as well as scoring in the paint and limiting jump shots) and on defense (by tightening up things down low and not allowing the Atlanta bigs to dominate), Woodson has done nothing to adjust on either end. He just takes the approach of “oh, we’ll show up next time with more effort” and everything will be fine. This is ridiculous. The Hawks are loaded with much more talent than the “deer,” yet they can barely hold their own.
So Joe Johnson fouls out late in the game. Why does Atlanta choke? Because this is the point in the game when Woodson only runs the give-it-to-Joe-and-get-out-of-the-way offense, which is the most predictable in the league (even more so than Kobe getting a last shot), so in turn, it hardly ever works. So with Joe out, no one else is used to even touching the ball at this point. Sure Crawford will get the late shots every now and then, but when he’s having an off night like last night, then who do you go to? What the Hawks should have done, as every TV commentator has pointed out while covering a Hawks game this year, is run the offense and create offensive plays for any of the five players on the floor: this includes passing, moving the ball, and movement away from the ball. This should happen even when Joe is on the floor late in a game. Otherwise the defense easily has time to set up and doesn’t have to budge. But running plays such as this requires effort and strategy on the part of the head coach, which Woodson never does. While watching great teams like the Lakers and Spurs run such plays, Woodson always sticks with the give-it-to-Joe play, and even though it hasn’t worked for the most part for years, he doesn’t even bother to make an adjustment or try something else.
OK, so Jennings is a quick little guy here who is tough to guard, especially for a guy like Bibby. To bad we don’t have anyone like…wait a sec…we do have a quick point guard on our team, one who’s actually even quicker than Jennings! That would be Teague who has done nothing but sit on the bench this whole series. Instead of utilizing your 1 quick, explosive player who could contain Jennings as well as easily split the defense, he’s just rotting away on the bench. Why? Well, he’s a rookie and you don’t want to have rookie mistakes during the playoffs. Sure, I can see that, especially since he’s been sitting on the bench ALL SEASON and Woodson has never played him except to close out blowout games (which were few and far between) or fill minutes in the second quarter against the low teams you knew you were going to beat anyway. If he had actually been given time to play and develop during the regular season, playing him here in the post season would be no issue at all. But he didn’t get this playing time because if he so much as dribbles the ball in a manner that displeases Woodson, he comes out of the game. But Joe can do whatever he wants because Woodson is so obsessed with him. So the rookie doesn’t get any playing time, just like Boris Diaw, Salim Stoudamire, and Acie Law, all of whom could have been effective players (as Diaw proved when he got most improved player the year after he was traded from the team). But instead Woodson brings them in to run an offense where they simply dribble up the court, hand the ball to Joe, then back away for the rest of the play. When Diaw was allowed to do more than hand the ball over with Phoenix, again, he got the award. Why won’t Woodson ever let his players do more toward what they are capable of other than Johnson? Instead of identifying his players strengths and using them to formulate his offense, he simply tries to get whatever players he has to run whatever plays he wants, even if the players aren’t exactly the model fits for his type of offense. This is limited though, as he usually just gives it to Joe anyway, not allowing any players to even come close to their full potential (yes, including the #2 pick of the draft Marvin Williams, who, with Crawford’s arrival, now just sits around looking for garbage points off the board instead of getting offensive plays run for him as he did last year to help in his progression). Woodson doesn’t take advantage of what he has.
OK, so Joe’s a quiet guy. He may be the scoring leader and the go to guy, but he doesn’t have the fire, passion and desire of a leader like a Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, etc. He doesn’t have the fuel to run a team and get his teammates going to make sure they are playing at a full effort level. He’s a silent leader. Well, I wish he had more fire, but you can’t blame him alone in this, because the one person you look toward in getting a team going to play is the person who is paid to do so because it is in his job description and that is Woodson, who, again, just has this laid back approach of not really getting the players going unlike most of the great, veteran coaches in this league.
So what is the point of this long ramble? Simply this: get rid of Woodson. Even if the Hawks manage to get out of this series, beat Orlando, then make it to the NBA finals, it doesn’t matter: let Woodson go. There are so many other coaches who would make use of the Hawks’ talent, make the necessary adjustments as a coach, fire the team up to make sure they are playing with their full efforts, and thus do the job an NBA coach should do. When you have a team as talented as the Hawks, they shouldn’t be losing to a team like the Bucks. As essentially every NBA analyst around the country predicted, the Hawks should sweep easily, maybe losing one game but that’s it. Many predicted that the Hawks over the Bucks would be the only sweep of the first round because it was the only team who was far more talented than the other team (AND that other team had its best player out due to injury). But just looking beyond this series, why do the Hawks always lose on the road, even to teams like Philly and Detroit who are going nowhere at the moment? Why do the Hawks lose games at home to teams like New York (TWICE!!) that they should easily handle? How come the Hawks can barely contend against teams like Cleveland and Orlando but then show up to easily take care of teams like the Lakers at home? Simply put, it’s because they are being out coached and out hustled. They don’t have the desire because (as Joe is a silent leader, and no one else will step up) the coach doesn’t put that desire in them. So, again, get rid of Woodson. I’m glad his record has improved over the years (due to the talent the front office put out on the court), but as long as he is around do you really see the Hawks overcoming teams like Orlando and Cleveland? I don’t. I can see it happening with the talent the Hawks have, easily, but I don’t see it with Woodson leading the group. Plus, Dwight Howard isn’t going anywhere. LeBron might, but it will most likely still be in the East either way. So if you want to get past these guys and their teams, get a new coach Hawks!
Rogie
April 29th, 2010
12:51 pm
Did anyone see the shot of the Hawks huddle during the timeout when they were determining whether Horford’s shot was a 3-pointer at the end? Nobody was paying attention to Woody. Half of them were staring at the officials at the scorer’s table waiting for the call. Some of them were walking around in circles. 10 seconds left and their season likely on the line and their heads aren’t even in the game.
Tim
April 29th, 2010
12:59 pm
To all of those idiots who think Josh Smith is the problem……..This is ridiculous……He has been THE most consistent all-around Forward on this Team and in the League……..YES, he shouldn’t jack up long shots, but if you have actually watched the Hawks this year, he hasn’t done it like he has in the past, and if you are actually watching the Bucks-Hawks series……..many of the passes Josh Smith has made this year, from the high post and such, he’s not getting the passing lanes against the Bucks defense………Smith and Horford play defense…They make it hard on any player coming through that lane….the Hawks guards don’t play ANY defense, plain & simple…………The problem with the Hawks is their coach. This Team has NO offensive scheme at ALL, and when they play a tough defensive team like the Bucks, their lack of offensive creativity, is exposed………This Team needs a new coach………and as good as Joe Johnson is……..let him go……because he has NO leadership qualities at all, and they won’t pay him Dwyane Wade type money………….
Bucks Lead Hawks 3-2 Headed Back to Milwuakee | Larry Brown Sports
April 29th, 2010
1:08 pm
[...] nail may have been driven into the coffin Wednesday night, when Atlanta blew a nine-point lead with 3:55 left to play in the game. Yes, I understand that it’s a seven-game series and you play the games for a reason, but [...]
kurt
April 29th, 2010
1:10 pm
FEAR THE DEER!!!
Big D
April 29th, 2010
1:26 pm
Anybody think the Hawks will win game 6 when they have a HORRID road playoff record needs their head examined. The fact of the matter is this series should be over with.
JJ is an overpaid #2 option. Josh Smith has his own agenda to the detriment of the team and shouldve been traded 2 years ago (he is not a unique player), AL continue to play C at 6′9 and Marvin Williams is mediocre at best.
Build a team around Crawford, trade JJ, Smith and let Teague run the point with Bibby coming off the bench. Get a quality center like Ty Chandler and move Al to PF…oh and find a coach to replace Woody like a Paul Silas or Byron Scott.
Game 6
April 29th, 2010
1:35 pm
The hawks were just flat and cocky in game 5—in Game 6, they’ll step it up and bring their A game–bank on it—hawks win in Milwaukee and force game 7!
JREX
April 29th, 2010
1:36 pm
Hawks offense=Isolate Joe or Watch Josh Jack 20 footers. PATHETIC.
The only answer for Jennings is Teague or West and they rarely get off the bench. Bibby can’t keep up with him, nor can Crawford. When the Hawks switch on defense it’s almost funny to watch the forwards chase him. You can almost hear them saying, “Hey would you slow down just a little?”
Whiskey Sports
April 29th, 2010
1:45 pm
Hawks fans I feel bad for you. I actually feel bad for your coach as well. Sure everyone wants him fired and I am sure he deserves it at this point. He has a very tough job trying to coach some of the egos your team employs. I don’t think there is a coach on this planet that can handle that group. Watching video of the timeouts / bench is really sad. Half of the Hawks literally were looking in a different direction and not paying attention. Yes the coach carries some blame on this one. But trying to coach players that feel they don’t need coaching….impossible. Same like Allen Iverson….even the great Larry Brown couldn’t get AI to listen. One rotten attitude can kill the efforts of a leader. That is why many great people lose their jobs in the real world….attitude. So…sure fire the coach…but you will never solve the problems with this team unless their attitudes change…I don’t see it. Good luck….we are very thankful that our management moved all the crap attitudes off the Bucks. We were riddled with them for years. Team chemistry is HUGE in basketball.
hatfieldgeoff
April 29th, 2010
1:54 pm
Bradley, this does not rank with any of the other sports calamities you mentioned because someone would have to care. I’m glad the Hawks have become relevant again but when they cannot compete with Orlando and Cleveland (either of those teams would sweep them just as the Cavs did last year), so it is hard to care that much about the first round. Yes it is embarassing that with much more talent they can’t win, but that just underscores the fact it is time to bring in a new coach. Thanks Woody but now they need someone who can X and O them to becoming a better team. Scott Skiles for instance would be a great choice if they could get him. He obviously can take less and win so what might he do with a lot more talent. He might even play his young players so he knows what he’s got.
I need booze..
April 29th, 2010
1:58 pm
I feel very bad for myself, I have stuck thru all the bad from all the teams in Atlanta, year in year out, and this loss REALLY feels the worst, how did we let them score 14 unanswered?
sam
April 29th, 2010
2:14 pm
All I can add is that instead of a signature win this was a signature loss.
IceColdATLien
April 29th, 2010
2:24 pm
Just kill me now
JeJe
April 29th, 2010
2:47 pm
LOL @ Joe taking 3’s sitting down before a pivotal game.
BUT ITS NEVER HSI FAULT
JeJe
April 29th, 2010
2:47 pm
WHENEVER JOE CALLS OUT THE TEAM, IT’S ALWAYS “WE.” FORGET THAT HE FOULED OUT OF A HOME PLAYOFF GAME. IT’S NEVER HIS GODDAMN FAULT — IT’S ALWAYS THE TEAM’S FAULT. HE DOESN’T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR !@#$
AND WOODY IS A MORON FOR NOT USING TEAGUE DURING THE YEAR. THE GUY HATES ROOKIE GUARDS
Big D
April 29th, 2010
2:56 pm
On a contender Josh Smith WOULD NOT be shooting 3’s….
WOW !!!!
April 29th, 2010
3:03 pm
WOW!!! The bucks are one of the few teams that have had more opportunities to get more lottery picks then the Hawks, and they are up 3-2 and probably will win the series and they come on our boards and brag and tell crappy jokes? You guys show so much class, of course your city is hyped up over this series because it has simply been so long since you have had a legitimate chance to make it to the second round, and even though you guys ( and the hawks as well if we make it) will get swept or at the very most will win one game over orlando in the next round you should feel proud of your accomplishments…however, like mentioned, you guys; similarly to the Hawks should have had the players to win a championship a long time ago!!! So what are you guys actually proving right now???? Is it fear the dear or fear the queeeeer????
WOW !!!!
April 29th, 2010
3:05 pm
WOW!!! The bucks are one of the few teams that have had more opportunities to get more lottery picks then the Hawks, and they are up 3-2 and probably will win the series and they come on our boards and brag and tell crappy jokes? You guys show so much class, of course your city is hyped up over this series because it has simply been so long since you have had a legitimate chance to make it to the second round, and even though you guys ( and the hawks as well if we make it) will get swept or at the very most will win one game over orlando in the next round you should feel proud of your accomplishments…however, like mentioned, you guys; similarly to the Hawks should have had the players to win a championship a long time ago!!! So what are you guys actually proving right now???? Is it fear the dear or fear the …..????