How the Hawks just might make some magic of their own
Dwight Howard is really good. This guy ain't chopped liver. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
We here in Atlanta wonder how the Hawks can possibly guard Dwight Howard and his surrounding shooters, but it cuts both ways. No opponent relishes the thought of facing a team this gifted in a best-of-seven. (Ask Boston.)
Asked what he thought the Magic sees in the Hawks, Jamal Crawford said Monday: “I think they’d see a talented team, very athletic, that could pose problems.”
At peak capacity, the Hawks are good enough to fell a team as sound as Orlando, and Orlando stands as 1B to Cleveland’s 1A not just in the East but in the whole wide NBA. The Magic is favored in this series, but the favorite doesn’t always win. The Hawks were a bigger favorite in Round 1 and were 24 minutes from elimination.
“That can be fun,” Crawford said, speaking of being the underdog. “The pressure’s on them.”
The local consensus has long been that Orlando is the one team the Hawks cannot handle, and on the record that has been true. The Magic won six consecutive meetings over the past two seasons; indeed, the Hawks went more than a calendar year — from Oct. 28, 2008 to March 24, 2010 — without beating their Southeast Division cousin. But Orlando is tough on everybody (Cleveland most notably), and if you look hard you’ll see the Hawks have a puncher’s chance.
This is one of the rare teams that has the option of attempting to guard Howard straight up. Mike Woodson said Monday he hadn’t decided if the Hawks would enter Tuesday’s Game 1 allowing Al Horford, who was the MVP of great escape against Milwaukee, to tug on Superman’s cape by his lonesome. “I have to sleep on it,” the coach said.
But is such a strategy feasible? Woodson: “Without a doubt it is. But we doubled [Howard] in the game we won [in March], and we doubled him in the [Thanksgiving night] game where we had the lead.”
Not many Magic opponents have such a choice. Lacking even a semblance of a center, they have to surround Howard and leave themselves open to the Magic shooters, and that can be worse. Yes, Howard led the NBA in field-goal shooting, but Orlando was also fourth-best in 3-point shooting. “Pick your poison,” Woodson said.
Play Howard one-on-one and he might score two points. (Or, if you foul him, only one. He’s a terrible free-throw shooter, as we know.) Double him and his team might get three. The guess is that the Hawks will try it both ways, shotgunning their fouls with Horford and Zaza Pachulia and the seldom-seen Jason Collins, but the series figures to turn on how long Horford can stay on the floor and how much he can make Howard work at the other end.
Howard averaged only 26.5 minutes in Round 1 against Charlotte because he was called for 22 fouls. (Magic teammates dubbed him, “Foul On You.”) And that was against the tag team of Theo Ratliff, Tyson Chandler and Nazr Mohammed. Horford is better than all three of those put together.
Loading ...Everybody who does one of those matchup boxes will give the edge at center to the Magic, but it’s not as big an edge as you’d think. If Horford can, on a nightly basis, hold Howard to 20 points and 15 rebounds while getting 12 and 10 himself, the Hawks could steal this thing.
“If we can get Al through the first half,” Woodson said, meaning keep him out of early foul trouble, “I think we can play.”
My first inclination was to take Magic in six, but something about this matchup leads me to think it’ll go the distance. And where would the weight of expectation in such a Game 7 fall? Not on the Hawks.
The Milwaukee series was strange: The Hawks went from too loose to too tight to almost gone. But they made it through, and they see real opportunity in Round 2. So do I. Hawks in seven.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
126 comments Add your comment
GT Alum
May 3rd, 2010
3:20 pm
First?
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2010
3:26 pm
First, GT Alum. Kudos.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
May 3rd, 2010
3:28 pm
I hope the hawks pull it out but I will honestly be happy if they battle for six or sevin games , and i mean a real war . but i would take a sweep if the hawks are the ones holding the brooms
allan in texas
May 3rd, 2010
3:28 pm
I am getting that strange feeling too. Hawks in seven!
wilmer
May 3rd, 2010
3:28 pm
you are absolutely crazy if you think the Hawks will win this series…you are no match for the Magic!!!!!!
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
May 3rd, 2010
3:28 pm
3rd alright I was in the money !!!!!
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2010
3:30 pm
I am out of my mind. No news in that, I’m afraid.
Willy
May 3rd, 2010
3:31 pm
first?
D B Cooper
May 3rd, 2010
3:32 pm
Enough of this waffling. a few days ago you had the Hawks as Magic Meat. Go write for the National Inquirer
matt r
May 3rd, 2010
3:33 pm
But this is why we love Mr. Bradley, because he tugs at our inner optimist, always making sure we have hope.
Let him Joe
May 3rd, 2010
3:34 pm
We have to play hard from the first quater to the last. Joe Johnson has to step up! After it is all said and done, we need to focus on adding D. Wade a player that will carry his team when needed and let Joe go. You know Joe the only leading scorer for his team never to top 30 points in the playoffs, even when the team really needed it.
jdewayneatl
May 3rd, 2010
3:35 pm
First?
Hawks in 6!!!!!!
Joey
May 3rd, 2010
3:36 pm
Woodson: If we can get Al through the first half …”
Why not start Collins and bring in Horford in the second quarter?
Andy
May 3rd, 2010
3:36 pm
Nooooo! You are suppose to pick against the Hawks Mark! Now they are sure to lose.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
May 3rd, 2010
3:37 pm
well for joe its now or never his contract depends on it , and I think he has to come up big in wins not drop 30 in a 15 point loss, whats the saying win or go home. that sums up more than just the series doesn’t it.
Joey
May 3rd, 2010
3:38 pm
And we like you like that (out of your mind), MB!
PMC
May 3rd, 2010
3:39 pm
Shake and Bake is over huh. The new Hawks are the Magic Men?
GT Alum
May 3rd, 2010
3:40 pm
Wow. I honestly wasn’t even trying. I was really surprised to finish reading the article and not see any comments.
I believe that the Hawks are capable of giving the Magic all they can handle and more. But since we’ve never seen them play up to their potential in more than spurts, I’m still skeptical that they’re going to be able to string together enough good basketball to win this series – especially since we just saw a textbook example of their inconsistency.
mountain_jim
May 3rd, 2010
3:44 pm
Hawks have a chance if Mark leaves the live blogging to Jeff.
Wes Unseld
May 3rd, 2010
3:46 pm
Sometimes, a shorter center can hang with the big fellas. Or, so I’ve heard.
Tweets that mention How the Hawks just might make some magic of their own -- Topsy.com
May 3rd, 2010
3:46 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mark Bradley. Mark Bradley said: How the Hawks just might make some magic of their own http://bit.ly/cccz4L [...]
mike
May 3rd, 2010
3:48 pm
hawks steal game 1.. hawks in six.. magic havent played in a week, hawks have momentum
Tale of Woe
May 3rd, 2010
3:55 pm
MB – I love you man, but don’t let the euphoria of the last series boil over to this one. The Magic will win in 5, Woody will finally be fired, and then we will complain about the next coach.
allan in texas
May 3rd, 2010
3:57 pm
Everyone picked the Cavs to win last year. Oh yeah, most people picked the Cavs to win it all this year too so we shall see.
Pistol Pete Wannabe
May 3rd, 2010
4:00 pm
Go, Hawks, Go!
NC Braves Fan
May 3rd, 2010
4:00 pm
Love ya, Mark, but I gotta co-sign mountain_jim at 3:44pm.
Bat Masterson
May 3rd, 2010
4:01 pm
Ha, it might be a crazy pick Bradley, but I’m with you. Call me a contrarian.
F-105 Thunderchief
May 3rd, 2010
4:04 pm
Much as I’d like to see it, I don’t see the Hawks lasting past five or six games.
Mr. Phil
May 3rd, 2010
4:07 pm
Hope you are right Mark. I would love to see Al put on an unexpected defensive display this series and we shock the world. If that happens, I will officially forgive them for falling asleep against the Bucks.
BTW-to my Hawks. Sorry for doubting.
bruce mac
May 3rd, 2010
4:11 pm
Yawn, Hawks lose in five and everyone knows it especially the Hawks.
CrazyDiamond
May 3rd, 2010
4:21 pm
I am hopeful, as usual. I hope the Hawks can pull an upset and win the round vs the Magic. Stranger things have happened. The team should not doubt their ability to win in the second season – they’ve earned every win so far this year (and let a few slip away, too). No time to hate on the Hawks or Woody now. Plenty of time for that later.
soldierman
May 3rd, 2010
4:24 pm
I say why not, Pass me a glass. I’ll drink some of the kool-aid. Since we’re shooting for the sky hell I got the hawks in 4! Biggest upset in NBA History!
Big Ben
May 3rd, 2010
4:26 pm
See, I was a role model for Zach Mettenberger, apparently.
Reality Check
May 3rd, 2010
4:28 pm
Mark, I understand that you media types have to throw a bone to the locals every now and then, but this is the Hawks. They struggled against a mediocre foe two years in a row,get routinely blown out on the road and do not show up for multiple games in a series. It would be nice if the Hawks can win two home games, but look for blowouts in games 1 and 2 before they come home. That is realistic and the Hawks may not make it past five games.
GT Alum
May 3rd, 2010
4:32 pm
Ugh, well I guess that answers the question about what CMR knew that the rest of us didn’t.
Fresh
May 3rd, 2010
4:33 pm
Mark,
I love every, single blog you write about the Hawks. Just please refrain from posting live during games until we figure out a way to break your evil spell on the team.
Herschel Talker
May 3rd, 2010
4:35 pm
No chance.
1. Their coach is a fool
2. They never care until it is almost too late
3. Their coach is a clown
4. Joe Johnson is too busy thinking about his Chicago or NY benjamins
5. Their coach is as dumb as Bobby Cox
James B.
May 3rd, 2010
4:49 pm
Mark,
The Hawks can beat any NBA team when they play unselfish basketball. Unfortunately, they have three players–Joe Johnson, Jamal Crawford and Josh Smith–who don’t play unselfish basketball on a consistent basis.
When Joe Johnson first arrived in Atlanta, the talent level on that team was best served when he took the lion’s share of the shots. However, the talent level on this year’s team is best served when he serves as a facilitator, setting up his teammates for open shots (if you remember, that was the role BK envisioned him filling on the team) and avoid selfishness on the court.
Even though he won the Sixth Man of the Year Award, the same thing holds true for Jamal Crawford. Remember when Jamal first arrived in Atlanta and his teammates raved about his ability to pass the ball? Everyone knows he can score but there have been too many occasions when he takes shot after shot without anyone else touching the ball. Invariably, his teammates replicate that behavior (shooting the ball as soon as they touch it) on offense and stops covering for each other on defense.
At the start of this season, Josh Smith’s stated goal was to become make the All-Star team–a personal achievement rather than a team-oriented goal. The Hawks are at their best when Josh is playing like a front-court player; dominating the game like very few others can by focusing his enormous talents on defending, shot-blocking and rebounding. However, there are times when it seems as thougn Josh wants to be a point guard; dribbling to lead the fast break, making no-look passes and shooting from behind the three-point line. Even though he is better at these things than he was three years ago, he hurts the team when he stops playing like a forward and starts playing like a guard.
One of the jobs of a Head Coach to make certain the team plays within his system. As a Bob Knight/Larry Brown disciple, Coach Woodson employs a team-oriented approach to offense and defense which emphasizes selflessness and is based on the tenet that the success of no individual player is more important than the success of the team. Yet, for whatever the reason(s), Woodson never seems to use the withholding of playing time as a means to modify/control the behavior of any of these three players when they place their individual desires ahead of the team.
Everyone knows the Hawks have the talent to get to the Eastern Conference Finals and beyond when they play unselfish basketball. Here’s the real question–can and will Coach Woodson do what’s necessary to make that happen?
Mark Bradley
May 3rd, 2010
4:50 pm
I don’t know that this would be the biggest upset in NBA history. The Hawks are the No. 3 seed to the Magic’s No. 2.
heartofdarkness
May 3rd, 2010
4:51 pm
First game, have Josh Smith play Howard. Play behind, don’t reach for feed. Pressure passer to make feed to low post difficult. Have Smith absorb Howard’s shoulder drive, which should be called a foul but often isn’t. Collapse on him with different players from a variety of angles looking to force a pass, which statistically favors a turnover. If the officials are from the NFL, put a big reserve to absorb the shoulder foul and then grab, sending Howard to the line. When a shot goes up, all Hawks have to push toward the basket, restricting Howard’s ability to maneuver with the ball. Play him passively when he has position to throw down [low percentage you will get him to miss] Forget about fast breaks when Howard is in the game.
DHunt
May 3rd, 2010
4:57 pm
Hawks in 6. Now having said that. I can also see very clearly the Magic winning in four because he gets outcoached. That’s the elephant in the room that no one in the major media, local or national, is willing to examine. The Milwaukee game turned on coaching. Yes there were some mental lapses from players, but if Woodson doesn’t wise up and get the guards to fight through some screems and stop leaving Al to guard Jennings, the Hawks don’t survive game 6. He made the right move in time. But it shouldn’t have taken so long to figure that out, and he won’t have as much time or opportunity to make adjustments against Orlando, and they have the personnel to make some adjustments themselves, unlike the Bucks.
Personnel wise the Hawks match up fine across the board against any team in the league. We may give up something at one or two starting positions, but we always have clear advantages in others as well as one of the better benches in the league. But we have been consistently out-coached in tight situations all year. That’s been the difference in the Hawks being just a good team as opposed to a great one. This isn’t me doubting the team. These are simply the facts.
After we raise the NBA championship trophy, Fire Mike Woodson.
Jay.
May 3rd, 2010
4:59 pm
If Joe Johnson, Jamal Crawford and Josh Smith play unselfish basketball, the Hawks can beat the Magic. Conversely, if Joe and Jamal play too much one-on-one (iso Joe/Jamal) and Josh stops dominating defensively in a misguided attempt to be Atlanta’s version of LeBron James, the Hawks will get swept.
When they play unselfish basketball, the Hawks can beat any NBA team. The question is not whether the Hawks can beat the Magic in this series. Can Coach Woodson convince Joe, Jamal and Josh to play unselfish basketball for 48 minutes is the real question.
IMO–the jury is out on that question–leaning more toward no than yes–which is why, despite winning 53 games, many people feel this team underachieved.
Flip-flop
May 3rd, 2010
5:06 pm
Seriously, the waffling is ridiculous. Four days ago you write “I keep wanting to believe the Hawks are going to win this series, but I no longer have any basis for it.” Now you’re picking them to beat the Magic. For the record, I have no problem with you picking them to win. It’s the constant overreaction that I take exception with. It’s a problem from the people who post on this blog, but I would expect the writer himself to stay a little more level-headed.
The Hawks isn’t the most egregious example. That would be the Braves. Within nine games, you went from saying the Braves have something special brewing to saying they aren’t going to win anything as presently constituted. Now they’ve started a 3-game winning streak so I’m sure you will be flipping again soon enough (actually I hope, again it’s the negative overreaction that bothers me more than anything).
SWAT Native
May 3rd, 2010
5:27 pm
Mark,
Despite all the ribbing about being a jinx, we do enjoy your live blogs!
NoShamSam
May 3rd, 2010
5:30 pm
Sorry…I see the Hawks loosing in 5…I’ll be rooting for them the whole time…but they just shoot too well…and then, there is Howard.
vanomania
May 3rd, 2010
5:38 pm
How about as many people as possible go out and get one of these. Make an amulet out of it and wear it to the game. I’ve got my order in and will be there for game 4.
http://www.amazon.com/Superman-Kryptonite-Crystal-Shard-Sticks/dp/B000GKWGT2
All I'm Saying Is...
May 3rd, 2010
5:39 pm
This may sound simplistic but with these Hawks and this opponent, I say that if we can win one of the first three games in this series, then we can certainly win four. The key is that first win must come prior to being down 3 to 0 and we can’t be down 3 to 1 as Magic are too good to spit the bit on a 3 to 1 series lead. Ideally, we win the first or second game but I’ll take the third & fourth. Magic haven’t been tested in the playoffs this year and we can exploit that if we stay close as they will likely not execute well down the stretch especially at home (we all know stan van gundy can coach but he can also panic) plus given their propensity to rely on the three, odds suggest they will have at least one night where they shoot lights out but also at least one game where they shoots bricks from behind the arc.
LET’S GO HAWKS!
JSS
May 3rd, 2010
5:40 pm
How Golden State beat the Washington Bullets (AKA the Atlanta Braves of the 1970’s) is the greatest upset in pro basketball history… Al Attles, you got to be kidding me!
All I'm Saying Is...
May 3rd, 2010
5:40 pm
NoShamSam: Losing is spelled with one ’s’ and you can’t spell Magic without the ‘c’ as in brick which is what their propensity to shoot the three can lead to.
LET’S GO HAWKS!
Veteran Fan
May 3rd, 2010
5:42 pm
The series will turn exactly as MB puts it. Either Horford or Howard gets in foul trouble and their team loses! The two other keys are for Joe to give up his offense and defend Vince Carter as nobody else on the Hawks can seem to find him. The other is for Teague to play significant minutes in Bibby’s place as he doesn’t guard anyone and Orlando’s guards will go crazy on him. Maybe Marvin can find Carter as we may need Johnson’s scoring to offset the Magic’s. If Coach Woodson has the guts to keep Bibby on the bench we can win!
Willy
May 3rd, 2010
5:51 pm
Consumers in the United States eat over one BILLION snacky cakes each year. It would take that kind of sugar high to think the Hawks will push this series past 5 games.
NoShamSam
May 3rd, 2010
6:02 pm
Sorry All I”m Saying Is, just a typo
Chris
May 3rd, 2010
6:47 pm
Hawks in 7……..you do realize 4 of these games are on the road right Mark. I admire you going out on the limb though
barida
May 3rd, 2010
7:12 pm
Hawks can beat magic they just try to get jamlal crawford and joe joshen and they will woop them u just have to belive……………..
Go saying negtive comments should me a shame
Najeh Davenpoop
May 3rd, 2010
7:32 pm
Bradley, do you ever learn? Please for the love of God pick the Magic to sweep.
Mystikal
May 3rd, 2010
7:47 pm
Mark Bradley, I think it would be a shocker for the hawks to actually beat the magic in a series. That being said, what do you think it’d take for them to retain Woody as coach. Or do you think a decision has already been made and just waiting for the season to end?
Ryder
May 3rd, 2010
7:55 pm
Are all of you seriously high? There’s no way Atlanta can play Orlando straight up and win this series. For the past 2 years the Magic have destroyed the Hawks, and it took a tip in for Atlanta to finally get a win over them.
The only way Atlanta can even think of beating them is to win the perimeter battle, and that means no Joe Johnson scoring just 8 points. He, Crawford, and (God help us) Marvin Williams will have to stretch the Orlando defense. Bibby is going to get worked by Jameer Nelson, so Woodson is going to have to go against his own rule and let Jeff Teague get some minutes.
I will agree with one commenter that they need to switch up Josh Smith occasionally on Howard. Since Dwight has poor footwork and lacks a signature jumper, Atlanta would be wise to throw different people on “Superman” and attempt to get him off his game.
Jason Collins is 7 feet right? I don’t care if he never scores a point in the series, put him in there. At worst he will get six fouls and be a body that can wear down Howard, saving Al and Zaza from early foul trouble.
Championship teams must sometimes adjustments, and Woodson must do so in order to combat the one advantage Orlando has with their starting lineup.
Mystikal
May 3rd, 2010
8:03 pm
If the hawks bring their A-game and play the way we know they can, they will win. The problem is we have to beat them 4 times and I don’t think that has happened in 30 years. I believe the hawks can make it competitive, but no way this goes 7 games. Magic take it 4-2. Which I’m cool with long as they beat Cleveland and King I haven’t won anything.
cdog
May 3rd, 2010
8:40 pm
please atlanta hawks, don’t do like the hawks teams of the past.they would go into series believing they are suppose to lose and usually do.this is a golden opportunity for this years hawks to make a big statement to the NBA and all of their critics by beating and eliminating the orlando majic.the majic isn’t suppose to win.the hawks must play defense, push the ball up court, play team ball and don’t get into a slow down half court game with the majic.lets see the hawks take out the majic.also, we need to concentrate on the majic but a message to rick sund. you need to start preparing for acquiring dirk nowitzki.put him at center and let al hortford move to power forward and watch the hawks dominant the NBA for years to come.
decatur g (formerly known as Marcus)
May 3rd, 2010
8:44 pm
to throw a real loop in the mixx, I would like to see Woodson consult a college coach on various other zones to throw at ORL for short durations. I bet some of them haven’t seen a 1-3-1 or a box and 1 since high-top fades were still in style (LOL).
D Fence
May 3rd, 2010
8:55 pm
Bring back Koncak
Finchdawg
May 3rd, 2010
9:13 pm
Well, now that Bradley has made his prediction, we know that it will be the Magic in 4 or 5. If he had picked them, maybe the Hawks would have stood a chance. Not now.
Wild Deer
May 3rd, 2010
9:40 pm
Bucks fans: WHERE YOU AT???!!!
O'Brien
May 3rd, 2010
9:44 pm
Mark,
You know the Magic is the same team who beat ATL 3 times by an average of 22 ppg right?
That being said, I hope Jeff Schultz will be doing the live blogging tomorrow (and not you), because we need to get off to a good start, and the Hawks have a better playoff record when Jeff blogs.
JSS
May 3rd, 2010
10:01 pm
@O’Brien…
They are both the jinx!!! AJC columnists, STAY AWAY FROM THE HAWKS!!!
MitchC
May 3rd, 2010
10:22 pm
Mark, your prediction for the last series was completely off. You stated that the Hawks would make a happy meal out of Milwaukee in five games, and what happened? The Hawks were 24 minutes from losing the series, as you said, and had to extend to a seventh game to win.
Terrible free throw shooter doesn’t matter. Remember Shaq? The guy can’t shoot free throws, and he has four rings. So…
Several things stand out in this series. The Magic offense, Howard, and the fact that the Hawks are a terrible road team. Yes, they won Game Six of the Milwaukee series in a do or die situation, but, the only road to victory in this series with Orlando is for the Hawks to sweep all three at home, and try and win one on the road.
Yes, we know upsets happen in pro sports. If they didn’t, the Braves would have won about seven World Series from 1991 to 1999. (Yes, I know thats a different sport, but.. ).
My call, Magic in five. The Hawks didnt play well against Orlando this year, and got blown out by them twice in Orlando. I say the Magic sweep three games in Orlando, and steal one in Atlanta. (By the way, just so you know, for the last series, I picked Hawks in seven, if you remember, and I was dead on). Let’s see if I can be right two times in a row.
northcyde
May 3rd, 2010
10:34 pm
The Hawks HAVE to win this in 6 . . . because it’ll be too much to expect them to win a Game 7 in Orlando. It’ll be the same situation that Milwaukee was in. They knew that Game 6 was their one and only shot to win the series. When it didn’t happen, they pretty much folded in Game 7.
The people who are old enough to remember the 1987 – 88 Hawks, know that the big game for the Hawks in that BOS vs ATL series, wasn’t the classic Game 7 in Boston ( with the Bird vs Nique showdown ) . . it was actually Game 6 in ATL.
People forget that the Hawks had a 3 – 2 lead in that series after winning Game 5, and had a chance to close out the Celtics in the Omni in Game 6. But I think we lost by 2 or 3 points, and had to go back to Boston for Game 7. Nique and the Hawks gave it all they had, but Bird and the Celtics were too much to overcome in the end.
LOL . . . I go back to research that game, and we lost by 2 points. Our 1st round opponent that year . . .
MILWAUKEE . . . who it took the maximum 5 games to beat ( 1st round series back then were best of 5, while all other series were best of 7 ).
If the 2010 Hawks battle the Magic like the 1988 Hawks did the Celtics, no one should complain about this team and what they did in the playoffs this year.
**************
LOL . . as a sidenote, I’d bet that Bradley wouldn’t place a $25 wager on his prediction, even if it wasn’t his own $25 that he was betting. Haha @ Hawks in 7, after like Flip-Flop said, you’ve been swaying back and forth with this team all year.
Hawks vs. Magic
May 3rd, 2010
10:41 pm
I remember having that “good feeling” last year after the Miami series annnd that didn’t turn out well, so until I can see for myself how they’ll play against them I’m still going to say they’ll get swept.
but like I said, I’ll have to see how they play first … if they play them close on the road (or win) I’ll revise that sweep “prediction”
Willis
May 3rd, 2010
10:50 pm
@ James B – jamal comes off the bench averages 13 field goal attempts per game . where are all these shots you are talking about taking place ? He takes about 5 or 6 per half and we dont run any set plays for him really so what are you talking about here ?
but back to the Magic series . W have to stay aggressive far too many times we fail to answer a magic run with one of our own because we are holding our heads down and pouting because of a couple of threes or a Howard and1 dunk . We have to learn how to shake that stuff off just like we did with jennings and salmons and there good plays . Those things are gonna happen in the playoffs teams are gonna make runs we have to learn how to respond to the runs and that is what will decide this series .
Greg
May 3rd, 2010
11:50 pm
If your prediction is going to be even close to being correct(unlike your prediction of the Bucks series), the Hawks need to steal game 1. Set the tone right from the start. What have the Hawks done on the road to make you believe that can happen?
Since losing to the Hawks on Josh Smith’s buzzer beating dunk, the Magic have won 13 of 14 with the one loss being at San Antonio. Most of those 13 victories haven’t been particularly close. I’d love to see the Hawks step up, but the Magic look like a team that is peaking at the right time. They are a real threat to win it all.
ole smoky
May 3rd, 2010
11:52 pm
Get out the broom…
Knockahoma
May 4th, 2010
12:02 am
MB you have completely screwed the Hawks’ chances now. If you had remained negative on the team they would have won just like the Braves rattled off three in a row after your “Braves Aren’t Going to win Anything” article. You being negative equals a win for the team. C’mon man your totally putting the hex on them. Hurry and write something about how Joe isn’t the true star we need to compete for an NBA title.
Knockahoma
May 4th, 2010
12:02 am
your should be you’re
VinceVanGo
May 4th, 2010
12:16 am
I may be wrong on this but if the Hawks steal Game 1 or 2 in Orlando, then win 3 & 4 in Atlanta, wouldn’t they get home court for game 7 if necessary? I do also think that Teague & West ought to get more minutes to slow down the Orlando guards and that J. Collins should play enough minutes to slap Dwight Howard around for six fouls. Six more hard ones from Pachulia and Horford should be able to feast like a vulture.
stevie zero
May 4th, 2010
12:17 am
oh mark, your home team predictions are adorable, but who do you really think will win this series?
AG
May 4th, 2010
12:45 am
Wow, you guys are really something else. Now that most of you are back on the bandwagon…. Start Collins, and bring Marvin off the bench. Throw a wrinkle. Bring in Marvin soon, but start getting in Howard’s head early. The problem in this series will be Nelson. If he had a field day in Charlotte, man, he is licking his chops vs. Bibby.
northcyde
May 4th, 2010
1:07 am
It’s a reason why Jason Collins doesn’t play. He’s garbage. He simply represents a big body, not necessarily a defensive stopper. Zaza has been far more effective against Dwight throughout his career, than any of our big men on the roster.
Vince . . . no. If the Hawks stole Game 1 . . and then won Games 3 and 4 . . Game 6 would still be the only home game we’d have left. The reason why the road team always want to steal one of the first 2 games, is because if that team holds serve at home, they could possibly close out the series in Game 6.
When Milwaukee beat us in Game 5, that’s essentially what they had. A closeout home game in Milwaukee in Game 6.
Mike
May 4th, 2010
1:58 am
Mark?? The Hawks in 7? The Hawks will be lucky to win one.
That’s the problem when fans become writers, they show bias in favor of their team and lose all journalistic instincts.
Mark, mark my words (no pun intended). The HAWKS are going to lose badly to Orlando, they will be lucky to win one game.
If they win a game, it will be the 1st game because Orlando is rusty from 8 days off.
Whopper Dawg
May 4th, 2010
2:45 am
Mark, I agree that the Hawks can win this series, I think it is far from a given that Orlando will win. I would be disappointed if it doesn’t go six. BUT for the Hawks to win they will have to play and coach better and maybe more importantly, more consistently for a much longer stretch than they have all season. They have the talent, but I am afraid not the moxie.
JokeMan 4000
May 4th, 2010
2:58 am
I Think The Magic Are Going To Come Out Like The Hawks Did In Game 3 Against The Bucks With That Attitude Like O Yea This Is Going To Be A Easy Series.
If They Do That Then Maybe Hawks Can Catch Them Slipping In Game 1….
I Got A Good Feeling About Games 1 or 2 That Hawks Will Gave This Thing Tied 1-1 Going Back To The HighLight Factory…..
Joe
May 4th, 2010
3:59 am
We wont compete, until we get a coach who can coach our individuals. Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley said it best. Too bad we dont have Chicago ownership or Woody would have been gone a long time ago!
BirdDawg
May 4th, 2010
6:39 am
The Magic are not as far ahead of the Hawks as recent events might indicate. Circumstance played a big part in the Magic’s victories over the Hawks this season as well as the Hawks shooting themselves in the foot. The Hawks frequently have mental lapses and are undercoached and the Magic, being and outstanding team, just take full advantage of their shortcomings. If the Hawks, at least for this series, cease to continue beating themselves, their slightly superior talent could allow them to take this series. Their biggest obstacle to success is Woody so let’s hope that he’s learned enough about coaching to help his team along.
BirdDawg
May 4th, 2010
6:41 am
Bring Billy Back!!!! He wanted to can Woody a long time ago.
)
GK
May 4th, 2010
7:54 am
Are you people serious? The Hawks don’t have a snowball’s chance in heck at winning this series. I’d be surprised to see this go past Game 5. Magic may even sweep.
T Rock
May 4th, 2010
8:13 am
Mark – are you crazy???? The Hawks MIGHT win one game in this series. I still haven’t gotten over them taking Marvin Williams over one of the GREAT GREAT point guards that came out that year!!! If we only had C. Paul or D. Williams!!! Marvin is so so, but he will be forever tarnished as the point guard we should have had!!!
doc
May 4th, 2010
8:17 am
from what i hear mark from last series just dont show up and send jeff and hawks win.
woody better play howard straight up and tight then go after him on offense. he is not the second coming of either shaq or wilt.
Mark Bradley
May 4th, 2010
8:37 am
Good analysis. The Hawks can’t win a series in 2010 because of a draft pick they made in 2005.
joe
May 4th, 2010
8:38 am
Unfortunately they will be outplayed and more importantly outcoached……
Mark Bradley
May 4th, 2010
8:40 am
If they’re outplayed and outcoached, Joe, they won’t win the series.
pluckthehawks
May 4th, 2010
8:41 am
Fear the bird
*snort*
truthspitter
May 4th, 2010
8:52 am
Mark I don’t like when you do the blogging, God bless
truthspitter
May 4th, 2010
8:54 am
TRock: you are correct Marvin is a stain that has turned into a scar. No way we can get rid of this guy after the stupid mistake of re-signing him.
slick
May 4th, 2010
8:58 am
Only way hawks win this series is to steal game one.
aquig
May 4th, 2010
8:59 am
check it out even orlando agrees with mark…kinda
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_bianchi/2010/05/dwight-howardmagic-hawks-nba-playoffs.html
fanfan
May 4th, 2010
9:02 am
Very naive crowd here. Orlando in four. After that same situation with Hawks as with Thrashers. (No good money to spend, going the “right ” direction, firing the coach, etc, etc). Even if Hawks win 60 games, they still will get eliminated in round two. Really no progress there. Orlando in four. Orlando in four!!
WISE
May 4th, 2010
9:03 am
hahaha i love the hate! this is sports ppl anything can happen! the hawks are very talented so they can play with magic its just if they can do it 4 times to win. See what happened last night…idc call me crazy if you want but hawks in 7 and we win game 1. if you dont agree get out of the ATL! this city has to believe. I know I do F.I.L.A.
pluckthehawks
May 4th, 2010
9:06 am
The hawks need to be Birds of Pray….
WISE
May 4th, 2010
9:09 am
HAWKS IN 7! I guess im crazy fan but you know what I really dont care…Josh Smith will have a big series so will jamal. we still game one tonight. and if you dont believe go back to wherever you came from. we dont need any negative comments F.I.L.A.
aquig
May 4th, 2010
9:45 am
if this doesnt intimidate you i dont know what will
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cQjjvFAf6Q&feature=related
pluckthehawks
May 4th, 2010
10:01 am
I have seen his sister Ava Gabor be more motivational…
ShortBravesFan
May 4th, 2010
10:12 am
GO Hawks! Anything can happen!!!!!!
Woody done Gone
May 4th, 2010
10:15 am
How about trying a lineup of Collins, Horford, Smith, Johnson, and Bibby to start? C’mon Woody, time to try mixing up the lineup sometimes! Our bigs have the quickness to stay with smaller players on D (as we’ve seen with the crazy switching D you designed) and we could sure use the rebounding against big Dwight. Time to innovate and inspire, Woody…take the chance, inspire, motivate. It’s time !! Be the man on fire !
ryan
May 4th, 2010
10:20 am
I hope you’re right Mark.
AceDawg
May 4th, 2010
10:28 am
It’s the ATL vs. Disney. Go Hawks.
DawginJax
May 4th, 2010
10:33 am
Keys for the Hawks to win:
(1) Al Horford and Josh Smith has to be aggressive offensively and get Howard in foul trouble.
(2) Hawks have to rebound their defensive board. Can’t give those shooters multiple chances or Howard a bunch of easy putbacks.
(3) Good perimeter play. Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford have to average around 50 points between them. Bibby continuing his hot shooting will also be important. He needs to score at least 12 a game. Meanwhile, we have to defend the 3 point shot. Orlando is a great shooting team. We can’t allow them to have wide-open looks and must have a hand in their face in each shot.
I like the idea of allowing Horford and Zaza go one on one with Howard. Both are strong guys, and Al is athletic enough to pester him, while Zaza/Jason Collins will bring intensity and effort. That allows the other Hawks to guard their shooters and be in position to contest the 3 point shot. And I’m all for the Hack-a-Howard defense.
Goldenhawk
May 4th, 2010
10:35 am
Here is the problem-Orlando is not just Howard. They have the deepest bench in the league. You have to go back to the 86 Celtics to find one deeper. Their bench and depth will cause issues for us. Secondly, since the all star break Orlando is the best team in the NBA hands down. They are focused on nothing but a title and won’t overlook us. We have had a fine year but the Magic have too much talent, too much experience and better coaching.
Hawks end a good year down 4-1.
Wretch
May 4th, 2010
10:40 am
The problem isn’t defending the Magic. The problem is SCORING and rebounding. We’ve got to take care of the glass and we’ve got to score the ball against this team. They are good enough without us feeding them 2nd chance points and we are *NOT* going to hold them down for 48 minutes. If they’re off, or if we can disrupt their offense just enough, and (key) we make baskets we can beat this team. I have no doubt.
However, our often stagnant (and VERY selfish) offense will KILL us in this series – as it has all year. The Hawks have to get it done on both ends and guys have to recognize this one on one business isn’t going to cut it when they tighten up.
pluckthehawks
May 4th, 2010
10:41 am
2 good players at every position makes for a tough battle.
pluckthehawks
May 4th, 2010
10:43 am
The secret to the Hawks beating the Magic…..
Have Woodson direct his head glare into our shooters eyes. Has he thought about putting some anti sheen on the dome?
pluckthehawks
May 4th, 2010
11:18 am
You gotta love the Disney/Mickey Mouse referenses…the Bobcats fans liked them also so you are in really good company.
Blue
May 4th, 2010
12:17 pm
Match-up problems, Woody has to “sleep on” coming up with a strategy, no half-court offense, mental lapses, Jameer vs. old-man Bibby, fatigued bunch against a well-rested squad …………… I really don’t see how the Hawks can compete. I’m routing for the Hawks, but Magic in 5.
Top Magic and NBA News: Tuesday, May 4 | Outdoor sports, camping, tenis, golf
May 4th, 2010
12:24 pm
[...] How the Hawks just might make some magic of their own, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Mark Bradley The Buzz: The Hawks, or at least Jamal Crawford, are [...]
bigeasy830
May 4th, 2010
1:05 pm
I agree with many of the bloggers, we must put up some points. Joe have to come out of this funk he is in. If he is on and Crawford is on and Josh is ginving the energy and Al is being steady Al, plus an explosion by Marvin in a game or two then we will beat these guys. I think that it starts with J-Smoove. When he is giving that energy, the rest of the team seems to play at a much higher level. He is the heartbeat and pulse of this team. He is the emotional leader.
HUH??
May 4th, 2010
1:17 pm
Mark!!Mark!!! Wake up!!!Not with Bobby Cox I mean Mike Woodson coaching this team. his style is holding this team back, let those athletes play.
marcus
May 4th, 2010
1:34 pm
I think they need to win game 1, then there will be even more pressure on Orlando.
Rodney S.
May 4th, 2010
1:47 pm
Just be happy the Hawks have made it this far. Beating Orlando would just be the icing on an already sweet cake.
DaveDawg
May 4th, 2010
1:55 pm
I was thinking Magic in 6. But now that Bradley has endorsed the Hawks, I say Magic in 5.
Dexter Morgan
May 4th, 2010
2:25 pm
I think ‘Hack-a-Howard’ is the way to go. Double-team him with our expendable bigs – Collins, Za Za, etc., and have them aggressively go for steals and blocks every time Howard gets the ball. Hopefully he gets frustrated and loses focus, causing turnovers or aggressive retaliation. If nothing else, he’s a lousy free-throw shooter.
They just need to get under his skin in a big way and take him out of the game. They can shoot the 3-pointer, but that’s not a high-percentage game – if it’s on, it’s on and there’s not much you can do about it, but if it’s off and that’s all they can really rely on, then ATL has the advantage.
This team can play some ‘D’, they just have to want to do it.
Shooter
May 4th, 2010
2:28 pm
Let’s run the picket fence on ‘em. But fellas, don’t get caught watching the paint dry.
Shooter
May 4th, 2010
2:29 pm
No team this small has ever one the state championship!
Norman Dale
May 4th, 2010
2:30 pm
The Hawks need to make 4 passes every time down the floor – that’ll do the trick.
Tweets that mention How the Hawks just might make a little magic of their own | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com
May 4th, 2010
3:30 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Brenda. Brenda said: How the Hawks just might make some magic of their own: http://ht.ly/1GSjH By @MarkBradleyAJC
[...]
Going to Disney World!
May 4th, 2010
4:07 pm
pluckthehawks – The Hawks need to be birds of PREY and they need to PRAY as well. The Magic will be on the top of their game. They are well rested. The Hawks better keep their turnovers to a minimum and make their free throws. They need to keep the pressure on even if they by chance get a lead. Too many times have I seen the Hawks this season with a 10-15 point lead in the third quarter and manage to lose the game. Woodson needs to use timeouts wisely too. If the Magic start a run he needs to call timeout early to prevent a deficit the size of this country’s.
Magician
May 4th, 2010
10:09 pm
Hawks in 7???? Lay off the weed before predicting.
Mark Bradley
May 4th, 2010
10:16 pm
You know that article that had me saying the Hawks would win in seven? That was a computer glitch. What I wrote was that the Hawks would score at least seven points in each game.
Respect the Wreck
May 4th, 2010
10:47 pm
Magic are just too good. As far as the Hawks have come, they’re still just a perimeter-oriented team. Horford is getting better but can’t contain D12, nor produce much offense on him aside from his mid-range jump shot. So ATL has to rely on guard play for dribble penetration, which isn’t a good sign when Dwight’s in the middle.
Also, Bibby is awful. He may still have a decent jumper (sometimes), but he is much too slow . Nelson was dominating him all over the court. Orlando is just better than Atlanta in nearly every position, and has so many more options. At any point, some combination of there vast array of shooters can get hot and put away the game, which is what happened tonight.
At this point, I think Orlando is the best team in the NBA. But we’ll see.