Game 3 in Philips Arena: It’s last-stand time for the Hawks
Orlando – The Hawks led the Magic by two points after 35 minutes and 59 seconds here Thursday night. They trailed by 19 points barely eight minutes later. The visitors had gotten almost everything they could have hoped from the first three quarters, and yet, once again, they weren’t close at the end.
There was about Game 2 a sensation of a best shot having been delivered and parried — a chilling thought. Asked if that was his impression, Josh Smith said: “There’s a better shot still to come. We have to play the full 48.”
Maybe those long-awaited 48 minutes will come at Philips Arena on Saturday. If not, that’s it for this season. The team that won 53 games is down to its last real chance. That said …
The Milwaukee Bucks were down to their last real chance not two weeks ago, and they won Games 3, 4 and 5 and had a chance to close out the Hawks at the Bradley Center. The old playoff axiom: A series doesn’t begin until the road team wins. The road team hasn’t yet won in this series.
As suggested last night, there’s every chance the Magic could be too stout for the Hawks. “They’re good,” Mike Woodson admitted in a candid moment, staring at the box score in the locker room. Also this, regarding his team: “They’re going to have to have a defensive mentality.”
The Hawks have played five road playoff games. In four of them the opponent has scored more than 100 points. The exception was Game 6 against Milwaukee, in which the Hawks limited the Bucks to 69 points. Woodson took great pride in his team’s defensive efforts — Milwaukee averaged 71.5 points over the final two games — to close out that series, but the Magic are a different kettle of fish. They scored 114 points in a laugher and 112, after a 28-point fourth quarter in which Dwight Howard made only one basket, in a tight game that became a laugher.
“We’re good enough to play with anybody,” said Al Horford, who had one of the finest games of a stellar career (24 points, 10 rebounds). “We’ve got to keep improving and building on what we did the first half. We’ve got to put in a full game.”
If you’re into trends, you’re slightly encouraged. The Hawks played one good quarter in Game 1; they played three in Game 2. They were where they needed to be the second time around, and then they started lofting jump shots and the game got away. The Magic went from one point ahead to 11 points up in three minutes and 10 seconds, which shows Orlando has a separation gear its opponent lacks. The trick is to keep that gear from being engaged.
And that won’t be easy, not even at Philips. The one time the Hawks beat the Magic this season, they led by 11 points late but needed Smith’s follow dunk at the horn to win. The Magic have so many options: Jameer Nelson had four points in the first half Thursday, 13 in the third quarter; Vince Carter had four points in the first half, 11 in the fourth quarter.
Loading ...Came the final period, Mike Bibby was long gone. There’s nobody for him to guard in this series. (There aren’t many people for Bibby to guard in any series.) What people say about the playoffs is true: Matchups become paramount here, and the longer a series goes the harder it is for the Hawks to hide Bibby. Imagine trying to win in postseason with your starting point guard not playing a fourth-quarter minute.
“We have to put in a full game,” Horford said. “We tried to get a full game together and couldn’t do it.”
And now it’s down to one last stand. Game 3’s are often last stands for the team trailing 2-0, but that doesn’t mean Game 3 can’t have a transforming effect. The Hawks were just looking for respectability headed into Game 3 against the Celtics in 2008; they wound up taking Boston to a Game 7.
As ominous as it seems, this series isn’t over. The Hawks play better at home, and they’ll have to play better than ever if they plan to give Orlando a real run. “You’ve got to play the full 48 to beat these guys,” Smith said, and the Hawks managed three-quarters of that in Game 2. Either they go the distance in Game 3, or they prepare to go home for the summer.
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167 comments Add your comment
F-105 Thunderchief
May 7th, 2010
8:06 am
First again?
Mark Bradley
May 7th, 2010
8:07 am
First again. I’ve mentioned what the “F” must represent, Thunderchief. Kudos.
Wanted 2 Coaches
May 7th, 2010
8:11 am
Do I even need to say it again??? Please dont let Mike Woodson stay as long as Bobby Cox. It is not clear this man cant coach the talent he has. Please Please get a coach before all this young talent is gone!!!
F-105 Thunderchief
May 7th, 2010
8:11 am
I think Orlando has the Hawks’ number. But, hopefully, our guys can win a couple and put up a fight.
Carlos
May 7th, 2010
8:12 am
Interesting article….
Joe Johnson, GET OUT!
by Ben Gunby Analyst Written on May 07, 2010
Doug Benc/Getty Images The honeymoon is over. Joe, we get your gameplan. You take the money, and you perform, to an extent, enough to earn another contract elsewhere, but you check out when it’s crunch time.
Ask the Suns. You took their money, but as the deal winded down, where were you? Oh, right, doing nothing.
So your deal with the Hawks is over. You’ve taken their money, and now it’s crunch time and you are a pending free agent. Where are you? Oh, right, again, nowhere to be seen.
You epitomize what is perceived to be the problems with pro athletes. You only care about the next paycheck.
Maybe I’m wrong, but I’ve long heard actions speak louder than words.
Your actions are those of a man who doesn’t care one iota about where here currently plays, but rather where he will next get paid.
As bad as the 40 plus point drubbing in game one was, and as bad the 4th quarter collapse in game two turned out to be, the worst thing about these two games down in Florida was what I saw prior to the 4th quarter in game two.
The Hawks team was centered around a player, a player trying to motivate, drive, and inspire his team.
The problem?
That player wasn’t Joe Johnson. It was Josh Smith. And to take nothing away from Mr. Smith, in fact, more props to him for taking over a role that was left empty because of the ineptness of someone else, but that should have been Joe Johnson.
Don’t give me the, “he’s not vocal” crap, I don’t want to hear it. If you want, as he does, to be paid max money in the NBA, you need to be a leader. You need to be vocal. Vocal leaders win championships. Vocal leaders LEAD teams to championships. If Joe Johnson can’t be that, then he shouldn’t be paid accordingly. He obviously can’t, or, more likely, doesn’t WANT, to lead anybody to a championship. He wants to lead himself to the nearest bank and cash a really fat check.
He’s said over and over again how this Hawks team has no heart. Actually, it does. This team rebounded from an absolute shellacking in game one, only to lead game two with mere seconds to go in the 3rd quarter. This TEAM has heart.
The problem is, the so called leader doesn’t.
Where has Joe Johnson been?
Remember game five in Atlanta against the Bucks? Remember this “superstar” showing? It was a huge game for this team, and where was it’s leader? It’s star? Hmmmmmmmmm?
Since that game, where has Joe Johnson been?
Turning the ball over? Oh, yeah, he’s been excelling at that.
Down one, down 1-0 in the eastern semis on the road, entering the fourth quarter. Do you know what superstars do then? They take over.
What did you do? Oh, right, nothing, how easy it is to forget.
That game in Orlando was your chance. It was your chance to prove the naysayers wrong, your chance to show what a big time player you were. Your team was in position to even the series against a higher seed in the eastern semis, and they were at this point in need, as every playoff NBA team is, of someone to take over down the stretch. But yet, you couldn’t do it. You failed, again.
But you’re a superstar? Sorry Joe, superstars don’t defer to people who just recently were allowed to drink alcohol legally to lead their team. Superstars don’t wilt when it’s time to make it happen. Superstars don’t render their teammates useless.
Making others better is kind of what they do. Funny, you don’t, can’t, or don’t want, to do that.
Vince Carter was, albeit, up one, and at home, but it was crunch time. What did he do? Take the game over.
What did Joe Johnson do? You wilted, again.
And you think you deserve a max contract? Really?
I’m sorry, I think max contract guys are the ones who inspire their teammates, who make their teammates better, who lead their teams to do things beyond what should be expected.
Dominating the ball for 20 seconds and then forcing up a bad shot or leaving a teammate in no-man’s land with no time on the clock isn’t exactly what I think of when it comes to guys commanding contracts like LeBron and Kobe. Neither is disappearing when it matters most.
Maybe that’s just me. Hopefully it’s also Rick Sund.
Joe, you are what you are, you’ve gotten us where you can get us, or anywhere else, but please, get the heck out of Atlanta.
What’s unfortunate is, is that if you choose to stay, our ownership group might choose to keep you.
Mark Bradley
May 7th, 2010
8:12 am
There’s a chance the Magic is just too good. That became apparent, at least to me, last night.
Ryan S
May 7th, 2010
8:13 am
Who cares what Josh Smth says. That guy is a huge part of why we lost our lead in the 2nd half. Did you see him get lightly tapped in the face..continue to play for 3 secs…then fake an injury to his face…only to have Vince Carter come down and drain a 3. The last thing we need is a quote from him about “our best shot”…I wish they would show this clip all over sportscenter.
Mark Bradley
May 7th, 2010
8:13 am
I would concede that the Magic’s superiority might have been apparent to others long before Game 2. But I’m stubborn sometimes.
DP
May 7th, 2010
8:17 am
Speaking of playing 48 minutes, Josh Smith needs to run down the floor to play defense instead of standing in the backcourt every time he throws the ball away or gets a boo boo. Hubie Brown ripped him for loafing a couple of times last night. Brown also ripped Joe Johnson whenever he started pounding the ball into the floor and running out the shot clock. I wish Hubie was still coaching the Hawks even if he is pushing 80 years old.
Herschel Talker
May 7th, 2010
8:17 am
hahahaha. You clowns are going to get sucked in again. Insanity is repeating the same thing over and expecting different results. Believing in the Hawks is insanity.
Mark Bradley
May 7th, 2010
8:18 am
Lots of coaches are astute when they’re no longer coaching. Just sayin’.
An Adult
May 7th, 2010
8:20 am
F-105 Thunderchief, although you may be first, your high school prom date for this year called and said you were spending too much time on-line waiting for a blog to show up so you could be ‘first’. She’s found someone more mature. Don’t worry, as a junior you still have your senior year prom
Goldenhawk
May 7th, 2010
8:21 am
Mark-glad to see you are finally warming up to the point I made three weeks ago. We have had a fine season and the Hawks will only get better. We clearly have some holes to fill over the off season as you have pointed out; however, it is not Bibby’s defense, the Coaching staff, the bench or the oil slick that is causing our melt-down. Orlando is simply a very, very good bball team. Since the all-star break the Magic have flat dominated. I just don’t see anyone in the NBA stopping them right now. Clearly they are peaking at the right time.
There are lessons to be learned from the Orlando franchise for Atl. We are very comperable to where they were not that long ago.
DP
May 7th, 2010
8:21 am
I agree with the posting above on Joe Johnson. He’s a taller version of World B. Free.
An Adult
May 7th, 2010
8:22 am
Mark— I applaud you for encouraging high school students to be competitive getting to your blog first. It’s great to work with kids
DP
May 7th, 2010
8:24 am
I don’t know Mark. Woodson has been watching Joe Johnson pound the ball into the floor and run down the shot clock for 5 years. Hubie was lighting him up every time he did it last night and talking about how the Hawks had to keep the ball moving and get into their offensive set with more than 5 seconds left on the shot clock.
F-105 Thunderchief
May 7th, 2010
8:27 am
Actually, I didn’t wait for a blog to show up. I just wandered in, nobody was in the room, so I typed like mad and became what you only dream you could be – first. By the way, your mama was my prom date.
Vol_In_Ohio
May 7th, 2010
8:29 am
Why didn’t Smoove hustle down the floor on multiple occasions last night?
I thought the officiating was horrible on some of those Howard calls in the first half. Could the Hawks have gone up by more than 8 at the half if Howard would have been out of the game earlier? They were really exploiting the matchup – I thought they played their best when he went out in the 2nd Q.
An Adult
May 7th, 2010
8:30 am
That’s why she called me… and you just wondered in on the other blog you were ‘first’ on today… right. Good luck with the SATs when you take them next year. College is a good thing.
Vol_In_Ohio
May 7th, 2010
8:33 am
“Magic just too good?” You know, that’s probably right. I kept hoping we would beat out Boston for that three seed and dodge Cleveland. Now I don’t know if that was the best thing to happen.
Of course, we would probably be saying “Cleveland just too good?” right now.
pluckthehawks
May 7th, 2010
8:33 am
My ears are still ringing from the crowd noise last night, it sure is nice to be able to shift into overdrive.
Vol_In_Ohio
May 7th, 2010
8:35 am
The officiating was horrible on some of those Howard calls in the first half. Once he went out the Hawks did a great job of exploiting the matchup inside. What if he would have been out 5 or 10 minutes earlier? Could the Hawks have been up 16 at the half? Maybe that would have been enough to cling to…maybe not.
BuckCommander
May 7th, 2010
8:36 am
Congrats to Thundercheif for being FIRST again. I have been FIRST a few times myself, not that I would want to offend anyone on the blog and claim a FIRST.
governor404
May 7th, 2010
8:37 am
relax hawk fans (da true ones) the only thing accomplished so far was that the home team (as expected by the way, check the vegas lines) held serve,nothing more nothing less, the true test comes saturday, if the magic beats us after we play 4 quarters of inspired, focus basketball, then i will admit we are doomed. Not until then. We’ve given up over a 100 pts in 4 of our road playoff games, It must start with defense and Woody came in with the title of being a defensive coach, let’s see.
Balderdash
May 7th, 2010
8:37 am
I think the Hawks are as good as the Magic … up until you come to Dwight Howard. He’s the difference maker. And, Van Gundy is probably a better coach than Woody, too.
By the way, who’s the adult. A fan who types “first” on a sport blog, or a lady who keeps complaining about it? Hmmm.
builder dawg
May 7th, 2010
8:41 am
the hawks are a joke, i don’t watch basketball and i still can tell that they are no match for orlando. lack of motivation as well as not being as good as orlando tells me that there are brooms that will be out on monday…..just saying
Joey
May 7th, 2010
8:44 am
Joe Johnson = dribble dribble dribble, dribble between legs, dribble dribble dribble, dribble between legs, dribble dribble dribble, dribble between legs, dribble dribble dribble, etc.
When Joe singlehandedly changes the momentum of a game by doing the above manuver, am I the only one who shouts at the TV until my wife and cats get up and leave the room?
Tweets that mention Game 3 in Philips Arena: Last-stand time for the Hawks. -- Topsy.com
May 7th, 2010
8:46 am
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Devoted Reader
May 7th, 2010
8:46 am
JJ plays long minutes, gets tired, and in the end becomes uneffective. Woody knows it, but has no other option. Magic in four, five at the most. All you amateurs who predicted Hawks in 4,5, or six need to be accountable for your actions. NOW, you may speak up!
Willy
May 7th, 2010
8:47 am
Mark – now that the playoffs are behind us, what will be the best prospects available for the Hawkies in the draft?
Joey
May 7th, 2010
8:48 am
So, because the Hawks don’t match up well against the Magic, they “are a joke.” Don’t be such a dummy, builder dawg.
Ask the Boston Celtics if the “Hawks are a joke.”
Decatur Native
May 7th, 2010
8:49 am
Why do they NOT drive to the hole when we need points, if you don’t drive early then they can be more aggressive towards the end of the game on defense, and this is PLAYOFF basketball, cannot go two or more possessions without scoring.
D Hawks
May 7th, 2010
8:54 am
Funny Joey. The difference in real superstars dribbling a lot and JJ dribbling a lot is that the superstars are trying to set something up such as a drive to the basket, drive and dish to the wing or a switch out of a particular defensive matchup. I have no idea what Joe is trying to do.
D Hawks
May 7th, 2010
8:55 am
The strangest statistic from Game 2 was Randolph Morris at +10 in only 5 minutes playing time to lead the team in that category.
Peter
May 7th, 2010
9:04 am
Mark..Yes the Magic may be too good….BUT the HAWKS are TOO SMALL !
Hubie brown stated last night……”Basically you have a guy in Horford who has a power forward’s body trying to guard Howard a center”.
What do you make of that…….that guy knows basketball Mark !
Peter
May 7th, 2010
9:06 am
Yes Joey….I don’t have a cat………..LOL !
oldmike
May 7th, 2010
9:10 am
Are these guys getting paid to play partial games? Do they get a bonus if they effort thru 4 quarters? What happens if they play overtime? Do they get a weekend in Vegas as a spot bonus? What the f… The Magic are better than the Hawks in so many ways it’s embarrassing.
ShortHawksFan
May 7th, 2010
9:11 am
Hawks fans! Don’t give up! Anything can happen! Show your support!!!
NBA
May 7th, 2010
9:21 am
Like I said in a previous post when the Hawks struggled to beat the Bucks–the Hawks are going to get chewed up and spit out by the Magic. No competition here, and very little interest–so much that the AJC doesn’t even have a link about the Hawks game on their home page.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
May 7th, 2010
9:21 am
game 3 win by the Hawks- funniest thing i’ve heard all day so far. PATHETIC!!!!
Joey
May 7th, 2010
9:22 am
I probably won’t have a cat either after this series . . .
Speaking of Refs, they sure have a hair-trigger whistle for anyone guarding Dwight Howard when he goes banging into the lane. I had just gotten out of my mouth that “Howard should be on the bench with two fouls” after he bulldozed Collins twice in 1 minute in the first quarter when Hubie said the exact same thing. Instead, he scored what, 18 in the quarter?
James
May 7th, 2010
9:22 am
Mark.
You LOVE Al Horford.
It’s OK, I do too. It’s hard not to, when he’s the only guy that seems like he can pay attention for a full 48 minutes.
Good coverage last night. Too bad the Bradley curse still found a way. You doing game 3 too?
Greg
May 7th, 2010
9:23 am
The Magic are going to sweep. It’s like Varsity vs. JV. For the JV team to win 1 time out of 10, it had to come on a last second tip in. Flukes happen…but now it’s go time and the Magic are just rolling. They aren’t afraid of opposing crowds either. They went into Boston and slapped the Celtics around last year in a Game 7 so don’t think the Hawks “fans” will prove to be a difference maker. The Magic thrive on shutting up opposing crowds.
NC Braves Fan
May 7th, 2010
9:24 am
In retrospect, you wonder if Woody’s decision to keep Jeff Teague on the bench most of the year might be coming back to haunt us here.
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May 7th, 2010
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DP
May 7th, 2010
9:29 am
Now that the series is moving to Atlanta, the Hawks should have a defensive strategy to drive Magic dribblers to the dead spots on the court that Joe Johnson has created by pounding the ball into the floor and trap them. How often do they have to reinflate the basketballs when Joe Johnson plays?
Blue
May 7th, 2010
9:30 am
I’ll never forgive Billy Knight for drafting Josh Childress over Luol Deng or Andre Iguadala.
I’ll actually give him a pass for drafting Marvin Williams though. That year, Andrew Bogut and Marvin Williams were the consensus picks at 1 and 2. However, we sorely needed a point guard that year and there were two great ones still available. And Billy Knight was supposed to be this great basketball man. On second thought, I take that back. FAIL on Billy Knight for drafting Marvin.
I vividly remember a MARK BRADLEY column a week or so before that draft warning Knight of drafting Marvin. He predicted that Marvin would be in the mole of Shareef Abdur-Rahim. A serviceable player nonetheless, but not worth burning a Number 2 pick on. Boy was he right.
But Billy Knights most egregious draft has to be drafting the slum-lord Sheldon Williams. SHELDON WILLIAMS when BRANDON ROY was the consensus pick STILL ON THE BOARD!!!! Sheldon Williams when you already had a glut of forwards. INEXCUSABLE!!!
I wish Mike Woodson well if he gets canned after this season. But Billy Knight’s horrific drafting over the years has set this franchise back tremendously. The fact that he wasted all those lottery picks on a bunch of forwards when we clearly needed points and centers is unforgiveable. We’re still paying the price.
Gamer
May 7th, 2010
9:34 am
Hawks can hold serve at ATL back in the NEST of Phillips Arena.
The Hawks got what it take to beat the Magic the next two games…
Joe Johnson find his shot,, the Hawks will be cruising to two easy victories..JOE NEED TO DO MORE SHOOT AROUND,,PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE..FIND YOUR SHOT, MAN!!!
Josh Smith and Horford continue to play strong inside game by attacking the rim to make baskets or draw foul from defenders..
Marvin showed a little atheleticism but went soft at times,,need to be more consistent playing at the rim and midrange game…
Jamal stay consistent with attacking the rim, pushing defenders back for midrange shots, the long ball will be there..
Woody need to groom Jeff Teague during this postseason run, the boy got game,,he just need confidence to play into the flow of game with teammates..
Bibby is a craftsman, he will find his way…
The Hawks big reservemen are playing too slow on defending Howard.. Howard don’t have a patented shot,, he’s a dunker.. Play Howard face up..
HAWKS MAKE BEDLAM!!!! STRIKE FRIGHT INTO YOUR OPPONENT!!!!!
Bob Pettit
May 7th, 2010
9:42 am
The Hawks will never win anything with Joe Johnson and Josh Smith on the team and Woodson running the show. J&J are not leaders, and they aren’t prime-timers that rise to the occasion. JS is a whiner and a baby, JJ is a complimentary player, & after 6 years MW still doesn’t have a coherent half-court attack. There is no 4th-quater heart on this team – these guys should be blowtorches in crunch time, yet year after year they keep proving that they’re just not mentally tough enough.
W/E
May 7th, 2010
9:52 am
Let Joe walk and let’s grow some nuts and go get Dwayne Wade. This team needs someone who is a great vocal leader and has the talent to boot. Or get Avery Johnson who knows how to teach GOOD offense and he’s energetic enough to keep this team motivated. Joe and Mike have been great on rebuilding this franchise, but if we want to get to the next level we need guys who can get people fired up and who know how to stay motivated at all times. Yes Dwayne and Avery will cost more money, but just imagine the potential.
nola hawks fan
May 7th, 2010
10:20 am
Why is no one talking about the antics of Josh Smith?? He is the one that turned this game around for the Magic. He is just too emotional and a pouter for the Hawks ever to be a “tough” playoff team. He sits on the end of the court holding his head like a 6 year old at a YMCA soccer game.
“I didnt get a foul called so I am going to make my teammates go 4-5 b/c I am sad”. What happened on that play… VC drilled a 3 and the lead grew. Oh and happened right at the start of the 3rd quarter too (remember Hubie crushing him for it?!)
Mark said it after game 1, it is plays like the one above that makes this team VERY hard to root for sometimes.
RCS 7/30
May 7th, 2010
10:34 am
Let me give you a senario….It’s 1985, the Lakers are playing the Trailblazers. Lakers are down 3 with the ball, a shot goes up, James Worthy crashes the boards, get slapped in the face, and now he has a decesion to make? Does he A) Hold his face, complain, and let his team play 4 on 5 or B) Get back on D, try to stop the team and if they do score, then he sprints the floor?
What would Bird do? How bout Rodman? or Lambeer?
Well, we all know what J-Smoove would do….
Grow up Josh!!! You have all the talent in the world! Now you just need to Mature. I believe he will, but it may take him a few more years of getting beat down before he gets sick of it and realizes he could be one of the best.
I don’t even want to get started on his 3rd Quarter start. He truly quit at times. So much for the theory that every possession in the playoffs is critical b/c Josh obviously doesn’t believe that!
jg
May 7th, 2010
10:34 am
did i hear stan van gundy say in his post game news conference that “mike’s a helluva coach.” what mike is he talking about? mike woodson??? hahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahhaahahahahhahahahahaahhaahhahahahahahhahahahhahahahahhahahahahhahaahahhahahahahahhahahahhahahahahahhahahahhahahahahhahhahahahahhahahahahahahahhaahaha!
hahahahahahahahahahahha!
that’s a good one
calihawks
May 7th, 2010
10:35 am
WOW REALLY A BLOWN LEAD AGAIN..OL WELL AT LEAST I LIKED TO HUBIE RIPPING JOSH FOR PLAYIN LIKE THAT.. “IF THAT WAS LEBRON JAMES HE WOULD BE RUNNIN DOWN THERE TRYIN TO BLOCK THE SHOT” HUBIE BROWN… IT IS PLAYS LIKE THAT MAKE IT SO HARD TO BELIVE AND MAKE U THINK THAT WE HAVE A CHANCE.. WHY CANT JOE JOHNSON COME THREW WHEN WE NEED HIM..EVERYBODY ELSE HAD A GOOD AND JJ JUST WAS AVERAGE..THIS IS THE PLAYOFFS SCORE 40 ON THESE FOOLS DO SOMETHING .. THEY LOOKED LIKE THE MOSLEY AND MAYWEATHER FIGHT.. MOSLEY GOOD FOR 2 ROUNDS THAN MAYWEATHER WHIPPED ON HIM THE REST OF THE WAY LAUGHIN.. THATS THE MAGIC LAUGH AT US KNOWIN THE HAWKS HAVE NO HEART..
Matt
May 7th, 2010
10:37 am
THIS is what this team has building towards the last few years?? A team that can get to the playoffs, win a series and AGAIN not get out of the second round? Haven’t we been here, done that already??
mn possum
May 7th, 2010
10:37 am
Mark: Do you have a prediction for International Orienteering World Cup? The event begins in 23 days.
Mr. Obvious
May 7th, 2010
10:40 am
The Hawks have as much chance of winning this series against Orlando as Kenshin Kawakami has of winning the 2010 National League Cy Young Award, the Atlanta Spirit Group members collectively agreeing on ANYTHING or Mike Vick has of winning the National Spelling Bee.
bigeasy830
May 7th, 2010
10:41 am
Nola Hawk fan without J Smooves emotions the Hwks get blown out early just like the first game
True/False: Orlando is the Best Team in the NBA « Sports Fans Bloggers
May 7th, 2010
11:02 am
[...] got a guy like Rashard Lewis (20 points) who is what, a 3rd offensive option? The Hawks better win game three this weekend at home, or it’s [...]
JASon
May 7th, 2010
11:04 am
Lets get one thing straight: we didn’t “need” Josh’s buzzard beating dunk. The game was tied at that point. Also, the officiating in these games is single-handedly giving the game to the Magic. The calls they were giving Howard in the first half were unacceptable. It would have changed the entire complexion of the game if he had sat as much as he should have for, I don’t know, running over Jason Collins. What more do you expect from this dumb league.
TROTTINGHOME
May 7th, 2010
11:07 am
Bradley,
Lot’s of fans are astute also…about basketball and journalism. I hope your on the same train Woodson is getting on before the end of May ..or the end of June
The annoucers criticised the Hawks most of the game. Learn how to play like the western conference teams play. Even the bad teams are constantly moving without the ball.
Dan the Nerd
May 7th, 2010
11:11 am
If your starting point guard doesn’t play more than 15 minutes, he isn’t your starting point guard.
The problem with Woody is that he knew he didn’t have a PG – which is why Jamal lead the league in 4th quarter minutes. A lot of the 4th quarter collapses were because: Jumpers stopped falling and the ball stopped moving. When you are relying on Iso and Jamal to play point – you can’t be surprised when it stops working as they aren’t point guards.
Which takes us to Sund. He made a huge mistake last year by either not cutting Woody lose or extending his contract. This meant Woody had to show dramatic improvement this year – he needed as many wins as possible. If this team didn’t win 50+, there is no way his name would be in any of the rumors currently curculating. So Woody coaches every game to win – never worrying about getting the future PG any playing time.
Is aint all Bibby’s fault.
AS
May 7th, 2010
11:16 am
The problem with the hawks is two words. (Marvin William) This guy does not have and should not be starting. This guy misses every shot, he is absent on offence and consistently make bad plays. Mike Woodson needs his guys to actually run the offense and stop all the switching on defense, the mismatch that it make are killing us. True hawks fan, but disappointed.
Peter
May 7th, 2010
11:17 am
Hey….Dan the Nerd ..Bibby can’t guard the quicker points, and his offense is suspect…
Thus he sits when it counts !
dw
May 7th, 2010
11:26 am
The Magic will continue to dominate because they play real defense instead of flopping around like Zaza hoping to get an offensive foul call. I know Dwight is good but the reason Boston gives him problems is because Perkins actually mans up and plays D instead of praying for the refs to bail him out.
Game 3 in Philips Arena: It's last-stand time for the Hawks - MajorWager Forums
May 7th, 2010
11:31 am
[...] [...]
atlienforlife
May 7th, 2010
11:38 am
I was never on this side of thinking; but, this playoffs has proved that Joe Johnson is not a max player in this league. He has been average at best in the first two rounds. He only had on good game and that was in the blowout in Milwaukee. And jamal is a little too selfish with the ball. Woody has to go, no offensive expertise at all!
Gator CHOMP Champ
May 7th, 2010
11:44 am
Hawks lose on road…Hawks out in 2nd round…just need a couple pieces and can contend in 2 years.
This content will be published after they’re eliminated in game 5. It’s not even news (more of an annual occurance) and is as regular as the disgusting pollen every spring. Depressing and true-may as well go ahead and give Woody his extension.
At least the Falcons training camp starts soon.
DWilkins21
May 7th, 2010
11:52 am
It’s as if the Magic huddled together before game 2 with the idea of toying with the Hawks through 3 quarters and then make them look like clowns in the 4th. Like I said before, Woodson has over extended his time on the bench, lets bring in a true x’s & o’s coach and bring in a couple more role players for our bench and then we can give the Magic a better fight…hopefully. I can easily see this Magic team winning 3 or more Championships in this next decade(The new Spurs of the East), they are certainly built for it.
DWilkins21
May 7th, 2010
11:57 am
atlienforlife…you are exactly right! I’m okay with losing Joe if we can bring in some more firepower to our bench. Lets fire Woodson and go after Jeff Van Gundy, that will bring some extra sizzle to the South Eastern Division…brother vs brother! I think Crawfoed can fill Joe’s absence(if he can let some non-open shots go) at the 2-guard. Fill some holes here and there and compete with the big boys(The Magic).
Dr. Warren
May 7th, 2010
12:06 pm
Mark–If you remember, the difference-maker in the Celtics series in 2008 was one JOSH CHILDRESS. Unfortunately, he’s playing in Greece still, and the Hawks’ playoff chances look about as healthy as the Greek economy.
Smitty
May 7th, 2010
12:07 pm
MB, I dont know if you keep reading your blog this far down but I have a question for you . Was it as apparent for you as it was Hubie Brown that Josh Smith totally let down and stopped working hard for a while right in the middle of the Hawks losing control of the game in the 3rd / 4th qtr. .And if so, why is he getting a pass on his behavior? I just read today’s sport section front to back and he is not even mentioned w/ re. to the game. What’s the deal? Hubie pointed it out explicitly.
jakenjboro
May 7th, 2010
12:18 pm
Turn out the lights, the party’s over!!!!!
Gator CHOMP Champ
May 7th, 2010
12:34 pm
Right on Doc Warren. Tell it like it is.
FromUpNorth
May 7th, 2010
12:38 pm
I’m sorry, I’m still laughing at Gamer’s post that “Bibby is a craftsman”.
Of what? Not denying that the man had skills back in the day, but now….he’s a point guard who can’t guard, doesn’t create plays, can’t penetrate, doesn’t consistently demonstrate floor leadership. He still has a good shot, but is streaky. So maybe that makes him a craftsman of wasting playing time?
cdog
May 7th, 2010
12:46 pm
the officiating beat the hawks in game 2.i bet if lebron james or paul pierce had been on the recieving ends of a lot of the majic fouls that wasn’t called, they would have gotten them.a foul is a foul you can’t call a foul on one end and not call it on the other.thats what happened.plus, someone tell joe johnson, you dribble for a reason.he should have learned this in middle school.you dribble to get you or your teamate open.he had his man beat plenty of times but he choose to shoot fade away jumpers when he could have took his man off the dribble.you can’t be scared to go to the basket.he was.
Casey Stinkle
May 7th, 2010
12:50 pm
Anybody who doesn’t see this series is over NOW, truly has blinders on. Hawks=good team but far from championship caliber. They are, I believe one good player away.
wordy
May 7th, 2010
12:57 pm
we can’t beat the magic in 7 so who cares. On to ponticating the summer. JJ gone, woody gone. Grab a center in the draft or the free market. Move Holford to foward. Crawford to start. Find Crawford backup on free market or draft. Let Teague start. Call Childress and say your sorry, sign him. Bench Marvin
Center X, ZAZA
PF-Smoove, Marvin
PF the sequal (who needs a small foward)- Holford, Chill
PG- Teague, Old Man River
SG- Crawford, gaurd x
wordy
May 7th, 2010
12:58 pm
and Hubie Brown as coach.
PistolPete
May 7th, 2010
1:04 pm
The officiating was totally unfair and against the Hawks. I would venture to say the officiating was ‘fixed’. I saw one play where the announcers Hubie Brown and Mike Toreko said THAT HAS TO BE AN OFFENSIVE FOUL AGAINST THE MAGIC. Then they showed the replay where petreus initiated the foul by driving his elbow into Josh Smiths chest, Josh Smith fell backwards and hit the floor, yet the foul call was against josh smith to the surprise of announcers Toreko and Brown. Atlanta could only muster about ONE CALL from the official all afternoon. I saw only one call that went atlantas way. Everything else was given to the Magic. How can you win when the officials are taking the game away from you. I can understand how Josh Smith got frustrated, but there is no excuse for his lack of effort and literally giving up and throwing up the white flag. Josh is a punk and should be disciplined or traded as soon as possible. I wont having a player on my team who doesnt care at all at the outcome of the game and who is there to make a mockery of the nba, the league and the Hawks. David Stern should bring the hammer down on Josh Smith, discipline him and fine him to send a message that we cant have NBA players showing up the league with indifference by walking up the court and showing absolutely no respect for the game.
i_am_soulstar
May 7th, 2010
1:17 pm
Bring back JJ.
Sign Josh Childress and stop being cheap.
Resign Mo Evans.
Develop Teague.
Trade Marvin.
Sign Jerry Stackhouse.
Bring in a proven starting point guard, and make Bibby the back-up.
Billy
May 7th, 2010
1:27 pm
Last stand, the little hawkhorn, in the next couple of games no hawk will be left standing!!!
BravesFan79
May 7th, 2010
1:29 pm
If we replaced Joe Johnson with Mcgrady or D Wade, and replaced Woodson with Jeff Van Gundy, this team could really be special!
Whats sad is that ive seen alot more heart out of Josh Smith this series than in Joe Johnson!
corydillinger
May 7th, 2010
1:36 pm
You know whats funny is that this is the only the second winning season for this team in 10 years and everybody now wants to fire the coach let Joe walk break up the team. Understand we have known all year that this team was a horrible road team but a team that can beat anybody at home lets see what they do on Saturday and then make judgements and why are all these non Hawk fans wanting to comment on a team they care nothing about!!
corydillinger
May 7th, 2010
1:38 pm
Another thing why is everyone so in love with Josh Childress he was exactly lighting the league on fire when he was here. Ok.
Jerk This
May 7th, 2010
1:39 pm
Anybody who thinks the Hawks have a chance is delusional. So much for j-Smoove maturing. Cry-J is what he needs to be called.
Tom Wright
May 7th, 2010
1:55 pm
In order for the Hawks to win Coach Wooten must take Josh Smith out of the game in the last four minutes of the fourth quarter. He begins to think of whats he suppose to do thus turning the ball over. Game two was lost after turnovers and ill advised shots.
pluckthehawks
May 7th, 2010
1:55 pm
I agree the Hawks are as good as the Magic with the exception of our starters and out bench.
pluckthehawks
May 7th, 2010
1:58 pm
I heard the hawks are recruiting Tiger Woods because at least he knows how to score in Orlando….
Skeezix
May 7th, 2010
2:01 pm
I think the series will go five games–the Hawks will win one in A Town.
mws17
May 7th, 2010
2:17 pm
The Hawks were an impressive 53-29 in regular season play — better than 22 other teams in the NBA. And, yes, Woody was at the helm. The Hawks season was a success! Nearly two-dozen other teams, and their fans, only wish they had a season like the Hawks had. Even if this team doesn’t beat the Magic, (and did you seriously think they would?), it’s still been a very nice season.
Instead of tearing the Hawks apart at every opportunity, why don’t we do something novel as Atlanta sports fans… as Hawks fans… take the high road and support this team!
feudfinder
May 7th, 2010
2:18 pm
I was actually impressed the way the Hawks played for three quarters, but I suspected things would eventually fall apart. If basketball were played for three quarters, the Hawks would have stolen the show yesterday. But sorry, the last time I checked it was four quarters.
feudfinder
May 7th, 2010
2:28 pm
Tom,I agree with you. I think Mike Woodson should have taken out Josh Smith after he turned himself to a network with lots of traffic, thinking he was the sixth man the Hawks were looking for. As good as he was, his turnovers caused the debacle for the Hawks loss.
i_am_soulstar
May 7th, 2010
2:36 pm
Corydillinger,
Josh Childress is an above average NBA 6th man we already own the rights to. Why not take advantage. He and Crawford coming off the bench would make the Hawks a much deeper team.
Dwight Howard
May 7th, 2010
2:39 pm
I can elbow whoever I want and trip whoever I want and still get the calls I want. Mwahahahaha.
Josh Smith
May 7th, 2010
2:41 pm
I plan on giving about 70% effort on Sat. just like I did on Thursday. When you see me walking up and down the court with a pouty look on my face it’s due the fact that I’m being underpaid. Since I’m only making 70% of what I should, I give 70% effort. These million dollar pay checks just aren’t enough to entice me to give the game my all. Sorry guys…it’s all about the Benjamins!!!
Mike Woodson
May 7th, 2010
2:43 pm
I refuse to win another game until my contract is extended. This plan is bulletproof.
Rick Sund
May 7th, 2010
2:44 pm
Will you UNGRATEFUL fans realize that we gave a GREAT effort last night. Our organization is about PROGRESS not CHAMPIONSHIPS right now. All we have to do is win ONE GAME in this round and that will be better than last year’s team. Rome was not built in a day. You have to crawl before you can walk. You fans just have TOO HIGH EXPECTATIONS for this team. We have already reached our ELITE status because we won over 50 games. Being ELITE is not based on the PLAYOFFS, but the REGULAR SEASON. The real fans are SATISFIED with where this team is. People like BIG RAY knows that it TAKES TIME to win a championship. You people are just UNREALISTIC about this team. It’s about PROGRESSION right now. As long as we have a NUCLEUS like J-SMOOVE (because of his great ball handling and pure shooting), MARVIN “GREAT POTENTIAL AND UPSIDE” WILLIAMS, and AL HORFORD, and last but not least JOE “I WILL CARRY THE TEAM WITH ISOS” JOHNSON, the future looks bright. Well see you real fans tomorrow at the PHILLIPS ARENA (aka “highlight factory”) for a special CHIK FILA FAMILY NIGHT!
Dominique Wilkins
May 7th, 2010
2:44 pm
Jameer Nelson is smokin! He made two shots in a row…next shot is a heat check. You see that woman over there? She’s smokin! Give me a cigar. I’m smokin!
Rick Sund
May 7th, 2010
2:48 pm
Will you UNGRATEFUL fans realize that we gave a GREAT effort last night. Our organization is about PROGRESS not CHAMPIONSHIPS right now. All we have to do is win ONE GAME in this round and that will be better than last year’s team. Rome was not built in a day. You have to crawl before you can walk. You fans just have TOO HIGH EXPECTATIONS for this team. We have already reached our ELITE status because we won over 50 games. Being ELITE is not based on the PLAYOFFS, but the REGULAR SEASON. The real fans are SATISFIED with where this team is. People like BIG RAY knows that it TAKES TIME to win a championship. You people are just UNREALISTIC about this team. It’s about PROGRESSION right now. As long as we have a NUCLEUS like J-SMOOVE (because of his great ball handling and pure shooting), MARVIN “GREAT POTENTIAL AND UPSIDE” WILLIAMS, and AL HORFORD, and last but not least JOE “I WILL CARRY THE TEAM WITH ISOS” JOHNSON, the future looks bright.
Rick Sund
May 7th, 2010
2:49 pm
Will you UNGRATEFUL fans realize that we gave a GREAT effort last night. Our organization is about PROGRESS not CHAMPIONSHIPS right now. All we have to do is win ONE GAME in this round and that will be better than last year’s team. Rome was not built in a day. You have to crawl before you can walk. You fans just have TOO HIGH EXPECTATIONS for this team. We have already reached our ELITE status because we won over 50 games. Being ELITE is not based on the PLAYOFFS, but the REGULAR SEASON. The real fans are SATISFIED with where this team is. People like BIG RAY knows that it TAKES TIME to win a championship. You people are just UNREALISTIC about this team. It’s about PROGRESSION right now. As long as we have a NUCLEUS like J-SMOOVE (because of his great ball handling and pure shooting), MARVIN “GREAT POTENTIAL AND UPSIDE” WILLIAMS, and AL HORFORD, and last but not least JOE “I WILL CARRY THE TEAM WITH ISOS” JOHNSON, the future looks bright. Well see you real fans tomorrow at the PHILLIPS ARENA for a special CHIK FILA FAMILY NIGHT!
Grove
May 7th, 2010
2:52 pm
Actually when it comes to Heart of the team there is I see only one player starting that has heart and that is Al Horford, he is really getting after it. I agree with Hubie he was point a few things out and he all but said that Woodson was not and is not coaching. Josh was clearly loafing and a good coach would have nipped that in the bud by yanking him. That what he did is cancerous it spreads and he really should have pulled.
Time
May 7th, 2010
3:03 pm
I’m a guy that typically stands behind the home team guys, no matter what. Too many around here are too quick to just hate on players because things don’t go the way they think it should. 99 percent of the people doing that have probably never spent a second of their lives playing a competitive sport. But that’s a different rant. So I digress.
The problem is and solely is Joe Johnson. And I don’t think it’s as some have theorized that he’s really lost a step. He may have, but his game has never been about explosiveness anyways so any lost step effect should be marginal.
The problem is Joe Johnson is playing for a contract. He clearly think he deserves a max contract and has changed the way he played this year because of it. It’s like he keeps trying to show the league he is a true superstar on the lines of a Kobe. Problem is Joe, you’re not. What you are, or atleast used to be, is a first rate shooting guard. A step below the levels of the Kobe’s, but still, a great player.
So, trying to prove this to get his deal, he keeps going into iso dribble show mode. Of course, when he does it leaves everyone else just kind of standing around. In fairness, alot of times he beats people in his iso’s, gets in the lane and either hits a little floater. If he misses, most of the time it’s going to be because he’s not Kobe and doesn’t get the “superstar” respect from the awful NBA officiating and gets clubbed with no whistle.
I remember when Joe used to be one of the more feared “shooters” in the league. Used to be if he’d catch the ball and was open he shot it. Just rise up and shoot in rythm. He NEVER does that anymore and it’s killing his game. He’ll catch, have space to take a rythm jumper, but doesn’t. Instead dribbling around, giving the defender time to drape himself all over him. And it breaks down into iso Joe with 5 seconds left on the clock.
That’s why Atlanta can’t, and I predict won’t even attempt, to resign him. I think Jeff Teague is more than ready to run this team from the point and provide our athletic bigs just what they need. A running PG in the mold of Chris Paul to ingite the break, break down halfcourt defenses quickly with the dribble and create open shots for Al and Josh. Then they should resign Crawford, who gives you essentially the same game as Joe, but will come much cheaper.
The team automatically becomes much better right there in my opinion. The biggest beneficiary will be the maligned Marvin Williams. Who many rip. But I think it’s just a case of someone has to take on lesser roles with a team laden with such talent as the Hawks have. Let’s face it, in the order of things right now, Marvin is maybe option 5 or so for scoring. No Joe I believe will elevate his game, because he will become more of a primary option and will know on a night in and night out basis he will have a chance to excel. Right now, someone has to cede their ego’s for the betterment of the team as it stands now. And I think Marvin has been that guy.
Cali girl
May 7th, 2010
3:04 pm
it seems to me that Joe Johnson just does not care anymore like none of the players are hungry enough for a championship cause if they wanted it they would go out every night regardless of the matchup problems or how good the Magic is play their hearts out
they don’t have a leader a player who is going to say give me the ball or somebody is willing to step up talk to the team regardless of how they feel and give them motivation energy even at home games we need a leader that will tell josh stop walking up and down the court or tell him to stop making jumpshots we need a leader
Hopefully we can work up some magic of our own this saturday and win at home but i still think the hawks played a good game they just went away from what worked
Time
May 7th, 2010
3:04 pm
I’m a guy that typically stands behind the home team guys, no matter what. Too many around here are too quick to just hate on players because things don’t go the way they think it should. 99 percent of the people doing that have probably never spent a second of their lives playing a competitive sport. But that’s a different rant. So I digress.
The problem is and solely is Joe Johnson. And I don’t think it’s as some have theorized that he’s really lost a step. He may have, but his game has never been about explosiveness anyways so any lost step effect should be marginal.
The problem is Joe Johnson is playing for a contract. He clearly think he deserves a max contract and has changed the way he played this year because of it. It’s like he keeps trying to show the league he is a true superstar on the lines of a Kobe. Problem is Joe, you’re not. What you are, or atleast used to be, is a first rate shooting guard. A step below the levels of the Kobe’s, but still, a great player.
So, trying to prove this to get his deal, he keeps going into iso dribble show mode. Of course, when he does it leaves everyone else just kind of standing around. In fairness, alot of times he beats people in his iso’s, gets in the lane and either hits a little floater. If he misses, most of the time it’s going to be because he’s not Kobe and doesn’t get the “superstar” respect from the awful NBA officiating and gets clubbed with no whistle.
I remember when Joe used to be one of the more feared “shooters” in the league. Used to be if he’d catch the ball and was open he shot it. Just rise up and shoot in rythm. He NEVER does that anymore and it’s killing his game. He’ll catch, have space to take a rythm jumper, but doesn’t. Instead dribbling around, giving the defender time to drape himself all over him. And it breaks down into iso Joe with 5 seconds left on the clock.
That’s why Atlanta can’t, and I predict won’t even attempt, to resign him. I think Jeff Teague is more than ready to run this team from the point and provide our athletic bigs just what they need. A running PG in the mold of Chris Paul to ingite the break, break down halfcourt defenses quickly with the dribble and create open shots for Al and Josh. Then they should resign Crawford, who gives you essentially the same game as Joe, but will come much cheaper.
Section 303
May 7th, 2010
3:04 pm
Mark, you’re writing some good stuff, lately. Keep it coming.
northcyde
May 7th, 2010
3:04 pm
JJ has to be more aggressive. Everybody is talking about how ISO JJ lost the game . . . but in the 21 – 3 run the Magic went on, JJ took a total of ONE SHOT.
So JJ . . . give this fan base what it wants . . or doesn’t want.
Because half of them are wishing that you’d take over the game ( or at leas try to )
And the other half want you to pass the ball to set other people up.
So how about just doing the first. Let them call you selfish. Let them call you a ball hog. But to me, you HAVE to get up 20+ shots in order for us to have a shot to beat this team. If you’re 4 – 14 . . KEEP SHOOTING.
You can still play the team game. You can still be the playmaker. You can still be the guy who chases Nelson around, because we have no one else who can do it. But you need to get those shots up.
Don’t be afraid to put up an 8 – 22 FG game, if it will help your team get a victory. Maybe your teammates can continue to do what they do real well . . and that’s grab offensive rebounds.
That’s one thing I can say about Jamal Crawford. No matter what the situation, or how horrible or difficult the shot, he’s going to keep firing without any conscious. He’ll get a pass from this fan base, until he assumes your role as the perimeter go-to scorer. Then they’ll turn on him too.
So in the meantime JJ . . . GET YOUR SHOTS UP. Shooters shoot themselves out of slumps. Don’t dribble to try to draw a double team to set your teammates up. Just GO . . create some space . .and TAKE YOUR SHOT.
Timmy
May 7th, 2010
3:05 pm
Totally agree, Grove…though I might add that with a good, tough coach like Popovich, it’s unlikely we would even see antics like those of Josh last night.
Al is the only guy in our starting lineup who is a keeper to me. All the rest can be dealt provided we receive comparable value in return. It’s kind of sad that for a team that won 53 games there are only two players (Horford, Crawford) who should definitely remain. Josh would be the 3rd if not for his constant self-handicapping. He takes himself out of the game by allowing his emotions to negatively impact his game. We will never be successful as long as we have a guy playing 35 minutes a game in the playoffs who can’t keep himself composed.
N.B.
May 7th, 2010
3:10 pm
PLAYOFFS!?!?! PLAYOFFS?!?!? DON’T TALK TO ME ABOUT PLAY–PLAYOFFS!?!? THEY ARE EXACTLY WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE AND WE LET EM’ OFF DA HOOK!!!
PLAYOFFS?!?! PLAY–PLAYOFFS?!?!
Timmy
May 7th, 2010
3:10 pm
northcyde,
The problem is that when we go iso-Joe it’s either Joe Johnson making a jump shot with under 5 on the shot clock or bust. Sure it’s great when he’s making it, but he’s not Lebron. He can’t will the ball into the basket nor does he get to the line like a superstar to compensate for his misses.
For me personally, it’s more of an issue that Joe so frequently dribbles around for 15 seconds before advancing towards the basket. All ball movement stops and our chances to score go down considerably. Again, he is not a superstar and we are not a one-man team. We need constant ball movement to win games because we don’t have any one player who is overpowering enough to win the game by himself when the defense knows he’s the only option we’re banking on.
PaulieOldSchool
May 7th, 2010
3:20 pm
This series is another Dead Man Walking.
htwo0rider
May 7th, 2010
3:32 pm
Mark,
You’re very positive, but the Hawks are done.
northcyde
May 7th, 2010
3:37 pm
Timmy . . and we don’t have enough reliable shooters on this team that we can count on them to make shots. Bibby is arguably one of our best outside shooters on the team, but we can’t even play him these days, because he’s so horrible defensively and can’t even get enough space to get his shot off.
Horford is a good midrange shooter, but needs ball movement to set his shot up. Against Centers, Horford isn’t a good scorer. Against PF’s, he’s much better.
Josh Smith usually excells on offense, when we’re in transition, or if he’s grabbing offensive rebounds. Sometimes he has the advantage in the post, and can score there.
Marvin is hit or miss . . . literally
Bibby is becoming more miss than hit
I think we had 9 or 10 assists in that 1st half. 4 of them were to JJ ( 3 jumpers and 1 lay-up ). The adjustment JJ needs to make, is to simply make the quick decision to score off of a pull-up jumper, instead of trying to get into the lane to set up his floater all the time.
If he catches the ball, and he has some space, he should simply let it fly. Don’t dribble. Don’t waste time. Just let the shot go. If he misses, see if the frontline can grab an offensive rebound to give us a 2nd chance.
Regardless . . . JJ is the one that needs to increase his shots. In the last 5 games, he’s had shot attempts of 16 – 24 – 14 – 11 -16. That can’t happen on a team in which you’re look at as the main shooter. In the first 4 games, he had shot attempts of 21 – 23 – 22 – 22.
And even if JJ increased his shots, the main problem with this team is still the defense. As much as there was a 4th quarter breakdown on offense, the defense for the entire 2nd half broke completely down. The Magic shot over 60% in that 2nd half and scored 63 points.
JeJe
May 7th, 2010
3:42 pm
RESIGNING JOE JOHNSON DOES NOT MAKE THE HAWKS ANY CLOSER TO COMPETING WITH ORLANDO OR CLEVELAND FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP. EITHER SHAKE UP THE CORE O S&T JOE FOR DWYANE WADE AND OVERPAY IF U MUST
LEBRON AND DWIGHT AREN’T GOING ANYWHERE
LucilleBoris
May 7th, 2010
3:48 pm
I used to defend joe johnson but it looks like he is clueless out there as to how to get his game off and score points. When he is defended well he immediately goes into his ISO routine where he does a drop step (almost like a dance step) then fades away and tries to launch it over some defender. That move is as old as dirt and I cant believe for an all-star player that he wont commit himself to improving his game. Joe has enough natural talent to be one of the top 5 players in the game, which he used to be. Now I think there are at least 20 players better than Joe Johnson.
big shocker.
May 7th, 2010
3:51 pm
i agree with all of the iso joe dribbling comments. Move the frickin ball around joe. the you can hit your floater jumper. we were right in last nights game until,yeah,big shocker, we grow cold from our 20 ft jump shots. hubie brown was right, move the ball side to side, and find the open look. And Josh smith, quit your pouting and get up the floor. man, if you want respect and kudos, shut up your baby squinch face and crying,and get down the floor to slam it in someones face. Dude,if your tired, sit down and at least let someone else try. Oh, and Woody, How about getting into these guys the fact that they can beat orlando. I don’t know how many slams the magic had down the lane, and no one even challenged them. Al has had a great year and a boatload of effort. how about rubbing off on the others(joe johnson, josh smith, and the invisible marvin williams.)Marvin, you are such an enigma. some games unstoppable, and most others, no where to be found. you will hit a few jumpers like you can’t be stopped, and then fade like a fourth grader playing with seniors in high school. Hawks, put on your big boy pants and get after the magic. This is the last dance,Go Hawks.
Noshaun
May 7th, 2010
4:48 pm
Everybody is over-analyzing the series. Orlando is a better team. Chill out.
papadawg
May 7th, 2010
4:51 pm
NOT even in the same class as the Magic. Maybe time for coaching change.
eddy
May 7th, 2010
4:57 pm
Watching the Hawks is the most frustrating thing ive ever done, except for maybe watching Tech basketball. How does Mike Woodson not get fired? Does he not know how to draw up any other play besides Iso Joe? He gets no respect from the players, especially evident during the playoffs. He doesn’t play Teague at all, when everyone knows he should at least try and see if he could slow down Jennings first, now Nelson. And last night was the last straw for me. After seeing Josh walk up and down the court, make just horrible turnovers, and complain to everyone in sight about fouls, he never even takes him out of the game. Any other coach would have sat his ass on the bench and chewed him out. Not Woody, I think he is scared to do anything like that which is why he should be fired. I read on SI that during the end of game 5 vs the Bucks, Josh and Joe basically ignored and cursed Woody when he was trying to talk to the team. Pretty sad. We have gotten this far on talent and with Woodson’s horrible coaching but now it all gets exposed in the playoffs. Playing Smith, Collins, Zaza, and Marvin together in game 1 then doing nothing in game 2 just shows how bad he really is. WHY DO YOU KEEP PLAYING MARVIN AND MO EVENS?? THEY DO NOTHING! Do something that shows you care, like benching Josh even for a posession when he does his stupid crap. Did anyone see Woodson after losing by 43 points in his press conference? HE ACTED LIKE IT WAS NO BIG DEAL! REALLY?!!! I will gladly drive him and Joe to the airport when they leave. I don’t even want to get started on Joe wanting max money. LMFAO!!!
PANDEMONEUM
May 7th, 2010
4:59 pm
i dont think the Bucks would have lost as bad as the Hawks did in Game 1
if the Hawks keep JJ, they only have $ to upgrade their bench
if the Hawks dont keep JJ, they should also trade JS and start the rebuild
in 4 years, the Hawks should be back to a 4 seed and improving
JeJe
im in agreement with james and howard r NOT going anywhere
so, by keeping JJ, at least the Hawks will be in the playoffs for another 3 years
the main concern is miami and chicago
if each team acquires a top free agent, that could bump the hawks lower in the playoff standings
cavs and magic r 1 and 2 for the next 4 years
atl can be 3 or 4 for the next 4 years
boston should be dropping, lots of old guys
bucks, about the same for 2 more years but on the + side
toronto should be dropping, without bosh
chicago and miami, depends on free agents
charlotte, who knows
Carl- still a loyal Hawks fan!
May 7th, 2010
5:02 pm
I have enjoyed watching the Hawks all year and greatly appreciate their steady improvement over the last five years. I understand that we don’t match up with elite teams yet… and we probably won’t until we acquire a legitimate center. Imagine our front line with a good center and Al and Josh at forward.
You see how good Joe and Jamal are when they get open shots. The problem on offense is obviously the lack of ball movement. It’s not just iso Joe! It’s also iso Jamal, iso Al and iso Josh! And yes, Marvin looks lost in this stagnant isolation offense. But when the ball is moving, he’s contributes at a high level. The isolation offense too often means there are a lack of rebounders when iso xxx finally launches a shot.
My question is… who’s running this never-ending isolation game? Woodson or the players. While the hawks are rebounding well, the fast breaks are so infrequent in the playoffs.
Mark, with the athletically gited players on this hawks team, why do they persist in this isolation game (which is so ineffective against good defensive teams) and why have we stopped running?
Go Hawks!
JCANELAKES
May 7th, 2010
5:41 pm
It would have been nice if the article had the F!@#$%^&*G SCORE LISTED!
Greg Norton
May 7th, 2010
6:36 pm
Question…announcers keep telling us Hawks have nobody that can stop Howard….who the heck did Charlotte put on him?? Far as I can tell, Hawks look very afraid of challenging Howard…..but hey, what do I know, I’m just a stud pinch-hitter!!!!
Harry The Hawk
May 7th, 2010
6:38 pm
Besides getting their arses kicked on national TV the Hawks are taking a constant beating in the press outside of Atlanta as doormats and, worse yet, quitters.
For all the talk of attracting big-time free-agents, I doubt that they’ll want to come here without major changes regarding the above.
This starts on the sidelines with Mike Woodson…as the guy who sets the tone, the negativity rests on his doorstep. Allowing Smoove to sulk on-court– with no reprecussions—on national TV, signals a team and franchise that are out of control. In short, with an unhappy All-Star and two crushing defeats under their belts, Atlanta comes across as a destination that may be a closer distance to self-destructing than a championship.
Wade,Bosh et al may relish the thought of a big paycheck to end up in the ATL…..but not without the leadership/guidance/mentoring of a coach who can put a stop to any immaturity, while commanding the player’s respect.
Woodson has already proven this is out of his realm……..if ownership cares about how they (and the franchise) are perceived by fans and players around the league, Mike has to go
Hawksfan1990
May 7th, 2010
7:05 pm
Mark, you’ve lost a lot of credibility with the last few articles you’ve posted. I used to enjoy reading your articles, but after the overconfidence and lack of new information, I feel as though you’ve exhausted your knowledge and are just publishing articles to try and stay relevant.
EM
May 7th, 2010
7:33 pm
Josh Smith was the reason the Hawks lost game 2. He was too busy pouting and throwing the ball away at the beginning of the 2nd half.
Rick Sund
May 7th, 2010
7:39 pm
Will you UNGRATEFUL fans realize that we gave a GREAT effort last night. Our organization is about PROGRESS not CHAMPIONSHIPS right now. All we have to do is win ONE GAME in this round and that will be better than last year’s team. You have to crawl before you can walk. You fans just have TOO HIGH EXPECTATIONS for this team. We have already reached our ELITE status because we won over 50 games. Being ELITE is not based on the PLAYOFFS, but the REGULAR SEASON. The real fans are SATISFIED with where this team is. People like BIG RAY knows that it TAKES TIME to win a championship. You people are just UNREALISTIC about this team. It’s about PROGRESSION right now. As long as we have a NUCLEUS like J-SMOOVE (because of his great ball handling and pure shooting), MARVIN “GREAT POTENTIAL AND UPSIDE” WILLIAMS, and AL HORFORD, and last but not least JOE “I WILL CARRY THE TEAM WITH ISOS” JOHNSON, the future looks bright. Well see you real fans tomorrow at the PHILLIPS ARENA (aka “highlight factory”) for a special CHIK FILA FAMILY NIGHT!
Rick Sund
May 7th, 2010
7:40 pm
Will you UNGRATEFUL fans realize that we gave a GREAT effort last night. Our organization is about PROGRESS not CHAMPIONSHIPS right now. All we have to do is win ONE GAME in this round and that will be better than last year’s team. Rome was not built in a day. You have to crawl before you can walk. You fans just have TOO HIGH EXPECTATIONS for this team. We have already reached our ELITE status because we won over 50 games. Being ELITE is not based on the PLAYOFFS, but the REGULAR SEASON. The real fans are SATISFIED with where this team is. People like BIG RAY knows that it TAKES TIME to win a championship. You people are just UNREALISTIC about this team. It’s about PROGRESSION right now. As long as we have a NUCLEUS like J-SMOOVE (because of his great ball handling and pure shooting), MARVIN “GREAT POTENTIAL AND UPSIDE” WILLIAMS, and AL HORFORD, and last but not least JOE “I WILL CARRY THE TEAM WITH ISOS” JOHNSON, the future looks bright. Hope to see you all for a special Chik Fila family night.
Rick Sund
May 7th, 2010
7:41 pm
Joe has POTENTIAL to be a SUPERSTAR.
MitchC
May 7th, 2010
7:43 pm
Mark, I’m very surprised that 56% of the people in the poll think Orlando will win Game Three. I guess those people are thinking sweep.
I think the Hawks will win Game Three. They will bring a much more sustained effort, and their crowd will help them.
My belief is that the Magic will ultimately win the series, in five games, as I’ve said before, but, as for Game Three, my call is a Hawks win.
#Just a thought
May 7th, 2010
7:58 pm
the magic have a really arrogant coach and so r they they aren’t just that arrogant they really do believe they can beat anybody in this league but u know they may have yet to lose a playoff game but a team is not going to win every playoff game
Billy
May 7th, 2010
8:50 pm
The little Hawkhorn….
Whopper Dawg
May 7th, 2010
9:34 pm
All of those years of high draft choices have gotten the Hawks some good players. But they need a leader on the floor and a leader on the bench (coach). I would call Skiles and see if he likes the south.
BTW CLASS OF 90
May 7th, 2010
11:33 pm
I am a Hawks fan and I have watched this team grow. And Coach Woody been the Coach the whole time. YEAH WE KNOW WE GOT. Let’s not forget we third place in da East this year. Y’all jump ship if you want to. YEAH WE GLAD TO BE HOME. Listen to that Goodie Mob Still Standing Number Fo. FILA We straight.
ktown hawker
May 7th, 2010
11:35 pm
Woody deserves a huge raise for getting this young hawk team into the second round, without a legit, big time scorer. The hawks owners need to step up in the offseason and pay d-wade whatever he wants, even if it takes $25 mil per year.
BTW CLASS OF 90
May 7th, 2010
11:40 pm
Let Teague play.
Greg
May 7th, 2010
11:41 pm
The reason the Hawks haven’t drawn more interest despite their 53 wins is due to the fact that it’s been apparent since early in the year that this is exact playoff scenario(whether the opponent was Cleveland or Orlando) would play out in the 2nd round. Nobody needed to wait until the last couple of games to figure out the Orlando was just better(and certainly better coached) than the Hawks, Mark.
With a better coach, the Hawks would at least have a puncher’s chance in the series. With their current coach, they have a puncher’s chance…..to win one game.
tree rollins
May 8th, 2010
12:26 am
Love the improvement I saw in the Hawks from Game 1 to Game 2. They’re going to rip the Magic a new one in Game 3 – expect similar in Game 4. Then we will have some kind of series on our hands. Expect JJ to begin dominating the smaller Jameer Nelson.
tree rollins
May 8th, 2010
12:30 am
I suppose I agree Mike Woodson isn’t the world’s greatest coach. But doesn’t he deserve something for sticking with this horrible team through the Billy Knight (Knightmare) years! He was a good foot soldier when there was nothing to work with and built this team into a playoff contender. Now you want to dump him in the nearest sewer – c’mon folks – where’s your loyalty. Think about and you’ll see why the Spirit owners will bring him back next year.
tree rollins
May 8th, 2010
12:33 am
Even if Woodson isn’t the world’s greatest coach – he deserves to coach the team because he was coaching it during the Knightmare years when nobody wanted them. Now that the team’s good (with his solid work) you want to dump him in the sewer. Think about it and I think you’ll see why the Atlanta Spirit owners will bring him back next year – it’s called LOYALTY.
Orlando Magic News & Notes: Series Shifts To Atlanta | Howard the Dunk | An Orlando Magic Blog
May 8th, 2010
2:10 am
[...] Mark Bradley of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has that story here. [...]
Ted M
May 8th, 2010
4:25 am
What a freakin wuss!
Josh Smith was the biggest wuss in the world when he didn’t get down court to defend after Carter accidentally slapped him in the face. What a freakin wuss, he was barely hit. The Magic drained an uncontested 3 and it was all down hill from there. That’s where the game was lost.
What a freakin wuss!
Jeremy
May 8th, 2010
5:46 am
As a Magic fan i must say, i dont understand why the Hawks keep saying we palyed good in game 2 up till the 4th quarter, last time i checked they didnt give out wins for playing well for 36 mins. Yes you played better than in game 1, and yet you still lost by 14, i’m not saying that the Magic will sweep, although if they win game 3, then a sweep is more likely to happen, and does Joe Johnson always look so unintrested, he looked like he wanted to be anywhere but in the game….
ktown hawker
May 8th, 2010
7:47 am
Woody will rally the troops, circle the wagons and get these young hawks to play at 110%–they’ll give it their all and leave nothing on the court—there is no tomorrow!
S.U.P from East Atlanta
May 8th, 2010
7:59 am
Here’s my thoughts: I’ve grown up my entire life watching the Hawks so please believe you’re reading from a die hard Atlanta, GA sports fans. Hence, “GA sports fans” because I love all of my GA teams. Moving along, I’m really starting to feel like Joe Johnson is not the answer. If I’m Sund, I don’t try to re-sign JJ. I save the money and try to lure Chris Bosh back to the city where his college career took off along with getting rid of some excess baggage like Bibby. He’s a disgrace on defense, which we all know wins championships. We sign Bosh now he’s our 5, Big Al at 4, Smoove moves down to play the 3 putting Marvin on the bench (He was never a starter at UNC), insert Jamal Crawford at 2, and find us a solid point guard via sign and trade or for cheap in free agency. In the meantime, we allow Teague to continue to grow into his role. Although I do question drafting Teague when I think we should have went after Ty Lawson, IMO. Looking at that starting lineup, you could possibly have 3 all-stars including Smoove making it next year. Along with a solid bench, especially if we can get Chills back. Just the thoughts from a tru Hawks fan.
An Adult
May 8th, 2010
9:17 am
F-105 Thunderchief — wow first again…I guess the 8th grade pizza party was too dull for you so you hung around on line — again
Atlanta Hawks - Page 43 - iSTORYA.NET
May 8th, 2010
10:01 am
[...] [...]
Willy
May 8th, 2010
10:18 am
Woodson needs to chew some fanny IMMEDIATELY when he sees anyone half-fannying it on the court tonight.
D-Wade Now
May 8th, 2010
11:42 am
D Wade is the answer—with a superstar like him, the young hawk team will add the final piece to the puzzle—they will be in the NBA finals in 2 years! Mark it down!!! Pay whatever his agent says–he’s worth it.
Mikeeeeeeeeeeee
May 8th, 2010
12:12 pm
Why does everyone blame the coach?
Can the coach make Al Horford 40ibs heavier and 2 inches taller? No one on this team can defend Dwight, he is too big of a mismatch?
Can the coach give a heart to heartless players that give up and start playing 1 on 5 players?
The Hawks are too small for Orlando and they play together like a team, which the hawks rarely do.
Bangladesh
May 8th, 2010
12:53 pm
FIRE WOODY!!!!!!!!!!!! AND GET RID OF JOE!!!!!!!!!!!
THESE GUYS ARE GOOD REGULAR SEASON GUYS BUT THEY SUCKKKKK IN THE PLAYOFFS, WHEN IT MATTERS MOST!!!!!!!
Bangladesh
May 8th, 2010
12:55 pm
mike: “Can the coach give a heart to heartless players that give up and start playing 1 on 5 players?”
Hes the damn coach, hes the one thats calling the iso joe and iso jamal. So he deserves to be blamed.
Bangladesh
May 8th, 2010
12:57 pm
Mark, if we dont resign Joe, will we have enough salary space to give a max contract?
Joe
May 8th, 2010
1:18 pm
FIRE Woody!!!!! He can’t coach this talanted team properly! ORL will sweep or we may sneak 1 game in. How is that MIL took this team to 7 games and we lost to ORL by 43, that is embarrassing, any other organization would have been coach searching already. Larry Drew is a better coach than Woody!
Hawks vs Magic
May 8th, 2010
1:22 pm
“Poll Game 3 at Philips: Who wins?”
If Bradley blogs it’ll be the Magic, if Jeff blogs it’s the Hawks … since all signs seem to point to Bradley, I gotta go with the Magic.
Dick
May 8th, 2010
1:26 pm
Haven’t read all the articles leading up to tonight’s game; has anyone trotted out the “nobody believes in us” routine? I’m so tired of hearing someone on virtually every team through that out. First of, gives us a reason to believe and we will. Second, “us against the world” is trite. If you need that to prepare yourself mentally, you don’t have much. Even if they haven’t said anything like this, they’re still very immature as a team, fall back on excuses that amaze me. “Distracted?” “Need to put 48 minutes together,” after 90 games? Please. This is a team that needs leadership.
Top Magic and NBA News: Saturday, May 8 | Outdoor sports, camping, tenis, golf
May 8th, 2010
1:38 pm
[...] Game 3 in Philips Arena: It’s last-stand time for the Hawks, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Mark Bradley The Buzz: Atlanta forward Josh Smith said the Hawks have [...]
BBgenie
May 8th, 2010
2:32 pm
Hawks in 7!!! Series doesn’t start until we lose at home right? Grow some balls and attack the cup? Period! Stop somebody and use the whole Damm Bench!! Teague/J.Smith must play more. I like the use of Hortford @ the 4 spot, we win this match-up. We Must win this Game! Period! No excuses!
Nohearthawks
May 8th, 2010
5:56 pm
Joe Johnson is not a clutch player. I can tell when he is going to shoot. He dribbles to much. Let the Knicks have him.
Nohearthawks
May 8th, 2010
5:57 pm
Enter your comments here
Nohearthawks
May 8th, 2010
5:59 pm
Let Joe go!!!!!!!!!
Nohearthawks
May 8th, 2010
5:59 pm
He’s all yours Knicks.
Nohearthawks
May 8th, 2010
6:04 pm
4 on 1 and we still can’t score. This is embarrassing. The writing is on the wall. Save your money and skip game 4.
Nohearthawks
May 8th, 2010
6:05 pm
Joe Sucksssss!!!
Mikeeeeeeeeeeee
May 8th, 2010
7:19 pm
Mark Hawks in 7? which season?
Hawkeye
May 8th, 2010
9:45 pm
When asked what he thought of the Hawks, John Berry said, “I was taught growing up, if you don’t have anything good to say about someone, don’t say anything.” And he didn’t. Ouch!
Ripped Again
May 8th, 2010
10:55 pm
Hey Joe don’t let the door hit u in the ass on your way out !!!!