Live from Game 4: The Hawks have it going but can’t let up
It'd be nice if the Hawks didn't need another shot quite so outrageous. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Let’s not get ahead our ourselves. The Hawks must beat Orlando twice more to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals, and it’s possible the MRI on Derrick Rose’s ankle could show nothing beyond a sprain. But, as we speak, the playoff prospects of these Hawks are looking somewhat better than they did nine days ago.
Ten ESPN analysts picked the Magic to win Round 1. Four SI.com writers likewise tabbed Orlando. None of the watchers on either site took a flier on the Hawks, who are, let’s note, the No. 5 seed. The 4-against-5 series is usually a toss-up thing. (The Hawks needed seven games to beat Miami in one of those two springs back.) But the Hawks were playoff-picking poison when this postseason commenced, and now they’re halfway to a Round 1 victory.
Before tonight’s Game 4, Hawks coach Larry Drew was asked if his team’s sudden success was a function of playing better than it had in a disappointing regular season or a reflection of a specific matchup. “I’d say it’s a combination of both,” he said, and he’s surely correct. The Hawks were 6-16 against teams that won 50 or more games this regular season — but three of those victories came against the team they drew in Round 1.
Much of this has to do with Drew. Even if his players stopped heeding him against certain teams, they pay attention when Orlando’s in the house. “What we were doing against Dwight [Howard, the Orlando center] in the past wasn’t working,” Drew said. “It opened up two cans of worms.”
Meaning: In trying to double-team Howard, the Hawks weren’t denying him much of anything and they were absolutely clearing the perimeter for the Magic shooters. And by switching on every screen — a Mike Woodson staple — the Hawks were left in a never-ending lurch. They couldn’t handle Howard, couldn’t rotate onto shooters, couldn’t stop Jameer Nelson from driving. No wonder they lost a playoff series by 101 points.
The Hawks no longer switch on every screen. The switch only on what Drew calls “same-size” screens. No longer will you see Al Horford trying to shadow a little man like Milwaukee’s Brandon Jennings — this actually happened during a late-game possession in Game 4 against Milwaukee last April — and looking lost.
It doesn’t hurt that the Magic shooters aren’t as skilled as they were a year ago. Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter and Mickael Pietrus might not have been capable of hoisting the Magic to a championship — that’s why they were traded in December — but they were better standstill shooters than the imported Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and Gilbert Arenas. Better defenders, too.
The Hawks have been the better team in this series. They’re capable of winning it. They showed in Game 3 they were also were capable of wasting a double-digit lead. They won anyway, but subsisting on a banked 3-pointer at the end isn’t a diet for continuing postseason nutrition. The Hawks need to keep the Magic in backpedal. They need to win Game 4 and force Orlando into elimination mode. And if they get to Round 2, who knows how Rose will feel?
The Hawks have again caught our eye. They need to hold it this time. They need to win this series and see if they can carry Round 1 into Round 2 against the Bulls.
Game 4 will go some distance toward deciding who prevails in this one, and we’ll be here to monitor the doings. Please consider joining the online festivities. You’ll be sorry if you don’t.
By Mark Bradley
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445 comments Add your comment
J.J.M.
April 24th, 2011
6:44 pm
3rd time in a row?
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
6:45 pm
Go Hawks!!
J.J.M.
April 24th, 2011
6:46 pm
any news on what bigs will get playing time tonight?
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
6:49 pm
Kudos on your threepeat, J.J.M.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
6:50 pm
Jason Collins is fit to play, if that’s the question.
J.J.M.
April 24th, 2011
6:52 pm
Etan Thomas?
JeJe
April 24th, 2011
6:56 pm
Must-win today
Whoever wins this game goes to the next round.
We gotta have a must-win mentality – none of this “the pressure is on them” BS
stevie zero
April 24th, 2011
6:58 pm
mark, thoughts on hawks chances against bulls? (should they advance, of course)
Greg
April 24th, 2011
6:59 pm
HAWKS! Show the world! Do it tonight! Atlanta is pulling for you!
This Gets Old!
April 24th, 2011
7:01 pm
Yeah valid points Mark but in the end you play to win the crown. If people are depending upon a Rose injury to advance to a Celtic/Heat whipping it’s still a sad commentary (not necessarily meaning your commentary)
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:02 pm
Etan Thomas is in uniform
stevie zero
April 24th, 2011
7:03 pm
great column mark. what do you think of hawks chances vs bulls? (should they advance, of course)
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:05 pm
If the Hawks could get to the conference finals, I think a lot of individuals around here would be very happy.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:06 pm
Also on hand for Game 4: R. E. Turner. He once owned this team.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:07 pm
Let’s defer the Hawks-Chicago prediction for a tad longer.
jwdog8
April 24th, 2011
7:08 pm
Lets go Hawks, and Braves..2 on, no outs, top 10
J.J.M.
April 24th, 2011
7:08 pm
no matter how far the hawks get I still think we will trade away someone this offseason
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:09 pm
Here we go.
honest_abe
April 24th, 2011
7:10 pm
so mr. bradley what’s the key to winning this oh so important game?
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:12 pm
Orlando turns it over the first two series.
So does Atlanta.
honest_abe
April 24th, 2011
7:13 pm
and after a minute of play we have our first fg attempt
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:13 pm
Hawks spring a press. Get a steal off it.
They lead 4-nil
jwdog8
April 24th, 2011
7:14 pm
The key to the series is Joe. We got to continue to get him good shots. And of course Josh going to his strengths.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:15 pm
The other Richardson hits a triple
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:17 pm
Very loosely played game
jwdog8
April 24th, 2011
7:19 pm
2 run single by McLouth in the top of 10th to put Braves ahead.
rob
April 24th, 2011
7:20 pm
Thanks for the Braves updates jwdog8
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
7:21 pm
JOSH SMITH SHOULD COME OFF THE BENCH!
rob
April 24th, 2011
7:21 pm
And if the hawks made good decisions in transition we would be up 15-9
This Gets Old!
April 24th, 2011
7:21 pm
YOU brought Rose up.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
7:22 pm
9-6 Braves!! Mac with RBI single
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
7:22 pm
AL THATS NOT YOUR SHOT
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
7:23 pm
Howard….2 fouls…nice
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
7:25 pm
Smoove with a sick pass!!
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
7:28 pm
WE WILL WIN THIS SERIES!
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:28 pm
Sorry. The WiFi quit.
Hawks up 16-9. Howard out with 2 PF. Redick has missed two open shots.
Not sure how long the Magic can allow Howard to be a spectator
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:29 pm
Good crowd again. Pretty much full. On Easter.
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
7:30 pm
BRAVES WON
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
7:30 pm
Braves sweep Giants
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
7:32 pm
Orlando is tiny without Howard on the floor
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
7:33 pm
ANOTHER STUPID SHOT BY JOSH
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
7:33 pm
time to sit Josh. what the hell kind of shot was that?
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
7:35 pm
Josh “Brick” Smith–Puleez don’t shoot outside!
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:35 pm
Hawks 25, Orlando 17. One quarter done
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
7:35 pm
Mark, believe it or not Nate McL(out)h got the game winning hit for the Braves today.
jwdog8
April 24th, 2011
7:36 pm
That was a good quarter. Could have been better, but I’ll take it.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
7:36 pm
Jamal may lead this team to something special. He is shooting with so much confidence right now.
.
.
.
.
Now pay him.
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
7:37 pm
what are the lapel pins Chip and Joe are wearing?
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:38 pm
Jamal Crawford is a different guy this postseason. He admits he was nervous last year — first time in the playoffs for him.
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
7:38 pm
W/ dwight on the pines, collins can sit too, extending his life in this game. could work out well w/ zaza out
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:38 pm
Dwight Howard returns.
jwdog8
April 24th, 2011
7:40 pm
You gotta know Dwight is coming back with a vengence. We need to stand tall this second quarter.
zina
April 24th, 2011
7:40 pm
howard is out. good bcuz he is a dirty player
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:40 pm
Agent Zero scores after missing a bunny.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:41 pm
Hawks lead by 11 after a tough Crawford trey
zina
April 24th, 2011
7:41 pm
crawford again for 3. got to pull away
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:41 pm
Gilbert Arenas: Air ball. Lead: 13.
zina
April 24th, 2011
7:43 pm
refs need to call fouls like they should. cheating for orlando if you ask me
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
7:43 pm
first hack-a-howard of the night.
jwdog8
April 24th, 2011
7:43 pm
We need to go to the basket. Get the 3d on Dwight
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:44 pm
The lead is 34-21 with 8:44 left in the quarter.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:44 pm
I’m not sure Orlando has enough players
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:45 pm
Look anywhere and there’s a bad matchup for the Magic: Crawford against Nelson, Horford against Anderson, Johnson against anybody.
jwdog8
April 24th, 2011
7:45 pm
the magic will miss j. rich tonight
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
7:46 pm
I can GAURANTEE Zaza wont stink up the arena tonight
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
7:47 pm
“I’m not sure Orlando has enough players”
They would call that a forfeit in my softball league MB.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:47 pm
Redick: 0-4
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:48 pm
Hawks by 16. Getting very close to being over
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
7:48 pm
I cant believe this blowout will hold
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
7:48 pm
Astute observation MB
zina
April 24th, 2011
7:48 pm
highlight factory on fire>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:49 pm
Hinrich has 10 points. Crawford has nine.
zina
April 24th, 2011
7:49 pm
in agreement. 3rd on howard needs to come quick
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
7:49 pm
good foul Jamal. nothing easy.
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
7:50 pm
bad Hawks defense
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
7:51 pm
horrible shot jamaal
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:51 pm
Howard blocked by Smith. But Crawford forces one and Arenas scores at the other end.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
7:51 pm
Smoove swats howard. me likey
zina
April 24th, 2011
7:52 pm
come on josh. hold on to the ball
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
7:52 pm
Hawks getting sloppy
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
7:52 pm
REAL sloppy
ICECOLD
April 24th, 2011
7:52 pm
Wow… these HAWKS are really clicking right now!!!! I just hope coach drew dont sub the starters out because he got a big lead… They need to build and keep building.. dont sub out till you up by 30!!!!!!
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
7:52 pm
lettin Turk go to the hole unmolested…molest him!
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:53 pm
Down to 10. Hawks have missed a real put-away chance. Gave up an offensive rebound after a FT and forced the shot after Smith’s rejection.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
7:54 pm
agreed AlpharettaGuy
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:54 pm
I don’t think you have to worry about Larry Drew letting up.
Harpie
April 24th, 2011
7:55 pm
Josh Smith is an idiot.
Sid
April 24th, 2011
7:56 pm
really should be up by 20…….leaves the door open.
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
7:56 pm
play hard & smart for 5 minutes, take a 14 pt lead to halftime…that shd happen
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
7:57 pm
Hawks are letting the Magic hang within 10.
Sid
April 24th, 2011
7:57 pm
Josh Smith is a dumb…
zina
April 24th, 2011
7:57 pm
hawks need to clean it up and continue to pull away
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
7:57 pm
more sloppynesss
Sid
April 24th, 2011
7:58 pm
until this organization gets a real center……
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
7:58 pm
BAD basketball
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
7:58 pm
never seen such cold shooting
Sid
April 24th, 2011
7:58 pm
put Dumb Smith on the bench
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
7:59 pm
this game may end 39-29
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
7:59 pm
Josh needs to get in the paint & stay there
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
7:59 pm
Todd Grantham that was funny
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
8:00 pm
JOSH SMITH IS A CRACKBABY!
rob
April 24th, 2011
8:01 pm
Hawks must finish strong this quarter
zina
April 24th, 2011
8:01 pm
how did that happen. how did they get another foul shot. bunch of mess
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
8:02 pm
brilliant play by smith
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
8:02 pm
PLEASE PUT CRACK BABY JOSH SMITH ON THE BENCH!
billyo
April 24th, 2011
8:02 pm
i would like to see jsmooves wonderlic score……
Harpie
April 24th, 2011
8:02 pm
Josh should be on that space shuttle…
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
8:03 pm
pretty sloppy 2nd but we are on the good side score wise.
heartofdarkness
April 24th, 2011
8:03 pm
Hawks will shoot the Magic back into the game.
JSmoove SUCKS
April 24th, 2011
8:03 pm
We need to get rid of that goon Smith. He is singlehandedly trying to lose this game.
J.J.M.
April 24th, 2011
8:03 pm
josh will be traded and we will use the money to go after howard
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
8:05 pm
No way this game shd be this close…hope we have a good 2nd half
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
8:06 pm
WE GOT TO TRADE THIS FOOL JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
8:06 pm
internet out Mark?
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
8:07 pm
I really don’t like the way this quarter has unfolded
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
8:07 pm
cmon Josh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
8:07 pm
more smart play by josh
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
8:07 pm
Get Smith out of there.
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
8:08 pm
Nope, Hawks should have blown them out by now
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
8:08 pm
SMith Sucks.
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
8:08 pm
Josh smith is good but against majic he is not at his best Howard is a beast but hawks are a TEAM with a smart coach
Sid
April 24th, 2011
8:09 pm
this is NBA playoff BB….neither of these teams will go past the next round.
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
8:09 pm
awful call there
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
8:09 pm
yes get mad at it J
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
8:10 pm
Third on Howard — with 1.1 seconds left
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
8:10 pm
NUMBER THREE!!!!!!!!!!!! Nice..
Joe Tess Fish House
April 24th, 2011
8:10 pm
Basketball id 4 loosers
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
8:10 pm
3 on Howard
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
8:10 pm
J=craw he is the man
zina
April 24th, 2011
8:11 pm
YES, we got the 3rd on howard. highlight factory is hot.
todd grantham
April 24th, 2011
8:11 pm
people spotter. Chuck Dowdle and Ray Goof
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
8:11 pm
Hawks by nine at the half. They scored the final three points of the half, which was big, but got No. 3 on Dwight, which is bigger. No way they shouldn’t prevail.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
8:11 pm
9 point lead at the half. I would take that all day long.
rob
April 24th, 2011
8:13 pm
Mark I coudlnt agree more. Hawks are the better team… Just going to come down to execution
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
8:14 pm
w/ 3 on Dwight, if I was Drew I would tell Joe & Jamal & Capn Kirk & whoever else to drive to the hoop into Howard…he’ll either play soft or pick up number 4. That’s my coaching tip of the day, gang.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
8:14 pm
Here’s what’s frustrating: The Hawks outplayed the Magic by more than nine points: Had 8 more hoops, 6 more rebounds — but 4 more turnovers. And the Magic had 9 points on second shots to the Hawks’ none.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
8:15 pm
Magic: 1-for-14 on 3-pointers.
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
8:15 pm
That was a weird sequence of events MB but I feel a Gell’n comin on for the hawks they are going to peak at the right time this year I think you know how big that is in a season of baskett=ball
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
8:16 pm
Let’s be clear: You’d rather be ahead by 9 than down by 1. But you have to feel the Hawks should be up 12.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
8:19 pm
TNT guys are killing both teams with the horrible shot selection. I would agree with them.
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
8:20 pm
they just started jackin it up they are however starting to get the motion offence I see it,they just may get on it and suprise everybody
michael m.
April 24th, 2011
8:23 pm
12? mark they should be up 20. series is here for the hawks to take. wish they didnt feel a need for drama and waiting til its close at the end. could end this earlier if they would stay focused, disciplined. lets go hawks!!
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
8:23 pm
There is a lot of talent on this team GO HAWKS
South ga boy in the atl
April 24th, 2011
8:23 pm
How many dumb shots, passes will Smoove make. Usually we have to endure 3 dumb decisions for one great play but tonight the ratio is 10 to 1. Hawks are winning in spite of Josh
IAW
April 24th, 2011
8:24 pm
The story once again is the Hawks defense on the Magic shooters. That has been the difference in the series. Drew is outcoaching Van Gundy but no one will dare say it.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
8:25 pm
We have to come and take control like we did to start the game. Max Johnson needs to get his shot going.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
8:30 pm
that a boy Kurt
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
8:31 pm
nice brick there turk!
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
8:32 pm
good start to the 3rd
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
8:32 pm
Up to 13. Van Gundy yelling at Turkoglu, who took another awful 3-pointer.
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
8:33 pm
BALL MOVEMENT AND DEFENSE
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
8:34 pm
no luv for da Turk man these days, huh MB?
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
8:38 pm
JAMEER NELSON THE POINTGUARD FOR THE MAGIC TOLD THE BULLS POINTGUARD DERRICK ROSE,THAT HE WILL SEE THEM IN THE SECOND ROUND,IT LOOKS LIKE THE HAWKS WILL GO UP 3-1
Justin
April 24th, 2011
8:38 pm
This quarter is not off to a good start for the Hawks.
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
8:39 pm
Maybe I am just pessimist about Hawks basketball, but I do not like how this game is going.
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
8:40 pm
WHY IS JOSH IN THE GAME?
Sid
April 24th, 2011
8:40 pm
please trade this clown Smith after the season is over…while he still has some worth…..he is awful.
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
8:40 pm
Smith is just awful. And arrogant.
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
8:41 pm
Armstrong…this shd be interesting. U know they’re goin to Dwight every time.
Jim Burr
April 24th, 2011
8:42 pm
collapse coming?
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
8:42 pm
Josh is trying very hard to keep both teams alive.
Sid
April 24th, 2011
8:42 pm
when you cannot put a team away….this game should be out of reach by now the way Orlando has played……expect a comeback.
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
8:42 pm
way too easy…need to find a way to stop him
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
8:42 pm
We will lose thanks to J Smith.
J.J.M.
April 24th, 2011
8:42 pm
I knew j rich wouldnt matter and zaza would hurt us more
Dyan
April 24th, 2011
8:42 pm
Hawks should dump Smith and try to get Howard
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
8:43 pm
J craw
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
8:43 pm
told ya
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
8:43 pm
Whatever amount of money Crawford wants this offseason, pay it.
Sid
April 24th, 2011
8:43 pm
tell the truth MB. Smith is awful
Sid
April 24th, 2011
8:45 pm
where would they be in this series without Jamal?
Harpie
April 24th, 2011
8:46 pm
IAW, are you kidding? Drew couldn’t outcoach his momma…
J.J.M.
April 24th, 2011
8:46 pm
mark you still think we dont miss zaza as much as magic miss j rich?
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
8:46 pm
Down 0-3, Sid.
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
8:46 pm
JJ needs to lose the headband. And the hawks need to lose JJ.
Sid
April 24th, 2011
8:47 pm
absolutely Mark…….good point Aaron
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
8:48 pm
According to TNT Howard is the only guy playing this quarter. I’m pretty sure the Hawks have some players too.
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
8:48 pm
I just started watching at the beginning of the half, but he has made three mistakes in a limited time frame. No one who averages less than 20 pts a game should be making $16 million.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
8:49 pm
you people hate on our players too much. If J Smoove wasn’t on this team we would have zero shot blockers.
Sid
April 24th, 2011
8:49 pm
MB…will the Hawks go after Howard in the off season? would he want to play close to home? AND what to do with J…Ruff.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
8:50 pm
Which team is leading, J.J.M.?
And Orlando is 1 for 16 on 3-pointers.
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
8:50 pm
And now Smith misses 2 FTS.
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
8:51 pm
smoove
Sid
April 24th, 2011
8:51 pm
bout time!
Mtn Hawk
April 24th, 2011
8:51 pm
You guys watching this on TNT or SS with Bob Rathbun
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
8:52 pm
Too many missed opportunities.
Caleb
April 24th, 2011
8:52 pm
Looking good but we need to attack like we were earlier
Sid
April 24th, 2011
8:52 pm
Joe Johnson is absolutely a deer in headlights…if it comes down to a last shot which I think it will give it to JAMAL…..Johnson will choke.
Skeezix
April 24th, 2011
8:53 pm
The NBA is boring. Just can’t watch it for long, before I am switching channels hoping to find something interesting.
But, for something fun—the Braves sweep the World Series Champs!!!! Now that’s exciting!!!!
(Note: This happened despite Fredi G. sleeping through the seventh inning while Ascenio morphed into a run generating machine for the Giants)
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
8:53 pm
I’m on TNT Mtn Hawk. Too much homer talk on SS
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
8:53 pm
@Sid
Joe Johnson not playing well in the playoffs? SHOCKING!
Caleb
April 24th, 2011
8:54 pm
J- Crawford is just a beast! I hope we resign him. Too bad we probaly wont
Ed
April 24th, 2011
8:54 pm
The braves take 3 from the world champs and the AJC headlines how many UGA players will be drafted in round one. Atrocious sports writers.
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
8:55 pm
Fouling Howard not working since he isn’t missing fts.
Sid
April 24th, 2011
8:56 pm
yea Aaron…like watching Groundhog Day.
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
8:56 pm
Our last second shot was a three from Smith?!!?
This team deserves to lose.
J.J.M.
April 24th, 2011
8:56 pm
so crawford let josh shoot instead of taking the shot?
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
8:57 pm
THat GD Smith needs to be run out of town. If Drew doesnt sit him down he should be gone too.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
8:57 pm
4th quarter is going to be good. nobody said this was supposed to be easy.
Mtn Hawk
April 24th, 2011
8:57 pm
Is that the Hawk’s gameplan? Pass it to Smith for the 3 as time expires? Not very high percentage.
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
8:57 pm
I would give Smoove bonus money for every minute in the paint & take away money for every minute outside the 3 pt line. The guy has so much talent, so little bb IQ
IlliniDawg
April 24th, 2011
8:58 pm
Twice as many fouls and twice as many turnovers as Orlando = half as good of a team as we could be.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
8:59 pm
you guys are hilarious. If he makes a good play your happy. When he takes a shot and misses you want him out of town. Which is it?
michael m.
April 24th, 2011
8:59 pm
ryan the point is that this game could have been easier. but the hawks sabotage that, they prefer the drama and being slackers. hopefully jamal and company pull it out. this game will decide winner of the series imo
Sid
April 24th, 2011
9:00 pm
Aaron they likely will….even if they win the series so what….they will lose to the Bulls. This organization which felt the need to resign Johnson to that silly contract will never go after a true center….will never win a championship without a big center who can score.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
9:00 pm
4 on howard
Chuck
April 24th, 2011
9:00 pm
J Smith is 0-3 on three’s in the first half. We have to get rid of him. He reminds me of Ralph Simpson. Ralph is 7′4′ and he tried to be a PG.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:00 pm
The WiFi is giving me pause.
IlliniDawg
April 24th, 2011
9:01 pm
@Chuck – you mean Ralph Sampson?
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
9:01 pm
This ain’t the BCS. We don’t need style points, just wins.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:01 pm
This game is too close
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
9:01 pm
SOMEONE HIT A FREE THROW!!
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
9:01 pm
free throws may cost us the game
Sid
April 24th, 2011
9:01 pm
the end is coming……cough cough
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:02 pm
Crawford is almost as tough a matchup for Orlando as Howard is for the home side.
IlliniDawg
April 24th, 2011
9:02 pm
Now THIS is the team I’ve been watching all season!!!
Harpie
April 24th, 2011
9:03 pm
Chuck, his name was Ralph Sampson, and he was a great player. He wasn’t an idiot like Josh…
oldbird
April 24th, 2011
9:03 pm
Hate to say it, but i feel it slipping away. Hopefully I’m wrong.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:03 pm
68-all
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
9:03 pm
Jamal Crawford 2-6 from FT line.
Dwight Howard 8-10 from FT line.
I hate sports.
Sid
April 24th, 2011
9:03 pm
sorry clowns….deserve to lose
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:03 pm
Holy cow
Caleb
April 24th, 2011
9:03 pm
Come on hawks
IlliniDawg
April 24th, 2011
9:03 pm
YEP – them’s my Hawks.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
9:04 pm
tie game.
Justin
April 24th, 2011
9:04 pm
Hate to sound pessimistic, but I don’t see this one ending well.
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
9:05 pm
Hawks will lose.
Chuck
April 24th, 2011
9:05 pm
IlliniDawg, yes. Just as with Ralph, it won’t matter who coaches Josh. The term we had in Houston was a “coaching career killer”
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
9:05 pm
they may need to double Howard more or at least get hands in there… gotta tighten uo the D & make a free throw or two-pleeze-to pull this one out.
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
9:05 pm
Winner of this game PROBABLY wins the series, and the Hawks have completely let it slip away.
rob
April 24th, 2011
9:05 pm
Is it just me, or does Gilbert Arenas look especially slow making all those shots?
Mike
April 24th, 2011
9:05 pm
It is the revival of Hibachi, we are so in trouble
J.J.M.
April 24th, 2011
9:06 pm
if we attack howard the game will be so much easier
Atl teams = Playoff chokers
April 24th, 2011
9:06 pm
Same ole Hawks. What more can you expect from the same team from last year?
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
9:07 pm
Crawford.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:07 pm
Crawford for three. Has 25
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:07 pm
Dwight travels
Atl teams = Playoff chokers
April 24th, 2011
9:08 pm
Crawford is going ham
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:08 pm
Crawford to Horford. Lead’s five
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
9:08 pm
timeout Magic
rob
April 24th, 2011
9:08 pm
Crawford= MR Fourth quarter
Sid
April 24th, 2011
9:09 pm
hope I’m wrong with my prediction….keep the ball AWAY from Smith.
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
9:09 pm
pick and rollllllllllllllllllll deuce
Caleb
April 24th, 2011
9:09 pm
Does traveling count as howards 5 foul??
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
9:09 pm
Upgrade from bologna.
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
9:09 pm
Horford on Howard could be the ticket–may help both ends of ct
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:10 pm
That was a strong answer by the home club.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
9:10 pm
They better double if Horford has to guard Howard.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:11 pm
Magic have hit two 3-pointers.
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
9:11 pm
Until Horford picks up foul 3 and sits for the rest of the game. SMH LARRY DREW!
Atl teams = Playoff chokers
April 24th, 2011
9:12 pm
And they are still in it, Mark
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:12 pm
Gilbert A.: 18 points, 16 min.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:13 pm
But Arenas misses and Hinrich hits
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
9:13 pm
Seriously Joe Johnson. Stop. Just stop.
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
9:13 pm
deuce
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:13 pm
Howard muscle.
Atl teams = Playoff chokers
April 24th, 2011
9:13 pm
Joe looks pathetic out there
don
April 24th, 2011
9:14 pm
This is The most pathetic excuse for a basketball game that I have EVER seen. Disgusting and embarrassing.
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
9:14 pm
Please foul out Josh. Please.
IlliniDawg
April 24th, 2011
9:14 pm
Q: How can a man hit a 25-foot shot from a tough angle with a hand in his face, and yet miss a 13-footer from straight ahead with no pressure?
A: The mystery of Jamal Crawford
rob
April 24th, 2011
9:15 pm
And howard hitting all frees
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
9:15 pm
Its over. No chance.
G
April 24th, 2011
9:16 pm
I have never seen a team take more bad shots than the Hawks and Josh Smith leads the way
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:16 pm
J. Smith fouled. Makes first.
Jesse
April 24th, 2011
9:16 pm
It’s nice to hear TNT announcers say what is so obvious about the Hawks issues. Bob and Nique are way too positive. Kenny Smith was right at half saying “they aren’t playing championship basketball.”
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
9:17 pm
It was a miracle that Smith made one free throw.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:17 pm
Dwight walks
Jesse
April 24th, 2011
9:17 pm
Oh, and all of these FT misses are going to cost them big time.
G
April 24th, 2011
9:17 pm
It’s time for Josh Smith to go…
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:18 pm
Howard follow. Tie game
Keary
April 24th, 2011
9:18 pm
The Hawks are 6-14 from the foul line and the three point line.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:18 pm
Hawks call TO. They’ve been getting decent shots out of such things
J.J.M.
April 24th, 2011
9:18 pm
another timeout and we will still come out and jack up jumpers…get howard his 5th foul he wont be agressive
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
9:19 pm
good time_out get em going L Drew
rob
April 24th, 2011
9:19 pm
Hawks need a bucker
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
9:19 pm
This team sux.
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
9:20 pm
when the Hawks shoot outside they have to have Josh & others go to the boards. Nobody there to even try for offensive board!
IlliniDawg
April 24th, 2011
9:20 pm
If Hawks shoot .750-.800 from the line like the Magic, they have a 5-6 pt lead.
G
April 24th, 2011
9:20 pm
Do the Hawks have an offense?
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:20 pm
Magic went zone. Surprised the Hawks. But Turkoglu missed again — again a trey.
Smith hook
rob
April 24th, 2011
9:20 pm
IF Hawks lose, they lose series
Elaine
April 24th, 2011
9:20 pm
Ugh…the Braves won today…did that use up all of our sports karma?
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
9:20 pm
both teams look tired
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
9:21 pm
Rob. Ditto.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:21 pm
Five fouls on Smith
rob
April 24th, 2011
9:21 pm
Where is Najeh?
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
9:21 pm
One more foul for Smith. Please.
G
April 24th, 2011
9:22 pm
Maybe Smith will foul out. Where is Collins?
rob
April 24th, 2011
9:22 pm
Finally a miss!
eelibug
April 24th, 2011
9:22 pm
Man, the Hawks are definitely in desire need of a quality and experience head coach. It is pathetic with the organization, execution and TEAM that has performed in the second half. Poor leadership and guidance. If they lose this one say good bye to the series!
TMC
April 24th, 2011
9:22 pm
A lot of standing around on offense. A LOT.
why does J. Smith just stand out by the 3 pt line?
and maybe a better question is why does the coach and every player allow Josh to stand out at the 3 pt line?
No one moves when he does that.
Ando
April 24th, 2011
9:22 pm
Good..
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:22 pm
Dwight misses first. And the next.
IlliniDawg
April 24th, 2011
9:22 pm
An existential question: given that there are less than 300 posts here and the Braves blog had over 1000…
If a team loses in the playoffs and no one cares, does it still count?
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:23 pm
Joe in the lane. Four point game. And Turkoglu runs into Jason Collins. Offensive F
Ando
April 24th, 2011
9:23 pm
They are winning despite Josh Smith and Coach Drew!!
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
9:23 pm
That foul was offensive….hedo….hawks ball
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:24 pm
Joe 2 foul shots. Six point game
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
9:24 pm
JAMEER NELSON WERE UP 3-1
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:25 pm
Arenas misses layup. Joe misses runner
Atl teams = Playoff chokers
April 24th, 2011
9:25 pm
Pass the Ball Joe.
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
9:26 pm
So Mark, are there people out there w/ no TV, no radio, this chat only to keep track of the game? I mean I like your call of the game but just sayin…
rob
April 24th, 2011
9:26 pm
When the chips are down, ISO Joe
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
9:26 pm
It does not matter if we win this series, because we will be crushed in the 2nd round. Drew needs to go.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
9:26 pm
why would joe pass the ball? he had a huge mismatch. know the game before you post.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:26 pm
I don’t know, AlpharettaGuy
Sid
April 24th, 2011
9:27 pm
if you needed a light bulb changed who would you call first…..J Smoove or Joe I’m afraid Johnson?
Brad
April 24th, 2011
9:27 pm
Can we please trade Josh Smith now? Dear Lord!
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
9:28 pm
Nah Sid. I’d call Smoove. He’s taller.
Ando
April 24th, 2011
9:28 pm
Thanks MB…some folks are in combat zones and appreciate the updates!! Keep it up!!!
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
9:28 pm
We got da facts, u can opine more…and you get paid for it–sweet!
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
9:28 pm
Trade Smith for a water boy.
eelibug
April 24th, 2011
9:28 pm
NO strategies and set plays… only one on one and Josh shooting jumpers and missing free throws. Power forward should always drive the ball to the basket and rebound. It appears that he is in his own zone and world!
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:29 pm
Big trip now
rob
April 24th, 2011
9:29 pm
Hawks with the ball lets get a dagger
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:29 pm
Collins misses a tip and fouls Howard
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
9:29 pm
rebound finally then crud
Brad
April 24th, 2011
9:30 pm
Find a way to get Nene. He would fit in great with Horford at the 4.
Vince Carter
April 24th, 2011
9:30 pm
The Magic are shooting 9% from 3.
rob
April 24th, 2011
9:30 pm
Mark, I would say we made it thru pretty unscathed withouth Zaza
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
9:30 pm
bigger trip
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:30 pm
Howard hits one of two. Five points
G
April 24th, 2011
9:31 pm
Bad shot by Horford and the dumb foul by Collins
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:31 pm
Joe Johnson floater. Seven-point lead. But Jameer Nelson answers.
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
9:31 pm
Chokers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:31 pm
Nelson strips Johnson. Q-Richardson dunk. Three-point lead
Aaron
April 24th, 2011
9:32 pm
Every time JJ has let the clock wind down, he has screwed up.
G
April 24th, 2011
9:32 pm
Joe Johnson holds the ball way too long… Move the dang ball and stop waiting to be doubled…
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
9:32 pm
down to 3.
Atl teams = Playoff chokers
April 24th, 2011
9:32 pm
I cant stand Joe Johnson
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
9:32 pm
ISO Joe….NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pass the ball, get a shot, crash the boards…BB 101
Bama 13
April 24th, 2011
9:32 pm
Do we have 30 turnovers yet?
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:32 pm
Thanks, Ando. Take care of yourself.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:33 pm
Let’s see if Josh goes back.
Ando
April 24th, 2011
9:33 pm
give the ball the Hinrich and run a play!!! Dang this is Maddening!!!
Sid
April 24th, 2011
9:33 pm
just give the damn ball to Jamal or Kirk….win or lose with them…..at least they have the courage to try.
Michael Purvis
April 24th, 2011
9:33 pm
Need to get the ball to Jamal Crawford and this game is over
eelibug
April 24th, 2011
9:33 pm
Here they go again, ISO, ISO and ISO. Way too much talent to play so inconsistent and sloppy. Basketball in the playoff are won with defense and TEAM understanding the X & O’s of the game.
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
9:33 pm
3-1 SPEAK IT
Justin
April 24th, 2011
9:33 pm
I have no tv, no radio. Following the game from Cambodia.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:33 pm
Only 15 turnovers for the home side
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
9:33 pm
Who sux the most. J Smith or J Johnson?
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:34 pm
Josh Smith is in
welikebaseball2
April 24th, 2011
9:34 pm
Either make a move or pass Joe! We were only up 5. We still NEEDED a score!
IlliniDawg
April 24th, 2011
9:35 pm
@Dawgs Man – not a fair question!
Tell the truth
April 24th, 2011
9:35 pm
swell play
Michael Purvis
April 24th, 2011
9:35 pm
No worriesJustin, hawks rebound joe miss clock ticking, 3-point lead 28.1
welikebaseball2
April 24th, 2011
9:35 pm
ISO plays are killing us! Why not run plays?! Ugh!!!
Sid
April 24th, 2011
9:35 pm
they really are awful. both teams
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:35 pm
Crawford air. Horford air. Magic ball, 28 seconds, Hawks up by three
Atl teams = Playoff chokers
April 24th, 2011
9:35 pm
Just play d
TMC
April 24th, 2011
9:35 pm
ABSOLUTE horrid offense.
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
9:35 pm
IlliniDawg. You are right. They both do.
J.J.M.
April 24th, 2011
9:35 pm
jumpshot and more jumpshots will kill us
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
9:35 pm
defence major defence
rob
April 24th, 2011
9:36 pm
This is sickening
Tell the truth
April 24th, 2011
9:36 pm
Both of these teams are terrible- and neither will win another series regardless of whom they play
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
9:36 pm
got to D up now. Still up 3
eelibug
April 24th, 2011
9:36 pm
a college and high school team is coached and play more organized and TEAM ball than the Hawks!
am
April 24th, 2011
9:36 pm
Hawks have no offense….this is sad. When are we going to remake this tema Mark?
welikebaseball2
April 24th, 2011
9:36 pm
We lose this one…it’s all on Drew.
rob
April 24th, 2011
9:36 pm
defense. No and one for Howard
G
April 24th, 2011
9:36 pm
The worst half court team in the NBA. What is the record for air balls in a playoff series?
Michael Purvis
April 24th, 2011
9:36 pm
Need to foul Dwight
Michael Purvis
April 24th, 2011
9:37 pm
mark, are the hawks ready for the finish?
Sid
April 24th, 2011
9:37 pm
Justin in Cambodia…well that puts the importance of this mess in context….God bless you there.
Jeff D.
April 24th, 2011
9:37 pm
Can we invite more people to help sort this out?
welikebaseball2
April 24th, 2011
9:37 pm
@TellTheTruth: Thank you Captain Obvious.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:38 pm
Arenas quick two. Then a foul. Magic aren’t in the penalty
IlliniDawg
April 24th, 2011
9:38 pm
Why the hell are we shooting a 3 with less than 40 seconds?
Michael Purvis
April 24th, 2011
9:38 pm
got to hit the free throws
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:38 pm
Now they are. Joe fouled, 20.2 secs, Hawks by one
am
April 24th, 2011
9:38 pm
Hey Larry Drew…the next Magic play will be another pick n roll….wanna draw up something to stop it.
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
9:38 pm
JJ will miss one.
Michael Purvis
April 24th, 2011
9:39 pm
Hell Yeah, Joe johnson has ice water running
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:39 pm
Good, good.
Dawgs Man
April 24th, 2011
9:39 pm
Nope
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
9:39 pm
clutch free throws JJ. good job
Tell the truth
April 24th, 2011
9:39 pm
Enter your comments here
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
9:39 pm
WINNING?
Michael Purvis
April 24th, 2011
9:39 pm
Mark, any inside to the Hawks defensive scheme?
Justin
April 24th, 2011
9:40 pm
If this game is as sloppy as it sounds, I’m glad I don’t have a cable feed.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:40 pm
Turkoglu’s the man here. If you’re rooting against the visitors
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
9:40 pm
It’s a NAIL BITER! My cuticles are so much shorter……….
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:41 pm
I’m in the mezzanine, Mr. Purvis.
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
9:41 pm
?
Michael Purvis
April 24th, 2011
9:41 pm
Goota have this one put the ball in Jamal’s hands
MAD-DONNA
April 24th, 2011
9:41 pm
WOW!!!!!
Jeff D.
April 24th, 2011
9:41 pm
Come on the Hawks aren’t that bad, but the owners are.
Atl teams = Playoff chokers
April 24th, 2011
9:41 pm
Damn
Michael Purvis
April 24th, 2011
9:42 pm
Sorry Mark, this is nerve racking
am
April 24th, 2011
9:42 pm
told u
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:42 pm
Howard follow. Then Arenas deflects IB pass. Could have gone any place. Hawks get a break it’s only OB
Tell the truth
April 24th, 2011
9:42 pm
Yeah they are that bad
rob
April 24th, 2011
9:42 pm
Dwight with the Rebound and score
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
9:42 pm
in-bound the ball to JJ and hit the free throws.
J.J.M.
April 24th, 2011
9:42 pm
just looking at the ball and not boxing out
Michael Purvis
April 24th, 2011
9:42 pm
Hawks will not lose this one, come one fans have a little faith!!! Jamal or Joe will bring us a W!
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:43 pm
Joe fouled. 10.5 left.
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:43 pm
Both teams have used their timeouts.
MAD-DONNA
April 24th, 2011
9:43 pm
Missed shot, but we didn”t get the rebound…..sad!!
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:44 pm
Board was wrong. Magic had one left.
Hawks by 3.
am
April 24th, 2011
9:44 pm
pick n roll….this time for three…watch what I say!
rob
April 24th, 2011
9:44 pm
Johnson cool at the free throw line
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
9:45 pm
who takes the 3?
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
9:45 pm
It’s a BARN BURNER!!!! Hang on, i gotta get a bucket of water
rob
April 24th, 2011
9:45 pm
The magic finally get a three this time 2-22 they are due i hope im wrong
IlliniDawg
April 24th, 2011
9:45 pm
Just don’t foul! That means you, Josh!
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:45 pm
Turk misses again. Hawks prevail.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
9:45 pm
HAWKS WIN!!!!!!!!!
chipontheroad birdsrus
April 24th, 2011
9:45 pm
history
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
9:46 pm
BALL GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark Bradley
April 24th, 2011
9:46 pm
Horford nearly stole the ball. Messed up the play.
Ryan
April 24th, 2011
9:46 pm
Where are all you haters?
Michael Purvis
April 24th, 2011
9:46 pm
Way to go Hawks!
Ando
April 24th, 2011
9:47 pm
This just in…Josh finally learns how to play in the post and the Hawks go on to win the NBA Championship!!!! Dreams do come true!!!
Chas
April 24th, 2011
9:47 pm
Yikers. Good W but we got lucky that the Magic were off tonight. We need to get better shots somehow. We really need a good post up threat.
eelibug
April 24th, 2011
9:47 pm
And, that final play was NOT coaching; a talented and all star making a superb play on the ball…
am
April 24th, 2011
9:48 pm
I think there are less haters and more of us that realize this team isn’t playing to their potential. Joe and Jamal should exchange paychecks for the playoffs.
Joe
April 24th, 2011
9:48 pm
Would have loved for us to have paid Crawford and let Joe go – at this point, I don’t see the Spirit Group keeping him. Joe isn’t a leader and isn’t worth half the money he gets.
AlpharettaGuy
April 24th, 2011
9:50 pm
Magic is pretty much 1 man team but if the Hawks could get that man…oooohhhh….Dwight at the 5, Horford the 4….ooohh…we’d be competin in the East then
michael m.
April 24th, 2011
9:51 pm
clutch free throws by jj. came thru when he had to in end. great job hawks. but it wouldnt bother me if u put the magic away earlier than the 4th qtr when opp is there lol, but great job getting the W! next one will be the toughest though, hopefully our guys do not let up. i still have my concerns bout that but so far, so good
TRADE JOSH SMITH AFTER SEASON
April 24th, 2011
9:52 pm
I TOLD YALL 3-1
The Falcon Jedi
April 24th, 2011
9:59 pm
Series aint over yet. But if the Hawks win this series they will blow it in Round 2
chalkdawg4
April 24th, 2011
10:01 pm
Great game Hawks. Always tough to prevail against John Holmes and company.
Hoops
April 24th, 2011
10:01 pm
The pressure is clearly on the Magic now! I have said Hawks in 6, but they could seal the deal in 5 if the Magic are tight! We’ll see. Go Hawks!!!
LakeDawg
April 24th, 2011
10:01 pm
Losing Zaza almost cost us the game. Hawks had to play J Smoove the whole game. How many boneheaded plays can one man make. Anyway, kudos to the Hawks for playing hard (if not always playing smart) and not choking down the stretch. I gotta give it up to JJ. He had a horrible game, but made the clutch free throws down at the end.
The Falcon Jedi
April 24th, 2011
10:04 pm
Im not convinced yet
Gwinnett Fred
April 24th, 2011
10:06 pm
Whew. Haven’t been listening to the games on radio – but I bet the over-under on our veteran PXP man Steve Holman saying “gutty gritty Hawks” is about 27 1/2 per game – and that’s just how they’ve played this series! My hats off to the team.
Just got offline from buying tickets to the game at Phillips Thursday I honestly hope isn’t even played – but if it is by God – me and 19,000 of my closest friends will BE THERE!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
blazerdawg
April 24th, 2011
10:13 pm
!!!!!!
PMC
April 24th, 2011
10:16 pm
3-1 awesome.
Catch you in the second round
April 24th, 2011
10:16 pm
Haha the dumb nelson is looking more and more dumb each day.
Van dundy is whining about some calls. Goes both ways stan and for you to whine when you have a player that gets every call is a joke.
Hummon
April 24th, 2011
10:19 pm
I’m not convinced either, but I appreciate the victory. Where the Hawks are concerned, too many have gotten in the habit of turning up their noses at what successes there are. I don’t envision the Hawks going far, but they’re up 3-1 on a team that humiliated them last year. Time to just enjoy it, at least for the evening.
Joehawk
April 24th, 2011
10:22 pm
No one makes me yell at my tv set more than Josh “never saw a 3-point shot he didn’t like” Smith! How could a man with such talent and athletic ability play so stupid sometimes!!
J Clay
April 24th, 2011
10:24 pm
I’d have to say if they go on to win this series, regardless of Round 2 outcome season would be a success. Yes it would be nice to keep run longer but really how many people thought they had a chance to compete in the series, much less win it in almost a sweep and hopefully in 5…Win this series and anything beyond is icing…
Gamer
April 24th, 2011
10:25 pm
Smith…..killing me dude, every game with your bone headedness. Why are you the only one in North America who doesn’t see it.
The Falcon Jedi
April 24th, 2011
10:26 pm
No real article from AJC on the Hawks victory. The AP sports writers already have articles written.
sean
April 24th, 2011
10:28 pm
How good could the Hawks be if Josh Smith stayed within 12′ of the basket. I used to hate to see him go to bench but now its like a blessing sometimes…
puff
April 24th, 2011
10:29 pm
The close wins are disproving the “no heart” theory. On the other hand, when a team is as cold as Orlando from the outside, you would like to win going away. But I’ll take it.
The Falcon Jedi
April 24th, 2011
10:30 pm
I hope the Hawks beat Orlando and get revenge from last year. But this team wont get past Round 2. Moral victories are cool, but it would be nice to Win something more.
Billdozer
April 24th, 2011
10:30 pm
i want to be first for once
M
April 24th, 2011
10:32 pm
Way to GO HAWKS!!!!! GOOD JOB JOE, Be the leader. The next game won’t be easy. We may have to bring it back here to Atlanta. You guys are defeating the giant like David and Goliath. One more sling shot to go guys.
cdog
April 24th, 2011
10:45 pm
i said it all along, if rick sund had went out and brought in the missing puzzle pieces instead of sitting with a cell phone stuck in his ear doing nothing.the hawks need a GM for next season who will go after say, dwight howard.howard would all but guarantee the hawks a spot in the championship round.with sund, the only things he will bring to the hawks are cheap retreads like himself.hopefully, the hawks will advance in the playoffs but not with sund as GM
Roger
April 24th, 2011
10:51 pm
The best move Hawk’s management could make is to hire a sniper to shoot Josh Smith through the heart if he ever again takes a 3-point shot; and “wing” whoever makes the pass to him. Josh is always the best athlete on the floor, but never the best basketball player.
Oh, and he apparently has the brain of an armadillo!
Kelvin Frazier
April 24th, 2011
11:05 pm
The Hawks win, but the game should not have been this close. The Hawks at times don’t seem to have a high basketball IQ in some of the shots they take that allows a team to hang around and possibly steal a victory. That didn’t happen tonight fortunately, but the Hawks need to make better decisions with the ball if they are going to make any noise in the playoffs.