Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > April > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHawks have a real shot … seriously
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Hawks can win this series. They really can. They’ll have to take a game in Boston to do it, but at the moment nothing seems beyond them. At the moment they look so good you can’t believe they’re the Hawks.
They have the NBA’s best team reeling. The Celtics, who pride themselves on their strength of will, couldn’t hold a 10-point lead with 12 minutes left Monday night. It was the second time in Game 4 that Boston seemed to have stunned the Hawks —
“They hit us in the mouth,” Joe Johnson said — and somehow the callow underdogs hit back harder. How’d that happen?
“We know we can play with these guys,” said Johnson, expressing a belief that absolutely no one — not even the Hawks — held 51 hours earlier. But two games here, two games that defied form and reason, have turned a perfunctory exercise into a pulsating entity.
“It’s a series now,” Al Horford said. “Before it was 2-0.”
Now it’s 2-2, and the Celtics find themselves where they were in the heyday of Bird and McHale, relying on their home floor when all else fails. And all else has. The team that considers itself a defensive carnivore couldn’t guard two Hawks when it mattered. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith scored all 32 of their team’s fourth-quarter points, and who knew this much-lampooned roster was housing a latter-day Jordan and Pippen?
“It was great to watch,” said Josh Childress, speaking specifically of Johnson’s 20-point period. “I was just sitting there, even though I was in the game.”
On the night’s biggest sequence, Childress did more than sit and watch. Inside the final minute, the Hawks up three. Smith hoists a trey and, for a change, misses. And Childress seizes his ninth rebound of the night, the biggest rebound this franchise has seen in … oh, 15 years. How’d that happen?
“I tried to track the flight of the ball,” Childress said. “I gave Ray [Allen] a little nudge — it wasn’t a foul or anything — and I went over his head.”
This was the same Ray Allen, one of Boston’s vaunted Three Amigos, who failed to stop or even slow Johnson in the fourth quarter. (The Celtics tried other guys, none to any effect.) The Hawks kept running an isolation, Mike Bibby screening for Johnson, and every time Johnson whirled into the lane pretty as you please.
“We could have probably gone [with a double-teamer] a little earlier,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “But we’ve been relying on one guy [to guard his man] all year.”
And now it’s not working. The Hawks were too good to be guarded Monday night, the same Hawks who lost 45 games and made the playoffs only because the NBA requires eight qualifiers per conference. The same Hawks who aren’t the same Hawks at all but something new and shiny and brassy and sassy.
Are the Celtics starting to think they could lose this series? “I don’t know if they’re thinking that,” Smith said, “but I think they’re questioning themselves.”
Everything that worked for Boston in Games 1 and 2 — and pretty much everything did — has ceased working. The snooty C’s are the team that keeps getting rattled, from Paul Pierce’s “menacing gesture” (for which the NBA fined him $25,000) toward Horford in Game 3 to Kevin Garnett’s square-off with Zaza Pachulia last night. Yes, one of the world’s best players got into it with one of the worst, thereby illustrating how frazzled this No. 1 seed has become.
The Celtics were supposed to win in a breeze, and the only breeze they felt in Game 4 was the wind whipped up when Johnson flew past. “We’re so young and athletic,” Johnson said, “we can create a mismatch.”
That’s what this series was supposed to be, and what it is no longer. The Hawks can win this thing. Yes, the Hawks. Yes, really.
Permalink | Comments (100) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks/NBA
Comments
By nychawksfan
April 28, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
That was fun. Go Hawks!
By kregar
April 28, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
I am a lifetime Hawks fan.. However, when the game was underway, I thought “Man, we p** them off in Game 3”.. But, guess what? The Hawks took their punches and held their ground.. Go Hawks! You guys continue to impress me..
kregar
By Getting a little carried away, MB
April 28, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
But still, very interesting to watch…
By Ury
April 28, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
That was the best basketball game I have seen all year.
GO HAWKS!!!
By Herschel Talker
April 28, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
Yawn. When’s kickoff?
By Jim
April 28, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Bradley, but I am waiting for inveterate Hawks-basher Jeff Schultz’s take on these victories. I can’t wait to read how two consecutive playoff victories over the conference’s best team are actually - to the discerning eye - further evidence of how sorry the Hawks are.
By Najeh Davenpoop
April 28, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
Don’t jinx them, Bradley.
Zaza may be one of the worst basketball players in the world, but today he’s my favorite.
By Hawk Jacket
April 29, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
All I gotta say is GO HAWKS! That was the most fun I’ve had at the Arena since it opened. This is twice as good as the Thrashers playoffs last year. Win one in Boston and bring it back home for the win in game 6. By the way, as much as I’ve hated on ZaZa all year, I’m proud of him for sticking up to KG. Don’t back down.
By Go HAWKS
April 29, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
Great win for the Hawks. Honestly I didn’t think they would make it this far, but then again no one else did either…much respect for ZAZA for stepping up to KG…
By jeremy
April 29, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
we have no idea to hit the hole. we got lucky some outside shots went down.
By Greg
April 29, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
During the game, I saw a shot of Commissioner David Sterne. Does anyone remember the original Rocky movie…the promotor is sitting in the stands as Rocky starts taking it to Apollo Creed and the promotor has this look on his face…..much like the look on David Sterne’s face!
Go Hawks!
By Ryan
April 29, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
UH. .Jeremy? If you think the game was won by lucky outside shots, then I am sorry to say you obviously barely watched it.
YOu don’t rack up over thirty free throw attempts with ‘lucky outside shots’
By GeorgiaYankeesFan
April 29, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
This reminds me of Knicks v. Celts in 1990 - Celts won first two games, Knicks came back and won three street to beat Celts. I don’t know what Woodson said to his team over the last weekend but he’s got them playing better than I have ever seen them (Perhaps the Celts went to Cheetah while in ATL). Great rebounding, great transition buckets, making free throws… Even if the Celts win the series (and at this point that is in doubt) the team is finally playing at 100% for their coach. These kids are not backing down at all. Unbelievable, now imagine if they start off next season playing like this - they could be at least a 4 seed.
By Dr. Warren
April 29, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Why even write this, Bradley? You’re cursing them. Everyone knows you never mention that an underdog might “take this series,” much less against a franchise with legendary good luck. All of Atlanta will have to sit in their special seats without moving an inch for Game 5 now just to make up for your luck-destroying indiscretion.
By Darrin "The Vent King"
April 29, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
It is so-oooooooo on NOW!! First I want to say Zsa-Zsa Puchulia made up for alot of bad games tonight. THAT’S WHAT I’M talking ‘bout!! If he never scores another basket, he will always be cool with me for what he did tonight! WE AIN’T NEVER SCARED!!! I believe that and when the score was 16-3 or whatever and J-Smove bounced Rondo’s shot off the glass brought that energy and belief back from Saturday night. And oh my, Joe Johnson. What can I say? Truly unbelievable. That’s what those little green men get for being so smug and laughing at us straight up disrespecting our home floor first with that last reg season game where Ugly-Man Cassell was doing that stupid dance and their whole bench was up laughing like they was at a comedy show and for that punk Paul Pierce throwing up gang signs. What you THROW (up)out comes back at you three-fold you chump! Don’t get mad now. First it was (Boston fans) “Y’all gon get swept…” then it was- “Ah, you got lucky…” What is it NOW? Oh I know- TIED 2-2!!
GO HAWKS!!!
By Bailer
April 29, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
Sat. night HAWKS got thier attention. Monday HAWKS got in thier head. That makes thier chanches better than ever. I must say I am impressed.
By Fred
April 29, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
Can’t believe (a) they just won this game and even more so (b) I just spend $150 on 2 tickets for Friday night. Of course (a) they’ve earned all the support we can give them by being there and (b) I can’t wait to go to a layoff atmosphere second only to the 1991 Braves!
Go Hawks - see you Friday!!!!!
P.S. - I’ve lost all respect for the Celtics - nothing but a bunch of thugs and trash talkers.
By EW
April 29, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
I’m a Hawk lifer! From the time of Armond Hill, Dan Roundfield and Tree Rollins to Randy Whitman, John Battle, and Cliff Levingston and until now! This is the second most incredible series in Hawks playoff history. A MAX contract is in order for Mr. Josh Smith! There’s not a team in the league that wouldn’t won’t him on their team, NOT ONE! Unfortunately for Woodson haters, he just earned his extension tonight before a nationally televised audience! You have to admit he coached a great game and the announcers acknowledged it. These guys are arrogant, athletic, and ignorant enough to get a win in Boston! Go Hawks!
By Matt
April 29, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
We may win this series and we may not. What is for sure, though, is that we’ve given ever future playoff opponent a blueprint for how to play the Celts: hit em, run em, and use your youth to your advantage.
That aside, great article here. For a glorified recap posted an hour after the final whistle, this really does capture the manic nature of the game, and in some style too.
What an amazing game.
By JayInAtlanta
April 29, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
Perhaps, just perhaps, the Celts shouldn’t have won by more than 20 in each of the first two games. I think it gave these Hawks some motivation, and tired Boston out. This talented Hawks group has proven throughout the year that we can win at least one or two games against any team. Boston may have been a team hand-assembled to make the finals, but Atlanta has a heck of a squad also, now everyone watching national TV knows it. HORFORD FOR ROY!
By ERIC
April 29, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
WOODSON IS STARTING TO LEARN HOW TO COACH. IN GAME 3 WOODSON MADE SOME MAJOR MOVES TO GET THIS TEAM STARTED. ON OFFENSIVE HE NOTICED HORFORD WAS DOMINATING PERKINS AND JOE JOHNSON WAS GETTING DOUBLED. SO HE ROLLED JOE TO HORFORD’S SIDE TO ELLIMINATE TO DOUBLE TEAM. ON DEFENSE MARVIN WAS HAVING A TIME TRYING TO STAY WITH PIERCE. WOODSON SWITCED JOE ON PIERCE AND GAVE CHILLDRESS A LOT OF TIME ON RAY ALLEN. THIS IS THE REASON THE HAWKS ARE ROLLING NOW. IT’S YOUR MOVE NOW DOC.
By hd
April 29, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bradley: in your column after the first game, you opined that the Hawks would be around for four games, “as everyone figured”. No mention of that in this column.
By Dawgs2008
April 29, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
I was just happy for the first win so that we would not get swept. Now this?…….
This reminds me of the run Georgia made to win the SEC!
Hawks basketball is fun again!!
The article on “Where is Mookie” brought us good luck.
By ERIC
April 29, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
WOODSON IS STARTING TO LEARN HOW TO COACH. IN GAME 3 WOODSON MADE SOME MAJOR MOVES TO GET THIS TEAM STARTED. ON OFFENSIVE HE NOTICED HORFORD WAS DOMINATING PERKINS AND JOE JOHNSON WAS GETTING DOUBLED. SO HE ROLLED JOE TO HORFORD’S SIDE TO ELLIMINATE THE DOUBLE TEAM. ON DEFENSE MARVIN WAS HAVING A TIME TRYING TO STAY WITH PIERCE. WOODSON SWITCED JOE ON PIERCE AND GAVE CHILLDRESS A LOT OF TIME ON RAY ALLEN. THIS IS THE REASON THE HAWKS ARE ROLLING NOW. IT’S YOUR MOVE NOW DOC.
By ERIC
April 29, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
WOODSON IS STARTING TO LEARN HOW TO COACH. IN GAME 3 WOODSON MADE SOME MAJOR MOVES TO GET THIS TEAM STARTED. ON OFFENSIVE HE NOTICED HORFORD WAS DOMINATING PERKINS AND JOE JOHNSON WAS GETTING DOUBLED. SO HE ROLLED JOE TO HORFORD’S SIDE TO ELLIMINATE THE DOUBLE TEAM. ON DEFENSE MARVIN WAS HAVING A TIME TRYING TO STAY WITH PIERCE. WOODSON SWITCED JOE ON PIERCE AND GAVE CHILLDRESS A LOT OF TIME ON RAY ALLEN. THIS IS THE REASON THE HAWKS ARE ROLLING NOW. IT’S YOUR MOVE NOW DOC.
By pj
April 29, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
Long tmime not hawks fan. Not since Danny Manning at least.
These last two games have endeared me to them. This is an exciting team and Josh Smith may be the most athletic player since ‘Nique the Hawks have had.
Kudos to the org. Think what Larry Brown could do next year…
By bulldawg
April 29, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this
Wow, that was incredible, what a game, and yes I thought Woodson should be canned, But I believe now he deserves an extention, He had these guys ready to play, I love this teams makeup. Horford is a beast , Josh is a beast (both of them, and Joe is the man. I really believe we have a shot now. But even if we lose the next to, I am proud of this team. Let’s go Hawks. God bless everyone.
By DAN RYAN
April 29, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this
ZAZA stepped up to the plate tonight. No, he isn’t one of the elite players in the NBA but he gave EVERYTHING he had tonight. He will do that again on Wednesday night in Boston. Dan Ryan
By pj
April 29, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
dawgs2008 good call on the dawgs sec comparison. What is it with our teams getting inspired when it counts lately?
Eric.. please release your caps button. Reading it gives us migraines however right or wrong your point may be.
By Erock
April 29, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
Congratulations, Captain Joe!!! Your 20 points in the fourth quarter against a stacked defense was awesome. We could not have come close without you. I wish you many more, man.
By George
April 29, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
I think it’s not really nice to call Zaza one of the worst players in the world. And also very inacurate. He is not even among the worst in NBA, if you check him up, let alone the world!!! And KG, by the way, is not among the best either. How can you be the best, if you have not won anything in your career???
By Andre
April 29, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
Man, I can’t believe ZaZa did that!!! I almost choked on my Hot wings when I saw that tonight!! WoW. Way to go Zaza, stepping up!! GO HAWKS!!!
By Glavonja
April 29, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this
Zaza is not the worst Nba player you f*.
By David
April 29, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this
Those who call the Celtics trash talkers—-what are the Hawks? Think they don’t trash talk?
By Rutuger
April 29, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
Unbelievable!!! Last week I said one win would be a success… earlier tonight I said I’d love another, but two would be almost impossible…
Hell, now I don’t even know what to think—why couldn’t we win this whole damn series?
GO HAWKS!!! YOUR HEART AND GUMPTION HAVE MADE THIS CITY AND ITS FANS PROUDER THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE
By ZaZa
April 29, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
I just want to say that i did what i did tonight for you the fans. And to KG….whose the sucker now.
Sucker!
By gawd
April 29, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this
JEFF SCHULTZ, WHERE’S YOUR GOD NOW?
YOU SURE ARE AWFULLY QUIET LATELY. AS FAR AS I’M CONCERNED, YOU CAN KEEP WRITING, BUT DON’T CREDIT YOURSELF FOR MOTIVATING THEM.
By David
April 29, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this
If the Celtics get the same “home-cooking” that the Hawks got, they’ll be ok.
By bigeasy830
April 29, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this
On a blog a couple of days ago, I wrote that this play-off had to be Marvin’s coming out party. Well it has not. What it has become is the coming out party for the entire team. J-Smoove is a beast. He will get paid Max Money by a team next year, no if ands or buts about it. This series has made him very rich. Joe Joe proved Charles Barkley wrong. The Hawks do have a go to guy. Bibby, way to set the tone early. Al the stats were not great tonight but we all know you bring it everynight. J_Chill you are one helluva point forward, for real, they do not even pressure you because you got made handle and I like the way you pushed the ball up-tempo at times with the long pass. Way to give me some productive minutes Solomon. ZAZA, Damn I can’t say enough about you tonight you put in work and way to stand up to KG. You punked him dog, he will be thinking about that all night, he nor anyone ever expected that from you. Marvin you are the ultimate team player maybe one day you will blossom into a superstar but until then, keep giving it all you got. You did get aggressive at the beginning of the third and that helped alot. Woody,you lost your hair and learned how to coach. Great job man, great adjustments. We only ask one thing Hawks if you Go down, Go down Swinging.
Also Paul Pierce, what you did the other night is a disgrace, we all know that was a gang sign. As a young millionaire and role model you should be trying to be a positive influence to those young men and women that are caught up in the gang lifestyle, by being a positive example so they can change their lives. As a black man, no, as a man, I am disgusted by your actions. To many young people of all races die needlessly to violence by the hand of other young people over foolishness. When you generate the amount of money that athletes of today generate, not only for themselves but also for others such as their teams, the leagues, agents and endorsers. You are no longer a street thug, you are a corporation. At the end of this series win or lose its still only a game. But for those youngsters out there lost and caught-up in that foolishness. Its life or death.
And thats keeping it real
Holla…..
By mred1943
April 29, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this
To all you BILLY HATERS i hope you see now that JOE is really worth two 1st rounders
By grunter
April 29, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this
I didn’t think the Hawks had a chance. But then Big Zaza made Kevin Garnett his woman and now the tide has turned!
By hey
April 29, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this
note to big easy:
get an editor, dude. seriously.
By Enough
April 29, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this
What a time to be, the team we thought they would be in a year or two. Maybe the time is now. If we can get something out of Duck But#(24), imagine what they could pull off. Already exceeded my expectations, just wanted them to compete, but anytime you can knock off a cocky unaccomplished team like this has been Celtic unit, way to go! Play like there is nothing to lose cause you’ve already done what no one thought you could do. By the way, Solo gave some good minutes, that length can be a valuable resource. Should have been getting minutes all year!
By Dawgs2008
April 29, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this
THIS FROM THE BOSTON GLOBE AFTER GAME:3 .OOO67?
Most times, losing in the playoffs brings a measure of frustration and regret, and fear that the momentum of the series may have shifted.
But sometimes, losing can be a good thing.
That’s how I feel after the C’s took one on the jaw from the Hawks in Game 3 on Saturday night. No disrespect to the Hawks, but there is approximately a 0.0067 percent chance of Atlanta actually putting together three more games like that fast-breaking and alley-ooping clinic they just put on, and even less of a chance that the Celts duplicate their overall listless effort in another game in this series. But I’m fine with the loss, for three reasons:
First, despite Atlanta’s insane and unsustainable three-point shooting (10 for 18, 56 percent), the main reason for the outcome had less to do with the Hawks’ play than with a pretty lackluster effort on the C’s part in the first and third quarters. In short, it looked like the C’s assumed they could bring it down a notch and still win handily. You could see it on their faces and in their body language.This wasn’t the same pumped-up team that came charging out of the tunnel in Game 1. And even though they’re playing the worst playoff team in the field, that attitude doesn’t fly in the playoffs. It’s better to learn that now than against a Cleveland, Orlando, or Detroit (or … Philly, if you believe they can take down Detroit in a best-of-three). As Doc Rivers pointed out after the loss, this team hasn’t won anything yet as a team. Saturday night’s loss to Atlanta (which, by the way, was the C’s first loss to a sub-.500 team since a Jan. 9 loss to Charlotte) provided a good reminder of that.
Second, the C’s haven’t played their starters regular minutes against a quality team since a loss to Washington almost three weeks ago. (The Hawks played so poorly in the first two games of this series that those games don’t qualify as being against a “quality opponent.”) They played out the string of the regular season just hoping not to get hurt, and the first two games of the playoffs were so one-sided it was hard to think they were actually growing much as a team this series. Basically, the Celts have been stagnating for almost a month. Now they have not only increased motivation to get better (and extra motivation for Pierce … thanks Al Horford!), but a much improved opponent to cut their teeth on before the later rounds of the playoffs. If they had easily breezed through this season in four games without any resistance from the Hawks, it wouldn’t necessarily prepare them for what they’ll face in round 2. Third, if the C’s swept the Hawks in four, then they would have had to endure around a week of time off before the next round. I don’t ever think those kind of long layoffs are good (As an aside, is there anything more painful than the unnecessary drawing out of playoff series? We can’t have three games in four days? The NBA playoff schedule needs to be fixed) Now, at least the C’s will be playing an actual NBA team into the middle of next week, instead of having a week of intra-squad scrimmages.Although I hate to see the C’s lose any game, let alone a playoff game, I didn’t lose any sleep over it. If there’s anything they have shown this year, it’s that if the lose, they come out the next day with a renewed focus. They rarely lose the same way twice. If teams learn more after a loss than a win, especially teams that haven’t won anything, then Saturday was a great learning experience and a necessary growth step if they hope to cut down the nets in June.
By Calico
April 29, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this
Great game hawks we have to keep the same intensity in boston
By Andrew S
April 29, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this
Game 1: 33 minutes w/Childress: -2 points 15 minutes w/o Childress: -21
Game 2: 28 minutes w/Childress: -7 20 minutes w/o Childress: -12
Game 3: 30 minutes w/Childress: +13 18 minutes w/o Childress: -4
Game 4: 32 minutes w/Childress: +18 16 minutes w/o Childress: -13
By Star of the Zanarkand Abes!
April 29, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this
“We all know he’s a great player … He’s done a lot of good things for the league. He’s a future Hall of Famer. But it doesn’t matter when we’re on the court … I don’t take anything from anybody …The message was, ‘We’re right here. Even if we lose, it’s not going to be easy.” — Zaza Pachulia on Kevin Garnett
Classy guy, giving praise where it’s due while not backing down! I’M OFFICIALLY A FAN OF ZA-ZA PA-CHUUU-Li-AAA!!!
LET’S GO HAWKS!!! UPSET THE C’S!!!
By Mitch
April 29, 2008 2:44 AM | Link to this
Honestly, as bad as the Hawks looked in Boston in Games 1 and 2, I thought this was going to be a four game Celtic sweep. The Hawks looked wonderful tonight. Even when Boston was up by ten or more, the Hawks didnt panic, and the crowd was fantastic. It was awesome to see that much energy from an Atlanta Hawks crowd. It’s been more than ten years since we can say that.
I think the Hawks can win this series. The question is: Will the Celtics come out smoking after really not playing well in two games in Atlanta? I do think that the series will go seven games. Even if Boston beats us in Game Five, I think the Hawks will come home for a win in Game Six.
My bet: This series goes seven games, after the “experts” predicted a four and out Celtic sweep. Hah! . As to who emerges as the winner? I dont want to jinx it. The last two nights were too fun. Go Hawks!
Mitch
By tony
April 29, 2008 3:54 AM | Link to this
From this point on it don’t matter what happens we are playing with house money. GO Hawks……..
By deja vu
April 29, 2008 5:33 AM | Link to this
Obviously Joe and Josh and Josh were huge, but without the attitude and backbone of Al and Zaza, the Hawks would not be where they are. Somewhere a poster is being made of Zaza in KG’s grill. Way to go.
By Grill master
April 29, 2008 5:56 AM | Link to this
Support the players. FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!
By dbrown3527
April 29, 2008 6:24 AM | Link to this
Hey Mr. Pierce is Joe Johnson an ALL-STAR now!!!
By aaaetc
April 29, 2008 6:42 AM | Link to this
I’m a long time Hawks fan, too, & I can’t even remember the last time I got excited! It was trhilling to watch us win, but it was even more thrilling to see all our fans on their feet most of the game & rocking the joint! Wow, go Hawks!
By shivas
April 29, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this
“He don’t realize it’s a show. He thinks it’s a dam fight.” Apollo Creed’s trainer in Rocky. I saw fear in the Celtics in that 4th quarter, and a look in their eyes that they knew they could not win. WOW!
By bob
April 29, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this
It was a great game and fun to watch, but you can’t have 4 guys standing around watching one guy go one-on-one or one-on-two. You need more movement on offense. Joe can’t doe it every night. The bad news is that Woodson will probably keep his job. Think what this team could do with a competent coach!
By RobJ99
April 29, 2008 7:01 AM | Link to this
wait, there’s still NBA basketball in Atlanta?
By Michael Hatcher
April 29, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this
I definitely agree with most of Bradley’s column but to call Pachulia one of the worst players in the world is a bit much. He may not be a great or even good NBA player, but I guarantee you he is not one of the worst. If Bradley doesn’t believe that then my buddies and I would like to play against Pachulia just to demonstrate. I imagine his opinion of Pachulia would change quite a bit. Good column, overall.
By JJ
April 29, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
Is Schultz on vacation? His sorry butt needs to put pen to paper soon, unless he is cowering away somewhere in the corner of the AJC basement. He’s been killing Woody all year.
By Lucius
April 29, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this
If the Hawks hit threes and free throws, the Celts can’t win. Boston has no three answers except Allen and Posey and they don’t usually play together.
By corey
April 29, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
U BOSTON CARPETBAGGERS MAKE ME SICK THE CELTICS HAVE PHUCKED UP NOW YOU NEVER GIVE ANYBODY CONFIDENCE IN A FIGHT AND BECUASE OF THAT THE C’S WILL LOSE
By t-man
April 29, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this
Hire Billy and Woody!!! Hire Billy and Woody!!! Hire Billy and Woody!!!
By corey
April 29, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
YOU CELTICS FANS ARE WIMPS YOU TALK TRASH AND THROW GANG SIGNS AT US BUT WHEN WE WHIP U ON THE COURNT AND TALK TRASH TO YOU WERE WRONG???? NO U JUST GOT BEAT AT YOUR OWN GAME YOU LOSERS GO HAWKSSSS
By DNo
April 29, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this
How did that team we saw the last two nights win only 35 games this year?
By DP
April 29, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
Whether they win or lose this series, the last two games were the finest moment for this franchise since the 1988 semifinals against the Celtics.
Joe Johnson and Josh Smith were spectacular, Horford and Childress also played great. Pachulia getting in Garnett’s face reminded me of the first Rocky movie: “We’re still here!”
Now if Marvin Williams will join his teammates in this series the Hawks have a chance to take it.
By Erock
April 29, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
DNo, the answer is, these guys are growing right before our eyes. This isn’t the same team that won 35 out of 82.
Amazingly the Celtics act like classic bullies. They make a big bluff, jumping of to a 16-3 lead. The Hawks get in their faces, literally as ZaZa did, and the Celts say jeez, it’s like THAT? Never mind.
The Hawks, over 48 minutes, just outrun and out-jump these old dudes, and then Joe out shot them. Amazing. I watch the guys so closely but I never saw this. It’s that coming together thing, I guess
By Fair Weather Fan
April 29, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
No matter how this ends, the Hawks have just given us something to be proud of, and hope for next season and beyond. We still need a big man in the middle, and some more depth on the bench, but the FIRE in the Hawks since Saturday is a sight for sore eyes. The Celts have won on intimidation this year, but somehow the Hawks were able to diffuse it on the home court. Let’s just hope we see the same passion we’ve just witnessed…every game next year.
By G Man
April 29, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
Go Hawks Kudos to the coaching staff and to the players! I like the effort. You guys can play with anybody in the league. We the fans are are proud of this team. This comment is to GM Knight; keep the core of this team together and extend Mike’s contract to another year. He deserves it. Their half court offense is looking alot better.
By al sharptongue
April 29, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
schultz is somewhere writing an article for when the hawks lose. typical hack he is he hates to be positive. but MB and TM and FB are all just as negative.
By Ken Strickland
April 29, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
The big 3 Shamrocks can be made to show their. In each of the last 2gms, they’ve had little left to mount a winning surge. This is the 1st time this season they’ve been presured on both ends of the court. Their vaulted DEF was too slow and fatigued in the 4th to execute effective double teams even when they knew JJ would have the ball. They were too fatigued and slow to rotate to protect the lane and challege when JJ visited, and he visited often in the 4th.
I wonder how Belkin was feeling while JJ was going off in the 4th. We gave up a lot, but we got a lot in return. Anybody think we’d be in the playoffs today if Belkin had been successful in holding on to that extra pick and losing JJ. Wouldn’t it be great if the SAASG could take a page from these miraculous Hawks and come together and overcome their legal issues.
Anybody notice how KG chose Zaza to vent his frustration. After all, hasn’t it been Horford and Josh that’s putting it to him and showing his team up. Let’s not get too carried away with the heorics of Josh and JJ and forget the inside presence and contributions of our other restricted FA, JOSH CHILDRESS.
In Boston, Woodson should use West, Richardso, Acie and Solomon and press them full court. You want to play for the 4th qtr and take the legs away from their big 3. Look at how KPerkins was all over the OFF boards in the 1st half, but disappeared in the 4th. We all know they’ll be the ones DOC will depend on to carry them in the 4th.
By bigeasy830
April 29, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
Dogs2008, you must be watching a different game than the rest of us. The Celtics are having trouble matching up with the Hawks. The Hawks are younger and quicker. J-Smoove is more than just hanging with KG and Jesus Shuttleworth is catching hell against Joe. When we bring in J-Chill he can defend either Paul Pierce or Rondo and is doing a great job. They cannot pressure J-Chill, he is awesome bring the ball up, playing point forward. When Bibby hit shots we are unbeatable and Al well he is R.O.Y. for sure. Our biggest improvement is our perimeter defense, we challenge every jump shot. The Celtics are playing bad because the Hawks are forcing them into bad situations. Great job Woody.
By ByrdHawk
April 29, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Bradley you suck! You talked BAD about us after the first two games and now “the Hawks can win it” you say. That’s hogwash and some “bou-val-ae” on your part, you turncoat!!! Just let the Hawks be the Hawks and stop bringing negative energy. You messing with my “Chi”!
By Ajamu
April 29, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
“Big AL”,”J-Smooth”, “J-Chill”, “Lil Mike”, and JOE “THE SHOW” JOHNSON are for real. Marvin, it’s your turn now to show that you’ve got the HAWKS magic too! Stop holding back, protect the ball, get stronger and show the whole world the way the other guys are now doing. You know you can. Just play the game baby. GO HAWKS!!!
By DHunter
April 29, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
I don’t care if the Hawks win the NBA Finals this year, Woodson has got to go. Did nobody see his reaction to ZAZA? They were literally arguing on the floor. I know Woodson had to come out to help maintain control, but he should had been supporting ZaZa (I can’t believe I just wrote that) not barking at him. This team is winning in spite of Mike Woodson, not because of him. It’s about time he realized that he actually does have a bench. There’s no way to keep up the pressure on the Celtics for 48 minutes if you don’t bring some of those fresh legs off the bench. He still has no idea of what a half court offense is. He still can’t seem to teach the concept of team defense. Woodson is fortunate to have all the athletic ability he has on this team, it’s making him look good right now, but the still glaring deficiencies of this “team” are squarely on the shoulders of Mike Woodson. Hell even Joe Johnson and Bibby said the coach didn’t call those isolation sets. That four corner spread look isn’t even in Woodson’s playbook (I haven’t seen it all year, usually it’s just get Joe the ball and stand around wherever you happen to be, usually too close to the basket so your man can help clog the middle). The players decided to do it on their own because it was working.
Nuff negativity. I may be one of the few native Atlantans and lifetime Hawks fans in here, and I love all my Atlanta squads, good, bad or ugly. And this Hawks team can be really good. Before I just wanted this team not to embarrass the city on national tv. Now I really want them to win this series. Every time the Hawks have looked good this year it has been up tempo, on both ends of the floor, and that’s the formula for finishing Boston. RUN THEM INTO THE GROUND GO HAWKS
By DHunter
April 29, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
I don’t care if the Hawks win the NBA Finals this year, Woodson has got to go. Did nobody see his reaction to ZAZA? They were literally arguing on the floor. I know Woodson had to come out to help maintain control, but he should had been supporting ZaZa (I can’t believe I just wrote that) not barking at him. This team is winning in spite of Mike Woodson, not because of him. It’s about time he realized that he actually does have a bench. There’s no way to keep up the pressure on the Celtics for 48 minutes if you don’t bring some of those fresh legs off the bench. He still has no idea of what a half court offense is. He still can’t seem to teach the concept of team defense. Woodson is fortunate to have all the athletic ability he has on this team, it’s making him look good right now, but the still glaring deficiencies of this “team” are squarely on the shoulders of Mike Woodson. Hell even Joe Johnson and Bibby said the coach didn’t call those isolation sets. That four corner spread look isn’t even in Woodson’s playbook (I haven’t seen it all year, usually it’s just get Joe the ball and stand around wherever you happen to be, usually too close to the basket so your man can help clog the middle). The players decided to do it on their own because it was working.
Nuff negativity. I may be one of the few native Atlantans and lifetime Hawks fans in here, and I love all my Atlanta squads, good, bad or ugly. And this Hawks team can be really good. Before I just wanted this team not to embarrass the city on national tv. Now I really want them to win this series. Every time the Hawks have looked good this year it has been up tempo, on both ends of the floor, and that’s the formula for finishing Boston. RUN THEM INTO THE GROUND GO HAWKS
By Southgadawg1
April 29, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
“one of the world’s best players got into it with one of the worst”….. You are an idiot. You don’t have to pull for the Hawks, but at least don’t denigrate their effort. Admittedly, ZaZa isn’t the best basketball player, but at least he is out there on the court playing hard. I’ll bet you hid behind the clipboard, or maybe even played in the band (although that would have taken some school spirit) in your youth. Now, as an adult, you hide behind the “pen” and use 1 liners to diminish others efforts. Go back to the clipboard, stat-boy.
By Southgadawg1
April 29, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
“one of the world’s best players got into it with one of the worst”….. You are an idiot. You don’t have to pull for the Hawks, but at least don’t denigrate their effort. Admittedly, ZaZa isn’t the best basketball player, but at least he is out there on the court playing hard. I’ll bet you hid behind the clipboard, or maybe even played in the band (although that would have taken some school spirit) in your youth. Now, as an adult, you hide behind the “pen” and use 1 liners to diminish others efforts. Go back to the clipboard, stat-boy.
By marioabrave
April 29, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
very well said darrin the vent king lol
By Dan
April 29, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Uh, oh. It’s the Bradley Kiss of Death. Well, we had a chance until the cursed Mark Bradley could “see” us winning.
This is the same Mark Bradley that could “see” Tech beating Duke in the ACC Tourney this year. How did that work out?
Do Atlantans a favor and write about hockey or something.
By Bill Wiess
April 29, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Good Game Hawks…this is turning out to be a great series. There are still alot of band-wagon jumpers and idiots on this Blog…KG is “one of the best” and he did win a MVP trophy, so please shut up! Paul Pierce made the three finger sign for hitting a three pointer dumbass….not a gang sign…If you ever watched/ played basketball you would know that….but I geuss that explains it all, lol…
By SpursKombat
April 29, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
ATL, you have stunned ESPN’s championship pick…get behind that team of yours and they’ll beat Boston. Send ‘em home early!
By AR
April 29, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
I just have to object to calling Zaza one of the worst players in the world. That’s a huge exaggeration. There are lots of pro players worse than him, especially when you’re talking about the whole world. Give the guy props for at least being tough.
By Doc Rivers
April 29, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
I agree. Winning in spite of Woodson. He told the Hawks to do what he has been telling them to do in EVERY GAME this year in the 4th quarter which is “clear out and watch Joe do it”. Well ssometimes Joe is just amazing enough to do it. But he can’t always do it. Woodson has no other plan. The Celts will definately double and triple team Joe to get and keep the ball out of his hands. Thats when Woody will have to come up with a new plan. He hasn’t had one all year. That’s why the Hawks record is what it is. I hope the Hawks players have matured enough to recognize when to step up and take the pressure off of Joe. GO HAWKS…
By brent a.
April 29, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Win or Lose, Friday night at the Highlight Factory will be a blast!
Go Hawks!
By Kelvin
April 29, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
I have to admit I am SHOCKED! Never did I think the Hawks would have tied this series. I thought at best the Hawks would win one game and just hope not to get embarrassed in the series. I have been very critical of the Hawks this year and I believe the criticism was well deserved. But if I am going to be critical when they make poor draft choices and play poorly on the court, I have to give them credit when they play well. The last two games the Hawks have played very well. Well enough to where I almost believe they may actually have a chance to win this series. I still think Boston is the favorite because the Hawks have to win one in Boston where they have not played well. But anything is possible so I have to give the Hawks a chance. Congratulations Hawks fans for showing up at Phillips Arena. I was worried that half the fans there would be cheering for the Celtics. So, I apologized for not believing that this team would be competitive in this series. Good luck the rest of the way.
By jersey jon
April 29, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
I always liked watching the Hawks and the ABA feeling they evoked:high scores no D &even a fro now (Childress)Nique was a top 20 all time great.Welcome back to the NBA &finish the job on an old overated bunch.Coach&Bibby hold the keys assuming the others keep it up!
By jersey jon
April 29, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
I always liked watching the Hawks and the ABA feeling they evoked:high scores no D &even a fro now (Childress)Nique was a top 20 all time great.Welcome back to the NBA &finish the job on an old overated bunch.Coach&Bibby hold the keys assuming the others keep it up!
By JonKoncak
April 29, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
The Hawks looked like the veteran team. They made their free throws, they did not make a bunch of mistakes. I was very impressed with game #4, and think they may be coming together at the right time.
By sekou smith
April 29, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
“brassy and sassy”? are you a professional homosexual bradley?
By Mark Bradley
April 29, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
I know the Celtics will be playing Game 5 at home and all, but think of the pressure on these guys. This was a team put together not to be good down the road but to win big now, and 10 days back all anybody was talking about was how nice it would be to have Boston playing the Lakers in the finals again. Imagine if Boston lost to a team that finished eight games under .500.
By jzede
April 29, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Am I the only one that still gets chill bumps when I think about that dunk that Childress did at the end of the first half? Man that almost said it all with my new man Zaza putting an exclamation mark on it!
By Brendan
April 29, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Finally, Coach Woodson, the man who once uttered, “Records are records. I’m not concerned about our record. We can’t control our record,” has done something to deserve a contract extension.
Yes, that should “stir it up.”
By NCBravesFan
April 29, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Mark You are right about that, and I wonder if they are feeling the pressure a bit. I mean, the Celtics gave the Hawks two big shots to the mouth in that game and the Hawks proceeded to get off the deck and stick it right back to them.
The test will come for the Hawks if they get a third win and then have to close ‘em out. Until then, Boston is in the hot seat.
By Teresa
April 29, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Teresa, Dont think the Coach has a single thing to do with their win. He has been absent( in the mind) Duh the whole time. Their good fortune and being the champions are due to faith in themselves and the trust that if they play then they shall be the victors. I love the Hawks so the Hawks love me. and I always WIN!!!!!GO Hawks!!!
By Hawksville Resident
April 29, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
The Atlanta Hawks are the talk of the Nation right now! Leading off every sports show! A team in Atlanta is doing good. All great news! We win in Boston tomorrow, can you imagine Philips on Friday!!! Wow! Go Hawks!
By Bryant
April 29, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
uh……. fire woody and billy?????
By Tyger
April 29, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Bradley Go Away for Another Day
You’ve never supported the Hawks, the organization or the players, so dont start now, we’re accustomed to your idiocy, so lets keep it that way.
You just keep sippin your typically bitter bottle of hater-aid.
By Chris Paul
April 29, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Imagine if y’all had me. Just imagine.
By Mark Bradley
April 29, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
I’m not the biggest Woodson fan, but give the man credit for this: By having Bibby as the screener, he prevented the Celtics from doubling Johnson with the screened man. Because somebody had to stay with Bibby. Now, if you’re wondering why the Celtics didn’t run somebody else’s man at Johnson and make him give up the ball … so I am, and so is everybody in Boston.
By O'brien
April 30, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
As young and athletic as we are, why havent we been running all year? Isnt it obvious now that Solomon deserved more PT during the season? Also, JJ can afford to play big minutes because we have time off between games, so his legs are fresh. This does not work during the regular season. Mike Woodson is still Mike Woodson. But the players have been awesome. Go Hawks!
By Voice of the US
April 30, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
3 key questions: Will the janitor be back Friday to sound the airhorn at the 24 second clock? Will the clock mysteriously “malfunction” again? Will there be another rain of confetti for a non-clinching game?
The rest of the nation laughs at you Atlanta. Forbes was spot - on, worst sports city in the US.
Hawks are a non factor. Celtics win by 20+ tonight.
Smith and SECOND place ROY Horford are free to go smoke in the offseason with Josh Howard.
You did win something though Zha Zha wins NBA’s Ugliest Man award