By cp

April 30, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

We need a new coach period. Mike Woodson seems like a nice guy but he is not the right guy for this team.

By ATLplayer

May 1, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

Guy what do you expect??? Look at the Hawks ROSTER and look at the Celtics ROSTER…what do you see??? a four game sweep! period. The Hawks are out manned. Winning two games means they OVER achieved. Winning three games means they are arriving and are expected to win next year! Give Woodson a break. He needs a starting Center and a backup power forward.

By mdysart

May 1, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

Agreed. Woodson just isn’t sharp or charismatic enough to be a head coach. The locker room clips bored me even more than Bibby’s halfhearted play and Barkley’s incomprehensible mumbling on TNT.

By ATLplayer

May 1, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

I was referring to Mark Bradley. The Hawks don’t need bad press when they are overachieving. No one I mean NO ONE expected them to win two games. Mark give them a break to include woodson.

By Dr. Warren

May 1, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

Why would Woodson be fired? That would be too logical for the Hawks.

By ATLplayer

May 1, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

You can’t blame this on woodson! Blame it on the Celtics playing great at home. The Celtics are suppose to win it all! They only lost what 4 games to the west this season…and swept TEXAS! That means Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Give it up too the Celtics and stop bashing Woodson!

By Pete

May 1, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

Aw man C’Mon guys not right now!!!!! Mark Bradley you do not become a great road team overnight. They were not good all season on the road. Just Enjoy this and Build on it for next season. They did not overachieve either!!!!!! The team just doesn’t truly believe yet. When they do figure that out they will be dangerous on the road and overall. Coach needs to lighten up too!!!!!!

By O'brien

May 1, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

I wont blame this loss on Woodson, but I will blame Woodson for the fact that we are the #8 seed (we should’ve been at least #6). Why? He played JJ too many minuts in the regular season so he was tired in the 4th quarter for some games we could’ve won. Refusing to give AC a chance to play through his rookie mistkaes. Plus AC and/or Salim can have one good game, and then dont get any PT for the next 3 games; not playing Solomon Jones more, not giving JRich any PT, not making in game adjustments time and time again. And the list goes on. I’ll take Avery Johnson, former point guard who won a ring in San Antonio under Popovich.

By Joshua

May 1, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

Woodson can not make game time adjustments to save his life. He can not put us in the right defense in games and he should not be our head coach for the 08-09 season. Arvy Johnson is available and some better coaches then Woodson point blank. If the Atlanta Sprint does not act and fire Woodson at the end of the playoff season then they have some serious problem.

By Voice of Reason

May 1, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

I used to be a faithful full-season ticket-holder to the Hawks, beginning ~1987, with 2 seats three rows behind the Hawks bench. I gave up my seats ~5 years ago, as it got to the point where I couldn’t even GIVE my tickets away. I coulda’ bought another Lexus for all the money I paid to watch a losing supposed-to-be professional team. I haven’t even followed the team much since then, so, at least they’ve made it into the playoffs. But, a word to the wise, don’t get your hopes up, cause they never knew how to bring it on home when it counted. And they’ve never made sound management decisions.

By Joshua

May 1, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

Pete great mind’s thinks alike. look at my comments right under yours!!!

By BUBBA

May 1, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

YOU PEOPLE THAT ARE SAYING THE CELTICS ARE SUPPOSE TO WIN NEED TO KNOW THAT IT’S NOT OVER TILL IT’S OVER. REMEMBER THE SUPER BOWL?????? THE PATRIOTS WERE SUPPOSE TO WHEN BUT UUHHH, THE GIANTS CAME THROUGH. NOW I’M NOT SAYING THE HAWKS WILL GO TO THE FINALS, BUT JUST KNOW THAT IT IS NOT OVER TILL THE FAT LADY SINGS BAABBYY!!

By Rock Preston

May 1, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

The Hawks will take the Celtics 7 games, but we are a flawed team with a head coach who DOESN’T know how to make adjustments even with a young team. Watch the players look at him when he tells them what to do!!! Woodson has lost them. They have gotten this far without listening to Woodson. They know he will be gone after this season. We will add a new coach and a few new pieces minus M. Williams and make noise next year…WATCH!!!!

By Sir Stealth

May 1, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this

Marvin Williams is length, a good moustache, and not a whole helluva lot else. I agree that 3 and 4 should be viewed as the way the Hawks were capable of playing all year long, it does a disservice to their abilities to call it flukey and be content with it. Credit to the Celtics for this one though, they played very well.

By Joshua

May 1, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this

They listen to Herb Brown more then they do Woodson. The other night when that little pushing went on, they showed Herb on tv tell Bibby to go talk with his team mates. Guess what Bibby did?? He ran to the huddle and talked to everybody. Tonight when Woodson took Bibby out of the game in the 2nd qtr he was not happy at all. Woodson needs to go.

By chris

May 1, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this

They’re aren’t? Really? Stop hatin

By Traci

May 1, 2008 2:17 AM | Link to this

Woodson has a fallen into - the “next year” mentality.

Every year he says “were building”, then they break up the nucleus of the team and try something else.

They have been winning since they got a veteran on the team - Bibby.

The fans are tired of the “we are building phase? - If the Mavericks can fire Avery —- abd he consistenly went to the play offs —- why does Woodson still have a job.

By Rock Preston

May 1, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this

Traci, you are the MAN!!!!!!!! Woodson should go regardless of where the team finishes. THEY ARE NOT LISTENING TO MIKE WOODSON!!!! The team has tuned him out!!

By Rock Preston

May 1, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

Traci, you are the MAN or Woman!!!!!!!! Woodson should go regardless of where the team finishes. THEY ARE NOT LISTENING TO MIKE WOODSON!!!! The team has tuned him out!!

By HawkMan

May 1, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this

Woodson must go—-way too much talent to have losing records. Bring in Avery Johnson from dallas—-he knows how to win.

By Edo River

May 1, 2008 4:31 AM | Link to this

Dear Terrance Bradley, Nice of you to be consistently looking, always looking, looking for the negative.

Woodson spoke with sense. You question the timing. I don’t think the truth that the coach sees matters when he speaks. People jumped on JJ for speaking the truth. So Mark looks for the negative to bash Woodson. Look Woodson doesn’t shoot the basketball. He wasn’t on the floor as far as I could see during games 3 and a follow up game 4.

As some of the previous posters have implied, Mr. Negative, you didn’t predict 2 wins from Boston and a tied series, did you Mr. Negative? So perhaps the 2nd best team this year in the NBA wins at home in game 5, and beats a team by 25 that was just barely in the playoffs and didn’t win against the same team during the regular season. That’s unexpected right, Mr. Negative? So you spent your time searching and gave all this air time to the press interview. Nice angle, Mr. Terrence Bradley. What can we expect from you tomorrow?

By RA

May 1, 2008 6:31 AM | Link to this

Well, if the Boston faithful can get on our blogs and talk about how great their team is after two straight loses, I can hop on here and talk about how much I still believe in mine after one.

By jts in dallas

May 1, 2008 7:01 AM | Link to this

Edo, it seems that you are content with moral victories (Hawks make playoffs at 37-45; Hawsk take 2 at home). Wouldn’t it be great if this team would consistently challenge for playoff position and also be a real factor once they get there.
This could easily be achieved since they have the nucleus of a great team. However, right now they are rudderless. Perhaps, with a coach who can relate to his players and mix and match pieces as game situations dictated, we could be in the mix. Also, ATLplayer, I also blame this one on Woodson. He seems to be afraid to try anything different, even when his original plans are backfiring. What does he have to lose? A job? He probably can get another assistant coaching job somewhere. He clearly is NOT a head coach. Let’s fire him and see how quickly he gets snapped up as a head coach. He’s more like a head case.

By Angel

May 1, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this

I agree with O’Brien, AC should have been given more time to play. he is quick, can drive, plays decent defense. I hate to it say, but Woodson is not the coach for this team, he is too old school. The Hawks had two great wins, and I still think they have a good chance to take it 7 games, but there need to be changes with the team next year. People are getting tired of hearing well the Hawks are the youngest team in the league. Just win!!! There is no way ATL should have be in the 8th seed. There are nights they look awesome and other nights they should be a D-League team. I think that has to do with coaching!!! Now you have some players like Marvin Williams he is too soft, and lacks heart. I’m not sure if he will live up to the hype. If Josh can get consistent with his jumper/shot selection he would be awesome. I like Childress as a sixth man, and Horford is a beast. So, if the Hawks could get a few more quality scorers in the rotation and a new coach we could contend easily next year.

By The Grinch

May 1, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

Every single time I’ve heard Woodson interviewed this year the overwhelming sentiment I get out of him is that he’s perfectly happy to have a mediocre team. Buck & Kincaide asked him about whether or not this was really a playoff team or whether they were just lucky the East was terrible this year. Woody basically said “If we win out (they had four games left of which they wound up losing three) we’ll have almost played .500 ball; that’s almost always good enough to be a playoff team in the East.” This guy’s happy to be shooting for slightly below .500 as a benchmark.

Fact is, even with BK’s gawdawful drafting this actually IS a playoff team, and Woody’s too impotent to notice. He really needs to go, so we can start contending every year. These players deserve a coach who wants to win.

By Hawk Boy

May 1, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

Problems with the Hawks: Marvin Williams-Plays out of control, too timid, relies on a unpredictable jumpers, CAN’T PLAY DEFENSE…PERIOD!!!..Cut his @#! or trade him!!! Coach Woodson- Does not know how to motivate his players, Can’t get his players to run a half court offense, Does not believe in playing AC, Salim, or Solomon (I believe these guys can make a difference..FIRE THE GUY!!!

By Deer Hunter

May 1, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

Marvin Williams reminds me of a deer in headlights. The only difference being that a deer could probably take the ball to the hoop better than Marvin. He represents all that is wrong with the Hawks. Nothing personal, just an honest opinion.

By Oaktown

May 1, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

There is some flawed logic going on here. Bradley said it in his column and I’ve heard it in the last couple days. It is the “based on the two wins against Boston and the Hawks talent they should have had a better record this year.”

That is stupid because the Hawks did not get Bibby until the final stretch of the season— That is when things turned around. We all have seen how important a real point guard is now (as you see that Ty Lue and AJ got virtually no playing time with their new teams)

Now if the Hawks has Bibby all year they should have had a better record.

But spending most the season hampered with third string point guards and a injured rookie— killed the Hawks this year.

By Hawks

May 1, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

We need avery here. All you hawks fans should check out a great hawks forum called hawksquawk.

By RA

May 1, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

And so, we already have a scap goat for this series do we?

Listen, there’s a reason that Harry Truman waited so long to relieve McCarther in Korea. It was the simple fact that the man’s army was in a tooth and nail fight for it’s life and it wouldn’t instill a lot of confidence in the men if their general were relieved at that time. Think of how much more the moral of the army would have suffered if Truman had started relieving individual soldiers one by one!

Folks, it’s not out of the realm of comprehension that those boys read these blogs, and what do you think that it would do to what’s left of a young players confidence to see the vehemance with which he is depicted here? Marvin Williams is not Chris Paul, never will be, whole different position all together, but for those that were actually watching his game last night for something more than faults, he showed flashes that make me think that he can still be a special player in this league. So, before you hand all of the fault on Marvin Williams try to remember that his mediocre performance last night was just one of many on our end, and then throw in the fact that he’s just 22 years old. You haven’t even given him a chance.

By Torch Tom

May 1, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!

By Anthony

May 1, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Although I wanted the hawks to win I didn’t expect them to especially after we had just beaten them twice at home. I say we better be ready Friday cause the celtics would love to celebrate on our homecourt and personally that would leave a bad taste in our mouths for next year and we don’t want that vision bouncing around our heads all summer. We need to just come out with our fans and play defense. Then if we win we can go back to Boston and let all go. Remember, anything can happen. If I recall, there are a few other teams that were a lot better than our hawks now sitting at home watching the playoffs. WE STILL HAVE A CHANCE, ALTHOUGH SMALL, WE STILL HAVE ONE. That’s a lot more than some teams can say. What ya think?

By D.Ellis

May 1, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

HEY_ We got blown at Boston…come on HAWKS!!!!!!! it ain’t over….you guys have given us a great post season to date…..no one on this planet thought there would be a game 6 here….NO ONE!!!!! Come on…I read a post above that Woodson already had next year mentality…WELL WHAT DOES BRING IN AVERY MEAN? What does cut so and so or trade so and so. The HAWKS have a real good chance to beat the Celtics Friday night and send this thing into a dramatic game 7. LET”S GO HAWKS!!!!!! BEAT THE CELTICS….WE BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!!!

CELTICS SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Clipper

May 1, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

Hawk Fans - Be patient and be encouraged. Even if your team bows out in six or seven they have made a statement to themselves…….they are competitive. A year ago the Celtics completed another in a series of dismal seasons. They stuck with Doc Rivers realizing that the pieces weren’t in place yet. Then Danny Ainge made the right moves to make the team competitive. Could it be that your GM might do something similar? Danny parted with some of the young players and brought in Kevin Garnett. It can be done. Have faith.

By ry

May 1, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

I am proud of the players for their efforts in the playoffs, but even in the games they have won I thought Woodson make terrible decisions. I thought the best indicator was in game 4 when it was reported that in the 4th quarter, Joe Johnson told Woodson to clear out one side of the floor and let him work. The player had to tell the Coach what to do….shouldn’t it have been the other way around. Instead Woodson can’t see how to best use the talent he has on this team.

By Larry Bird

May 1, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Celtics roll again…kind of like the North beatin’ down the South all over again…”When Johnny comes marching homae again…’

By Larry Bird

May 1, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Celtics roll again…kind of like the North beatin’ down the South all over again…”When Johnny comes marching home again…’

By Edo River

May 1, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

To all the other Woodson haters on this blog I have heard so much of this whining about Woodson, but no one, I repeat, no one has any clue to who would replace him. All the brains comes out the other end on this topic. You can groan and grouse but you don’t have any clue to who would really be interested in coming in, and guarantee a substantial increase over the projected number of wins, if we kept Woodie.

First you vermin don’t have any knowledge of who, once invited would accept an interview,

Second you scaly belly-sliders don’t know who, if they accepted a job in Atlanta, wouldn’t be WORSE than Billie.

Third, you mealy mouthed rodent-eating tail-pipe sniffing octagants know there are some definite priorities higher than the coach. That is signing some players who are in their final year. IF JSmith, for example, leaves, I don’T care who the coach is, the team will become the East Coast version of the 1990’s Clippers.

By Joshua

May 1, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

505-896-5356 matthew 3468 team danner

By gdg73

May 1, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

I agree with the poster that said Salim, Acie, and Solomn Jones should play more. Jones is a better presence than ZAZA. Salim should have especially been in the game after Woodson saw that the Celtics game plan consisted of doubling JJ all night. When they did, it seemed like the posssession always ended in a 20+ jumper from Josh. Put Salim in and let him be the get left alone for the jumper. After a couple of threes, Rivers would have had to re-consider the double teams. He should have played these guys all during the garbage time 4th quarter of Games 1,2, and 5 to give them confidence. I saw no need in leaving the starters in after the 3rd quarter. This team will only progress once these three get some time.

By gdg73

May 1, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

I agree with the poster that said Salim, Acie, and Solomn Jones should play more. Jones is a better presence than ZAZA. Salim should have especially been in the game after Woodson saw that the Celtics game plan consisted of doubling JJ all night. When they did, it seemed like the posssession always ended in a 20+ jumper from Josh. Put Salim in and let him be the get left alone for the jumper. After a couple of threes, Rivers would have had to re-consider the double teams. He should have played these guys all during the garbage time 4th quarter of Games 1,2, and 5 to give them confidence. I saw no need in leaving the starters in after the 3rd quarter. This team will only progress once these three get some time.

By C's Fan

May 1, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

two words for Hawks fans …

AVERY JOHNSON

By Fan

May 1, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Get a coach who can get his stars the ball.

By Joe Hawk

May 1, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

The Hawks played last night like they expected to lose. They didn’t play defense and for some reason weren’t ready for a double-team on JJ. The have to revert back to games 3&4 mentality. The C’s rely on jumpshots and if you don’t give them open looks, they get frustrated and start missing. There was no frustration last night- they had many open looks!!

By Barry

May 1, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

Bradley, get the hell out of Atlanta. We are in the playoff and you are sitting there whining like the Hawks do not have another opportunity to win. You are the worste, apathetic piece of local sports writer that I have ever read. You need to go to Boston and cheer them on. Because here in Atlanta you are killing us local, die hard Hawks fans with your negative, pessimistic writing. We as fans, and I am sure the Hawks do not need that right now. We are in a playoff battle for a championship.

By the way if you saw the game last night the officiating was horrible. Everytime the Hawks made a move strange foul calls were being made against the Hawks but not agaist the Celtics. It appeared that the officiating crew were targeting our star players like Joe Johnson and Josh Smith. I am telling you fouls were not being called against the Celtics. They were pushing and shoving and hitting Hawks players during and after shots ans fouls were not being called. However, they were calling everything on the Hawks. It appears, and I hope I am wrong, that the NBA wants the Celtics to win. Is this sportsmanship at the highest level. Comon NBA you can do better than this? We have young adults and children watching. Let the game be played on the court without bias referee calls (coincedentally done in a pivotal game on a perceived NBA organization darling team that is on the ropes in the playoff.) the referees made every effort to slow the game down with fouls agaist the Hawks. This was was done to make the Hawks play cautiously. Let me tell you , it worked and we lost. I pray the next two games are not like this. This would be a travesty to many fair, sports minded fans not only in Atlanta but across the country. I am more than confident viewers all over the country saw what I saw. Bradley if you knew how to play basketball, you would have saw he same thin too. But instead, you write this negative article as if thi is the best the Hawks can play. We, the real Hawks fans, will be at Phillips on Friday to encourage the real runing,gunning Hawks on to “SHOCK THE WORLD!!!” Bradley, you can keep you sorry self home. We at Phillips do not need your negative vibe while we are kicking Boston’s tale. Please do not get on the bandwagon as we know you are not. GO to Boston.

Again Hawks fan, we will be at Phillips tomorrow “tearing the roof of the sucker”. We are Ready to “SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!” MY HAWKS. LET’S DO IT!! LET’S DO IT NOW!!!!!_ LOVE YA!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!

“SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ringold

By Truth Be Told

May 1, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Let’s keep things in perspective guys. We have won two games. We are currently taking in the best training class a young basketball team can take to learn how hard and focused you have to play to win in the NBA. Last night, we just didn’t match the intensity in the first half. We have to play hard every single possession to beat a team like Boston—and we didn’t do that in the first half. Marvin Williams still thinks that he is a jump shooter—but that is another story. We just need their intensity and the refs need to give us a little bit of that home cooking that Boston got last night. It’s going 7

By Truth Be Told

May 1, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Let’s keep things in perspective guys. We have won two games. We are currently taking in the best training class a young basketball team can take to learn how hard and focused you have to play to win in the NBA. Last night, we just didn’t match the intensity in the first half. We have to play hard every single possession to beat a team like Boston—and we didn’t do that in the first half. Marvin Williams still thinks that he is a jump shooter—but that is another story. We just need their intensity and the refs need to give us a little bit of that home cooking that Boston got last night. It’s going 7

By dbrown3527

May 1, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Hawk Boy is dead on!!! Why in the world is Marvin still starting? The jumper that he had during the regular season is non-existent now. Plug in Mario, at least he plays defense with some type of urgency; there is no reason Paul Peirce should be running circles around Marvin, Period! Anybody that is still sticking up for him needs to watch him and not the game, then get back to me.

He’s just one of the many reasons David Stern needs to make kids stay in college for at least two years. This guy plays on a National Championship team; comes to the league and plays like he went to Georgia State!!! I’m so sick of people still counting on this guy and his potential; his abilities are not the reason that everybody jumps on him; but because he lacks heart and toughness. He’s 22, with threes years of on the job experience and we still have nothing we can hang our hats on. Besides the NY game can somebody give me another memorable game? If he doesn’t get moved he cannot not start next year; he’s become a liability on both ends of the court.

GO HAWKS!!!

By STRETCH

May 1, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Yep, Salim, Acie and Solomn should have been player more this season. I mean, how else are you going to get experience???? Solomn is a better presence than Zaza. Zaza’s got a lot of heart, but thats all, sorry but thats a fact!

Marvin Williams and Josh Smith havent figured out how to pass the ball more. They BOTH have broken jump shots that kill offensive possesions. Terrible shooters for NBA players.

Mike Bibby does another Whodini, and the rest of the team just played too TIMID last night. Horford had 14 and 10 which is right on par, but the rest of the team dissappointed me.

Woodson needs to go as soon as the last horn of the season sounds. No control of his players on offense..NONE!

By Real Fan

May 1, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

AJC is terrible, the writers only speak negative about our teams and never see the bright side. No where in his article does he mention Joe Johnson was in foul trouble early. The team is improving, and progress should be noted. If the hawks dont win games next year then you fire Woodson.

By Real Fan

May 1, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

AJC is terrible, the writers only speak negative about our teams and never see the bright side. No where in his article does he mention Joe Johnson was in foul trouble early. The team is improving, and progress should be noted. If the hawks dont win games next year then you fire Woodson.

By Joe

May 1, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Mark Bradley, Why do you always look to bring down the home team. Most of us expected Boston to do well at home. I felt the Hawks were fighting very well even though they were down in the 1st 3 Quarters. Had Boston missed some of those 3 pointers in the 3rd quarter, we would had been in the game. Go with what the team have and show them support. Look at our players and have appropriate expectations, we werent designed to win the championship this year!

By Jeff A.

May 1, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

i disagree with you, ry. A good coach listens as well as dictates. if your All-Star player says he wants to clear out and feels strongly about that, then you let him do that. Sometimes you have to trust your players as a coach. after all, these guys have been playing basketball since they were, what, 7 or 8 years old? They should know how to play the game by now. (With the exception of the knucklehead Phoenix Suns, who i swear make the most bonehead plays of any NBA team!)

It’s like the time i saw Chris Paul plead with Byron Scott to let him start the 4th quarter instead of resting on the bench in a crucial game down the stretch. B. Scott didn’t want to do it, but he relented and the Hornets ended up winning the game. You have to trust your all-star players at times; a solid coach does that. i’m not saying that Woody is the best coach out there, but it speaks a lot for him and his staff to get this team to the postseason AND to win not one, but TWO, playoff games against the Celts. That’s big. Go look at ESPN.com and see how many of their people picked Celtics in 4. Only Mark Jackson and Jalen Rose had the cohones to pick Celts in 5. Now it’s going 6 or 7. That should increase this team’s confidence level next year.

And i do agree with the poster who said that this team has won well since Bibby’s been here. if Bibby had been here since the start and the Hawks went 37-45, that would be a problem. Since he wasn’t here all year, they did well just to REACH the playoffs. i think that with Bibby here at the start of next season and a tweak here or there, this team could do what Orlando did and win a playoff series next season.

By Wasted Time

May 1, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

I had not watched the Hawks in years but decided last nite to see what the buzz was all about. Questions that I have after watching : 1.What skill set does MW bring as a high lottery pick? Clanging open 15 footers, no defense, no intensity, no leadership. 2. What skills does Woodson bring as head coach. Did he not expect that Johnson would be doubled until he did something with it? Where was the preparation? 3. Zsa Zsa got schooled by someone named Big Baby and he didn’t mind! 4.It looked as if the Hawks were the ones looking tired last night. Celtics too old? Come on, they moved the ball so well last night in the open floor that it made these supposedly young Hawks look like they were the ones over 35 yoa. 5. Josh Smith 60 mil? PLEEEEEEEEASE. 6. And the Hawks PR department uses 2 wins in the first round as an excuse to bombard the fan base with next years season ticket promos? To watch what again? 7. I certainly did not see anything last night that would warrant any further interest in the Hawks under this ownership group, GM and Coach.

By 16Championships

May 1, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Should be a good game tomorrow night. The Hawks have home court advantage plus the refs are clearly bias towards Atlanta which might give the Hawks a chance for game 6.

By Ryder

May 1, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Let’s see what happens in Game 6 and then we can start talking about the future.

I just wish they could give Marvin a kick in the pants and get aggressive on offense but oh well.

The Hawks are well on their way, and let’s keep supporting the up and comers of the NBA!

By drahcir61

May 1, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

What game were you watching, Truth Be Told??? “We need the refs to give us a little bit of that home cooking that Boston got last night.”

The Celtics had 3 clean ball strips but the refs called fouls instead. Leon Powe was runover setting a pick in the paint & then the refs call a 3 second violation on him because he was laying on the ground. Ridiculous officiating otherwise this would have been a 35 point blowout.

By Dean

May 1, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Look, it’s plain to see that we have tremendous athletes. In fact, we may be one of the top five teams in the league based on true athletic ability. But our offense is rooted in individual play, not in a true team concept. And while our athletic ability may allow us to get away with this type of game some of the time, we will never be consistent as long as we rely on half-court one-on-one play. That, along with poor decisions in transition (watch closely in our next game at the rushed three pointers and wild passes), and it seems that we win games in spite of ourselves. Until we get a coaching staff that knows how to teach these guys a true offense - whether it be in transition or half-court, we will continue to see the inconsitency that is so frustrating.

By ricknole

May 1, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

I Cant believer C’s fans are now on our blog comlaining about officiating and “homecooking”. I found it very strange that within the frist 5 minutes of the game that Joe Johnson already had picked up 2 fouls on Charging??? Get out of here with that BS, did you seem to notice everytime the Hawks made a run to cut the lead to 5 or 6, there was some “mysterious” foul??

I wouldnt even bring this up, but you guys need to seriously get over it.

If the Hawks win game 6 I wouldnt expect a repeat performance in Beantown for game 7, do you really think Ray Allen will make 5 crucial 3 pointers again.

By **Atlanta Hawks' #1 Lady Fan**

May 1, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

I feel that Mike Woodson needs to go because he has no faith in his team. The looks he gives them on the side line tells all. Just watch his facial expressions. I would like to see the whole team play. I love Acie Law IV and I feel that he doesn’t get enough playing time. I am tired of seeing Salim, Jeremy, Mario, Acie, and Solomon sitting on the bench because they just may be the help and fuel the Hawks need to win this series and have a better season record. If you notice doc rivers, he constantly changes his players and uses his bench. Why can’t we have a coach that uses all his players? Since the team is young I think the Hawks need a younger coach who can relate to them more. I blame Woodson for the lost because he doesn’t know how to rotate his players.

By RBNX23

May 1, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Listen baby cries ,fouls ,charging and all that other BS happens in Sports if you cant handle it stop watching sports .

By TruGreen33

May 1, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Ok, Hawks fans…the cream always rises to the top. You guys made it interesting but I think the ride is over tomorrownight. A worthy foe you are but it ends tomorrow in ATL.

By TruGreen33

May 1, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

…and ricknole….did you see JJ’s first foul on Rondo? He landed on top of him, that’s not a charge…but a hack. You saw the True Green last night. Bibby disappears in Beantown.

By Mark Bradley

May 1, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

A word about the officiating: It was fine. When the Celtics are complaining about calls in Boston — and they were, loudly — you know the refs are doing their job. And, just as a side note, Joe Forte of Smyrna worked the game and is one of the best.

By RA

May 1, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

There are simply too many of you out there downing Marvin Williams to address each one in turn. What I will say is that he did hit a few tough shots. NOBODY set the world on fire for the Hawks last night! Why you should make that young man a scape goat for defeat in which ALL of the Hawks, with the possible exception of Joe Johnson, have equal responsibility, I don’t know.

Look, Josh Childress got blocked out routinely last night by Sam Cassell. Now, beside the sheer terror of seeing Sam (I am not handsome) Cassell close up, there was NO reason for Chills to get blocked out by him again and again. Po (or however his name is spelled) outworked the entire Hawks front court on the offensive glass. You want a reason the Hawks got beat last night, here you go, they (the Celtics) got three shots to our one, almost every time down the floor.

Mike Bibby, I love Mike Bibby, but he’s making Rondo look like the East coast equivelant of Steve Nash. Here’s a clue Mike, if you let a point guard rome free on the baseline, he’s going to find somebody sooner or later whether he’s working in Boston or Atlanta.

Joe Johnson, when there are three guys on you, there are at least two of your guys wide open, FIND THEM!

J-Smoove, forget the outside jump shot. Drive to hoop whenever you can IF you stay under control, you’ll either get fouled or you’re athletic enough to hang and finish.

Marvin, find James Worthy this offseason and for the love of God work on your footwork.

(Deep Breath) Okay, like I said, plenty of blame to go around for what happened last night, don’t put it all on MW.

(And for the record, all he suggestions that I just made are much easier when whispered from the shadows than executed at the point of attack.)

By RA

May 1, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Here’s a side note for you Mark, that flagrant one that basically gave Boston five points was more a reaction to Kevin Garnett’s reaction to the foul than the foul itself, and when Horford dunked that ball and got hammered from the back and the front, but nothing got called, was that fine? Oh, and when Horford got pulled/pushed down and was called for traveling, was all that fine. I think we’ll need a working definition for your definition of fine. I doubt Webster’s would agree with yours. Three more words, flop, flop, flop…

By TruGreen33

May 1, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

What happened to all loud-mouth ATL fans from yesterday? Truth hurts?

I will say it again, the C’s are just a better team. Hawks fans should be happy with the 2 nice wins in 3 &4. Plus, the future is brightin ATL. Even though Horford is a punk, he’s a good player.

By RA

May 1, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Loud-mouth ATL fan! Present and accounted for! Here’s the thing TruGreen33, unlike all those stinking Celtic fans, all of us work, so when we hit the blog, we’re multi-tasking…

Question is, where were all those die hard Boston fans last year? Oh yea, you were all hiding under brown paper bags… I’d be quiet if I were you. One key injury to an aging veteran and you’re right back under that bag.

By SenorSpur

May 1, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

By way of affiliation, I’m a Spurs fan. I don’t watch much Hawks basketball, however I must say I’m impressed with how the Hawks have given the Celtics all they can handle during this series.

I also follow all NBA news and notes. I know there is and has been a lot of speculation out here regarding the future of head coach Mike Woodson. I’m sure he has his warts. Yet, I’m not here to proclaim an opinion on whether he should be fired or not.

However, I will say this. There is no doubt in my mind that GM Billy Knight SHOULD BE FIRED. Why? For making perhaps the single biggest personnel mistake in this franchise’s long history. The mistake of PASSING OVER CHRIS PAUL in favor of MARVIN WILLIAMS in the 2005 NBA draft.

Hell, any idiot could’ve made that selection. Yet that idiot Knight did not. Instead, the club incurred more financial commitment by trading for Mike Bibby and then drafting ACIE LAW IV. Think about how good your team would be right now with the addition of Paul.

Fire Knight immediately!

By satch

May 1, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

I am a Celtics fan living in Boston. I thought the Hawks looked terrific in games 3 & 4 with some very young talent. I had not seen them during the year, but I am surprised that so many comments here are negative about this team. Everyone in Boston, including me, thought the officiating was atrocious — in favor of Atlanta. I guess it just depends on the team you support.

By RA

May 1, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Perhaps it does Senior satch, perhaps it does…

By J-Mo

May 1, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

What happened to “Don’t be Satisfied”? Woody sure seemed satisfied that they won 2 games and now talking about future years??? WTF?

By hatfieldgeoff

May 1, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

I agree Woodson needs to go. He just seems clueless at times and just does not seem to be able to define a role for his players and get them to conform to that role. A diciplined coach is not going to allow Josh Smith to keep throwing up 3s. But I would fire Woodson the day after I fired Billy Knight. If the Hawks had Chris Paul at point and a descent player from the draft two years ago, rather than the stiff from Duke Knight chose, we could probably play a close game with Boston on the Road. Of course we wouldn’t be the 8th seed either. And while we are at it how about some new owners. I hope Belkin gets the team. Because if the Atlanta Spirits’ supposed successful businessmen couldn’t put together a contract that kept one of the group from screwing the whole deal. They are not sharpe enough to run an NBA franchise to begin with.

By Biggdawg33

May 1, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

I want AVERY JOHNSON on the Hawks sideline next season!

By CBreeze

May 1, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

As a Celtics fan, I’m stunned to learn that Hawks fans blame Woodson for the 3 losses thus far! So if I understand it correctly, having Byron Scott as a head coach would mean that the current Hawks roster should win the series???!!! That’s ridiculous.

I think this young group has played well and to think that the current 3-2 would be different is asking for a lot. The game simply comes down to making the plays.

By Fired Up!

May 1, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Mark,

I agree with everyone else regarding you quiting your day job! Sure the Celtics played good last night- it didn’t hurt that the refs made some seriously bad calls (flagrant against Hortford, Smith out with a technical and a personal in the 4th, Hortford charged with traveling?!) And the Hawks didn’t play bad. I say if the Hawks win Friday night, you should quit your day job. What do you say?

By PaulWinchester

May 1, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

I HOPE THAT THE CELTICS FEEL THAT THE SERIES WITH THE HAWKS IS OVER BECAUSE IF THE C’S FEEL THAT WAY THEY WILL BE DEAD WRONG. THE HAWKS ARE TALENTED ENOUGH TO WIN THE NBA TITLE. THAT HAS BEEN PROVEN THE TWO GAMES THEY BEAT THE CELTS AT PHILLIPS ARENA. THE CELTICS ARE VASTLY BETTER THAN EVERYONE ELSE IN THE LEAGUE SO IF YOU CAN HANG WITH THE CELTS YOU CAN HANG WITH EVERYBODY. I HOPE THE HAWKS REALIZE THAT THEY ARE TWO GAMES AWAY FROM BEING SET FREE. JUST GO OUT AND CONCENTRATE ON GAME 6, AND FORGET ABOUT THERE EVER BEING A GAME 7. THE GAME YOU WANT TO FOCUS ON IS 6 BECAUSE IF YOU PLAY POORLY IN GAME 6 THERE WONT BE A GAME 7. IF THE HAWKS GO OUT AND MAINTAIN SERVE ON THEIR HOME COURT AND WIN GAME 6, THEN GO BACK TO BOSTON WITH A DIFFERENT ATTITUDE THAT WHAT YOU WILL DO IS THROW EVERYTHING AT BOSTON INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINK IN AN ATTEMPT TO RUN THE CELTICS OUT OF THE BOSTON GARDEN. IF YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH THAT MISSION THE SKY WILL BE THE LIMIT FOR THE HAWKS. REMEMBER IF GAME 6 IS WON BY THE HAWKS THEY WILL BE ONE WIN AWAY FROM ELIMINATING THE CELTICS AND ADVANCING TO THE MORE MEDIOCRE TALENT IN THE CONFERENCE, CLEVELAND, WASHINGTON, TORONTO, ORLANDO, DETROIT AND PHILADELPHIA. THE HAWKS CAN BEAT ALL OF THOSE TEAMS. IM EXPECTING THE HAWKS TO MAKE THE FINALS, IF THEY ARE SAVVY ENOUGH TO DISPOSE OF THE CELTICS. REMEMBER IF THE HAWKS WIN GAME 6, THEY ARE EVEN WITH THE CELTICS AND THE CELTICS WILL BE IN NO BETTER POSITION THAN THE HAWKS EXCEPT THEY WILL BE PLAYING GAME 7 ON THEIR HOME COURT. DONT FORGET, THE CELTICS HOME RECORD, AS GOOD AS IT WAS, THEY WERE NOT UNDEFEATED AT HOME SO THEY HAVE LOST ON THEIR HOME COURT IN THE PAST AND THEY WILL LOSE ON THEIR HOME COURT IN GAME 7 IF IT COMES TO THAT. GO HAWKS! HAWKS IN 7!

By ronald

May 1, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

you know if the Hawks play with some sent of earlgency they will be all right that mean Mravin William is really hurting them that why we thank about Chris Paul Deron William and what they would have brought and did i don’t see why Mike Woodson keep putting him in game when he not doing anything on defense of offsene why use him at all don’t play him go to someone elf then it would be good

By GT80

May 1, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

IN the words of Bill Parcells, you are what you are.

Look at the body of work of Woodson. Is his body of work justification for him keeping his job or losing it?

Look at the body of work of Billy Knight. Same question.

I’d say both need to go, but if only one can go it needs to be Knight.

By dbrown3527

May 1, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

RA you can’t be serious, MW jump shot is so broke nobody even runs at him when he sets up to shoot, and his lack of defense create unnecessary problems. Like I said before there should be no reason that Marvin can’t keep Paul Peirce in front of him; or any of those old players for that matter.

By dbrown3527

May 1, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

I don’t care that Knight passed on Paul; my problem is that we didn’t even get a quality basketball player

By RA

May 1, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Oh yes, I can be serious. Gas prices are rising at an alarming rate. See there, that was serious. Marvin William’s jumpshot is fine, at any rate it’s a lot better than the crooked thing that Josh Smith puts up and Childress, how he doesn’t break his arms when he goes to put up a shot, I’ll never know. No, his biggest problem is that he lives and dies by the jumper. He also needs to work with someone on getting his footwork together! I still think that MW can be a quality player. I can’t think of too many forwards from that draft that are averaging 14 to 16 points a game… As for Paul Pierce. He’s a great scorer, and pound for pound one of the strongest guys on either side. When he squares his shoulders to drive to the basket, speed doesn’t have a whole lot to do with it. He’s going to knock you out of the way, and make it look like you fouled him! Listen dbrown3527, last night was a frustrating loss all around, but putting most of the blame on MW isn’t going to fix it or devise a sure fire strategy for game six. So, why don’t you just give the boy a break.

By bigeasy830

May 1, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

They are not odd, just a young team. Young teams do not play well on the road, they have not all year. They play on emotions. Great job Hawks and Woody, I have nothing else negative to say about this team this year, win or lose the series, games 3 and 4 were unbelievable. I am a true Hawks fan and Thank you for giving me something to cheer about.

Holla……

By dbrown3527

May 1, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

PA,I’m in no way putting the entire blame on MW; I’m just pointing out the fact that he in no way shape or form should be a starter. I’m glad that you’ve acknowledged that he lives and dies by that jumper which is the basis of my argument. Besides scoring, what else does he bring to the table, he averages about 30 mins, I would hope that he can average the points that he does. I’ll even give you the fact that Peirce is lowering the boom on him. But like I said MW should be skilled enough to stay in front of him to keep from getting that head of steam and rolling all over him. Is he bull fighter or a baller?

you called him a boy (I didn’t). His playing with men now

By gamebreaker

May 1, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Stats shows there is one common dominator for victory in this series.

Everybody is talking about Woodson, Bibby, and the Hawks not playing an up tempo game and so on, but again stats shows that the team that has the advantage in REBOUNDING has won.

When the Hawks as a team pound and protect the paint, they have won. The two game the Hawks won in Philips, they outrebounded the Celtics. You can’t play an up tempo game if you don’t control the glass.

The Hawks have to play a physical game and control the paint, and pound the glass. Then they can make those senior citizens play that up tempo game.

By RA

May 1, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

dbrown3527

I call everybody under 40 boy. It’s an old habit I’ve fallen into these last few years… You’re right of course, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he can’t be a good player. It means that he has a lot to learn about playing the game. Pierce has years of experience on MW and he’s giving the young man a free tutorial. Now, as unsightly as it is, it MIGHT just work out for his long term good. Now, this is what I would do, and I would have done it when Marvin Williams first came into the league, I’d make a phone call upstairs to the Atlanta Hawk’s career points leader and have him drill this kid on his footwork until he threw up, and then make him work on it some more. Now, I’ll tell you what I think, and I’ve said it many times, James Worthy had the best footwork I’ve ever seen for a small forward. If I was the Hawk’s brass, I’d find that man and hire him on as Marvin Williams’ tutor, assuming of course that he’s still alive. It’s been a while since I saw him…

I meant no offense to Marvin Williams. It’s just that I’m old. My wife tells me that I’m not, and maybe I don’t look my years, but I am. There’s so much youth, and potential, and perhaps, greatness on that team, having watched the NBA for over 40 years, I can see it as clear as day. Maybe one day they’ll see it too. (Hopefull one day soon.)

By Don Gill

May 1, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Could getting Doc Rivers and Dwight Howard be an impossible dream?

By devin

May 1, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

AVERY JOHNSON, AVERY JAHNSON AVERY JOHNSON, AVERY JAHNSON AVERY JOHNSON, AVERY JAHNSON AVERY JOHNSON, AVERY JAHNSON AVERY JOHNSON, AVERY JAHNSON AVERY JOHNSON, AVERY JAHNSON AVERY JOHNSON, AVERY JAHNSON JOSH, PLEASE STOP SHOOTONG THE 3 JOSH, PLEASE STOP SHOOTONG THE 3 JOSH, PLEASE STOP SHOOTONG THE 3 JOSH, PLEASE STOP SHOOTONG THE 3 JOSH, PLEASE STOP SHOOTONG THE 3 JOSH, PLEASE STOP SHOOTONG THE 3 JOSH, PLEASE STOP SHOOTONG THE 3 JOE, WHE DOUBLE/TRIPLE TEAM, PASS JOE, WHE DOUBLE/TRIPLE TEAM, PASS JOE, WHE DOUBLE/TRIPLE TEAM, PASS JOE, WHE DOUBLE/TRIPLE TEAM, PASS JOE, WHE DOUBLE/TRIPLE TEAM, PASS JOE, WHE DOUBLE/TRIPLE TEAM, PASS JOE, WHE DOUBLE/TRIPLE TEAM, PASS

2008 - 2009 SEASON 50 GAME + PLUS

By TinyArchibald

May 1, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

THE HAWKS WILL WIN THE NBA TITLE!!!Everybody is blaming Marvin Williams for the Hawks trailing in the series with Boston. No one expected the series to go 6 or 7 games. The Hawks can potentially still win this series Its true that Billy Knight should have drafted Chris Paul ahead of Marvin Williams. Just imagine if the Knight had drafted Chris Paul and your starting five were Chris Paul and Mike Bibby at the guards, Josh Smith and Joe Johnson at the forwards and Al Horford at center. That starting five would spell NBA championships for years to come. Its ok, we’ll make do with Marvin Williams. He may mature into a player even better than Chris Paul. Keep in mind that when Josh Smith first came up it took a while for him to become the polished professional that he now is almost as good as Nique when Dominique was in his prime. The same may happen for Marvin. Marvin may someday be the best player in the NBA. Time will tell but just be patient with him because he has led the team in scoring once or twice this year. The Hawks will be fine if they just go all out to win the series with Boston. Then everything will take care of itself. Lose Boston; Hawks in 7.

By SlimWhitman

May 1, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

2007-2008 SEASON / Regular Season Record 37-45. PLAYOFF RECORD: Prediction: NBA CHAMPIONS

By dbrown3527

May 1, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

RA

Point taken. Hopefully this will make him go out on his own and seek the help of his elder like a James Worthy, and if he’s lucky Pippen; I recall he was trying to break back into the league a little while ago.

GO HAWKS!!!

By Celtfan

May 2, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

As a loooonnnggg time celts fan and having gone through some rough seasons, I think most of you are being to harsh on Woodson. The Hawks are playing great and I would be ecstatic to see a team fight like they have. The Hawks are talented, young and seem to have a fairly high basketball IQ for the most part (they play better when Childress is in the game). All you need is a few more veterans or two to be role models for the younger players.

Don’t fire Woodson - the players are playing hard for him. This can’t be said for a number coaches in the league.

I would say good luck tonight but I think the C’s are going to squeak this one out. I do anticipate the Hawks will be fired up, but I just don’t see them shooting the ball as well tonight. If J Smith starts draining threes then I have to tip my hat.

By SamAdams

May 2, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

You guys won 37 games this year? I think you have done very well for your first post season in some time. Build on it, learn from it. Learn that your talent is great. Learn that most of the team attitude suxs. I actually blame your coach for the majority of the team’s punk attitude and he proved it by his remark on RotY. Josh Chldress is an execption, a class act. Did he win your 6th man award?