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Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > May > 03 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHawks a dangerous team in Game 7
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
(Editor’s note: Mark Bradley will be blogging live during Sunday’s Game 7 from courtside in Boston. Follow his comments as the game unfolds and provide your own thoughts as you watch on TV.)
Boston — Game 6, start of the fourth quarter, Hawks down three: The Celtics knock the ball from Mike Bibby, and the possession seems a botch. But Bibby regains the orb and shovels it to Marvin Williams, the Marvin Williams who has never been Chris Paul and who has rarely been the slightest bit assertive.
And Marvin Williams, wonder of wonders, ducks his head and barges into the lane and lifts an off-balance floater that nonetheless bears the stamp of authority, and the shot drops and a guy sitting half an arena away says to himself, “They’re gonna win.”
The gospel singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe had a song, “Strange Things Happening Every Day.” With the Hawks, stranger things happen every minute. Marvin gets bold and scores 18 points on a night when Joe Johnson manages but two in the first 30 minutes. Josh Childress flies after a Bibby miss at the tail of the third quarter, and the tip hops on the rim once … twice … and drops through after the buzzer.
Al Horford doesn’t play in the second quarter, and the Hawks outscore the NBA’s best team 29-18, getting a massive boost from Zaza Pachulia, recently described in this space as the worst player in the world. What does it say when Zaza, who did next to nothing all season, leaves an imprint on the regal C’s by staring down Kevin Garnett in Game 3 and then scoring nine vital points in Game 6?
And what does it say when the Celtics, inside the final 70 seconds, defend Johnson expertly, James Posey pressuring every dribble and the 6-foot-11 Garnett, the league’s Defensive Player of the Year, swooping as Johnson rises to shoot … and still this killing 3-pointer sails true?
It says the Celtics should be very afraid.
In all of sports, there’s nothing so dangerous as a team that by all rights shouldn’t belong but has convinced itself otherwise. Think of the Braves in September of 1991. Think of the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC tournament. Now think of these Hawks, 37-45 in the regular season but 3-3 against the No. 1 seed in the crucible of postseason play. Think of a team that trailed the Lakers by 41 points in a first half in February scoring on 17 consecutive possessions in May.
“We put it on them to stop us,” Josh Childress said after Game 6, “and they couldn’t do it.”
A franchise that did little right for a decade is doing everything expertly. Mike Woodson is mixing and matching his lineups — he deployed Horford and Pachulia as a tandem in Game 6 and has been using Childress at point guard and has even given Solomon Jones and Acie Law IV key minutes — in an inspired way. Philips Arena, long a friendly venue for visitors, has become a fortress. And the city that made a sport of lampooning the Hawks watches now with equal parts admiration and disbelief. Are these really our blundering Hawks? And do they have any chance in Game 7?
The answers: Yes and yes.
The Celtics will be pilloried forever if they lose Sunday. In the first three games here, the Hawks never gave themselves a chance to make the Green gag. (They haven’t yet won a quarter in TD Banknorth Garden, going 0-for-12.) Should they keep it close today — the belief is that they will — the panic reflex will be triggered in the home side, which was supposed to have won this series a week ago.
In the grand scheme, the Hawks have won already. They have done in one week what they couldn’t do in a decade of wheel-spinning. They’ve become a presence. They’re no longer the Hawks of J.R. Rider and Cal Bowdler, the Hawks who couldn’t walk and chew gum at the same time; these are the Hawks who have taken the mighty Celtics to the limit, who have risen to their long-deferred moment and bounded beyond.
They’ve taken us on one wild ride, and nothing says it has to end just yet. The Hawks might just pull this off, parquet or no parquet. Strange things are happening every day.
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By STL Falcon
May 3, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Regardless of what happens Sunday - the Hawks will always be able to say “not in my house!”
GO HAWKS
By omarboissen
May 3, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
Come on Hawks fans be more positive for tomorrow’s game 7, here’s why:
I think that the 1:00pm game time for tomorrow’s afternoon game 7 should benefit the Hawks big time. Is not the same having 7 hrs less of rest (from an 8:00pm start) for the older and slower Celtics and worst for them already playing 6 games (two unexpected).
For an early game like tomorrow’s game 7, both teams have to wake up early in the morning for a good breakfast and time to digest it. Then arrive at the court two or three hours before tip off (10:00am to 11:00am).
Saying all that I think that younger bodies like the young Hawks have, should be a lot easier for them and I have no doubt that they will have more energy than the Celtics tomorrow and should play a lot better than the first 3 games at Boston.
When you are younger you don’t need that much rest time, but when you’re older like the Celtics, those 7 hrs less of rest can be mortal and can be the difference on the level of energy.
The Hawks just have to hang in there for the first 3 quaters and I’m sure that if we they are within sriking distance for the start of the 4th quater history will be in the making and the Hawks will shock the world with their athletism, stamina and young legs. Late in the game Boston will be flat. You could see it on game 6, starting with Ray Allen that almost didn’t hit the rim in his shot attemps in the 4th quater.
Remember that in game 5 Joe Johnson almost did not play the 1st half with foul trouble and the Hawks lost the 1st half by 15 points. Then made it a 6 point game in the 3rd quater. They had trouble with the defensive rebounds and the game got open again.
Slowly they are getting their confidence and concentration in Boston and tomorrow’s game 7 will be the game that they will click with better stamina and energy than Boston.
Like I said before tomorrow, with less rest for the older and slower Celtics the Hawks will rebound and play defense much better.
The Big Three Amigos will go fishing on KG’s boat with Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge. Hopefully they will invite Steven A. Smith and Charles Barkley to join them so they can predict the Hawks second round against the Cavs.
LET’S SHOCK THE UNIVERSE AND THE SO CALL EXPERTS…LETS GO HAWKS !!!!!!
By Rock Preston
May 3, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
After we all (including me) have bashed Marvin Williams for being goofy clumsy and not being assertive enough, isn’t it ironinc that we(including me) wished he would be able to play i this game?? It’s funny how things work themselves out. The old saying rings true again….”BE careful what you wish 4 because you just might get it.”
By omarboissen
May 3, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
I think that Hawks fans should be more positive for tomorrow’s game 7, and here’s why:
I think that the 1:00pm game time for tomorrow’s afternoon game 7 should benefit the Hawks big time. Is not the same having 7 hrs less of rest (from an 8:00pm start) for the older and slower Celtics and worst for them already playing 6 games (two unexpected).
For an early game like tomorrow’s game 7, both teams have to wake up early in the morning for a good breakfast and time to digest it. Then arrive at the court two or three hours before tip off (10:00am to 11:00am).
Saying all that I think that younger bodies like the young Hawks have, should be a lot easier for them and I have no doubt that they will have more energy than the Celtics tomorrow and should play a lot better than the first 3 games at Boston.
When you are younger you don’t need that much rest time, but when you’re older like the Celtics, those 7 hrs less of rest can be mortal and can be the difference on the level of energy.
The Hawks just have to hang in there for the first 3 quaters and I’m sure that if we they are within sriking distance for the start of the 4th quater history will be in the making and the Hawks will shock the world with their athletism, stamina and young legs. Late in the game Boston will be flat. You could see it on game 6, starting with Ray Allen that almost didn’t hit the rim in his shot attemps in the 4th quater.
Remember that in game 5 Joe Johnson almost did not play the 1st half with foul trouble and the Hawks lost the 1st half by 15 points. Then made it a 6 point game in the 3rd quater. They had trouble with the defensive rebounds and the game got open again.
Slowly they are getting their confidence and concentration in Boston and tomorrow’s game 7 will be the game that they will click with better stamina and energy than Boston.
Like I said before, tomorrow with less rest for the older and slower Celtics the Hawks will rebound and play defense much better.
The Big Three Amigos will go fishing on KG’s boat with Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge. Hopefully they will invite Steven A. Smith and Charles Barkley to join them so they can predict the Hawks second round against the Cavs.
LET’S SHOCK THE UNIVERSE AND THE SO CALL EXPERTS…LETS GO HAWKS !!!!!!
By Rock Preston
May 3, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
After all of the bashing Marvin Williams has taken for being goofy clumsy and not being assertive enough(most of it justified), isn’t it ironinc that we(including me) wished he would be able to play in this game?? It’s funny how things work themselves out. The old saying rings true again….”Be careful what you wish 4 because you just might get it.”
By Darrin "The Vent King"
May 3, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Rock -puh-lease. The criticism of Marvin was very legit. I don’t think anyone wanted to see him hurt, but please stop with the nan-nan-na-boo-boo stuff. Everyone in the NBA world knows that Marvin needed to step his game up from being that clumsy guy you described. His own coach said it. I’m glad he stepped up in the last game, but one game does not erase some of the slack in his game all year. Right now we do not need to lose any bodies with all thats on the line, so quit patting yourself on the back for goodness sake. Don’t act like dude is Jordan or something all of sudden. You your self said most of it was justified so what are you talking about? Anyway, I hope the boys get ‘er done tomorrow but either way win or lose it’s been one hell of a ride!
GO HAWKS!!!
By Jimi
May 3, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
The Hawks won’t win.
Lay off the crack.
By bigeasy830
May 3, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
Key points to why we will miss Marvin if he is unavailable for game 7. I have criticized Marvin myself, but he is capable of scoring during certain stretches of the game. Also, if he is out, it will mess up the rotation. If we should not start J-Chill, Chill needs to come of the bench and be that spark. I would rather see Mario start with his defense and intensity or Richardson who is an unbelievable shooter. We must keep the integrity of our rotation intact. Either way I trust Coach Woodson’s judgement, and until game 3 there is no way I would have ever wrote that statement, but great job Coach Woodson, I will refer to him as coach, not Woody, because after his performance in this series he deserves that much respect. Give Hell Hawks, fight them to the end……
By will
May 3, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
Could it be that the Hawks may be coming of age finally? Even if they don’t advance this time to second round just think of the confidence they will have to go with this experience this year. Next year with a quality free agent they could do much better. Still need one big big man to block the middle and stop all the easy baskets.
By Jeff
May 3, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
If Marvin isn’t able to go on Sunday I, for one, am not too worried. Many good teams seem to rally around each other when a key player is out due to injury. I believe the Hawks will do just that, and each player on the floor will step up his game that much more to compensate for the loss of Marvin.
Book your plane tickets for Cleveland Hawks fans.
By Daniel
May 3, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Anything can happen in a game 7.
Marvin is a ‘Tim Thomas type player’ in that he has all the physical tools and should be a dominate player but just can’t get to that next ‘gear’.
Woody has had a nice ride in the playoffs but if D’Antoni becomes available we need to make an effort to get him. This team would be unreal playing his system.
By By hawks fan
May 3, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
There are 3 reasons hawks may win tomorrow. 1st- Celtics are playing under a lot of pressure now.
2nd- Mentally, celtics are afraid to lose which makes them more vulnerable.
3rd- Hawks are playing with a lot of confidence and also regardeless the outcome, hawks are winners.
By RA
May 3, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Okay, listen Darren “The Vent King.” If indeed that is your real name. Could you back up off Marvin for just a minute or two. Here’s the thing, had it been ANY other draft, Marvin Williams would have been looked at as a great pick. His size, his athleticism, his underrated ability to shoot the ball, makes him at 6’9 a valuable asset to any team. But it was the 2005 draft, and Chris Paul, possibly the greatest player of his generation, was taken behind Marvin, a fact that Jeff Schultz, Mark Bradley, and Terrance Moore will NEVER let us forget.Forget the fact that Marvin Williams averaged about 15 points a game this year. Forget the fact that in these playoffs he has been matched up, often one on one against one of the most prolific scorers in the game today. Forget the fact that while doing that he has averaged more points over the course of said series than has Mike Bibby. Forget all that, he’s still a bad player. That’s what you’re saying, and you’re only saying it because he’s not Chris Paul. Well guess what. He never will be, but what he is is good young player that goes out and plays his clumsy butt off, for you! He may never be great. Then again, he may be yet, but one thing’s for sure. Unlike Chris Paul, he’s an Antlanta Hawk and he deserves a site more respect than you and a lot of other people in this city have shown him. Grow up and show the man some love.
Oh, and Jimi, it would have taken crack for me to believe that there would be a game seven in this series, but since there is, I can believe that anything is possible without it.
By pamela
May 3, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
Remember, there is NOTHING more dangerous than playing a team that has absolutely NOTHING to lose.
By Reg L
May 3, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
If the Hawks enter this game with a clear understanding of the historic impact, they will find a way to win. Deep down I think everyone wants to witness an upset of this magnitude….just for the historic value of being alive when it happened. My Sunday is already planned, and a 1PM tip off is like Christmas in May. Play your game guys…just play your game..
By RA
May 3, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
Okay,
This is how they win if Marvin Williams can’t go. Start Za Za in the middle, slide Horford over to powerford and start J-Smoove at the small. That’s how I’d play it.
By Eric
May 3, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Finally people are jumping on board with me and lending some positive support for our Atlanta Hawks. In the past I felt like I was the only Hawks fan in America. I have said this a million times, the Hawks are a very talented team. Billy Knight has done a great job putting this team together, still don’t understand why fans here are calling for his head. You can’t hit a home run every time out, no one ever talks about the great draft selections Knight has made(Josh Smith,Al Horford,Joe Johnson trade). Get over this Chris Paul and Deron Williams thing!!!
By B-man
May 3, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
BigEasy, I agree, if Marvin can’t go, keep Chills to come off the bench. He’s great when he comes in. The energy he brings when others are tiring is perfect. I say start Richardson. His game is similar to Marvins and may be a better shooter. Just not sure he can play D on the bigger Paul Pierce like Marvin can.
By RA
May 3, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Trust me B-man. You want Josh Smith on Pierce, or Horford. You need somebody that he’s not going to be able to knock out of the way. I’m telling you, starting five, Za Za, Horford, J-Smoove, JJ, and Bibby. I’ve watched a lot of basketball. That’s the lineup.
By domeOFpain
May 3, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
I believe. Been going to Hawks games since ‘89 and I am a season ticket holder. Yes, they dissapointed me during the regular season - blowing leads - but they also shocked me by beating some good teams during the season. The last three home playoff games have been inspiring to the whole city. The fans willed the Hawks to win at home, and that spirit will carry over in the minds of the young Hawks. Hawks win.
By dick_long
May 3, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
The hawks are too dumb and young to know they cannot win, therefore, they may just do it.
By RA
May 3, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
And dick_long, if indeed that is your real name, I would venture to say that the Celtics are too old and conceded to know that they could lose, therefore, they might just do it!
By Bob from Winder
May 3, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
I hope they do not embarrass us and get shutout
By JL
May 3, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
What a game it was last night to see in person. The arena rocked and the the team responded. Tomorrow will be tough but what a show for the year! My grandfather called it “fire in the belly”. Here’s hoping everyone gets the rest needed to make a decent showing in Boston. You know their fans will be rowdy.
By Ryder
May 3, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Woodson has to throw the farm at Boston, and tell the guys to stop trying to make it into a jump shooting contest in the beginning of the game. Throw the kitchen sink in while you’re at it.
Atlanta has shown they have been rattled easily by the Boston crowd, so if Bibby doesn’t have it early, pull him quick and insert Acie Law. If Marvin’s knee is preventing him from getting jumpers or attacking the rim, don’t hesitate to bring in Childress.
Woodson has a problem of overthinking and that is what hurts this team. He saw how loose they played even when Boston had them down by double digits.
Boston has shown they lack poise. Have Mario West attack Sam Cassell when he comes off the bench to stop him from getting into rhythm.
Don’t sleep on Leon Powe or Rondo. Charles Barkley said it best in that role players play better at home in the playoffs.
Obviously the Big Three can’t beat Atlanta by themselves, so Atlanta must focus on shutting out the role players from getting into a groove. Only then will they be able to take control of the game.
Let it all hang out tomorrow Hawks! We’re all rooting for you (ok maybe not HBAndo, but that’s all good).
By ATL Hawks blow
May 3, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
I guess the close games in Boston would give Hawks fans reason to believe .
It was nice while it lasted and like ALL teams from Atlanta the Hawks will lose. Atlanta will keep the crown of the countries WORST sports town. Congrats.
By BUM
May 3, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
QUESTION: Will Tom Petty be playing at half time of the Celtics game Sunday?
HINT: Boston fans, get ready. Your 2008 “Free Fallin’ Out Into Nothing” Horror Story adds a new chapter on Sunday.
ANSWER: It doesn’t matter. It is what it is. Another heavily favored Boston team chokes and loses to another under dog / Cinderella that has no business beating them.
LeBron James is coming to Atlanta next weekend for Game 3 of the Cavs-Hawks series.
By O'brien
May 3, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
This being game 7, I think Marvin will still start the game. However, if its obvious from early on that Marvin’s knee is still bothering him (missing open shots, slow on defense etc.) then Woody needs to make the substitution and not wait until the 6 minute mark, because we cant afford to fall far behind early. Bring in JRich for a couple minutes, and then bring in JChill at the usual time.
By RealityWakerUpper
May 3, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
Look folks. Another win for the Hawks and Refs Alliance. Foul shot attempts 47 for the Hawks and a measly 25 for the Celts. The Hawks were OUTSHOT from the floor again. Hawks have had the FA advantage for EVERY game so far. For the Hawks a total now of 203 foul shots to 143 for the Green. That’s a 42% ADVANTAGE. Unheard of. Yet not one AJC expert correspondent mentions it. Yes, the Hawks victories have been amazing but with that differential, they only won by single digits. Not so for the opposition. I don’t know if Dennis Scott had a night like Ray Allen but one can be sure that Ray won’t miss 7 of 8 threes tomorrow. Sayonara and best wishes for the offseason! Go with pride though, because y’all earned it.
By dig03
May 3, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
this text will be bolded The Boston Three Party or The Boston Sleep Party
By dig03
May 3, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
this text will be bolded The Boston Three Party or The Boston Sleep Party
By Josh
May 3, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
Hawks just need to keep it close. No trailing by double digits at any point. Keep it close in the 4th quarter. Keep driving to the hoop and forcing fouls. Joe Johnson needs to be on. OUR ONLY HOPE TO WIN AT BOSTON.
By Hawkster
May 3, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
I believe the young Hawks can pull it off against the older Celtic! One reason is the Hawks are a younger team and the early game time of 1:00pm on ABC is no fase to them, unlike the Celtics who are gonna be slow and very fatigued very early in the game. Ladies and Gentleman, I believe we are going to witness HISTORY tomorrow and the Hawks are gonna stunn the World! hahaha!
GO HAWKS!!!
By Najeh Davenpoop
May 4, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
The criticism of Marvin was very fair until Game 6. The truth is that if he was knocking down his mid-range shots in the first five games he wouldn’t have deserved half that criticism. We need the good Marvin more than ever in Game 7 since Doc Rivers has started aggressively double-teaming Joe Johnson, and the good Marvin knocks down open shots more reliably than anyone else on this team.
Fatigue will play a factor, but I don’t think it will be a big one… if anything whatever advantage in energy the Hawks have coming in will be neutralized by the crowd. It’s really just gonna come down to execution. The Hawks have executed very well at home and very poorly on the road. They just need to focus and block out the effect of the crowd. Easier said than done, obviously.
By Go Hawks
May 4, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
I haven’t thought we would win one game in Boston in this series yet. But tomorrow the Hawks are going to win.
I can feel it.
By RA
May 4, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this
Oh ATL Hawks blow. Did you come up with that comment all by yourself. The adult nurse that wipes up your drool must be so proud. First off, the Hawks don’t have to beat your team tomorrow. They’ve already embarrassed them in the eyes of the sports universe by forcing a game seven. And IF your team does get by the Hawks, I really hope you have the geretol ready because they’re going to need it against Cleveland and heaven help them if they run into Detroit, or Orlando for that matter. In short sir, win or lose, your boys have spent way too much time attending to us, a fact for which a grateful city will always take pride. As for Atlanta being the worse sports town, who’s to say? Make no mistake, I don’t look for any better treatment from the outside world, but I would be very surprised if the Hawks don’t recieve a warm reception, and a lot more support from the home town from now on.
Now as for RealityWakerUpper. Mark Twain had a saying. He said that there were lies, d** lies, and statistics. Well, sir, I’m sorry that my team has been driving to the hoop instead of settling for jumpshots. I am equally sorry that you missed all the times that players from my team have been hammered with nothing called and players from your team were awarded free throws after flopping at the slightest hint of contact. I am sorry sir that your team could not hold a lead. I am equally distressed that Paul Pierce, who everyone north of the Georgia line feels was subject to a travesty of justice, racked up five fouls while guarding a player that many south of the Georgia line feel didn’t deserve to be on the same floor with him. In short sir, I am sorry that your team was beaten. Then again, no I’m not. If sir, your team, having amassed the talent that the sports world agrees is the finest assemblage in the game today cannot find a way to defeat mine on the road, or even hold a lead there, for the love of God be a man and tip your hat to a team that has exceeded the highest expectations of everyone, save perhaps themselves. And if your team is defeated, have enough dignity in your team, your city, and yourself to except such defeat as a gentleman as opposed to masking the fact behind shallow excuses like common rabble.
By BA
May 4, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this
Wonder how many articles Bradley has written on how bad the Hawks are. Got the numbers on that, ajc? This guy makes me sick. Now he’s here with bells on. Where’s the article where you admit you had it completely wrong about the Hawks? And Knight? And Woodson? Because we all remember Bradley. Your credibility is in the toilet.
By Star of the Zanarkand Abes!
May 4, 2008 4:36 AM | Link to this
I did a double-take when I saw the author of this article ;)
We’ve been analyzing this series long enough; here’s the result:
Hawks will win at the Gah-den, and Celtics fans will have our permission to FINALLY SHUT THE HELL UP!
LET’S GO HAWKS!!! SHOCK THE WORLD!!!
By Myrtle Beach
May 4, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
I’m the guy who purchashed the NBA network just to see Hawk games? I’ve see it all since Hudson and the Pistol. ALL those years, ALL those years. One of the 2 times i’ve cryed (Grown Man) was the last game 7 against the same team. Sorry i can’t buy it, wish i could be i can’t. Hope i’m wrong.
By EJH
May 4, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Well, for all the people who have just joined the Hawks Bandwagon, welcome aboard. I have been going to Hawks games the past three years, and remember when I could get two tickets in the lower level section for Less than $50.00 bucks, but not anymore. The excitement is here for years to come and the Hawks will win an NBA title within the next 3 years and I want to be there. Now as for the Hawks being a dangerous team in a game seven spot of course they are. They have already achieved the what no one thought they could and that is beat Boston one game in this series, then they beat them again, and then a third time. So I am already elated and proud of the young cats for that. The question now becomes will the hawks win a game seven? I think they can if they keep it close. Reasons why I think they will win. (1) They have youth and as quick a turnaround as this game 7 is, being played at 1:00 pm as oppose to 8:00 pm is a big difference. This changes the pattern that celtics had been accustomed to. (2) After watching game six the Hawks had begin to figure out the Half court defense of the Celtics when double teaming Joe Johnson. Joe was beginning to get the ball to Horford at the foul line therefore allowing it to be a 4 on 3 game, boston defenders do not move quick enough to get back into the play after double teaming, that is allowing the hawks to drive the basketball some thing they were doing in games 1,2, and 5 in Boston. (3) The Mike Bibby factor. Mike has not had a good game in Boston yet, neither have J-smooth, nor Joe Johnson, so these guys are poised to have a break out game on the road at some point. (4) The “Big Game Factor”, Over the past month the Hawks have one big games when they had to on the road just to keep there playoff hopes alive. Beating Philly in Philly after loosing at Home, beating Washington in Washington, New York in New York. So I believe the Hawks can get it done, and I also believe that Cleveland hopes Boston wins, becasue Atlanta is a much faster and quicker team that will give them problems. This team is just not dangerous in this game seven, this team is dangerous for the rest of eastern conference playoffs, because if they win the will be looked upon as the one that slayed Giant, and with that kind of confindence going into round two would be scary to it’s opponent. “GO HAWKS”.
By Eric Dye
May 4, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
A huge Hawk fan from the late 70’s until today, I cant say how thrilled I am to see the HAWKS come this far. There is something special about THESE 2007/08 HAWKS - and as I see it..if they get past this game 7 - they will have a good shot at not only the FINALS but winning it ALL. This is a small world. Originally from Atlanta and now in Brazil 7 years…it is killing me to not be in the confines of Phillips Arena this last week. GO HAWKS!! You make me proud! ~eric dye
By Hawk-Watcher
May 4, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Win or lose the Hawk organizaiton has been presented with a golden opportunity. Lets take it to the next level.
Shock the World, baby, just SHOCK THE WORLD!
By SamAdams
May 4, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Yup, not a single bandwagon ‘er in all of Atlanta. :P :P
Enjoy your moment.
By David
May 4, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Like I said Hawks fans, enjoy it now, because you’ll be watching the Celtics in the second round.
By David
May 4, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
For fans who have criticized the Celtics fans and players as being brash, the Hawks and their fans sure talk a lot of trash!
By Goliath
May 4, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
What was that?!
By Horford Rox
May 4, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
ATL has been playing with House $$$! Hawx ain’t supposed to win…BUT THEY WILL!
Have you kicked a Leprechaun today? If you can’t find one, just kick someone wearing green.
Go HAWX and Crush Boostown’s dreams! Big 3 Busted!
By Hawk-Watcher
May 4, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Atlanta is full of bandwagon fans. I’m one of them. This city is growing almost too fast. Our standard of living is attracting new residence at an incredible rate. We come here as fans of other storied franchises. Our loyalty’s to these teams is not easily shaken. The first Falcon’s football game I attended, I came and cheered as a Giant’s fan. You will not bond to a team until they give you something. It doesn’t have to be much, but it must be significant and it must offer hope. The crowd at game 6 is a mere image of what is happening, the emergence of a great American City.
By David
May 4, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
MARVIN WILLAMS IS A THUG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By David
May 4, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
MARVIN WILLIAMS IS A THUG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By joebrave
May 4, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
OUT CLASSED,OUT PLAYED,AND OUT COACHED, JOSH SMITH IS A JOKE,AND JOE JOHNSON IS NOT A STAR!!!!! MIKE WOODSON IS $HIT,AND THIS TEAM IS EMBARRASING THE ENTIRE STATE OF GEORGIA!!!
By jarred
May 5, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this
ha,ha,ha,ha,