Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > May > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGame 7 view should be better
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
(Editor’s note: This will be Mark Bradley’s live blog from courtside in Boston. Follow his comments as the game unfolds and provide your own thoughts as you watch on TV.)
Boston — Riding on the elevator at the arena this morning, two workers were discussing the series that has extended six days longer than anyone here could have imagined. “They’ve been getting some bad calls,” a guy said.
“Oh, bull,” a lady said. “They’ve been playing horrible.”
They were speaking of the hometown Celtics, who will take part today in what Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe described as “a Game 7 embarrassment.”
Gee. I don’t think the Celtics should feel so bad. The Hawks have a history of being a money team. I think of them as the San Antonio Spurs of the East.
Kidding.
Understand: Nobody pulling for the C’s finds anything funny today. Almost everyone is saying they still expect the No. 1 seed to win - Vegas favors Boston by 14 1/2 points, which has to be a record spread for a Game 7 - but the New England fatalism that once shrouded the Red Sox, who went 86 years between World Series titles, is being transferred to the proud club that has taken 16 NBA championships.
The Hawks, by way of contrast, are in fine spirits. They could even laugh when their second team bus - there’s an early and a later one - backed into the door of the loading dock at TD Banknorth Garden and had to sit on the ramp for 15 minutes. “A typical Celtic trick,” said Arthur Triche, the chief publicist, laughing.
Triche had a trick of his own. In the locker room are two T-shirts bearing the Golden State logo and the words, “We Believe.” They were printed up last spring, as the eighth-seeded Warriors were in the process of toppling No. 1 seed Dallas.
“I made a call to my counterpart at Golden State,” Triche said, “and I said, ‘Send me some of that karma.’ “
Marvin Williams, you should know, has a brace on his knee but said, “I’m pretty sure I will [play].”
And here was Mike Woodson, speaking of his team: “We’ve put ourselves in position to do something really special … [The players] read the paper and hear all the comments being made, and that speaks volumes … I don’t think anybody in that locker room fears that [shock-the-world opportunity].”
One last media note: The Celtics have had to clear their press dining room to provide space for all the national writers who’ve come in to cover the game. And your AJC correspondents have seen their press seats upgraded: For the first three games in Boston, we were along the baseline. Today we’re at midcourt. I’ll let you know which view is better.
Permalink | Comments (428) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks/NBA
Comments
By mdysart
May 4, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
go hawks!
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
A minute until the introductions (which take, naturally, about five minutes). To me, the key is if the Hawks can hang close into the fourth period. They haven’t put any game pressure — to use a Mike Krzyzewski phrase — on the Celtics in this building yet. If they can manage it in Game 7, I believe the home side will wilt. Yes, I do.
By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)
May 4, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
This Braves fan, non-NBA fan has jumped on the bandwagon. We Believe, Go Hawks!
By michael
May 4, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
bradley, put on a joe johnson jersey and start whooping it up in the press row. screw your peers and your journalistic integrity, go crazy for all of us that cant be there!!!!!!!
By Geo
May 4, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Game 7 = Woodson keeps his job.
KEEP WOODSON!!!
By Jake
May 4, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Ready for the biggest upset in NBA playoff history? Bibby has got to step up, and Josh Smith has got to run the break, both him and bibby need to limit their three balls.
By mike28212
May 4, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Let’s go Hawks!!!!!!!
By dawgfan
May 4, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Pull them through Mark!
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Michael, I just bumped fists with Josh Smith. That’ll have to do.
By Leaf
May 4, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Mark, it looks like all of the games up in Boston are incredibly smoky, it didn’t look like anything from the intros.
Got any insight?
By Nick
May 4, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Even though the last 3 in Boston haven’t even been close at the end, I think today will be the best shot the Hawks have of beating the Celtics on the road because of what Boston has riding on this game and what Atlanta doesn’t. This is a win-win situation for the Hawks, and motivation is on our side. GO HAWKS!
By omarboissen
May 4, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
DEFENSIVE REBOUNDS !!! IF NOT WE ARE FRIED….
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Celts by five, 7:07 left in the first. Woodson just called timeout. He doesn’t want this thing to get away early, having seen too well what happened in the first three games here.
That said, the Celtics look nervous. Ray Allen has already missed two layups, and Paul Pierce was short on a trey. But they’re rebounding hard — rebounds are 9-3 Celtics.
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Leaf, it’s from the intros. Lots of loud fireworks.
By Cliff Levingston
May 4, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
starting to apply pressure to the basket! Marvin’s knee looks great. Keep driving to the hole and lay off the jumpers!
By dropstep
May 4, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
I am worried about Pierce abusing Williams off the dribble,and because of his sore knee.
By hawksfan
May 4, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Horford looks very nervous.
By Cliff Levingston
May 4, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Time for J-Chill and Za-Za!
By mdysart
May 4, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
someone besides JJ is gonna have to knock one down at some point …marvin’s knee looks ok so far from here. any insight mark?
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Celts by eight, 4:44 left in the quarter. The C’s are defending again — remember, the Hawks scored on 17 consecutive trips in Game 6 — and Woodson just called a 20-second timeout. And Childress and Zaza checked in.
By ijonathan
May 4, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
It’s simple…if you miss layups, you lose.
By dropstep
May 4, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
The Hawks must remember “you can’t win a game in the first half, but sure lose it in the first half.”
Also, Hit a FREAKING four footer!
By JamFanJimmy
May 4, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Man, you got to pull them through. IS there a feeling of confidence on the hawks bench? Can they pull this off?
By omarboissen
May 4, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Big Three looks tire. We have to take advantage. Hawks have to be careful with the Celtics young legs; Rondo, Perkins an later with Bowe.
By Cliff Levingston
May 4, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Goliath has woken up :(
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Josh Smith has missed two layups — that’ll teach him to fist-bump Jinx Boy Bradley — and Kendrick Perkins blocked a Johnson drive to trigger a pretty Rondo-Allen fast break. It’s 20-10, 2:15 left in the first.
Oh, and Zaza induced misses from Garnett and Perkins, and then he fouled Perkins hard. I’m really sorry I called him the worst player in the world, OK?
By HawksFan4Life
May 4, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
what’s with us missing all of these layups?
By Bob from Winder
May 4, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
at least we did not get shut out
By Christopher Calandro
May 4, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
If we were to pull this one off, I might consider buying some Hawks gear. Like maybe a Bibby jersey, or somethin’.
By BraveHawk
May 4, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Hawks are rushing their shots. A by product of their nerves. Its showing in their missed shot opportunities. If they can just settle down and relax, they can get back in this thing.
By cater
May 4, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
how did it go from down six to down 11 in like thirty seconds? the Hawks keep getting stuffed and the Celtics make their easy baskets
By cater
May 4, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
how did it go from down six to down 11 in like thirty seconds? the Hawks keep getting stuffed and the Celtics make their easy baskets
By omarboissen
May 4, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
It seems we are playing nervous except Joe. Do you think Woodson should try a streaky shooter from the bench like Salim ?
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Johnson hit two treys to bring the Hawks within six, but the Celtics are scoring at their end. Pierce hit a 3-pointer over Bibby from the key to make it 27-16, and Childress missed a layup and Joe Johnson missed a well guarded 3-pointer at the buzzer. Hawks down 11 after 12 minutes. They’re still in it, but they need to be no farther behind at the half.
By Damon
May 4, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Guess the whistles are broke on the C’s end.
By dandydawg
May 4, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Let me put this in old football terms, “Keep it close until the 4th Quarter”. If the Hawks can find away to fight back and hold serve in the third quarter, we will have a chance.
By koncaker
May 4, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
What’s going on? Perkins is a force!
Cmon guys, you can do it!!!
By O'brien
May 4, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
The players need to relax. They are missing shots that they should make. They’ve missed 4 layups already, and they need to rebound the damn ball! Let’s go Hawks…
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
About Salim: Not yet. He has barely played in the series. (And the series, it should be noted, has gone rather nicely without him.)
By ijonathan
May 4, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Josh Smith is having a HORRIBLE first half.
By HawkFAN
May 4, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
The Hawks needs to attack the basket on both ends of the floor. Force the refs to blow their whistles!
By omarboissen
May 4, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Nicely in ATL not in Boston.
By Chris
May 4, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Josh Smith looks HORRIFIC. Where’s he gone?
By koncaker
May 4, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Van Gundy just said Josh Smith is discombobulated out there.
Live and die by Josh Smith.
By dandydawg
May 4, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Hate to say it… But at least we won the home games. The Hawks will be better next year. Maybe an outside shooter will help us get through the first round.
I believe the game is over. The C’s are in control and I hate every minute of it.
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Josh Smith looks addled. He just made two turnovers — the second an offensive foul on a fast break — and the only hoop the Hawks have this quarter is a Childress tip (how many of those does he have this postseason). It’s 32-18 with 8:59 remaining in the half, the Celtics with two foul shots when it resumes.
By O'brien
May 4, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
What’s going on with Josh Smith this half? How many passes has he fumbled? He threw one pass away, and passed the ball too late which resulted in an offensive foul. And we need to drive the ball and get to the freee throw line, because we are missing too many shots.
By omarboissen
May 4, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Goal: Cut the lead to single digits by halftime and I bet you that the Big Three will be flat and tire late in the game, like in game 6. If we can be within striking distance by then, we have a chance.
By BraveHawk
May 4, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Josh Smith isn’t the only one having a horrible 1st half. So is Al Horford. He’s had several turnovers and missed shot. Hardly notice him in the game except for his turnovers. Nervous.
By ijonathan
May 4, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
I think, barring foul trouble, Childress needs to play virtually the rest of the game.
By Geni
May 4, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Looks like this game is already over… Can Woodsen even draw up a good offensive set (other than one-on-one?
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Celtics just called timeout. They’re ahead by 14 with 7:21 left, but they’ve had two disconcerted possessions. And Doc Rivers, for his part, doesn’t want the Hawks making any runs.
By Christopher Calandro
May 4, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Things are not looking good for our heroes.
By BraveHawk
May 4, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Again - Why is it no one can point out the horrible game Horford is having also. 1-5 shooting and 3 turnovers. And the lack luster game Bibby is having? Hardly notice him in the game.
By ijonathan
May 4, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Celitcs bigs are winning every battle for space right now, on both the defensive and offensive end. Part of it is size, a lot of it is effort and positioning.
By Sigh
May 4, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t it be ironic if Chris Paul won a championship this year… And won MVP of the Finals….
By Gilroy
May 4, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
We need a defensive pressure or this on is going to get away fast. There is no question in my mind that a comeback is possible.
By atlbaby
May 4, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
We have got to find a way to free up joe. Why are we not running!!!!!!! We are letting them off the hook. Rebound!!!!!!
By Turnover
May 4, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
How many turnovers does Josh Smith have this year? It’s getting a little old.
By dandydawg
May 4, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Hey,
The Braves are palying…
By koncaker
May 4, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Finally, Marvin Gaye Williams!!!
By Chris
May 4, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
JJ needs to lay off the unbalanced fadeaways, please! When we attack the basket, we draw fouls. We’ve been good from the line in the series, so why not just attack the hoop?
And apparently Marvin Williams is the only one who can hit a jumpshot, so give him the ball!
By russ
May 4, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
We haven’t run in one game up there—why start now?
By koncaker
May 4, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Sit Josh Smith
By JP
May 4, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
FIRE MIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By JJ
May 4, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Is Josh drunk or something
By ijonathan
May 4, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Yes, Horford is having a bad first half as well. Both he and Smith look nervous — can’t dribble, can’t take a pass, can’t hit the rim, etc. Not sure why Woodson even has Smith on the court to close out the half.
By gregdog
May 4, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
welcome back hawks…wondering where you went. needed to keep this close until half time to make the C’s start to choke. Atl are the ones who look like they have everything to lose. Happy with the effort. to move up the nba ladder, we need a new coach…please!!!
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
It’s 42-26, 2:34 before halftime. Josh Smith is having a nightmare game. Garnett just posted him up twice for scores, and at the other end he’s so hesitant that Woodson just yelled, “Move the ball!” Well, Smith gave it up, but the ball wound up back in his hands. And he shot it. And it was an air ball. Yow.
The goal now: Cut this thing to 12 over the next 2 1/2 minutes.
By Mike
May 4, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
It looks like Josh Smith missed the flight to Boston and a random look-alike fan is playing in his place.
Smith needs to get it together.
Marvin and Joe are the only reason why we have points on the board.
Horford can’t seem to rebound or hit a bucket. Horford and Smith will be responsible if we lose this game.
By dubsidehawksfan
May 4, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Is Josh Smith playin for us or the celtics? Guess his bad game on Friday spilled over to today!
By Wes Anderson
May 4, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Josh Smith = Richie Tenenbaum
By B.Mo
May 4, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Marvin Williams makes baby Jesus cry
By dubsidehawksfan
May 4, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Is Josh Smith playin for us or the celtics? Guess his bad game on Friday spilled over to today!
By flabredtxraised
May 4, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
What in the world is up with the Hawks? Did they get high on the team plane on their way to Boston? Mike Bibby is the worst point guard in the league, I would take Jameer Nelson at this point over him. Why is one of the youngest teams in the league walking like the Celtics instead of running these old men off the court!
By BraveHawk
May 4, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
At some point, you have got to sit all the starters down for at least 1 minute and try the bench and let the run, run, and run, and give the starters an minute to think about things and the situation. It can’t hurt whats happening now. Down 16 and what appears to be no play.
Horford can’t buy a basket this game. Never seem him play so un-certainl.
By BravesfaninMD
May 4, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
They look terrible today… totally overmatched
By O'brien
May 4, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
As someone posted earlier, as bad as we are playing, if we can cut it to 10 at halftime, we’re still in it. However, I’m starting to get frustrated, because everytime we think the hawks have turned the corner of consistency, they go back to being the same old Hawks. And Josh Smith and Al Horford really need to step it up! And Zaza has not been able to contribute anything except fouls.
By dandydawg
May 4, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Is Al Hartfprd playing for the C’s. I know y’all don’t want to go there…but can a dawg trust a gator! I still think there’s hope, but we got to hit some shots and play defense.
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
The Hawks have 26 points — 10 baskets — in the first 22 minutes and 48 seconds. That won’t win a Game 7, I’m afraid.
By jacob cordell
May 4, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
It Doesnt matter what happened in games 3,4, and 6.The hawks are showing thier true selves in boston.
By B.Mo
May 4, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Screw it . Go Cleveland LeBrons!
ANYONE but the frekkin Celtics
By Harry Hawk
May 4, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
The Hawks can’t even handle the ball cleanly today. This a joke.
All I wanted was the Hawks to play the C’s hard today and let KG, Pierce, and Allen know how lucky they are to be moving on. Instead, the Hawks have allowed the Celtics to take the game in the first half. I can’t blame that all on Woodson. Josh Smith is a grown man. Looking like a scared five-year-old on the court is not the proper response to playing in a basketball game.
(And…Marvin just lost the ball out of bounds. I guess his “ridiculous handle” has returned. Ugh.)
By flabredtxraised
May 4, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Why was Marvin Williams the second pick in the draft again? I should pray every night for a son to be a six foot nine sixth man and still be the second pick in the NBA draft. Please fire Woodson and hire Avery Johnson lets get these guys on a track regiment and get their wind, Why is this young team so sluggish? Probably too much weed and patron after game 6!
By RealSquawk
May 4, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley can you go back there and tell them they have accomplished absolutely nothing!! If they loose here they will just be the team that warmed the celtics up!!
By koncaker
May 4, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
This game is so slow rt now, just how Cs want it.
Marvin turnover… Rondo making circus shots. 26 pts for a half!! That is atrocious.
Josh Smith has killed us, but we look as lost as during the worst times in the regular season.
By ATLnative
May 4, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
They are looking terrible. I hope they get some fire in their butts at halftime or else they will be able to start working on draft ideas this evening.
LET’S GO HAWKS!!!!
By David
May 4, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Let’s not get too angry at this. Yes, the Hawks are having some careless turnovers, and yes, they look like a team that’s way overmatched. But they’re playing a Celtics team with possibly three future HOF’ers (one for certain), and a team that pretty much doubled their win total this year. They’ve taken this thing to seven. Let’s just be happy and root them on the rest of the way to make this thing close.
By dubsidehawksfan
May 4, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Man, just make it competitive!!!!
By BigKenn
May 4, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
It’s disgusting watching the first half. No focus, and no team flow. We can not play one on one with the C’s.
By ATLnative
May 4, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
And now all the true fans come out. All those people on here who are saying that they knew the Celtics would win should not EVER consider themselves a Hawks supporter.
By BraveHawk
May 4, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
The last time I felt SO pumped up for a game and been SOO dissappointed during the game was the Falcons in the Superbowl. WHAT a collosal dissappointment that was, and this too is turning out to be a run-away train!
Al Horford….WHERE ARE YOU ? Mike Bibby…Stay where you’re at…on the BENCH! Josh Smith RELAX. Drive and Rebond. Josh Childress You too…where you at?
By BBBDawg
May 4, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Josh Smith can’t even dribble. Sad, sad. BLOW OUT CITY, BABY!
By fan of Matt
May 4, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
There’s only ONE reason why the Hawks are even in this series … the HUGE disparity of free throw shooting - unbelievable!
The Celtics have stopped that at home and they’ll do it again today … GO CELTICS!
By fan of Matt
May 4, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
There’s only ONE reason why the Hawks are even in this series … the HUGE disparity of free throw shooting - unbelievable!
The Celtics have stopped that at home and they’ll do it again today … GO CELTICS!
By BravesfaninMD
May 4, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Put Zaza in… at least that guy plays with a lot of heart!! Josh Smith does look stoned.
By dandydawg
May 4, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Everyone posting on this blog really knew what the Hawks were up against today. Yes, we were hoping that a one game playoff would bring out the best in them. Everyone kept mentioning how the pressure was on the Celts, but we see now that the Hawks are not handling the pressure well. Let’s rejoice in the fact that we made the playoffs for the first time in 9 years, since this will be the last game (I am still hoping, though) and I am sure ABC wanted a better showing.
By the way, the Braves are up 3 to ) in the 2nd.
By BIRDDAWG
May 4, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
josh smith is either on the take or on drugs no way he can be having that bad of a game
By BIRDDAWG
May 4, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
josh smith is either on the take or on drugs no way he can be having that bad of a game
By BigKenn
May 4, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
I disagree about being happy they made it this far. That’s what losers say. No excuses loosing balls because you can’t dribble, Josh Smith. It is not Woodson’s fault either.
By SeaDoggy
May 4, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Mark, could someone from AJC get in touch with the Braves tv announcers and ask them to turn on the game score/status bar so fans watching the Hawks game can quickly check on the Braves? It would be a big help. Thanks.
By SugarPikeGang
May 4, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
This type of play has to change. More rebounds and foul-shots needed here.
I’m still proud of these guys. They just can’t seems to get a rhythm in the Garden
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Halftime, finally and mercifully. The Celtics totally outclassed the visitors and lead 44-26. The 26 points was an all-time playoff low for the Hawks franchise, as you might have guessed. The Hawks made 26.3 percent of their shots and had 10 turnovers.
I know what you’re saying: Why aren’t they running? Because the Celtics won’t let them. The Celtics are busting their tails to run back and play D. And the Hawks aren’t getting many stops at the other end, and it’s hard — unless you’re the Suns or the Warriors, who run as a way of life — to fast-break when you’re taking the ball out of your goal.
OK, the question: Do the Hawks still have a chance? I’d like to say yes, but the pragmatist in me insists otherwise. The Hawks still haven’t outscored the C’s in a single quarter in this arena in the playoffs — that’s 0-for-14 — and there are only two periods left.
Oh, yeah. Just to ensure everybody is really depressed: This is the biggest halftime deficit in any game in the series. So, to reference coach K’s concept, there’s still no game pressure on the Celtics.
By BIRDDAWG
May 4, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
pu the bench in at least they will try,they have nothing to lose
By atlbaby
May 4, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
RUSS-you are right! I am not believing this. This is ridiculous. We just forget how to play on the road! Josh smith(horrible)is out of whack an whining about coming out of the game. We have no true veterans to calm our young guys down an boston has a bench full of them. That’s the difference….veteran leadership. We will still win this game an Shock the World! Atlbaby!
By BIRDDAWG
May 4, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
put the bench in at least they will try,they have nothing to lose
By BIRDDAWG
May 4, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
put the bench in at least they will try,they have nothing to lose
By BIRDDAWG
May 4, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
put the bench in at least they will try,they have nothing to lose
By BIRDDAWG
May 4, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
put the bench in at least they will try,they have nothing to lose
By koncaker
May 4, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
If we come out frantic on D, guns blazing, the Cs will fold under pressure like a deck chair.
We can still win this game!!!
By Bradleyfan
May 4, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
There is one AJC writer whose basketball opinions I trust, and it’s Mark. Thanks for doing this, Mr. Bradley. A great service to us fans.
By Wathcinginkuwait
May 4, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Did the Hawks even get on the plane and arrive? They need to learn to win on the road. They lucky they play in the east or they woul not even be there. East stinks. West will win crown
By Ryder
May 4, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
For all of Horford’s bravado he has not shown up at all in this game. JJ is the only player who realized the importance of today’s game.
Josh Smith is losing a lot of money with his poor play today.
If i’m Woodson I give Acie Law the chance to run the offense since Bibby has decided to take the day off.
By BraveHawk
May 4, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Its Woodson’s fault for not playing Richardson more during the season. The guy can shoot decent enough to open up things for Johnson.
At this point, for the 2nd half they need to come back and start: Josh Childress in place of Bibby, and bring Ricahrdson and Salim off the bench in relief. I would not play Bibby unless absolutely necessary. NO one can tell me that Bibby is doing a better job playing, than Salim is on the Bench, both their contributions are neglible at this point. Salim has as many points as Bibby I think!
By BraveHawk
May 4, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Its Woodson’s fault for not playing Richardson more during the season. The guy can shoot decent enough to open up things for Johnson.
At this point, for the 2nd half they need to come back and start: Josh Childress in place of Bibby, and bring Ricahrdson and Salim off the bench in relief. I would not play Bibby unless absolutely necessary. NO one can tell me that Bibby is doing a better job playing, than Salim is on the Bench, both their contributions are neglible at this point. Salim has as many points as Bibby I think!
By O'brien
May 4, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Despite all the credibility the Hawks earned for winning 3 games in ATL, a crappy effort like this will lead some people to say Same old hawks. Why can’t we play better on the road? And you cannot blame Mike Woodson for this one (although I still think we need a new coach to take us to the next level).
By NJ Hawk Fan
May 4, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Is the ball slippery or what? Or is it just the Hawks who are having problems dribbling, passing or holding onto the rock.
Great run or not, Woodson needs to go. We need a coach who can get these guys ready to play road games.
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
SugarPikeGang makes a good point: The Hawks have shot a ton of free throws in the series, but only four in the first half. The Celtics have ground the halfcourt offense into dust — not much driving, way too many jump shots.
A couple of notes: The view from the scorer’s table is better for me, but Sekou keeps getting mad because Woodson scoots in front of him.
And Steve Belkin is again in the house, again wearing his red Hawks T-shirt under his blue blazer. The other Hawks owners — Mike Gearon Jr. and Ed Peskowitz and Rutherford Seydel — are, rather fittingly, seated on the arena’s other side
By RB
May 4, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Josh Smith is very inconsistent. He comes up small in the big games and seems lost. He is not a big money player. If the Hawks will recieve just compensation, I’d let him go if he ask for a big money contract.
By BIRDDAWG
May 4, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
football season is right around the corner,if they are going to quit on us then the heck with em. Cant blame the coach they just are not ready to play ball
By richbrave
May 4, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Game lost in the first ten. Never having been in a crucial win, the HAWKS played at regular speed without urgency. Being careful and feeling their way. Once they let it loose they will be fine, but too later to catch-up this day.
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Thanks, markbradleyfan. You should know that you’re often a minority of one.
By Chris
May 4, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Typical Atlanta pessimism aside, I’ve had a great time watching this team in the series. I’ll be going to some games next year. We still need another scorer to go with JJ and a competant big man…but thank you for giving the city something to stand up and cheer for.
By BraveHawk
May 4, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Bibby is starting the 2nd half…We are DOOMED. Game. Set. Match !
By Horford Rox
May 4, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Guess I am as dumb as I look. Worst case scenario, I at least expected G7 to be a contest!
Growing up, I was NEVER even close to athletic. I was always able to compete, b/c I OUT-HUSTLED my opponents. I had to race my shots to the rim (My jump shot stunk. Actually it STILL does!)in order beat faster, taller, stronger dudes to the rebound. I don’t see any bodies hitting the floor for loose balls. I see no heart, b/c I see no HUSTLE from our HAWX today!
By Harrison
May 4, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
I am so embarrassed right now
By BigKenn
May 4, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
1 reason we are losing……not playing as a team….too many one on one’s….they are only passing as a last ditch effort. HORRIBLE.By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Let’s give credit to the Celtics. Their reputations are on the line, and they’ve defended like it. They’re up 23, and it’s getting close to over. If it isn’t already.
By BIRDDAWG
May 4, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
bring in the young guns
By Joey
May 4, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
HELL YEAH MARVIN WILLIAMS!!! Finally some intensity by someone on the Hawks in this game
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Marvin Williams has been ejected for a flagrant foul. He grabbed Rajon Rondo on a fast break and threw him to the ground. The Hawks are complaining, but they have no real gripe. Ejection was the correct call.
By Harrison
May 4, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
The Fix is on
By Wow
May 4, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
It’s OK it’s a mistake - that’s really Marist in the road jerseys instead of an actual NBA team. Who kidnapped our Hawks and what did they do with them? Oh well, back to Rock Band.
By Mike
May 4, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
FIRE WOODSON!
Poor performance and no adjustments.
Now that the game is over, we need to go out there and be physical with Garnett and Pierce.
By BIRDDAWG
May 4, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
missing uncontested shots bring the bench in
By NCBravesFan
May 4, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Ugly way for it to end. Will be interesting to see what changes await in the offseason.
Congrats to the Celtics, and thanks Hawks for a really nice ride in the playoffs.
By dandydawg
May 4, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
If we thought the NBA was going to let Boston lose this game….we should have thought better!
By Mark Bradley
May 4, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
The Celtics scored five points on the flagrant foul trip, and a Garnett turnaround just made it 60-30. Over and done.
By SugarPikeGang
May 4, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
It does not seem that Williams was able to change the momentum with that move. I thought it was bush league at first but I think it was a flagrant foul that just went bad (somebody needs to show him a more professional way of fouling there). I thing Williams probably thought “ooops” but had to show a poker face afterwards.
This is Baaad!
By Horford Rox/Marvin Rox
May 4, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Go HAWX! If you can’t beat em, BEAT THEM UP!!
I know, have some class, Rox…NO THANX!!
By Arthur Blank
May 4, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Dear National TV Audience,
Once again I would like to apologize for an embarrasingly bad performance by an Atlanta team. Our sincerest apologies. Please never show one of our teams on national television again.
thank you.
By Matt
May 4, 2008 2:39 PM |