Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > October > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHawks are no joke, for now …
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Orlando — Remember Josh Childress? Now a Grecian earner? Maybe he wasn’t as indispensable as we thought.
Remember the bench? The one ESPN.com called “a FEMA disaster zone”? Maybe it’s not so crummy.
Remember the Hawks? Remember them taking Boston to a Game 7? Maybe that wasn’t just a spring fling.
Game 1 of the new season saw them pick up when they left off, and not in the blowout Game 7 but in those three rousing postseason victories at Philips Arena. The Hawks opened against the defending NBA Southeast champions and waxed the parquet floor with them.
“We know we can play at play at this level consistently,” said Josh Smith, terrific in his first real game after landing that $58 million contract. “There’s a different vibe in the locker room. Being a year better helps. It helps as far as our maturity, and it helps as far as knowing we can win on the road.”
The Hawks led the Magic by 15 points after 10 1/2 minutes, by 18 in the second quarter, by 19 after three. The home side had begun the evening with the usual elaborate introductions, which ended with the famous Atlantan Dwight Howard telling the crowd: “We want to bring a championship back to Orlando.”
Then Howard went out and missed his first shot against Al Horford and had his second blocked by Smith, his former AAU teammate who has known Howard since the two were in preschool. Said Horford: “We got after it defensively.”
Said Stan Van Gundy, the dazzled Magic coach: “We already know the Hawks are quick and athletic, but they got after it tonight. They played way too hard for us.”
And here was the best part: A flying start wasn’t squandered for lack of reinforcements. Even with a short bench — with Marvin Williams serving his one-game suspension for decking Rajon Rondo in Game 7, Maurice Evans was bumped up — these much-lampooned reserves stuck a harpoon in the Magic.
“I feel very comfortable with our bench now,” Mike Woodson said. “Having Mo [Evans] and Flip [Murray] is huge because they’re veteran guys who’ve played in other systems, and Zaza [Pachulia] is playing like he did when we first got him.”
This is the Zaza Pachulia who drifted through the last regular season but roused himself to stare down Kevin Garnett in the playoffs. Even on a night when Joe Johnson did his usual starring bit, and Murray scored 14 points in his debut as a Hawk, the talk of the locker room was Zaza from (the other) Georgia.
Said Smith: “Zaza played big as hell.”
Said the Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, shaking Pachulia’s hand: “That’s the way to come to work, big fella.”
Pachulia had eight points and eight rebounds in 11 1/2 minutes, and his presence helped force the splendid to work overly hard for his 22 and 15. Asked if the rush from the Boston series had indeed transformed him, Zaza said, “Yes, it did. That was a big experience for me. It was my first time in the playoffs, and we were playing a great team — the future world champions. I learned a lot of things from that. I have a better idea what it takes.”
What it takes to win at a high level in the NBA is exactly what the Hawks supplied Wednesday night. They were forceful and measured, poised and precise. They didn’t look like a team that peaked the first week of May. They looked like a team capable of scaling higher and higher mountains. They looked as if they’re bent on making this winter as intriguing as they made the spring.
Permalink | Comments (43) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks/NBA
Comments
By Zach
October 29, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
Well done, Hawks. Looked solid all around.
By Robert
October 29, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Great win and I am a big fan in Afghanistan
By Ariose
October 29, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
FlipMo=BestMode
Childress who???? And we did all of this without Marvin.
Mark, if were sitting pretty by the time the All-Star break rolls around, do you see Bibby(For once in his career), JJ, and Smoove possibly making the team?
~Sir Links A Lot~
By Josh
October 29, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Very nice win, and the good thing is they have plenty of things they can work on, even though the routed the Magic. I think this game would have been over at halftime is they wouldn’t have settled for so many jump shots (Bibby I’m talking to you) and penetrated a little more. However, this takes nothing away from the bench play, the defense and rebounding, overall great team effort and I’ll look forward to being at Phillips on Saturday. I expect the Hawks to start 2-0 because Phily will be the second game of a back to back. Go Hawks!
By Remembering Roundfield
October 29, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
Great way to kick off the new season HAWKS! Let’s keep up the intensity and show the league the new, aggressive Atlanta NBA powerhouse!
By Derrk
October 29, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
The Hawks did a great job tonight. Something’s definitely different bout the Hawks now. They looked more mature especially on the road against a good Orlando team and basically routed them the whole game. The usual (excluding Marvin Williams with the one game suspension) starting 4 plus Mo Evans did great and the bench did terrific too. This team is looking to do big things this season and tonight was a great start. So go Hawks!!!!!
By Derrk
October 29, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
BTW great DEFENSIVE Effort. DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS and that’s what the Hawks potential can be if they keep up the good work.
By Mark Bradley
October 29, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
I don’t know that Bibby at his best is an All-Star. But Josh Smith is getting close — I told him after the game that it was one of the better nights I’ve seen him have, and what I liked most what that he didn’t force things — and Horford definitely has that capacity.
By lex luther
October 29, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
Great start for the guys. Josh Smith is a beast and worth every penny. Mike Bibby needs to take command and run this team like the general he is. Joe will be JOE aka MONEY. Mo and Flip, thank you guys for being willing to come to ATLANTA. ZaZa, stay big. Al Horford will be the glue to this season. The second year guy is going to make the playoff team this year. MARK MY WORDS. Atanta Hawks…JUST DO IT!!!
By michael
October 29, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
great defensive effort tonight and great job by the new guys (flip and mo) and especially zaza… if we can keep up the intensity and the hustle (we killed them on loose balls) we will see 50 wins. cant wait to go to philips on saturday.. i know the game is not sold out so buy some tickets people!! i know the economy is horrible but they have some great deals right now ($10 seats)
By Whattha???
October 29, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
You are dead on Mark! This win was amazing to see. To think JJ was full or energy in the 4th because of all that rest he got from the bench. So far the so called experts might have it all wrong. Josh looked very in controll. Bibby looked young. Horford was a beast on the boards. Evans showed no fear. Acie played like a vet. Flip was in a mode. Za Za didn’t take no flops. This looks good!
By lex luther
October 29, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
BTW..I really think Acie Law and Flip Murrary are a nice combo. Both guys looked determined to do their thing tonight. Let’s keep the foot on the pedal Hawks, we have 15 guys that can play every night. Run circle around the league.
By rms
October 29, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
Three words for you M. Bradley: DRINK THE KOOL-AID!!!
By YellerSkeeters are PeterEaters!
October 30, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
Nice column Mr. Bradley. I too am optimistic about the Hawks … as a native Atlantan I soooo want the Hawks to be a contender (longing).
Oh, do you think you could give a few tips on writing to Terence Moore? He really sucks as a journalist, and I fear he is a racist too.
By Skydawg
October 30, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this
Now let’s hold on folks. Yes, it was a well played game. Great D played most of the night which is something the Hawks have been missing for years, a decade perhaps. And yes they defeated the defending SE Division champs on their own floor. But its 1 game!! Remember how the Thrashers opened up a can of whoopa$$ on the defending SE divisions champs(Washington) to start the hockey season. Where have things gone from there? So lets keep the enthusiasm in check until we see a definite trend, not a blip on the radar.
By The Grinch
October 30, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this
I like it so far; when the bench steps up Woodson doesn’t play JJ and Horford 48 minutes and they look much better.
By lawton
October 30, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
What a difference 1 day makes. yesterday, BEFORE i saw this team, i panned them, today, i apologize Mark, this team is DEEP enuf to challenge for one of the top 5 spots in the East. The main thing i saw from this game, a carryover from late last year, the Hawks have seen that getting good defensive turnovers leads to the fast break style they like to play. Another thing i saw, they have the players now to play HALF COURT offense. Lastly, maybe they dont need a true center as long as Za Za keeps stepping up and Soloman gets more minutes. The only big men in the East that could cause them problems, they handle pretty good (Howard and Garnett). Way to go Hawks.
By The Truth
October 30, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
Good game guys, hopefully this foreshadows whats to come for this season. Right off the bat it appears that this may be the best team we’ve put on the floor in quite a few years. It looks like Flip, Evans, and even Solo is going to bring to some good depth to a bench with ZaZa and Acie so I’m looking forward to not being out manned all the time. I for one don’t feel we will miss Afro Power at all after seeing what Flip and Mo bring to the table.
Skydawg I don’t think the Thrasher team compares to this Hawks team, but I think any time you pull for a team you have to have some high enthusiasm for your team. You’re not a real fan if you’re keeping it in check for some kind of a trend…blip or not, i’d like to see Atlanta fans full of enthusiasm and I’m looking forward to being a part of a full house crowd for opening night. See y’all at the Highlight Factory Saturday night!
By Skydawg
October 30, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this
The Truth…you can’t handle the truth. (with my best Jack impression) Listen, I’m 41 yrs old and have lived in Atlanta since I was in diapers. So don’t tell me what it takes to be a fan of ANY Atlanta team. I don’t believe in blind faith when it comes to sports teams especially those owned by the Atlanta (lack of) Spirit Group. The only and I mean only (including the Braves since Ted sold the teams) team that’s shown any capacity or desire to remotely attempt to put a respectable team on the field recently is Arthur Blank. He’s made some bad decisions but at least he learns from them.
Atlanta is a great city and deserves one helluva lot more than we’ve been given as far as professional sports teams. For that matter I hope the Hawks go 82-0, I’ll be right there supporting them. But I’m not going to get all excited over 1 freakin opening night win. So yes, as a fan who not only invests money but emotion into all the local teams (I’m a homer for sure), I expect more than just a passing win or 2 before I start believing they are the best thing since sliced bread. Unfortunately, our sports team have an historic record of lifting our spirits, just to drop them like a 10 ton brick. Drafting Horford and Matty Ice were the best 2 draft picks this town has seen in many years. I only hope our miseries are starting to fade, but I refuse to let these teams rip my heart out anymore. So I’ll wait for a trend, not a blip..thank you very much.
By scottbravesfan
October 30, 2008 2:44 AM | Link to this
After all these years as a Hawks fan could we finally be turning the corner and putting together a real legit team in the east? I think the guys got a lot of confidence in that series against Boston last year. They proved to themselves that they can play with the big boys.
By jj
October 30, 2008 3:18 AM | Link to this
Thank you Magic for keeping JJ and allowing Sund to pick up a real pro in M.Evans.The Hawks looked like a team and Woody seemed to be on his game.I hope he continue to trust his bench.
By Dr. Warren
October 30, 2008 4:19 AM | Link to this
Skydawg, as fellow 1967-born native, I hear you loud and clear. I am guardedly optimistic about our bench play last night. In response to Mark’s Childress column yesterday:
The Hawks-Childress situation perfectly illustrates the problem with being a lifelong fan of any sports franchise, especially losing ones like the Hawks and Falcons: you are suffused with brand loyalty from childhood on but have little customer control other than not buying tickets or t-shirts or simply turning off the TV. If I don’t like an electric razor I just bought, I can call the company and probably get a refund. And I don’t have to give up electric razors in general in the metro Atlanta area! When the Hawks’ low-rent bench costs us game after game, and wastes my time and energy, do you think the local monopoly called ASG will even offer an apology? Devoted fans suffer the whims of cheap, incompetent owners even more than the random bounces within the games themselves. Yet, we tend first to blame the refs, the coaches, the players, or fate itself for losses rather than “the company” that is running the show, in part because we know how odd-feeling and fleeting it would be suddenly to shift loyalties to the Spurs or Jaguars or Jazz. Sure, if enough fans stay away then the “company” will be penalized, but the franchises who leave cities generally do so more because they’ve failed to secure funding (read: subsidies) for new stadiums than because their fans are turned off. Call me a whiner, and you would be correct. Call me a sentimental fool, and you would be close to accurate. But call me a friend of the ASG, and you will get a poke in the eye.
By JB
October 30, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this
I got tired of defending Woody against the naysayers last year. I figured he’d defend himself if given a chance. Won’t use his bench? Give him a bench & see.
Doesn’t draw up plays? No play works well if your kids aren’t feeling it, aren’t playing with confidence. He went with a short roster last year to get them the chance to stretch their wings against the Celts. If they hadn’t found out last spring against the champs how well they could play, who knows how much confidence they would have brought on the road last night.
Can’t bring along young players? Remember 3-point Smoove? Where else you gonna get 10 boards, 5 blocks, 4 steals & still have a guy cocky enough to drive a 3-point nail in Howard’s coffin? It’s been a while coming, but that kind of player doesn’t develop overnight. Which coach has had him this whole time?
Yes, I want to see Acie get the reigns a little more. But I still want to see the little numbers going up in the W column, too. I’ll trust Coach.
By Mark Bradley
October 30, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
I saw one exhibition game, and it was obvious Flip Murray was going to do one thing better than Childress did — score. Is he the all-around player Childress is? No. But Flip is for sure a scorer.
And I remain very high on Acie Law. And I can’t get over this transformation of Zaza Pachulia’s — from pretty good to really bad to pretty good again.
And yes, it needs to be said: It was one game. But it was about as good a game as the Hawks could have wanted. (As you know, I put a disproportionate value on road wins.)
By ken
October 30, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
“Grecian earner” is one great pun!
By Yessir
October 30, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
Its been a few years since the Hawks had some intensity in their eyes…..glad to see it in the first game of the season. HOW CAN YOU NOT BE EXCITED ABOUT THE HAWKS THIS YEAR
By The Truth
October 30, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
The Truth (on this Blog)
Imiatation is the best form of flattery
By proffish
October 30, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Did anybody else notice that Joe still had his legs in the fourth quarter? He was elevating on his jump shot in a way nobody can who plays the minutes he has.
Let’s hope it was obvious to Woodhead. He had that jump because he had two early fouls, not because of the rotation.
By tp
October 30, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Mark,
Call me crazy, but I haven’t seen a team in this town with such great chemistry since the ‘91-‘92 Braves. Pushing myself further down the road of insanity, it appears as if Woodson is the perfect coach for this group. And it starting to appear as if Sund made some pretty savvy decisions this offseason*^.
*Warning: please consult with your doctor before sharing this opinion with others. ^The blogger did not ingest mind-altering substances prior to, during or after the creation of this post.
By Barry
October 30, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
We are still in “SHOCK MODE”. This thing is not over to what was started last year with the acquisition of Bibby who literally organized and coordinated the Hawks move to “SHOCK THE WORLD!!”. Now the Hawks have loaded up the bench with some great veteran players who love to “ball”. I can more than feel this team is the one to watch this season. We as local fans are going to be enjoying some aggressive, running and gunnning basketball. I believe we now have the bench that can keep it going from quarter to quarter. The intensity and aggressivenes I saw last night was enjoyable to watch. Josh, Joe, Moe, Flip, AL, ZAZA, Bibby and the rest played with confidence and with a “SWAGGER”. They knew what they wanted to do on the court, offensively and defensively, and did it at will. They played some good team inspired basketball. And more than anything else even though they were working hard in doing their job, it appears they were having “FUN” doing it. Coach Woodson did a great job adjusting to things happening during the game and he kept his coaching demeanor upbeat. This flowed throuhout the team and will be pivitol throughout the season. Keep them running and gunning ,coach Therefore, NBA, watch out!!. If you thought these young, veteran Hawks were scary last year in the playoff, you ain’t seen nothing yet. The “SHOCKING OF THE WORLD CONTINUES”. HEY, IT’S JUST GETTING STARTED!!!!!!!!!
SEE YOU AT PHILLIPS ARENA.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
“SHOCK THE WORLD!!. IT AIN”T OVER. WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED”
Ringold
By STRETCH
October 30, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Didnt see the game, but from what im hearing, this sounds like a really good team to me!
JJ still got his legs in the 4th qtr means one thing - the BENCH is doing its job!
ZaZa is playing like he wants it yall!
Josh Smith; 17/10/5/4 - folks thats putting in work right there!
And i wonder why i dont hear anybody talking about Childress now! Cause Flip and Mo are going to get the job(probably a better job) night in and night out.
They won easily without Marvin and Acie.
Folks im diggin this team, eventhough its early, im diggin this team. Think i might switch back to satellite so i can pick up that NBA package!
By KevinA
October 30, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
For those who bashed ZaZa, enough said. This was my first look at our new bench additions and Flip and Mo looked great. I’m not diggin the Childress bashing though, he played great for the Hawks and worked hard every game. I hope he comes back next year. JJ and JSmooth played great. If they can keep this level of play up - were looking at two all stars at the break. If Marvin plays to his potential - this could be a break out year for the Hawks. Man, I was jumping on the couch, getting excited, cheering on my team. I think we got something here - Go Hawks!!!
By Enrique
October 30, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
WE (the Hawks) PLAYED DEFENSE.
By Hawks Number One Lady Fan
October 30, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Stretch, since you didn’t see the game, I will forgive you for saying that Acie didn’t have a part in the win last night.
Everyone who stepped on that court (again Acie Law IV too) contributed to the win last night. It was a total team effort and I enjoyed watching it on Sportsouth.
As far as Childress goes, I wish him well but I got to say that Mo and Flip are doing a superb enough job so far where I will not miss him.
Overall all the Hawks did a great job and they need to keep this confidence and determination throughout the season.
By bigeasy830
October 30, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Like I have posted on these blogs before. We all knew one of those forwards had to go. When that Greek team offered all that money you had to know J-Chill was gonna take it and there was nothing we could do about it. We still may have one forward to many. Marvin will command alot of money when his time come up and we may not be able to pay him and then resign Joe and Al. The way J-Smoove played last night he won’t be going anywhere neither will Joe or AL. But anyway, we will just concentrate on the here and now and I will change my prediction to 50+ wins and a 3 or 4 seed. Yep, I am drinking the Hawks Kool-Aid and jumping on the bandwagon before it pulls out the station.
By DistanceFan
October 30, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
The Hawks have looked good in the preseason, but it doesnt count and it wont mean much if the Hawks dont have a good season. I for one am reserving my opinion of the Hawks until the day after the regular season concludes. That is when 82 games will have been played, the playoff schedules are set and then we will know for sure what the Hawks will do in the future, but for now Im not going to get into the excitement about the Hawks since they have disappointed the Atlanta fans for so long. I will watch them from a distance, cheer them on when I can, but I wont get caught up in the fantasy that they are this dynamic monster of a team until the reality proves out what they really are. I guess Ive been fooled by them so long I dont want to get my heart broken again.
By mraejae
October 30, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
The Hawks were fanstastic and I was impressed. Josh Smith outplayed Dwight Howard and I was suprised by Zsa Zsa (he looked good). The Hawks have matured and taken their game to a higher level of professionalism. Evans looks good too.
By Tyger
October 30, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Give BK Credit
Quick to gloss over the brains behind this group and harp on the negative, for it was BK with vision, foresight, and fortitude to stare down a rouge owner and acquire JJ come hell or high water.
Draft Smoove, Horford, AC, Solo and Marvin; more talent than the Hawks have had at one time in the past 20 years.
And on the seventh day, BK traded for Bibby, looked back and said, “it is good”.
But look how far we’ve come. He inherited a shipwreck. But had the gonads to say ENOUGH! Dumped the bloated contracts of aged SAR, Big Dog, Theo.
And took his lumps despite the buzzards flying around his Afro. When its all said and done, those without an agenda, will look back and realize the turning point of this franchise was owed to BK.
By bigeasy830
October 30, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
By Tyger, you are right Bk did draft and acquire most of the players. he definitely made some mistakes but his vision was to acquire talent then tweak the roster when he thought the team was ready to be a contender. he did inherit a shipwreck and tricked teams to take on bad players with even worse contracts. This roster still may be a big body away from being dominant but I think we are a contender in the east. We will win 50 and who knows come play-off time we did give the Champs their toughest match last year.
By Distantfan, the Hawks are not like the Falcons. Event hough the hawks have never won it all, they do have a history of being winners in the 80’s and early 90’s. The hawks also have a bonnified Superstar in Joe Johnson a vet point guard and rising stars in Marvin, J-Smoove and Al. Also now we have real depth on the bench. We can match up with anyone in the league. Jump on board Distantfan the train is about to pull out the station.
Free Mike Vick
By Hawksfan
October 30, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
i was very happy about smith making three’s like that.I thought the team played with a swagger.FLIP and MO is exactly what we needed i have never seen JOE rest like that and he still got 25 points. If the bench continues to play like that im predicting 45+ wins
By Hawksfan
October 30, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
i was very happy about smith making three’s like that.I thought the team played with a swagger.FLIP and MO is exactly what we needed i have never seen JOE rest like that and he still got 25 points. If the bench continues to play like that im predicting 45+ wins
By Darrin "The Vent King"
October 31, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
This story with the Hawks is starting to sound like the one with the Falcons with all the doomsayers like ESPN claiming we’ll finsih last and we’re the worst at this or that and just like the Falcons- the Hawks seem to poised to prove them all wrong. Just like the Falcons, the Hawks had the departure of what seemed at the time a key player (key “players” in the Falcon’s case) and all was doomed. And just like the Falcons the Hawks made additions that everyone discounted. It makes me wonder does anyone at ESPN know ANYTHING? Or are they just counting on both franchise’s crappy history to stay status quo and make their jobs easy for them? Don’t get me wrong, Childress did his thing, but his game was predicated on the the Hawks falling apart in the middle of games depending too much on the starters and him getting his hustle on and being “the glue” that sometimes kept that from happening. Now that we’ve replaced that with two veterans with their own offense in Flip and Mo Evans this takes care of all that “falling apart” in the middle of games, mostly towards the end. I absolutely loves Flip Murray’s swagger and confidence and Evans will open things up with his three point shot and open court athletcism. Before long people are going to be asking- who was J Childress? Just like Michael Turner replacing Warrick Dunn and Matt Ryan replacing “Joey Blowey” the Hawk’s replacement for J-Chill has not only vastly improved this team, but made them a “real team” with a bench that will no longer depend on Joe Johnson, J-Smoove, Marvin Williams or Bibby to do all the scoring. I really enjoyed what I saw the other night and if that game is any indication the city of Atlanta is going to have TWO teams on the rise and after having NONE for the longest of time and this Atlanta fan will absolutely be beside himself!
GO HAWKS!! (and FALCONS!)
By Hawksville Resident
October 31, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Great article! I can’t wait for tommorrow! It’s going to be crazy!