Mark Bradley

By J

November 13, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this

A-Maze-ING! These Hawks are for real!

By Ryan

November 13, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this

If not for the Boston ‘sixt5h starter’ who was wearing his snazzy black and white uniform. .

By alaa u aldenaby

November 13, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

boston may have more then it’s share of “snooty” journalists…

but better that then ignorant fans who constantly fall back to the most tired excuse- blame the officials.

By Yetta

November 13, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

I always knew; this is my team. “Now Everybody knows”! Looking forward to Saturday’s game.

By Tron5000

November 13, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

Hey alaa, the word is “than.” You fail. Twice.

I’m very impressed with these Hawks, which is what made last night’s loss so painful. We you don’t believe, when you don’t have faith, the losses are easier to take. You just write them off. “Same ol’ stupid Hawks.”

But when you have expectations, it hurts for them not to be met. Mo and Mike looked great in the 4th, but there were a couple inexcusable turnovers, and when they happened I knew they would likely be the difference in the game.

Yes, Pierce played out of his mind in the 4th. But you have to protect the ball and make the most out of every single possession down the stretch.

Good, tough play from the Hawks through the first 7. Hopefully they can maintain it through the next 75. Can’t wait to see Josh back alongside Joe and Big Al. That’s a nasty top 3 that no one in the league is eager to face.

By Derrk

November 13, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Good game Hawks! They put the champs on the brink on their home floor. If this was last year, the game wouldn’t be close. So to lose on a last second shot, i’m not mad at that. Cause like every article say they didn’t really lose on doing something wrong but Pierce did something right at the end. This team can handle Boston now. J-Smoove was out and i believe everybody was playing in foul trouble except for Pachulia (hurt) Bibby, and Joe. I don’t know if anybody else notices but everytime time Atlanta goes to Boston their is a major difference in fouls on both sides. I mean not just this game but every one last year. It’s as if the refs give Boston the upper hand in every contest. The league needs to check into that. But great game Hawks. You’ve prove nearly everyone that your different and better than last year. Go Hawks!!!!

By Mark Bradley

November 13, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

If I could switch into Bradley’s Buzz mode for a moment, here’s Chris Sheridan of ESPN.com on the game, and here’s Mark J. Spears of the Boston Globe calling the Hawks “the NBA’s newest monster.”

By Biff

November 13, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

I am a life-long Boston fan (living through Vitaly Potapenko, Bob McAdoo and other living hell teams) and have two observations: 1) Atlanta fans really do have a good team… they’re gunners and they have heart. Good for you!! 2) The people who complained about the Boston-biased refs have gotta be out of their minds. Did you see the “lead with the foot” foul against Rondo? How about the foul on Pierce when he was a half-court away? How about the continual string of all-ball defensive fouls? The refereeing was less than stellar, but it gave Atlanta… not Boston the advantage.

See you in the playoffs.

By D.Ellis

November 13, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

I take no solace in the loss. WE should have won the game. It was a good game though played by our Hawks. Very gutsy being short handed. Celtics should consider them selves officially put on notice. Would have been nice to been 100% healthy. No excuses. Pierce hit a great shot. Made me sick!

In the famous words of that little second baseman off the Bad News Bears.. the Celtics can take that trophy and shove it up their as#. We’ll be back. See you guys at Phillips.

By Mark Bradley

November 13, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

And here’s Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald on imitation being the sincerest form of flattery.

By bill

November 13, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Congrats to Hawk fans. I see Atlanta, Cleveland, Celts, and maybe Toronto fighting for the East. If the Hawks keep shooting outside jumpers like they did last night it will be hard for anyone to beat them. As for fouls……to be fair about it check out the 3 playoff games in Atlanta last year. There was a huge disparity in favor of the Hawks. Seems whoever is the home team goes to the foul line more. If someone investigates the ref goings on in Boston they should do the same in Atlanta.

bill

By Cornhole

November 13, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

What happened to mike woodson? This bum needs to go on a diet he looks like that fat b******* eddi murphy played.

gosh control yourself.

By dpcochran

November 13, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

Yeah the Hawks lost to Boston. But it were a GREAT lost. If Atlanta hand they starting lineup and at least one of the black and white it would have been over for Boston……. Good game HAWKS…..

By CDW

November 13, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

Is it just me or is Paul Pierce the biggest cry baby in basketball. Does anyone else agree that he needs to shave that 7th grade facial hair he’s trying to grow. Looks like he’s got crap on his upper lip.

By SecondSage

November 13, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

The Second of Back to Back Road games, on the defending champs home floor, with missing starters and more in foul trouble, while they have their big three.

With all that we lose on a last second shot. True a loss is painful but this is not football where every win counts. The NBA is a long seasona nd no one goes undefeated.

This tells me when the Hawks go to the garden having every game with at least a full days rest with a full squad, we take them down when it counts!!!

By SecondSage

November 13, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

The Second of Back to Back Road games, on the defending champs home floor, with missing starters and more in foul trouble, while they have their big three.

With all that we lose on a last second shot. True a loss is painful but this is not football where every win counts. The NBA is a long seasona nd no one goes undefeated.

This tells me when the Hawks go to the garden in the playoffs having every game with at least a full days rest with a full squad, we take them down when it counts!!!

By SecondSage

November 13, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

The Second of Back to Back Road games, on the defending champs home floor, with missing starters and more in foul trouble, while they have their big three.

With all that we lose on a last second shot. True a loss is painful but this is not football where every win counts. The NBA is a long seasona nd no one goes undefeated.

This tells me when the Hawks go to the garden in the playoffs having every game with at least a full days rest with a full squad, we take them down when it counts!!!

By dpcochran

November 13, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Yeah the Hawks lost to Boston. But it were a GREAT lost. If Atlanta hand they starting lineup and at least one of the black and white it would have been over for Boston……. Good game HAWKS…..

By dpcochran

November 13, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Yeah the Hawks lost to Boston. But it were a GREAT lost. If Atlanta had they starting lineup and at least one of the black and white it would have been over for Boston……. Good game HAWKS…..

By dpcochran

November 13, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Yeah the Hawks lost to Boston. But it were a GREAT lost. If Atlanta had they starting lineup and at least one of the black and white it would have been over for Boston……. Good game HAWKS…..

By Mark Bradley

November 13, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

A couple of other things: Even with Zaza Pachulia starting in Josh Smith’s stead, the Hawks reserves outscored Boston’s bench 30-13. And Joe Johnson had seven assists. He has become expert at finding guys open for 3-pointers, and the other Hawks — Mike Bibby and Marvin Williams especially, but also Mo Evans — have become expert at hitting them.

By Mark Bradley

November 13, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

I’ll go on record as saying this is the best-shooting Hawks team I’ve ever seen, and I’ve worked in this city since 1984.

By Mike53

November 13, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

You’re right, Ryan. Leon Poe’s flop, Joe Johnson being mugged twice when he made shots, and Paul Pierce going to the foul line whenever someone got near him really hurt the team in the fourth quarter. However, it may have been the second quarter that did us in when we let them back in the game. That aside, make no mistake about it: I believed this team would win 50 games before the season began, and I will stay by that until they show me otherwise. GO HAWKS!!!!

By D.Ellis

November 13, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Mark-I see some very good match ups for the Hawks with a Healthy Josh Smith and no James Posey for the Celtics.

By steve

November 13, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

That game hurt my heart last night. I can’t take many more like that. I was on the edge of my seat for an hour.

SO CLOSE! UGH!

By aaron

November 13, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

it was a great game and a great loss! i think losing might have been better for the hawks than winning last night. hopefully, just now knowing that they can hang with anyone will keep this kind of fire under them all season. it was incredible that they made it a game with the injuries and foul trouble they got themselves in. after last night, i think a 45-50 win season is completely do-able for this team.

By ProudTechFan

November 13, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

This one hurt, but this was still one of the most impressive games I’ve seen in a losing effort by this young Hawk team. This started last year with the Horford pick. He brings energy and passion to the team. You have to remember he is not used to losing, winning two national championships in college, that means something. I have to admit, I honestly thought the Hawks would get blown out tonight, considering all the things against them. They were on the road against the champs, coming off a back to back, and missing its best all around player and defender in Josh Smith. This game shouldnt have been close. But when I see we are up by 12 in the second quarter, I was shocked. I knew the Celtics would come back, KG and P.Pierce would not get embarrased on their home floor. But to see my team, OUR team step up and answer the challenge, there was nothing better I could ask for. I was crushed when Pierce hit the game winner, but I think this loss will spark an even hungrier hawks club, which the Monster the Celtics created, just got bigger.

GO HAWKS!!!

By ricknole

November 13, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Should not have let them back in the game in the 2nd quarter. I do think fatigue started setting in at that point.

That coupled with the fact that the team could not go anywhere near PP without a foul being called. JJ got mugged several times by Powe and no call.

Oh well, live and learn, Hawks have to pick themselves up and keep on winning, the C’s will be there for the taking later.

*Note: Please now, do not turn back into the Old Hawks, No losing streaks!

By James

November 13, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

I think the Celtics realized last nite their new “dynasty” is only going to last one year. They can’t buy anyone on the Hawks’ roster.

Btw, I feel, really feel, sorry for New Jersey this weekend.

By bostonguy

November 13, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

You can have the moral victories…we’ll keep the actula victories and the championship trophy. Losers.

By James

November 13, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

I think the Celtics are slowly realizing their latest “dynasty” is only going to last one year. None of the Hawks’ players are for sale.

Btw, Nique and Bob Rathbun were going crazy in the 4th quarter about the non-calls on the Hawks’ offensive end. I think Dominique Wilkins knows a little bit more about basketball than somebody named “Biff.”

Finally, I feel, really feel, sorry for the New Jersey Nets this weekend.

By Tyrone Biggums

November 13, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Great win for the Celtics last night. Nice to see them come back from a big early deficit. Great game by the Hawks though..shows that last year was not a fluke.

By Mark Bradley

November 13, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

For what it’s worth, the Boston radio crew kept pointing out that Joe Johnson was getting away with taking an extra step. Eye of the beholder, I’m afraid.

By Ajamu

November 13, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Last second shot, Big Al in foul trouble, ZaZa hurt, J-Smoove hurt = Eastern Conference semi finals at the least. This Hawks team has size, shooters, passers, defenders and heart. Barring long term injuries this team has the makings of an NBA finalist in the next 2 years. GO HAWKS!!!!

By Mark Bradley

November 13, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

D. Ellis: You’re right. Boston does miss James Posey. (He’s with New Orleans.) And they’ll miss him more in the playoffs. But I imagine the C’s will add a player or two along the way, same as they did last season.

By Chuck

November 13, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Mark - I agree completely about the shooting.

For the first time in a long time, the roster is full of guys who I expect to make jump shots.

AND they play defense - it’s a miracle!

By Ksee

November 13, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

great effort last night…keep up the great work hawks!!!!!!!!!! WE got a squad!!

By Wanda

November 13, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Hey Cornhole, What does Mikes weight have to do with the game. Dumb comment.

What a great game. Hawks are the best. What a great game!!!

By BostonSucks

November 13, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

That game last night was a joke and the Celtics got lucky, thats why the whole arena was quiet most of the night, if the Hawks had all of their players healthy that blowout would have continued, see you in the playoffs one guy said, we will see you when you come to Atlanta later this year and then the refs will be on our side lol. Everyone knows in New England country that the refs in any sport favor their teams, ask the patriots who should have never been close to undefeated with all of those bad calls during the season,thats why I am so happy they lost the Super Bowl and tampa broke their hearts. And guess who is coming up soon for the Celts, the Lakers, with Bynum and Ariza back are the new number 1’s, they will prove that the finals were a fluke for the Celtics and bring the crown back to La. I am hoping it will be a LA vs Atlanta final, which would bring in a lot of money to Atlanta. The Hawks are the better team this year Boston, the old guys wont be able to keep up this year..So of you think Pierce is a crybaby wait till the playoffs role around this year. You havent seen nothing yet..

By Stegro

November 13, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

That game was awesome. The Hawks are for real. The perennial losers no more……

By billpet

November 13, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

WAH WAH WAH Atlanta fans, you lost to a BETTER team, so get over it. Let’s face it, the only reason the Hawks were in this game was because they shot ridiculous 3 pointers - they will NEVER have another game like that this year. And the STILL lost. They’re good, but not at the level of the Celtics. Do you REALLY think they can beat Boston in the playoffs?

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 13, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

A loss is a loss. It was a hard fought loss in which the Hawks played well enough to beat pretty much any other team, but it is still a loss. What it does say is that if both teams play the same way on December 17th, the Hawks will win by 20. I don’t believe in moral victories either, but I’ll take a hard fought 1point loss on the back end of road back-to-backs any day of the week.

By Wrecked 'em

November 13, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Who was that #24 for the Hawks? I’m sure Billy Knight is somewhere rolling over in his unemployment checks

By billpet

November 13, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Fouls? Are you kidding me with the fouldcrap? What about the foul that was actually a clean steal ( I think it was Pierce) that gave the Hawks 2 free throws? Or the phantom foul on the Bibby 3 pointer that gave them another 3 points? Or when Bibby went up for a shot and practically karate kicked Rondo (I think it was Rondo) - and the fould went against Boston! Or the turnover late in the game when Joe Johnson was practically piggy-backed on Pierce and no call?

Chill out Atlanta, the calls went both ways. You lost, move on.

By Mark Bradley

November 13, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Let’s remember something: The Hawks are 6-1 having played five road games, having played five games against playoff teams from last season. And that’s why they’re No. 2 in John Hollinger’s power rankings on ESPN.com.

I should tell you that the Hawks’ brass was cringing at the early schedule and the possibility of getting off to a halting start. I can also tell you that the cringing has ceased.

By no billpet friend

November 13, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Billpet you are a MORON. Georgia Perimeter College is really turning them out…….

By no billpet friend

November 13, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Billpet you are a MORON. Georgia Perimeter College is really turning them out…….

By no billpet friend

November 13, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Billpet you are a MORON. Georgia Perimeter College is really turning them out…….

By Brian

November 13, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Very good game. The Hawks are now a no excuse team who is competing to win every night. Without a depleted frontline this team went toe to toe with the defending champs on their home floor on the second day of a back to back. Very impressive. Marvin Williams is really starting to show why he was so highly regarded coming out of North Carolina.

My only beef with Mike Woodson is why he has substituted Maurice Evans for Flip Murray the last two games down the stretch of games. Flip is every bit the defender that Mo’ is and is more of a threat on offense than Mo’ will ever be.

Granted Mo’ has made some big threes down the stretch of games but his defense has been subpar at best and he hasn’t been a factor on the boards either. The way that Flip played in the first half I’d like to think that Woody would have allowed him to get into an offensive rhythm in the second half as well.

One of the main reason’s we got off to a 6-0 start is the play of Murray at the end of games. If he is removed from that role the Hawks have no one else that can get their own shot off outside of Joe Johnson.

Best crunch time lineup for the Hawks should remain.

Bibby Flip Joe Marvin Horford

Anything else doesn’t give us the best chance to win. Substitute Josh Smith for Marvin Williams when we get healthy.

By McHater

November 13, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Chill out chia-pet…Do you REALLY think they can beat Boston in the playoffs?

The answer is yes, if you read the box score, you would notice the defending chumps only shot 42% from the field, defense wins titles, and we’ll see how the long in the tooth Celt’s look 75 games from now….

By lance

November 13, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Billpet - you played a game on your homecourt at full strength and with full rest against a team that was missing it’s 2nd best player, had to play without it’s big man the majority of the game due to foul trouble (the legitimacy of those fouls I won’t even get into), lost it’s other big man for the entire second half due to injury, and was playing the game on no rest. You played under those circumstances and STILL only won with a last second shot, and you’re going to tell me you feel good about that win??? Haha… that’s hilarious.

Oh, that’s right, it must have been those lucky 3’s we were throwing up… the same ones we’ve been hitting EVERY GAME THIS SEASON. Also amusing how our shots are lucky, but Paul Pierce throwing up a prayer with .5 seconds left isn’t lucky. It cuts both ways genius.

The tide is turning, everyone knows it (I’d invite you to read the Boston Globe this morning if you disagree), and you’d be wise to just accept it. You purchased a team last year (a la NY Yankees) and had some fun, you might even win another championship this year, but the Celtics have hit their pinnacle. They traded away their future, all their stars are in their 30’s, and while we’re rising in the ranks of the NBA, I hope you enjoy the long steady decline that’s coming up.

By lance

November 13, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Billpet - you played a game on your homecourt at full strength and with full rest against a team that was missing it’s 2nd best player, had to play without it’s big man the majority of the game due to foul trouble (the legitimacy of those fouls I won’t even get into), lost it’s other big man for the entire second half due to injury, and was playing the game on no rest. You played under those circumstances and STILL only won with a last second shot, and you’re going to tell me you feel good about that win??? Haha… that’s hilarious.

Oh, that’s right, it must have been those lucky 3’s we were throwing up… the same ones we’ve been hitting EVERY GAME THIS SEASON. Also amusing how our shots are lucky, but Paul Pierce throwing up a prayer with .5 seconds left isn’t lucky. It cuts both ways genius.

The tide is turning, everyone knows it (I’d invite you to read the Boston Globe this morning if you disagree), and you’d be wise to just accept it. You purchased a team last year (a la NY Yankees) and had some fun, you might even win another championship this year, but the Celtics have hit their pinnacle. They traded away their future, all their stars are in their 30’s, and while we’re rising in the ranks of the NBA, I hope you enjoy the long steady decline that’s coming up.

By Paul

November 13, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

There is nothing negative that should be said about either of these two teams or the officials last night. This was an amazing game from start to finish and one that was quite fun to watch. We saw two very good NBA teams playing at their highest level in NOVEMBER! Each team traded great play after great play and Paul Pierce just so happened to make the last great play over the outstretched arms of Big Al.

It may be a blessing in disguise that we lost this one. It keeps us hungry. If we had won this on Marvin’s 3-ball then we might start getting a little satisfied with our own progress. I fear that once this team starts getting satisfied with themselves we might take some steps backwards. This loss ensures that we will come out with the same intensity we have been showing early this season, at least until Dec. 17th.

Oh yea I’ve marked it down and bought my tix. GO HAWKS!!

By Tree Rollins

November 13, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

I got to admit it (grudgingly), Rick Sund must know what he’s doing after all (never mind Josh Childress - how’s the food in Greece?)!! Mo Evans and Flip Murry collectively add huge depth to a group that felt thin last year -even with Childress coming off the bench.

Now they can lose a player the caliber of Josh Smith and still compete with the world champs at their home court - unbelievable!! I’m even beginning to change my stance on Coach Woodson. What’s the world coming to??? Thanks Hawks for bringing basketball (finally) back to Atlanta again.

By btwarren

November 13, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Great game. The Hawks looked really good. I watched the Bulls game the night before and could not wait to watch the Celtics game. Heart breaker though. I really thought we would pull this one out but all in all a well played game and as all have noted, no Josh Smith, Zsa hurt in second half, lots of foul trouble, and Joe having an off shooting night.

Can someone tell me this…why are the hawks greatest games losses to the celtics,,ala Nique Vs Bird shoot out back in the 80s.
After being a long time fan of Atlanta sports, Hawks, Falcons, Braves I am waiting for the disappointment to come at some point in the season, but in the mean time go HAWKS and FALCONS!!

By Benny

November 13, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Oh yes. Boston get all the calls. That’s why they win championships. The Hawks played an excellent game last night so take it with some class. No need to put down a first class city like Boston. The Hawks were great but I will go out on a limb and guarantee they will never shoot 60% from 3-point land again. I guess when you are a perennial runner-up, you like to put the winners down. Even losing the best quarterback in the game, the Pats could be there again. The falcons are years away but they have a classy kid named Ryan leading them. Where did he play college? Oh yea! I believe it was BC. The Braves have their work cut out for them to even get by the Phillies and the Mets. The Hawks have a shot but it is a long season. Let’s see what transpires the next few months. They could hang tough the whole season and I will be the first to praise them if they do. They have some great young talent but the savvy brought by veterans in the playoffs is a huge factor. If they meet again, I see it going another 7. May all come down to home court advantage.

By DawginLex

November 13, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Folks just enjoy the moment. The Hawks are getting better and the Falcons are not a laughing stock anymore. The Braves are close to signing a stud pitcher.

Could it be that Atlanta is on course for a pro sports turnaround? When have we ever had all the teams doing well within a 12 month period ?

Early 80’s with Fratello,Murph and Bartkowski is the last time I remember anything like this.

Let’s enjoy the ride.

By 26belly

November 13, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

A second to Paul’s comments!

For the second time(1991 Braves) in the sports franchise history of the city of Atlanta, team ownership and management did’t break up the team… again! The Hawks, fans and management, are beginning to have some success from their commitment and hard work. But with the Hawks, we’ll enjoy each and every game and each individual victory and not settle for any moral victories!

By Mark Bradley

November 13, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Here’s what I want to know: Where were all these good Hawks links when I was doing Bradley’s Buzz Monday morning? (Answer: They hadn’t been written yet.)

Anyway, here’s another: An interview with Al Horford from Sean Deveney of SportingNewsToday.

By E from Southwest

November 13, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

THE HAWKS ARE FOR REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I said on this same blog at the start of last season that the Hawks were a few seasons away from being an elite team in the East, well Im estatic that they are a few seasons ahead of expextations!!!! Hawks are 6-1 and the Falcons are 6-3, its a wonderful day in Atlanta. MARK MY WORDS— Al Horford is a future superstar in the NBA and Matt Ryan is a future Hall of Fame QB!!! Mike Vick who????????????

By charles harris

November 13, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

I am so proud of the hawks-they could have used any number of excuses as to why they would not compete but they didn’t they fought and fought and just fell a bit short.

By Mark Bradley

November 13, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

ProudTechFan: I agree. The Horford pick changed the face of the organization.

Haven’t heard much clamor for Mike Conley Jr. lately, have we?

By FanATicaL

November 13, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

I love the internet.How do you know when you are a contender.When the fans of the winning opposing team.Feel it necessary to blog on the opposing teams site.They know they snuck one on thier court.That bad dream your having is the HAWKS.

By D.Ellis

November 13, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

MArk-Although McDyess wants to return to Detroit very bad…Could the Hawks throw enough money his way to entice him to at least think? Anyone know our cap space at the moment?

What would really suck is if he went to Boston for another ring chance. That would be the defender they need in the match up I was speaking of earlier.

I would like to at least hear Sund $ co. in the talks for looking in McDyess direction as a staple for this team…especially having to deal with Garnett Bosh/O-Neil in Toronto.

Having 3 vets like Flip/Evans/McDyess off the bench looks nice in a playoff run….deep playoff run

By bballfan

November 13, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

The Hawks did play very well but Boston played its worst defensive game of the year and had one of their worst 3 point shooting games of the year. They can certainly play better Pierce’s heroics aside. Even when the Hawks get back their injured players they are still going to be a weaker team than Boston albeit a good one and enjoyable to watch.

By Baracked the Vote

November 13, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

I am debating whether or not to shell out the bucks for the nba ticket, but comcast takes a huge portion of my money every month as it is. i recommend going to si.com and checking out what marty burns wrote about last night’s game. glad i didn’t see it. hate cursing at a tv.

By CommunistAJC

November 13, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

The Hawks LOST! They did not win. They lost to a better team.

By Trainwreck

November 13, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

the Hawks lead the NBA in 3 point % at 42.4%

http://www.nba.com/statistics/sortableteamstatistics/sortable1.html#top

By dixglata

November 13, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Long time Celtics fans will always applaud good team oriented play from an opponent. I am looking forward to seeing the Celtics and Hawks meet again in the playoffs. Last year we had the Hawks, Cav’s, Pistons and Lakers. The first two rounds were the most difficult. Remember that the Hawks gave the Celtics a tougher battle than the Lakers.

By DAP01

November 13, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Good job, Mark Bradley. Excellent coverage!

By Orlando

November 13, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

CommunistAJC,bostonguy,

Perhaps if the Celtics played on the second game of a back-to-back without their best defender and backup center then maybe they would earn some actual respect. The Lakers are way way better than the Celtics and LA will destroy them in the Finals now that they are completely healthy.

Anyway, the Hawks are taking it to the next level, and have to draw from this game to take it to New Jersey both Friday and back home on Saturday.

Their ball movement is better than ever before and they are continuing to be active on defending screen and rolls. I love where the Hawks are going.

By Mark Bradley

November 13, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Why, thanks. But on this one I didn’t really do much beyond listen to the radio. Esteemed colleague Sekou Smith did the hard part — he actually covered the game.

By D.Ellis

November 13, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

The real test comes Friday.

Obviously us being Atlanta fans we know how “losing is contagious”.

bouncing back with a win against New jersey would be a check in the cofidence column as well for this young team.

Not letting the losses happen in succesion is another character this team needs to get better at.

By Previous Ryan Skeptic

November 13, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

SWEET! Atlanta has two teams well on the road to success. I see championships in the near future! Unfortunately, I’m afraid it may be several years before we see any light at the end of the tunnel for the Braves. :(

By Pete

November 13, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Some things NEVER change. The Hawks were not going to win that game no matter what. The NBA, the zebras, the basketball Gods would not allow it to happen. Some things NEVER change.

By Mark Bradley

November 13, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

The McDyess possibility is intriguing, I’ll admit. But I’m guessing Rick Sund wants to get into January before he thinks about adding anybody.

By dhj_1962

November 13, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

its early, 8 games in, just like in any sport, don’t let one loss turn into 2. did i expect to Atl to win last nite. i wanted them too, but the loss of JS will be hard for the Hawks to overcome game after game. hope he is back soon. the hawks won’t go 81-1, so relax, enjoy watching a very good team do great things. Hopefully, this season will finally end the curse of Dominique. remember when the doodoo birds traded away Nique for freaking Danny Manning? things have not been right for the Hawks since. until now!!!

By LCNorthside

November 13, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Obama is right. Change is coming.

Go Hawks and Falcons

By YoMama

November 13, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

When a team wins when playing badly, this is a mark of a good team. When a team cannot take advantage of its opponent playing badly, this is a mark of a poor team. Do not get fooled by what you have seen because the next time Boston meets Atlanta, they will kill them as they did last year at home in the playoffs. Hawks still have a long way to go before being compared to Boston.

By bigeasy830

November 13, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

That was truely a great game. We all know we were not going to win them all so when you lose one that is the way you want to lose it, on the road, on the second game of a back to back by one point to the defending champs. Last year we were blown out by bad teams in the second game of a back to back. Now look at us. Coach Woodson endured some tough seasons here in Atlanta, But he kept preaching to the young Hawks about playing the game the right way. He kept preaching about defense when all of us wanted them to run and gun like the Suns. Well even the Suns have abandoned that philosophy and now we are looking like an elite team in the NBA. We may have won a few more games in years pass if we would have run and gun but Coach Woodson took those young talented players and molded them into a great NBA team. Just the way Coach Smith of the Falcons seem to be doing with his young players. I have been going to Hawks games since I moved to Atlanta from South GA almost 10 years ago. I have endured some bitter season but now when I take a sip of my Hawks Kool-Aid it sure taste sweet. Mark you say that sound is the Bandwagon cranking up. Well all of you come on aboard I have been sitting on that bus waiting for a while and I believe that this is one ride that I will enjoy.

Holla……….

By dhj_1962

November 13, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

YoMama, just 2 years ago Boston didn’t have a fan, well maybe one, and it sure wasn’t you. Atl played short handed last nite, No JS and Z going down, Boston played great, the big 3 for Boston will carry them again this year, they might even beat Atl again in Boston, but they won’t beat them like they did last year at home. You better hope Boston gets home court advantage in the playoff. yall remember when Boston had Birb, Mchale and Parish, wasn’t that the ugliest team ever?

By Matt the Brave

November 13, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Oh, when Marvin hit that three my wife and I were celebrating like it was the end of the Finals and the Hawks had just won…what a heartbreaker, but it was SO nice to see a Hawks team that didn’t give up. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Highlight Factory is open for business, and business is GOOD!

By YoMama

November 13, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

dhj_1962, been in Atlanta since 1974 and my eyes have seen the glory. Remember, Almond Hills, fast Ed, John Drew, Danny Roundfield, Steve H, Tommy Mc, Tree R. I am not a Boston fan, get your fact straight. We will see on Friday. If they lose, it is the same old Hawks which just got lucky in the first six games.

By bigeasy830

November 13, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

By dhj_1962, the craziest thing about the Nique trade is that we were having our best season and leading the east. We had swept the Knicks in the regular season series and that is the team that went on to the finals and lost to the Rockets. That should have been us playing in the finals that year. But, remember Nique and Prime Time left Atlanta around the same time. If you do a little research you will see that some believe that the trade of Nique and the Falcons offering Prime Time a terrible free agency deal which lead him to bolt Atlanta had a little to with a well know murder case that happened around that time.

By Dr. Warren

November 13, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Mark, you may be right about this being the best shooting team since you got here in ‘84. Ah, but as a kid, before your time, I was lucky enough to enjoy front row seats on occasion watching the triumvirate of Eddie Johnson, John Drew, and the late Terry Furlow shoot the Omni’s lights out. Those guys were unconscious. And half-literally, I believe, considering their unfortunate tastes for illegal substances. Thankfully, Joe Johnson et all are doing it the healthy way. At least I hope so.

By Jay

November 13, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Atlanta, You Lost. Get used to it. A loss, is a loss is a loss. You may go one round in the playoffs, but that is it guys. Enjoy the Falcons. And no whining from down South about Boston this or Boston that. It is great to know that your best effort was still a loss. Now if you will excuse me, I am going to enjoy my replay of number 34 hitting that shot again….in a Celtics WIN. Bibby who?

By Paul Pierce

November 13, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Did all you Hawk bandwagoners see me do a facial in front of Al Horford at the closing seconds of the game?? hahaha.

By hawk

November 13, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

First, to the guy Jay on here stop hating on the Hawks. Yes they lost a close one last night but with a last minute shot with .5 seconds left……..come on. Actually, Boston really should have lost. It’s just a matter of time before the Hawks win the next one against Boston. I was at the playoff series last year and Boston is good, but not really much better than the Hawks. It appear that Boston is overrated. Mmmmm…..maybe last night Josh Smith was the missing piece that could have help put the game away?

By Alex

November 13, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Mark… could the biggest offseason add be Mark Price as our shooting couch or what.. 60% on 3’s… that’s how we stayed close in such foul trouble.

By ATL Hawks blow

November 13, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

If Boston sucks, what does that mean for Atlanta? Does one of your HIGHLY educated ATL fans want to discuss the last championship in that town? Bunch of racist losers from a loser town.

The bottom line is folks in Boston don’t take solice in MORAL victories only championship rings.

So b*** and moan about the refs all you want…excuses are for losers…oh…that’s what we’ve come to expect from Atlanta.

By GoCeltics#1

November 13, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Do you crybabies want to know why you lost?

You got beat on the boards 43-32 You gave up 15 offensive rebounds You turned it over 14 times

Look no further than that. If you dont protect the ball and dont crash the boards, you wont win much. Its that simple.

There is no great officiating conspiracy, just a lot of sour grapes.

And for those of you new to basketball, you need to realize that Paul Pierce is arguably the best at getting to the line and has been his entire career. Its no coincidence that only twice in his career he has finished outside the top 5 in free throw attempts.

By edward

November 13, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Hey biff and all you boston fans, are you serious? We got calls? Did you even watch the game? You won because of some home cooking and because a great player made a great shot. How many times did joe get raped going to the hole? How bout that flop by powe, which was a huge call? Everytime someone looked at pierce they blew the whistle. What a joke. We played without josh on the end of a back to back with our whole team in foul trouble in your house and still should have won. Look forward to seeing you morons in atlanta and in the playoffs bandwagon fans!!!

By Brass

November 13, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Wow, the Hawks lost and not a negative thing said about Mike Woodson. Am I in the right column?

By shannon

November 13, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Man, Randolph Morris looked so lost last night. I love the effort by the guys last night. Cant wait to get josh back. We still need a true big and there wont be no stopping us.

By Hawks Fanatic

November 13, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

If we’re so insignificant to Boston fans, WHY DO THEY KEEP POSTING HERE???

By Hey Celtics Fans:

November 13, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Is there any point to gloating over a ONE-point win, AT HOME, against a team with a key injury? I’d better not hear a word from any Boston fan when the Hawks beat the Celtics at Philips Arena, while KG is out with an arm injury after all those asinine chest bumps…

By Mark Bradley

November 13, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Good point about Mark Price, Alex. Something has changed, especially with Marvin Williams. He made one trey all last season. He had four last night.

By Mark Bradley

November 13, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Dr. Warren: I remember watching Furlow and Drew and Eddie on TV. And you’re right — those guys could shoot it.

And I remember the former Southern Illinois Saluki Mike Glenn making a shot or two in his time.

By Alexa

November 13, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Wait a minute - Atlanta has colleges?

And the Hawks have fans?

Horford is a jerk. Everyone knows he taunted Pierce in the first round last year, and Pierce gets a call. If this team had a better overall personality, then they would be likeable. No one likes this team outside of Atlanta. Enjoy ‘em.

GO RAPTORS!

By Ken

November 13, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Wow, that was really a great game last night. Just had to say it again. But I checked out the rest of the hawks schedule for this month. We know they are not going to go 80-1 the rest of the season, but I think by the beginning of December they will be 12-4 or better.

By Dr. Warren

November 13, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Mike Glenn, sure. Not to mention Charlie Criss, the world’s worst sports commentator but the best little guy point guard south of Nate Archibald at the time.

By cobbdawg

November 13, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

well, the Celtics certainly picked up where they left off in the whining department. Every, I mean every, call against them drew a look of astonishment…from the players and Doc Rivers…even the obvious calls. Perkins and Big Baby might be the worst.

By Paul Pierce

November 13, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Listen.. all you Hawk bandwagoners, if Sam Cassell suited up to play last night, the game would have been a blow out. Josh Smith faked his injury cuz he just can’t handle the Truth!! haha.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 13, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

The Celtics are a bunch of flopping girls.

By RBN

November 13, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

Since when is losing winning ? Hawks will make play offs but not win championships . Go Celtics. They said the same thing about how good the hawks did against the Celtics but the y still lost ! Losers….

By Say What?

November 13, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

I love this team.

By The Truth

November 13, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

Paul Pierce Is that really you? I question your manhood. You flop too much. How dare you come on this blog talking that smack. The only place you are allowed to get-away with nonsense is in the Garden. That whining you do seems to work there all the time. It won’t work in Phillips. After seeing your team perform with your lucky shot, I can say without doubt, that you won’t repeat another championship. Why; because you have a weak bench. Oh, and tell big-baby the game is called basketball, not football. Tell him to stay away from Krispy kreme and call 1-800-slimfast.

By Lozzie

November 13, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

We’re Celtics fans who were at the game last night and the Hawks played an amazing game - however that was something we kind of figured after their great showing in the play-offs last season. They’re such a great young team and last night was just the start of a very long season - there are going to be some great match ups in the Eastern Conference!

By aaron

November 14, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

the class of some of these boston fans has been blowing me away. :|

you bostoners have won practically everything over the last 3-5 years and the country was happy for you, but now you’re just as annoying as new york fans. i think beantown is well overdue for a little sports humilty and i don’t care who does it as long as it gets done.

By George Faraj

November 14, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Go Hawks, Falcons, Braves and Thrashers!! It is nice of someone to remind me of the early ’80s with Fratello, Murph and Bartkowski. Thos are cool memories. Sadly, none of the youth of Atlanta are aware of this. Hopefully, Atlantans can get off their butss and fill the stadium seats. I am shocked we cannot fill the Georgia Dome!! What is UP WITH THAT! GO FALCONS!! Football is the Best sport around!!! And we only get 8 home games WE MUST FILL THE SEATS!!!

By Paul Pierce

November 14, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

ATTENTION Hawk bandwagoners.. hate to be the one to tell all of you but the Atlanta Hawks are a bunch of junior varsity cheerleading squad. Look at what happened to Dominique Wilkens. He even jumped ships to join the Celtics for a year. You people need to start bandwagon off a different sport. hahaha.

By Jason

November 14, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Tickets for the next 10 home games have been bought. This team is FOR REAL. GO HAWKS!!!

By The Truth

November 14, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Paul Pierce It still doesn’t change the facts that big-baby has a fat ass and you got no class. I guess the clichés are still true; you can take the thug out of the hood, but you can’t take the hood out of the thug. Put lipstick on a pig it’s still a pig. Which mean the classy town of Boston and you are incompatible. The street of LA is calling for you. Oh yah, tell Sam “I am” to send me his email address, I got some *AARP info I want to send him.