Hawks

By jlewis

December 11, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Sekou,

Great blog and kudos for making a greater point last blog. Because JJ’s shooting percentage is down, people think there is something wrong with him, but Orlando was a good example last night, once he found a rhythm, the Magic ran two and three people at him. I like the way Josh Smith is playing, not too many stupid mistakes lately, but every once and a while, make your teammates better, that’s what Joe does. The kid is playing for stats and a contract, that is the business, but don’t ruin the team.

By buckhead Benny

December 11, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

This is the first game that Woodson has done a half way decent job of substituting players- I mean Lorenzen’s first game of the season- Hell he looked like a defensive all star against one of the best players in the league- I think that just proves a point about getting more minutes for Salim and for Solomn- Trade Zaza he is a team killer- Keep T-Lue on the bench for moral support- Yes, he has a decent shot but you can’t depend on him because of his legs and defense.

Also, you got to remember there is 62 more games this season plus the playoffs if this happens. Every year what happens- One of our starters goes down with injury for a lot of games- Last year it was Joe Johnson, Marvin, and Josh-

Let’s be ready for it this year and get Mario, Salim, Sheldon, Lorenzen, and Solomn more minutes so these guys will have their shot and game more refined. This will make us a better and deeper team so when injuries come we won’t have a repeat of years past.

Then, it becomes more of a team game- Also, if these guys aren’t on the court for 48 minutes every game then they will be able to play with more energy and hopefully less injury as the season wheres on.

Hate to point this out after a nice win, but we all saw a couple of guys last night rise to the occasion with significant more minutes- Sheldon, A. Johnson, and Lorenzen- You can’t help but think if you throw in Solomn and Salim their confidence and maturity will only get better with more playing time.

More importantly, you won’t be so devastated if Joe or Marvin or Josh goes down with injury, because these guys will have been playing minutes with current team and there will be chemistry already there vs. trying to get them acclimated towards the end of the season

By RA

December 11, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

Well said Sekou,

I think that this team is begining to “get it.” And by it, I mean the simple truth that in order to win consistantly in this league, you’ve got to bring it for 48 minutes. The Hawks are up to bringing for about 40 these days. Last night, they brought it for about 45… Now, I worry about them on the backend of a back to back myself, but at this point in the season, the Hawks youth should more than compensate… Don’t worry too much about sportscenter, they’re probably still waiting on the miami heat to real off a 15 game winning streak. The truth is that the east is wide open and that the Hawks have as good a chance as anybody…

By smartguy

December 11, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Great game for the Hawks. Significant minutes for multiple guys, starting early on. We want to see this all the time (ok, almost all the time will do); from better coaching (better gameplan and rotation) to better playing. The ceiling for this team can be quite high. I’m still not sold on Woody, but I have said for a while that if this team can play to its potential, then they can be one of the better teams in the east. If they play to the upper reaches of the potential, then I don’t really care who coaches. I would rather be wrong than right about Woody, but a few good games does not a whole season make.

Sheldon was awesome last night, and I hope to see much more of that. Josh Smith has got to be an all-star this year, right? Well, I agree with Sekou, ESPN’s got no love for us. Even this morning, all the highlights were of the Magic screwing up. 25, 16, 5, 4, and 4. wow!

By randy

December 11, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

What was with Shellhead last night? He was cleaning boards and putting shots in the bucket like a demon. I couldn’t believe it, I was yelling “Go Shellhead go!” Lorenzen did awesome too, shutting down their allstar center. Nice to see.

And Josh Smith is amazing. My God, without him we would be a 20 win team. And Hawks management better realize that before it is too late. He started off rough, but I told all of you that this guys is still a future all-star despite his woes. Now he is showing everyone.

AJ, has been solid, getting a few points but doing a wonderful job past couple weeks at the point. I get antsy when Law is in, he has a long way to go still.

Don’t want to get overly optimistic, but recently they have been turning it on. They have a few rocky patches but they end up pulling it together at the end for the W. Last night they never let up, they kept bringing it! All this with Joe struggling, and JChill, TLue and Zaza riding the bench.

By RA

December 11, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

It’s becoming clear that the Williams boys Marvin and Sheldon, may not be the wasted picks that certain others that will remain nameless (Bradley and Moore) declared them to be…

By D.Ellis

December 11, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Watched the game last night and it was a great one. You could sense the urgency from the whole team and how important this game was to them. The bench was really into it as well. Good to see Sheldon have a good game and contribute on both ends of the floor. He played good D as well as his rebounding and 6 for 6. Josh Smith is playing as good if not better than anyone in the league at this time IMO. AJ and Law provided a good 1-2 punch at the point. Really good to see them go on a good streak 7 out of 10/ 3 in a row. I hope they continue to take advantage of this period of time in the East. Heat are down at the moment but not for long. I of course wish injury to no player but the Cavs are lost without Lebron and sliding. Nets have lost 3 in row while we won 3 in a row. Bucks have lost 4 in a row. We all know that those teams will be in the hunt at the end of the season and with us playing rather well while they play rather poor betters our chances not now…but later in the season when the crunch time comes and the playoff race heats up. I find myself checking out other Eastern teams more so now than in the past becasue this team has a chance finally to do something. I liked the way they ran last night. They have been running more the past few games and we see waht is happening…more running…better play….more wins. Hopefully they can keep it up and heck we can be 1 game over 500 if they play well tonight and get it going. Hopefully the back to back won’t hurt to bad. GO HAWKS!

By Tiger Woo

December 11, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Good stuff Sekou …

Man, it’s nice to finally have a b-ball team that we can be excited about. They may not reach all their goals this year, but the future looks good and I’m looking forward to showing up at Phillips Arena and watching the Hawks grow up as a team.

Go Hawks !! Shock the world !!

By Hawksville Resident

December 11, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Here is an important quote from Josh Smith: “I sat down and decided that it was time for me to do whatever I could to help my team win games,” Smith said. “And that meant going inside and really to stop taking so many long jumpers, and mainly 3-pointers. I was hurting my team more than I was helping before. Now I think I’m taking advantage of situations a lot better.” Amen, brother, Amen.

By Mike

December 11, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

I caught the tail-end of the last blog, so this carry over.

I like Astro Joe was very pleased with the effort of LWright and AJ. Shelden is really starting to play to his strengths, he was a difference maker when he was on the court.

Man the Hawks just beat the number one team in there division on there home court, improved their record to .500 for the first time in fours years, and this team still has room for major improvement. If we continue to see that type of movement and defensive intensity from the Hawks, they will definitely make the playoff.

For the first time the Hawks really look like a team out there, every guy seems to be on the same page. Woody is finally letting his assistant make a contribution to the offensive and defensive schemes. Everyone is getting a chance to contribute. As much as I have dogg the guy, you gotta take your hats off to Woodson for the game plan used in the Orlando game.

My boy Salim got in the game, he didn’t make any game breaking threes, but he still contributed. I would like to see Solomon get more action, but there will be games where Solomon can be used. The biggest difference to me is everyone is high fiving and congratulating one another. I seen Smoove talking to Salim trying to help him out. I’ m about the whole team, and I’m seeing a team effort instead of individual efforts. I’m really impressed with Acie Law he can do so many things to help a team. Acie and Al are everything they were advertised to be and more.

Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying that Hawks will beat teams like Orlando every night, and I’m definite not saying that this team doesn’t need a big at the pivot. But we have our PG, no sense and giving up assets to bring in a PG, better to focus on getting a Big. The Hawks will still have ugly nights where you ask yourself what in the H was Woody thinking about, but this team is starting to mature and believe in each other. Great job Woodson and the coaching Staff.

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By G Money

December 11, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

While the field goal percentage was only around 43%, I love that everyone was involved and nearly everyone had touches. That said, lack of turnovers and keeping things up tempo were critical.

A low budget team is really making some big moves. I say we play with what we have and see how the season unfolds. If we can continue to play like this, we will be in the playoffs, no doubt. If it looks like we might make a run and we want to shore up some areas, then trade talk might be appropriate — that is, if the Spirit has handled its mess by that time.

By Ryder

December 11, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Sekou, great work. Keep in mind that negativity is something that has been rooted in Atlanta for decades now, and a couple of wins here and there won’t change that.

What will change it though is seeing this team starting to gel. Hmmmm, who was it that said wait until December before teams started to get into rhythm?

Oh yeah it was ME! Memo to Sekou and other bloggers, there’s a reason you don’t blow up a team who has a bad start..let’s just move on.

What really impressed me is how Lorenzen Wright and Shelden Williams stepped it up against the NBA’s second best big man in Dwight Howard. Props to Fizdale for setting up an excellent defensive game plan by putting JJ on Nelson, who became a ghost the entire game.

I like what Sekou said about Atlanta not getting too high on wins and too low on losses (or something of that nature), and that the rest of the team is going to have to continue playing together.

Al didn’t even have his best game due to foul trouble, but he stepped it up when it mattered most. Josh Smith gives you that all around game that many players in the league just can’t do on a night to night basis. I will even take his one or two wild shots for the statline he puts up on the regular.

Atlanta is going to be at their best when they allow the defense to dictate the flow of the game. Let’s do the same thing tonight against Toronto!

By JerryWest

December 11, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

When Josh Smith realized this:

I was hurting my team more than I was helping before.

The face of the franchise changed.

Why can’t someone make a phone call to Shelden?

Nique doesn’t know (790 AM radio this morning)! Sekou doesn’t know!

Nobody knows anything about Shelden’t elbow.

What’s up with Zaza? The injury must be serious for him to sit out so many games. What’s happening. Is he passing out? Not that we need him much but we surely care about him.

By Tap Daddy

December 11, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

great win last night. Good to see everybody is starting to accept their role. I was more impressed with the article where Josh Smith said that he is really focused on playing to his strenghs and staying away from the long jump shots. I think all of us have been calling for that and now he’s buying into attacking rather than settling.. He has really stepped it up recently and is deserving of his player of the week honors. And yeah i’m not a big fan of Woodson but he has also improved in his usage of his roster. Good to see guys like AJ, Sheldon, and Lorenzen play key parts in a big win. If were to reach our goal of the playoffs we definately will need contributions from our full roster. Hopefully, we’ll keep the momentum going and get another big win tonight. I just hope we find away of cutting down Josh and Joe’s minutes because if we don’t they wont have anything left in the tank for that end of the season push that we’ll need.

Oh yeah, and I think we’re a better team with out Zaza on the floor..I’ll take my chances with Al, Sheldon and Lorenzen in the middle because all three of them will at least concentrate on trying to protect the paint..Zaza tends to only be focused on the offensive end of the court…

By Ken Strickland

December 11, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

I think LoWright and Shelden were able to play outstanding DEF because their teammates were doing the same. Everyone switched, moved their feet, and kept their man in front of them. By trusting their teammates to do their jobs, they were able to concentrate on doing theirs. They didn’t have to play their man and protect the lane simultaneously.

AJohnson’s emergence the last few gms is directly related to the decision to push the ball consistently. Previously, he was the button Woody pushed when he wanted the gm slowed down, and AJ complied. I really liked the aggressiveness ALaw showed on OFF last night. He was looking for his shot, especially his jumpshot. An open, uncontested jumpshot is just as effective when you’re in transition with a 2 on 3 or 3 on 4 as it is when you’re 5 on 5. That style will also allow us more shot opportunities.

MY HAT’S OFF TO COACH WOODSON. He pushed all of the right buttons. He gave Salim a chance, but his shot just wasn’t there. He is so close as his shot always seems to rim out. I’ve been very critical of Woodson, but I have to give credit when credit is due. I’m really looking forward to tonights gm. Like DOC alluded to earlier, they’ve had our number, their guards are simular to the kind that’s given us trouble, and this is a back to back. Tonight will be a real test of our mental and physical strength and maturity. GOOD LUCK AGAIN YOU HIGH FLYING HAWKS!!!!

By mavid

December 11, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

There’s basically three playoff locks in the East (Boston, Detroit and Orlando) and then there is everyone else.

Of course we have a good shot at making the playoffs.

If I had to put money on it. I’d go:

Boston Detroit Orlando Toronto

Those 4 will definitely make it.

The I’d go

Cleveland Chicago (theyll come back) ATL Indy

The fact is, all the other teams have even more problems than our Hawks.

The EC is wide-open. Let’s give PHX a pick in the teens!

By TJ

December 11, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

I followed this game online. The Hawks led that game from start to finish. A few weeks ago, I made a comment that Josh Smith was not making NBA Top 10 plays (he had only 1 highlight up to the game in Milwaukee) Nowadays, he takes up 3 spots in the Top 10 - a block here, 2 dunks there. That last dunk of the game, he had a very similar play against the Magic last year. Basically, dude is giving the NBA world a show. Now he has to get more than 7 of 20 shots to fall.

Shelden was beasting last nite, til he got hurt. LWright helping hold Dwight to “just” 14 pts, 18 boards. Al woulda had some of those if he wasn’t in foul trouble. Salim even got playing time, the shots just didn’t fall. He probably will get more PT tonight, seeing as Toronto is a Phoenix-like team, and Joe played all 48 last night. The Hawks will need a couple of treys from him to help win tonight.

I’m hoping that Mario West gets time tonight, he will be needed to contain the Raptors’ starting point guards. Ford and Calderon are very quick and will beat any team that lets them drive and kick out. Horford has to stay on the floor tonight, period. He could have a field day on the boards, seeing as the Raptors lack a real beast on the boards. JJ has to feel his shot tonight, period. Bosh won’t clog the middle like Dwight does, so everyone should be looking to drive and get to the line, particularly Marvin Williams. Hopefully, the home crowd will be enough to help them keep up after a taxing victory yesterday. THAT’S WHAT PLAYING FOR 48 MINUTES FEELS LIKE. The guys on ESPN don’t think you can do that..X-FACTOR: Acie, they’re gonna need you to play well tonight.

P.S. Skepticism and pessimism are similar -not the same, but similar- in my book, so instead of operating with guarded glee (or blind over-optimism), when they give me good, I expect more of it, when they give me bad, I expect good. B/c if they play with the guarded glee that some of us have, one loss will burst their bubble, and they and we know that feeling all too much. That being said, I expect a win tonight..

By terrell barron

December 11, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

After last night, I would much rather know the status of Sheldon’s elbow. I just dont see Zaza fitting in anymore. I guess we could use him in certain situations though. He might be trade bait. You think so, SEKOU. He could be a play a good backup role in a different system.

By Astro Joe

December 11, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Grizzled vets. When I watched Lo make life uncomfortable for D. Howard last night (like he did last season), I thought about PJ Brown. Man, he could really help us. And I thought about JJ’s request for veteran help. Again, I really like our young nucleus and I’m glad they all get 30+ minutes. But you have to love the way Lo and AJ have been playing. The way they just bring a calming influence. Lo proved for the upteenth time that you don’t have to be a shot blocker to play great low post defense. You just have to keep the opposing player out of his comfort zone. And that is mostly done with strength, finesse and smarts. And it is why Shelden may yet become a good low post defender in time (ala Oakley & Mahorn). I’m high on Law and I want him to get his 28+ minutes but I am loving what AJ is doing. When Smith hugged AJ after that late 3-point shot, I thought “hey, we’re playing AND celebrating like a TEAM”. I really believe we need to defeat either Raptors or Pistons for last night’s win to take root.

And let’s plan on hopping on Horford’s back tonight. Young man didn’t play much because of foul trouble. Let’s see what he can do with Bosh in the low post and maybe ride those broad shoulders for much of tonight’s game on both sides of the court.

Last night’s win was so good, Ando and I even found common ground. Kind of like AJ and Smith. Kumbayah, Ando!

By TK

December 11, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Sekou,

Enjoy your work.

So what’s the rest of Dave Tizdale’s defensive scheme, besides putting Joe Johnson on Jameer Nelson? Surely there’s more to it than that. Is that classified? I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop in this morning’s article. But no.

More X’s and O’s please, where you can get away with it. We’re baskeball junkies, or we would not still be Hawks fans!

Food for our addiction, please.

TK

By Tap Daddy

December 11, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe you hit it on the head when you said they were celebrating like a team. Even early in the game I saw them cheering each other on and really enjoying the moment. Lorenzen took a charge and guys were running to help him up..little things like that are what being a team is all about, having each others back and playing for one goal. I know were only .500 but it feels good to be a Hawks fan again.

By mavid

December 11, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Smoove is usually on Bosh.

In fact, it was the most entertaining player match-up I saw all last season. Should be good again.

By Dan

December 11, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Awesome MATEEN CLEEVES reference! I love that guy!

Anyway, you’re right. Tonight will be hard on Josh Smith and Joe. They do, however, go two days before they play again after tonight. Maybe, knowing rest is on the horizon will help push them through tonight. Would also help if Childress would come back.

Being over .500 after 21 games would be great! Also, would give a cushion with the Pistons coming up on Friday.

Hope everyone will be there tonight. As the great Bob Rathman (sp?) said last night, “this team deserves your support”.

By dbell

December 11, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

I live in NEW YORK, and the Hawks are a really fun team to watch when they are playing well.( BELIVE ME I AM A KNICKS FAN)

I am a Arizona Alumnus and a Great fan of Salim Stoudamire, Its nice to see him get early minutes for once, however if he misses a shot i wouldnt pull him out right away like coach woodson did in the first half. That is how you kill a shooters Mind. Salim is a great player , and now even a better person. I think Coach woodsom labels Salim as a guy with an attitude problem, but Woddy doesnt realize people Mature very quickly in the NBA. Salim is a very close freind of mine, and he is the nicest, most humble person i know. I would love to see this guy on the floor more and more, and let him do his thing out there. Gaurenteed the crowd will go bananas when he starts hitting!! He is so fun to watch!

By terrell barron

December 11, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Ken, I have to agree. Woodrow coached a pretty good game last night. We kill him when he makes poor decisions, lets give him credit, when its due. I still say, that putting Joe on Jammeer was HUGE. That definately affected the flow of their offense.

By mountain jim

December 11, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Good stuff Sekou!

Can you find out about Sheldon’s elbow and update us?

By G Money

December 11, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

tb, ks:

I agree. I have been one of the biggest naysayers about Woodson. Last night he seemed to reach a milestone as well understanding how he might best use all of the chess pieces at his disposal. He has quite a few weapons if he thinks beyond his knight and bishop.

By Agent Z

December 11, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

At least Horford will be well rested. I never thought having him in foul trouble would be a positive…

By Mike

December 11, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

DBell

Great to hear some positive words about my boy Salim, but there are guys on this blog that are huge Salim fans, me being one of them. I’m not Woody’s defender, I’m about the team. Salim is starting to get his opportunity. The thing you like about Salim now is the little things he does when he’s not scoring. Yea I want my boy Salim to get more PT, but I wanted within the context of the team. This team will need his scoring, and his contribution on defense. Maybe he can help out with TJ Ford tonight. All those miss shots will payoff, it helps him gets his rhythm. I had no problem when Woody took Salim out last night.

If Salim maintain his positive attitude and defensive intensity he’ll be ready to go when his number is call. I think the coaching staff will realize that Salim is there best option against small penetrating guards. This guy is a big game player, he’ll make some big shots for this team before it’s all said and done.

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Brave Fan

December 11, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

I liked what I saw last night. If Smith doesn’t make the ASG, it’s a crime. Especially if he keeps playing like he has.

Great article, Sekou.

By JerryWest

December 11, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Our forwards make it easy for so many matchups.

Marvin and Smoove can guard all 5 positions at spot duty. Chillz and JJ can guard 1-4 at spot duty.

The length make it hard on the 3 point shooters or full court hail Mary passes. Our quick defensive backs almost always intercept them.

When Acie gets his legs back, our defensive weaknesses at PG will be gone. He is quick enough to guard the quick PGs and big and strong enough to guard most swingmen. Defensive switching will be so much smoother.

If Lo clicks and give us some effective minutes we can take care of big stiffs like Brenda Haywood and Bogut from taking advantage of our smaller/quicker big combos.

Last nights game wasn’t just a win. It showed so many new possibilities for this team - Horford’s offense and Shelden’s overall game notwithstanding.

By Chuck in NC

December 11, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Anytime a team like the Hawks is playing a “referendum game” every few days, that’s a pretty good sign. Given the number of supremely flawed teams in the East, I have to like the Hawks’ chances to make some noise for the first time since the mid 1990s or so.

And I care about the Hawks for the first time since they stupidly traded Dominique away, killing the fan base and derailing what had been a great team.

By Lil E

December 11, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Like I said before last night’s game, Mike Woodson does a very good job responding to his critics. I was personally impressed with the performance of the entire coaching staff. I believe it is essential for Woodson to place more faith in his assistants to play the way we played last night. Josh Smith, use the glass when you drive man, and watch your FG% go up. People are a little rough on Shelden Williams, considering this is his sophomore season. Shelden showed better timing on his rebounds and his block of Hedo when he drove to the basket. I think he definately earned the backup PF spot. I believe Woodson put Zaza on the inactive list to bring out Wright. Either that or Zaza is soft as silk. All those knocking Al for his foul trouble, you’ve got to remember this was his 20th game in the NBA compared to an athletic freak with 3+ seasons worth of experience. Tonight could be another big night for our front court, who lack a real defensive/rebounding presence (outside of 215 lb. Bosh) to stop our long athletic forwards. Go to the basket on offense, and it’s important for our guards to get down the court and play defense to keep them from fast breaking on us. I believe we can and will win the rebounding battle tonight, but everyone has to box out. This will be a good chance for Mike Woodson to use Sheldon, Solomon, and Salim. Let’s beat these guys and go back above .500 like we were after the first game. Go Hawks!

By Bronnt

December 11, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Hopefully we don’t have any hangover from a big win last night. It’s time to move on, and the game tonight makes me nervous. A loss tonight could hurt the momentum the Hawks have built up, especially with a trip to Detroit on Friday. So this game might be important for the Hawks to win.

Chris Bosh has missed a few games for the Raptors and I think they might be better than their record. They have the inside out big man dynamic-which Boozer and Okur give to Utah-with Bosh and Bargnani. Bosh is a very different challenge from Howard-he’s not going to miss 12 free throws. But we worried about the outside shooters of Orlando, but Toronto has some deadly shooters. Check out these 3PT percentages:

Andrea Bargnani-45.2% Anthony Parker-50% Carlos Delfino-44.4% Jason Kapono-50% Jose Calderon-43.3%

Joe and Josh played 48 and 45 minutes last night respectively. I’m really worried about the game tonight.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

December 11, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Great win and superb effort! Now if we can do this every night, we’d be scaring the snot out of the East right now. It was definitely great to hear Josh Smith come out and say his erratic shot selection was hurting this team and that he was going to get that under control. Now watch how fast that All-Star invitation arrives in his mailbox? I’ve been critical of him for it, but for him to say it, speaks volumes about his desire to be an elite player and I’m glad for him really. He’s still young so even in my critique I hoped the best for him and man if he continues like he is now- LOOK OUT! There’s no denying this team has boatloads of talent on it, it’s just the third qtr spells of “i-tus” was indeed making me crazy. I have no doubt once they get rid of that, the sky’s the limit. I hope whatever the coach has done to make it look like that may come to an end, DON’T STOP! I know I have been straight hatin on Woody for not fixing this problem, but if he does fix it, I will gladly eat crow pie on that one. IMO that’s is THE main thing holding the Hawks back and driving us all crazy! Here’s to hoping we’re starting to see the beginning of something beautiful for these Hawks, Lord knows this town could use it.

GO HAWKS!!

By Don!

December 11, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

The Hawks are a deep team. That’s their blessing and their curse. Being deep helps them through the grind of a long season — but it also hurts their continuity from time to time.

What I really hope to see from the Hawks is improvement throughout the season — and maybe they can shorten the bench by the end of the season enough to put together the type of team that will be competitive in the East.

I think, in our own way, we can be as good as the Celtics. They have the higher top-end talent — but we definitely have the better roster from 4 - 12.

Let’s just see where the schedule takes us from here. This team isn’t good enough to look at more than one game at a time … although us blog citizens like to look far, far further into the future.

Later,

Don!

By New York Hawk

December 11, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

It’s ironic how up until last night, I couldn’t have cared less about Sheldon’s minutes or whether or not he ever got PT again. But now I’m like everyone else on this blog…Sekou, for the love of all that is holy!!!!! Is Sheldon’s elbow OK????????

By Ryder

December 11, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Who ever thought the day would come when we would worry about Shelden Williams??? Wow!

By JerryWest

December 11, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Rathbun had the funniest line last night. When Horford fell on the broadcasters table, Scott aided Horford to get up and pushed him to the court. Rathbun said that must be the first assists of Scott’s career. People were falling out of their chairs laughing. Even Scott was laughing hard.

Someone should tell our broadcasters to say the stats more. Everytime someone has a rebound or point they should say like “JJ’s got 18 points” or something like that. If you don’t watch the game with your laptop its hard to tell if Horford had his 5th rebound or 12th rebound.

By Clyde

December 11, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Bump all this nice stuff. This blog was built on negativity. Some of yall sound like a bunch of simps. What’s up wit Ken Stickland. One week he’s down wit the FIRE BILLY AND WOODY click but this week he’s singing thier praises. You can’t keep playing both sides of the fence.

Woody is still Woody. You are not suppose to be playing your star player 48 minutes in December. Did he not learn from last year? Save him for February and March Woody.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Remembering Roundfield

December 11, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

I like the fact that everyone is excited and chiming in about our Hawks, but I’m still concerned about consistency. I know that we are probably not going to rip off many 10-12 game winning streaks but if we can play tough defense and share the ball on a nightly basis we can be better than we have any idea. I hope Coach Woodson continues to develope in using his team to their fullest potential and getting things under control (even to pulling his starters)when they don’t give their best effort every night. I have tried to be patient with Woody but I was at wit’s end just a few weeks ago, thinking “why doesn’t he do something… anything to get these guys playing together!” I frankly gave up on him and began to join others in calling for his replacement. I would still rather him stay and just fix what’s wrong. Hopefully he will be more proactve in coaching from this point on.

By cp

December 11, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Good win last night.. I was at work so I wasn’t able to watch anything but the highlights and check out the stats. Hopefully this team has turned the corner and keep playing as a team. I hope they keep it up and prove a lot of people wrong.

By Khao$

December 11, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Bronthas a point. Because our starters played so many minutes (mainly Joe and Josh), they may hit a wall tonight. The onus lies on guys like Marvin (who didn’t play quite as much) to help carry the load.

Clyde,I’m with you. Woodson is still Woodson. This winning streak doesn’t change that. I’ll give him this…I think he knows his stuff defensively. However, on the other side of the ball, I think that players use their natural abilities to make plays as opposed to relying on Woody’s X’s and O’s. Also if (and it’s still if until we clinch a berth)we make the playoffs, I hope all of the minutes JJ and Josh have logged won’t hurt them later on. But on a bright side, 10-10 in the first quarter of the season, I’ll take it with this team.

We’re seeing guys mature. It’s beautiful. Especially for us guys who been with this team through the dismatling, rebuilding, Belkin-Gate, and draft debacles. Let’s just pray it last.

Hawks fans, I hear Cubs, Eagles, Phillies, and Knicks fans bemoaning their lot. If any fanbase (no matter the size) deserves some good news, it’s ours. Playoffs or bust.

By Ken Strickland

December 11, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Everyone seems excited, and rightfully so. There are a lot of references to comments made by JSmith, and I also quoted him in an earlier post. But, if you’re looking for the catalyst that got this team to win 7 out of 10, just remember the players only meeting. It appears JSmith wasn’t the only one that rededicate his focus and effort.

We really need a healthy Chills and Zaza. Zaza is an emotional guy and I can see him elevating his gm to the level of his teammates. With the improved DEF of his teammates, he won’t have to concentrate on covering the lane(not that he did to begin with).

Over the last few seasons all of us had to settle for watching young, talented and athletic players develop. Now, we have the luxury of watching a young, talented and athetic TEAM develop. Man, what time is the next gm? All of the articles were stating how the next 3-4gms would really test the maturity of this team. Wouldn’t it be amazing if the Hawks swept all 3-4teams, or at least win 3 out of 4? When was the last time anyone has been this excited about a Hawks team 20gms into the season? WOW!!!!!

By Astro Joe

December 11, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Clyde, I don’t always agree with you but I do appreciate your consistency. Your 3:04 post was classic. No Kumbayah for you, huh? LOL.

By JerryWest

December 11, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

48 minutes for JJ.

What’s the over/under (before/after) day for losing JJ for the rest of the season?

By Jay Black

December 11, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Man….I thought I was the only one that noticed the sorry ESPN recap. They were acting as if the Orlando had merely lost the game instead of Atlanta winning it hands down. Hopefully, it’ll get better when we really start winning. Take notice!!!

By honest_abe

December 11, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

bollocks. my long post got lost.

kudos to myself for saying aj should be starting all along. the man is running the point very solidly.

jsmith is turning into a franchise player. he is the heart and soul of the hawks. the man, er i mean kid is going to be an all star this year. now if we could only find out who convinced him to stop taking 100 long jumpers a game and start aggressively taking the ball to the rack.

there was a shelly and lo sighting last night. wonder how long it might be before they decide to show up again.

anywho, i enjoyed the win last night and goooo hawks tonight!

By K-Dogg

December 11, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith is an all star this year, right???I mean, if he keeps playing like he has been, who do you put ahead of him at forward from the East? Lebron James, Kevin Garnett, Chris Bosh…those are the only 3 locks that I can think of.

By MannyT

December 11, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

For me, being a fan starts with enjoying the ride if the games are exciting. Even though we lost the Seattle game, it was great to watch.

After watching good games, it is all about the WINS. This is the first time in a loooooong time that I expect the Hawks to be competitive almost every night.

mavid hit it on the head—there are 3 strong teams in the east, after that everything is up for grabs.

(Deleted comment here to remain hate free for another day.)

How about a little cheering for the home team early! If there is such a thing as fan karma, our bipolar ball team could use a few extra cheers to get them over the hump.

I think it will be tough to keep up with TJ Ford on the end of a back to back, but hopefully the Hawks can maintain a winning streak.

LET’S GO HAWKS!

By ILL-logical

December 11, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

The teamwork and spirit displayed in the last couple of games is good but let’s get confused: there are still some holes in this team deeper than the Pacific and if going to and advancing in the playoffs is to be obtained this year, these issues must be addressed.

1. Interior defense. Al is a rookie POWER FORWARD forced to play center. Thaa cannot last both for his as well as the team’s sake.JSmooth cannot continue to play 2 positions at the same time on defense forever.

2. Floor leadership aka point guard. AJ is doin’ and doin’ it well ,for now. Acie is a rookie so consistancy will be an issue throughout the season.

3. ZaZa. Can he man up and address issue # 1? Here is where the rubber meets the road because if the answer to this question is no then he has got to go. and getting the piece(s) that can help the team to not only get to the playoffs but make some noise is key. All the talk of wait ‘till next year must be put in the context of the fact that the future is now!

By Uncle Dave

December 11, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Who are these guys? The team that stunk it up in the third quarter against Detroit last week was not on the floor last night… I have never seen such extremes.

By New York Hawk

December 11, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

It would be great timing if Chills is able to play tonight. JS, JJ, and Lorenzen are gonna be tired. Chills (if he plays) and Horford could come up huge tonight.

By HB Ando

December 11, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

Yeah, guys, baby steps… Woody didn’t just turn into WOODEN last night. The hallmark of playoff teams is consistency, and we’ll need another 20 games to see if recent play was the beginning of a trend, or a good couple of weeks.

A good bit of the clamoring for a physical presence, at center, came about because Lo Wright mailed it in last year, and had not been seen from so far this season. He’s not the long term solution I dream of, but if he is willing, and Woody will give him the minutes, to go out there and lean on opposing big fellas, for 20-25 minutes a night, then a lot of other guys on this team can play in their more natural roles.

I mentioned it last night, and haven’t heard anyone comment on it, but keep in mind that Sixers beat the Rockets and the Heat beat the Suns, as well. If you don’t find those victories as absolute assurance that the Sixers and the Heat are now destined for the playoffs, you logically have to temper any similar conclusion about the absolute value of the Hawks win last night.

Not down playing it. Just want to highlight the potential folly in believing there’s no looking back. This team will continue to befuddle us on any given night.

Let’s see if they can follow up last night’s shocker with a home-court hold against the Raps. And, I hope that we get a real good look at Calderon tonight, because I’ve heard some folks here suggest he’s not all that. I beg to differ, and would like to see him show some of you what a truly gifted distributor of the ball looks like (and I believe he’s going to be a prime target for a sign-and-trade this summer, as I don’t think he’ll stay in Toronto as a long-term back up, given that he’s easily better than 10-15 of the starting point guards in the league right now).

By roan st

December 11, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Damn bobby petrino just quit the falcons. What Gives? Blank once promised to turn this moribound franchise into a winner and now it’s in utter disarray. Thank god the hawks are giving us a glimmer of hope.

By Ryder

December 11, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

consistency Clyde I like it. Let’s not get overboard, as this team has, and take it game by game. If they can stop from getting absolutely blown out and continue to play defense well, then we may see the consistency we’ve been waiting for.

I still say from last night that this team will have to win on their athelticism on the defensive end first and then work on getting the ball around to the scorers on offense.

By Ryder

December 11, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

As long as he’s not eating Fried Chicken!

By Sir Stealth

December 11, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

Is thre an update on Shelden’s elbow? That’s S-H-E-L-D-E-N, SheldEn.

By Ken Strickland

December 11, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

CLYDE, if you have any kids, I want to ask you this. If your kids act badly, do you chastise them and get on their case? On the other hand, if they do very well, do you still chastise them and get on their case. I’m just following the same philosophy in life that you would follow to effective raise your kids.

If the team had continued down their previous road of disarray, I’d continue to say FIRE WOODSON. But, if he adjusts his approach, and if the players successfully embraces it and we have a successful season as a result, then I will become his biggest fan. You see CLYDE, I can do this because I don’t make any of this personal. GO HAWKS AND GO WOODY!!!!!

By Sekou K. Smith

December 11, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

I think it should be clear by now (7:10 to play in the second quarter) that Shelden’s elbow is fine. My bad folks, there was nothing to report last night and nothing this morning. He took that hard fall last night but he was fine. He didn’t play last night in the second half because Lorenzen was used instead. I thought it worked out well, actually.

As for the rest of Fizdale’s defensive tweak against the Magic, Joe guarding Jameer Nelson ruins the Magic’s pick-and-roll offense because every switch means Nelson’s being guarded by a guy just as big or bigger than Joe (save for Anthony Johnson) and his rollers were being switched on by defenders with length like Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Al Horford, etc., other guys with the length to bother them on their spot ups and guys that can get into the passing lanes and cause turnovers (a strategy that worked to perfection).

By Astro Joe

December 11, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

The only thing more F’d up then our ownership divorce? Those Falcons. Un-freakin-believable.

By terrell barron

December 11, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Sheldon is playing 2 good games in a row. What’s up with that. He looks like a different guy. I heard that Candace was in the building, maybe she should come fore often. All jokes aside, I’m glad to see him play well. I’ve dogged him since day 1. Go Hawks

By terrell barron

December 11, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

Will somebody please make TJ Ford pay for coming inside. DAMN! I hate to quote Don Chaney, but we need to send the GOONS. Maybe Mario can slow him down in the 2nd half.

By terrell barron

December 11, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

We’ve got some tired legs on the floor tonight. It’s gonna take an outstanding effort to pull this one off. Down 11 at the half. HOW ABOUT ANOTHER MINNESOTA MIRACLE.

By doc

December 11, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

a,j i just read what happened in falcon land after reading your post. wow, bring back the clampetts, blank is out of his league and looking like a rodney dangerfield look alike. first, he should have kept the guy doing a pretty good job in dallas and next should have gotten the guy that would have died to come home ad is instead in arizona. he and his boy mckay try to outsmart everyone with cuteness and it blows up in their faces, mora and now petrino. guess the guy who has the last laugh is gruden lamblasted by blank in an interview. got to wonder if gruden didnt see through mckay from the start as a guy who has a good spiel but cant back it up.

hawks just dont quite have the stuff to stop these guards, said it would determine the game in the blog this am. oh well, let us see if they can somehow rally in the last few minutes but the bucket isnt big enough this quarter.

By doc

December 11, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

a,j i just read what happened in falcon land after reading your post. wow, bring back the clampetts, blank is out of his league and looking like a rodney dangerfield look alike. first, he should have kept the guy doing a pretty good job in dallas and next should have gotten the guy that would have died to come home ad is instead in arizona. he and his boy mckay try to outsmart everyone with cuteness and it blows up in their faces, mora and now petrino. guess the guy who has the last laugh is gruden lamblasted by blank in an interview. got to wonder if gruden didnt see through mckay from the start as a guy who has a good spiel but cant back it up.

hawks just dont quite have the stuff to stop these guards, said it would determine the game in the blog this am. oh well, let us see if they can somehow rally in the last few minutes but the bucket isnt big enough this quarter.

By Astro Joe

December 11, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Biggest difference in these 2 teams (Raptors and Hawks), Raptors have a team full of shooters and we mostly have athletes. And of course, Salim sits while we struggle with tired legs to score. Poor, poor game by Law, also. Much too indecisive.

By HB Ando

December 11, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Clyde, do you ever get the feeling that Ken doesn’t even acknowledge that the color gray exists?

Ken, this isn’t about our children. It’s about basketball….

By Mike

December 11, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

First of all my prayers goes out to TJ Ford. Al is a good kid, I know he didn’t try to hurt TJ.

Before anybody starts getting on Josh Smith he was working on dead legs. This was the kind of game where you just have to move on.

Woody had to go with bench more in this game. It’s no way you can expect these to log those kinds of minutes in back to back games. This would have been a good game to get Salim, Mario, and Solomon at lease two quarters of play.

With TJ getting carted off the floor, it’s hard to even discuss basketball, so I will give Woody a pass tonight.

GO TJ FORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By HB Ando

December 11, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Man, what a shame about Ford. Clearly Horford didn’t try to hurt him. Obviously, his being carted off on a stretcher overshadows the outcome of the tame.

That being said, I think I may have mentioned something about Calderon showing some folks here just how good he is. How about 15 points and 7 dimes in 18 minutes. And, if you look it up, his averages, when starting this year, are at 12.5 and 10.4 dimes. His dimes per 48 minutes rank second only to Steve Nash.

I believe that Calderon will receive an offer sheet, for starters’ money. And I assumed that Toronto couldn’t match that kind of money for a back up. But if Ford, tragically, is facing an aggravation of his previous spinal injury, and it’s career-threatening, then Calderon may well be staying in Toronto. A young man’s health, and career, are too important to even engage in “what if’s” about Calderon’s status this summer.

Here’s hoping that TJ Ford is OK.

We can talk about the implications of the Hawks’ loss on another day……

By buckhead Benny

December 11, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

It’s like I said in the earlier blog- Most of our starters logged way too many minutes last night. Woodson this is his last development stage as a coach- You have got to play your energy guys after an emotional tiring game back to back- Salim, Mario West, Sheldon, and Solomn- All of these guys played with a lot of heart and should have been used heavily-

You can’t tell me a good coach after an emotional victory against a far less superior team at your own home and you get blown out. How does Woodson not know by now to get others in this ballgame- You know Joe has to be exausted and a lot of the rest of the starters put the other guys in. They will only get better but yet your going to keep your stars legs fresh and less prone to getting hurt down the road-

Woodson has got to learn to subsititue you can tell they didn’t have the same legs after last night-

Take a not from Bobby Cox afer a double header- Baseball doesn’t have near the cardio and running basketball does- He plays different guys because he knows its a long season. Why and the hell can’t our coach do this? You know Salim Solomn, Sheldon, and Mario would have ran all night up that floor-

These are the things that you shake your head at Woodson, and I am sorry I’ll give Woodson his due when its due. He doesn’t get any due for playing his same guys that many minutes without substititing guys he has on his team that can provide a spark-

Thesa are the games you scratch your head at. YOu can’t help but hate on Woodson when you know we consistenly have more injuries in our season than any other club in the NBA- I wonder why?

By terrell barron

December 11, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

All of the people who wanted Calderon, can forget about that. There is no way Toronto lets him go after the Ford injury. I hope he’s o.k., Al was just going for the ball. He tried to get fancy and Al could’nt react. I hope Al continues to be aggressive. THESE THINGS HAPPEN

By Astro Joe

December 11, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

Prayers out to both TJ and Horford.

By THE Hawks Fan

December 11, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Man big AL voice said it all in his interview. Then the butt head reporter asked is this the worse feeling in the world to think you just ended somebodys career. What a weasel!! You could clearly tell he was shaken. I feel sorry for Ford and will pray for him. Al just has to shake this off. It could really affect his play. He is going to be suspended atleast 3 games. Stern will go over board, he clearly did not intend to do it. I mean on the break away AL is supposed to say this TJ who has a history of SPINAL problems so just let him go. Nahhh I dont think so. The whole thing was timing. The dude is quick as rat. He had faked the Hawks out all night. Just a bad spill and should be treated as such. Get better TJ and come on back. STAY UP BIG AL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By smartguy

December 11, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

GL TJ.

By reese

December 12, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Looks like I missed a good hawks game on monday night. I went to the falcons game where the hate free zone was not on display. The saints fans behind me and the falcon fans in front of me started fighting. It took security about 5 minutes to get there.

Too bad about TJ Ford, but Al Horford made a play on the ball and hit TJ’s head instead. I hope that he is OK.

By new jersey faithful

December 12, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

Why do the Hawks have such problems winning on back to back nights? I dont care how many minutes they played the night before, they are pros, and should be in enough shape to compete on back to back nights. And to boot…they are young enough where they should be able to go out there 2 in a row and dominate! Its not like they’re old farts out there, they are very young, they just have to want it more!!!!

By mykhalc

December 12, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

fellas, WTF!!!!! PETRINO BOLTS!!! freakin’ unbelivable!!!!

DOC, i keep tellin’ ya to check the water in the ATL!!! somethin’ just ain’t right!!!

anyway, hope TJ is ok!! AL definitely did not try to hurt him nor is he that kinda player!!

even tho it’s a ‘L’ tonite i’m lovin’ the way the team is playin’ since the players only meetin’!!! things have definitely shifted, no doubt. even WOODSON is lettin’ them run at will pretty much. just a real nice turn of events!! just need my boy ACIE to get his groove back!!

anyway, PETRINO…man!!! at this point, BLANK has gotta be like the emoticon that just blinks with that WTF look on its’ face!!! UNBELIVABLE!!!!!!! he’s probably not for takin’ ANYBODY’s word on ANYTHIN’ at this point either!!!! what a season!!!!

By Lil E

December 12, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this

I didn’t get a chance to watch the game. From what I hear, the Hawks just looked tired, which is the way the Hawks are. They give 125% one night and 75% the other. I said earlier, at around 1:45 pm, that Woodson should have gone to some of his bench depth perhaps even started two bench players, just to set the tone for the game. Oh well. I hope Mike Woodson learns from this game..

Good luck T.J. Ford! Go Hawks!