Hawks

By EJH

April 25, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

Sekou, I beleive the Hawks problems are immaturity, lack of focus, lack of trust, lack of hussle, and simply are itimidated by the mystic, of the celtics. Playing against K.G. Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Sam Cassell. These are the guys the young hawks group up watching, let alone they are on the same floor competing. To me they are a little in awe of there surroundings. The only way to fix this is go “PLAY BASKETBALL” don’t worry about the names on the Jerzy. Hustle play smart and trust your team mates, that is what team sports is all about, trusting the next man next to that he is going to do his job. But the hawks are to young to understand that right now. You have to want to be the best to beat the best. And there is only 3 people on the Hawks team who has that type attitude and who are willing to work, and that is J-Smooth, Al Horford, and Acie Law, the other guys are not made up that way.

By MannyT

April 25, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

Ando New owner link from prior blog should have shown, Wesley Snipes/Swipes. However, if Amy’s got the cash I could see her adding value on the Philips Arena side of ownership as long as the league isn’t too sensitive about the drug issues.

Sekou You are saying that the Celtics respect the Hawks so much they have to beat them down like a jackhammer. Does that mean that the Hawks have no respect for the Celtics? There hasn’t been much focus on our end.

The playoffs are more focused strategy against specific folks. Because you compete against the same team several times in a row there is more of a chess match going on. Unfortunately in this analogy, the pawns look like winged birds.

As a Hawks fan, I focus on the magic beans that the Lakers gave Memphis for Gasol. Clearly, both Ainge & McHale had some from their Celtic playing days. Unfortunately Kevin must have overborrowed from Danny. Danny sent Riley from the Boondocks over there last summer telling McHale to Pay What You Owe…and KG became a Celtic.

If Woody has some of those magic beans, now is the time to use them.

BWAF

By SalimFan

April 25, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

When you think about it the spurs, pistons, and Lakers are the only other teams who have constantly given the hawks a beating like we recieved from Boston this season.

By G-thang

April 25, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

are you suprised about the celts? they have a team of veterans, so do the lakers, so do detroit, so do clev, so do spurs…on and on.

hawks are too young jj and bibby are the only vets? bibby jus’ got here and jj is a quiet leader. i don’t know what billy was thinkin’.

there is talk of larry brown comin’ in. why? woody is a disciple of his. it will be more of the same.

larry brown hates youngsters, so he will destroy the ego of these we have. i am a season tix holder, don’t know for how long. these hawks are a mess. is there light at the end of the tunnel or a train?

By The_Future

April 25, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

Gettin’ 4 straight!………..

…shots at the bar for me.

By g-thang

April 25, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

what are we goin’ to do next year 08-09 season? bibby contract ends 09, joshes are have 1 yr left, no drafts in 1st or 2nd rnd. jj has 2 yrs left. speedy or craig claxton knees are shot out. salim contract is up…dang, dang, dang!!!!

By MannyT

April 25, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

SalimFan, we BEAT the Lakers this season in the Highlight Factory!

The Pistons seem to have our number. I guess they memorized the page Woody took with him from the play book.

BWAF

By SalimFan

April 25, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Manny, I know, I was talkin bout that A$$ wuppin at the staples center lol.

By ray

April 25, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

What we are seeing is the true value that Ainge got in Kevin Garnett. He is the key, he’s the map, he’s the glue, he’s the master plan. No two ways about it.

This is what happens when Garnett goes to war. No offense to Allen, Pierce, or anybody else on the Celts squad, or to Doc Rivers. They’re all good guys and effective at their jobs. Garnett is the ONE. The motivator, the very definition of intensity. The East hasn’t seen intensity anything like this since Alonzo Mourning was healthy, the Knicks were coached by Riley, Detroit had it’s Bad Boys, and MJ was in his hey-day. Period.

Meanwhile….has anybody seen Mark Bradley’s article on Marvin? All I can say is he’s either channeling Ando, or he’s been possessed by him. Minus the intellect of course. Bradley will never be that smart…Just look at his picture. Mark Bradley looks like what Steve Buscemi would look like on crack, with a botched plastic surgery job. Yep….I said it.

By ray

April 25, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Ando, now come on. Why keep offering up the same question when you KNOW that nobody is going to answer it…nor can they. Even if it is entertaining to shoot down the retarded answers…

By SalimFan

April 25, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

**By Chikara

April 24, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

I want everyone to think about something: Chris Paul gets drafted and is coached by Byron Scott, a former championshp guard who coached the Nets (with a star PG of their own) to back to back Finals appearances. So Paul already had someone experienced who could show him the ropes….

Deron Williams is drafted and coached by Jerry Sloan, one of the NBA’s best taskmasters and a hard nosed disciplinarian who coached Utah to back to back Finals appearances with a star PG. So Williams had someone experienced who could teach him discipline and execution. Remember Deron was in Sloan’s doghouse his rookie year until he got himself together.

Marvin Williams is drafted and coached by Mike Woodson, who has had zero experience as a coach and knows NOTHING about execution, discipline, or leadership. So what would happen as a result? Marvin is never taught discipline and execution and above average talent is diminished.

Many people will blame the player, and he deserves some of the fault, but one can’t help but think if he was taught by a Popovich or Don Nelson would he be as timid offensively. I don’t think so.

He was a go-to person when UNC won their title. Remember he hit the winning shot that year and everyone raved about his talent.

Bottom line while Marvin Williams is still young and talented to be a top scorer one day, Woodson’s time has passed and Marvin needs a real disciplinarian to work on him.**

I Agree!!

By ray

April 25, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

SalimFan, yeah me too….but how can the same not be said of Josh Smith? I know you didn’t say that…but some people do feel that way.

I say that Acie will really show us something different with Woodson out of the picture, too. Long as he doesn’t end up cursed by playing for a coach that doesn’t like young pgs.

By new jersey faithful

April 25, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

The Hawks series isnt the only one thats been blow outs. The Lakers, and Hornets have been one sided too, just a few point less than the Hawks. The NBA in general is just lame, its like NASCAR, only the ending is worth watching, and even then it just drags out waaaaaaay too long!!! The NBA just isnt a good product!

By SalimFan

April 25, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Yeah I hear ya, I can’t wait for the front-office changes this summer. Hopefully BK or whoever the GM is won’t drop the ball on choosing the next coach to lead this team.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 25, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Philly is currently leading Detroit by 24 points.

That marks not just two wins for Philly, but you can now throw a decisive win in there too.

I realize the Celtics are on a higher level than Detroit, and you can say what you want about the Hawks’ roster, but I refuse to believe we are that much less talented than the 76ers to where we can’t even keep one game competitive. Game 3 better be that game.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 25, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, and that Philly blowout comes despite Andre Iguodala, their best player, having a terrible game.

So who carried them, you ask?

Their center and point guard had great games, and they had 28 points off the bench.

Ayo Woody and Billy, wake the f-ck up…

By Atlanta Hawks Front Office

April 25, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Renew your 2008-2009 Hawks season tickets now and get free “FIRE MIKE WOODSON” thundersticks!

CALL NOW!!

(888) SWEEP-IN-4

By SalimFan

April 25, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Hey check out thes exelent scouting report for game 3.

This expresses pretty much all of the problems we have stated.

Lisa Salters reported during the philly game thet Larry Brown is thinking about coming to Atlanta if woodson isn’t resign him. Also he is thinking about going to Denver to Reunite with AI.

Honestly he’s a DRIFTER!! HE WON’T STAY LONG AND HE DEFENTLY WONT UPHOLD HIS CONTRACT. I SAY IF HE COMES HERE WE ONLY SIGHN HIM FOR A YEAR THAT WAY HE WON’T GET FIDGETY. HE WILL WANT TO COME BACK BECAUSE AT THE END OF EVERY YEAR HE WON’T HAVE JOB SECURITY AND HE WONT FEEL OBLIGATED.

Seriously though, Mike Fratello For Head Coach. The hawks are a long-term project and we need a coach that will be committed for the long-haul. Someone who has a good 10 years in them. I don’t think thats LB. We need a “sloan” somone(A Great Coach) we can rely on for a long time.

By MannyT

April 25, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

I wonder why they got rid of the thundersticks. They were good for making noise w/o yelling.

Throw in those development comments when you talk about Philly’s bench. No one was excited about their back ups at the start of the season. Given time on the court and some coaching, they have gotten better.

BWAF

By Ryan Cameron

April 25, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Thunder-sticksssssssssss….

By SalimFan

April 25, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

More on the Brown situation

Why is Glass being so tight-lipped?

I Really don’t think LB is a good fit. LB Can’t commit to anything…

By SalimFan

April 25, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Last season, At least one of my thunder-sticks always had a hole in it. That really P I S S E D me off.

Damn thunder sticks, everone else got thunder-sticks without holes, how come I can’t? I WANT JUSTICE DARNIT!!! BWAF

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 25, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

You know what would be really weird?

If the Hawks hired Larry Brown, and as he put together his staff, he tried to hire one of his top assistants from his Detroit days… Mike Woodson.

I personally don’t think Brown’s methodical, grind-it-out approach is the right fit for the Hawks team as it’s currently made up anyway. Unless they make some significant offseason moves that add a lot more size I don’t see that working.

Everyone’s really high on Larry Drew, though, why not give him a shot? These tough, gritty point guards from the 80s have had decent success as head coaches (Isiah being the obvious exception)… I’ll admit I really don’t know what kind of style he would coach or whatever, but he’s been an assistant on some good teams, maybe he can get it done.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 25, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Man forget Thundersticks… I wanna be able to show up an hour and a half before game time and get to move down to the Hawk-a-Licious section in the lower level and get a free T-shirt.

By SalimFan

April 25, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Orlando and Miami give all of their fans free T-Shirs. WHY DO HAWKS FANS HAVE TO WORK SO HARD TO GET FREE S** DARNIT? JUSTICE!!!

BWAF…

By SalimFan

April 25, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Poop, I’m all for giving an assisant coach a fair shot BUT the Hawks are on the EDGE. Were so close to being a 50 win team. I just think we need a proven seasond coach for the job. I really think that would ease Joe Johnsons stress a lot.

BWAF…

By MannyT

April 25, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Now Clyde might have been able to sneak his trademark slogans into Philips on his own Thunder sticksssss

SalimFan That article makes it sound like a retired Hawks blogger writes articles about Phoenix ;-)

We can pass on Coach Wanderlust. However, two years in Phoenix might be just the thing for him.

Almost funny in a lame sort of way to see Dampier push CP3 at the end of that game. This is exactly why it is ok to have that John Cheney approved goon on your squad. He could lay the wood to one of the Dallas stars and stare down Dampier.

Question for the blog universe from that ESPN article. Who is more likely to improve his 3 pt shot during the offseason—Marvin or Josh (Smith)?

I don’t include Chills here, but I expect his shot to improve because it is an Olympic year. He can practice 3 pointers with the shot putters!

BWAF

By HB Ando

April 25, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

“Maybe they should rework the playoff structure and go one through 16 and do away with the eight from each conference setup?”

SS, my exact point a couple of days ago. The league should have either given the Warriors our slot, or gone to a 15-team bracket, given the Celtics a first-round bye, and avoided the possibility that the Celtics might lose a key player in a clearly pointless 4-game series, with an unworthy playoff opponent.

Reggie Miller is the first person I heard, this year, trumpeting this “top-16 teams” logic, though I do not know if it was his idea. I have to agree, and say that the six division winners should get in, and then the next 10 best teams, based on won-loss record, regardless of conference.

As I said a few days ago, it’s not that far-fetched to give the Warriors the 8th seed, in the East, when both Memphis and New Orleans are in the Western Conference.

In an e-mail to Levenson, 3 weeks ago, I told him that the Hawks making the playoffs, with a well-below .500 mark might actually be the impetus for the NBA to change it’s playoff structure. You can’t figure that the owner of the Warriors is too happy about winning 11 more games than the Hawks, committing fully from a financial standpoint, to be competitive, only to sit out the playoffs, while a fractured, and financially uncommitted franchise, like the Hawks, gets to participate in the big dance.

Will be interesting to see if anything happens when the owners all get together in the off-season, to talk about change.

By Matt

April 25, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

Ray and doc,

Hahaha. Kinda crazy stuff. Nah, I’m a DC law student who “lives” in Philly. I’m only 24, so no family yet. Never played anything past JV ball, and definitely wasn’t an assistant coach anywhere. I actually got yelled at by some dude when I first started posting who claimed that he was the “Real Matt.” I think that was last summer sometime. He seems to have disappeared, though.

To answer your question, though - I was indeed the guy you were debating about Marvin v. Smoove, at least during this basketball season. But looking back, it looks like my predecessor Matt was also on the Marvin bandwagon! He seems to have been a much more vociferous Woody defender than I am, though. Maybe legal-minded Hawks fans named Matt just think alike…

Maybe I should come up with a more clever handle than “Matt?” My name’s too damned common anyway. If I see any other people using it, I’ll think of something better…

That being said, I love the post by Chikara/SalimFan - my thoughts exactly!

By SalimFan

April 25, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

Manny, Marvin for sure. He just has to get more under the ball when he shoots couple hundred 3pt shots a day in the gym and he’ll have it down pact.

Now smoove’s mechanics is all wrong, even though he has the range. He needs a shooting coach to re-tool his jumpshot. If he can do that we might just have our own personal LeBron James.

By SalimFan

April 25, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

I think Harry Is just mad that I think Sky Hawk is cooler. Thats why no shirs ever come my way. HAATTERRR!!!

Matt, Preciate tha love.

By doc

April 26, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

matt, i thought you had simply reinvented yourself as a marvin advocate because no one no matter how argumentative he can be even as a lawyer can he find an argument to support woody anymore …. except the owners because we are unsophisticated and because woody hasnt ever complained. i think if marvin keeps backing up you are going to have to reinvent yourself or do a mea culpa like i did. i argued his relevance as a 2 pick and i was pleased with what i saw of marvin as a rook and thought he would end up a 22/6 guy without effort and liked his poise. the sad fact is he extrapolates to no more than what he was as a rook based on minutes played then and real minutes now.

whatever, glad you are contributing and yes there was a matt that came around the blogs that wasnt you or the other matt this summer that celebrated the birth of his first born that drove everyone crazy including himself probably.

you know fewer and fewer folks are claiming to the world that the hawks are going to win one game much less than shock the world by winning a championship.

ATF, bro, there is no doubt this team aint got the change and will manage their product accordingly and try to spin it otherwise. neither of us will be overcome by the smoke screen.

shame we didnt have a leader that built the confidence of his players rather than beat them down or we might have a team even better than the sixers who “rebuilt” in two years instead of the 4 or 6 or 9 years that this franchise did. go sixers! i wonder if our sophisticated owners who will sit on the sidelines tomorrow are taking notice? wealth doesnt automatically give one sophistication nor intelligence. sadly the latter is more important than the former …. basg might lack both.

By Hmmmm???

April 26, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

Sekou, Who gets the Rookie Poster of the Year award???

Where do I place my vote???

By doc

April 26, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

salimfan the problem is marvin wasnt in a gym every day last summer shooting 500 a day to make himself into a three point shooter smash put in the time. i’ll take smash’s effort to get better as i like folks with ambition and drive. just dont see it in marvin yet and it should have been visible by now. maybe since this is more of a contract year maybe marvin will grow up and start earning his money.

By SalimFan

April 26, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

Doc, So you think it will be Josh next season as the better 3pt shooter right?

I hope you’re right. We can live with marvin being in the mid-range shooter if josh can consistantly knock down the Trifecta.

By Rookie Blogger of the Year

April 26, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this

I defenetly deserve that award….

BWAF

By Steve Belkin

April 26, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

If you think I’m hiring Larry Brown, you’re even stupider than I thought.

Stupid.

By doc

April 26, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

no salim, just dont think marvin is ready to put in the time yet. maybe he will change his tune when he realizes the bucks on the line after this summer. he will have to find a reason to pick up his level of intensity and if it takes a payday to do it then bring it on.

right now without significant work neither is capable to be a credible 3 point man as you only need to get a small bit above 33%. i wasnt implying that josh is a three point shooter, just someone willing to work harder at his game which i like unless you are the complete package which neither is at present.

By ray

April 26, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

Doc, agreed.

Salimfan, disagreed. But I still love ya.

By SalimFan

April 26, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

2:1-Darn lol

I never knew that marvin didn’t practice hard in the off-season though. It’s either that or he just needs to have surgery to remove some of that baggage in his caboose thats slowin’ him down lol.

By doc

April 26, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this

my suns are out of it it would seem, my spurs will have to carry on until they meet my celts in the finals unless of course my lakers get there to win it all instead. yes, after 50 miserable years of being a dedicated hawks fan i am going to cover my bets all around this year and go with the front runners to assure i have a successful and self satisfied off season as a winner instead of the loser i have been for the past 50 odd years. i might even begin blogging as one of the homers for the ultimate nba champs.

nah, i couldnt leave all my friends behind ….. pause to consider last statement …. unless, unless, …. done for the effect of holding the reader in rapt attention … i can convince all of them to come with me. how about it hershel … are you on board?

By doc

April 26, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this

salim, i wouldnt worry unless we sic hershel on you.

By SalimFan

April 26, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this

Ha, Yeah Herschel is trouble, i’ll keep that in mind.

My pistons need to stop playing around.

BWAF…

By SalimFan

April 26, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

Doc, sorry the bandwagon is back in boston, we’re not coming BWAF.

By cp

April 26, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

It would just be nice to see some effort, energy, and hustle out of more than 2 guys tomorrow. The Celtics are going after every loose ball and rebound they can get . They can be up 20 and still out hustle our guys. It is time for some of these young guys to really lay it on the line. You never know when you will make the playoffs again so I would love to see some type of urgency….

I wonder if Phoenix is going to fire D’Antoni..If they do I think he would be the perfect fit for this team. I like Larry Brown but not for this team. He does not like a lot of young players and we have a roster full of them..

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 26, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this

SalimFan… you may think Sky Hawk is cool, and yeah he can dunk off a trampoline which is great… but can he do this?

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 26, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

And yeah, D’Antoni would be a great fit for this team. I don’t think he would win us a championship, but he would bring the right style of play to this group of athletes, getting them to run up and down the floor. At least we’d be respectable.

By BA

April 26, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

The difference between Smith and Marvin Williams? Two things. First, Josh Smith has the GUTS to take a three, just like he has the guts to drive the ball in the lane against anyone. Marvin took (If I’m wrong, sue me) ONE three point shot all year. And only in the last quarter of the season did I see him start to develop any legitimate post moves (primarly, his suprisingly good jump hook, which he should use more). The second difference is his willingness to be available for Joe to kick it out of the double teams. When Joe gets doubled, who’s out on the perimeter right in his sights? Usually, Smith. That’s because Josh reads the game well, he knows the double on Joe is coming, and he gets where Joe can see him. You just don’t see Marvin move well off the ball like that. They have their set screen for the Marvin jumper, but I’m talking about moving off the ball when the original play-call is blown up. I refuse to believe Marvin can hit a stand up jumpshot at will but it’s impossible for him to hit a three. I think doc nailed it when he said if Marvin was willing to work hard enough, like Smith, his developement would quicken. By the way doc, how did you know that about Smith working extra (I’m sure it’s valid, I just wonder how you knew)? Anyway, three-pointers are about fourteenth on the list of things I want EITHER of these guys working on.

By LA Hawk

April 26, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this

I think once this series finally gets to the ATL the Hawks will take this series over. The home court Phillips and the rowdy fans we have will be more than enough to over take 20 or 30 point deficits we have suffered on the road.

Add the mojo of the brilliant Woodson to the balanced roster, the Hawks will easily even this series up here in Atlanta. Then we just need to steal one in Boston which should be no problem given the genius coach and the incredible collection of talent assembled by the incomparable Billy Knight. I got my tix for round two. I bought them from a scalper for 3 times face value but at least I’ll be there, be-atches!!!

By BA

April 26, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this

There’s a lot of bad stuff said on here about Mike Woodson, some of it by me. But buying tix for the cleaing crew? Out of what likely will be one of his last Hawks paychecks? That’s just old-fashoined class. Nice move Woody. Joe Johnson says “We need it packed in here.” Hey Joe, WE need about thirty-five, and maybe ten dimes. Also, Joe, I need to borrow some cash to buy the tickets.

By Boston Celtics Front Office

April 26, 2008 3:13 AM | Link to this

WOW! It’s amazing what signing 2 stars can do to a franchise over night!

WHY DIDN’T YOU TRY TO GET KG, BILLY KNIGHT??!!

Sucker.

By BA

April 26, 2008 3:22 AM | Link to this

Our good buddy, “sucker”, reminds me. Ray, Doc, Ando, even Clyde: What was the deal with the Amare/Hawks trade? Was it really just a rumor? Did Belkin squash it? I need you fellas over there at the big boy’s liars table to fill me in.

By Is It Ice Puckey Season Yet?

April 26, 2008 3:27 AM | Link to this

The Thrashers got swept in last year’s NHL playoffs, but at least they were Division Champions.

The Hawks haven’t done that since they’ve been in the Southeast Division!

And it just keeps gettin’ better!!

By Bob Hartley

April 26, 2008 3:35 AM | Link to this

Is it really SO hard to fire a coach in Atlanta?!

By Jim Mora, Jr.

April 26, 2008 3:38 AM | Link to this

Apparently so…

By doc

April 26, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

man, it is all well and good that woody bought some tix but were they the strips that obligate you to put down signiicant bucks to be held until nest season ? the hawks havent made it easy to be fans either of the team because of their immature lackadaisical effort from time to time nor at the box office window where they harbor your money when you buy tickets.

all i ask is that they just win baby and the highlight factory will light up as well. it is a quick and simple formula for fan base support. i am glad they are looking for fan support but it is a two way street and they are the ones that have to sell their product on the court. even the celts have had trouble getting fan base support of the nature they have now the last few years.

great jesture by woody, again he makes a lot more money than the joe fan that is being hammered by inflationary gas and food prices. to expect otherwise and not give the effort to earn it shows how out of touch and entitled the athlete is in these times. boys just win baby and dont worry about who is in the stands.as a matter of fact you guys can afford to buy a few tix to set up your friends in the stands as well. it might turn out to be a good business practice to buy some of your own product just like the regular guy does.

By Ken Strickland

April 26, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

The Celtics have all of those championship banners hanging from their rafters. Their fans have been known as being knowledgeable and faithful to those teams. But their team fell upon hard times and often weren’t good enough to challenge for a playoff berth let alone a championship. All of a sudden, a large portion of their once faithful fan base were exposed for their hypocracy and for being bandwagon jumpers. Bibby was right on point with his assessment.

Judging from some of the comments about the 2gm beatdown at the hands of the Celtics, we have more than our share of bandwagon jumpers. A lot of you obviously haven’t played competitive sports on any organized level. These Young Hawks will learn and grow more as a result these playoff a$$ whippings than they’ll ever learn sitting in the stands or in front of a TV.

Quit whining and bi!ching about the result and enjoy the experience. I’d rather watch my young Hawks take whippings in the playoffs from the NBA best than watch them disband aften completing the regular season. That’s been the routine for the last 9yrs, if you haven’t forgotten. You must learn to crawl before you can learn to walk. I’ll bet Boston won’t be able to do this to these Hawks in next yrs playoffs. In fact, if Boston is the #1 seed next yr, we won’t have to play them in the 1st rd because we won’t be the 8th seed.

I’M NOT A BANDWAGON JUMPER AND I’VE BEEN A FAN LONG ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO APPRECIATE THEM COMPETING IN THE PLAYOFFS FOR THE 1ST TIME IN 9YRS. I WON’T COMPLAIN, WEAR ANY BAGS(like those Celtic fans)OR HOLD MY HEAD DOWN AS LONG AS MY YOUNG HAWKS LEARN FROM THIS EXPERIENCE AND USE IT TO COME BACK STRONGER NEXT YR.

LET’S GO TONIGHT YOU YOUNG HIGH FLYING HAWKS. ALL OF YOUR FANS AREN’T FAIR WEATHER, BANDWAGON JUMPING WHINERS, AND NEGATIVE MINDED CRONIC COMPLAINERS. GET RID OF WOODSON, HIRE A MORE OPEN MINDED INNOVATIVE HC, AND WE CAN MOVE FORWARD.

By fudd21

April 26, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

BA I totally disagree with your 2:26 post. I don’t call GUTS that Josh takes the 3 and Marvin doesnt. I call it Marvin realizing his strength and trying to play to them, whereas Josh thinks he is a better shooter than he is. I think Josh is always on the perimeter because thats what he wants to do and we don’t have a coach that instills the discipline for guys to do whats best for the team.

Now I will agree that Marvin should be able to hit the 3 with some work. But there was not any evidence of him putting in any work as he brought nothing new to his game this year. Youre right he has started with the little jump hook but I think that is something he has probably worked on during the season after practice as opposed to real work during the summer.

SalimFan I dont think there is any question about who will be the better 3 point shooter but the work has to happen. The ability to add 3 more feet to a good jump shot is much easier than the ability to develop one. Josh put in the work this summer to be a better post player. I dont think Marvin put in any work. I may be in the minority but I dont think Josh will ever be a good shooter.

And yes my number one thing for Marving to work on this summer is his 3 point shooting. The ESPN article talked about stretching the defense and how Marvin’s man is the one who usually helps. Its much easier to help if you know your man can only shoot from 18 feet as opposed to knowing he can extend beyond the 3 point line. Someone has to make teams pay when they double Joe. When Bibby is on he does but we need someone else. We need another scorer/shooter. If Marvin or Josh cant be that person we have to go out and get one.

By Just Win, Bibby!

April 26, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Yo! Let’s support our guys tonight! Get off the couch and make some noise in OUR HOUSE!!! Everybody RISE UP!!!!

By doc

April 26, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

fudd/salim josh will become the better shooter than marvin because he has no fear. only if marvin drops that part of his game will he truly grow as a player and impact player. fear controls him on the court and he needs to get over it.

By richbrave

April 26, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

ITS PARTY TIME ATLANTA STYLE-to paraphrase from Stripes. Put on the game-garb and get ready to rumble. The Hawks are in the house and all is forgiven from Bean-town.

By Bravesfan79

April 26, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Marvin sucks and the Hawks would be better off trading him for a 2nd round pick. (if we can even get THAT for him!)
Not only does he look unathletic but he also cant shoot a 3?

Even if AtL had gotten KG and Allen we still wouldnt be as good as the celtics are now. They have better role players that fit a system. We have a ton of guys that can dunk but cant shootfor crap.

I found this statement by Mike Woodson the other night pretty funny. “we shot almost 50% from the field, and we lost by 20, that shouldnt happen” Thats because our offense consists of throwing the ball in the paint, and either A) turning it over, or B) trying to drive against 3 guys resulting in a bad shot or blocked shot. Or C) throwing the ball out to Josh Smith for a 3…. lol.

Terrible Gameplan, terrible role players (yes thats all Marvin will ever be)

By richbrave

April 26, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

ray:

When the Celtics are on the floor and Garnett is ruling the intensity roost, there’s an echo in the building. Its Tito’s little man Al. I’m telling you Horford’s a challange for KG, and Kevin knows it.

KEN STRICKLAND’s 8:59 a.m. post mirrored my own some days back. Enjoy the ride. These Hawks are getting valuable lessons from being in the playoffs. No matter who’s left next year, the individuals will perform better from the experience now. So relax and enjoy the show. Wish I could join you tonight. Go Hawks.

By Don!

April 26, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Could this have something to do with … coaching?

Heck, I’m to the point of cheering for the Celtics because a) KG deserves a ring and b) it will bring us closer to the day when Woody gets fired.

Seriously, we have more talent than half the teams in the playoffs — but less to show for it in the regular season and definitely now in the playoffs because of one thing: Coaching.

Look at Josh Smith and Woody on the bench during timeouts and such right now. One of those two is leaving after the season — and I think one has the potential to be something special. I’ll give you another hint — it isn’t Woody.

Please, for the love of humanity and the sake of pro basketball in Atlanta — and those a long way from home who still care about it!

FIRE WOODY NOW!

Later,

Don!

By SalimFan

April 26, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Poop, that motorcycle might just put Harry over the top lol.

By new jersey faithful

April 26, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

THEY ARE NOT CHANGING THE PLAYOFF FORMAT BECAUSE OF ONE YEAR

By SalimFan

April 26, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Guys I saw something interesting in the game the other day. Joe was driving to the basket and being guarded by james posey. Joe was behiend the three-point line. Well as soon as he started to drive Paul Perice came over for the weak side help. But joe kept going to the basket and paul quickly ran back to cover his man who was beyond the three-point line. So joe got a easy layup.

You wanna know who paul was covering behiend the line? Mike Bibby. Paul was afraid that Joe was going to kick it out to bibby (who is a legitimant three-point threat).

THAT IS WHY WE NEED GUYS LIKE SALIM AND JEREMY RICHARDSON IN THE GAME.

TO SPREAD THE FLOOR AND GIVE JOE ROOM TO OPERATE. SMART PLAYERS LIKE PIERICE KNOW NOT TO GAMBLE WHEN IT COMES TO GOOD THREE POINT SHOOTERS.

But you know whats even funnier. If we put J-Rich in the game they probobly don’t know what he can do. So the celts would gamble anyway and just get burned.

WE REALLY NEED A NEW HEAD COACH.

By richbrave

April 26, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

Just been listening to the title track and “Young enough to dream” by JOHN HANDY off his ‘76 HARD WORK album. My all time fav music. Inspiration city. I’m psyched(not psycho, but maybe a little ‘teched ay HB?). Time for some of that tonight HAWSWORLD. Hard work and smart work beats the Celts. LETS GO HAWKS.

By terrell barron

April 26, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Remember how excited everybody was when we got Bibby? Oh, how things change. Acie looks WAY better than he does right now, and thats pretty bad, considering he’s a Rookie with EXTREMELY POOR COACHING. Woody’s dumbass still want play him but a few minutes tonight. WATCH AND SEE!

By What Would Mike Bibby Do? (WWMBD?)

April 26, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

He’d let Acie Law, IV, start so we can DEFEND THE FACTORY!!!

Steve Belkin, why have you forsaken us??????!!!!!

LET’S GO HAWKS, EVER SINCE 1968!!!

And why isn’t there a 1958 Championship banner in Philips?! LA is claiming its Minneapolis roots; why can’t we claim our CHAMPIONSHIP from St. Louis??!!!

By What Would Mike Bibby Do? (WWMBD?)

April 26, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Mike Woodson WILL be fired!! WE ARE ALL WITNESSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Solo Fan

April 26, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

What will it take for you “fans” so come out to Philips? If Solo starts and does a Statue of Libery dunk on The Big Ticket, will you be entertained? Well? WELL?!!

By richbrave

April 26, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

SoloFan:

In my case 1 large might do it, that’s with 3 0’s. Off-the-cuff plane-fare being what it is nowadays.

By Solo Fan

April 26, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Frankly, you’re not asking for enough.

Sucker.

By Bring the pain!!!

April 26, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

US$100.00 says that the Hawks beat the Celtics by 5 in Game 3. If you lose the bet, but buy me a few brews at STATS and we’ll call it even. Either that or a steak at Ruth’s Chris, your call, bro.

By Billy Knight

April 26, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

For your consideration: http://firewoodson.com/

By Mike Woodson

April 26, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Don’t taze me, bro!!!

By HB Ando

April 26, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Jhan and Ando have an official wager on tonights game: Jhan says we’ll only lose by single-digits. I’m taking the over with a double-digit deficit. Loser buys the half-time pretzel and beer, during Monday nights’ series finale.

Then the arguments about change can begin in earnest…….

Bibby damn sure needs to show up against Rondo, or he’s just killing any value we can get for him and his expiring $14 million contract next season. In reviewing all the other teams, across the league, there aren’t too many you can identify that would project to actively want or need Bibby. And those that do, you would have to question what they have either in players they would be willing to part with, or high enough draft picks, to give up in return for Bibby, that would, in turn, make this a better team, while keeping the payroll down (which recent history suggests will continue to be a factor in the ASG’s decision making).

Would Cleveland want him, should they flame out in the playoffs, given that LeBron previously expressed an interest in playing with Bibby? And what could they give us in return that would benefit us? If Gil leaves Washington, would the Wiz rent him for the year, while they decide what their long-term plan is? How about the Knicks? But what do they have that we could use (answer: not much).

I suspect he’ll be most attractive to a team that loses it’s PG, via an opt out, like Washington. If Baron opts out of GS, they’re just going to throw money at Monta Ellis, when they re-sign him, and hand him the ball. What about the Clips? But aren’t the Clips the most likely destination of either Baron or Gil, should either, or both, opt out and move on?

One thing I’m sure of: this Hawks team will not remain intact through the summer, when it will take around $68 million to keep them together.

Not gonna happen…….

By #1 Stunner

April 26, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Is anyone REALLY still following the ATL Hawks?!

Jeebus, this is gonna be a bona-fide blood-bath, and you dimsit are gonna have a front-row seat to the Resurrection.

Ye, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of playoff upsets!!

By MannyT

April 26, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Woody is a good guy to buy tix for the cleaning crew. I wish him well as a person, but I think this team could do with a different coach.

doc to both make a minor statement of support and be easy to find in the game, I roll out my newest aquisition. It represents one of the icons of a Georgia summer and has direct ties to our bench.

You can find me with this hat on my head. I think I’ll be the only one.

By the way, if you sign up for season tix, they make it easy to get a playoff ticket strip. I expect to have many souvenir tickets from that strip.

BWAF

By On The Real

April 26, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

The Clippers’ most likely destination is St. Louis. I’m not sayin’, I’m just sayin’!

By MannyT

April 26, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

What would it look like if you put some gold bars on the street unguarded?

Matt Ryan behind the Falcons offensive line. I hope he has a high tolerance for pain unless there is a trade in the works.

Ando I hope you are wrong about tonight’s game. I need to believe!

BWAF

By WOW!!!

April 26, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

The Falcons just drafted MATT RYAN!!!!

Mike Woodson, YOU’RE SO FIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

By Matt Ryan

April 26, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By Oakland Raiders Front Office

April 26, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By Kansas City Chiefs Front Office

April 26, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By Najeh Davenpoop (Newest Jaguars Fan)

April 26, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

It’s a bit of a stretch to compare Matt Ryan to gold bars, when he ain’t even the best QB in the draft as long as Brian Brohm is still available.

Go Jaguars.

By Brian Brohm

April 26, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By Juice

April 26, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

I know I said that I wasn’t coming back to this blog, but the Falcons just signed Matt Ryan. MATT RYAN!!??? It’s a sad day to be a fan of any Atlanta sports team.

By Clyde

April 26, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

First we draft Matt Ryan then we get to watch the Hawks get blown out by Boston. When will sports fans in Atlanta catch a break?

By Astro Joe

April 26, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

What have you guys seen in the last 2 playoff series that still has you thinking the Pistons are an elite team? I don’t see it. The 76ers aren’t the least bit intimidated and it shows. The bully has lost his powerful reputation. And it turns out, the old dog ain’t got no more bite. KG’s intensity would have caused Rasheed to check into Detroit’s version of Charter-Peachford. As it turns out, we probably won’t be able to see that series unfold.

By Astro Joe

April 26, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

If the difference between the Spurs and the Suns is a 3-0 lead (that may easily become a 4-0 sweep), then think about how big the difference is between the Celtcis and the Hawks? Maybe these 20 point losses are under-stated?

By richbrave

April 26, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

SoloFan:

Well I’m a cheap date SF, what else can I say.

By HB Ando

April 26, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Joe, right there with you. I said at least a month ago, that the Pistons were not going to challenge coming out of the East. I said, I think, even before the Cavs made their trade, that my money was on the Celtics and the Cavs, to battle it out, with the Celtics the obvious (not trying to take any credit for what anyone with half a basketball clue can see) favorite. Only Kobe and Lebron have the single-handed ability to carry a team to a series win. Kobe has help, and it will be a shocker if the Lakers don’t end up in the Finals.

I’ve been surprised, for months, as the ESPN talking heads continued to suggest that the path through the East went through Detroit. Didn’t see it then, and, win or lose against Philly, I don’t see it now. Dumars is going to have to re-tool. And I thought it was a joke that 3 of them made the all-star team in New Orleans (and even more disrespectful that Sheed was launching 3’s with his left hand during the game). Talk about riding on your laurels.

It’s been a long time since Sam tried to argue with me that he’d take Sheed over Dirk. Almost as long as the last time Joe argued that Childress was every bit a peer of Igoudala and Deng (don’t feel bad, Joe; Levenson tried to make the same argument back in late ‘05, and it was flimsy then, if not completely laughable now).

The silence is deafening.

Any attempts to resume current justifications of these old arguments will only be met with the rueful disdain that can only be generated by obvious personal agendas, obfuscating logic in exchange for desperation.

Joe, you’d be better to use the now exhausted “faux yawn”, rather than a weak attempt to re-manufacture your old argument that Childress wasn’t a lesser choice than either Igoudala or Deng (and please don’t anyone bother with the “hindsight” argument, as my stance on this issue was established before the pick was made).

I can’t believe I’ve allowed myself to get my hope up, that this may actually be the summer in which a public, years’ overdue “mea culpa” emanates from the ASG, that their faith and support of Billy Knight was completely misguided, and has caused the franchise irreparable harm.

Time to cut bait. Time to start over. Again.

With seemingly a decade of lottery picks, and despite misfiring on most of them, this team still has assets that can be converted into a balanced and compelling roster. We only need a competent GM, a competent head coach, and at least a median-based, team salary commitment, as it compares to the rest of the league, to move forward, rather than back.

Despite the lack of any draft picks, as it stands now, this summer still has potential for improving the future of the Hawks. But it starts with an overhaul of the front office and coaching staff. And it requires optimal replacements, and enhanced financial commitment of the ASG (which may likely require the financial resolution of the Belkin buy-out).

The idea of massive change brings hope. The possibility of status quo is likely best characterized by an image of the grim reaper, beckoning the franchise with a single, bony finger, to it’s well deserved place in the graveyard that is the NBA basement, for the foreseeable future…….

Don’t you guys love it when I bring out my optimistic side?

By ray

April 26, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe, it’s not that Detroit is an elite team. It’s that Philly is so much better coached and role-defined than we are. All the talent on this roster, and we can’t compete. They can. And it has nothing to do with just how good the Celts are. Imagine if they kept their starters in all the time (and they didn’t get tired). 30 point losses instead of 20…guaranteed…

MannyT, we all need a reason to hope. Question is do you put hope in a single game, a single series, or a single off-season? It’s a risk either way, I suppose…

richbrave, the only problem is that not nearly enough of Horford’s teammates are matching his intensity, solidarity, and ability to provide a challenge on the brightest of stages. Horford is the clearest single “future” of this team as it stands right now. He has it all for his position: great work ethic, very intelligent, tough as leather, athletic, talented, potential to grow significantly more, passion, drive, you name it. It’s there. No fatal flaws that can’t be worked on or coached up. And nobody can argue with that. Maybe he’s not going to be a 10-time all-star. Maybe he will. But he’ll be damn good, not just solid. And at his age, he’s truly…the future.

Ando, now there you go…pickin’ an old fight with Joe. Why you wanna do that to the ol’ goat? He still hasn’t gotten over my indirect destruction of his keyboard. You utter cad, you. By the way, since when is Childress a better pick than Deng or Iguodala? (insert evil, deviant chuckle here)

Najeh, the only thing I can figure is that the Falcons had a sudden image of an old #4 jersey floating by…and didn’t want to repeat the mistake. Hell, I don’t know. I was a tad surprised myself. So…I hope the re-worked line is better than it has been. Otherwise, Ryan will look no better than Redman (who?) and “Bust” Harrington. Then again…even then he’d look better. I sure hope we make some other moves as far as the line’s concerned. Perhaps some trades up to take some big corn-fed, tractor-pullin’ fellas that can actually stand their ground.

I miss Matt Schaub….

By SalimFan

April 26, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

yeah, yeah….

But i’d just be satisfied with getting woody and his staff the hell out of Georgia, and Getting a sevicable Big man. If that means doing away with zaza,solo, and west then I wish the best of luck to them wherever they go.

I just don’t see all of the moves I’ve mentioned happening if they spend the dough to buy put belkin. Besides, belkin wasn’t hatin’ on Joe, he just would rather have acquired him in the cheapest way possible.

Don’t forget we have to crack a deal with a brand new coaching staff.

As far as childress goes I love him. He’s not quite a starter and not quite a bench person and you can always count on him to do what he does best.

By MannyT

April 26, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Najeh I can compare Matt Ryan to gold bars based on the contract he will get. Remember, even Heath Shuler got paid on his first contract…and I’m not sure he could even read a playbook.

Ando you can rain gloom & doom after the season, but I am ready for a good showing by the Hawks tonight!

As a ‘sheed fan, I’ll say that he is a major talent, but it is clear that you have to have the right type of coach to deal with him. I’m not sure Flip is that guy. Considering the 4 yr age difference, yes I would take ‘sheed 4 yrs ago over Dirk today.

Today, I’d take Dirk if I did not need an inside defensive presence. Wallace still does more for you defensively.

You can pick at this during the game, but it’s go time for me. Gotta get to Philips.

BWAF

By SalimFan

April 26, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

One more thing about LB. He doesn’t like he transiton offense.

I don’t know why but I just have a bad feeling about the Hawks Management even Entertaining the thought of him coming here…makes me queasy.

By ray

April 26, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

SalimFan, you probably have nothing to fear. LB is too much ego and control-oriented than the ASG wants to deal with (remember, some of them have the SAME issues).

Still, I’d expect him to do better than his protege, and he’d do better here than he did in New York. Donnie Walsh has a mess to clean up there. Talk about a load of talents and near-total lack of character. The old Riley-coached Knicks were considered thuggish with guys like Anthony Mason. But they were smart and talented. The only thing standing in their way was some guy by the name of Jordan. Or they’d have likely won it all…

Najeh, I see we did trade up and take Sam Baker, OT. Glad we did something like that. However, Matt Ryan better learn how to throw the deep ball. Can’t expect to win just throwing short and intermediate routes. Then again, what do I know…

By Astro Joe

April 26, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Ray, I’m guessing that my first post on any blog on the internet was most likely harsh criticism of Woody. But I’m not comparing Philly to the Hawks. I’m comparing the reputation of the Pistons to the reality of the Pistons. I don’t know if Flip has made them soft (anyone want Flip, he’ll be unemployed by the end of May), or if Rasheed’s demons have caught up with the team. My proof was LeBron’s 29 points in the 4th quarter. Are you kidding me? Imagine the reaction of Hawks fans if we allowed a player to go off for 29 points in a quarter without at 2 flagrant 2 fouls and one ejection? And in a critical playoff game? S-O-F-T. They may look great in the regular season, but when they get punched back…

By Astro Joe

April 26, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Anyone else hering the Lakers fans make all of that noise in Denver? Nuggets are on the verge of getting blown out and all you hear are Lakers fans celebrating every basket. Anyone want George Karl? He may be unemployed by the end of May also.

Oh yeah, let’s see how Mr. Point Guard responds in Game 4. He looked pretty mortal the other day. I didn’t think that was possible. Strange, he looked a little different when playing on the road. Hmm.

By Mac-Town

April 26, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Marvin Williams has to go, how many times will he get stripped? It’s retarded.

By hawk fan in new orleans

April 26, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

So far, Its looking really from down bottom in the NO. Its nice to see the team finally attacking the basket. Let’s not let up - Let’s Rise Up!

By richbrave

April 26, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

ray:

COULD lightning strike early? Game #3 to the Hawks-so far. 1st quarter.

drmaryb:

haven’t heard a peep for days. Whad up girl?

By Murphy

April 26, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

NICE PASS MARVIN!!!!

By new jersey faithful

April 26, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

I pray the Hawks come out in the 2nd half with the same intensity!!

By A Thinking Fan

April 26, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Youngest team in the playoffs, coach didn’t develop the bench, and owners with no cash to bring in Vets for the playoff run…

By richbrave

April 26, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

CELTICS have adjusted and slowed the game to half court. Rise and shine Woodson. Time to show this rookie Hawks fan why you deserve a new contract. Let’s see those half-time adjustments. Otherwise, Celts win. With the proper adjustments, 50/50 and down to the final buzzer.

By new jersey faithful

April 26, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

The Hawks NEED this game!!!

By new jersey faithful

April 26, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Why is Phillips Arena always having problems with shot clocks and game clocks and refs and score keepers and a wet floor….this is a joke!!!!

By Astro Joe

April 26, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Cheap a$$ owners still using that scoreboard system they purchased from the back of some dude’s van at a QT. What a freakin embarrassment to the league (and our city).

By new jersey faithful

April 26, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

I hope the only people posting while the game is going on are out of the state of Georgia, cause otherwise you should be at this game!!!!!

By corey

April 26, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

HAWKS ARE LOOKING GOOD EVERYBODY IS DOING THEIR JOB AND U SEE THE OUTCOME A GOOD TEAM

By new jersey faithful

April 26, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Im scared to watch the 4th QT!!!!

By new jersey faithful

April 26, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Ya got that right Astro Joe! It really is embarrassing to Atlanta!

By corey

April 26, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

GET ZAZA POTATOE HEAD OUTTA THERE GOOD SHOT JSMOOVE

By mykhalc

April 26, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

gotta luv the effort and still hate ZAZA gettin’ ANY PT!!!!!

By Murphy

April 26, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Lets RISE UP hawks and play hard in this 4th quarter

By richbrave

April 26, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Woodson made his adjustments and opened the game up some. Celts now in semi-panic mode throwing up shots to pull even instead of working inside to Garnett and Davis. Only two hoops by those two in the past four minutes. Cassell is reverting to his old self. Shooting and missing from the outside. Y-e-s-s-s-!!!

By corey

April 26, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

JSMOOVE IS REALLY BALLIN GLAD TO SEE HIM HAVE A GOOD GAME GLAD TO SEE EVERYBODY HAVING A GOOD GAME IF THE HAWKS PLAY LIKE THIS THEY CAN REALLY BEAT THE CELTICS THE WAKS ARE TWAY MORE ATHLETIC THAN THE CELTICS LIKE I SAID BEFORE AND PLENTY OF US ALL IN THIS BLOG THE HAWKS HAVE TO RUN PLAY GOOD DEFENSE AND RUN ON OFFENSE LOOKS LIEK WOODY IS FINALLY DOING HIS JOB LETS NOT HOP EIM TALKING TO EARLY

By J. Lewis

April 26, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Is their a bigger loser than Mike Woodson? The man wears his Detroit Championship ring like he’s trying to convince us he’s a good coach. I truly have yet to find a coach who is as incompetent as him. The WHOLE staff needs to be blown up.

By new jersey faithful

April 26, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

oh no!!! JS airball!!! The Hawks must regroup!!

By corey

April 26, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

BIBBY SHOWING US SOME OF THAT PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE LOOKING GOOD IF WE KEEP IT UP WE WILL PULL THIS OUT

By new jersey faithful

April 26, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Paul Pierce is a scumbag!!

By Jim

April 26, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Only one question remains - What will Jeff Schultz do to p* on this victory?

By corey

April 26, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

WAY TO WIN HAWKS

By mykhalc

April 26, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

GREAT WIN*

EL GATO GRANDE!!!!!!!

LUV IT!!!!!

By kwooden1

April 26, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

HAWKS WIN HAWKS WIN HAWKS WIN HAWKS WIN HAWKS WIN HAWKS WIN HAWKS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By mykhalc

April 26, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

BIBBY stone-cold in BOS but COLD-BLOODED in ATL!!!!

By SalimFan

April 26, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what the hell AL said to pierice BUT IT CAN’T BE GOOD FOR GAME FOUR.

By A Thinking Fan

April 26, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Good win, good game!

By Astro Joe

April 26, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

I missed the story about what Al did to motivate his teammates. Something about a DVD. Can someone fill me in?

By new jersey faithful

April 26, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

ESPN says Horford is just a rookie and he shouldnt have yelled at Pierce and just enjoy one playoff win. F@ck that!!!!

By Matt

April 26, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

I ain’t got nothin’ but love for you tonight, J-Smoove - see, ray, I can give credit where credit is due :).

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

By kwooden1

April 26, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

I had to get all the emotion out before I started posting with some sense.

The HAWKS can’t play any better than that, the 3-Point shooting was unreal. JS can’t shoot that well consistantly in his dreams!! That was an outstanding game for the HAWKS!!

Did anyone else see how nervious Woodson was during that interview. The guy actually said the shot clocks were working and then finished his statment by saying that the teams had to listen to the annoucer. Now I’m convinced that Woodson problem is his coaching during games, besides not being able to develop talent.

Now the HAWKS are in for a T-Rex of a p**-off Celtics team. Pierce is going to go off, Garnett is going to try an break the back board and Ray Allen is going to rain 3’s. This is where a you need some great coaching to prepare your team for the energy that the Celtics are going to bring. In my book, now the HAWKS can go into the off season feeling great about their year. But as everyone has already discussed who are the HAWKS going to keep. My vote is a short term deal with JS and trade Chills. Not because Chills is a bad player, but you will get more for Chills than Marvin.

GO HAWKS!!

By Murphy

April 26, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

Great Game hawks!!!!

By mykhalc

April 26, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

PIERCE is a bum!!!!! i’m glad HORFORD said whatever to him!! PP has dissed the HAWKS and JJ every chance he had!!! but the HAWKS better be ready ‘cause they WILL bring it hard-core in game 4!!! the thing is the game is in ATL and the cats will feed off the crowd again!!! now STEPHEN A can STFU!!!!

By ugaman

April 26, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Well, I must say that Smoove really impressed me (one of his greatest critics this season) tonight. His energy and competitiveness really carried the Hawks in the second and third quarters, even if I yelled NOOO everytime he jacked up a three. Anyway, great win by the Hawks. It’s amazing how good they can be when they pressure on defense and run the floor. I’m not sure there is a team in the league that can match them when they run, but because of the short bench they can’t sustain it over four quarter, thus the ability for other teams to catch bak up. ZaZa is almost useless, even though he had a few good defensive posessions on KG in the 2nd quarter. Marvin is really disappointing me with his soft game. We need to find a way to unload him this summer. Anyway, great job Hawks! I can’t wait until Monday night. I hope Pierce doesn’t take his anger out on Horford on us too bad, nevertheless, I love Horford and his fire. Keep it up young fella!

By John

April 26, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

As usual the negativity on this board is amazing. Always talking about how bad Woodson and Knight are. How we should trade Marvin or Childress. It never ceases to amaze me. We just beat the Celtics in every facet of the game. They did not play bad, but we just played amazing. Just give this team some credit. They have looked better than the Nuggets and several other teams. I think we could take game 4 as well. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

By richbrave

April 26, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

HB:

HORFORD matched play Garnett and Davis in this one. Points, rebounds, assists, not equal actually, but quite enough to tip the balance to the Hawks thank you. Also, and very significant, put Posey on the side-line with a broken nose early. That made a good deal of difference inside.

Woodson then able to open up the offense because outside shots started dropping. Even Josh Smith. Celts had to defend both the foul lane and on the perimeter so Smith, Horford and Childress with a bit of Williams sprinkled in took care of business penetrating to the rim. Youth over age. Quickness over bulk. As soon as Celtics began packing it inside again(last eight minutes of the second quarter), Bibby, Johnson, Smith assist, assist, assist, after assist to open the third and onward. The name of the game for the Hawks. Great team effort.

Pechulia mixed, some good some not so. Solomon Jones not too effective, but at least I got to see him in action-a little. Now they’re playing like they do against the Wizards, with grit and determination.

Well the win is over. I guess the Hawks lose the next two, huh.?? Anybody want to dispute that.?!! HB, entre vous. Oui o Si?? no?? My prediction of a win in game four is shot. They won early, and hopefully, from here on out, often. GO HAWKS.

By RA

April 26, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

Did someobody hear a hiccup? I could have sworn that I heard a hiccup. Nope, sorry, that was just a case of the Hawks giving the Celtics a serious beatdown. Take that all those who thought the Hawks were going to get swept! Oh, wait, I was in with them. Oh well, IN MY FACE THEN!

By SalimFan

April 26, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

Smoove took his time and followed through. Once I saw his form going into the shot I was like it looks good BANG!!!!! Smoove can hit the if he takes his time.

By richbrave

April 26, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

ugaman:

Horford does not worry about Kevin Garnett. Garnett worries about Horford. Told you Garnett was hearing footsteps when he was doing all that in Boston. Tried it once tonight after a rebound and stick-back, Got scored on by Horford on the offensive end the next play.

By SalimFan

April 26, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Didn’t Ando say something about game four being the finale???

Apparently he’s not a prophet. Apparantly niether is his buddy Steven A. Smith

By Juice

April 26, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

LOL @ RA…now that’s funny.

By Harry Hawk

April 26, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Can’t say the C’s didn’t put it on the line tonight:

36 minutes for Pierce; 41 minutes and change apiece for Ray Allen and KG.

Really nice win for the Hawks. I don’t like BK or Woody, but at least these guys were able to get a win. That’s no small feat for a team that was 29 regular-season wins worse than its opponent. In fact, it’s very encouraging to see the guys bring it. Great job.

By mykhalc

April 26, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

SMOOVE just has a slooooooowww release!!! and like you said SalimFan, he just has to take his time!!

JJ gets serious props for the defense he played all nite!!! gonna need it again monday!!!

MARVIN is disappointin’ but he’s 21yrs old. can’t say i expect him to be somwhere in his game he’s not!!! he really plays outta control a lot!! if he doesn’t have that open look then you don’t know what ya might get!!! he’s gotta slow his mind and game down tho!! but glad to see CHILS get the crunch time minutes!!!

By NJ Hawk Fan

April 27, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Well done, team, you showed a lot of heart tonight.

Outmanned, lacking experience and depth, you have to dish out some props to these guys.

And Horford? This is the type of player you build championships around. The kid is a winner.

By MJ3

April 27, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

I gotta say, great game by Smoove. Of course, he still made some of the same mistakes he always does (trying to be a PG and throwing the ball away…and once he hits one trey wide open, he thinks he can do it with a hand in his face but he NEVER can). But those were more than offset by the dude’s highs tonight. Great intensity, great play all-around. Even Duck looked great tonight!

GO HAWKS!

By new jersey faithful

April 27, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

That WAS funny RA!!

By Ken Strickland

April 27, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

Finally, after 2 blowouts by an average of 21pts, Woodson finally decided we needed to try something new. He finally realize we couldn’t continue trying to beat Boston playing their style of gm. I said in an earlier post that Boston’s PG’s can be pressured. That pressure forced KG to come out to get the ball and allowed him to be guarded without being doubled. Boston was tired in the 4th qtr.

Better late than never Woody. GREAT WIN YOU HIGH FLYING HAWKS. This is what happens when you stick by your team rather than jumping off the bandwagon. With this win, I guess it’s time for you bandwagon jumpers to jump back on now. ALL ABOARD!!!!!!!!

By Star of the Zanarkand Abes!

April 27, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

PUT THOSE BROOMS AWAY BOYS AND GIRLS!!! LET’S GO HAWKS!!!!

By SalimFan

April 27, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

Yeah MARVIN with the put-back jam in the first half was nice…or was it the second half??? Oh well it was Nasteh!!!!!

By Juice

April 27, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

It was good to see the Hawks in HD tonight.

By Atlanta Hawks Bandwagon

April 27, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

Chuga-chuga-chuga-chuga-WOO-WOO!!!

By MannyT

April 27, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

The atmosphere at this game was great. The crowd as into the game from thevery start. They even had playoff thunder sticks! I had not seen them at all this season.

The shock the world video they did for intros was very appropriate. It got the arena in the mood for an upset. It was great to see the Hawks stand up to the 3rd quarter comeback that the Celtics put on.

I know Celtics fans were hearing it from Hawks fans all over the arena. There was truly a home court advantage tonight.

…and last, but not least, the brooms and the witches are part of Massachusetts history. No need to bring those brooms to the ATL!

Getting ready for Monday night—Let’s go Hawks!

BWAF with a smile!

By The Flash

April 27, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

Well boyz, time for everybody to kick back, put your collective feet up, and smell the coffee.” The past was prologue, the future, no one can predict, the night, tonight, your team got it done, lead by an extremely clever and outlandish game played by a kid I thought didn’t “get” the game. Oh, he get’s it alright. A night to savor. LOL!

By Najeh Davenpoop (Newest Jaguars Fan)

April 27, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

YEEEAAAAAAAHHHH BABY!!

I have been to a LOT of sh-tty Hawks games in my life — you can bet your azz this was the best one I have ever been to.

About the only thing better than the Hawks DECISIVELY beating the best team in the NBA was seeing the expression on the faces of all the punk azz Celtics fans who were gloating before the game.

What an outstanding game by Josh Smith and Al Horford in particular.

Can’t wait until Game 4. GO HAWKS

By Murphy

April 27, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

I think its so cool that former hawks who never had a chance to make it to the playoffs with us like Al Harrington, Royal Ivey, Anthony Johnson and Glenn Robinson came out and supported the hawks tonight.

By HB Ando

April 27, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

Where’s my plate of crow? Can I at least get it marinated in something tasty, with some melted cheese and a six-pack of Bud Light?

I officially owe Jhan half-time pretzel and beer on Monday.

Great win for the Hawks! Jhan said it was the best crowd he’s seen in four years. Long time coming.

By richbrave

April 27, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

STEVEN A. SMITH:

Wretch, and wretch again. These people that the Sports Networks foist on the public as being knowledgable insiders are nothing more than hyperbolic con-artists selling themselves for the almighty buck. Good-bye and good-riddence Steven A. Get out of my ear and my sight.

By Najeh Davenpoop (Newest Jaguars Fan)

April 27, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

I will also give some props to a guy who rarely deserves any — Zaza for the most part played an idiotic-mistake-free game and actually played some pretty good defense on KG in the 2nd quarter.

Can’t really complain about anyone’s performance really… would have been nice if Bibby knocked down a few more of those long range shots but that’s nit-picking. Amazing defensive game, and good shot selection on offense. I hope they play the same way in Game 4. Gotta love our bandwagon fans too — for a bunch of people who weren’t Hawks fans until a week ago, they made a lot of noise. Props to them. Although I’m sure they weren’t watching any games in 2004 when we won 13 games.

By Najeh Davenpoop (Newest Jaguars Fan)

April 27, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

Ray, we could have had Glenn Dorsey, Sam Baker and Brian Brohm, who is better than Matt Ryan.

Wait, did I say “we”? I meant “they”. Go Jags.

By brent a.

April 27, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this

Very happy to have been at this game tonight. A lot of fun, and a great effort from the Hawks.

Celtics should still take this game in 5; but, it was interesting to see up close and personal how much more athletic Horford and Smith are than Garnett and Perkins. The 2 kids can really do a lot the next couple of games to make the Celtics work.

A game 4 win would be wonderful, if for no other reason than it would assure a game 6 at home next Friday.

By SalimFan

April 27, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this

You could tell that the celtice wernt used to playing that meny minuets lately.

It was the same-ole same-ole for the hawks. Thats what happens when were not in foul trouble and JJ and smoove actually get to play together for extended time. Bibby played over 40 min too.

Marvin 13pts and 6-Boards in 25min not bad. Of course chills was in down the stretch 30min tonight.

By HB Ando

April 27, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

BTW, this win DID simply delay the inevitable. Now it’s five, instead of four. The C’s needed this wake up call as badly as the Hawks needed a single, validating win. But the match up is still to weighted for this to end as a world shocker.

And the necessary overhaul of the front office and coaching staff remain paramount if this franchise ever hopes to be anything more than a compelling eighth seed.

And, I still don’t see any chance of the ASG spending the realistically projected $68 million to keep this sub-.500 team intact. Josh Smith confirmed what anyone with a clue already knew: they’ll have to match whatever term-sheet he signs. And, in doing so, the trickle down to every player not named Joe Johnson or Al Horford will define the direction of the franchise every bit as much as the names that ultimately replace Billy and Woody.

It’s simple economics for an ownership group of limited financial resources, and a nasty, unresolved financial settlement, still to be determined. Short of Stephan Marbury, there’s not a more underwhelming point guard in the NBA, due as much, or more, than the $14 million Bibby has coming next year. And that money, realistically needed to pay Josh Smith, has to find a new home, well before the deadline, because the math just doesn’t work to keep this chippy little team together.

Be nice if we had a couple of draft picks, to leverage in our range of possibilities. But, thanks to Billy, we don’t, at least for now. So let’s see what the leagues most delusional GM can come up with that can eviscerate a litany of truly insane decisions, and even more outlandish justifications, if by some pact with the devil, he still maintains control of the franchise, going into the summer.

I don’t know what else to say, or how many ways to define the ludicrousness of this Beckett-like absurdist play. I am merely a slave, or puppet, to my consistently accurate, yet overtly ignored alternative directives. And simply yield to the reality that outsiders, regardless of their soundly, and accurately predicted suggestions, can never establish a voice.

If I could only join the right club, maybe things could be different.

Know your place and accept your fate.

I ain’t no senator’s son……….

By SalimFan

April 27, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

Sekou,

I guess that answers your question. No the hawks aren’t that bad.

We saw flashes of theis in the first two games. THEY CAN’T STOP OUR TRANSITION OFFESE. But we finally put it together for a FULL game.

HELL NO WE SHOULDN’T CHANGE THE FORMAT!!! THE HAWKS EARNED THEIR POSTSEASON SPOT!!!!

LOOK AT PHEONIX DOWN 3-0 WHAT ABOUT THEM!!!

LOOK AT PHILLY UP 2-1!!!!

By HB Ando

April 27, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

Correction: this match up is still NOT weighted to end up as a world shocker (unless you’re Ken Strickland, and genuinely believed that the Hawks were going to win in five games).

Despite a wonderful Hawks win, the final outcome is as certain as which player will end his NBA career with the greatest legacy: Chris Paul or Marvin Williams. It is what it is…..

By SalimFan

April 27, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

Well it’s good to see you back to your typical self ANDO. At least you had to put your broom away lol.

By Ando is a Douchebag

April 27, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

Ando,

Shut the hell up and get the f$#k out of here.

Sincerely, People Wanting to Enjoy the Moment

By FUNK DAT

April 27, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

All I have to say is GREAT WIN Hawks. Now let’s do it again on Monday. I must admit that the pro-Hawks crowd did surprise me, and I was happy to heckle any Boston fans after the game. GO HAWKS!!!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop (Newest Jaguars Fan)

April 27, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

Ando, I would call you out on being a Debbie Downer too, except I’ve been doing the same thing on the Falcons blog. So I guess at least for today I’m not really qualified to respond to you.

By Ken Strickland

April 27, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this

This is why you want your team in the playoffs no matter what. The Hawks have done something in the playoffs they couldn’t do during the regular season, beat the Celtics. And don’t tell me the Celtics aren’t concerned. Tonight they saw the results of the Hawks being younger, quicker, faster and more athletic.

In the next gm, the Celtics will try to slow down and control the tempo. We have to continue forcing an uptempo style and take away Boston’s size and height advantage. I still think we should press full court to take time off the clock and wear their key player down. That’s not likely since Woodson doesn’t like to use his bench or make those types of coaching decisions.

Even if we make some turnovers pushing the ball, it forces an up and down tempo which forces Boston to expend a lot of energy. They don’t have a lot of quick, fast athletic players. Another win like this one and it’s a new series and the best 2 out of 3. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!

By reese

April 27, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this

What a day and night. Enjoyed a great dinner at Ruth Chris Steak house. Then, I walked over to phillips arena with a friend and relative.

This game was so exciting that I worked out all the calories by jumping up/down and screaming/yelling.

There were too many good plays to repeat them now, but everyone who played contributed something positive.

By cp

April 27, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this

Great win. Real nice to see the crowd actually stay the whole game and make some noise.. Great games by our guys.. It was nice to see them come out with some type of urgency, good energy, hustle, and focus.. I dont know if we can win Monday but if we do it would be fantastic…

By Mac-Town

April 27, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this

By Murphy

April 27, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

I think its so cool that former hawks who never had a chance to make it to the playoffs with us like Al Harrington, Royal Ivey, Anthony Johnson and Glenn Robinson came out and supported the hawks tonight.

……………………………………..

Wow, all of them came? I thought I remembered seeing Royal Ivey sitting near the goal, during one of the hawks’ trips to the free throw line.

By ray

April 27, 2008 2:11 AM | Link to this

Man, I couldn’t stay on the couch much during this win. I am so glad our guys got some serious respect by winning this game. Boston was taking us seriously before, but we also were not exploiting any sort of advantage. Our only advantage is the same one Doc Rivers mentioned: our athletic ability.

Some observations:

1)Josh Smith, the dummy. If you still think this, you’re a hard-baked fool. I’m going to call a spade a spade here. No, he’s not a prototype jump-shooter (or a 3-point shooter), but there’s nothing wrong with the mechanics of that release. He’s just slow with it. The simple, bare bones fact is that more often than not, his positives significantly outweigh his negatives. In a big game (at home, no less), the guy came through for his team. He doesn’t look like a dummy to me, even with his mistakes. The guy plays with effort and passion, not fear. I’ll take that over lame-a$$ so-called “smarts” and no heart any game. Why? Because a guy with this much drive can be (and is) this good despite the coach, despite his level of experience, and despite all of his drawbacks. So why is it that smarter players can’t do better despite all of these things? It’s called talent. Pure and simple.

2)Running the offense through Al Horford. Well, finally! It took Woody 85 games to figure this out and 3 games against Boston. Look how much of a chain reaction this caused: Perkins got tired quickly from trying to guard the quicker (and incredibly strong) Al Horford. As a result, he was less energetic on offense himself, and got into foul trouble on defense. This caused him to play less, which means the Celtics had to play smaller. Davis also had issues trying to guard Horford, and those problems became exacerbated when Josh Smith started heating up as well. The Celtics had trouble matching up with us once their bigs were forced to deal with the athleticism of our two young forwards. They had previously enjoyed concentrating primarily on our guards….As it is, Al played with an intensity and passion that electrified everyone. I LOVE that guy. 17points, 14 boards, 6 assists? Durant doesn’t deserve that trophy…

3)Mike Bibby pushed the ball. He also took what the defense gave him, instead of trying to win his matchup with Rondo. Once the low post game got going, it opened things up a bit more for Bibby to shoot some jumpers. Once again, running things through the low post had a ripple effect.

1. JJ hit some big-time treys. Once again…the low post game (and Josh’s heroics) opened things up. Otherwise, JJ is looking at some very quick, very smart double teams. Then he’s forced to pass it to guys who are not in good position to do much with the ball, as the defense is reacting to predictable plays.

2. Marvin was okay. Solid, even. And strangely absent during most of the second half. There’s a reason why Josh Smith almost didn’t come off the floor at all. There’s a reason why Childress played 35 minutes to Marvin’s 24. There’s a reason why the stat box shows Smith at +12 (and even Childress at +13), and Marvin at -9 for the game. And if you archive it, you’ll see that a LOT in the past 85 games. More often than not, Josh Smith is ahead of Marvin Williams in the +/- column (even when both players are in the negative). Often times, it’s a significant difference. When you can figure this riddle out, you’ll also see why the “dummy” is not as dumb as you think. And why the supposedly smarter and more coachable guy is just not delivering what everybody keeps saying he will deliver…year after year. I’d love for him to prove me wrong. If he did, it would be really worth it to resign each and every guy in the starting lineup and not change much of anything (except the bench).

6)Team defense and team play. Our team defense was really good for the most part. Guys helped each other. None has been or is better at this than Josh Smith. He’s so good at recognizing when a teammate is being or is about to be beaten by his opponent. He got a ticky-tack foul call on it once, but it was good to see him making an effort to disrupt the passing lanes. Josh Childress is a specialist in this category. His two blocked shots were not just timely, they resulted in a change of possession. This is the best kind of defensive play. Bibby even had some good defensive plays. For once, he was an adequate defender. Let’s face it, not many guys are lock-down defenders, and all defenders get beat some time. Team defense is the way to go.

In the end, I’m really proud of our guys for winning that game. They may not win another one, and the series could be over in 5. The Hawks can’t travel the road that Boston is on right now. But they got some real respect. And they learned how to win on the big stage. They learned to trust each other (Joe made quite a few passes to Josh…while he was on the perimeter). They learned to adjust. Bravo to a team that came together and just flat out got it done for 4 quarters!

By ray

April 27, 2008 2:17 AM | Link to this

Matt, MJ3. Can’t be mad at ya. You gave credit when credit was due. This is one of the reasons I like this kid so much. He can learn. He’s incredibly talented. He cares. And he’s got no fear. With this guy, we’re not getting a Derrick Coleman, Darius Miles, or some other guy who just doesn’t give a rat’s a$$. And he wants to be here. And it shows. And I’ll shut up about it now….

Reese, where HAVE you been? I have been trumpeting the Josh Smith horn damn near all by myself! I need some back-up, blast it!

Yeah, there were several incredible plays: Josh Smith’s dunks and 3s, Childress’ blocks, Marvin’s one-handed put-back jam, JJ’s 3s. Even ol’ Clodzilla wasn’t too terribly awful. But he was still mostly awful…

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 27, 2008 2:35 AM | Link to this

I just can’t see how anyone can say J-Smoove doesn’t have court awareness. He takes bad shots, he can’t handle, sure, I can agree with that. But court awareness? How many forwards can make the high-post passes he made today? You can’t regularly rack up the kind of assist numbers he puts up without having a clue what’s going on on the court.

By SalimFan

April 27, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this

He is a Bona-fide B E A S T!!!!

By mykhalc

April 27, 2008 2:48 AM | Link to this

SMOOVE did a cross-over comin’ down from the top of key that was as good as it can get!!! 3rd qtr i think. f’n killed it!!!!!

By mykhalc

April 27, 2008 2:50 AM | Link to this

replay is on ESPN2 now.

By Author

April 27, 2008 3:44 AM | Link to this

Smoove played great tonight, but to say from that that he has great court awareness? Please. Dude is in the top 10 in the NBA in turnovers per game, and he’s one of just 3 guys in that group who isn’t also in the top 10 in assists. He commits a ton of turnovers and barely any more assists. He has many strengths, but court awareness is NOT one of them.

That said, all his other strengths were on display tonight. The dude is at his best when he’s ATTACKING THE RIM and NOT trying to act like a taller version of Gilbert Arenas.

By BA

April 27, 2008 3:45 AM | Link to this

“the Hawks don’t have a go-to guy.” -Charles Barkley- We found him tonight Chuck. We all thought it was Joe. He averages twenty a year, plays McGrady minutes. Josh Smith is a superstar. He’s Batman, kids. Joe is Robin. Al Horford? Twenty-two years old and he’s clearly the leader of this team. Bibby? This is what I needed in Boston- if the shots not falling, just make sure you still facilitate. Nice to see Ray say we have our starting five. I’ve said that for months. Horford averaged a double-double, in his rookie year. At the FIVE. Why wouldn’t you keep this kid at the five? Can you really say he is undersized with a straight face? Is Smith undersized at the four? Not when he has the strength he has and can jump out of the building. How those mighty Celtics turned on each other like a bunch of ill-mannered midwives…By the way, I’m one of the FEW here that predicted that this would not be a sweep. And after seeing the Hawks impose their will tonight, and seeing the Celtics tumble apart like a really expensive house of cards, I see no reason we can’t go back to that dump in Boston TIED 2-2.

By SalimFan

April 27, 2008 3:54 AM | Link to this

Smoove…….

Defensive Awareness:10

Offensive Awareness:7

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 27, 2008 3:57 AM | Link to this

“Dude is in the top 10 in the NBA in turnovers per game, and he’s one of just 3 guys in that group who isn’t also in the top 10 in assists.”

Uh… what?

Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony both average more turnovers per game and the same or fewer assists per game. Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade are not top 10 in assists either. That’s 4, and regardless, I didn’t say Smoove’s court awareness is outstanding, but it damn sure is not nonexistent like someone said yesterday.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 27, 2008 4:02 AM | Link to this

Wow, I just got done watching this replay on ESPN, and could there possibly have been worse, more biased commentary? The overreaction to Horford jawing at Pierce was just idiotic. Give me a break.

By BA

April 27, 2008 4:09 AM | Link to this

Josh Smith has excellent court awareness. Defense OR offense. I’d say second or third best on the team, behind the guards. This win was UNREAL. Just remember kids, Ando says we’ll never see this team together again. Because for some reason the fact that these people don’t have $150 million means they cant come up with, what, another sixteen million a year(to retain Smith/Childress)? Considering attendance will be up? Merchandising? All those Horford and Smith jerseys? Oh, yeah- they WILL need some extra cash to get that shot clock fixed, electricians ARE expensive…

By Philips Arena Electrician

April 27, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

Suckers.

By wordsmithtom

April 27, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

I’m GLAD Horford stood up to Pierce. Pierce dissed JJ before the All Star game then flashes his “Boston” sign in Horford’s face. Sc*ew him. Pierce and Garnett have slung “in your face” antics to intimidate our young guys. Pictures in our paper of Garnett whipping his chest like a gorilla. And our guy isn’t supposed to respond???Please! Well Horford’s action shows he won’t be intimidated by Boston or ESPN. Reminds me of a young Duncan. Intangibles….this kid is a winner. ROY no matter what the league does with the award.

Great win team. Now, get some rest and keep running game 5.

By richbrave

April 27, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

BA:

Welcome to the house - no sweep. But I did say out in five.

By Ken Strickland

April 27, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

ANDO-I know you’re just being sarcastic and messing with me. I don’t, and never did, expect us to win the series. But it would really be nice and a shocker to boot. I’m just excited seeing us competing in the playoffs, and we’re not doing too badly as of late.

I don’t have access to any scouting reports or have several assistants available to offer me feedback or suggestions. Yet, I knew loooog before the playoffs the Hawks needed to up the tempo and start applying more pressuring by extending their DEF. We had to stumble into the playoffs and take 2 beatdowns before Woodson realized what I’ve suggested for months.

Now it’s the Celtics that have to make adjustments. They now have to try and change our style of play, instead of the other way around. I hope Piece is upset enough to come out trying to prove a point. His single minded focus will likely slow down their ball movement and reduce the touches of KG and Allen. Some hard double teams, like the ones they’ve used on JJ, should force him to work much harder for his shots.

That’s the strategy the old LBird led Celtics once used on MJordan, before Pippin arrived. They allowed MJ to score his 40+ pts, limited the impact of his teammates, but made him work extra hard to get those 40pts. Let someone beat you like Rhondo or Perkins, who aren’t accustomed to scoring 30-40pts or creating opposition foul trouble by going to the basket. Force Boston to defend your superior quickness, speed and atheticism for all 4qtrs.

I SIMPLY LOVE THE WAY THESE YOUNG HAWKS HAVE COME BACK AFTER 2 PLAYOFF BEATDOWNS BY THE CELTICS, AND NO REGULAR SEASON SUCCESS EITHER. IF THEY CAN MAKE THE REMAINING GMS COMPETITIVE, AND MAYBE GET ANOTHER WIN OR TWO, THIS WILL TRUELY BE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON FOR THESE YOUNG HAWKS.

By Clyde

April 27, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

The best win of the season. I was proud to see the Hawks stand up to the mighty Celtics on a national stage. JSmooth and Horford were incredible. Just like I said before they are the heart and soul of this team.

And did anyone notice that Marvin’s PT was reduced this game; expecially in crunch time. You can’t just run around the court and shoot jumps shots my friend.

By preston

April 27, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Very good and impressive win for the hawks. Even when everyone knew that Boston would try and make a run, which they tried to, the hawks kept grinding it out and closed the deal. I stil think that Woodson should be using Salim and Richardson more, and now more than ever b/c M.Williams is not giving us much of anything. Concerning Horford…..this guy is exactly what the Hawks need…a fearless player, who doesn’t back down from anyone. The Hawks have been basically the running joke of the NBA, but Horford is actually making this team relevant b/c of his play and passion. So Stephen A.Smith and some others are criticizing Horford for being pumped up and getting in Pierce’s face after basically hitting the basket that sealed the deal for the hawks last night? Didn’t espn continually show Dwight Horward barking at Chris Bosh also yesterday when he blocked his shot, but he received nothing but praise…. and as someone else pointed out doesn’t Kevin Garnett go off on a nightly tirade by m-f’ing this and that, pounds his chest, tugs and pulls his shirt to the side and is lauded by the broadcast booth for his gamesmanship? What do these guys’ want? A hawks team to humbly accept their fate by letting the Celtics slap them around and just lose this series without a fight??? Or a Hawks team that plays like they belong here and is willing to fight, scrap, grind and even trash talk their way to a win? If anything the NBA should send Horford a thank you note and definately award him the ROY now, b/c he single handely has just made this playoff series a lot more interesting than it was before.

By doc

April 27, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

ok, real heady stuff last night. it could not have been a better game unless it had been for an nba championship. if there is any doubt this is an nba city put it away. if there is any doubt about sophistication put it away. the crowd came with the noise and was there when it was supposed to be, the problem with atlanta fans is they are discerning fans and spend their bucks for the product placed on the field or court according to its abilities and capabilities. too many times the owners have not delivered rather than fans show disinterest when the appropriate time arrived. ted turner found this out now maybe the BASG group can make us sound like MATT doing a mea culpa on smash mouth josh when they continue to spend and make the right decision this summer on a coach with experience.

as far as the fans they were still hollering go hawks coming out of the section isles into the corridors, slapping hands in the exits and shouting it up in the marta station or as they exited the trains. no i am not worried about the atl fans at all.

man there was so much lint flying off the cheap towels they handed out it was like a snowstorm at the phillips. as far as ando, doesnt he know santa comes occasionally and that is when the world just relaxes into the moment all full of good cheer. ALPHA BOY … DUDE … give it up for one night. there arent too many fools that will extrapolate this to more than it is but it was very much fun to be a part of it. better yet i did it with my daughter which is what you have coming along soon. man we were so into it whooping and hollering and she knew from a friend that the hawks didnt have much of a chance but it didnt matter.

as far as fools and el stupidos out there that still want to jettison this kid j smash and somehow can find it appropriate to say marvin is the keeper of the two this is what smash brings night in and nght out. yep as i said it earlier he has no fear to step up and shoot of either reprisal from his coach, reactions from the fans or more importantly a fear that he will miss. me thinks marvin is too much of a mamas boy wanting to please and suffers from all three delimas with the thought of missing the big choke factor for him as he continues to miss open jumpers. nope i still put my money on the boy wonder j SMASH.

really good wrap up by ray on the game, so much of it was right on you would have thought he was in the seat next to me. i had great seats on an angle on the baseline which opened up different looks of the players and their positioning. the guy who really took it to them was big al. man he showed some character tonight pushing off the big bodies. and yes i will say it loud i told you so and i am glad woody finally got to the points i made earlier in a blog. he must have gotten behind in his reading efforts. yep, i along with many pleaded to go through horford to win a game. they did it both low and high. funny when it was high it opened up the baseline for jj, smash and chills to take advantage of and if they didnt come out to challenge al with the ball he was able to make enough at the top of the lane to make them pay for their non effort.

as afar as zaza he played well, had others playing the flop like cassell and getting caught doing it and even pushed a few guys back. no he isnt great but he is beginning to man up.if only he would turn into the guy and face the basket as the ball goes up and use his a$$ a bit he would end up in better position for bounds on the defensive end.

marvin had one of the worst coast to coast assist plays seen ever in my life of seeing nba bball. he was so out of control but it was such a good night of fortune that even that ended up as an easy basket for chills who somehow caught it and placed it in. it left me shaking my head and chuckling a bit. yes, it was our night.

well even the video board was clever and at the peak of its game with a look at boston through the eyes of an atlanta traveler through some of the sights of boston. i didnt have any idea the hawks were that well thought of there. funny clip put to the music of the tv show in boston with the bar as a background. yep they are all slushes as they throw back their beer and whiskey, drunkards all.

well doc wil adjust so it will be fun to see what thye have in the war chest. thier bench is huge with well travelled vets. at one pint they had pj, sam and posey on the floor at the same time with pollard in a suit and eddie house on the bench. those five alone might hold their own against our starters for a bit. that is what we need to find for aour bench in the off season if our coach isnt going to coach them up over two and three years.

since i brought up coaches, the guy jhan mentioned way back and a guy seen at hawks games for some reason this year suggesting he is still in the game is rudy t. he is much better thought for coach that either larry or fratello. please BASG at least put him on your interview list. he has been stable to a fault of his health at one point and he has one the big one twice, right? good credentials if you dont know who the next great assistant coach to step up is.

By doc

April 27, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

for those detractors of marvin including myself. he is really good at coming off the bench ….. as a cheerleader. yep he shows a lot of game there waving his towel. glad he is into it, just want to see more from my two pick in the draft. at least he does that whereas shels couldnt even muster up for that part of the game.

as far as the national media they dont want atlanta to be good. there is and will always be a bias from the national media as they continue to treat atlanta like a hick town and a wanna be rookie. so as a fan of the atlanta sports scene you just come to expect it from those new yorkers, bostonians, chicagoins, san fran typrs and laid back la folk that dont even have an nfl team because they cant support it. geez and atlata takes the heat for that and a city wht twice the size gets folks to a baell game and bball game with all the star money and folks that want to be seen, guess you cant do that at a football game but i digress.

to continue the same thought about no one wanting atl teams to do well it is even to include the refs. last night they called an even game and they too, took no crap off of rivers or garnett who on other nights during the regular season would have been teed up, the female ref stood her ground and let the guys play and talk. the calls, for a change, didnt look suspect ….. but that will change when the commish gets up this morning to readthe newspaper and find out the hawks won after he went to bed at ten, est.

By doc

April 27, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

for those detractors of marvin including myself. he is really good at coming off the bench ….. as a cheerleader. yep he shows a lot of game there waving his towel. glad he is into it, just want to see more from my two pick in the draft. at least he does that whereas shels couldnt even muster up for that part of the game.

as far as the national media they dont want atlanta to be good. there is and will always be a bias from the national media as they continue to treat atlanta like a hick town and a wanna be rookie. so as a fan of the atlanta sports scene you just come to expect it from those new yorkers, bostonians, chicagoins, san fran typrs and laid back la folk that dont even have an nfl team because they cant support it. geez and atlata takes the heat for that and a city wht twice the size gets folks to a baell game and bball game with all the star money and folks that want to be seen, guess you cant do that at a football game but i digress.

to continue the same thought about no one wanting atl teams to do well it is even to include the refs. last night they called an even game and they too, took no crap off of rivers or garnett who on other nights during the regular season would have been teed up, the female ref stood her ground and let the guys play and talk. the calls, for a change, didnt look suspect ….. but that will change when the commish gets up this morning to readthe newspaper and find out the hawks won after he went to bed at ten, est.

By Star of the Zanarkand Abes!

April 27, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

That was one HELL of a game! I hope we push for a Game 6 so I can actually see playoff basketball LIVE in my beloved City! LET’S GO HAWKS!!! DEFEND THE FACTORY!!!

By Ken Strickland

April 27, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

DOC-WOW, did ANDO lend you some of his underwear, because you went ANDO on those last posts dude? heh, heh.

By new jersey faithful

April 27, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

the best thing i saw was when JS was going nuts and waving his arms and high fiving the crowd, HORFORD went over and was wispering in his ear, and I would bet a thousand dollars that he was telling him to calm down and that they still have 5 or so minutes left in the game. You could see JS shaking his head yes, but that just goes to show you that HORFORD is a leader and knows how to win!!

By FUNK DAT

April 27, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Horford and Josh Smith bring the intensity and fearlessness to our team. Without them, we would have laid down a long time ago. They give the Hawks an identity, attitude, and some emotion that would be severely lacking without them. I’m glad to see Horford talkin back to Pierce and Garnett and not backing down. The ESPN analysts can kiss my arse and suck my nut. We need more of that type of fire. It’s clear that he’s definitely gonna be the cornerstone on which this franchise hopefully rises to greatness. GO HAWKS!!!! SHOCK THE WORLD AGAIN ON MONDAY!!!!!!

By mykhalc

April 27, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

DOC, PREACH my friend!!!! on point on ALL of it doc, no doubt!!!

just to add, as someone that lived in ATL for 25yrs and had season tix for the HAWKS, ATL will get its’ due respect when it STOPS lookin’ for others to tell it who it is as a city and if it ranks ‘to others’ as the city it wants to be seen as!!! the greatest example of ATL tryin’ to get approval and definition of who it IS was durin’ the OLYMPICS!!! i kept hearin’ the question, ‘is ATL an international city?’. why should ATLiens give a $hit how others view it??? and the same goes for ATL as a bball city. the media hates on ATL as a bball city, some of it brought on it by the handlin’ of the franchise, no doubt. and as you said DOC, ATL will support this team!!! but the owners, whomever they might be at any given moment, HAVE TO SHOW that they care about the team they are givin’ the city!!! once that trust is established, the unyieldin’ support of all the city’s teams will be received by its’ fans!!! all you gotta do is think back to how full the OMNI was back in the day or the BRAVES in the ’90s!!! the fans KNEW the owners were in it full-bore!!! thus the full support of the fans was there!!!

so until the respect is there from the media, i think we need to take a page from EL GATO GRANDE and not give a $hit it is who is standin’ there in opposition!!! be willing to take shot, leave ‘em on their knees, point at ‘em, talk $hit as you walk away, ‘cause you know you DO NOT need their approval nor definition for who ATL is as a city or sports town!!! NY fans don’t care. SF fans don’t care. OAK fans don’t care. BOS fans don’t care. none of these other cities give a flip about what others or the media thinks IMHO!!!

the HAWKS made a bold statement yesterday with the win!!! we might gets our a*******es kicked next game…doesn’t matter. last nite they kicked the bully’s a$$ and pointed at ‘em while doin’ so…PERIOD!!!! ya gotta luv that!!! the media would have had it been anybody but the HAWKS!!! but who cares!!!!???!!!!

By mykhalc

April 27, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Ken, too funny!!!LOL

By mykhalc

April 27, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

and talkin’ about intensity, how ‘bout it rubbin’ off on JJ!!! he was as fired up as i EVER seen him!!! AL and JOSH lit a fire under EVERBODY!!!!

lemme say this too. JJ was DEAD ON about these cats needin’ to experience the playoffs!!! NOW THEY KNOW WHY THEY PLAY 82 GAMES!!!! NOW THEY KNOW THERE IS MORE!!! NOW THEY KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE!!!

By SalimFan

April 27, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Wow, I never knew Bradley had it in him

By SalimFan

April 27, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Did you guys see Al Horford Dust off the ball after josh smith blocked Rondo’s shot into the stands.

By Nick

April 27, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Two words: Al Horford.

Al was getting chippy with KG at the end of Game 2. It continued last night, and it’s for the better. Don’t let KG intimidate you. The “dusting off the ball” antic was classic. So too was the jawing at Pierce at the end.

I don’t care if he is a “rookie.” He is undeniably the leader of this team. The Celtics smacked us around in the first two games. Not just with their play, but with their chest-beating and trash-talk. At least we showed we wouldn’t put up with that.

I’d venture to say that if this team had a little more playoff experience, the first two games wouldn’t have gone down the way they did, either. We wouldn’t have been so scared. But I think we get what “playoff basketball” is, now.

The next couple of games should be very interesting. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few technicals in Game 4.

By ray

April 27, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

new jersey faithful, that was a good point. A very good point. And that is one thing that Josh Smith needs: good influence from a winner.

Doc, damn boy! Bring it!

Najeh, people are just going to believe what they choose to believe. That’s all there is to it. Josh isn’t an all-star (yet), but when he and Horford are on, who can deal with them?

As to the trash talking,

I’m not even trying to hear Stephen A. Smith or any of the other raving lunatics. Al Horford has done something nobody really thought he’d do. I know I didn’t. Not only has he maintained a consistent level of production throughout the season, smashing through the rookie wall, but he has shown up huge when finally called upon in his first NBA playoff game. He was solid in the first two. In the third, he did what a star is supposed to do. Name me a power forward in the East that is going to be better than him over the next 10 years.

He deserved to talk trash. It’s part of the game. As others have already mentioned, several guys such as Garnett, are known for sounding off. Horford backed all of his talk up for the last 85 games, long before having the opportunity to do any talking.

And screw Paul Pierce. Before Ainge imported some serious star power (and veteran bench power), Pierce was putting up Joe Johnson numbers, with even less wins. I ain’t tryin’ to hear NOTHIN’ from Pierce. Meanwhile, I respect Garnett immensely. He has earned his right and is the true leader of a team that should be in the NBA Finals this year. I expect to see them come back fired up, as they got their bell rung loud and clear. Every team headed for the biggest dance needs it.

Bottom line: We didn’t get swept, and we EARNED that win, we didn’t steal it.

(expletive) Stephen A. “I never played the game because I’m a punk” Smith. He reminds me of one of those guys in high school that liked to talk smack, but always ran away when faced with the consequences of his mouth. Smith, your mouth is writing checks your body can’t cash. Alligator mouth with a hummingbird a$$…we all know you’re nothing more than the current Jim Rome. And you’ll fade into ludicrous obscurity just like he did.

By terrell barron

April 27, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Woody just got an EXTENSION.

By **NATIVE SON**

April 27, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Hey everybody; The way the Hawks showed up last night, they ought to dump the name “Highlight Factory”, ( NO DISS TO ‘NIQ) and rename Phillips as the “Fight Club”. All you prognosticators of a five game set, this ..could..go..all…the..way. I am not only an owner in the REAL A.S.G., but I’m also a client. All I can say is, “RUN,HAWKS RUN ! !” There was Laker team that tried to BUY a championship by bringing old vets in. Didn’t work then, why should it work now for The C’s? Win one game; you put your hand in their chest. Win two; you rip their hearts out. Have a blog-dacious day. Ya’ heard? PEACE from the NATIVE

By Matt

April 27, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Terrell,

Don’t scare me like that! I actually thought that he DID!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 27, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Stephen A. Smith is ESPN’s pathetic attempt at an answer for Charles Barkley.

HOWEVA… Stephen is not nearly as entertaining or as insightful as Barkley.

Quite frankly, I see no reason why anyone should care what he thinks.

In related news, I wonder what happened to ex-Hawk SLA-va MED-ve-DEN-KO?

By SalimFan

April 27, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

I happen to like Jim Rome….He’s a lot funnier than smith lol.

By SalimFan

April 27, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Yeah Barron you really shook me up with that comment.

By mykhalc

April 27, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Stephen A should be banned to AM TALK RADIO…PERIOD!!!

By **NATIVE SON**

April 27, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

As a rule, I don’t normally comment more than once, since I’m using this game controller. But, “FUNK DAT. I loved your last comment Sir”.( Classic) As for DON; Nobody deserves ( EXPLETIVE) KG is alright, so they should just give it to him on merit !( HAH) In truth, I despise a team bringing in a band of “HARDLUCK B_BALL MERCENARIES”, desperate for a ring. This isn’t a personal attack, just saying. Great players are great, b/c they’re great, With, or without a championship. PEACE ….

By SalimFan

April 27, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Man this is a CLASSIC!!

By Ken Strickland

April 27, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Did any of you guys notice the verbal confrontation that took place between Jalen Rose and Stephen A? After the moderator stepped in, Jalen looked like he wanted to go knee deep into Stephen A’s behind.

The NBA seems to have evolved into a league based on class and privilege. Only certain players get certain calls or are allowed to talk to or question the refs. Players are increasingly view by some as only deserving certain treatment by officials based on whether they’re rookies, vets, roll players, superstars, etc.

We often hear announcers refer to certain mistakes or turnovers as ROOKIE MISTAKES(even though vets often make the same mistakes). We also here them say “THAT’S A VETERAN CALL”, meaning one has to be in the league a certain length of time to get that call. I’ve also heard players turned announcers say, “HE HASN’T EARNED ENOUGH RESPECT TO GET THAT CALL”. Does that statement mean the ref should make the call based on how he feels about a player personally, rather than based on what actually transpired?

Aren’t all NBA players professionals and deserving of equal consideration on every play and in every situation. One could make a case for this being discriminatory. Aren’t these unwritten policies and attitudes unfairly giving refs the discretion to automatically give a veteran laden team like the Celtics an unfair advantage over a young inexperienced team like the Hawks?

JUST FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 27, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Outstanding post, Ken, I couldn’t agree more. Officials use the “star power” thing as an excuse to suck at their job, nothing more.

By Clyde

April 27, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

I think there needs to be another main sports news network other than ESPN. I am so tired of hearing the arrogance in the voice of the commentators. Stephen A Smith is bad but Lee Corso is the worst. All they do is hype up popular players and teams and insult the less popular players and teams. Their monopoly on the sports media is degrading sports journalism.

By Clyde

April 27, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

I think there needs to be another main sports news network other than ESPN. I am so tired of hearing the arrogance in the voice of the commentators. Stephen A Smith is bad but Lee Corso is the worst. All they do is hype up popular players and teams and insult the less popular players and teams. Their monopoly on the sports media is degrading sports journalism. They even put Terrance Moore on air rather than having Sekou on.

By fudd21

April 27, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Ken Can you elaborate on the confrontation. I didn’t see it. What was Jalen’s take?

By SalimFan

April 27, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

They were arguing over the Dever-L.A Pheonix-San Antonio series’.

They were asked what was most suprising about Friday-saturday games. Jalen was like ” I’m suprised that Denver and Pheonix went down 3-0”

Steven was like “i’m not, they both suck” (I’m paraphrasing of course but you get the idea)

Jalen: ” you can’t sit here and tell me you expected bot of theose teams to not show up and get blown out at home like that. If you don’t show up for game three you don’t deserve to be in the playoffs. Look at how Atlanta came out and competed on their home floor. I know you didn’t expect pheonix to loose, or not even put up a fight.”

Steven A. “Both teams play no defense….(He went on to say both teams suck of course in a nicer non direct way)

This wen’t on for about two minutes before (What’s his face) interviened and changed the subject.

By SalimFan

April 27, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

It got kinda heated for a second.

No more so than Skip Bayless Vs. Whoever appears on 1st and 10 to face him.

By mike

April 27, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

F BOSTON. F PAUL PIERCE. Pierce thought he was all gangster throwing up hand signs after Al schooled him.. what a joke. If you dont have your tickets yet go get them we need the 6th man again.

By drmaryb

April 27, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Hey RichBrave

where are you? Just flew in from dallas, tx we played last night. I was extremely excited to see my hawks get that win. Now, all the hatas’ can put that broom back in the closet. They will NOT be needing it now!

Horford is a real MAN! That ROY is a winner. Arguably the best player in his draft class pound for pound. An unbelievable combination of Size, Skills and Heart. We got something cookin’ now. If the lid is off the jar? Them’ proud celtics are going to have a long ride home.

I just want the hawks to be a hand full - that’s it, just play hard and win.

What up - ray star,doc, Najeh and KenS? great stuff as always and Hey KenS I liked your falcons post up, I just read it …great points and insight. Them’ falcons just could not pass of Matt Ryan - I guess? I must add that he is a PROTOTYPE QB.

Go Hawks, I got my drink and my 2-step!

By Ken Strickland

April 27, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

FUDD 21-I’m sorry but I didn’t catch the beginning of the confrontation. It had something to do with a possible Spurs sweep over the Suns. Jalen made a good point about pride and a lack of energy on the Suns part. Stephen A. stepped up and said he totally disagreed with everything Jalen said, and it was on. Steven A. actually got rather loud and demonstrative and tried to out talk Jalen and do a verbal beatdown of Jalen. Jalen responded in kind and it got out of hand. In the end, Jalen asked Steven A if he had predicted a possible sweep of the Suns by the Spurs and Stephen A was reluctant to answer. The moderator had to intervene, but the anger and the angry expression on Jalen’s face was undeniable. Prior to that episode, Jalen has always had a smile on his face when the network fades out. It was blatantly obvious Jalen took Stephen A’s actions and attitude personally.

Some announcers are very knowledgeable and try to offer insight on the topic at hand. A select few are caught up in promoting themselves as personalities and offering insight on themselves, rather than the topic at hand. I have no problem with being a personality, but it should become a priority. That’s why I love JMadden. He’s definitely a personality, but he never allows that fact to interfere with making on point analysis of the topic at hand.

By MannyT

April 27, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

SalimFan It looks like the Boston reporter blogs the entire game.

It is amusing to see the Boston take on the game they got beaten.

As for your ESPN pals, Steven A. is carving out his corner as the outrageous, Bill Walton like, parody of a media personality. I’m sure that he will have biting words for the Celtics and no credit for the Hawks if we can even up the series on Monday. It’s the shtick that gets him paid.

doc If the Hawks win on Monday, what does that do to your post game event? Does it become the Toast to the undersized AL-ROY that could post game celebration? Maybe you’ll want to go where everybody knows your name…and they’re always glad you came…

BWAF

By cp

April 27, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Clyde I agree with you about ESPN. I just can’t watch it as much as I used too. When it comes to football I just stick with NFL network because the clowns they have on ESPN think they know everything and are never wrong. I rather watch basketball on TNT. I do however enjoy Hubie Brown on ESPN but I dont like the other clowns they have up there. I think after the Mike Vick situation last year (they would not give that story at least 1 day of rest) I just kind of gave up on ESPN. I look at it every once in a while but it’s nothing like it used to be. ESPN is a joke now.

By terrell barron

April 28, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

Look at that hustle. WOW! Go Hawks. Good flop Zaza. lol! As I say this, JJ nails one at the buzzer. Is’nt Playoff basketball exciting!

By terrell barron

April 28, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Question: Does Woody get a pass if we win 2 games against the Celtics in this series?

By terrell barron

April 28, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Marvin has gone to the free-throw line more than any other player in the series. GO MARVIN!

By terrell barron

April 28, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Garnett pushed first! Mutha sucka!

By terrell barron

April 28, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Was that Chills or Clyde the Glyde?

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