Hawks

By Khao$

November 14, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Sekou: What’s the scoop on Zaza? Game time decision? Out for the game?

By JerryWest

November 14, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Most importantly, whats the news on Zaza and Smith? Also Harris?

By honest_abe

November 14, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

sup fellas…

i didn’t write for a while because i began to notice a correlation between the team winning and me not posting. heh

helluva start.

can’t give enough credit to sund for bringing some quality depth on the cheap.

marvin finally coming of age. its nice. noticeable improvement in all aspects of his game.

woody still making some questionable decisions but he’s got the team playing hard and playing some really good d.

i think not having j smith will eventually catch up here in the next few games especially if zaza is still banged up. but the outlook on the season looks bright. i’m thinking 3rd or 4th seed in the east. not bad. not bad.

By The Truth

November 14, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

I agree with Marvin. I will go further and say if we lose to NJ, it would be a more significant loss than Boston. As our standing has moved up around the NBA, our win expectation has also moved up. Now these lower seeded teams will equally be gunning for Boston and the Hawks for fame and notoriety. The Hawks will have to work harder just to maintain. With our current injury situation as it is, I long for those times when we were under the radar.

By Khao$

November 14, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

JerryWest, per the papers in New Jersey, Devin Harris said, “[He’s] going to give it a go.”

By zaza's playground

November 14, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

great info on the ratings. hawks could be turning this city…

By Sekou K. Smith

November 14, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Zaza’s a game time decision. Shoulder is still sore and he’s getting treatment. Range of motion is the issue. Woodson might go with the small lineup tonight if he can’t go. Josh Smith is in Atlanta.

By dj

November 14, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

HA! Its great to hear the Hawks be the talk of the NBA and the town this season so soon, its only going to get louder as the season progresses.

People called me crazy for predicting a 47 win season this season, i predicted they would improve enough to increase their win total to at least +10

i think the Hawks can do even better than that, a 50 win season is not outside the Hawks potential THIS SEASON

look at the rest of the east, and of course its still early but:

Dwight Howard is the best big in the league but the rest of the Magic are significantly worse than last season, they are not better than the Hawks

Chris Bosh is the best forward in the east but Jermaine O’Neal will not take them over the top, this team is not better than the Hawks

Detroit has Iverson but they are not defensively or offensively better than the Hawks in any way

The Hawks biggest competition in the eastern conference is the Celtics Big 3 and the Legend of LeBron, therefore

if Josh Smith is back on Sat. Nov.22(which he will be), the Hawks will make another great game to prove themselves in

[please check out my blog, comment and stuff(http://playoffshawks.blogspot.com)

By cp

November 14, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

It is baffling not to have more nationally televised games. Teams that won less games than we did have already been on t.v. more than us. Its the same teams over and over again. I agree with whoever said the NBA should do like the NFL and change the tv schedule to show better teams or whatever The Nets have a lot of size but I still think we have a better team. I hope they don’t come out sluggish tonight. If they come out early with some energy and hit the boards we should win this one.

By Dan

November 14, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

KG is a moron. I do not understand the nut sucking that the national media performs on that guy every night. He is a trash talking douchebag. Fits in well with the other Celtic players.

Hawks are not a rival, KG? Explain why you dapped every player but Zaza to start the game on Wednesday. KG can kiss my ars.

Would be great to sweep the Nets this weekend, but that will be tough. Vince Carter is a life long Hawk killer. I am anxious to see how the new and improved D looks against Carter.

Get your tickets for the game on Saturday night. Fans in this town need to start showing up. We got a team on our hands, everyone.

By Ariose

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

Yeah, I really hope we have smoove for that Cleveland game Next Friday…..I really want us to stick it to LeBron. We should have beaten them the last time we played but bron-bron started hitting reduiculously tough jumpers to seal the game(Jumpers y’all).

Sekou, were those ratings just for New England and Georgia?

~Sir Links A Lot~

By The Truth

November 14, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Sekou I’ll asked the question again. Will Harris play for NJ? What is his status?

By Ariose

November 14, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

…………..11-1 going into the Cleveland game next friday…….that’s my official prediction……

~Sir Links A Lot~

By randy

November 14, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

KG and his thug freinds lynched some white student back in his HS days. What do you expect from trash like that?

By Ariose

November 14, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Leandro Barbosa’s mother passed away thurday night. Barbosa is preparing to go back to Brazil for the funeral. His father diaed of cancer in 2005.

Barbosa is the youngest of five children. His family will be in my prayers.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Don Keeballz

November 14, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Speedy seems to fit right in with the coaches, it’s just he makes 5x what those coaches make. When does his name change from Speedy to Piney from sitting on the pine for 2 years? Also, can Bob Rathburn please tell ‘Nique to stop calling shots a game ending dagger with 6 minutes to go?

By Ariose

November 14, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

I Think Acie Law is the next Derek Fisher. Their both lefties who like to penetrate and they both play hard nosed defense. With his height though, Acie should turn out to be a lot better(as far a potential is concerned) but I don’t know why, but it just dawned on me that he plays like d-fish……Neither of them are the greatest of shooters either….

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Khao$

November 14, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

The Truth per www.nj.com (New Jersey’s paper) says Harris will play. Per Vince Carter, he still had his burst and speed in practice.

By Sekou K. Smith

November 14, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Devin Harris is scheduled to “give it a try” during pregame to see where he is. My guess is he’ll try and play. But that’s all it is right now, a guess.

By ITCHI BALLS

November 14, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Randy you’re going a little far dont you think. KG talks alot of trash but away from the court he is a quality guy. You never hear about him involved with the law for DUI or domestic violence. If all he does is talk trash on the court I can live with that.This guy is not JR Rider,dont turn this into the falcons blog THANx

By JerryWest

November 14, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Ariose,

Fisher and Acie are quite different. Fisher is a much better shooter and he knows the ins and outs of real game. Acie is much faster, much bigger, much better penetrator and has many PG skills Fisher doesn’t have. Acie is just going through the early career jitters that many PGs (great or not) have gone through.

Some people compared Acie to Mark Jackson. I totally disagree. Jackson was a genious with great PG skills. He was slow, played bad defense, and was a much worse shooter than Acie. He could post up other PGs with his Marvinesque a*.

If Acie can develop, he can become a poor man’s DWill. Woody needs to deactivate the dog zapper he put under Acie’s pants.

By JerryWest

November 14, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

cut and paste:

It looks like Brook Lopez gets his first NBA start Friday vs. the Hawks. With Josh Boone recovering from a bad ankle bruise, the 7′-1″ rookie is likely to be at the center position. Boone isn’t the only scratch. Eduardo Najera is out with a strained neck, meaning Ryan Anderson moves into his spot behind Yi Jianlian. Devin Harris looks good to go.

Looks like Marvin and Horf could have career nights tonight. Rarely seen a worse front court.

By Ariose

November 14, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Chauncey Billups talks about trade, Flip

~Sir Links A Lot~

By I.MUS WRITE

November 14, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Come on Ariose …..you’re pushing dont you think. the only similarities between the two are them both being left handed.

Derek Fisher is of the Robert Horry-big shot after big shot…Remember that San Antoino game D Fish tickeling the twine with 0.02 seconds on the clock.

Fisher is the reason Farmar is’nt starting,and Farmar is better than Acie across the board in every category

Can u name one time,this year or last that AC has hit a game winning shot or a shot when we really needed it…And im not talking about summer league.

I want to say he looks more like Mark Jackson,but im not gonna compare him to proven guys until he gets his game and confidence back

Im gonna make a prediction -If Acie does’nt drasticly improve or show sum signs of life he will be traded this summer or the next. He could develope a consistent jumper but developing the ability to run/take control of a team is alot harded and I dont knoew if we have the time to wait on this guy

I really believe that B though Ac was ready to get after it right away like Stuckey and Westbrook I guess the joke is on us -Acie cant out play Anthony Johnson right no. Tune into the next OC game and watch R.Westbrook -Thats what a yung promising PG looks like.

Mr H and H……Hand off and Hide in a corner

Acie Law = Ed Gray all day long

By wxwax

November 14, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

It’s only natural that KG would want to downplay the idea of a rivalry.

As member of the dominant team, he has nothing to gain and everything to lose by admitting to it.

Doesn’t mean he’s right, though! :-)

By Ariose

November 14, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

I.Mus-I can’t argue with that lol. Acie defenetly hasn’t proven anything yet. He seriously needs to get his game on……But I was just speaking of similarities in playing styles, not actual performance on the court…..Acie’s got a lot of work to do, and Playing big agains this depleted Nets squad is the perfect way to get out of woody’s dog house………thats IF the starters blow this one open early do he can get in there and prove something…..

I still say if it’s not getting any better by january……it may be in Acies best intrest if he had a chnge of scenery……memphis for Lowry or Critt maybe? I really hope Acie prove us wrong and makes BK proud lol.

10 teams to watch.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By The Truth

November 14, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

It’s hard to know what AC is really made out of since he rarely gets sufficient minutes to validate himself. Seating on the pine and playing spot duty will cause anybody to second guess and doubt. You plant bad seeds you grow bad fruit.

By JerryWest

November 14, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Larry Brown is notorious for not developing rookies. Woody, being Brown’s disciple, loves veterans just as much. If Zaza wasn’t injured, Horf would never have started last year. If Walker & Harrington were here, Josh/Marvin would have been slower to progress. Stupid AJ went nuts when Acie was expected to start our first game last season. Woody shouldn’t have backed down.

By bkHawksFan

November 14, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Hehe, Piney Claxton. Goodun.

By Ariose

November 14, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Did Sorry Azz Royal Ivey just call us fair weather fans?

……Royal, you suck………seriously, you do. Don’t get mad because some hawks fanse were actually telling you this to your face at games when you played here.

This man couldn’t even get off tha pine when Philly cane to Atlanta Last week…..WOW.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By JerryWest

November 14, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Acie hasn’t proven anything. He needs to go Flip Murray in the next two games with NJ. Outside of Carter and recovering Harris, they got scrubs. With Boone/Najera out they got no front court depth. A rookie will start at C tonight.

By godawgs_uga

November 14, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Kevin Garnett is nothing but a punk. And his side-kick Paul Pierce is a cry-baby. We took them to the brink without Josh Smith or ZaZa (who Garnett is scared of by the way) and Horford in foul trouble all night…..I can’t wait for those two to bring that sh@t to Atlanta. The Celtics have ZERO class!!!!!

By femhawkfan

November 14, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

GIVE ME A FREAKING BREAK, KG!!! He knows this is turning into a big rivalry. He really looks stupid saying “its entertainment, not a rivalry” when he couldn’t even acknowledge Zaza’a presence in pregame. Actually, if you look at the whole quote, he really didn’t want to give the Hawks any credit. As much as I hate Paul Pierce, he did give the Hawks a a lot of credit in post games comments.
KISS MY A*, KG!!!

By SB

November 14, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a hawks fan since i was 5. I’m also a KG fan. And tho I don’t always endorse his actions he is a first ballot HOF. So don’t make up stuff calling him a thug, or that he lynched someone..totally out of line. He has been a model NBA player of the court. That said dude may be right on this one. A famous man once said it’s not a rivalry until the other team wins. We have to win a series to call it a rivalry. I believe we will but we have not as of now. Their would be no Celtics Laker rivalry if the Lakers never won. He and Paul(the cry babby) gave us plenty of props after the game. So we have his respect and attention. I think some of you guys try to read to far into things. As for not dapping up ZaZa, i didn’t see it but as I said I don”t endorse everything he dose.

By richbrave

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

SEKOU:

Well, you’ve got a road win in D.C. on the 29th. That’s seven. And one at home on the 19th. That’s eight.

By ray

November 14, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

I think KG is a heck of a player, one of the true superstars in the league. He’s not as superman-ish anymore, especially playing in Boston, but he’s still one of the top guys (just not stat-wise anymore).

Having said that….I was talking on the last blog, right after the game in Boston about how we seem to have gotten ourselves into a good little rivalry situation here. Garnett is down-playing this. And he should. They are still the champs, and still the top team in the East..for now. He knows they got away with this one. We weren’t even at full strength, and even that’s not an excuse.

One thing he better know: we’re coming after them every time. And we have what it takes. They’ll need heroics from somebody on that squad every time we play them. And sometimes….those heroics won’t be enough. Because we have heroes, too. Win or loss, notice was served.

By ray

November 14, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

I.MUS, Ariose,

I know Acie’s performance has been disappointing so far. I have a hard time, though, not thinking that he’s biding his time, and that the roles have been set already. Maybe I’m wrong, and it wouldn’t be the first time by far. In one of Sekou’s articles, he talked about how tentative he was last season, and how that has changed. Then, in another article, Woody says he held Acie back some (well, not exact words, but he kinda beat around the bush with that general idea), and that injuries played a role.

Then, we see Acie being given control of the offense during the preseason(he started some games) and averaging nearly 27 minutes a game. I know it’s the preseason, but this is against real NBA competition, not summer league crap. And Woodson put an emphasis on winning these games. Acie performed very well. He shot well, passed well, handled the ball well, defended well. Yet, the season starts (and goes on for 7 games), and he’s right back where he was last year, as you said: cross half court, pass the ball, get lost in the offense…at 12 minutes per game (actually less now).

I still think this is by design. Is him not playing really well by design? No, but the minutes he’s getting after an excellent preseason have to be by design. And the “pass the ball to JJ or Flip (or any veteran guard)” has Woody written all over it. It just does…

But, like I said…I could be wrong about this, and Acie could just be a disappointment. I just don’t believe it yet. Maybe I’m in denial. I’ll have to just sit it out and wait. But nothing else makes sense. The minutes alone (and it’s only been 7 games) are telling me it’s not his time yet because somebody believes it’s not his time, and that somebody isn’t Acie.

On the flip side of the coin, what do you do if your lottery pick pg isn’t showing you much, and your current starting pg is getting paid big cash, and is staring at the end of his contract at the end of the season? And the other guy capable of playing pg? Well, he could start, but then where would you get an offensive spark off the bench from? And who then is the back-up to your starting pg?

There are multiple ways to go about it, and I only can think of a couple at the moment. One way is to try a trade, either acquiring a draft pick that you use to draft another pg. Another is trading for another young pg, or simply finding another way to acquire such a person. The only problem is, you better be drafting a guy who can take over tomorrow, or you’re only be starting over. In which case, get ready to be disappointed again, as the growth and chemistry process could be the same or even slower.

The second way sounds better, as it is somewhat of a more sure thing. After all, draft position is not guaranteed, and who knows what the teams before you will draft.

Here’s one idea that comes to my mind: keep Acie (or don’t), then introduce another young lead guard to the situation. There will be some competition for certain at that point. One particular guy comes to mind at the moment: Javaris Crittenton. He’s getting little to no burn over there in Memphis. The backcourt is way too crowded with Conley and Mayo as starters. Their backups? Lowry and Ross. Not to mention Jaric and Buckner.

If we can’t get a top 3 rookie pg with obvious skills, and we don’t want to get younger, that would be one way to go. The kid is just bursting for minutes, and no matter what he does, the rotation is set in Memphis, so he’s not getting any over there without massive injury issues in the backcourt. Which I think would also apply to Law right about now….

By MannyT

November 14, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

Ariose NIce link on Billups. I think the human side of being a pro athlete gets passed over way too often.

Imagine if your boss came into the office today and said, your in Chicago. And the boss meant a relocation, not a business trip. No choices, no arguments, unless you want to retire from the industry.

I think Royal called the bulk of local sports fans fair weathered. If you only follow when there is trendy hot success, you are fair weathered. If you think about how Philips looked for most of last season, it didn’t get rowdy until the playoffs. If you get a chance to attend a game in another town, compare. Philly is a gritty, hard core pro sports town. Not so much on the college level. Here it’s reversed—almost all about the SEC.

Did you catch his coaching comment? All the coaches are great. Aaron McKie, Jimmy Lynam, they all know their stuff. I’ve been around a few coaches, but this staff is real sharp on their basketball IQ and their knowledge of the game. Kinda fits with the AC talk y’all are having right now.

I.MUS That Ed Gray think was just frosty cold. Ouch. However, AC did have worse rookie stats than Salim. I think he has talent, but he’s not getting past the other guards for minutes unless there is an injury.

All y’all can get wired up about KG not calling this a rivalry. It’s like when you get in a few more good shots against your older brother, cousin, friend than he expected. He won’t admit to it, but he’s got more respect for you now that he realizes that he cannot toy with you. THe Hawks have that respect. Now we need to put some foot in rear on December 17th. Then Zaza can tell him Now You Know with a Gerogian accent!

Small ball has to play big tonight. Especially if Zaza is out or well less than 100%. We will need to pull out lots of quicky von quick quick in the front court tonight. Boston’s over for a month. Now we have to deal with the tall trees and coach HOHs.

By richbrave

November 14, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

WIZ REPORT:

Just saw a replay of the UTAH game. JORDAN ran McGEE at 5, BLATCHE at 4, JAMISON at 3, BUTLER at 2, and STEVENSON at 1. Very interesting. And the WIZ are very big in that line-up going 7’0”, 6’11”, 6’9”, 6’7”, and 6’5”.

By ray

November 14, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

Hawks fan 80,

From the last blog: Got slapped in the face by the one you least expected it from, eh? I have to admit, while your post was hardly friendly to me, “toxic avenger” was something I had to admit to laughing at. Still, you found out the hard way where the real problem lies. Notice that I offered you a chance to make fun of me even more. What offer did you get when you went in the other direction? Personal insult. Heh. I assure you, you’ll get all the drama you can handle from that one. Enjoy!

As to your basketball predictions:

I wouldn’t paint the Nets winners over us right away. Seems they have injury issues too, for one thing. For another, look at the matchups from 1 to 5. Devin Harris may or may not be playing, as he has injury problems at the moment. If he’s not 85 percent or better, he’s going to have trouble keeping up with Bibby, who is probably going to do all he can to get open. If he is healthy, then he presents a matchup problem of his own on offense, as JJ won’t be around to guard him. I say that because JJ will be busy with Vince Carter.

Yi Jianlian could be a problem (a 7-footer with a stroke like that always is), but he’s not going to light the place on fire if he can’t get the ball or always has somebody in his face. Same for Simmons. In the backcourt, Lopez is a big boy, and Ryan Anderson has some talent, but will they be able to hold their own all night with little backup against Horford and Solo? And if we go small, they won’t be able to keep up with us (though we’ll give up rebounds, most likely).

Our problem is that Zaza is injured. If he can’t play, we have depth issues, but I still say we win.

By the way, which 3 guys will we be sending to the all-star team? JJ should be a lock by now. I have high hopes for Josh (once he gets back from injury), but you know how the politics go. As it is, right now he’s at 12ppg, 8rpg, 2.3 spg, and 2.5bpg. That’s less than last year, and not enough to get in, currently. Especially not past the incumbents. I’d say Marvin and Bibby are on the outside looking in. Why? Because 16 and 5 (Bibby), and 11 and 5 (Marvin) aren’t enough to make it in. Bibby put up better numbers out west a few years ago and never made it. Besides, we all know that they don’t vote purely by position. Sometimes only one or two pgs makes it, while the rest are sgs.

Horford? Maybe an outside chance, as he is getting close to a double-double nowadays. The only thing is…some of that has to do with having to pick up the slack from Josh Smith being out. Will he be able to maintain a double-double once Josh comes back? I say if he does, he should make it. But…politics, politics, politics. Can he get on board with incumbents like Elton Brand? I’d like to see it.

By be at the game

November 14, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS TONIGHT LETS ALL SHOW UP AT THE GAME TOMMORROW AND CHEEEEEER OUR HAWKS…. GO HAWKS SIC EM CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP….

By Juice

November 14, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

LOL! at “Be at the Game” - GO HAWKS SIC EM CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP… .

By Blast

November 14, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

ESPN can go eat crow. They could have had all those nice ratings if they showed the Hawks/Celtics game. They better adjust their tv schedule to accommodate some Hawks game, so the country can see great basketball, rather than those same sorry a* teams they show everyday.

By Eric S.

November 14, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Gentleman,

I love Sekou’s work and he has inspired to do some of my own. I’m launching my own site to spread the word and offer another take.

Statement game tonight.

By Sautee

November 14, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

MARVIN!

By Melvin

November 14, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

Nets got off to a fast start but the Hawks got it going now. They pickup the def and the moving the ball around the off end for go shots. Marvin has the shooting stroke early(3-3) with 2- 3pt shots and a mid range pullout…

By Sautee

November 14, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

Good to see a few solid minutes by Acie

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 14, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

I gotta say, I am pretty impressed with Brook Lopez. The guy has the athleticism and fundamentals to be good for a long time.

I’m also once again really impressed with Marvin, and I think the Hawks need to start running some plays to get him open on the perimeter.

The Hawks’ defense today has been kinda suspect. We’ve been bailed out by great three-point shooting and Vince being off so far. We’re gonna have to put the CLAMPS (Complete Lockdown Assuring Minimum Points Scored) down on defense in the 2nd half to pull out this victory. Devin Harris in particular is going wherever he wants to go on the floor.

By new jersey faithful

November 14, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Law looking good! These refs are just PATHETIC!!!!!

By ray

November 14, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Just like that, after one off-season Marvin becomes a legit 3-point threat. All I can say is “wow”. Nice job, Marvin!

Samuel, I thought you said that Marvin shooting 3s was a bad thing, and he’d never become a decent threat at that range? Heh, heh…considering some of the things I got wrong (Solo’s emergence for one), I really don’t have much room pokin’ at ya, but I just can’t resist. Hee hee…

Lopez is a big boy. And he’s causing problems on both ends for us. But then, we have problems with any 7-footers that are fairly mobile/agile and have decent talent. Horford is much quicker though, and needs to put a body on the guy before trying to score on him. A few up-and-under and other head-fake moves wouldn’t hurt either. The guy isn’t the best defender (but not necessarily a bad one), and he lacks some discipline. Get him into foul trouble, Al…

Acie is playing better, although you can tell he’s still deferring to Flip some, and he’s still hesitating ever so slightly. But…less than 7 minutes played, 2-2 from the field, 4 points, 3 assists, 1 turnover isn’t bad. And he’s getting himself started just the way he should: driving to the basket.

By ray

November 14, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe,

I think this is the game you were saying would happen. Marvin already has 17. If he stays hot, and we keep feeding him, he’s good for 30, no problem.

What a nice defensive series by Zaza. I’m glad he was able to play tonight.

Man, JJ is off. Two points on 1-5 shooting? Yikes. We’re hanging on to a 1 point lead, though. Gotta jump on ‘em in the second half, then put them away. We don’t want any late game heroics from Carter or Harris delaying us from our 7th win. We need to take this one from them on their own court, then come back to Phillips and defend the fort.

Gotta keep putting Marvin in a position to pick up where JJ isn’t getting it done. Flip and others will help, but we seem to be starving a little on the offensive end. Bibby helps some, though.

By terrell barron

November 14, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Way too many easy baskets. Hurry back Smoove. Wake up Zaza. Come on JJ. Keep it up Marvin.

By ray

November 14, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Najeh, no surprise that Harris gets where he wants. He’s fast, and JJ is too busy tangling with Carter. Otherwise, he’d bottle him up. So, it’s left to Bibby, Flip, or Acie. Heh.

I see Sean Williams got to play since some guys are injured. Hey, he doesn’t have any blocks so far. I thought this guy was supposed to be some defensive superman? Hee hee…

In other news, looks like Philly is headed for another butt-whoopin’. Season isn’t even a tenth of the way over, but who saw them being this bad starting off? Who knows, maybe their chemistry will get going. Uhhh, I’m not in a hurry for that to happen.

By cp

November 14, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Marvin, Flip, and Bibby came to play. JJ is off. Law played some nice minutes so far. Pachulia is struggling on the defensive end.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 14, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

What is going on with these three pointers? This is incredible!

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 14, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Lopez is killing us!

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 14, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Come on Zsa-Zsa bow Lopez in the head or something!

By terrell barron

November 14, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Give Morris a shot Woody. We’re making Lopez look like Shaq.

By new jersey faithful

November 14, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

I love the Hawks, but the NBA sucks!!!!

By terrell barron

November 14, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Was that not a foul on Yi? We never get any calls. Way to take it to the hoop anyway Marvin.

By hawkeye

November 14, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

brook is killing us. joe is off and bibby is hot but in foul trouble. bad sign…somebody needs to step up and have a monster game like al.

By terrell barron

November 14, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Where’s the and 1? Good move Flip. Sorry a* refs.

By terrell barron

November 14, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Oh, I get it now. If you scream when you get bumped, they’ll call the foul. Pathetic!!

By Confused

November 14, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

I hate complainin about calls and what ways they go but clearly I think me and the refs are looking at two different games tonight. I’ve seen Lopez and Yi go over the back a million times tonight. Lopez straight up pushing Z…When do we finally get some respect to at least get a few calls here and there.

By ray

November 14, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Joe’s starting to come back online a bit.

Marvin is still smokin’ and I say keep giving him the ball and setting screens for him!

Flip is helping out a lot, and what a quarter-ending drive by Law!

Struggle though we might, we are fighting hard and winning. I love this team!

By terrell barron

November 14, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Sean Williams, that’s against the Law. lol!! Way to take it to the hole Acie.

By ray

November 14, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

terrell, that’s how Paul Pierce does it….

By ray

November 14, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Somebody please guard Ryan Anderson. Just ‘cause he’s tall doesn’t mean he can’t shoot from the outside.

By the way, looks like Anderson’s a guy right up your alley, Ando.

By ray

November 14, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

I hate that call on Law, but I like the way he’s playing out there, using his speed and just knifing through the defense.

Nice trey from Joe. He needed to hit that, and we needed it from him.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 14, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Joe is starting to smoke!

FIRE baby FIRE!!

By ray

November 14, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Yikes, 5 fouls on Bibby. Not surprised, as he can’t guard any of the Nets guards. Not Harris, not Dooling, nor Carter, etc. At least he’s trying. I expect to see more of Law before the game is over.

To be fair, New Jersey has a fast and versatile backcourt, if a bit inconsistent.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 14, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Alright Acie, here’s your chance! Bibby not a smart foul there now you got five- crap!

By Sautee

November 14, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Live by the 3, die by the 3. Go inside.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 14, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Man I hate those “just jump into a player” calls. That makes the NBA game stink!

By ray

November 14, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

Great. See, this is the late game heroics I was talking about from Devin Harris. Somebody put a clamp on that cat, please. He’s a problem, which shouldn’t be a surprise. The problem is, he shares the backcourt with Carter, who cannot be left alone either.

Horford is hustling like crazy, but it’s just not enough against a big, long, athletic 7-footer. This is where we miss Josh Smith’s leaping ability, tenacity, and shot-blocking. He really changes so much of the game, and Horford has his hands full out there essentially by himself.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 14, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

ray - you ain’t lying about needing J-Smoove back good God!

By Confused

November 14, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Rathbun just said 30 to 16 for free throws….basically 2 to 1 well…after the foul call on Marv it is 2 to 1

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 14, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Come on JJ, get HOT and take this one over!!

By Sautee

November 14, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Like I said, INSIDE!

Now we got something goin’.

By ray

November 14, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Ahh, Joe is coming on at the right time. What a towel-biter. Come on guys…

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 14, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Yeah… a defensive mistake-eraser like Smoove is desperately needed in a game like this. Devin Harris is looking like Chris Paul today. It’s really pretty amazing that the Hawks are still in a position to win this game, considering how poorly they have played so far on defense.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 14, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Vince Carter done woken up, folks. This game is looking out of reach as of right now.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 14, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

“Rathbun just said 30 to 16 for free throws….basically 2 to 1 well…after the foul call on Marv it is 2 to 1”

If you spend all game jacking up 3’s to try to beat their zone, you’re not gonna draw fouls. That stat isn’t all that surprising.

By Sautee

November 14, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Bibby, we didn’t need that 3 when there was time to go inside.

By Melvin

November 14, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

The officating is terrible. How many free throws have the Nets shot. You would think the Nets are the World Champion Celtics the way they are getting calls…

By Sautee

November 14, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Well they didn’t quit.

By new jersey faithful

November 14, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Its over! Refs, as usaul, were AWEFUL!!!!!!

By Pactu

November 14, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Is this what the Hawks really are? Can’t finish out a sorry team like the Nets??? I’m so sick of this. I guess since the streak is over it doesn’t matter if you play hard now?? Don’t go back to the old Hawks.

By cp

November 14, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Terrible effort on the defensive end. JJ caught fire late but it wasn’t enough. We took a lot of bad shots, and forced a lot of shots. Our perimeter d is still suspect. We need Josh back a.s.a.p. I don’t even want to start on the bad calls. I saw so many over the backs that it wasn’t funny.

By Da Real Real

November 14, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Disappointing lost, and to be honest with you this lost doesn’t shock me. I don’t care much for excuses but I’d much rather see this as fact when you look at all the games we’ve played this one week (4 tomorrow will make 5) and then you look at the injury situation - ZaZa didn’t really look anywhere near 100% tonight so we were basically without Smoove and Z. Not to mention we now have a home and home back to back against these guys.

The Hawks looked sluggish…tired throughout the whole game. The defense was lazy. I understand the cries about the way the game was reffed and again it was very poor but our guy were lazy on defense which is why we were getting tagged with the foul calls. We were lazy on the offensive side with settling for to many jumpers like Najeh said, and not driving the basketball. And then we did drive the ball of course the calls were not there so I understand why people are calling for the fouls. It would have definitely been nice to go 3 and 1 on this road trip but 2-2 isn’t bad because it could have been a lot worst in years past.

We just have to get home and rest up and play these guys again. Seriously looking at this game how many times do you think Lopez is going to have 20 in one half for the Nets….Harris isn’t a 3 point shooter and he was even knocking them down. I think tomorrow will be different - we just have to come out play better defensively

By kirkinga

November 14, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Looks as if Mr. Brooks is more talented than many here surmised.

The guys are going to need a large and lvely crowd tomorrow night as schedule and injuries have taken a toll on the squad.

No need to fret, we’ve seen what this team can do.

Good to see a little something from Acie tonight. I think he did well given the limited minutes he played.

By Not respected

November 14, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

“Rathbun just said 30 to 16 for free throws….basically 2 to 1 well…after the foul call on Marv it is 2 to 1”

If you spend all game jacking up 3’s to try to beat their zone, you’re not gonna draw fouls. That stat isn’t all that surprising.

Get what you’re sayin man but I think most of the people are tired of the tick tack fouls that other teams seem to get whereas the Hawks are getting tagged and can’t draw the fouls. I can’t count how many times I seen Joe get hacked when he drove, or the few times that Marvin did. Acie got fouled on that last play of the first half and there was no call. There were so many over the back calls, and pushes in the back that were not called.

Like I said I get what you’re saying but I think most of us are tired of not getting enough respect to get the called at least called somewhat equally and that’s whats happening right now. If Vince yells while not getting hit he’s going to the line. I would like to see Mike Woodson get in a ref face tomorrow night and get a T early tomorrow night to send a message to the refs that we’re not going to stand for poorly called games like the one in Boston which doesn’t even compare to the poor reffed game tonight.

By ajw

November 14, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

WE didn’t get any calls tonight. Everything went the Nets way foul wise. We really miss Josh. He hasn’t even been out a week yet, and you think he is going to be back by next Friday? The way he plays, it doesn’t seem likely.

The Nets got 42 points in the 4th quarter. That’s insane!

Horford was really undersized tonight and it showed.

Glad to see the whining Celtics get beat by Denver tonight.

Time for revenge tomorrow night.

By ray

November 14, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Well, that’s that.

As bad as some of the non-calls were, that’s not nearly what is to blame, in my opinion. Sure, the Nets were going over the back all night and JJ still isn’t getting enough respect. And they did shoot twice as many free throws, but we didn’t go inside much, settling for too many jumpers.

The bigger problem is that our defense wasn’t up to par. We didn’t get our hands on enough passes and what not. And most of that was a problem stemming from perimeter defense….or lack thereof. The Nets present a problem with their starting backcourt, but we didn’t have to help them along by not playing hard enough. Towards the end, the very thing I feared was exactly what beat us: late game heroics by Harris and Carter.

I don’t want to dump on Bibby, but why was he still in the game? Yeah, yeah, I know, for this three point threat capability. Only that doesn’t make sense either. If JJ can’t get open for the 3 ( he had to take one from like 30 feet just to get one), Flip can’t, and Marvin can’t, then what makes anybody think Bibby could? So, let’s take the offensive part right out of the equation and what are you left with? Defense. Bibby and good defense don’t go in the same sentence so well to begin with, but Bibby with 5 fouls is worse. Bibby with 5 fouls and a choice of guarding Harris or Carter is a disaster waiting to happen. And that was not a smart move by Bibby to jack up an errant, contested 28-footer with several seconds left on the clock (when we still had a few minutes to go). Ugh. We should’ve gone inside for the bucket.

Unfortunately, Carter was hitting jumpers in Joe’s face from the exact same spot on the floor every time he came down the floor. Meanwhile Devin took turns running past either Bibby or Flip. Flip looked good on offense, but he wasn’t a whole lot better than Bibby against Harris. I do recall saying that Harris is one of the better pgs in the east. Still don’t believe that?

I don’t understand why we suddenly went away from Marvin after the first half he had. It’s not like the Nets suddenly clamped down on him. We just went away from him. Personally, if they were getting after him, my opinion is just set screens for him.

JJ got smokin’ hot towards the end, but it wasn’t enough. No good doing all that scoring when you can’t stop your opponent.

Can’t blame anything on Acie, he made the most of his measley 10 minutes tonight with a 9 point, 3 assist effort on 4-5 shooting. Sure, he got some fouls, but he stayed on his man hard and wasn’t giving up “And 1s” all over the place.

Bottom Line:

We gave up 42 4th quarter points. That is NOT defense.

We miss Josh Smith. Especially against bigger, taller frontcourts. And against teams that cause mismatch problems in the backcourt. He’s our eraser and Horford’s bodyguard (who else keeps people from picking/ganging up on Horford in the post?). Our team defense suffers, which means our transition game suffers.

Mike Glenn had some interesting/good things to say about Acie and his ability to penetrate. He also said that was something that Acie brings to the game that Bibby doesn’t. Hmmmmmm. I think dude should’ve played more minutes, myself…

Time to get in the ice tub, come back home, and whoop that butt tomorrow night.

6-2. Still good, but we don’t want to get on a losing streak, so let’s stop it right there.

By ray

November 14, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

AJW,

It’s obvious, isn’t it? What’s funny is how some folks seemed to think during the summer that we’d be just fine and dandy with or without him. We won some without him, but they were rather hard fought at times. No way does Brook Lopez get 25 and 9 with Josh Smith coming at him from the weak side, and fighting/out-jumping/out-hustling him on the boards. No way. With a guy like that, Horford needs help.

And with Zaza being obviously less than 100 percent, Solo not quite up to the task, and RandMo glued to the bench, where was the help coming from? Naw, we don’t need Josh at all. Then again, this is coming from the same types that yap about a so-called Bibby bandwagon and backing up of opinions. I wonder what they have to say about 12 points on 4-11 shooting, 2 assists, 5 fouls, and getting beaten to death on defense?

I’m not saying Bibby’s bad all the time. But he clearly wasn’t the best pg on the floor by a long shot tonight. He’ll have better games, but probably not against Jersey (or any other team with a fast pg who likes to penetrate). Still, I’d like to see him get on ‘em tomorrow at home.

By ray

November 14, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

What bothers me is as bad as we need him, we also need to not rush him back, or he could reinjure himself. Frustrating, but true. In the meantime, we need to get guys some more time. Hopefully Zaza is feeling better soon and Solo has a little better game tomorrow night. He blocked some shots, but wasn’t much help on the boards.

We also have to find a way to get Horford some better looks, although like I said, he can help the situation by not just going straight up against Lopez. As AJW says, the size advantage was obvious.

By Da Real Real

November 14, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Yeah 42 point in one quarter spells only one thing to me…Hawks are tired. Looks like the C’s lost tonight after that game the other night. I hate excuses as much as the next guy but like in most sports the last game of a road trip are always the toughest ones - especially in basketball when its your 4th game of the week…4 games out of 6 days is crazy and now you have to come home and play the back to back against the same team. Hopefully the guys can rest up and be ready to play tomorrow - Woody’s definitely got to use Acie more tomorrow and we’ll probably end up seeing Morris too since we’re so shorthanded.

By stendec

November 14, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

The true Hawks have returned! Losers with a capital “L”. How utterly emnarraassing to fall to a no-talent team as the Hawks did tonight! Heartless wonders. How long will the losing streak last? Until the cellar is secure? Gutless quitters.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 14, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

Stendec, you are like the Bill Walton of the AJC blogs. I can just picture you wearing a tie-dye shirt somewhere saying “That is the most OUTRAGEOUS, ABHORRENT display of SPORTING EXPERTISE I have EVER seen in the HISTORY of the NBA” or some sh-t. Chill out man, it’s one game.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 14, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

“He’ll have better games, but probably not against Jersey (or any other team with a fast pg who likes to penetrate).”

Yeah, and unfortunately after tomorrow’s game against the Nets, the Hawks get to play the Pacers who have a PG who is if anything quicker than Harris.

By Emperor Palpatine(fka Hawks Fan 80)

November 15, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

1.I have foreseen events and they have unfolded exactly as I said.

2.Darth Ray(fka Dark Kharma)Continue to embrace the dark side it is your destiny. The power you feel will only grow stronger.

3.Prediction #5. The Hawks will go 3-1 in the next 4 games. They will lose to Cleveland.

By rms

November 15, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

42 freakin points in the fourth quarter!! WTF!!

By Ken

November 15, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Don’t hit the panic button. Not trying to make excuses, but everyone else likes to make em’ for their teams (Boston) so whatever. The hawks were playing the last of a 4-game road trip. Plus you have to account for the jet lag from all the flying. Even the celtics didn’t have it in em tonight, and they were at home. When they get back to the “A” and have that sixth man cheering them on they will be rejuvenated. Really though, when is Josh Smith coming back?? Go Hawks!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 15, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this

The Lakers and Celtics both lost at home today to teams still adjusting to the blockbuster trade they recently made. One game ain’t nothing. Just make sure tomorrow night is a win.

By cp

November 15, 2008 1:50 AM | Link to this

Get Mutumbo on the phone. Im sure he can come in here and give us some good minutes and nice defense from the Center position. I know Pachulia was hurt but Lopez was killing him down low. We are notorius for letting players set their career high against us. Even though Mutumbo is probably close to 50 he can still play some solid defense and rebound.

By Ariose

November 15, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this

……Had to waif for the doust to settle……and my anger/digust to drop lol.

Ray, I loved what I saw from Acie today, he was really assertive, despite the lack of adequate minutes….Thats all I wanted to see from him. He must have heard Nique’ and Rathburn talking about him over at the scorers table, because after that is when he started to pick it up lol.

The only reason we lost was defenive Intensity. Even with Brook going “mayhem” on the block we still should have pulled this one out. If Joe was hot in the first half rather than in the second, I think we would have won.

Still, We gave up 112 points to the Nets, thats not going to get it done. On a night where the offense was going smoothly, we completely wasted valuable efforts from Marvin(21), Flip(21), and Joe(32…..although his was mostly when the game was already out of hand and the odds were clearly not in our favor anyway….)

I was screaming at big Al the whole night (Disclaimer: Don’t jump me, i’m just telling you what I was feeling at the time) he just seemed Invisible out there tonight(Bibby being out with foul trouble may or may not have had something to do with that.)

If I was Josh, i’d be p** right about now, and I would let them know about it tomorrow. Honestly throughout his tenure with the Hawks, he’s probably the only player who brought intensity night in and night out regardless of the score. He defenetly would have given everyone an earful if he was there…..

Lopez…..just…..damn……Why do the Hawks always have to be the team that some youngin’ achieves something(Career milestone) against? I would have beat that kid over the head or elbowed him or something……….he can pull that crap against some other team but we should have let him know that it’s not goin’ down against us…….He’ll find out tomorrow hopefully.

Luckily, we only dropped to third in the East b/c Boston lost too. Det won(4th) and Cleveland moved up to 2nd…….We should try to stay ahead of the pack until we can break away(seven game homestand…)

Manny, Quicky von quick quick beat us on a bum ankle……We should put Acie on him, he stays in front of him really well but it really didn’t matter who we put on him.

What really got me was the lazyness to close out on three point shooters….I understand playing Harris and Dooling for the drive but I mean did they really need that munch space? I knew Harris would hit his, b/che’s a better shooter than he gets credit for….anyway opposing 3pt shooters killed us last season. We’ve got to clean that up tomorrow.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Ariose

November 15, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this

Morris Needs to play tomorrow, I really think his length will help against Lopez. we really could have used him tonight…..sometimes I reallly don’t understand woodsen.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Clyde

November 15, 2008 3:40 AM | Link to this

I said it once and I will say it again. Al Horford does no play well against taller frontlines. I wit you cp. We need Mutombo or asomething.

ROLL TIDE

By ray

November 15, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Ariose,

Your grammar alone tells me how upset you were. Well said, though.

Clyde, it’s more than obvious that Horford is at a disadvantage against 7-footers that have skills and athletic ability. It’s why some of us continue to maintain that he is a more natural PF than he is a center. However, the disadvantage tends to disappear when he is on the court with Josh Smith.

I still say you’re off-base when it comes to Sean Williams over Horford. In fact, how did your boy Sean do last night? I mean, Ryan Anderson gets more PT than Williams does. Hmmmmm.

Hawks Fan 80/Emperor Palpatine,

I don’t know who you are, but I have to hand it to you. That was funny. It’s like somebody is channeling Ariose and Casey at the same time…which I know has to sound strange. Casey is crazy, and Ariose has a very versatile sense of humor.

I’m looking for a victory tonight. How about y’all?

By richbrave

November 15, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

An element of doubt has crept into my dire predictions regarding the moribund WIZARDS. This repositioning of all players in the starting line-up resulted in a win over a solid JAZZ team.

HAWKS should go after McGEE. His defense is not yet up to NBA standard, but he’s a fast learner. There is the weakest link in that particular line-up. TWO DD’s in three games - not three ‘fer as I said earlier.

By ray

November 15, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

Ariose,

I re-read your points, and man are you on the spot! There was a little too much distance given to jump shooters last night. I too realize that our guys were trying to keep them from driving, but it’s like they were wide open. That’s how Vince kept scoring on JJ. Well, this doesn’t say as much about JJ (who is a very good defender) as it does about how bad we miss Josh. I’m sure somebody will pipe up about how we’re whining about him not being here just as we “whined” about him not getting signed early in the offseason. But I don’t think anybody short of a liar (even a blind man can at least hear the truth) would say we’re not the same without him, particularly on defense.

As for Harris and Dooling, I say let Law play more. If he gets into foul trouble, then we gambled and lost. But he stays in front of them better than Bibby does…and sometimes better than Flip. Besides, Law isn’t providing the offensive punch that Flip and Bibby are right now (though with Bibby you don’t know if he’s going to shoot 8-11 or 4-11 on a given night). Him getting into foul trouble puts the pressure on somebody who’s used to it: Bibby or Flip.

Najeh,

Unfortunately, you are quite correct, and I had thought about that myself. Indy’s squad is actually looking kinda tough right now despite their record. Granger is a problem that has to be dealt with. We can beat them, though. We just have to play hard and execute. How’s that for a cliche….

By Sautee

November 15, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Ray, you’re starting to sound like Nique!

;-)

By ray

November 15, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Sautee,

Oooooh, low blow, LOL!!

I noticed an article on NBA.com, and I’m sure one of the two link wizards can help me out with it. It’s about the Hawks, and authored by Rob Peterson. Interesting what he had to say about Brook Lopez’s performance (as well as that of Carter and Harris) and how relates to Josh Smith’s absence. Looks like we’re not the only ones who see it that way. But Woody is right, we have to play on anyway.

By The Truth

November 15, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

These are my headliners from the NJ Loss:

Acie should have gotten more minutes based on performance and matchup circumstances.

Acie is the closest thing to a pure pg the Hawks has.

Marvin not use to increase minutes, run out of gas at the end.

NJ Nets frontcourt exposed Hawks weaknesses.

The team that controls the tempo, controls the game. The team that controls the game, usually, wins the game.

Hawks must mix-up lineup or face another NJ loss.

By The Truth

November 15, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

One More headliner from the NJ Loss

cliche still true, offense sell tickets, defense wins games

By I.MUS WRITE

November 15, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

I knew this game would be closer than expected …. NJ is definitely better than what their record shows.

D.Harris is dam near unstoppable at times -future allstar- When Dallas traded him for Kidd last year I knew it was a big mistake.

Lopez- is a big dude,who’s only gonna get better…..We just have no answers for guys like that. Lopez,Illgauskas,Yao will all have big games when they play us.

Acie Law -read my comments on this blog and is determined to shut me up

Al Horford- will get abused by the centers I mentioned -sumtimez heart cant overtake size. We need Al to score more,on the blocks or pick and roll. He looks stiff and robotic,im pretty sure he will develope but right now he’s a garbage man IMO…..6pt ,4pt performances are unacceptable especially with smoove out.

All of his 27 the other night came off dunks and tip ins, against a really small frontline. After watchn our game and then watching Detroit-i was thinking how Maxiell may be better than Horford. This guy doesnt really have a go to move either but he has a nice jumper -he jus gets buckets …mostly by dunking over guys 6’11-7’0 thats awesome for a 6’7 guy

We really miss Smoove and itz starting to show. Marvin was awesome for 3 qtrs …That boi got a mean jumper-gotta give him props for working on his game and stepping up this year

Boston will not go back to the finals with their current roster. Im a prophet

By ray

November 15, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

IMUS,

I think it’s a matter of Horford learning how to score against bigger opponents. He keeps trying to go straight up against taller, longer guys as if he’s the same size. That’s not going to cut it. Gotta use more tricky inside moves, and if all else fails, drag them further out where they will have to defend his 15-17 foot jumper. The only problem with going to the jumper is that it pretty much leaves little inside presence (with Josh out) when he tries to drag his defender out with him. Which means fewer offensive rebounds in case of a miss.

You’re right though: 4 and 6 point offerings aren’t going to help. But is this really all his fault? I’m not saying that this is what you are saying, I’m just throwing the question out there. Every time he gets the ball, it’s down low…against the bigger guy. This is why we maintain that he’s not a true center. Still, there are ways to overcome that. But he has to learn how to do it, we need to find somebody to coach him on it, and we need to find smarter ways to make it happen. Of course, all of this is harder without Josh….

By ray

November 15, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

I agree that Maxiell is a heck of an energy player, rebounder, etc. Especially at 6’7”. But then, he also bangs well with those 250-260 pounds of his. Better than Horford? Ehhhh, that doesn’t explain why he’s not starting in Detroit. Doesn’t explain his 16 minutes a game, either, though he does rather well in those minutes. But then, nobody is asking him to start at center, either. And when he is in the game, it’s usually alongside the lengthy 6’11” Rasheed Wallace. And he’s getting a lot of dunks while ‘Sheed is drawing the defense.

Still, it wouldn’t hurt my feelings to have him. Imagine if Solo had his weight/strength, or Morris had his drive. Ah well, now I’m dreaming….though I have to say I’m not disappointed in Solo.

I’m interested in how we change the gameplan tonight. I think one of the key things is to get JJ going early so he’s wearing the defense out. Otherwise, they will be fresh as heck going into the 4th quarter, just like they were last night.

On Boston, I agree that this is possible. They might make it back to the finals, they might not. But who is going to take them down and keep them out of the finals? Curious on who your pick is, though I notice your caveat is “with their current roster”.

By lex luther

November 15, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

It’s obvious that the Hawks are a much improve team from a year before. I think the aqusitions of Flip Murray and Moe Evans were huge. There is a tremendous need for a true big man. A legitimate center. No offense to Al Horford, he is a beast but for the Hawks to really be a high level team, every night, they are going to need a center. ZaZa and Solo are decent but need to get a lot stronger in the middle. GM Sund, do whatever it takes to add a good 7ft center to this squad. ASAP.

By I.MUS WRITE

November 15, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Yeah Horford needs to make quick moves against bigger centers and stop try’n to back everyone down. Even when paired with ZAZA or Solo he was’nt that effective. Horford does a great job for us at the center…right now he is a servicable yung player.. I dont want to say he’s overrated but he may be just a little….Im not calling him beast or whateva until I see improvment in the post.

A player that I really like who is close to horford’s size is Paul Milsap-he’s a really effective player on both ends.

Maxiell probably is’nt starting for the same reasons flip doesnt start here……Both are capable of starting in the league but are better for the team coming off the bench..Max-hustle defense ..Flip-scoring and calm demeanor while killn you slowly

By I.MUS WRITE

November 15, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

With Bostons current roster I think Cleveland can definitely beat them in 7 games and maybe the Pistons with AI-I think he makes a big difference on that team ….Once Sheed and Rip learn how to play and move with AI on the floor they will be a problem come MAY ….Last but not least The Hawks

If we sumhow find ourselves in the EC Finals against Boston with everyone healthy -We can beat them in 7.

Losing Posey,Pj,and Cassell really hurt especiallly when u are counting on Tony Allen and Patrick O bryan to replace them.

It wouldnt suprise me at all if Bron and Kobe are playing for the title this year

By tbhawksfan

November 15, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Why can’t we just upgrade the C position.

Woodson always seems to coach in a win now mode, when he might be better served sometimes to invest in the near future.

If Law is allowed to develop, we might be able to deal Bibby’s attractive skills and very attractive expiring. We could envision moving Zaza as a quality expiring worth re-signing if it would bring us a nice player.

Bibby/Zaza is $20M expiring and a good bit of talent. Do we let them go and invest in next year? Keep them and runn at the second round? Then what next season?

We have to improve the front-court. Is there anyone to sign? Any trade that won’t limit our PG or SF position? What can Sund do to get the team over the hump?

I see the Bibby situation as short-term. If that’s the case, the only reason to not move him is that we’ll probably go a little farther with him than without him (this season). But, next season we’ll be in tough shape. Move him this season and get something in return.

Law will develop, if not, we’ll have two picks to work with. We need to get a productive 7’0“‘er. Randolf doesn’t belong in the NBA and Soloman just barely. Zaza is an adequate NBA back up at best. Horford is over-matched as the only nba talent BIG on our team.

I say, take our lumps with Acie at PG and use Bibby and possibly Zaza to land a viable C.

By Ken Strickland

November 15, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

The combination of playing on the road, being without one of our key bigs and playing so many key gms so close together has taken its toll. Anyone that’s ever played basketball knows when fatigue sets in DEF is the 1st thing to go.

It’s funny, when we played Toronto and their twin towers, Woodson played Morris and Solo together successfully. Last night, even with Zaza less than 100%, he didn’t even give it a try. I hope Woodson isn’t over reacting to the poor gm Morris had against Chicago. We all know how he’ll hurt the team by not playing a player, even when his talents are sorely needed, to let a player(s) know he’s dissatisfied with their performance or attitude. Remember his treatment of Acie, Salim and Zaza last yr?

The Nets will see the real Hawks tonight after some home cooking and being reenergized by our fans.

By ray

November 15, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

I hear you, IMUS.

By jambazy

November 15, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Hello,

Is tonight’s game on TV. Does anyone know what channel.

I checked the schedule and its pretty much blank.

Thanks

By Samuel

November 15, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

Guys,

Been tied up. I got to catch the last quarter of the NJ game and from what I saw, no one, and I mean, No One was stopping Vinsanity that night. When he’s hiitting from the outside, he’s as unstoppable as anybody in the league. We did miss Josh though.

I’m about to check out tonight’s game.

Oh Yea, check out Anthony Morrow’s first start in the NBA. How about 37 points and 11 rebounds. 15-20 FG and 4-4 3pt. Too late Ando, I got him. By the way you noticed I haven’t been talking this year. I’m gonna let my squad do the talking.

WOW,

Really makes you wonder how good a coach Hewett at GT really is. Morrow, Crit, Thad. Great recruiter though.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 15, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Is this Hawks game really getting bumped from TV for some sorry azz college game? You gotta be f-cking kidding me…

By Samuel

November 15, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

WOW,

No TV. WOW

By rms

November 15, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

hey tbhawksfan: Lets say we do all of tthat- trade Bibby/ZaZa for a good C. Lets say we take our lumps with Law and does develop. The problem with that is who will back up Law (Claxton is not a option). If we say Flip, then who will back up Joe, because I personally think Flip does a decent enough job of backing up the 2 spot than point guard. We will be short on one position unless you have J-Smoove at the 3 spot and bring Marvin off the bench. Maybe that will work. I dont know, maybe??

By Jambazy

November 15, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Yeah,

Bumping this game is just sorry as hell.

The hottest team in the NBA just got f*d.

Well let me try and stream it.

By rms

November 15, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

I thought the game was going to be on SportsSouth. If not u think NBATV might carry it (on streaming video). Dang, that is messed up not to televise it. WTF!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 15, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Well, just from the box score it looks like a repeat of yesterday so far… Devin Harris doing whatever the hell he wants, and the Hawks jacking up 3’s. At least Lopez is in foul trouble.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 15, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Has anyone found a working stream yet?

By Melvin

November 15, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Hawks will have to play better defense against Devin Harris. 12pts in the 1st qtr. He’s getting into the lane too easy. We also need to take better care of the ball. 6 turnovers in the 1st qtr.

BASG may have to pull out the checkbook at the end of the year to resign Marvin. He’s been playing well especially since JSmoove went out…

By you can't be serious

November 15, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

hawks stream…

atdhe.net

By you can't be serious

November 15, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

hawks stream…

atdhe.net

By Eric S.

November 15, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

I’m watching the game off the League Pass. The Hawks are getting absolutely shredded on defense. They are also playing with little energy. Nets have stretched the lead with 9 with JJ on the bench (again, Woody overreacting to his star player with 2 fouls). The Hawks are going to have to turn it on soon.

By you can't be serious

November 15, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

this is frustrating…the nets look like a friggin championship contender against us

By Samuel

November 15, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

YCBS,

Great site. The best quality I’ve seen. Thanks.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 15, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Yeah… this game is pretty pathetic so far. I’m trying to think of some silver lining to this game, and I can’t think of any. We’re playing like it’s 2003 and Terry Stotts is coaching.

By Melvin

November 15, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Hawks change to a zone def and are on a 11-0 run to cut the nets lead to 4.

By you can't be serious

November 15, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

Is it just me or is the officiating worse so far this season. Its seems like the refs are anticipating fouls more and calling things before they happen.

By Melvin

November 15, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

Hawks step up the def and ended the half strong to cut a 15pt lead to 5. JJ shook off a slow start and found his shooting touch right before the half. Flip added good scoring off the bench. Look like the zone gave the Nets trouble. Their off became stagnated which allow the Hawks to put together a run at the end of the half. Hawks offense was effective once they started attacking the rim and stop settling for jumpshots….

By Samuel

November 15, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

One thing I do hate is when they wait to see if the ball goes in or the foul effects the play to call or not call the foul. It’s either a foul or it’s not. It really looks bad.

Yall know how I hate the 3 ball. It looks good right now at the beginning of the season when the legs are fresh but Mark It Down, they will stop falling. Will Woody be able to stop the guys from jacking them when they stop falling?

I really like Solo’s play tonight.

The Nets look like one of those teams that match up well against the Hawks. Not necessarily the height but quickness and athletic ability. Hopefully we can come back. We need to stop this mini slide. Is Josh healthy yet?

By E. G.

November 15, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Hey guys. I am tired of hiring about the Hawks shooting from the outside before attacking the rim. You figure the wood know better by now, but they continue to work from the outside in when they open up games. I having seen the games yet, but maybe the refs aren’t calling fouls for us because we don’t drive enough. I don’t know! You guys tell me what’s going on with this team. In addition, are teams realizing the fact that Bibby is a defensive liability for the Hawks because he is too slow to check most point guards. Bibby may be able to shoot, but if he can’t stop anyone on the other end we will lose a lot of games.

By you can't be serious

November 15, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Samuel, I agree with you on the 3s. The half court offense is going to need to evolve more. They are shooting the long ball as the first option right now and thats going to have to change.

Joe’s shot is looking good tonight.

By Samuel

November 15, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Yall,

This one don’t look good the way VC is playing. maybe he’ll cool down but right now he’s on FIE.

By kwooden1

November 15, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Woody is back to his old ways. They definitely need more size, and inside scoring, WHY ISN’T Morris in the game?? He can’t be that bad on defense. Vince has made 5 3’s in the 3rd, I’m sure that most of those are kickouts from the post. Woody has to learn that his lineups have to change for the opponent, especially if your missing players!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 15, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Our defense is f-cking pathetic.

By kwooden1

November 15, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

The Nets are playing well this game and should come out with a win, but Woody has to use all his players. I always believe that you use all the bullets you’ve got, leave everything on the court. Everyone is playing hard!! But if you’ve got more size then use it!

By Melvin

November 15, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Live by the 3pt shot die by the 3pt shot. Hawks 6/20 from behind the arc with 8mins left in the 4th…

By Eric S.

November 15, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Solomon Jones needs to up his offensive game. He is giving us zero on offense, and not much on defense. If he doesn’t pick up his play in the next few games, he will not see the floor when Smith and Pachulia are back healthy.

By kwooden1

November 15, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Woody has Marvin playing PF, I guess he expects Marvin to play like JS. I don’t mind the tech by Woody, but you have to make the obvious moves to match up with your opponent. I’m not saying it’s always going to work, but you have to try.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 15, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Well, it’s pretty clear now what makes the Nets tick. In games in which Devin Harris shoots over 40%, the Nets are 4-0 (including tonight’s disaster). In games in which Harris shoots below 40% or doesn’t play, they are 0-5. In both these games, the Hawks have done a TERRIBLE job of containing Harris. He is getting open 3’s, easy drives into the lane, he’s getting to the line easily, and when the Hawks do manage to get it out of his hands the defense doesn’t rotate to the shooter nearly quickly enough. I hope this just means Harris is good — if this is what’s gonna happen against every quick PG from here on out we’re in pretty big trouble. We’ll find out soon enough, against TJ Ford and Indiana.

Y’all can complain about jacking up 3’s if you want, and it is a valid criticism, but no team is gonna win allowing the opponent to shoot 52% from the field and sending them to the line 32 times.

By kwooden1

November 15, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

I’ve just confirmed that the +/- stat is completely, useless Mario is +5? What does that mean? What does that tell me, when he’s in the game the Hawks are better?

By Gypsyjoe

November 15, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Got stomped by the frign nets. MAN that ruined my weekend. What happend to our D

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 15, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

“I’ve just confirmed that the +/- stat is completely, useless”

Yeah, and even weirder, it says Bibby made the most positive impact of any of our starters today. That is a damn lie, he played like crap for most of the game.

By TheHawksFans

November 15, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Damn what a Sintker!! Mo Evans t** last night ,STARTS tonight and goes t** til 4 mins left in the game tonight. No Za Za no Josh. Man. Mario should have got a shot at holding down Devin Harris. He was killing. Oh well. 4 in 5 will do that to you. Lets bounce back Tues. GOOO HAWKKS!!!

By Tiger Woo

November 15, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith - please get better real quick - we sure miss you!

I guarantee you Devin Harris wouldn’t have gone off like he has the last 3 nights if you were around.

You are our MVP on defense. You can even shoot the 3-ball if you want to - just come back!

By terrell barron

November 15, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Boo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fire Woody!!!!!!!! Sorry a* Hawks!!!!!!!!!!

By hawkfan

November 15, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

yea, u know what i’m not even mad at all, i know they are tired from this road trip and going all out at the boston game, what do you expect? we just need some time off to actually rest, rethink where we are as a team and move forward, just look at it this way the nets are the old hawks who practice more and perform better against better teams but with teams they should beat they play down to their opponent, 6-3 is still good baby, i know its 3 straight losses but it’s still november and we have a whole season to evaluate the team, p.s. stop asking when josh smith will be back, he’s not our savior, just this summer ppl kept saying he wasnt that valuable to the team and now when he is out and we are losing some ppl want to say it’s because josh is out, we still could have lost with him out there, playing defense does take a toll on the body, which is why a lot of young teams don’t want to risk that and play defense but shoot lights out, in a positive way this is good for the team so when it comes down to playing these type of games again and using our tough d, we can still come out on top and know what it takes each night, also, we need to be under the radar again so we can come back firing when ppl claim us as the “old Hawks” again, we aren’t and I know we aren’t, if you feel that way, then you are not a true fan of the Hawks, this is why we play 82 games, not every night will be a perfect night with perfect D or getting calls from refs, this has been a tough week for us, so now we just have to move forward and focus on the pacers, GO HAWKS!!!

By doc

November 15, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

samuel, we dont match well against these guys at all, especially with josh out. they have four guys taller than horford and maybe five and all athletic. if you combine that with their two guards hsrris and carter who overmatch jj and bibby due to talent and size we are fodder for them.

carter was lights out with the three ball.

this is the type of team that chills and his quickness and length might have helped. throw in poor defense where all we did was show them a hand in the face rather than deny them the ball and poor ball movement on offense and it was a very poor game to try and watch at the phillips. last week folks streaming out with a 20 point lead at the 6 minute mark. this week me along with the rest doing the ramp with us down 20 at the 6 minute mark.

flat after a grueling week on the road. get some rest boys.

By Tiger Woo

November 15, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

No need to panic - the Hawks will be fine when Josh Smith comes back.

Unfortunately, they are not deep enough in the front court to overcome the loss of one of their main guys.

Anyway, they are still 6-3 - right in the thick of things.

When Bibby is off the mark, who do we turn to at the point? Is Acie Law ever going to make an impact (I never liked his game anyway)?

By Ariose

November 15, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Words just cannot express………AAARRRGGGHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Tiger Woo

November 15, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Hawkfan,

Who said Josh Smith wasn’t valuable this summer? He may not be a savior, but he’s the best defender we have and can be a force when he gets it going.

We need all of the pieces in place to be successful. Take a couple of valuable guys away from most teams and things will not be the same - you think San Antonio is the same without Ginobili and Parker? Milwaukee without Michael Redd? Heck, New Jersey lost 3 straight when Devin Harris was out with an injury.

We aren’t deep like the Lakers - but I agree with you that it’s a long season and there will be ups and downs.

By damfkingdon

November 15, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

When are we gonna ship off Bibby and get another PG or big for him. We better do it before it gets to late.

By Ariose

November 15, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Randolph only got two minutes…….you’re really smart woody…

By Samuel

November 15, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

yea Doctor,

Josh really is key to our team defensively. With him, JJ could have slid over on Harris and neutralized him somewhat as he did CP3. All in All they(Nets) were just on Fire. Not much you can do when you catch a team like that.

I want to say that I was wrong about B Lopez. Dude is a serious player. He’s tough and a lot more athletic than I thought. I also like Anderson. If VC stays healthy, the Nets will be a force to deal with.

By ray

November 15, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

I’m teed-off as hell that the game wasn’t on tv. Oh well. Can’t change it now. Looks like we finally did run out of gas.

We get a body on Lopez, but it doesn’t change the game. Great. I see Horford outplayed him this time, though.

I don’t know how long I’ve been saying Bibby is not a good defender (okay, he’s a bad one). Of course the Nets are a good matchup for us: Because of Vince Carter, JJ can’t guard Devin Harris and cover up Bibby’s lack of defensive capability. Same thing would happen against Toronto if Anthony Parker was more of a threat. Najeh, called it right: defense is more the problem than relying on the 3-point shot.

Samuel, which bayou-inhabiting witch doctor is going to see to it that we will someday be unable to hit the 3-point shot? If the shots are going to stop falling as you say, then we better trade Bibby now, because he doesn’t bring much else to the table.

Speaking of which, it’s rather interesting how Kenny Smith said that different kinds of point guards bring different kinds of things to the game. He said Bibby’s contribution is: you guessed it: shooting. Those who have championed Bibby’s cause have lauded him for being such an accomplished shooter, who can spread the floor. After all, how many shots does Bibby take inside the arc? I’ll bet we could count on two hands how many times he’s actually taken it to the hole, and not need all of our fingers. Better yet, let’s look at some stats. Out of the 100 shots Bibby has taken, 48 of them have been 3-pointers. That’s nearly 50% (actually 48%), and he’s taken the second most shot on the team. That’s also nearly twice as many 3-pointers as Flip has taken. JJ has taken 43 3-pointers out of 154 shots. That’s 28%. Not much more than half the percentage Bibby takes. Flip has taken 26 attempts from beyond the arc, out of 80 shots overall, which puts him at 32%.

So, if three point shooting is really something we should stop, either Bibby needs to go as soon as possible, (that comment alone will set some of you screaming your heads off)…or we need to quit looking at the long ball as a detriment…can’t have it both ways, ‘cause that’s what Bibby does, more than anybody else (the stats prove it) and he’s not driving to the hole anytime soon. If he does, you can bet your a$$ he’s passing it or wide open. Last several times I saw him wide open where was he? Behind the arc. Yep. Take that for what it is. Bibby is a good shooter, particularly when he’s open. He’s a good passer, but won’t pick up a lot of assists. He’ll get a steal now and then, but is an absolute liability if the competition is moderately stiff, and the game is on the line. If you want him around, you have to let him keep shooting. Any truly positive impact he has will depend on it.

We miss Josh Smith. Give it up, you know he’s the man. He is to us on defense what JJ is to us on offens. Oh, and that’s one more guy who can fill the lane on the break, grab 10 boards for you, and take it to the basket with a vengeance. I can’t wait until his infectious, downright contagious intensity makes it back onto the floor. We need to get it from somewhere….

Hey, no long faces around here. 6-3 is a winning record and well above .500. We need to find what works and keeps us in games when we’re down, when we’re missing guys, and when all the usual stuff isn’t working. And we need to take that and win. Indy will be no cake walk, especially with Ford zipping by our superstar point guard. But one of the guys we really have to watch is Granger. Kid’s got a very nice game. Jarrett Jack is good off the bench, Marquis Daniels is not a joke, and Murphy, Nesterovic, and Foster provide good, solid big bodies who can rebound and play defense.

But we can beat them. We have to play much better defense. Our offense really isn’t a problem. Giving up an average of 117 points a game for the last two games? Problem.

By Da Real Real

November 15, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

OUT OF GAS

Just got in from the game tonight, and unlike the sixers and raptors game…this was no fun to attend. Plain and simple, the problem we had with the Nets is for one things those guys caught fire…Vince hit at least 5 three in the 3rd by himself not to mention what other guys were doing. The next thing that stood out more obvious to me is that the guys just looked beat up tonight…they looked like they didn’t want to be there - like that topic said last night, these Hawks are out of gas and it was evident tonight. Kinda hard to go against a fresher team when you’re playing with only 8 guys cause Acie sure didn’t play but for a lil bit, and neither Z or Smoove was available.

I think its hard to criticize the guys on taken threes. Yeah you live and die by the three but I think we have a better shooting team then some of you think. What I do agree with is that when you’ve played 5 games in a span of 7 days that in that fifth game of that span should be driving to the hole more than anything - that I can agree with. When our legs are fresher, I have no problem with these guys shooting the ball because I’m confident that they’ll knock down there shots.

I’m not going to overreact to much after tonights game because I really didn’t think we had a chance of winning tonight after the games we played this week. Hopefully the guys can get rested up over these two days and hopefully we can get Z back. Josh on the other hand….man I’ve had a high ankle sprain before and at times I’m still aggravated by an injury I had years ago so I’m just hoping that we can get the same ol’ Josh back instead of a lesser Josh because those high ankle sprains are no joke.

By ray

November 15, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

Tiger Woo,

I can think of some people that said we would be just fine and winners with or without Josh Smith, as if he didn’t matter. That was followed up with pi$$y comments to the effect that Josh better play like an all-star for what we paid to retain him. Well, look how he came out of the gate, and how we did on defense. And look at us now. I won’t blame it all on his absence, but if a person can’t see the difference, they are just flat out in denial. I continually asked the question: “Okay, then we’d be fine with WHO as his replacement?” Never got anything but evasive b.s. answers.

Yet here people are, as you say, breathlessly awaiting his return. Heh. Certain bandwagon “camps” are losing their wheels as we speak…

By ray

November 15, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

I think its hard to criticize the guys on taken threes. Yeah you live and die by the three but I think we have a better shooting team then some of you think. What I do agree with is that when you’ve played 5 games in a span of 7 days that in that fifth game of that span should be driving to the hole more than anything - that I can agree with. When our legs are fresher, I have no problem with these guys shooting the ball because I’m confident that they’ll knock down there shots.

A fairly balanced assessment, I think.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 15, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

On a slightly different note, we’ve all been wondering why Acie Law is not better. I think these last two games have provided an answer for what he should be doing to improve. Clearly what the Hawks don’t have when Bibby is on the floor is defense at the point guard position. It would be wise for Acie to spend as much time as possible improving his defense so that he can come in and be a stopper when necessary. It’s not that surprising that a somewhat over-the-hill Bibby, who was never a great defender to begin with, might get torched by Devin Harris, but a young guy like Acie should be able to stay in front of him if called upon. So far Acie hasn’t established himself in the NBA as being good at any one thing; in order to be a successful role player you have to have at least one identifiable skill. Here’s a chance to distinguish himself and earn himself playing time off the bench as a role player. Work on your defense, Acie, and become the best defender you can.

By kirknga

November 16, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

Some folks apparently can’t decide if they are on the bandwagon or are they off.

It really is simple and doesn’t require a whole lot of discussion. I’m on and I’m on for the full ride.

Obviously there are some who don’t have it within to be on and stay on.You can spot them because they like to point fingers at those who ride up front.

People that have to talk about bandwagons aren’t really on it and never were even though they tried to jump on win things look good.Now they’re pointing fingers.

Some keep pimping Josh Smith just like they did over the summer. If that helps then I’m all for it.Whatever get’s you through.

The Hawks are tired and they ran into a team they didn’t match up with a key positions. There really isn’t much analysis to be done.

They’ve won tough games without Smith and they’ll do so again once they get some rest. No need to panic and starting rushing to blame. Sheesh.

By hawkfan

November 16, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this

thank you kirknga, that’s exactly what I’ve been talking about, we are just tired, I mean five games in six nights being on the road and back home will take a toll on anybody. You can tell after the celtics game and losing that it took a lot out of us, even the celtics lost their next game and went to overtime tonight against the bucks. People need to just calm down, if this is how it will be everytime we have any losing streak, this will be a very, long season.

By kirknga

November 16, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

hawkfan

Yes, a very long season.It’s not fun to lose, but the reasons we lost aren’t structural.

Unfortunately some have taken these losses as an opportunity to relive old arguments from this Summer.

We’re still on pace to win 45+ games a maybe get a descent seed for the playoffs.I’ll take 6-3, no problem.

Go Hawks!!

By MannyT

November 16, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this

Pedro might say Devin Harris is the Hawks Daddy.

As Colin Cowherd might say…

Honestly…the Hawks have to play with a scrappy urgency on defense to overcome their lack of size. In the last 4 games, our best defensive point total was 103. Not gonna do well with those numbers. We miss Josh.

Honestly…You should not get too excited by the 6-0 or to upset over the 0-3. They played 5 games in 7 days and ran out of gas.

Honestly…until we find a way to slow down the quick point guards, we will get a steady dose of watch me drive to the hole. I’m sure TJ Ford can’t wait until Tuesday to see the Hawks.

Honestly…for all this talk about getting a center. I hope you are not the same people that said RandMo was a major addition this summer. It is really difficult to find 7 ft people that are good on both ends of the court. If I am wrong, name all of them that are on NBA rosters now. Remember there are 30 teams in the league and most every team could use one or two.

There are 7 games left this month. Six are back to back games. The Hawks will have to be ready to scrap on little rest for the rest of November.

I think part of the no TV thing on Saturday was that the same 2 teams were on TV last night, and football gets better ratings. If you want to get all the games on the internet, you need to sign up for that NBA Broadband League Pass.

I know he’s not available, but Speedy is the type of PG you need against a Devin Harris. He might not stop him, but when healthy, he slows him down and limits the easy assists. Looks like no one else on the team can do it. The ball hawking PG is exactly the type of player you need when your front court lacks that dominant defensive presence to clog the lane.

Just an observation. I know there is lots of Flip love, but he and Joe touch the ball the most and turn it over the most as well. Not making a big deal of it, but it’s something to keep an eye on when you are not watching Lawrence Frank put his hands on his hips and Woody fold his arms ;-)

For you stat haters, Mario’s team best +/- only means that we closed the gap a little in garbage time. As the bottom of the bench was in on that end of game mode, they all got + numbers. Interesting to see that Solomon was the only other person with a +. Maybe that one means that he was a little more disruptive than you thought even though he wasn’t scoring. We closed the gap because we got stops when Solo was flapping his arms around on defense. Makes sense to me.

While the doomanddismay crowd may rise up between now and Tuesday, the hopeandexcitement people are probably nervous until they know when Josh will be back. The hopeanddismay part of the bandwagon is as stable as it ever was. No worries, but I do look to see what wrinkles Woody can put in to slow down TJ Ford.

I was there tonight and will continue to be there. Even caught a cow in a parachute from the rafters.

Glad to see Woody take a page from the Bobby Cox book and take a T. Looks like Woody might not have the best opinion of one of the refs from tonight’s game. Nine months later, still WAF

By Tiger Woo

November 16, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

Boo hoo !! The Hawks are tired, you say?

So, New Jersey isn’t tired also? They played Nov. 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 15 - 3 road games.

The Hawks played Nov. 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, and 15 - 4 road games.

What was the real difference? Younger, fresher legs at the point? (Harris was out 3 games prior to the back to back games)? More depth? (Hawks missing 2 key guys up front on Sat. - Jersey’s bench scores 43 points - one of our key bench players forced to start). No defensive presence? (anybody that thinks the Hawks don’t miss Josh Smith’s defense and shot blocking is blind). Better shooting? (NJ - 55.1% (f.g.) - 66.7% (3 pt.) - Hawks - 46.1% (f.g.) - 37.5% (3 pt.)

I prefer those reasons instead of the lame excuse that the Hawks are “tired”.

Let’s see how they perform on Tuesday vs. Indiana after they get their “rest”.

By doc

November 16, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

samuel. so right on lopez. i didnt think he would be a factor this quick if at all. maybe a steal where they got him. overall the nets showed us more than we wanted to see of them as i would have preferred them to look less the contender and more the pretender for a spot in the playoffs.

really thought al horford looked very small when he went out to start the game with the nets and their front line standing around. they still had sean williams and anderson on the bench.

jarvis hayes also looked the part of what we wanted here; many lobbied him to come back home to georgia. he provides a toughness off the bench. hope his injury not too serious. overall a depleted hawks up against a fresher and come-uppance team in the nets.

in she second half, solo got stuffed three times on the offensive board from two feet having each attempt blocked of a stuff. not a very good showing that also showed the size advantage and athleticism of the nets.

By Samuel

November 16, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

Ray,

Experience is the best witchdoctor there is.

Just because you’re a good shooter doesn’t mean you have to take a 23 footer. You’d be surprised how much a percentage goes up by moving in two extra steps. Bibby has plenty of time to do that since JJ is doubled and even tripled.

Players become so addicted to that line because, like the dunk, it makes ESPN, Yahoo, EA Sports and consequently, more money. I can’t blame them for the money part but it doesn’t help the team.

My ole coach, Theotis Barron, used to say. “The little girls go, YYYYeeeeeaaaaa, but it’ll get yo a* beat”. The man was a trip. Wore Stacy Adams to practice and you betta not step on them.

Bibby is plenty able to penetrate and shoot the 15-18 footer, the floater or dish it off. I’ve seen him be effective with it. Shooting half your shots from behind the arc is not good I don’t care who you are. If he wants to get his a$$ shipped. Keep doing that.

Here we got with that ref shi$ again. You’re never gonna get the calls when you’re jackin up 3’s, never.

I’m not worried about this team. All we need is: some rest, Josh back, and more drives to the basket.

By ray

November 16, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

Najeh, pardon me while I quote you here:

Clearly what the Hawks don’t have when Bibby is on the floor is defense at the point guard position. It would be wise for Acie to spend as much time as possible improving his defense so that he can come in and be a stopper when necessary. It’s not that surprising that a somewhat over-the-hill Bibby, who was never a great defender to begin with, might get torched by Devin Harris, but a young guy like Acie should be able to stay in front of him if called upon.

Agreed completely. Although when I made mention of the defensive deficiencies, it was labeled as “finger pointing”. Hee, hee! Can only laugh, having considered the source.

What you say is a better and more specific version of what I alluded to in my 11:14 post:

Hey, no long faces around here. 6-3 is a winning record and well above .500. We need to find what works and keeps us in games when we’re down, when we’re missing guys, and when all the usual stuff isn’t working. And we need to take that and win.

Acie is certainly capable of providing a change of pace on defense, but I think he’s capble of doing it on offense as well. While Bibby undoubtedly excels at shooting from the perimeter (something I have given him credit for numerous times), it’s a lower percentage shot that he’s usually taking, and when he’s off, he’s just plain off. And as mentioned before, he does not drive to the basket very often, almost always passing the ball when he does. Conversely, Acie usually converts when he drives, or makes a good pass to an open teammate.

I think this is a 1-2 punch that can really help us win and counter what teams will undoubtedly try to exploit. But for it to happen, Acie will have to step up and do it consistently (he did well the other night with 9 points and 3 assists in 10 minutes). That, and it will increase his minutes.

By ray

November 16, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Samuel,

I forgot to mention. Your articles on Bleacher Report are pretty good. Nice way to rep the home team on another board.

By ray

November 16, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

From Coach Woodson:

“I have to give New Jersey credit,” Hawks coach Mike Woodson said, repeating his line from the night before. “We had no answer for them from a defensive standpoint. We can’t blame it on fatigue because we played last night as well. We have had a stretch of games in a short amount of time, seven in 11 days I believe, but that’s still no excuse.

Correct attitude. Especially if you want to learn to be a winning team. You don’t make excuses, you find solutions. This isn’t panic, it’s preparation. And I have every reason to believe that this team will do just that, and be just fine. You have to learn somewhere, sometime. I’ll bet our guys aren’t using fatigue as an excuse either. And as Tiger Woo pointed out, New Jersey played plenty of games themselves. The opposition will never give you a break because you’re tired.

Also from Coach Woodson:

“We have lost some of our defensive swagger, intensity or whatever you want to call it.”

And Joe Johnson:

“They were the aggressor [Friday], and then they come in here and pretty much did the same thing,” said Hawks’ captain and All-Star Joe Johnson, who turned in another valiant scoring effort with 31 points and five assists. “One-on-one, we haven’t been really guarding our man particularly well. And I’ll take a lot of heat for that. But at the same time, we haven’t been man-ing up and guarding our guys. Guys are flying by and getting to the hole and then breaking our defense down.”

And Al Horford:

“They were so good at stretching us out and then kicking the ball to their shooters that it just staggered our team defense,” said Hawks center Al Horford, who finished his night with 12 points and six rebounds while clearly looking fatigued from the heavy workload of the past week. “It makes it tough to help each other on defense when they’re constantly breaking us down and finding somebody who is knocking down shots.”

Three things:

1. Two guys who are telling it like it is, first hand, and not holding back, while taking responsibility. Hmmmm…should we accuse them of finger-pointing as well? Or just say they’re calling it like it is…

2. I believe Acie can be part of the solution, if he steps up, goes out there, and gets it done. At the same time, who must take more responsibility for the defensive slackness in the backcourt? The guys playing 30+ minutes a game, or the guys getting 10 minutes (or less) a game? That’s “more” responsibility, not “total” responsibility.

3. While it is and always will be a team effort, who can deny that Josh Smith is a very big part of the defensive intensity and chemistry of this team? He and Horford work together like it was by pure design. I recall an article by Sekou earlier this year wherein Al Horford said how much he hoped Josh would get signed and how much he needed him in there to “have his back.” Another article later stated how well they worked together. And the commentators wouldn’t shut up about it, whether it was Sports South, NBATV, or ESPN.

Gosh, seems an awful lot of people are “pimping” Josh Smith….commentators, experts, journalists, bloggers….uh-oh, beginning to look like…conventional wisdom! Sounds like a job for the toxic avenger…

By Samuel

November 16, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Thanks Big man,

Back to Bibby. There have been plenty of great players who weren’t great defenders. Larry Bird, Rick Barry, Magic wasn’t great(They often had him guard 3’s and 4’s) but they were all great team defenders and Bibby is too.

Also, I don’t think there’s a player alive or even dead for that matter who could shoot with Larry Bird but I guarandamtee he didn’t take anywhere close to 50% of his shots from 3pt land.

It just don’t work.

By ray

November 16, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Samuel,

To follow up, I know that the shot percentage increases significantly once you take a couple steps inside the arc. I agree that Bibby is very effective with the midrange jumper. He has settle for a lot of 3s, but he’s hitting quite a few ,too. As an experienced player, I do think he’ll realize he needs to balance that more. I also think it will come on nights when the team needs offense from him against certain opponents. Come to think of it…I think the reason he has chucked up a lot of 3s has to do more with what the defense was giving him than anything else. The only problem lies in the fact that when he’s off, he’s really off, and getting in closer is the only thing that helps. But against some defenses, that is difficult. Enter Flip Murray…

I’m not worried about this team either. Not at 6-3, and the ability to really compete. We’ll get the rest, but we do need Josh back. He helps with the truly tough matchups, like Toronto, Orlando, and Philly. The two wins we got without him were against Oklahoma City and Chicago (hardly tough games if we’re at full strength, I don’t care what anybody says), although we damn near took Boston, with JJ, Bibbyand the Flip/Mo squad tearing it up on offense (and us playing sound defense still).

We’ll need our A-game and a good defensive effort against Indy. They are one of those teams that can give us all we can handle, if we let them.

Meanwhile, I’ll be watching my Falcons today. Here’s to Turner running for 125 yards or better against that Bronco defense..

By Tiger Woo

November 16, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

By ray

November 16, 2008 9:05 AM

Nice post !!

By terrell barron

November 16, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Tired? After 8 games? Give me a break. Jersey was on, we were off. Plain and simple. We’ll be alright. Hopefully. Ken, you still think we’ll win 50?

By ray

November 16, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Samuel,

True dat. The key, as you once stated, is having a coach (and the players necessary) who can enact various defensive strategies to compensate for any matchup problems. I’m looking forward to what Woody comes up with, ‘cause you know he’s not going to stand by while we play bad defense after starting off so good this season.

I hear you on great players that didn’t defend well. Magic was never going to be quick enough to defend opposing pgs as it is. Remember when Michael Jordan couldn’t guard him, and they had to put Scottie Pippen on him?

And I can remember Larry Bird catching hell with Dominique…Rick Barry was a good player, but he gets on my nerves.

I’ve said before that Bibby is a good team defender. But our team defense as a whole suffers without Smith, and exposes weaknesses by forcing man-to-man defense. It’s just harder on everybody to do their part when he’s not around. And so, the trick will be compensating for his absence.

I also hear you on the 3-point shooting. Which is why I figure Bibby will cool it down some. That, and opposing defenses may force the issue. We’ll see.

By terrell barron

November 16, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Ray, The Burner will go OVER 125. Bank on it.

By ray

November 16, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Tiger Woo, thank you sir!

You made some very good points yourself. Harris was fresh off of an injury/inactive status when he played us. That kid is just plain fast and talented, and Mark Cuban has to be kicking himself still over that trade. Dallas is going nowhere this year with that squad. Not in the ultr-competitive west.

We’ll need our rest against Indy, but despite certain matchup intrigues, I say we beat them. Of course, I did say we’d beat Jersey (and was wrong both times). We just have to really get down and gritty with them. If Granger takes off first thing, it’s going to be trouble. We’ve got to contain him. And we can’t let the trio of Nesterovic, Foster, and Murphy beat us to death on the boards. I hope Zaza is back to full health by then. Solo will hold his own, and Horford is quicker (and just as strong) as anybody they have.

We can do this. Another couple of keys to the game in my opinion will be not letting Marquis Daniels slip in a 20 point game on us, our reserves outplaying theirs (i.e. Law outdoing Jarrett Jack), and finding a way to keep Ford out of the lane.

We can do it.

By ray

November 16, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Heard that, Terrell! I was actually hoping for more along the lines of 150, but didn’t want to sound too crazy, considering he’s a bit injured at the moment…

By new jersey faithful

November 16, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Did Horford hurt his back friday night Sekou?

By richbrave

November 16, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

ray:

BARRY was all about the money. Remember when he refused a trade to the VIRGINIA SQUIRES because he didn’t wnat his kid mouthing “Y’alls” and such.? What a BIGOT.

By Sautee

November 16, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

kirknga

I’m posting the entire first half of your post, because I don’t want to hear about any “out of context” bull.

So, last night you said this:

Some folks apparently can’t decide if they are on the bandwagon or are they off.

It really is simple and doesn’t require a whole lot of discussion. I’m on and I’m on for the full ride.

Obviously there are some who don’t have it within to be on and stay on.You can spot them because they like to point fingers at those who ride up front.

People that have to talk about bandwagons aren’t really on it and never were even though they tried to jump on win things look good.Now they’re pointing fingers.

Yo, kirk, ‘splain it to me now… aren’t YOU the one talking about bandwagons?

So doesn’t that mean that you “aren’t really on it and never were”?

Your own words, are they not? Highly confusing and self contradictory at least.

And by the way, we’re all Hawks fans here. If you come to this blog (for any other reason than as a fan of another team, here just to goad the denizens) then you are already on the bandwagon. Oops, I said bandwagon!

I must not be on it. and never was. Even though I’ve been on the Hawks bandwagon for over 40 years.

We don’t need separate camps. We’re ALL Hawks fans.

I know that goes against the grain of your “not wanting to belong to any club that would have you as a member” (Groucho), but you are in the same clubhouse as Ray, Ando, doc, Imus, MannyT, Strick, Ariose, Najeh and many others with whom you potentially have conflicting ideas. There’s truly only one clubhouse - the one for Hawks fans. And for one, I’m glad you’re here to bring a differing viewpoint. Just keep it real.

By Adventures of The Toxic Avenger

November 16, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Up there in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s-

THE TOXIC AVENGER!

Faster (and nastier) than a sudden case of diarrhea!

Stronger than 2 a.m. heartburn!

Able to leap over logic and fact in a single bound!

Arguing the inarguable!

Friend to the contrarian and arch enemy to the evil organization known as Conventional Wisdom!

By night- a superhero!

By day- masquerading as the odd-mannered kirknga while working at the Daily Dotard.

Coming to a blog near you!

Also available on Blu-Ray disc

By Sautee

November 16, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Maybe that should be “available on Ray-blu disc. ;-)

By stendec

November 16, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Hawks are not worth a damn! Losers. Have not been worth crapola since Pistol Pete, Lou and Dominique. Losing streak lives. Probably will for a long time!

By ray

November 16, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Sautee! Do I detect an incriminating tone in your voice? Ehhh, as soon as I saw the post, I knew I’d get blamed for it anyway….

Falcons doing well right now, but the running game isn’t doing so great.

terrell, Turner may not be getting those 125 yards after all. But then, there’s a whole other half to be played. It doesn’t matter, as long as we win.

By ray

November 16, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Stendec, your anal retentiveness is enough to stomach on the Falcons blog.

By ant banks

November 16, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

when is jsmoove comin’ back? we can use him right about now. anyone know for sure?

By ray

November 16, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

I don’t think anybody knows, Ant. But he’s rarin’ to go. Gotta love a guy like that.

Falcons dropped one today. Dammit. Or should I say Roddy White dropped one…

By Sautee

November 16, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Yeah Ray, Matt certainly did his part. Roddy’s flat out GOT to make that catch. Of course the Broncos still would have had time if the D couldn’t stop ‘em. And they didn’t enough today.

Anybody else curious to see a little more of Hunter?

And will Bibby be able to stay in front of any Indiana guard??

By The Truth

November 16, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

I was at the game last night. I hope Al hasn’t hit a late rookie wall, he looked intimidated Sat night. He’s struggling on offense and not really hitting the boards, only 6 rebounds in almost 40 minutes with no offensive rebound. That is why we were relegated to taking one shot per attempt. Our frontline production was poor. I thought Solo had more inside presence playing nearly 21 minutes with 8 pts, 6 rebounds and 2-3 block shots. Of those 6 rebounds, 4 were on the offensive glass. Once again, Morris showed offensive skills but he only got 2:27 minutes when it was garbage time. With Josh is out, our chemistry can be labeled as a jumping shooting team. When we are hot, we can beat anyone, but when we are cold, as the case last not night, we had no inside options, with Zaza out. Think about it, all jump shooters, JJ, Marvin, Bibby, and Mo Evans. Very little penetration. I will note that Flip penetrated some and mixed it up. He had has usual 14 points. Last night, we needed Less Evans than Mo Evans. He had very little production. He had 7 points in 27 minutes with 4 rebounds. Solo or Morris could have gotten some of those minutes with Flip at point. I thought the best defense strategy against NJ was playing them in a zone with AL and Solo on the floor. During that period we narrowed their lead. Let’s hope we can learned from this experience because it was unpleasant to watch the loss in front on a packed Philips.

By rms

November 16, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

What a lousy weekend in pro sports. Hawks lose-twice to a sorry team. Falcons lose in the last quarter because Roddy cant make a NFL catch in the end zone(then again I dont know if his feet were in bounds even if he did catch it), and then it dont look like we wont be winning again no time soon

By Clyde

November 16, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

I’ve been saying it for 4 yrs and I will say it again. The Atlanta Hawks are weak in the middle. For 4 years we have ignored this weakness in our drafts and our free agent signings.

Josh Smith cannot be the only one that stands out on defense on our frontline. Al had a good game on defense against his college teammate but other than that he has not got the job done. Say what you want to but the truth is the truth.

Some of yall on this blog need to stop trying to protect Horford. We he ain’t getting the job done yall need to say something.

I just hope Jsmooth is ready for the Lakers game. Horford stands no chance against Bynum and Gasol. Hell even with Jsmooth we stand no chance against them. They got 2 7-footers and a 6’10 SF the’re going to throw at us. And guess what. They have the best record in the league.

Hawks managment needs to take notes.

By doc

November 16, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

truth i think the problem was horford was unable to get position. their guys were taller and just as mobile. as i said above he was noticeably shorter than their trees. their guys payed very well on both ends contesting shots …. poor solo being stuffed from short range three times … and boxing out on both ends of the court.

they also gave little space for drives down the middle. flip looked very ordinary, several times almost out of control. mo wasnt to be found. we wuz out manned for two nights in a row both on the perimeter and down low.

samuel get used to it from the outside as these new assets from this summer are more two than one or three. so they will load up and shoot from the outside as quicikly as they will move to the hoop..

also really needed marvin to step up last night and do more than the ordinary marvin. there is plenty of room for him to pull 10 boards now and put up 20 to 25 ooints. no reason to defer anymore.

By reese

November 16, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Tough week for hawks fans. Yes, the team is 1 and 3 without Josh Smith. However, we do have other shot blockers on the team.

The problem, Woodson won’t play them for extended minutes. Instead, he relies on his small lineup. This means that player like Marvin are playing out of position at the power forward spot and he does not provide what is needed from that spot.

Marvin does not intimidate offensive players who are driving to the basket or posting up. Marvin would rather grab a player under the rim instead of contesting the shot.

The funny thing this year is that Marvin is making an improved effort to rotate and play team defense. Marvin is just too slow on defensive rotations to take a charge, to get steal, to cause a deflection or deter anyone from driving to the basket.

Zaza is not any better, but being 6’11 and raising his arm does make players change the arc of their shots.

My point, with Josh Smith’s injury, now is the time to develop consecutive game consistency, chemistry, confidence and game speed experience among Al, Solo and Morris.

In a previous blog someone mentioned that Morris has to prove himself in practice. Practice is where you teach that you must rotate over. However, rotating over to stop Zaza in practice is much different than rotating over to stop Kevin Garnett in a real game.

Lets get these guys some more game speed experience.

By ant banks

November 16, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

yes, we lost to nj, but they are a good team or they played well. i don’t know why dallas gave up devin harris for jkidd?

i didn’t know that brooked lopez had all that and josh boone was killin’ us. vince could not miss in both games.

did y’all see jayz on the bench when they played in jersey? pls believe that lebron is goin’ here in 2010. they will have a boat load of cap space for king james.

By Blast

November 16, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

        HAWKS GAME NOTES:

Let’s remember, the Hawks played four games on the road, and came out 2-2. The home loss last night was terrible, but when was the last time the Hawks won two straight road games? They went 6-0 and expectations shot through the roof. We need to temper expectations with a sound dose of reality. The Hawks are good, but they are missing a gaping hole in the center, as a result, it is hard to compete against teams with mulpitle and skilled bigs, even with Josh in the lineup. The schedule to start the season was downright unfriendly. (How come the Lakers managed to get so many season opening games?) The refs were downright hatin’ (Will the Commish please look into these sad, pathetic refs? I thought each game was reviewed by leage officials?) and the Hawks were tired. Still 2-2 on the road, almost a 3-1 record, isn’t shabby. If they lose their next two games though, then I will hit the panic button.

Acie should be alright. I like that kid and I think he should get more minutes and trust to build up his confidence. RandMo should get more minutes too, especially against teams with bigs, and with Zaza and Josh out. Why did y’all get him if you wont play him, Woody? That small lineup last night was a horrible idea.

NJ is better than people thought, especially with Harris back. I believed last year Dallas made a bad error with that Harris for Kidd trade, now that is proving true. NJ might suprise people this year.

The Hawks gotto beat Indie on Tuesday, man. A 4 game losing skid will be unacceptable. Get your rest, guys and come out ballin in two days.

              Go Hawks!!!!!!

By ant banks

November 16, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

blasti jus said the same things, i couldn’t agree witchu more. randmo is garbage, he played awful in the celts game!!

what exactly happend to zaza. i saw the play but didn’t think that he was that hurt.

y’all need to quit propin’ acie up. dude didn’t make the transition to the pros. d williams, cp3, b roy, rudy gay and mayo came in and balled their 1st yr in league. not to mention d rose.

*quit proppin acie up. he ain’t got it!! *

By The Truth

November 16, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

doc Regarding Al, that’s what I notice also. Their bigs were taller but just as mobile as AL. I would call Al a natual power forward but a tweener center. A player with center abilities in a power foward body. Like most tweeners, he has a quickness advantage over most of his opponents. But against this NJ team, their bigs (like Lopez), could match his quickness but had a true center body. At times, Al looked like he belong in a minor league against those guys. Speaking of tweeners, the unique thing about the Hawks, out of our starting 5 players, 3 are tweeners. Bibby, Josh and Al. Bibby is really a shooting guard in a point guard body. Josh is really power foward in a sf body. In this arrangement, our team will always over-perform when matched against bigger but slower teams like Boston; but we will under-perform when matched against a quicker but bigger team like NJ. If you compare our team to a poker hand, we got too many cards of the same suit. In some cases, you could have a winning hand but you have to get the right combination of cards. The analog of cards in this example is the right combination of opponents. We need more balance to win against any opponent. It does not mean we won’t win our share of games, it means we can’t judge this team based on mismatched opponents. It also mean to take this team to the next level, we need more balance of players with better chemistry. My hat off to Nj, they have themselved a fine team with balance players. They just need more time to jell.

By Clyde

November 16, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

And yes Al is a natural power forward. But guess what Hawks fans. Two years ago when we drafted him we needed a center not a power forward. We already had Smooth starting at power forward.

Fast forward two years and we still need a center. Al Horford is good but he isn’t meeting the needs for this team.

ROLL TIDE!!!! 10-0 FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 94!!

By reese

November 16, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Ant Banks, your missing the point. Yes, Morris played poorly against the Celtics. However, he played well against Toronto. Guess what, he didn’t play any minutes in the games in between.

This is a poor way to develop a player. Give the guy consistent minutes, use game tape to explain to him what he is doing well and where he is making mistakes.

Devise defensive and offensive schemes that take advantage of his skills. Placing him in the game with 4 midgets and expecting him to stop garnett and perkins is what got Al Horford in foul trouble in the first place.

By The Truth

November 16, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Clyde Excellent point

By ant banks

November 16, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

reese he and dwight went against each other in high school and so did josh. if he had brought somethin’ to the table, he would have gotten more minutes.

like solo, his minutes will increase because he has been ballin’ wit’ his minutes.

By blue hawk

November 16, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

we don’t have the balls to play young unproven guys.

By MannyT

November 16, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Maybe Al needs to study that Europunk offense ;-)

It’s tough to do his thing in the middle of legit centers, so he needs to pull them away from the basket and work outside the lane or at the high post. Granted we don’t have a major low post threat, but the Pistons have done well for years with the PF from Philly playing center with a Europunk game.

Hopefully someone has replaced TJ Ford’s game shoes with something resembling crazy glue soles.

BWAF

By rms

November 16, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Still need a PG and a C. Horford is defitnitly not the answer and Acie need I say is, well-garbage! He will never develop even if given the minutes. ZaZa is at best a backup center just like he was in Milwaukee (which is why they gave him up since they had Bogut) and Acie- I dont know what to make of him. Claxton is flat out getting paid just to be on the roster. Speedy is like the Mike Hampton of the Atlanta Braves-total waste of money!!

By doc

November 16, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

mighty tough stretch of 6 games in 8 nights with four on the road. really guess 3 and 3 aint bad.

have we seen al horford’s career game this week? it definitely wasnt a coming of age game where he was able to duplicate his dominance.

sorry clyde, sund swears that hiorford is a five first and four second with the comparison to cowen of boston in an era gone past. he argues to move al would be like moving cowens, that both would have trouble at pf instead of their natural position. we may soon see FIRE RICK AND WOODY t-shirts, eh?

By Tiger Woo

November 16, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

If the Hawks can finish November with a decent record, December looks promising with 10 home games out of 15 games.

Currently - 6-3 Remaining games in November:

at Indiana - L Washington - W Charlotte - W at Cleveland - L Milwaukee - W at Toronto - L at Washington - W

Worse case scenario - that puts us @ 10-6 through November - not too bad. We should hopefully be at full strength going into December - ready to make a run!

December is a key month - things get more difficult in January and February with a couple of west coast road trips on tap.

By blue hawk

November 17, 2008 4:37 AM | Link to this

why the hell did we sign randolph morris and othello hunter (guys who were suppossed to give us more big bodies to throw around) if we are not going to use them in situations like right now? when we’ve lost both smoove and zaza to injuries….

come on, have the balls to play your guys. stop coaching like a coward.

By Clyde

November 17, 2008 5:58 AM | Link to this

We have been hoping and praying Woody would change his ways for 4 years now. What makes you think this year would be any different.

By atlconnect@hotmail.com

November 17, 2008 6:00 AM | Link to this

Coaches are forced to coach when injuries hit.

By Sautee

November 17, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

new blog up