Hawks

By blue hawk

November 18, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

we have no choice anymore.

we’re going to see what we have in randolph morris.

By blue hawk

November 18, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

i kinda felt that this would happen before the season.

i had this feeling that RandMo will get his chance because of injuries.

By hawks_4_life

November 18, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Woe is me.

By hawks_4_life

November 18, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Three injuries, two starters, one reserve (first big of the bench). JJ was even limping.

By hawks_4_life

November 18, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

AL xrays are negative, thank goodness.

By hawks_4_life

November 18, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Those of you who wanted to see RandMo will get your chance but so far no rebounds in five minutes.

By hawks_4_life

November 18, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Oh wait RandMo had two fouls though, I wonder what he will have more of rebounds or fouls

By Tiger Woo

November 18, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Sorry - Randolph Morris isn’t the answer. Not ready for prime time.

By terrell barron

November 18, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

The Hawks are who we thought they were. This team just sux without Josh Smith in the mix. They dont even look like the same team. Come on guys, where’s the effort? Where’s the energy? Good grief!!

By Melvin

November 18, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

The Hawks are losing by 15pts and Woody refuse to play some bench players. How stubborn or stupid is this guy. Sund save us sometime and get rid of Woody while we can salvage this season….

By hawks_4_life

November 18, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Ok im here in germany following the game online, not that im giving up but its 2:53 and the score is 90-73. Thats bed time now for me, MISERABLE.

By Tiger Woo

November 18, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

What a pitiful defensive showing by the Hawks.

Nesterovic - 19 points. Jeff Foster - 12 points.

I guess the Hawks are still tired, huh?

In all fairness, no Horford or Smith doesn’t help.

By hawks_4_life

November 18, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Ok i could go to bed, lol, its now 2:56 and the score is now 91-80 after hunter two free throw misses. DAM.

By hawks_4_life

November 18, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Its not that they suck without Josh its just the injuries keep pilling up. Remember ZAZA is playing injured. WOODY is playing the bench Melvin. Who else do you want to see in the game that you think will matter?

By Melvin

November 18, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

About time Woody put AC in the game. Hawks has cut the lead to 9 since AC came in the game.

By hawks_4_life

November 18, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Tiger thats two thirds our starting front court and probably our best defensive bigs too so something had to give there. Its not like RandMo was gonna get in there and impact the game you know.

By hawks_4_life

November 18, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Atleast the hawks are showing some heart right now and attempting a comeback of some sort granted they are down still 9.

By hawks_4_life

November 18, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

DOWN 7 WELCOME BACK AC.

By hawks_4_life

November 18, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

OK IM GOING TO BED DOWN 14 GOOD NIGHT.

By terrell barron

November 18, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Ken, you still say we win 50?

By terrell barron

November 18, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

I think that was the worst game I’ve seen in years.

By doc

November 18, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

looks as though mario just did his ankle on his “drive” to the basket.

not pretty. unfortunately, i dont think horford would have saved the day on this one even if he were in there. hopefully the wiz bring their own level of incompetence and certainly dont have the meat the pacers had or the nets.

By blue hawk

November 18, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

RandMo will step up.

Maybe not in this game, but he has no choice, he has to step up.

Let’s see in the coming games. Hopefully Hoffa’s injury is nothing serious.

By terrell barron

November 18, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

If we lose to the Wizards tomorrow, I’m done. Just kidding. lol! I’ll be extremely disappointed though.

By cp

November 18, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Like I said on the other blog. I saw no defense, no effort, no hustle, silly turnovers, a bunch of one on one play, no ball movement. I honestly don’t know what to say about this team. I know we are missing Josh and Horford got hurt but that still has nothing to do with effort or moving the ball. Jarret Jack showed tonight why a lot of us on here wanted to acquire him. Calling Mutombo up to see if he wants to play for us really ain’t a bad idea at this point. I have seen enough of Morris to know he is not going to help us much.

By terrell barron

November 18, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

The Hawks are 6th in the Eastern Conf standings as of today. It’s early, but “we’ve fallen and we cant get up”. lol!

By darrell starks

November 18, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Woody have no rythm in his ROTATION HE IS ALL OVER THE place like he LAWSE. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Dan

November 18, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

God D@mn it!! Right when things start to go good! This team will just never, and I mean NEVER, get over the hump.

Looked like the same ol’ Hawks tonight. I figured, when they were making the rally in the 4th, that they would score just enough to lose. At least they spared us that frustration and lost by double digits.

Look out below! Here come the Hawks! I hate that I am a fan of this team sometimes.

By hock

November 18, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Here comes that giant sucking sound that happens every year in Hawksville. Injuries happen to every team, but coupled with having the worst coach on the planet, it’s hard to believe there will be a dramatic turnaround anytime soon.

By Da Real Real

November 18, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Hopefully its nothing serious…if it’s just a regular sprain then it should a few days, but if its anything like a high ankle sprain than I guess we’re talking 2 to 4 weeks.

Anyway, putting that aside from the moment I still can’t get over the fact that we came out the way we did tonight. I haven’t had to complain about Woody all year until tonight…It would have been nice to put Acie in the game a bit earlier when the game was in reach huh? Secondly, coach, I am begging you to please pull a Bobby Cox and get into a ref’s face! I can’t recall JJ going to the line tonight and that’s just crazy. Either Woodson needs to get in somebody face or JJ himself.

Aside from the hanging of our heads that I seen all night long I thought that our shot selection was extremely poor and I’m not talking about the threes because we actually hit those. I’m talking about the missed layups, the missed runners, the air ball or to short free throws. At one point it seemed like we blew at least 5 fast breaks in a row that would have cut into their lead. Even with Horford, and Smoove out we have the offensive fire power to be an Indiana Pacers team, and we should be able to stop them as well. Some of those guys needs to check themselves, grow a pair, and stop letting guys drive down the lane.

Get better Smoove and Horford - lets go Hawks. I know we’re better than this.

By JoeBrave

November 18, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Same Ol #hit!!!

By Hawkamanic81@yahoo.com

November 18, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Same old losers folks. Don’t ever put your faith into the Atlanta Hawks. They’ve been the laughing stock of sports for years and they will continue to be. The 6-0 was simply another false start. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Bad coach, Bad players, Bad management, Bad ownership. Having all of those problems leads to a bunch of losses.

By PD21

November 18, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Where the eff was Acie in the first half? Why cant Woodson see that he is our only PG that can play D on quicker PGs? I know injuries are a big part of this slide, but our defensive is absolutely pathetic and lethargic. I still dont understand all this talk about Woodson being a defensive-minded coach b/c our players apparently dont get it either. I’m giving Woodson till the new year to see if we can go back to our winning ways. Then we can start talkin about vindication.

By lance

November 18, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

stretches like this are what make me believe that certain sports teams truly are cursed, and maybe entire cities. i’ll always be a Hawks fan, but it’s getting harder every year, and the hardest years are the ones where we get a glimmer of hope and then watch it extinguished right before our eyes. your hope is that we’ll bounce back and get the season back on track, but the last 40 years of Hawks history sorta tell you otherwise. seems like even if we do start playing well, someone gets hurt, so you’re screwed either way. sorry for being negative, just venting… i’m hoping i’m wrong, but tired of having my worst fears be proven right year after year after year after…

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 18, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

Didn’t some injury derail our 4-1 start two seasons ago too? I can’t remember exactly…

It’s gonna be really hard to win if our two best frontcourt players are out for an extended period of time, obviously… especially when the best big guy off the bench is at far less than 100% himself. I don’t know if Woody is creative enough for this, but considering that we can’t play defense right now anyway, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Hawks switch to a three-guard lineup and play some small ball. Against teams like Washington and Charlotte, I don’t think we’d be significantly hurt by doing that compared to how we’ve looked the last couple of games. Start Bibby and Flip at the guards, Joe and Marvin at the forwards and Solo (or Zaza if he’s healthy enough) at center, and run run run.

By kirknga

November 18, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe people maintained any expectation of a win after Horford left. With Smith out and ZaZa slowed, it wasn’t going to happen on the road.

The bench is deeper and more flexible, but not capable of replacing two starters and still winning on the road.

Until we’re fully healthy we’re not going to see the results we saw over the first 7 games.Yet still, for all the discussion this Summer about the schedule, many here predicted a far worse result for even a healthy team.

Should the Hawks come out of this first month at .500 or above they will still be ahead of projections. They will be healthy. They will resemble the team we saw for the first two weeks. Have some faith.

Go Hawks!!

By kirknga

November 18, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, Bibby outplayed T. J. Ford contrary to the predictions of some.

By Ken Strickland

November 18, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

TERRELL BARRON-whether we win 50 is entirely up to Woodson. One thing’s for certain, as HC Woodson doesn’t seem to be capable of motivating the team or the individual players. Motivation has, so far, come from outside influences, such as the Bibby trade or a players only meeting, but not from him. It appears he has lost the ear of his players, assuming he ever had it to start with.

This team is doing the complete opposite of what it did to win 6 straight gms. They’re no longer trying to play DEF and the OFF now consists of nothing more than ISO and one on one. Woodson either won’t do anything about it, or he can’t. Either way, he seems to be experiencing the Peter principle.

By Tiger Woo

November 18, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

OK - no biggie - I counted the Indiana game as a loss anyway.

The Hawks have played 10 games - 7 on the road. To be 6-4 is actually more than most people expected at this point.

Of course, they really need to win their next 3 home games - Washington, Charlotte, and Milwaukee - don’t expect them to win in Cleveland on Saturday.

That will put their record @ 9-5 - not bad - they just need to stay above water until they get Josh Smith back.

By Tiger Woo

November 18, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Dang - Cleveland - 106 - NJ - 82. A serious beat-down by Cleveland on the road after we made Jersey look like world beaters.

I hope it doesn’t get too ugly when we go to Cleveland on Saturday. Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised if it is a close game - the Hawks always seem to get up for the good teams and not the so-so teams.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 18, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Where’s the defense? I mean I know we’re missing some big poeces but goodness the Pacers were just running thru the lane like there was no one in there. Solo is starting to dissapoint me some too. They HAVE to snap out of this. The effort on defense is too shaky right now. After that blazing start I really don’t want to see the old Hawks slip back into the picture. Seems like they haven’t been the same since they lost to those dam Celtics…c’mon fellas get it together.

GO HAWKS!!!

By doc

November 18, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

tiger, i dont think they can compete with the bucks right now especially with horford down. as far as folks throwing in the towel and saying they dont expect wins i can only point to the wiz last year and their season they had with one big ending up in heart surgery before the season started and glbert essentially gone for the year and still were respectable. the last three games have been not even close to respectable games for the hawks where they have been blown out by teams that finished below them last year. at some point guys have to bow up and play to win not to show and to be competitive. dr jekyll and mr hyde … which one is it?

By hawkfan

November 18, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Okay, I didn’t want to have to go here but I was watching the game and had to turn the tv off because it was hard for me to watch the hawks play this effortless, when i heard horford got injured, I initially thought well, i know were going to lose this game but we’re still 6-4, even being 6-6 is still good for this team, the time for panic mode is when we end up under .500, i kind of feel that practices are getting more intense and heated then before by the faces on the guys and their body language, i mean we might as well just play the cavs and hope for the best, seems like we show up to play when we have to against a better team, i almost got to the point where i thought the celtics cursed us, cuz we were doing well without josh smith up until that game, after the celtics loss, our team doesn’t look the same, if we had kept winning, i feel our emotion will carry to the next game and we would be able to win against teams like the nets or pacers, i felt that i was seeing the old hawks play, and for those who have something against woodson, back off, just a week ago ppl were saying that they misjudged him when we were winning then when we start losing his haters talk bad about him again, he’s our coach right now so deal wit it, it makes hawks fans look unappreciative for their team, seattle’s team got taken away from them like that, do you think they would care if they had a good coach right now? now that I’m done venting, i’m still a hawks fan, whether we lose or not, no matter how painful sometimes it may feel to be one, so GO HAWKS!

By Tiger Woo

November 18, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

I agree Doc - if we have to go without Horford AND Smith, 2 of our main front court guys, we may have trouble defeating any team. We really need a defensive presence in the paint - I don’t think Solomon, Zaza, or Morris can give us that.

People just don’t realize how vital Josh Smith is to this team - he’s the only true shot blocker and consistent inside scorer we have.

By stendec

November 18, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

Reality has returned! The Hawks are smelly commode residue! Always have been. Always will be! No heart, fire, guts, desire or pride whatsoever. Complete oxygen wastes. Ball-less quitters. Every damn one of them!

By kwooden1

November 18, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

Hate to see Horford go down and hate to see another lose. I could hear the bad defense through the radio and there’s not much to say about that. Zaza is clearly not a 100% and Randolph has never been known for great defense. I agree with Davenpoop go with the small ball and see if you can out score teams. The HAWKS have 5 legitmate 3 point shooters, it might just work! I’m sure that Woody isn’t going to do it because he always sticks with his ways. The Wizards game is going to be tough also because the HAWKS don’t have anyone that matches up well with Jamison. Hopefully Woody can come-up with something tonight that will help the defense. Luckily the Wizards are struggling also.

I was going to commend Woody for using his bench tonight, but after looking at the box score and reading the blog there are no needs for complements. He over worked JJ and didn’t get enough time for Morris or Hunter. I’m curious to see what Woody’s going to do.

Keep fighting guys! JS and AL get better!

GO HAWKS!!!!!!

By AtlFlavor

November 18, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

The Great play now pay later Karma has the NBA by the…. If a guy plays great a couple of games the injury bug is soon to follow. Solo Morris and Hunter will get a couple of games to really prove their worth. Really Morris. Dont be surprised to see JSmith andd Al back by this weekend though. I will say its the PERFECT time to play the Wiz and Cats. 6- 4 No time to panic. 6 - 12 will be that time.

By Tiger Woo

November 18, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

“Small ball” isn’t the answer. Somebody needs to play some interior defense - however, I’d rather play small ball than go with Morris or Hunter - all they are good for is collecting personal fouls.

By BA

November 19, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

Were you folks even on the bandwagon all the way before you all jumped off?!

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 19, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

The Hawks can hang with Cleveland if they are at full strength, but if we don’t get at least one of our front court players back healthy before Saturday we can expect a blowout. Cleveland has the size and length up front that the Hawks have no answer for, and the three-point shooting that keeps a defense honest and prevents them from doubling LeBron. It goes without saying that Cleveland’s better than the teams that have worked the Hawks over the last three games.

Honestly right now the way we’re playing defense I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Wizards or Bobcats beat us.

By Nookah

November 19, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this

4 losses in a row and the “wagon” is suddenly full of space. All the feint hearted have bailed already?

Keep the faith Hawks fans (the genuine ones that is) it will get better later.

GO HAWKS!!!!

Nuff respect!!!

By kirknga

November 19, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

Were you folks even on the bandwagon all the way before you all jumped off? BA

The answer seems to be “no”.

Adversity tests the mettle of a team and it’s fans. Hard times is when you’re able to separate the hard core fan from the casual fair-weather fan; perspective from hate.

By hawkfan

November 19, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

kirknga i was thinking the same thing that when we start losing you can tell or separate the true fans from the bandwagoners

By Clyde

November 19, 2008 2:08 AM | Link to this

The only thing good about this game was the analysis from Steve Jones. The Snapper was on point. Nique needs to do some paper work or somethibng. Ain’t he the Vice President? Then why in the world is he doing television?

Woody is back to his old self. Real coaches know how to coach when injuries hit. Woody just looks lost as ever.

The Snapper hit on one major point during the game. He noticed the Pacers had more movement in their offense compared to ours just standing around watching Joe go one on one. That’s why Woody needs to be fired. He has had 4 years to come up with an offensive system but he hasn’t. Its just the same ole give it to Joe let him create something.

Its Getting Old Woody Woody is the Hawks’ Mike Shula Let’s Get Rid Of Him

ROLL TIDE!!!!

By BA

November 19, 2008 4:55 AM | Link to this

Woodson can design all the offense he wants, if the players can’t execute, it won’t look like much of an offense. When you lose your top three post players in the span of a week, and you only had, well, three solid post players, you’re going to lose to even the weakest NBA teams, even the teams with tiny midget guards (with cute hairbows) slashing and cutting in that wierd point-forward system like Indiana.

At least Acie showed out.

By doc

November 19, 2008 7:14 AM | Link to this

eh ba, wasnt this one of the causes for concern and to temper the hype of the preseason and even during the early run? objective comments that some fans had the audacity to even suggest we were weak in the post and thin in certain spots and maybe just maybe a bit unbalanced were met with cries of foul, jumping off the bandwagon or not being in the true camp. just maybe one couldnt quite buy into the kool aide unless all stayed healthy.

why is it by pointing the weaknesses that one is not considered on the bandwagon or not even a hawks fan? does it really take away from the team? for an example, did overlooking the weaknesses of the braves and the braves organization last summer do anything more than get you a pass onto the dob blog because they are still hurting for depth and pitching and are really a second tier team desperate to make something happen in the off season.

if you want delusion then fine. again look to what the wizzards did last year before getting off the bandwagon that this team cant win. ba, i would be more concerned about the complacent folks that excuse the loss for the lack of composure and team play and accept the poor level of play that has been shown. at some point the players have to dig deep and realize that they are still capable. if the team gets two from washington one from charlotte and maybe pick up another game then they are still in great shape for the return of josh and have weathered the storm. if they dig themselves a hole and wait passively for him to get back then the team will struggle at any perceived difficulty.

ba, they are not playing good basketball even without the obvious injuries. that is the point, not bandwagons nor camps nor however you or others want to divide the house. has the level of play dropped by the loss of one player? if so we are still very weak.

the point ba is as a fan we need to see more than one player show out even in dark times. to expect less is to accept poor play. to see it for several more games will bring major decisions by management as i imagine with the money they have invested they expect better competitive play than what we have seen the last three games. games like the wiz or charlotte will decide how much heart your hawks have going forward this year and will be bell weather games.

By ant banks

November 19, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this

laff out loud at sautee from previous blog

By ant banks

November 19, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this

**Dear Acie Law, IV,

I, Anthony E. Banks, being of sound mind and body, would like to offer a public apology to you, Acie Law, IV. I have been ripping you in the blogosphere, about how you are a bust and just couldn’t make the transition to the pros. Well, your performance against the Pacers has me eating crow. Continue to perform at this level, Acie Law, IV and I will have to change my name to Anthony CROW Banks.

Sincerly,

Anthony Edward Banks Hawks Season Ticket Holder since ‘00**

By ant banks

November 19, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

Acie Law, IV i do reserve the right to start ripping you, again, if you revert back to the ol’ you for any stretch of time. he he he

By richbrave

November 19, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

Without SMITH AND HORFORD this could be a toss-up. Interior defense is the key. Can McGEE and BLATCHE outplay PETRULIA and MORRIS.? Or is ZaZa out too.? That leaves JONES in the line-up. The WIZARDS have no interior defense yet. McGEE is not sufficiently developed to provide any. Outside BIBBY, WILLIAMS, and JOHNSON have the advantage unless JORDAN goes with the tall starting line-up of McGEE, BLATCHE, JAMISON, BUTLER, and DeSHAWN STEVENSON at point. This is a toss-up folks. I never would have thunk it 24 hours ago. DAMN, I certainly don’t wish the injury bug on the HAWKS. I’ve had more than enough of that following the WIZARDS.

By Aaron B

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

Regardless of what people say about us losing both Josh and Al the real tragedy last night was the Hawks awful defense. Defense isn’t a one or two person thing… it’s a team thing. And what I watched last night reminded me of our Hawks three years ago. They must have had a fight or something in the locker room, because if you watched the body language of the players during that game, they looked like they didn’t care one bit. No one got onto their assignments, no one played team defense at all. I am ashamed to have build up their hype so much at my workplace, only to have them stop caring about being a playoff caliber team.

Sekou, something must have happened to them to change their mood so drastically. And don’t say the injuries were the case, because they were winning without Josh, and had been losing with Al.

By doc

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

does anyone else see a trend here among some of the bloggers that if they cant say something positive about the hawks they suddenly decide that they have to divide the blog into camps and desire to downbeat those that are simply pointing out the obvious and talk about it. it was obvious the team was playing well so some came on and discussed it, then when the team didnt play well they discuss that (present status). simple stuff … not rocket science, not good fan or bad fan, not right or wrong necessarily. it is a simple concept, get over it or see yourselves as you are. seems they were the ones with the smug i told you sooos, no, in spite of being reminded it was a long season? guess they feel wronged by the hawks and decide to take it out on bloggers simply observing the team has lost some spark, the hows and whys. funny how things play out. guess we can talk about the economy but no this is kind of dedicated to the hawks, or at least basketball though we get sidetracked sometimes and more specifically where the hawks are now.

and they think ando has problems?

By Dan

November 19, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

OK….Things suck right now, but there are two winnable games on the horizon. The Wizards are not exactly tearing up the league. The Hawks can beat them, even if Horford and Smith are out. The Bobcats are up next.

IF they can win those games, that puts them at 8-4. Should be a little cushion to hold things together until Horford and Smith are back.

Question for all those who are saying the Hawks suck and we were stupid for ever thinking things had changed people… Which NBA team would continue to play well with both their 2nd and 3rd best players out?

I agree the effort was bad last night and I thought the ‘04-‘05 Hawks had returned. I’m not ready to meltdown, yet, however. Smith and Horford will be back fairly soon. Beat Washington and Charlotte and things are going to be fine. They probably lose to the Cavs, but then have 3 days off before the Bucks. There is a chance both Smith and Horford will be back for that one.

By doc

November 19, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

dan problem is they werent without their top two or three except three quarters of the last four of five games. if what we have seen and what we can expect then yours and my desire to see the team float through the wiz and cats are going to end up leaving us dismayed. level of play has dropped considerably. would like to see it rise in spite of the two players out, even if they lose then that is fine if they play well is my point …. not jumping the wagon or ganging up on the beloved hawks.

oh yeah, maybe it is just an early season post preseason slump. yeah thats the ticket and explains it all.

By doc

November 19, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

dan problem is they werent without their top two or three except three quarters of the last four of five games. if what we have seen and what we can expect then yours and my desire to see the team float through the wiz and cats are going to end up leaving us dismayed. level of play has dropped considerably. would like to see it rise in spite of the two players out, even if they lose then that is fine if they play well is my point …. not jumping the wagon or ganging up on the beloved hawks.

oh yeah, maybe it is just an early season post preseason slump. yeah thats the ticket and explains it all.

By Dan

November 19, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

doc

True, they have not been without Smith and Horford, except for last night.

I wrote last night off as soon as Horfordo left. They aren’t beating the Pacers on the road two guys down. Not many teams could do that.

So, that leaves the two Nets games….two games out of the 10 that have been played. The Hawks were 6-0. Lost what might be the best game of the season so far against the Celtics, on the road, down Josh Smith. Then, they played awful against a team that has their number anyways. Carter is a Hawk killer and looks like Devin Harris is, too.

All I am saying is win the next two and things are back to good, as Matchbox Twenty would say. There is no promise this team can win the next two, but I think they will. The Cavs game is kind of like playing with house money then—win, great; lose, oh well…

Too long of season to be throwing ourselves into traffic when it is only November. Although, I understand it. As Hawks fans, we have some deep wounds..

By Left knee hurts

November 19, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

I knew we were in trouble after the tip when TJ Ford when straight in for a layup. I was surprised TJ sat as much as he did in the 2nd qtr.

The game though hinged on shot after shot for the Hawks rimming out. I can’t remember so many slightly off shots from one team. Granger looked like an all star. Joe looked like one as well until he got his 1st break after 14 minutes. He didn’t get back that eye until too late. Mo Evans had some nice slams. I was pulling for Othello Hunter to hit the FT (either one) Has he scored this year?

Go Hawks!

By doc

November 19, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

dan i will be there to attempt to cheer them on tonight. lets see where the barometer reads after tonight.

By Astro Joe

November 19, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Would some body please let me know when the “tough defender” Mo Evans shows up?

5th straight game allowing over 100 points. We can’t run because we can’t get rebounds. We can’t run because we’re too tired to sprint the floor. Flip Mo squad is looking more like 2 nomadic NBA players who have flashes but can’t maintain above average bench performance. Marvin has all kinds of new weapons but still gets 7 or less attepts per game (and last night just couldn’t do more with his 11 attempts). Bibby’s effectiveness is so erratic that he loses playing time for long streteches to a nomdic Flip and a doghouse resident in Law. Morris looks like a guy still trying to figure out which way is up. When you live by the 3-ball you will eventually die by the 3-ball. And did I mention that our defense is horrific in the past 5 games?

All that said, we have a chance to win 2 of the next 3 and the bleeding needs to stop tonight. Neither Charlotte nor DC is in a position to exploit our interior deficiencies… so our small-ball line-up needs to come up big. I wore my Hawks gear during the 13-win season. I’ll be darned if I’m going to be ashamed of winning 60% of our first 10 games this season… not when 70% of those 10 games were played on the road.

By bad hawks

November 19, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Why does anyone seem surprised that the Hawks have come back to reality? They were a 37 win team last year and backed into the playoffs. They are still coached by Woodson, whose winning percentage is pathetic. They play every night without a legit NBA center. They start Marvin Williams who is notable only for the size of his growing butt. Their point guard takes whole games off (even though he is on the floor); at his best, he is brutal on defense, and may do some scoring about every fourth game. In their “aggressive” off season efforts to become a title contender, they picked up a couple of free agents that no one other than NBA “junkies” had ever heard of, and the pitiful Randolph Morris.

There is no reason in the world to think this team will be anything more than another 36-37 win team.

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

November 19, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

When it rains, it pours!! Without two very key members of the front court, we will have a hard time winning. I saw BWAF yesterday while the team took another one on the chin. Teams use small quick pgs to break us down and the interior defense looks like swiss cheese. I want to ask you, didn’t Indi look like a winnable game? AC Law was a good point tonight, I don’t know how long that will last but it’s welcome while it’s here. Some of you sound like experts on what will change this season, I may not be that smart, but i do know that with our team healthy we can do alot more. Duh. I said that we would win 40-50 games this year, BARRING injury. The injuries have come and with them so have the harsh critics and hay sayers. Pointing out weakness and flaws is not criticism in my book, but saying that we will never be anything but loosers is a bit much. We went to the playoffs last year??!!?? We will get our team back together and be ok, we are just 10 in. We have a good team, we just don’t look like it right now. My question is: when we do get everyone back and healthy and still lose, then what

ASG Why in the hell can I not see the score in the game until somewhere after half time??????? Are you kidding me?? Success starts from the top and that mindset/ attitude trickles down to every aspect of your business / organization. The telecast was done poorly and that speaks to the organization as a whole. How can we expect you to create a winning product when you cannot get the telecast right. I just think that it speaks to the mediocrity that you want us to pay for and smile about.

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

November 19, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Or maybe it was just my 50’ tv that was the problem?

By nique

November 19, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Sekou, thanks for the posts, but there are way too many typos at the ajc.com.

If Woodson was worth anything, this team would have one at least 1 or 2 out of the last 4.

By Gypsyjoe

November 19, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

let’s forget about the 40-50 wins stuff let’s just try and win the next game. Man the ban wagaon is empty.

By Sautee

November 19, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

kirknga, BA, hawkfan

About this bullsh!t:

Were you folks even on the bandwagon all the way before you all jumped off? BA

The answer seems to be “no”.

Adversity tests the mettle of a team and it’s fans. Hard times is when you’re able to separate the hard core fan from the casual fair-weather fan; perspective from hate.

So guys, how did you think the Hawks played last night? Were you excited by their total lack of energy?

Here’s some perspective for you: The Hawks played their worst game of the season last night. No energy. Poor coaching decisions.

The “bandwagon” as you like to call it, is in a ditch, stuck in the mud, and the best you can do is rail at those who recognize the ditch for what it is.

It’s like the politicians who think if you criticize the government, then you are not patriotic.

Either stick with our blindness, or we’ll accuse you of being “the other”, the infidels who think this team has flaws. We DO NOT need separate camps!

I accept you guys as “real Hawks fans”, despite your attempts to separate us all. Will you accept those who are critical, and realize that being “pollyanna” about the team is not reality (at least for some).

doc

An admirable attempt, but methinks it fell upon deaf ears.

Look folks, here’s a bigger picture:

We’re 6-4 after 10 games. About what we should have expected, EXCEPT, that Josh is out, and Horford is down. So maybe it’s better than we should expect, EXCEPT, the last 3 games have been unacceptable from an effort standpoint.

At the end of the NEXT 10 games, we’ll have a better idea. BUT, if this lousy energy is not put to rest, Woody WILL be gone by January.

I was serious when I said on the last blog that the 04-05 team that won only 13 games had better energy than last night. That was pathetic effort, especially from our leaders. (JJ, that means you).

If caring enough about the team I’ve faithfully followed for over 40 years means speaking out when they give a pitiful effort, then that’s what I’ll do. If you think that’s jumping off the bandwagon, then that can be your folly. But I’ve been here for a LONG time, and I won’t stop caring now.

peace

By Sautee

November 19, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

ant banks

thanks,

Nice mea culpa.

And if Acie starts being overly tentative again, you should be all over his a$$.

By Dan

November 19, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

doc

I will be there, too. Hope we are going home happy..

By I.MUS WRITE

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

Rasho Nesterovic (Stephen A Voice)….. Rasho Nesterovic -puts up 21,I would say im suprised but im not surprised at all. With Josh and now Al out get used to it- Random 7 footers will have career nights on us (Brook Lopez etc..). Solo is a good back up playing 15 minutes a night,but he is’nt ready to be on front street……

R.Morris has to do more- he looks like a D leaguer to me -

Everyone looked flat last night -The energy and hustle just was’nt there - There will be more games like that,lets just hope they are few and far between…

Granger-what can ya say,he out performed our All Star and showed Marvin why he should have been the #2 Pick……..Look forward to seeing him in Phoenix 09

AC Law looked good last night,I just wonder how many horrible games he will have before we see the Guy from last night again.

We are’nt trading Bibby- cant trade Bibby,he has off nights but then there are the nights like he had against Toronto. His leadership and Calming presence to the team mean to much right now…… I heard all the trades and what not ,but do we want Ac running the show full time(not yet). Flip is a good player but undisciplined at times so I would say no to him full time as well. McDyess is’nt coming here so lets stop wishing-He’ll be in D town or in Cleveland….

Fire Woodson????? Thats funny when we were 6-0 sum folks said he was coach of the year. U cant win is this league missing 2 of your starters….just see San Antonio… Woodson is fine we just need our players healthy to compete at a high level every night I say if we dont get by Washington then we should be getting concerned -because they have more injury issues than we do…….. If anybody reading this is going to the game tonight -I need a favor…..Right before the game starts I need a volunteer to go to the Hawks bench and Throw a towel over Tyrone Hills face…..Looking at him during Halftime and timeouts is really painful….

By BravesFan79

November 19, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

GET MUTOMBO! My man did a GREAT job for my other favorite team the Rockets…and hes a example of what a REAL man should be!
He dosent just “talk” about his homeland Africa like so many sports stars……. but actually contributes greatly to his people. Black people in AtL talk about wanting a role model… well Deke is it! Him and Warrick Dunn…. man if only every person was like those 2 the world would be a better place!

Im glad others are now calling for my man J Jack…. i thought we should of traded for him 2 seasons ago when he was lighting it up for the Blazers.
Crittenton is another former GT hoopster id like to see in a Hawks jersey and think would make a better backup to Bibby than AC.
GT…. Final 4 in 2010!! Heard it here first…..

By Astro Joe

November 19, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Sund needs to make a move. Time to cut Gardner loose and make a call to Mutumbo, Juwan Howard or some other veteran big who can board and defend for about 12 minutes a game. Can we send Speedy’s insurance-covered salary to Memphis for Darko? How about to the Pistons for Kwame? We need a post defender NOW!!!!! What’s Tree Rollins doing these days? Caldwell Jones? Marvin Webster? HELP!!!!!!!!

I.Mus is right… Morris looks like NBDL material. That doesn’t mean he won’t improve, but it does seem to mean that he won’t provide a meaningful contribution in the next 2-3 weeks. Again, I repeat. HELP!!!!!!!

By Bowdler for 3

November 19, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Awful loss, but to just write the Hawks off for the season is ridiculous. Some of you should go back to cheering for the Celtics, Lakers or whoever it is you think is the favorite to win it this year.

It just seems like the team was expecting a quick heal by Josh and now that’s it dragging on for a bit, they’re getting a little demoralized. Al’s injury only made it that much worse. Josh will be back soon enough and they’ll be back to shocking the world, unless Woody gets in the way. This stretch will only make it that much sweeter.

And for the record, injuries happen. Just because we didn’t get bit last year…

What’s up with Nique?? Someone please say he stepped down and was replaced in the booth! PLEASE! Even if it’s a lie.

By I.MUS WRITE

November 19, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Bowdler-We could only be so lucky, I would like for Snapper Jones to take over permanently.

Im all for BIG MAN Help….Hunter Gardner and Speedy can all hit the bricks -we need those roster spots for players who atleast belong in the league…..

Bring on Deke,

By doc

November 19, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

dan agree, to happiness.

By ray

November 19, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Doc,

does anyone else see a trend here among some of the bloggers that if they cant say something positive about the hawks they suddenly decide that they have to divide the blog into camps and desire to downbeat those that are simply pointing out the obvious and talk about it. it was obvious the team was playing well so some came on and discussed it, then when the team didnt play well they discuss that (present status). simple stuff … not rocket science, not good fan or bad fan, not right or wrong necessarily. it is a simple concept, get over it or see yourselves as you are. seems they were the ones with the smug i told you sooos, no, in spite of being reminded it was a long season?

Yep. No analysis of the game (other than to mention injuries and the small consolation prize of one unfavored matchup that didn’t happen as suspected…which means nothing if we still lost..and we did). No analysis of anything in particular. Just shots at other fans. I think it’s more of an addiction than a trend, myself. You can always spot that type though. Pointing fingers at others (fans, not even anybody participating in the actual GAME)constantly while shouting that everybody is pointing fingers…It’s hilarious.

By ray

November 19, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

BA,

Several of us were calling for one more acquisition (free agent or otherwise), for a veteran big man. We kept saying it while some people smugly told us that we had acquired two veterans already and that this would be more than sufficient. We ended up with the unproven project Randolph Morris, whom I have had high hopes for (still do). Look where we are now. We had one “veteran” big on the bench, and that would be Zaza. Solo, Morris, and Hunter = rarely played, played even less, and undrafted rookie.

To me, if this is how your bench looks, then you have to play your bench more, and get them more involved. You can’t just say “play hard in practice and do well, then maybe I’ll let you play 2 minutes per game”. It doesn’t work that way, and we are living proof of it. I’ll say that Solo is holding his own, and Zaza is too when he’s back to full health. Morris is lost and looking uncomfortable as hell. For us to have any chance at keeping our heads above water while our two best low post guys are out, that has to change quickly. But I don’t know if it will. Hunter is a rookie. And undrafted one who rarely sees the court. We could’ve used that one more veteran big. Especially with a guy like Woody, who we committed a 2 year contract to, and who is loathe to play youngsters (anybody seen Gardner?).

For good or for ill, I think we either see a lot of small ball, or we see a lot more of our young, inexperienced bigs, who were previously not seeing much of the court outside of practice. I have nothing against our young bigs (they are young after all). But it sure would have been nice to see Kwame Brown coming off the bench.

By dhj_1962

November 19, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

so much for that 81-1 finish

By Wink from Lithonia

November 19, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

So the team is hurting, we have no bigs inside. I guess we should cancel the season or should we man up(Woody) and figure out a way to play to our strengths.

We should play small ball with a purpose! Give the ball to AC Law at the point, let him go directly to the rim, post up shooters on perimeter or dish to big under the basket.

We need to do what Chris Paul, TJ Ford, Rondo, Parker, Watson, get in the paint & disrupt the defense, collapse on point guard and distribute from there or score.

AC Law showed last night he can get in the paint at will, we need for him to look for his shot every time, inside the the first 5-6 seconds of the shot clock or kick out to a shooter. Converting buckets will give us our best opportunity to defend our basket, the opposition would have to face a set defense and help each other cover the paint.

Just a thought….opinions anyone???/

By JerryWest

November 19, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

When we will be ready to fight for championships, Bibby/Flip won’t be our starting PG.

Might as well give the key to Acie Law and let him learn. The team was running much better when he had the ball in his hands.

By Astro Joe

November 19, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Michael Olowakandi? Danny Fortson? Michael Sweetney? Stanley Roberts? Dale Davis? Michael Doleac? HELP!!!!!!

By ray

November 19, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

BA,

Also, with the bandwagon stuff… It really is cliche. Sure, we get people that inject “same ol’ Hawks” comments. That is to be expected, I think. And it is clear that they are on/off as fans. But there are fans that will be disappointed with losing, and will say so. And there are fans who will identify with what is working vs not working, who is doing or not doing what, and why they think it is happening. They will talk about the positives and negatives of the game, as well as the variables that they see. That’s not jumping on or off the bandwagon. That’s just analysis, armchair though it be (And that’s PRECISELY what a blog is for). They key is to not get the two confused. A fine example of such analysis was yours from above, wherein you stated that Woodson’s designs will account for nothing with the absence of execution (analyzing coaching effect vs player effect). Losing three out of three of your best post players within a week (injury variable recognition). Acie showed out (positive contribution). And voila, you have offered some of the very same astute observations as have been offered by others, though in different words.

Hang in there, you knew the ride could get bumpy. There are those who will turn the fan switch on and off. The rest of us will gripe about injuries, foul calls, bad plays, poor performances, call for trades, extol the virtues of those who perform well, and argue about who should or should not be playing however many minutes, among a million other things. At the end of last night, we were still above .500. We’re fans, and we talk. It’s all good.

By terrell barron

November 19, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Today you guys are killing Woody, and wanting Acie to get more minutes. Yesterday it was vice versa. Acie sucked and Woody was Coach of the year. lol!!! And oh yeah, WILL THE REAL HAWKS PLEASE STAND UP TONIGHT? Whatever you do, dont lose this one.

By ray

November 19, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Sautee,

From last blog: don’t let it upset you too much, and while hawkfan seems to agree with everything the toxic avenger says, I have to think that BA has his own mind and is just frustrated by some of the usual comments, and the complaints about performance. Fact is, losing effects the fans attitudes as well as the team. At least BA offered some analysis of factors affecting the actual game, instead of offering cliched garbage, and then going right on to the true mission: attacking other fans. Speaking of which…

There are some who will always confuse fans from so-called bandwagon types (fair weather fans). But who can blame them for their lack of vision? The view has to be limited to those who sit, licking the non-existent windows in their self-acclaimed front row seat of their own little short bus. All the while smugly telling themselves with false piety, that they alone are the true fans of a team.

The true object has been (as stated by the originator) to debunk that which has been nothing more than a shared opinion. Should we be surprised at all to find that such a person would continue to throw rocks at fans (while claiming innocence), rather than offer actual insight to the game or anything within it?

By cp

November 19, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

I know we wont win them all but last night was just ugly. They had no energy, they didn’t hustle, guys were not trusting each other, too much one on one, no defense, the ball was not moving what so ever. We wont beat the Wizards or Bobcats playing like this. Send Hunter to the NBDL and get Mutombo in here.

It’s time for Marvin to step up. I’m glad he added the 3pointer to his arsenal and all but this guy has got to get aggressive or something. I have been patient for the last four years with the kid. He is a solid player but he has the tools to be better. Maybe Marvin is just another guy who shows in flashes just how good he could be but never does it consistently. I was watching Granger go off and was saying to myself “why in the hell cant Marvin play like this”. Someone needs to light a fire under Marvin.

By ray

November 19, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

terrell, you know how it is. I wanted Acie to have more minutes to begin with. Remember when I was getting slapped down for saying that? Ha ha, you gotta love a blog. You can be wrong yesterday, right tonight, and wrong tomorrow!

As for Woody, I’m still not going to flame him yet. I think he still has some old bad habits, but I’m not a coach. I want to see what he does with what he’s got over the next few games, to start with. I want to see what the players do, too, in response to the adversity we face.

By MannyT

November 19, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Wheaties anyone!

For all the effort or lack thereof last night, we need someone to have energy for tonight’s half of the back to back.

I missed most of the game so I can only imagine what it looked like from the little I heard on the radio. I won’t take the easy shots at the folks who had poor games last night, but I will put this out for the blog…is it habitual?

I’ve never had a job where I was on the top of my game every day for my entire time there. I don’t expect the Hawks to be on top all the time either. Sounds like AC did well and was taken from under the bus last night. Good for him. I don’t think he fits under there with RandMo who seems to have been tossed under the bus now. Must be even harder for Woody to drive the bus. Seems like he’s never close to the sterring wheel—either standing on top like Superman for the first 6 games or stuck between those double tires under the bottom. Even looks like some of that Sund-shine is beginning to fade now that RandMo got some minutes and Flip Mo isn’t saving the day from the bench.

I wonder if a scrappy, skinny guy who doesn’t command the ball but gets loose balls and scores on easy shots would help about now…nah ;-)

Maybe a practice on Thursday to install a new scheme or two, but there is not much time for coaches to come up with significantly new stuff when Al goes down during the game. On the brighter side, TJ Ford did not score 30 even though he had a very good +/- rating.

Don’t let too much of the doomanddismay settle in yet. Sure it’s a rough patch, but we do expect Josh and Al to return sooner than later. Even with all our troubles, the next two games are winnable.

I’ll enjoy settling into the hopeanddismay seat tonight (even if a little late.) The Wiz have more issues than the Hawks. It will almost be a party of the disfunctional. The good news is that our issues seem to be short term…theirs could last awhile.

BWAF

By JerryWest

November 19, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Any news on Horford? I heard he could have gone back into the game last night but was held back. Is he ok now?

By Sautee

November 19, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Ray

well said, my friend.

By Obamanation

November 19, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Hmm, I wonder how good would the Celtics be without Garnet and Perkins? Better still, how about the Lakers without Bynum and Gasol? Just wondering.

By Blast

November 19, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

Hawks are in a serious funk right now. Last 4 losses just shows how thin we are in the middle. With the loss of Josh, now AL, maybe Zaza, Hawks have no shot blocker, no intimidator, as such, opposing teams are driving at will, our front court unable to keep up with them. At the same time we are getting killed inside by bigger centers and power forwards, who are also snatching up all those rebounds Josh and our bigs normally get. These injuries/losses, more than anything should tell the AIG that more good big men are solely needed.

Let’s see how they do tonight. Wizards are just as ravaged by injuries as the Hawks, so I feel whoever wants the game most will win it. I won’t assume that just because of their record, Wizards would lose tonight’s game, not especailly if the Hawks are playing like the Hawks of old. The Hawks needs to win tonight desperately. No good/contending team goes on 3-5 games losing streaks.

Go Hawks! Make Us Proud.

By ray

November 19, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

CP,

It was ugly. We looked demoralized, just like we did against the Nets. Only more so. We need to get in there and get after them. One of the keys to being a good team, as has been stated by numerous others before, is winning on the road. But first, we have to defend the homestead tonight. I feel like the games against the Wizards and Bobcats are very winnable. But not if we play like we did against Indy. The Wiz don’t want to stay in a hole, and the Bobcats seem like they’re playing better. We have to play better, too.

I don’t know what’s up with Marvin, but I do know this: he continues to take bad angles when he does go to the basket.

I think he would be better served using two methods for scoring in the time being: 1)keep shooting the jumper, unless it’s one of those crazy bad-angle fallaways, and 2)set up closer to the basket than he normally does. The reason for the number 2 idea is that he actually has a decent looking little running hook. But it does him no good when he is trying to make that shot, while driving to the hoop from 20-something feet away. Marvin takes bad angles, and when he takes good ones, somehow he ususally ends up getting pushed off his path. With his size and strength, he should be able to post up no further than 10-12 feet from the basket. Then, he has less ground to cover before getting close enough to try his shot.

Also, he has to learn how to finish with contact. To do that, you must protect the ball better. I notice that when he is going to the basket against the defense, he is either stripped or simply hammered in such a way that he cannot come close to getting an opportunity for an “AND 1”. His hands go up, but the ball usually isn’t in them, or the shot is nowhere near the rim itself.

I think that will make him a better threat overall.

By Sautee

November 19, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Obamanation

The REAL question is, how hard would the Celtics play without KG and Perkins?

I’m realistic enough to think that the Hawks were behind the eight ball after Horford went down, but that does NOT excuse a lack of effort.

In other words, it’s HOW they lost that has me steamed.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 19, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe’s 12:02 post… haahahahahahahhahahahahaa

By Hawks Fan In New Orleans

November 19, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Red Clay and vinegar anyone? Looks like J Smoove is the right wing of this bird-when he went down, this hi flying team came spiraling back into the stratosphere only to crash land in Indiana only to injure their bird chest (Horford.) We can’t expect to soar until the Wing and chest are healed.

By Clyde

November 19, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Excuses Excuses Every year its the can’t stay healthy crap. That’s what you have a bench for. That’s why you draft. In the past 5 years I can only recall us drafting Smooth, Solomon and Horford when we know god and well we need bigs.

That’s why you sign free agents. In the past 5 years I can only recall us signing 2 bigs. That Lorenzen and Zaza when we know good and well we need bigs.

For 5 years we have ingored the hole in the middle and now its coming back to bite us. We got plenty of point guards and small forwards but not enough centers and power forwards. You can thank Billy for that.

ROLL TIDE!!!! I’m tired of talking about the Hawks. Alabama is on a title run while the Hawks are stuck in the mud. When we lost Mt. Cody for a couple of games someone stepped up for him.

The Snapper put it well yesterday. He said everyone on the Hawks has earned his shorts. And if you earned your shorts you gotta step up and play when the time comes. If you can’t step up then you need to give someone else a chance to wear your shorts.

Excuses is for sissies.

FIRE WOODY

By ray

November 19, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Obamanation,

Easy to say until you look into it. The Celtics have Big Baby and Powe backing up Perkins and Garnett. My turn to ask you a question or three. How have those guys played against us, and the rest of the league on a regular basis (you were watching them against us, weren’t you?). Do you think they are better or worse than our reserve big men? And finally…what is responsible for that performance (coaching & development, GM picking the right playes, simple talent difference, or a combination thereof)?

We can tackle the Lakers afterwards.

MannyT,

Your reference to a skinny energy guy had me laughing, although ruefully. And you’re right, there were some pretty smug comments concerning the brilliance of Sund letting Childress go, and acquiring Evans and Murray. I still like the Flip/Mo acquisition, and I can’t hate on Sund for that. And I really don’t want to talk about the Childress incident anymore. Can’t fix it now.

A couple things I find very interesting, though. One, all the talk from players, coaches, and fans alike about adding veteran backcourt players has begun to go a bit sour. Strange how two very young frontcourt players are so very necessary, is it not? Strange how they are missed so badly. Strange how one of them (Smith) was so openly castigated before, while some of the same people who did so, now use his absence as the sole reason/excuse/whatever for our losses. Or perhaps not so strange…

Even stranger how the veterans acquired are not having much of an effect in their absence. Or perhaps not so odd after all. I am not one to blame backcourt players for frontcourt problems. I’ll say it again: we needed and still need a veteran big man. It’s more balanced that way. The Flip/Mo squad is supposed to provide leadership and stability yes? Well, they can, but they can only play where they play. That is the problem. And I do not understand why we have that problem.

The task now is to find a way around that problem, using what we have.

By Obamanation

November 19, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Well said Sautee. Maybe I should’ve elaborated further. On any team, roles are defined by talent-set and minutes played. Our bench players are having to adjust to playing starter’s minutes. They are bench players for a reason…and when they have to contribute more than usual, it takes more time to adjust. Our 2nd and 3rd team bigs will eventually adjust. By that I mean defensively.

A starting Quarterback gets about 70% of the practice reps. It stands to reason that your 1st team players are getting most of the reps with the 2nd team getting a little more and so on…Defensive continuity comes from those practice reps. Now take 2/3 of your starting frontcourt away and you’ll begin to see how that continuity is compromised.

By nique

November 19, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Too bad the Hawks didn’t bring that guy in from overseas (not Chillz), I think his name is Andersen. Isn’t he a 7-footer with actual skills?

Woody sucks. Maybe the start to this season is the best of all worlds: the Hawks get off to a great start and gain confidence and garner fan support, and then lose a bunch straight due to injuries resulting in Woody getting fired. After Smith and Horford come back they play at a high level but without that deadweight on the sidelines.

By MannyT

November 19, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Final Four 2013—groovy baby!!!!!

Memory gone out with the tide?

Oh Clyde you can say we didn’t pick good bigs, but we did have more big men. How could you forget Shelden? I might understand you forgetting Slava Medvedenko & Esteban Batista.

ray I’m not trying to go after Sund, but I do recall that RandMo and Kwame Brown were here trying out at the same time this summer. Not that I am a Kwame fan at all, but it looks like there was a significant difference in skills…and we went with the less experienced? talented? costly? player…hmmm

Sekou keeps that list on him that has a bunch of retread big men on it that he likes. (Aaron Williams, Brian Skinner, et al) We never seem to pick up any of them. Sund has shown a trend for collecting bigs in Seattle. Maybe he needs time to get his posse of giants going in the ATL.

In the meantime, Woody needs to text Nellie. We’ll take pre-Marvin (Al Harrington) off your hands (for Bibby) if you give us that small ball playbook…unless we can convince McDyess that he is the missing piece here in a run for a ring.

nique even though I am not a Woody fan, you should not fire him if injuries are a major factor in performance. As long as he can get the rest of the squad to play hard, injuries get him a pass. All that said, when you put everyone in the mix and Sautee the results, no hard play means someone goes away;-)

Not that I expected injuries to pile up at the same time like this, but I factor some injuries into my win prediction every year. Tell me a pro team in a contact sport that never gets hit with injuries.

BWAF

By I.MUS WRITE

November 19, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe- Loren Woods,Keon Clark,Kyle Frazenko,Kevin willis are a few more names for your list…..Either way we need help ASAP

David Anderson would’nt have helped us much we have enuff jump shooters -he is a pick and pop type dude…..I think ZAZA is more of a banger than he is……Yeah he got pushed around quite a bit during the Olympics.

Are we cursed or sumthing -For the last 9 years all we’ve needed was a Center and a Point guard to reach that other level……..I guess we are who they thought we were-still need a 1 and a 5….DAM

By Sekou K. Smith

November 19, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

As of this afternoon Horford is listed as “questionable,” which means we’ll have to wait until game time to find out if he can go or not.

I know the doomsday theorists among us have to be convinced that the bad karma is back. Even I started to believe it last night when Horford went down and then both Joe Johnson and Mario West limped around at points throughout the game.

If you remember my little bit from the Hawks preview this year when I mentioned the things that had to go right for this team this season, injuries was prominently displayed.

The collective health of a team is almost as important as anything.

By Sautee

November 19, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Sekou, I remember.

My own prediction (which I hope is not coming to pass), was that we’d win only 40 this year, primarily because we couldn’t be lucky enough to have 2 (relatively) injury free years in a row.

I DID think if we were that lucky, that we’d win in the high 40s.

Hope I’m wrong (about 40 and injuries) by 10 games or so.

Is it obvious yet how much Josh brings? As much with his infectious intensity as his play.

By BA

November 19, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

“here comes that giant sucking sound…”

“same old #hit!”

“bad coaches, bad players, bad management, bad ownership…”

Is this the kind of “pointing out” of weaknesses you’re referring to, doc? Or is this a bunch of frustrated, ill-informed psuedo basketball fans spewing venom on the internet?

“Dividing camps”?! Not I. Did I say “doc, you and your camp are jumping off the bandwagon”? No.

The interior defense IS suffering right now. And like most folks here, during the offseason, I stated repeatedly that injuries (to say, the entire frontcourt, for example) could derail this team’s potential success.

The level of play didn’t drop with the loss of one player, doc. But I’d say it’s safe to say that the level of play HAS dropped with the loss of two players, in particular the two starting post players, who are also Atlanta’s best defensive post players.

I didn’t see a “total lack of energy” last night. I saw a Pacers team that was shooting lights out and a series of Hawks lineups that either aren’t familar enough (with each other) to run an effective offense or were overmatched by the more experienced Indiana players.

What I didn’t see was a reason to fire the head coach, or a desperate need for a trade, or any of the other foolishness that took place on this blog last night.

People need to be patient. It wasn’t in the cards to go 10-0. That doesn’t mean that this team is destined to lose sixty games. This is a rough stretch, but if they can weather the injuries for now, I see no reason why the Hawks can’t take the division in the end. With Woodson at the helm, and Horford at the five.

I’m hardly complacent with losing. But there’s a difference between losing like dogs and going down with a fight. We haven’t seen any dogs yet. Just a young team that lost a tough game on the road to a team stacked with big bodies.

By MannyT

November 19, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

If a few extra days means that Al is in much better shape, I’d rather he miss tonight and come back on Friday.

I’ll take short term strain for long term gain.

This is the time for Zaza & Solo to step up. There is a new contract on the horizon.

I think richbrave would now describe tonight’s game as competitive.

Let’s go Hawks.

Woody, we need a wrinkle with the new lineup.

Start Zaza & Solo? Zaza & Mo? Solo & Flip? So many options with 2 starters out.

Anti-Sampson powers activate!

BWAF

By MannyT

November 19, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it amusing that not playing makes Josh look like a better bargain at 5 yrs/ $58 mil.

By Astro Joe

November 19, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Othella Harrington? Felton Spencer? Mark Eaton? Mel “Burpin’” Turpin? Rod “Hot Plate” Williams? Antonio Davis? Shawn Kemp? Shawn Kemp, Jr.? Sean Kemp? Juan Kemp? Saul Kemp? Sal Kemp? Shane Kemp? ‘Toine Kemp? HELP!!!!!!!!!

By The Truth

November 19, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Sekou Did you say Joe limped some last night? I didn’t notice. No one mentioned it. Is it worth elaborating on?

By BA

November 19, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Ray, I’m here for the haul with you. I think a lot of folks took that bandwagon thing as if it applied to them personally, which of course it didn’t. I was, in fact, referring to these on/off folks, as you called them. Not our venerable internet physician or even your boy ando (or you, Sautee). These are not bandwagon people. And if we’re in “camps”, I wasn’t aware of it.

On a side note, I think (like on the DOB blog, with Bobby Cox) it’s a lot easier for people to question our HC, who they don’t like, than these players, who of course we love. Woodson takes a lot of crap here (and maybe he should) but last night wasn’t on Woodson. The guys, for WHATEVER reason, just didn’t execute. I saw a pronounced lack of energy in the Jersey games, but last night it wasn’t a lack of energy that caused the loss- it was an old-fashioned lack of execution.

And on a final side note, Ray, you called this thing with Acie Law. Give this kid some minutes and he can do some big things for the Hawks. Unfortunately, I don’t see him guarding guys like Nesterovich…

By Sautee

November 19, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

BA

Maybe we saw different games last night.

I saw our veteran leaders (Joe and Bibby) taking possessions off on defense. JJ pouted on one possession because he thought he had drawn a foul. So he stood and watched the Pacers finish a fast break. Is that what you mean by going down with a fight? How about when he comically lost Daniels and was turning round and round, ‘til he saw the layup that he failed to stop.

Bibby has definitely lost a step. It shows on both sides of the ball, but mostly against quick point guards (and aren’t they all?). He let Granger go right by one time without even MOVING. He moved his feet ONCE all night and got called for a blocking foul. If his man is blowing by him (all night), and he’s “going down with a fight” shouldn’t he have had more than one foul?

These are our veteran leaders, and I expected more of them than that kind of effort on the defensive end. And I’d bet you that Woodson agrees with me.

If that’s “uninformed venom spewing”, then call me a bandwagon jumper, but I saw a lack of effort. By our leaders.

I’m not saying it’s the end of the world, and that they suck. But the effort sucked last night. And I’m not calling for Woodson’s head, or saying trade anybody. Just play with more energy and intensity on defense. Surely, BA, you see the need for that.

By Sautee

November 19, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

AJ

How could you leave off the esteemed Anthony “Pig” Miller?

By Aaron B

November 19, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Sekou, and this goes for anyone who would love to give this team credit for having injured players…Defense is a TEAM thing. Not any individual can truly do it. So losing Josh wasn’t why the Nets beats the crap out of us, and I watched the Hawks play defense against the Pacers that my old high school team could have scored.

By cp

November 19, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

MannyT I think Skinner is playing for somebody this year. I forgot who it is but I remember seeing him earlier this season. I want to say Phoenix but I could be wrong but either way he has a team. He would have been a nice back up big though.

ray it was so ugly last night I think I fell asleep on the couch. Granger pretty much owned us last night. That guy was everywhere. Playing nice d, nice drives to the hole, and hitting the 3. How did he fall into the Pacers lap like that? He should have been a top 10 pick.

If they come out tonight with the same lackluster effort then add another L. I know the Wizards are missing key pieces but we cant overlook them.

By Sautee

November 19, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

BA

My last post predated what I just read from you.

All’s well between us, but I’ll just say I have a more jaundiced view of last night’s game than you.

Fair enough?

And you were right, I did think you were including most of the regulars in the bandwagon accusation. Thanks for the explanation.

By Astro Joe

November 19, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Sautee, I am ashamed that I left off Pig Miller. That’s a great call.

By Sautee

November 19, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Hey AJ,

Andrew Lang lives in Atlanta and he’s gotta still be in his early forties. Remember he’s the 55th best shot blocker in the history of the league. ;-)

By ITCHI BALLS

November 19, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

IM GOING TO SLAM MY NAD IN THE CAR DOOR IF WE LOSE ANOTHER GAME. AL AND JOSH COME TALK TO ME I HAVE ALL KINDA HOME REMEDIES FOR TURNED ANKLES IF THE REMEDIES DONT WORK THERES ALWAYS THE GOOD OLD OINTMENT. THAT STUFF WORKED WONDERS ON MY LOWINGS NOW I CAN CONCENTRATE ON THE HAWKS.

GOT A QUESTION GUYS SINCE NY BALLS ARE NEARLY ITCH FREE WHAT SHOULD I CHANGE MY NAME TO? I WAS THINKING OF “LIL TOE JAM” OR MR CROTCH ROT

GOTTA GO CROTCH ACTING UP .WAIT A MINUTE MAYBE THE OINTMENT DONT WORK BECAUSE THE RASH SEEMS TO BE SPEADING TO DIFFERENT AREAS. THAT FREAKING STINKS.

WHATS UP RAY .HEY ARIOSE DONT ACT LIKE YALL DONT KNOW ME

By Astro Joe

November 19, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Rafael Araujo? Peter Ramos? Nenad Krstic? Bostjan Nachbar? Maciej Lampe? Nicko Tskitishvili? Nicoli Volkoff? The Iron Sheik? Abdullah the Butcher? Batista? Esteban Batista? Slava Medvendenko? Zarko Cabarkapa? Zaza Pachulia?? Oops, got a circular error on that last one. Never mind.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!

By Tiger Woo

November 19, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Astro,

Is Manute Bol still available?

By Scoop

November 19, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Hey ITCHI BALLS,

Got a good new name for you - Mr. Hairy Palms.

By doc

November 19, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

cool ba, i do think it is perceivable/conceivable there are two camps of readers, those that comment on the hawks and those that blog to comment on the bloggers blogging on the hawks. i will stick to the former camp whether i be considered a good fan or a bad fan because of what i say.

btw, i asked a few days ago if you are a west coast guy or an insomniac. it is kind of early in the day for you to be posting? heh heh

woody, needs to realize some guys get confidence with minutes not sitting and watching or getting a short hook. some of the stuff that flip has displayed would “earn” acie burn time in bench h3ll whereas flip has the green light. confidence also comes from the coach, having coached in the past though never a pro. seems also maybe a vet not playing hard needs to sit and watch as much as a rookie especially when these guys are down by 17 in the fourth quarter two games in a row. uh, just saying ;-))

By doc

November 19, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

with the projected cabinet it seems obama is becoming what clinton wanted to be, the first black clinton. not exactly that represents change but we will certainly follow the story.

By ROLLINS TREE

November 19, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Great. The injury bug this season is going to be another excuse to keep Woodson around one more year to see what he can do with a healthy team.

By richbrave

November 19, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

GOOD LUCK HAWKS FANS. Don’t take the WIZARDS lightly. Hey doc. Will you be at PHILLIPS tonight.? Tell me where you sit. Maybe the tube will catch you while panning around.

By Blast

November 19, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Not another one! Here we go again Hawks fans.

By Tiger Woo

November 19, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

No Horford - No Smith - gotta step up and get this important victory !!

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 19, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

You can’t win NBA games if you are unwilling to attack the rim. So far the Hawks are jacking up outside shots while the Wizards are going towards the hoop whenever they can. The injury excuse doesn’t fly for this game, since Gilbert Arenas and Brendan Haywood are out. This is a must-win game if the Hawks think they are a legitimate team.

By What Happened to Zone D???

November 19, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

We have to extend the Defense. This shiet is pityful. Maybe guys scared of 2 fouls. Who knows???? WTF is going onnnnn????

By cp

November 19, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

The Wizards are killing us from beyond the arc and in the paint. We sit around and jack up jumpers all day. Where the hell is the effort?. I know we have some guys out but this is pathetic.

By Sautee

November 19, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

I love Nique, but he’s absolutely the worst analyst ever. It’s like Joe Garagiola doing the Westminster Dog Show!

Solo gets his third foul and Nique (obviously NOT watching the court) is talking about how now we’ll have to see RandMo. Meanwhile Hunter is checking in. Unh Huh!

Why aren’t we taking it to the hole?

And how many back door cuts will we give up?

By Nique=RichardPryor

November 19, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

He sounds like “Mudbone”.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 19, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson is playing like he hung out with Josh Howard before the game. The Wizards are really not playing well at all, and it’s really a reflection on how bad the Hawks are right now that they haven’t even managed to take the lead yet.

By Melvin

November 19, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Najeh, I agree with you. Joe doesn’t look like he has that pep in his step and Woody is scared to take him out.

By Blast

November 19, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Did somebody say trade Bibby?

By ajw

November 19, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Love how aggressive Marvin is tonight. Why can’t he do this every night?

Ohh! Marvin nearly made a behind the back finger roll.

When he goes to the hole, he reminds me of the awkward style that Jamison uses to put the ball in the basket.

By Sautee

November 19, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Well after tonight he does have more trade value. ;-)

Seriously he’s kept us in it tonight on offense.

Flip can NOT shoot a contested 3 that early in the clock with no rebounders. Trying too hard.

By Tiger Woo

November 19, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Caron Butler is killing the Hawks !!

Whatever happened to Flip/Mo?

Who’s gonna step up and avoid a crushing loss from the 1-7 Wizards?

By Melvin

November 19, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

I’m not sitting in Phillips Arena and I can see JJ, Bibby and Marvin are tired. Woody does not know how to manage his bench well (better yet at all).

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 19, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

This is just a bad, bad game. There’s really no other way to say it. Caron Butler, Mike Bibby, and Marvin Williams are the only players in this game who haven’t sucked, for both sides combined. Whoever ends up winning this game won it not because they played well but because the other team just managed to suck more.

By Melvin

November 19, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Bibby twist his ankle and is hobbling around the court and Woody leaves him in the game. The guy is tired (he played the entire 2nd half) and hurt. My Gosh…..

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 19, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

I forgot to add Zaza to the previous comment… he’s made his fair share of dumb plays but 17 boards is pretty impressive, especially with the bad shoulder.

By Blast

November 19, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

The Hawks cannot lose this game.

By Clark Kent

November 19, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

I am so tired of hearing the “Hawks are tired” excuse.

By Melvin

November 19, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Big 3 pt shot by Marvin. Now can we please play some defense on this final possesion…

By Tiger Woo

November 19, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Marvin for 3 !!!

By blue hawk

November 19, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Marvin had a big game.

Hit a clutch 3 pointer to give the Hawks the lead.

By ajw

November 19, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Woooo…..

That was close! They finally missed some jumpers.

By Melvin

November 19, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

The Wizards gave the Hawks this game. I don’t want to take away the effort from Marvin. He made a big shot along with JJ and Mo…

By Tiger Woo

November 19, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Most important win of the year. Proud of the Hawks for fighting back - gotta suck it up and get the job done - can rest after the game.

By Blast

November 19, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Wow! That was close. 7-4, with all the injuries, rotten schedule and bad officiating, I’ll take 7-4 right now. Now if we can get another win vs Charlotte????

By Tiger Woo

November 19, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

OK - let’s get ready to beat Charlotte @ Phillips on Friday - important game with a Saturday night matchup looming @ Cleveland.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 19, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

I guess if there’s one silver lining, we did manage to win a game in which our best player was off and our 2nd and 3rd best players were on the shelf. So maybe that says something about our depth. Or maybe it just speaks to how bad the Wizards are, I don’t know. What I do know is that game was painful to watch as a basketball fan. I hate to be the Debbie Downer, Negative Nancy, HB Ando, or whatever you want to call it today, but the Hawks were lucky as hell to come away with that win.

As far as Friday is concerned, we better beat freakin’ sorry azz Charlotte…

By Tiger Woo

November 19, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Zaza Pachulia - 18 rebounds - 8 offensive. Fantastic !!

Marvin also stepped up with 14 boards. Great to get a win without our starting center and power forward.

By kwooden1

November 19, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Big win by the HAWKS, the Wizards are really struggling. I’m glad the HAWKS found a team that is weaken inside than they are! 18 more rebounds than Wizards!! My second favorite team in the league is the Wizards so I hate to see them in this shape, but my HAWKS needed the win.

HUGH shots by Evans, JJ and Marvin!!! Marvin is definitely growing-up. Basically played the entire game and had great numbers!

Woody is back to his old ways, no Morris, not much AC and very little Hunter. What do we expect?? Can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

I almost forgot… 18!!! BOARDS from Zaza??? with a bad shoulder??? Way to own the glass Zaza!!

Looks like another fight tomorrow night!

GO HAWKS!!!

By richbrave

November 19, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

So HAWKS fans. What exactly do SMITH and HORFORD mean to this team.? Are you kidding.? Defense.? What defense. On either side. Did I say a toss-up.? Wow. What was the difference.

In a word - rebounds, both ends. Without them, HAWKS lose. Look at the second chance points for the home team. SHYT. Think the WIZARDS miss HEYWOOD.? McGEE’s got game, but this was his first start and sixth game he’s been in. And JAMISON. How many rebounds when the game was on the line.? Hell yes, he was held at the end, but Mr. Softee has that done to him all the time. Refs expect you to play through that crap. ANTAWN doesn’t have the bulk for that. Always has been a liability in that regard. BUTLER on fire. OUTSTANDING. 32, 8 rebounds, 5 assists. OUTSTANDING. STEVENSON solid also.

On the HAWKS side, PECHULIA got bushel baskets of rebounds. BIBBY and JOHNSON great outside shooting. FLIP and MO did good work also. Exciting game. And you won’t here the best team lost from me because the best team won. Good to see both on the floor. Too bad neither was near full strength.

By Tiger Woo

November 19, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

I think Woody used his bench well - gotta keep the studs in the game during the important stretch of the game to secure the win.

Hunter and Morris simply aren’t part of Woody’s rotation - can’t play everybody every game - most teams go nine or ten deep.

By b

November 19, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Marvin is still developing and I like what I see from him, big a* or not.

Nique said Marvin just developed that running hook shot this year, but that is simply not true. Marvin was making that shot last year, just not on a consistent basis. His rebounding numbers tonight is not as impressive as in how many rebounds he got, but =how= he got them. Marvin was skidiving for those rebounds, man! Jumping above every other man, even on the offense. Great win, Hawks. Zaza was huge!!!!!

By terrell barron

November 19, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Mcdyess to sign with Charlotte. Wtf? Dammit!! Great win guys. We had to have this one.

By ajw

November 19, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

kwooden!

Ok I thought maybe the “h” was next to the “e” on a keyboard, but its 5 keys away man. Hugh is a name not an adjective.

Anyway, this was a really ugly game by the Hawks. I can’t really think of one highlight play by the Hawks. Yeah, Marvin played really well, but nothing stood out as an a amazing play. We are missing a lot without Josh and Horford.

I really enjoyed the interview with Josh Smith. His interviews remind me of interviews with Delonte West, just not as extreme. West isn’t particularly a standout in the NBA athletically, but man I love his dialect. I would love for us to trade to get Delonte West, just to hear his interviews.

By cp

November 19, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

They really needed this game. Marvin has to be aggressive like that night in and night out.

By ray

November 19, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Man, did we need this win. It would have been bad ju-ju to lose to a 1-7 team right about now. Certainly couldn’t have done much for the morale of the team (or its fans).

We needed good games and we didn’t get any. No, we got great games from Bibby, Marvin, and Pachulia.

Bibby really came through for us on the offensive end, especially where so many others like JJ and Flip were struggling. Hell, he kept us in the game, and he had some help from Zaza (more on that later). Bibby also came through on defense, where he has struggled repeatedly. Not tonight. Tonight, he played his part on the team defense and the rest of the backcourt kinda rallied behind him and Evans. Those two, along with Marvin, seemed to get their hands on a lot more balls then anyone else. Its really not a huge thing as far as Bibby getting 25 every night. That won’t happen, and I don’t expect it. But he did lead by example on several occasions last night with his team defense, which helped inspire others. We need more of that from him. A lot more.

Marvin still needs to work on scoring closer to the basket, but he shot well tonight. I like it when he cuts to the basket, because he can take a better angle and not have to worry about losing the ball. We need more of that from him, as well. He also played very well on defense. More importantly, he rebounded very well. He had 6 offensive rebounds, which is something you usually only see from a dominant PF or center. This is what real stepping up is, and Marvin did just that.

Zaza Pachulia didn’t score much, but that’s beside the point. The man grabbed 18 rebounds. A career high for him, but it gets better. 8 of those rebounds were OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS. Wow, is all I can say. Ol’ boy worked his arse off on the boards, and that’s where a lot of Bibby’s (and other guys’) shots were coming from: second chance possessions. To really put this into perspective, consider that the Wizard TEAM had a total of 10 offensive rebounds themselves. Yeah, that’s right. The whole team.

How do you like THAT Euro punk, huh?? Don’t know about others, but I’m glad to have him.

So, those three guys definitely deserve the STEP IT UP award for their performances.

JJ had a rough night. Almost nothing was going for him until he hit that dagger late in the game. However, he did have a decent all around game with 19 points, 8 boards, and 7 assists. Still, the 7 turnovers were ugly….Gotta trust those teammates more, Joe. And don’t wait so long to pass out of the double team. That’s four hands swatting at that ball, not just two…

I see Acie’s reward for last night’s game was even less minutes. The only explanation for that is the very one that I said should be the only reason: Mike Bibby shooting hot. Even then, I wanted to see him playing more. But I can’t b!tch about Bibby, he played well this time.

Solo continues to prove that he belongs. I believe that if we keep giving him the ball and allowing him to finish, he’ll learn to do it better. On defense and on the boards, he’s doing his job. Great job, young fella.

Evans hit a big three towards the end as well. He was solid, if as uninspiring as Murray. Oh well. They did enough this time. Need more next time.

We really need for our guys to cut to the basket more. Driving to the basket doesn’t seem to be happening, and our movement without the ball flat out sucks. It leaves ball handlers like JJ, Bibby, and Flip out there trying to dribble their way into a decent shot. Cut to the basket, guys. That way you don’t have to dribble much, you aren’t as likely to commit a turnover, and you can draw the foul. And then the floor will open up more for the shooters.

By Blast

November 19, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Yeah, if Marvin can do this every game, rebounding and scoring, the Hawks will be a pretty good team, especially if they can get back to being healthy.

By Tiger Woo

November 19, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Najeh,

You say Charlotte is sorry - maybe so, but we can’t take them lightly - they do have some talent - Okafur, J-Rich, Gerald Wallace, Felton. Hopefully, we will have Horford back on Friday.

By doc

November 19, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

sautee who but you on this blog would watch the dog show to use that analogy? funny though.

now that is mo betta. a win is a win no matter how ugly. i looked up and saw marvin with seven boards and it seemed like i t was only the end of the first quarter. also said to my brother at the start of the fourth quater we need 8 out of marvin to win … got 9. need it consistently here while horford and smith are on the sidelines. stretch your game guy.

got to hand it to the crowd there at the end, not huge but loud and into it to the very last second and beyond.

now, cant wait to hear what the bloggers that blog on what the bloggers have to say this evening.

richbrave, you gotta love the character of the wiz man, playing so hard with so many dead soldiers.

By ray

November 19, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Najeh,

Actually you’re just spot on. We won, but we can’t expect to win against Charlotte like that. Struggling so mightily against a team that has only won one game doesn’t give me a good feeling either, but we got that one. And oddly enough, that’s probably the first game of the year that I feel we actually “escaped” from. It was an ugly one, but we’re 7-4 instead of 6-5.

My take on the game against Charlotte:

1)Okafor is big and tough. He’s not offensively great, but he will be looking to rebound from a sordid performance against Dallas. And he probably figures playing against us is his big chance to do just that. Hopefully we have Horford for this game. If not, then it’s up to Zaza and Solo to keep him under wraps.

2)Charlotte gives us problems every time we play them, and recently they have been beating us like we stole something. This has to stop. Two of our biggest problems are named Gerald Wallace and Jason Richardson. Richardson is injured. Wallace is versatile, quick, and dangerous…on both ends of the floor. Wallace has to be contained and/or driven into foul trouble. He’s famous for getting into the lane on us, drawing fouls, and finishing in traffic.

3)The Bobcat guards are quick. Very quick. Felton and Augustin penetrate like nobody’s business. We can’t let them do this. It will require a good team defensive effort, as Bibby will not be able to stay in front of either of them, and JJ will probably be guarding Wallace. Acie Law has historically played well against the Bobcats. This might be a good time to give him more than 8 minutes…he’ll produce on both ends of the floor.

4) How the reserves play is another thing. Shannon Brown, Jared Dudley, Matt Carroll, Ryan Hollins, and Adam Morrison. Doesn’t exactly throw a scare into you, but all put forth the effort. Dudley is tough and savvy. Morrison and Carroll will hit open shots, so they are not to be ignored.

However, Flip and Mo should have big nights against them, as none of them are defensive heroes. Brown and Dudley are the best of the bunch in that area, and they are hardly big threats. Solo should give them fits on the boards, and block some shots.

It’s very doable. But we have to play harder and smarter.

By ray

November 19, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Doc, your second to last set of lines: hilarious…

RichBrave, feeling your pain, but not as much as my satisfaction.

Itchi Balls, I can’t even type your name without laughing. Now what was it you wanted to talk about? I’m trying to be serious. Really….lol…

By blue hawk

November 19, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Marvin should play more like this, more like a “big man”.

Like I’ve said before, he’s longer (standing reach) than both Hoffa and Smoove and he also has a decent vertical jump to boot. He definitely should average more rebounds (and not his 5.7rpg ave) and more blocks (and not his 0.4bpg ave last year).

Today he played with the desire to play “big” and it paid great dividends. He should do more of the same on a consistent basis.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 19, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

“You say Charlotte is sorry - maybe so, but we can’t take them lightly - they do have some talent - Okafur, J-Rich, Gerald Wallace, Felton. Hopefully, we will have Horford back on Friday.”

Don’t get me wrong… the way the Hawks have been playing the past four games they shouldn’t take anyone lightly. That said though, every NBA team has talent, and Charlotte is still significantly worse than us. If the Hawks want to be taken seriously as a contender they have to beat them, especially since Charlotte ain’t at full strength either.

Charlotte has quick guards and plenty of three-point shooters, which means the Hawks have to make sure they stay with their man on defense. And Gerald Wallace — the poor man’s Josh Smith — has always given us problems. They are still a very beatable and mistake-prone team though. If Joe can play up to his usual standard this should be a winnable game, but in the words of Zaza “NAATHING EASYYY!” for this team right now.

By Da Real Real

November 19, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Good game tonight. I think the effort that the guys played with in the second half is something that’s been missing since we played against the Celtics. I credited the two net games to fatigued. I thought the Hawks would come out with the energy they had in tonight’s second half against Indy, and I think it’s something that most of us would have liked to see more of against the nets and indy.

It’s good to see us win a game against a team that beat us last year…now that I think about it the Wizards were a playoff team for the past two years - I know that Gilbert is hurt but they made it to the playoffs last year without him so what’s going on with them??? Anyway, I’m not going to complain tonight….I’ll take the win and be ready to be down at Phillips Friday night. Again, good effort from Marvin, Bibby, and ZaZa - after I trashed ZaZa last night it appears he grow his set back and played one helluva game.

By Melvin

November 19, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

It wasn’t pretty but I will take the win…

By richbrave

November 19, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

ray:

Its cool man. Still mellow from Nov. 4. Its all good. HAWKS will have no trouble in D.C. with HORFORD back. Told you HAWKS would take the WIZARDS place in the playoffs and that the WIZ would be lucky to make them. Appears that top ten pick in lining up. Maybe even a lottery number one. Did you see my point about HEYWOOD.? They have no center man. No interior defense. McGEE’s their ONLY center, and he’s a six game newbie.

By richbrave

November 19, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Oh, and I left out props for duck. MY bad. He had a coming out party TO-O-O-NIGHT!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 19, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

I was pretty impressed with McGee though… his stats weren’t great but he’s active enough and athletic enough to make an impact in the league. Seven-footers in the first round are far from a sure thing, even in the lottery, but McGee looks like he’ll be a solid player.

Speaking of active seven-footers… I don’t know who dropped Greg Oden in the two fantasy leagues I’m in, but thanks!

By richbrave

November 19, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

NAJEH:

He’s gonna’ be strong and ultimately HEYWOOD’s replacement. At best BLATCHE, SONGAILA and THOMAS are power forwards attempting to play center as opposed to HORFORD who is a power forward successfully playing center.

By kwooden1

November 19, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

ajw got to work on my spelling! Ugly game - Ugly writing!

Charlotte always plays us tough and we haven’t been covering the 3 point shooters that well the last 4 games. JJ has to come with his “A” game and Zaza has to own the boards again. Wallace is going to get his, we just can’t let Felton go 20 and 10 or have Carroll make 6 or 7 3-pointers. I think Flip will bounce back. If Horford can’t play, then Marvin will have to play PF and he’ll probably have a tough time with Dudley. Marvin will have to attack him on the offensive end and really box him out on the defensive end. ray, I agree with all your points and will second the point on controlling Okafor.

GO HAWKS!!!

By doc

November 19, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

oh my, check out what portland is doing to chicago tonight.

By kirknga

November 20, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this

Well it’s always great to win. The Hawks(and the blog) gained a bit of reprieve with that win.

Bibby played a solid game tonight. I see even those who fancy themselves as “analyzers”(is this an academic exercise or a sports blog?) even had kind observations about the game Bibby played tonight. That’s wonderful.

See, no divisions here except in the “analysis” of some very important bloggers.

The Hawks won this game at the foul line and because they controlled the glass.Both teams attempted and made the same amount of field goals.7 turnovers from JJ and 4 from ZaZa kept the Wizards close.

Bobcats come in with a couple days rest and more talent in the frontcourt than the Wizards.They will provide a tougher task than did the Wizards.

Should be an interesting game. Hope there is no psychological letdown from the Hawks after tonight’s “much needed” win.

Hopefully some will be to exhale at least for a short time.

Go Hawks!

By BA

November 20, 2008 2:29 AM | Link to this

Mo betta indeed, sir. Apparently Sautee wasn’t the only one that thought the defensive intensity needed stepping up.

Marvin Williams is really coming in to his own this season. Last week I thought he looked better and better on the block. This week I’m sold- and I’m convinced that if he didn’t play with two of the more prolific defensive rebounders in the league he could average ten boards a game down there.

A one-handed Pachulia plays better than I would have thought. He and Williams combined for an odd looking frontcourt- but very effective.

Bibby’s flashback night was fun to watch- especially the turn around jumper down in the paint.

I’m encouraged, because they proved they can win without Smith/Horford, and with Joe and Flip the Switch struggling. The Wizards are a shell of their glory days, but this WAS a playoff team last season.

Guess you’d classify it as some sort of voluntary strain of insomnia, doc- cause I’m local baby, just like the Hawks blog Mt. Rushmore. Always have kept late hours-I suspect it’s hereditary.

By ant banks

November 20, 2008 5:29 AM | Link to this

can someone explain to me why we don’t run the pick and roll, like new orleans or like the nets and indy? they beat us to death with that move.

you live by the 3 you die by the 3.

we are taking way too many 3’s. eventually, we are goin’ to pay for it. i would like to see more drivin’ to the lane, cutters goin’ to the basket, and more pick and rolls, and high screens. this is what all of the good teams run to perfection.

the 3pt shot is like a stimulus package it works in the short run but you can’t do it forever

By ant banks

November 20, 2008 5:30 AM | Link to this

oh yeah, speakin’ of stimulus packages, i can use one right about now. come on uncle sam, shoot a bruva a check.

By ray

November 20, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this

Ant, you so crazy….it would be nice, though wouldn’t it?

By doc

November 20, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

ba noted, wondered since some of your epic “battles” with another late owl ando came late at night. always look forward to see if you are on the rpowl when i awaken.

kirk, yup doable challenges on friday. the game will be a good test of the integrity of the guys that come in as subs for the injured, remember some of those guys think they are stater material so now is the time to show it. i would very much be willing to see a win against charlotte and a close loss in cleveland as a worst case scenario for the next two games.

solo is very crude still but hustling and working hard. just not the same with him on the finishing end of a run …. heh heh …horford or josh he aint.

enjoyed zaza’s effort with the bad shoulder. he still loves the drama of making sure everyone knows it is injured. each time he stood up after a fall one wondered if he could make it one more time with the way he was rubbing it and moving it. even made some rebounds with the left arm alone. keep it up zaza, plenty of time to heal in june.

By doc

November 20, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

have long said and still think marvin’s size, shape and skill set are ultimately better suited for the four position than the three. last night begins to show why. he can guard some of the fours better than he can the threes in this league. jamieson is no slouch.

By Barry

November 20, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

He Y’all:

The Hawks played well considering all the injuries they had. However, those injuries may be a blessing because it is allowing the bench players to get some quality time to polish up their skills and it is allowing the other starters to play different roles. The starter who are plating the different rolls, ZaZA and Marvin, have now shown that they can get rebounds way above their average when they are aggressive. I am sure this is building on their confidence to do this every night they get on the floor. This will only make the team stronger in this area when the injured starters return. The hawks are going to show that they are no joke in this leauge. The bench players, n the other hand, are gaining confidence and are hungry when they get on the floor. They are not afraid to play. And they can play. It is npow up to the coaches to coach this quality bunch of guys and put them in position to crush teams. All of these close games does not reflect the talent the hawks have aginst other teams in the leauge. Coach Woodson need to be careful inot lulling this explosive team to sleep and design playes that keep these young veterans “RUNNING AND GUNNING” on offense and defense. That is how these guys appear to want to play and the “FANS” love to see. Just like the players have to stya in shape and shoot and run to keep in shape, I believe the coaches need to problem solve and enhance their ability in using players and plays to confuse and destroy the opposition, in addition to keeping the team upbeat and excited about playing and being into every game. The season is early and we are getting more than better, and I am loving it, but we have to keep this qulity group upbeat and excited and let them become more than overachievers to becom chapions. And that responsibilty lies with the coaches.

CONTINUE TO “SHOCK THE WORLD!!!” This just ROUND 1.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN! TELL EVERBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO HAWKS!!!!

       "SHOCK THE WORLD!!"

Ringold

By Astro Joe

November 20, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

After watching the Pacers and Wizards the last 2 nights, how can you look at that style of offense and not think that the Hawks would excel in those schemes? I don’t care what you call it, Princeton offense, slash & cut, whatver it is… it works for teams that have quick & athletic players. And it doesn’t require a traditional PG, just a bunch of guys to make smart passes and stay active in the half-court sets. If/when Eddie Jordan gets dumped, Sund needs to hire him with ot without Woody’s support.

By the way, Eddie Jordan did a pretty lousy job managing that game. How do you not try to exploit the size advantage? How do you not try a line-up that would keep the Hawks off the boards? He dressed like 5 bigs and none of them got a lot of time. He allowed the Hawks to dictate the tempo while he had the players to change the game. And as a result, they scored less than 90 points while getting killed on the boards. I’ll take the early holiday gift from Mr. Jordan. Dude may be a great “offensive coordinator” but not sure about his overall game management skills.

By ray

November 20, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Doc, interesting observations about Marvin. It would seem that Josh Smith also excels in that spot, having started the season averaging a double-double there. So what to do, then? Heh. This could revive a very old discussion….

Astro Joe,

I kinda like Eddie Jordan. I haven’t watched the Wiz enough to have an opinion about his game management skills, to be honest. I see your point about dressing 5 bigs, with few of them seeing any real playing time. One has to wonder then, does he suffer from the same disease we’ve accused Woodson of, or is he to be vindicated/exonerated by the same defenses used for Woodson’s decisions? Could it be that he knows something about his bigs that we don’t? To provide an example, some like myself have shouted that RandMo should get minutes. Then he got them and we began saying “oh hell…maybe we see why he didn’t get minutes before.” Yet at the same time, only real game time gives you experience. Ah yes, experience. The one thing you really need, but can’t get unless someone gives you a chance at it.

Just some food for thought on Jordan, as the malady you describe does seem somewhat familiar, and I really haven’t watched him coach that much.

By ILL-logical

November 20, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Bad decision making down the stretch doomed the Wizards last night but the Hawks never quite ,unlike in previous years.

Since this will be a North Crackalacka weekend, regional will in the air. so watch out. Hawks: Small quick penetrating guards who can dish to spot shooting front court guys give us the blues even at full strength. Team defense-strong team defence is in order.

Falcons: a run stuffing defense coupled with a divirsified offence causes us huge problems. Forcing a rookie quarteback with questionable recievers to have to domore that he is presently capable of. Need a major defensive effort to garner a victory.

Net,net: D is the key for the ATL this weekend.

By Sautee

November 20, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Finally, some intensity on defense (but not ‘til halfway through the 3rd quarter) or was that desperation? Either way, I’ll take the result.

It’s SO visible when they crank up the intensity.Do they not practice at that speed?

We’ll need four quarters of that kind of effort on Friday.

7-4. Pretty decent given the circumstances.

By Sautee

November 20, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

doc

about this:

sautee who but you on this blog would watch the dog show to use that analogy? funny though.

Yeah, my wife loves the dog show, so I at least listened in, through the years. Joe G. was so unintentionally hilarious that he was the model for Fred Willard’s character in “Best In Show”.

Fractured syntax, totally obtuse questions, cliched to the absolute maximum. Clueless and Un-freakin-believable.

And actually ‘Nique would have to work some at being that bad. But he’s on the same arc.

Were you not ALL delighted with Snapper’s analysis? What a difference.

By MannyT

November 20, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

new blog up