Hawks

By Melvin

December 9, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

The Hawks definely came out with more energy in the 3rd quater. Let’s see if they can finish strong. Houston is trying to slow the game down while the Hawks pickup the pace in the 3rd.

By Melvin

December 9, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Be 3ptr by J-Smoove to put the Hawks up by 8. I noticed Rick Aldeman has Yao and Artest on the bench to start the 4th. I’m sure he’s trying to keep them fresh to finish the game. Yep Yao just scored and Landry just scored on a Hawks turnover…

By HB Ando

December 9, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

SS, the lead scouts’ perspective not withstanding, at the end of the third quarter, Brooks, Wafer and Alston had combined for 5-27 from the field, while Scola and Yao were a combined 12-24, with 25 boards. Seems to me that Adelman might want to pull his guards to the side and highlight that they shouldn’t shoot another shot, while relentlessly feeding the massive mismatch in the paint.

Looks like the Hawks will start this road trip with a W. But they ought to send a thank-you card to the Rockets for letting their guards fire without conscience, while ignoring their big men.

The Hawks should never have to apologize for a road win. But one wonders how some of these folks keep their NBA jobs, playing the role of the headless horseman……

4-point lead, 7:15 left.

Rockets adjust, or lose.

Hawks are doing what they should to snag a road win.

No Woody bashing tonight…..

By ray

December 9, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Playing great, but what in the name of all that’s holy is wrong with Josh Smith? Does he not know I have defended his a$$ like a well-paid defense attorney? Stop it with those damn jumpers, now is not the time! And then with the overthrown pass! I see I’m going to have to jump back on his case like I used to a couple years ago! Get it right boy!

Woody, sit him down and put the BWAF on him!

By Melvin

December 9, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Oh my, I think Josh just had 3 or 4 straight turnovers. Calm down young fella….

By cp

December 9, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Josh hits a big 3 then comes right back and takes more bad shots and then a bad pass.

By HB Ando

December 9, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Marvin with the rare, and highlight worthy, block!

By ray

December 9, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Did I just see Marvin stuff Landry on a dunk attempt? Yes, I did…

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 9, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Turnovers or not, now is not the time to take your leading shot blocker out of the game. As soon as Josh goes out, the Rockets get layups on the next three possessions.

By Harry Hawk

December 9, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Take the ball to the basket, Hawks.

The Rockets are doing it and pulling away from you.

Wake the f*** up.

By Melvin

December 9, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Ok Ando I won’t Woody bash but this is a classic reason why you do overplay your players. JJ has played the entire 2nd half and his last 2 or 3 shots have been short. I’m sure fatigue has something to do with it….

By richbrave

December 9, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

In the NBA a big lead means nothing. In the first quarter, PISTONS up by 17. Insert SONGAILA, WIZARDS win by 13.

By Harry Hawk

December 9, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Game over.

By cp

December 9, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

This game is over. We pretty much gave it to them with our questionable shot selection. This should have been a win.

By Melvin

December 9, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

The Hawks ran out of gas. Allow the Rockets to go on a 20-2 run. 2mins left in the game and the Hawks haven’t shot 1 free throw in the 2nd half. I think we should send this tape to the league office.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 9, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson is playing like a f-cking idiot. While Yao, and to a lesser extent Artest, are making the plays that superstars need to make, Joe is jacking up stupid shots instead of driving inside and getting fouled like he’s supposed to.

And yeah, I realize that those shots go in pretty often. But when it’s clear that they are not, you need to drive inside. Joe finally realized this and started driving… after the Hawks went down by 10 with 2 minutes remaining. That’s not acceptable.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 9, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

I gotta say this is the most frustrating loss of the year, and it reeks of the 2006-07 Hawks who would be right there with good teams until crunch time and then choke. Yeah, it’s a road game against a good team, but the Hawks could have easily won this game if they had played smarter. This shouldn’t be acceptable.

By Melvin

December 9, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

The Hawks let a golden opportunity slip away. They were up 8 pts at the 8 mark in the 4th. This was definely a winable game.

By ray

December 9, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Ugh. We could have won that one. Should have won that one. Didn’t continue to do what we needed to do all the way to the end. Artest changed the game, although Scola and Yao (as I feared) did enough damage on their own. I still feel like we’re good enough to beat Houston. Damn.

JJ started heating up, but too late. Josh Smith was out there shooting like he thought he was JJ or Bibby. I’m disappointed. I expect much better from him the next game.

Ok, the bench players (except Zaza, to a degree) just did not show up. I have to cut Zaza some slack, as he had the toughest assignment by far tonight. Mo Evans was invisible, and Flip was translucent. Solo really didn’t get any time and Acie is thinking about installing a heater in that doghouse. I heard he knocked down a wall and added a room for Mario…

Bibby played his a$$ off for the most part.

By ray

December 9, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with Najeh.

Josh’s shot selection was bad, but JJ nearly matched him in that department before he caught fire for a few seconds. Sigh…Still, Josh has to do better than that.

Spurs up next. We’re 12-8. Let’s not get close to .500 if we can help it. No need to panic, but no need to extend a losing streak, either.

By preston

December 9, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

To Steve Rathman and Dominigue Wilkins- There are no moral victories for the hawks with this game tonight..a loss is a loss……all of the attention that this team recieved at the beginning of the year is gone……the lakers….the celtics….and the cavaliers are the stories of the league. These hawks have done this to us for the last few yrs…..they start strong out of the blocks, then we suffer thru this slow death of watching this team fade….fade….and fade into the lower pack of the division……will they make the playoffs? Looks like they will have us guessing again until thw last few games of the season. I thought for sure that we would be among the top 5 in the east this yr……..but, now I don’t think so.

By RaJaH

December 9, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Najeh

I’m sure JJ would drive more if he would get more calls. Acie has a better chance of getting calls in the lane than JJ!

By DecDawg

December 9, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

The loss does not bother me as much as the lack of offensive flow. When the game gets tight, we don’t move the ball around and look for an open shot. We pass the ball to JJ and “hope” he makes something happen. It makes the game harder for him and doesn’t give anyone else a chance to affect the outcome on the offensive end.

And yes, I was tired of seeing Josh Smith miss jumpers that he had not been knocking down all night. At the same time, we shouldn’t be in an offensive set that calls for him being on the wing. They let us back in the game and gave it back at the end.

By E. G.

December 9, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

RAY! RAY! RAY!

Please talk to me! Lebron James is young and came into the league young just like Josh Smith. However, five years later Josh still thinks he can shoot like Kobe and point guard like Chris Paul.

I’m not fussing at you brother Ray; I’m just frustrated at the fact that Josh Smith’s decision making has not changed since he came into the league. Why can’t he learn from Lebron James or others. Josh Smith never hits these outside shots better than 33% in any game I’ve seen, yet he still shoots and makes bad decisions as if he has always been a good shooter or a good decision maker. What’s the matter with this guy?

By preston

December 9, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

yeah Najeh….you are right, memories of the hawks under Woodson of the last 4 yrs are starting to pop up in my head to. For the lfe of me, I cannot understand why Josh Smith has to be standing outside of the line jaking up 3’s multiple times a game in every quarter…….and why the hell is joe and bibby passing the ball to him in those situations. I have given Woody the benefit of a doubt this yr, but I am beginning to see a disturbing trend this yr that I was hoping not to see……it was obvious that the rockets were going to clamp down on Joe in crunch time, and we had no gameplan to counter…..we just kept passing the ball hoping to free up Joe….and then with the shot clock draining, whoever has the ball last…………..BRICK!

By doc

December 9, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

and then with 4 minutes left they stopped playing well. nuff said. yuck.

By E. G.

December 9, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

The Hawks will lose against the Spurs and, believe it or not, Miami. We have NOOOOOOOOO inside game. The Hawks deserve to start losing so we can get rid of Woody. Discipline starts with the coach, and if some of you think it’s not the coaches fault, then the coach needs to start hollering at our hard-headed starters. I can’t stomach watching the Hawks play right now because I can’t even concentrate on my School Homework after watching them play sooooooo foolishly.

By DecDawg

December 9, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

I’m a Josh Smith fan but he needs to be “coached” into being a better player. But Woody is not telling him to go to the post…and neither are Bibby and JJ. The offense should call for Smith to get all of his touches in the post but it doesn’t. And for some reason, they keep passing him the ball on the wing. Bibby and JJ need to push him to the post when they have the ball on the perimeter before they will even pass the ball to him. If he doesn’t go…don’t give him the damn ball.

By Harry Hawk

December 9, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

preston,

Steve Rathman and Dominigue Wilkins?

Eh. Close enough.

I was hoping Woody would put Acie in the game when it was obvious that the offense was stagnant. Does Woody understand that Acie is his best chance to get to the line and open up some better shots? Acie’s not a great player, but he (for a guy that would probably rather shoot first) does understand what the role of a point guard should be. If Woody doesn’t understand that role, the Hawks will continue to produce the kind of mediocre results we all know and loathe.

By kwooden1

December 9, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Didn’t see the game again, so I hate to comment, BUT I will anyways!!! Hopefully someone can tell me why JS took 19 shots and Marvin took 9??? Again this reminds me of last year, which really makes me fustrated because this wasn’t happening earlier in the year. Also, 0 assists from Bibby??? That can’t happen!! The only thing I can say is I didn’t see the game and maybe Houston just played great defense in the 4th. What I really think is Woody can’t make adjustments during the game and hasn’t devised an offense that includes more than ISO-Joe.

Last thing…. It’s a good feeling to expect to win every game though!!

GO HAWKS!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 9, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

“I’m just frustrated at the fact that Josh Smith’s decision making has not changed since he came into the league”

Can’t say I agree with that… Josh has a long way to go as far as improving his decision making but he’s still a lot better than he was when he came in the league. A lot more of those improbable passes and long-range shots go in for him now than they did when he was a rookie. And it’s completely unfair to compare him to LeBron James, who will probably be one of the top five players of all time by the time he retires.

One area of his decision making nobody really takes into account is on his blocks… Marcus Camby is probably the only other player in the league who is as good as Josh at blocking shots while staying out of foul trouble.

By preston

December 9, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

Harry Hawk…….ok…so I am multitasking here……you know who I was referring to…….Bob Rathbun…..and Dominque Wilkins……..hell I was still thinking about Steve Smith.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 9, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

“For the lfe of me, I cannot understand why Josh Smith has to be standing outside of the line jaking up 3’s multiple times a game in every quarter…….and why the hell is joe and bibby passing the ball to him in those situations.”

I am OK with him doing this as long as he’s wide open and/or it’s near the end of the shot clock. But ideally the amount of time he spends more than 20 feet away from the hoop on either side of the ball should be kept at a minimum. Woody should draw up plays that match him up against bigger and slower opponents so that Josh can drive on them and either get fouled or find an open shooter on the perimeter when someone comes over to help.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 9, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

San Antonio is winning in double overtime at Dallas — Parker, Ginobili and Duncan are all well over 40 minutes, and Duncan is actually at 50 minutes played right now. Maybe the Hawks can take advantage of this tomorrow? Of course this would involve Woody getting the Hawks to speed up the tempo, which pretty much never happens, ever…

By E. G.

December 9, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Harry the Hawk

Please tell me why you think we can win every game we play. The Hawks we saw during the first six games do not exist anymore because Woody is showing, and will continue to show, his true NO COACHING ABILITY.

By O'brien

December 9, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

We still had no offensive flow, despite Woody’s timeouts. Is that the coach’s fault? Or lack of execution on the players?

Also, Rick Adelman had Ron Artest on the bench when Joe got hot. But he didn’t panic. As a result, Artest was fresh down the stretch, and Joe’s shots were short. When will Woody learn that Joe needs his rest to finish the game strong?

By cp

December 9, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

Like I said in the last blog, Woodson can’t make adjustments. When plan A is shut down he rarely has a plan B. Taking open jumpers is fine by me but when those jumpers are not faling you should attack the basket. I see Solo is right back to the bench. Reward good play with no minutes seems to be the motto.

By E. G.

December 9, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

PRESTON

Josh Smith is beginning to convince me that his basketball IQ on the offensive end is very low. I think Josh Smith knows deep down in his heart that he is not a good post up play. Josh Smith needs to spend the majority of his practices learning to use the backboard with his left and right hands from every angle possible.

I am surprised that Josh Smith didn’t take notes from Josh Childress in regards to knowing how to finish around the basket. I am confused; why was Josh Childress so good around the basket.

By Ed

December 9, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

Seriously, why don’t the Hawks go ahead and trade Acie & Solo as Woody is doing nothing to help & develop these guys. To the contrary, he has only impeded Acie’s progress as far as confidence, much the same as Avery did with Devin Harris. Look @ Harris now in New Jersey playing with confidence & lighting it up.Salim is another example as to how Woody destroys a young player’s confidence & they play like they are walking on eggshells.

By The Hawksta

December 9, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

Very disappointed in Josh tonight. In fact I support him just as much as Najeh, HB and Ray. I think it’s going to be ugly in the locker room tonight mark my words. That is the first time I’ve see arms fold ever do that. It took the life out of the team. It was the right call though. Probably the wrong coach to do it though. Not sure if Acie knew what he was doing in the first half. So no pt in the second. Why did Marv sit so long in the second? It’s not like Evans did anything. JJ jacked up some bricks in the last few mins, I agree he did bail Josh out. But this lost was emotional and they might not be ready for the Spurs

By E. G.

December 9, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

Najeh Davenpoop

The Hawks will find a way to lose against San Antonio. Why? Because we don’t have a coach right now. Josh Smith and Joe Johnson can play the game of basketball any way they want without being corrected for their asinine decisions.

By E. G.

December 9, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

O’BRIEN

That is why we will lose to San Antonio tomorrow, for Woody will see to it by not trusting his players. Woody is so afraid to use his bench because they will make some mistakes during the game, mainly because he doesn’t play them enough to make them feel comfortable during games.

However, Woody’s fears are causing use to lose anyway because Joe Johnson gets tired and both he and Josh Smith make just as many bad decisions during the game that Woody fears the bench would make.

FIRE WOODY

By doc

December 9, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

what are you guys complaining about? we are now 12 and 8, arent we? quit complaining and be happy for a change …. geez. we have a good coach and good players and vets to save the day. relax and all will be well. dont let ray and his haters take over this blog. quit following that lead.

By Please leave!

December 9, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

E.G. Please leave now. We are sick of your constantly bashing and putting this team down. Everyone knows that this isnt the same team that went 6-0 at the beginning of the season. Hell even JJ has stated it.

By E. G.

December 10, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

Hey “PLEASE LEAVE”

I won’t be going anywhere for a long time because am disappointed in the Hawks. Why? I know they can do better, but the players, who are supposed to be leading this team by example, are making bad decisions night in and night out. This team has been together too long for this asininity.

I am not putting this team down; they are putting themselves down through their inadvised shot selections night in and night out. We have a good team, but they refuse to play like one. THEREFORE, I will continue to criticize them until they show some consistency and stop playing like rebellious children. They are getting paid too much money to be making bad decisions like this.

You said that Joe Johnson that the Hawks isn’t the same team that went 6-0; however, JJ is doing a good job by making sure that we lose all four games of this road trip.

By reese

December 10, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

First of all, tough loss tonight.

The good: Despite some key turnovers by Joe (3) and Josh (2) in the 4th quarter, the hawks only had 8 turnovers for the game. 5 different players blocked shots led by Joshes 5 and Marvin’s 2. All 5 starters scored in double figures. Josh and FLip were the hawks players who had entries in every positive offensive/defensive category. Good use of the bench in the first half. Zaza’s aggressiveness in the first half forced Yao to get 2 quick fouls and go to the bench.

The bad: The 3pt shooting percentage 38% was almost better than the 2pt shooting percentage of 39%. The hawks did not take advantage of the 16 houston turnovers. The hawks did not shoot a free throw in the 2nd half. Joe played too many minutes. Especially, since Flip was showing signs that he could make some shots.

Houston started a big lineup. They had Ron Artest playing the 2 guard position. Why was this important, it gave Houston another strong rebounder to compliment Yao (19 rbs) and Scola (10rbs). Plus, he matched up well against Joe and did not allow Joe to get comfortable shots. Additionally, we only had 14 fast break points and were content to slow the pace against the slow footed Yao and bigger lineup of Houston.

Woodson’s use of the bench was poor in the 2nd half. He only played Al and Zaza together for a small amount of minutes. He never played Zaza and Solo together with Josh or Marvin when Yao was dominating in the post. I don’t think that Acie played any meaningful minutes in the 2nd half. I don’t think that Joe sat at all in the 2nd half.

Will we ever see a lineup of Josh, Al and Solo when the other team is consistently scoring in the post?

By rms

December 10, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

Good players…YES!!! Good coach….Are you kidding me??? We have a horrible coaching staff period!! Who is helping Horford develop some low post moves…Tyrone Hill??? Hope not. Who is helping out Josh Smith game in the paint..Obviously nobody since he is still jacking up shots. Better yet, what is our identity. What are we known for. Cant be defense cause we aint playing none. We are just an average mediocre team thats just exists in the league that never will amount to anything. POBWAF!!!

By HB Ando

December 10, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

Dang, doc, someone seems to have appropriated your handle. Trying to mirror your ee cummings style, as well.

Don’t know why anyone would bother, but there it is…..

By reese

December 10, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this

Some small things noticed, how many of you saw the same?

1)Joe/Marvin were properly running the lanes during fast breaks in the first half. Joe properly passed the ball to Josh in the middle and Josh was able to pass to Marvin who filled the lane on the right and scored.

2)Josh lead a fast break, joe raced ahead of the defenders and raised his hand to give Josh a target. However, Josh through the ball out of bounds. Proper effort was there, the execution needs to continue to be practiced.

3)Marvin rotated on defense and put his arms up to block shots. Now, if we can get Woodson to include Solo in the mix with Zaza, we can give bigger players like Yao a longer arm to shoot over.

4)Hawks players did a better job at running back to play transistion defense. The play where Joe dug for the ball down low and both Al and Josh rushed back to attack the ball high was a great hustle play. Houston scored on the play, but this is the effort that hawks players to need to consistently provide.

5)Not like the play where Artest stole the ball and out ran Joe Johnson down court. This allowed Artest to attack Bibby. If Joe had kept running, he could have help bibby contest the shot. You know, like the way both Josh and Al did for him earlier in the game.

5)The defense Joe played on Artest when he hit the 4th quarter 3 pointer. The shot clock was running down and Joe lined up on Artest’s left arm. Artest is a right handed shooter. Joe should have lined up on Artest’s right arm to make the shot more difficult. If artest decides to dribble, then he is going towards help defenders in the middle.

By doc

December 10, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

just a bump in the road.

By ray

December 10, 2008 6:59 AM | Link to this

Reese,

Very good ANALYSIS. Very good indeed.

You’re right, we did have a low turnover count. It was the shot selection that hurt, and both Josh and Joe are the guiltiest parties for that particular game. Yet if they hit a handful more shots between them, we win and they are heroes. How thin the line is, eh?

While your very detailed description of Joe’s defense on Artest is definitely on point, I think there’s another point to add to that. The very fact that Joe was having to guard a fresh Artest is a problem in and of itself. We can’t seem to get away from this problem, either. Joe and those heavy minutes…

E.G.,

Josh may not be the most cerebral guy on the court, but he’s no dummy. And even after 5 years in the league, he still only just turned 23 years old. Still young, still learning. And those would be facts, not excuses. He’s yards better than he was when he came into the league. And it’s not just athletic ability (though that is what sets him apart from so many others).

The guy averages 3 assists from the PF position, no less. No dummy manages to do things like that…

By Willie Coyote

December 10, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this

That 30 second spurt by Josh (forced jumper, quick-bad jumper, horrible pass) undid everything good the Hawks did to come back.

Josh will make amends but that was frustrating to watch.

By Joshsmithbiggestfan

December 10, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

I have been a Josh Smith fan from the beginning and have watched his career flourish from an almost unknown to now being one of the “players on the rise”. The playoff series last year and the first few games of this season were the best I’d ever seen Josh play. I was so worried about the team when he got injured and watched every game thinking, “Josh would have blocked that shot, or Josh would have dunked that!” He has come back and reverted to the Josh Smith of 2 years ago. I love this guy but cannot understand how hard it is to give the ball up to a guard. I see the look of frustration on Bibby’s face as he tails alongside Smith when he dribbles up the court on the way to a turnover or bad pass that has the shooter out of position to take a good shot. It’s also clear that Woodson cannot stop him from doing this or otherwise he would because it is going to destroy this team. I have watched him almost single handedly throw away two games in the last two outings. It’s also clear that Joe Johnson is a quiet leader and leads by example but he cannot get Josh to stop doing this either. No one on the bench can. Doesn’t he realize that Bibby is a wiz at getting the ball to guys in good positions to score. If Josh would give up the ball and run the lane, he would get a lay-up or dunk almost every time he runs with Bibby. I can’t believe that our beat writer has not said anything about this so I’m saying it. Will this ultimately cost Woodson his job? Probably. It’s a shame Josh that you continue to turn the ball over, hoist up threes when you shoot 25% from that distance especially when you have the ability to jump over mostly everyone on the court. When are you going to be the great player that you can be and stop with the sulking on the bench? The cameras seem to always catch you and it’s not a good look. Also, the towel around the head, are you kidding me? I am one of your biggest fans but I am really disappointed in your play and it is definitely hurting the team. Can you possibly go back to the Josh that played this year before the injury?

By Terrell Barron

December 10, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this

Same ole Hawks, different year. These guys cant hold a lead if their life depended on it. I say we lose our next 3 games(Spurs, Heat, Lebrons), and Woody gets the axe. lol!! 12-11 here we come.

By Frustrated

December 10, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this

I think Josh Smith tried to throw the game last night. He was so impossibly bad and if he didn’t try to throw it you’ve got to wonder why the Hawks are paying him the $$$$. And then after he was taken out of the game he just sat over on the bench with a towel over his head not participating with the rest of the team.

Good talent, but the Hawks need to get rid of him while he still has some value.

By dap01

December 10, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

Who learns the quickest? Josh or Woody?

Josh should NEVER setup outside the 3 pt line on offense. If he does, no one should pass it to him.

Josh is an incredible talent but sometimes he don’t play his role, our chemistry suffers.

By doc

December 10, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

a little disappointed in josh smith’s post game bewildered comments. uh, no insight or just not wanting to be responsible. ah, youth.

By KP

December 10, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Josh Smith is very painful to watch. He plays with a lazy lackadaisical attitude and relys on his athletic ability to make plays. He never looks totally focused on either end of the floor, does not know how to set a good pick and chooses to continue to try and force things on the offensive end.

It is a shame because he has so much talent and promise. His B-Ball IQ is at the level of a youth league player (and I know some kids that understand that you give the ball up to your point and run the wing on the break to get it back for a possible layup!) If I see him try to lead the break and then commit a TO again - I will vomit!

If we can work a deal before the trade deadline - TRADE HIM!

I am sick of watching a player with soooo much talent - show a lack of interest in playing focused and disciplined basketball!

By Rock Preston

December 10, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Is it me or does Joe Johnson not like contact??? He and Josh need to attck the rim!!!!

By Clyde

December 10, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

And The Beat Goes On

Year after year the same ole things have been going on with the Hawks. Last night was no different. We let a lead slip from us and all Woody has to say is we got to play harder.

Listen up Woody:

Maybe if you would give your starters rest in the first 3 quarters they can have enough energy to finish teams late

This concept isnt hard but its taken Woody 5 years to realize it.

FIRE WOODY

By Astro Joe

December 10, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Why is Smith taking 19 shots? He was at his absolute best at the beginning of the season when he was content with 10-12 shots and playing world-class defense. Unless he’s just straight balling in the low post, we should recognize that the ball needs to be in the hands of our backcourt. It’s one thing to be outplayed over 6-8 minutes by Artest and Yao… they’ve done it to better teams than the Hawks. it’s another thing to serve it up on a platter for those guys.

Woody needs to do what other coaches have done… sit a prominent player down at the end of a tightly contested game to “send a message”. Zaza looked like he was doing a decent job against Yao. When Smith had that meltdown shortly after we took the lead, that may have been the right time to sit him down. Losing the game with Smith on the floor counts the same as losing the game with Smith on the bench. But maybe having him on the bench might mean that future games come with better decision-making.

By Kenneth Boswell

December 10, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

What I see in almost all the Hawks games is a coach that does not trust his bench and over plays his starters even when they are not producing. How can your starting point guard have zero assists and you play Acie only 11 minutes? The Hawks wins have come on talent alone,not coaching. Coach Woodson refuses to learn from past mistakes. There has to be discontentment especially among the bench players because no matter how well they play they cannot earn significant playing time. Coach Woodson punishes Josh for earlier mistakes by leaving him on the bench when he is clearly your best post defender.The result,total domination by Yao and Artest at the most crucial time of the game. I think Woodson is a nice person, but he is not the type of coach the young Hawks need. If he continues to refuse to make adjustments and use his bench more and they lose the next three games, the fustration level on this team will boil over and become visible to all.

By hawksta

December 10, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Ok, I think these guys are going WAY to far with the trade Josh thing. It has been kind of ugly the last two games for Josh but TRADE him? Hell no! He will make us proud again. Slow down take a deep breathe and relax. I’ve changed last nights opinion to Josh will be the hero against the Spurs. We win by 6!

By MsDee

December 10, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

The Hawks that were 6-0 were the Hawks with Flip & Mo..They have disappeared for some reason. That is the difference between then and now..Josh isn’t making it any better either with his shot selections. Josh is one of those players where u cant play with him and u cant play without him!!

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

December 10, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Man, Josh let me down last night. I agree with the comments that i read: Josh you have to take the ball to the hoop!!!! You can’t keep taking long range jumpers, that kill the momentum of the offence. Then you have three turnovers dribbling like you are the point, and the bad pass?? WOW! When we needed a bucket, we went down to Al and he delivered. Then he caused a offensive foul on Yoa. He was the man that needed the ball in the post, he was hot, but that’s when Josh did his thing. Can Woody control a head strong Smith that wants to take the game into his hands, or does he sit him and expose the middle? Dam. Where was FlipMo? I saw them, but didn’t see what they did. 12-8 with San Town next, we will see.

By STRETCH

December 10, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

1. Why have a bench if you dont play any of them? These guys had to be talented enough to make the team right? Why pay them if you dont play them! Game plan vs. the Hawks: rest our starters for the 4th qtr cause the Hawks starters will be worn out by then.

2. Woody is a complet idiot folks and 80 percent of Atlanta knows this. Too bad the organization doesnt!

3. Where the heck are the big men? You cant shoot long range all season…you want make it like that. Need to get more high percentage shooting. This ones on management.

4. These guys stared the seasong 6-0. Since then they have gone 6-8. They are losing confidence, trust, swagger or whatever they had cause the coach is dumb and stubborn. Woody’s words were “I preach to these guys to trust each other” well, Woody, can they “trust” YOU?!

5. Josh is the Nique of the 80’s!

The Hawks will NEVER be better than a 6 to 8 seed if that!

By fudd21

December 10, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

doc what were Josh’s comments? I missed them.

By doc

December 10, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

you know if i were coach i would have substituted chills for josh in that situation. then i could move marvin with al or al over and zaza into the big spot depending on where they were on an evening.

oh yeah, we dont really have an adequate substitute for certain teams and situations. we need length baby. and flip and mo aint got it.

artest is what we need, a true lock down defender wanting real bad to do the dirty work.

maybe just maybe the PRESENCE of YAO had something to do with no one going to the hole with the basketball as he just flicked down shots underneath like i go after flies. horford had no chance wanting to play offense and neither did smith.

the combo of artest and yao is huge on defense for them. one shuts down perimeter with his motor, the other intimidates like few others in the paint. maybe the rockets need a bit of cred to for wanting it more and outplaying our boys in the last 4 to 6 minutes. i think we have often said (maybe it is more a chant or mantra) we were weak on individual defense at the perimeter and in the paint on defense. this game magnified it even more.

By Corey

December 10, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

They got handled by Houston WITHOUT McGrady. Woodson just keeps making exuses. The team is a reflection of the coach generally and if they want to get beyond the first round of the playoffs, they better find one. SA gonna handle them and Popovich will most certainly take woody to coaching school. These Hawks should be dominating with all this talent that they have, but coach is scared to hurt some feelings obviously.Stop beings friends and step up and be a coach.What a waste of talent.

By DUPREE

December 10, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Hey Sekou, What are you hearing about Randolph Morris? How well does he compete in practice? It seems like he might have helped to control Yao Ming at last nights game against the Rockets.

By doc

December 10, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

fudd 21 the problem is he had no answer to some very pointed and good questions. very evasive, bewildered/ignorant of game iq or not wanting to step up and say he had no answer for what they threw at them and what he did certainly didnt help in the end.

By PD

December 10, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

The plays are not designed for any inside attack. When they do go inside it is very soft. Smith needs to be banished from the 3-point line and mid-range jumpers until further notice.

He hurt them big time at the end of the game trying to be a hero. No patience!!!!!!!!!

By Sautee

December 10, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Josh Smith had likely his worst game of the season last night. It was indeed painful to watch (and I just watched it again on tape).

That said, with everything he did poorly (at least 5 really bad shots, 2 turnovers) he also had a double double, 5 blocked shots, 4 assists, and 3 steals. In addition, he drew 2 charges, which don’t show up in the stats, but are a turnover for the opposition. Ask Houston how valuable Battier is doing the same thing.

So, all in all, I’ll gladly take the bad with the good. How many of you think the Hawks could have won that game without Josh? We’re 6-6 without him and 6-2 with him. And that’s with him playing below his usual level the last two nights.

That says a mouthful, right there.

By Sautee

December 10, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Would Acie Law IV be better served to go to the NBDL, if all he’s gonna get is 8-9 minutes, looking over his shoulder for the hook the whole time?

I’m serious. If Woody won’t develop him, doesn’t the organization have some responsibility to make the most of their “investment” in Acie?

And is Carl Landry any more athletic than Solo? Maybe a better shooter, but no more athletic.

Yet Adelman will play Landry in any situation. Wish we had a coach with that kind of faith in his bench.

By Sautee

December 10, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Two more comment about last night’s game:

On several occasions when Horford was guarding Yao, and the Rockets missed a shot, Al hustled hard downcourt to beat Yao. We never once took advantage of this, even though it’s the one true advantage Al has over a bigger, slower center.

Why?

And, it’s often said that the NBA is all about exploiting matchups. JJ walking it up against Artest and forcing a closely guarded shot is a poorer matchup than getting it to Al unguarded under the hoop.

Or was I missing something?

By ILL-logical

December 10, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Memo to Mr. McDanial: Please buy the Hawks. Soon.You now have the greatest investment incentive OPM(other peoples money) around and Atlanta is starved for a winner. The Hawks ,with a few tweaks can be all of that.

The ownership is the first place a redo is needed. A face of the franchise who the public can relate to and hold accountable. Second, the capital to maintain and grow the franchise in the highly competitive world of proffessional sports/entertainment. This is the 8th largest media market( and growing)in the country so there is a huge upside potential.

There are some personnel adjustments that have to be made and fairly soon before the season slips away in a sea of discontent. But there is a real goldmine here that you sir could have at your fingertips. Think about it and get back to us soon,real soon.We eagerly await your positive response.

By hawkeye

December 10, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

wow…from the way things are going i think bibby will be very happy to be traded to portland right away. damn what the heck is happening to them? i say we fire woody right now and sign sam mitchell or eddie jordan as our coach. at least they know how use their bench very well unlike woody who wants to kill his starters by making them play 38-40 mins/gm.

By MannyT

December 10, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

The Hawks did give the Rockets 40 minutes of heLL. Unfortunately the pro game is 48 minutes. Shave 4 minutes off the beginning and end of the game and we would be happy.

Josh personifies HopeaNdDismay or DoomaNdExcitement for me. No one else on the team makes most of his exciting plays. No one else on the team has his type mental lapses as often. You just have to learn to ride the roller coaster that is J-Smoove. Pack your Pepto, Tums, etc and understand that it is entertaining and exciting to watch him.

Sautee Now that Adelman has developed Landry, I’m sure Woody would be happy to use him. If Woody got Landry as a rookie, he’d be some blend of Shelden & Solo ;-)

When Acie plays well, his game looks similar to Flip’s (with fewer turnovers…turn over…Flip…there is something ironic in that nickname.)

Woody prefers vets. Acie is screwed at least until the rotations change. The less time he spends on the court with Flip, the more time he can play like Flip.

Hopefully we can pull one out tonight. After all, San Antonio does not have the youngest team around…and they are on the end of a back to back as well.

BWAF

By Terrell Barron

December 10, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Pull one out tonight? Yeah right Manny T. lol!!!!!

By The Flash

December 10, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Talking blind, so what else is new Flash, when I read that JJ is slowing things down and jacking up shots that aren’t falling, to me that is the beginning and end of what went wrong.

I wouldn’t say this but this team has a history of deliberately relying wayyy too much on JJ, from the time he arrived.

Now, when I used to play, if there was another equally talented player on my side (rare to be sure) who was jacking up shots, would I be going down the court and working for good inside position, only to watch the shot go up just as I was going to get to a great passing lane? Or, was I going to wait until I got a good look, a legit look, and shoot the thing?

I would not be hating on JS in this, but that is going just on what I’ve read.

JJ has to work extra hard to not take over too much and slow things down with an outside game that is not working. This pushes buttons of when the coach demeaned the rest of the team by insisting that JJ be the first, second, and third option, with the fourth being chaos. Until that history is cleansed from the collective pyschie of this team, that will be JJ’s burden. He will just have to play the game the way it is supposed to be played, instead of being the star. (I’m betting that if anyone interviewed JS after the game and asked about all that talk about team cohession and TRUST (now who talked about that one until the rest of youz were gonna throw up), you’d have heard a deep sigh in response. Not good!)

PS It still sounds like they’re playing great ball. Glad for you guys.

By Sekou K. Smith

December 10, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith’s settling for long shots last night played right into the Rockets’ game plan. He let his ego get the best of him (“back off me? I’ll show you by shooting and shooting until I make you respect me.”)

The advance scout sitting next to me last night called the entire game. He was sure the Hawks would give the game back to the Rockets and he had a hunch that it would come from Josh’s inability to slow down and the Hawks’ inability to milk the lead they had by running an offense that allowed them to manufacture possessions and baskets while also chewing up time.

There are no convenient excuses for Josh’s performance last night either. Dude’s been in the league long enough to know that he has to try something else when the shots aren’t falling. His refusal to adjust his game last night and drive the ball to the basket killed the Hawks’ momentum. Everyone in the arena saw it. And the onus for that is on him.

That said, I’d tackle a cat on my team if he went out of control like that. We’d just have to scrap, because I couldn’t let him do that to himself or to the team.

By tyger

December 10, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

The Year of Excuses

Increasingly, I’m starting to believe that this will be the “Year of Excuses”.

Despite having more talent, more experience, more fan support than I can remember, this version of the Hawks is too nice to finish anyone off.

They dont have a killer instinct nor ice water in their veins. They lack leadership.

Even though out-sized the Hawks had a win against a quality team in the bag. And no one stepped up to close them out.

Instead, Ron Artest stepped up and led his team to a come from behind victory. Woody again looks dumbfounded as the Rockets pounded us on the boards.

Yet 7’0s Solomon Jones and Randolph Morris DNP again. Whats the point in having more size if you dont use it when u need it?

This team is missing something?

Wonder what Sam Mitchell is doing these days?

By MannyT

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

Astro Joe from prior blog.

While I don’t know who knew what & when from the prior sale, I do know this. There are many segments of our economy that rely on the sale of distressed goods. Often, the distress is a timing thing.

For example—if you wanted to sell a house for $300k and some one claims to be willing to pay the price, then all is good. However, if the sale drags on without closing, the seller may be willing to do a deal with another player even at a different (slightly lower) price if they can just get the deal closed quickly.

Some businesses like Big Lots and Marshalls (check out their recent commercials) have business models that are built on this idea. We will take your overruns, sloppy seconds-no disrespect intended ;-0 etc. We will pay less, but you get to dump them quicker and improve your inventory situation.

For Time Warner, it is very possible that the money losing sports teams were easy to dump, because they did not fit their information empire.

Sure the real money in the ASG may have added a local component to their ownership team to make everyone more comfortable with the deal. While looking at local candidates, would you bring on folks that the current owners dislike, don’t know, or know and like? Remember, we are trying to close this deal quickly as the last guy (D McD) was slow to close the deal.

I don’t think this was an Illinois Senate seat deal, just smart business people doing what they do.

BWAF

By MannyT

December 10, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Terrell Odder things have happened. A few years ago, when the Hawks were really bad, they beat the Spurs in Atlanta.

We were not that far from tonight’s game being the opportunity to sweep a Texas road trip. Now we might get swept.

Even though JJ had his usual 40+ minutes, all of the Spurs big 3 played more minutes than Joe due to a 2OT game.

We have a chance. Hope and dismay says there is a way.

BWAF

By jhan

December 10, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

It’s hard to bash Josh because he does so many things for the team. He didn’t cause us to lose, he made it very hard for us to win. He has to calm himself down & recognize game situations.

Josh averages 3 blocks per game. I’d be willing to bet he immediately turns the ball over after every other block. I can’t count how many times he makes a block, runs down the court & either get’s the ball stolen or throws a pass out of bounds.

The man (he no longer is a kid to me) has to grow up in a hurry. This offseason he asked to be paid like a professional. He got the money - now it’s time to produce. Expectations should be very high for him. For him to continue making the same mistakes is unacceptable.

Lately he reminds me of the quarterback who helps you get the lead every game, but in the 4th quarter continues to throw the interception that loses the game. You wouldn’t be in the lead without him, but you ultimately lose the game because of a bone-headed play that is his fault.

Let’s go Josh!!!

By Astro Joe

December 10, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Sekou, the guy who should have “tackled” Smith was Michael Woodson. Smith has no reason to believe that there are consequences for poor decision-making. He’s a few months into a 60 month contract so you can’t dangle a fat contract in front of him. The only thing left is playing time. If Woody isn’t going to use that as a motivating force to help him “figure it out” then what’s left? I don’t buy the “he’s only 23” argument… dude has played in over 300 NBA games and more practices. His capacity to learn should be there. No one excuses Horford or Marvin for being 23-years old. And neither have had the professional repetitions that Smith has had. Again, there is NO reason to expect Smith to police himself… Woody needs to do it.

By Sekou K. Smith

December 10, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

I’m not bashing Josh either, jhan, you know I realize how important he is to what the Hawks are doing. The worst part about last night is that he HAD to be taken out of the game after that reckless stretch and the Rockets scored seven straight points after that and snatched back control of the game. And they went inside for back-to-back baskets during that run where it would have been nice to have one of the best shot blockers in the league around to cause some problems for the Rockets. What’s really worth watching to me is how he bounces back tonight.

By MannyT

December 10, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

jhan Sound like Josh might be Brett Favre…the Atlanta version of course ;-)

By The Flash

December 10, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Another thought: most really effective half court offenses can be initiated by several of the players on the floor. In the Knick’s golden era, while Frazer was the playmaker, there was no such thing as a point guard then, if he was being jammed, the other guard, or Bradley, or even Debusschere would initiate from Frazer’s spot.

Sounds like Houston’s strategy the other night was to take it out of the hands of Henry, taking him out of the play.

I always thought that MW could play an initiator role. I think it important that MW be given that type responsibility at appropriate times.

I also think that this team really needs to think twice for the reasons I’ve stated before going to the easiest of choices, JJ, since he can revert to what seems like to others to be “me first” ball.

Just a thought.

By ILL-logical

December 10, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

MEMO to Mr. McDavid:

Sir you now have almost $300 million ,would you consider buying the Hawks now?

The team has talent a modest but enthusiastic folowing in the 8th(and growing) largest media market in the nation.

The city and the team would benefit greatly from having a financially solid and cohesive ownership struture.you could be the face of that structure,especially if you moved here and become involved with the community.

Yes, there some personnel adjustments that would have to be made however, they are relatively few and there some qualified cndidates already in the organization.

The city,the team and the fans need you-take our Hawks.Please!

By ES

December 10, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

I think at this point this is what you get from Josh Smith. Some nights he’s a game changer who fills up the entire stat sheet, other times he struggles, gets frustrated and plays over his head. He needs to harness his energy.

Sund is going to have to pull a trigger on a deal to get bench help sooner rather than later. There is just not enough depth at this point on this team.

http://thedirtychronicles.wordpress.com

By cp

December 10, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Josh has to get it together. When the jumper is not falling, take it to the rim. The guy is more athletic than most guys in the league. He can pretty much jump over anybody to get his shot off. Like I was saying in a previous blog, Josh just does not seem to finish the way he did when he first came in the league. His first two years he was dunking any and everything near that rim. After he lost that second dunk contest he was saying how he wanted to be known as more than a dunker. Since then he takes more jumpers than he used to and instead of throwing it down with power as he once did, he tries to lay it up and what not.. Get the guy who made the playoff clip for the guys to get footage from Josh’s first two years to show him how he used to finish. He also ran the lanes a lot better and got a lot of easy alley oops. I mean every once in a while he throws down a monster dunk but nothing like he once did. I’m glad he wants to expand his game but he should be focusing on defense, rebounding, and trying to tear the rim down when he gets the ball near the hoop.

By jhan

December 10, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Sekou, I agree with you 100%. Josh HAS to play because we need his defense. Surely no coincidence that when he goes out Houston scores at will inside.

This kid is truly an enigma - can’t live with him/can’t live without him.

I hope to see Josh bounce back with a great game tonight. I like to believe he knows what the “book” tells him should be done but feels he is special enough to add his own chapter to the “book”.

I do give Woody props for pulling the plug on Josh last night. It had to be done for the long term interests of the team.

By I MUS WRITE

December 10, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

Y…………………….. Y does JJ slow the ball down on every possession, when we have numbers only to force up a bad shot.

Y doesnt Woodson pull Smoove or JJ when they are not playing well or in josh’s case playing stupidly.

Y does’nt Bibby ever drive to the rim.

Y are Solo and Acie glued to the bench when we really need there skill sets.

Y doesnt any other teammte have the balls to get in Josh’s face about his stupid play.

YYYYY -hell we’ll never know becuz for years we’ve been asking the same rhetorical questions.

Marvin is probably our second best shooter behind Bibby….with that said he needs to take more shots. Marvin does’nt appear to be as aggressive with smoove in the line up

DAM IT…….Its the coaching -but im not gonna say fire Woodson becuz I said I wouldnt complain about him this year since our owners are convinced he’s Red Aurbauch or Phill Jaxon

Its simple Marvin firing away from deep and Smoove slashing and posting up……………… If your players are free to do what they please -how good of a coach are you, maybe he lets them go becuz he does’nt really have a game plan. Either way they are;nt playing like they did the first 3 games -where the hell did our ball rotation go. im sik of jj slowin the ball down……..cross half court twice between the legs and fire away…..dam shame

By moashe

December 10, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

I am a long time Hawks fan. Have read Sekou blog everytime he starts one or have a comment. This is probably my first and last comment. Sekou I am not a big fan of Woodson primarily because he does not have any interpersonal skills. He could be the best coach in the NBA but without those skills it’s hard to lead(Salem, Acie and to a degree Josh). Larry Drew laid back personality should be bridge between Woodson and the player. In fact after last year I am suprise that he is still here. They rarely spoke at all last year during the game(rumor repl Woodson???) and only a few times this year.

The reasons I felt compelled to write this comment is after last nite games. Josh Smith the most skill player on the team(except for shooting) needs to be bench everytime he put up one those long jumper when he has a open path to the basket. He is very immature and needs to be coached individually. People have misled him to believe he is the savior to this team.(ie during his injury). He needs to learn how to blend in.

I can go on and on but it will take forever so here are some views: 1) Mutombo for players like Yao 2) Mario West defense for Harris, Carter Augustin, Butler, etc. 3) Trading Bibby - you got to be crazy. 4) Joe Johnson can light up Battier but cold as hell against Artis(playground ball known as taking his heart). This is one man opinion and I am sticking to it.

By Sautee

December 10, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

jhan

I do give Woody props for pulling the plug on Josh last night. It had to be done for the long term interests of the team.

I totally agree. It touches on what you and I discussed earlier. And I wouldn’t mind seeing it happen to Joe every now and then too, like his 3 to’s in 6 trips last night.

By jhan

December 10, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

cp - I thought the same thing last year about Josh. He seems to be in love with the soft flip shot or bank shot. THROW THE DAMN BALL DOWN THROUGH RIM!!

He’s totally helping out the opposition when he plays soft around the rim & continually shoots from outside.

doc is right on - we need JSMASH not JSmoove.

By cp

December 10, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

jhan I really thought I was the only one to notice that. Its times where he can explode and throw it down but he tries to lay it up and ends up missing the shot. H

By cp

December 10, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

I hit post before I was done. But yea Josh clearly does not dunk with the authority he once did. Last night he missed I think two close range shots near the rim that he would have dunked like a monster a few years back. He needs to attack the rim like he used to. Forget all the cute lay ups.

Im in agreement with doc and jhan, we need JSmash and not the Jsmoove.

By Ken Strickland

December 10, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

For anyone that’s ever played any serious basketball, think about the things you started doing when you became fatigued. Then look at what JJ, Smoove and other Hawk starters started doing in the 4th qtr, like not playing DEF, jacking up quick jumpshots, that in some cases were falling short, and not driving to the bucket.

Houston’s HC had enough sense to rest his key players, Artest and Yau. When the situation dictated, they were sent back into the gm and were obviously rested and dominated, which they couldn’t do when the Hawks key players weren’t fatigued. Last yr, teams knew Woodson would overplay his starters. So they would keep the gm close and play for the 4th qtr. As Woodson rapidly reverts back to his old habits, teams are employing the same strategy that worked so successfully against those tendencies last yr.

Like CLYDE said, Woodson is who he is. The question is, will Sund recognize what BK came to recognized about Woodson? BK realized he wasn’t a good HC when it came to: (1)Developing young players and dealing with young personalities.

(2)Successfully sustaining and utilizing more than one style of play.

(3)Making sound decisions and adjustments, expecially during a gm.

(4)Developing and managing a bench.

(5)Motivating and coaching a team, especially one with young players, through adversity.

(6)Setting aside personal issues with his players, and/or personal preferences for how the team should play, for the sake of the overall team.

How many times have you seen a young player make errors like Smoove did last night? We’ve all seen other HC’s take that player aside, sit next to him and explain what went wrong and how to correct it. Now, that’s called coaching, or having a coaching attitude. But Woodson simply folds his arms, gives the player a mean look, then turns his back to the player and ignores him. That’s not called having a coaches attitude, it’s called having an attitude of indifference and rejection.

By newkid

December 10, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Flash, who the hell’s Henry? Just kidding; I too can’t seem to shake the ‘Henry-instead-of-Mike’ paradigm. Bibby, Wicks, Rowe, Vallely, et al under the tutelage of the Wizard of Westwood; what a great period in the history of college basketball.

By Mike is back

December 10, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Ray, I’m still around checking everything out.  I can’t say too much because my mouth is full of crow. lol "Thanks,Woody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”  heh heh

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that Woody is deliberately trying to get his-self fired before the All-Star break, digressing back to the past. Yea, Josh has some crucial turnovers that cost us the game last night. But, what happen to Joe when Artest came back in the game? MIA hmmmmmmmmmmmm.  How can you not use your Big with a 7’4” wingspan against the opponent’s Big that is 7’6”, Solo may have been giving up a lot weigh to Yao, but I submit that his heart and tenacity would have more than made up for it lack girth.  

Astro Joe, Is there another team in the NBA that executes the pick and roll as poorly as the Hawks? Night after night, you see guys cutting wide open rolling to the basket, only to see the ball go out to the perimeters shooters for an ill-advised shot.  Next comes the preverbal isolation plays with Joe or Flip, who are mercifully trying to get their groove back, all of this while the team continues to spiral downwards.  Now we are struggling to play .500 ball.  The Hawks either need to learn how to dance, or stay the H out of Texas.

MannyT, if you get hungry, let me know…I’ve got plenty of crow left over brooooooooooooo. heh heh

This team is a shell of the team we saw at the beginning of the season. Now we see the familiar much maligned poorly conceive offensive sets that just sucks the life out of  the entire team. They come out flat,  look lethargic the entire game, and struggle mightily trying to close out games in the fourth quarter.  Then guys get frustrated and start pressing, we know the rest. Gooooooooooooooood grief Woody,  go back and review some film from the start the season, this team was on fiiiiiiiiiiiiiire. looooooooooooool  

LETS GO HAWKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 10, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

” Is there another team in the NBA that executes the pick and roll as poorly as the Hawks?”

Good point, and my theory is that it’s because the Hawks don’t have anyone who really knows how to set screens. Zaza is probably the best screener on the team (that’s not saying much), but he’s also the worst finisher so that makes him a poor choice to run the pick and roll. More importantly I don’t really know if the pick and roll is even a major part of Woody’s offense — it seems like he prefers to use picks just to switch a different defender onto either Bibby or Joe Johnson, whichever one is handling the ball. I would like to see Al Horford in particular and Josh Smith to a lesser extent heavily involved in the pick and roll offense, but that’s once again on Woody to implement.

By Terrell Barron

December 10, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

So you ready to trade JJ Imus?

By Terrell Barron

December 10, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Najeh, you’re right. Zaza is the best screener on the team. Problem is, he’s also the best ILLEGAL screener on the team. lol!! Btw, He’s also the best TRAVELER on the team. How can an NBA player get so many traveling calls? lol!! And Najeh, please dont use the word pick and roll offense and Woody’s name in the same sentence. Or any kind of offense for that matter. And btw, if this team falls below 500., I say we can his azz.

By doc

December 10, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

jhan, amen. bring back j. smash quickly. you will never hear me speak of him in any other manner. no power forward is going by such a delicate name as that one people insist on calling him. no wonder he is soft at times.

richie brave … keep an eye on the j crit. i have long coveted what he has and wanted the hawks to get either him or stuckey instead of acie. it seems if they werent arent going to play acie and instead bring acie along they might have at least gotten j.crit under the same pretenses as he is a better pure shooter than acie will ever be and can play defense as well. keep us informed about his growth if there are any sightings.

mike i guess they dont teach the texas two step at the highlight factory.

By The Truth

December 10, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

Is it time to start talking trade like our Charlotte counterpart?

Replacing Woody at this point in the season would be an excuse for the players to completely lay an egg. The players would go on vacation and get paid for it. An example of this is Toronto. They are on a five game losing streak after firing their coach in the middle of the season. However, adding or replacing a player or two in a trade (as Charlotte have done)may make sense. Sund can deal with Woody at some point after the season. I’ve not given up on the season just yet but we may need to get proactive as other teams have done. Why commit suicide when you see the bullet coming at you.

By Terrell Barron

December 10, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

A fast penetrating pg(Parker) vs. our starting pg + no Acie = another loss for the hometeam. Spurs 97 Hawks 80

By cp

December 10, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Terrell Barron don’t forget to add Ginobili. He is known for his penetration and as we all know we cant stop anybody from getting into the paint. Keep an eye on their rookie guard George Hill. That cat was balling when Parker was hurt. The Spurs are playing some good ball now that their key guys have come back from injury.

By cp

December 10, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

Man what were the Bobcats thinking with that trade? Their front office is terrible.

By Melvin

December 10, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Agreed CP. Comeon, the best they could get for a 20pt scorer is Diaw and Raja Bell. I think Charlotte got the worst of that deal. Geezzz We could have gave them ZaZa and Speedy if they were looking to dump salary…..

By Terrell Barron

December 10, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Steve Kerr and Larr Brown are both idiots. This move does’nt really help either team. wtf? A little better for Phoenix but not by much. At least they got younger more athletic players.

By Sautee

December 10, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Najeh and Terrell

Sorry but I’ll have to disagree. I think the best screener on the team by far is Mike Bibby. By far. It’s one of the “little things” I’ve always admired about his game.

Unfortunately you can’t run a pick and roll with him as the screener because of his lack of size. And even if you ran a pick and pop for him, you’d have a bigger defender switching off onto him.

I have said repeatedly that the Hawks should use Horford and J-Smash (that’s for you doc) on a 4-5 pick and roll from the foul line. Both guys are good passers and we’d likely get a layup, a dunk, or an unguarded three if the wing defenders crashed in for help.

Horford was GREAT feeding Noah at Fla. on that same play.Didn’t we look at tape before we drafted him?

By Melvin

December 10, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Just saw on ESPN Shoot around that Lebron had 7 dunks against Toronto last nite. Which got me to thinking. If JSmoove becomes JSmash (kudo’s Doc), I think he could average at least 4 dunks a game. If he does that, he would avg 20 pts per game…

By Sautee

December 10, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Steve Nash is gonna love Dudley. They will have great chemistry. Both have basketball IQ out the roof. Wait and see, Nash will make Dudley great. Bobcats will miss him more than they know.

But you know the Suns will miss Bell. Great glue guy. Wish we had one like him. Well, actually we do, but he’s in Greece this season.

By Terrell Barron

December 10, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Sautee, how can he be the team’s best screener, when you cant even run a pick and roll with him because of his lack of size? I think I get what your’re trying to say, but I’m not sure? And Dudley, GREAT? Wtf? Nash is a pg, not a miracle worker.

By Sautee

December 10, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Terrell B

The Hawks still screen for one another on the wings, they just don’t try to create off of it. Mostly they are trying to get a smaller defender on Joe. Watch Bibby tonight and see. His screens are the most solid on the squad. Fundamentally sound.

And did you see anything out of Diaw when he was here that remotely resembled his play with Nash? I’ll stick to my statement. Not All-NBA, by any stretch, but folks will say “he’s playing great”.

By reese

December 10, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

Why is hockey on sports south instead of the hawks.

By mykhal c

December 10, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

here’s THE question…regardless of what this team’s record is or how they are performin’ or have performed, has WOODSON EVER done ANYTHIN’ to make you think he’s the least bit smart as a coach???? i dare anyone to name any ‘smart’ bball related move he has constantly shown himself to have a grasp of!!!???? yep…thought so!!!

Problem is, he’s also the best ILLEGAL screener on the team. lol!! on point regardin’ ZAZA!!

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

We Take some VERY UGLY shots…it always looks like nothing its coordinated. No Set Plays. Guys jut gettin the ball and throwin up shots….this is ugly

By igotxx3

December 10, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

hawks need a point guard that can drive. they are taking to many jump shots. I wish law would play up to his potential and drive the ball more. same for bibby he has a nice shoot but they have to drive the ball more.

By preston

December 10, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Looks like more of the same tonight against the spurs….slow start…terrible shot selection……no defense. THE TAXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE CONTINUES…….

By Melvin

December 10, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Another terrible start by the Hawks. Looks like Flip may have the shooting touch tonite. I hope Woody plays the bench for extended mins at least in the 1st half. Let’s see what they can do b/c it looks like the starters have no energy tonite.

By Jeremy

December 10, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Same old Hawks. Let’s please try a new coach.

By E. G.

December 10, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

I think the teams have us figured out. They know our point guard is slow and can drive the ball, they know we only have two outside shooters on the floor and no post up game.

By Melvin

December 10, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

The Hawks look terrible. The team hasn’t shown any sign of life and look as if Woody has given up. He’s a lame duck coach. It’s time for him to go…

By preston

December 10, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Lol….whats the deal with Woody tonight………he has that “kinder, gentler” look about himself tonight.

By Melvin

December 10, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Oh my, thats was a great steal and beatiful alley from Josh to Al…. Hopefully that will be the play to get them going. I notice Pop call a timeout immediately to prevent any attempt for the Hawks to gain momentum…

By Melvin

December 10, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

ACIE Law is putting on a show. Driving, dishing and defending. He’s all over the place. Woody let the young fella play his game…..

By Terrell Barron

December 10, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Acie!Acie1Acie! Woody was just about to pull him when he missed that 3 and he made a great pass to Marvin right after that. Did yall see that? Give the man some more time Woody.

By Sautee

December 10, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Nice minutes by Acie, and actually with the first team. Whenever he gets his jumper going, he’ll give us some nice production. But some good denial of Parker.

By ES

December 10, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Haws are starting to play some defense in this game. I like the hustle of Acie Law especially. Even Flip is starting to play D. I just published some thoughts on the first half.

By E. G.

December 10, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

MELVIN

It is really sad when night in and night out we have to hope that a steal and an alley oop will somehow change the momentum for us in the game. We are hoping for everything else except solid play from the players and smart coaching from the coach. We are in big trouble until we get rid of Woody “AND” maybe find a quick point guard who can get to the basket, or maybe we need to make a trade for a legitimate post up player since we are not using the post up players on our bench.

By Melvin

December 10, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

The Hawks cut the Spurs lead down to 4 and ACIE was playing good. Forcing Pop to call timeout and what does Woody do after the timeout, put Bibby back in the game for ACIE and the Spurs double their lead. My goodness, what is this guy doing….

By cp

December 10, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

When Law is given minutes and allowed to play through his mistakes, he produces. These slow starts are killing us. Does anybody on our team know how to box out? We are giving away too many second chance points. Hopefully Law gets minutes in the second half. Where is Solo?

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson has been looking garbage lately

By E. G.

December 10, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

HEY MELVIN

Woody did the same thing last year (2007)when our second unit, which included ACIE LAW, brought us back from behind and even helped us to go up by ten; I believe the game was against Charlotte. He put the starters back in and we ended up losing the game.

I apologize for being negative, but Woody is going to make sure that we have our share of losing the last two game on the road before we play Charlotte and Cleveland and Boston.

We will lose tonight and then lose to Miami because of Woody’s bad coaching habits.

By Terrell Barron

December 10, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

After watching Acie run around like that, Bibby looks like a senior citizen out there.

By ray

December 10, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Tell me Acie can’t play well with the first team.

Tell me Acie can’t penetrate at will.

Tell me he didn’t do something with quality minutes, when the game mattered.

Tell me he did deny Parker. And then tell me why he was yanked when we whittled the lead down to 5, only to go down by 10 when he left.

I’m just sayin’…give the man 20 minutes a game….please…

By E. G.

December 10, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Mac-Town

JJ looks like garbage because we are not playing our bench, and we have a bad coach who has no clue about what he’s doing. I bet JJ’s legs feel like garbage, but yet he feels like he has to produce because of his salary.

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

Coach Woodson Sucks,Marvin cant dribble, JSmoove isnt so smoove handling the ball he cant dribble either,No Size, Starting Point Guard is slow and Cant Drive, Looks like dudes just get the ball and take shots with no set offense

lol..HOW much longer do we have to “wait until everything gels” we’ve been rebuilding about 300 years…this is horrible to watch

I’d rather watch Solomon Jones and Mario West play hard…and put some of those bench warmers in the game just to see what they can do.

Marvin and Josh’s poor ball handling disgusts me Oh yea..Pachulia is garbage too

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

I Know one thing, we need a shake up roster OR coaching wise..or we are doomed to the same slightly above or below mediocrity

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

I know Joe cant do it all by himself, but the lack of ball control marvin and josh smith have when dribbling and takin the ball to the whole is just sad and unacceptable

By Melvin

December 10, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

As good as Acie had played in the 1st half. Flip is the 1st off the bench in the 2nd half (excluding ZaZa sub for an injury Horford). What the heck is Woody doing? I bet he will put AC back in the game once the Spurs extend the lead to double figures….

By ray

December 10, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Melvin,

That’s what I’m talking about. I know I’m not a coach. Never have been, and never will be.

But damn, isn’t the point of a mismatch or a favorable matchup to ride that mutha until the other team finds a way to stop it?

I could have sworn that smart coaching is about matching the right guys up against the competition and riding it until the other guy comes up with a way to stop or slow you down. You know, one adjustment after another, a game of mental tug of war. A chess match. Why do I feel like one side is playing chess, and the other side is playing f’in dominoes??

By E. G.

December 10, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

RAY

All the teams know that they can score at will when Bibby is in the game because he is too slow on defense and too slow to create his own shot on offense.

The teams that are doing well in our league has quick point guards who can create off the dribble and drive to the basket or pass or pull up and shoot during the process.

If we are playing 500 ball just before the All STAR break, it will be time to get rid of Woody and find a coach who will use ACIE more along with some of our other players who have been riding the bench.

By Mike is back

December 10, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Joe holding the dammm ball while Smoove is got a mismatch in the post. That’s why Smoove is arguing with the ref, he frustrated.  If Joe gives the ball up right away, Smoove don’t have to rush and he can take advantage of the mismatch. No Joe, sets there holds the ball for no apparent reason, and by the time the ball goes into the post, the team has time to recover. So much for post game.

That’s what I’m talking about.  It’s got to be depressing for Al, Smoove, Zaza, and Solo playing in a DULL BORING UNIMAGINATIVE offensive system like Woody’s. Everything is predicating on either  Joe, Bibby, or Flip controlling the flow of the offense.  

Acie is providing energy and electricity of the bench, Woody takes him out the game right before half, to get one of his Vets off the bench and what happen…the Spurs goes back up by ten.  If not for miracle shot from Joe, it probably would have been twelve.  

Last but not lease,  WHY IN THE HELL CAN’T ACIE GET ON THE FLOOR WITH BIBBY!!!!!  When you have a guy that can finish with both hands like Acie, why not match him up with a pure scorer  like Bibby, and two athletic Bigs like Al and Smoove,   that he can penetrate at will. Acie can open the floor up whole team. All Woody has to do is give him the keys. Flip is good coming off the bench, but given him minutes every night without getting Acie minutes is unacceptable.

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

really like what law is doing..he seems to have positive effects everytime he sees decent minutes

By E. G.

December 10, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Mac-Town

Like I’ve been preaching before over and over again, Marvin and Josh Smith lack the fundamentals Josh Childress had when he was here. Josh Childress might not have been athletic, but he surely knew how to use his skills when driving or dribbling to the basket.

Mark my words guys; Josh Smith is going to be a hindrance to the Hawks as long as he is here because he is unteachable. If he isn’t unteachable, we must get rid of Woody for not putting this freelancer in his place.

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

we just cant seem to hit the “clutch” shot to pull us within 5 or 6……I think thats just tough luck though…..and as I’m typin this Acie had a nice feed to flip that put him at the strike

By E. G.

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

Hey guys, I am already looking at the butt whipping we are going to receive when the Cavaliers come to Philipps Arena. I hope this butt-whipping causes management to fire Woody so one of our interim coaches can coach the team.

By Melvin

December 10, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Got Dag it Woody. Why did you take ACIE out of the Game? He was playing great….

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

LOVING HOW WE LOOK WITHOUT MARVIN AND JOSH’S OUT OF CONTROL DRIVES TO THE HOOP/CRAZY SHOTS (STUMBLING TO THE RIM, THROW UP SOME WILD CRAZY SHOT AND PRAYING FOR A FOUL)

By Melvin

December 10, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Woodson will be out coach by Pop again tonite. He took Parker out of the Game at the 7min mark of the 4th. He will be well rested for the clutch moments….

By preston

December 10, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Wow we must all bow down to Woody..he has actually benched Marvin and Jsmoove in the 4th in favor of Flip and Mo….and it is actually working……win or lose, we are witnessing a modern day miracle….Woody definatly gets my props tonight!!!!

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

the play where we got 2 technical fouls on the same possession might have killed our chances tonight, killed the momentum.

I hope these “double digit first quarter deficits FINALLY cut to 3-5 in the fourth..only to fall in the final few minutes back to a 8-10 point lost” games do not become common

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

I’m glad they are benched…..I like this lineup we have in their much more now….

this lineup + more minutes for acie law = better than careless ballhandling/shot selection by marvin and josh

By Harry Hawk

December 10, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

The 2008-09 Atlanta Hawks’ Road Motto:

“Just Good Enough To Lose”

By Steve

December 10, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Just watching the game and Sekou, you got some face time on TV during an inbound in the 4th quarter…hope you’re getting paid for that.

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith is a cancer to the team. The line up in the fourth was doing much better than with him in the game…….Did any one of you guys watching the game catch the cam shot they just got of josh smith looking bitter and PMSing to somebody on the Hawks Bench????? He should have felt better because of how HIS TEAM made a good comeback attempt, but instead he was talking BS while lookin bitter on the sideline, over his minutes I’m willing to bet. He’s a cancer to the team.

By Mike is back

December 10, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Dammmmmmmmmmmmmm. I rest my cast. Even Stevie Wonder knew Joe would get the ball coming out of a time out.  

Can somebody bring back Steve Smith, cause Nique is killing me. The Hawks loose and Nique wants to congratulate Woody on a well coach game,”CMON MANNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

By ray

December 10, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Man, turned into a dogfight towards the end, but we lost anyway. Good rally for the most part, but just not enough, particularly on the boards.

Well, some of y’all wanted Smith the hell out of the game, and out he went. Yeah, you gonna blame this loss on him, too? He had 0 turnovers, despite not shooting well. But he wasn’t any worse from the field than Marvin or Bibby. Go ahead, blame it on him again. It damn sure wasn’t him that got the double technical at a crucial moment, either.

We need to take this loss out on Miami big-time. Don’t sleep on these guys. Wade is a monster, and there are plenty of role players who can hurt you, not just guys like Marion and Beasley.

Enough. We went away from Horford as well, despite the fact that he was able to do some things. I’m frustrated. Going to bed. See ya’ll later.

By Tiger Woo

December 10, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith a cancer to the team? Unteachable? When he was out with an injury, everybody couldn’t wait for him to come back.

OK, so he had one bad game. Don’t over react and say he’s a liability over one game.

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

ray

I toss Marvin and Smith in the same boat. I didn’t see Josh do ANYTHING that had a big impact on the game, but I did see Mike Bibby hit the first of those back to back threes between he and johnson that cut the deficit to like 3 pts.

Josh Smith is overrated, his wild shots and poor decisions that mess up the flow of games by far out number the games where he actually takes over a game. The only time that really happens is when he lucks up and hits one of those 3s he loves to launch up like he’sa good shooter or something.

TRADE SMITH BEFORE PEOPLE REALIZE HOW SORRY HE IS.

He’s overated

By ray

December 10, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

I knew it. Somebody had to blame Smith for all of this, yet we still lose. Gee whiz, such a surprise.

One more thing before I go. Did anybody notice that we got outrebounded 52 to 27??! That’s damn near a 2 to 1 ratio, guys. Now somebody explain that one to me, eh? I’ve got a couple of theories myself, but I want the non-self-styled analyzer types to offer something. Oh wait, they don’t show up for losses….must be a bandwagon thing…always bumpin’ those gums and smugly parading around when we win, skulking away when we lose…and never offering a single original thought in between. Yep. Real fans are here for the wins and the losses. If you are interested in the team improving then you are interested in learning from losses, no? Heh….

By cp

December 10, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

I just don’t know what to say about this team. Mike Woodson aka Mike Knapp is the only coach I know who will go away from whats working. We cant even count Miami as a win because Wade has been beasting lately. Why is Solo not getting any run latly?

By Josh Smildress

December 10, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

Way to go Sekou by getting a little face time on tv tonight. Don’t really see how we can blame Smith for anything tonight except not showing up. He didn’t ruin the game or do any of his normal terrible plays. He had an off night. Hopefully he can learn from this and get better in moving forward. When did we become a fan base who expected to win at either Dallas, San Antonio or Houston? Shouldn’t we be happy that we now expect to win in those games? We played those teams tough and did a good job almost enough to sneak out of each place with a win.

By kwooden1

December 10, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

This was another win-able game, but another lose. I didn’t listen to the first half but what I see from the stat line is our butt being kicked on the boards!!
Listening to the 4th, he just need to get more stops and that didn’t happen. I would have put Marvin in the game earlier and alternated with JS for help at the defensive end. Flip had a great game. After the last few games he was due for a good performance. From the stat line Acie had a good game also. I wish I could have watched the games, because I want to really confirm what I’m hearing. Woody hasn’t changed! Let me be clear I’m not blaming him for all the loses, but I’m also not giving him credit for all the wins. We all see the obvious moves he should be making during the game. I called for the Evans/Marvin substitution about 5 mins before he did it. If Evans was the starter I would have understood him waiting but he’s not! That means Woody!, you think he’s better than Evans, so why don’t you put your better player back in the game!

Overall I see improvement, but they really need a good win to start building some confidence. Nothing hurts your confidence more that losing. I really think this team is better than we think it is, they can hold down the 4th or 5th spot in the East. But they need to get some better chemistry on offense and their coach isn’t going to help them.

As for JS, he’s going to bounce back against Miami.

GO HAWKS!!!

By Tiger Woo

December 10, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Gotta give the Hawks credit for scrapping down the stretch against a good team on the road. Just too much Ginobili down the stretch and Finley hit some clutch shots as well.

Somebody keeps talking about careless ball handling from Marvin ahd Josh. They both had 0 turnovers. ????????

By Terrell Barron

December 10, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

Calm down guys. We’re still 4th in the East at 12-9. But Woody’s definitely on MY hotseat. Better start giving Acie some more min after his performance tonight. He saw what the kid could do if he would let him play thru his mistakes and stop yanking him. And what’s happened to Marvin? He was playing some good basketball for a min there. What happened? Was it because when Smoove came back he went from being the 3rd option, to the 4th or 5th? Come to think of it, he was coming back down to earth before Smoove took the court. Idk? Maybe we’re just being too tough on the guys. Afterall, they’re 4th in the East right now after playing an extremely tough schedule. Maybe they’ll bounce back against Miami?

By AtlFlavor

December 10, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Well 1 win off this trip would be nice. Still have a chance Friday night. That Rucus on the bench Friday still lingers though. Guys need to MAN UP. Get in the game. Play for the TEAM. We are beating ourselves with boneheaded plays. I’m not buying that Mo Evans is a better defender than West. 6 or 7 mins of West in a game on the back end 2 in a row would be energy burst this team needs . Winning solves everything. Get another W and we will be ok.

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

LOL@so he had “1 bad game”

I guess last game didnt count either.

lmao@LEARNING from losses. FORGET THAT. The hawks have been “learning from loses” for about a decade. You have been waiting for these players to “develop” forever. A dude like Josh Smith will be in his 7th or 8th season and you guys will still be like “oh wait, just give him time to develop”

I dont care that much for marvin either, but atleast I can say he has gained a 3 pt shot and has hit some clutch baskets at the end of games this year.

Josh Smith is the same ol Josh Smith.

I guess some of you guys are comfortable with being an average team as long as Josh Smith has some sportscenter highlights.

I say forget a player like Smith and find a guy who will put the team first.

By Tiger Woo

December 10, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Let’s face it - this has been a brutal schedule for the Hawks to start the season - 13 road games out of 21 games - 3 back to back road game sets.

After the Friday game @ Miami, the Hawks will have 8 straight home games - they really need to win at least 5 of those games.

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

lmao I know you guys cant be THAT blind, Josh Smith and Marvin Williams usually have MANY plays a game where they are tryin to get into the paint and they end up throwing up a very wild and ugly shot. If not that they turn it over before they can even get the shot off with out of control drives to the hoop. Thats generally speaking, I dont care about “0” turnovers tonight.

But I guess you guys are right, all we need to do is give them 4 or 5 more years to develop. We’ll be OK. Cant wait to learn from more losses LMAO.

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

People need to stop defending players who take a million years to reach their so called “potential” and worry about real issues, like getting Acie Law more playing time because good things happen when he drives.

By Tiger Woo

December 10, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Yeah Mac-Town,

Josh Smith had a bad game vs. Houston. He didn’t shoot great, but …

13 pts, 11 reb, 4 assists, 3 steals, 5 blocks. Horrible !!

The guy is still working his way back after being out for a good while. Stop all the J-Smoove hate.

By Terrell Barron

December 10, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

Think about this. As of today, we’ve got a better record than Toronto(who added Oneal), Philly(who added Brand), and Detroit(who added AI). So what’s all the fuss about? No way you guys had us ahead of none of those teams at this point. We all knew it would be Boston, Cleveland, and everybody else. Lets just wait and see how the guys respond after we fall to 12-11. Because more than likely, it’s going to happen.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 10, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

If the Hawks were a good team, they would have gone 1-2 on this trip.

A great team would have gone at least 2-1.

Right now the Hawks are the same 37-win 8th seed they were last year. If this keeps up I’ll be owing HB Ando five bucks.

By The Hawksta

December 10, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

Mac-town get off our blog you hater! Josh and Marv will come aroung. We need those guys! This will past and things will turn around. Make sure you post then you hater!

By Mac-Town

December 11, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Sorry, I have not cared for Smith for the longest. I Didn’t care for marvin AT ALL but with his work to incorporate a 3 pt shot I have to give him MUCH credit.

As far as BASKETBALL IQ, Smith IS THE SAME. being out a couple weeks couldnt didnt effect that, and even if it did it wasnt like it was that high beforehand.

I just think we can get more back for him than what he’s worth.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 11, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

“Sorry but I’ll have to disagree. I think the best screener on the team by far is Mike Bibby. By far. It’s one of the “little things” I’ve always admired about his game.”

Yeah you’re right actually… of course I overlooked the point guard when thinking about who the team’s best screeners are. If anything that only goes to show what a poor job the team’s big guys do in setting screens, when they are outclassed by the littlest guy on the floor in that regard.

Whether or not firing Woody will magically help the offense or lead to players laying down like The Truth said, I can’t really predict. But what I do know is whoever makes the final decisions about the offense we run needs to be fired. Whatever the equivalent of firing the offensive coordinator or shifting play-calling duties is in basketball, that needs to happen.

By Mac-Town

December 11, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

How many more YEARS is that going to take?@”The Hawksta”

People like you have been saying that same CRAP for 2-3 years

We need a real big man that can control the paint, Josh Smith is not that.

By The Hawksta

December 11, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

Look BWAF! Are you going to put the half the team in your doghouse? Geez, man this better be the last game you try this sitting JS and Marv thing. Unless you already know you are getting fired! Don’t be stupid and sacrifice your youth for a couple of journeyman vets! Let’s be real here, you trying to embarrass somebody and show em whose boss? If so why didn’t you keep Bibby on the bench in the first half. I remember you sat him for Flip, sit him for Acie to!

By f'n ridiculous

December 11, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

win, lose, and on off days, WOODSON $ucks as a HC…PERIOD!!!

By The Hawksta

December 11, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

You make it seem like Josh is the only problem cuz you expect so much out of him. Believe me, I too expect the same. This guy is in a funk! Not as bad as “AI” in Philly, Deng in ChiTown or Okafor in Charlotte. He’s better than them and get’s less pay. I don’t care about the highlights. I care about the overall developement of the young fellas on the squad period! Woody is going into panick mold again. He’s worried about his job and not playing the young talent.

By Tiger Woo

December 11, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

Mac,

Josh Smith is not a “big man”. Now you expect him to fill our need as a big to control the paint?

Josh had a good season last year and isn’t going anywhere. Forget the nonsense about us getting more back for him than what he’s worth.

By doc

December 11, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

ofer texas once again.

everyone/anyone going to be happy if this team is 13 and 12 after 12/17? good possibility.

ray, there you go hatin again using those facts to point out how we got out-rebounded to an embarrassing degree. front court debilitated due to ankle probs?

By Mac-Town

December 11, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

Horford will be a better pro than J-SLOPPY or Marvin

By Tiger Woo

December 11, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

By Mac-Town

December 10, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Joe Johnson has been looking garbage lately

Why all the negativity? The guy scores 29 pts. on 13-20 shooting with 6 assists. What do you want from the guy?

By Mac-Town

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

Smith will not get anywhere near his so called potential, you guys can disagree with me but thats just how I feel.

I think he’s overated.

You’re right, there are MORE reasons why we’ve been losing, but his basketball IQ and offensive play just disgusts me, I’m sorry.

By Tiger Woo

December 11, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

Mac,

Horford got schooled by Duncan tonight. That’s okay, it’s Josh Smith’s fault, right?

By The Hawksta

December 11, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

I will keep supporting my Hawks, my Falcons, my Thrashers, and my Braves 4 life! Oh yea, and that women basketball team we got too! Well… maybe I’ll just pray for them! lol

By Tiger Woo

December 11, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

Doc,

Let’s see where the Hawks stand after the upcoming 8 game homestand. Then we can measure their progress against a balanced slate of road and home games.

By OJ Sampson

December 11, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this

Mac-Town,

Did Josh Smith shoot your dog or something? Did he blow you off you when you asked for his autograph? Your hatred sounds kinda personal to me.

By Lacsho

December 11, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this

Hmmmm,

Say what you want, but I call this SOW (Same old Woody). Why take Acie out when he’s clearly out playing every guard in the game. Call me a hater, but your boy Woody is the true hater. He hates to develop young talent. Now, should one really ponder why flip and mo are NBA journeymen? You tell me why they can’t stay on one team more than two years.

Right now we are missing Childress.

I learned as I’ve gotten older. You get what you pay for

When is someone going to call JJ out? JJ takes horrible shots and his defense has been suspect (grant it he has to guard the other teams pg 80% of the time) Furthermore, I think he leads the team in turnovers.

I’ll ask the question again. what’s the difference between Salim and Bibby? (Rhetorical question) 15 mill, however Salim plays better defense. If you would’ve given Salim the same amount of playing time, I guarantee that you’ll get the same results. Moreover, give Acie the minutes, and you’ll get better results.

Ray

It was good talking to you.

To My Fantasy Family

I think you better recognize (lol)

Peace from Jerzee

By OJ Sampson

December 11, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

Salim? Compared to Bibby? Is Salim even in the league right now? Not a good comparison.

By I HATE WOODY

December 11, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this

F*CK another loss…i really want to fire woody right now. i don’t think it’s our players fault why we’re losing right now. IF YOU TALK ABOUT TALENT WE HAVE PLENTY OF IT! its the damn coach’s fault why this is happening to our team.

FACTS ABOUT WOODY:

VERY POOR COMMUNICATION to his players. that’s why NONE OF THEM RESPECTS HIM. most of the time joe acts like the coach of this team not woody. (laurence frank and adelman, sam mitchell who i personally think are good examples of coaches with good communication skills) HE DOESN’T KNOW ANY OFFENSIVE GAME ASIDE FROM ISO JOE. IF HE DOESN”T HAVE JOE IN THAT TEAM HE”LL LOOKED MORE STUPID. HE ALSO MAKES LOUSY SUBSTITUTIONS (substitutes players at a wrong time…he sits them when their hot and play them even if ice cold). HE DOESN”T TRUST HIS BENCH.

By Harry Hawk

December 11, 2008 3:05 AM | Link to this

Chauncey Billups says he’s never seen anything like ‘Melo’s 33-point fourth quarter against the T’Wolves last night. I guess he doesn’t remember this:

Per Wikipedia (haha):

“In the (2007) Eastern Conference Finals, James led the Cavaliers from an 0–2 deficit against the Detroit Pistons to win the series in six games. His performance in Game 5 was especially memorable. James recorded a franchise-record 48 points on 54.5% field goal shooting, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. In addition, James scored 29 of Cleveland’s last 30 points, including the team’s final 25 points in a double-overtime victory. NBA analyst Marv Albert referred to James’s performance as “one of the greatest moments in postseason history,” while color commentator Steve Kerr called it “Jordan-esque.”

How quickly Chauncey forgets…

By reese

December 11, 2008 3:29 AM | Link to this

The spurs vs hawks game put be to sleep. Now I’m awake and just finished watching from the dvr. 35 points in the first half of basketball and 55 points after 3 quarters. This is poor offensive execution.

After watching this game, the thoughts that come to mind are the following quotes from players/coaches.

1)we score enough points to win.

2)We have to play better defense.

3)We have to control the tempo of the game.

4) we have to play hawks basketball.

5)we committed to many turnovers.

6)You can’t win games when you commit a lot of turnovers.

7)We’re shooting too many 3pt shots.

8)We’re not stopping fast point guards from penetrating.

9)The bench is not playing well.

10)We’re not communicating as team.

11)We’re playing out of control.

12)We have players hurt.

13)We didn’t shoot enough free throws.

14)We’re relying to much on our outside shooting.

Why do these things come to mind. These are the excuses we’re making after we lose a game.

The reality is that every team that won last night scored more that 100 points except San Antonio. Both Houston and San Antonio had more turnovers than the hawks. Yet, they played on and understood that turnovers are part of the game.

What is hawks basketball? Hasn’t our 3 point shooting brought us back in these last few games. Lets understand that this is part of hawks basketball and stop criticizing players who take the shot.

When we’ve stopped point guards like parker from penetrating, teams found other ways to score. A lot of these teams use outside 3pt scoring as a way to beat the hawks.

A lot of teams had injuries to start the season and used bench players in their rotations. Now that the injured players are coming back, the bench players are still in the rotation. What has happened to Solo’s minutes since Josh has returned.

How many times do we have to watch Woodson slow the tempo of the game and equate that to playing good defense. He prepares us by saying that it may be sloppy but he doesn’t care as long as it get us a win. Well tonight was slowly paced for 3 quarters and we didn’t get the win. Didn’t the fast paced 4th quarter cut the lead down to 3 points.

What’s my point? We are making too many excuses. We were winning while playing an uptempo pace, playing the bench more minutes, playing starters fewer minutes, playing more bench players, playing against quick point guards, embracing the 3point shot, playing confidently against all opponents, committing unforced turnovers, not letting our mistakes stop us from playing the next play even harder, playing exciting basketball, player with more intensity and scoring over 100 points.

If I was a leader on this team, I would remind players and coaches of these positive facts.

By the way, what hawks player is capable of scoring 33 points in 1 quarter. Joe, Bibby and Josh Smith are the players that I think have the mentality to take enough shots and play the amount of minutes it would take.

By Sekou K. Smith

December 11, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

NEW BLOG UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By O'brien

December 11, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

One interesting comment was made last night on the Post Game show. One of the guys made the comment that the Hawks seemed to play better (in the 4th quarter) when they are left to play freely, with no offensive plays being called. I think that is an indication that Woddy’s offensive plays (whatever they are) are not working.

By Can't stand to watch

December 11, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Now that’s more like the Hawks team we all know and love. The lifeless, pathetic, lottery team that plays with no heart! Congratulations Hawks on totally going from relevant in this city to who cares again. I guess we can start looking ahead at the lottery to see who may be available. We need a big man. Horford is way too small and it is showing. We also need someone who can play defense. We also need someone who can hit shots (and free throws) on a consistent basis. Dare, I guess we need more than I thought. We really do suck! Does it ever get better??

By Kenneth Boswell

December 11, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Once again, coaching lost this game. With the Hawks down by two, Woody leaves his best post defender on the bench to make teach him a lesson. Josh would have made Ginobli think twice about driving to the basket. The Hawks had no post help defense in the game at the most crucial time because they were in the coaches doghouse. I think its ok to teach your best players a lesson but do it early and not when the game is on the line. The Hawks made a huge mistake in keeping Woodson. He knows nothing about managing and developing young talent. He is set in his ways and fails to bring out the best in his players. Why is management doing to improve this team, or as usual, are they satisfied with being mediocrity. The serious teams are always trying to improve while those satisfied with the status quo make excuses!

By ricknole

December 11, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

Can we now start the “Fire Mike Woodson” blog???