Hawks

By richbrave

December 17, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

You can’t make this up. The CELTICS know who the real competition is. They’re feelin’ the heat. GO HAWKS.

By hawksfaninmassland

December 17, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

I can’t wait for this game. Makes me wish I still lived in the ATL, so I could be there in person. Instead, I think I’ll go to a bar down by the Garden decked out in my Smoove jersey and taunt the Celts fans as the Hawks roll.

By clint

December 17, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Time to see what we have. It will be a great measuring stick, and many “in the know” about the league will acutally be watching our Hawks.

I’m still hoping for a Solo sighting tonight because we are gonna need some bench help. Our starters carried us against the bobcats. Flip needs to knock down some open jumpers and Mo needs to drive since his shot has left him for the present time.

Luda at halftime. the place should be jumpin

By MannyT

December 17, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

It’s only one game, but it is our moment in the spotlight.

ESPN will be there.

Ludacris will be there. ASG steps up the halftime entertainment.

Our only regular season national broadcast.

They give us no respect.

Tonight, we need to take it to the Celtics like they stole something from your mama.

Fans—gear up, Paint up like richbrave, bring whatever you need to make sure that when we get to the end of this game, they all can say…Now You Know

We need to show from the BWAF to RandMo!

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

December 17, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Very few times have I been so excited that I could hardly work!! This game tonight will be at a fever pitch. I was blessed to be at the three games in last year’s playoff run and I told people that I have never been in a place like that. If you lit a match the top would have blown off that arena. I saw Boston fans go from cocky, to confident, to worried, to dejected, to gone!! I looked around and we were the only ones there waving towles and losing voices. It was Magic!! Time for THE BIG PAYBACK!!! Yes sir!

By Mike is back

December 17, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Sekou, Great prelude to what should be a terrific game tonight. I have been gleaming with pride every time they display, “HAWKS END CAVS STREAK!!!!!!!” on ESPN. Not because I called it, but because they did it. I think the Hawks are poise to end another streak tonight. They will have to go a lot harder to knot off the Champs. One thing for sure, they will be ready play!!!!!!!!!!!.  

And, dare I say it…they even mention Woody name as one of the candidate for coach of the year on ESPN last night.  Let’s go Woody…get’em out blocks fast, ”IT”S TIME TO TAKE FLIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”  

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

By G Money

December 17, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

My first comments of the season although I’ve been following since preseason. Couldn’t restrain myself - giddy with anticipation of another great game. The hype is almost unbearable. I just hope that our Hawks recall how they played the first 5 games of the season - great team defense, quick ball movement around the perimeter, and playing for each other instead of for each individual.

I also hope Woody remembers how to call time out if Boston starts to make a run or if we somehow start to lose our composure a little.

We all know that the game is going to be a great measuring stick. Hope we measure up!

By Mike is back

December 17, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Also Woody, if you could find a way to get the kid Morris a chance for redemption tonight, please do. They did a special on ESPN about the way KG is intimidating these young guys and taking them out of their game. Maybe this kid can exorcise some ghost tonight, and get his game back. Heh heh

By Mychelfromatl

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

Yesssiirrrrr!!!!! I can’t wait!!!

LET GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

By jj

December 17, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

I really hope that Woody plays AC and Solo tonite because I think if he continue to sit them we will lose them as we lost Salim.The way that Rondo have been playing I think that AC with his speed will help keep him out the paint on offence and AC can get in the paint on dribble penitration and allow the bigs to get easy baskets and Solo with his shot blocking and mobility could frustrate mister G..I don’t think we can beat Boston by our iso Joe offence tonite.I hope Woody let’s them RUN and have some FUN.GO HAWKS….

By happyhawk

December 17, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

JJ

i don’t think it will be a good decision to put ac/ solo in the game for a long time against boston. i don’t think they’re ready. if we’re planning to use them for today’s game woody should’ve gave them more PT 2-3 games prior to this upcoming game. its like a work out you need to do some warm ups first before you do the lifting. i don’t think they’re ready to step up why? not enough confidence because of short PT. if they did stepped up i’d be really surprised and happy. but i know we can beat those COCKY celts. GO HAWKS!

By The Hawksta

December 17, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Yeah, this one is an instant classic before it tips off. Thinking about just hangin around early to get the whole tailgating vibe going. Don’t want to be tipsy to soon though. It’s gonna be a good night Hawkamaniacs!

By Sautee

December 17, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Since the AJC seems unable to fix it……

Try this link to the Hawks Hacks site:

[http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-hawks-blog/2008/12/12/time-to-start-talkin-hawks/]

By Marcus

December 17, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Go Hawks! I just hope the team keeps it in perspective: this is 1 out of 82 games, not a playoff series. Don’t swing too far one way or the other emotionally. Would be nice if some Falcons players rolled into the joint. I wouldn’t call this a rivalry. Rivalries are borne when championships are on the line. Now, if we face them again in the playoffs and it goes either way, THEN I would chalk this one up as a rivalry (kinda like DET/BOS in mid-80s, DET/CHI in late 80s, IND/NYK in mid 90s) Right now, this seems to be good competition for this particular era of Celtics and Hawks.

By Dan

December 17, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Josh Smith is the key to this game. He’s fired up, he missed the first game and he wants these guys really badly and that’ s dangerous for both teams. If he channels that positively and lets the game come to him and plays within the team concept Boston ain’t coming into our house and winning. If Josh is too hyped and tries to do too much then things ought to be interesting.

FLY HIGH ATLANTA HAWKS!

By Sautee

December 17, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

I’ll try again, since it got cut off the first try:

[http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-hawks-blog/2008/12/12/time-to-start-talkin-hawks/]

By Traceman

December 17, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Solo? Acie? Morris? Why would ANY of those guys’ names be prominent in a discussion about tonight’s game? This is big boy basketball and go time! No time to be worrying about getting minutes for guys who are at the bottom of the rotation. You think BOS fans are up there saying that Doc needs to find minutes for Gabe Pruitt, Brian Scalabrine or Bill Walker tonight?

The only reserves I hope to see tonight (at least early) are Mo, Zaza, Flip and MAYBE Acie. If we see Solo early, that means that Al, Smoove or Zaza is in foul trouble and that certainly won’t be good. If we see Morris early, things have REALLY gone south.

What I want to see is the Big 5 step up and play hard and SMART from the tip. I am really concerned that Smoove, Marv and Al might be too hyped early and that could cause them to make mistakes that the veteran Celts will capitalize on. If we can be close or preferably ahead after the first quarter, I love our chances.

By Melvin

December 17, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

ATL. This is where we fight. This is where Boston’s streak ends. Down goes the Champs.

Let’s go HAWKS…

By Sautee

December 17, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

OK, I guess the link is too long or something. I’ll keep trying. First I’ll send it as a hyperlink: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-hawks-blog/2008/12/12/time-to-start-talkin-hawks/

For those who wish to cut and paste it, here you go:

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-hawks-blog/2008/12/12/

time-to-start-talkin-hawks

Hope this works.

peace

By BrittishAnger

December 17, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

To bring a video game into the fray, Yoshimitsu’s ending in Tekken 5 peaks with Bryan Fury exploding and Yoshi’ saying “Retribution”…..tonight is retribution….let’s get live!!!! GO HAWKS!!!

By doc

December 17, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

hhmmmm 17 of 20 posts by different people . you all must be the ones that represent the 8 or 9 that do all the posting here. yeah right.

go hawks!

looking forward to a W tonight. gots to get my pretzel fast to see ludicrous i guess? spoiling my time with my bros. see you guys there.

By doc

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

hhmmmm 17 of 20 posts by different people . you all must be the ones that represent the 8 or 9 that do all the posting here. yeah right.

go hawks!

looking forward to a W tonight. gots to get my pretzel fast to see ludicrous i guess? spoiling my time with my bros. see you guys there.

By doc

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

hhmmmm 17 of 20 posts by different people . you all must be the ones that represent the 8 or 9 that do all the posting here. yeah right.

go hawks!

looking forward to a W tonight. gots to get my pretzel fast to see ludicrous i guess? spoiling my time with my bros. see you guys there.

By one66soul

December 17, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Please Josh Smith, No Jump Shots longer than 12-15 feet. Dominate the Post Brother.

By mike

December 17, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Attention all Hawks fans: we all know that the bandwagon fans in their Garnett and Bird jerseys will be in the stands.. GIVE THEM LIVING HELL.. I AM! Lets make our homecourt a nasty place to play.

By Jason

December 17, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

I’m going to the game tonight and I am so PSYCHED.

LET’S GO HAWKS!

By Sautee

December 17, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Traceman

You think BOS fans are up there saying that Doc needs to find minutes for Gabe Pruitt, Brian Scalabrine or Bill Walker tonight?

No, I don’t BUT……take Solo… for comparison you should be talking about the C’s not playing one of either Powe or Big Baby - the first two bigs off their bench.

Right now we have only a 3 man rotation with our bigs and they use 4 or more. Now who does that give an advantage to in the 4th quarter?

Wouldn’t you rather have Horford and Smith be as fresh in the 4th as Garnett and Perkins?

And Pruitt, Scalabrine and Walker actually equate more with Gardner, Hunter, and Mario from our bench. All guys who only see garbage minutes.

By Sautee

December 17, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

so doc, are you sending multiple posts to try an prove kirk’s point? ;-)

By Ryder

December 17, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Hey everyone!

I was watching Skip Bayless and Jamal Anderson on ESPN First Take talk about some of the teams that could challenge Boston, and they came up with a great point about the Hawks. If you noticed, they have not been blown out all year long. Many of their losses have been close in the fourth quarter and unlike many of the other preseason “contenders” (Philly, Toronto, etc.) Atlanta is one of the few teams that the guys mentioned as being on the rise.

Tonight is more than just an opportunity to step their game up before a national audience, but a win here will raise their confidence to another level, the likes of which we haven’t seen since ‘94.

The Celtics have mentioned that tonight is important for them to get out and attack Atlanta, even with Paul Pierce hurt.

It was nice for the ESPN crew to call Joe Johnson “the most underrated superstar in the NBA” let’s hope he lives up to that mantra tonight.

GAME ON!

By G Money

December 17, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Why the comment doc? I posted most of last year and some of the year before. After awhile the futility of the situation is rather consuming. Additionally, there are but so many ways one can say the same thing.

Have been following you and the rest of the guys for pretty much the entire season. Posting is addicting if you’re a true fan. I’m trying to lay off due to other responsibilities.

However, having been to the Cleveland game, I just can’t keep it to myself any more. This team is good, really good regardless of what goes down tonight.

By WH

December 17, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Hawks win this game, maybe we can get more primetime national coverage. Winning breeds respect and sell-out arenas. It’s in the Hawks hand to be a real contender.

I hope Josh plays some great defense and be a monster on the board. If he’s not turning the ball over or shooting to many wild shots we’ll be OK. Everybody should step-up their game.

GO Hawks.

By ray

December 17, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

BA,

No, Ando wasn’t joking. We really are the new Hawks Hacks. Come on over (if you can find the site, technical difficulties are being experienced at the moment) and do your thing.

Again, your comments on Woody are very well thought out. So much better than just shouting out that he should be coach of the year (when we have yet to reach half the season, no less). I’m not sold sight unseen on him, but he’s clearly better than he has been in the past. One would hope so, as 4-5 years should be enough time to improve. But that begs the question, is he any more improved than anybody else would be at this stage, or are we praising him for doing the average? After all, much of the same comparison could be made on the player level. For those who have come into the league (and the team) 4-5 years ago, the standard seems stiff, does it not? Or is it where it should be? For instance, complaining about the skill levels and performances of guys like Josh and Marvin, all you hear is “they should be better than this after 4 or 5 years in the league. They’ve improved, but not exponentially so.”

Can’t cut Woody any more slack as a coach, right? Having asked that rhetorical question, I’ll say that I always saw him as a guy with class. I think he’s better, but only time will tell if he’s so much better than he seemed. I recall Scott Skiles taking the Bulls to 49 victories one year, only to fall flat right afterwards. Anyway, there are a number of ways to look at this, and while I am not thinking COY for Woody, I don’t see unemployment line for him, either.

Doc,

Thanks for the kind words. You know we love ya. Looking forward to a continuance of your contributions. Get ready for some twists we intend to put on things. A little good cop, bad cop (or should I say “good citizen, bad official?”). Ehhh, I never was much of a concrete Nazi by pure definition, though several recipients of a Uniform Traffic Citation or a free trip to the gray bar motel would probably beg to differ…

Najeh,

You are just so wrong for that, LOL!

I can’t wait to see this game tonight. Simply cannot wait. Gonna have to, though.

By ray

December 17, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

LOL at Sautee….

By Mychelfromatl

December 17, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

In the words of Ice Cube: Today is a good day!!! Its warm outside, the sun is coming out, everyone around the city is hyped, The Hawks Will Win!!!!!!

Let’s Give The Celtic’s Fans Hell!

By e-dubble

December 17, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Man i was at game 4 with my son and we still get a high when j.j. Was shaking ray ray left and right. Mo and FLip has made us forget J. Chill but this was the time Chill stepped up someone off the bench has to step up tonite to bring the series 5 to 4. As akeem would say, “In The Face”….go hawks

By oldmike

December 17, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

well someone earlier noted that no respect for Hawks on ESPN. They don’t show any highlights on Sports Center. Show Kings and other garbage teams. No 15-9 Hawks however. Don’t get it. But, since they are playing Celtics tonite for sure they will make first or second lead story tomorrow. Should be great game. They need to run-run-run.

By HB Ando

December 17, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Well our Hacks blog still hasn’t found a consistent home, but, right now, we’re linkable under Sekou’s article about the Hawks-Celtics round 9. Still hoping to slide next to the other fan blogs, on the main sports page, and below Sekou’s beat blog, on the Hawks’ main page. But you know what they say about beggars…..

By Bertie

December 17, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

My keys to the game are: (1) not let Rondo have a big game (I think JJ has to guard him and put Bibby on Allen) and (2) final box score shows JJ with 6+ assists meaning there was good ball movement and “ISO JOE” stayed in the locker room. Finally a game on national TV. Go Hawks!

By Sekou K. Smith

December 17, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Anyone that quotes Ice Cube is a friend of this blog.

And I didn’t think the hype of this game would be this crazy, but it is. People from all over the place have let me know that they’ll be tuned into this thing.

The Celtics didn’t shootaround at Philips Arena today, so we didn’t get a chance to see Pierce (and examine his walk to see if he was limping or anything). I’ve heard nothing new about his status for tonight, so I’m expecting him to play unless something changes between now and tip off (that’s a long time so anything could pop up before then).

But I’ll be updating his status as soon as I hear something.

By Alex

December 17, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

They are showing game 6 of the 88 semis against the Celtics. This is being seen as a pretty big deal around the league tonight and I think the Hawks will show the Celtics there is another beast in the East!!!

By Traceman

December 17, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Sautee

“Wouldn’t you rather have Horford and Smith be as fresh in the 4th as Garnett and Perkins?”

Al is only playing 32.5 mpg and Smoove is only playing 32.3 mpg. I don’t think that is too many minutes for either of them. Are you suggesting that they need to play less than that?

Perkins only plays 28.2 mpg but KG plays 33.1 mpg which is more than either of our guys play despite the fact that both guys are 10 years younger than he is. When KG was their age, he played 40 mpg.

As for bench minutes, Zaza and Solo combine for 33.6 mpg while Big Baby and Powe combine for 32.4 mpg. Our backup bigs actually play MORE than Boston’s.

We have 3 guys playing 19 minutes or more off the bench (Mo, Flip and Zaza). Tony Allen is the only guy who plays 19 minutes or more off the Celtics bench.

We have basically an 8 man rotation with guys who pretty much KNOW they are going to play every night. Boston uses a 9 man rotation. Solo and Acie are USUALLY going to play but they won’t always. Mario and Morris usually won’t play. Hunter and Gardner are not even on the active roster now that Smoove and Al are healthy.

Bottom line, Woody uses a shorter rotation but our frontcourt starters don’t play a huge amount of minutes and as long as Woody manages the minutes as he has been, both Al and Smoove should be plenty fresh enough in the 4th.

By Boston

December 17, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Sounds like this the playoffs down there? Atl will never make it past the first round with Bibby at point, watch Rondo abuse him tonight….C’s by 6

By nelo

December 17, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Just a Celtic fan checking out what the people of Atlanta are talking, and I was right, the Celtics. You guys were game in the playoffs and the first game this year, but sorry to say it was the same result, a loss. Tonight does not erase that game 7 massacre last year. At least you guys got a chance to say that you were eliminated by the champs. This game means a whole lot more to you guys than us, trust me. Good luck though, ya gonna need it.

By Sautee

December 17, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Traceman

Excellent breakdown, and I’ll concede your point, though combining Zaza’s minutes with Solo’s is somewhat deceiving given the little time Solo has had lately. Which was my point.

Also, Josh’s and Al’s minutes per game is a little skewed by their injuries. Barring further injury, you’d have to guess that number will be much higher come, say, February.

Still, you make a good point. And used good data to show it. Well done.

By Jimbo

December 17, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Man, I hate the Celts and look forward to our Hawks DISMANTLING them tonight. Hawks by 10 tonight, led by Joe Johnson’s 40 points.

GO HAWKS!!!

By G Money

December 17, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

In order for the Hawks to win tonight, Marvin is going to have to come up big and hit the outside shot. If they have to respect him then that will open things up for everyone else and make the offense go. Flip/Mo has got to show up tonight as well.

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

December 17, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Hey Nelo

Just one thing, I would be worried if my team didn’t respect EVERY opponent we faced. This game means a lot more to you guys than it does to us That’s the first sign of the fall coming. You guys NEED to worry, the first time this season we didn’t have J. Smith, but he will be waiting for ya’ll down in the paint tonight.

By I MUS WRITE

December 17, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Bertie-I could’nt agree with you more…. I dont want to see Bibby on Rondo period,It has to be a combination of Joe and Acie hounding him on D and making him work on Offense.

This guy cant go crazy like its june all over again. The bench needs to play well for us to have any kind of chance. this is the perfect time to give Solo sum burn…. We need his length on the boards and defending KG.

ESPN ….. I been waiting on this……All my life LOL Finally sum dam national exposure. I feel like a proud papa watching his kid going off to school for the first time.

Heineken on ice- wings on deck lets kick sum azz boiz MUS

By Joe

December 17, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

You Hawk fans will be depressed after the game when you realize you ain’t arrived with the big Boys yet!!!! The Celtics right now are a better team than in the playoffs last season. Your going down Baby!!!!

By Joe

December 17, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Your a Dreamer!!!

By doc

December 17, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

still looking for that 7 or 8 on here that dominate.

no sautee, i came up with the dreaded message that it didnt go through.

you know me, just the playful one.

By The Hawksta

December 17, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

I was wonderin when the Celtic fans would hit this blog. So the games dosn’t mean much right. Ok, when we stop that win streak you going to wish this game was played in Beantown baby! I’d love to see the results of ESPNs ratings for this one too! It’ll prove we need to be on Nat’l tv more!

By Astro Joe

December 17, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

I plan to make a Lorenzen Wright-inspired amount of popcorn for tonight’s game. If Horford and Smith can stay healthy and out of foul trouble, I think that we may pull off the big upset. But we MUST have those 2 on the floor for a combined 72+ minutes to “shock the world”.

By blast

December 17, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Hawks bigs, Al, Josh and Zaza must stay out of foul trouble, especially in the first quarter. We know how the refs like to give Boston every real and imaginary call early on, so lets watch out for that.

Per Ajc.com survey, 80% of Hawks fans believe they can beat Boston tonight. Incredible. I happened to vote YES too.

HB Ando and Big Ray’s Hack is now on Ajc.com home page. You can link directly from there.

Cannot for wait for 7pm EST. The Hawks need to bring their A game like they do when they face Boston, save for those three playoff games last summer. They bring their A game, with the sellout Philips crowd providing them with manic energy, they will win this game.

Boston fans must be worried for them to be popping up here making disparaging comments. Get the hell off our blog, you slackers!

By Blast

December 17, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Hawkster ratings gonna be through the charts, if we can go by the last game between these two teams. ESPN is gonna be counting $$$$ all the way to the bank with a big sh!t eating grin on their faces. Maybe it’ll make them feature our team more on national tv.

In fact, I dare to go on a limb. And that is, this will be the most watched basketball game in ESPN this season.

By Ken Strickland

December 17, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

I recall how after the 1st confrontation with the Celtics this season, they discounted the possiblity of a rivalry existing between the two teams. I would like to see us win to show them we don’t need a rivalry to kick their arrogant butts.

NAJEH DAVENPOOP-I will not back down from my assessment of Woodson no matter how many gms we win. The fact we backed into last yrs playoffs is a testament to the resolve of the players, not his coaching. His rigid, heavy handed way of coaching, and dealing with young players, will likely cause us to lose Solo, Acie, Zaza and Morris when they become FA’s, like we lost Salim.

Exactly what has Woodson done, or what is he doing, that would encourage JJ to turn down the many high dollar FA offers we all know he’ll get, to resign with the Hawks? The same goes for Horford and Marvin. With his system, a player either gets excessive mins, or limited mins.

Common sense tells us a veteran like Zaza demands more salary than a player like Solo. We might be able to resign Solo for what we’re now paying Zaza, if he got more mins, opportunity and less of Woodson’s crap. I honestly think we can get more overall out of Acie than we’re getting out of FMurray, and for less money. Those should be major considerations for a cash strapped organization like the SAASG. Who is their right mind wouldn’t embrace the possibility of getting more for less.

By richbrave

December 17, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

TICK,tick,tick. THREE HOURS and counting.!!!! Is the game on NATIONAL T.V.?

HAWKSTA:

CELTICS fans are as clueless as the METS trolls on DOB’s blog. Ask them where they were two years ago before the KG trade….dammed sponge rats. We’ll sqee-gee the floor with them. U-u-u-h-r-a-a-ah-h-h brothers.!!!! To steal a FALCONS blog fav, ONE HEARTBEAT.!!!!

By richbrave

December 17, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Hey SEKOU:

Shall I have my bag-man GUIDO take PIERCE for a short ride and make sure to re-introduce that ankle problem he’s had.

By doc

December 17, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

home grown, look for a hawks hat on backwards. my daughter wants a shirt so we will probably stop by the store on the way in. i also wont have on blue and sed face paint.

cant get to the hack site on my computer yet.

By darrell starks

December 17, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

IM ON MY WAY PLEASE SHOW UP EARLY TO THE GAME DONT COME TO THE GAME AT HALF TIME TALKING ABOUT WHAT HAPPEN.GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By ray

December 17, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Celtics Fans,

We at least respect your ballclub. You are the champs until somebody knocks you off the throne. But let’s keep it real on a few things:

1. You trashed us in game 7 of the playoffs last season. But the simple fact is, a 37-win team that backed into the playoffs took you to 7 games.

2. You say this team is better than last year’s. I would hope so, having more time to gel. But so is our team. But don’t get overly caught up in how many games you are winning now, or what your win streak looks like. The Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns can tell you what 50 and 60 win seasons mean in the playoffs. And ask Cleveland how it feels to have your win streak snapped in mid-stride….

3. You may be one of the “big boys” but you’re not a dynasty. You have to win several championships in a row to do that. You went from worse than us (and trying to hang your own coach) to a sudden addition of two mega-stars and a handful of some of the best bench/role players you could have in PJ Brown, James Posey, and Sam Cassell.

4. Cassell, Brown, and Posey are no longer there. Posey was a huge part of what you did last year. So was Cassell (particularly against us). Sorry, but Patrick O’Bryant and Dikembe Mutombo just aren’t good collateral for that loss.

5. Admit it. You DO NOT WANT TO FACE US AGAIN, let alone in the first round. We make you work too hard. And this year, we’ve learned how to win more on the road. Comin’ at ya, champs…and lose or win, we’re not going to stop comin’ at ya…

6. Zaza Pachulia has been taking head-butting lessons from Ferdinand the Bull. Tell KG to get fitted for a face mask while he can…

7. So this game means so little to you? Then why are you HERE on OUR blog, checking things out? Don’t answer that, on the grounds that you may incriminate yourselves beyond repair.

By richbrave

December 17, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

doc:

Me either. Been lookin’ and lookin’.

By HB Ando

December 17, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Just heard from the AJC that the Hacks blog will be properly located, with the other fan blogs and under SS’s blogs on the Hawks page, by the end of the week.

It’s a new platform, so they’re working out the integration.

Thanks to everyone for continuing to seek ways in for comments. Love to see lots of chatter before, during and after tonight’s celtics-hawks collision!

By Melvin

December 17, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Okay Celtics fans, yall are the 07-08 champs. But this is a new season and what you did last doesn’t impress or intimidate us. You made history and have your rings to show for it. Now, this is a new season and we don’t care about previous games. You will findout how serious these Hawks are come 7pm tonite. Tell Paul to strap the bum ankle up and bring it on the court. We don’t want any excuses out of yall after this whipping tonite. ATL stand up. We will Protect this House…… Go Hawks.

By hawkfan

December 17, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

This goes to the celtics fans: You better watch out, you better not cry, you’re going to find out who’s naughty or nice, Atlanta Hawks is coming to tow

You better watch out You better not cry Better not pout I’m telling you why Atlanta Hawks is coming to town They’re making a end-streak list And checking it twice; Gonna find out Who’s naughty and nice Atlanta Hawks is going to shut your town They see you when you’re being cocky They know when you’re worried They know this is a playoff atmosphere game So be good for goodness sake! O! You better watch out! You better not cry Better not pout I’m telling you why Atlanta Hawks is coming to town Atlanta Hawks is going to shut your town

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

December 17, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

* doc*

I learned from Sautee that’s how you spell it. I will be there with my playoff hat from last year and i will see at halftime by portal #5. I will be the one with no voice!! I want to win this game for some many reasons, but I am happy just to go to a game in my city with so much hype and anticipation. On my way down to the area. Once again it’s on!!!! Yes sir!!

By terrell barron

December 17, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Manny, I would’nt say that the ASG is steppin up the entertainment. It’s more like, Ludacris is trying to promote his new album.

By big dave

December 17, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

PTI’s Tony Kornheiser calls this a, ” be careful what you wish for game”, comparing it to when steelers db Anthony Smith guaranteeing beating the undefeated pats last year. he is clearly NE biased even still considers the nfc east footballs best division. Wilbon had us to win though.. GO HAWKS!! will be watching.. yall that attend show some spirit out there, cheer for subs, heckle the free throw shooter, put some hawks gear over those prada hoodies…

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

By big dave

December 17, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

1 more thing.. lets see how many times paul p. flops when driving to the lane.. sure he is a high iq player however, his calls relative to joes i cant fathom…

By Sautee

December 17, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

richbrave

Go to the main Ajc sports page and click on Hawks. Then look for Fan blog just under “Hawks-Celtics Part Nine.”

doc already left for Phillips so maybe he’ll find this post when he gets home.

Lemme know if you don’t find it.

peace

By cp

December 17, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Im ready for this game. It’s a few keys for tonights game to get a victory. Josh Smith has to play under control… Bibby and Joe have to have their jumpers working early…. Marvin has to have a solid game… He has been struggling lately and we will need him tonight…. And the bench has to make some type of contribution… Evans jumper has been off lately. Flip has been struggling and Pachulia is Pachulia… Might be wise to get Law some minutes to see if he can slow down Rondo who has been playing great lately.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

December 17, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Alright every Hawk fan, get ready for a lesson in how to flop and travel and get away with it all game. That’s what you get when you play the Boston Celtics. I seriously hope Sam Cassell doesn’t get into the game cause that’s all he does and if Pierce plays watch that fast break-charge to the hole-post-spin move to the basket - FOUR steps every time. Then just when you get tired of all that it will time for KG to start yelling and cursing like a mad man on Rittalin.

I hope the Hawks bust y’all azz tonight!”

GO HAWKS

By Sekou K. Smith

December 17, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Pierce is a definite go for tonight. He didn’t even walk in with a limp.

This building is electric from the hallways surrounding the court to the concourse where the fans are just now starting to file in.

I hope this game lives up to all this hype, because it’s been off the charts.

By The Hawksta

December 17, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Sekou I’m starting to feel that nervous anticipation I felt game one at Phillips in the playoffs last year! Gonna check out the Globe and see what they got cookin

By mountain_jim

December 17, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

I finally get to see a televised Hawks game without being extorted by blacked-out sports south games here in Asheville!

By Hawks Fan In New Orleans

December 17, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

I’m buzzin over Bill Walton pickin the Hawks to win! Let’s go!!!

By mississippi

December 17, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

The hawks didn’t shot well at all in the first quarter but they are right there. they did rebound well, especially on the offensive end and played solid defense. All of the starters have gotten involved offensively which seemed to be important. Joe is passing well out of the double so we’ll just have to see if the shooting can improve.

By terrell barron

December 17, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Woody might want to leave Marvin in a little longer to stay with Pierce. He’s too big for Evans. As I say this, Marvin with the block.

By bigdave

December 17, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Marvin looks good on both ends of the floor, even matched up on KG.. Moe is looking more and more like a defensive liability, since the Texas Triangle..

By preston

December 17, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

ZAZA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By preston

December 17, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

These refs are letting boston get away with a lot of non-calls….but credit to the hawks for playing tough and making this out to be quite a game. I was a little afraid of their 1st qtr woes….couldn’t afford to start out like that against boston….but they have fared well, and hopefully Woodys’ non-development of our bench doesnt come to bite us in the end…..GO HAWKS!!!!!!

By Ken Strickland

December 17, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Woodson’s OFF is a bunch of crap. Too often one of our centers ends up at the head of the key trying to feed the wing. Well coached DEF minded teams know to overplay the wings, and Woodson still hasn’t figured out a way to deal with it.

By infamouskrs

December 17, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

about time they tell DOC to “SHUT IT” !

By terrell barron

December 17, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Biggest impact player of the game so is Marvin Williams. Wow! I also credit JJ for getting his teammates involved and not forcing things.

By HB Ando

December 17, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

So far, the Hawks are just outplaying the world champs. Up in boards, dimes, O-boards and 3’s, and getting to the line more, this is the statistical recipe for a W. Horford and Marvin have come up big so far. Like I said on the OTHER blog, rebounding is the key for this game. We beat them on the boards, we beat them on the scoreboard.

Crowd is raucous. Lot of game left. Young Hawks can’t lose focus. I’m jealous for those who are in attendance………..

By terrell barron

December 17, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

If Josh tries to cross somebody over one more time, I’m going to scream. STOP TRYING TO TAKE PEOPLE OFF OF THE DRIBBLE.

By terrell barron

December 17, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Marvin gets the interview from Bucher. Do yo thang Marvin. lol!!!!

By richbrave

December 17, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

That last offensive possession of the HAWKS I put on WOODSON. BIBBY milked the clock to under 10, and then gave the rock up to WILLIAMS. CELTICS took away the play by overloading on that side of the court knowing the clock was running out.

The HAWKS should have been told to run the normal offense with the full 24. Spacing would have allowed for a better opportunity offensively. And if the shot had been missed, ATLANTA’s defense was good all half. Even if BOSTON had scored on the change of possession, there would have been time to come down for at least a three. With Boston playing for that eventuality, the HAWKS could have quick passed inside the loose interior defense. Didn’t like that last 1:00 at all, and I don’t put it on the playas’.

By richbrave

December 17, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

KEN STRICK:

And believe you me, the CELTICS ARE well coached defensively. TOM THIBIDEAUX is the coach that the WIZARDS want bad. They’ve already offered him the head coaching job in D.C. twice.

By bigdave

December 17, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

josh should just focus on going strong to the hole with his dominant hand and go up to finish strong, nobody can jump with him.. his careless turnovers could prove costly, however he has the ability to atone for his offensive woes on the defensive end…

By HB Ando

December 17, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

It’s a 24-minute game now. Half-time adjustments are the name of the game…..

Anyone else hear Walton calling out the Hawks young forwards for not having any back-to-the-basket game? As a guy who was equally comfortable inside or out, I have to agree with his sentiment. With length and world-class athleticism, there really isn’t an excuse for not developing a couple of basic go-to moves on the block. All you really need is the turn-fade that Pierce nailed late in the second quarter. It’s a shot that Al Harrington always had, as well. Once you have that shot, folks will always lean towards you when you throw a should fake. And then you just drop step and go to the rim.

How hard is that, Josh and Marvin?

By bigdave

December 17, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

here they go with dis cheating shiiii…

By rms

December 17, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Whats up with our bench? Is there an Acie Law sighting? Whats up with Flip Murray playing point? Bad move?

By T

December 17, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Same ‘ol NBA… Superstars get calls average players don’t. Doesn’t even matter who the home team is…

By mountain_jim

December 17, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

they said consistent calls - celtics get the continuation and joe does not? BS.

By ray

December 17, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Our forwards may not have a back to the basket game (which they need), but they sure are beating the Celts on the boards and in the transition game.

Odd, how so many of our plays begin and end with our young forwards. JJ always walks the ball up the floor…

Okay Josh, you’ve had your diet of 3 point attempts for the evening…NO MORE. Love the way Bibby is playing, though…always looking to throw that full-court fast break pass, and really giving an effort on defense. He seems quite rejuvenated.

Folks like to pick on Zaza, but he is doing what he can with what he has. Solid “D” and hits the boards well.

By mountain_jim

December 17, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Coverage poor - no replays of any of the calls at issue

By bigdave

December 17, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

hold your 4’s up

By HB Ando

December 17, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Josh with yet another poor Hot Sauce impersonation. Flip with the huge bailout 3…….

Whatever it takes, right?

By Sekou K. Smith

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

Save us the Bill Walton analysis Ando. He gets no love here, NONE! He hated on my Fab Five back in the day (told the truth that time, too) and I swore I was done with the Big Redhead.

The Hawks clearly have an edge in transition but this is as hard a team as there is to run against. The Celtics always get back on the defensive end and they are not afraid to dish out a hard foul.

Every possession from this point (7:53) on is crazy crucial.

By bigdave

December 17, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

thats right… no more finga rolls muscle up…

By Jim

December 17, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Nice move, Smoove.

That’s how to answer the refereeing.

By HB Ando

December 17, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Ain’t lovin’ that tripped out hippy. Just saying that he’s got a point.

I see how it’s going to be now, SS.

KG finally decides to be the man. Makes you wonder what he’d be like if he had Kobe’s mentality. You’ve got less than half of the fourth left, and dude is 2-10. And then, PRESTO, there he is.

Looks like it’s going to come down to a big play or two. Anybody’s game now………

By tee

December 17, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

why isn’t woody playing acie, he would be perfect in this game

By bigjohnhawksfan

December 17, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

KGAF :D

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

December 17, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Someone tell Mark Jackson to stop drooling over the Celtics! ESPN is in love w/ the Celtics just like USC, Yankees and T.O.!

By HB Ando

December 17, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Doh!

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

December 17, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Paul Pierce just got caught saying JJ choked! What a joke! Good grief this team is so close, and it looks like the 80’s all over again!

By Melvin

December 17, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

DAMN

By mac

December 17, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

With 1.5 seconds left, the hawks foul, and the clock shows 0.7. Shouldn’t Woodson check with the officials to make sure that there is more time in the clock than that.. i mean.. r u serious.. if there was a second left, that is slightly more time for a shooter of bibby or johnson’s caliber.. i mean comon woody.

But a good game all around. Enjoyed it. left a sour taste at the end though.

By celtic_since_birth

December 17, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Who would guess a media outlet would push a team that is 24-2, huh Lowcountry?

Little brother just got reminded who runs things.

By bigdave

December 17, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

F it.. im a sore loser… there was some questionable officiating…

By terrell barron

December 17, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

It’s just 1 game. Gotta move on. Good effort tonight fellas. Good games by Marvin and Al. Tough luck on the free-throw JJ. It happens.

By keepin it real

December 17, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

The HAWKS WILL NOT GO TO THE NEXT LEVEL UNTIL THE FOLLOWING CHANGES ARE MADE:

1- Mike Woodson- not they guy to take them to that level. Also, he doesn’t know how to use his players.

2- The Hawks NEED a BONAFIDE Center and BAD!!!!

By blast

December 17, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

It’s all good. The Hawks lost this game, but they will surely learn from it. Free throws did them in, and not just the last one Joe missed. They missed free throws that would have padded their early lead. It was a game of runs and unfortunately, Boston made the last run.

How come Boston got those and 1 calls and we didn’t?

That said, time to go on another run, Hawks. We need to win the remaining games at home.

Go Hawks!

By cp

December 17, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Hard fought game. A lot of missed free throws cost us the game. I said earlier in the season you cant beat the good teams when you miss so many free throws.

Whats going on with Evans? This guy just cannot finish at the rim. I might get flamed for this but watching Evans tonight is one of the main reasons we miss Chill. Chill was great at finishing at the basket. Ive seen Evans blow lay up after lay up the past few weeks. Listening to the Chill interview lets me know this guy is ready to come back to the States.

Great game but Woody should have the guys in the gym early tomorrow shooting nothing but free throws.

By richbrave

December 17, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Lowcountry:

Pierce would have been smilin’ out of the other side of his face if BIG AL had gotton that rebound on the missed foul shot.

By Star of the Zanarkand Abes!

December 17, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

JJ left Bibby WIDE OPEN at the 3-pt line 3 TIMES IN A ROW!!

PASS THE DAMN BALL!!

And if you’re going to drive on the last possession of the game, AT LEAST SCORE!! Then making just one free throw is ok, because it’s a GAME-WINNER!!

LET’S GO HAWKS!!! TRADE FOR A 7-FOOT+ CENTER!!!

By celtic_since_birth

December 17, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

so bigdave,

what was questionable?

The fact that the Celtics committed 2 more PF’s than the Hawks?

Maybe it was the fact that the Hawks took 5 more FT’s despite the Celts getting some at the end from intentional fouls?

Maybe you should realize the Hawks lost because of the same thing that drives the Celtics. DEFENSE. You wont beat the Celtics when they hold you to 37% shooting and block 7 shots while forcing 14 turnovers.

By perkins_get_posterized

December 17, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

celticsincebirth,

If you call winning two games by a combined 4 points “running things,” I can’t wait to see what you call it come April (not to mention next season) when our team has gotten better and puts it on you, cause your team of fogeys doesn’t have anywhere to go from here but down.

By alex

December 17, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Good game great to watch. Terrible way to end it though but Joe will redeem himself he might score 50 against the Dub’s on Friday. The officiating tonight was terrible and I liked Mark Jackson as a player but he was annoying the hell out of me tonight!!!!

By preston

December 17, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

I don’t have a problem with Paul Pierce saying that JJ choked…..unfortunately that last free throw didnt fall for him. What can you say……those guys are tough to beat…..if it’s not Pierce….then is is KG …..if its not KG then it is Ray Allen……and then you have to worry about Rondo going off. Other than JJ and BIbby carrying us in the 4th on most nights, what can we do?

By richbrave

December 17, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

doc:

Gotta’ give up on the grease-paint. Too much chance of rain. I’ll get a white head-band and put”richB” on it in indelible ink instead.

By richbrave

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

STAR:

Agree. Too much JOHNSON dribbling instead of passing to BIBBY or WILLIAMS during the end-game. When the CELTS are locking you down, you’ve gotta’ give up the rock.

By HB Ando

December 17, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

text to be linked

Come tell us what you think about yet another close-but-no-cookie loss to the World Champion Celtics…

By celtic_since_birth

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

perkins_gets

last time I checked they all count the same.

Please dont be that guy that says “yeah but you only beat us by XX, so you’re not that good”. First off, you are better than that. Secondly, whether its by 1 or 100, a win is a win is a win.

By cp

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

Man when are we going to get a real offensive scheme. I truly have no idea what type of offensive game plan we have.

By Scottbravesfan

December 17, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

I like how the Celtics have all of these bandwagon fans all of a sudden. Like they are the Lakers.

By richbrave

December 17, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

The man that insired me to play high school football has passed. His last game in 1952 was my first as a fan. Because he played his entire career for the WASHINGTON REDSKINS, I have remained steadfastly a “SKINS fan. Good-bye “SLINGIN” SAMMY BAUGH.

By HB Ando

December 17, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

[http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-hawks-blog/2008/12/12/time-to-start-talkin-hawks/]

By Star of the Zanarkand Abes!

December 17, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

richbrave: No doubt, and I cringe whenever JJ uses a soft shot in the paint. Give the ball to Josh down low so he can score with authority get to the line more (the free throw line that is; stay the HELL away from the 3-pt line) :D

At least this time we weren’t playing back-to-back games, but they still have to be tired since we haven’t seen part of the bench in many moons…

LET’S GO HAWKS!!!

By Samuel

December 17, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

Totally satisfied with the game tonight. Your best player on the line at the end of the game. That’s all you can ask for. They are never automatic, i’m afraid. We did miss some big free throws but the more big games we play the more they will fall at the end.

I think we proved once again that we aint going no where. A game 7 type atmosphere and we’re in it to the end. I wouldn’t be surprised to see these two teams in the Eastern Conference Finals. I really wouldn’t.

Hawks Hack or Hawks Hate? I can’t tell.

Bill Walton is a Pothead. He needs to teach his sorry a* son some back to the basket moves. What is he like the 9th man now.

By richbrave

December 17, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Scottbravesfan:

Or the METS.

HB:

Do I sense a little contention here.? Is it gonna’ be like that SS.?

By Kyphoman

December 17, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

“Bandwagon fans”. You can’t be serious! “Like they are the Lakers”. Do you realize you are talking about a team that has won more championships than any other team in NBA history? We’ve been here before young man. Show some class and support your team and not knock the competition….especially the defending champs. you’ve got a very solid team

By Da Real Real

December 17, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Do we call this a disappointing lost???I mean I reallyyyy wanted to get those guys back for what happened in Bos. earlier this year and also wanted to end their streak, but after being able to take this game in and think about what happened…I come away saying that I’m slightly disappointed but nowhere near devastated.

Last year when we played the C’s during the regular season we were nowhere near close beating them on the road or in our house. This year we’ve lost two games to them by a total of 4 points. The Celtics are going around talking about they are not clicking yet. I’m not buying that….Its definitely intimidating to think that they aren’t clicking but I think tonight they ran up against a team that matches up with them really well.

I would almost like to think that the Hawks are still NOT playing up to their best that I believe they can play so if the C’s want to say they aren’t clicking I’m going to say that the Hawks are not clicking yet. I’m hoping the Hawks come away from this game tonight learning from their mistakes and also learning from the Celtics who are still the Champs.

It’s already been mentioned on the blog and well i’ll have to mention it again because its blatantly obvious as to what beat the Hawks tonight. It wasn’t the officiating (bad call both ways as far as I’m concerned), it wasn’t the Big 3 - as far as I’m concerned the Hawks did an outstanding job on the Big 3 (the C’s didn’t come close to busting a 100 tonight).

The thing that beat the Hawks tonight was that they did not play as a team down the stretch like they did earlier in the ball game when they were in control. The Hawks still showed that they are a young team tonight. They are like the younger brother who knows that he can hang and possibly beat his older brother but at the last second the older brother keeps his composure and walks away with the victory. You think about the miss free throws, giving back points because of a technical. I could see it coming after ZaZa picked up the offensive foul….all the Hawks players were complaining and I think Woody did a poor job of getting this team back under control. They did a lot better at home in the playoffs last year of keeping composure.

I don’t think the C’s beat the Hawks tonight….the Hawks beat themselves, but each time we play the C’s we get better and better. If these two teams meet in the playoffs we are going to see an extremely good series and I think the Hawks will have a much better chance of beating the C’s - if they can learn their lessons. I think, in my opinion, that we just saw the top 2 teams in the East play one helluva ballgame tonight.

By The Truth

December 17, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

This was a tough loss. I thought we made some critical turnovers down the stretch that put us in a come from behind mode. JJ mentally played this game in the past and not in the present. This is why he missed the free-throw. He must have gotten caught-up in the hype thinking about the big play-off win against the Celtics during the play-off last season. Down the stretch, we kept running isolation with JJ and his team-mate standing around to watch. As usually, he had to make some tough shots. It was apparent that tonight the only edge Boston had was experience and KG. They executed well with the game on the line and KG was unstoppable. Woody should have experimented with Solo on KG. Solo has the height and the long arms to guard KG. This is another example of Woody refusing to play his bench that perhaps cost us this loss. I also thought that Flip should have stayed in the game longer because he was putting pressure on the defense with his up tempo style. I know it just one game but it was a tough loss.

By Hawks Fan In New Orleans

December 17, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

Exciting game - tough loss. I feel like that horrible 0 for whatever run in the first, coupled with poor FT shooting did us in. Its lesson that will carry us through the season. IGuess we aren’t the streak killaz we thought we were, huh?

By ILL-logical

December 17, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

TWO THINGS TONIGHT:

1)JJ is no Paul Pierce(who was playing on a bad knee with his usual drama queen self)

2) 45 Minutes a game in december will wear a brother out.

By HB Ando

December 17, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Sam, if you’ve seen any hate on our site, feel free to point it out. But if you can’t back up your point, and you “can’t tell”, then I’d say the Hate is in you. Boy, that would be a shocker……….I’m not a Luke Walton fan, any more than I’m a Bill Walton fan, but I think Luke is making 7 figures a year, while I’m guessing that public school has you down about 5 of those figures. Talk about hatin’!

By DecDawg

December 17, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

CP…I have to agree with you on the lack of offensive strategy.

After 4 years, Woody still hasn’t installed a play to get us a good look at the basket. Not one damn play. That alone says volumes about his coaching skills. You cannot close out the elite defensive teams without a playbook. You cannot always count on a basket from a broken play Woody.

By Star of the Zanarkand Abes!

December 17, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

How much better are they going to get after each close loss before they actually WIN THE DAMN GAME??!!!

I’m tired of this silver lining nonsense. If we don’t have the pieces to win a WINNABLE game like this, then get the pieces that WILL!! Trade players, coaches, owners, PA announcers, janitors, towel boys, JUST WIN, BABY!!! :D

By Sekou K. Smith

December 17, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

Never saw this ending coming. JJ at the line and you figure it’s time for overtime. Strange brew this series. If you look at the numbers it was basically an even game with the Celtics squeezing this thing out at the end.

By kwooden1

December 17, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

I’m angry and disappointed!!!

Only got to watch the 4th quarter, I’ll go back and watch the rest later. KG made big plays, we missed free throws, that was the disappointing part. Joe not taking the 3 to win the game made me angry! I believe if you have a chance to win the game, you take it! I don’t care if the right play is to drive and go to the free throw line!!

This is another HUGH game for the guys confidence. I believe free throws are 10% technic and 90% desire! Especially late in the game. The guys didn’t handle the moment as well as KG! I do believe they will learn some lessons from this game:

Lesson #1: Push the BALL! Flip got the guys easy baskets when he pushed off missed shots. They have great finishers!

Lesson #2: Make your free throws!! They have no excuses.

Lesson #3: Finish with Authority!! When your up on teams, drive hard to the basket to finish over and through people. They actually could do that in the first quarter also!

Hopefully this game leaves a bad taste in their mouths, I know it does from me. I’m taking anything away from the Celtics, their a great team and they know how to win. I saw it against the Lakers last year and they definitely have come back with the same focus and killer instinct. We have to learn to have the same attitude!

PS: I did like Woody’s motion offensive at the end of the game. Joe held the ball to long a few times, but he and everyone else were probably so surprised by a different play they didn’t know what to do!

GO HAWKS!!

By doc

December 17, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

they used their whole team in the final minutes as pierce, allen, kg and allen all had shots to take and make in the final minutes for us it was iso joe and sloppy seconds for the rest of the team. the coach will learn it takes more or he will continue to come up short. in the nd it was winnable, we made the mistakes, they finished at the basket, we didnt and they got the stops when they needed it. no loss like this is a good one, dont kid yourself and get caught up in that BS. now back to reality and get ready to win friday and scrap and scrape out a win on sunday against the pistons.

think the body slam on marvin wasnt pay back by garnett? speaking of marvin, if only marvin had come through at the foul line it would have been a very different outcome.

By bigdave

December 17, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

celtics since birth… appreciate you addressing me..

your opinion is what it is .. but it really is a matter of how you define questionable.. personally i feel as if there were some calls made throughout the game (not necessarily shooting fouls) in favor of your celtics that were not consistent on both ends; traveling, loose ball fouls, continuation.. ect. even a non biased eye could debate this. as far as the hawks defense.. this is where you lose all credibility… i think the hawks played very well defensively. we switch everything and paul was left 1 on 1 with bibby in key positions and he converted jumpers. your guys made contested shots all night. point blank period. as far as the celtics d.. well your numbers are inflated due to a 0-11 or some s** like that start, were we settled for jumpers. however they were good looks. blocks, okay.. hell the celtics have a true center. you will get blocks playing that help d that yall play against us. the hawks should have one this game. a lack of focus from the line to convert from the line on key possessions in the 4th. i bring to attention josh and 1 and marvin williams 1-2 conversion late. thats focus. making good on these attempts would have padded the deficit placing the pressure on the celtics to match the points.

joe carried us late hitting big jumpers when we had no offensive flow. as far as the free throw, he didnt choke. if you ever hooped you know that he took the pressure off by making the first. he was just long on the second.. i could see if he was short..

we’ll be good..

By hometown hawk

December 17, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

I was a bit dissapointed in the crowd energy tonight. We never stood up without sitting down until under 2 min left. I remember in the playoffs last year we were up almost the entire 4th quarter. I really think the crowd could have pulled this one off…I felt awkward standing with 3 min left because no one behind me follow suit. Too bad

By DenverBird

December 17, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

it’s like my wife said: “why are the Celtics always good when the Hawks are good?” indeed….

By Joe

December 17, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

Wow, just got home from the game. Do not know how much the young guido ref with the slicked hair had on the game, but I hope he made his money tonight and we do not have to see him in the playoffs.

That game was flat out stolen from the Hawks. The corruption of the NBA referees must be stopped or the league will crumble.

By Skeptic

December 17, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Will someone tell me if and how the NBA is significantly different than pro wrestling? There are good guys and bad guys. One guy gets called for a foul that another guy would NEVER be called for. The teams that have big stars win.

When was the last time a TEAM won the title? Even MJ’s Bulls looked more like a team than the current roster of winners.

By Samuel

December 17, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

Good for Luke. Ando, I’ve said many times that i’m happy being a school teacher. How about your gig. You happy?

Thought sure you’d get BK’s job. Guess not. Hawks Hack aint bad though.

Cuz, does Ando and Ray get to: hang out with the Big Shots, stay in them Fancy Hotels and keep a pack of groupies like you do? If so, i’m jealous.

By bigjohnhawksfan

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

JJAF.

By bigdave

December 17, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Im telling ya.. hometown.. i think we too cute at the games.. i was saying that earlier. its like we coming for the females or to say we were in the building and not to make our place hostile and raucous. keep standing my dude.. thats what fans do.. the playoff serious reminded me of an APS high school game… it was that wild..

By DecDawg

December 17, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Kwood,

I understand the excitement of seeing something different in Woody’s offense BUT that so-called motion play kept the ball above the free throw line. Everyone that received a pass in that set touched the ball above the free throw line. It basically took time off the clock without ever leading to an easy basket. You don’t need to run motion to get a long jumper.

By its always some bs

December 17, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

I agree with you hometown hawks…..my section was pretty good though but overall it didn’t compare to the playoffs probably because….well it was the playoffs - everything is bigger in the playoffs.

By Edward Nigma

December 17, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Wonder if Steve Belkin watched this game…?

By bigdave

December 17, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

i dont mind the techs, it seems like we settle for a lot for some of the obvious bs. i think its because our all star and head coach are both calm in temperament. aside from this game and clev. we were struggling to get attempts at the line. most of the “contending” teams are getting to that line. especially there stars; and its no surprise that those teams and stars also are amongst leaders in techs…

By Ken Strickland

December 17, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

Did anyone else notice, in the 4th qtr, how Marvin started moving the ball and cutting briskly. Once everyone else caught on, we started having some serious ball movement and got easier scoring opportunities? It made it almost impossible for them to double JJ, who got better shots without resorting to a lot of isolations.

Boston is not a physical team, and Solo has been very effective against them in the past. His length could have made it more difficult for KG to get his jump hook off and he could have made it more difficult for their guards to get off those shots close to the basket. Zaza just isn’t effective in those sitations. I just don’t understand Woodson’s preference for Zaza in every situation, especially when a DEF presence in he middle is called for.

Otherwise, it was a hard fought gm.

By bigdave

December 17, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

i just have issues this year with some of the officiating ive seen… UGA/ FL gm. it seems like every sun the refs try some shiii against the Falcons.. at least one bs review call.. and of course the hawks…

By MannyT

December 17, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Gotta use your losses as fuel for the chip on the shoulder rage that you take into future games.

I think Marvin played very well tonight. Better control of the ball than usual. He was very scrappy on defense.

I liked the way Zaza played in the first half. I wish Woody kept him in for a few more minutes.

..and I will say it in spite of the success so far into the season. We need to shoot fewer 3 balls. Tonight 30% of our shots were from behind the arc. We have a bad case of 3 love—menage a trois ball. I hope it doesn’t get worse on Friday. I’m sure the Warriors would love it.

Hopefully Solomon and AC will have the velcro removed from their seats on Friday and get into the game.

BWAF

By MannyT

December 17, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

In long term in case you have a new blog up this will take you to the front of the Hawks Hacks](http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-hawks-blog/)

By HB Ando

December 18, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

Ken, have to share your sense of wonder at the absence of Solo. I thought he was a pretty obvious asset to employ against a larger Boston front line. But it seems like Woody regressed back to his comfort zone, over playing his starters, and potentially risking this teams’ playoff potential in an attempt to win a single game.

I will say that there is perceived value, as far as respect goes, that both Cleveland and Boston also seemed to work their starters a little more than average, to take on the Hawks. That can only be a statement of how dangerous these Hawks appear to be.

Sam, I couldn’t be more appreciative of your passion for teaching. My wife is a teacher, and every one of her fifth-graders, last year, passed every section of the CRCT. My mother taught for 30 years, has her doctorate, and both started the AP English program in Gwinnett County, as well as administrating the initial curriculum development for Phoenix High School, the open campus in Gwinnett.

Me, I run my own business, and I’m pretty dang happy with both my autonomy and my income. No crazy perks, being the Hack. You’re always welcome to join the other Hawks’ fans, and contribute on me and Ray’s blog…….

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 18, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

I’m not one to complain about the refs normally, but damn, they basically handed the 3rd quarter to the C’s. Maybe this is more apparent when watching the game in person instead of on TV, who knows.

There was no reason for Zaza to be in this game instead of Solo. Zaza accomplished absolutely nothing other than charging a couple of times.

I’m just as shocked as anyone else to see Joe missing the free throw at the end of the game, but with the number of clutch shots he’s made in the past I can let it slide. I was happy to see the final play being one where Joe attacks the basket instead of shooting a jumpshot. More often than not those plays will work in our favor. It’s on Woody to get more movement towards the basket on a regular basis.

By MannyT

December 18, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

Ariose is going to pull my link card if I don’t get this right!

In long term in case you have a new blog up this will take you to the front of the Hawks Hacks

By Rollins Tree

December 18, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

OK so we played the Celtics tough again but are still 0 for 2 against them this season. I think the Hawks are a much better team than our record shows. Hate to say it but I think Woodson has done all he can do with this bunch. Would like to see the team that showed up tonight show up like this against everyone.

Oh and Dominique - you jinxed Joe!!!!

By stendec

December 18, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

ANOTHER GUTLESS LOSS BY A HEARTLESS TEAM! Has always been so for untalented Hawks. Will always be so for ball-less scumball quitters!

By MannyT

December 18, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

Now Samuel brought it up, I just did the quick research.

NBA Groupies

There are a million stories in an NBA All Star weekend. This is just one of them. I’m sure your new friends in the journalism corner will share with you behind the scenes and off the record ;-)

BWAF with a big grin!

By cp

December 18, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

DecDawg I’m convinced that Woody’s offensive playbook contains one page, Iso to Joe. The frustrating thing about it is that every team knows its coming but Woody will not change it up some. I have been complaining about Pachulia for the past few games. His negatives are outweighing anything positive he is doing. He gets at least 2 offensive fouls called a night, always seems to be out of position on the defensive end, and his free throw shooting has been bad lately. Its time to give Solo some burn. The guy was playing well when Josh was hurt but now he cant even find he court.

By Mark

December 18, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

Sekou, why won’t you ask Woody why he hates Solomon Jones who gives you just as much as ZaZa. This is why I hate the media in this town. We have one paper and it seems as if all of the beat writers never ask the tough questions. Woody is also starting to treat Acie like he did Salim. Solomon Jones and Acie Law are vital parts to this team. These guys should be out there. Especially when you know this team probably won’t resign Bibby. Law should be getting his training now. Solomon showed what he could do when Josh was hurt, but it seems as if Woody does not like his game. He plays defense, rebounds, and is physical the way Mike Woodson prefers his team. I just don’t understand his lack of minutes. Why is it that Doc goes deeper on his bench than Woody.

We use Flip, Maurice, and Zaza. Doc uses Tony Allen, Eddie House, Big Baby, Powe, He goes deeper on his bench than Woody does.

Sekou please start asking the tough questions!!!!!

By jhan

December 18, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

One of the worst officiated games I’ve seen in quite some time. Repeated bad/no calls on both ends. Horrible make-up calls all night long.

Marvin played well tonight, except for the missed free throws. He’s becoming a very good rebounder & an above average defender. I like what I’m seeing from him.

By AJW

December 18, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

The difference in the game tonight was the totally blatant double dribble by Garnett earlier in the game. They ended up getting 3 points on a possession that should have been a turnover.

By MannyT

December 18, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this

jhan / AJW I saw that all the way from the other side of the arena. I could not believe they swallowed the whistle on that double dribble.

I thought you were supposed to put better refs on nationally televised games.

If Marvin continues to develop like this, there will be tough decisions to make next summer. That is after the easy one..get rid of the new barber—it looks like he drinks too much before cutting Marvin’s hair.

BWAF

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 18, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

Bill Walton was hating on the Hawks like his life depended on it during Sportscenter, but he did have one valid point: why the HELL was Bibby matched on Pierce in crunch time? That made no sense whatsoever. Put Marvin or Joe on him and challenge him with their length.

By stendec

December 18, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this

Hawks are terrible! Why do you believe they can even make the playoffs? Trade all the wanna bees and start over! Wait until the new owner steps in, he will clean house.

By Ed

December 18, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this

I must repeat what I’ve said before & has been seid already tonight. Acie & Solo not playing is criminal…Woody is absolutely horrible at handling & developing players.

By Ken Strickland

December 18, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this

Pierce slips and falls, then is allowed to roll completely over and call timeout, while never establishing a pivot foot. If he wasn’t fouled, he traveled. How can someone be rolling on the floor, not be fouled, and given a timeout and not be called for a travel? Josh Smith made a steal and took off towards the basket, ahead of everyone. Big Baby reached out and fouled him and their was no clear path call.

The Celtics are one of the NBA’s taller teams. How can any HC with any common sense try to match up to their height for 4qtrs by substituting one BIG, Zaza at 6’11”, and a 6’5” SF, Evans, and a 6’3” SG/PG, Murray? Evans, Zaza and Murray all had trouble finishing near the rim, and had shots blocked, because of Boston height. Solo is a much stronger finisher that any of them.

Every announcer, sports writer, and most HC’s, other that Woodson, knows the Hawks are a much better team when they run. When we play a smaller team like the Knicks, Woodson benches his bigs. When we play taller teams like the Celtics, Mavericks, Rockets and Spurs, he restricts his use of his bigs to Zaza. WHAT IS THIS FOOL TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH?

By Mac-Town

December 18, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this

I am seeing some disturbing things all over the place. For 1 thing, I saw espn do some fan poll for current “coach of the year” candidates and Mike Woodson’s name was up there. That’s just crazy.

I watched the game on ESPN, and I was totally agreeing with Bill Walton. He talked about how the Hawks couldn’t seem to score except on “wild scramble” type plays and how we couldnt get an effective offensive scheme going.

I really hate our offense. We need a low post presence, and we need better plays. BETTER COACHING.

Its like this, when we face a team like the celtics, we are talented and athletic enough to keep up with and BEAT top tier teams if you combine that with playing with heart at full speed.

but because this SAME team lacks consistency on offense, we can be in nail biter games against mediocre and bottom feeder teams as well.

By Mac-Town

December 18, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this

Bill Walton wasnt hating on the Hawks, he was just telling the truth. He*l, he even picked the Hawks to win the game!!! The things he mentioned are some of t he same things, as a fan of the hawks, that drives me crazy.

“They were getting all their points off wild, scramble type possessions”

“Josh Smith and Marvin need to develop a post game”

“Mentally, the hawks just arent there to seriously threaten top tier teams”

He sad things like this and its true…

Man, my TV is on ESPN as Im typing this and what Tim legler just said is true.

He said if the hawks play like this every night we would be a real contender, but mentally we are not their all the time and our effort is inconsistent.

As “PRETTY” as it looks to see the athletic hawks flying around, we truely play an UGLY style of basketball.

Look, games like the ones tonight (as far as play calling, and wild shots) arent even th at much different than games we have where we LOSE to people like Indiana and New Jersey.

The different is since it was the Celtics, we played with heart and got offensive rebounds and loose balls.

Like I said we need a better approach on offense.

As good as it is to see our hawks threaten the almighty celtics like this, how long do we have to wait to see marvin and josh throwing up wild shots and missing, joe struggling early,poor coaching and misuse of the bench again, except against other teams NOT name the celtics.

By Clyde

December 18, 2008 4:37 AM | Link to this

Lets not forget. Woody will be Woody no matter who we are playing.

I think the Celtics need to stop being arrogant and just play the game. True champions respect their opponents but the Celtics act like they can’t be beaten. The Hawks keep playing them closer and closer each game and one day they will knock them off.

By Clyde

December 18, 2008 4:45 AM | Link to this

Mac-Town to me Zaza is our best low post offensive player but Woody doesn’t run plays through him anymore.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 18, 2008 5:24 AM | Link to this

We have lost two games to the C’s this year by a combined total of 4 points. We are talking about a team that has beaten the likes of New Orleans, Portland, Detroit, and Orlando — all contenders — by double digits. But to hear Bill Walton tell it, we had no business even being on the same floor as the C’s. That’s why I said he’s hating. If anything we have played them better than any other team out there, but no, we are just an ugly team that scores hustle points and has no mental toughness. Give me a f-cking break. Maybe he should have watched Saturday’s game.

I’m not saying there’s no room for improvement. You only need to read this blog to know all the different ways in which the Hawks can improve. But ESPN — like most other major media outlets — is more interested in fitting reality into their prewritten storylines than in actually reporting reality as it happens. The Hawks are not the 2nd best team in the league, but they have played the best team in the league better than almost anyone else this season.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 18, 2008 5:26 AM | Link to this

Al Horford and Joe Johnson are our best low post players, and neither one ever gets the ball in the low post in position to score because Woody would rather have everyone handing off the ball on the perimeter all day and jacking up shots. Zaza would be our best low post player if committing offensive fouls resulted in points. His azz needs to be on the bench where it belongs.

By kwooden1

December 18, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

It’s been a few hours since my last post, so I’m a lot less angry and but still disappointed. DecDawg I was happy that Woody ran a different set, I actually don’t like the set. It’s one of those common College sets and the Wizards (E. Jordan era) used it pretty often also. I think the point is the individual receiving the 3rd space is suppose to drive to the hole, draw a double and kick to the open shooter. What it became with the HAWKS was an extension to getting the ball to Joe. (i.e. Joe ISO)

One thing I noticed was Biddy definitely looked like the most relaxed player at the end of the game. That by itself is a great reason to keep him until the end of this season. He’s got the experience and maturity, even though he lost a step or two.

Woody is stubborn and predictable. He’s not going to change because he’s been effective so far this year. (15-10) We all have stated the obvious things that need to change, but for this game he didn’t miss those free throws. (Marvin, JS and JJ DID, even though they shot well overall) But he didn’t get the guys to focus on keeping the pace up and playing to our strengths. I think it was cp that made this point in the last blog. Woody is making the guys learn the things that they don’t want to learn. (Play tough defense and half-court basketball) I think these grind out games will really help them late in the season. The teams that can only score, like Phoenix and Wizards (2 years ago) and the Warriors and NY (now) end up just letting good teams score a lot of points. Hopefully the HAWKS can learn to push the pace but at the same time play great defense and execute in the half-court when needed.

GO HAWKS!!

By ray

December 18, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

I hope Joe keeps his head up. It’s rare to see such a humble star athlete that he can miss a clutch play and have fans feel like “You know what, it’s alright, he’s already brought so much to our franchise”. If TO dropped a wide open game winning pass or if Kobe missed a game tying free throw they’d get slaughtered by their own fans.

It speaks volumes about the respect for the game these new bandwagon Celtics fans have when they post stuff like the Hawks are gutless, heartless, and can never beat the Celtics because of their amazing defense. Both the Hawks-Celtics games have shown one thing, a rising young team playing their a* off to come extremely close to beating an extremely good Celtics team. I understand you’ve only started watching basketball since June 2008, but when a young team puts up the fight it did during the playoffs and this years two regular season games, you give them props and move on.

By Da Real Real

December 18, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

I agree with you ray and just to add on to that. At the end of the night I would have to say that the Celtics may be questioning themselves more than the Hawks. I know I would, especially if I was a Celtics fan be questioning why my team (with 3 potential HOFs and probably the best team since one of the Bulls teams) can’t beat a team with NO HOF & one questionable all-star compared to other people’s standards? The question has to be asked because I would think the Celtics talent wise should be the hawks by at least a dozen points night out and night in, yet this year both games have come down to the .3 and .7 seconds - 4 points.

I think the Celtics have more questions about themselves after last night than the Hawks. I guarantee you the Hawks are probably looking more forward to playing them again then the Celtics are looking forward to playing the Hawks. Yeah, I think PP was right…..JJ Chocked and he should be EXTREMELY happy that he did because there’s no way you can lose that game and go back to Boston. I said it last night and I’ll say this again…..PP can say that they aren’t clicking all he wants…I do think the Celtics are as close to clicking as they possibly can this year. They have to realize that the younger teams like the Hawks and the Cavs are gaining more and more experience each time they play the Cavs and it is only a matter of time before that catches up with them.

By Aaron B

December 18, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Am I deaf, or did I just hear Kevin Garnett Diss the Atlanta Hawks…big time? Kevin said “For the record, this is not a rivalry,” Garnett said after the game, which he finished with 18 points, 10 in the final seven minutes, eight rebounds and two blocks. “You have to win some games for it to be a rivalry. But they are a very good team.” That is a back handed comment to pretend to say something nice to cover up trash talk! That dude just dissed our Hawks, after we gave them hell twice this season…ouch! Sekou, please follow up on that…

By happyhawk

December 18, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

hey guys if we’re given a chance to pick a coach as woody’s replacement who will you choose? i’m just curious. (note: only coaches who’s yet to be signed).

By ken

December 18, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

How serious is the Hawks management about moving to the next level? If they were really serious they would be aggresively seeking to find a legitimate low-post scorer and rebounder/defender and another consistent point guard that can break down defenses to score or get assists. This is especially needed since coach Woodson has shown that he does not trust his current back ups .The Hawks are too easy to defend in cricial situations because Woody has no imagination in his play calling. If you look at the formula for success in the NBA, most of the winning teams have at least two/three star players which gives them great advantages in crunch time. The Hawks really only have Joe because Bibby needs to be wide open to get a shot. If the Hawks are going to play this grind it out half court style, then they must have more than one option at the end of games because they will be involved in many games that will come down to the wire. Let’s go out and make something happen before the trade deadline if we are serious about challenging for a title.

By MannyT

December 18, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

new blog up

By WH

December 18, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Good game, but no cigars. Hawks had their chances, but missing their free-throws early in the game with no pressure cause them a win. Joe missed free-throw was not the reason the team lost. The Hawks can’t have mental lapses, the Celtics is the best team in the NBA, they play every team tough (good, bad, or mediocre) and they don’t take the night off. The Hawks must have this same attitude in every game, if they want to be an elite NBA team.

The Hawks are growing up and believing they can beat any team.

Remember the Super Bowl, it was the NY Giants who won, not the Patriots. The Patriots went undefeated until the Super Bowl. The Giant came close to beating the Patriots at the end of season. Although they lost they gained that confidence knowing that they could beat the Patriots, and they did. I hope the Hawks can learn something from the Giants success. GO HAWKS. SHOCK THE WORLD!!

By Indifferent

December 18, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

The Celtics are 25-2 so for any of you Hawks fanboys who think the Celtics should be “questioning” themselves must have a 2nd grade education.

Yea, 25-2 (all time best start) should be fearful of the Hawks…that is precious.

I know that it’s been an incredibly long time since Atlanta has won anything of note, but to question the Celtics is as big a joke as the city of Atlanta.

BTW - The Celtics are 10-1 on the road this season. Yep - reasons to be concerned.

Idiots.

By Indifferent

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

Hey Aaron B: Tell me what makes the Celtics/Hawks a rivalry? Because the Hawks lost to the Celtics in the playoffs last season and are 0-2 versus the Celts this season. Yea, that makes a rivalry .

Win something first then talk about rivalries. Keeping it close against the CHAMPS does not constitute a rivalry. Get real.

By one66soul

December 18, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Hawks go no love from the refs at the crib! Woody is not a good coach!

By Aaron B

December 18, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Look, I have been a Hawks fan for a long time Indifferent, but the moment I let some Celtic bandwagon punk come in here and say anything about my Hawks without recourse, is the time you can start to question peoples education. Look dude, even the Celtics themselves, Kevin not included, take the hawks seriously. You should wake up and stick to the Celtics forum while you still have dignity. Because they will fear the Hawks during post season play. Both games were close and fierce. Maybe you should watch games, before you comment on basketball.

By RA

December 20, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Well, it looks like I missed the party. I always hate it when that happens. Last note on the Boston game. Both of those games could have gone either way, God knows. Celts took them both, in large part because of experience, but I’ll say now what I said after the Falcons fell to the Carolina Panthers early in the season. The best basketball for these Hawks is yet to come. The Celtics and their three potential Hall of Famers are at the top of their game now, but Kevin Garnett will be sitting in a rocking chair gumming jello when Al Horford reaches the top of his game, same for Marvin Williams, same for Josh Smith.

And to all you Celtics fans, your team is one key injury away from you all breaking out the brown paper bags all over again. If you’re a fan of an aging team you might want to keep that in mind.

Well, there, I’ve said my piece, not that there’s anyone around anymore to see it. Later!