Hawks

By doc

January 2, 2009 11:49 PM | Link to this

yeah i am surprised that there was not more of an effort to contest the loose ball once it started bouncing away. the shot probably never should have gotten away.

seems like our weakness is on the plays at the end of games or quarters on either end of the court. they make the plays and we dont. i have little confidence as we set up to let the clock run down, make the appropriate in bounds play or defend in the waning seconds. track record is awful.

By doc

January 2, 2009 11:51 PM | Link to this

bringing this forward from the last post especially for clyde:

By doc January 2, 2009 11:42 PM | Link to this i guess we can say the tide has gone out tonight. call it roll over tide maybe or low tide.

yeah najeh you have to match runs once ahead. they werent able to keep the nets off the boards in the second half for whatever reason. zaza looked all world then he wasnt heard from. defensive boards were awful and let them back in.

aj, you have to change the course of things with what you have. dont think we found anything that worked in the second half on either end. rebound time tomorrow night.

By cp

January 2, 2009 11:55 PM | Link to this

This game reminded me of so many from last season. We would take a lead into halftime then come out in the 3rd quarter almost sleep. They took so many bad shots in the second half and the poor free throw shooting did not help.

By Samuel

January 3, 2009 12:00 AM | Link to this

Again,

I think Josh did a good job on that last play. Sure he could have gambled and gone for the loose ball or played him closer but what if he missed and Carter drove in for a 15 footer. Guess what the headline would have been.

A guy hits a 35 foot buzzer-beater with a hand in his face to win the game, he deserves it.

By E. G.

January 3, 2009 12:05 AM | Link to this

JOSH SMITH PLAYED FOR 48:30 TONIGHT

I’m usually hard on Josh, but tonight I think he made bad decisions in OT because he was tired.

Some people just can’t keep their concentration while playing as long and hard as Josh had to play tonight. I don’t expect that much out of him yet due to the fact that he is still having to learn to play smart at crucial moments in the 4th quarter when he isn’t tired.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 12:06 AM | Link to this

Good point on Josh not pursuing the loose ball at the end of the game… I guess from his point of view it would have looked much worse if Vince had beaten him to the ball and gotten an open look, but it’s probably at least 50-50 that Vince doesn’t even get a shot off if Josh goes after it. I’d like to see what Josh himself has to say about that.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 12:07 AM | Link to this

From the previous blog…

“Do our Hawks have any power forwards or centers who can jump?”

Well, Josh Smith and Al Horford can both jump, but that’s not the problem… Brook Lopez was a lottery pick for a reason, and it’s because he’s got skills, length and athleticism in a 7 foot body. That is a flaw the Hawks’ roster has — the inability to match up with athletic 7 footers. But this is not the only team that has 7 footers or near-7 footers who can play. The Hawks handled Cleveland with Ilgauskas, Orlando with Dwight Howard, Golden State with Andris Biedrins, etc. It is possible for shorter players to handle bigger players if they position themselves properly, box out, etc. Usually the Hawks do this, and that’s a big reason why they have had so much success this year defensively. Tonight they didn’t have it. But I think it says something about the caliber of team the Hawks are, that they can be so below average on the boards and at the foul line and it still takes an overtime buzzer beater to beat them on the road.

“If Zaza wasn’t good at hustling for position for rebounds, the other teams would be “killing” us on the boards.”

I don’t agree… Zaza throwing his body around certainly doesn’t hurt, but the Hawks are a good rebounding team normally with or without him. They just weren’t hustling tonight. You don’t have to have a height advantage to have a rebounding advantage.

“Why did we pick up Randolph Morris? Why?”

Randolph Morris was not picked up with any intention of being a serious contributor for this team this year. He is a minimum-salary project who is here solely due to his upside. Really, the Hawks would be smart to assign him to a D-League team and let his game develop, like the Nets have done with Sean Williams. Same goes for Othello Hunter.

By matt

January 3, 2009 12:09 AM | Link to this

HAWKS SUCK NETS R AMAZING VC3 WE HAVE BEATEN U GUYS THREE TIMES THIS YEAR

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 12:11 AM | Link to this

Looking ahead over the next couple of weeks, it’s gonna be a little harder than it looks to keep the momentum going… the home game against Houston tomorrow, a home and home with Orlando, a home game against Philly that should be winnable, and a three game West Coast trip, which is pretty tough for any Eastern Conference team, even if two of those teams are the Warriors and Clippers. A 4-3 split should be acceptable, but ideally they should be able to get at least 5 wins out of that.

By E. G.

January 3, 2009 12:16 AM | Link to this

Hey Samuel

That was a late “hand in the face” by Josh Smith. Like I said before, I think Josh was tired from playing all the “hard” minutes.

It is unlike Josh not to go after a lonnnnnnng loose ball like that. I saw him breathing very hard just before that play was set up.

We need to give our starters more rest, especially at the right times.

By E. G.

January 3, 2009 12:21 AM | Link to this

HEY NAJEH DAVENPOOP

READ MY WORDS CLEARLY: Ilgauskas “DID” “NOT” “PLAY” IN THE GAME WE BEAT THE CAVALIERS EARLIER THIS SEASON. GO BACK AND CHECK THE ARCHIVES IF THAT IS POSSIBLE.

By Samuel

January 3, 2009 12:30 AM | Link to this

Not the 7’ vs 6’11 debate again.

Yall notice how the Nets responded to Hill compared to Opie? He better watch his back. Hill is one of those retreads who always get mentioned when there’s a new vacancy or rumor.

I’m just saying

WOODY=COY

By E. G.

January 3, 2009 12:34 AM | Link to this

HEY NAJEH DAVENPOOP and others

GO TO NBA.COM AND LOOK AT THE PICTURE OF VINCE CARTER MAKING THE 35’ SHOT.

YOU WILL SEE THAT THE BALL HAD ALREADY LEFT CARTER’S HAND BEFORE JOSH SMITH’S HAND COULD ACTUALLY BE IN HIS FACE.

JOSH SMITH WAS TOO WAS TOO FAR OFF FROM CARTER, AND HE WAITED TOO LATE TO CHALLENGE CARTER’S SHOT. I DON’T THINK JOSH REALLY EXPECTED CARTER TO SHOOT FROM THAT FAR AWAY.

IF SOMEBODY RECORDED THIS GAME, PLEASE GO BACK AND CONFIRM WHAT I JUST SAID.

By Samuel

January 3, 2009 12:54 AM | Link to this

EG,

Josh did what he was supposed to do. Why play up on a guy 35 feet away from the basket when they only need a two to beat you.

To be honest with you, it was a bad shot. Why would you ake a 35 footer one point down instead of driving to the basket and drawing a foul. Carter was way overdue.

Anytime you put yourself in a situation where the other team has the last shot(especially in the NBA) you stand a good chance of losing. We lost this one. We move on to play again tomorrow.

Now tomorrow is a real 7 footer. The Great Wall Baby. None of this nitpicking over an inch or two. We’re giving up dang near a Foot. We really need to clamp down if we are gonna keep our home court streak alive.

By Astro Joe

January 3, 2009 12:56 AM | Link to this

Sekou calls it inattention to detail and I call it lack of discipline. Same thing. I don’t care if it is careless turnovers, not chasing down loose balls or the nightly illegal screen call. We haven’t seen crisp play from this team since the first handful of games. Maybe fatigue is a factor, since Woody has gone with his 8 man rotation (with maybe 7 guys playing in the 2nd half). I recall that there was a period last season when Woody complained about a lack of execution toward the end of ball games…. when it was clear that the players were too physically spent to mentally focus. All I know is that the difference between a 4-5 seed and something less is the type of carelessness that resulted in tonight’s loss. Let’s see how they respond tomorrow evening against the imposing Yao and the intimidating Artest.

By lee

January 3, 2009 1:09 AM | Link to this

Once again I blame Woodson for this loss like the Boston game at home. I was watching the game 2nite and wondering when will Woodson make a substitution.He only put Mo in the game because Joe got his 5th foul. And Mo got the big steal against Devon Harris.He refused to use the bench against Boston and the starters got tired down the stretch(JJ’s missed FT). And the same thing happened tonight(Josh not chasing down the loose ball b4 Carter’s shot).Fatigue makes fools of us all!!!I believe our bench is one of the strongest in the NBA with Flip,Moe,Zaza,Solo and Acie.

By Samuel

January 3, 2009 1:11 AM | Link to this

Doc,

You don’t reckon Clyde drove all the way down to NO to see his Tide get thrashed like that? He’s mighty quiet. I hope he’s OK.

WOODY=COY

By Samuel

January 3, 2009 1:25 AM | Link to this

EG,

I just went and looked at that play about 20 times. I still don’t see much of anything Josh could have done differently. He actually came pretty close to getting a hand on that shot as far as he was off VC. Check it out on NBA.com.

Carter took about 3 steps over the half court line and shot the ball. There is no defense against that. I also saw where marvin did the correct thing by not leaving his man to chase down the loose ball. carter was the closest to the ball so he would have just passed the ball to Marvin’s man for an open shot. Just tough luck.

Woody=COY

By uga-brave

January 3, 2009 1:31 AM | Link to this

josh smith = coach killer.

he blocks shots, for sure, but only because he is always out of position on the low block.

he has zero any moves with his back toward the basket. no drop step, nor any desire to improve his low post moves.

he thinks he is a two guard. is a below average free throw shooter.

if he pounded the offensive boards instead of standing around the arc, he would be a much better player, he pouts at times.

he turns the ball over at a alarming rate. makes a ton of bad paases.

we would be better off with horfford playing the four and a dominant center in the post.

that being said, the hawks are fun to watch this season. bibby and joe are pretty darn good.

By Ed

January 3, 2009 1:43 AM | Link to this

Fatigue is the reason I have been harping on playing Acie & Solo more. It’s Jan 1 & we are just beginning to deal with this issue. Woody has no routine in his substituting pattern & players have no idea what to expect except for lately it is zero for most. Even Flip’s minutes were way down tonight. My understanding on monitoring minutes and making sure each reserve in the rotation can expect to get a certain amount each night is what the best coaches do.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 1:44 AM | Link to this

“JOSH SMITH WAS TOO WAS TOO FAR OFF FROM CARTER, AND HE WAITED TOO LATE TO CHALLENGE CARTER’S SHOT. I DON’T THINK JOSH REALLY EXPECTED CARTER TO SHOOT FROM THAT FAR AWAY.”

I’ve seen a lot of contested buzzer beaters in the NBA, and most were not much more tightly contested than that. You have a legitimate beef with Josh not going after the loose ball, but I don’t think in that situation you can expect him to play VC any closer. VC is decisively quicker than Josh. If Josh had gotten any closer, he either a) fouls him on the 3 point attempt, b) fouls him before the shot and sends him to the line with a chance to win the game, or c) lets him go by and get a wide open lane to the hoop. All those options are worse than what happened. Let’s face it — there are much worse end-of-game scenarios for a defense than allowing a contested 30-foot jumper.

Honestly, I don’t think Josh should have been on VC anyway. I think Josh should have been guarding the inbound, while Marvin guards VC. Marvin was playing better on the ball defense today (and really has been the best on the ball defender on the team for at least the last couple of weeks). Marvin also is not bothered by any lingering effects from injuries. Josh could have bothered the inbounder with his length while Marvin contested VC’s shot.

You are right though about Ilgauskas being out when the Hawks played them. That was my mistake. But it still doesn’t change the fact that the Hawks beat Dwight Howard’s Magic and Andris Biedrins’ Warriors recently despite having no legitimate 7 footer on the roster. Height is only one of many factors that can help in rebounding, and it’s definitely not as important as positioning or even athleticism. Dennis Rodman and Ben Wallace are two of the better rebounders in the history of the NBA, and if either one was on the Hawks they would be the shortest members of our frontcourt.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 1:46 AM | Link to this

All that said, if the Hawks have reached the level where we are finding things to nitpick after a 1 point overtime road loss to a playoff team, I think we’re in pretty good shape.

By RealSquawk

January 3, 2009 2:06 AM | Link to this

Though we shouldn’t be completely disappointed loosing a 20 point lead and having to struggle to stay in the game in the fourth quarter was bad enough. It isn’t like the hawks took the fourth quarter back there were just a lot of bad plays. On top of that tomorrow we have a big game against the rockets so being able to hold a 20 point lead and rest our starters would have been great instead we go into a overtime situation where we loose.

We expect every team to make a run and New Jersey made quite a run, but when those runs are happening you can’t get into a shoot out like the hawks did. You have to drive the basketball, which some players did do most notable some people who always do it Marvin Williams and Al Horford. When you do that two things happen you either draw the foul slowing down the game and you prevent for long rebounds and quick outlets.

Usually Mike would put Flip in during those periods and he is great and going at the basket, but that didn’t happen tonight.

A reason why Acie Law isn’t playing. If there is one thing we know about Mike Woodson is that he is big on getting his players recognition around the league from all star appearances to rookie awards and so forth. One reason he might be running really all the starters so much is he wants to make sure they have the numbers to make those appearances

By R.M

January 3, 2009 2:24 AM | Link to this

Please excuse the Nets fan, umm Matt I think.

Just wanted to make sure that Hawk fans don’t think that us Net fans are classless.

It was a good game,I give the Hawks alot of credit, you guys are a very good team, but I just got to give credit to my main man VC.

Anyways sorry for commenting in a Hawks forum.

-from a Nets Fan.

By JohnGTFan

January 3, 2009 2:40 AM | Link to this

While I agree Josh could have done better on the last play…this game was ALL ABOUT the Hawks not hitting free throws and playing like garbage in the second half. New Jersey…come on…they have some decent players…but they are not in the same league as Atlanta. The Hawks just let an inferior team make them look mediocre. The game should never have been close, much less go into overtime. Boston, L.A., Orlando, Cleveland, San Antonio…those teams…when they have you down by 20, they keep their feet on your throat. Atlanta…how many times do we all have to witness that huge first half lead, only for THE HAWKS (no offense Nets fans, but that was a gift from the Hawks) to let the other team make a game of it. And regardless of the record up to now, that is why we all still have serious concern about how good this team actually is!

By Jofixi

January 3, 2009 2:46 AM | Link to this

Josh Smith - why game after game is J-Smoove jacking up shots 18 feet and beyond? Why? Game after game I can’t help but question his decision making. The guy is young, a world beating athlete, but making decisions on offence and his high turn over rate time after time I’d getting pretty old. Am I alone in seeing this?

By Keeping It Real

January 3, 2009 3:13 AM | Link to this

Face the facts people, the Nets play the Hawks better than any other team so far this season. I t happens alot in the NBA where a team that should get beat by another doesn’t.Vince Carter always kills the Hawks and y’all know that.The 7-foot guys with some play give the Hawks undersize front line problems.Houston has the same set up so don’t be surprised if the Hawks lose especially after playing in OT on the road.The Hawks are not on the level of the Celtics, Lakers, Cavs, Spurs, Rockets,Orlando, etc…

By JJ

January 3, 2009 4:16 AM | Link to this

Everybody looks for reasons when we lose and i’m no different.The thing that bothers me most is that when JJ got his 5TH foul he really forgot to trust his teammates.He tried to win the game on his own.I know we missed freethrows and Josh probably weren’t as agressive as some of us might have liked,but JJ believing he’s the only one that can get it done will be our downfall.He said get him some help,they did,he still doing the same ole crap.Move the ball and trust your teammates.He and Woody talk TEAM but their actions say it’s all about them.Woody,build your team for the long haul and noy just for the right now.We got Bobby Cox who wins during reg season but loses when it counts.Build a TEAM and not a SUPERSTAR.GO HAWKS…

By bigdave

January 3, 2009 4:34 AM | Link to this

This game was lost early in the 3rd qtr. when the hawks squandered halftime lead and let the deficit get under 14pts. ( at that point a 3 makes it a game) because we couldn’t answer their push on our offensive end. My gut told me that the we would go into shock (mentally), stand around, and everyone would take turns trying to save the day…

My question is what are we doing on offense when; Joe is not having a great shooting night, or Mike can’t get an open look..

We look to Al Horford (who plays hard but sometimes doesn’t play within himself) for buckets?? Does everyone on our team think they can play guard?? This to me is bogus…

Marvin Williams should be our 2nd option on offense, and I m saying this being one of his biggest critics. Where were his touches?? Where were they…? Though his ball handling ability isn’t great, Marvin ability to take his defender off the dribble and possibly draw contact is an asset we rarely use; he has tried to do it with some regularity… Its a shame because he was a match up problem for the Nets..

Mo Evans is a liability on the defensive end in one on one situations, but they gassed him to be a man defender… Geesh.. Why can’t we find mins for a Mario West? Who’s claim to fame is a hustle man, and good defender.. why keep him around if we can’t use him… And don’t tell me about him not being able to score, cause we rarely swing the ball anyway…?

Yes this is one game.. however, it is obvious, even in wins, that the Hawks have developed some awful habits that without attention will lead to our regular/post season demise…

By JJ

January 3, 2009 5:08 AM | Link to this

I agree with Big Dave,and I believe because we have been winning,we’ve overlooked our problems.I wonder what they say in film study when they see themselves stand around and watch JJ dribble and not hit the cutter on pick and rolls and see gigs asking for the ball and all we get is a forced jumper.I just wonder how Woody rationlize these flaws.You win and people smile but when you lose,everything is examined to death.People pout and start pointing fingers.Woody nip it before you get nipped.

By TheHawksFan

January 3, 2009 6:38 AM | Link to this

The Hawks are playing really well right now. They would have the best record in the league if they played any better. VC should have been doubled up on that last shot. I would bet the farm that the HAWKS never ever let him shoot with ONE man on him with the game on the line. Thats the whole point about this team. They are 3 or 4 miscues away from being damn near perfect. I cant complain. AT ALL. As for playing time, these guys HATE to come out of the game. PERIOD! Joe more than anyone else. Thats why he has and always will play close to 40 mins a game. This is a game of reps. You cant get reps from the bench. Coach Woodson has a fine line to walk. Leaving guys in to get the reps and pulling them to get the rest they NEED without losing that player. The rotation will get better and better as these guys Trust in Woodson’s judgement comes along. Again this is a SMALL problem. I cant complain. Acie is losing out to Flip because of 1 thing. The 3 point shot. But now this has went to another level. Dont try coach Woodson cause you will lose. Acie is not too warm to playing the last 20 seconds of game. In stark contrast I saw Mario West get to the score desk in less than 2 seconds when his name is called. Same with Solo. Thats why his DNP’s are on the rise. BUT this too will get better. Cant Complain! My advice for the bench guys is STAY READY! The time is coming. Goooooo HAWKSSSS!!!

By NYC Hawk

January 3, 2009 8:08 AM | Link to this

Woody’s gotta trust the bench, for better or for worse. Hawks can’t go far without the bench taking some pressure off the starters.

By cwm

January 3, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this

boy from reading all of this i would think we were 32 and zero or oops 31 and 1 get over it u would always give a man a 35’ shot if he makes it then …. he wins…. get off the josh bashing ….. he can’t win … if any body should be held responsible it is WOODY he has to rest the players no matter what … other wise … why have them…… or give vince credit because he made a 35 footer….. we will see then again the 30th of january …. we will handle them, also how many times does a team beat you in the regular season and can’t touch u in the playoff .. go hawks start another win streak

By Ben

January 3, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this

**Was our defensive plan to surround the key in the lane so every player on the Nets could have an open 3? I swear, for 8 minutes in a row, I did not see ONE CONTESTED shot in the 3rd quarter.

What the hell did Woodson preach at halftime? Was our gameplan to make the key the line of scrimmage and everyone on our team to have a moshpit there?

Then again, we can’t forget our hero, Josh Smith. Seemingly boneheaded plays, one after another, he showed why he’s an immature 23 year old who does not fix his mistakes. His horrid free throw shooting, confidence in taking like 21 foot TWO POINTERS, and horrific passing, only helped to do us in.

Question: Where were Bibby and Joe in the 2nd half? Was the plan for them to not shoot or have plays run for them? Did Marvin Williams put a sleeping bag out on the court and sleep in the 2nd half? i don’t recall him doing jacksh*t for 90 % of the game.

And then, on the last play, it’s obvious time is running out, and Smoove is standing 3 feet back, with his hands down, and not even anticipating or planning on blocking the shot. It f*cking frustrates the hell out of me when I see shot clocks running out and players not even recognizing this on defensive, not trying to contest shots.

And who the hell’s idea was it to put Josh on Vince? How about our hero, Mario West? Is he no longer an option to play? 5 seconds were left—of course he should have been in for a 5 second stint.

Where the hell was Acie Law? Don’t you think he could’ve helped out on Devin Harris, rather than exhausted Joe Johnson, who had 5 fouls?

OK, I’m ready for all the haters to come in and tell me I’m a knee-jerk reactor and that I was cheering when we won all those games—I wasn’t cheering—I preached the exact same fcking sht I’m saying right now.

Until Josh Smith grows up, Acie Law plays, and our clutch players get the ball in a position to win the game, this team will be a tease that wins home games and loses on the road**

By RB

January 3, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this

The game could have been won in regulation if only Joe Johnson would pass the ball to the open man. Mike Bibby was wide open and having the best game of any Hawk. Instead JJ takes a shot with a man all over him that gets blocked. As good as he can be at times, he can be equally as selfish. I’ve seen this play all to often. When will he learn?

By Hawksfan

January 3, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this

I can’t complain a whole lot about the way the Hawks have played this season…but they should have made every effort possible to double Vince Carter (with Horford) and make someone else beat you. You cannot allow the other team(s) best option even have the ball in last seconds of a game………………….. I believe that Woody really has to invest in his bench players (that are not being used) to give the starters a breather. He has not made good use of Solo, Law, West, and even Morris. The Hawks starting five is on par with just about every team in the NBA, but fatigue makes loser out of everybody. They will have a hard time replicating the same intensity night after night (especially on the second night of a back to back). Woody, PLEASE USE YOUR BENCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By kwooden1

January 3, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this

I hope that Woody learns his lesson this game. I saw JS on the last play (thanks Melvin) I really wouldn’t have done anything different. If Vince makes the shot he makes it! There was a game this year that he missed all 18 of his shots!! (30+ footer, Contest it? Please!!!!) I tried to make this point during the game and forgot to put FLIPs!! name in the blog. 7pts in 6mins and never sees anymore time!!. Woody saw Bibby was playing well and could bring himself to change. Kept rotating in Evans for defense. He doesn’t understand that the team that scores the most points wins! Not the teams that keeps the other team from scoring. Also, this game was lost at the line!! That is very correctable because Zaza and JS aren’t bad free throw shooters, need more practice.

Again, I hope Woody learns a lesson from this game. Guys on the bench bring different talents to the table and can change the mood of the game. Frank realized he needed to change the mood of his team so he got himself thrown out. Woody needed to bring in a score during the 3rd to match NJ scoring! Woody tried to slow the game down and in the end lost this game and will probably lose tonights game because of fatigue.

Long Season. Learn from your errors!

GO HAWKS!!!

By Sautee

January 3, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this

Sekou

About this:

But while the Hawks have enjoyed a monster season so far while playing far below their potential for much of their first 32 games, few games have provided a more blinding example of their inattention to detail.

Now that’s an interesting statement.

I think that statement perfectly explains the amount of discontent on this blog. It’s obvious to most observers that the Hawks, while winning more than last year, remain a work in progress that has “oh so far” to go, if we expect to compete for a Championship.

That doesn’t mean that we’re not excited by 21-11, but that we see what could be, and are frustrated at losses seemingly thrown away by, as Sekou put it, “inattention to detail”.

And while it’s normal to expect the expression of frustration after a close loss, I believe that most of our blog is guardedly excited, but believes we can be much better than we are.

Far below our potential indeed!

By John

January 3, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this

I agree with another poster. Marvin should be our second option on offense. He is great at drawing fouls and he has such a nice jumper. Woodson needs to allow him to be more assertive. He is so much more polished than Josh. I also think we need to post Josh up more too. That is where he should be getting his touches.

By doc

January 3, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this

najeh i posted a blog or two back i hope we hit january 17 at 25 and 14. reasonable for the stretch of games coming up. got to get after houston tonight.

samuel, we all know what clyde does in times of distress, it is the babes of rio to come to his aide.

guess another thread is were the best defenders in there under the circumstances. did solo front the ball, was mario there to be a motor or impediment, were we aggressive enough or did we play to not lose? i really dont remember who was on the court at the time but we had called a time out and you know how our after time out plays go whether it be on o-fense or d-fense…. disastrously. just dont allow us to think too much and we play okay.

By Gabbey Hayes

January 3, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this

Josh Smith makes so many bonehead plays. When he is on the floor at the end of a game, I always hope he will not end up with the ball, in his hands.

By Ramon

January 3, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this

Sekou, I’m sorry. I usually agree with you on many things. But to bypass the hundred of plays that occurred before the last play of the game, and go directly to that one play is missing the majority of the problems.

But I will give it to you. You know the bloggers well enough to know that just mentioning that one play will signal days of typing.

You stated yourself Smoove’s in ‘obvious’ pain. So why not question the coaching move of having Smoove guard a 2-guard? Or why not question the coaching move of not going big for longer in the game to offset the huge rebound differential?

There’s a great chance that if Smoove went for the ball, he would’ve ended up being called for a loose ball foul. Carter stated himself he was looking to see if he was coming. And after watching Carter for years, I know the smallest bump would’ve met the most dramatic reenactment of the new year.

Smoove did a good job. Unless this is the Final Four, no one expects that shot to go in.

By Sautee

January 3, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this

Samuel

Man, you have turned on the “funny machine” lately. Good stuff from:

Opie has left the building to:

Bama is really making the SEC look bad. Getting manhandled by a Skiing school.

to (about JJ):

I think he got too much rest. I’m sure he’ll come back strong tomorrow.

Pretty funny Sam.

But about this:

Anybody who blames a coach for that loss is just plain_. You fill in the blanks. Please.

Astute? Discerning? Correct? Hatin’?

How about Partially Right? I think Woody would accept some responsibility for the loss, wouldn’t you?

After all, a COY wouldn’t throw his players under the bus, right?

By I .MUS WRITE

January 3, 2009 11:42 AM | Link to this

JJ takes way too many dam jumpers ….. In crunch time he is dancing with Dooling in the post only to take a tough turn around jumper which was well defended…. Pass the dam ball Bibby was sitting at the line wide open,just does’nt make sense.

If a guy is gonna raise up over a 6’9 jumping jack and drain a 35 footer -theres not much you can do about that. -Josh should have gaurded the inbound while Marvin played D on VC.

Smoove really needs to stop trying to be a playmaker- Dribbling up court and Jacking 3’s is not his game -i get so frustrated when he does that- 80% of the time its a brick or a turnover…DAM

that yungn could be so much more if he would just listen and play within his abilities.

That was a horrible 3rd qtr, Down the stretch we have to have better play -If guy’s are tired then use the bench,its thats simple.

By Big Ump

January 3, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this

The main reason were missed free throws. We make the free throws we win. It’s that simple. You can’t blame Woody for that or Josh on the last play in overtime or the bench not getting playing time.

By Bryant

January 3, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this

Sekou, what’s the word on Acie Law? Why in the world is Woody not giving him any PT?? I look at the stat sheets and Law hasn’t gotten any action at all over the past few games. Is he in the doghouse or what/

The Hawks are winning games on talent, and definitely not coaching. Woody’s substitution patterns make no sense, and he does not know how to use his bench at all. I wish we had gone in a different direction for a new coach during the offseason.

By gastr1

January 3, 2009 12:10 PM | Link to this

Considering the situation, that was one of the laziest, stupidest plays I have ever seen and is why Josh Smith is questioned a lot more than the other players.

If I was his teammate he would be hearing it for weeks on that. What in hell was he thinking?

By gastr1

January 3, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this

SEKOU DO YOUR JOB AND SHED SOME LIGHT ON ACIE LAW!!!!

By oldmike

January 3, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this

This team has the talent to be really special. The coach needs to use his bench much more and keep the minutes down for the main guys. Unless he does they will flame out as they have so often at the end of games out of fatigue. Still think coach has to go to get to the next level.

By Big Ump

January 3, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this

Talent don’t win games alone. Try putting talent out there without a coach and see what happen. So don’t just say that the Hawks are just winning because of talent alone. That don’t make sense.

By Ben

January 3, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this

Sekou, can you post an article about Acie Law’s THOUGHTS on this whole situation of not playing? Don’t just tell us he’s not in the rotation—tell us what Acie thinks

By rms

January 3, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this

BLAST: I guess you’re right. I shouldnt be dumping on our team calling them losers and sucka’s when they blow a game like that. I am sure that was a long flight home from New Jersey replaying that shot by Carter to end the end and wondering what would have happened if they made one more play…. I am sorry if I offended anyone by trashing the home team like that no matter how ridiculous it was to blow a huge lead like that when you had all the momentum going into halftime. Hopefully they have a short-memory and come into Phillips tonite and beat the Rockets. But I refuse to apologize for Coach not going another player or two deep on his bench. That probalby would not have the difference last nite, but who really knows… maybe somebody comes up and actually produces points and creates turnover into more points…

By O'brien

January 3, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

I just wish Josh would stop shooting 3 pointers completely. He is 10-40 on the year. 25%. Last year, Marvin Williams did not take many 3’s, because he knew that was not his range.

So why can’t Woody get it through Josh’s head to stop? Like Ray said, it makes you wonder if its a designed play to have Josh taking shots from behind the arc (or close to it).

By O'brien

January 3, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this

The game last night is just a reminder that no matter how far the Hawks have come, they still have a long way to go. 3 of their 11 losses have been to the Nets. The Nets. And you lose to a team that is under .500 at home, after being up by 20 at half time? That’s inexcusable.

I dont know what it is about playing on the road, but that’s always been the Hawks kryptonite. And to become an elite team, you have to be able to beat good teams on the road.

Another concern is that our starters played so many minutes last night. Combine that with the fact that they lost, how prepared (physically and mentally) will they be tonight?

By jhan

January 3, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this

Does this game go on Woody’s resume for COY? Can’t give the coach credit for the wins & players the blame for a loss.

It all boils down to free throw shooting. If they make them they win. They didn’t so they lost.

Josh & ZaZa both missed 3 in a row at some point in the 4th quarter. Unacceptable.

By BrittishAnger

January 3, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this

It didn’t take much time for me to get over this recurring problem we face with the Nets. That back-2-back earlier in the season put a dour expression on my face, and this one had a similar result in the end. I give many props to the Net’s for finding those three’s in the 2nd half of the game, when we could barely muster anything beyond the arc and we couldn’t make the foul shots when we needed them (just half the missed freethrows and we had this game won). While I still have beliefs the right-sided rim is to blame for the respective shooting dilemma’s of each team (I had issues with that in the first game against them), we had opportunities to close it down and just didn’t. I’m sure everybody woke up this morning and shot free-throws, and if they didn’t…pray that doesn’t happen again tonight…

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS 4 HAWKS 1) Bibby and Mo - close that gap between you and your opponent: you’re all leaving chasms of space between yourself and the opponent, just make it seem like you’re trying to guard them.

2) J-Smoove - Draw more fouls on the defense, and look into Tiger Balm. You get more three-point plays this way, and it’s a shame to see you have these nights where all you put up are ugly clinkers. You say you are still not 100%, go find a good kung-fu school and ask them for some Tiger Balm for your leg…100% will be right around the corner, not to mention some extra hard work and dedication.

3) Woody - Play 12 Deep. The advantage of doing this should be really simple to note, and while your 8 man rotations are providing some interesting depth and giving your stars the time they need to play, there are points when creating a reliable 2nd squad makes for a deadlier team ethic, especially the way this team dishes the ball. The downside is less points unless you have somebody dishing for you like Lue did, but the upside is a one-two punch that can potentially shake a team to the core if the right dynamics were set up.

4) BrittishAnger - Go to two more regular hawks games, even without a job, and ninja into the playoffs…oh, and getting a job at Hawksville, anybody need a towel?

By Keeping It Real

January 3, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this

The Hawks have the weakest fans in the league.You guys expect them to win every game and to play all of the bench or they are losers and not playing to their potential.There is no excitement here about the Hawks. I have to go to ESPN or Sportsline but not my own home town paper if I want to really talk Hawks and basketball.Here it’s just people who are fans of themselves trying to out do each other in complaining. The AJC needs to close this blog and find a fair beatwritter. The Hawks is probably going to lose tonight because the Rockets are a better team. Even the Thrashers fans like their team and they are losers.

By cp

January 3, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this

It’s only January and we are basically playing an 8 man rotation. I just don’t think this is a good idea. The season is way too long to only play 8 guys consistently. Add in the fact that we are a jump shooting team and its easy to see that fatigue can be a problem. At the end of games guys wont have their legs. When we started the season we were basically going 10 deep. Joe and Bibby were resting and came into the 4th quarter fresh. Now that Woodson has shortened his bench they barely get any rest. You always want your go to guys fresh in the 4th quarter. You dont want your jump shooters out there with dead legs. They get no lift and the shots don’t fall…… As much as I like JJ, last night he was doing some of the things I hate about his game..Dribbling the ball for 20 seconds then taking a bad shot… I don’t know if that’s a design by Woody or a lack of trust on JJ’s part but either way we need to fix that .

By psulli81

January 3, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this

I actually think the solution would be moving Smith to center and Horford to PF. Horford can play on the elbow and it would force Smith near the basket, where he needs to be anyway. Too many offensive sets seem to have Smith lingering around the 3-point line, which makes no sense at all given how poor of a shooter he is and his rebounding ability.

Also, why don’t the Hawks run more screen-roll involving Bibby and Smith? Smith setting a screen and then running towards the basket (where he’s at his most dangerous) seems like a very intuitive play, and I’m surprised this isn’t a staple of the Hawks playbook.

Smith is clearly not 100% and has made his share of silly mistakes, but I also think Woodson is not making good use of his skill set.

By Jim Burn is Roaming

January 3, 2009 4:19 PM | Link to this

Another thing that I noticed about the game last night…the starting rotation blew the 20pt lead. I am glad that Acie nor Solo were not involved, at all, with the blown lead, because in some way, that would have further entrenched them on the bench.

Blowing a 20pt lead and losing by 3 is very demoralizing for any team. Hopefully, the Hawks will be able to shake it off and beat Houston tonight. If they lose this game tonight, on top of the demoralizing loss to NJ, a losing streak could be on the horizon.

By Wink from Lithonia

January 3, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this

With 5.6 seconds Josh has to force Carter to make a play on the run, and not allow him to gather the ball, set his feet & shoot. Josh poor basketball IQ on display all night. Carter may have still made the shot, but you have to contest the ball. This would be in chasing it down or while the player is shooting. 5.6 seconds left you have to make the other team react to your defense. That is what we are banking our season on…right!!! Josh has poor judgement, from the behind the back dribble he lost, to the brick 3 pointer they let him take, to poor position on Lopez that he rebounded the ball over Josh & put back, missed free throws down the strecht and this bad defense play vs one good play on the steal & go ahead basket. Josh is just potential with no apparent growth in the basketball IQ department…when will he learn the game - WHEN?

By Blast

January 3, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this

Rms, it’s all good. I know how passionate fans feel. After halftime last night, I switched myself to a suspension of disbelief mode because after watching the Hawks for 11 years, I knew they stood a good chance of blowing a 20 point lead. They’ve done it in the past. So I switched off and waited to see how the Hawks started the 3rd. I held on to it through out the 3rd and by the start of the 4th quarter, I knew the Hawks would possibly lose that game, so the game was already lost to me by the 4th. If they had pulled it off, the I would have been elated and pleasantly surprised. When they lost, I wasn’t too suprised at all, or pained that much. I was more p** to see Jersey players celebrating. I knew the Hawks were playing with fire letting NJ come close and start trading baskets. I was still holding my breath till the last second, so when Carter’s 3 went in, I was horrified, but not suprised, beacuse I have seen superstars do this to the Hawks for years and years. Same sh!t happened in the first game with Boston this season. One thing I know. The Hawks are not yet good enough to win every game that comes down to the wire. The hawks needs a decent cushion going into the end of the 4th, or they would just be playing with fire trading baskets.

About apologising for Woody, Hell No! He wore his starters out. Flip played well, but we never saw him again. Tired starters might haunt them tonight, though Houston lost big last night also.

Keeping it for Real, please get the hell off our blog,

Go Hawks. Play Smart, Play Hard, Play Great Every Night. Can’t afford to take a night off. You’all aint an elite team yet. You are still trying to be one.

By O'brien

January 3, 2009 7:06 PM | Link to this

With the starters playing so many minutes last night, Woody needs to keep a close eye on them. If they look tired, he needs to play his bench more (which is exactly what he said he would do after the Denver game).

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 7:12 PM | Link to this

Is this game on TV?

By kgbsfinst

January 3, 2009 7:43 PM | Link to this

I watched the last play of last nights game again, from inbound till the shot was made. I think Josh made the right play. He was screened when the pass was made, so he was about four feet behind Carter when the ball got tipped. I think if he sprints out after Carter and the ball, Carter goes right by him.

Also, for people to think he was being lazy is questionable. Remember, it was his double team the play before that lead to the steal and the go ahead bucket.

By bigdave

January 3, 2009 7:47 PM | Link to this

No TV and Acie gets a little burn… wow… aint that something…

By Ariose

January 3, 2009 7:48 PM | Link to this

Greetings fellow boggers!!!

My laptop was in the Computer hospital for a few weeks but it’a all beter now lol.

If I was in smooves position I would hae done the same thing. I’d be afraid of vince driving on me and me possibly giving up a foul (even though refs usually don’t call that stuff in the final seconds).

Woody’s been great this season (sort of) but the blame unfortunately falls on him. Flip murray did not even play in the second half. Pretty much no one other than Mo Evans got any extended play in that second half.

There is no excuse for this when you have a lazy arse starting five out there who was looking to joe(who was getting double and triple-teamed all night). That goes for Marvin and smoove who decided to try and be assertive way too late.

Anyway, woodson WAS looking like an intelegent coach because his tight rotation was getting he job done. But last night brought up and old issue that plauged us all of last season. Woodsons inability to trust other players and his inability to adjust(wich has been swept under the rug as of late with all of the winning thats been going on around here).

When you have guys on the bench who are hot(Flip) and who match up well with Harris and can wreak his own havok in the paint(Acie Law) there is no excuse for not playing them…….and lets not forget about Solomon Jones who has just been fantastic whenver he’s gotten significant minutes and has defenetly EARNED more playing time.

The Hawks needed an infusion of energy last night but woodson obviously didn’t care.

Back to back games don’t really fatigue you if you win the first one. I don’t see us winning this game today against the Rockets unless woody lets his bench get some run…….or Sund makes him heh.

I don’t care how many games it takes but our coaching staff defenetly needs to integrate Solo and Acie back into the rotation. At least Solo, because if last years playoff series’ proved anything it’s that he’s going to be called on regardless because our bigs will get in foul trouble in the playoffs a some point. At least get the guy ready so you don’t loose any sleep over throwing him into the fire when he is indeed called upon. Besides, he’s Smoove-lite the guy blocks shots….and apparently woody has made Acie the new Stoudamire. Give the guy a shot to prove himself. He hasn’t done anything wrong.

……..more later…

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Sautee

January 3, 2009 8:02 PM | Link to this

Anybody listening to the game?

Is Bibby hurt?

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this

I am watching the game… unfortunately the commentary is in Chinese, so I have no clue whether or not Bibby got injured. He did return after being pulled in the first quarter though so it may not be anything serious. Here’s a list of streams for this game, but I don’t know which ones work and which don’t.

By Sautee

January 3, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this

Ariose, good to have you back.

I HATE when the games aren’t on TV. Yes, I’m spoiled.

By Blast

January 3, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this

I’m listening to the game on radio and so far, it seems the Hawks are playing decent. The score is tied at 62 with 5.24 left in the 3rd. Flip is playing great. The Hawks just made a three.

By Ariose

January 3, 2009 8:38 PM | Link to this

Thanks Sautee.

The home stand was great. I went to the see the Cleveland and the Boston games. Good stuff.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Blast

January 3, 2009 8:39 PM | Link to this

Hawks up by 4 right now. Solo scored.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 8:49 PM | Link to this

Zaza is playing great in this quarter. He is going to the hoop with authority for a change.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 8:57 PM | Link to this

The Hawks’ defensive rotations in the 4th quarter are just sad. Two straight possessions on which the Rockets knocked down open 3’s. If this continues, expect another loss.

By Ariose

January 3, 2009 8:58 PM | Link to this

Looks like woody s playing Solo and Acie tonight. That’s great, and they’re producing.

By jerry

January 3, 2009 8:58 PM | Link to this

What’s wrong with Marvin Williams? Is he hurt?

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 8:58 PM | Link to this

Also, how the hell does Josh Smith have zero rebounds in the 4th quarter?

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 9:01 PM | Link to this

Marvin is sitting out with a strained shoulder, which is why Evans started, and which indirectly is why Solo and Acie are getting minutes.

By Blast

January 3, 2009 9:12 PM | Link to this

Hawks up by 4, rounding up the 4th, can they make it? :21 to go.

By Mychelfromatl

January 3, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith just made a nice dunk and energized the crowd. Hawks up by 4 with about 3 mins left.

By The Hawksta

January 3, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this

I’ve found the streaming on 790thezone dot com to be the best. Right now I’m getting a little feedback from another channel. But for the most part it’s good. Boy sure are a lot of Josh haters in the ATL.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 9:17 PM | Link to this

Huge defensive plays from Josh Smith and Zaza on consecutive possessions. Hopefully the Hawks can hold onto this lead.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this

What the hell… three straight stupid plays by Joe Johnson and the Rockets have tied it up. Not a good time to commit careless turnovers.

By kirkinga

January 3, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this

Cold Blooded Shot From Bibby!!

By Tiger Woo

January 3, 2009 9:22 PM | Link to this

Mike Bibby - 28 foot 3-pointer !!

By Blast

January 3, 2009 9:23 PM | Link to this

Hawks win by 3! Bibby is the hero, although every one played well. See what happens when Woody uses his bench?

By bigdave

January 3, 2009 9:25 PM | Link to this

YYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAA!!!

WAY TO BOUNCE BACK!! GOOD LOOK JOE!!

GET OFF JOSH!!!

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

THIS WILL TAKE THE BAD TASTE FROM YESTERDAY AND KEITH BROOKING OUTTA MY MOUTH!!!

By Tiger Woo

January 3, 2009 9:25 PM | Link to this

Hawks win !! 29 points by the “coach killer” Josh Smith.

By Ariose

January 3, 2009 9:25 PM | Link to this

Great win for the Hawks. There is no way we would have won this game without that bench production. Woody would be smart to continue t develop the bench.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By bigdave

January 3, 2009 9:26 PM | Link to this

JOE… 14 DIMES

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 9:28 PM | Link to this

Josh and Zaza were huge defensively down the stretch. It’s understandable that the Hawks would get out-rebounded by one of the better rebounding teams in the league, but 29 total boards in a game is on the ridiculous side of things. Joe didn’t quite play like his superstar self at the end of the 4th, but nice to see the team step up and take care of business. Good win against a quality team.

By Ariose

January 3, 2009 9:29 PM | Link to this

Bibby Three pointer seals the game.

George Karl said it best a couple of days ago when he warned his team about Bibby the night before the game: “He’s in a rhythm that I haven’t seen him in for a couple of years.” Having Mark Price Around helps too.

….Also Great Season for the Falcons…

~Sir links A Lot~

By Blast

January 3, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith won the game for the Hawks tonight. Yeah, Bibby made the game winner, but Josh set the tone with 29 points while missing only 3 shots for the night, and playing smart. Woody trusted his bench, and they delivered. I didn’t think they could pull it off tonite, but they did!

Go Hawks, Go!!!!!!!!!!!!

By kirkinga

January 3, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this

The Hawks win another close game. The Rockets were very physical and played perhaps their best game of the year(according to the Houston broadcasters). Rockets lose for the first time when scoring 100 pts.

Josh Smith with a good game tonight. Though Scola backed him down into the paint and more scored more easily than I thought he would be able to.Woodson used Acie and Solo more tonight.

I thought the Hawks would fold after late back to back turnovers, but they didn’t and Bibby did to the Rockets what Carter did to us last night. That’s the NBA!

The Hawks lost a game last night and as is custom here, it’s been all gloom and doom and whining. Thankfully the Hawks bounced back against an undermanned but tough and determined team.

Hawks 22-11 and with a nice 3 day break before taking on the Magic.

Good Job!

Go Hawks!!!

By Big Ump

January 3, 2009 9:40 PM | Link to this

As I said last night. Sometime you lose games like that and then turn around and win games like that.

By E. G.

January 3, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

HOUSTON PLAYED WITHOUT RON ARTEST, TRACY MCGRADY AND STEVE FRANCES

Although I am glad the Hawks won, I was wondering how we beat this team until I looked at the box score.

I definitely glad that Artest and Tracy McGrady didn’t play tonight because we definitely needed this win, but I still know that we didn’t play Houston with one of their best scorers (McGrady) “and” defensive player (Artest) who would have given Joe Johnson problems and helped Houston in the offensive and bench points column.

By Da Real Real

January 3, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this

I opted to stay home and watch the Falcons game today and didn’t catch up with any of the Hawks game. I am happy to see that we was able to pull out a win after what happened last night. Also good to see Solo and Law make their cameo’s today and get some playing time too. I still think Woody is going to use those two guys more in the second half of the season to have them set for the playoffs.

By rms

January 3, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this

Why do they have to make it so close… I dont have any more nails for this!! How did Horford do anybody??

By rms

January 3, 2009 10:02 PM | Link to this

After looking at the box score, somebody correct me if I am wrong, but isnt the point guard supposed to have more assist than your shooting guard? Who is distributing the ball around….Who is running the offense. The PG should be creating shots for everyone else, right??

By hawkfan

January 3, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this

I don’t even care, I am just glad that joe johnson finally trusted bibby and gave him the BALL at the end of the game instead of dribble dribble hope I get a fadeaway jumper to go in, I mean I’ve seen bibby on so many occasions opened at the 3 point line at the end of games with his hands open only for a turnover waiting to happen, maybe we can build on this and plus it’s almost like redemption from VC’s 3 point dagger last night, also I think we were lucky to play them without some of their best players, oh well, a win is a win, 22-11!!! now that the falcons lost, the city can pay more attention to us now

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 10:14 PM | Link to this

“HOUSTON PLAYED WITHOUT RON ARTEST, TRACY MCGRADY AND STEVE FRANCES”

In light of the fact that Steve Francis got traded to the Grizzlies last week, I think it’s only fair to point out that the Hawks played without Marvin Williams, Steve Smith, Mookie Blaylock, or Dikembe Mutombo.

By doc

January 3, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this

was there tonight and the crowd was electric the last two minutes. the place went crazy when bibby made the shot and was he ever styling on hte way to the bench after that shot. joe is off his shot again and really tried to force it too many times a the end after playing smart leading up to it. sorry fadeaways and t.o.’s almost cost us but bibby stepped up big.

smash looked more himself fianlly getting major lift two or three times like he used to before he got injured.

cred to solo, flip, acie and zaza off the bench. all played stellar tonight. zaza gave yao fits and had him crying to the refs. skola has given us fits and he really was inconsequential tonight.

overall good win even with a rocket team dressing only 10 with artest, t mac and battier all sitting it out.

By Big Ump

January 3, 2009 10:24 PM | Link to this

E. G.

There will be games that teams have players out some reason of other. You can’t say that’s the reason the hawks won. At times all teams have the same issue. There were games Josh was out and the Hawks lost, but I can’t say that’s was the reason that they lost. Marvin William also was out tonight. A win is a win anyway you look at it. I’m quite sure Houston and other NBA teams won games against other teams that had players out.

By ray

January 3, 2009 10:35 PM | Link to this

Good game. I guess. Wish I could have seen it. I’m glad we won.

My Falcons lost. I’m sad. But only for a little while.

By Samuel

January 3, 2009 10:39 PM | Link to this

I missed the game but i’m glad we bounced back. We really needed this win to keep our confidence.

Obviously, Josh played a great game. 13-16 with only 1-3 point attempt. JJ trusted Bibby and he delivered. Woody played Acie and Solo. What’s not to love.

I am worried about this 3 day rest though.

Woody=COY

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2009 10:39 PM | Link to this

The Rockets had T-Mac and Artest and played a Gilbert-less, Caron Butler-less Wizards team last week at home and lost.

Not saying the Rockets wouldn’t have necessarily won without T-Mac and Artest tonight, but like Big Ump said, it’s not right to assume that’s why they lost either.

By ray

January 3, 2009 10:45 PM | Link to this

Now how about that. Artest and McGrady may have been out, but Houston is still a dangerous squad. And we were missing Marvin, anyway. Not that that’s a game-breaker, but it hurts all the same.

Josh Smith has a monster game, and Bibby hits the game-ending dagger. I’m glad to see Smoove play well, and even get a little love from some of y’all. Kudos especially to Kirk for giving Josh some love, and managing to keep his laptop away from that dastardly roommate of his. :)

I agree with whoever said it was ridiculous that we only got 29 boards total. Crazy. On the other hand, we shot a hair under 60% from the field. That’s hot…

I see Solo and Acie finally got some burn, no doubt somehow connected to the absence of Marvin Williams, and the apparent ineffectiveness of Mo Evans (only 22 minutes played in a starting role). Hell, Acie did better with 2-4 shooting, 4 points, 2 assists, 2 steals and NO TURNOVERS in 15 and a half minutes. But no, he shouldn’t be stealing minutes from other guys.

I see Flip got his game on this time. We needed that. So. 22-11. I like the sound of that.

By kgbsfinst

January 3, 2009 10:45 PM | Link to this

Najeh

That was one of the funniest lines I’ve heard (or read) in awhile!

By ray

January 3, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this

Sam,

I think anybody without NBA LEAGUE PASS missed this game.

Like you say, JJ showed a lot more trust tonight than he has in the past. Definitely gotta trust Bibby. He’s earned it.

I wonder if anybody else has noticed that Josh has suddenly put together a string of 20-point performances? Or are we too busy hatin’ on the guy?

By lee

January 4, 2009 7:59 AM | Link to this

after watching JJ make the pass to Bibby that he didn’t make against Jersey and Woody using his bench,I decided to stop criticizing like I could do better and start enjoying this team(coaches included)!!!

No TV 2nite but my son and I were there cheering for the Hawks….It’s not our fault McGrady and Artest didn’t play.I was born and raised in ATL.Recently,someone asked who was my favorite team. I had to say the Hawks because no matter who “we” play I want “us” to win.

Go Hawks and thanx 4 playing hard every night because its appreciated!!!!

By doc

January 4, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this

lee, good stuff that says a lot. yes, they are very entertaining and they play hard even when they make mistakes.

it was sooo much fun to see smash do his high wire antics for the first time since his injury. talk about moving the crowd EVERYONE to their feet. geez, great stuff and what makes the live entertainment worth it. you get a sense of it on tv just not all of it.

lee, i agree with you, one just cant pick apart the emotion can you that this team brings night in and night out.?smash is the man for that. who in his right mind would ever call such a beast j smoove?

By Syd the Hawk fan

January 4, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

Sekou, my exact thoughts as I watched that play unfold. For all his talent, JS many times doesn’t have a clue.

By WH

January 4, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this

We got to have a killer instinct with a big lead. This team plays a lot of close games - winning by 2 or 3 ppg avg. Thist may help us during playoffs by competing in so many of them, but it can also be a detriment when the Hawks should be winning by more pts. and giving our starters some needed rest with the bench help.

The shot by Vince should have been contested, especially when the ball was thrown into the backcourt with precious seconds left on the clock. Going after the ball with little pressure would have forced Vince to scramble at least a second off the clock.

We will learn from our mistakes. We have one more shot at the Nets.

GO HAWKS!!

By Sautee

January 4, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this

new blog up

By RB

January 4, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

I got on JJ for not passing in the NJ game. Now I commend him for passing in the game against Houston. If he is to become the truly GREAT player, he must learn to assist more and take the difficult shot less.

By AL

January 4, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this

If Joe had passed the ball to Bibby near the end of regulation at Jersey,like he did against Houston,maybe the Hawks win that game too. Good as Joe is he can hurt the team at times with not playing smart. Smith is not the only one on this team that could play smarter at times.

By Barry

January 4, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

Since football season has now subsided with my Falcons, I am now focused on my Atlanta Hawks. I saw the second half of the game yeaterday and was impressed with the HAwks play. However, what I see, and I hope Coach Woody sees, is that the HAwks play better when they play up tempo and attacking the hoop. Yes our guards can shoot the jumper, but we also need to attack the hoop in an effort to get 3-point plays and fouls aganist the oppositon. We have the guards and the inside men to do this. I say this because agaist many teams whjen our jumper is not working, we should have the confidence to attack the hope without fear. There need to be more plays designed for that. Cooach Woody , please conside this. This will make us even a more dangerous teaqm down the stretch.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS IS STILL ROUND 1.

        "SHOCK THE WORLD!!!"

Ringold

By rms

January 4, 2009 7:12 PM | Link to this

Nice post on the reserves being patient to get playing time Sekou. At least Woody aint ignoring them and saying something silly like “I am satisfied with this rotation”, or “We are trying to bring them along slowly”. Why dont he brainstorm with his assistants and figure out how to get nine or ten deep. Oh well nothing left to do but wait and be patient. Just as long as the wins keep coming and we figure out how to be a threat in the low post. That is the next biggest concern.

By Hawks Fan In New Orleans

January 5, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this

This Hawk-Magic game is shaping up to be THE Game of the New Year. Needless to say the league/media goofed up when they did not make this a nationally televised game.

By kevin

January 6, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this

Hawk need to looking for a big man before trade deadline…Samuel Dalembert,Chris Kaman,Stromile Swift, would be a nice pick up. Anybody agree?