Hawks

By David

November 17, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

Does anyone proofread these AJC write-ups?

“While the Hawks argued the contrary, but I saw guys who looked worn slap out. “

What the hell does that mean?

“Of course, the Hawks won’t get Josh Smith (their defensive tone-setter) back this week or possibly the next, so their won’t be any immediate infusion into the ranks to help solve the Hawks’ defensive crisis”

LOL

By j smith

November 17, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

I thought I was supposed to be back this week with my red clay and vinegar? Seriously though, is there no chance Josh is back at the end of the week?

By ant banks

November 17, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

what is hurtin’ the hawks the most is that they ain’t gettin’ much production out of acie, jsmoove is out, and zaza suck,suck!!

quit proppin’ acie up, he is done. i don’t want to hear this crap about give him time, blah, blah when cp3, rudy gay, mayo, d williams, b roy all can come in as rookies and represent.

please do not resign zaza. did i mention he suck, suck?

By ant banks

November 17, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

it is a marathon of a season. the startin’ 5 can’t play this way all year. others have to step up!! randmo is garbage.

By Bertie

November 17, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

I have watched all Hawks games on TV, except the 76ers game, and I agree that they looked tired in both games against the Nets. But I also noticed that the team has started to fall in the “ISO JOE” trap. When that happens the offense becomes stagnant, the intensity of the team is not there on both ends. So far the numbers show that when JJ scores 25 or less (with the exception of the 76ers game) the Hawks win and when he scores 25+ they loose. I consider his best game so far was against the Bulls where he had only 17 points but had 8 assists enabling a great game for Horford while attacking the Bulls weakness inside.

By MannyT

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

Ant If you don’t want to play Zaza or AC, that leaves you with a slim bench while Josh is out.

They both have a role on tis team. Young players seem to need more time to develop under Woody. If you don’t give AC that time, he won’t show what he can do here, but more likely on his next stop in the NBA.

Never give Woody an excuse to shorten his rotations. Otherwise you will see 6 or 7 guys that are worn slap out at the end of the season.

Over time this team will need to find a balance between driving to the hole and their love for the 3 point line on offense. Defensively, they will need to work a scheme that protects the lane with that smaller front court. A lot of that comes from much better on ball pressure than they demonstrated the last 3 games. They will need to find their own defensive answer for the Devin Harris, TJ Ford, high speed PG…i.e. a new Speedy.

In the short term that may mean more playing time for Solomon. He is the next best shot blocker to make up for defensive breakdowns.

I can learn all sorts of things in the internet even if I am not Slap Wore Out

LOL

By MannyT

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

I’m sure some will not be happy with this, but there are some similarities between the something the Braves are dealing with and what the ASG may face soon.

This article is linked on the front of the AJC Sports webpage.

Replace Padres with ASG and Peavey with Bibby and the story isn’t that different. You do have to factor in what makes an attractive deal in baseball (multiple year contract at reasonable price) is a little different than basketball (expiring contract with sizable salary cap number.)

Ando You can thank me later for this post…and for the mad bloggers, he won’t be hitting me up on my cell to discuss ;-)

All that said, I still think Bibby stays unless there is a favorable deal to be had or the ASG cash flow gets worse due to the pair of lawsuits about their teams.

Verbal BWAF or WWDD-What Would Doc Do?

By TAR HEELS 3

November 17, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

Hawks will be fine, its a long season, regroup and lets go Hawks, and did I mention Coach Woodson will be Coach of the month for November…

By Ron E.

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

All that needs to be said are: small sample size and Josh Smith injured. We won’t really know how good these Hawks are until sometime in mid January.

By Sekou K. Smith

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

Dang David, it’s early man. My typing hands are still warming up. Ha.

I tend to agree with Ron E. It is a very small sample size we’re working with right now. I don’t know that we’ll have to wait until mid January to find out what they are (I was thinking more like end of December, after they’ve had a near equal number of home and road games to study).

But I’m apprehensive about labeling them either way right now.

By Sekou K. Smith

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

Dang David, it’s early man. My typing hands are still warming up. Ha.

I tend to agree with Ron E. It is a very small sample size we’re working with right now. I don’t know that we’ll have to wait until mid January to find out what they are (I was thinking more like end of December, after they’ve had a near equal number of home and road games to study).

But I’m apprehensive about labeling them either way right now.

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

November 17, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

MANNY T

Thanks for shedding a little light on the whole BWAF thing. I’m glad you could (would)let me know.

I have to say that my weekend as a ATL fan was a little deflating to say the least. I agree with you Sekou, you can’t expect to win every game.

Bertie You make great points as well. This ISOJO thing sucks and when that happens it slows everything down. I thought we were a running team? If that doesn’t work, then other players can drive the lane off a pick and role or something right?? Where is the penatration from the PG? Flip does that, he makes opportunity for himself, driving the lane and making the basket or dishing it off. What a difference a weekend makes! We are a game behind Orlando and lets not forget that we have a good team. Great teams find ways to win seemingly meaningless games; we may have been tired and I know that makes a difference. Jsmooth will be back and hopefully ZAZA will do. Great team maybe not, but forth or fifth out of an improving East, yes sir! On to Indi!!!!

BTW, I think that I can finally get some tickets from Santa this year, where are the real fans sitting so I don’t have to knock some other fan out! (stop the violence I know I know) Yes we can!!

By I.MUS WRITE

November 17, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

WOW….There they go - people are jumping off the bandwagon like its quarintine or something. “Pathetic”

We have a 6-3 record which projects to 56 wins at this pace….. There are going to plenty of ups and downs through the season, but its a little early to be cashing in your chips.

By MannyT

November 17, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

HOME GROWN The question last came up about a week or so ago.

BWAF was most recently explained in this posting

And just so you have one of the many visuals…BWAF

By darrell starks

November 17, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Woody still have player on the bench that can fill the role woody is to impatient with HIS BENCH YOU HAVE TO DEVALOP YOUR bench to win in the nba point blank period and make adjustment. all night long harris kill the hawks both nights why not bring in your defensive stoper mario west and put him on harris and bring in adam morris match him up with lopez woody have to use his bench to his advantage and be patient defense and good bench WIN YOU GAMES period if woody DONT USE HIS BENCH BETTER HE WILL not succed as a coach.GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By MannyT

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

I.MUS It is a mental fitness exercise.

jump on, jump off. The Karate Kid would have been proud ;-)

It works well for those who want to spend the least amount of time rooting for a team on the rise.

It would not surprise me if the same people have most of the Sports Illustrated special edition SWAG for teams that win championships. Not with any true fan focus, just jumping on with the winners after the fact. It’s almost like being a suck up.

Imagine if I said this guy was my favorite Houston Rocket. LOL

By HOME GROWN aka E.J.

November 17, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

* I-MUS*

I have seen so many people come and go with this city’s teams. First it was the Braves in the 90’s, then the Hawks for about a season and the Falcons around the same time. Then came MV7 and the bandwagon was filled again. I have this conversation with a lot of people who adopt the city for a home, but not the sports teams. When you talk to real HOMEGROWN (hence the name) Ataliens you will find fans that will carry the wagon if we have too! That’s just a sore spot with me. You don’t have to drop the allegiance with your home team, but try and support where you are at. We all know that it’s not where you are from, or else you still would be there!

By I.MUS WRITE

November 17, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Yeah Manny I hear you bro. mental excercise….Is that what its called now. I guess we know who’s really with the team and who’s here because its the hot ticket in town……

I for one am here for the long haul,Even when we were 13-69 on the season.One day we’ll be hoisting that Jim O Brien trophy im sure of it …

EJ… When Vick went down that was the biggest fan migration in the history of professional sports

From the outside looking in Atlanta really does have fareweather fans….. Maybe Royal Ivey was on to sumthing- Shoulda kept his mouth closed though considering what he did while playing here….

Roddy White -catch the dam ball….. I almost choked on my Grey Goose n cranberry. Ryan throws his arms up like I know Roddy got this one …and he dropps the dam ball Jeezuz man…..

They better get ready for Carolina they are playn well right now and we all know what S Smith does when he comes to town….

By Dan

November 17, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Watching the games this weekend were tough. Being a huge Michigan State fan, I have watched Devin Harris have big nights before. I have never, however, seen him score as easily as he did against the Hawks. Harris faced more resistance against Northwestern his sophomore year of college than he did against the Hawks. Unreal…

Are they tired? Or, are the Nets just a bad match for them? Hawks seem to always struggle with that team! Carter just owns them. Now, they have Harris ripping our D apart.

By PD

November 17, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

In a back to back you have to work your bench into the game for the game. I think Woodson was riding the starters too much in the 2nd NJ game. Law was actually a better matchup on Devin Harris they are just as quick. The Starters including Flip and Mo were burned out.

A little Mario West and Law would have caused big problems for the Nets who at times were walking the ball up the court because the Hawks would not press due to fatigue.

Harris will turn the ballover if you pressure him.

Oh well!

Hawks just get some rest and let’s get it

By Bertie

November 17, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

darrell starks - Good point on Mario and Morris, 8-12 minutes of Mario on Harris would have help slowed him down.

By cp

November 17, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

I’m seeing a little too much one on one with some of our guards. Our perimeter defense is weak. We don’t attack the glass like we should. We can fix it but some of the guys really need to step it up . Getting Josh back will really help.

By Tiger Woo

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

Please !! Stop with all of the “they were tired” excuses! Geez - they don’t have enough stamina to play 2 games in a row? The season just started - give me a break.

I’m glad to hear the coach and players aren’t using that as an excuse.

I agree that Woody needs to utilize his bench more effectively - especially in back to back games and when they are missing key guys.

By doc

November 17, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

SAMUEL, i have found the botttom of your own angst with the hawks and there new found love for the three pointer and more specifically marvin’s new weapon. yup read it and weep as it seems “MY BOY RICK” has psuhed the button and been the instigator in bringing in the flipmo machine that doesnt think twice before jacking it up.

Last season Marvin Williams was 1-10 from 3-point range. His lone make was a half-court buzzer-beating fling. Against the Nets he stuck three of four, finishing with 21 points, nine above his average. In seven games he has downed 11 treys on 15 tries, an unreal 73 percent. When Rick Sund replaced Billy Knight as Hawks GM he explained to Williams the magnitude of playoff team boasting a forward accomplished at forcing his defender to play him honestly, 20-odd feet from the basket. Williams spent all summer in the gym and returned with a deadly new dimension. Sad to submit, but no matter how much he perfects and expands his game we’ll all look at him (and Knight) funny for being selected ahead of Deron Williams and Chris Paul.

my boy rick is smarted than maybe i gave him cred for. heh heh.

By doc

November 17, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

tiger woo, 6 games in 8 nights six days on the road. that might be difficult for any team. not making excuses only pointing to the reality of it … fatigue.

By richbrave

November 17, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Do they miss J-Smoove.?

By Tiger Woo

November 17, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Doc,

New Jersey also had 6 games in 8 nights - are they better conditioned than the Hawks?

or maybe … their bench was utilized better - or the Hawks were short handed - or they just out played the Hawks?

By doc

November 17, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

guess we are just sorry then or undermanned.

By ant banks

November 17, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

doc and woo they had 2 twin towers lopez & ryan anderson who mauled us up in jersey and at philips. then devin harris was gashin’ us, then vince carter was killin’ us, too.

that’s what happened!!!

the only problem that i have is yea, they may be tired, but someone else has to step up!! acie did nathan

By Sautee

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

Is it possible that the Hawks had a Boston “hangover”, having put SO much energy into that game, only to lose still?

They didn’t look like the same team against the Nets in either game. The air was out of the balloon.

This happens to young teams. Hope they get it back soon.

By Ariose

November 17, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

None of this really matters now. They just need to go out and make sure they beat Indiana on tuesday.

Does Anyone know how Zaza’s shoulder is doing?

~Sir Links A Lot~

By kwooden1

November 17, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

I hate any loses but they are part of the a long season. I definitely think Woody should have put West and Morris in, just to get some fresh legs and energy. I really thought that Woody had changed but he still shortens his bench when times get tough.

This looks to me that we’ve begun the long NBA season with its many ups and downs. With all that said, we’ve seen a team that has improved from last year, and still has a lot of upside. They’ve gone from 1 legitmate 3 point shooter early last year to 5 shooters! When healthy, they are at least a top 10 defensive team. There are a lot of positives with this team and most of all they’re going to fight every night. This is the time when they need to start developing a mental toughness and determination, which only comes from working through a long NBA season.

GO HAWKS!!!

By The Truth

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

Interesting Article Topic Small ball vs. traditional lineup:

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 17, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

This isn’t a case of “what goes up must come down”, it’s just a case of “Josh goes up and comes down awkwardly”. When he gets back the problems the Hawks are having with defense and intensity should stop.

By oldmike

November 17, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

I was at the game(?) Saturday. The Hawks looked slow, and totally out of sync. After they made their run and took a brief 3rd quarter lead Vince Carter put on a terrifying shooting display (he has no shame) hitting 5 3 pointers and that sucked whatever life was left in them. Without Zaza their is no size alongside Al and their interior defense suffers. So does their offense. There was a whole lot of wait for Joe to hit a shot, no offense run, etc. But I still believe once J-Smooth returns they will get it back. He brings such a high energy level to the floor and the front court presence they so badly need. Plus they run a whole lot better when he is in the lineup. And their bench is more efficient.

By doc

November 17, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

since the pacers dealt the nets two losses does that forbode ill times?

ant was at the game agree we were lifeless, listless and playing one on one basketball and no help defense. we were clearly out played in the last five quarters against them in a bad way.

just didnt expect to be man handled by a combo of lopez, yi, williams and anderson. yuck, i mean at least let rand mo in to see if he could help at all but noooooo. bring in the younger kids to see how they pay in this instance as their bigs werent seasoned old pros but young kids themselves. they would be including hunter who got only two minutes if our old guys are out of gas which is how they looked. no risk in doing so.

By MannyT

November 17, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Truth Thanks for the article, Notice how he left Mr. Small Ball out of the article. Don Nelson won’t be headed that way anytime soon.

I think the merit is in having flexibility to play to an advantage be it small or big. If the situation dictated, we could (in small doses) play the big front court he mentioned with JJ at the PG and Mo Evans or Marvin Williams at the 2. When you load up the back court as well, that is really going big.

You want to cover up for lack of speed defending the PG, let Josh, Al, & Solo play your front court. Then the speedsters need to look around as they drive to the basket.

When the front court is very soft, we can run JJ at the 4 with Bibby/AC, Flip, & Mo. Both lineups have challenges, but they definitely put pressure on the other team to respond.

Not that Woody is typically that creative, but you never know.

BWAF

By Astro Joe

November 17, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

No doubt that Indy is another bad match-up for the hood guys. Not only do we face another scat-back PG in TJ Ford (most remember how he was lighting us up in the Raptors game last year before the hard Horford foul), but they also have wave-after-wave of big men who are strong rebounders. It seemed like the Nets were able to control the boards in critical possessions with Zaza and Smith MIA. Foster, Murphy, Hibbert, Nesterovic, etc. may again limit our second chance points while giving the Pacers more chances to score.

By HomegrownAtl

November 17, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

PG’s with alot of speed will give the hawks problems (Harris,Ford,Westbrook) Bibby is far from a defensive stopper so we must adjust some way when we play those types of PG’s also we are so thin at the Big man posistions (C and PF) that if Josh Smith,Al Horford, or ZaZa goes down we are in trouble maybe we can bring another big body in but with our current finacial situation I doubt anything will happen……I’ll end it with this if the Hawks can beat the Pacers on Tuesday I think that will give them alot of confidence which they will need for Lebron James.

By Astro Joe

November 17, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

bad match-up for the good guys …not the hood guys. My bad.

By Ariose

November 17, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

we should defenetly be 9-3 going into the Cleveland game on saturday. Indy, Washington, and Charlotte are all pushovers but potential trap games if we don’t bring the defense. Check out this weeks Basketblog woth Micah and James Verrett…

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Ariose

November 17, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

The Boston Herald just loves to write about us, maybe its because the Celtics and their players are annoying….I wouldn’t want to write about them either….

~Sir Links A Lot~

By Ariose

November 17, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

“One-on-one, we haven’t been guarding our man particularly well,” Johnson said. “And I’ll take a lot of heat for that. But at the same time, we haven’t been manning up and guarding our guys. Guys are flying by us and getting to the hole, and then breaking our defense down. We’re starting to lose a little trust in each other.”

ViA HOOPSWORLD

Hopefully, some much neede practice time fixed the lingering issues…

~Sir Links A Lot~

By doc

November 17, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

oh dear, beyonce reveals both sides acording to the ajc.

AJ down boy. heh heh

By doc

November 17, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

oh dear, beyonce reveals both sides acording to the ajc.

AJ down boy. heh heh

By Ariose

November 17, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

ESPN.com power Rankings

NBA.com Power Rankings

We should be back in the “Ranking Gods” good graces if the Hawks handle their bisiness this week….

~Sir Links A Lot~

By The Truth

November 17, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

Good links guys. Hawks management definitely need to sign us up in charge of media distribution. With this much good info, why go any place else.

By delo

November 17, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

coach start randolph morris at center and let him learn the position. he’s a big body that can rebound. utilize every player that you have. let these guys play.you need point guards all you have is washed goods. let mario west play more and joe johnson stop dribbling the ball so much around the basket everybody just stands around and watches

By JerryWest

November 17, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

OK. Can we just give Josh Smith the Defensive Player of the year trophy already.

By JL

November 17, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

From what I’ve been reading, Josh seems to think that he’s almost ready to come back and play. I also read that Woody lets Josh know that he’s in charge and he will make that decision. If so, Woody appears to be willing to sacrifice a few wins to prove a point. Here we go again!

By ray

November 17, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Ariose!

There is a rule against double posting quotes. Because I posted that very same quote by Joe Johnson on the last blog, you cannot post it for the next two blogs at a minimum. Just kidding! LOL! I was just happy to beat you to it (posting or linking a quote) for once. Let’s see, what’s the score now? Oh…it’s Ariose: 2,936, ray: 1. Damn….

Ant Banks,

I hear what you’re saying about Acie Law versus all those other guys when it came to putting up numbers right away. Some guys do take longer than others to develop (Chauncey Billups comes to mind), but still turn out good, so throwing out the baby and the bathwater may or may not be all that wise.

On the flip side we could beat the equine carcass once more and talk about what CP3, Deron, Gay, and Roy all have in common: hint, hint…it has to do with the draft…..

I know one thing. That game better be on tv tomorrow night. Or so help me…I’ll screech at my tv….

By richbrave

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

Beyond funny. JAMISON slams his team-mates for poor defensive play. Mr. Softee himself. That’s the pot calling the kettle black. The WIZARDS are beginning to eat their children(vets humiliating newbies). Wouldn’t have to hear this if POLLIN hadn’t folded under GILBO’s threat to walk. How much worse off could WASHINGTON be - one game.? Bring on new improved ownership like the ASG. Think they want a branch office in D.C.?

By NYC Hawk

November 17, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

We were tired, it was obvious, from looking at the schedule and how we played the Nets. Woodson,, in a situation like that, has to give the bench more PT. If AC can’t guard Harris any better than Bibby, then he doesn’t even deserve to be on the team. At least, Mario and AC could have spent a few minutes hounding Harris to wear him down a bit. If the Hawks are tired now, what’s going to happen in three or four months?! Mike, play your F—-ing bench, son!

Also, why did JJ keep leaving Vince? WTF?! The guy is lighting you up all quarter long and you keep giving him the wide open 3! Get it together y’all and we’ll have a big year.

By Astro Joe

November 17, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

doc, more proof that “there must be a God… somewhere”. Flip a coin and Jay-Z wins every time.

By kwooden1

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

Sekou how is Zaza, is he a 100%? We definitly need the big body for tomorrow night. Also, how’s Speedy, we could definitely use a quick defender against guards like TJ Ford.

GO HAWKS!!

By Ariose

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

ray, lol, oops. I didn’t even know you had posted it lol…..it’s ok though. I’ll let you basqe in the glory of your victoy over beating me to a link during one of my many schizo-frenzied link a thons lol.

~Sir Links A Lot~

By doc

November 17, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

aj, sometimes life is just not fair eh?

ariose, late to a link. what will the world come to?

By Lacsho

November 17, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Greetings,

It’s a long season we’ll be alright. Don’t jump off the wagon yet (lol). Unfortunately quick aggressive pg’s will give us hell.

I’m flying home for a couple of days next week. I was telling my cousin I hope I complete this contract before the first snow. Looks like I jinx myself, we’re getting snow tomorrow. Thank goodness I’m in Jersey; the roads will be cleared in no time.

Peace

By reese

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

OK, Woodson states that the big lineup didn’t work against New Jersey in the first game so he decided to go small in the 2nd game. Lets see, in Friday’s game Zaza played 12 minutes and solo played 18 minutes. Flip, JJ, Marvin and Al played over 30 minutes each. Bibby played 25 minutes and Evan’s played 19 minutes.

Does he not realize that he played small lineups the majority of the first new jersey game. It didn’t work then and it didn’t work in game 2.

JJ and Marvin state that defense was the problem against New jersey. Marvin implies that they scored enough points to win (marvin if you scored enough points to win, then you would have won the game). JJ states that players couldn’t guard their men 1 on 1.

Since I’m older that both these guys and have watched a lot more basketball at all levels than these two players, let me shed some light on something I’ve noticed. The majority of NBA teams cannot stop players 1 on 1. Thats why team defense is so important.

Marvin, you have to rotate on defense and stop guys from penetrating through the lane. You have to crash the boards and get some steals.

JJ, if its your man who is blowing by you, then you have to turn him towards help, trail the player and cover the player of the teammate who has rotated over to help you.

Haven’t these hawks players noticed that AC Law can drive by the players who guard him. Yet,he cannot finish at the basket because other teams rotate over and either take a charge, deflect his passes, challenge his shots or cutoff his passing lanes.

I can tolerate a loss. However, its hard to tolerate not making adjustments. Especially, when its two players who played the majority of minutes in each game and they were the ones getting beat or not helping others.

Bibby addressed the issue earlier this season. He said that there is a lack of communication. We have 15 coaches on the sideline and no one can communicate to Woodson that what he’s doing is not working. We have 5 players on the floor and no one can communicate that they need help stoping Devin Harris. We wait to game 2 to realize that a zone defense was effective. We wait to practice to tell players that their missing their defensive assignments. What are they discussing during timeouts, how do we improve our communication skills?

By ray

November 18, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

Reese,

Very solid points. Consider that you are talking about a head coach who, this very offseason no less, candidly admitted to having fought his assistant coaches last year on shortening the rotation….among other things I’m sure. Something tells me this is more about listening and enacting than it is about communicating. I could go into my theories about why certain assistant coaches left the staff this past offseason….but they are just that: theories.

We’re only 9 games in. Let’s see what trends come about before we douse the coaching staff with napalm. It’s not always as quick and easy to identify the problems with coaches. It’s usually easier with players. For example: this guy has taken 500 shots and only hit 124 of them. Verdict: he can’t shoot worth a crap. Or, this guy gets torched by 75-80% of the guys he’s supposed to be guarding. Verdict: he can’t defend worth a crap. And so on…

All the same, very good points.

By reese

November 18, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this

Yea Ray, Woodson is a creature of habit. He’s basically gave 7 players decent playing time against New Jersey.

He relied on ISO Joe. He plays an undersized player in the power forward position and complains that the team doesn’t rebound or rotate on defense.

Doesn’t rotate defensive players into the game against Boston when Pierce makes the tough shot. My complaint is that he didn’t attempt to place defensive players into the game after Boston called timeout.

The inconsistency in which his young players see the court stymies their development.

The funny thing about Solomon Jones is that he is playing with the confidence he had when he first joined the hawks. Then, he didn’t play in several games of his rookie season and lost his confidence. He has the same form on his outside shot and he is just as weak on his inside shots.

Finally, I hope that they practiced their inbounds plays. They have changed players and yet they still have poor execution on inbound plays.

By Samuel

November 18, 2008 4:55 AM | Link to this

I see it’s back to Bash Ole Woody Time again. You guys were all “luvy duby” when we were 6-0. What happened?

Take away any team’s 2 out of their top 7 palyers and they will have problems. We’ll have to tread water until we get Josh and Za Za back. That’s all.

Doc,

In the spirit of Ando, For every percentage point Marvin hits the THREE over 45% and the end of the year, I’ll give you 10 bones($). Every point under, you give me 10. That should be a gimme since he’s shooting 75% Right?

And he has to shoot enough to qualify for the shooting percentage crown.

By doc

November 18, 2008 6:41 AM | Link to this

samuel, thanks for the offer, just not moved by that kind of spirit. maybe, “my boy rick” will take you up on the offer. i said it and you reiterated it in a way that the three pointer is a weapon. however, it is a huge double edged sword hidden behind player egos and offensive complacency. that is why some coaches hate it they have to depend on their players to use it correctly.

By ray

November 18, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Samuel,

We’re only 9 games in. Let’s see what trends come about before we douse the coaching staff with napalm. It’s not always as quick and easy to identify the problems with coaches. It’s usually easier with players.

That would be a vote to NOT Bash Woody. I agree that the loss of two key players (one a starter) hurts any team, especially a younger one that is still learning how to win.

On another note….I read Jeff Schultz’s article where he says (last paragraph) that if things continue to drag tonight and in other games…he’s going to shorten player’s minutes.

I wonder precisely what that means. Will it be starters? Reserves? Will it be more specific, i.e. guys who aren’t playing defense as well, or not playing on offense very effectively? Oddly enough, the thing to remember is that for every player who’s minutes are shortened, some other player’s minutes are extended. It’s mathematically guaranteed. And so, it will be interesting to see who gets the shorter end of the stick, and who bears the load of the longer end, and why. And if it works.

Looking forward to tonight’s game.

By doc

November 18, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

ray, does that mean we play the rest of the season in crisis mode? players losing confidence in each other or coach losing confidence in players? just a communication problem? missed that comment of bibby.

nah, just need a healthy josh, right? if so, finally folks are getting it on how good josh really is, why it was imperitive to keep him this summer. yes, he did make that much of a difference, if you like stats, that info was available. i prefer win-loss comparisons; both speak loudly to his overall impact on the game and team.

now, where were those lock down defenders we got during the off season? mia, last few games against the lowly nets?

also looks like the fun of the season will be in seeing how well other teams have brought back there programs to be competitive, nets seemed to have up graded,next the pacers and soon the bucks.

By cee

November 18, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

its ok guys did u expextthem to go undefeated??

By JJ all day

November 18, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

I heard rumors Josh was ready to play. Sekou, are you able to confirm this? Anyone else heard anything?

By terrell barron

November 18, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Another fast pg tonight. Can Bibby slow him down? I think we lose our 4th straight game. Hopefully I’m wrong. I’m also interested in seeing how Marvin does against Granger. And when is Josh Smith expected to be back Sekou? We really need him.

By Left knee hurts

November 18, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Let’s Go Hawks. Maybe TJ Ford will stay out of the lane with Big Al looming. :)

By Ken Strickland

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

I have to agree with the those who feel we’re playing too much one on one. It looks like Woodson is reverting back to his old tried and true method of slowing everything down and putting the OFF in the hands of certain players. We’ve stopped running and that’s our advantage and how we get easy baskets. When teams or players get tired, you start to see poor DEF and a lot of jumpshooting, which is where we are right now.

I blame Woodson for these turn of events. As HC, he dictates to his PG’s, and other players, what tempo he wants the team to play. If we stop running and resort to one on one, and Woodson does nothing to change it, it’s obviously what he wants. This is what I was afraid of. The moment the team hits a skid, Woodson takes control and resorts back to his old ingrained habits, or comfort zone, and slows everytbing down. The next thing we’ll see is a shorting of the rotation and certain players playing too many mins. Then we’ll start to resemble the team we were last yr, with the OFF evolving into ballhogging one on one play featuring JJ, Bibby and Murray.

We’ll also see Woodson standing on the sidelines with arms folded barking at the refs, satified that he’s in control and coaching the team to make the playoffs instead of coaching them to win the Southeastern conference title.

JUST LOOK AT WHAT A NEW HEAD COACH AND AN UPTEMPO OFF STYLE HAS DONE FOR THE NY KNOCKS, WHO ARE NOWHERE NEAR AS TALENTED AS WE ARE. WITH MARBURY GLUED TO THE BENCH, THEY’RE ESSENTIALLY PLAYING WITH AN 11 MAN ROSTER.

By terrell barron

November 18, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

If Smith is out, I say we go with Bibby, JJ, Marvin, Solo, Horford. This lineup is more like the usual starting 5. The hell with that Horford, Zaza combo. Bring Zaza’s a* off the bench with FlipMo.

By Amazed

November 18, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

You cats is amazin. Y’all talk and talk and talk and talk and really say nuthin! Same ol’ same ol’Hawks win y’all happy happy. Hawks lose then evrything but yo fav playas no good and got ta go.Dis why fans from outta town laugh at y’all cause ty’all fickle.Beat down and fickle.Hawks need to go where there sum real fans.

By Horford Rox

November 18, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

SKS

Is the injury to Josh Smith catching up with the Hawks? They looked good early and Al “the Beast” Horford earned his nickname in Smith’s absence. However, the defense seems to have disappeared. Regardless of the recent losses, I am very excited about our Atlanta Hawks. How many more games do you expect JSmith to miss due to the ankle injury?
Can’t wait to seem him return to the line up.

GO HAWX…BEAT EM UP IF YOU HAVE TO!

By Wink from Lithonia

November 18, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Check the games from last year, we resorted back to those bad defensive principle from last year. Same with with Coach Woody, reducing the bench.

The only player capable of staying in front of Devin Harris was AC Law. Since Woody did not use him, he just went straight to the basket at will on everybody else.

Secondly, we have no inside presence to prevent penetration. So Harris did not have any fear of shot rejection. Again, Woody would not play Solo to protect the paint. The Lopez kid killed us in Jersey with his size. He made Horford look like a child in comparison.

Third, we did not get the ball in the paint to get fouls or easy lay ups, due to lack of penetration on offense. We have fallen in love with the 3 ball. We are hitting a high percentage, but getting no separation on the score board, because we are giving up and 1 on the defensive end. The second game against Jersey the 3 ball fell off.

I to get back to work…go luck tonight against Indy!!!

By cp

November 18, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

We really don’t match up well with the Pacers. They have two things that give us fits. Size and a quick penetrating pg. Add in the fact that Granger usually has his way with us and it could be a long night. The guys cant come out lethargic, jacking up 3’s all night, and playing one on one. Marvin is going to have be on his A game defensively tonight.

By The Truth

November 18, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Ken Excellent points. Sometimes we forget that this is Woody first HC job. He has his own learning curve to address. We shall see how much he has really learned based on the cardiac nature of this team. The drama, the extreme highs and lows; the team you write-off only to be surprised; the team you start to fell bullish about only to be disappointed. Tonight is a defining moment because the team is rested. Yes, we will still be without Josh and possibly Zaza but that is the nature of the game. As HC, he has had time to reflect, learn and instruct. The old Woody did a great job in preaching and delivering a performance to the media, but the new Woody (if there really is a new Woody) will be on full display tonight. We shall see where he is in his maturation as HC.

By The Truth

November 18, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Amazed And where might that be? go ahead and say it, I dare you. Make my day…..

By Amazin

November 18, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

San Antonio….Seattle…Vegas…Cincy….San Diego plenty places where people is fans and not tryin to out talk talk talk each other about who wrong and who right.Y’all don’t want this team y’all want to talk talk talk talk. Give the Hawks to some of us who want a team, any pro team.

By ES

November 18, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

The Hawks need to have collective amnesia and forget about the last three games.

By Mychelfromatl

November 18, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Wow!!! This time last week everybody was ready to hand Mike Woodson & The Hawks organization the Nobel Peace Prize, 3 L’s later everyone’s jumping ship! I kinda see the point Amazed tryna make. The Hawks are 6-3 people after opening the year against 6 playoff teams from last year and 6 of the 9 were on the road. Nobody’s going to win all 82 and like it or not nobody’s gonna get traded or fired so stop b!@#$ing. With that being said, I’ll be at Philips this Friday in section 111. Peace!!

By The Truth

November 18, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Amazin

I sense I should watch my manners with you.

We are more than just fans or a cheerleading squad on this blog. We are also connoisseur of fine basketball. For that reason, we talk more than RAH RAH RAH, we actually talk about basketball, all phases of the game. If you are on this blog reading it, than you must be interested. If not, than why are here?

By Ken Strickland

November 18, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Some other things to consider. Both Woodson and the SAASG should start thinking ahead, or at least they should start thinking.

(1)Both Zaza and Solo are FA’s after the season.

(2)We all know Zaza will not be resigned.

(3)The team is having issues on DEF.

(3)Why not start, and further develop, your best DEF 5 and the one most likely to be resigned, Solo? After all, if Woodson is such a DEF minded HC, why does he keep starting and depending on Zaza, his weakest DEF 5 who definitely won’t be back next yr?

(4)Since Morris is the only 5, besides Horford, that’s signed beyond this yr, why not start developing him and see what we have?

(5)With Murray’s and Evans’ long range shooting, we don’t need as much from Bibby, especially with Murray’s ability to penetrate, play DEF and the point. Rignt now, we need Acie’s DEF and his ability to penetrate. We need to stop all of this one on one and isolation, often ending up with little more than jumpshots, especially from Bibby.

Woodson needs to break the season into 8 ten gm segments. He should challenge his players to win a minumum of 6 gms during each segment. Winning 6 gms during 8 segments will give us 48 wins in 80gms with 2gms remaining. Winning those last 2 will give us a 50 win season and the Southeastern conference title. Each segment should be treated as the start of a new playoff series. This will also help prepare us for the real thing.

By Amazin

November 18, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

connoisseur of basketball? Please lord take this team away from these people! ain’t no such thang as a connoisseur of basketball.and no i don’t read this blog i saw it by mistake when checking somethuin out. y’all high fulutin folk i get that..but y’a;ll ain’t hawks fans

i looked back at sum y’all older yak yak and it’s tha samez. y’all don’t even appreciate josh smith one of the best in the N.B.A. but y’all luv to talk talk talk talk.10 people do 95% of the talkin. this team needs to go to a town that will luv it and stop all this high minded hatin! i stuck around for awhile, even went to other blogs and still nuthin happin here.give up the hawks!

By ant banks

November 18, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

ken you bring up excellent points. do you think that the hawks will or should trade bibby, by the feb. deadline, to address points 2 and 3?

By King K.C.

November 18, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

ding!

By ant banks

November 18, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

in light of the donaghey scandal, i am even more suspicious of the refs in all sports. case and point:

1. garnett was suspended 1 game for hittin’ bogut, this yr. he and zaza should have been suspended for the fracas durin’ last yr. playoff, but because nothin’ is on the line now, the league can afford to suspend garnett. they could not have had the hawks knock off boston last r.

2. did you see that pittsburgh/sd game? wtf!!! they watched the replay and still decided that it was not a lateral, which it was, then the league comes out and say that it should have been called a touchdown, after bookies paid out.

By The Truth

November 18, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Amazin If what I said went over your head, then you really shouldn’t be on this blog. Enough said…

By King K.C.

November 18, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Sorry Ant Banks. The ding was meant for “Amazin.” My timing was a little off.

Go Hawks! Let’s get victory #7 in Indiana!!

Signed, your Royal Ambassador of Basketball, the Grand and Noble King K.C.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 18, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Ant banks, KG got suspended because he threw a punch at Bogut and missed. I’ll admit I was in the upper deck when the KG-Zaza thing went down, so I didn’t have the greatest view, but I didn’t see any punches thrown then.

By doc

November 18, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

i am honored to have the great king kc use the bell. liked the style of it too. heh heh

najeh, it wasnt the punch not being thrown in that fracus that should have gotten him tossed but kg trying to run over a ref not once but twice. looked kind of pre-meditated at that.

By Ken Strickland

November 18, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

ANT BANKS-to answer your question, I have to say yes. Bibby is no longer able to penetrate and break down DEF’s. If you’ll notice, when he’s in the gm, we become basically an outside shooting team. But, when Murray is in the gm, he forces the DEF to protect the lane because of his uncanny ability to get to the basket wnenever he wants. When the DEF collapses it leaves players open for uncontested shots. In JJ’s case, he’s deadly with those types of shots and it keeps him from using a lot of energy trying to go one on one so often.

A 4 guard rotation of Acie, Murray, JJ and West, with Evans moving over when needed, can put a lot of DEF and OFF pressure on opposing teams. Scoring pts hasn’t been a problem all season, but DEF has rapidly become an issue. Whenever DEF becomes an issue, then Bibby becomes an issue. Unlike last yr, with Murray, Evans, JJ and Marvin hitting the 3, Bibby’s 3pt shooting isn’t that critical, which is about the sum total of his OFF output.

Bibby should be worth a 2rd rd pick in a trade. We can package Bibby’s pick with our 1st and a 2nd rd picks, in next yrs draft, in a trade and draft another quality big. Another option would be to use those picks to trade up in the draft and get a talented big.

By ant banks

November 18, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

najeh and doc i hear you, but you have to admit that the league has a bias in which teams they want in the finals.

the league pays these refs, it should be an independent agency instead of the nba.

also, the pitt/sd game, the spread was 5pts, if pitt had been givin’ the td, then the score would have been 17-10 instead of 11-10, thus covering the spread. it clearly was a lateral!!

By doc

November 18, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

ant the problem was they had nothing on zaza only on kg for trying to take out a ref. so yes i agree they wanted the celts in there and could ill afford to pull kg out in the critical last game.

By Sautee

November 18, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

The Hawks will never be a top tier team until Joe starts trusting his teammates (other than Bibby).

By Melvin

November 18, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Hawks must have committed 5 or 6 turnovers and given up at least 12-18 pts in the paints. Indy put 32pts in the 1st qtr. No defense by the Hawks…

By St. Louis Hawks Front Office

November 18, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

Suckers.

By Melvin

November 18, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Horford sprain his ankle midway thru the 1st qtr. Return is questionable.

By Injury Update

November 18, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Forget PAIN and CRAP, those last two games were S**!

By bigjohnhawksfan

November 18, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Can we finish the month without someone else beating our cheeks?

By Sautee

November 18, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Samuel

Tell me again about this “great defensive coach” we have.

No, tell the players.

By Clyde

November 18, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

Ken Strickland I hear ya man. You should have got one of my limited edition t-shirts while they were available.

ROLL TIDE!! THE HAWKS ARE TOAST UNTIL SMOOTH GETS BACK

By Reggie Miller

November 18, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

Who’s laughin’ now, MFers??

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 18, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

Maaaan… even if Randolph Morris plays center for all 24 minutes giving up 63% shooting for a half is terrible.

By Sautee

November 18, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Jeez, Bibby just watched as Granger went right by him to the hole.

Put Acie, Mario and Hunter in. Let’s have some energy on D.

By doc

November 18, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

pys in paint 30 to 6.

By Sautee

November 18, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Snapper’s right, no ball movement.

By JJ

November 18, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

same old garbage Hawks. Man please they overachieved those 1st 6 games now they’ve fallen back to earth. Pathetic.

By cp

November 18, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Horford is hurt. Law cant seem to get any minutes. No defense, committing a bunch of turnovers, a bunch of one on one play, no ball movement, no hustle, no energy, no nothing.

By You're The Man Now Dog

November 18, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

Maybe we can trade RandMo for Hibbert, straight up?

By Stacey Augmon

November 18, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

Why are we playing like B***?!

By The Truth

November 18, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Acie must be in the dog house. No minutes in the 1st half. Woody is starting to play politics.

By Astro Joe

November 18, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

Nesterovic is a UFA in the summer. A legit center with decent offensive skills, decent defensive skills and wouldn’t cost a fortune. But he typically only has these types of games against teams lacking in size. But maybe a nice “asset” to have for half-court sets.

By Randolph Morris

November 18, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Don’t get it twisted: I can still kick every one of YOUR asses!

By ray

November 18, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Okay. Well-rested and ready to go, since fatigue was the word of the day here a few days ago. Soooo…am I missing something? Well, I suppose it’s possible that Woody practiced them to death. I’ve heard that can happen. Really.

Whatever it is, we’re getting beaten, and it’s not pretty. Indy is shooting nearly 60%. Mike Glenn says we need to really get after the opposing ball-handlers. Well, nobody can blame this on Acie, he hasn’t even gotten into the game. So I wonder what the problem might be…

Here’s the thing: neither Ford nor Daniels is doing much of anything, although backup pg Jarrett Jack (who some scoffed at the idea of acquiring) is doing rather well.

Just like I said, Granger is the biggest threat.

I can’t stand the fact that we’re going to be bereft of the services of Horford as well. Can it get any uglier? Well, I guess that means 30 minutes for Zaza and about 40-odd for Marvin. Solo will get maybe 20 minutes if he’s lucky and RandMo might see 10. Heh.

Before we go yapping too very much about missing guys, consider that we’re not having to face one of Indy’s best players: Mike Dunleavy.

The defense has got to improve. I’m beginning to wonder at this point if it can, the way these guys are playing. It’s like we have no anchor point…

By Red Alert

November 18, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Hey “RandMl”: Newsflash!

YOU’RE GAY!!

By The Sky Is Falling!

November 18, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

Damn, next thing you know, they’re gonna move the team back to St. Louis, the only city worst than Detroit!!

By Rutherford Seydell

November 18, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

Good to see this franchise is moving in the right direction!

By BWAF

November 18, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

My cheeks hurt…

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 18, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Horford is out for the rest of today’s game and is questionable for tomorrow. X-rays negative though.

By Paul Pierce

November 18, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

The Hawks should flop more and get more calls.

Now THAT’S what wins Championships, baby!!!

That, and Blood, Sweat, and Tears…suckers.

By David Stern

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

I don’t believe a word of it!!!

By Sautee

November 18, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Dang, you know it’s getting bad when JJ just flat loses Daniels.

By Sautee

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

I hate to say it but my man Joe was just a terrible example for the “younguns”. Stand and pout ‘cause you don’t get a call. No sense in hustling back, is there?

By ray

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

Jeff Shultz reported that Woodson was going to shorten minutes if things didn’t go well. Looks like he’s no liar.

Indiana is playing with energy. We are not. And our offense has gone back to JJ ISO with a twist: everybody is shooting two kinds of jumpers. Outside the arc, or inside the arc off-balance-this-can’t-be-a-good-shot-even-if-Kobe’s-taking-it types.

Those offensive foul calls on Flip are BS. Flip is driving, Nesterovic’s feet were still moving. Bad call.

I had hopes for RandMo, but early on he looks like a black version of John Edwards: tall, awkward, and foul prone as hell. I hope he can get better. I believe he can get better. BUT WE ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY MUST GET AN EFFECTIVE BIG MAN COACH….or it ain’t gonna happen.

Finally! Acie Law is in the game and giving us an injection of energy on both sides of the court.

By doc

November 18, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

ray, remember all we needed was some tweener vets, that is all. we didnt need any beef with experience and certainly didnt need a guy with length who could play point to power and score without the ball.

acie found in the fourth quarter.

now let us get the roll back and make it close.

By ray

November 18, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Look at Acie go…

By Najeh Davenpoop

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

Nice to see Othello Hunter getting some burn… I guess…

By ray

November 18, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Sautee,

This is clearly an attitude thing. We don’t have a good attitude overall. The game has remained within reach this entire time. Why aren’t we getting after them?

Hunter may have gotten called for the foul against Murphy, but no way was he letting him get the dunk on him. That’s right: 6’8” and 225 vs 6’11” and 260. Taking notes, RandMo?

By Sautee

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

So tell me, why wasn’t Acie playing before?

By ray

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

Acie AND 1! What! What!

By Da Real Real

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

So after two days of rest this is the best this team can do? There are no excuses for this one, absolutely no excuse. I gave them an excuse with the last two against the Nets, but not tonight. I do understand that Horford went out for the night, but there’s no way you can tell me that we let some no name inside guys beat us.

It’s funny because throughout the playoffs last year, and the summer I had to hear and read all the talk about how Smoove was always “playing out of position” when he was actually covering for somebody else mistake. It would appear that this injury that ZaZa have has caused him to revert back to his old “step to the side” ways. With Horford and Smith those remaining bigs for us need to grow a pair because that inside play tonight was gutless.

I’ve also had enough of the crappy no-calls that JJ gets. I’ve said that I’d like to see Mike Woodson have a Bobby Cox tirade with the refs but it doesn’t look like that is going to happen so NOW I’d like to see Joe step and let the refs have it because that no call at the end of the 3rd was ridiculous.

Good to see Acie come in and turn the game around for us.

By ray

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

Damn. JJ hit that one from my area code.

Are we going to let freakin’ Nesterovic get a career high on us?

Acie again!

By ray

November 18, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Doc, how right you are.

How about that. Acie drives, draws the defense, passes to Marvin, then sets a screen with him. All in the same play.

Joe isn’t hitting much, and isn’t going towards the basket. And he’s taking 5-7 seconds to do it in each time he gets the ball.

By The Truth

November 18, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

Looks like Joe is not trusting his team mates. We can’t capitalize on Pacers turn-overs.

By Najeh Davenpoop

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

There is definitely something fishy when a scorer as talented as Joe Johnson can go into the 4th quarter and not get a SINGLE foul call. I’m not watching this game — catching it on radio, where Steve Holman has complained on a few occasions about no-calls — but I just can’t picture the likes of Kobe, D-Wade, LeBron, T-Mac, or even the second-tier scorers in the league like Michael Redd or Manu Ginobili going an entire game with zero free throw attempts.

By Sautee

November 18, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

I hope for his sake that Ant Banks turn the tv off before Acie came in.

By O'brien

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

Guys, I know that we cannot blame this 4 game losing streak on Mike Woodson, but I definitely thought it was premature for T. Moore to write an article saying that Mike Woodson should feel vindicated.

And why did Mike not put Acie in until the end of the 3rd quarter?

By Sautee

November 18, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Ray,

Yeah, you’re right, an attitude thing. Did we think we were hot sh!t after 6 games?

The 13 win team of 2004-05 had more energy than this. Not good.

By The Truth

November 18, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Tonight is testimony of what happens when your bench players are not groomed in Morris and Hunter. Acie is the exception. Morris defense looked terrible to me. Hunter game is not polished. They both looked to be in preseason form. Now because of injuries, we are depending on players like this as we are struggling. I can’t blame these players because they have not had real games minutes until now.

By ray

November 18, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Coach Samuel told us right.

He said you don’t get the fouls called for you when you’re shooting from beyond the arc all night. And guess what: we took 19 three pointers. But you know what? I’m still not griping so much about that as I am the fact that too many of our other 85 total shot attempts were uncomfortably close to that 3 point arc. We needed desperately to drive the basketball.

A handful of other observations:

1)With us lagging like crazy to begin with, why was Acie not put in earlier? the man played a rather brilliant 9 minutes or so before Bibby came back in, dominated the ball along with JJ, did absolutely nothing good, then went back out with about a minute and a half to play. In 9 minutes: 9 points on 4-6 shooting, which was a mixture of drives and short jumpers, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 0 turnovers. That’s how my man earns his minutes. I say with a performance like that you give him 20 minutes next game unless Bibby is absolutely on FIRE. And you keep giving him minutes like that as long as he gives you the effort and has the effect that he did tonight. The game was a whole different speed with him in there. Other players got involved that previously weren’t involved much at all. And yet I have this oh so sneaking suspicion that he will be met with another 10 minutes tomorrow night. And was it just me, or did anyone else notice that Acie didn’t give Ford or Jack room to breathe on defense?

2)Mario West is like a human bulldog for hire. But you put West in there when you need some good, repetitive stops, not when the game is already out of reach and the guy you’re trying to stop has already done all the damage he needed to do.

3) What did I say? Watch out for Granger, and don’t let the low post triplets hit you for double figures. What happens? Granger goes for 34, and the trio of bigs all get double digits (Foster, Nesterovic, and Murphy). Sighhhhhhhh….

4)Anybody miss Josh Smith? And I’m not just talking about on the defensive end, where we gave up 56 points in the paint….I’m also talking on offense, where he no doubt could’ve run them ragged going to the basket and scoring. And nobody on that team could have come close to stopping him, either.

5)Losing Horford really hurt. However, we still could have won. Putting Bibby back in the game hurt. Offense stalled immediately.

6) Sautee is right. JJ did not set the best example tonight. There were enough occasions where he simply slacked off on defense. Good thing Marquis Daniels was having an off night. He also did not change his offensive tune in time. Driving to the basket late in the game should mean in the start of the 4th quarter, not after you’re down double digits and only have 2 minutes to play.

7) I say give Solo the ball more, and allow him to get used to putting it in the basket, and getting fouled. He’ll respond well, as he has to everything else. I also say let Othello Hunter get more minutes while RandMo gets his head in the game. At least Hunter will contest a dunk and get a rebound or two. RandMo is big…but he’s playing like Lorenzen Wright with a bad foot or something. Really? You had enough time to get 3 fouls but ZERO rebounds? And what was with letting those guys push you around on the block so much? Yeesh.

Well, the Wiz come calling tomorrow night. We must have a better showing, or we’ll get torched again. Anybody got Josh Smith’s address? I want to send a get-well card…and sign to it the names of the morons who still think we don’t need him….

By ray

November 18, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

O’Brien,

T. Moore doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Vindication does not come in 10 games. But, he does have to write a column. Nobody said it had to be a good one….

Sautee,

Apparently so, but we didn’t even play like we thought we were all that. Who would’ve thunk it…Two of our youngest (and sometimes most-maligned) guys are out of the game and we have no energy. Our inexperienced, young pg comes in and provides a bigger spark than anybody else…until the guy he backs up comes back into the game. Heh. Nothin’ like a young guy runnin’ wild on offense to give you a lift, ay JJ?

Najeh,

I agree. It’s crap. JJ gets ripped all the time. He’s going to have to speak up about it…

The Truth,

You hit the nail on the head. And trusting your teammates is giving them the ball when there’s still time on the clock and they are in a position to do something good with the ball. Not when time is running out and you realize you’re just not going to get a good shot off against that double team. So, you fling it to them when they’re out of position (because they figure you’re not giving the ball up), then you go down the court shaking your head….

By ray

November 18, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

One other thing I was thinking about.

A good offense doesn’t just put pressure on the opposing defense. It puts pressure on the opposing offense as well. Think about it, not only is the opposing team having to work hard to stop you, but when you’re scoring, it puts pressure on them to score as well, or fall behind (or further behind). Last I looked, you had to score more than the other guys to win…..right?

Acie was bringing that kind of pressure. We need more of it. Hope Woody sees that.

By The Truth

November 18, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Woody said it was not the offense but the defense that was the problem tonight. He said we’re trying to out score the opponent. I disagree. I thought tonight the offense had just as much to do with the loss as the defense. We could not score off their turn-overs down the stretch. We kept settling for 3 pt attempts which was not falling. We also had unnecessary turnover off their turnover. Even though we had injury problems, this game was still winnable.

Acie need to exercise those demons inside of him so he can let go and just play ball. Something is holding him back. He showed us signs of his expected potential tonight. However, when he was in a nice flow and things started to work for him, he became timid and won’t take charge as a PG should. He pass the ball to Solo in crunch time and we failed to score. For some reason, Joe decided to be spectator.

By ray

November 18, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Truth,

I’m telling you, who was in the game when that happened? As for getting the ball to Solo, hell that’s called getting your teammates involved. Solo has to convert, especially with our best low post guys out of the game altogether.

By The Truth

November 18, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Ray I think you need to get Woody’s email address and send him your analysis. I’m not sure what his assistants are telling him but it ain’t working.

By The Truth

November 18, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Ray Regarding that Solo play in crunch time, I thought where Solo received the ball it caused him to take a difficult shot. He’s not known for taking that kind of shot. He’s known, right now, for layups and dunks. I thought Acie could have attacked the basket and made contact and possibly gotten fouled.

By The Truth

November 18, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

I will just add regarding Acie, for him to become a star PG in the NBA, he must learn how to sense the game in crunch time and dominant if he has to. Tonight Joe needed help and we needed Acie to make plays. Normally Flip plays that role, but he was not in the game during that last stretch.

By Sautee

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

new blog up

By Kenneth Boswell

November 20, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

If the Hawks really wanted to compete at the highest level they would be at least looking into the possibility of acquiring A. McDyess to solidify their front court.Josh Smith & Al Horford”s absence has pointed to this glaring need yet i see no movement to address it. Josh is such a high flying energetic player that he will always be prone to injury so he cannot be your only defensive presence. R. Morris & O Hunter are not the answer we need to get to the next level.

By George

December 1, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

No radio or TV Wednesday. Georgia Tech men play Wednesday night so no 790 either. Where can we get the game Wednesday for the Hawks?