Woodson defends Smith from critics

By Michael Cunningham

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Hawks coach Mike Woodson said he typically doesn’t listen to TV broadcasters when reviewing game video, but he heard of the critical comments ESPN’s Hubie Brown made about forward Josh Smith in Game 2 at Orlando on Thursday.

Brown, an ex-Hawks coach and a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, criticized Smith for failing to hustle down court when frustrated by officials’ calls and bad plays. That has happened at times this season with Smith, whom Woodson said is “still growing as player.”

Woodson defended Smith from the outside criticism.

“I heard comments today that Hubie was blistering Josh Smith," Woodson said. "Well, he can get away with it because he’s coached. But I don’t know if I can let you guys get away with it.

"That is my job as coach to point that out to [Smith] and guys like that when they are doing that. And trust me, it don’t go unnoticed.”

As it turns out, Smith also watched a replay of the ESPN broadcast. He said he couldn’t sleep after the Hawks returned from Orlando early Friday morning, so he caught a repeat of the broadcast.

Smith said he heard some of Brown’s criticisms, but shrugged them off, insisting that he “was definitely into [the game] mentally.”

“Maybe my body language looked different than my [mentality],” he said. “My [mentality] was strong.”

Did he allow his frustrations to affect his effort?

“I don’t think so,” he said. “I am too ahead of the game in my career now where I let little minor things affect me. I think I played a good game yesterday.”

Smith finished with 18 points, nine rebounds and three assists, but he also had five turnovers and took six jump shots from beyond 10 feet. He made two.

Smith’s failure to get back on defense also contributed to Orlando’s success scoring in transition.

“You just teach from the tapes, and you hope like hell that they learn from it, and when they get in that situation again they get their [butts] back on defense,” Woodson said. “Because we were terrible in transition defense.”

‘Clearly charges’

Hawks center Jason Collins was called for two blocking fouls while defending Orlando’s Dwight Howard in the first quarter of Game 2.

“After watching the tape, they were clearly charges,” Woodson said. “But, hey, you can’t control that. Those calls went against us. If those calls go against him, he’s out of the game earlier.”

Bibby on bench

Hawks guard Jamal Crawford never left the court after he replaced starting point guard Mike Bibby with 7:46 left in the third quarter. Woodson said he won’t necessarily stick with that rotation Saturday for Game 3.

Bibby said Woodson hadn’t discussed his plan with him and he didn’t expect him to.

“I’m fine,” he said. “He’s the coach.”

Horford hurting

Hawks center Al Horford had a wrap on his right leg Friday. He said he was kneed in the thigh during Game 2 and is receiving ice and electrical-stimulation treatment.

“It’s all right,” he said. “There’s not much you can do about your quad.”