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Home > ajcsportstalk > Archives > 2008 > April
April 2008
Hawks forum: Back in Boston
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Boston — When last I set foot in this arena, the belief — in my mind, and in the mind of every Bostonian — was that the Celtics wouldn’t need TD Banknorth Garden again until Round 2. Tonight there’s a chance this could be the last time the NBA’s best team over the 82-game regular season plays on its parquet floor.
That’s how much things have changed over seven days. The first word in a Boston Globe column after Game 2 was “Yawn.” Today that same publication — my second-favorite sports section, after the Philly Daily News — features a column that begins, “So how did this happen?”
The tabloid Boston Herald goes much further. The back page offers a huge headline: “C’s In Choke Hold.” One column inside runs under this headline: “Celtics Face Gag Order: On Brink Of Biggest Collapse In Hub History.” (Let the record reflect that Bill Buckner once made a fairly egregious error playing for the locally based Red Sox, and the Bruins once lost a Stanley Cup semifinal Game 7 after being penalized for having too many men on the ice.)
At least one interested party seemed less hysterical. Jeremiah Rivers, the 19-year-old son of the Celtics coach, was on my connecting flight from Washington, D.C. (I introduced myself by saying, “I knew your father before you were born,” which means I’m really old.) The younger Rivers reported that his dad “feels good about his guys,” and then he headed off in a cab for Doc’s downtown apartment.
Some of the Celtics are out shooting as I type — Rajon Rondo is wearing his iPod — and none of the Hawks have arrived. But I saw Sam Crenshaw of WXIA in the corridor, and that, too, represents a change: None of the local stations dispatched personnel here for Games 1 and 2.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t report the first words Sam said to me: “Did you hear about Mike Hampton?”
“Let me guess,” I said. And then I guessed.
(Editor’s note: Paul Pierce scored a playoff-high 22 points Wednesday night as Boston beat Atlanta 110-85 and took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 6 is Friday in Atlanta.)
Permalink | Comments (106) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks
Why Durant and not Horford?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sonics forward Kevin Durant will be named NBA Rookie of the Year Thursday, edging Hawks forward/center Al Horford among others (see story).
Durant averaged more than 20 points per game and led the Sonics in scoring. Horford, on the other hand, didn’t average as many points on a team that includes All-Star Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, but led the team in rebounding, had more double-doubles than any rookie (double figures in scoring and rebounding) and has been the emotional force on a playoff squad.
So, what do you think? Do you think Durant should have won the award, primarily based on his scoring, or should Horford’s all-around play earned the honor?
Let us know what you think.
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Can the Hawks win tonight?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Can the Hawks win Game 5 of their NBA playoff series with the Celtics tonight in Boston?
Both teams will be at full strength after the NBA decided not to suspend any players following the continued pushing and shoving during Game 4 in Atlanta (see story).
And the Hawks, who lost the first two games of the series in Boston, are expecting to play in front of a hostile crowd anxious to see their Celtics continue toward a championship.
So, do you think the Hawks can win tonight? If so, let us know why.
Also, check out AJC columnist Jeff Schultz’s take on the series and find out what’s being said in Boston.
Permalink | Comments (117) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks, NBA
Should Smoltz head back to the pen?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
John Smoltz, who’s headed to the disabled list with a strained rotator cuff, said Tuesday he’d be up to returning to the bullpen.
But can the Braves’ starting rotation afford to lose Smoltz? And who would you be comfortable moving into the rotation, if Smoltz does move to the bullpen?
Should Rafael Soriano then move back into a set-up role? Or should the Braves try to shop Soriano, and if they did, would there be any takers?
We have lots of questions. Please provide us with the answers.
Permalink | Comments (57) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves
Can the Hawks pull it off in Boston?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Editor’s Note: Commenting on this blog has been turned off. To continue the conversation, click here and join the Wednesday morning blog.
The series is now tied at two games apiece and momentum clearly appears to be on the Hawks’ side - at least for the moment.
So …. here’s the question - Do the Hawks have a chance of winning Wednesday in Boston?
The Hawks lost the first two games of the series in Boston, and will need to win there at least once if they plan to pull a monumental upset and win the series. And since they need to win at least one game there, why not win Wednesday night?
Let us know what you think. Can the Hawks pull it off, or will the Celtics regain control of the series by winning at home?
You call it.
And check what they are saying in Beantown.
Should Garnett be suspended?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Editor’s Note: Commenting on this blog has been turned off. To continue this conversation, click here and join the Tuesday morning blog.
The Hawks-Celtics series, expected by most fans to be a yawner, has gotten interesting in more ways than one. Not only did the Hawks tie it up Monday night, but the jawing and scuffling intensified as well.
Hawks big man Zaza Pachulia and Celtics star Kevin Garnett got into it before halftime, leading to a scrum that produced four technical fouls but no ejections. The incident may not be over, however.
League officials are reviewing whether Garnett threw an elbow at referee Eddie F. Rush, which could lead to a suspension. They’re also looking at whether Hawks forward Marvin Williams and Celtics forward Kendrick Perkins left their benches and stepped on the court during the dustup, a violation of league rules.
What do you think? Did Garnett throw an elbow at the ref? Should he be suspended? And are the Hawks getting into the Celtics’ heads?
Biggest win ever at Philips?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Editor’s Note: Commenting on this blog has been turned off. To continue this conversation, click here and join the Tuesday morning blog.
The Hawks aren’t backing down to mighty Boston, owner of the NBA’s best record and the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
In fact, the Celtics have to be feeling a little green after getting knocked around at Philips on Monday.
Zaza Pachulia withstood an elbow from Boston’s Kevin Garnett and got right back in the superstar’s face. Did it look like a cheap shot from Garnett, and were you surprised no one was ejected?
Are you more surprised that the Hawks are headed back to Boston with the series tied? Do you believe the Hawks have a shot? And was that the biggest win ever at Philips Arena?
Permalink | Comments (45) | Categories: Hawks
Barnhart projects the SEC
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tony Barnhart recapped spring football practice in the SEC (see story) and pointed out some interesting story lines that will continue through the summer and into the fall.
Barnhart projects the SEC for 2008 in order of finish in each division - with last season’s record in parentheses followed by a comment on each program.
SEC EAST
• Georgia (11-2) - Great team but brutal road schedule will make it tough to win SEC.
• Florida (9-4) - Tebow needs help in running game; defense must improve significantly.
• Tennessee (10-4) - Offense will be good; lots of questions on defensive front seven.
• South Carolina (6-6) - Defense will carry team early; Spurrier must find QB who can produce.
• Kentucky (8-5) - Cats lost too many great skill players; can still go bowling.
• Vanderbilt (5-7) - Commodores lost most of their offense; must learn to win close games.
SEC WEST
• LSU (12-2) - Will still have league’s best defense; QB Perrilloux remains question mark.
• Auburn (9-4) - If QBs come through in spread offense Tigers could win the division.
• Alabama (7-6)- Talent upgrade coming from No. 1 recruiting class; still a year away from contending.
• Miss. State (8-5)- Best overall talent and depth Sylvester Croom has had in Starkville.
• Ole Miss (3-9)- Rebels finally have QB in Javan Snead; will surprise under Houston Nutt.
• Arkansas (8-5)- Hogs lost too much talent on offense; Bobby Petrino struggles in first season.
What do you think about the projections? If you disagree, let us know why and give us your projections for the order of finish in each division.
Permalink | Comments (29) | Post your comment | Categories: UGA
Can the Hawks win again?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Can the Hawks pull out another victory tonight and even their playoff series with the Boston Celtics?
The Hawks had an inspiring victory in Game 3 Saturday night, but can they bounce back and win again tonight?
Will Josh Smith have to have another huge game for the Hawks to win? What about Al Horford? Joe Johnson?
Or do you think the Celtics will win and head back to Boston with a 3-1 series lead?
Let us know what you think? If you think the Hawks will win, let us know why - or let us know why the Celtics will win.
Permalink | Comments (120) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks, NBA
Would a playoff fix the BCS?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The BCS was created in 1998 to make certain that the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the country meet in a designated “National Championship” game.
It’s debatable if that’s occured since.
Four bowls make up the BCS: Sugar, Orange, Rose, Fiesta. Each year one of the cities hosts two games: Their traditional bowl game plus the BCS championship game.
Is a four-team playoff system the best thing for college football to determine a national champion? Or the the best thing to do nothing at all?
Permalink | Comments (29) | Post your comment | Categories: Georgia Tech, UGA
Braves, Jurrjens shake off bad inning
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rookie Jair Jurrjens struggled for one inning in his first start in New York, walking in three runs, but maintained his composure and went perfect for nine more outs.
Kelly Johnson carried the big bat Friday night with four RBIs as the Braves (12-11) won for the seventh time in nine games.
What did you think of Jurrjens’ bad inning? Rookie jitters?
And how about Bobby Cox getting tossed for the first time this season?
The Braves face the Mets again tomorrow in the second of their three-game series at 1 p.m.
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Basebrawl: Pirates fan claims assault by rowdy fans at Braves game
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A Pittsburgh Pirates fan from Macon claims he was sucker-punched by someone in a group of rowdies while leaving the April 2 Pirates-Braves game.
The apparent reason? The man was wearing a Bucs hat in Braves territory.
AJC reporter Tim Eberly writes: “The blow knocked many of [the fan’s] teeth out and broke his jaw and other bones in his face, according to an Atlanta police report. He is still healing, with his jaw wired shut.”
Have you experienced this sort of rowdy fan behavior at Braves games, either from other Braves fans or from fans of other teams? Did you take action of any kind and what was the result? How do you think fan rowdiness should be handled at games? Tell us.
Permalink | Comments (38) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves
‘Long’ gone, who’s going next?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How will the signing of Michigan OT Jake Long by the Dolphins affect the Falcons and the entire NFL Draft?
The Falcons need offensive line help, but now that the top lineman is out of the practice, should the Falcons still look for an offensive lineman at No. 3?
Here are three possibilities for the Falcons:
• Select Glenn Dorsey of LSU and immediately upgrade the defensive line.
• Select Matt Ryan of Boston College and wait for him to develop at QB.
• Trade the pick for a proven veteran or a combination of draft picks and players.
What do you think? Guess us your reasons why you would accept one of the scenarios - or give us a scenario of your own.
Permalink | Comments (82) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons, NFL
Do you agree with Knight, Woodson?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hawks beat writer Sekou Smith received candid feedback during revealing Q&A’s with Hawks general manager Billy Knight and head coach Mike Woodson.
Despite the team’s losing record, Knight steadfastly believes in the blueprint that has led to an increased number of victories over the last four years. “We think we’re doing things the right way and the necessary way to keep moving forward,” he said.
As for Woodson, he promised to lead the downtrodden franchise to the playoffs and has done that in the final season of his contract. He firmly believes he has made the case for keeping his job past this season, but admitted “I have no control over ownership and what their decision is.”
After reading both Q&A’s, let us know what you think about their candidness. If you think both should return (or not return) next season, please give us your reasons why.
Believe it: Hawks are headed to the playoffs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Atlanta Hawks are headed to the playoffs, ending the longest postseason drought in the NBA.
The Hawks clinched the 8th seed with Indiana’s loss at Washington Monday, earning their first trip to the playoffs since 1999.
They will face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
How many of you believed in this team for the beginning? (Yeah, right.) How many of you are utterly shocked?
How many of you think coach Mike Woodson is the biggest reason the Hawks are headed to the playoffs? Our guess is you don’t think so, but if not Woody, who then? Joe? Bibby? The Joshs?
Regardless, who’s behind your playoff-bound Atlanta Hawks?
The playoff schedule will be released Wednesday night.
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Injuries already hurting Braves
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Braves starter Tom Glavine left with a hamstring injury before recording an out, and the Washington Nationals ended their nine-game losing streak by beating the Braves 5-4 on Sunday.
The Braves are already without injured starter Mike Hampton and closer Rafael Soriano.
Are injuries already wrecking the Braves’ season? Is the age of the starting rotation going to be a problem all year as minor injuries crop up again and again?
Do the Braves have enough pitching depth and hitting to overcome injuries?
Are you concerned or are these injuries a normal part of a long baseball season?
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The Braves back to form?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
John Smoltz earned his second win of the season, holding the Washington Nationals for 6 innings to just one run.
But the day may have belonged to right fielder Jeff Francoeur, who pounded the Nationals for a career high 7 RBIs with two home runs, in the Braves’ 10-2 win over Washington.
So are the Braves back to form or are they just beating up on a Nationals’ squad who’s lost nine straight?
Permalink | Comments (30) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves
Hudson starting Cy Young season?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tim Hudson pitched eight shutout innings as the Braves beat Washington 3-0 on Friday night.
What are your thoughts on the game and Hudson’s performance? Is Hudson starting a season that could result in him winning a Cy Young?
Who played well Friday and who didn’t?
How about Mark Kotsay’s play in center or Yunel Escobar’s skills at short?
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Braves’ effort leave you cold?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sure, it was frigid in Denver Monday night.
But the Rockies had to play in it too.
Is bad weather a good enough excuse for the Braves’ performance?
What did you think of how little offense Atlanta managed to generate?
And how impressed with the way Tom Glavine pitched were you?
Sound off here.
Editor’s Note: This blog has been closed for commenting. To continue the conversation, click here and join today’s chat with the Chop Chick.
Permalink | Comments (79) | Categories: Braves
Surprised by Smoltz?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What did you think of John Smoltz’s pitching performance against the Mets on Sunday?
Were you surprised at how effective he appeared?
Did you get the impression that the Mets had an off game, or was Smoltz’s “stuff” just too much for New York to handle?
Overall, how impressed with you so far with the Braves’ pitching?
Sound off here.
Permalink | Comments (54) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves
Send best wishes to Munson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Legendary Georgia Bulldogs radio announcer Larry Munson had successful surgery on Friday to remove blood clots on his brain. He is expected to make a full recovery and still plans on calling football games this fall. Send Munson best wishes.
Permalink | Comments (180) | Post your comment | Categories: UGA
Post-game forum: Braves fall to 1-3
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Braves fell to the Pirates Thursday and fell to 1-3 this season.
Mike Hampton was scheduled to make his first start since 2005 but injured a chest muscle in warmups. How big a blow is Hampton’s injury?
What are your thoughts on the game, and the season so far?
How will the Braves fare against the Mets this weekend? How important is that series?
Braves pick up first win
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Braves earned their first win of the season Wednesday night, beating the Pirates 10-2.
Rookie Jair Jurrjens made his first start of the season. What did you think of his performance?
The bats and bullpen did their jobs as well. What are your thoughts on the game? Will the Braves get hot now?
What have you seen that you like, or don’t like, through the first three games?
Editor’s Note: If you would like to continue this conversation, click here and chat with the Chop Chick and others.
The 19th Hole: AJC’s Masters Blog
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Welcome to the 19th hole, the AJC’s Masters blog and your clubhouse for all the Augusta news coming from the Web.
Live video coverage from Masters.org
Augusta Weather: Radar • Current conditions, forecast
The Field: Who’s in • Stats • World rankings
What’s In Their Bag? Tiger Woods • Phil Mickelson • More golfers • Spruce up your golf bag
Games
• Masters.org: Putt the treacherous greens of Amen Corner
• ESPN’s Masters Best Ball Challenge
Video
•Nick Faldo and Greg Norman on the 1996 Masters
•Tiger’s Remarkable Chip Shot
• Tiger’s Nike Commerical
AJC Photo Galleries
• The Dark Horses •
The Favorites • Golf’s modern look: Hip or hideous?
Don’t watch, play: Has the Masters got you itching to tee it up? Check out this interactive map of some of Atlanta’s top public courses.
Player’s Web Sites: Tiger Woods • Phil Mickelson • John Daly • Ian Poulter • Natalie Gulbis
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