Mike Woodson got the directive from the NBA office in Manhattan about choosing his words carefully when discussing the replacement referees. And he's been mindful of that directive even after watching the replacements whistle 66 and 57 fouls, respectively, in the Hawks' first two preseason games.
"My thing is, as long as they keep it consistent, I'm not going to sit here and complain about it," a smiling Woodson said before the Hawks' third game Monday against Charlotte at Philips Arena. "Referees didn't beat us [Sunday in Detroit]."
Still, it's hard to ignore the flow of games being slower with the replacement officials. They called a staggering 46 fouls through the first three quarters Monday night. Bobcats coach Larry Brown wasn’t nearly as diplomatic as Woodson. He was ejected with 3:23 to play in the third and lead official Kevin Scott asked for a security guard to escort Brown off the floor, to the stunned amazement of everyone at courtside.
"I'm keeping my mouth shut," Josh Smith said as he exited the floor after Brown was ejected. "I'm keeping my mouth shut."
Etc.
Woodson said the first cuts of training camp will be made before the team departs for Memphis after practice today. The Hawks play the Grizzlies Wednesday. … The Hawks played without Jamal Crawford (calf), Jason Collins (quad), Mo Evans (knee) and Joe Smith (knee). … Former Hawks guard Flip Murray made his first trip back to town with his new team Monday night, but he sat out with a bruised left shin. … Zaza Pachulia had another big game off the bench for the Hawks, finishing his night with 14 points on 4-for-6 shooting from the floor. He was 6-for-7 from the free throw line. … Rookie point guard Jeff Teague must love the floor at Philips Arena. For the second time in as many home preseason game he led the team in scoring off the bench.
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