Hawks 102 Boston 103
I have to be honest with you. I expected my beloved Hawks to go 82-0 this year. Maybe, just maybe, my expectations were a little too ambitious.
The Hawks showed fight, but came up short by 1 point on a game winning fade away by Paul Pierce.
Off and running to start the first quarter, by midway through the second, the Hawks had built a 16 point lead. But the Celtics are the defending champs for a reson. As easy as flipping a switch, Boston stormed back to make it 51-51 at the half.
Foul trouble plagued the Hawks all night. Al Horford received 5 fouls in only 15 minutes of total play, limiting him to the bench for most of the night and forcing him to play soft defense during crunch time in the fourth quarter.
Despite the Hawks foul trouble throughout the game (Boston had 42 attempts from the freethrow line), the Hawks found a way to stay in it and were 7 seconds away from stealing one from the Champs.
The Hawks had a chance to win because of the outstanding down-the-stretch play of Joe Johnson. With 15 seconds left, Johnson drove to the lane drawing three defenders and causing a fouth, Ray Allen, to move a step toward him. Upon realizing Allen’s blunder, Johnson fired the ball to a wide open Marvin Williams in the corner, who buried a three to put the Hawks up one.
The pressure was on Boston to make a game winning shot. Unfortunately, Paul Pierce delivered with a fade away from the right side as time expired.
You can’t win ‘em all. The Hawks fought the Celtics and stayed in the game long enough to almost sneak away with a win. Though a 1 point defeat is a tough pill to swallow, I get the feeling this is not the last time this year these teams will lay it on the line and force the opposition to go down to the wire, if they want the win. A chance at redemption is not far; the teams meet again in Atlanta on December 17th.
Notes:
I half way thought by the end of the fourth quarter that the Hawks towel boy would be playing center and the water boy would be playing power forward. Marvin Williams, Al Horford, and Solomon Jones had 5 fouls a piece. Randolf Morris had 4 fouls. Zaza Pachulia did not play in th second half due to a shoulder injury suffered in the 2nd quarter.
After a dream scenario since Josh Smith went out on Friday last week (Hawks 2-0 with both games on the road), his presense was greatly missed last night against the Celtics. No play was more important than the last shot by Paul Pierce. If it wasn’t obvious that he was going to take it, you are probably not an avid NBA fan. The game came down to a 6’7 Paul Pierce fading away over a 6’10 Al Horford. Watching the play in slow motion, the shot was pristine. Nobody shot the fade away like Mike, but it was as close to Jordan-esque as it comes. However, the first thought that came to my mind---Pierce would be Josh Smith’s man. Nobody can match Smith’s athletisicm. Lets face it, the guy jumps out of the gym and there is no doubt in he is on Pierce at the end of the game. Maybe, he makes it still- Smith should get the chance to prove otherwise on December 17th.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Hawks Wrangle the Bulls
Hawks 113 Bulls 108
You know what they say, “You mess with the bull and you get the horns”. Try telling that to Al Horford or any of the Hawks.
Coming off a fine performance against the Thunder, Horford raked in 27 points and coraled 17 rebounds. If those numbers don’t impress you, he also smothered six blocks. Needless to say, it was a career night for the second year big man out of Florida.
The Hawks win over the Bulls was as impressive a victory as they have had all year. The fact that Joe Johnson went an uncharacteristic 4 for 16 from the floor and Josh Smith was inactive once again due to injury (out 3-4 weeks with high ankle sprain) did not deter the team one bit.
Led by Horford, the Hawks played calm and confident on offense and with tenacious aggression on defense. In the paint, the Bulls were outmatched on both ends of the floor. The Hawks exploited inside matchups all night.
Conifendence is the name of the game in Atlanta these days and it centainly looks like this team feels as though they have the ability to beat any team in the league.
Key Note:
Maurice Evans is emerging as another force off the bench. Already putting in big performances this year (though getting outshined by the play of Flip Murray) Evans was the key reserve last night scoring 17 points on 7 for 9 shooting (3 for 4 from the three point line).
Al Horford continues to inprove in his second NBA season, which is scary. After playing a key role in the win over Oklahoma City, Horford got the better of his old friend Joakim Noah on Tuesday night. Horford should have been R.O.Y. last year, but I’m sure if you ask him it’s “water under the bridge”.
The inside play of the Hawks has been outstanding. Power forward, Al Horford has been dominate putting up lines that are usually reserved for the freakishly athletic Josh Smith. Zaza Pachulia has stepped up his game as well. After a ruff season last year, where he saw his playing time diminish, he is back in form this year and providing good production in Smith’s absense. Solomon Jones is fun to watch. With his lanky frame, he can elevate for rebounds and blocking shots. What has been understated is these guy’s ability to make the extra pass underneath the basket to get easy dunks and layups. Last night, Solomom Jones had 1 assist and Zaza and Al had 3 a piece. They also were dominant on the boards. Horford had 17 rebounds, Zaza had 7, and Solomon Jones had 2. I am a huge fan of Horford’s ability to rebound the ball and immediately dribble out into a fast break. He has showed that he has good ball handling skills and awareness of players on the break around him. Most times, it leads to fastbreak points, because teams are unable to recover in transition defense.
You know what they say, “You mess with the bull and you get the horns”. Try telling that to Al Horford or any of the Hawks.
Coming off a fine performance against the Thunder, Horford raked in 27 points and coraled 17 rebounds. If those numbers don’t impress you, he also smothered six blocks. Needless to say, it was a career night for the second year big man out of Florida.
The Hawks win over the Bulls was as impressive a victory as they have had all year. The fact that Joe Johnson went an uncharacteristic 4 for 16 from the floor and Josh Smith was inactive once again due to injury (out 3-4 weeks with high ankle sprain) did not deter the team one bit.
Led by Horford, the Hawks played calm and confident on offense and with tenacious aggression on defense. In the paint, the Bulls were outmatched on both ends of the floor. The Hawks exploited inside matchups all night.
Conifendence is the name of the game in Atlanta these days and it centainly looks like this team feels as though they have the ability to beat any team in the league.
Key Note:
Maurice Evans is emerging as another force off the bench. Already putting in big performances this year (though getting outshined by the play of Flip Murray) Evans was the key reserve last night scoring 17 points on 7 for 9 shooting (3 for 4 from the three point line).
Al Horford continues to inprove in his second NBA season, which is scary. After playing a key role in the win over Oklahoma City, Horford got the better of his old friend Joakim Noah on Tuesday night. Horford should have been R.O.Y. last year, but I’m sure if you ask him it’s “water under the bridge”.
The inside play of the Hawks has been outstanding. Power forward, Al Horford has been dominate putting up lines that are usually reserved for the freakishly athletic Josh Smith. Zaza Pachulia has stepped up his game as well. After a ruff season last year, where he saw his playing time diminish, he is back in form this year and providing good production in Smith’s absense. Solomon Jones is fun to watch. With his lanky frame, he can elevate for rebounds and blocking shots. What has been understated is these guy’s ability to make the extra pass underneath the basket to get easy dunks and layups. Last night, Solomom Jones had 1 assist and Zaza and Al had 3 a piece. They also were dominant on the boards. Horford had 17 rebounds, Zaza had 7, and Solomon Jones had 2. I am a huge fan of Horford’s ability to rebound the ball and immediately dribble out into a fast break. He has showed that he has good ball handling skills and awareness of players on the break around him. Most times, it leads to fastbreak points, because teams are unable to recover in transition defense.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Hawks Grind Out a Victory in Oklahoma City
Hawks 89 Thunder 85
With their third road win of the year, the Hawks moved to 5-0 overall on the season. I guess this means that I won’t be able to buy the cheap seats at home games and move down to the lower level anymore. Oh well, it’s a change I’ll gladly accept.
I probably overuse adages and famous movie lines. But I can’t help myself on this one. The Hawks win over the Thunder can be summed up by that old reference to car racing, “It doesn’t matter if you win by an inch or a mile- winning is winning”.
The Hawks won ugly in a defensive battle with a perennial bottom dweller. The new city has not done much for the Thunder’s ability. They still lack many pieces to making a competitive team.
On offense, the Hawks looked like they were trying their best to lose this one. During the second through half way in the fourth quarter, the Hawks shooting was poor, their passing was non existent, and they were horribly out of rhythm.
Yet, strong defense kept them in the game. Al Horford did his best Josh Smith impersonation by blocking five shots and making his presence felt in the lane. Joe Johnson (4 steals) played suffocating defense on Kevin Durant and limited him to mostly outside shots.
Still, with 6:32 left in the fourth quarter, the Hawks were down by seven and looked to be in jeopardy of losing their first game of the season.
However, Flip Murray came to the Hawks rescue off the bench. Playing point, he slashed to the bucket drawing a foul and sinking both free throws. His drive in the paint seemed to energize the Hawks, who, until this point, had gotten accustom to taking long-range jump shots and were slowly losing its grip on the game. Scoring seven straight points, Flip put the team on his back and played an instrumental role in securing the victory.
Key Note:
With Josh Smith out two to four weeks, it is going to be really important that players like Al Horford, Solomon Jones, and Zaza Pachulia establish themselves in the paint on the defensive end of the floor. In the second and third quarter, Oklahoma City started to test the Hawks inside by driving to the basket. They had some success, but overall the Hawks did a pretty good job of shutting the team down.
Flip Murray is the X-Factor for the Hawks. He is a boost of energy off the bench. Furthermore, he has proved to be an effective scorer.
Hawks could improve on free throws. Tonight, they made 24 on 33 attempts (72.7%). The “silver lining” is they made them late in the game when they counted the most.
With their third road win of the year, the Hawks moved to 5-0 overall on the season. I guess this means that I won’t be able to buy the cheap seats at home games and move down to the lower level anymore. Oh well, it’s a change I’ll gladly accept.
I probably overuse adages and famous movie lines. But I can’t help myself on this one. The Hawks win over the Thunder can be summed up by that old reference to car racing, “It doesn’t matter if you win by an inch or a mile- winning is winning”.
The Hawks won ugly in a defensive battle with a perennial bottom dweller. The new city has not done much for the Thunder’s ability. They still lack many pieces to making a competitive team.
On offense, the Hawks looked like they were trying their best to lose this one. During the second through half way in the fourth quarter, the Hawks shooting was poor, their passing was non existent, and they were horribly out of rhythm.
Yet, strong defense kept them in the game. Al Horford did his best Josh Smith impersonation by blocking five shots and making his presence felt in the lane. Joe Johnson (4 steals) played suffocating defense on Kevin Durant and limited him to mostly outside shots.
Still, with 6:32 left in the fourth quarter, the Hawks were down by seven and looked to be in jeopardy of losing their first game of the season.
However, Flip Murray came to the Hawks rescue off the bench. Playing point, he slashed to the bucket drawing a foul and sinking both free throws. His drive in the paint seemed to energize the Hawks, who, until this point, had gotten accustom to taking long-range jump shots and were slowly losing its grip on the game. Scoring seven straight points, Flip put the team on his back and played an instrumental role in securing the victory.
Key Note:
With Josh Smith out two to four weeks, it is going to be really important that players like Al Horford, Solomon Jones, and Zaza Pachulia establish themselves in the paint on the defensive end of the floor. In the second and third quarter, Oklahoma City started to test the Hawks inside by driving to the basket. They had some success, but overall the Hawks did a pretty good job of shutting the team down.
Flip Murray is the X-Factor for the Hawks. He is a boost of energy off the bench. Furthermore, he has proved to be an effective scorer.
Hawks could improve on free throws. Tonight, they made 24 on 33 attempts (72.7%). The “silver lining” is they made them late in the game when they counted the most.
Hawks Soar Past Raptors
Hawks 110 Raptors 92
As the old adage goes, “there are no shortcuts to the top.” Anyone who has watched the Hawks over the past nine years knows that this statement is painfully true.
Personally, I have had enough with references to the past. In fact, this is the last time I will ever refer to the hardships of the Hawks leading up to this season. The team is undefeated and has the best record in the Eastern Conference. It is time to turn the page and give the team the respect they deserve.
I could write a story about outstanding individual stats or how the team shot 54.3 % from the floor and 60% from the three point line. However, watching the game in person at Phillips Arena, it was apparent that there was a much more “big picture” accomplishment achieved by the Hawks. They believe in themselves and they believe they can beat any team in the NBA.
The Hawks did what good teams do to beat other good teams. They played outstanding defense, crashed the boards, and got outstanding support from the bench. Flip Murray is slowly becoming an X-factor with his energetic and effective play as a reserve.
Mike Woodson and the rest of the coaching staff deserve lots of credit for making a game plan that limited the production by Toronto’s big men, Chris Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal. Extended minutes for Solomon Jones and Randolph Morris created a better matchup on the defensive side of the ball for the Hawks.
In the end, the Hawks out-executed the Raptors and continued to show signs that they have turned a corner toward becoming a team to reckon with in the Eastern Conference.
As the old adage goes, “there are no shortcuts to the top.” Anyone who has watched the Hawks over the past nine years knows that this statement is painfully true.
Personally, I have had enough with references to the past. In fact, this is the last time I will ever refer to the hardships of the Hawks leading up to this season. The team is undefeated and has the best record in the Eastern Conference. It is time to turn the page and give the team the respect they deserve.
I could write a story about outstanding individual stats or how the team shot 54.3 % from the floor and 60% from the three point line. However, watching the game in person at Phillips Arena, it was apparent that there was a much more “big picture” accomplishment achieved by the Hawks. They believe in themselves and they believe they can beat any team in the NBA.
The Hawks did what good teams do to beat other good teams. They played outstanding defense, crashed the boards, and got outstanding support from the bench. Flip Murray is slowly becoming an X-factor with his energetic and effective play as a reserve.
Mike Woodson and the rest of the coaching staff deserve lots of credit for making a game plan that limited the production by Toronto’s big men, Chris Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal. Extended minutes for Solomon Jones and Randolph Morris created a better matchup on the defensive side of the ball for the Hawks.
In the end, the Hawks out-executed the Raptors and continued to show signs that they have turned a corner toward becoming a team to reckon with in the Eastern Conference.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Hawks Make Statement Win Over Hornets
Hawks 87 Hornets 79
The Hawks couldn’t possibly beat the high powered New Orleans Hornets to start the season 3-0. News flash-They can and they did.
History tells a much different story. With Chris Paul at the helm, the Hornets were 5-0 against the Hawks in his tenure. He put up gaudy numbers-better than 20 points and ten assists per game against the Hawks. With each victory he reminded the team and fans about the horrible mistake they made by not drafting him in the 2005 draft.
Finally, the Hawks have said enough is enough. From the tip-off, it was obvious that they were out to prove a point to the Hornets and the rest of the NBA, by getting off to a scorching 4-4 field goal start. With 6:19 left in the first quarter, arch nemesis, Chris Paul was on the bench and the Hawks were padding an early lead.
Despite early foul trouble, Paul woke up in the second quarter. He showed why he is truly an elite NBA player, by putting the Hornets on his back to the tune of 5-5 shooting and 15 points in the quarter.
Much to the dismay of the Hawks, the third quarter resembled many of the second half starts that fans have gotten used to watching over the past few years. Committing seven turnovers and only scoring 12 points in the quarter, they were overtaken by the Hornets surging offense.
Down 62-58 to start the fourth quarter, the Hawks called on Flip Murray to steal the momentum and take the lead back from the Hornets. Okay, maybe they didn’t call on him; but we’ll take his outstanding effort nonetheless. Because tonight, he was great. He scored points in the paint and hit critical shots from the outside. Though the Hawks were up 75-70 with five minutes left, due in large part to his play, he iced the game with a three pointer to end the Hornets last real chance at catching up.
Tonight was the Hawks’ night. They beat the New Orleans Hornets. They won on the road. When they got knocked down in the second half, they got back up. They didn’t back down. And most importantly, by beating the Hornets, they showed the rest of the NBA that every night can be their night.
Key Players for the Hawks:
Joe Johnson was an absolute rock as usual. He made big shots and quietly had 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Josh Smith started the game with up-tempo defense that got the Hawks going on offense by forcing turnovers. In the first quarter, he had three blocks and one steal. Despite a poor night on offense, he hit two big shots to start the fourth quarter and help the Hawks retain the lead in the game. Even more important, he did it with second string players surrounding him, giving the starters time to rest so they could finish the game strong. Also, he shut David West down on the offensive side all night. West came in averaging 22.3 points per game. Tonight, he had 15 points on 6-13 shooting.
Marvin Williams made big shots all night. To see the way Chris Paul has risen to stardom in the league, even though he was drafted a spot behind Williams, has to be a tough pill to swallow. Tonight, William hit big jumpers when it counted the most, at the start of the game and at the end. He should get open jumpers all season if players choose to double team Joe Johnson. It’s great to see him knock down the open shots.
Flip Murray received player of the game honors. The Hawks were down 62-58 to start the fourth quarter. Murray went 3-4 shooting with two three pointers in the fourth. On a night when Mike Bibby and A.C. Law could really get nothing going on offense, Murray came in and protected the ball at the point guard position and hit big shots. He has good size and the ability to take the ball to the hoop. This ability will be a big benefit for the Hawks this season.
Overall Keys to Victory:
Though Chris Paul had a big 2nd and 3rd quarter, the rest of the team was contained all
night.
Chris Paul had no points in the fourth quarter.
In three previous games New Orleans scored 108, 108, and 104 points. The Hawks
limited them to 79 points.
The Hawks limited the Hornets to only 71 attempted field goals by outrebounding the
team 45-35. That was the fewest attempts the team has had in four games this season.
They also only shot 42.3% from the floor, also a season low.
Notes:
The Hawks started the season 3-0 for the first time since the 1997-1998 season. During this year’s three game win streak, they have defeated the Orlando Magic (last years Southeast Division Champ) and the New Orleans Hornets (last years Southwest Division Champ) on the road. In previous years, one of the Hawks major concerns was their inability to win away from Phillips Arena. Despite all the talk about the Lakers, I think New Orleans will win the Western Conference this year. If my belief holds true, the Hawks could not have dreamed for a better start to the season.
The Hawks couldn’t possibly beat the high powered New Orleans Hornets to start the season 3-0. News flash-They can and they did.
History tells a much different story. With Chris Paul at the helm, the Hornets were 5-0 against the Hawks in his tenure. He put up gaudy numbers-better than 20 points and ten assists per game against the Hawks. With each victory he reminded the team and fans about the horrible mistake they made by not drafting him in the 2005 draft.
Finally, the Hawks have said enough is enough. From the tip-off, it was obvious that they were out to prove a point to the Hornets and the rest of the NBA, by getting off to a scorching 4-4 field goal start. With 6:19 left in the first quarter, arch nemesis, Chris Paul was on the bench and the Hawks were padding an early lead.
Despite early foul trouble, Paul woke up in the second quarter. He showed why he is truly an elite NBA player, by putting the Hornets on his back to the tune of 5-5 shooting and 15 points in the quarter.
Much to the dismay of the Hawks, the third quarter resembled many of the second half starts that fans have gotten used to watching over the past few years. Committing seven turnovers and only scoring 12 points in the quarter, they were overtaken by the Hornets surging offense.
Down 62-58 to start the fourth quarter, the Hawks called on Flip Murray to steal the momentum and take the lead back from the Hornets. Okay, maybe they didn’t call on him; but we’ll take his outstanding effort nonetheless. Because tonight, he was great. He scored points in the paint and hit critical shots from the outside. Though the Hawks were up 75-70 with five minutes left, due in large part to his play, he iced the game with a three pointer to end the Hornets last real chance at catching up.
Tonight was the Hawks’ night. They beat the New Orleans Hornets. They won on the road. When they got knocked down in the second half, they got back up. They didn’t back down. And most importantly, by beating the Hornets, they showed the rest of the NBA that every night can be their night.
Key Players for the Hawks:
Joe Johnson was an absolute rock as usual. He made big shots and quietly had 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Josh Smith started the game with up-tempo defense that got the Hawks going on offense by forcing turnovers. In the first quarter, he had three blocks and one steal. Despite a poor night on offense, he hit two big shots to start the fourth quarter and help the Hawks retain the lead in the game. Even more important, he did it with second string players surrounding him, giving the starters time to rest so they could finish the game strong. Also, he shut David West down on the offensive side all night. West came in averaging 22.3 points per game. Tonight, he had 15 points on 6-13 shooting.
Marvin Williams made big shots all night. To see the way Chris Paul has risen to stardom in the league, even though he was drafted a spot behind Williams, has to be a tough pill to swallow. Tonight, William hit big jumpers when it counted the most, at the start of the game and at the end. He should get open jumpers all season if players choose to double team Joe Johnson. It’s great to see him knock down the open shots.
Flip Murray received player of the game honors. The Hawks were down 62-58 to start the fourth quarter. Murray went 3-4 shooting with two three pointers in the fourth. On a night when Mike Bibby and A.C. Law could really get nothing going on offense, Murray came in and protected the ball at the point guard position and hit big shots. He has good size and the ability to take the ball to the hoop. This ability will be a big benefit for the Hawks this season.
Overall Keys to Victory:
Though Chris Paul had a big 2nd and 3rd quarter, the rest of the team was contained all
night.
Chris Paul had no points in the fourth quarter.
In three previous games New Orleans scored 108, 108, and 104 points. The Hawks
limited them to 79 points.
The Hawks limited the Hornets to only 71 attempted field goals by outrebounding the
team 45-35. That was the fewest attempts the team has had in four games this season.
They also only shot 42.3% from the floor, also a season low.
Notes:
The Hawks started the season 3-0 for the first time since the 1997-1998 season. During this year’s three game win streak, they have defeated the Orlando Magic (last years Southeast Division Champ) and the New Orleans Hornets (last years Southwest Division Champ) on the road. In previous years, one of the Hawks major concerns was their inability to win away from Phillips Arena. Despite all the talk about the Lakers, I think New Orleans will win the Western Conference this year. If my belief holds true, the Hawks could not have dreamed for a better start to the season.
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