There was a time not too long ago when a Friday and a Sunday game would mean that Hawks fans would have to find something fun to do on Saturday to compensate.
But these (17-6) Hawks are not the same weekend killers as their aughts sharing brethren. These Hawks took two undermanned, underdefensive teams (Raptors, Nets) and disassembled them with aggressive play on both ends, solid rebounding, and depth.
The latter part is amazing to those who have seen the Hawks pinch a penny over the last two decades when it came to quality minutes off the bench. As long time Hawk Mike Fratello marveled from the Nets broadcast booth Sunday night, "This team is deep and talented!" We know, we can't believe that Mr. Fratello was talking about the hometeam either.
Yet, there they were, doing as top reserve Jamal Crawford said a few games ago---wearing teams out. The Nets came out Sunday shooting far above their 41 percent standard for their woeful season and had the lead by two points with a little more than (5) minutes to play in the half. Then the Nets turned their head and were down by (12) when the half ended.
Yup, the Hawks are that kind of team. The team that kills you for settling for jump shots all night. A team that makes you pay when you go 1-7 over a stretch when your hot hand cools. You know, a strong playoff caliber team.
The Hawks showed poise and patience over the weekend and have (2) wins over lesser teams and have given the starters some extra Gatorade time as a reward. In previous seasons, these were games that might have had to use Joe Johnson and company 34+ minutes each to put away, but on both occasions the only players to log major minutes were off the bench, something that has to be better come April/May than in seasons past.
You Know They Call Him The Streak
Mo Evans hit seven of nine threes over the weekend and displayed some seriously quick hops on a pair of finishes. Just saying. When he is going like he was against TOR and NJ, he is mighty fine luxury to have bombing away out of that corner he loves so much.
Teams are gameplanning for Josh Smith's game inside. That's a major development for the Hawks this season and is a result of the change and maintaining of a "I'm better on the inside" in hardwood attitude for Smith. It's the reason his assist rate (8 more assists over the weekend) and many other numbers are at career highs this season. Hoopinion has done a great bit on monitoring on his site around just how much of a difference it's making on his productivity---and is answering a great deal of folks who hypothesized that the Hawks would be much better off if Smith dropped the Reggie Miller act and used his size and length to get easier hoops. Now--on to making free throws.
(Sidenote: The play of the weekend for THHB was the run-out 3 on 1 against the Nets when Josh could have tried to force a drive to the hoop and would likely have been fouled but missed a shot, but instead threaded a perfect bounce pass to Mike Bibby who quickly offered up a return to Smoove for the jam. To say it was picture perfect is saying too little--hopefully a snapshot of even more growth from Smith.)
We wholeheartedly agree again with Mike Fratello that the culture and execution of this team improved significantly when the Hawks made the move to get Bibby. Yes, he's a thorn in the defensive flesh, but wow--having a real point guard on the floor has made everything go. We all know this, which is why few were surprised that the Hawks re-upped with the vet, but it bears a reminder that his introduction to the team is when the franchise turned the corner.
Speaking of point guards---Jeff Teague continues to impress in his minutes off the bench. His quick hands are lethal (his steal from Rafer Alston and subsequent throw down was a close second to the Smith/Bibby play on the THHB corkboard) and his confidence is growing. He got a little loose late in the game against the Nets and made a rare careless pass, but he is getting better with every game out there. He reminds us of Jason Terry---as quick as Jet, a lesser shooter, but a more convincing distributor/decision maker/point guard than #31. How much of an impact he will make ultimately (meaning career) will probably be based on how dependable his shot becomes, but he is making us less morose about missing out on Ty Lawson every game.
The Nets had some success early getting inside and scoring on the Hawks until they lapsed (translation: forgot to keep doing it) and the Hawks took advantage. Atlanta was below their seasonal shot blocking average over the weekend games and in particular against the Nets, both Al Horford and Smith shied away from contesting aggressive drives to the hoop due to foul trouble. Not having Joe Smith off the bench to thwart shots didn't help as the Hawks elected to go small (three guards) without Smith and Marvin Williams (upset stomach) to go to.Something to keep an eye on against better teams with size.
Horford plays the bigger guys fine defensively, but still rushes his shot or takes awkward angles when against a big--though he made an adjustment against Brook Lopez (who has game) and started to use his nice face up jump shot to lure the big out and then go around him and get contact. Yet another piece that's improving for the Hawks and is making for difficult matchups for the opposition. And credit the Hawks backcourt for being very good in these games in recognizing mismatches and going right to them to exploit. And yes, once again, it's odd to watch a game and hear the opposing announcers lauding the Hawks as the example of a fundamentally sound team doing those "little things" to win.
Odd in this case = good. As in a really good weekend that made Saturday seem to drag. THHB calls that another nice development.
Showing posts with label Maurice Evans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maurice Evans. Show all posts
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Exhibit A
Through all the times we've pulled our hair out watching him, Atlanta's Saturday night 125-100 victory over the suddenly staggering Denver Nuggets showed why you just can't give up on a player like Josh Smith.
Smith's was omnipresent throughout the dominant home team win on both ends of the floor. He consistently challenged the Nuggets interior on his way to an 8-10/2-4, 22 point night on the one end while stamping the defensive effort of the evening with his (6) blocks and a level of activity that had the Nuggets either settling for outside shots or looking over their shoulder.
The Nuggets had no answer for Smith's ridiculous athleticism and new found respect for attacking the hoop. He is one of the best finishers in the league now and he made the case over and over again against anyone Denver threw at him. He was also part of a team-wide effort to share the basketball and move, leading to (7) assists against a single turnover for the night.
Smith commitment was not isolated, as the entire crew showed up to the arena displaying an intent to reverse the zero-energy effort provided in Charlotte the night before. After accruing (10) assists for the entire game against the Bobcats, the Hawks had that number covered early in the first half, well on their way to their final total of (30). In all, the Hawks ended up with (7) players in double figures, with all three members of The Backcourt getting in on the action, combining for (58) points.
The energy and aggressiveness to which the team played was obvious and well rewarded, washing away the sick feeling the beating in Charlotte had given leading up to tip-off and providing a snapshot of what could be if able to provide the same approach every night.
Meanwhile...At the Hall of Justice
While Carmelo Anthony still scored (30) points the effort to which he had to put out to get to that number was heavy. If he were a running back, he would have had to carry the ball (30) times to get to the (100) yard mark in this one. The Hawks made Anthony work extremely hard for his points on offense and went at the All-Star at the other end as well in an apparently successful attempt to slow him down.
We gotta say, we like Mr. Teague. His jump shot is ill-suited for the Iso-Thon the Hawks can get engaged in, but his speed with the ball, his ability to set up a play, and his fearlessness towards the hoop gets us excited. He also showed some quick hands on defense and when compared to the former lottery pick that was his predecessor, Acie Law, Teague comes across as more dynamic and a cut above--and the fact that we felt this way on a night where he shot 1-9 says a lot about all the other things he can do on the court.
It's becoming clear that the Hawks are going to prefer having all three members of The Backcourt on the floor down the stretch, and so far that doesn't seem to be a bad idea. The addition of Jamal Crawford, who had a team high (27) points, has allowed fewer Iso-Joe plays in crunch time. Crawford gives another player who is a double threat (shooting outside or penetrating) in a one-on-one situation. All of which means that the Hawks should get an open look in a single play scenario, which is better than a 1 on 3 scenario seen many, many times.
That the Hawks can now rest Bibby if they want to for the fourth quarter (where he is perfectly cast as a stone cold assassin from long range), or plug in Crawford to see if he has it and ride him if he does, or use the depth to rest Joe more has certainly raised the level of optimism within the walls of THHB that Woodson can mix and match to create havoc for opposing defenses---and give the Hawks a better shot of succeeding come playoff time.
Maurice Evans did his best Josh Childress impersonation against the Nuggets, being efficient offensively and being around the offensive glass more than his (2) offensive rebounds may indicate. Evans is proving to be a more than capable finisher and, given all the other folks on the floor to take attention away for him, he continues to get good looks from the perimeter--on which he has happily cashed in.
It wasn't much, but the (4) minutes that Joe Smith gave at the end of the first half was a testimony to the notion that he will be a much more solid option in the fourth big man spot that the late Solomon Jones was. Smith was in all the right places on both ends of the floor, giving the Hawks (4) quick points and a block in that limited sample size.
And Now---One More Thought
This effort was just what the team and the fans needed after the game Friday night in Charlotte. It was well executed and showed almost all the best that the team had to offer leading to the (25) point final margin. It restored some faith that, with the proper amount of energy, that there is a lot to have to account for in this team--and that they will be tough to beat on any night.
Smith's was omnipresent throughout the dominant home team win on both ends of the floor. He consistently challenged the Nuggets interior on his way to an 8-10/2-4, 22 point night on the one end while stamping the defensive effort of the evening with his (6) blocks and a level of activity that had the Nuggets either settling for outside shots or looking over their shoulder.
The Nuggets had no answer for Smith's ridiculous athleticism and new found respect for attacking the hoop. He is one of the best finishers in the league now and he made the case over and over again against anyone Denver threw at him. He was also part of a team-wide effort to share the basketball and move, leading to (7) assists against a single turnover for the night.
Smith commitment was not isolated, as the entire crew showed up to the arena displaying an intent to reverse the zero-energy effort provided in Charlotte the night before. After accruing (10) assists for the entire game against the Bobcats, the Hawks had that number covered early in the first half, well on their way to their final total of (30). In all, the Hawks ended up with (7) players in double figures, with all three members of The Backcourt getting in on the action, combining for (58) points.
The energy and aggressiveness to which the team played was obvious and well rewarded, washing away the sick feeling the beating in Charlotte had given leading up to tip-off and providing a snapshot of what could be if able to provide the same approach every night.
Meanwhile...At the Hall of Justice
While Carmelo Anthony still scored (30) points the effort to which he had to put out to get to that number was heavy. If he were a running back, he would have had to carry the ball (30) times to get to the (100) yard mark in this one. The Hawks made Anthony work extremely hard for his points on offense and went at the All-Star at the other end as well in an apparently successful attempt to slow him down.
We gotta say, we like Mr. Teague. His jump shot is ill-suited for the Iso-Thon the Hawks can get engaged in, but his speed with the ball, his ability to set up a play, and his fearlessness towards the hoop gets us excited. He also showed some quick hands on defense and when compared to the former lottery pick that was his predecessor, Acie Law, Teague comes across as more dynamic and a cut above--and the fact that we felt this way on a night where he shot 1-9 says a lot about all the other things he can do on the court.
It's becoming clear that the Hawks are going to prefer having all three members of The Backcourt on the floor down the stretch, and so far that doesn't seem to be a bad idea. The addition of Jamal Crawford, who had a team high (27) points, has allowed fewer Iso-Joe plays in crunch time. Crawford gives another player who is a double threat (shooting outside or penetrating) in a one-on-one situation. All of which means that the Hawks should get an open look in a single play scenario, which is better than a 1 on 3 scenario seen many, many times.
That the Hawks can now rest Bibby if they want to for the fourth quarter (where he is perfectly cast as a stone cold assassin from long range), or plug in Crawford to see if he has it and ride him if he does, or use the depth to rest Joe more has certainly raised the level of optimism within the walls of THHB that Woodson can mix and match to create havoc for opposing defenses---and give the Hawks a better shot of succeeding come playoff time.
Maurice Evans did his best Josh Childress impersonation against the Nuggets, being efficient offensively and being around the offensive glass more than his (2) offensive rebounds may indicate. Evans is proving to be a more than capable finisher and, given all the other folks on the floor to take attention away for him, he continues to get good looks from the perimeter--on which he has happily cashed in.
It wasn't much, but the (4) minutes that Joe Smith gave at the end of the first half was a testimony to the notion that he will be a much more solid option in the fourth big man spot that the late Solomon Jones was. Smith was in all the right places on both ends of the floor, giving the Hawks (4) quick points and a block in that limited sample size.
And Now---One More Thought
This effort was just what the team and the fans needed after the game Friday night in Charlotte. It was well executed and showed almost all the best that the team had to offer leading to the (25) point final margin. It restored some faith that, with the proper amount of energy, that there is a lot to have to account for in this team--and that they will be tough to beat on any night.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Some Things Are Better Left Said
The HHB has to say it---yes, we know that teams are contractually required to send streamers flying from the rafters after any victory, but shouldn't the Grizzlies Wednesday night 98-90 win over the "Hawks" resound with a clunk instead of a gong?
The Grizzlies played OJ Mayo (42) minutes, Rudy Gay (38) minutes, and Mike Conley (45) minutes. I suppose when you have only won (23) games all season, you empty all barrels in making sure you get one you should get.
And they should have gotten this one by a lot more, because the Hawks countered with (42) minutes of RFM and (39) of Mo Evans and that's about it. Zaza played, but was more interested in getting his timing back and testing the resiliency of his injured back--both of which looked pretty good to us.
The Grizz went so hard after this game that they even began to double team Murray late in the game, especially after RFM seemed to start to finally hit empty on his internal combustion engine--Back to back (40) minutes games can do that to a guy.
Even still, the game was in doubt until the last couple of minutes, a testament to the fantastic effort that the Bottom Eight did against a talented young team that played their best players and played them a lot to have to put away the Hawks deep reserves.
So, in order to give the effort it's full due, we will indeed testify.
Make it Plain, Brother!
The #1 thing that the HHB took from this game, fair or not, is that Mayo, while being obviously talented, showed his back side in dealing with Flubber West.
Look, we all know that Flubber can get on your nerves---he really doesn't serve any other useful purpose than that---but the HHB, who has been highly critical of Flubber's minutes of late, was thrilled that he was our nuisance out there, especially when he very clearly got under the skin of the talented rookie.
But look, a hard foul was one thing--debatable whether it deserved a Flagrant--but to continue to burn about it, pick up another technical yapping about it, and then to take the game away from everyone else so you can deal with it your own way is when you pull down your character trousers and show everyone your rear end.
We failed to say anything notable about Othello Hunter's game against Miami Tuesday night, but we did remember one thing---something that was on display again in the game against MEM. Hunter has a nice way of not lowering the ball below his shoulders around the basket, making him play taller than he is. This is something that Horford can definitely learn from---make yourself as tall as possible around the hoop and don't let those little guys have a chance to make a play.
Our newest bestest buddy, Speedy Claxton looked better against MEM, though he did have one out of control shot---once again we believe that he showed enough to at least get him on the playoff roster.
Thomas Gardner started slow again but found his way later in the game, and we had to laugh when he was shaking his head after his second made basket because it had a "I knew I can play this game" look of relief on it. We're intrigued and would like to see more of him next summer to see if he can develop into a Kareem Rush type specialist off the bench.
Marvin Williams was consistently up and cheering on the bench guys, making him clearly the early leader for Class President on the team.
Mo and Evans were troopers out there---used to being in much more meaningful situations this season, but gave it everything---We appreciated their hard work and making this game a lot harder to win than the young men in MEM might have thought before the game.
Lunar Shuttle Tickets, Lunar Shuttle Tickets
The NBA schedule for the playoffs is out, and while you may find this elsewhere, here is everything we have on the matter---and now, it's yours---enjoy and see you on Sunday!
ATLANTA HAWKS vs. MIAMI HEAT
2009 FIRST ROUND PLAYOFF SERIES
Game 1 - Sun April 19 Miami at Atlanta 8:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 22 Miami at Atlanta 8:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Sat April 25 Atlanta at Miami 6:30PM 6:30PM TNT
Game 4 - Mon April 27 Atlanta at Miami TBD TBD TBD
Game 5 * Wed April 29 Miami at Atlanta TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 1 Atlanta at Miami TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 3 Miami at Atlanta TBD TBD TBD
In addition, Hawks games will be broadcast on 790 the Zone (790 AM) and the Hawks TV Network (Fox Sports South and Sportsouth). Playoff tickets are currently on sale at www.hawks.com/playoffs and by calling 1-(800)-4NBA TIX, or at the Philips Arena Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets.
National
Local EDT
Broadcast
Western Conference
L.A. Lakers vs. Utah
Game 1 - Sun April 19 Utah at L.A. Lakers 12:00PM 3:00PM ABC/R
Game 2 - Tue April 21 Utah at L.A. Lakers 7:30PM 10:30PM TNT
Game 3 - Thu April 23 L.A. Lakers at Utah 8:30PM 10:30PM TNT
Game 4 - Sat April 25 L.A. Lakers at Utah 7:00PM 9:00PM ESPN/R
Game 5 * Mon April 27 Utah at L.A. Lakers TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 30 L.A. Lakers at Utah TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 2 Utah at L.A. Lakers TBD TBD TNT
Denver vs. New Orleans
Game 1 - Sun April 19 New Orleans at Denver 8:30PM 10:30PM TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 22 New Orleans at Denver 8:30PM 10:30PM TNT
Game 3 - Sat April 25 Denver at New Orleans 12:00PM 1:00PM ESPN
Game 4 - Mon April 27 Denver at New Orleans TBD TBD TBD
Game 5 * Wed April 29 New Orleans at Denver TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 1 Denver at New Orleans TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 3 New Orleans at Denver TBD TBD TBD
San Antonio vs. Dallas
Game 1 - Sat April 18 Dallas at San Antonio 7:00PM 8:00PM ESPN/R
Game 2 - Mon April 20 Dallas at San Antonio 8:30PM 9:30PM TNT
Game 3 - Thu April 23 San Antonio at Dallas 7:30PM 8:30PM NBATV
Game 4 - Sat April 25 San Antonio at Dallas 3:00PM 4:00PM TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 28 Dallas at San Antonio TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 1 San Antonio at Dallas TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 3 Dallas at San Antonio TBD TBD TBD
Portland vs. Houston
Game 1 - Sat April 18 Houston at Portland 7:30PM 10:30PM ESPN
Game 2 - Tue April 21 Houston at Portland 7:00PM 10:00PM NBATV
Game 3 - Fri April 24 Portland at Houston 8:30PM 9:30PM ESPN
Game 4 - Sun April 26 Portland at Houston 8:00PM 9:00PM TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 28 Houston at Portland TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 30 Portland at Houston TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 2 Houston at Portland TBD TBD TNT
NBA Playoffs 2009 - First Round Schedule
page 2 of 2
National
Local EDT
Broadcast
Eastern Conference
Cleveland vs. Detroit
Game 1 - Sat April 18 Detroit at Cleveland 3:00PM 3:00PM ABC
Game 2 - Tue April 21 Detroit at Cleveland 8:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Fri April 24 Cleveland at Detroit 7:00PM 7:00PM ESPN
Game 4 - Sun April 26 Cleveland at Detroit 3:30PM 3:30PM ABC/R
Game 5 * Wed April 29 Detroit at Cleveland TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 1 Cleveland at Detroit TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 3 Detroit at Cleveland TBD TBD TBD
Boston vs. Chicago
Game 1 - Sat April 18 Chicago at Boston 12:30PM 12:30PM ESPN
Game 2 - Mon April 20 Chicago at Boston 7:00PM 7:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Thu April 23 Boston at Chicago 7:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 4 - Sun April 26 Boston at Chicago 12:00PM 1:00PM ABC
Game 5 * Tue April 28 Chicago at Boston TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 30 Boston at Chicago TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 2 Chicago at Boston TBD TBD TNT
Orlando vs. Philadelphia
Game 1 - Sun April 19 Philadelphia at Orlando 5:30PM 5:30PM TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 22 Philadelphia at Orlando 7:00PM 7:00PM NBATV
Game 3 - Fri April 24 Orlando at Philadelphia 8:00PM 8:00PM ESPN2
Game 4 - Sun April 26 Orlando at Philadelphia 6:30PM 6:30PM TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 28 Philadelphia at Orlando TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 30 Orlando at Philadelphia TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 2 Philadelphia at Orlando TBD TBD TNT
Atlanta vs. Miami
Game 1 - Sun April 19 Miami at Atlanta 8:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 22 Miami at Atlanta 8:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Sat April 25 Atlanta at Miami 6:30PM 6:30PM TNT
Game 4 - Mon April 27 Atlanta at Miami TBD TBD TBD
Game 5 * Wed April 29 Miami at Atlanta TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 1 Atlanta at Miami TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 3 Miami at Atlanta TBD TBD TBD
Additional scheduling information will be furnished as soon as possible
consistent with the need to fulfill league obligations.
If First Round series are completed in six (6) games or less, the
Conference Semifinals may move up to begin on either Saturday, May 2 or
Sunday, May 3.
*If necessary
All games, except those televised by ABC Sports, are available to be
televised locally.
TBD - To Be Determined R - ESPN Radio
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
The Grizzlies played OJ Mayo (42) minutes, Rudy Gay (38) minutes, and Mike Conley (45) minutes. I suppose when you have only won (23) games all season, you empty all barrels in making sure you get one you should get.
And they should have gotten this one by a lot more, because the Hawks countered with (42) minutes of RFM and (39) of Mo Evans and that's about it. Zaza played, but was more interested in getting his timing back and testing the resiliency of his injured back--both of which looked pretty good to us.
The Grizz went so hard after this game that they even began to double team Murray late in the game, especially after RFM seemed to start to finally hit empty on his internal combustion engine--Back to back (40) minutes games can do that to a guy.
Even still, the game was in doubt until the last couple of minutes, a testament to the fantastic effort that the Bottom Eight did against a talented young team that played their best players and played them a lot to have to put away the Hawks deep reserves.
So, in order to give the effort it's full due, we will indeed testify.
Make it Plain, Brother!
The #1 thing that the HHB took from this game, fair or not, is that Mayo, while being obviously talented, showed his back side in dealing with Flubber West.
Look, we all know that Flubber can get on your nerves---he really doesn't serve any other useful purpose than that---but the HHB, who has been highly critical of Flubber's minutes of late, was thrilled that he was our nuisance out there, especially when he very clearly got under the skin of the talented rookie.
But look, a hard foul was one thing--debatable whether it deserved a Flagrant--but to continue to burn about it, pick up another technical yapping about it, and then to take the game away from everyone else so you can deal with it your own way is when you pull down your character trousers and show everyone your rear end.
We failed to say anything notable about Othello Hunter's game against Miami Tuesday night, but we did remember one thing---something that was on display again in the game against MEM. Hunter has a nice way of not lowering the ball below his shoulders around the basket, making him play taller than he is. This is something that Horford can definitely learn from---make yourself as tall as possible around the hoop and don't let those little guys have a chance to make a play.
Our newest bestest buddy, Speedy Claxton looked better against MEM, though he did have one out of control shot---once again we believe that he showed enough to at least get him on the playoff roster.
Thomas Gardner started slow again but found his way later in the game, and we had to laugh when he was shaking his head after his second made basket because it had a "I knew I can play this game" look of relief on it. We're intrigued and would like to see more of him next summer to see if he can develop into a Kareem Rush type specialist off the bench.
Marvin Williams was consistently up and cheering on the bench guys, making him clearly the early leader for Class President on the team.
Mo and Evans were troopers out there---used to being in much more meaningful situations this season, but gave it everything---We appreciated their hard work and making this game a lot harder to win than the young men in MEM might have thought before the game.
Lunar Shuttle Tickets, Lunar Shuttle Tickets
The NBA schedule for the playoffs is out, and while you may find this elsewhere, here is everything we have on the matter---and now, it's yours---enjoy and see you on Sunday!
ATLANTA HAWKS vs. MIAMI HEAT
2009 FIRST ROUND PLAYOFF SERIES
Game 1 - Sun April 19 Miami at Atlanta 8:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 22 Miami at Atlanta 8:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Sat April 25 Atlanta at Miami 6:30PM 6:30PM TNT
Game 4 - Mon April 27 Atlanta at Miami TBD TBD TBD
Game 5 * Wed April 29 Miami at Atlanta TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 1 Atlanta at Miami TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 3 Miami at Atlanta TBD TBD TBD
In addition, Hawks games will be broadcast on 790 the Zone (790 AM) and the Hawks TV Network (Fox Sports South and Sportsouth). Playoff tickets are currently on sale at www.hawks.com/playoffs and by calling 1-(800)-4NBA TIX, or at the Philips Arena Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets.
National
Local EDT
Broadcast
Western Conference
L.A. Lakers vs. Utah
Game 1 - Sun April 19 Utah at L.A. Lakers 12:00PM 3:00PM ABC/R
Game 2 - Tue April 21 Utah at L.A. Lakers 7:30PM 10:30PM TNT
Game 3 - Thu April 23 L.A. Lakers at Utah 8:30PM 10:30PM TNT
Game 4 - Sat April 25 L.A. Lakers at Utah 7:00PM 9:00PM ESPN/R
Game 5 * Mon April 27 Utah at L.A. Lakers TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 30 L.A. Lakers at Utah TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 2 Utah at L.A. Lakers TBD TBD TNT
Denver vs. New Orleans
Game 1 - Sun April 19 New Orleans at Denver 8:30PM 10:30PM TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 22 New Orleans at Denver 8:30PM 10:30PM TNT
Game 3 - Sat April 25 Denver at New Orleans 12:00PM 1:00PM ESPN
Game 4 - Mon April 27 Denver at New Orleans TBD TBD TBD
Game 5 * Wed April 29 New Orleans at Denver TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 1 Denver at New Orleans TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 3 New Orleans at Denver TBD TBD TBD
San Antonio vs. Dallas
Game 1 - Sat April 18 Dallas at San Antonio 7:00PM 8:00PM ESPN/R
Game 2 - Mon April 20 Dallas at San Antonio 8:30PM 9:30PM TNT
Game 3 - Thu April 23 San Antonio at Dallas 7:30PM 8:30PM NBATV
Game 4 - Sat April 25 San Antonio at Dallas 3:00PM 4:00PM TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 28 Dallas at San Antonio TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 1 San Antonio at Dallas TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 3 Dallas at San Antonio TBD TBD TBD
Portland vs. Houston
Game 1 - Sat April 18 Houston at Portland 7:30PM 10:30PM ESPN
Game 2 - Tue April 21 Houston at Portland 7:00PM 10:00PM NBATV
Game 3 - Fri April 24 Portland at Houston 8:30PM 9:30PM ESPN
Game 4 - Sun April 26 Portland at Houston 8:00PM 9:00PM TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 28 Houston at Portland TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 30 Portland at Houston TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 2 Houston at Portland TBD TBD TNT
NBA Playoffs 2009 - First Round Schedule
page 2 of 2
National
Local EDT
Broadcast
Eastern Conference
Cleveland vs. Detroit
Game 1 - Sat April 18 Detroit at Cleveland 3:00PM 3:00PM ABC
Game 2 - Tue April 21 Detroit at Cleveland 8:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Fri April 24 Cleveland at Detroit 7:00PM 7:00PM ESPN
Game 4 - Sun April 26 Cleveland at Detroit 3:30PM 3:30PM ABC/R
Game 5 * Wed April 29 Detroit at Cleveland TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 1 Cleveland at Detroit TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 3 Detroit at Cleveland TBD TBD TBD
Boston vs. Chicago
Game 1 - Sat April 18 Chicago at Boston 12:30PM 12:30PM ESPN
Game 2 - Mon April 20 Chicago at Boston 7:00PM 7:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Thu April 23 Boston at Chicago 7:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 4 - Sun April 26 Boston at Chicago 12:00PM 1:00PM ABC
Game 5 * Tue April 28 Chicago at Boston TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 30 Boston at Chicago TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 2 Chicago at Boston TBD TBD TNT
Orlando vs. Philadelphia
Game 1 - Sun April 19 Philadelphia at Orlando 5:30PM 5:30PM TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 22 Philadelphia at Orlando 7:00PM 7:00PM NBATV
Game 3 - Fri April 24 Orlando at Philadelphia 8:00PM 8:00PM ESPN2
Game 4 - Sun April 26 Orlando at Philadelphia 6:30PM 6:30PM TNT
Game 5 * Tue April 28 Philadelphia at Orlando TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Thu April 30 Orlando at Philadelphia TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sat May 2 Philadelphia at Orlando TBD TBD TNT
Atlanta vs. Miami
Game 1 - Sun April 19 Miami at Atlanta 8:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 2 - Wed April 22 Miami at Atlanta 8:00PM 8:00PM TNT
Game 3 - Sat April 25 Atlanta at Miami 6:30PM 6:30PM TNT
Game 4 - Mon April 27 Atlanta at Miami TBD TBD TBD
Game 5 * Wed April 29 Miami at Atlanta TBD TBD TBD
Game 6 * Fri May 1 Atlanta at Miami TBD TBD TBD
Game 7 * Sun May 3 Miami at Atlanta TBD TBD TBD
Additional scheduling information will be furnished as soon as possible
consistent with the need to fulfill league obligations.
If First Round series are completed in six (6) games or less, the
Conference Semifinals may move up to begin on either Saturday, May 2 or
Sunday, May 3.
*If necessary
All games, except those televised by ABC Sports, are available to be
televised locally.
TBD - To Be Determined R - ESPN Radio
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Monday, March 30, 2009
Simple Answers
"If the Hawks weren't hitting their threes and the Lakers could make a shot, this would be an even game!"
--Dominique Wilkins, on the telecast of the Hawks-Lakers, Sunday, March 29th, 2009
Sometimes, the answer to the question, why did they win or lose, is pretty simple. For the Hawks 89-79 victory over the Lakers, it was as simple as THHF quoth above.
The Hawks made 10-19 3's---which means they were 23-65 from everywhere else on the floor (35 percent, everybody!). We can thank Mike Bibby and Mo Evans for being so money from Extra Point Territory (8-11), because Joe Johnson and RFM were not (2-7).
Not even the front court players could help the Hawks woeful shooting as Josh Smith and Al Horford continued their sub par shooting ways (4-17).
The HHB has noted often that Horford is rushing his moves and shots inside---this was no better illustrated than when Horford backed down, turned into the lane, had no competition for a dunk or baby hook, and he seemed to let the ball go on the way up. Horford is making himself small inside again---when he learns to use his height, reach, and gets patient on committing and making his moves, he will be a force. Until then, he is making it easy on the defense by altering his own shot.
In Horford's defense, he doesn't get many opportunities to work on his moves during an actual game. That the Lakers ran more post plays for Josh Powell than Horford gets from the Hawks should tell you that Woodson wants Horford to do all the dirty work, period---and get a bone once or twice a game.
As for Smith, well, we're going to pass on making the same comments we've made recently about Smith. He was all over the place (although not as all over the place as "Flubber" West, who somehow managed to score as many points as Horford) and not always in a good way. That his missed dunk was the least troubling of his mistakes should speak volumes, though it's unlikely that Smith even noticed. Smith did seem to make an effort on the defensive boards (8 of those, 11 total), which aided the Birds in the "upset".
Johnson's bad night could be chalked up to guarding Kobe Bryant, who struggled himself from the field (7-19). We don't know the actual impact of focusing more on one end of the floor, energy wise, that the other---we'll leave that kind of analytical scrutiny to smarter corners of the Hawks world (Hoopinion), but even so Johnson launched 18 shots (4 passed through the net), so he wasn't bashful even if he were tired from his efforts on Bryant.
But to speak to the other part of Wilkins' analysis, there were a lot of open shots that the Lakers simply missed.
Even though the Hawks seemed to move with more energy, which isn't always equal to efficiency, the Lakers missed a wide variety of open looks, including Kobe, who was not particularly covered when missing (5) of (6) three-pointers.
Down the stretch, when the Hawk shifted into the run-the-clock-down-under-ten-seconds-then-shoot-an-almost-unwatchable-shot mode, the Lakers still couldn't pull any closer or put any pressure on the Hawks to do something resembling anything on offense.
It's nice that the Hawks finally caught a team on a road trip that played like it, but the (10) point win over one of the better teams didn't exactly assuage concerns about the Hawks playing better basketball.
The HHB has a happy emoticon for this win, really, we do---doubters can leave their objections in the Comments Area.
--Dominique Wilkins, on the telecast of the Hawks-Lakers, Sunday, March 29th, 2009
Sometimes, the answer to the question, why did they win or lose, is pretty simple. For the Hawks 89-79 victory over the Lakers, it was as simple as THHF quoth above.
The Hawks made 10-19 3's---which means they were 23-65 from everywhere else on the floor (35 percent, everybody!). We can thank Mike Bibby and Mo Evans for being so money from Extra Point Territory (8-11), because Joe Johnson and RFM were not (2-7).
Not even the front court players could help the Hawks woeful shooting as Josh Smith and Al Horford continued their sub par shooting ways (4-17).
The HHB has noted often that Horford is rushing his moves and shots inside---this was no better illustrated than when Horford backed down, turned into the lane, had no competition for a dunk or baby hook, and he seemed to let the ball go on the way up. Horford is making himself small inside again---when he learns to use his height, reach, and gets patient on committing and making his moves, he will be a force. Until then, he is making it easy on the defense by altering his own shot.
In Horford's defense, he doesn't get many opportunities to work on his moves during an actual game. That the Lakers ran more post plays for Josh Powell than Horford gets from the Hawks should tell you that Woodson wants Horford to do all the dirty work, period---and get a bone once or twice a game.
As for Smith, well, we're going to pass on making the same comments we've made recently about Smith. He was all over the place (although not as all over the place as "Flubber" West, who somehow managed to score as many points as Horford) and not always in a good way. That his missed dunk was the least troubling of his mistakes should speak volumes, though it's unlikely that Smith even noticed. Smith did seem to make an effort on the defensive boards (8 of those, 11 total), which aided the Birds in the "upset".
Johnson's bad night could be chalked up to guarding Kobe Bryant, who struggled himself from the field (7-19). We don't know the actual impact of focusing more on one end of the floor, energy wise, that the other---we'll leave that kind of analytical scrutiny to smarter corners of the Hawks world (Hoopinion), but even so Johnson launched 18 shots (4 passed through the net), so he wasn't bashful even if he were tired from his efforts on Bryant.
But to speak to the other part of Wilkins' analysis, there were a lot of open shots that the Lakers simply missed.
Even though the Hawks seemed to move with more energy, which isn't always equal to efficiency, the Lakers missed a wide variety of open looks, including Kobe, who was not particularly covered when missing (5) of (6) three-pointers.
Down the stretch, when the Hawk shifted into the run-the-clock-down-under-ten-seconds-then-shoot-an-almost-unwatchable-shot mode, the Lakers still couldn't pull any closer or put any pressure on the Hawks to do something resembling anything on offense.
It's nice that the Hawks finally caught a team on a road trip that played like it, but the (10) point win over one of the better teams didn't exactly assuage concerns about the Hawks playing better basketball.
The HHB has a happy emoticon for this win, really, we do---doubters can leave their objections in the Comments Area.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Somewhere TJ Ford is Scoring Again
Hey, if there is one thing we know about this Atlanta Hawks team, who by the way---and we don't know if you've heard---won their 38th game of the season, passing last year's total and their most wins since their last 50 win season in 1997-98, is that they can win some games at home.
In fact, they are too good at it, falling behind in their 101-87 win over the Indiana Pacers by as many as (13) before turning it around in the second half once again.
Now, we've written that the Hawks have been down this road before, pushing their slow starts so that they have to really turn it on to get back in front of the opposition. Earlier in the season, these shenanigans caught up to the team, culminating in the embarrassing 20+ point beatdown by the Clippers, at home no less.
Hawks announcer Dominique Wilkins (namesake alert!) kept sounding the alarm Friday night, constantly, that the Hawks can't keep doing this come playoff time. You fall behind big, you'll lose big, or something to that effect.
But lest we get too gooey on the team that is making us look prophetic a few posts ago (50 wins, y'all!), let's review what happened to the team Friday night:
For every TJ Ford layup, there must be a Marquis Daniels jump shot.
TJ Ford was a stone cold murderer--flying through the lane, taking advantage of the Hawks guards, and making seemingly everything he put up on his way to (29) points.
Conversely, Marquis Daniels was serving up a big plate of bricks, as was Troy Murphy and Jarrett Jack. Murphy, in fact, looked like he was well aware that his 11 game double-double streak was coming to an end--jacking up some late ill advised bombs but coming up---wait for it---(3) points short. Awww--too bad.
Ford did expose the Hawks as all quick guards do, but without Danny Granger, the Pacers didn't have enough people to actually make shots to outlast the home team.
Speaking of Granger, the report earlier in the day was that Granger would return for the Hawks, which would be of no surprise to the ATL, who has for years seen players suddenly better in time to play the Birds. But in what may be a significant turn for the franchise, Granger went naked (didn't dress) for the game against the Hawks. If he turns up for their next game Sunday in Toronto, we'll know the good guys have indeed moved up in the NBA pecking order.
Joe Johnson played a carbon copy game of his effort against Utah, to the tune of 30 points on 12-23 shooting and (6) assists. But the HHB thinks that everyone was so all over Wednesday's ho-humming of Joe's efforts that folks were more aware of Joe doing his thing Friday night. That and the fact that Peachtree Hoops called the Nation out (including themselves) after the collective "Meh" that his game engendered from fans after beating the Jazz.
We think it is now safe to say that Al Horford has officially taken a step forward in his career progression from his stellar rookie campaign. His 17 points/15 rebound affair fairly illustrates his omnipresence over the proceedings Friday night. He also decided that (4) assists and (3) blocks were fit for the evening as well. And he saw that it was good.
Horford has clearly improved the volume of his numbers, even if all agree that the effort is the same. His improvement in recent weeks has been equal parts increased health, increased maturity, and definitely increased opportunity.
Mo Evans hit a couple of big threes in this game, but his play of the night was the steal of an inbounds pass under the Hawks basket and then finishing strong to seal the deal. It was the kind of play folks expected from good guy Evans--but haven't seen enough of. Evans needs to be that thorn in the flesh of the opposition night in/night out and that steal is a proper indicator of the pain that should follow. Well done tonight, #1---
Acie Law looked right presidential out at the point at times. His defense was the only of the point guards that seemed to keep the bleeding down. He didn't shoot straight, but his (3) assists, zero turnover effort lends more hope, as does his near exclusive play at backup PG. The HHB loved the play of Mike Bibby tonight, but was pulling for Acie for defensive purposes.
The Hawks defense did indeed seem to be more energetic in the second half--and that combined with their athleticism causes real problems for other team's offenses. Slow pace (brought to you by Hoopinion--defensive rates, affordable prices!) and that energy limited the high scoring Pacers well below their defensive "average". The Hawks could not turn the Pacers over in the first half, only getting a single possession swapping mistake out of the visitors, but had (5) in the second half and a slew of poor shots from IND.
The Hawks were one Josh Smith missed free throw away from a perfect night from the line! OK---they took fewer free throws for the game than Dwyane Wade does in a half, but hey---10/11 is mathematically better than the usual 70 percent the Hawks offer, says the Official HHB statistician.
Solomon Jones had a great putback bucket, and nice jump shot, (3) rebounds, and no fouls in almost (6) minutes---no word on whether Jones tried to take home the game ball to commemorate the effort.
The HHB will turn the lights down on the Official High Definition Viewing Center to mourn the end of the Florida Gators basketball season Friday night---Cards and well wishes can be dropped off in the Comments Area.
In fact, they are too good at it, falling behind in their 101-87 win over the Indiana Pacers by as many as (13) before turning it around in the second half once again.
Now, we've written that the Hawks have been down this road before, pushing their slow starts so that they have to really turn it on to get back in front of the opposition. Earlier in the season, these shenanigans caught up to the team, culminating in the embarrassing 20+ point beatdown by the Clippers, at home no less.
Hawks announcer Dominique Wilkins (namesake alert!) kept sounding the alarm Friday night, constantly, that the Hawks can't keep doing this come playoff time. You fall behind big, you'll lose big, or something to that effect.
But lest we get too gooey on the team that is making us look prophetic a few posts ago (50 wins, y'all!), let's review what happened to the team Friday night:
For every TJ Ford layup, there must be a Marquis Daniels jump shot.
TJ Ford was a stone cold murderer--flying through the lane, taking advantage of the Hawks guards, and making seemingly everything he put up on his way to (29) points.
Conversely, Marquis Daniels was serving up a big plate of bricks, as was Troy Murphy and Jarrett Jack. Murphy, in fact, looked like he was well aware that his 11 game double-double streak was coming to an end--jacking up some late ill advised bombs but coming up---wait for it---(3) points short. Awww--too bad.
Ford did expose the Hawks as all quick guards do, but without Danny Granger, the Pacers didn't have enough people to actually make shots to outlast the home team.
Speaking of Granger, the report earlier in the day was that Granger would return for the Hawks, which would be of no surprise to the ATL, who has for years seen players suddenly better in time to play the Birds. But in what may be a significant turn for the franchise, Granger went naked (didn't dress) for the game against the Hawks. If he turns up for their next game Sunday in Toronto, we'll know the good guys have indeed moved up in the NBA pecking order.
Joe Johnson played a carbon copy game of his effort against Utah, to the tune of 30 points on 12-23 shooting and (6) assists. But the HHB thinks that everyone was so all over Wednesday's ho-humming of Joe's efforts that folks were more aware of Joe doing his thing Friday night. That and the fact that Peachtree Hoops called the Nation out (including themselves) after the collective "Meh" that his game engendered from fans after beating the Jazz.
We think it is now safe to say that Al Horford has officially taken a step forward in his career progression from his stellar rookie campaign. His 17 points/15 rebound affair fairly illustrates his omnipresence over the proceedings Friday night. He also decided that (4) assists and (3) blocks were fit for the evening as well. And he saw that it was good.
Horford has clearly improved the volume of his numbers, even if all agree that the effort is the same. His improvement in recent weeks has been equal parts increased health, increased maturity, and definitely increased opportunity.
Mo Evans hit a couple of big threes in this game, but his play of the night was the steal of an inbounds pass under the Hawks basket and then finishing strong to seal the deal. It was the kind of play folks expected from good guy Evans--but haven't seen enough of. Evans needs to be that thorn in the flesh of the opposition night in/night out and that steal is a proper indicator of the pain that should follow. Well done tonight, #1---
Acie Law looked right presidential out at the point at times. His defense was the only of the point guards that seemed to keep the bleeding down. He didn't shoot straight, but his (3) assists, zero turnover effort lends more hope, as does his near exclusive play at backup PG. The HHB loved the play of Mike Bibby tonight, but was pulling for Acie for defensive purposes.
The Hawks defense did indeed seem to be more energetic in the second half--and that combined with their athleticism causes real problems for other team's offenses. Slow pace (brought to you by Hoopinion--defensive rates, affordable prices!) and that energy limited the high scoring Pacers well below their defensive "average". The Hawks could not turn the Pacers over in the first half, only getting a single possession swapping mistake out of the visitors, but had (5) in the second half and a slew of poor shots from IND.
The Hawks were one Josh Smith missed free throw away from a perfect night from the line! OK---they took fewer free throws for the game than Dwyane Wade does in a half, but hey---10/11 is mathematically better than the usual 70 percent the Hawks offer, says the Official HHB statistician.
Solomon Jones had a great putback bucket, and nice jump shot, (3) rebounds, and no fouls in almost (6) minutes---no word on whether Jones tried to take home the game ball to commemorate the effort.
The HHB will turn the lights down on the Official High Definition Viewing Center to mourn the end of the Florida Gators basketball season Friday night---Cards and well wishes can be dropped off in the Comments Area.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Losing Josh Childress, Gaining Maurice Evans
Aside from that, how was the play?
So now we move on.
Separating the basketball part of Losing Josh Childress from the infrastructural part is both easy and hard.
You can justify the millions of reasons why it made sense to let Chill ride off into the Grecian sunset, but you can't divorce the way the Hawks seemed to have handled the whole thing.
But---since we spent yesterday mourning and promised to move on to the hardcourt part of the equation, we will.
But we can't forget---and something tells us we won't be allowed to, either.
So, what does Losing Josh Childress mean for the Hawks in terms of wins and losses? How does a player who this writer always considered to be a role player (albeit a good and productive role player) have a significant impact on the team's fortunes for next season?
For those who want to wax rhapsodic about the emotional part of looking over and not seeing #1's trademark afro I say that will not carry over at all next season. As soon as the ball is tossed up in the first game, that part of Losing Josh Childress will cease to exist.
The on the court game, however, will be noticed.
At 6'8, Childress provided a very long defense along the perimeter and excellent rebounding from the 2/3 position that he was asked to man coming off the bench. He scored without needing a play run for him through his hustle and excellent length and athleticism. He even ran the point a bit for the team after the Bibby deal and Mike's subsequent injury.
Statistically, according to ESPN's John Hollinger's PER system, Childress ranked 9th among all small forwards last season (17.84), between Josh Howard and a resurgent Hedo Turkoglu and ahead of such names as Gerald Wallace, Andrei Kirilenko, Luol Deng, Kevin Durant, and Tayshaun Prince.
Although he averaged 29.9 mpg (a major thorn in his paw, by the way), and having to adjust to the uncertainty of coming off the bench, he managed to be very productive and efficient in his time on the floor.
He was one of a few players in the backcourt area that could average 50% FG and 80% FT shooting, and given the grief he took about his shooting style, them's some good numbers. Good things happened when Chill was on the floor, as his 82games.com Roland Rating was one of only three Hawks with a positive rating (Johnson, Smith).
He was/is a glue guy, a player who supplements the contributions of the core players. The best do this efficiently and consistently, just like Childress.
Now, how much to pay a glue guy has been defined by deals to Shane Battier (6/36, 11.69 PER), and most recently James Posey (4/25, 12.08 PER), so one could say that Childress' supersized Euro offer was more than the Hawks should have paid, but one look at the numbers he put up and the numbers of his supposed contemporaries and maybe we labeled the guy too fast.
At any rate, Losing Josh Childress will be felt---but it will mostly on the court as the Hawks will scramble to replace that key production off the bench.
Hawks Sign Mo Evans
Billed as the replacement for Josh Childress at a bargain price (3 years and 7.5 million), Evans is a considerably less productive player than the man he replaces.
Shorter (6'5 to Childress' 6'8), and older (30 to 25) Evans must now try to fill the shoes of the ultra-efficient sixth man. To compare, Evans had a 13.96 PER according to Hollinger and that was close to his previous season high two years prior.
His shooting is considerably worse than Childress. His career high of .481 was 90 points less than Childress. 90 points. Wow.
Across the board, Evans' rate numbers are worse than Childress. He is said to be a tenacious defender, thereby making up for some offensive shortcomings but his Roland Rating was -3.8.
Color us unimpressed with the signing, as it looks like the Hawks replaced a thriving, growing, productive player who could start on many teams with a firmly entrenched bench player, who shouldn't start anywhere.
Realistically, I don't think we can expect Evans to get better with age, and certainly not taller/longer--and his spike last year might have been his last.
To put the next three years of Evans at age 30, 31, and 32 against what might have been the prime of Childress (25, 26, and 27) is to say that the Hawks have some more to do to replace Childress, but if signing less productive guys at a discount prices to fill the minutes is how they plan to do it, it sure won't make people forget about Losing Josh Childress.
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