The HHB was on the Bill Shanks Show on Fox Sports 1670 in Macon on Tuesday. We reviewed the Hawks series against the Cavs, what might be coming in the offseason, and who and what's to blame for it all.
You can listen to it right here!
Caution: Listening to the HHB on Radio can cause serious drowsiness--Mountain Dews or Jolt Cola are recommended as well as a serious psychiatric exam after listening. Complaints can be registered in the Comments Area.
Showing posts with label hawks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hawks. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Rest In Peace, Playoff Memory
It was as expected as the Atlanta Hawks returned home to play Game Three:
The crowd was loud, the team was pumped, and the Hawks took the lead late into the third quarter. They moved without the ball, explored the theory of offensive ball movement, and got after loose balls and rebounds. Heck, they even got the stingy Cavs to turn the ball over.
It played out exactly as we're sure the Hawks believed it would once they got back to their more comfortable surroundings, where they magically snap together to win the game and defy their doubters.
Nope, guess again.
After a bizarre farewell from the game from Zaza Pachulia, the Cleveland Cavaliers went on a game-finishing 31-17 run to take Game Three and likely the series.
With a minute and a half left in the third quarter, with the Hawks only trailing by a point, Pachulia attempted to take a charge in the lane, but was clearly in the restricted area, and a block was called. Pachulia, obviously feeling wronged, berated the officials from afar, but obviously said some magic words, as they quickly showed him where the bathrooms were.
Whereas in last year's Boston series Pachulia's fire brought the Hawks and the crowd to life, it backfired this time for the Hawks, who had just completed a 13-2 run to really energize the team and get control of their playoff lives. When it happened, the rest of the team looked baffled as to Zaza's tantrum and stunned by his sudden exit. After Pachulia's exit, Al Horford--who had asked to be limited due to his sore ankle in order to be somewhat effective for the team, was forced to check right back into the game.
With the crowd wondering how they should feel and becoming silent during the (4) free throws which followed, LeBron James took it upon himself to make sure the crowd's silence was permanent.
James scored (18) of his (47) points in his last (13) minutes after the ejection, scoring from long range, short range, free range---even tossing in an oh-give-me-a-break bank shot from (22) feet while looking like my uncle, who jumps in the air is if an amphibian.
A player like James is like a very bright light---they expose every one of the flaws on the face of your team. He takes advantage of not being able to keep him outside by driving to the hoop. Once he beats you off the dribble, he makes you pay by over-committing to him by making great passes. Don't want to over-commit? Then he finishes strong or gets to the line. Make him shoot the "3"? He made 5-10 on the Hawks in Game Three---how many of those would you like him to take?
In this series James has has exposed the Hawks lack of defensive rotation, their lack of strong perimeter D, and Mike Woodson's stubborn reluctance to force someone else to shoot the last shots of quarters for the Cavs.
He and his teammates came into the ATL and took everyone's best shot----and still won by (15).
Checkmate, Atlanta.
Franks and Beans Make Great Leftovers
Not to put a stinky lining on the game, but the HHB hopes (and we know we are not alone) that this will FINALLY put to rest the Boston Celtics series from last year. Yes, it was nice to fight back and show we had improved last season. However---It was not a blueprint for future playoff victories nor should it be counted on for any future performance.
We don't believe that anyone in Atlanta can go back to that well now, unless you are going to also reference how crappy you can be at home and away in a series by looking at this particular stinkfest of a second round showing.
A tip of the ol' Jason Terry hat to Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, and Al. There is no doubt that all three of these guys were well below (100) percent, but they gave what they had. Horford has to be surprised to finish at (35) minutes, while Joe almost pitched the complete game, took on LeBron defensively at times---and led the team in scoring.
We have long noted that the goal the Hawks typically shoot on in the first half always seems especially tight. Even the Official Dad of the HHB noted it in watching games throughout the season--not that you would know it by the Cavs' shooting in the fourth quarter in Game Three. In the first quarter, the Hawks were attacking the rim and getting great shots with the ball movement---yet couldn't get the ball to fall, even on layups.
Josh Smith Giveth, and Josh Smith Taketh Away. Not a title---it's the roller coaster this talent puts everyone through. And as much as the people love him, he drove them to booing him when he selfishly launched shot after shot instead of going to the basket in the second half. His freelancing and sagging defensively overwhelms the times he makes a terrific play. If he is part of this core players that the team wants to improve with---the team needs to find a veteran or somebody to keep Josh in the right frame of mind at all times. We're looking forward to the offseason where we don't feel like we have to point out the same old, same old about Smith's game---it was so obvious tonight that he forced our fingers---not that it forced the coaching staff to do anything about it.
After the Break, Wacky Willie Wallace with the Weather
We're not saying we're preparing a post mortem on the 2008-2009 season yet (What's that? Go ahead?), but we were pretty sure that ESPN/ABC was going to put a poker-like percentage on the Hawks chances to win the series beside the final score. The Cavs have a royal flush and the Hawks have a six high right now. Not sure what card could save them unless LeBron decides he wants to play baseball full time starting tomorrow.
You just can't count on circumstances to win ball games for you, it takes talent, execution, and mental strength to make it happen. Sure you can get by with first one when you play lesser teams, but to win against the caliber of teams that are left, you gotta have all three and you need 'em better than the other guys' got them.
That's not this team at this time---so it's best that those past playoff "glories" are left back there and they can look to how they can get themselves in better position to beat these types of teams.
And by they, we mean everyone in the organ-i-zation---top to bottom.
The HHB was proud of the crowd booing LeBron, which probably incited snobbery among the national talking heads---Screw 'ems and other thoughts can be left tastefully in the Comments Area.
The crowd was loud, the team was pumped, and the Hawks took the lead late into the third quarter. They moved without the ball, explored the theory of offensive ball movement, and got after loose balls and rebounds. Heck, they even got the stingy Cavs to turn the ball over.
It played out exactly as we're sure the Hawks believed it would once they got back to their more comfortable surroundings, where they magically snap together to win the game and defy their doubters.
Nope, guess again.
After a bizarre farewell from the game from Zaza Pachulia, the Cleveland Cavaliers went on a game-finishing 31-17 run to take Game Three and likely the series.
With a minute and a half left in the third quarter, with the Hawks only trailing by a point, Pachulia attempted to take a charge in the lane, but was clearly in the restricted area, and a block was called. Pachulia, obviously feeling wronged, berated the officials from afar, but obviously said some magic words, as they quickly showed him where the bathrooms were.
Whereas in last year's Boston series Pachulia's fire brought the Hawks and the crowd to life, it backfired this time for the Hawks, who had just completed a 13-2 run to really energize the team and get control of their playoff lives. When it happened, the rest of the team looked baffled as to Zaza's tantrum and stunned by his sudden exit. After Pachulia's exit, Al Horford--who had asked to be limited due to his sore ankle in order to be somewhat effective for the team, was forced to check right back into the game.
With the crowd wondering how they should feel and becoming silent during the (4) free throws which followed, LeBron James took it upon himself to make sure the crowd's silence was permanent.
James scored (18) of his (47) points in his last (13) minutes after the ejection, scoring from long range, short range, free range---even tossing in an oh-give-me-a-break bank shot from (22) feet while looking like my uncle, who jumps in the air is if an amphibian.
A player like James is like a very bright light---they expose every one of the flaws on the face of your team. He takes advantage of not being able to keep him outside by driving to the hoop. Once he beats you off the dribble, he makes you pay by over-committing to him by making great passes. Don't want to over-commit? Then he finishes strong or gets to the line. Make him shoot the "3"? He made 5-10 on the Hawks in Game Three---how many of those would you like him to take?
In this series James has has exposed the Hawks lack of defensive rotation, their lack of strong perimeter D, and Mike Woodson's stubborn reluctance to force someone else to shoot the last shots of quarters for the Cavs.
He and his teammates came into the ATL and took everyone's best shot----and still won by (15).
Checkmate, Atlanta.
Franks and Beans Make Great Leftovers
Not to put a stinky lining on the game, but the HHB hopes (and we know we are not alone) that this will FINALLY put to rest the Boston Celtics series from last year. Yes, it was nice to fight back and show we had improved last season. However---It was not a blueprint for future playoff victories nor should it be counted on for any future performance.
We don't believe that anyone in Atlanta can go back to that well now, unless you are going to also reference how crappy you can be at home and away in a series by looking at this particular stinkfest of a second round showing.
A tip of the ol' Jason Terry hat to Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, and Al. There is no doubt that all three of these guys were well below (100) percent, but they gave what they had. Horford has to be surprised to finish at (35) minutes, while Joe almost pitched the complete game, took on LeBron defensively at times---and led the team in scoring.
We have long noted that the goal the Hawks typically shoot on in the first half always seems especially tight. Even the Official Dad of the HHB noted it in watching games throughout the season--not that you would know it by the Cavs' shooting in the fourth quarter in Game Three. In the first quarter, the Hawks were attacking the rim and getting great shots with the ball movement---yet couldn't get the ball to fall, even on layups.
Josh Smith Giveth, and Josh Smith Taketh Away. Not a title---it's the roller coaster this talent puts everyone through. And as much as the people love him, he drove them to booing him when he selfishly launched shot after shot instead of going to the basket in the second half. His freelancing and sagging defensively overwhelms the times he makes a terrific play. If he is part of this core players that the team wants to improve with---the team needs to find a veteran or somebody to keep Josh in the right frame of mind at all times. We're looking forward to the offseason where we don't feel like we have to point out the same old, same old about Smith's game---it was so obvious tonight that he forced our fingers---not that it forced the coaching staff to do anything about it.
After the Break, Wacky Willie Wallace with the Weather
We're not saying we're preparing a post mortem on the 2008-2009 season yet (What's that? Go ahead?), but we were pretty sure that ESPN/ABC was going to put a poker-like percentage on the Hawks chances to win the series beside the final score. The Cavs have a royal flush and the Hawks have a six high right now. Not sure what card could save them unless LeBron decides he wants to play baseball full time starting tomorrow.
You just can't count on circumstances to win ball games for you, it takes talent, execution, and mental strength to make it happen. Sure you can get by with first one when you play lesser teams, but to win against the caliber of teams that are left, you gotta have all three and you need 'em better than the other guys' got them.
That's not this team at this time---so it's best that those past playoff "glories" are left back there and they can look to how they can get themselves in better position to beat these types of teams.
And by they, we mean everyone in the organ-i-zation---top to bottom.
The HHB was proud of the crowd booing LeBron, which probably incited snobbery among the national talking heads---Screw 'ems and other thoughts can be left tastefully in the Comments Area.
Friday, May 8, 2009
There Is No Candy From Strangers
Boo-hoo, Atlanta Hawks.
Playoff time is a time to make your own results, not wait for them to be offered to you and, if you are willing, accept.
Too often in these games in Cleve-land the Hawks have postured and pouted, wanting someone else to bail them out; Officials, coaches, their opposition, and too often somebody else on their own team.
It's a mark of not only a young team, but an immature one as well. There is everyone to look at for the source of this problem, but everyone is more than willing to look at the speck in somebody else's eyes than to attempt to remove the plank from their own.
In Games One and now Two, the Hawks have looked defeated before they have taken the court. They have begun these games knowingly below full strength, and this has seemed to serve as a crutch that would allow a less-than-stellar effort to play team basketball. You can't blame a single person for this issue, because while change begins with each individual, it takes everyone to buy in for the change to take hold.
These are just the mental aspects of the issues. The basketball side of things is weak as well.
After promising a more ball-movement friendly after Game One, the Hawks employed the same offense we have seen for the majority of the season--and by majority, we mean landslide. This is a flawed offensive approach that preaches individualism and lends itself suspect to teams that play good halfcourt defense (see Celtics, Boston). We have said and the Hawks have shown that they will only travel as far through the playoffs as this style will allow, and we are seeing the signs of the end of the road.
The defensive end is just as exposed by good teams and is less defendable--as this is based on trust and effort. Too often opponents execute anything they want. Sure, part of the problem is a point guard that can't be hidden unless benched, but there are other issues as well. Josh Smith freelancing, rebounds not being procured, defense late in rotating, and loose balls going to the other team as their 7'3 center with creaky everythings outhustles the team for possession.
It's the individualism inherent on both ends of the court that feeds this isolationism and causes the inefficiency on this team.
As Game Two took shape, and it wasn't long before that happened, the Hawks wore the expression of someone sitting on a long, international flight, and the person in front of them has bad gas.
There was little excitement, little camaraderie, and thus little emotion from the Hawks, as they took their whipping as if they expected to get it.
As for the coaches, we saw the following adjustments:
1. Protect Josh Smith from fouling out by benching him with foul trouble in the first half, and then watching him be irrelevant and petulant when he returned; the outcome already decided by the Hawks.
2. Put the second team in late in the fourth quarter to narrow the margin to (20).
3. Pick up a technical foul.
It was not surprising that, after Coach Woodson got his technical foul, that Smith went ahead and got one for himself as well. When the coach allows himself to express his focus through frustration about the officiating, on what do you expect the team to focus?
If the coach says one thing about the offense, yet offers no changes, why is it surprising that none of the players change as well?
Nobody expects a team that is short 60 percent of their starting rotation to win, but folks should expect a team to look desperate to win, eager to execute---and some of those folks should be the ones on the court. The Cavaliers dove, ran, and hustled all over the court--and loved every minute of it. The Hawks looked at these tasks as exciting as changing a dirty diaper.
Sure, we expect we'll see a different level of enthusiasm Saturday back home in Atlanta, again, there is a strong track record of this---but what does it say about a team when they only want to execute when the circumstances are perfect, when adversity has no avenue to intervene?
It likely says that this is a group that still isn't ready to do anything other than get by on their individual talents---and this will always leave them short as a team.
Playoff time is a time to make your own results, not wait for them to be offered to you and, if you are willing, accept.
Too often in these games in Cleve-land the Hawks have postured and pouted, wanting someone else to bail them out; Officials, coaches, their opposition, and too often somebody else on their own team.
It's a mark of not only a young team, but an immature one as well. There is everyone to look at for the source of this problem, but everyone is more than willing to look at the speck in somebody else's eyes than to attempt to remove the plank from their own.
In Games One and now Two, the Hawks have looked defeated before they have taken the court. They have begun these games knowingly below full strength, and this has seemed to serve as a crutch that would allow a less-than-stellar effort to play team basketball. You can't blame a single person for this issue, because while change begins with each individual, it takes everyone to buy in for the change to take hold.
These are just the mental aspects of the issues. The basketball side of things is weak as well.
After promising a more ball-movement friendly after Game One, the Hawks employed the same offense we have seen for the majority of the season--and by majority, we mean landslide. This is a flawed offensive approach that preaches individualism and lends itself suspect to teams that play good halfcourt defense (see Celtics, Boston). We have said and the Hawks have shown that they will only travel as far through the playoffs as this style will allow, and we are seeing the signs of the end of the road.
The defensive end is just as exposed by good teams and is less defendable--as this is based on trust and effort. Too often opponents execute anything they want. Sure, part of the problem is a point guard that can't be hidden unless benched, but there are other issues as well. Josh Smith freelancing, rebounds not being procured, defense late in rotating, and loose balls going to the other team as their 7'3 center with creaky everythings outhustles the team for possession.
It's the individualism inherent on both ends of the court that feeds this isolationism and causes the inefficiency on this team.
As Game Two took shape, and it wasn't long before that happened, the Hawks wore the expression of someone sitting on a long, international flight, and the person in front of them has bad gas.
There was little excitement, little camaraderie, and thus little emotion from the Hawks, as they took their whipping as if they expected to get it.
As for the coaches, we saw the following adjustments:
1. Protect Josh Smith from fouling out by benching him with foul trouble in the first half, and then watching him be irrelevant and petulant when he returned; the outcome already decided by the Hawks.
2. Put the second team in late in the fourth quarter to narrow the margin to (20).
3. Pick up a technical foul.
It was not surprising that, after Coach Woodson got his technical foul, that Smith went ahead and got one for himself as well. When the coach allows himself to express his focus through frustration about the officiating, on what do you expect the team to focus?
If the coach says one thing about the offense, yet offers no changes, why is it surprising that none of the players change as well?
Nobody expects a team that is short 60 percent of their starting rotation to win, but folks should expect a team to look desperate to win, eager to execute---and some of those folks should be the ones on the court. The Cavaliers dove, ran, and hustled all over the court--and loved every minute of it. The Hawks looked at these tasks as exciting as changing a dirty diaper.
Sure, we expect we'll see a different level of enthusiasm Saturday back home in Atlanta, again, there is a strong track record of this---but what does it say about a team when they only want to execute when the circumstances are perfect, when adversity has no avenue to intervene?
It likely says that this is a group that still isn't ready to do anything other than get by on their individual talents---and this will always leave them short as a team.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Under No Illusions
For what seemed like all season long the Atlanta Hawks sat in the fourth place position in the East, giving them access to the Home Court Club, but only technically belonging to that group.
Against the top teams in the East (Magic, Celtics, and Tuesday Night's hosts, Cleveland), the Hawks routinely looked over matched (2-10, 1-5 on the road) and wilted in the glare of better basketball. In Game One against the Cavs, the Hawks again looked the part of the hitter who can smash bad pitching, but strikes out against the good.
The Hawks actually got off to a good start, taking an 11-4 lead early on with an offense based on ball movement and a defense that would control the glass. But as the Hawks are want to do, the ball stopped offensively, the Cavs defense tightened, and the Birds eventually wore out, posting a feeble 99-72 effort to lose Game One.
To win against the best home team in basketball at their place, the margin for error is slight. Perhaps being pioneers, the Hawks seemed to try a looser approach to the upset, turning the ball over (17) times to the Cavs (7)--some of which would make even the riskiest of passers blush.
Atlanta also failed to take care of the glass on the defensive end, allowing (15) offensive boards to the Cavs and, unlike their first round opponents (the Heat if you forget frightfully quick), Cleveland's second ranked shooting will make you pay for those extra possessions. Giving such a formidable opponent (15) more shots than you take is not the formula for stealing a game on the road, nor is the thinking that free throws are an optional part of the game (9-18, that's 50 percent for those that attended Florida).
Still, the Hawks kept it close by the end of the first half and trailed only (5) behind excellent inside scoring from Josh Smith (22 total points) and more hot outside shooting from Mike Bibby (7-10, 5-7). When the bell sounded for the second half, however, the Birds came stumbling out of the gate and the Cavs jumped them and never let it get too close again, outscoring their guests 50-28 to close the game.
So Who Won Mr. Congeniality?
LeBron got the MVP trophy before the game and struggled in the first half, having (0) assists by halftime. (Take THAT, Cleveland!) OK, he had (22) points as well and ended with (34) for the game while making it clear the Hawks had no option to guard him soundly. He drove, he shot, he got to the free throw line. He was such a threat on the runouts after a missed hoop that the Hawks pulled nearly everybody as soon as a shot went up, limiting the Hawks potential offensive rebounding opportunities (They had six for the game).
LeBron's effectiveness allowed Mo Williams to continue to beat down ATL by scoring (21) points on 7-12 shooting, and gave Delonte West the freedom to create (9) assists.
Marvin Williams would normally do yeoman's work on LeBron defensively, but Williams is clearly a couple steps behind after missing so many games with his back injury and then all the recent ones with the injured wrist. Even his first free throw was ugly and his infamous moustache lacked presence. It was like watching someone who won a "Look Like Marvin, Play For Marvin" contest before the game.
Actually, it didn't seem like Cleveland had a super game offensively, with Zydrunas Ilgauskus only going 2-9 and Anderson Varejao took (8) shots. Also, when you look at the Hawks starting five, they shot 24-45 (53%). This may have been the Hawks best shot at getting a win at Cleveland, but extra shots for them + Wasted possessions for the Hawks + wasted points from the free throw line = Loss.
It's an equation that seems logical and has been proven all year long by the Hawks. If they want greater success, it'll start on the boards, move to better ball control/movement, and finish with focus from the line.
If not, theyll be down 2-0 and slumping back to the ATL.
Our Prediction? Pain.
The HHB did not offer up a prediction for this series because the Hawks have already shown a solid track record (as stated above) for these type of matchups and we didn't want to be such a wet blanket on the eve of this second round series. Aren't we fan friendly!
See, we would hate to be pessimistic by saying that the Hawks probably only have a good shot at winning a single game this series (Game Three, if forced to pick) and then go down the list of reasons why (immaturity, inconsistency, lack of depth, etc.).
We're the type that picks the alma mater every season to win it all in the March Madness pools, regardless of whether we really think they are going to win. We never wanted to see the good guys win it all---and then have to admit we picked someone else. This way, when they ride to glory, we were riding right along with them.
Which brings us back to the Hawks and the delicate balance between picking with your soul and wanting to maintain integrity.
We picked sweep last round against the Heat because the matchup heavily favored the Hawks and they should have won four in a row. This series against Cleveland is not a good matchup---they can and will attack the basket and can hit the outside shot if the Birds overplay. They have a solid bench with all the roles covered. There is a reason they had the top record in the league, the MVP, top coach, and (2) losses at home.
That reason is that they are good. Better than the Hawks more than the Hawks were better than the Heat. The best outcome we believe the Hawks can do is to have another Boston type series with Cleveland and push them to the brink (that would be to a Game Seven).
To do that would mean that the Hawks played hard and smart for all (48) minutes every game and were willing to exhibit patience, hustle, and maturity on the court.
The HHB congratulates LeBron James for his MVP and hopes that those hideous T-Shirts that accompanied the celebration were the self-dissolving type. Designs for a Mike Woodson T-8 COY shirts can be submitted in the Comments Area.
Against the top teams in the East (Magic, Celtics, and Tuesday Night's hosts, Cleveland), the Hawks routinely looked over matched (2-10, 1-5 on the road) and wilted in the glare of better basketball. In Game One against the Cavs, the Hawks again looked the part of the hitter who can smash bad pitching, but strikes out against the good.
The Hawks actually got off to a good start, taking an 11-4 lead early on with an offense based on ball movement and a defense that would control the glass. But as the Hawks are want to do, the ball stopped offensively, the Cavs defense tightened, and the Birds eventually wore out, posting a feeble 99-72 effort to lose Game One.
To win against the best home team in basketball at their place, the margin for error is slight. Perhaps being pioneers, the Hawks seemed to try a looser approach to the upset, turning the ball over (17) times to the Cavs (7)--some of which would make even the riskiest of passers blush.
Atlanta also failed to take care of the glass on the defensive end, allowing (15) offensive boards to the Cavs and, unlike their first round opponents (the Heat if you forget frightfully quick), Cleveland's second ranked shooting will make you pay for those extra possessions. Giving such a formidable opponent (15) more shots than you take is not the formula for stealing a game on the road, nor is the thinking that free throws are an optional part of the game (9-18, that's 50 percent for those that attended Florida).
Still, the Hawks kept it close by the end of the first half and trailed only (5) behind excellent inside scoring from Josh Smith (22 total points) and more hot outside shooting from Mike Bibby (7-10, 5-7). When the bell sounded for the second half, however, the Birds came stumbling out of the gate and the Cavs jumped them and never let it get too close again, outscoring their guests 50-28 to close the game.
So Who Won Mr. Congeniality?
LeBron got the MVP trophy before the game and struggled in the first half, having (0) assists by halftime. (Take THAT, Cleveland!) OK, he had (22) points as well and ended with (34) for the game while making it clear the Hawks had no option to guard him soundly. He drove, he shot, he got to the free throw line. He was such a threat on the runouts after a missed hoop that the Hawks pulled nearly everybody as soon as a shot went up, limiting the Hawks potential offensive rebounding opportunities (They had six for the game).
LeBron's effectiveness allowed Mo Williams to continue to beat down ATL by scoring (21) points on 7-12 shooting, and gave Delonte West the freedom to create (9) assists.
Marvin Williams would normally do yeoman's work on LeBron defensively, but Williams is clearly a couple steps behind after missing so many games with his back injury and then all the recent ones with the injured wrist. Even his first free throw was ugly and his infamous moustache lacked presence. It was like watching someone who won a "Look Like Marvin, Play For Marvin" contest before the game.
Actually, it didn't seem like Cleveland had a super game offensively, with Zydrunas Ilgauskus only going 2-9 and Anderson Varejao took (8) shots. Also, when you look at the Hawks starting five, they shot 24-45 (53%). This may have been the Hawks best shot at getting a win at Cleveland, but extra shots for them + Wasted possessions for the Hawks + wasted points from the free throw line = Loss.
It's an equation that seems logical and has been proven all year long by the Hawks. If they want greater success, it'll start on the boards, move to better ball control/movement, and finish with focus from the line.
If not, theyll be down 2-0 and slumping back to the ATL.
Our Prediction? Pain.
The HHB did not offer up a prediction for this series because the Hawks have already shown a solid track record (as stated above) for these type of matchups and we didn't want to be such a wet blanket on the eve of this second round series. Aren't we fan friendly!
See, we would hate to be pessimistic by saying that the Hawks probably only have a good shot at winning a single game this series (Game Three, if forced to pick) and then go down the list of reasons why (immaturity, inconsistency, lack of depth, etc.).
We're the type that picks the alma mater every season to win it all in the March Madness pools, regardless of whether we really think they are going to win. We never wanted to see the good guys win it all---and then have to admit we picked someone else. This way, when they ride to glory, we were riding right along with them.
Which brings us back to the Hawks and the delicate balance between picking with your soul and wanting to maintain integrity.
We picked sweep last round against the Heat because the matchup heavily favored the Hawks and they should have won four in a row. This series against Cleveland is not a good matchup---they can and will attack the basket and can hit the outside shot if the Birds overplay. They have a solid bench with all the roles covered. There is a reason they had the top record in the league, the MVP, top coach, and (2) losses at home.
That reason is that they are good. Better than the Hawks more than the Hawks were better than the Heat. The best outcome we believe the Hawks can do is to have another Boston type series with Cleveland and push them to the brink (that would be to a Game Seven).
To do that would mean that the Hawks played hard and smart for all (48) minutes every game and were willing to exhibit patience, hustle, and maturity on the court.
The HHB congratulates LeBron James for his MVP and hopes that those hideous T-Shirts that accompanied the celebration were the self-dissolving type. Designs for a Mike Woodson T-8 COY shirts can be submitted in the Comments Area.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
3-0
The subject line says it all and tells a story that Hawks fans haven't been able to tell since 1997, which would be a 3-0 start to the season.
We have the game waiting for us on our DVR when we get back to the HHB Official High Definition Viewing Center to see all that went right for the good guys Wednesday night, but the details don't matter right now. It's 3-0, and no amount of hand wringing or common sense can enter into the picture right now. It's 3-0 and it's been a long time in coming for all of us.
We expect we'll see a repeat of what we saw in the Orlando game and after the first quarter of the Philly game, which would be a solid defensive effort, hustle play, and timely baskets. That's a pretty tasty recipe for winning.
3-0---sounds nice---heck, just having a three game winning streak is a good enough feeling for the HHB, much less seeing numbers under "won" without a scratch under "lost".
To commemorate the effort, we offer footage of a player integral in the success of that 1997 team and recent first time American voter, Dikembe Mutombo--an all time favorite of the HHB. Enjoy.
We have the game waiting for us on our DVR when we get back to the HHB Official High Definition Viewing Center to see all that went right for the good guys Wednesday night, but the details don't matter right now. It's 3-0, and no amount of hand wringing or common sense can enter into the picture right now. It's 3-0 and it's been a long time in coming for all of us.
We expect we'll see a repeat of what we saw in the Orlando game and after the first quarter of the Philly game, which would be a solid defensive effort, hustle play, and timely baskets. That's a pretty tasty recipe for winning.
3-0---sounds nice---heck, just having a three game winning streak is a good enough feeling for the HHB, much less seeing numbers under "won" without a scratch under "lost".
To commemorate the effort, we offer footage of a player integral in the success of that 1997 team and recent first time American voter, Dikembe Mutombo--an all time favorite of the HHB. Enjoy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
