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Hawks BasketBlog
May 2008
Wednesday May 28, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 10:20PM AFT on May 28, 2008
Sorry, I felt the need to give this blog post a clever header, and that's the best I could come up with on short notice.
Sometime in the next few days, the Hawks will officially announce the hiring of Rick Sund as the team's new general manager. Sund was replaced in Seattle when the team was sold to Clay Bennett, but before that had some successes (won a division title in 2004-05, turned an aging Gary Payton into Ray Allen) worth mentioning. We don't know much more at this point other than that he is the choice, but as soon as we have more info we'll post it here. Update: It's official- here's the release. Tuesday May 20, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 8:25PM AFT on May 20, 2008
And I won't be watching. Hawks playoff appearance = no lottery picks.
:) Wednesday May 14, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 12:55AM AFT on May 14, 2008
It may not have happened in the ROY voting, but it did happen, just ever so slightly, in the coaches' voting for the All-Rookie teams. The All-Rookie squads were announced today, and the Hawks' Al Horford was impressively the only unanimous choice. I realize this isn't the most amazing thing to happen since sliced bread, but there is a part of me that takes just a tiny bit of pleasure in seeing Durant go (slightly) unrewarded for putting up empty stats on a terrible team. That's not to say I really know how you could leave him off the first ballot (nor is it to say that I don't think Durant has a bright future in the league), but I love that someone took a look at Seattle's team record and decided he needed no further information. Congrats to Al for this final honor to top off his terrific rookie campaign. In other news, I worked at TNT last night helping out with the coverage of Game 4 of the Celtics-Cavs series, which Cleveland won to knot the series at 2-2. A discussion began regarding the Celtics performance in this series and what it said about the Atlanta-Boston first round affair. Some think the Celtics' continued road troubles dulled the shine a bit off the Hawks surprising first-round run, while I submitted that the Cavaliers' ability to rally in this series is based in large part on reading the Hawks earlier success against the East's top seed. As I stated after Game 7, even though the Hawks lost they were still able to shatter the Celtics' air of invincibility. A team that won 66 games in the regular season, barely breaking a sweat on the way, was suddenly unsure of itself and scrambling for answers. This theme has been repeated in the last two games in Cleveland, and has many people once again asking if this Boston team has what it takes to even reach the finals, let alone win the title. I know the Celtics never really thought they'd lose to the Hawks, but they better be careful against Cleveland. LeBron James still hasn't had a good game in this series, and yet the Cavs are one road-win away from sending the Celtics to the golf course for the summer. And if they do, I think the Hawks deserve some credit for softening them up a bit first. Friday May 9, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 7:24PM AFT on May 9, 2008
This video drew the largest reaction of the crowd during Game 6 of the Hawks-Celtics series, and now that it's on the internets, I had to share it! Get up Zaza, cause Mickey loves ya! Thursday May 8, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 8:28PM AFT on May 8, 2008
 It's been a few days now, and we've had a little time to digest the events that drew the 2007-08 season to a close. It was an up-and-down year to be sure, but I think it's safe to say it ended on an emphatic upswing. Maybe the Hawks didn't win the series against the Celtics, but despite the loss they managed to capture the nation's attention and put themselves on the map as a team to watch out for going forward. With Billy Knight's departure there are many decisions that have to be made, but we'll save that for later posts throughout the summer. For now, let's take a final look back at the season that was. Best Win (Regular Season): Hawks 98, Lakers 95 - The Lakers are perhaps the odds-on favorite to win the NBA title right now, but they were the second best team at Philips Arena back on Feb. 6. LA led by 8 entering the fourth quarter, but the Hawks rallied to outscore their opponents 30-19 over the final twelve minutes to claim the victory. Joe Johnson won his personal battle with Kobe Bryant, scoring 28 points and forcing Bryant into a turnover in the final seconds to preserve the Hawks win. Al Horford had arguably the best game of his rookie season, scoring 15 points and dominating the glass for a career-high 20 rebounds. Best Win (Post Season): Hawks 97, Celtics 92 - Game 4 of the Hawks-Celtics series. This was Joe Johnson's national coming out party, the game that cemented his status as an All-Star caliber player. JJ scored 20 points in the fourth quarter, putting his team on his back and rallying them from a 10-point deficit to start the 4th to tie the series at 2-2. Boston boasted the best defense in the NBA this year, but for one quarter Joe made them look like a high school team. It truly was one of the great playoff performances in franchise history. Worst Loss (Regular Season): Trail Blazers 94, Hawks 93 - When I think back on which games kept the Hawks from improving their seeding in the Eastern Conference playoff chase, this is the one that stands out the most in my mind. The Hawks led by 14 midway through the fourth quarter, but couldn't hold on as Brandon Roy sank two free throws with 2.3 seconds left to win the game for the Blazers. Atlanta was trying to build some momentum on a five-game West Coast trip at the time, having won 99-90 at Seattle, but the loss deflated the team and led to a 1-4 finish. Worst Loss (Post Season): Celtics 99, Hawks 65 - Overall, the Hawks should be very proud of their work in the first round against the Celtics, but I'd be lying if I said Game 7 wasn't a huge disappointment. Atlanta could never get it going offensively in Boston, but in Game 7 in particular every shot seemed to rim out or fall short. The Hawks would have made the Celtics sweat if they'd been able to keep it close, but they never had the opportunity after scoring only 26 points in the first half. Hopefully the bitter sting of the loss will be ample motivation for everyone to work harder in the offseason so they come back seeking revenge in 2008-09. Best Offensive Performance (Team): Hawks 116, Grizzlies 99 - Maybe the Hawks weren't the best road team in 2007-08, but that doesn't mean they didn't have some great performances away from Philips Arena. In the midst of the team's late-season playoff push came this gem in Memphis, when the Hawks blitzed the Grizzlies from the very beginning, outscoring them 40-19 in the first quarter and putting up a season-high 73 points in the first half. Josh Smith led the way with 26 points, while Al Horford and Joe Johnson had 19 apiece. Best Offensive Performance (Individual): Joe Johnson vs LA Clippers - JJ had higher-scoring games in 07-08, but nothing quite matched his third quarter against the Clippers on March 14. Joe drilled 6 three-pointers in the stanza, including one from roughly 30 feet (and it wasn't a buzzer-beater). He finished the game with 28 points, but 21 of them came in the 3rd as the Hawks evened their season series with the Clips at 1-1. Best Defensive Performance (Team): Hawks at Spurs, First Quarter: I know the Hawks eventually lost the game, but any time you can hold the defending champs to a franchise low for points in a quarter you have to celebrate the occasion. Atlanta held San Antonio to only 5 points in the first quarter of their game at the SBC center on February 25, the worst output in the Spurs illustrious history. Unfortunately, the Spurs defense played well that night also, and the Spurs rallied for an 89-74 home win. Best Defensive Performance (Individual): Josh Smith vs Philadelphia 76ers - Josh Smith has altered many games with his defense, but none this past season like the Hawks-Sixers game on Feb. 4. The Sixers ran out to a 20-point lead early in the contest, but Smoove's amazing shot-blocking skills led the Hawks rally to a 96-91 win. Smith finished the night with a season-high 9 blocked shots, adding in 6 rebounds and 4 steals for good measure. He also put in work on the offensive end, scoring 19 points and dishing out 9 assists. Shot of the Year (Regular Season): Joe Johnson beats the Minnesota Timberwolves - Showing the kind of clutch shooting that has been a trademark of his time in Atlanta, JJ helped the Hawks avoid a disastrous loss to the lowly T-Wolves with his buzzer-beating 15-footer at the buzzer. Marko Jaric scored on a lay-up with 2.2 seconds left to give Minnesota the lead, but Johnson took the ball at the top of the key, dribbled right, and buried the game-winner over the outstretched arms of Michael Doleac. It was early in the season, but it ended up mattering plenty as the Hawks held off the Pacers for the final playoff spot by a single game. Shot of the Year (Post Season): Joe Johnson seals Game 6 with a 3 - JJ's performance in Game 4 was legendary, but it was his 3-pointer with time winding down in Game 6 that will stick in my mind throughout the offseason. The Hawks led 97-95 with just over a minute left in the game, and with the shot-clock winding down Joe had to fire one up from distance with James Posey and Ray Allen draped all over him. The shot hit bottoms, giving the Hawks a 100-95 lead that the held onto to force an improbable Game 7. (Close second - JJ's wait-for-it three with Leon Powe layed out on the court in front of him in Game 4) Have other suggestions for highlights from the season just ended? Share your thoughts in the comments... Tuesday May 6, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 1:44AM AFT on May 6, 2008
A sad day around the office today, as the Hawks players cleaned out their lockers for the season and completed their exit interviews with the Hawks coaching staff before taking off for the summer. It's always disappointing when the season ends, but of course this year it's a little less so. Yes, Game 7 on Sunday was bad. But as rough a game as it was (and it was rooooough), it's important not to lose the overall good vibes of the series. Maybe we didn't win the series, but we did shock the world. The mood today was pretty jovial. I think the guys were pretty unhappy yesterday, but with a night to think about it they realize that overall, this postseason was a success. Now it's time to get back in the lab and work on the things that need fixing. One thing I got to finally take care of today was a ping-poing match against Marvin Williams. I played Al Horford earlier in the year, and though he beat me 21-17, I still think I could take him (I'd say based on one game I think I could take him 4 of 10 or so). Marvin beat Al earlier this season for the team title (and has the trophy to prove it), and he and I have been talking smack to each other about a game ever since. Sufficed to say, I don't plan on quitting my day job around here any time soon. Marv beat me 2-of-3 (you happy Marvin? I told you I'd post about this), winning the first game before I returned the favor in the second, then beating me in a 3rd game tie-break. He puts a ton of spin on the ball, and it took a while to adjust to it, but now that I know his game, I'll have to try him again when he gets back for training camp in October. I had a chance to talk to Al Horford and Acie Law today about their rookie seasons, and it was very interesting. They each took very different paths this year, with Al capturing a ton of attention and becoming a major factor in the Rookie of the Year race while Law battled injuries and a lack of playing time. Still, with the season over, both sound like they know they are still unfinished products and are anxious to begin putting in the work that will make them and the team successful in 2008-09. So what next for the team, overall? Obviously, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made around here, and we'll keep you posted as things happen. For now though, it's time for all of us to take a deep breath and try to decompress after a long, trying, but ultimately satisfying run in 2007-08.  Marvin Williams shows off his special ping-pong paddle, the one he used to beat me 2-of-3 (but I'll have my revenge!)
Monday May 5, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 12:18AM AFT on May 5, 2008
Atlanta Hawks (65) at Boston Celtics (99)
Celtics win series, 4-3 Scoring by Quarters ATL - 16 - 10 - 17 - 22 -- 65 BOS - 27 - 17 - 35 - 20 -- 99 Team/Individual Leaders Scoring ATL - Johnson 16 BOS - Pierce 22 Rebounds ATL - 41 (Horford 12) BOS - 45 (Garnett 11) Assists ATL - 11 (Horford 3) BOS - 20 (Rondo 6) -- The Hawks' magical playoff run came to an end in Boston on Sunday, 99-65. -- Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 16 points, while Salim Stoudamire added 10 off the bench. -- After one, the Hawks trailed 27-16 as Paul Pierce scored 9 points ... Atlanta had trouble making shots in the 2nd period (scoring just 10 pts), and fell behind big at the half, 44-26 ... The 10-point second quarter and 26-point first half set Hawks franchise record lows ... Things didn't get much better in the third, as Atlanta trailed, 79-43, entering the fourth. -- The Hawks hit just 29.9% from the field, while Boston made 49.4%. -- Despite the loss, the Hawks became just the 2nd number 8 seed in nba history to force a seventh game against a number 1 seed (Detroit vs. Orlando, 2003). -- Marvin Williams started the contest despite a sprained left knee, but was ejected for a flagrant foul in the third quarter. Sunday May 4, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 11:40PM AFT on May 4, 2008
Not a whole lot to say as the Hawks enter the final period trailing 79-43. It's been a rough, rough afternoon. The last quarter will be entirely garbage time ball for both teams, as each has several starters off the court.
It's disappointing, but the Hawks can still leave with their heads held high. No one expected them to get this far, and though it would have been nice to make this game close, the fact that they are playing it at all is a testament to Atlanta's mettle and resolve. The Celtics deserve a ton of credit for the way they've played today. They never let the Hawks in it, and as such will move on to the second round to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. But the luster is off their star, no matter what the final score is today. This is a beatable team, no longer the favorites to win the title (or even the East), and the Hawks are responsible for showing that. It's not a series win, but it's something.
Posted by: Micah Hart at 10:56PM AFT on May 4, 2008
11:05 - Paul Pierce scores 5 straight to start the quarter, and the Celtics push the lead to 23. They are really playing well right now.
10:13 - Marvin gets a putback off a Joe miss, and I have to say I am really impressed with the way he is playing today. He struggled for much of the series, but the last two games have shown he still has a very bright future. 5:17 - Well, the outcome is pretty much decided, as Pierce hits a jumper to make the score 62-32. Anything that could have gone wrong for the Hawks has pretty much done just that. I really feel for the guys, who have scratched and clawed their way to this seventh game and deserve a better fate that what they are getting. You can give a ton of reasons why the score is what it is, but above all else, the Hawks just can't score. They are 12-50 from the field. Some days, it just ain't your day, you know?
Posted by: Micah Hart at 10:48PM AFT on May 4, 2008
Ok, I am trying not to sound too frustrated. We aren't even supposed to be playing right now, so let's try to step back from the ledge a little bit.
How can they make this competitive in the second half? It's gotta be on the offensive side of the ball. The defense is doing a decent job (as they have, to their credit, for most of the games in this series), holding the Celtics to 42% shooting and 44 points. Offensively, it's pretty simple. The Hawks aren't sharing the ball, and it's forcing Joe Johnson to try to do it all himself. They have only 5 assists in the first half, though they've scored only 10 baskets all together. They need to get the offense moving earlier in the shot clock, and they need to be aggressive. After gaining a huge edge in foul shots throughout the first six games, they've taken only 4 FTs so far. They have to try to get some shots inside or in transition. The longer each possession takes, the harder it's going to be to come back from an 18-point deficit. The Hawks shot 26.3% from the field in the first half. The law of averages says they will improve upon that in the second. There is still the nerves factor for Boston - if the Hawks can just get the lead back within single digits, they may be able to make the Celtics sweat. But they are going to have to execute on offense to make that happen. Come on Hawks, you can do it!
Posted by: Micah Hart at 10:04PM AFT on May 4, 2008
11:22 - The Hawks get a stop on defense, but turn the ball back over on the first trip down the court. Turnovers are going to be killers today - every possession is precious, especially when you are in the hole.
10:43 - And as I write that, we do it twice more. 9:38 - Leon Powe scores for Boston to make it 32-18. Still, Paul Pierce is the only starter on the court for the Celtics. Atlanta needs to take advantage. 8:59 - Timeout on the court, and things aren't looking good right now. The first quarter I thought the Hawks played ok but couldn't shoot straight, but now they are just being sloppy. Josh Smith has picked up two fouls in the last two minutes, one on an unnecessary charge. Zaza has 2 as well, but otherwise we are ok foul-wise. Gotta keep our composure. 8:10 - Al Horford takes it to the rack for 2, and its 34-20. I want this to be in single digits at halftime. 7:21 - Celtics take a timeout. Doc Rivers, with such a big lead right now, is actually being smart to get rest for his stars, ostensibly so they will be fresh for the 4th quarter. It's a risk though, and the Hawks need to make him pay for taking it. 6:43 - Marvin Williams is flying around the rim impressively for a guy with a bum knee, as he gets fouled on an offensive rebound. He hits one of two, and it's 36-21. 5:11 - The Hawks do a good job of getting an open shot off the double on Joe, and Marvin hits to make it 38-23. Those opportunities have been few and far between so far, unfortunately. 3:47 - Joe Johnson is not going out without a fight. He's hit four threes in this game and has a game-high 12 points. 2:34 - Hawks ball after a timeout, down 42-26. We need a basket here! 1:30 - Didn't happen. Give the Celtics credit, they are making the Hawks take jump shots almost exclusively. 0:00 - JJ misses at the buzzer and the Celtics lead 44-26 at the break. I'll try to gather my thoughts and tell you what we need to do in the second half to give ourselves a chance.
Posted by: Micah Hart at 9:34PM AFT on May 4, 2008
 11:36 - JJ for 3 to start it off! 10:25 - Nerves? Ray Allen misses an easy lay-up. The Hawks need to take advantage here early, the Celtics look a little rattled. 9:02 - Celtics get a tip-in and it's 6-3. Come on Hawks, keep it together... 8:27 - Josh Smith hits a feathery jumper, 6-5. 7:45 - Marvin is trying hard, but I think he is struggling to keep up with Paul Pierce defensively. This bodes watching. 7:07 - Hawks take a timeout, and it's 10-5 Celtics. I think there are some nerves on both sides right now, but it's the Atlanta basket that seems to have the lid on it right now. No reason to panic - just continue to execute and keep it close - the shots will come. 6:53 - Marvin takes it to the rack, which is a good sign in terms of his fitness to play. Josh Smith gets the offensive board and draws a foul on Kendrick Perkins - we gotta get to the line tonight, it's been the one thing that has been in our favor all series. 4:44 - The Hawks cut it to 10-8, but the Celtics have reeled off 6 unanswered to build their largest lead of the game now at 16-8, causing Mike Woodson to call a second timeout. Atlanta is 3-13 from the field right now, and many of the shots are falling short, which leads me to believe they are trying to over-shoot them instead of just letting them fly. 3:54 - Two straight shots have gone halfway in and then come out. Cut that out! 3:04 - Nice move inside for 2 by Mike Bibby, and on the other end Zaza Pachulia commits a tough, smart foul on Kendrick Perkins to avoid giving up an easy basket. Nothing easy, says Zaza. 2:15 - Ray Allen scores in transition, and it's 20-10. This game is much closer than it seems - the Hawks can't hit the ocean if they fell off a boat right now - 4-18 from the field. Atlanta is actually getting some decent looks, more so that I've seen for much of the series here in Boston, but they just won't drop. 1:40 - JJ hits a huge three out of the corner off a designed play, a big lift for the Hawks. Let's see if that gets the offense going. 1:14 - Another three from JJ! 0:00 - The Celtics come right back with two baskets from Paul Pierce, and it's a 27-16 game at the end of one. I hate the fact the Hawks are shooting so poorly right now, because every little run they make silences the crowd. Joe's two 3's had them a bit stunned, but the Celtics offense responded. The other big problem so far? Rebounding. Boston had a 17-8 edge in the first period, including 5 on the offensive end. Atlanta has to tighten up on the boards going forward if they want to get back into this thing. 36 minutes to go - it ain't over yet.
Posted by: Micah Hart at 9:32PM AFT on May 4, 2008
The Hawks starters are introduced, and Marvin Williams' name is called. He has a brace on his knee, but for now at least he is going to make a go of it.
The key to today, as it's been all series, is to get out and go. The Celtics are old, the Hawks are young. We have seen Boston wear down in the fourth quarter in each of the last two games in Atlanta, but we haven't seen it here because they haven't had to play meaningful minutes in late game situations. The Celtics fans are nervous, even moreso than they were in Game 5. Sure they are loud, but not as loud as they were when this series started. Keep is close, get out and run, and maybe we'll see some history today.
Posted by: Micah Hart at 9:16PM AFT on May 4, 2008
The bus entrance into Boston Garden is a piece of work. To get into the building, the bus has go up a steep ramp, backwards(!) no less, through an entrance that leaves about 6-8 inches on either side. Every time we have gone through the entrance over the past two weeks, I've held my breath, waiting for the inevitable accident. Not today though, because today we had the accident before we got that to that part.
As I said, the bus is coming in backwards, making it difficult to see anything behind. So if, for example, the garage door to the entrance is still down, and you are trying to back into the arena, there is gonna be trouble. Without going into all the details, we've got an early score to report: Atlanta bus 1 - Boston Garden 0. We backed right into that sucker, putting a huge dent in it and forcing us to make our way back down the ramp so arena staff could figure out how to rectify the situation. This was the second bus, so all of the players were already inside...except for one - Joe Johnson. While the staff discussed what to do (my guess as to the conversation: "Who put this stupid entrance here in the first place?") and we waited down below, JJ and broadcaster Dennis Scott decided that walking was perhaps the path of least resistance, so they trudged up the ramp by foot to make their way to their pre-game duties. It was surreal. I like to think the whole event was a sign of things to come - the Atlanta Hawks, coming into Boston to do damage. 30 minutes away from Game 7! Saturday May 3, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 11:51AM AFT on May 3, 2008
 What a win for the Hawks! What a night at Philips Arena! Let's get right to the core of why the Hawks won tonight. It's not because they shot well (47% - not bad, but not earth-shattering). It's not because they shut down the Celtics (Boston had 14 offensive rebounds, and the Big Three combined for 59 points). And it's not because they had a better game plan (they didn't go inside-out with Horford, and they rarely got open looks for Joe or Mike Bibby). No, there is only one reason the Hawks won on Friday night - heart. No, make that Heart. It deserves to be capitalized for this team, because what they did tonight was will themselves to a Game 7 showdown in Boston on Sunday. In Game 3, the Hawks were the better team. In Game 4, it took a performance of the ages from Joe Johnson to get a win. The Celtics can look at those two games and make excuses. But not tonight. The Celtics had this game. There was no reason for them to lose this one, not after leading almost the entirety of the first three quarters and forcing the Hawks to play the kind of offensive basketball that played into their hands. But once again, the Hawks stepped up when it counted in the fourth quarter, and because of that a series most people assumed would be over in four is now the only one in the first round to go the distance. What a gutsy performance by the Hawks. The bench, so often mentioned as a liability this season, came up huge tonight, mostly manifested in the play of Josh Childress and Zaza Pachulia, with a little Acie Law thrown in for good measure (with every game, I am more and more optimistic about his future with the team). Marvin Williams, who the Celtics have dared to beat them all series, finally took them up on their offer and led the team in scoring with 18 points on 6-9 shooting. We knew Marvin could hit his mid-range jumpers, but he took it up a notch tonight, getting into the paint, hitting his free throws, and giving the team its first lead of the second half on an offensive rebound and putback early in the fourth quarter. I guess it was easier tonight, having to come back from only 3 down to start the fourth instead of 10. But it didn't feel that way, at least not for the first 36 minutes. Every time the Hawks tried to rally, the Celtics had an answer. It was exasperating. If it wasn't Garnett, it was Ray Allen. Or Paul Pierce. Or James Posey, or Leon Powe, or Rajon Rondo. For the first 36 minutes, I was saying to myself, well, we tried - the Celtics are just that good. But something changed in the 4th quarter, just like it did in Game 4. If it
happens once, it's a coincidence. If it happens twice, it's a trend. And if I am
the Celtics, I am asking myself some tough, tough questions right now. Questions
like, why did Paul Pierce lose his cool when he picked up his sixth foul (even
though it was on an admittedly For the next 36 hours until Game 7 tips off at 1:00 ET on Sunday, all people are going to talk about is this: how in the world did the Celtics get themselves into this mess? I'll tell you how - because the Hawks have proven to be the stronger, more resilient team in this series. Does that mean they will win on Sunday? Not if they play the way they did in Games 1, 2, and 5. All the testicular fortitude in the world won't matter if they lose by 20. But if Hawks can keep it close? I really think they can win it. When the going has gotten tough in this series, it's the Hawks who have stepped up and the Celtics who have blinked. No matter how this series turns out, the heart and determination the Hawks showed tonight and over the course of the past two weeks will make this team one of the most memorable in franchise history, regular season record be damned. The way people talk about Dominique Wilkins and his teammates in '88 against Boston, that's how they'll talk about this squad too (though we certainly hope the outcome will be different). Maybe I'm only speaking for myself when I say that, but I have a feeling there are 20,425 others who feel the same way right now.
Posted by: Micah Hart at 8:40AM AFT on May 3, 2008
Boston Celtics (100) at Atlanta Hawks (103)
Best-of-seven series tied at 3 Scoring by Quarters BOS - 32 - 18 - 32 - 18 -- 100 ATL - 20 - 29 - 30 - 24 -- 103 Team/Individual Leaders Scoring BOS - Garnett 22 ATL - Williams 18 Rebounds BOS - 35 (Two w/7) ATL - 38 (Four w/6) Assists BOS - 25 (Two w/6) ATL - 25 (Bibby 7) -- The Hawks fought back from 12 down, showing a tremendous amount of guts in a 103-100 win over the Celtics in front of 20,425 screaming fans at Philips Arena on Friday ... The win forced a seventh and deciding game in the series (Sunday, 1 p.m., ABC, 790 The Zone). -- Marvin Williams led a balanced scoring attack with 18 points, while Mike Bibby added 17, Al Horford had 16, Joe Johnson and Josh Childress tallied 15 each, and Josh Smith finished with 11. -- Williams left the game in the third quarter with a sprained left knee, but returned late in the contest. -- The Hawks fell behind early, trailing 32-20, after one ... But Atlanta rallied behind a 29-18 second quarter to pull within one (50-49) at the half ... Following the pattern of games 3 and 4, Boston surged ahead in the third, pushing the lead back to nine ... But again the Hawks made a move, cutting the deficit to three (82-79) through three ... Early in the fourth, the Hawks too the lead, riding a 10-0 run midway through the fourth to take a 96-89 lead ... Boston eventually cut the lead down to 2, but the Hawks hung on. -- Atlanta got their best bench contribution of the series, totalling 26 points and 13 rebounds from the reserves, including 15 and 6 boards for Childress, and 9 pts, 6 rebs and an emotional lift from Zaza "Balboa" Pachulia. -- Tonight's attendance (20,425) was the most ever for a Hawks game at Philips Arena, and 2nd in the arena's history to the 20,596 drawn for a U2 concert on 3/30/01. Saturday May 3, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 6:45AM AFT on May 3, 2008
12:00 - Hawks get the ball first...and Marvin scores at the rim to cut it to one! LET'S GO HAWKS!
10:56 - Marvin Williams is having the game of his life when the stakes are the highest. He grabs an offensive rebound and scores, putting the Hawks up a point for the first time since very, very early in this game. 10:25 - Al Horford, the hoop and the harm! I gotta say, I am very confused as to why Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are not in this game right now. 86-84 Hawks! 8:59 - Ooooh, Bibby misses a 3 that would have blown the roof off this place, and Leon Powe answers to tie it at 86-86. It looks like the big guns are coming back in for Boston - no free rides for anyone in this one. I am so tense up here right now, I am literally shaking as I type - and there are still 9 minutes left! Thank god I'm still a young(-ish) man, or I'd be worried about my ticker. 8:52 - A tough break, as Marvin and Pierce bang knees and a gimpy Marvin has to head back to the locker room. He looks like he is in quite a lot of pain - hopefully he is ok and can get back in the game, because he is really having a positive effect on things tonight. 7:52 - Horford gets it deep in the post, and Posey fouls him. The more we do that, the happier I get. 2-2 at the line, and the Hawks regain the lead 90-89. 6:49 - FTs, they are going to be huge down the stretch. JJ gets fouled by Allen going to the hole, and he buries a pair to give Atlanta the biggest lead of the game at 93-89. Timeout Celtics, and Philips is about to explode. ?:?? - I can't handle the intensity right now. 4:44 - Josh Childress has always claimed that if the NBA had a lay-up competition, he'd win it. He just spidered a lay-up around Kevin Garnett for two. Amazingly, Paul Pierce got called for a push inside on Zaza, and that's it for him. Personally, I can't believe they called it (off the ball, after the basket), and neither could Pierce, who drew a tech on his way out. It's 96-89 Hawks right now, and I am losing my mind. 2:49 - A lot of time off the clock, but the Celtics hold tight and run off two straight buckets to cut the lead to 96-93. No time to take the foot off the gas, Atlanta. We need to keep scoring. 2:46 - Timeout Hawks. Hawks PR reports Marvin Williams has a left-knee strain and will not return. Since Pierce inflicted it on him by barreling into the lane, I consider his 6th foul tit-for-tat. 2:31 - Ray Allen fouls Bibby with the shot clock winding down, but Bibby misses the first. We gotta make these down the stretch - second is good and it's a two-possession affair, 97-93. 2:07 - Wheeeeeew. A big miss by Ray on one end, but Bibby misses on the other. Aye-ya-aye! 1:32 - Man - the Celtics just will not go quietly into that good night. They get what feels like 8 offensive rebounds in one possession, and Kendrick Perkins (?) makes a pair at the line to cut the lead to 2. Gotta score! 1:06 - Joe Johnson, I am going to name my first born child after you (sorry honey!). The Celtics can't ask for much more than for us to use up all the shot clock and end up with a long, contested 3, but JJ buries it anyway, making it a 5-point game with 1:07 left. Holy cow, what a huge shot. I know he doesn't have it in him, but I'd really like to see him wander over to Cassell and do the juevos shimmy in his face. This game ain't over, but that was as big a basket as Joe's hit all series - or season. :45 - Posey for 3. Hawks must score. :20.3 - Shoot! JJ comes up just short on a runner, and now the Celtics have the ball in hand, trailing by two, with basically the same time on the shot clock and game clock. This is Ray Allen time. Please, please watch Ray Allen. 10.6 - Allen misses a three! Hawks rebound! JJ is fouled, these are huge... MAKES THE FIRST! MAKES THE SECOND! 10.6 - Remember I told you I'd learn something interesting sitting next to Hollinger? Well he just showed me the shots for Ray Allen in the fourth quarter, and it goes something like this: Missed 3, Missed 3, Missed 2, Missed 2, Missed 3, Missed 3. 102-98 Hawks. It ain't over, but as long as they do their part from the foul line, they may actually pull this off. 8.7 - As I said, this thing ain't over. The Celtics inbound the ball to KG underneath the basket, who scores easily and takes only 2 seconds to do so. Gotta, gotta, gotta get the ball inbounds and hit a pair of FTs. Not over yet... 7.4 - Ok, Killer Mike at the line. Yipe! First one misses. Makes the second though... 0:00 - Rondo misses at the buzzer, and HAWKS WIN! OH MY GOD THE HAWKS WIN! WE ARE GOING BACK TO BOSTON! Ok, more later - heading to what should be a jubilant locker room!!! Saturday May 3, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 6:16AM AFT on May 3, 2008
8:00 - A run by the Celtics to start the third, and it's 59-53. We have got to get open looks for Joe in this half. JJ had 2 points in the first 24 minutes, but he took only 7 shots. We need to try dumping it into Horford more, it has worked before in the series.
7:00 - Marvin is the MVP of the game so far, as he hits a pair of FTs to cut it back to six at 61-55. He is the only Hawk in double figures right now with 14 points in the game. 6:15 - JJ gets his first basket of the half on a leaner in the lane, and it's back to 6 again. Gotta get some stops! 5:08 - Mike Bibby gets 2 more baskets to cut it to 67-62. The Hawks need some stops, but getting Zaza getting blown for a foul at the top of the key hurts. Fortunately KG misses the first. We need to ride the Bibby train for awhile if we can. 4:15 - Another easy basket for KG. The Celtics have 38 points in the paint right now. Horford answers him on the other end, but Pierce drains a 3 to push it back to 8. Give credit where credit is due, Boston is matching everything the Hawks are sending at them. 3:08 - Bibby goes to the line after Pierce picks up his 4th. Josh Smith has 4 as well for Atlanta, as does Zaza Pachulia. Bibby goes 1-2, cutting it back to five. At some point this quarter, we've got to get it back to tied to really get the fans into it. 73-68 Boston. 1:51 - Kevin Garnett had an MVP-type season, and he is showing all his talents tonight. He has 18 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 blocks so far. I'd like to say we can do something to slow him down, but his height causes real problems. Still, it's 77-70 with Al going to the line after a timeout. We are so close... 1:17 - In the playoffs, you have to get good play from people other than your stars if you want to win. There are just too many circumstances that come up (foul trouble, cold shooting) to avoid it. I'd like to give props to Zaza Pachulia right now, who is playing his heart out while Josh Smith sits on the bench. 0:53 - That's what I'm talking about! The Hawks force a turnover, and Marvin finds Chills for an alley-oop to cut it back to 4. I want very badly for this to be a one possession game going to the 4th. 20.1 - Damn the Celtics are good. I hate to keep saying that, but they keep making plays. Mike Bibby makes a terrific play for a lay-up on one end, but Ray Allen races the other way to match it. 82-77 Celtics. 0:00 - Wow. Play of the game for the Hawks. Bibby misses a short jumper in the lane, but Chills flies in to tip it in at the buzzer to cut the lead to 82-79. The ball bounced several times on the rim before it dropped - call me crazy, but I have a feeling that tiny bit of karma will end up mattering in this game. For all the things that feel like they haven't worked in this game, the Hawks still find themselves down by one 3-pt field goal (something they haven't made yet) going to the final 12 minutes. They deserve a TON of credit for that. It has really been a team effort so far. Last time around the Celtics led by 10 at this point, so a 3-point deficit almost feels like a lead. Let's see what happens! Saturday May 3, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 5:17AM AFT on May 3, 2008
9:40 - Sorry, still dealing with some computer issues. Acie Law is in the game right now and having a positive impact, as he's gotten two easy looks inside for his teammates as the Hawks have cut the lead to 34-26. I think we are pressing a bit, which is understandable for a young team in this situation, but we are trying too hard to make the spectacular play (which would bring the crowd to their feet) as opposed to the easy one. Still, an 8-point deficit is surmountable. No reason to panic yet.
8:26 - Another suspect charge call, this one against Acie Law. We aren't getting many breaks, but we aren't making them either. 36-26 C's. 7:37 - There's one back - Leon Powe shoves Josh Smith twice on his way to the hole, and gets called for the second. Marvin hits another jumper, and it's back to 6 now at 36-30. 6:39 - We knew we'd need someone to step up from outside of our big guns, and so far that person is Marvin Williams. The Celtics are leaving him open for mid-range jumpers, and right now he is hitting them. 38-32 Celtics, back to 6. 5:26 - I swear Paul Pierce has made 1-2 of every FT pair he's had. Josh Smith gets called for the block (of course) instead of drawing a charge, and the fans are livid. 4:32 - Zaza Pachulia is killing it right now. Two straight baskets for Big Z have cut the lead to 3 at 39-36, and the crowd is as loud as they've been all night. 2:58 - Now it's Mike Bibby's turn, as he's hit two straight as well. Still, the Celtics are matching buckets, and it remains a 3-point lead. 2:34 - What a defensive play by Josh Smith. Paul Pierce went to the fadeaway, and while he was turning Smith raced over and blocked it right as he faced the basket to let it fly. Garnet picked up his second going the other way, and Marvin Williams will go to the line to shoot a pair. This is as well as the Hawks have played all game, and they are right back in this thing.
1:37 - Marvin, who is carrying the Hawks offensively right now, gets called for a reach-in for his 3rd and has to take a seat for the last 90 seconds. 4 of the 5 Hawks starters have 2 fouls right now, which while it isn't exactly foul trouble, it does bear watching for the second half. 39.6 - An underrated factor in this series for the Hawks has been their work from the charity stripe. Acie Law hits a pair, and it's back to 3. A stop here would be nice, and get a chance to go to the break possibly tied or down only 1. Saturday May 3, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 4:37AM AFT on May 3, 2008
12:00 - The crowd is here, that's for sure. Marvin Williams sticks a jumper from JJ, a great start. 2-0.
10:39 - Celtics take the lead on a Kendrick Perkins FG, 4-2, but Al Horford responds with a jumper to make it 4-4. The crowd is roaring with each basket. 9:26 - Josh Smith gets called for a charge, and though I disagree with the call, Smoove was a bit out of control. I want him being the receiver tonight, not the distributor. 8:38 - We don't look crisp on offense right now, with two straight turnovers. We aren't going to what works, and meanwhile, the Celtics are firing on all cylinders. Paul Pierce is 4-4 from the field for 8 points. I don't like him very much. 7:35 - Joe gets his first shot and hits it, but we aren't getting any stops right now. Still, the pace of the game is a little quicker, which favors us. 12-9 Celtics. 6:26 - Horford gets position inside on Pierce, who is forced to foul him. The home crowd absolutely loves Al. I continue to marvel at his presence in this series, and I hope we go to him often tonight. 6:01 - Mike Bibby draws a foul on Rajon Rondo, and the Hawks have drawn 3 shooting fouls, which bodes well. They have to attack tonight. 5:07 - Too many easy baskets for the Celtics so far. 18-14 Celtics after a short Josh Smith jumper. 4:34 - Al Horford gets called for a foul on what appeared to be a clean block on Kevin Garnett. He missed one-of-two, and I honestly think the crowd here has had an affect on the Celtics FT shooting in the games here. I don't know their percentage on the season, but I would bet it's been lower here in the playoffs. 0:00 - Sorry, short break for technical difficulties. In talking to assistant coach Bob Bender before tonight's game, he talked about how Atlanta needed to attack tonight. The Celtics were willing to give the Hawks jump shots, and Atlanta needed to be patient and not just take the first open look from the perimeter they got. Well, so far that plan has worked for Boston, as Atlanta has scored only six points in the paint. It's 32-20 Celtics lead at the end of one. The Hawks have their work cut out for them. Saturday May 3, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 4:35AM AFT on May 3, 2008
I have been live blogging so often lately, I feel like I've been doing it in my life in my own mind. I literally was walking into the media room saying to myself:
7:26 - I hope the media meal is good. 7:28 - Sweet - fajitas! Lang Whitaker is on assignment tonight, so he won't be providing me lines (sorry). Fortunately, ESPN.com's John Hollinger is. I'll see if I can get him to toss me a few cool stats throughout the night. I'm ready to get this thing started! Saturday May 3, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 12:34AM AFT on May 3, 2008
It's win or go home tonight for the Hawks, who face
elimination for the first time in this series against the Boston Celtics. It's
been a true tale of two cities for the Hawks, who've played exceptionally well
at home and, well, not so exceptional on the road. Atlanta will have to win at
least one game in Boston to advance, but they have to get tonight's game before
that even comes into play.
The play of the Hawks in pressing the Celtics deep into this series has been a huge NBA story, but just as big if not bigger has the fan support at Philips Arena. Not to take anything away from Joe Johnson and company, but I don't know if Atlanta would have extended the series as far as it's gone (with a chance to take it further) without the lift they've been getting from the home crowd. I fully expect the fans to have an impact tonight, and quite honestly, I think there is every reason to be confident the Hawks can send this series back to Boston. To do that though, the Hawks will have to replicate Game 3, not Game 4. Game 4 was an amazing win, but we can't count on Joe being able to carry the team to victory the way he did so spectacularly that night. That's not a knock on Joe, who hopefully has finally proven his place in the top echelon of NBA stars with his performance in this series. If anything, it's a validation of just how hard it is to pull off what he did. The truth is, Game 4 was played much more at the Celtics style and pace - the Hawks didn't get out and run much, and scored most of their points of individual efforts as opposed to team distribution. Game 4 was a terrific win, but it was an aberration. The Hawks are going to lose most games to the Celtics that are played with that tone and pace. Game 3, on the other hand, was the epitome of what makes Atlanta a team to reckon with. They were streaking up and down the court, getting easy baskets in transition, and getting each other open looks for shots so often that 4 of the 5 starters ended up with 6 assists or more. That's the Hawks team that needs to show up tonight. Friday May 2, 2008
Posted by: Micah Hart at 4:38AM AFT on May 2, 2008
Well, the inevitable news finally came out today, as Kevin Durant was named NBA Rookie of the Year. The voting wasn't particularly close, with Durant gathering 545 points to Al Horford's 390, and 90 1st place votes to Al's 30. I still maintain Horford should have won, but I suppose there are larger injustices in the world. Besides, if you ask Al whether he'd rather have the trophy or be participating in the most thrilling series of the NBA Playoffs, I'm pretty sure I know what his answer would be. But, one last time, let's reflect on Al's rookie season and the fun we had trying to promote his candidacy for ROY. |
I won't pretend to speak for all Hawks fans, but I know most of us were
disappointed when Al Horford was denied Rookie of the Year honors in favor of
Kevin Durant a couple weeks ago. That's not to say we were surprised at the
outcome of the voting - it was pretty clear most people had decided for KD
despite our protestations - but we held out hope until the end that the people
voting on the award would look a little deeper than just points per game to make
up their minds on a winner.
