Mike on the Hawks

Another win and a look ahead

Michael Y — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:59:03 +0000

So the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Toronto Raptors last night by the score of 111-89. It was the second time in 10 days that the Hawks had beaten down the Raptors, which the Hawks outscored them by 53 points combined in both contests. It has been a good start to the month of December for the Hawks. The bench has played exceptionally well in addition to the starters, as shown by Mike Bibby, Al Horford, and Joe Johnson all playing less than 28 minutes last night, with Bibby playing only 16 minutes himself. The fact that the bench has played well may not be as big of a deal right now, but it will have a big effect later. With Bibby being 31 years old, he can’t physically play 30 minutes a night for a whole season. I have said before how big the Jamal Crawford trade was, but with these good performances, it has given Jeff Teague a chance to get some good minutes to help him gain experience being a rookie. Four Hawks had double figures off the bench (Crawford, Evans, Pachulia, and Teague), and with them scoring, it will let the starters not have to work so hard so they will have more in the tank come playoffs time. (Yes, I said playoffs time. Part of becoming a contender is to not think about getting there but what is going to happen when you are there.)

The schedule for the Hawks for the season on the whole is not a bad schedule at all. There aren’t any crazy home or away streaks like they had last year when they were on the road for pretty much the whole month and home for the next. They have had a pretty mild beginning to December, but as we get closer to the end of the month and the beginning of January, I feel that it is the toughest part of their schedule. After playing very winnable games against the Nets and the Grizzlies, they play 5 out of 6 on the road, with a four game swing that goes from Chicago to Minnesota, then to Denver and a swing by Indianapolis before they end the year with a back-to-back home and home with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Lebron James (and if you remember correctly, swept the Hawks in 4 games in the playoffs last year). So the Hawks need to continue to play well so that they can get through this tough stretch of games with success and stay close or get on top of the Southeast division and/or Eastern Conference Standings.

A Complete Team Effort

Michael Y — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:11:10 +0000

So last night’s win at home (146-115) against the Raptors was more than getting back into the winning column after loosing a tough game Sunday in Detroit. The game against the Raptors was a huge offensive onslaught by the Hawks that left the Raptors heading to Hartsfield Airport to get out of Hotlanta as soon as they could. Before I get to the Hawks, I just want to say how disappointed I am in the Raptors. I wouldn’t consider myself a fan of the Raptors, but at the same time, I do prefer them over a number of different teams. I thought they would be a contender for a playoff spot for sure in the East this year, but so far they have not been very impressive, losing 10 of their 13 games by at least 8 points (with 6 of those games by 13+) and going 4-11 in their last 15 games. With one of, if not the tallest, starting lineups in the NBA (Bargnani, Bosh, Turkoglu in the front court with all at least 6′ 10″). I just don’t really understand why they are not better, except maybe for the play of their guards. But back to the Hawks. It was a somewhat historic effort with the Hawks scoring over 145 for the first time since 1993 (149 in a win against the 76ers). Nine different Hawks were in double figures, with Mo Evans being a point away from making it ten. Even rookie Jeff Teague had 13 points while playing 23 minutes. This won’t happen that often, but it is good to see the Hawks be able to share the rock and cruise to a win while getting everybody involved. One of the themes that the Hawks need to have is to win the games they are supposed to win and compete against the teams that are as good or better than them. They don’t have to win every game against Boston, Orlando, Cavs, or Lakers if they will take care of business the other games and at least show up against the good teams. Hawks have a back-to-back home and away this weekend, with the Knicks coming to town and then a game in Dallas. Like I said, take care of the games you are supposed to win and compete against the good teams.

Don’t just be thankful, but come hungry

Michael Y — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:40:06 +0000

As the Hawks prepare for their showdown on Thanksgiving with the Orlando Magic, they need to realize one thing – that despite sharing the best record in the East with Orlando, they still have a long way to go to get any respect, especially after losing to the Hornets the other night. The talk about the Hawks has pretty much since disappeared and all they did was lose to the Hornets to end their seven game winning streak. This season is still early, but in order to get some more real respect and to try and regain the lead in the Southeast division, they are going to have to come up with a good effort against the Magic. Last season, the Hawks went 1-3 against the Southeast division champions, with the lone win being the Hawks opening night win, meaning its been over a year since the Hawks defeated the Magic, so a win is important in help deciding the pecking order of the division this year. Even though they lost to the New Orleans Hornets last Saturday, the Hawks had a bigger loss, which was losing Mike Bibby to an ankle injury in the first quarter of the game. He is currently listed as day-to-day. The good thing for the Hawks is that they have and won’t have a game until the Thanksgiving showdown, giving Bibby pretty much the whole week to receive treatment and hopefully be ready to play Thursday, but if not, it is going to be up to Joe and Jamal to lead the team. To me, Teague just looks too lost and raw to be able to help the team out right now. He still needs the game to slow down for him, because he looks lost out there. But either way, the Hawks better not be just content to play on national TV on Thanksgiving, because if they do, the Magic will spank them. The Hawks need to come out hungry, with something to prove. Well, because they do.

Why the Hawks are on top of the East

Michael Y — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:39:15 +0000

Can you believe it? The Atlanta Hawks are 11-2 and have the best record in the NBA. Nobody gave the Hawks any respect when it came to finishing high in the Eastern Conference (they weren’t consensus to be the 4th seed), but they have shown a maturity and different mindset as they have begun the season. I think that there are three big reasons why the Hawks are doing as well as they are.

1.Consistent core

The core of the Hawks (aka starting 5) have been working together and building their relationship with each other and now they look really comfortable on the floor. Josh Smith (draft – 1st round) has been on the Hawks since the 04-05 season, Joe Johnson (sign and trade) and Marvin Williams (draft – 1st round) have been in Atlanta since the 05-06 season. Al Horford (draft – 1st round) and Mike Bibby (trade) came during the 07-08 season. So this Atlanta Hawks team has been playing and starting together for their second full year, which has let them become comfortable and now are allowing them to just ball rather than having to play basketball.

2. Jamal Crawford trade

I loved this trade as soon as I heard about it, but I don’t think that I realized the impact this trade would have on the season and the team. Jamal Crawford is the scorer that Mike Bibby is not. I qualify that though by also saying that Bibby is still very much important to the team because Jamal Crawford isn’t (a) the ball handler that Bibby is and (b) the leader that Bibby is. So while Mike Bibby is still very important to the Hawks, Crawford is filling in the scoring shoes that the now older Mike Bibby doesn’t do as well anymore. Yes, Bibby will still hit a shot if he is wide open, but it is Crawford that can create and open up other people because of his scoring presence.

3. Josh Smith growing up

So I think that this is probably the biggest reason why the Hawks are where they are today. Through 13 games, I would have never in a million years guessed that Josh Smith would have not had a 3 point attempt this season. He is averaging 16 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2.5 blocks and is shooting 56% from the floor (last year averaged 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block less per game). He is literally a beast on the floor, not only being a force on the defensive end, but attacking the basket on the other end. I said last year that he should just attack the basket and he would be successful. He has and the Hawks are currently leading the league with points-in-the-paint, with over 50 points per game.

I’m Back

Michael Y — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:59:41 +0000

So around the end of the playoffs last year, I stopped blogging. I had gone to a sport job fair and they [people from the Hawks organization, specifically the HR lady] told me that if they saw that I had a blog, they would probably just throw my resume out because they would consider me a fan, rather than somebody who really cares about working in sport. So for the past 7-8 months, that’s what I did. Upon further consideration (and, I will be honest, the fact that the Hawks are better than they were last year), I have realized that what I want to do is write and I am not going to not do something just because one person says they don’t like the idea of a blog. That being said, I hope you continue to read, comment, and care about what I do.

Why the Hawks have to win tonight

Michael Y — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 15:25:30 +0000

It is simple. If the Hawks want to win this series or at least win this series without having their backs against the wall, they have to win tonight. I didn’t realize that they Hawks haven’t won a road playoff game since 1997. They are currently 0-11. That stat is interesting, but that isn’t the stat that bothers me. If you recall last year, when Atlanta fans were happy that they won 3 games against the mighty Celtics, that all of those games were at home. If you also recall last year, the winning margins for the Celtics in Boston against the Hawks were by 23, 19, 25 and 34 points. To me, that is the cause of concern. It doesn’t matter that the Hawks haven’t won 11 straight road playoff games, it matters that this current Hawks team hasn’t won a road playoff game. Half the team wasn’t even 13 years old yet when that streak started, but they were all there when they choked, and choked hard, in Boston. Granted, the Heat are not anywhere near as talented as the Celtics were, but this game is so important because (a) it will break the Heat’s spirit a little bit (b) not put the Hawks down 2-1 with the chance to come back to Atlanta with their backs against a 3-1 deficit.

I am not completely sure why there was such a difference from game 1 to game 2, but from what I saw, it seemed the Hawks became complacent. The first game they played good team defense and stopped DWade from beating them. I guess they didn’t get the memo that you have to keep playing like that because he isn’t going to give up…ever. You have to play team defense, and on offense you have to attack the basket. Don’t settle for jumpers, take it down low. You want this game to be a defensive game. The Heat can and will beat the Hawks if the Hawks try and outscore the Heat and not play defense. The Hawks beat the Heat three times out of the four that they played this year. The Hawks didn’t score over 91 points in any of those games. I know defense isn’t pretty, but good defense wins games in the NBA Playoffs.

Mike’s Picks: NBA Playoffs 2009

Michael Y — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:30:15 +0000

So the NBA regular season is over. Let the playoffs begin! I am not going to claim that I am the magical guru and that you can take my picks to Vegas and get rich (which I do not endorse gambling at all), but here is how my little mind sees the playoffs shaking out.

Let’s start with the West, shall we?

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Utah Jazz
Jazz may give the Lakers problems, but Lakers in 6.

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (7) New Orleans Hornets
Nuggets should be able to slow down Chris Paul, Nuggets in 5.

(3) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks
Parker gets the Spurs out of the first round, Spurs in 7.

(4) Portland Trailblazers vs. (5) Houston Rockets
Blazers are 9-1 in last 10; another 1st round Rockets choke, Blazers in 7.

—–

(1) LA Lakers vs. (4) Portland Trailblazers
I will call an upset…Blazers in 7.

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (3) San Antonio Spurs
Nuggets are just better, Nuggets in 5.

—–

(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (4) Portland Trailblazers
Didn’t intend on having these 2 teams in the Western Conference finals, but Blazers in 6.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Detroit Pistons
These games might look like the Michigan St/UNC game, Cavs in 5.

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Chicago Bulls
Just look at the PG, Rondo > Rose, Celtics in 5.

(3) Orlando Magic vs. (6) Philadelphia 76ers
Continuation of the Eastern Conference 1st round snooze-fest, Magic in 4.

(4) Atlanta Hawks vs. (5) Miami Heat
You ever feel that knot in your stomach right before throw up…I hope that isn’t the case for the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta stops D-Wade on the road, Hawks in 6. [though it wouldn't surprise me if the Hawks somehow lost]

—–

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Atlanta Hawks
Would love to see the Hawks show up and play well like they did against the Celtics last year, but I just don’t see it happening, Cavs in 6.

(2) Boston Celtics vs. (3) Orlando Magic
Interesting series, will KG play? We’ll have to see, Magic in 7.

—–

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (3) Orlando Magic
Magic won’t be able to stop Lebron, Cavs in 6.

NBA CHAMPIONSHIP
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Portland Trailblazers
Last year spoiled us. Remember 2 years ago? I was working the board at ESPN Radio in Memphis and we were watching The Departed rather than paying any attention to the Spurs waxing the Cavs. Same thing this year except reversed, Cleveland in 5. (no matter if it is Portland or not)

Marvin’s back; Preview of playoffs on Tuesday

Michael Y — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 02:57:25 +0000

The Hawks weren’t going to back into the playoffs by waiting on Miami to lose. They went and took the fourth seed themselves. After dropping games to Philly, Boston, and Orlando, the Hawks bounced back this week to win three games (two on the road for all of you “Hawks cant win on the road” hater). Tonight they beat the Pacers, and got back Marvin Williams after a 16-game absence. It is good that the Hawks don’t have to worry about their seeding the last two games and can somewhat rest and get ready for the playoffs. Getting Marvin back tonight was huge for two reasons: (1) he can get a few games in under his belt to shake the rust off before it matters. The Hawks have impressed me with their performance while he has been out. They went 10-6 without him, with only one of those losses to a team that had a worse record than the Hawks. One person that has really stepped up is Josh Smith. He has been going to the basket and in addition to scoring, he has gone to the free throw line 47 times the last 5 games, while going to the free throw line 85 times for the whole month of March. He is attacking the basket, and in the process, opening up the offense for the Hawks. (2) he can get that chemistry back with his teammates. The Hawks have to play good defense if they are going to advance in the playoffs, and with the liklihood that they will be facing D-Wade in the first round, they are going to have to be able to have good team defense. Speaking of the Heat, guess who comes to town on Tuesday for the final home game of the regular season…the Miami Heat. I don’t like it when teams play and then turn around and play each other again in the first round of the playoffs, but sometimes the schedule works out that way. If I were Woodson, I would rest my starters more than usual in not only the game on Tuesday, but in the regualr season finale at Memphis on Wednesday as well. I don’t think momentum is as important in the NBA as it is in some of the other leagues, like MLB. Last year the Hawks didn’t have an impressive last few weeks, but they turned it on against the Celtics in the first round. I think now that they have the 4th seed locked up, they need to be getting ready for that series. Use the game on Tuesday to have the starters sitting on the bench talking about what they see the Heat doing on the floor, almost like a live video study. I don’t know what Woodson is going to do, but if he can motivate those players to play come playoff time so that the Hawks win a series and make the next one competitive, then I think Woodson has every right to keep being the coach of the team and it should shut up those that say he isn’t good enough.

Looking at the Hawks win objectively

Michael Y — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:47:20 +0000

Take that Hawks message board haters, the Atlanta Hawks dominated the LA Lakers yesterday afternoon. I don’t get to watch many of the Hawk’s games, but I was able to Sunday, and let me tell you, the Hawks really did dominate that game. BUT, as much as I would like to say that the Hawks are for real and that they are going to win in the playoffs, I put my “objectivity” hat on and look at the actual facts.

Fact #1: The game was at home. The Hawks are much better at home than on the road. The win would have been much more quality had they beat the Lakers on the road, because that is what the Hawks are going to have to do in the playoffs in order to advance.

Fact #2: The Lakers lost the game more than the Hawks won the game. Let’s examine the evidence. (a) Kobe Bryant had only 17 points. You know he can score more. (b) This was the Lakers fifth straight game on the road. They have been on the road for more than a week, they are tired. If you watched this game, you could tell that this wasn’t a good Laker performance. (c) The Lakers shot 35% from the floor and 20% from the 3pt line. You aren’t going to win many games shooting that poor from the floor.

Fact #3: The Hawks had every shot falling, and then some. Here is Mike Bibby’s ridiculous three pointer off the top of the backboard. [see below]

Yeah, it was a great victory for the Hawks, but let’s not get too carried away with it.

What did you learn from last year’s playoffs?

Michael Y — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 02:48:30 +0000

I see all these people on message boards and stuff getting onto the Hawks and saying how overrated and how “not good” they are because they are unable to beat the big boys, such as Boston, Cleveland, and San Antonio. To be honest, I don’t really understand why they are like that. I understand that expectations change over the course of a season, but should the expectations for the Hawks really change so much so that they go from people saying that they probably won’t make the playoffs to being unhappy with them being a #4 seed because they can’t beat the big boys? Give them a break. Last season they were 8 games under .500. This season they are 42-31 with 9 games left, secured a playoff spot already and most likely will be a #4 seed and host a first round series. I think they have a lot of positive things already this season and that it might just be too much for them to be expected to win an NBA championship. Might I also mention last year’s playoffs? Yeah, it was the Hawks that took the eventual NBA champions 7 games. The same Hawks team that was 8 games under .500. So don’t get on the Hawks during the regualar season. Let them show you how good they are in the playoffs, when it really matters if you can beat Cleveland, Boston, Orlando, and the other teams. Maybe they will surprise once again.