Atlanta 95 Philadelphia 88

by Hoopinion on Nov 2, 2008 11:07 AM EST

Team	Poss	Off Eff	eFG%	FT Rate	OR%	TO%
PHI	91	0.97	44.7	14.1	35.7	19.8
ATL	91	1.04	47.2	9.9	29.8	9.9

Three more good defensive quarters were enough to make up for a dreadful opening quarter wherein Thaddeus Young narrowly failed in his attempt to outscore the Hawks singlehandedly. Young shone brightly and briefly but Joe Johnson's consistent excellence during the final three quarters (31 points, 12-18 shooting) propped up an otherwise sputtering Hawks offense though if Mike Bibby and Al Horford hadn't played well in the first half the game likely would have gotten out of hand whether the Hawks held Philadelphia to 31 second half points or not.

Despite the fine win against a good team there are still reasons for concern. Marvin Williams looked quite poor in his debut. Josh Smith took 9 jump shots (quite predictably making just 2). Outside of Zaza Pachulia's 4 point, 4 rebound fourth quarter stint, the second unit was quite poor. Maurice Evans and Acie Law IV were both -8 in limited minutes. Flip Murray (4 points, 8 shots) played the entire fourth quarter and I couldn't really make an argument for anyone to take his place on the court.

Finally, as impressive a shot as it was to make, Joe Johnson's 30-footer with 11 seconds left in the game does not inspire confidence that this year's Hawks team will be any better than last year's team at creating good shots on important possessions.

For the second time in four days, Mark Bradley is massively impressed:

The Hawks’ home opener began as if Philadelphia was Florida and the Hawks were … well, you know. But a funny thing happened on the way to a fairly colossal letdown: From 23 points down, the Hawks roused themselves and delivered a fairly emphatic beatdown.

And now they’re 2-0, having whipped two of the East’s better teams, which leads us to believe that these Hawks might themselves be one of the East’s better teams.

Elsewhere...

Joe Johnson is like high blood pressure.
No, Joe Johnson is like a video game.
For a Sixers' fan, the loss was embarrassing.

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Comments

"one of the East’s better teams"

I will write things that would make you believe I think that statement. but i certainly won’t actually write it.

I do love Mr. Bradley’s reckless conclusions. It makes me feel responsible.

by hawksdawgs on Nov 2, 2008 2:44 PM EST reply actions

Woodson

What is sad is this is a home opener. Mike Woodson’s team was down by 23. They came back, it was a good come back, but we were still down by 23 in the home opener. Maybe Atlanta Spirit LLC will give him another 5 years because of the comeback. AHHHHHH. Anyway 2-0 is better than I expected. Its fun. Will be there Friday night. New Orleans will be TOUGH.

ZAZA may be the most fun to watch on the team. I love when he is out of control.

by zaza on Nov 2, 2008 5:42 PM EST reply actions

GREAT POINTS

Despite the fine win against a good team there are still reasons for concern. Marvin Williams looked quite poor in his debut. Josh Smith took 9 jump shots (quite predictably making just 2).

Finally, as impressive a shot as it was to make, Joe Johnson’s 30-footer with 11 seconds left in the game does not inspire confidence that this year’s Hawks team will be any better than last year’s team at creating good shots on important possessions.

BOTH OF THESE ARE GREAT POINTS. WHY DOES MR. BRADLEY NOT MAKE THEM. HOW CAN HE MISS THIS OBVIOUS STUFF.

by zaza on Nov 2, 2008 5:45 PM EST reply actions

Hartford

I havent seen any of the games on television yet but so all I can go off of is the stat sheet. Why wasnt Hartford able to get more shots during the game? I thought they wanted to try to get him more shots this season.

They can do it.....Believe it!

by Webspinner on Nov 2, 2008 8:46 PM EST reply actions