Preview and Game Thread #13: Houston Rockets @ Atlanta Hawks
by hawksdawgs on Nov 20, 2009 2:48 PM EST
422 comments
Houston Rockets at Atlanta Hawks, Nov 20, 2009 7:30 PM EST
| Atlanta Hawks 09-10 Season Game #13 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
@ |  |
| 7-5 | 10-2 |
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| Philips Arena |
||
| Nov. 20th, 2009, 7:30 PM | ||
| Sports South, Hawks Radio Network, NBA Audio League Pass | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Aaron Brooks |
PG | Mike Bibby |
| Shane Battier |
SG | Joe Johnson |
| Trevor Ariza |
SF | Marvin Williams |
| Luis Scola |
PF | Josh Smith |
| Chuck Hayes |
C | Al Horford |
|
|
||
Hawks Injury Report: None.
Rockets Injury Report: Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady are out. Tracy is sitting with hurt feelings too.
Blogging With the Enemy: The Dream Shake
Predicted bane of the Hawks existence: David Anderson. It would be only right.
Game Preview:
Houston is one of the surprise teams of the NBA. They are without their two best players due to injury and lost Ron Artest in the off season, yet are still beating and playing with some of the best teams in the league. But to be honest, I don't find it all that shocking. One of their stars in always hurt, check that both of their stars are always hurt and one of them has shown the team routinely plays well without him. Basically, they lost one superstar but still have the an all hustle, team oriented group left. Throw in Rick Adelman and replace Artest with Ariza, and a 7-5 record is not all that crazy. The Rockets are going to play hard every night, and Adelman has them playing a team game on offense. Combine all the factors and they can destroy the Lakers with pretty normal play and lose to the Kings the same way. Basically, you must show up against Houston and perform well, but you also do not need to worry your best is not good enough. Considering teams don't bring their best all the time, I expect the Rockets to continue play above .500 for most of the season.
Keys to the game:
- Make Trevor Ariza take tough shots. He is only shooting 39% this year. Keep Ariza out of the paint and force him to make jumpers with a Hawk in his face. Basically, make him earn his new contract on things that are not wide open threes and dunks.
- Joe Johnson not pressing. Joe is methodical. That is not a bad thing. He has great body control, an ability to create space, and superb touch around the basket. And it allows him to slow things down and work through the lane in the same way over and over again. I will assume Shane Battier not only knows this but plans to be certain spots much faster than other defenders. If Joe gets cut off from his routine, he cannot press and take bad shots or pick up offensive fouls. The Hawks are the better team with or without Joe scoring 25.
- Good Josh Smith. I used to watch Luis Scola and say "if only Josh played with his energy...." Well, Josh has been, and he will need to continue to do so tonight because you can bet Scola will come with his usual hustle and annoyance.
Comment of the Heat game thread with 4 recs goes to eyy. Following an odd heave by Joe Johnson,
"I thought it was a bad shot, but it was just a heat check. Thankfully."
See you in part, if not all, of tonight's thread.
Go Hawks!
0 recs |
422 comments
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I say we get rid of the "Predicted Bane of the Hawks Existence"
Times have changed. It should be replaced with “Most Likely to Get Posterized.”
by Buzzsaw on Nov 20, 2009 3:36 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
You wouldn't even have to change the player tonight
by Buzzsaw on Nov 20, 2009 3:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
bane= the cause of ruin?
no bain – Anderson plays like he’s got a cane
by RivBoatGambler on Nov 20, 2009 5:52 PM EST up reply actions
Scene--Phillips Arena, Shootaround...
Old Man Collins: Let’s do some tip drill. Can’t have you missin easy points like last game.
McSmiles: Aw man, you know we ain’t playin tonight.
Old Man Collins: We might. We’re a lot better than the Rockets.
McSmiles: Shut up man, you know we ain’t playin.
Old Man Collins: I know, I know. So what you wanna play tonight?
McSmiles: I don’t know, we never finished 20 questions Wednesday.
Old Man Collins: It was Ennis Whatley. That game sucks anyway.
McSmiles: We could just watch the game.
Old Man Collins: Quit messin around.
McSmiles: Why do I always gotta choose? Man, my tummy is hurtin. Why’d we have to eat Chinese food, I wanted some Fat Matt’s.
Old Man Collins: Cause I’m older than you fat boy. Gosh.
McSmiles: [giggles}
Old Man Collins: What?
McSmiles: Gosh. Nice one Stanford.
Old Man Collins: Quit stallin, what are we gonna do?
McSmiles: How bout I spy?
Old Man Collins: Yeah, I love that game.
McSmiles: I’m gonna win this time.
Old Man Collins: Mmmhmm. I’m getting my ankles taped. You comin?
McSmiles: Fool you know we ain’t playin. Besides, I gotta go potty. My tummy is hurtin bad.
I like the part where he giggles.
It’s hard to imagine what a smile-less giggle looks like.
I was serious.
It is difficult for this idea to not be funny to me regardless of execution. I also like the detail in Ennis Whatley.
Do not get mad - funny post.
My theory for Josh Smith’s improvement: imagine a near-empty locker room, Josh Smith is sitting at his locker when Jamal Crawford walks in, an angry scowl on his face.
JC: I see you took five threes today.
JS: Yeah, so? I do it all the time.
JC: But you only made one.
JS: That’s just my game, man.
JC: [grabbing Smith by the collar] Look here sonny, I got to where I am today by jacking up ill-advised threes. That’s who I am. I’ve even changed my name legally to Jamal Ill-Advised Three Crawford. There’s only room on this team for one ill-advised three-point shooter, and by God it’s going to be me.
JS: Chill out, man. I guess I’ll just try to get attention some other way. Blocking shots or something. Rebounding. We’ll work it out. I know bad threes are your thing.
my new favorite hawks fan is sara
after saying the difference for the Hawks was Joe’s play, Sara brought truth in the JA Adande chat.
To his credit, JA took the question. To his discredit, he did not admit his mistake which I assume means he beyond oblivious.
Sara (Atlanta )
Um, J.A., you obviously do not watch many Hawk games. Joe is doing what Joe has been doing the last 4 years. The difference in the Hawks is that Josh Smith and Al Horford are playing at an elite level, and Jamal Crawford is a threat off the bench. I still worry that the Hawks do not have enough size to match up with Orlando, Cleveland and L.A.
J.A. Adande
(4:01 PM)
I was keeping track last year, when the Hawks had a stretch of four losses in 5 games and Joe had nights of 13 points, 14, 11 and 11 in there. Superstars don’t let that happen. Neither has Johnson so far this year.
It's good to be on top.
Pull off back to back wins tonight and tomorrow, (remaining holdouts include FoxSports and SI) and we should be on top in all of them next week. We’re look to expand our to record to a new franchise high of 2 weeks in all the others.
I know it’s way too early to be scoreboard watching, but who do we want to lose tonight when Boston plays Orlando? Personally, Orlando scares me a bit more, so I wouldn’t mind seeing them dropping a few games.
I'm not concerned much with either...
Boston is old. We’re more athletic, and match up just fine with them. If they can stay intact through the season, I still think we can beat them.
As for Orlando, I wonder if they have continuity issues. Hedo is gone and not really replaced as a facilitator. They have no backup PG and now Jameer Nelson will be out for a while. Vince Carter is injury prone and possible to miss game. Mickael Pietrus is in need of surgery at some point. Reshard Lewis missed the first 10 games bringing into question whether they ever have a full compliment of players.
I’m not concerned much with either, provided the Hawks can bring their A game.
JJ vs. Shelden
Hmm conflict. I’d say let’s go Magic. Orlando is bound to drop a few while Jameer is out.
by coachkcastellon on Nov 20, 2009 6:59 PM EST up reply actions
I believe Orlando is the better team and we play them soon - Maybe an Orlando loss would beat down their confidence
by RivBoatGambler on Nov 20, 2009 7:02 PM EST up reply actions
I agree that Orlando is better, and also that we match up with them worse.
They really frighten me. I fear we may be blown out by them next week followed by every national writer jumping off the bandwagon like Titanic. Let’s not forget their demolition of our feelings in the preseason (though it was the preseason).
When you have howard - If he is cooking - can blow out a vry good team
I could be wrong but I believe Howard is the 1st guy I’d pick if I had to start a team.
by RivBoatGambler on Nov 20, 2009 7:35 PM EST up reply actions
Nique with the analysis.
So let’s hit the boards and be efficient. Sounds good to me.
hmmmmm
They are okay. jus gotta get the boards
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 7:49 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I love knowing that
if the ball is above the rim for more than a second, someone is going to dunk it. It’s a warm feeling.
Marvn...
Looks like he’s playing with a lot more confidence tonight…very active on the boards
'Nique stealing my comments...
Get out of my head!
Little slow on the commenting
Anyone else catch the Josh Smith to Bibby alley-oop attempt…again? That’s like 3 straight games they’ve tried it, and it’s failed.
Eventually they’re going to have to stop with that.
Again...
I say…Marvin is looking very confident tonight
We should keep the pace so Chuck fat ass won't be able to keep up
by dstdeelite on Nov 20, 2009 7:59 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Marv is playing very sexy right now
I wish I were one of his ladies of the night
by coachkcastellon on Nov 20, 2009 8:02 PM EST reply actions
omg guard them!
Scola killin us double him
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 8:03 PM EST via mobile reply actions
jj is usually my main man
But marv is on fire!
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 8:05 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I think we may have figured this out.
No Scola inside, no Ariza or rooks outside. Don’t double off these dudes.
I hate Ariza. He thinks he's a stud.
by dstdeelite on Nov 20, 2009 8:06 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I think
Marv’s ’stache was just unbalanced…he clearly put a little Rogaine on the thinner side…and we can see the resutls!
Even thought Budinger was an all american volleyball player
If a volleyball match broke out at Phillips, I’m pretty sure we’d absolutely dominate.
by Buzzsaw on Nov 20, 2009 8:09 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
dang who called it?
It took jj five shots to get one
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 8:10 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Who decides to "dine in" at the Taco Mac in Phillips?
Go watch the game people!
Why does Nique say nimbers? Where is he from originally? I'm from Mississippi and I'm not that bad.
by dstdeelite on Nov 20, 2009 8:15 PM EST via mobile reply actions
o yea
Jj is unpredictable but normal at the same time
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 8:15 PM EST via mobile reply actions
come on hawks
Pass it and here is the passer
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 8:16 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Teague will be okay when he figures out how to run the offense.
by dstdeelite on Nov 20, 2009 8:17 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Get that pathetic beard outta here David Andersen.
Now I understand why we couldn’t use him.
Half-beards are acceptable if they are of the shadow variety.
None of this weak “I can only grow this much” nonsense.
Absolutely...
I always assumed half-beard and goatee were the same…but then again, that’s probably the reason I don’t play for the Hawks
Shout out to the Woodster for sticking with the hot hand.
by dstdeelite on Nov 20, 2009 8:23 PM EST via mobile reply actions
this rocket team seems less
Dangerous to me.
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 8:24 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Woody is preemptively sitting him so he won't have to sit him on his 3rd
It’s like when my coaches would sit me for whole games to keep me from picking up those 1st and 2nd fouls….
When he's hot he's hot
So is Joe getting fouled or is Battier playing true defense?
by coachkcastellon on Nov 20, 2009 8:28 PM EST up reply actions
Smoove just picked up that dreaded disease similar to H1N1
2 foul in the first half
by dstdeelite on Nov 20, 2009 8:28 PM EST via mobile reply actions
come on guys
Get away with a lead……….marv!
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 8:33 PM EST via mobile reply actions
but they just won't go away...
maybe our world famous fourth quarter defense will make this one out of reach
Josh playing a not-so-good 1st half is the difference.
I knew Joe was in for a long one with Battier on him.
by coachkcastellon on Nov 20, 2009 8:35 PM EST up reply actions
jj needs plays
Other than one on one. but true to pass it to the hot guy marv although jj wont stay guardable
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 8:41 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Love JJ but I want the bigs to go off. JJ will have another good day soon but we need to play inside out
by RivBoatGambler on Nov 20, 2009 8:45 PM EST up reply actions
different guys every night to win
Deep team for real
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 8:52 PM EST via mobile reply actions
jj dribbling is good
But bad when we have an open man
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 8:54 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Anyone read ESPN Daily Dime chats...
I feel like Hollinger just constantly craps on Atlanta and the Hawks…not a fan
Josh is in the building. Somebody has kidnapped Smoove.
by dstdeelite on Nov 20, 2009 9:00 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Houston just very good and active - and we didn't get the bigs off first - downside to Marvin and Jamal shooting so much
Along with JJ – you have to make choices. Me? I like the bigs every time
by RivBoatGambler on Nov 20, 2009 9:02 PM EST up reply actions
Scola and Hayes do not seem to realize that they have no skill whatsoever
Rockets have got to be the most annoying team in the NBA. They are like the Hawks, but with no talent.
yep but energy makes up for talent - we were like that last year on a lot of nights
by RivBoatGambler on Nov 20, 2009 9:03 PM EST up reply actions
I can read tomorrow's headline
Streaking Rockets cool off steaming Hawks
by dstdeelite on Nov 20, 2009 9:04 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Rockets beating us in our game to some extent
Points in the paint and second chance points. Good time for Marvin to have a comeback night…it’d be nice if JJ could pick it up, too.
Marvin Williams: Untamed and Uncut
On DVD Tuesday.
by Duff_Man on Nov 20, 2009 9:12 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
marv!
Still on fire outside the line. picked up where he left off last year
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 9:12 PM EST via mobile reply actions
this is a weird game
I know were leading but how were keeping it remains a mystery with all the missed shots and lack of offensive rebounds but the defense isnt that bad
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 9:19 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Please dispose of these Rockets before Aaron Brooks realizes Bibby can't guard him.
by dstdeelite on Nov 20, 2009 9:19 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Dammit, Joe! It's not your night! Don't force it!!
by dstdeelite on Nov 20, 2009 9:22 PM EST via mobile reply actions
come on hawks!
Show 4th quarter presense
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 9:23 PM EST via mobile reply actions
This is the equivalent of playing a pusher in tennis
just lob the ball back over and over, no pace, no serve
We need some transition points to get our offense rolling again.
But that means they have to miss….
And calls.
But this is not a garbage team. Effort is underrated in the NBA; all of their games are like this. I kind of feel like we’re getting some payback for our good luck in the Portland game.
They do not have a player who would start for any of the top 4 in the East or West
maybe Brooks, but that is it. They are playing way over their heads.
Chuck Hayes and Scola are garbage, and I will stand by that.
josh has a right to be pissed
If he gets a t so be it cause the refs are being unreasonable…..but i take that back. they have to play through these problems
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 9:31 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I just feel like the Hawks are going to lose this game....
…the referees have been atrocious and the Hawks just are not playing well. Bad combo.
Carl Landy is attempting to put up a very Zaza double-double
Lots of shooting, lots of missed shots, and lots of rebounding his own misses.
No losses on our home turf, please!!!
by dstdeelite on Nov 20, 2009 9:35 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Did they let the upper deck fans come down to the floor seats at halftime?
Lots of empty seats disguised as fans all of a sudden.
Marvin saw "Like Mike"
and felt inspired.
by eyy on Nov 20, 2009 9:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This will be an underrated win at the end of the year.
Nothing seemed to be going right about 5 minutes ago. Refs, loose balls, Josh going postal, etc.
Marvin man of the match
I'll Have A Matty Ice Please.
by IllHaveAMattyIcePlease on Nov 20, 2009 9:43 PM EST reply actions
Josh Smith the latest victim
of Woodson subbing out with 5 fouls and never putting him back in. It didn’t really matter since the Hawks went on a run, but it could have been the story.
Playing devil's advocate
Woody could have just been concern with Smoove tackling an official if he called that 6th foul on him.
Perhaps he's worried the score table made a mistake
and doesn’t want to see a redo game like against the Heat. Only other explanation.
omg
Close them out no o.t. pleeeease
by Hawksgirl on Nov 20, 2009 9:51 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Their coach looks like Dennis Hopper
by dstdeelite on Nov 20, 2009 9:54 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Gotta love that Bibby dance.
Let’s see it again tonight.
Well, all this stress will be worth it
If it ends in the Bibby dance.
No al if we go to overtime.
I say we score in the last 5
Damn bounces going right to them all night
that was not a pass by Scola, he just happened ot lose the ball right to this scrub
Woody:
“I knew he shouldn’t have played one more second than he did.”
we did not play good but like houston we played gritty basketball - the best team won
by RivBoatGambler on Nov 20, 2009 10:06 PM EST reply actions
The funny thing is
That’s exactly how that play was drawn up. Try to force the ball to JJ, fail, work it to Bibby, who drives in against a double team, throws up a shot against two defenders, misses on purpose, and Josh Smith crashes in for the game-winning basket.
Trust me. Woodson is actually some kinda play-calling Savant.
It's our year folks!!!!!!!!!!
We got to lead off SportsCenter tonight don’t ya think?
Smoove – MVP
Woody – COY
Jamal – 6thOY
by xavip on Nov 20, 2009 10:10 PM EST via mobile reply actions
They're gonna be tired as hell tomorrow against the Hornets. Good win! Smoove for MVP!!!!!!!!
by dstdeelite on Nov 20, 2009 10:13 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I was just going to say that but only JJ and Marv had over 40 minutes...
Josh should definitely have fresh legs
off night for smooth but ended up being the man
by RivBoatGambler on Nov 20, 2009 10:14 PM EST up reply actions
He only played 24:38
Woodson didn’t him a chance to extend his double-double streak. Still ended up with 9, 8 and 4 blocks.
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