Playoff Preview and Game Thread #2.1: Atlanta Hawks @ Cleveland Cavaliers
| Atlanta Hawks 2nd round playoffs Game #1 | ||
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| 0-0 | 0-0 |
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| Quicken Loans Arena |
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| May, 5th 2009, 8:00 PM | ||
| TNT, Hawks Radio Network, NBA Audio League Pass | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Mike Bibby | PG | Mo Williams |
| Joe Johnson | SG | Delonte West |
| Marvin Williams? |
SF | LeBron James |
| Josh Smith | PF | Anderson Varejao |
| Al Horford | C | Zydrunas Ilgauskas |
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Hawks Injury Report: Marvin Williams should play, but I do not know whether he will start.
Cavs Injury Report: JJ Hickson and Lorenzen Wright are out.
Blogging With the Enemy: Fear the Sword
Predicted bane of the Hawks existence: LBJ
Game Preview:
Did you know the Cavs and the Hawks have one the exact same amount of games in this year's playoffs? What about the fact that the Hawks played the better team last round? Were you aware that the series is currently 0-0?
I believe there is a saying that goes something like "and that is why they play the game." Yea, well that expression has been thrown out for this series. And those questions, yea no one cares how you answer them. The Cavs already won. Just an FYI before you waste your time watching this game.
Really, the build up is a bit ridiculous. LeBron is a world beater. At this point, a five game series would be an indictment on the Cavs. In every sense of the phrase, the Hawks have nothing to lose. You would think they won 25 games during the season.
Do I think the Hawks will win this series? No way, no how. Do I think they can win this series? Yes sir. And that right there is apparently enough evidence to put me in the loony bin. And I would not have it any other way. I didn't start a Hawks blog to look more sane. The hope may be drying up but the kool aid is still pouring fresh.
Five keys to the game:
- Anderson Varejao may average four charges a game this series. Josh Smith may have 1.5 technicals. But if Josh can control his game and emotions, he has the athleticism to eat up Mr. Anderson. And he needs to for a Hawks victory.
- A very close to healthy Marvin Williams and Al Horford.
- No triple double for LeBron. Yes, I actually think this is a key.
- All-star Joe.
- Rebounds. The Cavs are much bigger so it is going to take hustle, determination, and focus. Something the Hawks do not like doing unless they are being loudly cheered for it.
So much to comment on so little time. It is the second round of the playoffs against the best team in the league. Lets get to it. Go Hawks!
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Comments
the sarcasm
and the serious don’t come through too well (unless, of course, the entire write-up in tongue-in-cheek…in which case, I’m thoroughly confused)
I really can’t wait for this game. Passed a huge exam today, so I’m already loose on it (love Cinco de Mayo, and I LOVE Dos Equis) and ready to watch our boys run all over the Lebrons (you know he’ll be weighted down by having to lug around that MVP trophy for the whole game)
my writing shortcomings must be coming through
i was trying to say it is ridiculous how little respect the hawks are getting. and i think they are going to lose.
but i still think they CAN win. and i choose to drink that kool aid.
im ready
for the lebron vs the hawks game tonight
Baseball is a game where a curve is an optical illusion, a screwball can be a pitch or a person, stealing is legal and you can spit anywhere you like except in the umpire's eye or on the ball.
James Patrick Murray
Me Against The World
The Hawks arent the Pistons. I think the Pistons could have won a game or two if they hadn’t already mailed it in and started to plan for their own seperate next career moves. The Hawks will get atleast 2 and most likely push this one to 7. Lebron got a phantom call in the second Cavs at Hawks meeting or the season series would have been 2-2. My logic may be flawed because Im sure he will get atleast 5 phantom calls a game during the season. They just have to fight through it. Paul Pierce and Wade should have prepared them for flopping and a bunch of phantom calls going against them.
Feeling Good!
Got my beer mug in the freezer, and am off for the next two days. The possibilities are endless. Let the show begin.
A few things to think about
I’m setting the deadline on a Josh Smith pouty technical at the third quarter of game 2. If he doesn’t get one by then, something weird is going on in this series.
The over/under for the amount of times that Marvin or Mo Evans is called “Mo Williams” is 3.5 for game 1. This number is expected to decrease as the series goes on, with the possible exception of the final game in this series.
If the Hawks somehow win this serieswho will be the series MVP? (one might ask) Marvin will be the x-factor, but the MVP will have to be Joe Johnson. He’s gonna have to play like he did for the first two weeks of the season. 25/7/5, while shooting close to 40% on threes and close to 50% overall-and limiting the turnovers as well. And that’s just a basement figure-he might have to do even more.
I have no idea who will get pissed at Zaza first, but I’m sure that Varejao will deliver a flagrant on him at some point in this series. Either that, or he’ll deliver a flagrant to some other Hawk, but it will be because he’s mad at Zaza.
What does Atlanta need to do to win game 1? Shoot LeBron James
Thank you Chuck for that encouraging assessment.
I'm extremely tired
of everyone acting like we don’t even deserve to be on the same floor as them. I really hope we can play a good game tonight and shut some people up
Apparently, Horford WILL level the paint to guard Ilgauskus
I kind of hoped that Horford would stay near the paint and Josh Smith would switch on Ilgauskus on the perimeter.
Cleveland isn't utilizing Delonte West, though
And you’re not seeing West setting screens for James to force the switch. It’s almost like they haven’t been watching film on us.
Evans was clearly bothered by LeBron running out on him
That’s such a mismatch at the 3 it’s not even fair.
I was afraid that Josh Smith would end up matched on LeBron
The crazy things, Mo Evans was mostly the man guarding him while he was on the floor. Marvin comes in, and now we’re seeing a lot of Josh Smith on LeBron.
How stupid is that?
Wow, Joe actually exploits the Cleveland defense
Double comes right as he catches he ball, and he quickly splits the D and puts up a nice floater.
We need to withstand this LBJ dominance to have a shot. He can't shoot like this the whole game can he?
Josh Smith the enigma
He was awesome for us for about 6 minutes. Since then he’s 1-3 with two turnovers.
Why switch everything?
Some switches are almost like giving away free points.
Lol
Forgot about Joe Smith being on this team.
That’s two Cleveland players, with Mo Williams, who will end up confouding the play by play guys. Mo Evans will be Mo Williams several times, and Joe Johnson will be Joe Smith a t least once or twice.
Good evening fellas!
Let’s play some ball! I like that we’re only down my 2! Good stuff..
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
CURSES!!!
I would have liked to see that…
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Josh Smith from about 3 is acceptable...
I might be giving him a foot…
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions
We can win
Its all about who wants it..Hawks have nothing to lose because we supposed to lose…at least we dont have to put up with d-wade cryin the whole game. Were keepin it close…Lets go Joe
GO HAWKS
LeBron James on pace for 64
Probably won’t get there. But I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he goes for 50.
Wade
i know i can actually watch without throwing my remote at him everytime
Josh Smith
Does he understand that all of his points are from the inside. It seams he doesn’t because he keeps shooting jumpers. I wish we could sign Paul Millsap a guy that could play when Josh decides he doesnt want to play the right way.
The Difference
Between watching this series and last series…
I could see myself not liking Wade if he was a total jerk….
LeBron…… not so much….
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
I sometimes wonder if Charles Barkley would succeed in today's NBA
It’s not like it’s been that long, but he was a 6’6 power forward, whereas now most PFs are 6’10ish.
Is it Me
or does woody always look like hes mad at something???
Atlanta needs to make a run now that LeBron is sitting
I think it would be huge for them to have a lead by the time he gets back.
JAMES
now that james is out we shouldnt have to double anybody…and can we hit a shot this quarter
Thats gonna get old...
I loved the cheers during the regular season… now… Not so much…
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
Same here Bronn
My family thinks I’m crazy for saying he didn’t need t come help…
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Dont like Marvins Demeanor on the Court
Holding his freaking wrist. Get him out. How quickly this game turned.
Better than the "Full House" theme heard on ABC several times in game 7.
I still am bewildered by that.
BROOM???
Does anybody have a broom handy???
The Cavs need 1 to start sweeping the Hawks off the court :)
Signs on the Times..
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Really need to get Joe Johnson back on the floor
The double team was actually a near-disaster for Cleveland early.
Josh Smith???
He is horrible!!!! The only thing he can do is dunk and block shots. He has NO outside jumper at all. He has missed about 100 open jumpers in this playoffs.
Wondering who you're rooting for...
Just sayin… lol!
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Not the Hawks
He was on here during the Miami series spouting all kinds of non-sense. He’s a troll, ignore him and he will go away.
"If Woody were Captain of the Titanic, he'd argue the boat sinking speaks to how effectively they put rich people in life boats and lock the poor folks below."
-jrauch commenting at Hoopinion on Woody's (non)logic in his post-game comments
Hope you just saw that sweet drive through the defense by Josh
He can do that, when he’s playing smart.
Go back whereever u came from dude
We dont need u here. You will disappear as soon as the Cavs lose a game. Loudmouth sucker.
by Hawks-Semi Fan on May 5, 2009 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Answer
I am here to point out just how horrible the Hawks are. I’m going back to the couch now. Be back in a bit. Try not to miss me.
Won't be that hard sir...
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm hoping you're right Ram..
It’s not likely, but they can prove allot of people wrong by winning one at home..
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow.... This is his "encouragement"????
“Man…. wake up! Like I did morning… at the Courtyard… They have a good continental breakfast… just sayin…”
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
Horford is developing Josh Smith syndrome.
He’s a better shooter than Smith, but he still needs to resist that jump shot.
Uh oh!
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed.
Anyone comparable?
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Comparable?
Calvin Johnson in the NFL. 6’5, runs a 4.39. But LeBron is even bigger, and nearly as fast.
It's like when you're watching a little league game
and you see that one kid who’s just the best player. And you’re like “That’s not fair, he’s better than those other kids.”
That’s watching LeBron James most of the time.
Ilgauskus said it himself...
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Josh SMith didn't really have that jump hook working in the first round
But he’s really developed that hook shot into a weapon. When he uses it, he’s mostly effective with it.
It makes a stark contract to when he first arrived in the league
he used to have zero post moves. Now he’s at least got a few things he can do.
Airballs all night..
I remember watching him win the dunk contest and getting SUPER excited thinking the Hawks were the bomb, then seeing him actually play and got so sad…. lol…
I was a kid…
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Josh is a freak himself...
not as good at handling the rock as James, but a freak in his own right, when he plays to his strengths.
Keeping it close...
Time for Joe to play some piano music…
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
Definitely...
Just to stay consistent…
I’ll call him…. The Rock!
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
This PC commercial is false advertising...
Just saying…
(Mac User in the House!)
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
Not bad so Far
Why have a chance. I will be happy to play a competitive game on the road. If we can not get blown out Im happy.
I think I'm gonna be sick!
If I have to listen to how great LeBron is all series, I’m gonna throw up in my mouth. Jeez! Give that s*@t a rest already. I was so surprised he was the player they interviewed at the half. Shocker!!
As usual...
I don’t get it…
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow, I'm loving this...
I swear they’re playing a game…
“How little can we talk about the Hawks”
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
I would give my right arm for an upset tonight....
Not really….but I’m just saying. I would love to shut the haters up!
It might. I seriously believe if we could win this series we could go to the finals. I'm not scared of Boston or Orlando if we can win this one
Mo Evans and turnovers
Are killing us plus that wasn’t a 3 by Mo Williams his foot was on the line.
Josh not getting upset with many calls tonight..
is something wrong?
http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com
I'm a little angry at that.
I swear, LeBron taking that offensive foul-it’s unfair how good the man is.
you should not be smart enough to take a charge
athletic enough to block the shot.
and a superstar enough to foul and not get caught.
Somehow
Zaza is already less effective this series than against Miami.
Game one isn’t even over yet, TNT!
if these are not defensive fouls on lebron
they have to be offensive right?
lots of contact that bron bron initiates.
I think we've found his
“Thing”
Wade flops… LeBron gets away with Offensive Contact…
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Problem is...that never gets called.
That was the ONE thing I liked about Jordan. He never played for fouls. He played to score the bucket. They just handed him fouls, but he never tried to play to draw fouls (Wade, Pierce).
Jordan Rules
Coaches talked about it, but it was irrelevant because you couldn’t really stop him anyway.
I swear, sometimes I hear Ryan Cameron, even when there's no whistle
“That foul was OFFENSIVE! LeBron JAmes”
dwyane wade is incredible
but the difference in lebron and wade is down right staggering.
and i mean that as an extreme compliment to james.
Wow...
Can someone tweet him that “Eye of the Tiger” song… c’mon Rocky!!!
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
And if we lose they'll say,
“Even a rusty Cleveland is no match for Atlanta!”
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions
that is at least the fifth foul
that the hawks were so beaten they fouled as hard as they could.
which is not good fyi.
We need some dunks (successful) dunks from Josh...
Break their concentration..
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
Woodson is looking for an effective floor combination
He needs to keep Mike Bibby and Josh Smith, his two leading scorers, on the floor together.
fyi
out of a double team one pass does not classify as ball movement.
esp. if it is the pass out of the double team.
Josh Smith and Bibby are our two most effective offensive players tonight
Need 12 minutes of strong play from both. Josh Smith also doing all right on defense, but he doesn’t seem to have any 1 assignment.
Honestly, I’d go with Bibby, JJ, Smith, Horford, Zaza-as much as I normally hate that line-up, I think that’s what needs to come out for the final quarter.
Atlanta is 24-48, 5-11 from three
I never anticipated they’d shoot this well. They’re turning the ball over much more than they normally do, though.
It's just 16...
Hopefully Woody wrote something good… Joe has to step up…
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
I was just saying to my brother,
“Is he a starter now!?!”
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
don't give up on the Hawks
hello, not a lifelong hawks fan or anything (definitely not a Cavs fan), I just want to stop by to say that no matter the outcome of this series, I think your Hawks are amazing this year, considering where they were and where they are now.
By the way, I don’t think it’s a bad thing that Josh Smith attempts jump shots, because I mean he has to start from somewhere, and taking a few jump shots a night will help him develop his range. Just imagine how lethal he would be if he can shoot like Joe and dunk like Josh. Anyways, good luck and shock the world!!
Finally, here comes Mo Evans
Not that that’s much better…but at least he won’t take and miss 4 straight shots.
I don't mind if he's that open. But he is flat tonight.
Not sure why we don’t throw Acie in and run up and down the court on these guys.
O-No! lol…
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions
dAGGER
Baseball is a game where a curve is an optical illusion, a screwball can be a pitch or a person, stealing is legal and you can spit anywhere you like except in the umpire's eye or on the ball.
James Patrick Murray
lol bibby
I should have more faith in that guy.
Drive the ball 24/7 (exception of Bibby)
That’s how the hawks will win!!
No more taking 18 foot jump shoots when the Lane is wide open
http://www.49ersboard.blogspot.com
lol...
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions
ZaZa hasnt gotten a call
at least 3 times
Baseball is a game where a curve is an optical illusion, a screwball can be a pitch or a person, stealing is legal and you can spit anywhere you like except in the umpire's eye or on the ball.
James Patrick Murray
Braves trying to come back..
Send some vibes our way Cox!!!
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
I haven’t followed your team for a long time, but I think you guys need a new coach…so much talent on the roster….
honestly, I have only been watching the Hawks last season's series and this post season
and I gotta say, I’m loving the talents of your team (most def. Josh Smith) and I also respect how Joe Johnson doesn’t complain after every foul.
You're not alone...
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Lol...
Agreed.
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Defensive***
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions
It was actually kind of funny
Josh Smith was trying to figure out where Bibby went, and Bibby’s down on the floor trying to scramble back up.
If that was a flop by Bibby, he really went all out. He slid backward like 3 feet along the floor.
Hawks haven't quit though, that's a good sign.
Even if they lose, if they keep this attitude, they will make it a series
Just allot of bad passes...
Bad shot… Bad coaching….
Win or lose… Fire Woodson… I think I’ll take it Congress…
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
think wel be able to steal one thursday?
thats the goal, according to a jj interview i saw, take the second game and win at home
Baseball is a game where a curve is an optical illusion, a screwball can be a pitch or a person, stealing is legal and you can spit anywhere you like except in the umpire's eye or on the ball.
James Patrick Murray
Why did he touch the ball again?
Time to sit Flip…
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
bibby needs to try some crazy treys
Baseball is a game where a curve is an optical illusion, a screwball can be a pitch or a person, stealing is legal and you can spit anywhere you like except in the umpire's eye or on the ball.
James Patrick Murray
What type of halfcourt offense does Atlanta run?
Is it just slash, drive, kick, slash, drive, kick?
Bork bork bork!
by Avinash Kunnath on May 5, 2009 10:32 PM EDT reply actions
One-on-one
Pass to a man (90% of the time it’s JJ) and hope he beats his defender. Generally, there’s 0-1 passes in a halfcourt set.
Hyped the Crowd
wait… we’re not home…
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions
if mario had hit that jumper
and i knew the hawks were going to lose; i may have accepted the 20 point loss.
In the Playoffs.
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions
at least the hawks starters
don’t seem to effected by the loss…….
they look like they are waiting for the bus.
lol next game is gonna be on ESPN (i think?)
it’s gonna get even worse.
Noooo!!!
Not that woman….
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
by Garrison Hayes on May 5, 2009 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions
At least they didn't score 100...
No consolation…. Whatsoever.
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
I still feel like the game was a bit closer than the final score
Atlanta’s most effective scorers, Josh Smith and Mike Bibby, were not touching the ball nearly enough in the second half. They weren’t lobbying for their shots, and teammates weren’t looking for them.
And to add to that
Joe Johnson wasn’t bad, but I think he only had one shot attempt after halftime. He did have a lot of turnovers, but only 10 shot attempts and 6 assists? That’s Atlanta’s big 3, as I see it, and they were apparently not part of the offensive game plan in the second half.
And Atlanta only had 3 second half turnovers. The problem is obvious. Wrong guys taking the shots
He had the fortune to share the court with Bibby in the second quarter
When Bibby was hitting some threes.
Murray really should have been like -30
That's wrong...Atlanta had 3 turnovers in the fourth quarter
But still, I think they did better controlling the ball in the second half, despite the fact that I’m not sure of my numbers.
Completely wacky game...
I still hold hope though…
Joe is a Beast
Al is a Beast
Smoove is a MONSTER!
i wish
we could exchange josh childress for flip and mo right now.
Hey guys
Actually, regardless of the final outcome here I still think the Hawks can and will make this a series. Bibby needs to keep shooting out of his mind, and the first half should give you guys alot of hope. I saw a really physical game, and no indication your team will lay down. Not to be a homer …but the Cavs are really just that good. That being said, I haven’t looked at the stats yet but I saw alot of offensive rebounds by the hawks in the first half…but the jumpers just didn’t fall in the second.
Nice input
First game had plenty of encouraging signs for us. For one half, at least, Atlanta was able to play with Cleveland. That lets me know that this series probably isn’t going to be a sweep, and Atlanta can probably take a couple of home games.
Cavs really are a good team, though. I made this comment over on a different blog, but Cleveland has too many shooters for the Hawks’ default halfcourt defense-namely, sag off, clog the lane, and get some help defense from Josh. Mo Williams, Delonte West, Boobie Gibson, Wally Sczerbiak, Sasha Pavlovic, and LeBron can easily get hot with his jumper, and Big Z has a great midrange game, so there’s just no way all of the Cleveland shooters go cold on the same night. And big Z is too big since the Hawks are overall an undersized team.
I’d be thrilled if Atlanta can make a series out of this. It’s gonna take better recognition, though. Bibby was hot shooting, and Josh wasn’t being a bonehead, so the Hawks needed to find those guys, and they didn’t in the second half. And Joe Johnson needs to take more than 10 shot attempts as well.

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