How close are the Hawks to being more than good? This close.
Look between Joe and LeBron to how perplexed I am over that fact.
via a.espncdn.com
Well, of course, now seven is a biblical number too...
Lets see, the Mavericks are not tanking to get in the Lottery? No. And they are not resting their starter with the their playoff seed wrapped up? Nope. Well does the team really care at this point in the season? Can't say for sure but, I did see Jason Kidd fly into the stands after a ball and Dirk scream at teammates all night.
So your telling me the Hawks just beat them plain and simple? Yes that is what I am telling you.
I mean you certainly want to see this energy and effective play translate to the road. But the Hawks did not just win last night or on this home stand. They dominated. Not one lucky win in the bunch. And one could always point to a lack of evidence away from the Highlight factory, but people talk about Utah's ineffectiveness on the road as a hangup.... to winning a championship. A championship people! Of course this is kool-aid talk. And I don't totally mean what I type. I don't think the Hawks are a Utah or a championship contender, but in the space of seven games, it would be tough to argue against that fact.
Flip Murray
In the preview, (pump my own chest) I said someone new needed to step up and young Flip did just that. With Bibby in the game, the mismatch that should have been with Jose Barea could not materialize because Bibby could not guard him on the defensive end and Mike's best offensive move, the long jump shot, left the fact that Barea is 5'5'' unexposed. Flip came in and just started posting up ans scoring. Again and again. He hurt Jose's feelings.
That is why I love Flip. He is smart enough to recognize mismatches and bold enough to never stop shooting. There in lies Mr. Murray at his very best.
Picky, very real gripes
The three guards that played for the hawks put up 45 shots. The entire Hawks front court attempted 23 shots and made 56% of them. I can only remember three times when Al or Josh got the ball in an honest to goodness post position. The Hawks run a Joe Johnson/guard heavy offense. I get that. I also get that the Hawks need to feed the post more. The two things are not irreconcilable.
Victory Bullets
- Mike Bibby seemed very upset to have to play defense again.
- I was complaining to the refs all game, and the opposing coach and star play get technicals over the same issue. Got to love NBA refs.
- I wonder what Acie thinks when he is out there for exactly one minute. I struggle to see the purpose that has for the team or the development of the player.
- An impressive four turnover, four fouls performance by Zaza. All in 18 minutes. I am not even mad, more impressed.
- Al had four blocked shots. That might be his most improved stat this year.
- Joe averages 6 assists a game this year. Color me impressed.
- TO was at the game and was booed mercilessly. It represented the loudest Dallas fans got all game.
- 87 points allowed. Certainly some missed shots by Dallas, but good defense never the less.
Comment of the game thread by Buzzsaw: "I wish Flip Murray's life was made into a Spike Lee joint."
7-0. 41-28. Go Hawks!