NBA FanHouse

Josh Smith and Philly, Sitting in a Tree

Will Brinson — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: 76ers, Hawks, NBA Rumors, NBA Videos, Atlanta, Philadelphia

Ziller has already covered the fact that Josh Smith's visit to Philadelphia was very impressive. They rolled out the red carpet, they wooed him with limos and they introduced him to the Mayor. Fortunately for us, the media is quite nosy when it comes to things like this, so Comcast got a camera all up in J-Smoove's face to find out what he thought about the Iladelph.

If I were in charge of the Hawks, or were the lone remaining fan that held onto the 07-08 playoffs bandwagon, I would be freaking out right now. Smith did, after all, seem pretty impressed with Philly's spread. And it's not like Atlanta is known for making really great front office decisions.

H/T: The700Level

Josh Smith and Philly, Sitting in a Tree originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apparently, Philly Likes This Josh Smith Kid

Tom Ziller — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: 76ers, Hawks, Atlanta, Philadelphia

With the Pacific Coast continues to deal with its arms race, Philadelphia has loudly addressed its desire for a top-drawer power forward of the future. As expected, the 76ers charged vigorously into a wooing of Atlanta's Josh Smith, a restricted free agent. The early indications look pretty good, according to Sekou Smith of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"We had a great meeting and a great time visiting with everyone here [Wednesday], and we'll continue to talk tomorrow," Brian Dyke, one of Smith's agents, said late Wednesday night. "What I can tell you is that we're very impressed with 76ers organization and the city of the Philadelphia."

The AJ-C's Smith also reveals the offer Atlanta made last summer: $45 million over five years. That's a painfully small offer when you consider it will likely take at least $67 million to keep him this year. The Hawks could probably have locked him up for $50 or $55 million. Billy Knight, still haunting the Hawks in exile!

Meanwhile, on the Sixer side, Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Phil Anastastia gets a few NBA scouts to agree Smith would be a good match for the team. Yep. He sure would be.

Apparently, Philly Likes This Josh Smith Kid originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Draft Crystal Ballin': Atlanta Hawks

Tom Ziller — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hawks, NBA Draft, Atlanta

Crystal Ballin' takes a team-by-team look at what should, could, and probably will happen in the June 26th NBA Draft.

You want to know the real reason Billy Knight quit his job as Atlanta's GM earlier this summer? Because the Hawks have no draft picks! Billy Knight without draft picks is like an orca without kelp or Eddy Curry with birthday cake. He'd be on suicide watch if he didn't quit.

Picks: ... None! This is the saddest day of my life.

Needs: The team most certainly needs at least another decent big body -- beyond Josh Smith and Al Horford, there's nothing. Unless the team a) wants to extend a 31-year-old Mike Bibby next summer, or b) still thinks Acie Law is an awesome prospect, another point guard would be desirable.

Best case scenario: Rival GM: "Why yes, I do think Mario West is worth my lottery pick!"

More likely scenario: The Hawks could slip into the late first or second round, but there hasn't been much activity in terms of workouts, and Rick Sund just popped in a couple weeks ago ... so don't look for any action. Of course, we can't sleep on Sund's deep, burning desire to draft Alexis Ajinca or Nathan Jawai.

Please don't take: I fail to see how the Hawks can screw this draft up.

Trade possibilities: Slim, it would seem. The Hawks ain't trading the guys they like, and no one likes the guys the Hawks would trade.

NBA Draft Crystal Ballin': Atlanta Hawks originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Atlanta Really Let Josh Smith Get Away?

Tom Ziller — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 10:25:00 EST

Filed under: 76ers, Hawks, NBA Rumors, Atlanta, Philadelphia

When Rick Sund took over the Hawks, he told the press he'd do whatever it takes to keep his two restricted free agents, Josh Smith and Josh Childress. If he had only referred to Smith, you could take him seriously. When he indicates he'll give whatever is necessary to keep a guy the Hawks think is not as good as Marvin Williams, a guy who started only one game last season despite being one of the most improved players in the league and far superior to the guy in front of him ... yeah, I'm not believing Sund on that. So why should we believe him about Josh?

ESPN's Chris Broussard is spitting lava this weekend. Following his Carmelo Anthony story, he offers up word Atlanta will go no higher than $11 million a year to keep Josh in town. That's a $55 million contract (same as Kevin Martin, less than Al Jefferson) -- the max is $80 million. Broussard says Philadelphia could and would offer Smith a contract starting at $11 million, which would tease out to a $60 million deal.

The Hawks aren't insane enough to let the Sixers poach Josh for that spread, so the smart move for Atlanta -- if a deal with Josh's camp for these type of dollars can't be reached early in July -- would be to watch Smith sign the offer from Philly and simply match it. The Sixers could only go higher if the begin renouncing rights on their own restricted FAs (Andre Iguodala, Louis Williams), but giving up 'Dala would be silly and Darko'ing Lou wouldn't be of much financial help. (Of course, Atlanta could have locked Smith up for less last summer.)

Also, it would be awesome if Memphis decided to get mixed up in this, just to really confuse things.

Will Atlanta Really Let Josh Smith Get Away? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 10:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike Woodson Keeps His Job ... For Now

Tom Ziller — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Hawks, Atlanta

Was new Hawks boss Rick Sund impressed with Mike Woodson? If you look only at the fact Sund offered a two-year extension (which Woodson has said he'll accept), then sure. He likes him.

But Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Mark Bradley sees the offering instead as a move of caution -- not endorsement -- from Sund.

Offering an incumbent two more contractual years isn't so much an endorsement as a deferral. (Three years would have been a validation; one year would have been tantamount to repudiation.) The length of the extension suggests Rick Sund isn't sold on Woodson but isn't entrenched enough to defy the owners who rebuffed his predecessor's attempts to depose this coach.

What Bradley writes makes sense, but it's not realistic in today's NBA. Coaches have never had a shorter leash. Byron Scott -- Coach of the Year, took the defending champs to seven games, lottery-to-#2 seed in one year -- got a two-year extension this summer. Avery Johnson and Flip Saunders both got fired despite having recent 60-win seasons. No one is safe.

So to expect Sund to offer up three years or more guaranteed in this climate for a guy who led his talented squad to all of 37 wins? That's madness. Two years is about the strongest endorsement a coach not named Popovich, Sloan or Jackson is bound to get these days.

Previously on FanHouse:
Could Detroit Poach ... ATL's Mike Woodson?
Billy Knight Tried to Fire Mike Woodson Three Times Recently

Mike Woodson Keeps His Job ... For Now originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could Detroit Poach ... ATL's Mike Woodson?

Tom Ziller — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:35:00 EST

Filed under: Pistons, Hawks, Bobcats, NBA Rumors, Atlanta, Detroit

Atlanta coach Mike Woodson just had his week turn around. There's the distinct possibility new boss Rick Sund has designs on firing him at some point in the near future. That might not be so bad, according to a left-field rumor from trusted Atlanta Journal-Constitution beatman Sekou Smith.

According to my spy the Detroit Pistons have asked for permission to speak with Hawks coach Mike Woodson ... about their vacant coaching position. Solid reports out of Detroit have Pistons assistant Michael Curry lined up for the job. But the Pistons have apparently covered their bases if that doesn't work out by contacting the representative of Woodson, who was the lead assistant on Larry Brown's staff when the Pistons won the NBA title in 2004.

Even if Woodson doesn't get the call from Joe Dumars, this rumor finding legs would infinitely boost Woody's rep around the league. If Dumars wants something, your team should want it. Worst case scenario: Woodson gets fired, Curry gets the Pistons job (as Stephen A. Smith has insisted will occur). In that case, knowing he was a finalist for one of the best jobs in the league, doesn't Woody feel pretty good about his job prospects next summer?

Smith also offers that Brown has filled his Charlotte staff, save one position: lead assistant. Woodson isn't going to be out of work long, if at all.

Could Detroit Poach ... ATL's Mike Woodson? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mike Woodson Thinks He Should Be Back in the ATL Next Year

Will Brinson — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hawks, Eastern, Atlanta

There's nothing worse than getting a new boss -- heads have the potential to roll, you might not mesh with his/her philosophy; you know the drill. So you go out and create some self-promotional PR ahead of time. It's what any good natured American employee would do. And it's exactly what Mike Woodson, coach of the Atlanta Hawks, did yesterday.

He and Sund had a late dinner scheduled Thursday, the first real chance for a face-to-face sit down where they could try to forge some sort of working relationship.

'He's going to have to take a moment to sit back and talk with individuals and get a feel for who is who and start making some decisions,' Woodson said between repeated congratulations and well-wishes from various NBA personnel at Disney's Wild World of Sports complex.

'That's how it works, man. It's the first time I've been in a position like this as a head coach. But I'll sit down with him again next week. And we'll just start building a relationship.'

I totally respect Woodson taking the bull by the horns and flipping the relationship status around so suddenly it's like he's not the new guy or something. Or maybe that is not exactly what happened, but he managed to confuse me quickly enough, so I venture to think he is doing a good job with management.

Whether he should actually come back or not is relatively debatable. Sure, he made the playoffs, but if the expectations around Atlanta were not already so lowered, people would have been pretty upset with an eight seed given how much talent they had on that roster. I think he'll be back on the strength of his playoff run, but I don't know that he deserves it.

Mike Woodson Thinks He Should Be Back in the ATL Next Year originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 30 May 2008 01:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Hawks Have a GM: Old Sonics Boss Sund

Tom Ziller — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:47:00 EST

Filed under: Hawks, SuperSonics, Atlanta

... and just like that, the AJ-C's Sekou Smith reports Atlanta finds its replacement for Billy Knight, one Rick Sund. (Via BallHype.) Local authorities suspected the Hawks would hire Cleveland assistant GM Chris Grant, but Grant decided to stay put. Sund spent a year off the grid after Clay Bennett's Seattle bloodletting last year.

We'll remember Sund for his drafts of Robert Swift, Johan Petro, and Saer Sene in successive years. But in total, his stay with the Sonics was fairly productive. He landed Ray Allen for an angry, aging Gary Payton, signing some smart deals (Rashard Lewis, Chris Wilcox) and hired Nate McMillan. Every GM has its thorns, and Sund is no exception (Earl Watson? the aforementioned Gang of Three?). But his roses smell pretty nice, in retrospect.

Besides, even if you think Sund's the worst hire in the world, it's not like the Atlanta pot was brimming with exceptional candidates. They shot for the stars (reportedly asking Sacramento's Geoff Petrie to stop in for a chat, which was quickly refused), and ended up with someone as effective as Knight or better.

Previously on FanHouse:
No One Wants to Fill Billy Knight's Shoes

The Hawks Have a GM: Old Sonics Boss Sund originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 28 May 2008 14:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No One Wants to Fill Billy Knight's Shoes

Matt Watson — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hawks, Eastern, NBA Rumors, Atlanta

The Hawks are officially back to square one in their search for a general manager to replace the outgoing Billy Knight. ESPN's Marc Stein reports that the team had offered the position to current Cavs front-office exec Chris Grant late last week, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Sekou Smith even went so far as to say "The only thing missing is the official announcement," but after thinking things over this weekend, Grant has apparently passed on the deal.

Maybe this wouldn't be so embarrassing for the Hawks if Grant weren't the only candidate to pull his hat out of the ring: Stein reports Spurs assistant GM Dennis Lindsey pulled his hat out of the ring before talks heated up with Grant.

Ordinarily a team would probably prefer to get their front office affairs settled before the NBA draft, but in that respect the Hawks are somewhat "blessed" -- they don't have a single pick, giving up their first-rounder to the Suns as part of the 2005 deal for Joe Johnson and their second-rounder to the Kings as part of this year's Mike Bibby trade.

That said, there is a lot of unfinished business this team needs to attend, namely contract extensions for restricted free agents Josh Smith and Josh Childress, addressing coach Mike Woodson's job security and dealing with the redundancy in the front court. I don't know if the Hawks' ownership group is doing something to scare off would-be candidates, but this should be a semi-attractive job considered the Hawks' young core.

No One Wants to Fill Billy Knight's Shoes originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 28 May 2008 02:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Reveals All-Rookie Teams

Matt Watson — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Hawks, SuperSonics, Eastern, Western, NBA Awards, Atlanta, Seattle, The Word

The NBA revealed it's All-Rookie Teams today, and by and large there weren't any huge surprises. But can you guess who the only unanimous choice to the first team was? If you guessed Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant ... you'd be wrong.

Actually, it was Al Horford, who finished with 29 first-place votes. Durant finished with 28. It's too bad the ballots aren't open -- I'd love to see which NBA coach actually thought Durant was no better than the sixth-best rookie this year. (Remember, coaches can't vote for their own players but aren't limited by position.) Luis Scola (26 first place votes), Al Thornton (20) and Jeff Green (15) rounded out the first team.

On the second team is Jamario Moon (12), Juan Carlos Navarro (5), Thaddeus Young (4), Rodney Stuckey (5) and Carl Landry (1). Other players receiving first place votes include Joakim Noah (1), Nick Young (2), Mike Conley (1) and Corey Brewer (1).

NBA Reveals All-Rookie Teams originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 13 May 2008 15:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Charles Barkley Will Read Anything You Put on the Teleprompter

Will Brinson — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: NBA Media Watch, NBA Playoffs, NBA Videos, NBA Last Night, Atlanta

This is some of the greatest television you will ever watch. Ernie Johnson pulled an Anchorman on Charles Barkley last night, editing the teleprompter to read "I'm a dumbass" while Charles was filming a T-Mobile commercial in the TNT studios. Charles did not realize it until after he'd said it. Actually right about the last syllable of the sentence, you see this amazing look of recognition come over his face.

To Barkley's credit, he doesn't get angry. He just seems amazed.

H/T: Foul Balls

Charles Barkley Will Read Anything You Put on the Teleprompter originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 08 May 2008 10:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Order Has Been Restored in the World: Celtics Hold Hawks to 26 in 1st Half, Lead by 18

Tom Ziller — Sun, 04 May 2008 14:34:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Hawks, NBA Playoffs, Boston, Atlanta

Boston found the clamps in its bag of tools, and those clamps have been placed around Atlanta's offense. We're just into the third quarter after Boston destroyed the Hawks in the first two frames, holding Atlanta to 16 points in the first and 10 points in the second quarter. Boston scored 44 of its own in the half, and lead by 18 at the break.

No Hawk's shooting better than 33%, and the team had 10 turnovers in about 42 possessions. (Awful.) Meanwhile, Boston's offense was good enough, minimizing mistakes and getting to the line for 10 first-half FTAs. Kevin Garnett, a whipping boy in Game 6, came out super-strong with 6-of-9 shooting for 12 points.

But this sort of brilliant team defense is what got the Celtics here, and this is what they'll need to take down Cleveland (with the best scorer in the universe, LeBron James) and the winner of Detroit/Orlando (both top-8 offenses).

UPDATE: As I publish this, Boston started the second half on a 12-2 run. They've doubled up Atlanta, 56-28.

UPDATE #2: Atlanta's obviously frustrated, and Milk Williams just mauled Rajon Rondo. 62-32 Boston, with five left in the third. The Hawks' new goal is to hit 50 points for the game. That is not a joke.

UPDATE #3: Boston must really be pissed about the events of the past two weeks. Still hustling, still hot-doggin'. Salim Stoudamire (who was supposed to be a toss-in in the Mike Bibby trade) is the only guy keeping the Hawks from being held under 50. 73-37 Boston, 2-1/2 left in the third.

UPDATE #4: Holy God! KG just leveled Zaza Pachulia on a monstrous screen 80 feet from Boston's basket. A huge grudge hit, with the Celtics up 30. Garnett's dirty ... but awesome. Doc Rivers yanks The Ticket, and someone's leaving this game with a bloody nose. My money's on Kendrick Perkins.

Order Has Been Restored in the World: Celtics Hold Hawks to 26 in 1st Half, Lead by 18 originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 04 May 2008 14:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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5 Things to Keep an Eye on: Hawks at Celtics, Game 7

Matt Moore — Sun, 04 May 2008 09:36:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Hawks, Eastern, NBA Playoffs, Boston, Atlanta

In another of our continuing series, five things to keep an eye out for tonight in the Hawks-Celtics epic game this afternoon.

1. Amazing: How in the world did we get here? This wasn't supposed to happen. I mean, seriously, this wasn't supposed to happen. There's no precedent for this. At least the Warriors last year had favorable matchups and a history of winning. Atlanta was sub .500 and there's not a single man-on-man where you give Atlanta the clear-cut edge, outside of Ray Allen vs. Joe Johnson. The number of ridiculous events in Atlanta, of simply unfathomable playoff moments is staggering. Staggering. You want five things to keep an eye on today? How about four quarters and post-game? This series is

2. Desire: You can talk all you want about free throw discrepancies (which is valid) and a conspiracy to get the Celtics on TV more often (which isn't), but at the end of the day, the Hawks wanted Game 6 more. They fought for every rebound, struggled for every loose ball, played with passion, desire, and focus, and closed out the game with big shots. The Hawks wanted it more. At some point, you have to look at this series and start to wonder if the Celtics spent too much time patting their own backs. And if they come out and play with zero heart, no intensity, and a lack of focus, the Celtics will be the victim of the biggest upset in NBA history. The best thing for the Hawks is that they're playing with house money at this point. They have zero pressure on them. They were supposed to go home a week ago. If they can play with passion and fire, with no pressure, they might be able to create "Where 'An Amazing Upset' Happens." But that idea seems to crumble when you look at the fact that Game 7 is at ...

3. Home: The Celtics still have not lost in the playoffs at home. The Boston fans are borderline psychotic in an effort to avoid two horrendous chokes inside of six months. And in the end, you have to look at the fact that there's not a more warm, comfy place for the number one team in the league, in one of the biggest markets, backed by three legitimate superstars, to defend themselves. I'm not saying the refs will have an impact. But I'm definitely not saying they won't. Especially with Atlanta's hot-headed youngsters trying to force out a win on over-amped adrenaline.

4. Hero: It wasn't supposed to happen like this for Paul Pierce. He was supposed to be the hero, they guy that didn't bail on his team when times were rough. The guy that kept contributing, even though the team was horrid. He wasn't supposed to be the guy missing game winners, fouling out of Game 6 on the road, getting smack-talked by a rookie. Pierce's rebounds, points, and field goal % are all down from his season average, and none of that compares to fouling out plus receiving a killer tech at the end of Game 6 that all but cinched it for the Hawks in Atlanta. Pierce has a chance to redeem himself in front of the homecrowd, and this pretty much defines his career. He'll come out the hero, as long as he doesn't have to carry the team by himself and he's among friends. We'll see if he can do what he should today.

5. Talent: In the end, this game will probably come down to talent. The Celtics have more of it. Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett. Paul Pierce in a warm, fuzzy environment that loves him. Rajon Rondo in a place where he won't end up having to be the man. And a bench that has been curiously quiet in this series. Versus an overmatched Hawks team with two primary out of this world scorers, Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, who have raised their games to new heights in the last seven games. Marvin Williams is doubtful, and other than a few monster plays at the end of Game 6, Josh Childress has been quiet. And don't even get me started on Mike Bibby. As long as this comes down to home court and talent, the Celtics should win. But, if, just if, this game comes down to the wire, and it comes down to coaching? I'll tell you right now, the Celtics are done. Because Doc Rivers has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that this team's turnaround this season has nothing to do with him. If a series of unlikely events happen like they have this whole series ... buckle up.

5 Things to Keep an Eye on: Hawks at Celtics, Game 7 originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 04 May 2008 09:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Milk Williams': It Was a Good Choice

Will Brinson — Sun, 04 May 2008 02:45:00 EST

Filed under: Hawks, Eastern, NBA Live Blogging, Atlanta

It has been three years since the Atlanta Hawks passed on Chris Paul, who is most likely not human, in order to draft Marvin Williams. Marvin has been, how do we say, not better than CP3. In fact, even if Marvin becomes an All Star, it will still be a horrible choice. Unless Paul buys a motorized unicycle in the next few years anyway.

It has also been four year since Anchorman took the world by storm (I know, it doesn't feel that long), and yet somehow, it took until tonight, mid-FanHouse live blog, for the perfect nickname for Marvin to come to fruition.

As you can see below, just like Marvin, "Milk was a bad choice." I'll take credit for the inspiration, but have to give props to Seth from Posting and Toasting for actually putting the two together.

0:29 [Comment from Seth]
at least we can agree that they're both better than marvin williams

0:29 Ziller - Seth is correct

0:29 Brinson - Good call Seth. Lesson = Marvin was a bad choice. Like Milk.

[...]0:30 Brinson - Anchorman quotes are what you get in the middle of the eighth consecutive quarter of live blogging. Sorry.

0:30 [Comment from Seth]
new nickname for marvin? milk williams?

Done and freaking done. From now on, whether or not the Hawks win today, and regardless of how much he's improved -- as Ziller noted mid-blog -- he will no longer be "Starvin' Marvin" or "That Guy That the Hawks Stupidly Took Instead of Chris Paul".

He will be known as Milk Williams. Because, sorry all of you lifelong Atlanta fans, but he was a bad choice.

'Milk Williams': It Was a Good Choice originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 04 May 2008 02:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When Zaza Gets Up on the Mic, He Rocks the Mic Riiiiiiiight

Will Brinson — Sat, 03 May 2008 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: Hawks, Eastern, NBA Playoffs, Atlanta

The Atlanta Hawks sure are fun aren't they? And popular, too! Atlanta does love it's Hawks. And the Hawks love them right back. Witness Zaza Pachulia's post game "speech" whereby he yells things about Game 7. You really have to love this guy, even though if I were his teammates, I'd be fairly sick of his armpit snare/hugs.

As much as I absolutely love the Hawks, this team is still like the 2001 Carolina Hurricanes in terms of fan behavior.

Via Deadspin

When Zaza Gets Up on the Mic, He Rocks the Mic Riiiiiiiight originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 03 May 2008 14:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boston & Atlanta, Goin' to Seven ... Holy Crap

Tom Ziller — Sat, 03 May 2008 08:35:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Hawks, NBA Playoffs, NBA Last Night, Boston, Atlanta

The Celtics -- 66-16 -- will not win a single road game in their first-round series ... and there's still a chance they miss out on a trip to the second round completely. Similarly, the Atlanta Hawks -- 37-45 in the regular season -- will not lose a single home game in their first-round series ... and there's still a chance they win a trip to the second round. Both of these matters are absurd on their own legs. Combined into one series of events? Holy crap.

The smaller moments in the series shouldn't be surprising -- Joe Johnson drilling a dagger as the shot clock expires late in the fourth, Al Horford being a tough mofo and goading Paul Pierce into stupid technical fouls, Marvin Williams having one good game out of six by attacking the basket at will. The smaller moments already experienced in Games 1-6 would be fine in a 4-2 Boston series win, great building blocks for the future.

But in a series that goes all the way? They take on a lot more importance (says Captain Obvious). Forget about chinks in the Boston Armor -- these are full-blown flesh wounds, and there's a possibility they could be fatal. I mean, look at how Atlanta won Friday: good defense, and they got to the line a ton. The top seven Hawks in the rotation all got at least 6 FTAs; only Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe got at least that many for Boston, and the Hawks ended up with 22 more attempts.

It's pretty indicative of how the Hawks have played in Atlanta: aggressive, fearless, tough. If they can duplicate that just once in Boston, they'll be the victors in the (new) Greatest NBA Upset Ever, and the world will implode. I can't wait.

Boston & Atlanta, Goin' to Seven ... Holy Crap originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 03 May 2008 08:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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5 Things to Keep an Eye on: Celtics at Hawks, Game 6

Matt Moore — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Hawks, Eastern, NBA Playoffs, Boston, Atlanta

In another of our continuing series, five things to keep an eye out for tonight in the Celtics-Hawks game tonight.

1. If The Hornets Are Thin, The Hawks Are Transparent: Game 5 Celtics bench points: 35. Game 5 Hawks bench points: 14. Yikes. Zaza Pachulia followed up the tough guy from Game 4 by scoring 2 points in ten minutes with no rebounds. Josh Childress, dunk machine? 5 points in 26 minutes on 2 of 8 shooting, and did I mention he had 4 of his shots blocked? When the team with the amazing starting lineup crushes you with their bench? That's a bad sign, kids. The only way the Hawks can keep up with this team is if they get some level of production off their bench.

2. It's Over When the Big Ticket Says It's Over: Kevin Garnett has pretty much decided he's had enough with the Hawks' fun and games. In the last two games he's scored 40 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 blocks. In Game 5 he was a monster, devouring the Hawks with the kind of lethal intensity we anticipated going into the postseason. The problem with Garnett is that there's really no way to match up with him. You can put Al Horford on him, but Horford's a rookie and Garnett's range is too good. You can put the headbutter on him, but it's only going to make him mad. The Hawks need to let Garnett get his and focus on auxiliary support.

3. You May Remember Them From Such Films As "Better Defense Than You": Whatever it was that made them forget everything they knew in Atlanta, they seemed to have found at Logan Airport. The Celtics held the Hawks to 41% shooting and 31% from beyond the arc. They won the turnover battle, they demolished the boards, basically, they did everything they're statistically likely to do to the Hawks. When the Hawks made their little uprising, it was more a question of if the Celtics would continue to underachieve, not if the Hawks were the better team. The Hawks have to ride momentum and big scoring nights from their stars (read: Joe Johnson) if they want to overcompensate the Celtics' defense.

4. Shooters Matter: Even on the road in two disappointing losses, the Celtics perimeter shooters still averaged 43% from downtown. That's compared to only 39% at home for Atlanta. Some perimeter defense would help keep the Celtics' offense from surging, which creates those runs that cause issues for the Hawks to recover from. Or, you know, Mike Bibby could try not being absolutely terrible for the series (35% from the arc, 33% from the field). That might help, too.

5. Josh Smith Is Like A Rollercoaster, Baby, Baby, The Hawks Need To Ride: Three Hawks losses? Josh Smith, 27 points total. Two wins? 55 points. Three losses? 11 turnovers. Two wins? 4 turnovers. Perhaps you're catching on to the pattern, here. The Hawks cannot win without a star performance from the stat-stuffer. Smith is often energized by play on the defensive end, like the 7 block performance in Game 4. The Hawks need to try and get him involved on defense so that he can finish on the fast break, which is where he's best. If he has a subpar game, that's all, folks.

5 Things to Keep an Eye on: Celtics at Hawks, Game 6 originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 02 May 2008 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celtics - Hawks Game 5 Live Blog

Will Brinson — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Hawks, Eastern, NBA Playoffs, Boston, Atlanta, Anaheim

Maybe it's unfair to put just Josh Smith on the front of the Celtics - Hawks Game 5 Live Blog. But then again, if the Celtics were about to eliminate the Hawks, we wouldn't be having this little shindig. It is only because the Hawks, and specifically Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, have taken us to the brink of Armageddon that we are talking about this. So in that case it's fitting.

There is a shockingly large amount of public opinion that actually believes the Hawks can pull this off. And that scares me; I want them to win in the New Garden, and I think they can win there, but when too many people start hopping on a bandwagon, I always get a little nervous. Of course, no more nervous than Kevin Garnett could possibly be, considering the number of head explosions that would occur if he didn't make it out of the first round this year. We'll be kicking here starting at 8:00 pm EST for an 8:30 tip. Drop by and leave comments.

Celtics - Hawks Game 5 Live Blog originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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5 Things to Keep an Eye on: Hawks at Celtics

Matt Moore — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Hawks, Eastern, NBA Playoffs, Boston, Atlanta

In another of our continuing series, five things to keep an eye out for tonight in the Hawks-Celtics game tonight.

1. In Which Joe Johnson Tries To Re-Ignite: Joe Johnson was the story in Game 4, scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Hawks to a series tie. For a team that prided itself on being the best defensive team in the league, Atlanta's ISO for Johnson shredded the Celtics time and time again. The key tonight will be to see how the Celtics respond defensively. Gambling with Rajon Rondo on Johnson might not be a bad idea, given Rondo's physical nature and the fact that Mike Bibby has slowly devolved into goo. The size differential is alarming, but Rondo's freakish athleticism could be the neutralizer and besides, it's not like Johnson was going to the post game in Game 4, anyway.

2. And Then Garnett Killed Everyone And The Villagers Rejoiced And Screamed "Go Sawx!": Kevin Garnett has had leadership, manhood, and toughness have been called into question after getting punked by ... wait for it ... Zaza Pachulia. After Garnett used a little bit of his toughness on Pachulia, Pachulia decided to headbutt the Defensive Player of the Year to show he's not afraid of him. Garnett, instead of annihilating Pachulia, for whatever reason, be it smarts or a lack of fortitude, chose to back away, scream, and accidentally shove a referee. Let this be a lesson, kids. Accidentally shoving referees and headbutting superstars is fine, but standing up and walking three feet off the bench is not. Anyway, Garnett is likely to come out roaring, and he needs to, as this team is in desperate need of leadership, and won't be finding it from its coach. I expect Garnett to get ridiculously hot tonight.

3. No, Seriously, Is Mike Woodson Underrated? Stop Laughing. : Mike Woodson has been rumored to be fired, since, oh, the time he was born. But in the last two games of this series, he has outcoached the runner-up for coach of the year. Now granted, that vote is a joke. But something we all thought was a complete mismatch, that is, Mike Woodson versus anyone with a cerebral cortex, is suddenly kind of like a chess game between a kid that's starting to understand he still has two knights and a bishop, and the other one who's content to just move pieces around randomly because he has three Queens, no pun intended. Say what you want about Joe Johnson and Josh Smith being solely responsible for Game 4, Woodson still made sure that any drive was doubled, that Garnett was doubled immediately, and that the perimeter defenders closed out. Doc Rivers, on the other hand, made sure Leon Powe was in position to get his ankles broken. We'll see if Rivers can get a hold of this thing.

4. Whatever Happened To "Ray Allen: Kobe Stopper!"?: Ray Allen is having an okay series at 16.8 points per game, including 21 in Game 4. But he also got demolished on the defensive end. Allen is either going to have to step up and play like it's 2002, or he's going to have to switch to someone he can stick with. He's still been an underrated part of the Celtics defense this season, but there's still the big question that looms overhead and strikes fear into the hearts of Celts fans. "When's the ankle gonna give?"

5. Al Horford- Man Among Men: Horford was shut down in Game 4, scoring only 4 points, but was a vocal leader for the Hawks down the stretch, and made sure Pachulia didn't do anything crazy to go and get him suspended (you know, like shoving a referee, or headbutting Kevin Garnett). If the Hawks are going to have a shot in Boston amongst the throngs of psychotic Celtics fans, Horford needs to go ballistic on the offensive glass. The Hawks can't expect to have back to back nights shooting 48% against the Celtics. They have to scrap. That means Big Al cleaning the glass like he managed to do in Game 4, with 13 rebounds.

5 Things to Keep an Eye on: Hawks at Celtics originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DeShawn Stevenson Aggressively Wears Michael Vick Jerseys

Will Brinson — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:15:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Wizards, Eastern, NBA Media Watch, NBA Playoffs, Atlanta, Cleveland, Washington, DC

DeShawn Stevenson is arguably the most popular NBA non-superstar in the entire free world right now. He has millionaire rappers taking time out of their (busy?) lives to drop beats dedicated solely to smearing him. His decision, whether smart or not, to call LeBron James overrated and the subsequent physical war that has nearly broken out between Cleveland and Washington is obviously well documented.

But even if none of this had stuck him squarely in the scrutiny of the public eye, walking around in public in Michael Vick jerseys (images courtesty of Dan Steinberg at DCSB) is still a very, very bad idea. There's no realistic justification for backing Vick at this point. Roddy White's gesture was cute, sure, but it was his quarterback, he's from Atlanta, etc., etc. DeShawn, insofar as I understand, has no legitimate excuse for wearing Vick jerseys around town.

Perhaps if there was some sort of ATL solidarity-thing going on here, but this is Washington -- Cleveland, man. Unless DeShawn is trying to strike fear into LeBron's dogs, I see no reason for this ultimate, as Steinberg called it, "crowning gesture" in DeShawn's already insane public display of craziness.

Latest NBA Photos

Cleveland Cavaliers' Devin Brown (33) puts up a shot against Washington Wizards' DeShawn Stevenson, left, during the second quarter of Game 5 in the NBA basketball playoff series Wednesday, April 30, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown calls a play during the first quarter of Game 5 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Washington Wizards, Wednesday, April 30, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

Washington Wizards coach Eddie Jordan, center, complains to referee Joe DeRosa after an altercation produced technical fouls to Cleveland Cavaliers' Anderson Varejao and Wizards' Darius Songaila during the first quarter of Game 5 in the NBA basketball playoff series Wednesday, April 30, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

Washington Wizards' Antawn Jamison, right, reacts as referee Mike Callahan (24) calls a technical foul as referee Joe DeRosa points to DeShawn Stevenson after an altercation during the first quarter of Game 5 in the NBA basketball playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday, April 30, 2008, in Cleveland. The Wizards' Darius Songaila was called for a foul and a technical foul and Cleveland Cavaliers' Anderson Varejao also received a technical. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James shoots against Washington Wizards' Brendan Haywood (33) during the first quarter of Game 5 in the NBA basketball playoff series Wednesday, April 30, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Washington Wizards' Gilbert Arenas looks on from the bench during Game 5 in the NBA basketball playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday, April 30, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Washington Wizards' Caron Butler (3) puts up a shot against Cleveland Cavaliers' Wally Szczerbiak during the first quarter of Game 5 in the NBA basketball playoff series Wednesday, April 30, 2008, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson watches his team's 99-94 loss to the New Orleans Hornets in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, in New Orleans on Tuesday, April 29, 2008. The Hornets won the series 4-1. Johnson was fired by the Mavericks on Wednesday, April 30. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Dallas Mavericks' Jason Kidd comments during a news conference regarding the firing of the NBA basketball team's coach, Avery Johnson, in Dallas on Wednesday, April 30, 2008. The Mavericks fired Johnson on Wednesday, the first of what's likely to be many offseason moves after the league's highest payroll produced a second straight first-round knockout from the playoffs. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) scores as Phoenix Suns guard Raja Bell (19) and forward Boris Diaw, of France, left, look on during the fourth quarter of Game 5 of an NBA Western Conference basketball playoff series in San Antonio, Tuesday, April 29, 2008. San Antonio won 92-87. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

DeShawn Stevenson Aggressively Wears Michael Vick Jerseys originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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