NBA: Atlanta Hawks Headquarters

Is that ticket real?

2009-04-24T16:05:00.003-04:00

Looks like the Hawks have their hands full with reports of counterfeit tickets being sold by scam artists. You know, the term "scalper" has been used to refer to anyone who re-sells tickets, but I have to say, there is a HUGE difference between some joe blow on the street selling you paper out of his pocket for cash, and an online ticket broker, approved by the Better Business Bureau, selling tickets via credit card. The first is completely unrelaible - who knows what you'll get... and what will you do itf they're not real? The second is just as reliable as buying from the box office, in that you get a guarantee, and if worse comes to worse, you have credit card records to prove your purchase. Oh, and you get better tickets with no waiting in line.

Good if you ask me...

2008-11-26T12:17:00.001-05:00

Lang Whitaker is back! Every Thursday during the season, you can catch his rants and raves at www.SLAMonline.com. Enjoy!

2008-10-30T13:47:00.000-04:00

Get out there and vote next Tuesday, November 4th, Atlanta!

2008-10-16T17:08:00.000-04:00

Hawks Win First Preseason Game
Acie Law led a 45-point explosion in the third quarter and the Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 118-101 in the team's first preseason game Monday night in Orlando. Law finished the game with a team-high 20 points. Maurice Evans chipped in off the bench with 17 points, including 4-4 from three-point range. The Hawks continue preseason action on Wednesday when they play at Phoenix. (I couldn't say it any better than they did! http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/2008_Training_Camp_Central.html)

2008-07-25T14:54:00.001-04:00

You know how they tell you to picture the audience naked anytime you've got to perform, interview, etc? Does that work when this is your job interview? Maybe they can just picture the judges wearing the same outfits they've got on.

Let's break the Spurs barrier...

2008-02-25T17:51:00.002-05:00

Well, we've lost nine straight to the Spurs when playing in San Antonio... will tonight be different? My vote is yes. Do I get a vote?

I'd like a win, please.

Hawks get new assitant coach

2007-08-22T15:46:00.000-04:00

The Atlanta Hawks have decided to change some things before the 07-08 season starts. Alton Lister was just hired as a new assistant coach, Herb Brown will now be a consultant to head coach Mike Woodson and Greg Ballard will be a scout. Lets hope this will improve their performance - last year they were last place in the Southeast division, which isn't even all that tough.

Injuries Hamper Hawks

2007-05-11T13:09:00.000-04:00

30-52 is not the kind of season you brag about. Nonetheless, the Hawks are calling their future a bright one; after a season thwarted by injuries, talk in the locker room is about coming back recovered from those injuries and laying down a proper performance. Is this just scapegoating? For the sake of next season, let's hope not.

Hawks down the Celtics

2007-04-11T17:20:00.000-04:00

After an 8-point halftime deficit, the Hawks rallied yesterday to come out victorious of the Boston Celtics with a final score of 104-96. Lue and Pachulia were the top scores with 26 and 22 points, respectively. Hey, if you can't advance to the playoffs, better to go out with some dignity.

2007-01-17T10:59:00.000-05:00

It was a close game, but the Atlanta Hawks triumphed over the Celtics in the final seconds of Monday's game, final score was 100-96. 5th straight loss for Celtics!

Can't Play Without Johnson

2006-12-12T12:02:00.000-05:00

Without Joe Johnson the Hawks seem to be lost. The Sacramento Kings ended a 5 game losing streak on Sunday when they defeated the Hawks 117-92.

How in the world could the Hawks lose to a team that was on a 5 game losing streak? It wasn’t even like the Kings just squeaked by either, they won by 25 points! The Hawks need to learn how to play without Johnson. He’s not superhuman; when Johnson is sick or injured the Hawks need to know how to hold it together.

Tonight’s game is against the Denver Nuggets who are currently 11-7. We beat them last Wednesday; let’s see if the Hawks can do it again.

Winning by Free Throws

2006-12-08T17:26:00.000-05:00

Wednesday night’s game had me on the edge of my seat until that ending buzzer rang. The game was won by Shelden Williams who scored the winning 2 free throws with 5.4 seconds left, as the Atlanta Hawks squeaked by the Denver Nuggets, 98-96.

Marcus Camby fouled Williams with 5.4 seconds on the clock, and he converted both shots for a two-point Atlanta lead with a final chance for Denver. Miller caught the inbound pass, drove across the lane, but missed a running layup to seal the win for Atlanta.

The Bobcats Need to Practice Shooting

2006-11-30T12:20:00.000-05:00

It was a rough start for the Atlanta Hawks in their game against the Charlotte Bobcats. Joe Johnson, a man full of surprises, missed his first 5 shots in the opening quarter. However, Johnson’s 5 misses were nothing compared to the Bobcats. They missed their first 13 attempts, the worst shooting in the Bobcat’s 3 year history.

At least the Hawks had Johnson, who came back to score 22 points in the 2^nd quarter. But, the real hero of the game was Tyronn Lue who made 2 baskets in the final 2 minutes to win the game for the Hawks 99-90. Let's hope Johnson starts the game off right on Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Hawks First Win Is Over Knicks

2006-11-04T22:31:00.000-05:00

The Hawks beat the New York Knicks. I should hope so, considering the Knicks, no powerhouse at home, won only eight games on the road last season. But they had pulled one off to start their 2006-07 season by beating the Grizzlies in Memphis. That's all we need--to be victims of a New York Knicks winning streak.

Joe Johnson wasn't gonna let that happen, and he made 30 points just to make sure. Zaza Pachulia had a decent game himself with 22. Good to get that "W" under our belts, Hawks! Let's have some more!

PAINT THE TOWN RED.

2006-10-26T13:36:00.000-04:00

This last weekend , the Atlanta Hawks participated in a promotional event called "Paint the Town Red." The promotion gave fans the opportunity to meet Hawks' players at places like Regal Cinemas, Cold Stone Creamery, Publix market, and Fox Sports Grill.

Marvin Williams, Salim Stoudamire and Andre Brown all had fun making cones and packing cups with ice cream.

Josh Childress, as well as some of the coaches and staff had a great time working the concession stand and selling tickets at Regal Cinemas. It was all a nice way to let fans know they value their community.

ATLANTA HAWKS OPENER

2006-10-12T19:45:00.000-04:00

The Atlanta Hawks preseason opener against the Grizzlies was a nice victory. Johnson scored 22 points and Shelden Williams scored 12. Man, I wish I'd had a courtside ticket when Lorzen Wright threw a punch at Kimani Ffriend there at the end of the game. I would have had Lorzen's back;)

My Two Favorite Birds

2006-10-03T01:47:00.000-04:00

Michael Vick is the best quarterback in the league, hands down. Between him and Warrick Dunn, I’m predicting the Falcons will have the top two rushers in the NFL by the end of the season.

But this is a Hawks blog. With time ticking down to the opening game tipoff, I’m still more excited about the Falcons’ chances. But I’ll update this as soon as there’s more to report.

injuries etc

2006-10-02T19:26:00.000-04:00

The Hawks announced on September 21^st that guard Craig “Speedy” Claxton had suffered a fracture in his left hand. He is expected to be out for five or six weeks, although his off-court conditioning will continue as usual, without limitations.

In other news, Andre Brown, formerly of the DePaul Blue Demons, is currently in the Hawks’ training camp gunning for one of the openings on this year’s roster. He played last season in South Korea.

I just think it stinks a little.

2006-06-25T23:48:00.000-04:00

The Atlanta Hawks will be picking 5^th in the NBA Draft. The NBA Finals ended recently and I found the series a little unsettling. The Dallas Mavericks were intimidated so fully by the poor officiating and unwarranted punishments that they lost their edge and lost the series to the Miami Heat. Their inexperience showed in the Mavs inability to fight back against the unbalanced assault on their spirit. Every time they crossed into the paint on offense they were terrorized by the officials who seemed hell bent on deciding the game themselves. No matter how well the Mavericks were playing basketball the bad calls were constantly breaking their momentum and the Heat were given so much leeway and preferential treatment the Mavericks were paralyzed and driven to the perimeter over and over again.

I have never seen such obvious erroneous behavior from the officials in a Final NBA series. It felt like something from a movie about a mafia conspiracy to fix the NBA Finals results. It felt like the Mavericks were being targeted for elimination by some higher power. The NBA should at least review all the calls out of respect for the Mavericks as a professional sports club whose fans and supporters felt without a doubt that they didn’t get a fair shake from the officials on the court. I would not suggest it lead to a change of the results but it would be nice to see it at least call attention to the inconsistencies and help prevent this from happening to them or any other team for that matter.

The Miami Heat played well. But not so much better that I would say they are a better team than the Dallas Mavericks. They just seemed more relaxed and unfettered.

The Dallas Mavericks are looking good in the NBA Playoffs

2006-05-15T20:50:00.000-04:00

I have been watching a lot of playoff basketball. I am cheering for the Dallas Mavericks since everyone says Atlanta is the sister city to Dallas, Texas. I don’t know if that is true but the Mavs are phenomenal with Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry. You can’t beat DJ Mbenga, Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse and DeSagana Diop. Erik Dampier and friends played four great games in the first round and have not lost any of that intensity in their series against the San Antonio Spurs. Go Mavs.

And now for something completely different.

2006-04-24T19:32:00.000-04:00

The Atlanta Hawks finished the season with a 26-56 record. We had the opportunity to do better but somehow couldn’t. We beat teams like the Mavericks but lost to teams like the Orlando Magic. It was a hard season for fans and I hope that next season can be better. For now I will cheer on the Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs.

Man he’s a young one.

2006-04-03T00:12:00.000-04:00

I am really a big fan of Josh Smith. He is the backbone of the Atlanta Hawks offense. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think he came to the NBA right out of High School. Sometimes I am not sure I am ok with that because I think players benefit from the college experience. To their credit, most of the younger guys come in and have such spectacular careers that you forget they skipped a step previously thought to be requisite.

Smith has that little extra something.

2006-03-10T18:19:00.000-05:00

From what I have seen lately, Josh Smith has been a big contributor on the court and has grown up a lot. He was key in the Atlanta Hawks win over the New Jersey Nets. He put down the shot that sent us into overtime and then produced more points in overtime which led to our win. Can Smith be the player that wakes this team up from its slumber?

Hawks Abysmal Performance Requires Some Obligatory Make-Up Wins

2006-02-03T23:16:00.000-05:00

The Atlanta Hawks are working hard to make up for a rash of losing streaks but no one can ignore their failing defense these days. Sometimes I find it easier to focus on the Super Bowl than worry about the Hawks record. I wish I could get Super Bowl tickets. That would really take my mind off things.

Wilt the Stilt or Shaq Attack?

2005-06-06T17:14:00.000-04:00

A new debate has aroused my thoughts, a debate that will probably continue for ages to come.
The question being; who is better Shaquille O’Neal or Wilt Chamberlin?

Now before anyone decides to answer this question, one should take time to think about it. To think about all the factors that comes into play.

For one I am not a big fan of Shaq but the man is very good at what he does and will some day join Wilt in the Basketball Hall of Fame. But consider it was two different eras and two different styles.

It is almost like comparing Joe Montana to Brett Favre, both great players but two different eras. So what do you all think?

Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame

2005-05-30T11:43:00.000-04:00

On June 10th one of the most electrifying players in Atlanta Hawks history and NBA history will be honored. Dominique Wilkins will be inducted into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame. Remember earlier in the year when he didn’t even get nominated for the Basketball Hall of Fame, Wilkins made a stink about it. I guess that got him into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame. Others who will be inducted this year will be Hank Aaron, Bobby Cox, Bobby Jones, Tommy Nobis and Bobby Dodd.

Question?

2005-05-24T17:52:00.000-04:00

Just wondering how many you Hawk fans out there are really Hawk fans? How many of your fans jumped off the band wagon because of the Hawks worst season, and for those of you crazy enough to follow this team all season, when did you become Hawk fans? How did you become Hawk fans? And why did you become a Hawk fan?

No Bueno

2005-05-19T17:44:00.000-04:00

It was a painful season for the Atlanta Hawks. They went 13-69 which happens to a new record but nothing to be proud of. With the 13 wins the Hawks had the fewest wins in NBA history as well as a franchise low.

“We would have liked things to have been better, but they weren’t. You can’t sit around and make excuses or complain. You just move on. The Draft is the next thing on our books so that’s what we’re working on.” - Hawks Executive Vice President and General Manager Billy Knight.

Hopefully things can change for the better when everyone comes back for the off-season.

Got Milk?

2005-05-11T15:51:00.000-04:00

Josh Childress and Josh Smith were both named by the National Basketball Association to the 2004-05 ‘Got Milk?’ NBA All-Rookie Team. This young duo from the Atlanta Hawks were both chosen to be on the All-Rookie Second Team, becoming the first Hawk players selected to the All-Rookie team since 1999-2000. Both these guys had contributed to their team this season and are finally honored for the contributions.

“We are very happy for both guys and they are certainly deserving of this honor. Josh and Josh made great strides over the course of their first seasons in the NBA, and this gives them a tremendous platform to continue working hard and improving their skills towards developing into outstanding players and key members of our franchise as we move forward." - Hawks Executive Vice President & General Manager Billy Knight

Moving On

2005-05-02T18:41:00.000-04:00

from Foxsports.com

With the 2004-05 season behind them, the Hawks now look ahead to an important offseason. EVP & GM Billy Knight and Head Coach Mike Woodson will be busy in the weeks ahead, with the draft lottery on May 24 followed by the 2005 NBA Draft on June 28. After that, the Hawks will explore the free agent market, with the FA signing period beginning on July 15.

Ending the Home Stand

2005-04-19T20:21:00.000-04:00

from NBA.com

The Detroit Pistons, who appear to be in cruise control as they prepare to defend their NBA title, meet the lowly Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday.

The Pistons have won a season-high 10 straight games and have held their last five opponents to an average of 82 points.

Richard Hamilton scored 19 points, Chauncey Billups had 17 and Tayshaun Prince 15 to lead Detroit to a 90-87 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.

Hamilton suffered a five-stitch cut above his left eye and Rasheed Wallace injured his left hamstring against the Cavaliers. Both are listed as questionable for Tuesday's game.

With the league's worst record, the Hawks may have enjoyed their finest moment of the season against the New York Knicks on Sunday.

Tyronn Lue scored 32 points, including eight in overtime, and the Hawks set a season high in points with their fourth road win of the season, a 139-135 victory over the Knicks.

Josh Childress scored 22 points, Josh Smith had 21 and Boris Diaw 20 for Atlanta, which won at Madison Square Garden for the first time in six years.

Detroit, which has won two of the three previous meetings this season, got 31 points from Prince in a 114-108 overtime triumph in their last matchup on March 13.

OT Decision

2005-04-12T17:01:00.000-04:00

The Charlotte Bobcats Monday night beat the Atlanta Hawks 110-105. It wasn’t enough to have to two teams with the worst record in the league play, but it took an overtime to decide the contest between these Southeast Division rivals as well.

For the Hawks Josh Childress led with 20 points and 14 rebounds, Tyronn Lue had 18 buckets along side 14 assists, and Josh Smith added 17 points and nine rebounds of his own.

In all honesty it was a good night for the Hawks despite the loss. Each of the Hawks five starters scored in double digits which is something that has not been accomplished in 27 games for the Hawks.

A look Ahead

2005-03-30T18:48:00.000-05:00

by the Associated Press, from Foxsports.com

Although they're drawing closer to their first playoff berth in eight years, the Washington Wizards aren't satisfied with just getting to the postseason.

The Wizards continue their battle for fourth place in the Eastern Conference when they face the NBA's worst team, the Atlanta Hawks, losers of nine straight.

Washington holds a one-game lead over Chicago in the race for fourth, the final spot that carries home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. The Wizards play eight of their next 11 at home, where they are 24-9 this season.

"Teams are breathing down our necks, but we're not worried about them right now," Washington's Gilbert Arenas said. "We've been holding this position down the whole season, why give it up now? We've got to hold onto the four spot."

After opening their five-game trip with two losses in three games, the Wizards bounced back with victories at Seattle and Portland for their first winning road trip against Western Conference teams since March 2000.

"I'm proud of my team," Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said. "We took care of business on this road trip. We've come through with flying colors."

Arenas and Larry Hughes combined for 53 points on 20-of-36 shooting to lead Washington to a 114-106 victory over Portland on Monday.

Hughes is the league's sixth-leading scorer at 25.5 points per game, while Arenas adds 22.0 points. They are the NBA's highest-scoring backcourt at 47.5 points per contest.

"No one's matching up with us. We're first and everyone is fighting to be second and third," Arenas said.

Hughes and Arenas have had even more responsibility lately in picking up the slack for the short-handed Wizards, who are without third-leading scorer and leading rebounder Antawn Jamison, as well as starting center Brendan Haywood.

Jamison has missed eight straight games with tendinitis in his right knee, and Haywood has missed the past two with a fractured left thumb.

Washington did get one of its injured players back Monday, as guard Juan Dixon returned after missing eight of the last nine games with a sprained right ankle. He scored 13 points in 21 minutes off the bench, ending a string of three consecutive scoreless games.

This season can't end soon enough for the Hawks, who are almost certain to finish with the league's worst record and the worst record in franchise history.

Atlanta, playing without injured leading scorer Al Harrington, lost for the 22nd time in 23 games with Monday's 109-102 defeat at Orlando.

"You can't play a team like we did and not expect to struggle," Atlanta coach Mike Woodson said. "Our defensive output was just horrendous in terms of defending the basketball."

A victory Wednesday would give the Wizards four wins against the Hawks in a season for the first time since 1985-86.

Walker returns to Celtics in shocker

2005-02-24T20:53:00.000-05:00

ESPN.com news services

Antoine Walker is coming back to Boston after the Celtics traded Gary Payton, Tom Gugliotta and Michael Stewart and a first-round draft pick to the Hawks.

ESPN.com Insider Chad Ford broke the news of the deal on a busy Thursday, the NBA's trading deadline.

"We think the addition of Antoine Walker brings needed presence under the boards and a proven winner back to Boston," owner Wyc Grousbeck said. "We are making a playoff push and are focused on becoming a better, bigger team down the stretch."

Walker spent seven years with the Celtics from 1996-2003, helping them reach the Eastern Conference finals in 2001-02. But basketball boss Danny Ainge decided after taking over the team during the '03 postseason that it would be better off without its strongest all-around player and its strongest personality.

Nine days before the 2003 season opener, Ainge traded Walker along with guard Tony Delk to the Dallas Mavericks for center Raef LaFrentz, guard Jiri Welsch and a first-round draft pick. Welsch was traded to the Cavaliers on Thursday for a 2007 first-round draft pick.

As a TV analyst before he took over the Celtics, Ainge made no secret of his distaste for Walker's game. When Walker was traded, Ainge commented less on his play than on his influence on the locker room, saying the player "had a grasp on the franchise."

"He's been the best player here for quite a while. He's been a vocal leader in the locker room," Ainge said at the time. "Now we're going in a different direction."

Walker, who is in the final year of a contract that will pay him $14.6 million, leads Atlanta with 20.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 40.2 minutes per game. In his career, Walker is averaging 20 points and 8.7 rebounds.

Payton, who reluctantly came to the Celtics in a summer trade from the Lakers, reportedly was in talks with the Celtics about a contract extension. Payton is eligible to become a free agent after this season.

Payton, in his 15th season in the NBA, has started all 54 games this season for the Celtics averaging 32.8 minutes a game. He is averaging 12.1 points and 6.1 assists this season, below his career averages of 17.7 and 7.2.

At 36, Payton was seen as a possible mentor for 23-year-old Marcus Banks. But with the trade of Payton and Welsch, the Celtics will now give Banks a chance to learn on the court.

Better Days

2005-02-10T15:30:00.000-05:00

"We lost the game because we're just playing horrible, because our energy level is real low. We're just coming out lame. Right now we're playing a less than mediocre game." - Lamar Odom

I think Lamar Odom summed it up the best. In a win for our Hawks, which is there 10th over all, the Los Angeles Lakers really stunk up the court. The Hawks barely pulled off the win against the lack luster Lakers.

I've seen better days.

Obinna Ekezie resigned for the season...

2005-01-31T20:09:00.000-05:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

The Atlanta Hawks on Monday signed center Obinna Ekezie for the remainder of the season.

Ekezie, 29, originally signed his first 10-day contract with the Hawks on January 10 and a second January 20. According to league rules, the Hawks had to sign him for the remainder of the season if they wished to retain him after the expiration of the second contract.

In 10 games with the club, Ekezie has averaged 1.8 points and 2.3 rebounds. He had a season-high six points and grabbed three rebounds in a 103-95 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on January 15.

A 1999 second-round pick of the Vancouver Grizzlies, Ekezie has averaged 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds in 111 career games with Vancouver, Washington, Dallas, the Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta.

I dont believe this will be a team effecting decesion, however, I hope it'll be a step in the right direction.

2 games in the win column...

2005-01-16T16:38:00.000-05:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

The Atlanta Hawks are confident they'll rise from the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings soon.

Al Harrington scored 22 points, and Antoine Walker added 21 points and 11 rebounds to help the Hawks beat the expansion Charlotte Bobcats 103-95 on Saturday night in a matchup of the Eastern Conference's two worst teams.

``We know we're not the worst team,'' Walker said. ``We're much better than 7-26.''

The Hawks led 88-65 with 8:51 left to play, but had to survive a late scare as the Bobcats cut the lead to single digits in the final minute.

Jason Hart scored 13 of his 19 points in the final period to lead the comeback attempt.

The Hawks outrebounded the Bobcats 53-33. Charlotte's Emeka Okafor, who ranks fourth in the NBA with 23 double-doubles, was held to four points and six rebounds.

The Bobcats, who are 8-25, also were hurt by 9-for-20 shooting on free throws as they lost their fourth straight -- and their 10th in 11 games.

``Our situation is understanding what we do to be good and doing that every night,'' Bobcats guard Brevin Knight said. ``We've got a young team. We really don't understand how to win, what it takes to win.''

Hawks coach Mike Woodson used 10 players in the first quarter and maintained that heavy substitution pace through the game. After a loss on Friday night in Boston, the team's flight arrived in Atlanta about 3 a.m.

And Hawks players were still talking about a rocky flight to Boston on Friday morning that Woodson said ranked among the worst he has endured as a player or coach. But Woodson said he was encouraged by his team's energy, especially on defense.

``I thought our defensive effort was tremendous,'' Woodson said. ``I thought we had a little lapse in the last four or five minutes when we had the young guys in. I just told them, `That's not play time. You get a team down, you have to keep working to maintain what you've done.'''

It was the Bobcats, who lost a home game to Memphis on Friday night, who looked drained.

``We were outrebounded by 20, so you can see we're kind of worn down,'' Bobcats coach Bernie Bickerstaff said. ``You won't win many basketball games when you shoot 9-for-20 from the free-throw line and get outrebounded by 20.''

Harrington said Okafor ``seemed like he was a little tired.''

``He was not the way he usually is,'' Harrington said. ``He's a special player and strong as an ox. For the most part, we did a good job of fronting him and not allowing him to make plays.''

Rookie Josh Smith had 10 rebounds, eight points and three blocked shots for Atlanta.

Kareem Rush had 15 points and was the Bobcats' only starter to score in double figures. Keith Bogans had 13, and Jason Kapono added 10.

The Bobcats are 1-16 on the road, including 0-12 against Eastern Conference teams.

Although it was the struggling Bobcats, its a start. We need to slowly work our way up if we are going to get anywhere this year. It will surely be a great feat if we can bring our selves back up, but it will take time. Lets up Walker and Harrington stay injury free, or else we are going to have a even tougher time coming back. We need to win Hawks!

Down 4 in a row

2005-01-05T19:21:00.000-05:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

Reserve guard Juan Dixon scored all 15 of his points in the fourth quarter Sunday to lead the Washington Wizards to a 104-101 victory over Atlanta for the Hawks' fourth straight loss.

Larry Hughes led the Wizards with 26 points while Antawn Jamison added 19 and Gilbert Arenas 17 for Washington, which had lost its previous two games.

Antoine Walker, who finished with 18 points, hit a 3-pointer to pull the Hawks to 102-101 with 3.1 seconds left. Jamison's two free throws with 2.2 seconds remaining sealed the victory.

Tony Delk led the Hawks with 19 points and Tyronn Lue added a season-high 16 against his former team. Al Harrington finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Walker's 3-pointer drew the Hawks to 99-96 with 33.5 seconds to go. After Hughes made the first of two free throws, Lue's reverse layup pulled the Hawks to 100-98 with 22.8 seconds left. Harrington's dunk made it 93-89, but Hughes answered with a 3-pointer for the Wizards.

After Predrag Drobnjak gave Atlanta a 79-78 lead with 9:30 remaining, Dixon scored 10 of Washington's next 12 points to give the Wizards a 90-81 lead with 5:48 left. Dixon made two 3-pointers during the surge.

Josh Childress and Harrington each scored four points in the Hawks' 12-0 run to a 69-64 lead late in the third quarter. Arenas' follow-shot capped a 7-0 run and gave the Wizards a 62-51 lead midway through the period.

Hughes scored six points and Haywood five as the Wizards took an 18-8 lead. The Hawks answered with a 10-0 run, capped by Kevin Willis' tip-in to make it 18-18.

Notes: The Wizards had a winning record in the first two months of the season for the first time since 1984-85 when they opened 9-5. Their 15-13 start is a seven-game improvement over last season. ... Arenas (22.7), Jamison (21.0) and Hughes (20.1) are the only three teammates in the league averaging more than 20 points. No three Wizards have accomplished the feat for an entire season. ... Jamison, who posted his 12th double-double of the season, is the only Wizard to start all 29 games. ... Jarvis Hayes had a season-high five assists for Washington.

I really hope that the streak doesnt continue and I hope we don't dig our graves slowly before we can get the season really rolling. Lets pull it together guys!

Not getting far

2004-12-28T15:09:00.000-05:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

Slowly, the Atlanta Hawks' rookies are gaining momentum.

Point guard Royal Ivey made his first start and forwards Josh Childress and Josh Smith combined for 30 points and several highlight-worthy jams as the Atlanta Hawks snapped a five-game losing streak by beating the Dallas Mavericks 113-100 Wednesday night.

Antoine Walker led the Hawks with 25 points, but he recognized the significance of the increasing rise to prominence of the team's rookies.

``I think it's great,'' Walker said. ``They are the future of this team and we need them. They catch a lot of teams by surprise, because some teams don't know what they're good at.''

Childress had 16 points, four assists and three steals, and Smith added 14 points with nine rebounds one game after he blocked 10 shots -- a high mark in the NBA this season.

Smith, making his seventh straight start, excited Hawks fans with several powerful dunks.

``The guy is tremendous,'' Mavericks guard Jason Terry said of Smith. ``He's going to be a star in this league. It's amazing how he can turn a game around.''

Smith's blocked shots were about the only positive statistic for the Hawks in the 90-68 loss at Dallas on Saturday night, and he said Atlanta's players spent the three days between games thinking about the loss.

``We wanted revenge because they beat us so bad,'' Smith said. ``Hopefully this game set the tone for how we should play.''

Held to under 70 points in two of their last three losses, the Hawks enjoyed their best offensive game of the season. Atlanta set a scoring high and had six players in double figures for the first time.

Al Harrington scored 17 points, all in the second half. Tony Delk scored 14 points and Kevin Willis had 12 as Atlanta's reserves outscored the Mavericks' bench 49-17.

``Turnovers killed us, and it led to easy baskets,'' Dallas coach Don Nelson said. ``I'm just disappointed with everybody, to be quite honest with you. ... I thought I was going to get a good effort and just didn't get anything.''

Dallas had three starters each score 23 points. One night after he set career highs with 26 points and 16 rebounds against the New York Knicks, Josh Howard had 23 with five rebounds. Terry, the former longtime Hawks guard, and Dirk Nowitzki also had 23. Nowitzki fouled out with less than a minute left to play.

``We just weren't ready to play,'' Nowitzki said. ``It didn't help that we beat them by 30 at our place. ... The bottom line was we weren't ready to play. We could have been beaten by anybody tonight.''

The Hawks tied their franchise low with only 28 first-half points against the Mavericks on Saturday night. Led by Walker's 15 points, Atlanta matched that first-half total in just the first period Wednesday night, leading 28-22 at the end of the quarter.

The Hawks stretched the edge to 11 points in the second period but had to settle for a 48-46 halftime lead as they were outscored 13-2 in free throws in the quarter.

Smith excited fans with two powerful jams in the third quarter, including one on an alley-oop pass from Walker that gave Atlanta a 63-57 lead. Smith added a reverse jam in the fourth quarter on a pass from Harrington, sparking a series of dunks from Harrington and Childress as the Hawks stretched the lead to 98-84.

Rematch of a game that didn't look pretty..

2004-12-20T13:01:00.000-05:00

From Sports.yahoo.com:

The Dallas Mavericks got instant results from a two-day crash course in defense. Then again, it helped that they were playing the Atlanta Hawks.

The Hawks matched a franchise-low by scoring just 28 points in the first half and the Mavericks wound up tying a franchise low for points allowed in a game in a 90-68 victory Saturday night.

``It was what I expected after a couple days of practice,'' Dallas coach Don Nelson said.

Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas with 15 points and 12 rebounds, despite losing his front teeth. His gritty performance was fitting considering 137 U.S. soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan sat in front-row seats.

The soldiers from Brooke Army Medical Center near San Antonio were flown in as part of a thank-you campaign thought up by a season-ticket holder, with more than $150,000 in courtside seats donated by fellow season-ticket holders. The soldiers -- all wearing matching T-shirts and many with their injuries quite apparent -- received a standing ovation after the first quarter.

Nowitzki was hit in the mouth by teammate Jason Terry and Atlanta's Jason Collier while going for a rebound a few minutes in. He returned late in the first quarter without the dental bridge that comprises most of his top teeth. He had it put back in at halftime with a cream a team employee bought at a drug store during the first half.

``I was lucky enough that my dentist was actually at the game,'' Nowitzki said. ``He came in and fixed it real quick. I've got to go back and see him (Sunday).''

Nowitzki played 32 minutes, making five of 12 shots and uncharacteristically missing five of 10 foul shots. It hardly mattered, though, because of how poorly the Hawks played.

Atlanta opened with seven straight misses and made just one of its first 15 shots. The Hawks didn't get a basket from a starter until there was 1:23 left in the first quarter and they finished the period with just 12 points. They had 16 in the second quarter, getting the last two on foul shots with 0.5 seconds left, giving them just 28 at halftime for the fourth time in franchise history.

Their 68 points set a season low for the second time in three games; they had 69 against Houston on Wednesday. Atlanta shot just 33 percent in losing its fifth straight, keeping the Hawks stuck at four wins, second worst in the NBA.

``The first and second quarters were a disaster offensively,'' coach Mike Woodson said. ``We just couldn't make our shots. We lost our confidence a little bit shooting the ball.''

Considering that the Hawks missed layups, dunks and 10 of their first 14 free throws during the slow start, it's hard to credit the Mavs' defense too much. But Dallas, which had lost its last three at home, was coming off two long practices in which coach Don Nelson tried regaining the defensive intensity his players showed when they started the season 7-1.

``We had to get back to the way we were playing in early November,'' said Terry, who made his first start with Dallas against his former team. ``Now the key is coming back and doing it again.''

The Mavericks actually took their time breaking the game open. They led just 27-12 after Atlanta's first-quarter cold snap, but stretched it to 23 by halftime and a game-high 32 at the end of the third quarter.

The lopsided score sucked away the story line of Terry and Atlanta's Antoine Walker facing their former teams after being traded for each other in the offseason. Terry scored 12 points, and Walker had 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Rookie Josh Smith provided the top highlight for the Hawks, getting 10 blocks, most in the NBA this season. Five came within the first eight minutes of the second quarter.

``I was just trying to contribute on the defensive end and trying to spark some energy into my teammates so we could execute on offense,'' he said.

Dallas rookie Devin Harris showed his leaping ability, too, streaking through the defense for a dunk that drew oohs and aahs from teammates. He hit a free throw to make it a three-point play, too.

Lets hope we win, but if we dont, we need to atleast see an 80+ game or it will prove to me that they aren't trying anymore.

The poundings continue

2004-12-15T19:35:00.000-05:00

Richard Jefferson didn't care that Jason Kidd failed to assist on a basket for the first time in his 11-year career.

Kidd's return from a knee injury has given New Jersey a big boost.

``If you look at the games that he's been back, my scoring in the second half has increased because he gets other people involved,'' Jefferson said. ``He makes it easier for other people. In the second half, I have a little bit more legs.''

Jefferson scored 19 of his 21 points in the second half, and Travis Best, starting in Kidd's place, had a season-high 21 to lead the Nets to a 95-90 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.

Kidd, who played 17 minutes, hit five of six free throws in the final 33.4 seconds. According to Elias Sports Bureau, Kidd had an assist in each of his first 796 games, including 33 in the playoffs, before Saturday night.

Kidd, who played the final 7:47, finished with four turnovers and was just 1-for-5 from the floor. He had nine points and no assists. New Jersey is 3-1 since Kidd returned.

``I don't have much feel for the game,'' Kidd said. ``I want to try to speed it up.''

New Jersey coach Lawrence Frank projected that Kidd, who has the fourth-best assist average in league history, would play only 18 minutes after he went a season-high 28 in an overtime victory over New Orleans on Friday night. He had eight points, five rebounds and eight assists against the Hornets.

Frank knows Kidd needs time before he feels comfortable.

``Late in the game, where most point guards have a tendency to slow down, he's getting push-passes to Richard,'' Frank said. ``He's always attacking, and he forces guys to run and I think he keeps the pace going.''

Antoine Walker led the Hawks with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Atlanta committed 20 turnovers, leading to 28 points for New Jersey.

The Hawks lived up to their billing as the NBA's worst free-throw team, hitting just 12 of 21.

Eric Williams scored 20 points for the Nets, who took their biggest lead when Jefferson's 3-pointer from the left wing made it 74-62 with 8:38 remaining.

Though Kidd played only 5 minutes in the third quarter, Williams thought his presence elevated the Nets.

``Jason makes it easier and gives us a level of confidence on the floor, knowing that he's on the team,'' Williams said. ``But we're out here getting repetition. In the beginning, we were like robots, trying to understand this offenses and trying to run the play all the way through and not understanding when open shots are there, take 'em, starting to recognize open shots, just playing regular basketball.''

Al Harrington had 21 points before fouling out for Atlanta, which dropped to 2-9 at home, including a 1-6 mark against Eastern Conference teams.

The Hawks had won two of three after beating the Pistons in Detroit Friday night.

``We have to be more consistent,'' Harrington said. ``Until we figure out how to do that, we just have to keep working hard, play good defense and not be selfish with the ball.''

Jefferson grabbed eight rebounds for the Nets.

With a few rescent wins, things are starting to look towards the bright side, but you can't overlook the fact that Walker is dominating this team more than he should be. Although he is very good, we need to balance it out so he doesn't have to make those crucial shots. With Crawford out, Walker had to take on a even larger position on this team, but the other players havn't stepped up quite yet. If we were to loose him to some kind of injury, I am not sure that Harrington or anybody else for that matter, could take his place. Lets keep that in mind before we go downing our team. GO HAWKS!

6 straight loses..

2004-11-30T20:33:00.000-05:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

The expansion Charlotte Bobcats nearly gave up a late double-digit lead again. This time, they held on and celebrated their third victory.

Reserve Eddie House scored 17 points and Emeka Okafor had 14 points and 10 rebounds for his fourth straight double-double, leading the Bobcats to a 107-92 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.

The Bobcats (3-9) entered having blown double-digit leads in four of their nine losses this season. But after watching their 13-point advantage cut to three early in the fourth quarter, the Bobcats answered with a 10-0 run, started by Jason Hart at 9:39 of the period.

Hart was fouled by Kenny Anderson, who was whistled for a technical foul after arguing the call. Hart made both free throws to complete a four-point play. Gerald Wallace completed the run with a smooth drive through the lane for a layup.

``The expansion team stuff, that's over with,'' Wallace said. ``We know we can win. It's all been stupid mistakes that we're making in the fourth quarter. We're beating ourselves. Out of the nine losses we have, we have probably beat ourselves in six of them. We know that it's us that is losing ballgames. It's not what other teams are doing to us, it's what we're doing to ourselves.''

The night before, the Bobcats led by as many as 17 before losing 82-77 to Indiana.

Bobcats coach Bernie Bickerstaff said his team plays not to lose once it has a lead. That didn't happen Saturday night.

``We took our time and played within the confines of the offense,'' Bickerstaff said. ``What we did in the fourth quarter tonight was instead of one pass and a shot, we were making two or three passes. And late in a basketball game like that when a team is tired, that is how you get easy baskets. You move the basketball.''

Keith Bogans added 15 points for the Bobcats, who won their third game -- all at home.

Al Harrington scored 27 points and Antoine Walker 24 in Atlanta's sixth straight loss.

When we lost before this game, it wasn't as bad as this game.But when we lost by 15 points to an expansion team, it made my faith in the hawks studder. Without the presence of Crawford this year, it is hurting out team which is clearly showing. We are nearing the bottom of the barrel, with not far to go. We need to kick up out gameplay to a new level and stop letting the other teams trample by over us...

"The Hawks are getting outscored by almost 13 points per game."

It is extremly frustrating to see this team that you grew up watching, get beat so many times. Let's wins some games and get back into the groove that we need to win. GO HAWKS!

Blast from the Past

2004-11-24T15:17:00.000-05:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

Completing a stretch that called for four road games in five days, Utah's players might have been tempted to give in to fatigue Saturday night.

Coach Jerry Sloan wasn't offering a sympathetic ear to any of that talk.

``That shouldn't bother them. Some people have to work five days a week,'' Sloan said after the Jazz pulled away to a 92-79 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

Carlos Boozer scored 20 points and Mehmet Okur added 18 for Utah, which salvaged a 2-2 road trip after losing back-to-back games at Miami and Orlando.

The Jazz made 11 of 12 free throws in the final 4:18 to fend off a comeback attempt by Atlanta. The Hawks twice pulled within five points in the fourth quarter but got no closer.

Overall, the Jazz made 17 of 21 free throws. The Hawks struggled from the line and converted only 10 of 22.

``We have to make those,'' Atlanta's Al Harrington said. ``Maybe we all need to stay and shoot some more, but that kind of stuff will work itself out.''

Entering the game, the Hawks were next to last in the league in free-throw percentage (64.8).

``The guys make them in practice,'' coach Mike Woodson said. ``They've got to learn how to make them in the game.''

Andrei Kirilenko blocked seven shots and grabbed 14 rebounds for the Jazz, who held a 46-37 advantage on the boards.

Kirilenko, who scored 11 points, also had seven assists, leaving him three blocks and three assists shy of a quadruple-double. He leads the NBA with 4.67 blocks a game.

``I don't know during the game the stats I've got,'' Kirilenko said. ``More important for me is we won the game.''

Atlanta's Antoine Walker called Kirilenko, a third-year player from Russia, ``tough, one of the best in the league.''

Guarded by Kirilenko most of the game, Harrington made only eight of 21 shots but led Atlanta with 17 points.

``He's always lurking,'' Harrington said. ``He's a great defensive player.''

Rookie Josh Childress scored a season-high 16 points for Atlanta, while Walker -- who made only four of nine free throws -- added 15.

Though the Hawks hadn't played since Wednesday, Utah's players looked fresher in the second half.

After Jason Collier scored the first four points of the second half to give Atlanta a 50-49 lead, Utah scored 15 of the next 21 points -- three times beating the Hawks on fast-break baskets.

A jumper by Howard Eisley gave the Jazz a 73-63 lead early in the fourth quarter for the first double-figures advantage of the game.

Utah stretched the lead to 13 points on back-to-back baskets by Boozer, but Atlanta scored eight straight points to get to 77-72 following a timeout with 7:38 left.

Childress scored 12 second-quarter points, matching his high for a game. Okur had 11 points in the final 6:43 of the period as Utah took a 49-46 halftime lead.

This season is reminding me of our last seasons. We just havn't been able to pull it together in a while. I think since we don't have the presence of a league power house , it takes away out motivation, even if our talent level is the same. We need to reconstruct this team for this year and next year and seriously think of changes on the roster and the staff. I hope we can pull it together this year so I can once again enjoy watching our Hawks play. Lets pump um the Win Column!

Season starters reflect the bad preseason.

2004-11-15T17:01:00.000-05:00

I don't know so far that we have what it takes this year to get somewhere. With Crawford out, we are falling apart. We are 1-5 on the season and it hasn't looked to great. It was apparent in the game against the Spurs...
From sports.yahoo.com:

One night after facing Shaquille O'Neal at a sold-out arena in San Antonio, Tim Duncan's next challenge was Jason Collier at a half-filled venue in Georgia.

The atmosphere wasn't the same, Duncan said, but the Spurs managed to win again.

Duncan scored 26 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, and Bruce Bowen scored a career-high 22 points as the Spurs beat the Atlanta Hawks 103-88 on Saturday night.

One night after a win over O'Neal's Miami Heat, the Spurs were businesslike in a victory over the Hawks as they relied on their defense until Bowen sparked the offense.

The attendance at Philips Arena was 11,326, and Duncan said ``it's tough sometimes'' when playing before small crowds.

``You don't have that energy from the crowd,'' Duncan said.

Collier, the starter in the Hawks' rotation at center, scored four points with two rebounds in 12 minutes.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich applauded his team's ability to avoid a letdown.

``If you want to be the best, you have to respect all the teams you play against and understand it really doesn't matter who you play,'' Popovich said. ``I think we did that fairly well tonight.''

While Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker combined for only 12 points, Bowen provided scoring support by making each of his five 3-pointers.

``Nobody expected Bruce Bowen to be five-for-five from the 3s,'' said Antoine Walker, who led Atlanta with 23 points.

Bowen, averaging 6.0 points per game, called his career-best night ``nothing special.''

``It was just a matter of getting opportunities and trying to take advantage of them,'' said Bowen, a member of the NBA's all-defensive team each of the last four years.

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AP - Nov 13, 10:07 pm EST
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After the Spurs built a 65-41 lead midway through the third quarter, the Hawks scored 11 straight points spanning the third and fourth quarters. The rally was capped by Royal Ivey's three-point play with 9:44 left to play, cutting the Spurs' lead to 12 points.

A 3-pointer by Walker with 8:55 left pulled the Hawks within 10 points at 81-71, but Beno Udrih answered with a 3-pointer for the Spurs.

Walker sank four 3-pointers in the final quarter. Atlanta's only other scorer in double figures was Al Harrington with 10 points.

Walker, Harrington and Kenny Anderson drew technical fouls for Atlanta. A frustrated Harrington earned his by throwing the ball into the stands in the fourth quarter.

``He didn't get the looks he normally gets,'' said Hawks coach Mike Woodson, who said other scorers have to fill the void.

``We can't be just Al Harrington and Antoine Walker,'' Woodson said. ``We have to get some other guys involved.''

Spurs center Rasho Nesterovic had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

The Hawks, who set a team record with only 25 second-half points Tuesday night against Cleveland, were back in a scoring rut early against the Spurs. Atlanta trailed 44-35 at halftime after shooting 28 percent in over the first two quarters.

The Spurs also were sluggish early.

Ginobili, who scored 29 points in the win over Miami Friday night, was scoreless until converting a three-point play with 9:16 left in the third quarter. Ginobili finished with nine points and nine assists.

While the Hawks' shooting woes continued in the second half -- they made only 2 of their first 10 shots -- the Spurs pulled away. Bowen hit three 3-pointers as San Antonio built an insurmountable lead.

Let hope for a speedy recovery from Crawford to get by this starting low. Pick it up Hawks!

Bad preseason, hopefully starting just the opposite..

2004-11-03T19:01:00.000-05:00

From sports.yahoo.com

The Hawks will give Mike Woodson a try at turning around a team that has been wallowing in the NBA's gutter for years. He has a difficult task ahead of him.

Atlanta seems to go through major personnel overhauls yearly, and this season is no different. The new faces include Antoine Walker, Tony Delk, Jon Barry and Al Harrington. The Hawks also drafted a couple of swingmen: Josh Childress of Stanford and Josh Smith from Oak Hill Academy.

Woodson will try to build a foundation for the franchise by emphasizing defense, as his mentor Larry Brown did in Philadelphia and Detroit. Unfortunately, there's nobody named Ben Wallace or Rasheed Wallace to help.

The new roster this year hasn't been looking to great so far. We were 1-6 preseason which is not exactly the most pleasing thing. This year our powerhouses will mostly likely be Antoine Walker and Delk, but Childress also could end up being one of the Powerhouses as the season progresses. Our defense will probably be the key to our team this year, because if it isn't its going to be a long season. We had 1 high scoring game in the preseason which was the one we won. Other wise we scored about 82 ppg. Lets get is started on the D then work for the Offense. Go Hawks, lets make the doubters believe this year!

Let's get more fan support!

2004-10-26T20:29:00.000-04:00

I have to admit, last year was bad. But when you think about it, we probably had the one of the worst turnouts, crowd wise, of all of the NBA teams. I think if fans of our great city of Atlanta got out there and supported our Hawks we would be doing alot better. Anyways, our team has really changed since last year. We had a pretty big draft this year including:(from:sports.yahoo.com)

1 6 (6) Josh Childress SF
1 17 (17) Josh Smith SF
2 5 (34) Donta Smith G
2 8 (37) Royal Ivey G
2 13 (42) Viktor Sanikidze F

Also, from:sports.yahoo.com

The more things change, the more they stay the same. The Hawks' roster turnover continues, with Antoine Walker and Al Harrington taking over the forward spots and Jon Barry and Kenny Anderson joining the backcourt.
Coach Mike Woodson has a tough job, as the fans in Atlanta haven't come out to support the Hawks since the Mookie Blaylock/Steve Smith days. This team is spinning its wheels.

Our roster is one of those always changing things. We havn't really caught a break in a while but I am confident in the coaching staff and I really believe we have a chance of turning heads this season. Even if we don't get all the way this season, we can build up a fan base to eventually get to where we want to be. Lets get out there and get our guys to a winning season and a trip to the playoffs! GO HAWKS!

Thanks for stopping by!

2004-08-19T16:49:00.000-04:00

Hi, I'm just getting started up here blogging on the Atlanta Hawks, and I'll have some more content up soon!