Hawks Focus on Defense on Road Trip
A week is in the book and offense is no problem for the Hawks squad. For the past few days the Hawks have had time to recharge their batteries and work on their defensive execution and strategies. The Hawks go into New York City fifth in the league in scoring (105 ppg) and 17th in points allowed (102 ppg).
Joe Johnson says, “we won’t always be hot scoring the ball so playing defense is a must every night.” Joe is right. The team has given up too many layups this year and that must not happen on the this road trip. The Knicks are a young team and in the words of Josh Smith, “are dangerous because they play the same whether they are up 15 points or down 15 points.”
Hawks math for this road trip
A great trip= beating New York and Boston
A good trip= getting a split
A bad trip= losing both or winning in Boston after losing in New York
Crawford’s first return trip
Jamal Crawford returns to one of his former NBA homes and says he’s looking forward to going back. He has great admiration for the New York fan base and respects them for their passion. He recommends Tao for good sushi in New York.
Things I’ve noticed
Josh Smith is hitting 57 percent of his shots and has taken ZERO 3 pointers year
Al Horford seems to always be in the right spot in the post
Joe Johnson has been good in closing out games
Hometown, please check and see on the NBA balloting if you see Al’s name. I’ve been scrolling and I must either be overlooking it….or they left him off.
Ah man….WTH? You mean to tell me that they have Marvin in the write-in drop down menu, but NO AL??
Scratch all of that….I found him. I was looking in the wrong area (gotta get used to that wacky set-up they have!)
However, a new problem has arisen. We got kind of a log jam at the guard position. 2 slots. 3 guards. Hmmmmmm……dilemma!
Al was the first one I looked for then smoove then jamal then jj. Joe has been kinda unpredictable this year but he is still my favorite player
I would like to see Jamal Crawford become more aggresive on defense. That’s my only concern with him.
Josh Smith is the best defensive player in the league and Al Horford isn’t too far behind. I just hope Josh keep scoring in the paint where he’s more proficient.
JC has been known for not playing defense, I definitely agree that he needs to step it up in that department
Yes, I definently believe JC has to step up the defense. Bibbys lack of it is usually overshadowed by steals and 3 pointers but he needs to step up too. Other than that, tonight should be a good game.
I am pleasantly, happily and excitedly…….STUNNED!!! THAT win felt GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!! Thank you Hawks! We owe the C’s a lot more of those to make up for years of heartache, but I’m happy for this one!
im right with you HAWKS FAN FROM DAY ONE. i was glad to see the arrogant celts fans go home dissappointed for once. they got so use to an assured win.
IS IT ME or does it seem like the celtics can not intimidate the hawks in the paint without big babay davis.even though joe & crawford warmed up & bibby started stroking i still say a controled mature game by josh smith was the key( nothing wild all night) and a good journeyman effort by horford was the key. thats all i ask for him to do is put the ball in the basket 5X every night and get his 8 to 10 rebounds.
We controlled every aspect of that game. The C’s couldnt keep up. Let’s see if JJ can run for MVP. I found him somewhat refreshing with leadership.