AnthonyI11

Soo.. when Horford criticizes the team everyone is ok with it, but when Joe Johnson does it everyone is outraged? :question:

Really? Cause I'd rather beat both of them.

Good article. Very true

I personally don't think we are going to catch the Magic for the #2 seed. Our schedule is pretty tough playing the Lakers and then the Cavs twice I believe. I was just reading this article on the AJC about us hoping for #2 seed and our attendance.

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Jeff Schultz

Hawks still hoping for No. 2 seed (and a little attention)

2:04 pm March 18, 2010, by Jeff Schultz

Josh Smith and the Hawks hope for a welcoming party at two weekend home games. (AP photo).

Josh Smith and the Hawks hope for a welcoming party in two weekend home games. (AP photo)

The third best team in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, which is based in one of the league’s top markets, returns home to Philips Arena Friday night. Their hope is that somebody notices.

The Hawks are doing their part. They’ve had a chance to fizzle and haven’t. OK, there was that collapse Wednesday night in Toronto when a 12-point lead evaporated in the fourth-quarter and they lost in the final seconds on a jumper by Chris Bosh. But here’s the pass: The loss came with their leading scorer (Joe Johnson) sitting out. It was their second game in two nights on the road against a team (Toronto) fighting for a playoff spot. There are worse ways to go splat.

Four weeks ago, the Hawks lost consecutive games at Phoenix and Golden State. There were signs of settling. At 34-20, they basically were a .500 team (15-14) after a meteoric 19-6 start. But since then, they’ve won nine of 13. A win at New Jersey actually put them 20 games over .500 for the first time in 13 years. Can’t remember seeing that in any headlines.

They’re doing it in ways you want to see, particularly in March. When Johnson missed consecutive games with an injury, others stepped up their game, particularly at the offensive end. Even Jeff Teague played. Remember Jeff Teague?

“I like the fact that everybody is making a contribution,” general manager Rick Sund said. “I like our chemistry.”

So here’s the question: Has anybody noticed?

The Hawks rank 20th in the NBA in home attendance at 16,092. Of the 10 teams behind them entering Thursday’s games, seven have losing records. Eight are out of the playoff picture. The two exceptions: Charlotte and Milwaukee. Both play in significantly smaller markets.

The fact the Hawks draw pretty well on weekends should help Friday (Charlotte) and Sunday (San Antonio). But shouldn’t the overall picture be better? Players can’t help but notice the half-empty arena, but they aren’t going to say much about it publicly, beyond, “All we can do is win.” And then maybe they roll their eyes.

Sund, who for a long time worked for one of the NBA’s most-vibrant franchises in Seattle, said: “I haven’t lived here long enough to comment. I don’t know.”

It’s not anybody’s business to tell people how to spend their money. But the bad-economy argument goes only so far. Chicago, Portland, Dallas, New York and Salt Lake City are in the same economy. Nobody can play the economy card more than Detroit, and the Pistons are averaging over 18,000 — and they’re a 23-45 team.

Maybe this will get people’s attention: The race for the Southeast Division title and the No. 2 seed in the East isn’t dead yet. Nobody is catching Cleveland. But the Hawks play four games in the next six days, the last one coming against the Magic. They have only 15 games left. It’s safe to say if they’re going to make a move on Orlando, it’s now.

Sund speculates that to catch the Magic, “We need to beat Orlando and then win seven out of eight or something like that.”

Even if the Hawks fall short, it’s a worthy product, a fun team to watch even if sometimes aggravating. It’s a team that lost four straight earlier in the season – two of those to Cleveland – but otherwise has not dropped more than two in a row all year.

“The good thing is we’ve been through some highs and lows like every club, but we’ve come out of it,” Sund said. “We’ve shown some resiliency.”

Teams sell out games when enough fans believe there’s a reason to go.

When LeBron and Kobe come to town, the games sell out.

When the playoffs start, the games sell out.

Until then, the Hawks may have to settle for being just north of curiosity, even if in relative anonymity.

What do you guys think about the attendance and chances at a #2 seed?

MVP23, when we lose in the 4th quarter it's a total team deflation. Our defensive intensity usually drops. It's not Joe's fault.. you are absolutely ridiculous.

Wow MVP23, you are seriously the most retarded person on this forum. I have no respect for anything you say. You're just a Joe hater..

Stop trying to post 6'9 Horford on Howard.

We didn't do that. Horford hit 15 foot jumpers all night on him and he posted when he had a smaller guy on him.

I hope the Hawks are on a mission tonight. They need to be out there to prove something. That arena better be jammed packed supporting the Hawks.

Lets go get this W!

:friends1:

I'm pretty sure he is out for season with a wrist injury.

You are a complete retard. I am sorry.. Joe Johnson played great last night and he was the person who kept us in the game when the Bucks went through that streak where they did not miss. You guys are just a bunch of complainers. Joe is fine.. so stop finding something to complain about and just enjoy what the Hawks have accomplished thus far.

:shake_puter:

MVP23, why are you ALWAYS wrong? We're playing great tonight.

Couldn't agree more. If was refreshing to see the bench play that well. Gave the starters a very nice rest :thumbsupsmileyanim:

If you look near the top of the Homecourt page you can see Hawks Fan Site Imports. The info is in there.

Oh ok thanks! Hopefully the Hawks can pull out the W tonight!

Ight, thanks.

Mods can delete this thread, just a quick question taking up space, lol.

I'm really excited tonight. For starters, I get to see the game on TV!!! Yeah!!! WOOHOO!!

Anyway, we need this for several reasons. For starters, We need to keep up with the Celtics and get the 3rd seed. Thats a must. A losing streak (even a 2 game losing streak) isn't good for us right now.

Second, and maybe even more important, we need the Bobcats to play the Magic in the playoffs. These guys went to Orlando without Gerald Wallace, and won. They're 2-1 against them this year.

BTW...Marvin is dropping 20 :lol6:

oh god.. you cursed Marv again.. :brick wall:

Anyone know if Joe Johnson is suiting up tonight?

Thanks

How is Joe Johnson not lacking leadership? I don't think Craw can replace Joe either, but his leadership is not a reason.

Joe is the clear leader of the team. I understand he isn't the most vocal person in the world. But actions speak louder then words. lol

Malone and Horford aren't comparable.. get out of here.

Malone ftw.

Thread.

I liked Acie Law, but some coaches just don't trust rookies. Mike Woodson is one of them and I don't blame him. Just wish Acie could have stuck around

No., The only people saying that are the people that didn't like JJ in the first place, before Crawford got here.

As a Hawks fan, how can you not like Joe Johnson? He's helped us so much throughout the years. Does anyone remember where the Hawks used to be?

Crawford is a great scorer.. don't get me wrong, but he is a terrible defender and you have to admit he is a chucker, He lacks leadership. I love Crawford as much as the next Hawks fan, but anyone that thinks Joe is replacable by Crawford has to be fooling themselves.

I mean, am I wrong?

Would any of you guys like to have Rasaul Butler from the Clippers as either our back up small foward or starting small foward? He would be ideal in our starting lineup to me because he's a great spot up shooter.. something Marvin is struggling at this year. Butler is not shy to put up shots and he is much more balanced than Marvin.

We would lose defense. Butler gets lazy on defense at times.. Marvin is usually a solid defender because he is 6'9'' 240lbs.

Anyways, it was just a thought as a great corner 3 jump shooter. Watcha guys thinks?

No Joe? The Raptors have nobody that can stop him.

Good call. You should never post again.

joe smith 7 points in 6 minutes... i know we won BIG, but let the dude play is hes having a good night.. geez