tremor

He worked for his label as rebuilding specialist and will get a job with one of those teams who look for such a coach.

If the fans are so horrible and empty seats are an issue why were Hawks second best team in the league at home?

It's definitely about coaching. "Be aggressive, play hard, you have right to make mistakes" - that's what Dragic heard from Gentry. After a season with Woodson Dragic would have been a shell of himself.

Smoove about Dwight:

No one likes lies or bullsh*t gossips, you know. Haven't you ever played any sports with friends? If so, were you always nice to each of them? This goes much further in professional sport where each player is expected to play hard and compete no matter what. So you better back up your statement with something more than "Are you serious" look. And why's Dwight douchebag in your opinion?

Dwight is as good teammate and cool guy as anyone in this league.

I voted for JJ's block too, but Smoove's was not also from highlight realm but an important moment in a game. Instead of another score from penetration Bucks gave up 2 easy points. So I think it's a draw for me. Hawks need to cut to the basket a lot more the way Al did in his highlight.

3 votes on 4-2 for Atlanta? That's what I call homerism. But that's logical: 3 years ago - no playoffs 2 years ago - 1st round exit last year - 2nd round exit this year - ?

I say Hawks in 7 games. Each season does as little as is needed to keep his job. But now he wants to get new contract and IMO it means he needs to go beyond expectations. Magic are deeper but when our top guys play well we can beat anyone.

I was quite close, but Hawks choking in game 5 ruined my prediction.

Joe was playing over 40mins/game yet he turned the ball over only 15 times and dished 40 assists all that while playing good to great D on Salmons.

What if Hawks go to the finals?

Hard to tell really. Smoove for setting tone in many moments and crashing the boards.

Exactly. Majority of offensive possessions have to go through Al. Woody needs to throw Collins at Howard early to send Dwight to the free throw line. Too bad you can't do both things at the same time. Box out to not let second chance opportunities. JJ needs to step up at offensive end.

I want Hawks playing at their full potential. In more measurable terms - 7 games series.

Crawford was big part of regular season Hawks success but the way he plays in off season he doesn't deserve money he gets.

Why? Hughs was the only Bobcat with (relatively) hot hand in this game. Gortat is no Howard but he knows how to protect the rim - he alters a lot of shots.

While JSmoove is my favorite current NBA player JJ is one of the most underrated. You need to watch him closely to understand how good he is and he is damn good at both ends of the court. And in general I agree - you may appreciate both of them and praise each one without bashing the other.

Our bench is awful? Our bench carries the team? Can't we just have solid bench with one of the best 6th man, hustling big, decent SG/SF and promising rookie PG?

I love Nash - such a great guy both on and off the court. You haven't mentioned the bench but these guys (Dudley, Fry, Dragic, Amudsen) played better than anyone expected. Still I hardly see Suns going even to WCF - they're old and are not the best defensive/rebounding team. I won't mind if it happens though.

@thecampster Look at the way the points were scored. Josh - a couple of dunks, alley-oop lay ups, a couple of post ups against smaller and weaker Delfino, some putbacks, one open jumpshot. I don't say this is bad, quite the opposite - Josh was doing what's his best at. Joe - a couple of open threes - the rest were hard earned points were he either made a shot with a hand in his face or beat his defender (usually the only Bucks defensive specialists) to the rim and dealt with help defense (not the best one though TBH). Scored 9 straight early in 4th quarter and killed Bucks momentum. Defensively they're both were great.

What? Joe's defense >> Kobe's defense. Have you watched games against Bucks? JJ would score more points if he didn't put so match energy to play D.

If I had to pick one player, it would be JJ. But I don't have to so both Smoove and Joe take the game MVP title. Joe's game is so damn smooth it's joy to watch.

To be recognized as top defender was one of Josh's wishes this season. The only player in the league with +100 blocks and +100 steals.

Teague had no problem to keep up with Jennings in game 1. He just needs to put a hand in his face when Bucks' PG takes jump shot which he apparently didn't for unknown reason. It looked like Jeff was thinking that's it's not his duty to try to block the shot.