jpj2112

Technically the first line is "I like what I see out of the gates." LOL. But not thinking those teams got better is a bit short-sighted. About 95 percent of the East has been mired in mediocrity for so long, including us. Some of these teams have no where to go but up. My preliminary assessment to address the original question is that it's still early and I don't exactly expect it to be a cakewalk.

Better the Ferris wheel than the Ferry wheel. (That's how I originally read it...Ferry LOL) Great pic--could make for a great profile banner. Thanks for sharing and hope the game was a memorable experience!

I like what I see out of the gates, but know that every team around us has gotten better. The success so far in the face of back-to-backs is promising, though. I don't know what happened to Lamar Patterson's minutes...but I love the fact that at any given time, the end of our bench is expected to come in and contribute as a regular part of the rotation. We're going to need that to keep everyone healthy.

Yup, especially after that playoff series. The Wizards postgame show totally disrespected us. They did their Eastern Conference rankings, and one of the commentators didn't even have us finishing in the top 5 in the East LOL. I can't stand this Washington team...and Paula's not even there anymore!

If he was hitting more of his mid-range game, it would warrant him stepping out, but I personally think it's killing us on the boards. I'm not a fan of him shooting 3's either. He has an inside game that's being overlooked.

All good points above. Agreed. This particular back-to-back had me really worried, but we continue to thrive in the face of this type of scheduling. - Baze...I just see passion and determination that can't be taught. He's building confidence with each shot. What and absolute joy to watch him thrive in Bud's system. - Thabo and Scott delivered tonight off the bench, offense and defense. Loved the effort here. - And Holiday, that length, sure he's a bit raw but I'm impressed with the minutes he's earned, and he will only get better. Disrupts passing lanes and such a smooth release on his shot. - Moose redeemed himself with that big 3, and I also cringed when he released it. But pulling bigs out like that will continue to spread the floor for our system. - Sap remains steady and consistent, maintains control, even when our starters get sloppy. He was the glue and Baze was the spark. - Al was just flat. Didn't see any fire in his game tonight. Fatigue, maybe...but let's step in a few feet and stick to the pick and pop/elbow jumpers. - I think Wall's game was getting in Jeff's head early on ...but jeff's 4th quarter composure and ability to create and ultimately get his is what counts in the end. Continued improvement from Dennis as the game went on. - Assist ratio awesome, a lot of unnecessary turnovers, defense kept us in, and I don't know what the rebounding ratio was, but spun up another "W." Get some rest, Hawks. Good division win!!!!

Hey all, Long-time fan, long-time Squawk reader from the get-go (or "lurker," if that's what the kids call it these days!). Posted a few times here or there under a different handle, long forgotten. Even going back to the old school Access Atlanta board of the late '90s LOL! Grew up in Sixers territory, but thanks to TBS Superstation, I had the chance to watch a more exciting, high-flying brand of basketball with Nique, Spud, Willis, etc. I think the moment Nique got robbed in the '88 dunk contest sealed the deal for me as a true Hawks fan, and I never looked back. Funny how that exact moment of Jordan's popularity overshadowing Nique has repeated over the years, and here we are, still the underdog in the shadows, finding it hard to gain respect, even after the success of last season. Well, I love the underdog, and the naysayers can keep naysaying for all I care. Good to be here, and very excited for the season ahead!