Game 2 Preview

[atlhawks4life]

http://hawksbasketblog.com/2012/05/01/game-2-defending-home-court/

Game 2: Defending Home Court

Tuesday, May 1, 2012By Jon Newberry

With Rajon Rondo suspended for Game 2 tonight at the Highlight Factory, many are anticipating an easier road to victory for the Hawks. Joe Johnson knows better than to take anything for granted, especially during the playoffs.

“This is a totally different time of the year,” Joe said this morning after shootaround. “We understand that if one guy goes out another one can step up and play big. We’re very aware of that.”

Then Joe added an emphatic promise: “There won’t be a letdown tonight.”

The most significant piece of Rondo’s game that will be missed by the Celtics is his ability to set up his teammates. His ability to get into the lane and deliver the ball to players in position to score is a unique skill set in basketball, and the players that will be handling the ball in his place (Bradley, Pierce and possibly Allen) will provide a different challenge.

“Now whoever is at the point is probably more of a scorer than anything,” said Joe. “So some of the coverages are going to change a little bit.”

MATCH-UPS TO WATCH

Johnson vs. Pierce

Both All-Stars struggled through poor shooting nights in Game 1, and you can count on their production increasing tonight. Joe scored only one point in the second half on Sunday, finishing with 11 points and missing all nine of his attempts from long range. Paul was not much better, scoring 12 points and finishing 0-for-6 from behind the arc.

“We’re anticipating (Pierce) handling the ball more and him having more shot attempts,” Coach Drew said this morning. “We just have to be ready for it.”

Ivan vs. KG

Playoff games are almost always physical, but Garnett and Ivan Johnson take things to another level. The Celtics use KG for a lot of ball screens, which early in the season would have caused problems for Ivan. Early in the year he would get lost after forcing the dribbler wide with a hard show, and would be late recovering to his own man. Johnson was not hurt by these sets on Sunday, and should be ready again tonight.

[lethalweapon3]

Doc Rivers announced that the replacement in the starting lineup will be Mickael Pietrus, which suggests that Avery Bradley will be the PG. With Ray Allen doubtful, Game 1 DNP-CDs E'Twaun Moore and Marquis Daniels will get some burn, along with Keyon Dooling. Daniels had 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals last week at Philips.Playing tighter defense on Brandon Bass gave him few looks at the basket in Game 1, and hopefully that will continue.~lw3

[macdaddy]

I fear Ray Allen more than anyone on their team. I'm expecting him to make a surprise appearance soon.

[HawkItus]

Let's go Hawks. I have feeling Josh goes for 30 and Joe goes for 20. Teague will have about 3 steals and Ivan gets close to a double double.