My Take on the Hawks so far this Season

By: Jimmy Beck

January 6, 2012

The Atlanta Hawks are eight games into their lockout shortened season.  So far they are 5-3 this season with all things considered that is pretty good.  Atlanta went into overtime Friday night January 6^th for the second straight night in a row against the Charlotte Bobcats and on Thursday night they went into OT against the crippled Miami Heat.  Somehow the Hawks managed to lose Thursday night’s game against the Miami Heat.  The Hawks were in the driver’s seat for most of the game then they let their lead slip away and it was time for free basketball.  The Hawks and Heat were tied at the end of the first and second overtime.  As a result the game went on to a third overtime in which the Hawks looked sluggish and were outscored 7-0.  There was one play in particular in one of the overtimes that caught my attention.  On this play in particular a Miami Heat player was taking Jeff Teague on one on one and the Heat player got by Teague, advanced to the basket and Josh Smith was supposed to give help in that situation and he barely put out his arm.  I like Josh Smith a lot but I wish at times he could be more of a team player especially when the team really needs him.  It bothered me watching the Hawks lose to a Miami Heat basketball team without Dwayne Wade or Lebron James on the court.  Don’t get me wrong the Miami Heat has a lot of talent but the Hawks had way more talent on the floor during Thursday night’s game.  I also question some of Larry Drew’s coaching decisions.  It sure would have been nice to have beaten the depleted Heat at Phillips Arena. 

Atlanta has played relatively well so far this season with all things considered.  They have played eight games in a span of eleven days.  The Hawks have played their share of games against good opponents they have already faced Miami twice and the Chicago Bulls once.  They play the Bulls again on Saturday January the seventh. 

I was disappointed when the Hawks lost Jamal Crawford to the Trailblazers and I questioned who they could get to fill his shoes.  The Hawks front office appears to have done a pretty good job so far this season with their choices of guys to play off the bench.  Vladimir Radmanovic was the high man in points for the season opener against the New York Nets with 17 points.  Another bench addition Tracy McGrady is averaging 10.6 points a game which is a nice boost off the bench.  McGrady brings a lot more than his talent to this Hawks team he brings his veteran knowledge the Hawks could use a leader or two in the locker room.  I am very impressed with the way point guard Jeff Teague has orchestrated this Atlanta Hawks offense.  He is a speedy guy with a lot of determination to get to the rim.  Teague can hit three pointers and is a hustle guy.  I love any athlete that goes out there and gives it their all each and every play.

I hope the Hawks continue to press forward as this season is full steam ahead.  I hope they will advance past the conference semi-finals this year.  Go Hawks!!

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