Hawks Hit the Skids

by Steve Weinman on Nov 19, 2008 1:03 AM EST in NBA Comment 10 comments

A week ago, the Atlanta Hawks rolled into Boston as the East's only remaining undefeated team. They have yet to win since.

That continued last night with a 113-96 pummeling at the hands of the Pacers in which they were beaten soundly from wire to wire.

Ten games into 2008-09, it seems that as was the story throughout last season, the Hawks' true identity remains unknown.

This is a team that didn't just jump out to a 6-0 start, but it did so with style, picking up four particularly noteworthy wins in that span. Orlando, Toronto and Philadelphia all project to be playoff teams in the East, and New Orleans is considered a title contender. That four of the first six wins came on the road and that the home opener included a comeback from a 23-point deficit only made the start all the more impressive. Even though losing to the Celts put a blemish on their record, the Hawks gave the champs everything they could handle in a 103-102 thriller.

But it hasn't been the same since then. The Hawks lost both ends of a home-and-home this weekend to a mediocre-at-best Nets, and they followed it up with the wipeout in Indiana. The team's defensive efficiency has fallen to 21st in the league, and after giving up 100 points just once in their six wins, they have done so in each of the four losses.

Sure, Josh Smith's absence makes a big difference, and his return will probably change things for the better once more, but this Hawks team continues to confuse. Seems like another classic case of a team that plays to its level of competition.

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This is why calling a team ‘for real’ so early in the season is a bit ridiculous. Esp. one that has done so little before but make the playoffs and making it to game 7.

by NoraG1 on Nov 19, 2008 1:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I’ve seen teams in the past who blasted through the gates at the start only to run out of gas in the end. At this point of the season, it is still too early to tag the Hawks as a “real deal” team or a bust. But I like the Hawks’ potential especially when they get Josh Smith back in their lineup. Still, as evident in their current losing streak, they still have a lot to learn about playing consistent high level basketball.

by Celtic_E on Nov 19, 2008 2:12 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Drinking the Kool-Aid

I’ll admit I was buying into the hype.

But if the choice is winning ugly—Celtics—or losing, I’ll take winning ugly.

10-2 looks pretty good to me.

by William_Ayers on Nov 19, 2008 7:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

This is what happens when you count "moral victories"

It was pretty amusing to see the Hawks and their fans ready to put a banner up in their rafters…..after a LOSS. Sorry, but if a team is serious about being a contender, there’s no such thing as a moral victory. In fact, what you should be doing is looking for ways to improve, even when you win, which is what the Celtics know they have to do.

These Hawks got a little too carried away and bought into all the hype. They’re still a good team, but to think they’re anywhere near on the Celtics level is naive.

by CelticsWhat35 on Nov 19, 2008 8:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Some Information

Defensive efficiency with Josh Smith – 88.8 points per 100 possessions conceded
Defensive efficiency without Josh Smith – 115.2 points per 100 possessions conceded

Defensive efficiency first 5 games – 94 points per 100 possessions conceded
Defensive efficiency last 4 games – 120 points per 100 possessions conceded

by Who on Nov 19, 2008 9:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Atlanta were 18th in defensive efficiency last season and far worse after the Bibby trade, something like 26th or 27th.

They had only two average or better defenders last season and one of those couldn’t defend his own man (Josh Smith). In fairness to the rest of their defenders they were mostly slightly below average rather than poor, except for Bibby who’s awful defensively.

How this team was going to suddenly become a top 4 defensive club in one offseason with next to no player movement ….. boggles the mind. The likelihood of them pulling that trick of was about 0.2%.

by Who on Nov 19, 2008 9:32 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

On another note we’re not going to know much in the way of definite answers on the Hawks team until Josh Smith returns, gets healthy, and they play a good chunk of games. Too many variables to distinguish prior to that happening.

In the meantime what we can learn about is Marvin Williams and Al Horford and whether or not they’ve taken any individual steps forward.

Admittedly, I don’t have much faith in this team …. I’m looking forward to finding out some true answers about their capabilities.

by Who on Nov 19, 2008 9:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I guess they didn’t learn as much from the Celtics as they claimed to have learned.

by nickagneta on Nov 19, 2008 10:30 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

i can see the c’s losing 4 in a row and not be diminished. let’s see what happens when smith gets healthy. they are still a young team that needs to learn how to win. i don’t know what kind of teaching coaching staff they have, but they need teachers. al horford isn’t putting up numbers . let’s see what he does in his second year.

by nazzbo on Nov 19, 2008 11:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs