Atlanta Hawks (108) New Jersey Nets (84) Game Recap

I commented on Twitter last night that watching the Nets makes me appreciate where the Hawks are as a team. I remember to well the doldrums of that 13 win season so much so that sometimes it clouds my judgments about these current Hawks. I don’t want to see my favorite franchise struggle the way these Nets have.

Watching the Nets I wondered how many of their players could actually be in the rotation for the Hawks. Brook Lopez most certainly could. Devin Harris didn’t play but he could as well. I like what Terrance Williams has done lately and wonder where he would be had it not been for some questionable comments off the court that ultimately cost him playing time earlier in the season.

The fact is that even without Joe Johnson the Hawks are still miles ahead of the Nets as their respective records suggest. After starting sluggishly and ending the first quarter in a 22-22 tie, the Hawks clamped down in the second quarter outscoring the Nets 33-17. It was a lead that they would never relinquish. Jamal Crawford capped off that second quarter with a thirty foot bomb to beat the buzzer and send the Hawks into the half with an exclamation mark.

After the slow start the Hawks really played some beautiful basketball. I loved how it seemed that on every possession the Hawks were looking to dump the ball inside to someone whether it be Al Horford, Josh Smith, or even Marvin Williams. Many times the ball was passed back out of the post but it almost always led to a great shot for the Hawks. I even saw the Nets send a double team at Marvin Williams in the post which led to a Hawks three pointer. I am not sure I remember having ever seen Marvin doubled before.

Jamal Crawford after missing his first four shots exploded for 25 points on 11-18 shooting. Al Horford set a career high for assists with 7, scored 15 points, and grabbed 11 rebounds in only 30 minutes of action. Marvin Williams added 15 points and 5 rebounds. Josh Smith didn’t have a dominating performance but had his share of highlight plays as well scoring 9 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, dishing 4 assists, and blocking 3 shots.

Jeff Teague got the start for the Hawks due to the injury to Joe Johnson and looked very nervous throughout. I was hoping for a more aggressive game from him but it was to be expected that he would come out and try and fit in instead of being aggressive and trying to make plays. Teague can not be Mike Bibby, he must attack at all times he is on the floor. Despite his poor play it was nice to see the rookie on the floor and hopefully his time will continue to rise so he can build some confidence. It also needs to be pointed out how well the bench played particularly on the defensive end. Mo Evans (12 points), Joe Smith (8 points), and ZaZa Pachulia (4 points) gave the Hawks a lift with their energy and the Nets ultimately had no answer.

Good news that on the first night of back to back games that no one played more than Marvin Williams 32 minutes. The Hawks will need that energy tonight in Toronto as they will again be shorthanded with Joe Johnson still out.

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