Archive for the ‘Atlanta Hawks’ Category

2010-2011 National TV NBA Schedule!

Both games between the NBA champion Lakers and the Miami Heat, led by their All-Star triumvirate of Chris Bosh, reigning NBA Most Valuable Player presented by Kia Motors LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade, will air nationally. The Lakers host the Heat on Christmas Day on ABC (5 p.m. ET), with the Heat hosting in Miami on March 10 on TNT (8 p.m. ET).

One of the league’s most experienced and battle-tested teams matches up against one of its youngest and most explosive squads on Nov. 19, when Boston’s quintet of stars – Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Shaquille O’Neal, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo – hosts reigning scoring champion Kevin Durant, emerging star Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET).

TNT’s Thanksgiving night doubleheader will begin with All-Stars Joe Johnson and Al Horford leading the Hawks against the Washington Wizards and John Wall, the top overall selection in the 2010 NBA Draft (8 p.m. ET). The second game features Blake Griffin, last year’s top overall selection, and the Los Angeles Clippers hosting reigning T-Mobile NBA Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans and the Sacramento Kings (10:30 p.m. ET).

In James’ first visit to Cleveland as an opposing player, the Heat takes on Antawn Jamison and the Cavaliers on Dec. 2 (TNT, 8 p.m. ET).

Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey on Houston Sports Radio 610:

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In one of the league’s best rivalries, All-Stars Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony lead the Denver Nuggets when hosting the Los Angeles Lakers and All-Stars Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol on Friday, Jan. 21 (ESPN, 10:30 p.m. ET).

The Orlando Magic, led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard and star guard Jameer Nelson, hosts All-Star Derrick Rose and the new-look Chicago Bulls, including star forward Carlos Boozer, on March 4 (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET).

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NBA National Network(Partial)Schedule

The NBA has released the national network schedule for this season’s games on Opening Week, Christmas Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The full NBA schedule will be released on Aug. 10. The season doesn’t start till October 26th.

*Noteworthy Games:

The Los Angeles open their title defense at home against the Houston Rockets, who return to nationally televised games. The Lakers will get their rings and sadly Trevor Ariza will watch his old team get their back-to-back bling.

Miami and the Lakers will be undoubtley get the maximum 34 nationally televised games. The Heat open their season in Boston against the Celtics. The last games of the playoffs for both LeBron James, and Dwayne Wade took place in Boston, how fitting.

On October 30th the two of the NBA future teams , Chicago and Oklahoma City battle. Out of the games announced today the Thunder have more then the Celtics, Lakers, or Heat.

No nationally televised games(so far)for the Raptors, Mavs, Spurs, Bucks, Pacers, Pistons, Bobcats, Timberwolves(how will Rubio see the games?), Hornets, Nets, 76ers or Cavs.

Schedule continues after the jump!

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Free Agency: Day 1

Memphis Grizzlies agree with Rudy Gay on 5-year max contract. The Grizzlies appear to really, really, really want Gay. This offer should make it hard for other teams to even glance at Gay.

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The Atlanta Hawks offered Joe Johnson 6 years, and $119 million dollars. Joe Johnson vanished from the Hawks in the Playoffs last year, and lashed out at Hawks fans for their criticism of his poor play. Owners are quick to complain about player salaries, but are quick to deal out ridiculous contracts.

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It would appear the Milwaukee Bucks have some deep pockets, or a limited intelligence. Either way the Bucks are looking to expound on their success from last year:

Adrian Wojnawroski is reporting that Drew Gooden has signed a five-year, $32 million dollar deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.  WOW!

Bucks have also re-signed John Salmons for $39 million over five seasons.

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Los Angeles Lakers report the signing of a mega free agent Phil Jackson. “Count me in,” said Jackson. “After a couple weeks of deliberation, it is time to get back to the challenge of putting together a team that can defend its title in the 2010-11 season. It’ll be the last stand for me, and I hope a grand one.”

A member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Jackson established a new Lakers franchise record for regular season victories earlier this year, earning his 534th career victory with a win over the Charlotte Hornets on February 3. The fastest coach to 1,000 career victories, his total of 1,098 regular season wins ranks him fifth all-time while his .705 winning percentage is the best in league history. Additionally, Jackson ranks first all-time in NBA postseason history with a .697 winning percentage (225-98). His 225 playoff victories are also the highest postseason win total for any head coach in league history.

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NBA Summer League 2010 Schedule

Twenty-two NBA teams, including 11 that appeared in the 2010 NBA Playoffs, will compete in this year’s NBA Summer League. For the second consecutive year, a team of NBA Development League Select players will also participate in the action taking place at the Thomas & Mack Center and the COX Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Marketing partners included in the event are adidas, EA SPORTS, Gatorade and T-Mobile.

This year’s event will feature the Washington Wizards, who won the top overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. Other participating teams with top five selections in this year’s draft include the Minnesota Timberwolves(fourth overall pick) and the Sacramento Kings (fifth overall).

Additionally, 10 of the top 14 picks are expected to participate in Las Vegas this summer.

Joining the above-mentioned teams scheduled to appear in Vegas this summer are the Dallas Mavericks,Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Hornets, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers,Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards.

Tickets for the 2010 NBA Summer League are on sale and can be purchased by calling 702-739-FANS, through UNLVtickets.com or by visiting the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office and UNLV Ticket Outlets. All general admission tickets are $25 for the day; seniors and children (3-12) are $15 for the day; and children two years and under are admitted free of charge.

A complete broadcast schedule will be released at a later date.

Schedule after the jump.

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Joe Johnson for only $20 million!

Posted 11 May 2010 — by T.T.S.
Category Atlanta Hawks, NBA

It seems Hawks fans weren’t thrilled with Joe Johnson’s statement “We could care less if they show up” following Game 3 of the Hawks Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Orlando Magic. Putting him for sale on Craigslist like a old coach, or used bicycle is probably what Joe deserves for his words and above all his play. Getting Johnson for $20 million is a tad cheaper then what some NBA team will sign him for this summer, so if you have the funds jumping on this opportunity is wise.

NBA Playoffs: (Day 24 Recap)

Posted 10 May 2010 — by T.T.S.
Category Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Magic defeated the Hawks by a combined 101 points en route to their second straight sweep this postseason beating the Atlanta Hawks 98-84. Vince Carter scored 22 points, Rashard Lewis scored 17 points, knocking down four 3-pointers. Mickael Pietrus scored 12 points all from deep. Orlando made 16 of 37 shots from beyond the arc.  The Magic shot 55 percent from the field and never trailed during either game in Atlanta.

Orlando became the third team in the past six years to sweep its first two best-of-seven series, joining Miami (2005) and Cleveland (2009), and the Magic have defeated the Hawks in 10 of their last 11 meetings.

Joe Johnson finished off a miserable series by scoring only 14 points on 5-of-15 shooting. He was booed by the home crowd at the start of the game and got the same treatment when he went to the bench with 3:51 to play. The fans were still miffed that he said didn’t care if they “showed up or not” after they heckled the team in a 30-point loss on Saturday. Josh Smith had 16 points, and Jamal Crawford scored 18 points.

Overall a sad, and disappointing performance for the Hawks in the 2nd Round. Joe Johnson is a free agent, head coach Mike Woodsen contract is up, and Mike Bibby had his remaining bit of skills completely sapped by Jameer Nelson.

Magic await the winner of Celtics-Cavs, which is tied 2-2. Orlando eliminated both teams in last years playoffs.

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Monday Morning Gumsmacking

Posted 10 May 2010 — by spechater
Category Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Slaughter

The four-time champion San Antonio Spurs were eliminated from the NBA Playoffs last night in shocking fashion, being swept 4-0 by the Phoenix Suns. The Suns were able to finally avenge the countless playoff series losses to the Spurs throughout the past decade, winning the last two series games in San Antonio. It would appear the Spurs are officially heading towards the rebuilding stage. Tony Parker definitely has productive years left in him and Ginobili should be able to play at a high level for a couple more years, barring injury. But Timmy D looks to be slowing down and is definitely not the dominate force he used to be. Oh yeah, it’s safe to say that the Richard Jefferson experiment did not work out. Look for the Spurs not to re-sign him when his contract is up. Just not a good fit for the Spurs.

Rage on Rondo!

Can anyone on the Cavs stop Rajon Rondo? So far this series, the answer is a resounding NO. The long-armed PG has by far been the best Celtic in this series, in the playoffs in general.  There is no longer a Big 3 in Boston, it is the Big One. He is putting up numbers in this series that your Create-A-Player would have in the old school NBA Live games. Triple doubles are pretty much expected at this point. If the Cavs don’t find a way to stop Rondo from running circles around their defense, they will continue to be relegated to the moniker of “Regular Season Champions”.  They must attack him on offense and seriously think about putting LBJ on him. Anthony Parker and Mo Williams ain’t the answer!!!

Someone’s Goin Fishin Soon

The Atlanta Hawks were destroyed in Game 3 by the Orlando Magic, who are 7-0 in the playoffs. And, there is absolutely no indication that this series will not be a sweep. The Hawks are clearly unmatched and have no fight in them. And, this for the team that wants to be considered to be one of the elites for the East. This for a team that had to go to Game 7 to beat a depleted Milwaukee Bucks team in the first round. Personally, I don’t think Mike Woodson is a good coach. He doesn’t seem to be able to motivate these guys. They just don’t respond to him. If the Hawks have any shot of beating the Magic in Game 4, Joe Johnson has to step up.

Where Did He Come From?

Although the Lakers have a commanding 3-0 lead over the Utah Jazz and will win this series, I have been impressed with undrafted free agent Wesley Matthews. Honestly, I never heard of him in college, but this guy works hard and can play ball. He seems like he loves the challenge of guarding Kobe, is active around the basket, and has a nice stroke on the perimeter. His approach to the game fits in well in Jerry Sloan’s system. I guarantee that come contract time, there will be other teams trying to pry him away from Salt Lake City.

NBA Playoffs: (Day 22 Recap)

Posted 08 May 2010 — by T.T.S.
Category Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, MLB, Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz

(AP Photo/Paul Abell)

The Orlando Magic had every reason to be concerned heading into Game 3 against the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta had been blown out in the previous two games, it was their first home game, and Joe Johnson, and Josh Smith have yet to play at their normal level. All the concern for the Magic subsided early after being up  52-33 at the half. Rashard Lewis scored 22 points and the backups helped Orlando pull away early with Howard on the bench as the Magic romped to another playoff blowout, moving to the brink of their second straight sweep with a 105-75 win.

Howard had 21 points and 16 rebounds, on 6 of 8 shooting. He went 9-18 from the free throw line. Magic dominated the boards, finishing with a 51-34 rebounding edge. But their margin was largely piled up on all those Atlanta misses. Orlando had a 41-22 lead in defensive rebounds.and won each game by an average margin of 29 points.

Hawks shot only 35 percent (29 of 83), Joe Johnson made only 3 of 15 attempts to finish with eight points. Jamal Crawford led the Hawks with 22 points. The Hawks are now forced to play the “one game at a time” scenario, but it is painfully obvious this series is over. Magic lead series 3-0

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NBA Playoffs: (Day 20 Recap) Hawks-Magic

Posted 06 May 2010 — by T.T.S.
Category Atlanta Hawks, NBA, Orlando Magic

Howard doesn't push up, he pushes the Earth down!

Atlanta had a lot of explaining to do following their 43 point beat-down in Game 1 by the Orlando Magic. Atlanta only scored 10 points in the second quarter of Game 1, they had 30 in Game 2, and the Magic had only 17. But the 4th quarter was similar to the play in Game 1 where the Hawks missed jumpers and Magic made everything leading to a  112-98 victory given the Magic a 2-0 lead. They outscored the Hawks 28-15 in the 4th.

Magic are 8-1 in the last nine games against the Hawks. Dwight Howard had a “monster” game 29 points and 17 rebounds on 7 of 8 shooting. Howard was amazingly 13 for 18 from the free throw line. Vince Carter went all 2001, finishing with 24 points, 20 of which came in the 2nd half. Four of the Magic starters had at least 20 points, shooting 60% in the second half.

Orlando has now won 6 straight in the playoffs and is the only team to still be undefeated.

Hawks head coach Mike Woodsen was confused about what was wrong with his team in Game 1.After Game 2 I’m sure he learned they appear to outmatched by the Magic. Al Horford lead all Hawks with 24 points, and Jamal Crawford finished with 23 points. Josh Smith, and Joe Johnson combined for 11-31, and were nonexistent down the stretch…paging Mike Bibby!! Game 3 is Saturday in Atlanta.

Magic lead the series 2-0

NBA Playoffs: (Day 18 Recap)

Posted 04 May 2010 — by T.T.S.
Category Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz

(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Game 2 between the Lakers and Jazz seemed identical to Game 1. Lakers dominate throughout but unable to silence the Jazz completely, letting them hang around the entire game.  Lakers won 111-103 making it 16 straight home victories against the Jazz. Kobe Bryant led all scores with 30 points and 8 dimes. The Lakers BIGS dominated inside out rebounded the Jazz 58-40 and had 13 blocks(Kobe had 3 of those). The Lakers free throw lead in the first two games will definitly decline heading to Utah. I myself cant wait to see how Ron Artest’s performs in front of the Jazz crowd.

Paul Milsap led all Jazz scorers with 26 points off the bench. Boozer and CJ Miles had 20 points each, but the 4 of 16 shooting from Deron Williams leading to 15 points is not the output the Jazz need from their best player. Lakers lead series 2-0

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