buckeye242424

X2. I don't care if Smoove pulled out a 720. Be aggressive, drive, rebound and defend.

I thought Zaza did a better job defensively on O'neal than Horf did.

JJ being aggressive was nice to see. He realized his jumper has been off, so he attacked the rim and did a good chunk of his scoring in the lane and at the line. Even Hotlanta took notice of this...he had some nice things to say during last night's chat. Just surprised me, I had to mention it.

Whatever scheme was in place last night, duplicate it. When Kenny Smith is giving the Hawks some love on their ball movement and unselfishness, then we must be doing something right.

"What chu talkin' bout Kevin Willis!"

I like this. Although it's kind of scary that you picked Zaza over Smoove....because I think you're serious! Haha..I may bump Smoove up a few...

Oh, my bad. I don't assume anything around here. I go with what is written down.

Yeah...haha. For the game: Which would you choose? Bibby getting D'ed up, and shooting a tightly contested 3 vs. a Smoove wide open three.

LOL. Love it!

No they wouldn't. They would take what their team needs, when it comes to two all-stars. I'm sure the GM's of Chicago, Portland, and Utah would love to have JJ over Chris Paul.

That's the one aspect of JJ's game that nobody else on the Hawks has...the ability to disrupt a defense without doing much at all. JJ has been shooting poorly, well noted...but he's still going to demand double teams despite the fact he's been sub-par. Miami will continue to be on their toes when Joe is in the game. His mere presence opens up opportunities for others.

There might be an adjustment period to another coaching philosophy, but discipline is what this team needs. Sure the players may not react well in the beginning to a more assertive approach, however after they see the results of a more structured approach to the game, they may change their tune. Right now, we look like we're street ballin' at times...no cohesion.

I do. I think having a guy like JJ on the team impacts the game on a bigger scale. Defense on the other team must account for JJ at all times on the floor. He's a nuisance due to his ability to score anywhere. We see teams throw mulitiple players at him and he's a disruption. JJ's bad games can still net you 13 points and 5 assists. His good games speaks for themselves. JJ is the gas that gets this car going, his importance to the success of the team is huge.

Listen to the man himself! He'll be alright. I agree with Woody, I think it's a positive that we're winning despite his struggles.

Depends on which teams you consider "real". Besides the Cavs. Boston? Orlando? Sixers? Yeah, I think we could hold our own with those teams, competetive. I think the Hawks would struggle with the Cavs.

Of the Hawks......no question. Yes, Zaza was awesome. So was Smoove...save some jumpers....

I'd say winning playoff games is the ONLY thing that matters.

I'm not speaking for anyone else on this board, but not once have I mentioned that I think the Hawks are going to be NBA Champions. In my mind, ultimately, that's the only thing being "real" can represent. Besides, the differing opinions on this thread are about JJ supposedly not having any heart, sorry, "fire"...unlike Ben Gordon, who is Lucifer himself I guess.

Ok. Chris Paul and Derron Williams exhibit both the "fire in the gut" and the talent, or differing combinations of both, how you put it. Paul's Hornets got beat by nearly 60 points and are down 1-3. Williams' Jazz are done, losing 1-4. Continue to complain and moan about Joe, I'll stick with him. We wouldn't be where we are without him, and we wouldn't have won last night without him.

Well apparently having the "fire in your gut" WITH TALENT can only get you so far as well. What in the hell has Ben Gordon, Nate Robinson, Chris Paul, and D. Williams done in their careers? Nothing.

I am! After all the negatives mentioned above, they're moot! The "W" is all the matters. I don't care how poopy we play, or how bad JJ plays, how many bad shots Smoove takes...whatever, just win!!!!

Both as a player, and the benefits from the zebras. Jordan owned the referees. It's the NBA's fault. They dug their own grave by giving Jordan calls, now players like Pierce, Wade, Kobe, LeBron...all want the same treatment and it's turned into a complete mess.

I agree. Lebron perhaps, Duncan I can see.... My point is there are few. A couple. Wishing JJ is Lebron is like wishing for the one in a lifetime player. A Jordan, Magic, or Wilt. Wanting JJ to exhibit characteristics that only few that have ever strapped on the sneakers is unfair. I understand that JJ needs to play better for us to succeed. However, the expectations for him are way too HIGH. He's one of the top 2 guards in the game. He puts up numbers similar or better than Paul Pierce. Joe is the most important piece to the puzzle. For all the bashing of Joe that is going on, if he was removed from this team, we would be nowhere!

I would like to know what current players in the NBA exhibit these characteristics. In the squawkers eyes...

He knows about the "star" treatment. How many times did he pump fake trying to get us in the air to draw the cheap foul. Multiple times. I thought I was watching Paul Pierce with all the dramatic arm movements.