Official Game Thread: Hawks - Hornets

[lethalweapon3]

It’s time we have that talk about the Birds and the Bees!

After laying an egg for the final few quarters against James Harden and the Rockets, the Atlanta Hawks flew over to the Big Easy just in time for the New Year’s Day celebrations. After a beatdown, some beignets and probably a little booze, can they summon up enough energy to laissez les bon temps rouler against the 7-23 New Orleans Hornets? Hornet fans will hope to see their team stem a six-game home losing streak at the oddly-unsponsored New Orleans Arena.

The league’s second lowest scoring team (91.6 PPG) is thrilled to have Eric Gordon back at The Hive for what should be his first meaningful stretch in a Hornets uniform since David Stern gifted Chris Paul to the people of La-La-Land. Returning after a year of dealing with arthroscopic surgery and a bone bruise in his knee, Gordon didn’t disappoint in his first appearance of the season, offering up 24 points and 7 assists in a comeback win against the then-freefalling Bobcats. If you enjoyed Harden getting whistles from every possible angle last night, know that on Saturday, Gordon shot 5-for-13 but got just as many of his points from the line, shooting 12-for-14.

Despite the Hornets’ offensive woes without Gordon, you can’t blame Ryan Anderson. What Carlos Delfino did to the Hawks last night is just another day at the office for Ryno, who leads the NBA with 3.2 treys made per game and led the Hornets in scoring despite coming off the bench behind the uni-browed top draft pick Anthony Davis. Consistent with most shooters who don’t put the ball on the floor much, Anderson has the third-lowest turnover percentage (6.2%) in the NBA. With Davis and Robin Lopez (7^th in the NBA for FG%; 9^th in BPG) down low and Jason Smith (4^th in the NBA for FT%) backing them up, it does puzzle me why Coach Monty Williams doesn’t consider going big and playing the 6’10” Anderson more at small forward. Maybe opponents get around him on defense, but look at who’s waiting for them when they do. The Hornets current corps at the 3-spot consists of Al-Farouq Aminu, a Norcross High alum who has improved in spots but has lost Williams’ confidence in recent weeks, and Lance Thomas, who took Aminu’s starter spot but has been scoring and rebounding less ever since.

You can’t complain about the reigning Western Conference Player of the Week either (sorry, Kobe and KD!) Greivis Vasquez went on a little tear with 21 PPG, 10 APG, and 6.3 RPG for the Hornets last week as they pulled off two road games against fellow substandard opponents in Charlotte and Orlando. He’s managed to rise to fourth among NBA players in assists per game (8.8) despite a lot of questionable recipients and moving parts among Williams’ rotation. Among players getting more than 30 minutes per game, only Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash have higher turnover rates, a stat which is usually excused in their cases. Vasquez’s assist percentage (46.2 assists per 100 possessions) ranks him right between Rondo and Chris Paul. Although Eric Gordon comes off the bench again tonight, his return will take a lot of the pressure off the Venezuelan as well as rookie Austin Rivers (34.6% on two-point shots), so expect less erratic and more efficient play from these two going forward.

There’s not much to quibble over with Davis either. He’s averaging close to a double-double (14.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG) and is one of just eight NBA players averaging over one block (1.94) and one steal (1.12).

Passing teams like the Hawks (23.2 APG, 3^rd in NBA) have made hay against the Hornets’ defense. Opponents have 23.4 assists per game (2^nd most in NBA) and just 12.6 turnovers (4^th fewest). Josh Smith can not only impact the game with passes (6^th among NBA forwards with 3.6 APG) but with swatting some Bugs as well. New Orleans’ players get their shots blocked 6.9 times per game (3^rd most in NBA).

Spraying the Hornets with threes may not be as effective as it was at the start of the season. Just two weeks ago, N’Awlins was the only team giving up threes at more than a 40% rate. Now it’s down to where the Hawks’ opponents are (37.8%), which is still top five but dropping quickly. Instead, you will want to bang with the Hornets and get trips to the line. New Orleans is 3-14 when they get called for 20 or more fouls, 2-14 when they watch their opponents shoot 20 or more free throws.

Despite being slightly shorthanded at times, the Hawks have managed 100 points in regulation in its last four games. The Hornets have yet to win a game where they’ve given up 100 points or more (0-13). However, just one of those games came in their last six contests.

Go Hawks!

~lw3

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[Peoriabird]

No one can hate on Zaza anymore!

[benhillboy]

Good road win. I'll still never understand why Josh insists on shooting jumpers with the mismatches he creates. Horford was solid, and Lou's increased minutes are paying dividends as far as having two guys who can drive and make the correct reads and passes when he's on the floor with Jeff. What can you say about Kyle. He's gonna hit threes. Zaza grinded. Got killed on the boards once again but it can be forgiven when only commiting 7 turnovers and continuing to lead the league in assisting. Drew's success rate drawing up something out the timeout is outstanding this year. 1.5 back from Miami. Lets go.

Edited January 2, 2013 by benhillboy

[Gray Mule]

Zaza with another double- double.Good comeback from last night (I missed that one- out of town)Our expected .500 season is going gerat so far, just 1 1/2 out of 1stthis late in the season. Who woulda thunk it??GO HAWKS!!

[lethalweapon3]

30 assists... most in a regulation game this season. 22 from three players (Teague w/ 8, Lou, and Josh w/ 7 apiece)

Total turnovers: 5.

~lw3

Edited January 2, 2013 by lethalweapon3

[DrReality]

Brick w 5000 ? Rebounds

[Randy]

Am I the only guy who thinks Robin Lopez looks like the Unabomber?

As for Josh and the long jump shots, its because he's a team player. If you notice, whenever he takes a long jumper, someone just passed him the ball. He doesn't want to deny them an opportunity for an assist.

Edited January 2, 2013 by Randy

[benhillboy]

I've come to the conclusion that many long-time posters here don't like the fact that were winning, and that's a damn shame. People come out of the woodwork after a loss, which is only 1 out of every 3 games so far. Those other two victorious instances, there are single-digit posts on Lethal's always exceptional game threads. Many of these games we've won against sub-par competition, you all know we could've easily lost in past seasons. I hated Joe more than anybody, and the way we're playing now makes me hate him and the day he signed that ungodly contract even more than I could imagine. We are 1.5 games out of first (forget a division title, go for the gusto) behind a team led by the most statistically dominant player this league has ever seen. Where the hell is the enthusiasm?!?!?! Sitting back waiting for a losing streak so you can play GM and say "I told you so?" Great fans you are.

Edited January 2, 2013 by benhillboy

[macdaddy]

I've come to the conclusion that many long-time posters here don't like the fact that were winning, and that's a damn shame. People come out of the woodwork after a loss, which is only 1 out of every 3 games so far. Those other two victorious instances, there are single-digit posts on Lethal's always exceptional game threads. Many of these games we've won against sub-par competition, you all know we could've easily lost in past seasons. I hated Joe more than anybody, and the way we're playing now makes me hate him and the day he signed that ungodly contract even more than I could imagine. We are 1.5 games out of first (forget a division title, go for the gusto) behind a team led by the most statistically dominant player this league has ever seen. Where the hell is the enthusiasm?!?!?! Sitting back waiting for a losing streak so you can play GM and say "I told you so?" Great fans you are.

THANK YOU! I agree with this totally. I mean this is the best start a Hawks team has had in years and it is untrue that we haven't beaten any good teams. I think we are all smart enough to know where this team stands as far as being able to challenge the elite teams but frankly this team has shown that it is better not only than anyone expected but better than last year's team.

We have a damn good team. I mean friggin Indy is still being considered one of the better teams and they can't play with us. For having no stars we sure are taking care of business.

We are 1.5 games out of 1st place in the friggin East. We are 2.5 ahead of 4th place. Where is Brooklyn, Boston, Indy, Philly, Chicago? They are all behind us.

New York, Philly, Indy have all played weaker schedules

Chicago and Boston only slightly harder than ours

http://espn.go.com/nba/stats/rpi/_/sort/SOS

These guys are getting it done.

GO HAWKS!

Edited January 2, 2013 by macdaddy

[buckeye242424]

I've come to the conclusion that many long-time posters here don't like the fact that were winning, and that's a damn shame. People come out of the woodwork after a loss, which is only 1 out of every 3 games so far. Those other two victorious instances, there are single-digit posts on Lethal's always exceptional game threads. Many of these games we've won against sub-par competition, you all know we could've easily lost in past seasons. I hated Joe more than anybody, and the way we're playing now makes me hate him and the day he signed that ungodly contract even more than I could imagine. We are 1.5 games out of first (forget a division title, go for the gusto) behind a team led by the most statistically dominant player this league has ever seen. Where the hell is the enthusiasm?!?!?! Sitting back waiting for a losing streak so you can play GM and say "I told you so?" Great fans you are.

I usually only post and read posts after wins because I can't take the "chicken little" threads that pop up. I can only take my 10,000 read that Josh Smith can't shoot thread. Dude is gonna be an all star and we wouldn't be a game and a half out of first place in the East without him.

[Deeman]

Most people just go on the chat during the games Benhillboy, but you might be on to something.

[benhillboy]

Most people just go on the chat during the games Benhillboy, but you might be on to something.

True that. I would like to hit the chat room more often, but I usually don't have 2 free hands when watching the Hawks. It's usually a combination of eating, drinking, or smoking, none of which I care to do sitting at my computer. I'm a proud admitted hedonist. Now I just need that girl who doesn't look at me crazy when I say I gotta watch the Hawks every night, and I'm set.

[Admin]

I've come to the conclusion that many long-time posters here don't like the fact that were winning, and that's a damn shame. People come out of the woodwork after a loss, which is only 1 out of every 3 games so far. Those other two victorious instances, there are single-digit posts on Lethal's always exceptional game threads. Many of these games we've won against sub-par competition, you all know we could've easily lost in past seasons. I hated Joe more than anybody, and the way we're playing now makes me hate him and the day he signed that ungodly contract even more than I could imagine. We are 1.5 games out of first (forget a division title, go for the gusto) behind a team led by the most statistically dominant player this league has ever seen. Where the hell is the enthusiasm?!?!?! Sitting back waiting for a losing streak so you can play GM and say "I told you so?" Great fans you are.

Agreed about Lethals outstanding game threads!!

But I think it's all about the chat room and the massive amount of messages that it gets during the games. More than 75% of our resource usage per month goes to the chat room so that should tell you something!

[High5]

I almost never watch the games live so I miss out on the chat. I talk to the television screen plenty, though.

[macdaddy]

Agreed about Lethals outstanding game threads!!

But I think it's all about the chat room and the massive amount of messages that it gets during the games. More than 75% of our resource usage per month goes to the chat room so that should tell you something!

I'm not in the chat much either. Still it seems like actual posts to the board are way down this year compared to years past. Is there a lot more chat activity now than in past years?

With college football almost over and the trade deadline approaching i'm guessing we will see an uptick in posts.

[PSSSHHHRRR87]

I've come to the conclusion that many long-time posters here don't like the fact that were winning, and that's a damn shame. People come out of the woodwork after a loss, which is only 1 out of every 3 games so far. Those other two victorious instances, there are single-digit posts on Lethal's always exceptional game threads. Many of these games we've won against sub-par competition, you all know we could've easily lost in past seasons. I hated Joe more than anybody, and the way we're playing now makes me hate him and the day he signed that ungodly contract even more than I could imagine. We are 1.5 games out of first (forget a division title, go for the gusto) behind a team led by the most statistically dominant player this league has ever seen. Where the hell is the enthusiasm?!?!?! Sitting back waiting for a losing streak so you can play GM and say "I told you so?" Great fans you are.

QFT. As they said in the Dark Night, you either die as a hero or live long enough to become the enemy. The Hawks have been bad/mediocre for so long that any form of success is thrown to the curbside because we don't have a superstar or Josh is still Josh or whatever lame excuse "fans" come up with to not love this team. And I do agree with Dolfan, there is a lot of enthusiasm displayed in the chat room during games. I don't comment a lot in there but I do stalk the chat room during games. A lot of real fans in there.

True that. I would like to hit the chat room more often, but I usually don't have 2 free hands when watching the Hawks. It's usually a combination of eating, drinking, or smoking, none of which I care to do sitting at my computer. I'm a proud admitted hedonist. Now I just need that girl who doesn't look at me crazy when I say I gotta watch the Hawks every night, and I'm set.

Just tell her it's like having the clear out the schedule to watch American Idol or the Voice every week: each game is an episode that tells part of the story of the season and hopefully she'll understand. At least that's the card I played... lol

[Admin]

I'm not in the chat much either. Still it seems like actual posts to the board are way down this year compared to years past. Is there a lot more chat activity now than in past years?

With college football almost over and the trade deadline approaching i'm guessing we will see an uptick in posts.

Yes chatting is up nearly double over what it was in previous years. Our posts are down but only by a little and I think that's mainly because the guy who averaged more posts per day than anyone, Exodus, is no longer a Hawks fan. But there are a lot of other people who don't post much anymore and even I don't post nearly as much as I used to... and you guys are welcome for that!

[AHawks89]

If you're a big fan of Josh, then I would try and avoid the chat room. He's the main target, as well as the message boards. I'm used to it by now, so I just shrug it off, and enjoy the company. The chat room is filled with emotion, so you can't take it to serious. I always look forward coming home, checking Hawksquawk before the game, then jump into the chat room and prepare myself for the Josh criticism.

All and all, the chat room is pretty fun, and fun voicing opinions to each other.

[Admin]

QFT. As they said in the Dark Night, you either die as a hero or live long enough to become the enemy. The Hawks have been bad/mediocre for so long that any form of success is thrown to the curbside because we don't have a superstar or Josh is still Josh or whatever lame excuse "fans" come up with to not love this team. And I do agree with Dolfan, there is a lot of enthusiasm displayed in the chat room during games. I don't comment a lot in there but I do stalk the chat room during games. A lot of real fans in there.

Just tell her it's like having the clear out the schedule to watch American Idol or the Voice every week: each game is an episode that tells part of the story of the season and hopefully she'll understand. At least that's the card I played... lol

I wish that I could join you guys in the chat room, but since I watch league pass broadband and am 30 seconds behind on plays it pretty much ruins my experience being in the chat room and reading what's going on before seeing it.

[benhillboy]

If you're a big fan of Josh, then I would try and avoid the chat room.

I should be fine. I'm only a fan of the 09-10 Edition of Josh. I'm indifferent toward all the other versions.