HawksHoop | Tag Archive

Archives For Al Horford

Why Al Horford Should Start Shooting 3s

Bo Churney — May 14, 2013 — 6 Comments

I understand your skepticism.

Josh Smith comes to mind immediately. The screams of “NOOOOO!” from a harassed Philips Arena crowd are probably still ringing through your ears. Why on earth would the Hawks want another “mid-range shawty” jacking up three-pointers?

Because Horford needs to start shooting threes.

Al’s a good shooter; there’s no denying that. This season, he shot 45% on long-twos longer than 15 feet. The two seasons before that (excluding the injury shortened 2011-12 season), Horford shot 48% (!) and 53% (!!!) from that distance.

Recently, it seems that Horford has been working to expand his shooting range. He took six threes this season, the most of his career, and a few of those weren’t just late-clock situations; they were plays specifically set up for Horford to shoot the three. In his pre-game warmups, part of his routine was hitting a three from five spots on the floor. He always ended his warmups by hitting a corner three.

Horford expressed to the media earlier this year that the three-ball is something that he wants to add to his repertoire. While it is still a work in progress, coach Larry Drew did have plays drawn up that had Al set up behind the arc. Continue Reading…

In Analysis Al Horford, Larry Drew, three-pointers

Hawks’ Season Ends in First Round

Bo Churney — May 3, 2013 — 1 Comment

The Hawks had a chance. The series was tied at two games each and it looked like Larry Drew made an adjustment in the lineup that the Pacers might not be able to counter.

That chance was clanked away.

Losing game five was a blow to the Hawks, but one the team could have managed. The whole series had been determined by homecourt to that point, and it was thought that the Hawks would continue to hold serve and force a game seven. However, the Hawks didn’t get to seven; neither in number of games, nor in second quarter shooting percentage. (6.7%)

The Pacers, to their credit, played extremely strong defense. George Hill took the task of keeping the Atlanta ball handlers out of the paint, and even with they got through, Roy Hibbert and David West proved more than capable of cleaning up the mess. Indy’s offensive game was weak and Paul George was limited to four points, but the efforts of Hill (21 points on 14 shots) and Hibbert (17 points on 14 shots) were enough to help the Pacers climb into the second round of the playoffs.

This loss isn’t new ground for the Hawks; they’ve failed to win a game in the second round for the fifth time in the last six years, despite making the playoffs each season. However, this defeat is unique in that the future is now an unknown. Only three players (Horford, Williams, and Jenkins) have guaranteed contracts next season. Josh Smith appears to be heading out the door and not coming back, and Danny Ferry will have over $33 million in cap space to work with in creating a new team.

Even with how poorly this game played out, we still have a positive thought to take from this 2012-13 season. With the odds against them all season, these Hawks never quit. After losing Zaza Pachulia and Lou Williams to season-ending injuries, the Hawks still managed to grab the sixth seed. Despite falling 2-0 in the series, they fought back to even it up and give themselves an opportunity. And even after being down 17 points in the fourth quarter facing elimination, the crowd was electric, cheering on their team, who managed to cut the Pacer lead to three.

Yes, the Hawks lost, but as Al Horford noted in his postgame presser, the team didn’t quit like they have in the past. Moral victories aren’t always the greatest, but at least we know that Larry Drew left the players of this team with an attitude that they will always have a chance to win.

With Horford likely playing the role of franchise player for the next three, hopefully that persona continues to exist in Philips Arena atmosphere for the coming seasons.

In 2012-13 Season, Playoffs Al Horford, Josh Smith, Larry Drew, Paul George

Hawks After Game Three Win

Bo Churney — April 28, 2013 — 1 Comment

In 2012-13 Season, Playoffs, Video Al Horford, Johan Petro, Josh Smith, Larry Drew

Now THAT is How You Hit a Team in the Mouth

Buddy Grizzard — April 28, 2013 — 4 Comments

In my series preview, I said that “the way to beat the Pacers is to hit them in the mouth at the start of the series.” When I said hit them in the mouth, I didn’t have 3-guard lineups, Kyle Korver guarding Paul George or the return of The Horford Treatment in mind. Watching DeShawn Stevenson go -20 in 44 minutes in the first two games was also not what I had in mind.

What I had in mind was Josh Smith, Al Horford and Jeff Teague playing at least 40 minutes per game and Devin Harris, Ivan Johnson and Korver playing at least 30. In Game 3, Horford and Harris played right at 40 minutes while Smith, Teague, Korver and Johnson all played close to 30. Continue Reading…

In Analysis Al Horford, Ivan Johnson, Josh Smith, Larry Drew

Hawks Backed Against the Wall

Bo Churney — April 27, 2013 — 1 Comment

No NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit. That’s the fate that faces the Atlanta Hawks if they lose this game.

The Indiana Pacers come to Atlanta having won the previous two games with offensive dominance. Paul George has been spectacular, scoring 20 plus in each game, while playing 83 of a possible 96 minutes. Indiana’s usually great defense, however, has not been as strong so far; Atlanta is shooting almost 50% from the field and 40% from the line, both better marks than the Pacers.

Indiana, however, has been marching through the lane and getting to the free throw line, something the Hawks have not been able to do. For Atlanta to win this game three, they will have to change that.

How? Well, the Hawks have tried multiple defenders on Paul George already. Kyle Korver didn’t exactly work. Devin Harris and DeShawn Stevenson did better, but George was still able to tear the Hawks about.

It is time for Josh Smith’s turn.

Larry Drew has elected to go big for game three, starting Johan Petro at center, moving Smith to the small forward position. Smoove may be hobbled a bit by an ankle injury, but he’s still the best overall defender Atlanta has. According to mySynergySports, Smith is giving up only 0.67 points per possession in isolation, good enough for 43rd in the league. (which is extremely good, by the way) Considering that Smith has already had turns guarding LeBron James, DeMarcus Cousins, and Monta Ellis, I don’t think Josh will balk at the challenges that Paul George will bring.

Other keys for the Hawks? Running the offense through Al Horford. Now matched up against David West, Horford should be able to work more down low than he was able to against Roy Hibbert. He should still have a good speed advantage, but Coach Drew should attempt to get his star big man established down low early.

One final key: please Larry, sub Ivan in for Petro as soon as you can. Please…

In 2012-13 Season, Playoffs Al Horford, Johan Petro, Josh Smith, Larry Drew, Paul George

Atlanta’s Defensive Struggles Need Solving

David Vertsberger — April 26, 2013 — 4 Comments

After a brutal 113-98 loss to the Indiana Pacers in game 2 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs, the Atlanta Hawks must look to latch on to whatever has worked in this series and ride it to some much-needed victories at Phillips Arena in Games 3 and 4. Problem being, Atlanta’s biggest issue is the defense and there’s no clear-cut reason as to why it’s been struggling as much as it has been in this first round Playoffs matchup. Looking into the Hawks’ lineups played in the first two games against Indiana, I came up with some findings that can help decipher what approach should best be taken.

Before I begin, I must note two things:
1. The absence of Zaza Pachulia is absolutely hammering the Hawks, things are significantly different he was healthy and playing.
2. The statistics that are about to be used are based off of the two Playoff games the Hawks have played the Pacers in. Just two, so keep caution when jumping to conclusions as it’s a minuscule sample size.

First, the lineup most used by the Hawks has been their starting lineup obviously, totaling 29 minutes in the series. They have been ghastly on the defensive end, worse so than the five most-played lineups before them. Although their ORTG (Offensive rating: points scored per 100 possessions) is a whopping 113.1, their DRTG (Defensive rating: points allowed per 100 possessions) is a putrid 137.1. This starting lineup leads the next most-used lineup by 21 minutes over two games, nothing out of the ordinary, yet appalling considering how much they’ve had trouble defending.

The most noticeable reasoning behind these defensive woes by this lineup has to be Kyle Korver guarding Paul George, who’s now averaging 21.5 points per game Continue Reading…

In 2012-13 Season, Playoffs Al Horford, Indiana Pacers, Josh Smith, Kyle Korver, Paul George

Hawks’ defensive struggles at root of Game 2 loss

Daniel Christian — April 25, 2013 — Leave a comment

The Hawks can’t get out of their own way.

Every run seems punctuated with defensive ineptitude, every quarter seems closed with a sluggish submission, every game seems lost by the fourth quarter– the Hawks just can’t stop themselves from tripping over their own feet.

Game 2 against Indiana was more of the same.

The issue is not the ability to score points, it is getting stops. In the second quarter of Wednesday night’s game, the Hawks starters returned (with the abysmal bench lineup returning to their seats), and the offense was a buzz saw. Indiana could not contain Teague in transition or stop Smith from making plays in the halfcourt. Smith’s foul trouble quickly turned the tables on Atlanta, but the Hawks were and have been successful against the NBA’s top defense, an accomplishment worth noting. But, something you’d rather go unnoticed is the fact that Atlanta’s depth and inability to field a respectable lineup for 48 minutes has harpooned their chances of stealing home court advantage.

In Game Recap 2013 NBA Playoffs, Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks, Gerald Green, Indiana Pacers, Jeff Teague, Josh Smith, Larry Drew, Paul George, Zaza Pachulia

GRADES: Pacers 113, Hawks 98

Bo Churney — April 24, 2013 — Leave a comment

FINAL
Pacers lead series, 2-0

(2-0) 113 – 98 (0-2)

Key Performers:
P. George (IND): 27 pts, 8 reb, 4 stl
D. Harris (ATL): 17 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast
[FULL BOX SCORE]

Summary of tonight’s game: Pacers got ahead, Hawks tried to make a comeback, and were often within striking distance. Then, something always happened to keep the Hawks out of it, whether it be a “foul” (looking at you, Malloy), or a defensive breakdown in transition. In the end, the Hawks couldn’t overcome Indy’s three-point shooting and timely baskets.

Reaction Grades: [assessed 0-10]

Al Horford: Larry Drew let Al play 38 minutes tonight, but it wasn’t exactly that much of a plus for the Hawks. Al missed a bunch of easy shots in the lane and really seemed to be forcing some of his shots. Of course, he never really seemed the same after he unfairly got a technical in the 2nd quarter. Horford’s ejection-worthy reaction was just a testament to how weak the tech call really was. 6/10

Josh Smith: Josh picked up two fouls in the first two minutes, and picked up his third soon after he got back into the game in the second quarter. When he was on the floor, though, he was playing well, as he made his jumpers, had some strong moves to the basket, and was playing aggressive defense. He seemed really inspired in the second half with his play, but he cannot be in that kind of foul trouble in order to be an asset to the team. 7.5/10

Kyle Korver: Kyle, Kyle, Kyle… you had so many opportunities to keep the Hawks in the game. He fared better on defense not having to guard Paul George, but he was set up too perfectly on several threes that could have been momentum builders to miss. 4/10

Jeff Teague: Zero points after halftime is not going to cut it, regardless of how good your first half was. Teague looked completely out of it in the second half, and was hardly getting into the lane like he was in the first. Part of this should be credited to an improved defensive effort by the Pacers, but a lot of it had to do with Jeff turning into the passive character that we have seen him become too often this season. 6/10

Devin Harris: Devin took some head-scratching shots, but he was the only ATL starter that appeared engaged for the entire game. He tried guarding Paul George, and was effective at times, but George’s physical skill set proved too much. Harris was also one of three Hawks to receive a technical foul on the night. 7.5/10 Continue Reading…

In 2012-13 Season, Game Recap, Playoffs Al Horford, Devin Harris, George Hill, Indiana Pacers, Josh Smith, Paul George

Hawks Dismissed as ‘Fragile’

Buddy Grizzard — April 24, 2013 — 1 Comment

After the Bulls and Warriors evened their respective series’ on the road, you would think writers would be hesitant to dismiss the chances of any of the mid-tier playoff teams. Indianapolis Star beat writer Mike Wells has no such compunction, characterizing the Hawks as fragile and easily-shaken in the lead for yesterday’s Game 2 preview:

The Indiana Pacers know the opportunity is there. They know the Atlanta Hawks are a fragile team that can be shook easily.

What’s the opposite of burying the lead? Unearthing the lead? With the Nets and Nuggets reeling from the loss of home court advantage, Wells’ opinion is that the Hawks are ripe for the picking. The reality is that, as much deserved criticism as Larry Drew endured after limiting Al Horford to 28 minutes in Game 1, should the Hawks win Game 2, we will be having a different conversation about Drew.

Yesterday Yahoo!’s Adrian Wojnarowski wrote breathlessly of Tom Thibodeau’s coaching performance in the Bulls’ Game 2 victory, labeling it, “one of Thibs’ masterpieces, a Mona Lisa born of a crushing Game 1 loss, a beaten and broken-down roster getting buried in an avalanche of criticism and overnight obits.”

Now it is Continue Reading…

In 2012-13 Season, Playoffs Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Josh Smith, Larry Drew

Drew’s Decision Haunts Hawks

Bo Churney — April 22, 2013 — 4 Comments

“Hey, Coach Drew… are you there? It’s me, Al Horford…”

Peachtree’s Jason Walker already summed this game up very well. When you are in the playoffs, and you have the opportunity to take game one on the road, you cannot have your best player sitting on the bench.

However, that is what happened. Al Horford only played 28 minutes, a large contributing factor in a 107-90 loss to Indiana.

It wasn’t the only thing, to be fair. Josh Smith was his usual jumper-happy self, which was only compounded when he appeared to get hurt in the 2nd half. At that point, he just looked like he wasn’t able to compete; twice he found himself under the rim with the ball, and he passed out of it both times. You can hate Josh for his shot selection, but you cannot deny that a normal, healthy Josh Smith would have gone up and dunked the basketball on those plays.

The Pacers, however, found their advantages on offense and stuck to them. Paul George drove into the lane with reckless abandon, rewarding him with 18 free throw attempts on the night. Tyler Hansbrough had five offensive rebounds off the bench, including a stretch in the fourth quarter that absolutely stymied a possible Atlanta comeback.

Pacer point guard George Hill also did a lot of damage. He took advantage of Jeff Teague’s poor defensive efforts, scoring a quick 15 points. Those points gave Indiana a double-digit lead in Continue Reading…

In 2012-13 Season Al Horford, Larry Drew, Paul George