Head of the Snake

It has been said, that the best way to kill a snake, is to cut off it's head. Well, Hawks team captain, Joe Johnson, said that the team quit in game one of their best of 7 series against the Cavs. Is this loser mentality the mindset of the team? Mo Evans went on 680 the fan and refuted the sentiment. (He also stated that they were out watching the new Wolverine movie. Good for them, I guess). But, I'm left to wonder. Why would the leader of this squad make such a ('scuse my language) damning statement? Johnson was quoted, "We have to play with a sense of pride. The second half, we kind of gave up." You kind of gave up? This is the NBA Playoffs!! Do you want it or not? Where's the fire, fight, and refuse to back down attitude this team promised to deliver? "We kind of gave up," sounds very weak to me. You will NEVER hear a member, much less, leader of any great team EVER make such a sad statement. The military has a phrase, referred to as F.I.D.O. It pretty much means MAN UP! That's what the Hawks need to do. Johnson went on to say, "I'm tired," then refused to accept that answer as an excuse for his poor play in game 1. Again, a sad statement from the leader of a playoff team. Joe Johnson and his Hawks need to MAN UP, forget it, and drive on!

Atlanta was blown out of game 1, (99-72) as Johnson finished with just 11 skinny points. Small forward/PF Josh Smith contributed 22 points and PG Mike Bibby added 19. Maybe, the team didn't quit, but it's obvious that Johnson did. Joe said as much. When your leader succumbs to defeat, is it possible to persevere? If the best way to defeat the Hawks is to break the will of Joe Johnson, then Cleveland has already won this series.