First Place Hawks

Fifteen games into the regular season, the Atlanta Hawks are doing a great job of proving me wrong. I expected the loss of Jamal Crawford to set this franchise back quite a bit. But so far...I stand corrected.

Fueled by Joe Johnson's 18.9 points per game, Atlanta is currently in first place in the Southeast standings, following a 92-89 victory over Crawford and the Trailblazers on Wednesday night. Jeff Teague has played well at the point, averaging 5.8 assists and 2.1 steals per game. Starting center, Al Horford, has been lost for the season, which could catch up to this team at some point.

But, the Hawks will continue to succeed, if they stick to the formula that's gotten them off to an 11-4 start...great defense and rebounding (ATL is 6th in NBA by allowing just 90.8 ppg, 10th in rebounds with 43.5 per game), along with a balanced scoring attack. Joe Johnson is the team's leading scorer, but role players Vlad Radmanovic, Willie Green, and Janero Pargo have filled in nicely off the bench.

On Friday night, the team will be in Philadelphia, as they take on Lithonia, GA's Lou Williams and the 76ers. The 25 year old point guard leads his team with 15.7 points per game. Click on the title of this post to watch the multi-talented Williams in his music video titled Imma Boss.

Losing Crawford will cost Atlanta

As a fan of the Atlanta Hawks, I am greatly disappointed, discouraged, and disgusted by Rick Sund's inability to retain Jamal Crawford. Atlanta's GM was unwilling to pay the luxury tax in order to keep the purest scorer this city has seen since Dominique Wilkins put fear inside of NBA rims.

During his 2 year Hawks career, Jamal Crawford was the most prolific scorer on Atlanta's roster. And, he was consistently capable of hitting game altering shots, regardless of any deterrents in his path. In his role as 6th man, the former Wolverine routinely ignited an offense that stagnantly revolved around Joe Johnson.

The Hawks will miss Jamal Crawford more than I do. Without his efforts, they'll digress to such a level that the playoffs are merely an unfathomable dream. As for the dinero Atlanta would have ponied up toward the NBA's luxury tax? It would have been recouped at the gates preceding and during the playoffs. Instead, this team will resemble its ownership...

For video evidence of how much Atlanta will miss Jamal Crawford, click on the title of this post.

Hawks lead Magic 3 Games to 1

After watching this game, I've got no fingernails left. Barely had any after game three. But, that's ok. The Atlanta Hawks just took a commanding 3 games to 1 lead over the Orlando Magic in their best of seven series.

After going silent throughout the second and third quarters (2 pts during that stretch), Joe Johnson awoke with 10 desperately needed fourth quarter scores. Jamal Crawford and Kirk Hinrich seemed to carry Atlanta's offense, until Johnson made his presence known. With Orlando unwilling to accept defeat, Double J rose to the challenge and delivered it to their front door.

Dwight Howard actually looked like himself in the second half of this contest and was simply un-guardable, with Jason Collins benched because of foul trouble. But, his Magic squad lost another close one.

Could it be written, that the dynamic duo of Nelson and Superman just digested a little bit of cryptonite? I dare to say yes. This series ain't over. But, when Atlanta wins again...it will be.

Game 5 will be played at 7:30 Tuesday night in the Sunshine State.

Hawks vs Magic Game 4

Live from Philips Arena...would be an awesome way to start this post. But, truth be told, I ain't there. Oh well, who cares about that? Here's the breakdown on tonight's first half action...

Dwight Howard has been in foul trouble from the start and it reflects in his stats column. The Magic center has an uncharacteristically low 5 points, so far.
A silly foul with 1.1 seconds left in the 2nd quarter, brought his tally to 3 at halftime.

For Atlanta, Joe Johnson started well, but an early trip to the bench cooled him off, after #2 was whistled for his second foul. Jamal Crawford and Kirk Hinrich have played well for the Hawks. However, Atlanta became turnover prone and squandered several possessions, that could have been used to stake a commanding lead in tonight's game.

The third quarter is about to start, as Atlanta leads 46-37. Hawks need to play a little smarter and lock Orlando down, with some tenacity on defense.

Update: Hawks 50 Magic 37 with 10:01 in 3rd. Stan Van calls timeout.
Look for more updates in comments section of this post.

Hawks 1, Magic None

Dwight Howard posted 46 game 1 points in a best of 7 playoff series versus the Atlanta Hawks. And, Magic guard, Jameer Nelson, unleashed 27 scores of his own. But, all other Orlando basketballers combined to put just 20 more on the board.

For Atlanta, guards Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford accounted for 48 points. Meanwhile, the trio of Al Horford, Josh Smith, and Kirk Hinrich added 44 more Hawks scores. Leading by as much as 17 points in the third quarter, Atlanta was able to fend off all Magic rallies, and claimed a 103-93 victory.

In the end, a valiant effort by central Florida's dynamic duo just wasn't enough. Atlanta leads the series 1 game to none. Game 2 ain't until Tuesday.

Hawks vs KG and the C's

Jamal Crawford has hit three huge 3s to give Atlanta a 35-26 lead over the Boston Celtics. As the first quarter expired, Crawford drilled a shot from half court to ignite Atlanta's offense. Joe Johnson is having a tough night from the floor, currently shooting 0-9. But, the Hawks are beating Boston with their hustle and efforts on the glass. Al Horford and ZaZa Pachulia are giving the Celtics trouble in the post. Atlanta leads 41-30 after another basket by Horford. Look for Crawford's half court shot on SportsCenter.

Hawks Vs Grizzlies

The 17-6 Atlanta Hawks host Rudy Gay and the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at Philips Arena. Memphis is currently 10-14 on the season, averaging 101.6 PPG but allowing 104.6 to opponents. Atlanta is 10-2 at home and averages 105.8 PPG, while holding their opposition to 97.4.

The key match ups in tonight's game will be Joe Johnson (21 PPG) vs Rudy Gay (21.3 PPG). On the boards, Zach Randolph has been very productive for the Grizzlies, averaging 10 rebounds a game. Al Horford leads Atlanta in this category, averaging 9.3 boards per game.

Atlanta's depth should be too much for Memphis to handle. Jamal Crawford (16.5 PPG) excels in his 6th man role for a Hawks squad that continues to improve.

Opening tip is scheduled for 7:00 on Fox South. You can click on the title of this post to view some Hawks highlights from NBA.com.