Hawks/Bucks: Can home cooking kick-start struggling Bucks?
by Frank Madden on Apr 24, 2010 5:10 PM CDT
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2009/2010 NBA Playoffs - Round One
53-29 (19-22 road) vs. 46-36 (28-13 home)
April 24, 2010
Bradley Center
6:00 PM
Radio: WTMJ AM 620 TV: FSN Wisconsin/ESPN
Probable starters:
Mike Bibby
PG
Brandon Jennings
Joe Johnson
SG
John Salmons
Marvin Williams
SF
Carlos Delfino
Josh Smith
PF
Luc Mbah a Moute
Al Horford
C
Kurt Thomas
Series: Hawks lead 2-0
Hawks Coverage
Peachtree Hoops / Hoopinion / Hawks Str8Talk / Atlanta Journal Constitution
Home/Road
The first 96 minutes of basketball in Atlanta didn't exactly provide much reason for optimism, but take heart: the Bucks are a much better team at home and Atlanta's road record (19-22) is a steep dropoff from their home record (36-7). While the Bucks' scoring differential is not surprisingly better at home (+3.6 pts/100 possessions vs. +0.1 pts/100 on the road), it's all thanks to improved offense. The Bucks' defense was actually notably worse at the BC this season (104.3 pts/100 vs. 101.8 on the road), but they made up for it and then some with offense (+6.0 pts/100 at home). Charles Gardner writes that Jerry Stackhouse is optimistic that kind of home court advantage will continue:
"I just think playing at home should give us an advantage," said Bucks forward Jerry Stackhouse. "We've been a pretty good home team for most of the season.
"We've just got to come out and play with a lot of energy and a lot of enthusiasm, and you tend to do that at home. You take out a lot of their energy plays and their hustle plays they get from playing at home and having the excitement in their crowd, and it's a closer game.
"We're banking on that same energy giving us some separation. I don't think it's so much about Xs and Os at this point. We know what each team is going to do. It's playing harder and getting that little extra burst, and hopefully we can find that at home."
Gardner also writes that Stackhouse can see himself back in a Bucks uniform next fall. Fine with me.
Can Delfino and Salmons find their touch?
The Bucks' starting wings missed all 15 of their three point attempts in the first two games, a big reason why the Bucks have struggled to compete for more than short stretches. Curiously, Delfino shot better on the road (.429/.370/.807) than at home (.388/.365/.758), but after making just 5/16 in Atlanta it's going to be tough to play worse in game three. Salmons' aggregate numbers are similarly skewed towards the road, but those stats are tainted by his time in Chicago, where he shot 39% from the field for 12.7 ppg in 35 mpg at the United Center. No such problem at the BC, where Salmons is averaging 18.6 ppg on .469/391/.835 shooting.
AJC: Josh ♥ Milwaukee
Bucks fans are pretty sick of watching Josh Smith dominate on the court, but hey, it's good to see he's trash-talking our city, too.
"There's pretty much nothing to do," Smith said. "Miami has some really good restaurants. I never really did anything in Milwaukee. I would be happy to just find a restaurant. I'm not bashing the city but I've never actually did anything in Milwaukee so I really don't know what is around there."
By now Hawks PR Man Arthur Triche, seeing where this was headed, had creeped in to try and break up the party. But, Smoove being Smoove ("I don't care!") he wasn't stopping.
Someone picked up on the Noah thread and asked Smith if he'd be taking any vacations in Milwaukee.
"Would you go there?" Smith asked. "Everybody knows there ain't nothing to do in Milwaukee, man. Everybody knows that, (even) the people that live there."
I actually don't find this terribly offensive--I mean, I don't know Josh Smith personally, but he's not the kind of guy I'd expect to heap praise on a town like Milwaukee. Something tells me he's not the art museum type. Either way I'm more concerned with what he does on the court, where the Bucks simply haven't had an answer for him. While we've talked ad nauseum about which matchups might work best against Smith and Joe Johnson, the truth is that none of the Bucks seemed capable of checking Smith in game two, much of it coming down to awareness and effort more than anything. Which has Scott Skiles feeling just great. Or not.
"Josh had nine field goals, one in the post and one on a jump shot," Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. "The other seven were on lob dunks after timeouts, two on offensive rebounds.
"I know every coach that plays the Hawks is going to say we've got to eliminate Josh's easy field goals, but it's difficult to do. The guy has a knack of getting that done in a game. We've got to somehow get that solved or at least bring it down. Seven of his nine were too easy, and we need to flip that number a little bit."
"They're not going down in the post over and over again," Skiles said. "They're picking and popping Kurt more than anything else, and they've had an after-timeout play mixed in for him as well. About 60% of their offense comes in the first 10 to 12 seconds of the shot clock. We've got to get them in more low-clock situations, which we've struggled to do so far."
I still think Ilyasova has to be a bigger part of the equation (23.5 mpg thus far), though Mbah a Moute has also hinted he could see time against Smith as well. One place you would like to see Smith spending more time: the perimeter. While Smith has wisely cut down on threes this year (from 87 attempts last year to just 7 this year), he still takes too many long two-pointers (3.0/game, making just 29%).
SDS: Video Breakdown of the Hawks Screen and Roll Defense
We've talked a fair bit about the Bucks' inability to take advantage of the Hawks' switching defense, and Soaring Down South takes a video look at some of the different things they've done to frustrate the Bucks.
The last clip shows the staple of the Mike Woodson era Hawks Defense. In this sequence you actually see the Hawks switch on two different screens. The first was a John Salmons’ screen for Brandon Jennings in which Marvin Williams switched out on Jennings with Joe Johnson taking Salmons. Immediately Kurt Thomas comes to set a screen for Salmons and the Hawks switch again. This time with Al Horford switching out to guard Salmons. We have seen this ample times in this series. ZaZa Pachulia was not as successful in this match up as Horford has been. In the clip Horford actually gets beat to the baseline by Salmons but is able to recover enough to make the shot attempt difficult and force a Salmons miss.
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they better come out with some energy at the BC tomorrow...
I want to see the scrappy team we came to know and love this year… defense has got to improve…. no heart from this team the last few games…
Mr. Better-Next-Year...
I seem to be the short-term doom-and-gloom guy. I don’t particularly think the Bucks are “struggling” because I think the Hawks have too much talent for us to compete. (To me, “struggle” suggests failure to get done what you should be able to get done.)
I wouldn’t say the Bucks have no heart because when you have no winning strategy, no reliable tools to compete in the playoffs, it’s hard to show heart.
1-4 seems the most likely series result. If the Hawks are a little too cocky (and they probably are) they might lose both games here. Might. But after that, they make a stab at being businesslike and close us out. (And lose their next series. Our lack of playoff talent is making them look better than they are.)
For me, it still boils down to: 46 wins; a good season.
2-0 was definitely the “correct” result from the Atlanta games…better talent + great home record = tall order for the Bucks. The talent story doesn’t change with the venue, but I expect them to be energetic and ready to go tonight. If there’s a game the Bucks win, it’s probably this one—Hawks maybe feeling a bit complacent, Bucks back at home, crowd pumped to be back in the playoffs. No shame if they can’t win, but it would be disappointing if they’re not the more aggressive, hungrier team.
by Frank Madden on Apr 24, 2010 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions
i'm not so much discouraged by being down 2-0 but the way that we got there...
we didn’t really show up in either game….
by Superelkman on Apr 24, 2010 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Id like to see someone try and take Josh Smith out his zone.......
he has settled into a comfort zone this series…..this is a guy who before this season has butted heads with Woodsen, tried a 360 dunk in a playoff game, always seen as a bit mentally unstable…….so why not try and get into him a bit and get him feeling uncomfortable……whether that be sticking Prince on him, or hard fouling him his first attempt to get to the basket………..lets get him sulking and show him just how bad Milwaukee can be……….he already doesnt like the City lets make it a real crappy place for him
hope you're right...
“it would be disappointing if they’re not the more aggressive, hungrier team.”
What the Hawks are doing on-court is blessed by their confidence re us. Going to be hard to shake that. If we eke out a win tonight, that won’t change the dynamics. The Hawks will still be confident. They’ll figure one win is loser’s tribute. We’d need a pretty decisive win, where we suddenly start doing something they try and fail to counter.
I don’t consider the two losses in Atlanta 10-point losses. I think they’re 20-point defeats against an opponent that may feel it’s uncool to work extra hard against a lesser opponent like us. In short, I think they had more in the tank had they thought they needed it.
their woes defensively say it all...
even Skiles has commented that they haven’t come out with the right amount of energy and defensive intensity… even though Bogut is out they need to pester the Hawks shots a lot more than they have recently… the Hawks are getting too many easy shots…
by Superelkman on Apr 24, 2010 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
i think the guys earned enough credit during the season.......
for us to expect or at least be confident in a better showing at home…….Id hope we contest alot more on defense, we can get beaten by a more talented team but we havent forced them to struggle yet…….only when ZaZa & Evans check in do we look like being able to compete
I was hoping to see someone step up their performance and show us that they have the ability to be more than great role players…..at the moment Jennings opening apart that hasnt happened………hoping to see something from guys like Delfino, Prince, Ilyasova…. a break out play off performance that would help us on the nite and bode well for an expanded role next year?
Sure...
I’d like to see that too. But don’t think we have a “right” to expect it. It’s early for Ilyasova, Jennings and Prince. And with the vets I think we’re asking “good” (and high value) players to be heavy producers at a playoff level. That’s not really fair. If they knew how to do that, they likely wouldn’t have been available to us and their contracts would be 2-3X what they are.
If the Bucks surprise (me), they’ll probably do it like you’re hoping for. A couple guys responding to playoff pressure by elevating their games. That’s be nice, but IMHO not essential to looking forward to next season. Get Bogut back, add one more strong player, and some depth, and the guys now showing holes in their games (trying to carry us) can get back to the kind of roles they should have. Part of the Solution. Not the Core of the Solution.
fair enough regarding salary vs. expectations......
I was hoping though that guys would be fearless and take Bogut’s absence and the whole playoffs stage as a chance to show everyone just what potential they really have………..whether that be Prince shutting down a Joe Johnson to a single figure game, Ilyasova putting a complete game of scoring, offensive rebounding and pesky defensive energy together limiting the brain fades….or Delfino breaking out for a big shooting night……………just hasnt looked like happening….guys like Stack, KT & Ridnour are veterans who will do what they can but their pretty much showed everyone in the league what their game is about……the younger guys need to show some confidence in their ability and show they can handle an expanded role….which I think they have the potential to do
Lets not settle....
cmon boys….win at least one game for us and Drew. We deserve it. A win will keep hope alive for monday nite. Plz boooooo Josh Smith every touch. ty
I'm rooting for my team...
it’s just that my sense of hope for the future doesn’t depend much on how we look in this series. 0-4? I’m still optimistic.
congrats to John Hammonds....at least we won something this play offs ;)
now just nail that draft pick
Anyone going to the game?
Alex is credentialed as usual, I just flew into town and will be there as well. Fair warning: my record at games this year is 1-5…
Let's make 2-5 kthx
"At least we still have math on our side" - Ned Yost
Follow me on Twitter @Findthedog
I Guess
the Hawks forgot to make the roadie. Oh well GO BUCKS
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 6:30 PM CDT reply actions
I’d forgotten how fun the BC was during the playoffs…
by Frank Madden on Apr 24, 2010 6:31 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
The Bucks
look really good. Can this be sustained? I hope!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 6:36 PM CDT reply actions
Now
we see how good the Bucks can be. I wish they played like this all the time!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 6:44 PM CDT reply actions
Maybe the Hawks are enjoying their time in MIL so much
That they want to make sure they make it back for game 6.
Ridnour is still our best fouler.
by Frank Madden on Apr 24, 2010 6:52 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
The Hawks
still don’t know what hit them
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 6:53 PM CDT reply actions
Nice Half
the trick is now to replicate it. GO BUCKS!!!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 7:09 PM CDT reply actions
at the game
This crowd is great. I’m still uneasy about this lead though.
by brewbaybucks on Apr 24, 2010 7:16 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Agreed
They probably won’t feel too bad down 12 after all that. Salmons refused to settle for jumpers, hopefully he can continue to stay aggressive. Defense did a nice job hedging/helping without totally collapsing and giving up wide open looks. Prince playing very well vs Josh. Delfino continues to suck.
Hope Brandon still has the same touch on his three ball in the second..,
by Frank Madden on Apr 24, 2010 7:32 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
The Prince
with the smooth move!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 7:37 PM CDT reply actions
Now
Delfino’s alive because Frank’s assessment of him (which was accurate) made him feel embarrassed
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 7:39 PM CDT reply actions
Salmons
shooting fish in a barrel!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 7:46 PM CDT reply actions
Frank Madden>>> the King of Bucks Commentary!!
I love Frank’s comments. He’s more inspiring than my Uncle Eddie. Granted, my Uncle Eddie is a drunk, but I still think that speaks volumes about Frank! Go Frank!!!!! @>>>——-
It's like two completely different teams.
The first 2 games, the Bucks resembled a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest. Amusing, sure, but not very effective…
Jennings and Stack
looking pretty solid!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 7:52 PM CDT reply actions
The Hawks
look whipped. Don’t put the baseball bats away Bucks!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 7:55 PM CDT reply actions
Nice Job Bucks
wire to wire!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 8:04 PM CDT reply actions
Baked
would taste better I think
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Gadzuric
Dutch boy on the perimeter!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 8:12 PM CDT reply actions
The Hawks
had their manhood ripped. What do you call a castrated hawk?
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 8:13 PM CDT reply actions
The Bucks
and Trail Blazers are equally resilient
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 8:28 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Nice Job Bucks
now Go Thunder!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 24, 2010 8:31 PM CDT reply actions
This was...correct
Bucks deserved this, fans deserved this. No matter what happens Monday or thereafter, I’m just thankful we all got to experience something like this. Kinda brings the whole season full circle.
The Bucks at home...
The Hawks on the road… A combination straight out of science-fiction.
Atlanta thought they’d overcome the road choke thing. This whipping puts a ton of weight back on their shoulders.
The only thing I got right I’d venture was the prediction that the Hawks would be losing a playoff series soon. Monday’s result might have me wondering if it could be a series lost to us. The Hawks have so much talent. But they have to be “feeling it.” They’re not very good at thinking it. Not much team IQ or team savvy or collective toughness.
I didn’t expect tonight’s game (but when I heard the ESPN guys talk about Atlanta’s road record in the playoffs, I shouldn’t have been so surprised).
A game that boggled the mind and pumped the heart.
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