Hawks/Bucks: Can Milwaukee avoid game four letdown?
by Frank Madden on Apr 26, 2010 7:01 PM CDT
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2009/2010 NBA Playoffs - Round One
55-30 (19-23 road) vs. 47-38 (29-13 home)
April 26, 2010
Bradley Center
7:30 PM
Radio: WTMJ AM 620 TV: FSN Wisconsin/NBA TV
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 2-1
Hawks Coverage
Peachtree Hoops / Hoopinion / Hawks Str8Talk / Atlanta Journal Constitution / Bucks Gameday
It's no secret that game three represented the best of the Bucks and absolute worst of the Hawks, a celebration of sorts for all of us fortunate enough to be there in person. Milwaukee had its best offensive performance (121.5 pts/100 possessions) since the win over Phoenix nine games ago, and the 101 pts/100 allowed was the Bucks' best defensive performance since they won in Philly six games ago. That's also well below what the Hawks are used to doing offensively (111.8 pts/100 during the season). Offensively, the story was pretty simple: the Bucks finally made shots from the field (57.5% eFG) and were once again above average on the offensive boards (34.4% vs. 26.2% over the season). Making shots + getting the ball back on the rare occasions when you do miss = good things.
Meanwhile, Atlanta didn't turn it over and grabbed an absolute ton of offensive boards (20 in total, 37.7% of their misses), but they simply couldn't make a shot. They hit just 39% from the field and 3/15 from deep, translating into a well below average 40.8% eFG (they made 49.6% for the season). Josh Smith was the poster child for the Hawks' problems, grabbing nine offensive rebounds yet making just 2/12 from the field despite a ton of looks around the hoop. The Bucks definitely defended much more effectively than they did in Atlanta--no flurry of alley-oops and open dunks this time around--but the Hawks also missed more than their share of chippies. It'll be interesting to see if Mike Woodson a) tries to get Smith more post touches early against Mbah a Moute and b) runs more pick/pop plays with Horford. I think Thomas can hold is own in the post--though Horford had some success there in game two, KT hasn't been giving him particularly easy looks--but his mobility is really tested in P&R, particulalry with Horford showing an excellent ability to catch and shoot from midrange (48% from 16-23 feet).
The Fish That Saved Milwaukee
After a couple uneven performances in Atlanta, John Salmons was back at his best with 22 points on 9/11 from the field with a game-high seven assists and one turnover. After missing all ten of his threes in Atlanta, Salmons destroyed the Hawks from mid-range--he made 6/6 fg between 10 and 16 feet and didn't take his first three until the Bucks were cruising in the late third. It was almost as though he'd promised himself not to settle for long jumpers, but then figured "what the hell" after the Bucks had pulled away...and of course he ripped it. He got the majority of the Bucks' P&R action early, freeing Jennings to look for spot up opportunities.
Just as importantly, his driving also helped teammates get open looks, something the Bucks didn't do as well in Atlanta. Yes, perimeter ball movement is great, but it's not going to get you too far unless there's some threat of driving and scoring around the hoop. While we can't expect Salmons to be so accurate every night, his driving and passing helped keep Atlanta off balance early-- a nice contrast to the 48-minute block parties the Hawks had at home. Charles Gardner writes that no one is more aware of Salmons' impact than his coach.
"He's helped everyone," Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. "We were able to get another guy with confidence, a guy that wasn't afraid late in games to make plays. We were playing better (before the Salmons trade) but still searching.
"He can have a very efficient game. And he's another guy that can make decisions with the ball.
"I've been on teams myself as a point guard and sometimes you feel like you need to keep the ball because you're the main decision-maker. It's nice to be able to pitch it to somebody else and go spot up."
Waiting for Carlos
Delfino's two threes in the third quarter helped blow the game wide open, so amid all the fireworks it's easy to overlook the fact that he had another subpar outing: 2/9 fg, 6 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 3 to in 31 min. Stackhouse's scoring has helped offset Delfino's struggles, but at some point Count Chocula needs to have one of those 15-18 point, 7-10 rebound games that he seemed to be dropping regularly over the last three months of the season. So far he hasn't come close, scoring a total of just 18 points on 7/25 (28%) shooting in the series. Marvin Williams hasn't been great either, but Delfino's ability to keep defenses honest is even more important because Luc Mbah a Moute and Kurt Thomas don't generally offer much scoring punch.
Peachtree Hoops: Hawks Should Look in the Mirror
Not much to like from the Hawks' perspective.
What we saw was what the Hawks can be when they are at their worst. No defensive energy, no easy baskets going the other way, attacking from the outside-in, poor player and ball movement--resulting in only (16) assists and a sub-40 percent shooting night. Combine that with the usual MIL energy in their house--and making early shots, and the Hawks lost heart and the game early. Kudos to Mike Tirico for calling it out early---the Hawks looked as if they were playing at half speed. Marvin Williams, Al Horford, and Smith looked leg locked early on, and the front court tandem of Smith/Horford, who had combined for a nearly (60) percent shooting percentage, was only 7-19 in Game Three. Toss in Williams' 1-7 contribution and there was nowhere to go for the Hawks.
Courtside Analyst: Win Contributions from Game Three
Head over to CA for Ty's stats from game three.
Leaving Salmons monster game aside for a moment, I am particularly impressed with the play the team received from Dan Gadzuric and Kurt Thomas. In about 42 minutes of action last night, the pair grabbed 23 rebounds and allowed their counterparts to grab a combined total of 5. Superior work.
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honestly.......
it’s like I want to get stuck somewhere between game 3 finishing and game 4 starting so I can revel in a top performance and the thrill of a playoff victory for at least another few days
Even if they lose tonight
and lose again in Atlanta, They will have quieted the critics who all but wrote them off, for the second time in this season. So few critics expected them to be anything but basement dwellers, and once the playoffs started without Bogut, no-one thought they would win a game. They have done their job. And I aplaud the Bucks for doing so.
Go Beer, I mean Bucks
by Take Back Our Bucks on Apr 26, 2010 9:05 AM CDT reply actions
I was one of those critics ...
but I had my reasons and conditions, with the two main conditions (Bogut All-Pro) and Jennings exceeding expectations being met. And the elephant in the room didn’t hold them back to the point of no return. Now I see the Bucks gaining a foothold in this series and putting behind whatever playoff jitters were the problem in Atlanta. The longer this series extends, the more it favors the Bucks and their good chemistry, better coaching and tougher resolve.
Our Bucks have been through a lot this season to get to this point, and I’m having a difficult time keeping my enthusiasm in check. I’m not used to being so darn positive!!
I hope Royal Ivey hits a buzzer-beating three to win it
That’s totally plausible, right?
by Frank Madden on Apr 26, 2010 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions
about as plausible as someone hitting a jump shot from half court oh wait.........
hang on did I just mention LBJ & Royal Ivey in the same scenario……
I'd agree...
…that Saturday night’s performance keeps the flame of hope alive. Not just for the serious fans but for the more casual fans who a) had a great time at the Bradley Center b) watched on TV or just saw the headlines in the coverage.
Losing is much easier to accept if you can see sparks of life, sparks of better things to come.
I think that’s a good point…I’m not sure how much the more casual fan is getting caught up in all of this, but winning a game or two (or four) definitely doesn’t hurt the long-term support for the club. There had to be some people there on Saturday who don’t go to a lot of Bucks games, and you have to think that kind of atmosphere makes a big impression.
by Frank Madden on Apr 26, 2010 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions
I suppose thats where Jennings star appeal helps initially drawing in a wider fan base.........
then when you get to watch the way the team plays you can find out heck this a great team to support, they work hard for each other, Bogut is pretty damn good surprisingly to most, and there are great role players to get behind…..yes Im looking at you Dan
plus I guess Jennings is someone the casual fan can drop in a Basketball conversation and get a response and a polarising one at that too from friends I suppose, rather than attempting to argue the merits of Salmons scoring efficiency, Ridnour’s fg% jump so advanced into his career or who Prince should be guarding in the play offs
Interesting stats on why this game is really important
Basically, Bucks win & their odds of taking the series go way up. If they lose, they will likely join 181 other teams in the past that lost the series after going down 3-1 (versus just 8 that came back).
"But we all know that games aren't played on paper...they are played by little men inside our TV sets." --Kenny Mayne
by dishingoutdimes on Apr 26, 2010 1:44 PM CDT reply actions
No big deal, Dallas is built for the future anyway…gulp.
by Frank Madden on Apr 26, 2010 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I suppose first round exit means Cuban looks to suddenly be a big player with Dampiers expiring contract up for grabs....yipee
just to get off the subject for a tick :)
They don’t have cap room even if they cut Dampier, though they could use the Dampier contract to take on a longer-term salary that somebody else decides they want to get rid of before free agency starts. Should be interesting, though they won’t have big men then. I imagine they’ll overpay Haywood to stay since they have Bird rights on him and no other options.
by Frank Madden on Apr 26, 2010 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions
BREAKING:
Just got a text from ESPN saying that a car collided with the Hawks team bus outside the Bradley Center.
No injuries were reported though, thankfully.
"But we all know that games aren't played on paper...they are played by little men inside our TV sets." --Kenny Mayne
by dishingoutdimes on Apr 26, 2010 3:12 PM CDT reply actions
http://www.cbsatlanta.com/sports/23270227/detail.html
Operation: Rattle the Hawks is in full effect apparently.
by Frank Madden on Apr 26, 2010 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Mike Woodson was in Bloomington yesterday
for the opening of IU’s new basketball practice facility. I was there and didn’t have the balls to ask him if he thought Skiles was spending his off day hanging out in East Lansing.
Also...
You earn 50 bonus points for having an Arrested Development reference as a screen name. Well played.
by Frank Madden on Apr 26, 2010 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Haha, thanks. I actually also considered asking if he hated Milwaukee as much as Josh Smith, but Mike Woodson is giant, intimidating man.
It’s generally advisable to steer clear of bald dudes with goatees. Saying anything to them (let alone trash talk) just doesn’t have much upside.
by Frank Madden on Apr 26, 2010 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
6 offensive rebounds for ATL already
Which explains how we’re shooting 65% and only up 3.
Josh Smith has requested a helicopter pick him up at halftime and take him back to ATL
by Frank Madden on Apr 26, 2010 8:28 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Everybody knows there ain't nowhere to land a helicopter in Milwaukee.
Everybody know that, even the people that live there.
Failure is just success rounded down.
JJ: warming
Hopefully he keeps taking tough perimeter shots…can’t make em all…I hope
by Frank Madden on Apr 26, 2010 9:06 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Nice Job
Bucks, send this back to the ATL tied at two games apiece! Gadzuric with the awesome shot!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 26, 2010 9:22 PM CDT reply actions
I So Want
Luke Ridnour to make that perimeter shot consistently!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 26, 2010 9:25 PM CDT reply actions
I've Not Seen
Gadzuric EVER play like this.
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 26, 2010 9:29 PM CDT reply actions
Hold on
this one’s not won yet.
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 26, 2010 9:35 PM CDT reply actions
For Jennings
the timing was most inopportune
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 26, 2010 9:46 PM CDT reply actions
Now Bucks
make your throws!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 26, 2010 9:52 PM CDT reply actions
Couldn't believe it when that went in
Hawks shot the ball really well…but they didn’t get any easy buckets to go with all those tough shots.
by Frank Madden on Apr 26, 2010 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I almost posted it was his second 3-pter
Then I realized I was looking at the other J. Smith on their roster.
Failure is just success rounded down.
FInish Strong
the Bucks sure know how to make things interesting! Just so long as they win!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 26, 2010 9:59 PM CDT reply actions
Sorry Hawks
this one’s far from over
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Apr 26, 2010 10:01 PM CDT reply actions
Thomas did such a good job of setting a physical tone with his screens and getting a +4 in saavy veteran plays...
by Superelkman on Apr 26, 2010 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Did you guys see the smile he gave Bibby after Bibby tried to plow him over? Priceless.
Amazing the way our centers were able to outplay Big Al the past two games. That should not happen…but I’m glad it did :)
by Frank Madden on Apr 26, 2010 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Gadz rebounded incredibly well....
as long as he doesn’t get the ridiculous idea of shooting more than 5 feet from the bucket I think we are OK…
yes... these extra meaningful games are great, great to build on...
Jennings/Bogut, Hammond, and Skiles + whoever = success going forward
by Superelkman on Apr 26, 2010 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions
now lets not start getting complacent though....
i want this intensity throughout the rest of the series…
i don’t think I have ever seen a team be so polar opposite on the road versus at home…
by Superelkman on Apr 26, 2010 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions
haha could it be the Bucks guards have figured out how to deal with Atlanta's switching defence
ha when a big guy switches onto you take him off the dribble and blow by him
Hilarious how badly they exploited him tonight. They did a fantastic job of finding him and isolating him against guards off P&R whenever he was in the game.
by Frank Madden on Apr 26, 2010 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions
smart coaching.....and smart execution Id call that :)
have to say Woodson doesnt look good head to head vs Skiles
Atlanta’s offense wasnt much better really but that’s the danger of constantly relying on Joe Johnson
The Big Three(Salmons, Delfino, and Jennings)...
scored 67 points on 39 shots including 15/15 from the line from Jennings and Salmons and 6/8 from 3 for Delfino….
What a night
Each game that we win is soo beneficial to this franchise. The experience for the young players, the city slowly taking notice, the financial boost of play-off revenue for a team that’s usually losing money, huge all around.
Absolutely. Absolutely. Loving the show they’re putting on right now.
by Frank Madden on Apr 26, 2010 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions
When we're aggressive
Loved how they attacked and also how the drivers looked to pass to keep Hawks shotblockers at bay. Hawks didn’t defend as well as they could, but Bucks had a lot to do with it.
by Frank Madden on Apr 26, 2010 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I love how everyone discounted the Bucks
just makes it that much sweeter when we keep fighting and win!
"But we all know that games aren't played on paper...they are played by little men inside our TV sets." --Kenny Mayne
by dishingoutdimes on Apr 26, 2010 11:00 PM CDT reply actions
Game 6 tix
Going fast apparently…
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/07004478F6E28FA8?camefrom=NBABUCKS_web
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