Atlanta

Hawks Lose Game, Players, Heart?


Philip Maymin
Basketball News Services 

The Hawks lost 113-83to the Bucks on Saturday despite Milwaukee playing without Michael Redd. They have also lost most of their front line to injury: Al Harrington, Chris Crawford, and Predrag Drobnjak. But have they lost their heart? If not, why not?

One reason why not is the impressive results of rookie Josh Childress. Though some have argued that we has picked a little too high in the draft, Childress is starting to turn some heads with his starter minutes. He has now had three double-doubles in a row. Saturday's line was 20 points and 10 rebounds to go with 4 assists and a steal. Considering he shot 8-of-12, or 67 percent from the floor, those are All-Star numbers if consistency rears its lovely head.

The young kids are getting plenty of playing time and that's always a good thing, whether it's for this season or beyond. The more they play and the more they play together, the more they can develop that elusive quality known as chemistry.

As long as the team doesn't get blown up this summer.

NEXT GAME
The Atlanta Hawks (10-39, fifth in the Southeast) host Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets (23-28, third in the Northwest) on Tuesday, February 15, 2005. The game starts at 7:30pm Eastern and will be broadcast on WPXA and NBA League Pass.

TEAM NOTES
Hawks Fans, don't miss a chance to get to know your team better on and off the court with the new internet radio show HAWK TALK ONLINE!Join Hawks broadcasters Bob Rathbun and Steve Holman as they discuss the team, the NBA, and other basketball issues.

INJURY UPDATE
Kenny Anderson(hamstring),Al Harrington(knee), andChris Crawford (knee) are all on the injured list. Crawford is out for the season.Tyronn Lue(Achilles) is questionable on Tuesday.Predrag Drobnjak(ankle) is out the rest of the week until after the All-Star break.

NEWSLINES

The NAMCT writes: Official Hip-Hop Band for the Atlanta Hawks To Join the 2nd Annual HBCU Alumni Cruise.AFAR is a live, instrumental, five-piece Hip Hop band that is tearing up the scene in Atlanta! In addition to stellar appearances at NBA Rhythm N’ Rims with Nappy Roots and 3LW, and at several large venues around the country, they have also been selected as the house band for the Atlanta Hawks. The Atlanta based ensemble will be featured live at every home game during the 2004-2005 season.

The Sports Network writes inThe Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Former Atlanta Hawks star Lou Hudson is listed in stable condition after suffering a stroke on Saturday.The 60-year-old Hudson is at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, where he is breathing with the help of a ventilator but is alert. Hudson lives in Park City, Utah. Hudson's number 23 is one of only three Atlanta Hawks numbers to be retired by the team. The others are Bob Pettit and Dominique Wilkins.

Sekou Smith ofThe Atlanta Journal-Constitutionwrites: Orlando coach Johnny Davis knows what his good friend and coaching colleague Mike Woodson is going through in his inaugural season with the Hawks.After taking over the Magic from Doc Rivers early last season, Davis watched as his team fell apart and finished the season with the league's worst record. "I hate to see him or any coach go through that," Davis said of the Hawks' struggles. "Obviously, the main thing, because it's a competitive business, when we're playing the Hawks we want to win. But beyond that I wish him well and hope things turn around for him because that's not the easiest feeling to have. I know exactly what he's going through and I sympathize with him in that regard."