The Hawks have always had this problem. A lot also has to do on their home court when they have that many more fans out supporting them when the big namers come to town.

The Hawks showed signs of intelligence in the 2nd and 3rd Quarters of the Philly Game when they executed the pick and roll play for Josh Smith (which is what I said they should have been doing all year). Pick and rolls help Atlanta in two ways: (i) they force larger defenders out of position (remember how Shaq failed to cover the Stockton/Malone pick-n-rolls); and (ii) they create instant high percentage offense (something the jump shot prone Hawks need). Given how well the Hawks executed the pick and roll against Philly's BIGs early in the game, why did Coach Woodson let the team launch jump shot after jump shot during the 4th Quarter? There is no excuse.

Second, apparently Coach Woodson did not learn the lessons of the Orlando game--BIG MAN BY COMMITTEE. Woodson has 30 fouls that he can use to slow down the other teams front line attack. Yet he manages his Big Men as if they are critical to the offense attack (i.e., Patrick Ewing). These guys need to be told to play like Dennis Rodman. Why didn't Coach Woodson do this during the Philly game --while it was still a winnable game? There is NO excuse.

Steve Belkin, an Atlanta Hawk owner, is suing the remaining owners after they removed him from his managing partner role. Belkin claimed the Hawks were giving up too much to get Joe Johnson and he refused to sign off on the deal. If current management can right this ship -- Belkin assertions will find more friendly ears in Atlanta.