I've listed a few ways the Hawks can win this series. It will take a lot, but the Hawks are up to the challenge, as they were against the Celtics last year. I may not have played basketball, but I figure I can pretend to know what I'm talking about (much like most of ESPN's analysts). Anyway, here's what the Hawks need to do to win the series (not necessarily in this order):
- Joe Johnson needs to step up his game. He was inconsistent in the series with Miami, and struggled mightily in game one against the Cavs. He had 11 points on 5-10 shooting, 6 assts., and 4 rebs. in game one. He averaged 20 pts./game against Boston last year, and probably needs to cancel out LeBron's offensive performance. However, he wasn't even close to LeBron's 34. If he can't cancel out LeBron, he needs to average at least 26 pts./game just to give the Hawks a chance.
- Atlanta's bench needs to outplay Cleveland's bench. Atlanta's bench combined for 10 pts. on 4-19 shooting, 11 rebounds, and 7 turnovers. Cleveland's bench scored 20 points on 9-19 from the field, pulled down 15 boards, and turned the ball over once. Flip Murray was outstanding against Miami in the first round, but finished with 5 points on 2-9 shooting, and three turnovers.
- Take care of the ball. I know it's overly stated, but it's a necessity. Atlanta turned the ball over 17 times, while Cleveland turned it over only 7 times in game one. Joe Johnson totaled 5 of the 17 turnovers.
- Keep everyone else under control. Mo Williams scored 21 and Delonte West scored 13 in game one. Holding both players to a combined 24 points should suffice.
- Atlanta's bigs must dominate. Actually, Atlanta's bigs outplayed Cleveland's bigs in last night's game. "The Godfather" (Horford) and "J-Smoove" (Josh Smith) combined for 26 points, 14 rebs., and 4 assts. Ilgauskas and Varejao combined for 11 pts., 12 rebs., and 4 stls. Nevertheless, I feel Horford and Smith should get 20 rebs. combined.
- Horford and Mo Evans need to be more involved offensively. Both guys should combine for 20-24 points easily this series. They only combined for 10 points in game 1.
- The Godfather's Health. A health Al Horford means bad news for Cleveland. He clearly should've won the 2008 Rookie of the Year Award last year. The reason. His versatility. That's what I love about Horford's game. In game 3 against Boston last year, Horford filled out the stat sheet with 17 pts., 14 rebs., and 6 assts. He provides a toughness inside as demonstrated against the Celtics last year when he made a game clinching shot in the aforementioned game with 22 sec. remaining. He proceeded to talk trash to the 2008 Finals MVP, and got inside his head. He's not afraid of anyone and has played in big games with Atlanta and games at Florida. He helped Florida win back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007.
- Take smart shots. "J-Smoove", a 26 percent career three-point shooter, should not stand on the perimeter and jack up threes. He should use his youth, athleticism, and quickness to blow by the Cavs' bigs and get either a dunk or free throw. Get the ball to Horford on the post, and he'll kick out to Mo or Bibby for an open, uncontested three if he's doubled. The team quite frankly needs to drive to the basket for open shots. Cleveland's defense wasn't that great, but rather, Atlanta missing open shots. When the shot isn't falling, the Hawks must take it in and put pressure on Cleveland's defense.
- Don't double LeBron. The Hawks need to play man using either Johnson, Smith, or Williams. The team can't afford to leave West and Mo Williams alone on the perimeter. Both guys shot 5-10 combined from downtown.
- Don't be intimidated. The team hung tough with Boston last year, but got blown out in all four games in Boston. The Hawks hung tough in the first half before falling apart in the second half. Cleveland has the best record in the league and the city is hungry for a championship. They need to learn from last year's mistakes, ignore the crowd's and steal game two in Cleveland. Heading to Atlanta with a 1-1 tie is crucial for Atlanta's chances in this series.
