Playoff Ballin’: Atlanta’s Joe Johnson Was Incredible
The Big Lead —
Atlanta 97, Boston 92: Probably the second best game we’ve seen this postseason after the Spurs/Suns opener. After a thrilling, tense first-half, we were certain that once Boston took control of the game in the third quarter, going up by as many as 10 points, it would just be a repeat of Detroit and Philly’s game four. Then Joe Johnson unleashed the entire arsenal, scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter in a performance that left our mouths wide open in a permanent expression of disbelief.
"Boston Sucks! Boston Sucks!"
The Legend of Cecilio Guante —
How often do sports fans get to chant something as fun as "Boston Sucks, Boston Sucks!" in their sportsfan lives? For us folks in Phatlanta, it ain't very often. Granted, the Celtics are more than capable of destroying the Hawks over the course of the next two (and hopefully three) games. But when an 8 seed under .500 backdoors into the ...
Apparently the Paint Belongs to Joe Johnson
SimonOnSports —
Just when I speak up yesterday the Celtics go out and play a miserable 4th quarter and now find themselves in an interesting 2-2 series. The reason? Joe Johnson throttled them for 20 points in the 4th quarter alone and pretty much got to the bucket and scored at will. Ray Ray was not the defensive answer. Perhaps the Celtics should work on some kind of game plan to keep him out of the lane and/or put a hand in his face when he actually is shooting the basketball. Or... I guess they could just lose the series if they rather do that.
Boston Reaches, Johnson Teaches
Basketball Exchange —
The NBA named this Game 2 video ‘Joe Johnson Owns the 4th Quarter‘, but I’d like to also call either a ‘Joe Johnson Tutorial‘, or more specifically, ‘What Happens If You Don’t Double Team A Shooter On A Roll‘. First, here’s the video: ...
Here’s to You, Mr. Johnson
Empty the Bench —
We’ve run out of superlatives to describe Joe Johnson’s incredible performance on Monday night, willing his team to improbable victory with the best clutch performance to date in the 2008 Eastern Conference playoffs. His stellar line of 35 points and 6 assists on 14-of-24 shooting from the field (including 5-of-6 from behind the arc) doesn’t even tell the whole story… but this tribute video pretty much nails it.
Celtics fans may want to avert their eyes.
Tip of the cap to The Big Lead for the find.
Live Blog: Game 5, Pre-Game
Hawks BasketBlog —
Man, the atmosphere here tonight is totally different. In the first two games, the crowd was in a frenzy well before tip-off. Right now, you don't hear a thing. I can feel the nervousness. That's not to say the Celtics will lose tonight, but the feeling in the arena is much, much different than the last time we were here. ...
Round 1 breakdown Boston vs Atlanta
Chicago Bulls —
What a wild first-round of NBA playoffs. I found myself surprised and disappointed with a lot of individual and team performances. I also have reason to get excited because the Bulls look ready to have a coach with great systems, either on the offensive end or defensive end. At first, I though former Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson was the favorite because of his emphasis on defense, which is what John Paxson hopes to get back to this season, but after hearing of current Phoenix Suns coach Mike D’Antoni being granted permission to talk to other teams and his interest in Chicago, I would be surprised if he wasn’t on the sidelines ...
Will the Celtics Finish the Lakers Tonight?
The Big Lead —
If you talked to Tim Donaghy today, might he say that he expects the series to go seven? What do you make of this mysterious plane delay? How much longer can we reasonably expect the Celtics to contain Kobe Bryant? LeBron erupted for 45 in game seven in Boston, and who could forget Joe Johnson abusing the Celtics in one of the single greatest performances of this postseason (albeit at home)? Those with a vested interest seem to like the Celtics winning and covering four. We’ll hold off on a pick because we’re curious about the healthy of Kendrick Perkins. But we’re leaning heavily Boston.
Note: ...
Final Preseason Tilt Tonight In Detroit
Hawks BasketBlog —
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The preseason concludes tonight in Detroit, as the Hawks try to (for what
it's worth) finish the exhibition season with a winning record (they are
currently 4-3). One of the main stories of this preseason, both with the Hawks
and around the league in general, has been the preponderance of injuries.
Fortunately for the Hawks no one has been seriously affected, but the injury bug
will affect them tonight as they go to Detroit without Joe Johnson, who
has a mild groin strain, and Speedy Claxton, who is out for personal
reasons. I don't think anyone is too worried, but why take
chances?
I ...
