BOSTON @ ATLANTA ARE YOU READY?

[greenroom31]

Great game. If the Hawks could put forth that much effort for every game, and not just when you go against Boston, Cleveland, etc. I think you guys would definitely be top 4 in the East. Consistency is the only concern for Atlanta (and you seem to be getting there).

As for the rivalry comments earlier in this thread, you just have to remember that there are a lot of teams who think they have a rivalry with the Celtics (LA, Houston, Cleveland, Detroit, NY, Toronto, etc.) It's like what happened with the Patriots last year... every team is gunning for them and it becomes their "Superbowl" if you will. One close playoff series doesn't create a rivalry. That said, there is certainly potential for one building.

[High 5]

Currently the Hawks are the closest thing the C's have to a rivalry outside of LA. And Boston was gunning for Atlanta just as much as Atlanta was gunning for Boston last night.

[Retrovision]

I have finals but f that, the study guide is taking a bee line into the bookbag.

hahahahaha same bro. got my last one tomarrow, ef studying.

hope it's not a spelling final.

jokes??

[Jon Niednagel]

Currently the Hawks are the closest thing the C's have to a rivalry outside of LA. And Boston was gunning for Atlanta just as much as Atlanta was gunning for Boston last night.

Currently, the Cavs are ahead of the Hawks in the rivalry department. By history, teams within the division (76rs, Knicks, etc.) might also be ahead. No disrespect intended. If the Hawks continue on this path, they will be right up there in no time. The Hawks definately have the C's attention.

[DorfonCeltics]

Great game last night and just a sick ending. It sucks to lose on a missed foul shot but Joe made some unbelieveable shots just to keep pace. Honestly, the Hawks are the only, yes the ONLY team in the NBA I'm actually scared of. It's embarassing to admit but I sold my game 7 ticket last year because I was so afraid the C's were going to lose to the 8 seed. Your team is legit. You guys definitely have a promising future. I fully expect and can't wait to face you again in the playoffs. Hey, to be the best, you have to beat the best. Good luck the rest of the way.

[HMFFL]

I wish Joe would play more like Pierce. He's every bit as capable as Pierce, he just doesn't take full advantage. If you watch that 4th quarter against Boston in game 4 last year, Joe did a lot of work in the paint. I wish he could do that more often. Refs would be forced to respect him eventually.

Basically how I feel about Joe. I don't want him to take over games like Lebron, because I don't feel he has that type of ability for forty minutes, but he needs to produce during all four periods.

[High 5]

Currently the Hawks are the closest thing the C's have to a rivalry outside of LA. And Boston was gunning for Atlanta just as much as Atlanta was gunning for Boston last night.

Currently, the Cavs are ahead of the Hawks in the rivalry department. By history, teams within the division (76rs, Knicks, etc.) might also be ahead. No disrespect intended. If the Hawks continue on this path, they will be right up there in no time. The Hawks definately have the C's attention.

I don't know...I have a feeling the players would feel a little differently. Not really a big deal, though. I'm sure the remaining two games will be just as exciting and hopefully we can get another playoff series.

[NDaATL]

I wish Joe would play more like Pierce. He's every bit as capable as Pierce, he just doesn't take full advantage. If you watch that 4th quarter against Boston in game 4 last year, Joe did a lot of work in the paint. I wish he could do that more often. Refs would be forced to respect him eventually.

If Joe had KG and Ray on his team than he would. Pierce NEVER sees doubles, meanwhile just watch the Celtics D on Joe. Why do you think LeBron and Kobe both also sucked against the Celtics in the playoffs? If Pierce switched positions with JJ/Kobe/LeBron in those series last year, he'd be putting up less than stellar numbers also.

[conleyorbust]

I wish Joe would play more like Pierce. He's every bit as capable as Pierce, he just doesn't take full advantage. If you watch that 4th quarter against Boston in game 4 last year, Joe did a lot of work in the paint. I wish he could do that more often. Refs would be forced to respect him eventually.

If Joe had KG and Ray on his team than he would. Pierce NEVER sees doubles, meanwhile just watch the Celtics D on Joe. Why do you think LeBron and Kobe both also sucked against the Celtics in the playoffs? If Pierce switched positions with JJ/Kobe/LeBron in those series last year, he'd be putting up less than stellar numbers also.

Pierce has always been a more aggressive player than Joe. He's always been better at getting inside and drawing contact. I think he's a dick and I dislike him as much as I dislike almost any other NBA player but outside of his rookie season, his career low for FTs per game is higher than Joe's career high.

[DarkAzcura]

I wish Joe would play more like Pierce. He's every bit as capable as Pierce, he just doesn't take full advantage. If you watch that 4th quarter against Boston in game 4 last year, Joe did a lot of work in the paint. I wish he could do that more often. Refs would be forced to respect him eventually.

If Joe had KG and Ray on his team than he would. Pierce NEVER sees doubles, meanwhile just watch the Celtics D on Joe. Why do you think LeBron and Kobe both also sucked against the Celtics in the playoffs? If Pierce switched positions with JJ/Kobe/LeBron in those series last year, he'd be putting up less than stellar numbers also.

Dude, I know this is like 5 days later but you act like last year was Pierce's first year or something.

Pierce has been through the playoffs before...carrying teams (even led the greatest comeback in a playoff game).

EDIT: you know, you actually have a point I think. I just misread it. You are right if Pierce had to play against the Celtics defense he wouldn't do as good as he could. I think I just didn't like it when you said Pierce never sees doubles which was true last year (he did see a lot of doubles but not as much as before). Pierce has proven that he can be successful when doubled.

[JoshB914]

^^^ That's true, and Pierce has been a good player for some time. But I think we can all agree that Pierce has taken his game to another level since KG/Allen have joined (i.e. when he isn't seeing as many double teams).