Cohen: Situation & Decision vs. Hawks
By Josh Cohen
May 3, 2010
OrlandoMagic.com's Josh Cohen analyzes what he would do in various in-game situations against the Atlanta Hawks should they come up in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Situation
The Magic are up by three with 10 seconds left in the game; Hawks have the ball in the frontcourt; Atlanta has no timeouts remaining; Orlando is over the foul limit
Decision
If Joe Johnson, Jamal Crawford or Mike Bibby handle the ball off the inbounds, I foul immediately. I don’t see any reason to allow any of those three to fire up a potential game-tying 3-pointer. Especially since the Hawks have no timeouts remaining, it would ultimately be difficult for Atlanta to attempt a reasonably good shot before the buzzer on their subsequent possession.
If either Josh Smith or Al Horford receive the ball off the inbounds, however, I tighten up on defense and force them to make a play. I would have no problem if Atlanta decides to score a quick two and then foul. Or even better yet, I would be more than happy guarding a Smith 3-point attempt. J-Smoove is just a 27 percent career 3-point shooter.
Situation
The Magic are down by one with 10 seconds left in the game; Orlando has possession in the frontcourt; Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis, Jameer Nelson and J.J. Redick are on the floor for the Magic
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I think a big determining factor in my decision is whether the game is at Amway Arena or Philips Arena. If Orlando is at home, I deliver the ball in the post to Howard and let Atlanta decide whether it wants to attack D12 with a double team or play single coverage. If the Hawks double Howard up, Superman has options around the perimeter.
If they guard him one-on-one, I take my chances that Atlanta ultimately fouls Howard. And although D12 was just a 59 percent shooter at the line this season, I take my chances he hits at least one out of two. I would like Orlando’s chances at home in overtime.
If Orlando is on the road, however, I let Nelson penetrate in the paint and either attack the rim or find Lewis, Carter or Redick for a jumper. Mighty Mouse was extraordinary against Charlotte and I would trust him to make a quality decision.
Situation
Orlando is seeking key bench production against Atlanta’s much more inferior second unit. Who should the Magic focus on as an offensive weapon?
Decision
The obvious answers are generally either Mickael Pieturs or J.J. Redick. But against the Hawks, I target Ryan Anderson as my x-factor off the bench. Rhino had two outstanding performances this season against Atlanta. He scored 16 points in each of Orlando’s two home games against the Hawks.
After Jamal Crawford, who was named the 2009-10 Sixth Man of the Year, Atlanta does not have a very strong bench. It could be the perfect time for Anderson to showcase his skills in the national spotlight.
