Defense is Hawks' priority in camp By SEKOU SMITH The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 10/07/06 With quality teaching time at a premium throughout the NBA season, Hawks coach Mike Woodson knew he couldn't waste time during training camp. That's why his focus on defense at the start of camp shouldn't surprise anyone. The Hawks didn't implement any of their offensive sets the first three days of camp, waiting until Friday morning's workout to begin that portion of the program. "We're probably a day behind because we spent so much time on defense and trying to hold guys accountable for making the commitment on defense," Woodson said. "I think that's how you move to the next stage, which for us is winning consistently. "We had 25 games last year that we felt were winnable games that we didn't finish because our commitment to defense wasn't always what it needed to be. So that's why we've been as deliberate as we have about our focus early in camp." The Hawks didn't have any trouble scoring last year, averaging 97 points per game, which ranked 16th in the league. But they allowed 102, making them one of just seven teams to allow more than 100 points per game. Woodson was all smiles, though, after Friday morning's practice. During five-on-five defensive drills players were diving on the floor and playing defense the way he and his coaching staff want them to. "It looked awfully good," he said. "I know it's only one day. But it was pretty promising to see guys busting their [tails] to do the right things." Shelden Williams latest for bruises First it was Speedy Claxton's fractured finger. Then came Zaza Pachulia's busted face. And then Solomon Jones' sprained ankle. Friday morning it was rookie forward Shelden Williams' turn to experience a little pain. Williams slipped and fell under the basket after completing a full-court drill midway through the workout. He banged his left knee on the floor and had to be helped to his feet. He left the practice floor for the training room for about 10 minutes before returning with a sleeve on his knee. He finished the rest of practice and said he suffered a bone bruise but would play through whatever pain he had. "It's a bone bruise or whatever," Williams said. "But I can play through that. It's in the back of my mind right now that this is my first training camp and I have to be out there. I can't afford to miss anything." Jones, however, will be out for two weeks. Woodson said the rookie forward "tweaked" his ankle in Wednesday morning's workout and will have to sit out until the medical staff clears him. Jones wore a protective boot on his right leg Friday. "All these guys have to push through it," Woodson said. "Camp is what it is. There are 29 other teams that are sucking air, sore and beat up." Open practice, autographs The Hawks will conduct an open practice Saturday at Woodward Academy in College Park from 10 a.m. to noon. The doors at the Woodward Academy gymnasium will open at 9 a.m. Following the workout, which will include a full scrimmage, the players and coaches will sign autographs for 30 minutes. Admission is free. 資料來源 http://0rz.tw/0e1Wl --

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