Mike on the Hawks

The 7-game home stand for the Atlanta Hawks was just what the doctor ordered after losing two ugly games last week to the Knicks and the Bobcats. Four games into the home stand, including tonight’s 101-87 victory over the Pacers, and the Hawks have four wins. These wins are not against bottom feeders but they have been against playoff-level teams in the Pistons (#6 East), Hornets (#4 West), and Utah (#5 West). Not only have these wins have been good because they were against quality opponents, but also because of some individual play. Joe Johnson had his third straight 30-point game and over the course of these four wins, Josh Smith has put some impressive numbers up, averaging 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds. The biggest thing that I think that Josh Smith has done to become a better player was stop shooting three pointers/jumpers and do what he does best – drive to the basket and finish at the rim. Another individual that is going to have to step up (and has, including 15 points against the Pacers) is Mo Evans. He is filling in while Marvin Williams is out and he is going to have to give the Hawks good minutes at the SF position in order for the Hawks to continue to win. In regards to Marvin Williams, there is still no timetable for how long he will be dealing with the pain in his lower back. He went to see a specialist in North Carolina and has decided to go the conservative route with rest and physical therapy. I don’t like the fact that there is no word on what exactly is wrong with his back. To me, that says that somebody is not telling everybody what they know. It would be a big loss to not have Marvin around come playoff time, but let’s hope and pray that I am wrong and that he will return healed and rested for a playoff run.