Mike on the Hawks

So last night’s win at home (146-115) against the Raptors was more than getting back into the winning column after loosing a tough game Sunday in Detroit. The game against the Raptors was a huge offensive onslaught by the Hawks that left the Raptors heading to Hartsfield Airport to get out of Hotlanta as soon as they could. Before I get to the Hawks, I just want to say how disappointed I am in the Raptors. I wouldn’t consider myself a fan of the Raptors, but at the same time, I do prefer them over a number of different teams. I thought they would be a contender for a playoff spot for sure in the East this year, but so far they have not been very impressive, losing 10 of their 13 games by at least 8 points (with 6 of those games by 13+) and going 4-11 in their last 15 games. With one of, if not the tallest, starting lineups in the NBA (Bargnani, Bosh, Turkoglu in the front court with all at least 6′ 10″). I just don’t really understand why they are not better, except maybe for the play of their guards. But back to the Hawks. It was a somewhat historic effort with the Hawks scoring over 145 for the first time since 1993 (149 in a win against the 76ers). Nine different Hawks were in double figures, with Mo Evans being a point away from making it ten. Even rookie Jeff Teague had 13 points while playing 23 minutes. This won’t happen that often, but it is good to see the Hawks be able to share the rock and cruise to a win while getting everybody involved. One of the themes that the Hawks need to have is to win the games they are supposed to win and compete against the teams that are as good or better than them. They don’t have to win every game against Boston, Orlando, Cavs, or Lakers if they will take care of business the other games and at least show up against the good teams. Hawks have a back-to-back home and away this weekend, with the Knicks coming to town and then a game in Dallas. Like I said, take care of the games you are supposed to win and compete against the good teams.