The above picture says it all. The Hawks, streaking downcourt, with their opponents on their collective heels. What can you say about this winning streak? Last night's game was by far the most impressive of the four wins, as we took on a Philadelphia team that had won seven-straight games but was out of this one by the end of the first quarter. The final score may have been 104-92, but it was never that close.

Josh Smith continues to be a revelation, as he followed up his 32 point effort against Minnesota with 26 more (and a career-best 17 rebounds) in this one. I'll just come out and say it. Smoove was the best player on the court last night. I think that's the first time I've ever thought that to myself. What impressed me the most? The way he attacked the basket inside against Samuel Dalembert and Steven Hunter, two guys who defend the paint very well.

Josh was incredible, but as we have seen during this winning streak, it wasn't all about him. This was another tremendous team effort, with six Hawks scoring in double-figures, tying the season-high. Salim Stoudamire tried in vain to join the group, but finished with nine. Here is a photo gallery from the game - really a treat to watch from start to finish (the game, not the photo gallery - though they are nice shots).

So, here we are again. Four games out of the 8th spot, still sitting 11th overall. Many of the teams in front of us are heading in the wrong direction: Indy has lost 10 straight, Orlando has lost eight of ten, and New Jersey has only recently righted the ship, winning two straight after a five-game losing streak.

I feel like I ask myself this every day - can we really make a run? There are only 17 games left in the season, so I don't want to get all riled up for nothing. But if they continue to play the way they have since the loss to Miami, they could make things interesting.

The two game road trip that starts tonight in Boston will pretty much determine whether or not a run is possible. The Celtics are back to relative mediocrity since Paul Pierce returned, so they won't be a pushover. Both teams are playing the second of a back-to-back, so there is no rest advantage for either unit.

Friday we play at Indiana, a team in an absolute freefall. A win there would not only keep the team headed in the right direction, but would allow the Hawks to make up a game in the standings directly against the competition.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves. But at the same time, a split on this trip would be tremendous, especially with another four-game homestand beginning next Monday against Sacramento.

First things first though - let's see if we can't grab our first five-game winning streak since the 1999-2000 season. Tune in tonight to FSN South at 7:30 for all the action!

The first thing to mention about tonight's game, for anyone who isn't going, is that the game is being broadcast in HD. That is pretty sweet. Every sporting event in the world is better in HD. It's one of three games coming up for the Hawks that will be in HD:

- 3/13 vs. Philly
- 3/19 vs. Sacramento
- 3/21 vs Miami

I am in no way saying you shouldn't go to those games; you should. But if you can't make it for whatever reason, definitely catch the action in HD, you will thank me for it.

As for tonight's game, the Hawks are streaking, having improbably won three straight without Joe Johnson. Of course, tonight's opponent, Philly, is even hotter, having won seven straight to pull within shouting distance of a playoff berth as well. They have beaten us twice already this year - the season-opener at Philly, and in late January at Philips.

I talked to Hawks assistant Greg Ballard today to break down the Sixers, and he says Andre Miller deserves a lot of credit for the team's play of late. I have always found him underrated, and I think he is one of the best distributors in the league. Tyronn Lue agrees, or so he told me in our podcast (shameless plug).

When we lost to the Sixers in January, I thought their bigs were particularly damaging to us. Usually, I would be fine with daring Samuel Dalembert and Steven Hunter to beat us, but that night they were both hitting shots and were very active on the boards. I think to get a W tonight, we have to minimize their effectiveness.

In our three wins last week, we did a great job sharing the wealth. Josh Smith was tremendous, but we got double-digit scoring from several players in each game, which I think makes us more dangerous. If we can continue to distribute the ball well and do a good job defensively on the interior, I see no reason why we can't win our fourth straight home game for the first time since April of 2003.

Come out tonight to cheer us on. Philly fans typically show up pretty well to Philips, so let's make sure to drown them out and send 'em home unhappy.

See you tonight!