Well, that wasn't half bad, was it?

The Hawks showed (albeit in only one game) that the promise of the preseason was not a fluke, taking down the big bad Dallas Mavericks 101-94 Friday night in the season-opener at Philips Arena. The win broke an eight-year losing streak on opening night, the longest in the league (Hey, what else have the Hawks not done in eight years that's longest in the league? I guess we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves).

Atlanta won tonight for several reasons. They won because Joe Johnson can score any time he wants from anywhere on the court. They won because the team's plethora of forwards, so often the ridicule of sportswriters and fans across the league, are all capable of grabbing boards. They won because of depth. And finally, they won because they refused to make the mistakes that have so often led to late-game meltdowns in the past.

Everyone who played tonight contributed. The usual stars made their usual big plays (JJ pretty much carried the team in the 3rd quarter, and Josh Smith was a large reason for the team's big early lead), but guys like Shelden Williams and Tyronn Lue made giant contributions down the stretch that were every bit as crucial.

After leading by as much as 16 early in the second quarter, the Hawks trailed by one to start the fourth. A quick basket by Jose Juan Barea upped it to three, and some may have thought the rout was on. But T-Lue came right back to hit a big three, and the Hawks never trailed by more than a pair the rest of the way.

It's only one game, but it's hard to come away from Friday night's win and not be excited about the team's potential for 2007-08. It's also hard not to get misty thinking about the Hawks' two rookies, both of whom showed great signs of things to come in the opener. Al Horford just missed his first career double-double, finishing one point shy with 9 points and 10 rebounds - a feat he'd have easily accomplished had he not been in foul trouble for most of the game. Acie Law was impressive in spurts as well, but he too succumbed to fouls. Most importantly, both looked fearless and not at all like newbies getting their first game-action in the regular season.

Tonight's win was huge for the team's confidence, but there is work left to be done. The opening slate to the season doesn't get any easier, and the Hawks will need every ounce of the intensity and determination they showed tonight if they want to rack up wins in upcoming games at Detroit, New Jersey, and Boston or at home to Phoenix and Washington.

Still, this was a win worth relishing, and I know that's exactly what I'm going to do until the ball jumps on Sunday at the Palace in Auburn Hills.