Last night's win over the Bobcats wasn't one for aesthetic purposes. I could give you a laundry list of things that I'd like to have seen go better (3-point shooting anyone?), but the bottom line is, the Hawks won what I think everyone can agree was a potential stumbling block game.
With the game sandwiched between a huge win over Cleveland and the huge-r game coming up on Wednesday against the Celtics, I know I was worried that we might be overlooking the Bobcats.
When the team came out a little flat I wasn't shocked (frustrated maybe, but not shocked), but I give the guys credit for digging in and never letting the contest get out of hand.
Though we never really clicked offensively the entire game, you have to be impressed with the team's defensive effort, particularly in the fourth quarter, which was a block party hosted by Josh Smith and Al Horford.
Regardless of how many points the Hawks scored in the 4th, any time you can hold your opponent to 11 points over the final 12 minutes you are probably going to have a good shot at winning.
And so Atlanta clinches at least a tie for the season with Charlotte, and will get two chances later in February and March to finally slay that dragon and actually take the season series for once.
And, now that that's over, it's time to focus on Boston. 31 hours and counting...
