7:33 - Josh Smith swats a Von Wafer attempt on one end, then throws down the hammer on the other. It's back to 33-22.

6:06-  The defensive effort has picked up some, and if we can just get a few shots to fall, I don't think we are out of this thing. And just as I write that, Mike Bibby gets a jumper and gets fouled, (missed FT), and it's back to nine at 35-26.

4:48 - Houston, we have a problem with your shot selection. The more the Rockets jack unnecessary threes, the more I like our chances of making this a game.

3:06 - Bibby three! Looks like we've got a ballgame folks - Hawks trail 37-32. Sekou Smith, sitting next to me on press row, just said it best: "There's no such thing as a lead in the NBA."

2:18 - Al Horford, back in the game with two fouls, hits a foul line jumper, and Flip Murray scores on a breakaway for Atlanta, but Luis Scola answers on the other end for Houston. Scola has played well against the Hawks in the past and is doing so tonight as well, as he's got 10 points so far.

:00 - In what feels like an incredibly quick first half, Mike Bibby scoops in a basket at the buzzer to cut the deficit to 46-38 at the half. Given the way this game started, I feel much better about the Hawks chances to win this game. Houston has taken many ill-advised shots in this game, and for the most part the Hawks have made them pay for it on the other end. After the slow start, Atlanta has done a  good job of getting out on the break off missed shots, which is something Coach Woodson stressed in game-planning for tonight.

Mission to accomplish for the second half -  get Josh Smith more touches down low, and try to keep Houston off the offensive glass. If the Hawks are going to pull ahead, they can't give up extra possessions. See you after halftime...