But these Hawks are new. They played well almost the entire evening (except for the offensive execution towards the end of regulation - that has GOT to improve), and didn't show any of the malaise of a team too busy patting itself on the back for Monday's win to notice another opponent was in the building.

If Joe Johnson wants to make the All-Star team, the Hawks need to send footage of his game last night to the Eastern Conference coaches, because that's exactly what he played like last night. Though his touch from long range was mysteriously missing, JJ repeatedly took the ball into the paint for layups and runners, including the game-winning points with just over a minute left in overtime. But of course, JJ didn't win this game by himself. For the second straight game, everyone who played contributed in a meaningful way. But Joe was the catalyst, and in talking to him today, you could tell how badly he wanted to win the game.

The Hawks have started to do what everyone says is the first key to making the playoffs - they are protecting their home court. The team is 5-2 at home in December, and appear to only be getting stronger (they've already clinched a winning record for the month with three games left to play, a small but not insignificant achievement). If they can keep picking up road wins here and there (starting in Washington tomorrow night would be nice), we could see them start to move away from the bottom of the pack and more towards the top.

Lastly, I again want to wish all the best to Alonzo Mourning on a speedy recovery. Watching him waive off the stretcher last night to leave under his own power (aided by his teammates) gave me chills. He has been one of the most passionate competitors the league has ever seen, and many of today's players would do well to emulate him in that respect. Get better, Zo.