What's Going On?

It's hard to stay interested when the Hawks come off the All-Star break with a ton of promise and then BAM: lose 8 of 9 games, culminating with half the team (including superstar Joe "Kid Dy-no-mite" Johnson) getting injured. There's pretty much only one thing that could have reeled me back in: a 4 game home win streak!

It's the second time this season they've won 4 in a row, and the first time at home. I'd say it's a combination of the pressure being off, as well as some beatable teams and some great play out of Josh Smith. I'll let Childress do the talking:

"We win four games and it's like, 'Oh, was that the problem?' " Childress said. "I think we just caught a nice little stretch of games and our confidence ... we're just playing carefree. With the group it's more, 'Let's play and have fun.' And when you're having fun, playing carefree, your game goes up to another level."

I'll tell you what, the Anthony Johnson - Josh Childress backcourt is pretty good. If you aren't convinced that Speedy Claxton should never see another minute yet, you aren't paying attention. I'll tell you something else- Salim Stoudamire is pretty good. He's been doing everything right when he gets minutes, and I think he's earned a spot back.

Don't look now, but the Hawks are now 4 games back of the last playoff spot, with only Orlando between them and the 8th spot (tie between Indiana and New York). New Jersey ain't looking so hot either. Sadly the Hawks are probably done, but they do have the next 2 games on the road against Boston and Indiana. The rest of the season isn't that bad, either, so if they continue to play good basketball at the very least they won't end up in the lottery (which I'm not sure is good or bad).