Hawks Tame the Bobcats

Hawks 88 Bobcats 83

Win “ugly” is the name of the game for the Hawks. Grinders till the end, Atlanta found a way to knock off Charlotte 88-83.

Twelve lead changes in the fourth quarter made each possession that much more important down the stretch. In a true back and forth affair, Mike Bibby provided the boost with nine fourth quarter points to give the Hawks the edge in the victory.

Atlanta got off to a slow start with only 16 points in the first quarter. Their lack of ability to find success on the offensive side of the ball gave the Bobcats a dangerous sense of confidence that they rode throughout the game. The Hawks let them off the hook again in the third quarter by only putting 15 points on the board.

Yet, in the end, this game came down to pressure shots and who would be able to answer on offense. Time and time again, the Hawks found success from the three point line mostly led by Bibby and Williams.

Plain and simple, it was a tough fought game on both side, but the better team got the win tonight.

Quick Notes:
If Marvin Williams is not your early season winner for most improved Hawk, I suggest you reevaluate your pick. I heard the rumors about the amount of offseason work he put in on his jump shot and building strength, but I would never have imagined that it would translate into that large of an improvement on the court. Last night, he had 22 points on 8 for 14 shooting. He also had 10 rebounds. Even scarier is his much improved ability to convert three point buckets. He is shooting a lights out 53.6 percent (15 for 28) from downtown this year.

I know it’s probably tough to watch these games, but the future is bright. It can’t be said enough how much Josh Smith changes the complexion of the Hawks on offense and defense. Until he returns, every victory grinded out is worth two in my book.