AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 09
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The big lead …
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
HOUSTON - In the NBA a big lead means nothing.
A hot start, like the 13-0 run the Rockets got off to here Tuesday night never spells doom for the opposition.
The Hawks were down as many as 16 in the first half yet they found themselves down just 46-38 at halftime.
The Rockets didn’t stop playing.
The Hawks just started playing better. And hence the problem with any early lead in the NBA, if you’re not careful it won’t mean a thing by the third quarter.
An advance scout for a team the Hawks play later this week is sitting next to me right now schooling me on why a huge early lead never holds against these Hawks.
“They turn you over and get out and run,” he said as the Hawks were in the midst of three straight turnovers and conversions on the other end to start the second half. “It’s the Larry Brown, North Carolina way. George Karl does it, too. They’re going to turn you over, take off running and prove that they’re better than you.”
By the time he finished that speech the Hawks were trailing just 49-45 and had the ball after yet another Rockets’ timeout.
Now it’s 49-47.
These advance scouts know their stuff. And this guy is one of the best.
Marvin Williams for 3 from the corner and a 50-49 Hawks lead. I’m taking this cat to the racetrack.
Bibby for 3 and a 53-49 Hawks lead … this is getting ridiculous.
Maybe he’s right. This is what the Hawks do.
However frustrating it looks, these Hawks find ways to make you play their game.
This is so crazy.
