• AWARD WINNER: Al Horford doesn't have to do anything else to convince his coach that he's Rookie of the Year material.

He accomplished that months ago when he stepped up to starting at center for a Hawks team desperate for an inside presence and began piling up double-digit rebounding performances.

Horford's latest effort, though, a 12-point, 15-rebound, six-assist and two-block outing in a 105-96 win over the Wizards on Monday, is even more than coach Mike Woodson could have expected at this late stage of the season.

And when you consider Horford was giving up three inches to Wizards center Brendan Haywood, his ability to dominate is that much more astounding.

"He's been huge all year and he's a major candidate for Rookie of the Year, without a doubt," Woodson said. "I respect everything he's done for us on and off the floor. He's never complained about a thing. He just comes to work every day and gives you his all when he's out there on the floor. He's been a positive influence on my life; I mean, he's huge. I love Al Horford. I love him."

• RIDING THE RAILS: The Hawks head back to the tri-state area today for Wednesday's game in New Jersey. But instead of their normal charter flight, they are taking an express train from Washington to New York City. It's certainly a new wrinkle for many of the players, most of whom admitted to never having ridden the train.

"If nothing else, it ought to be interesting," forward Josh Childress said. "It's supposed to be a faster trip since we won't have to do the whole airport security thing. I guess we'll see if all of that is true."