Hawks’ Johnson to participate in H-O-R-S-E contest

Mike Bibby knew something was up when he saw Joe Johnson practicing trick shots after practice Tuesday morning.

“I didn’t know what he was doing at first,” Bibby said smiling. “He was trying his hardest to be a Harlem Globetrotter.”

Not quite.

Johnson is one of three players who will compete in a H-O-R-S-E competition in Phoenix on Saturday as a part of the NBA’s All-Star Weekend festivities.

Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant and Memphis rookie guard O.J. Mayo will join Johnson in the inaugural event. The competition will be televised live on TNT during Saturday’s special two-hour edition of “Inside the NBA” from 5-7 p.m.

Bibby will have a little work of his own to tend to later that night. He’s one of the participants in the 3-point shooting contest.

“Joe’s just trying to get his hands on a trophy before I do,” Bibby said, still smiling. “I know exactly what this is all about.”

Johnson wouldn’t say exactly what he has in mind for the competition. But he insisted that the affair will be must-see television.

“It’s should be wild and crazy all weekend,” said Johnson, who will also play in his third consecutive All-Star Game on Sunday. “We’ve got to take care of these last two games [Washington on Tuesday and in Detroit tonight], and then it’s time to cut loose a little bit and have some fun.”