Hawks doling it out

By Ken Sugiura

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Hawks went into Wednesday night on an assist binge.

In their three games prior to facing Memphis, the Hawks had averaged 29.7 assists. They had five games with 30 or more assists, which through Tuesday's play tied them for most in the league with Phoenix and Denver.

The Hawks' season average was 22.1 assists per game, seventh in the league. They had accomplished that despite not having a single player in the individual top 20 in assists. Guard Joe Johnson led the team at 5.1 per game. The Hawks averaged 20.2 assists per game last year.

"I just think that they have a lot of versatility and they have a lot of good players," Memphis coach Lionel Hollins said. "What they try to do is go to the hot hand and all of them are good passers."

Back to work

Forward Marvin Williams returned to the lineup after missing Sunday's game with an upset stomach. Williams, who lost about seven pounds during his illness, did not ease back to work. He was assigned to guard Memphis star forward Rudy Gay, who entered the game 10th in the NBA in scoring at 21.3 points per game.

At least Williams had some familiarity with Gay. The two graduated the same year from high school and played against each other in AAU tournaments and once in college.

"He can put it on the floor, he can shoot the 3, he can post up," Williams said. "He can score any kind of way that anyone can score in this league."

Etc.

Forward Joe Smith missed his second game resting his dislocated thumb. Forward Othello Hunter was activated in his place. Smith could return Friday for the Hawks' game against Utah at Philips Arena.