> MADNESS VERSION: Hawks forward Josh Smith signed with Indiana University out of high school but never actually made it to campus, opting for the 2004 NBA draft after graduating from Oak Hill Academy.

Since he never actually played college basketball, he never experienced the rush of March Madness. Until now.

"I know this isn't the same," Smith said of the Hawks' playoff pursuit, which continued Wednesday against the New Jersey Nets at Izod Center. "But for me this is it. And I have to imagine that the only thing better than the chase of trying to get into the playoffs is the playoffs itself."

Smith shares a locker room with players who have won NCAA titles —- Mike Bibby (Arizona), Marvin Williams (North Carolina) and Al Horford (twice at Florida) have all experienced the ultimate college basketball high.

Others, like captain and All-Star Joe Johnson, Josh Childress, Acie Law IV, Salim Stoudamire and Mario West, have tasted the intoxicating flavor of the NCAA tournament as well.

> ROUSING START: The first 12 minutes of the game were as exciting as any the Hawks have played all season.

The combined 72 points probably didn't excite either coach, but from the Sean Williams dunk that kicked things off to Johnson's 70-footer at the buzzer, there was simply dazzling play after dazzling play from both teams.

The Nets shot an astounding .737 from the floor (14-for-19) while the Hawks shot .700 (14-for-20).

The starters scored all but two of the Hawks' 35 points in the quarter, while the Nets got all 37 of their points from their starting five, including a combined 31 from Vince Carter, Devin Harris and Richard Jefferson.