HOUSTON--For most of the season Hawks center Al Horford has expressed frustration and skepticism about his team's approach to defense.
So it's noteworthy that even Horford has been impressed with Atlanta's defensive commitment lately.
“I’m actually happy," said Horford, a team captain. "In the past I haven’t felt like that. Guys are really buying into defense. Even though we struggled defensively, we found a way.”
Atlanta's four-game winning streak entering Sunday coincided with their best four-game defensive stretch since late December in terms of defensive efficiency (points allowed per possession). The Hawks stymied Eastern Conference bottom feeders New Jersey and Cleveland and then did the same to likely postseason opponent Orlando and defending East champion Boston.
Atlanta's victories against Boston and Orlando both featured some uncharacteristic elements that Atlanta may not be able to sustain over the long term. Coach Larry Drew said he thinks the Hawks can duplicate the toughness they showed in those games.
"Probably the grind-em-out presence that we played with in both games," Drew said. "Against Orlando, I thought we did a really good job in matching their physicality. I thought we did a good job in playing physical. Those types of opponents, that's the type of effort you have to have against them. "
Etc.
The Hawks entered Sunday needing just one victory or a Philadelphia loss to be assured of the No. 5 playoffs seed in the East. Drew said he wouldn't reduce minutes for his regulars until Philadelphia no longer can catch the Hawks: "I want to clinch before I even think about doing that." . . .
Dominique Wilkins worked as an analyst for the Hawks telecast on Sunday, his first since he scuffled with a former associate following Wednesday's game against Orlando. Atlanta's game against Boston on Friday was carried by ESPN. Wilkins watched a portion of that game from a seat in the first row at Philips Arena. . . .
Hawks players Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Etan Thomas wore green headbands on Sunday as part of the league's Green Week promotion.
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