Al Horford, the Hawks' normally stoic center, had some passionate outbursts the past two times the Hawks played New York.
Horford said it's no coincidence they've happened against the Knicks, who will play their final regular-season game against the Hawks on Sunday at Philips Arena.
"It's emotional," Horford said. "It's one of those teams that potentially you could see in the playoffs. There are some games that fire you up more than others. I'm usually fired up, but I love playing New York.
"Ever since I've got here in the league, Madison Square Garden, the Knicks -- it's a big deal. I'm always excited."
The stakes have been raised for Horford and the Hawks because of recent circumstances. Not only are the Knicks chasing the Hawks for fifth place in the Eastern Conference, but their past two games have been marked by a fight, rough play and verbal jabs.
Hawks forward Marvin Williams and New York's Shawne Williams came to blows during the Hawks' 111-102 home victory Jan. 28. Horford pounded his chest to fire up fans in that game, prompting Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire to tell reporters Horford "doesn't want to see me."
Stoudemire made similar comments before New York's 102-90 victory Feb. 16 at Madison Square Garden. Horford had some demonstrative moments after scoring baskets in that game and had words with guard Raymond Felton (who has since been traded from New York to Denver).
At the All-Star game, where both Horford and Stoudemire played for the East team, Horford said Stoudemire's barbs were "just talk" and that the matter was settled. Asked if that's still the case, Horford was terse: "Yeah."
Hawks coach Larry Drew said Horford has been more outspoken in his fourth NBA season. He noted how Horford encouraged his teammates as he led the Hawks' comeback from a 19-point deficit to defeat Chicago 83-80 on Wednesday.
"He was extremely vocal, more vocal than he's been for me this season," Drew said. "He is taking that role of being one of the leaders on the team and not afraid to put the team on his back. ... When he is playing with that kind of swagger and that kind of energy, you can see the other guys kind of latch on."
Smith will ‘try to go'
Forward Josh Smith said he has been cleared to play after spraining his right knee Monday and sitting out the past two games. He participated in a light practice session Saturday while wearing a knee brace.
“It feels good,” Smith said. “I’ve just got to get [accustomed] to that brace. For the most part it felt all right. I think at this point it is going to be what it is. I’m just going to get treatment as much as possible and try to go tomorrow.”
The brace has metal frame with hinges and a cloth covering. It isn’t too bulky, though Smith joked that it “looks robotic.”
Drew seeks ‘physical presence'
Smith is one of the NBA's top shot blockers, so his return would boost the Hawks’ interior defense, which could be tested by Stoudemire's athletic moves to the basket. It was lacking Friday night as the Hawks lost 111-104 to the Thunder, who scored 54 points in the paint.
The soft interior defense was a focus of the Hawks' video session Saturday. Drew said his team's troubles containing guards Russell Westbrook and James Harden on the perimeter were just part of the problem.
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