There was a time when there was no question that Joe Johnson would take the important shots late in games for the Hawks.
“I was going to take it regardless,” Johnson said.
But Jamal Crawford took (and made) the last shot against Phoenix on Friday, after a play called for Johnson didn't materialize. Then Crawford attempted (and missed) a game-tying 3-pointer at the buzzer against Oklahoma City on Monday after a play called for Mike Bibby wasn't there.
That’s two games where the Hawks’ All-Star guard watched someone else try to win the game, but Johnson said he’s OK with it.
"The plays are not getting fully executed,” he said. “Not that that's a bad thing. It's nothing against Jamal. He makes big shots for us.
“You never know, the next three or four game-winners, I might take them. We'll live with it."
Woodson quiet on decision: Hawks coach Mike Woodson didn't have much to say about the NBA's denial of the team's appeal of the Hawks' Dec. 30 loss at Cleveland. The league ruled a shot-clock error didn't have a "clear impact" on the outcome.
"Disappointed,” Woodson said. “I just won't comment beyond that. What are you going to do?"
Early injury: Hawks forward Josh Smith left in the first quarter Wednesday night against the Kings with a left thigh bruise. He returned in the second quarter.
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