Still in the game despite an awful performance on offense, the Hawks collapsed in the third quarter amid missed shots, lackluster defense and defeatist body language.
That's what happened to the Hawks on Monday in its preseason loss to Orlando, but it could have been any of a number of defeats last season. Faced with adversity against a relentless opponent, the Hawks have a tendency to back down instead of bucking up.
Coach Larry Drew said he thinks the Hawks' problems with folding in the face of adversity are mental, and he's trying to change that in his first season.
"It is part of it," Drew said. "It's not something we are going to be able to do overnight. When things got a little tough, you could see where we get out of sorts. We have to be able to stay strong."
It was only an exhibition game, but the circumstances surrounding the contest added to the concern for the Hawks.
Orlando has dominated the Hawks lately, winning eight of the past nine meetings in the regular season and playoffs. The Magic are in the Southeast Division with the Hawks, and the Hawks will have figure out the Magic to reach their postseason goals.
The difference in dispositions between the teams was as evident in an exhibition game as it has been for the past two years.
The Magic struggled to score early, but continued to compete on defense until their offense clicked in the third quarter. Meanwhile, the Hawks wilted once it became apparent they would have to match Orlando's intensity and execution.
The Hawks said they seek to emulate Orlando's persistent approach to defense.
"They are one of the best teams in the league because they can defend," Hawks forward Marvin Williams said. "They can flat-out guard. A lot of people say it's because of their offense, but it's because they guard.
"They have a lot of energy on the defensive end, and that's why they're one of the top two or three teams."
Hawks at Milton
About 1,700 spectators watched the Hawks practice Tuesday at Milton High School's gym. A team comprised mostly of starters beat the reserves 31-15 during a 10-minute scrimmage session.
"It was good, especially after yesterday," Drew said. "Sometimes there is a tendency in an environment like this to play to the crowd, but they didn't do that."
Milton is the defending Class 5A state boys' basketball champion.
Defending Woodson
Jeff Van Gundy, a former NBA coach and current ESPN analyst, questioned the Hawks' decision to fire former coach Mike Woodson after last season.
Asked during a conference call about the challenges faced by Drew, Van Gundy began his response with a defense of Woodson's record.
"Somebody's got to tell me what Mike Woodson did so wrong, No. 1," Van Gundy said. "He took them over and they won [13 games], and all he did was keep winning more and more and more. Sometimes you just get beat by better teams.
"Orlando swept them -- and you can say the blowouts [were a problem] -- but Orlando was the better team. That's just how it is. If guys got fired for losing to better teams, a lot of guys would be fired."
Injury report
Guard Jeff Teague practiced for the first time since injuring his ankle Oct. 8. He is expected to play Thursday against Miami at Philips Arena.
Forwards Josh Powell (groin) and Mo Evans (knee) did not practice Tuesday.
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