Thursday, January 19, 2012

After losing Horford, Hawks show surprising grit

Atlanta Hawks power forward Josh Smith, right, celebrates with teammate Joe Johnson (2) after scoring in the final minutes of their 89-92 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Atlanta Hawks power forward Josh Smith, right, celebrates with teammate Joe Johnson (2) after scoring in the final minutes of their 89-92 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Actors Vince Vaughn, left, and Ben Stiller watch an NBA basketball game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Portland Trail Blazers, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Atlanta Hawks coach Larry Drew signals a play during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, in Atlanta. The Hawks won 93-84. (AP Photo/David Tulis)

Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford grimaces in pain after he was injured in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

(AP) ? When Al Horford tumbled to the court, his hopes of playing again this season all but snuffed out, everyone figured he'd take the Atlanta Hawks down with him.

Well, look who's in first place.

The Hawks (11-4) have won four straight since their All-Star center tore his left pectoral muscle, an injury that required surgery and will keep him out for most if not the entire rest of the season.

A talented but enigmatic team known for buckling under pressure, Atlanta has shown surprising grit and resolve in the wake of Horford's devastating injury.

Granted, all four wins have come at home, and three were against teams with losing records. Still, the Hawks have impressed by managing to hang together, led by Joe Johnson and Josh Smith.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-01-19-Hawks-Winning%20Without%20Al/id-20ac4135a68c4a46bafa1e7658d53e4f

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