| ||
 |
vs. |  |
 J. Tinsley |
Point Guard |
 A. Johnson |
 D. Granger |
Shooting Guard |
 J. Johnson |
 M. Dunleavy |
Small Forward |
 M. Williams |
 T. Murphy |
Power Forward |
 J. Smith |
 J. ONeal |
Center |  A. Horford |
 M. Daniels |
Sixth Man |
 J. Childress |
 J. O'Brien |
Coach |  M. Woodson |
Familiar face leading Atlanta's charge
By Conrad Brunner | Dec. 25, 2007
Wednesday, 7 p.m. TV: None Radio: WIBC 1070-AM |
Anthony Johnson has provided stabilizing leadership for his young teammates as the Hawks carry a four-game winning streak into Wednesday night's game with the Pacers, one of Johnson's former teams. Atlanta is 12-6 with Johnson in the starting lineup, and he has averaged 13.5 points, 9.5 assists and .500 shooting in the current streak.
"A.J. has been phenomenal," Hawks Coach Mike Woodson told the Atlanta Constitution. "He's running our ballclub, getting the ball where it has to go. He's defending for us and he's scoring. He's doing everything a point guard is supposed to do. It's beautiful to see, because I think these guys are really starting to latch on around him and they're playing right along with him."
An 11-year veteran, Johnson spent 2003-06 with the Pacers before being traded to Dallas for Darrell Armstrong, Rawle Marshall and Josh Powell. He returned to Atlanta in February for his third stint with the Hawks. With his steady hand at the helm, the Hawks (14-12) look like playoff contenders for the first time in years.
"That's what happens when you have a veteran point guard," said Marvin Williams. "He's been there, he's been around, he's seen this many times before. So he was able to keep us organized and keep us under control."
The Pacers (15-13) have won four of five but are heading into a tough stretch of schedule with 12 of the next 17 on the road.
KEY TO THE GAME
What the Hawks lack in bulk they more than compensate for in athleticism with a particularly problematic front line. Marvin Williams, Josh Smith and Al Horford are extremely active matchup nightmares that can score in bunches in transition while keeping balls alive on the offensive glass. The Pacers have long struggled to deal with Joe Johnson but now it looks like the Hawks have many more legitimate weapons with which to contend, so Indiana's defense will face a mighty challenge.
TRENDS
Ike Diogu has totaled 13 minutes, 10 points and four rebounds in two games since returning from a torn left calf muscle. Mike Dunleavy has averaged 20.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, .505 shooting overall and .426 from the 3-point line in the last 14 games. . Danny Granger's 25 points against Washington marked his first 20-point game since Dec. 7. In the last six, Granger has averaged 16.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, .468 shooting overall and .429 from the arc. Jermaine O'Neal had 13 blocked shots and 13 assists in the last three but has shot just 17-of-46 (.370). In the last nine, O'Neal has averaged 5.9 rebounds. Kareem Rush has averaged 11.6 points on .533 shooting overall and .500 from the 3-point line in the last seven. Jamaal Tinsley has totaled 10 points on 4-of-21 shooting in the last three games but has 31 assists against just nine turnovers. In the Pacers' last five wins, opponents combined to shoot 18-of-71 (.254) from the 3-point line. In their last three losses, opponents shot 28-of-58 (.483) from the arc. In their last three wins, the Pacers have been outscored 104-54 from the free-throw line. Opponents have outrebounded the Pacers 156-124 in the last three games.
SERIES
The Pacers won three of four last season but trail the overall series 78-70 and are 25-48 in Atlanta.
INJURIES
Pacers - C David Harrison (back spasms) is out.
Hawks - G Speedy Claxton (left knee), T Tyronn Lue (left calf strain) and G Salim Stoudamire (right ankle sprain) are out.
