From Peachtree Hoops:

“What can really be said about this Hawks team? Name another team that can look so good one minute and then terrible again the next. Each game is a roller coaster ride of sorts, with the Hawks doing enough good things to build a lead only to stump their own toe while allowing the opposition back into the game.”

Well, I’m glad I’m not the only one that’s felt like it’s taken a bumpy and tumultuous route to get to this 3-1 advantage against the Magic. But regardless of the the way they’re winning (and my poor blood pressure that is being dragged along in the process), the Hawks players and coach, Larry Drew, are rightfully holding their heads high.

According to Jamal Crawford:

The Hawks are “the hottest team in the playoffs that no one’s really talking about.”

Josh Smith would tell you:

“We’re not anxious or pressured to make anybody believe in this team. We know what we have in this locker room. It’s some pretty good talent.”

And Coach LD:

“These Hawks are proudly bipolar and capable of flipping on the proverbial switch when necessary to get the job done.”

“Proudly bipolar.” What an entirely accurate assessment. As much as I have tried to mentally will this team to to stop taking jump shots and drive to the basket more in order to take more control over a game rather than rely on sharp shooting, Joe Johnson reminds me:

“But you look at a jump-shooting team–we are a jump-shooting team. If shots are falling then, great, we are rolling. But one through five, we all are jump shooters. That’s pretty much what it is. Like I said, if we are making shots then we are probably unstoppable. But when we are not making shots those are the games we have to grind out.”

And so, I’m throwing in the towel. Fine. Shoot your lazy jump shots. Avoid the paint as if it’s an infectious disease. Take half the number of free throws as your opponents. In the end, a win’s a win, however you get there. And so I’ll shut up and be content with it. (For now…!)