No one way to win, a Hawks mantra

In case you were wondering, winning does apparently change everything. Just look at this from ESPNBoston,

It wasn't just Crawford who was hot from the outside. The Hawks shot an impressive 58.9 percent (20 of 34 overall) in the second half, doing most of their damage away from the bucket. Atlanta hit 62.5 percent (10 of 16) of its attempts that came from more than 17 feet out, compared to 55.6 percent (10 of 18) inside of 17 feet.

The Hawks shot a lot of jumpers. What of course is important to note is there was some balance in the attack. Especially in the third quarter when Josh Smith and Al Horford attacked and scored very efficiently. Still, last night was more or less what we have complained about 100 times over and it seemed perfectly great this time around.

I think the lesson to take away is not that jump shots are bad. Bogged down jump shots are bad. Not that someone can't take questionable shots, they just can't do it if they have been missing all game. Atlanta seems to be most consistent with their front court play. But I am not going to complain too much about a few extra jumpers if Jamal Crawford is confidently hitting shots from half court.

In the end, it is about recognition. On three possession with under four minutes to go, Joe Johnson went into the first act of the Joe show. Two bad shots and a turnover. But those were his last shots. Jamal Crawford took over, Al Horford rebounded, and the team played good defense.

The Hawks can win any number of ways. Sometimes it will be more lucky than good. Sometimes it will be more good than lucky. But scolding one whole method of scoring is just silly. What they can't do is choose to lose by pressing in one direction at the expense of defense, ball movement, and rebounding. So rejoice in the win, but know the point of having a team without a super star is there is no one way to win, and thinking that way will only bring the losses we so vilify.