It certainly wasn't ideal but it was a victory and it was much needed to help erase the memory of Thursday's uninspiring performance. The Atlanta Hawks bounced back with a 102-96 overtime victory over the Charlotte Bobcats to improve to 5-3 on the season. Not only is Atlanta in the midst of a nine game in 12 days stretch and their first back-to-back-to-back set of the season they have also played four overtime periods in their last two games.
Josh Smith bounced back with his best game of the season finishing with 23 points and 13 rebounds in just under 40 minutes of court time. Smith was angry before the game and backed up some tough talk with a solid performance.
"I think with two previous disappointing losses, we need to have some kind of sense of being mad and wanting to take it out on somebody else. This will be the game to do it. We have to leave it all out on the court. If these two losses don't piss you off, then I don't know what's going to get you mad. I know I am frustrated and angry. So I am just trying to walk around with a smile, but I know when I step in between those lines I'm going to play ba- out."
Marvin Williams finished with 15 points and nine rebounds but took his turn as a Hawks player who couldn't cash in two free throws with 17.3 seconds remaining and the Hawks up 90-89. Williams made one of two and Charlotte eventually tied the game and sent it to overtime.
Joe Johnson's jump shot is still off as he went 6-17 for 14 points although he did hit a couple of timely baskets in overtime. Jeff Teague was a mixed bag going 3-10 from the field but also handing out nine assists in the game.
Vladimir Radmanovic gave Atlanta a boost off the bench in in the absence of Tracy McGrady. Radmanovic finished with 11 points and seven boards and hit a couple of threes in four attempts.
Atlanta will complete their three games in three days set on Saturday with a rematch with the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls defeated Orlando last night and made a big comeback against the Hawks earlier this week to steal a 76-74 win.