Once again, the Hawks are flying under the radar.
Atlanta's 121-115 win over the Rockets on Tuesday was its seventh win in the last eight games, making the Hawks the hottest team in the NBA not based in Northern California.
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At 21-13, they're second in the East, two games behind Cleveland (21-9).
Four of the five starters scored more than 20 points Tuesday, led by Al Horford, who dropped 30 while going up against Dwight Howard. Horford's performance (he also had 14 rebounds) and Paul Millsap's 22 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks are things we've come to expect. But when the Hawks get 26 points from an energy guy like Kent Bazemore, who went 5 for 9 from the 3-point line, they can be downright scary.
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The performance also showed that the Hawks can get buckets from a variety of sources, something that was critical to their success last season. After a rough patch early this season, it looks like this team could be a legit challenger to LeBron James and company.
Tweet of the Night
Mike Conley Jr. just toying with Goran Dragic. Just. Not. Fair.Mike Conley crossed up Goran Dragic, then took him to the circus https://t.co/23Pw0kVZG3
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) December 30, 2015Studs of the Night
The Bucks fell 131-123 to the Thunder, but Khris Middleton had a great game, with 36 points on 13-for-22 shooting and seven assists.
With Kyrie Irving sitting out the second game of a back-to-back, LeBron James went to work in Cleveland's 93-87 win over the Nuggets. James scored 34 points on 13-for-24 shooting.
Dwight Howard played the kind of game that helped him carry a team to the NBA Finals a few years back. Howard had 30 points and 16 rebounds in Houston's loss to the Hawks.
Dud of the Night
The Hawks had a big offensive night against the Rockets, but got little help from Kyle Korver. The 6-7 guard finished with just two points on a pair of free throws while going 0-for-11 from the field, including 0-for-10 from 3-point range.
Looking ahead
Warriors (29-1) at Mavericks (18-13), 8:30 p.m. ET: Golden State is banged-up as it visits Dallas; the defending champs will be without Leandro Barbosa and Harrison Barnes, and they might not have reigning MVP Stephen Curry (calf), who is listed as questionable.