-There have been a couple of nice stories in the NBA this season. We covered the Blazers’ resurgence last week. Their win streak is now at 11 after a Christmas night 10-point win over Kevin Durant and the Sonics. 2006-07 Rookie of The Year Brandon Roy was one of four Blazers in double digits including backup PG Jarrett Jack (17 pts) and ex-Knick Channing Frye (12 pts). Portland’s bench outscored Seattle 48-35.

While Portland (16-12) sits only a game out of first in the Northwest, the league’s other pleasant surprise the Atlanta Hawks (15-12) remain two and a half behind Orlando in the improved Southeast.  

For years, the Hawks have been a league dormat last taken seriously when NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins was lighting up opponents. After making some progress last year with 30 wins, they look to be taking a big step forward where they’re already halfway to that total thanks to a core which includes leading scorer Joe Johnson (22.3 PPG, 5.6 APG), athletic forwards Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Josh Childress along with rookie center Al Horford.

What’s the difference this season? Well, the recently turned 22 year-old Smith continues to improve averaging 17.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG plus 3.5 assists, over three blocks-a-game and nearly two thefts-per-night. The lanky 6-9 235 pound forward is a match-up problem due to his superior athleticism and quickness.

Meanwhile, third-year pro Williams is finally evolving. The former UNC star who was taken second overall in 2005 is shooting over 50 percent from the field averaging 16.7 PPG and 5.7 RPG.

Ex-Stanford star Childress also puts up double digits (11.6 PPG) and grabs five boards.

The addition of Gators star big man Horford is something which was badly needed for the Hawks, especially on the interior. In over 30 minutes, the 21 year-old from the Dominican leads the team in rebounding with 9.5-per-game (6.8 Def, 2.7 Off). He also gets over nine points-a-night and shoots better than 50 percent.

Entering his first year from winning back-to-back NCAA championships with Florida, Horford is a proven winner who understands the game. Solid defense and rebounding is what wins in any league. Just ask the Knicks.

You don’t have to be the most talented player to make an impact. Sometimes, it’s the little intangible things which help make a difference. Just one of the reasons why the Hawks suddenly are gaining respect.

Atlanta has won eight of 10 and boast a 10-6 home mark. They’re also 6-1 within the division and 9-9 against the East.

So, can these Hawks qualify for their first postseason since 1998-99? Why the heck not? Outside of Boston and Detroit, there aren’t any other elite teams in the conference. The Magic continue to make strides but must prove themselves come next Spring.

It’s all there for this young budding team.

-Thinking of the Hawks actually having a competitive team takes us back when The Human Highlight Film was going shot for shot with Larry Bird in a classic Game 7 Eastern semi duel two decades prior. ’Nique just never had that other star player who could help his team get past the second round. Doc Rivers was a heady pass-oriented point guard who would’ve dominated today. Kevin Willis was a beast down low who owned the glass. Spud Webb was a small superfast spark plug off the bench. Jon Koncak was a serviceable center who could hit from the outside. Cliff Levingston, Randy Wittman and Tree Rollins were solid support players.

The problem for those Hawks was the window lasted only three years and the Celtics and Pistons were both better. Once Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen, you knew it was just a matter of time before the Bulls owned the league.

It was a fun time to be a hoops fan.

Definitely check out the best of Dominique. 

Here’s some more classic No.21 in what can best be described as a scintillating tribute video with kick ass edits and music:

The Human Highlight Film Livin’ It Up