Hawks have stamina for late push against Magic

--The Hawks showed an ability to overcome their own late-game stumbles by matching the Magic shot for shot in overtime. And this came after they squandered an 8-point lead in the final two minutes of regulation.

They got huge shots from Joe Johnson, Jeff Teague and Marvin Williams in the extra session to help them pull away in the end.

"We just stayed calm and took what they were giving us," Johnson said. "That's all you can do."

That's why the Hawks have won five of their last six games on the road, staying the course.

--Erick Dampier took his physical Wednesday night, went through his first practice Thursday and made his Hawks debut against the Magic.

The veteran center admitted he's not in great shape. But he didn't look anything like the "300-pound tub of goo" he joked he was after being signed.

Dampier also provides the big body the Hawks had to have with both Al Hoford and Jason Collins on the shelf.

"It's just good to see a dude that big in the right uniform," Teague said. "I'm serious, I think we needed another big guy to help Josh and Zaza (Pachulia) and all those guys."

QUOTE TO NOTE
"All I can do is play my game. The whole world knows I deserve to be in an All-Star. I can't be salty about not making it. I've just got to keep doing the things I've been doing on the court, and that's playing at a high level." -- Smith one more time on his All-Star snub.

Copyright (C) 2012 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.