Smith revs up for another post-snub streak
Fair warning to the Hawks' next four opponents: After Josh Smith was snubbed for an All-Star berth last season his next five games he averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 55 percent from the floor and 75 percent from the free-throw line.
Loose translation: The Hawks' next four opponents better buckle up for more of what Smith put on the Orlando Magic on Friday night in the Hawks' 89-87 overtime win, finishing with 23 points, 19 rebounds, five assists and three blocks.
His last rebound was the game clincher, as he snagged an errant Jameer Nelson jumper that would have tied the game.
Smith's inspiration for the remainder of this season will once again be that chip the size of Atlanta's famed Stone Mountain on his shoulder for being shunned by the Eastern Conference coaches for a reserve slot on the All-Star team for the third straight year.
"You've got to factor in there is a lot of politics involved in the All-Star selection," Smith said Friday morning before facing off against the Magic. "Once you get that it's really about politics, then nothing really surprises you. I call it 'Nothing But Associates,' NBA. It's all who you know."
His anger is justified after three consecutive misses. But with coaches voting and Smith's reputation for being tough to deal with, there's no doubt he's encountered some backlash when those ballots are submitted.
Smith also didn't have anyone lobbying on his behalf. Unlike some of his more high-profile peers, Hawks Coach Larry Drew didn't actively stump for Smith or Joe Johnson, who was named to his sixth All-Star team Thursday night.
"I can't really point a finger and blame anybody because, at the end of the day, when you leave it up to certain people that still have ties to their agents, (and) players in this game today probably (are) just putting in a bid over the phone, or however they do it," Smith said. "You have to factor that in."
And now the Hawks' opponents have to factor in the anger Smith will play with until he cools down.
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