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Matt Watson was right: Joe Johnson's previously missing swag was just hiding in a game-winner. J.J. struggled through November and the start of December, causing questions about his awkward role on an improving but thirsty for offense team. The blogdome -- me included -- made a bit of a deal about. Joe went out the next game and handed the Wolves a loss. And he hasn't looked back since.

Counting that Dec. 6 Wolves game through Friday's huge win over Washington, J.J.'s recording 25 points and 5 assists a night. Not coincidentally, the Hawks are 7-2 in that stretch, two games over .500 and in second place in Southeast behind Orlando. Johnson hit for 32 last night, and set up Josh Smith for the game-tying three with a minute left. J.J. had 16 in the fourth alone, and soaked up 45 minutes -- needed in an unhealthy backcourt.

With Atlanta's personnel (Smith, Josh Childress and Al Horford) and coaching thrust, the defense will always be above average. The offense lagged seriously last year -- the only way to consistent winning is to get the scoring prowess up to snuff. While Marvin Williams has begun to contribute (16.5 ppg this season) and Horford/Smith have good nights on an alternating basis, J.J. the key weapon. If he's hitting like this? The Hawks are going to stick around.