AJC: Atlanta Hawks at Bobcats: Closing Case

[Hawksquawk]

Hawks, minus Joe Johnson, will try to close on the road like LeBron's Cavs. (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)

The Hawks are on the road and, if they continue on their current course, chances are they will have a shot to beat Charlotte late in the game. But odds are they won’t close out a victory, and not just because they are without J.J.

In 13 road games since the All-Star break, the Hawks are 5-7 when they either had a lead or gained a tie in the fourth quarter. The Hawks blew leads in the final two minutes of four games and in the final six minutes of two others.

Compare that Hawks’ closing percentage to the other three top teams in the East:

• In 12 road games since the All-Star break, the Cavaliers are 7-3 in games they led or were tied in the fourth quarter.
• In 10 road games since the All-Star break, Orlando is 7-2 in games in which they led or were tied in the fourth quarter.
• In 11 road games since the All-Star break, the Celtics are 7-1 in games in which led or were …

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