AJC: Atlanta Hawks: Do They Still Believe?

[Hawksquawk]

ORLANDO–It says something about how badly the Hawks got thrashed in Game 1 that they already are taking questions about their state of mind.

Also telling: The Hawks, emboldened against their critics after rallying to beat Milwaukee, realize these already are relevant questions against Orlando.

It was just one game, but it was an embarrassment.

“Yeah, it is,” J.J. said at practice today. “But it happens. Put it behind us and move on.”

They’ll get that chance tomorrow in Game 2. Until then, there are those questions.

Do they believe they can beat the Magic in a playoff series when they hardly ever do anymore? Can they win at Amway Arena when they keep getting blasted there and aren’t a good road playoff team to begin with? Do they really trust that they have the people and the plan to pull this off?

“I think we can beat them,” J.J said. “We just have to be poised and take our time on both ends of the court.”

“You look at it as a fluke,” Jamal said.

But how can that be when …

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