Hawks point guard Mike Bibby tried to win a 3-point shooting contest at the All-Star Game once and came up short.
"I'd definitely love another crack at it," said Bibby, who came into Saturday's game against Chicago at Philips Arena third in the league from beyond the 3-point line at 43.2 percent. "The last time I was in it they didn't even have my shoes. It was my second year in the league and the All-Star Game was in Oakland. I guess my shoes didn't make it through customs (Bibby was playing for Vancouver then)." Were he to make the field for the February game in Phoenix, Bibby shouldn't have any problem getting what he needs in his hometown.
"I've played a few times in that city," he said smiling. "I don't think there'd be any logistical problems. It would just be nice to get another crack at winning that title."
When your team is off to the best start the franchise has seen since the 1997-98 season -- and for even more perspective, the Hawks didn't win 19 games until Jan. 21 last season -- now is the time to think about frivolous activities such as 3-point shooting contests.
And Bibby's 3-for-5 effort Saturday in the Hawks' 129-117 win over Chicago night only serves to bolster his case for inclusion.
"Mike's been shooting the lights out," Marvin Williams said. "If he wants in, I can't imagine why anyone would keep him out of the contest."
HAWKS 129, BULLS 117: Mike Woodson probably said it best.
"So much for defense, huh?" the Hawks coach said before breaking into a big smile after his team's win over Chicago on Saturday.
The Hawks did it early and late, matching the Bulls basket for basket from start to finish to secure their sixth win in seven home games. The finale of their eight-game homestand comes Monday against Denver.
"Everybody has fun when you play those types of games," Hawks point guard Mike Bibby said. "And it shows people that we can play both styles."
In running their overall record to 19-10, the Hawks have shown they can play just about any style and be successful. They've won during this homestand in every way imaginable.
Saturday night it was heavy doses of Joe Johnson, who topped his triple-double from Tuesday's win over Oklahoma City with his first 40-point game since March 2006. He finished with a season-high 41 points on 16-for-31 shooting to go along with a game-high eight assists.
The win also came with nice supporting efforts from Josh Smith, who ended his night with a season-high 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and plenty of help from Bibby (17 points and seven assists), Marvin Williams (16 points, eight rebounds and four assists), Al Horford (10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists) and extra assistance off the bench from Zaza Pachulia (10 points and seven rebounds).
"When you can just come down and pull 3-pointers, those games are fun, man," Johnson said with a smile. "It always feels a little better when you win. And hopefully we can get a few more like that but not be so tough on us."
