That didn't stop them from adopting the mantra this season. And it's one of the reasons why, through the first 16 games of the season, the Hawks have been one of the league's most consistent groups.

They stick with what got them here in everything from their playing rotations to where they stay on the road.

Hawks coach Mike Woodson wouldn't have it any other way. And neither would his team, which is 12-4 heading into Sunday afternoon's game against the Pistons in Detroit.

"Expectations are high this year, and that's the way you want it," Woodson said. "We're not at the top yet, and that's the way the team likes it."

They also like to share the load, with someone different toting the scoring responsibility on a given night, a stark contrast to the "Joe Johnson All the Time" theme they've played with the last four seasons.

"That's the makeup of our basketball team," Woodson said. "You never really know who's going to get you."

HAWKS 100, 76ERS 86: When veteran Hawks point guard Mike Bibby saw Jrue Holiday standing in front of him early in Friday night's win over Chicago, he knew it was going to be a long night for the Philadelphia rookie point guard. It was his duty to make it so, and he did exactly that. Bibby made his first five shots and scored 13 points before the first quarter ended, setting the tone for the Hawks' much-needed road win over the 76ers.

Bibby was one of three Hawks to score 20 or more points, finishing with 21 in a magnificent performance with Hawks' captain and All-Star Joe Johnson struggling all night with foul trouble.

Clearly, Bibby saw fresh meat early and pounced.

"Jrue is a good defender, but he does not know Mike Bibby," said Sixers coach Eddie Jordan. "As I said before, every night is new. For the veteran, he sees a rookie matched up on him and his eyes get big. Their confidence is overflowing and we see it a lot."

Bibby said it didn't matter where the points came from Saturday, so long as they were delivered.

"We don't care who scores around here," Bibby said. "We want to win. We're hungry to win. We like the balance we have on this team."