Hawks eye showdown with Magic … and probably recall last meeting

By Bud L. Ellis

So, remember the last time the Atlanta Hawks ran across the Orlando Magic?

Even though the game didn’t count in the standings, that big ol’ bruise the Magic left all over the Hawks’ pride definitely hasn’t been forgotten.

Back on Oct. 23, Atlanta traveled down to Orlando for the final game of what – to that point – had been a nearly perfect preseason. But the Magic cast a spell over the Hawks that night, racing out to a lead that pushed north of 40 points at times before winning 123-86.

Now granted, there is nothing you really can take from a preseason game … or is there?

Flash forward to now. The Hawks and the Magic are tied atop the Southeast Division and the Eastern Conference at 11-3 (heck, that’s tops in the NBA with the Lakers and Suns).

The two teams meet Thursday night at Philips Arena in a Thanksgiving night showcase that will be broadcast nationwide on TNT. It’s a big-time stage for a Hawks’ team that’s looking every bit like a big-time player this season.

And while the Hawks may not obsess over it, you better believe they remember that beatdown they took the fourth Friday in October in central Florida. That game, as you recall, didn’t count for anything … or maybe it did.

Maybe it’ll end up doing the Hawks some good. Maybe it gave Atlanta a good look at a team that played for the NBA title in June, and maybe that’s what has helped the Hawks race out to 11 wins in their first 14 games.

If so, the Hawks should give Orlando a thank you. They’ll get the chance to do so Thursday night.

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Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 4:56 pm by bud

Tags: Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, National Basketball Association, Orlando Magic, Philips Arena, Phoenix Suns