There's no place like the Highlight Factory. After being one of the very few NBA teams to open with two road games, the Atlanta Hawks get their first game at home tonight against the Washington Wizards. With its only extended road trip until late Nov. already out of the way, the Hawks have an early Southeast Division lead.
No. 1 draft pick John Wall leads the 0-2 Wizards into action. Putting up 14 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals in his debut against the Orlando Magic, it's actually kind of fair to say Wall is already leading this squad.
The Hawks have seven players averaging double-figures in points so far, up from last season's five. Whether this is a long-lasting product of Larry Drew's new offensive concepts ("offense") or just an anomaly, who knows. Team assists are up the slightest tick so far, and Josh Smith is on pace to block the sun into the ocean one of these days if you don't just get out of his way.
We'll have more coverage throughout the day and after the game.