2012 NBA Preseason: Hawks back to work after Spurs loss

The Atlanta Hawks went back to work on Friday just a day removed from a 101-99 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Larry Drew and his staff wasn't pleased with his team's defensive execution and that was the focus during Friday's practice.

"We spent 90 percent of our practice just going over some defensive situations that we didn't do a good job with in San Antonio. We watched film this morning and made some corrections. We want the focus on getting back to what we've done the first week of training camp as far as transition defense, our pick-and-roll coverages, our play in the post, our weak-side help. All those things we want to get back to and get the guys' minds trained to do it one way. Clearly, particularly that first half, we didn't do a good job with that."

The Spurs played without their "Big 3" of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli and Tim Duncan but still ended the night hitting 52 percent of their shots from the floor. Drew has reiterated throughout the preseason that despite wanting to play faster this season, defense is still the No. 1 priority. The good thing is that unlike last season, the Hawks still have four more preseason games to get things right before they begin the regular season.

Devin Harris and Zaza Pachulia were full participants in practice again on Friday so there is a chance that both could make their preseason debuts on Sunday against the Grizzlies. DeShawn Stevenson sat out Wednesday's game with the Spurs and was a limited participant in Friday's practice with a swollen knee.