The Demise of J.O. Has Been Greatly Exaggerated

This, the Hawks are discovering first hand: “Dwyane Wade was supposed to be a problem. The Hawks knew that the moment the playoff pairings were announced. What they didn’t count on was the Miami Heat getting the inspired effort they’ve gotten out of veteran center Jermaine O’Neal. A six-time All-Star that has battled injures the past three years, O’Neal wasn’t viewed as a major threat by the Hawks until was too late. He struggled in the Hawks’ Game 1 win, but has rebounded with huge performances in Heat wins in Games 2 and 3. ‘JO has kind of had his way,’ Hawks coach Mike Woodson said. ‘He’s making shots now that have our bigs are somewhat frustrated.'”