"Singles Joe": Truly Singles!

"Single Joe": True Isolation! The Knicks' strength had dragged the Hawks into the crossfire.

Amid the fans' heated discussions, most had already assumed that the Hawks stood no chance against the Knicks and were certain to lose.

No one would feel good hearing that.

The Hawks were no exception, especially since they were riding a six-game winning streak with unstoppable momentum. How could they possibly take that lying down?!

Just go for it.

One day later.

9 PM.

The matchup arrived.

Knicks starting lineup: Point guard: Curry, Shooting Guard: Tony Allen, small forward: Su Yan, power forward: George, Center: Chandler.

Hawks starting lineup: Point guard: Teague, Shooting Guard: Joe Johnson, small forward: Marvin Williams, power forward: Josh Smith, Center: Al Horford.

"Jump ball!"

Chandler and Horford faced off for the tip.

Smack!

Horford seized the opportunity and got a hand to the ball first, tapping it away. Josh Smith secured it and passed to Joe Johnson for the team's first possession.

At the top of the key.

Joe Johnson faced Tony Allen, dribbling with his left hand and lowering his center of gravity even further as he feinted left.

A between-the-legs crossover, then an acceleration to the right. Once Tony Allen caught up, he crossed over again and sent Tony Allen flying.

He gathered for a mid-range jumper.

Swish!

It was in.

On the next possession, Joe Johnson got the ball and isolated Tony Allen again. He accelerated down the right side through contact, then powered through more contact, forcefully bumping Tony Allen aside as he drove into the paint and faced Chandler charging at him.

Horford clearly had an opportunity under the basket on the other side.

But Joe Johnson acted as if he did not see him. He was obsessed with isolation; once he had an opening, there