MIDSEASON REPORT.(basketball)

Atlanta

BACKCOURT CHANGES: It was a busy week in the backcourt. Veteran SG Tony Smith was signed in response to PG Brevin Knight's most recent injury (groin). That ailment was magnified by PG Matt Maloney's presence on the injured list with three bruised fingers. Maloney still can't comfortably or reliably catch the ball or dribble. So SG Jason Terry was forced to move back to the point, the position he had so many difficulties handling early on. SF Dion Glover was moved to starting shooting guard. The recent movement spells trouble.... There are too many times when it's not obvious SF Roshown McLeod is on the court. He floats about, looking for chances to score but not making an impact in any other way. The team needs more from the small forward spot, and no one else appears able to deliver. McLeod must do more.

MIDSEASON REPORT: The Hawks, with a 14-27 mark entering last weekend, have learned the postseason is not gained through talk. They have a deficiency on offense that costs them at the end of tight games, and the only way for them to have a chance at becoming respectable is to make a real effort every night for the entire game. The team often overlooks foes, and playing without the necessary execution or hustle leads to losses. There has been growth, but more is needed on offense and in effort. --Curtis Bunn

BOSTON

COMMUNICATION LINES OPEN: Without Rick Pitino on the sideline shouting defensive cues, the Celtics have developed better communication among themselves. As a result, they pick up rotations better and play better defense. Among other things, coach Jim O'Brien has asked for "active hands" and received better pressure on the ball. The Celtics appear to be a different team on defense. They are more coordinated, and it's rare to see glaring gaps when good shooters are left open on the perimeter.... Cs Mark Blount and Vitaly Potapenko offer the Celtics different strengths. Potapenko matches up well against bigger opponents, and Blount uses his superior athleticism and shot-blocking ability well when matched up against quicker centers. Both have been making noticeable contributions on offense.

MIDSEASON REPORT: The Celtics have found themselves to be survivors. The adversity throughout the first half of the season has made the Celtics a much stronger team. Now that they have only on-court matters to deal with they are focusing their energy in the direction it should have been aimed all along--toward winning. With Pitino out of the picture, the players feel they are more responsible for what happens, and they have embraced their new roles. They like the pressure of having to produce and not having a coach constantly shouting instructions. --Shira Springer

Charlotte