EASTERN CONFERENCE.

Atlanta

KEEPING IT IN: Coach Lon Kruger has been upset with team's perimeter shooting in recent games. He wants to work the ball inside to C Dikembe Mutombo and PF Lorenzen Wright then back out. Too often, the players ignore what Kruger diagrams and instead launch outside shots. In last Friday's loss to the Heat, Mutombo played 36 minutes and got just three shots. It would be one thing if the club were loaded with top marksmen. The Hawks are not. ... SF DerMarr Johnson has used strong practices to earn a starting job. He still must work on his shot selection and make wise decisions about when to attack the basket But the skill is there, and when he hits his jump shot, he's productive.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: PG Brevin Knight returned from the injured list a game earlier that he anticipated, but his strained groin limited him to just five minutes in the loss to the Heat. Even in that limited time it was clear how much quicker and more active the Hawks are with Knight. His speed is pivotal for a trait that at times appears to float around the court. His presence allows Jason Terry to go back to shooting guard, where he's comfortable. Knight also looks inside to the big men more than Terry, which is what Kruger wants. If Knight's injury prevents him from playing at his normal speed, February will be a very long month. --Curtis Bunn

Boston

CREDIT IS DUE: Though coach Jim O'Brien doesn't like to take credit for the team's hot streak, he deserves it. It is not only his simplified strategies that are producing results. O'Brien's composure seems to keep his team composed. His willingness to let players make mistakes has made everyone more comfortable and focused.... C Vitaly Potapenko is playing perhaps the best basketball of his career and is making a solid contribution. He is doing lots of things that don't show up in box scores, like saving balls from going out of bounds and deflecting missed shots back to his teammates.... The team no longer fears the road or collapsing late in games. The toughest part of the season is ahead, but the players believe they can get through it with their goal of making the postseason intact.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The team's growing confidence has been evident. The players are willing to spread the scoring around. There were five players in double figures against the Pacers and four against the Pistons last week. And it is not only the point guards collecting the assists. Everyone is willingly giving up his own shot to make sure he gets the ball to an open man. When the Celtics are conscious of spreading out on offense and spreading the scoring around, they are capable of making close to 60 percent of their field goals. --Shira Springer

Charlotte