Game Thread: Hawks go for three in a row

November 1, 2013 - Atlanta: Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer yells instructions during the Atlanta Hawks home opener against the Toronto Raptors inside Philips Arena on Friday, November 1, 2013. Hawks won the game. JOHNNY CRAWFORD / JCRAWFORD@AJC.COM

Credit: Chris Vivlamore

Credit: Chris Vivlamore

November 1, 2013 - Atlanta: Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer yells instructions during the Atlanta Hawks home opener against the Toronto Raptors inside Philips Arena on Friday, November 1, 2013. Hawks won the game. JOHNNY CRAWFORD / JCRAWFORD@AJC.COM
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 10: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks guards Paul Millsap #4 of the Atlanta Hawks in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 10, 2014 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Credit: Chris Vivlamore

icon to expand image

Credit: Chris Vivlamore

The Hawks are home to play the Jazz tonight looking for a third straight victory.

The 91-85 win at Madison Square Garden Monday was the first road win of the young season for the Hawks (3-3). It came after two close road losses - decided by controversial calls – to the Spurs and Hornets.

I asked Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer this morning what was the difference if finally playing well enough down the stretch to get a win.

“I think our mentality,” Budenholzer said. “And what does mentality mean? I just think our defensive focus was better. Playing through things was better. Not letting a run either way get you too high or too low. You’ve really got to have the right kind of focus and mentality on the road.”

According to Paul Millsap, the road wins helped. However, they did not back the sting of the controversial losses any less.

“Not really,” Millsap said. “We felt like we should have won those games, should have had those games. We are not going to cry over. It’s over with. I’m glad we fought back and won those two games.”