<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'><span class="template"><span class="body"> Hawks forward Al Horford is apparently an early riser, and in more ways than one.</p> While some people might have struggled with Thursday's 10:30 a.m. start at Charlotte, the rookie forward had no trouble finding his comfort zone in the Hawks' 104-98 win.</p> Horford led six players in double figures with 22 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks. Not only did he score at will, he controlled the paint at times, outmuscling the likes of Emeka Okafor and Gerald Wallace in and around the basket.</p> "It was really just a matter of us being focused today as a team," Horford said. "I feel like my teammates got me the ball in really nice spots today. Getting the ball in a good position makes it a lot easier for me to score. My teammates really looked out for me today."</p> Josh Childress added 19 points, Josh Smith 17, Marvin Williams 12 and Acie Law IV and Anthony Johnson 10 each.</p> "Both rookies have been solid. Al in particular, he's doing everything we ask of him," Hawks coach Mike Woodson said.</div></p> The Atlanta Journal-Constitution</p> </span></span>Al Horford is really holding his own. To contain both Okafor and Wallace, is something. Horford, in a couple of years time, could make a run at the defensive player of the year if he keeps this up.</p>
Yeah I can't stop raving about him to my friends, he's the real deal! I'm still worried about the inside defense with this team Aldridge, Howard, Jefferson, Okafor have all had big games agaisnt us.</p>
Yea, the inside defense is bad, but I think over the season, it will get better. Horford needs to adjust still, but when he does, watch out.</p>
