Smith focuses on bigger issues than dunk contests By SEKOU SMITH The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 02/20/06 Houston — Hawks forward Josh Smith is taking his early elimination from Saturday's controversial NBA slam-dunk competition in stride. Sure, he would have loved to capture the title for a second straight year. But he was gracious in defeat, saying repeatedly after Nate Robinson's win that either Robinson or runner-up Andre Iguodala were deserving of the crown. In fact, Smith said he's turning his attention elsewhere, at least for the time being. With 32 games to play and the Hawks surging — they've won five of their past eight — he said his focus, and the team's, needs to be on turning in more performances like their comeback win over the Lakers in Los Angeles last week. "I think we all realize that it's time for us to shed this label as a young and inexperienced team," Smith said. "We are what we are. We know we're not a veteran team. But we're athletic and energetic and we have to make that work for us. We have to use what we have to become a factor in this league." For Smith, personally, that means shedding his label as just an accomplished dunker and building a reputation as a skilled, all-court performer. "That's absolutely the next step for me," he said. "I'm basically two years into my career and I have to take those next steps. That means being respected for the rest of my game, and that also means I have to do my part when it comes to developing my game." The Hawks play the Pistons on Tuesday night at the Palace of Auburn Hills. （下略） 资料来源 http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports/hawks/stories/0220allnotes.html -- 还是希望能够他能再次参加灌篮大赛啦，虽然他不能只会灌篮。 --

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