Eddy Curry started slowly this rookie season but he has recently impressed many players in the league with flashes of brilliance, especially since after Brad Miller was traded to the Pacers and he was thrust into the starting lineup.

Over the past 10 days he has impressed people with a perfect 10-foot jump hook over Ervin Johnson and an impressive one-hand dunk against the Spurs. Tuesday night against the Atlanta Hawks Curry played like a star, showing outstanding defense and impressive post presence and field goal percentage.

"He's so far and away better than what he was when he started the season, it's almost like a different player," said coach Bill Cartwright. "I'm pleased with what he's doing. Now we have to get him understanding how to play at a level all the time and that's something he's never done in his career or his life. When he does that (give 100 percent) ... he's pretty darn good."