Michael Lee of the AJC writes that it's never easy out West. When it looks like a smooth ride, it can get rocky -- even in the Rockies against the Nuggets.

Tuesday night, the Hawks watched a 20-point lead evaporate to nothing in less than 12 minutes. It got so tight, Jason Terry had to remove his headband before the Hawks closed out the Nuggets 103-87 in the Pepsi Center.

With the win, the Hawks improved to 3-1 and moved into a first place in the Central Division for the first time since April 28, 1999. The Hawks also proved they could win out West -- and without a 30-point performance by Glenn Robinson. He led five players in double figures with 23 points, but this game was secured with the help of the bench.