Smith continued to torment his former employers Wednesday, scoring 29 points to lead the Spurs to a 120-112 victory over the Hawks in front of a quaint gathering of 8,253 at Philips Arena.

"If we could just play Atlanta and Portland for all 82 games," Terry Porter said, "Steve would be MVP."

While the NBA likely won't agree to a scheduling change, the Hawks can at least take solace that they don't have to face Smith again this season. The Trail Blazers, who benched Smith last season only to see him hang 36 points on them when he returned Nov. 3, have three more games against him.