Before the game, Hawks coach Terry Stotts spoke of "killing that road monkey," addressing his team's 10-game slide away from Philips Arena.

That was most important, he said. His strained relationship with Bucks coach George Karl was "irrelevant."

For all of the subplots, including Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson's return, the importance of the game for both teams could not be ignored. The Hawks and Bucks have underachieved this season and are on the outside looking in at the playoff picture.

Against Robinson's former team, the Hawks lost for the first time this season without him, 97-88 Tuesday night. Despite getting 23 points from Shareef Abdur-Rahim and 22 from Jason Terry, the Hawks were dealt their 11th consecutive road loss as they head to Boston.