In case you missed it Saturday night, Atlanta rookie Al Horford went sort of ballistic on Boston’s Paul Pierce after making a late basket in the Hawks’ 102-93 upset. The only thing we can imagine that would have set Horford off: “Hey Al, I saw your little brother rapping on the internet. Weak.”

We’re eternally grateful for the trash talk. It gives the series - arguably the least interesting in the first round - some much needed joie de vivre. And actually, Horford’s right: “He don’t need me to fire him up. It’s emotional out there. I made a big shot, and I let him know how I feel. But it’s nothing personal with Paul. Paul’s a good guy.” Nice to see the rook (17 points, 14 rebounds) emerging as a leader in his first season. Can’t say the same for Noah or Brewer, but give ‘em time.

Now if the Hawks win again tonight …