"Whether the reasons are because of his right elbow surgery, the tough defensive assignments he's drawing or a prolonged slump, Joe Johnson's shooting woes are bogging down the Hawks' offense.

Coach Larry Drew said he's still optimistic his All-Star guard will work them out.

"His shot will fall," Drew said after the Hawks' 103-94 loss at Oklahoma City on Friday. "It will come."

Johnson missed 14 of 20 shots against Oklahoma City, including all six 3-point attempts. Since returning from surgery Dec. 2, Johnson is shooting 39 percent (51-of 132) from the field, including 29 percent (12-of-42) on 3-pointers.

For his career, Johnson has shot 44 percent from the field overall and 37 percent on 3-pointers. Drew notes that Johnson is still sharing the ball -- he's averaging seven assists in eight games since returning -- but he has the lowest shooting percentage among Hawks regulars while taking the most shot attempts per game.

Drew said Johnson's defensive tasks are wearing him down. The Hawks are short on effective perimeter defenders even when healthy. With Marvin Williams (back) out Friday, Johnson spent significant time guarding Oklahoma City's two best players, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook."