Memphis Grizzlies Vs. Atlanta Hawks: No Joe Johnson, No Problem, Hawks Post 112-109 Win Over Grizzlies

The Atlanta Hawks got some very bad news when they learned that All-Star forward Joe Johnson's right elbow needs surgery.  No worries. They went out onto the court, shared the basketball and ran all over the Memphis Grizzlies once again.

Al Horford had 20 points and Josh Powell and Jamal Crawford added 16 each off of the bench as the Hawks cruised to a 112-109 win over the Grizzlies on Wednesday night at Philips Arena.

Mike Bibby added 15 points, including a pair of key three-pointers down the stretch for Atlanta, which has won four straight games.

About 20 minutes into this one, the Hawks learned the bad news -- their perennial All-Star forward is going to miss at least four-to-six weeks recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his injured right elbow.  Atlanta went out and played their best team game of the year.

The Hawks recorded a season-best 33 assists on 42 field goals, hit 21-of-26 from the charity stripe and sported six players in double figures to outlast a Grizzlies team that upset the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

Memphis cut the Atlanta lead to 106-102 on a pair of free throws by Zach Randolph with 1:12, but Bibby erased most doubt by nailing a three-pointer to reestablish a seven point cushion.  The Grizz whittled the lead down to as little as two on Rudy Gay's bucket with 2.9 seconds left, but Crawford split a pair of free throws to give Atlanta the win.

Marvin Williams had 15 and Josh Smith added 13 for Atlanta, which improved to 5-5 at home this season.

Joe Johnson Injury: Johnson Misses Shootaround As Team Readies For Grizzlies

Atlanta Hawks Schedule: Will Joe Johnson Play Against The Grizzlies?

The Atlanta Hawks enter Wednesday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies (7:00 PM, SportSouth, 97.9 FM) with a modest three game winning streak.  Whether or not the streak will reach four may depend on if Joe Johnson can shake off his bum elbow and play at Philips Arena.

The elbow issue cropped up in the past few days and is unrelated to Johnson's poor shooting of late. The Atlanta All-Star is  averaging just 12.6 points per game over his last eight contests and is shooting just 34-percent from the field.  His teammates  have picked up the slack, though.

Josh Smith recorded his third-career triple double with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists in Atlanta's 96-78 rout of the Toronto Raptors.  Al Horford has also been solid of late, posting double-digit points in each of the Hawks' last four games.

Memphis will look to avenge a 119-104 win by the Hawks in the season opener for both teams on Beale Street.  Johnson lead five players into double figures with 22 points in that one.  The Grizzlies also are looking for their first win at Philips Arena since Nov. 12, 2005.

The Grizzlies (8-10) enter Atlanta red-hot, winning four of their last five, including a 98-96 upset of the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night in Memphis.  Mike Conely had a season-high 28 points and Rudy Gay had 14 for the Grizzlies in the upset.