Hawks Vs. Grizzlies: Atlanta Falls Flat Against Memphis, Loses 96-77

The Atlanta Hawks couldn't maintain their winning road ways on Thursday night as they returned to Philips Arena and suffered a 96-77 blow out loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Things started well for the Hawks but turnovers and the lack of an inside presence ultimately cost them.

The Hawks started fast and a Joe Johnson three point bucket made the score 13-6 with just 7:54 remaining in the first quarter. Atlanta would lead 15-10 with 5:05 remaining in the quarter before the Grizzlies rattled off a 10-0 run to take a 20-15 lead.

The second quarter was a lot like the first with both teams unable to gain much of an advantage. Atlanta trailed 39-38 with 3:50 seconds before Memphis went on a 14-5 run to close the half and take a 53-43 lead into the intermission.

Things went south for the Hawks in the second half with Memphis outscoring the Hawks 26-12 in the third quarter prompting an early appearance of garbage time for the Hawks bench.

The offensive numbers for Atlanta were ugly with Josh Smith leading the team with 11 points on 5-9 shooting. Smith committed three of Atlanta's 15 turnovers and played just under 19 minutes in the game. Joe Johnson finished with 10 points and Ivan Johnson added 10 points and nine rebounds. The Hawks shot a respectable 44 percent from the field but were pounded on the glass 49-36 and in the paint 58-38.

Rudy Gay led Memphis with 21 points while Tony Allen and O.J. Mayo added 18 points each. Mike Conley added 15 while Marc Gasol finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

For more on this game Hawks fans should head on over to Peachtree Hoops and Grizzlies fans should check out Straight Outta Vancouver. For more NBA news and analysis be sure to check out SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.

Atlanta Hawks reserve center Jason Collins left the game midway through the first quarter with what is being called a sprained left elbow. Collins was injured when he fell to the ground in a scramble for a loose ball and appeared to get his arm caught in the pile.

#Hawks C Jason Collins (sprained left elbow) will not return

— Michael Cunningham (@ajchawks) February 3, 2012

Collins immediately left the floor and headed for the locker room and did not return to the game. Atlanta is already thin at the center position without Al Horford who is out with a torn pectoral muscle. Zaza Pachulia is the new starter for the Hawks while Collins and rookie Ivan Johnson have been getting work as the backup.

For more on Jason Collins and the Atlanta Hawks be sure to check out Peachtree Hoops. For more NBA related news and analysis head on over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball hub.