Marvin Williams scored 12 points to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 52-30 lead over the New Jersey Nets in Atlanta's 2011-2012 season opener. Atlanta has overwhelmed the Nets defensively holding them to 31 percent shooting and forcing eight turnovers.
The story of the first half for the Hawks was their defense and their bench production. Defensive effort was a priority for Larry Drew during the preseason and the Hawks have been up to the task in the first half. Atlanta has also used a trapping half court defense to keep the Nets off balance.
Jeff Teague joins Williams in double figures with 10 points for the Hawks. Vladimir Radmanovic scored nine points off the bench. Joe Johnson has six points while Josh Smith has just three points but also has six rebounds and three assists to go with a blocked shot.
Jeff Teague won the first half match up with Deron Williams holding him to just five points and no assists in the first half. Kris Humphries leads the Nets with seven points and five rebounds at the half.
For more on this game be sure to check out Peachtree Hoops and NetsDaily. For everything NBA basketball be sure to check out SB Nation's NBA Hub.