Atlanta successfully opened the 2011-2012 regular season schedule with a emphatic 106-70 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday. Next up for the Hawks is the Washington Wizards in Atlanta's home opener at Philips Arena on Wednesday.
Things don't get any easier for point guard Jeff Teague who chased around Derrick Rose in last season's playoffs and more than held his own in Tuesday's match up against New Jersey's Deron Williams. Teague finished with 13 points, three rebounds and three assists against the Nets and helped hold Williams to just 10 points and six turnovers. Now he will get to take his turn against Wall who had 13 points and five assists in Washington's season opening loss to the Nets on Monday.
Atlanta got 55 points from its bench Tuesday night and was able to limit its starters to no more than 27 minutes on the floor. Vladimir Radmanvic scored 17 points off the bench in his Atlanta debut.
The game also marks the return of former Hawks guard Jordan Crawford who was traded by Atlanta last season as part of the package for Kirk Hinrich. Crawford started and scored 15 points for the Wizards on Monday. Kirk Hinrich won't play on Wednesday and is expected to miss the first month of the season after offseason shoulder surgery.
Tip off from Philips Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday and the game will be televised on SportSouth.