The Atlanta Hawks are dominating the boards, the transition game and the second chance points. Thus, it comes as no surprise that they have the lead through three frames.
Jeff Teague lead five Hawks scorers into double figures with 14 points, posting Atlanta to a 62-54 lead over the Portland Trail Blazers through three quarters at Philips Arena.
Josh Smith has 12 points and 12 boards and Joe Johnson added 10 and a pair of assists to pass Bob Pettit on the franchise's all-time assists list.
The Hawks hold a 34-25 advantage on the boards and were at one point in the frame, winning the fast break battle 21-5. Teague has been the spark plug, giving the team a boost in the absence of Al Horford (sore left ankle) and Josh Powell. Powell was arrested before the game for obstruction and some minor traffic offenses.
LeMarcus Aldridge leads the Blazers with 13 points, while Wallace Matthews and Rudy Fernandez have 10 each.
Former Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace has five points on just 1-for-3 shooting for the Blazers, who are looking to avoid their second consecutive loss.