The Atlanta Hawks were rolling along behind a sensational burst from Zaza Pachulia and Jamal Crawford off of the bench. Then the shots stopped falling. The Denver Nuggets had no problem getting back into the game.
Nene Hilario and Kenyon Martin had 10 points each, leading the Nuggets to a 46-42 lead over the Hawks at the break.
Pachulia has nine points and Crawford seven for Atlanta, which has scored 22 of its 42 points off of the bench.
It's been a miserable shooting night from the Hawks starting five, which is shotting a miserable 27-percent (8-for-30) from the field. At least Joe Johnson can finally change his headband. He has just three points on 1-for-6 shooting from the field.
Atlanta lead 34-22 on Crawford's 3-pointer with 7:35 left in the frame before the Nuggets closed out the quarter by scoring 24 of the last 32 points. Atlanta does not have another 3-pointer in the contest -- but not for lack of trying. They have jacked up eight.
Josh Smith has six points on 3-for-12 shooting from the field for the Hawks, who shot 37-percent (16-for-43) in the first half.