The Atlanta Hawks continue to lead the New Jersey Nets by a bunch of points. However, the news is not all good for Atlanta. Joe Johnson got hurt.
Josh Smith posted 18 points and Al Horford 17 to post the Hawks to an 82-61 edge over the Nets through three quarters at Philips Arena.
Joe Johnson had 12 points before leaving the game with a sprained right thumb. His return is officially questionable, but is unlikely because the Hawks are rolling. His status for Sunday evening's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers is likewise up in the air.
This one was a game for about one bucket. New Jersey scored first before the Nets went ice cold, missing their next eight shots while Atlanta built a 19-2 lead. It hasn't been close since.
Anthony Morrow has 15 points and Kris Humphries 10 for a Nets team that is playing without Deron Williams and is shooting just 46-percent (27-for-59) from the field.
Jamal Crawford posted 13 points and Kirk Hinrich 11 for Atlanta, which will clinch a playoff spot with the win.