The Atlanta Hawks simply can't run with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kevin Durant has 25 points and Russell Westbrook has poured in 19 to lead the Thunder to a 83-73 lead over Atlanta through three quarters.
Joe Johnson has 20 and Kirk Hinrich 17 for Atlanta, which desperately needed Josh Smith to slow down Westbrook and Durant.
Oklahoma City was on fire -- connecting on eight straight shots in the third quarter en route to building a double-digit lead. Every time Atlanta would make a push, the Thunder would have an answer.
The Hawks had a chance to cut it to six before the break, but Jeff Teague turned over the ball to Durant, who roared down the court for the dunk to cap the frame. However, Atlanta did get a bit of energy to end the frame from one of the most unlikely of sources -- Etan Thomas. He helped ratchet up the defensive intensity, grabbed a board and scored two points in the waning moments of the frame.
Al Horford has nine points and six boards for Atlanta, which is shooting 52-percent (31-for-60).