The Atlanta Hawks got a much needed win by blowing out the Charlotte Bobcats 111-81 to open a four game homestand. Atlanta got some unfortunate news before the game when they learned that they would be without center Al Horford for likely the remainder of the season after he was diagnosed with a torn pectoral muscle.
Even without Horford, Atlanta came out with a spirited effort against the Bobcats. The Hawks took a 57-47 lead into halftime and blew the game wide open in the second half behind the play of Josh Smith. Smith finished with a game-high 30 points and 13 rebounds. Smith hit 14-22 shots and also handed out four assists in the game.
Joe Johnson scored 13 of his 23 points in the first quarter while matched against Charlotte's Tyrus Thomas. Johnson also added seven rebounds and dished out a team-high eight assists. Jeff Teague added 16 points and seven assists and Ivan Johnson came off the bench to add 12 points and seven boards.
Byron Mullens made his first career start for the Bobcats and finished with a career-high 21 points. Gerald Henderson chipped in 16 and Tyrus Thomas nine for Charlotte. Boris Diaw was held scoreless in the game going 0-3 from the field in 20 minutes of action.
For more on this game, Hawks fans should check out Peachtree Hoops and Bobcats fans should stop by Rufus On Fire. For more NBA news and analysis head on over to SB Nation's NBA hub.