The Ivan Johnson feel good story continues as he converted the game clinching free throws with just 4.6 seconds remaining to help Atlanta to a 93-91 win over the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves. Atlanta trailed by as many as 18 points in the game before rattling off a big comeback.
Joe Johnson scored eight of his 25 points in the fourth quarter to help Atlanta complete the comeback but gave credit to the Hawks defense against Minnesota's Kevin Love in the fourth quarter as the biggest reason for the victory.
"We started focusing in on him and doubling him a lot more and trying to make it tough for him, but he's a load down there, man," Johnson said. "He did a great job of keeping them in the ballgame. He's a hell of a player."
Jeff Teague added support for Johnson finishing with 20 points, 10 assists and three steals. Despite six turnovers, Teague held his own in his matchup with rookie sensation Ricky Rubio. Ivan Johnson was just 1-4 from the field but converted 8-8 free throw attempts to finish with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Johnson grabbed an offensive board in the games final seconds that set up his game clinching attempts. Willie Green scored all 10 of his points off the bench in the decisive fourth quarter.
Kevin Love led Minnesota with game-highs of 30 points and 13 rebounds. However, he went 0-5 from the field in the fourth quarter including a three-point attempt in the game's closing seconds. Ricky Rubio got the start for Rick Adelman's club and didn't disappoint finishing with 18 points, 12 assists and five steals. Wayne Ellington scored nine of his 13 points in the fourth quarter for the Timberwolves.
For more on this game Hawks fans should head on over to Peachtree Hoops. Timberwolves fans should check out Canis Hoopus. For more news and analysis on the NBA be sure to check out SB Nation's NBA page.