The Atlanta Hawks put up a fight but opened their five-game road trip with a 86-78 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Atlanta trailed by just one at halftime but offensive struggles plagued them throughout the second half. The Lakers' length bothered Atlanta throughout the game as they had many opportunities that they were unable to cash in at point blank range.
Atlanta could only account for 10 points in the third quarter enabling the Lakers to extend their halftime lead to eight. Los Angeles was able to keep Atlanta at arms length in the second half behind the play of Pau Gasol.
Jeff Teague finished with 18 points and three steals to lead the Hawks. Joe Johnson became the seventh Hawks player in franchise history to score 10,000 points finishing with 15 in the game. Johnson also added five assists and three rebounds. Josh Smith scored 13 of his 15 in the first half and aded nine rebounds, two steals and three blocks to his line.
Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum combined to score 35 points and grab 28 rebounds for the Lakers. Metta World Piece and rookie Andrew Goudelock added 10 points each. Kobe Bryant was held to a season-low 10 points on just 5-18 shooting.
Atlanta falls to 18-11 on the season and has now lost two games in a row. The Hawks won't have much time to think about this loss as they are right back on the court tomorrow night in Phoenix.
For more on this game Hawks fans should visit Peachtree Hoops and Lakers fans should check out Silver Screen And Roll. For more NBA news and analysis head on over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.