The Atlanta Hawks snap a two game losing streak by defeating the Washington Wizards 102-88 Friday night at Philips Arena. After pretty much letting the Wizards have their way in the first half, Atlanta clamped down in the third quarter holding Washington to just 10 points. The Hawks outscored the Wizards 52-34 in the second half to claim the victory.
Joe Johnson scored 18 of his 34 points in the first half going 12-19 from the field and 6-8 from three-point range. Johnson also had six rebounds and five assists in the game. Josh Smith did a little bit of everything finishing with 23 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Jeff Teague added 14 points and five steals while Zaza Pachulia logged another double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Trevor Booker scored 18 points to lead the Wizards. John Wall added 14 points and nine assists but was also credited with nine turnovers. Roger Mason added 12 while Andray Blatche finished with eight.
Atlanta improves to 25-19 on the season and extends their lead over the Boston Celtics to one full game for the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
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