The Atlanta Hawks outlasted the Cleveland Cavaliers as Joe Johnson delivered the game-winning bucket in an 103-102 overtime win.
Cleveland jumped out to a big first quarter lead over the Hawks putting Atlanta down by as many as 16 points. Josh Smith led Atlanta back in the second quarter as the Hawks came from behind to take a one point lead at the half. The lead would see saw back and forth in the second half until the Hawks found themselves trailing 91-88 with just five seconds remaining. Joe Johnson came off of a double pick, received the ball and let it fly nailing a three-pointer to send the game into overtime.
Kyrie Irving continued his stellar play in the overtime and helped put Cleveland up 101-95 with just 1:27 remaining. However, the Hawks answered right back with another Joe Johnson three and then a spinning Josh Smith lay in plus the foul. The ensuing free throw tied things back up again at 101-101 with 58 seconds remaining.
With Atlanta trailing 102-101 late, Joe Johnson delivered again hitting a pull up fall away jumper to put the Hawks up 103-102 with just 18 seconds remaining. Kyrie Irving's game winning shot missed as did Alonzo Gee's follow. Zaza Pachulia corralled the rebound as time expired allowing the Hawks to escape with the win.
Josh Smith had a huge night with 32 points, 17 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Smith struggled down the stretch with his shot going 10-29 from the field but was 12-14 from the free throw line. After struggling for most of the game, Joe Johnson picked up the slack late scoring 22 points on 7-19 shooting. Zaza Pachulia finished with 14 points and seven rebounds while Jeff Teague added 12 points, seven assists and four steals.
Kyrie Irving narrowly missed out on a triple-double with 29 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Antawn Jamison added 23 points and 12 rebounds while Tristan Thompson finished with 13.
For more on this game Hawks fans should check out Peachtree Hoops and Cavaliers fans should visit Fear The Sword. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.