Despite 14 points from Josh Smith the Atlanta Hawks trail the Washington Wizards 52-41 at halftime. This game against the Wizards started much like last night's game against the Nets with the Hawks being unable to corral a rebound. The Wizards took advantage of the extra opportunities and found a rhythm in the second quarter where they outscored Atlanta 29-18.
Josh Smith hit 6-10 shots and has three rebounds to go along with a couple of blocks and steals. Marvin Williams has nine points off the bench but no other hawks player has more than Kirk Hinrich's five. Joe Johnson has four points on 2-5 shooting in the first half.
Washington began the second quarter with an 8-0 run to help put some distance between themselves and Atlanta. The newly acquired Nene was most responsible as he had his way inside against Zaza Pachulia and Jason Collins. Nene finished the half with 14 points and eight rebounds, four of which were offensive.
Former Hawks draft pick Jordan Crawford burned his old team for 11 first-half points and Chris Singleton finished with seven. The Wizards hit 51 percent of their shot attempts in the first half and out rebounded the Hawks 23-14.
For more on this game Hawks fans should check out Peachtree Hoops and Wizards fans should stop by Bullets Forever. For more news and analysis from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.