The Atlanta Hawks saw a 10 point lead disappear in the fourth quarter but weathered the storm to come away with a 101-96 win over the Detroit Pistons.
Atlanta entered the fourth quarter leading 78-68 but saw Detroit start the quarter on a run that saw the Pistons take a 83-80 advantage with 7:28 remaining. The Hawks didn't blink as Josh Smith scored the next six points for the Hawks to retake the lead at 86-85 and they would never trail again.
Jeff Teague finished with one of his best performances of the season with 24 points, five rebounds and 11 assists. Teague went 9-16 from the field and 5-6 from the free throw line in the game. Josh Smith added 22 points and 12 rebounds to continue his streak of excellent play. Joe Johnson hit 6-16 from the field and finished with 16 points and seven assists.
Atlanta also got a lift from Ivan Johnson off the bench as he filled in for Zaza Pachulia who was saddled with foul trouble for most of the night. Johnson finished with 16 points and six rebounds and provided energy and muscle against the Pistons front court. Marvin Williams added 12 points off the bench and went 8-10 from the free throw line including 5-6 in the game's closing minutes.
Rodney Stuckey led the Pistons with 27 points off the bench before leaving the game with a hamstring injury. Will Bynum chipped in 15 points while rookie Brandan Knight added 13.
For more on this game Hawks fans should check out Peachtree Hoops and Pistons fans should visit Detroit Bad Boys. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.