The Atlanta Hawks improve to a season-best 11 games over .500 as they cruise to a 116-96 win over the Charlotte Bobcats. Despite trailing 23-19 at the end of the first quarter, Atlanta's bench took control in the second to build a 48-36 advantage at the break.
Atlanta maintained its lead in the second half and Larry Drew took the opportunity to give all of his starters except Zaza Pachulia some much needed rest. No Hawks starter other than Pachulia played more than 23 minutes. The Hawks got a balanced effort offensively with eight different players scoring in double figures.
Joe Johnson led the way for Atlanta scoring 18 points on 8-10 shooting in just 22 minutes of action. Ivan Johnson added 17 points and six rebounds while Josh Smith and Jannero Pargo each finished with 15.
Marvin Williams added 14 while Zaza Pachulia had 12 points and 16 rebounds. Jeff Teague and Willie Green finished with 11 points each.
Cory Higgins and Byron Mullens were the lone bright spots for the Bobcats. Higgins scored 22 points off the bench and Mullens added 17. Kemba Walker was the only other Charlotte player in double figures with 10.
Atlanta will now enjoy three straight days off before traveling to Boston where they will take on the Celtics on Wednesday.
For more on this game Hawks fans should visit Peachtree Hoops and Bobcats fans should check out Rufus On Fire. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.