Atlanta Hawks finish strong on the road with 105-102 win over Dallas Mavericks

The Atlanta Hawks entered with a three-game winning streak over some of the best teams in the NBA, and they did not disappoint. Despite some late challenges, the Hawks emerged with a 105-102 victory over another Western Conferenc power, the Dallas Mavericks.

The first quarter was the Dennis Schröder show, as he exploded with 10 points and smart point guard play as he continued to fill in for Jeff Teague. Atlanta was able to transform defensive boards into transition points against the Mavs, who came into the game as the highest scoring team in the NBA. Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki started strong with 10 points and 4 rebounds, and the newly acquired Rajon Rondo continued dishing the ball around with 5 assists.

As halftime approached, the Mavs could not answer the fast breaks and 32 points in the paint by Atlanta. They also had a tough time containing Hawks center Al Horford, the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week. Horford racked up 10 points and 4 boards of his own. Atlanta would shoot 51% from the floor and took a 52-38 lead at the half.

The third quarter was all Atlanta, as forward Paul Millsap came alive and scored 13 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks. DeMarre Carroll helped the Hawks extend their lead with 10 points of his own. Stellar defense kept the Mavs quiet from the floor as the Hawks went into the fourth quarter with a 19-point lead.

The Mavs bench sparked a fourth quarter run that closed the gap with tough defense and fast break points. Dallas would have 14 points off of turnovers on the night. But the Hawks kept their composure and finished off the Mavs 105-102. The star of the night was young Dennis Schroder, and the Atlanta point guard finished with a career-best 22 points.

The Atlanta Hawks improve to 20-7 on the season and swept the three-game road trip. Atlanta travels back home to Phillips Arena to face the 19-9 Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night.