Atlanta Hawks dominate Washington Wizards 120-89
The first place Atlanta Hawks continued their winning ways Sunday afternoon as they beat the Washington Wizards 120-89. The Hawks keep rolling at home as the Philips Arena crowds have seen 16 wins and only 3 losses this season.
Atlanta jumped out to their usual fast start as Jeff Teague led the offensive assault assisting Paul Millsap and Al Horford down low in the paint. Teague also racked up three steals to contribute to 11 fast break points for the Hawks. Kyle Korver scored 10 points with a pair of three-pointers as well. Atlanta extended the lead to 20 points early in the second quarter, but the Wizards would not go away easily.
Washington guard John Wall would answer Teague with six assists of his own as well as 9 points and 2 steals. Washington would also win the rebound war with 20 defensive rebounds in the first half, 11 of those coming from their bench. With the Hawks shooting only 40 percent from the floor, Washington would take a 13-4 run to bring the game within reaching distance to end the half 55-50.
The Hawks would regroup at halftime and show efficiency on offense. Forward Pero Antic would lead a productive Hawks bench with 9 points. It seemed every time Washington would make things close, Atlanta would answer back with great transition runs and turnovers. Korver would have two more clutch 3-pointers to stretch the lead. Atlanta forward DeMarre Carroll would also come alive to finish the third quarter with 16 points.
Atlanta would continue to frustrate Washington in the fourth quarter as they dominated every aspect of the game. The defensive intensity led the surge as the Hawks would finish with 14 steals and three blocks. The starting five would all finish with double-digit points and at least one in the assist column. The team would drain an astounding 16 three-pointers. Wall would finish with 15 points and two assists for the Wizards. But Atlanta would prove to be too much for the 25-12 Washington team. Coach Bud’s squad continues to play team ball and put up quality wins to remain at the top of the NBA’s elite with a 29-8 record.
Atlanta will get Monday off before they travel to Philadelphia to take on the struggling 76ers. Philly has only seen the win column seven times this season. The Hawks will look for win number 30 in the city of brotherly love.