Hoopscity Fantasy Basketball Mascot

Hoopscity
Fantasy Basketball News, Stats, Analysis, and More!

NBA Player Search:

  Home | NBA Teams | NBA Players

Atlanta Hawks

Conference: Eastern


Division: Southeast


In the News


Sixers avoid back-to-back losses again (AP)

Philadelphia 76ers point guard Lou Williams (23) goes to the basket against Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) defends in the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday,  Feb. 4, 2012, in Atlanta. Philadelphia won 98-87.

The Sixers are making the NBA's lockout-induced compressed schedule a vehicle to show off their superior depth and resiliency. Playing without Elton Brand and facing one of the Eastern Conference's top five teams for the second straight night, Philadelphia had double figures from each of its four bench players to overwhelm the Atlanta Hawks 98-87 Saturday night.




Six 76ers hit double figures in win over Hawks
Nikola Vucevic set a career high with 15 points to lead six Philadelphia scorers in double figures and the Sixers dodged back-to-back losses once again by beating the Atlanta Hawks 98-87 on Saturday night.

Rookie Vucevic leads Sixers past Hawks
Rookie Nikola Vucevic set a career high with 15 points to lead six Philadelphia scorers in double figures and the Sixers dodged back-to-back losses once again by beating the Atlanta Hawks 98-87 on Saturday night.

Brand out for 76ers' game Saturday vs. Hawks
Philadelphia forward Elton Brand is inactive for Saturday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks with a sprained right thumb.

76ers' Brand out with sprained thumb (AP)
Philadelphia forward Elton Brand is inactive for Saturday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks with a sprained right thumb. Brand got his thumb caught in a jersey in Friday night's loss to Miami in Philadelphia. Rookie Lavoy Allen of Temple will make his first career start as the replacement for Brand.

Hawks C Collins out 2 weeks with elbow sprain
The Atlanta Hawks say reserve center Jason Collins will miss the next two weeks with a sprained left elbow.

Gay scores 21 as Grizzlies rout listless Hawks
Rudy Gay scored 21 points to lead five Memphis players in double figures and the Grizzlies blew out the listless Atlanta Hawks 96-77 Thursday night.

Grizzlies beat listless Hawks 96-77 (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 02:  Jannero Pargo #7 and Vladimir Radmanovic #77 of the Atlanta Hawks battle for a rebound against the Memphis Grizzlies at Philips Arena on February 2, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Memphis had not won a game in Atlanta in more than six years. The Grizzlies took care of that skid in a big way. Rudy Gay scored 21 points, four other teammates were in double figures and Memphis blew out the listless Hawks 96-77 Thursday night. "It was outstanding defense from the start," said coach Lionel Hollins, whose team came up with 13 steals.




Hawks demolish Raptors as Johnson drops 30
Joe Johnson needed just three quarters to match his season high with 30 points, Tracy McGrady scored 15 against his former team and the Atlanta Hawks recorded their sixth consecutive victory over the Raptors, beating Toronto 100-77 on Tuesday night.

Johnson scores 30 as Hawks rout Raptors (AP)

Atlanta Hawks forward Ivan Johnson (44) drives to the basket between Toronto Raptors forwards Linas Kleiza , left, and Ed Davis , and is fouled, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, in Toronto.

Joe Johnson needed just three quarters to match his season high with 30 points, Tracy McGrady scored 15 against his former team and the Atlanta Hawks recorded their sixth consecutive victory over the Raptors, beating Toronto 100-77 on Tuesday night. Atlanta's leading scorer, Johnson has averaged 30 points in his past four games against Toronto.




Teague's 24 power Hawks past hapless Hornets
Jeff Teague tied a career high with 24 points despite playing on a sore left ankle and the Atlanta Hawks beat the New Orleans Hornets 94-72 on Sunday night.

Hawks roll past slumping Hornets 94-72 (AP)

Atlanta Hawks head coach Larry Drew applauds his team in the first half against the New Orleans Hornets in an NBA basketball game in New Orleans,  Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012.

Jeff Teague tied a career high with 24 points despite playing on a sore left ankle and the Atlanta Hawks beat the New Orleans Hornets 94-72 on Sunday night. Willie Green added 16 points and Marvin Williams 14 for Atlanta, which won for the fourth time in five games and handed the struggling Hornets their most lopsided loss of the season.




Hawks use late 3s to stun Pistons in OT (AP)

Detroit Pistons ' Jason Maxiell , top, goes to the basket against Atlanta Hawks ' Zaza Pachulia (27) in overtime of an NBA basketball game on Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, in Auburn Hills, Mich. Maxiell scored scored 19 points in a 107-101 overtime loss to the Hawks.

Joe Johnson scored 28 of his 30 points after halftime, including a tying 3-pointer with 1.9 seconds left in regulation, and the Atlanta Hawks stunned the Detroit Pistons 107-101 in overtime Friday night. Atlanta forced overtime with a pair of late 3-pointers. Marvin Williams made one with 33.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to three, then Johnson stole a pass inside and brought...




Johnson, Hawks rally late to stun Pistons in OT
Joe Johnson scored 28 of his 30 points after halftime, including a tying 3-pointer with 1.9 seconds left in regulation, and the Atlanta Hawks stunned the Detroit Pistons 107-101 in overtime Friday night.

Sources: Five teams pursuing ex-Nugget Martin
The Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks are pursuing free-agent forward Kenyon Martin, according to league sources.

Hawks release guard Donald Sloan - Donald Sloan (G) Atlanta Hawks
Hawks released G Donald Sloan.

Bonner, Blair shine as Spurs slow down Hawks
Matt Bonner and DeJuan Blair both scored 17 points, and the San Antonio Spurs handed the surging Atlanta Hawks their first lopsided loss of the season, 105-83 on Wednesday night.

Spurs hand Hawks first blowout defeat (AP)

San Antonio Spurs ' DeJuan Blair , right, shoots over Atlanta Hawks ' Josh Smith during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. San Antonio won 105-83.

Matt Bonner and DeJuan Blair both scored 17 points, and the San Antonio Spurs handed the surging Atlanta Hawks their first lopsided loss of the season, 105-83 on Wednesday night. Tiago Splitter added 16 points for the Spurs, who relished a convincing win over the Southeast Division leaders after losing two of their previous three and barely squeaking past woeful New Orleans on Monday night.




Johnson's 15 in 4th rally Hawks by Bucks (AP)

Atlanta Hawks ' Joe Johnson (2) and Josh Smith (5) reacts against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, in Milwaukee. The Hawks won 97-92.

Joe Johnson scored 14 of his season-high 28 points in the fourth quarter, rallying the Atlanta Hawks to a 97-92 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night. Josh Smith had 19 points and 13 rebounds, and Jeff Teague added 15 points in the opener of Atlanta's five-game road trip. Brandon Jennings had 21 points and 11 assists to lead Milwaukee, and Mike Dunleavy added 17 points.




Hawks clip Bucks after Johnson heats up in 4th
Joe Johnson scored 15 of his season-high 28 points in the fourth quarter, rallying the Atlanta Hawks to a 97-92 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night.

Hawks respond to Drew's anger, rip Cavs (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 21:  Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives the ball up the court against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on January 21, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Joe Johnson scored 25 points and the Atlanta Hawks, coming off a loss that prompted their coach to say they quit, responded with their highest scoring output of the season in a 121-94 rout of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night. Johnson scored 19 of his points in the first half for Atlanta, which sat all its starters in the final quarter.




Hawks' Hinrich close to returning from surgery
Hawks guard Kirk Hinrich, who has missed the first 17 games of the season while recovering from left shoulder surgery, said Saturday he hopes to play during Atlanta's upcoming five-game trip.

Hawks' Hinrich nearing season debut (AP)
Hawks guard Kirk Hinrich, who has missed the first 17 games of the season while recovering from left shoulder surgery, says he hopes to return on Atlanta's upcoming five-game trip. Hinrich started in 22 of his 24 games with Atlanta last season after he was traded to the Hawks from Washington. He averaged 10.2 points and 4.0 assists overall.

76ers explode in 3rd quarter to trounce Hawks
Jrue Holiday had 16 points and 11 assists, and Thaddeus Young scored 20 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 90-76 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.

Big 3rd quarter gets Sixers past Hawks (AP)

Atlanta Hawks ' Vladimir Radmanovic (77) defends as Philadelphia 76ers ' Thaddeus Young , right looks to pass in the second half of an NBA basketball game on Friday, Jan, 20, 2012, in Philadelphia. The 76er won 90-76.

Jrue Holiday had 16 points and 11 assists, and Thaddeus Young scored 20 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 90-76 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. Andre Iguodala scored 11 points and Elton Brand grabbed 16 rebounds to help the 76ers win for the ninth time in 11 games and improve to 7-1 at home.




Hawks edge Trail Blazers for fourth win in row
Joe Johnson scored 24 points and came up with a key defensive play down the stretch, leading the Atlanta Hawks to their fourth straight victory since losing All-Star center Al Horford, 92-89 over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.

Johnson leads Hawks past Blazers
Joe Johnson bounced back from a sluggish start to score 24 points and came up with a key defensive play down the stretch, leading the Atlanta Hawks to their fourth straight victory since losing All-Star center Al Horford, 92-89 over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.

Hawks move to 4-0 since losing Horford (AP)

Atlanta Hawks center Zaza Pachulia , bottom, and Portland Trail Blazers small forward Luke Babbitt , top, struggle for the ball in the third in quarter of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, in Atlanta.  Atlanta won 89-21.

Joe Johnson scored 24 points and came up with a key defensive play down the stretch, leading the Atlanta Hawks to their fourth straight victory since losing All-Star center Al Horford, 92-89 over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. The Hawks closed the third period on a 14-0 run, but the Trail Blazers responded with a 13-0 spurt starting the fourth to tie it up.




Hawks F Horford has successful surgery on pec
The Atlanta Hawks say All-Star center Al Horford has undergone successful surgery to repair his torn left pectoral muscle.

Hawks win 3 straight behind Smith's 28 and 15
Josh Smith scored 28 points and pulled down a season-high 15 rebounds and Joe Johnson added 27 points to help the Atlanta Hawks win their third straight game with a 93-84 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday.

Smith, Johnson lead Hawks past Raptors (AP)

Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) and teammate Marvin Williams (24) defend Toronto Raptors forward Gary Forbes (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, in Atlanta.

Josh Smith scored 28 points and pulled down a season-high 15 rebounds and Joe Johnson added 27 points to help the Atlanta Hawks win their third straight game with a 93-84 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday. Leandro Barbosa finished with 22 points in a reserve role for Toronto, which has lost five straight.




Hawks rally from 18 down to beat Wolves (AP)

Atlanta Hawks forward Ivan Johnson (44) shoots as Minnesota Timberwolves  forward Anthony Randolph (15) tries to draw the charge during the first half of an NBA , basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 14,  2012, in Atlanta.

Joe Johnson scored 25 points, Ivan Johnson hit the clinching free throws with 4.6 seconds remaining and the Atlanta Hawks rallied from from 18 points down to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 93-91 on Saturday night. Kevin Love missed a potential game-tying jump shot at the buzzer, but finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds for Minnesota, which was trying to win consecutive road games for the first...




Smith, Johnson help Hawks hammer Bobcats (AP)

Charlotte Bobcats ' Byron Mullens , center, battles Atlanta Hawks ' Josh Smith (5) and Ivan Johnson (44) for a rebound in the third quarter of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, in Atlanta.

Josh Smith scored 30 points, Joe Johnson added 23 and the Atlanta Hawks won their first game without All-Star center Al Horford, routing the Charlotte Bobcats 111-81 on Thursday night. The Hawks learned earlier in the day that Horford, a leader on and off the court, will miss at least three months after tearing the pectoral muscle in his left shoulder going for a rebound the previous night at...




Hawks' Al Horford sidelined 3-4 months
Atlanta Hawks All-Star center Al Horford is expected to miss at least three months with a shoulder injury.

Smith leads Hawks past Bobcats
Josh Smith scored 30 points, Joe Johnson added 23 and the Atlanta Hawks won their first game without All-Star center Al Horford, routing the Charlotte Bobcats 111-81 on Thursday night.

Hawks' Horford out 3 to 4 months for shoulder
Atlanta Hawks All-Star center Al Horford is expected to miss at least three months with a shoulder injury.

Beasley, Barea to miss Wolves' two-game trip
The Minnesota Timberwolves will be without forward Michael Beasley and guard J.J. Barea this weekend when they travel to New Orleans and Atlanta.

Granger busts out to help Pacers handle Hawks
Danny Granger scored 24 points to break out of a shooting slump in the Indiana Pacers' 96-84 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.

Granger scores 24 as Pacers beat Hawks (AP)

Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford grimaces in pain after he was injured in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012.

Danny Granger scored 24 points to break out of a shooting slump in the Indiana Pacers' 96-84 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. Roy Hibbert added 12 points and 11 rebounds, and David West and Lance Stephenson also had 12 points each to help the Pacers improve to 7-3. Indiana won for just the second time in its last 11 games against the Hawks.




Hawks' Williams out 2 games with ankle sprain
Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams will miss at least two games because of a sprained left ankle he suffered in Saturday's win over Chicago.

Hawks F Williams out at least 2 games (AP)
Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams will miss at least two games because of a sprained left ankle he suffered in Saturday's win over Chicago. The Hawks say Williams will not be with the team for both Monday night's game at New Jersey and Wednesday's game at Indiana. Williams is averaging 10.9 points and 6.0 rebounds as the starting small forward.

Bulls win 13th in row against Pistons (AP)

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 09:  Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls puts up a shot againstg the Detroit Pistons at the United Center on January 9, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Pistons 92-68. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Carlos Boozer scored 23 points and the Chicago Bulls beat Detroit 92-68 on Monday night for their 13th consecutive victory against the Pistons. Derrick Rose added 22 points and eight assists for Chicago, which bounced back from Saturday night's lackluster 109-94 loss at Atlanta. Ronnie Brewer finished with 12 points, and Boozer also had eight rebounds.




Hawks top Nets for third time in 2 weeks (AP)

New Jersey Nets ' Anthony Morrow (22) shoots the ball against Atlanta Hawks ' Tracy McGrady (1) in the second quarter of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, in Newark, N.J.  The Hawks won 106-101.

Josh Smith scored a season-high 26 points and the Atlanta Hawks shot nearly 54 percent from the field in beating the New Jersey Nets for the third time this season, 106-101 on Monday night. Joe Johnson added 22, Jeff Teague had 20 and Al Horford had 14 points and nine rebounds as the Hawks led for all but a few seconds in winning their third straight game overall.




Hawks' Williams out with ankle injury
Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams will miss at least two games because of a sprained left ankle he suffered in Saturday's win over Chicago.

Hawks stop Bulls' 6-game winning streak (AP)

Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) shoots as Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer , right, defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, in Atlanta.Atlanta won 109-94.

Josh Smith scored 25 points, Joe Johnson and Vladimir Radmanovic each added 17 and the Atlanta Hawks beat Chicago 109-94 Saturday night to snap the Bulls' six-game winning streak. John Lucas III had 14 of his team-high 16 points in the fourth quarter for Chicago, which never led. The Bulls, who dropped to 7-2, had been off to their best start since going 12-0 in 1996-97.




Hawks snap Bulls' six-game win streak
Josh Smith scored 25 points, Joe Johnson and Vladimir Radmanovic each added 17 and the Atlanta Hawks beat Chicago 109-94 Saturday night to snap the Bulls' six-game winning streak.

Hawks go to OT again, get past Bobcats (AP)

Charlotte Bobcats ' D.J. Augustin , center, controls the dribble past Atlanta Hawks ' Jeff Teague , rear, in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Jan. 6, 2012. The Hawks won 102-96 in overtime.

Josh Smith knew playing three games in three days would be tough. He didn't imagine it would be like this. The Atlanta Hawks went to overtime for a second straight night, pulling out a 102-96 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday behind Smith's 23 points and 13 rebounds. The Hawks lost in triple-overtime to the Miami Heat the night before, but made sure multiple extra periods...




Smith, Hawks prevail in 2nd straight OT game
The Atlanta Hawks went to overtime for a second straight night, pulling out a 102-96 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday behind 23 points and 13 rebounds from Josh Smith.

Miami Heat beat Atlanta Hawks, and Chris Bosh does it without LeBron James or Dwyane Wade
And Miami reminds it can gut out wins even without LeBron, Wade.

Little-known Ivan Johnson steps up - Ivan Johnson (C) Atlanta Hawks
Little-known PF/C Ivan Johnson came out of nowhere to score 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting with four rebounds, a steal, and five turnovers in 21 minutes off the bench against the Heat.

Bosh, Heat outlast Hawks in triple overtime
Chris Bosh scored 33 points and the Miami Heat, playing without injured stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, beat the Atlanta Hawks 116-109 in triple overtime on Thursday night.

Heat beat Hawks in 3OT minus James, Wade (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 05:  The Atlanta Hawks cheerleaders perform during the game against the Miami Heat at Philips Arena on January 5, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Chris Bosh scored 33 points and the Miami Heat, playing without injured stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, beat the Atlanta Hawks 116-109 in triple-overtime on Thursday night. Mario Chalmers had 22 of his 29 points after the third quarter for the Heat, including five in the third overtime. Wade missed his second straight game with a sore left foot and James was held out after he turned his left...




Heat's James, Wade both sit out against Hawks
Heat stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, each slowed by injuries, were held out of Thursday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Heat's James, Wade not in lineup vs. Hawks
Heat stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, each slowed by injuries, were not in Miami's starting lineup for Thursday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Heat's James, Wade not starting at Hawks (AP)
Heat stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, each slowed by injuries, were not in Miami's starting lineup for Thursday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Wade, who has a sore left foot, is "a little bit more unlikely" than James to play against the Hawks.

LeBron, Wade not starting against Hawks
Heat stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, each slowed by injuries, were not in Miami's starting lineup for Thursday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

James helps Wade-less Heat rout Pacers (AP)

Miami Heat forward LeBron James lies on the floor after colliding with Indiana Pacers guard Paul George during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, in Miami. The Heat defeated the Pacers 118-83.

The Miami Heat hardly missed Dwyane Wade on Wednesday night. LeBron James had a lot to do with that. Now, the Heat can only hope both superstars won't be on the bench Thursday in Atlanta. James had 33 points and 13 assists, Chris Bosh added 22 points and Miami routed the Indiana Pacers 118-83 on Wednesday even without Wade.




Down 19, Bulls beat Hawks on late layup (AP)

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 03: Running back Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears takes in a game against between the Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on January 3, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hawks 76-74. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Luol Deng's layup with 3.7 seconds to play lifted the Chicago Bulls to a 76-74 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. Derrick Rose scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter to rally the Bulls from a 19-point deficit. Coming out of a timeout with the score tied in the final seconds, Deng cut along the baseline and took a feed from Joakim Noah to put Chicago ahead.




Deng's late layup lifts Bulls past Hawks
Luol Deng's layup with 3.7 seconds to play lifted the Chicago Bulls to a 76-74 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

Heat's Gladness out with foot infection
Heat rookie reserve center Mickell Gladness is out for Monday's game against Atlanta with an infected left foot.

Hawks' late run ends Heat's perfect start
Joe Johnson scored 21 points, Tracy McGrady hit a pair of big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and the Atlanta Hawks ended Miami's perfect start by beating the Heat 100-92 on Monday night.

Heat suffer first loss, 100-92 to Hawks (AP)
Joe Johnson scored 21 points, Tracy McGrady hit a pair of big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and the Atlanta Hawks ended Miami's perfect start by beating the Heat 100-92 on Monday night. McGrady and Al Horford each scored 16 for the Hawks (4-1), who opened the final period on a 15-3 run to take control.

Hawks run away from Heat in fourth
Joe Johnson scored 21 points, Tracy McGrady hit a pair of big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and the Atlanta Hawks ended Miami's perfect start by beating the Heat 100-92 on Monday night.

Rockets ride Lowry's 18 assists to win (AP)

Houston Rockets ' Kyle Lowry (7) looks to pass as Atlanta Hawks ' Jeff Teague , left, defends during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, in Houston. Lowry had a career high 18 assists as the Rockets beat the Hawks 95-84.

Kevin Martin scored 27 points, Kyle Lowry matched a career high with 18 assists and the Houston Rockets led from start to finish in a 95-84 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. Luis Scola added 21 points, Jordan Hill grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds and Chase Budinger scored 17 points for the Rockets, who looked fresh despite playing their third game in three nights.




Martin leads Rockets past the Hawks
Kevin Martin scored 27 points, Kyle Lowry matched a career high with 18 assists and the Houston Rockets led from start to finish in a 95-84 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.

Martin's 27 points lead Rockets' win over Hawks
Kevin Martin scored 27 points, Kyle Lowry matched a career high with 18 assists and the Houston Rockets led from start to finish in a 95-84 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.

Teague's 22 lift Hawks by Nets for 3rd straight
Jeff Teague scored 22 points, Joe Johnson added 21 and the Atlanta Hawks won their third straight game to open the season, beating the New Jersey Nets 105-98 on Friday night.

Teague, Johnson help Hawks stay unbeaten (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 30:  Deron Williams #8 of the New Jersey Nets reacts during their 105-98 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on December 30, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Jeff Teague scored 22 points, Joe Johnson added 21 and the Atlanta Hawks won their third straight game to open the season, beating the New Jersey Nets105-98 on Friday night. Deron Williams finished with 23 points and rookie MarShon Brooks added 21 to lead the Nets, who have dropped three straight and fell to 1-3.




Hawks use balanced attack to soar past Wizards
Joe Johnson led another balanced attack with 18 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Washington Wizards 101-83 on Wednesday night.

Johnson leads balanced Hawks by Wizards (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 28:  JaVale McGee #34 of the Washington Wizards drives against Josh Smith #5 and Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on December 28, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Joe Johnson led another balanced attack with 18 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Washington Wizards 101-83 on Wednesday night. The Hawks have had six players score in double figures in each of their first two wins to open the season. Tracy McGrady had 11 points off the bench to join Atlanta's five starters in double figures.




Hawks win by 36, spoil Nets' home opener (AP)

New Jersey Nets ' Damion James , left, drives to the basket as he is guarded by Atlanta Hawks ' Marvin Williams during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, in Newark, N.J. The Hawks defeated the Nets 106-70.

After waiting as long as anyone to start season, the Atlanta Hawks combined athleticism, depth and a stingy defense to spoil the Nets' final home opener in New Jersey and to show everyone they will contend in this lockout-shortened season. Marvin Williams had 14 points and nine rebounds and the Hawks opened a double-digit lead early and cruised to a 106-70 victory that had Nets' fans...




Hawks destroy Nets in final NJ opener
Marvin Williams had 14 points and nine rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks opened a double-digit lead early and cruised to a 106-70 victory over the sluggish Nets on Tuesday night in their final home opener in New Jersey.

Is it the shoes? Wait for Air Jordans turns unruly
The release of Nike's new Air Jordan basketball shoes caused a frenzy at stores across the nation early Friday, with police using pepper spray on a group of rowdy customers near Seattle and officers arresting some shoppers after a crowd broke down a door

Hawks, in search of backcourt depth, sign Pargo
The Atlanta Hawks, looking for point guard depth while Kirk Hinrich recovers from shoulder surgery, have signed seven-year veteran Jannero Pargo.

Seeking depth at PG, Hawks sign Pargo (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks, looking for point guard depth while Kirk Hinrich recovers from shoulder surgery, have signed seven-year veteran Jannero Pargo. Jeff Teague is expected to open the season as the Hawks' starting point guard. Pargo, who most recently played for the Chicago Bulls in the 2009-10 season, gives Atlanta another contender for a backup spot.

Bobcats' Walker scores 18 in debut (AP)

Charlotte Bobcats ' D.J. Augustin (14) grimaces as he is fouled by Atlanta Hawks ' Brad Wanamaker (22) in the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 19, 2011.

Kemba Walker opened his NBA career with a solid performance, shaking off a slow start to score a game-high 18 points -- including the go-ahead layup-- to lift the Bobcats to a 79-77 win over the Hawks in the preseason opener for both teams. After missing eight of his first 10 shots, including a dunk on a fastbreak, Walker made a 17-footer and a driving layup over two defenders in the closing 90...




Wizards re-sign swingman Evans (AP)
Swingman Maurice Evans, a union vice president during the NBA lockout, has re-signed with the Washington Wizards. The Wizards announced the one-year contract with Evans during halftime of their exhibition opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. Evans averaged 9.7 points and 2.8 rebounds in 26 games with Washington after arriving from the Atlanta Hawks in a trade in February.

Free agent guard Crawford heading to Portland
Jamal Crawford has agreed to a contract with the Trail Blazers that sources say is for two years and $10 million.

Sources: Crawford, Blazers agree for two years
Jamal Crawford has agreed to a two-year, $10 million deal to play for the Trail Blazers, sources said.

Sources: Pacers enter the bidding for Crawford
The Pacers have extended a two-year offer worth $10 million to Hawks free agent Jamal Crawford that would enable Crawford to return to free agency next summer, according to sources with knowledge of the deal.

Hawks ink ex-Golden State forward Radmanovic
The Atlanta Hawks have signed 10-year veteran forward Vladimir Radmanovic, who played last season with Golden State.

Hawks sign veteran F Radmanovic (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks have signed 10-year veteran forward Vladimir Radmanovic, who played last season with Golden State. The 6-foot-10 Radmanovic averaged 5.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in 74 games with the Warriors. He made 40.5 percent of his 3-point shots, ranking 23rd in the league. The deal was announced Friday night by general manager Rick Sund after the Hawks opened training camp.

McGrady likely to sign with Hawks (AP)
A person familiar with the situation says Tracy McGrady will likely sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday night because signings can't be announced until the new NBA labor agreement is ratified. The 32-year-old McGrady is a seven-time All-Star, but a series of injuries have turned him into a part-time player.

Source: McGrady likely to sign with Hawks
A person familiar with the situation says Tracy McGrady will likely sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks.

Source: McGrady, Hawks agree on 1-year deal
Tracy McGrady has agreed to a 1-year, veteran-minimum deal with the Atlanta Hawks, a source close to the situation told ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

Aldridge hosts charity game in Portland (AP)
Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge put on a sold-out charity basketball game Sunday night with the NBA's tense labor situation as a backdrop. A fan held a sign that said "Thanks LaMarcus" during the game that included Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Josh Howard of the Washington Wizards, Atlanta's Jamal Crawford and several other players.

Hawks will not be sold to Meruelo
The Atlanta Hawks will not be sold to California developer and pizza chain owner Alex Meruelo.

Off the market: Hawks won't be sold to Meruelo
The Atlanta Hawks will not be sold to California developer and pizza chain owner Alex Meruelo.

Blazers F Aldridge to host charity game (AP)
Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge will host a charity basketball game on Sunday night at the University of Portland. Among the players expected to attend are fellow Blazers Brandon Roy and Wesley Matthews, Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant, Atlanta's Jamal Crawford and the Wizards' Josh Howard.

Meruelo: 'Ample resources' to buy Hawks
Almost three months after announcing he had reached an agreement to purchase controlling interests of the Atlanta Hawks, Alex Meruelo on Thursday tried to dispel doubts he has the resources to buy and run the team.

Meruelo: I have resources to buy Hawks (AP)
Almost three months after announcing he had reached an agreement to purchase controlling interests of the Atlanta Hawks, Alex Meruelo is attempting to dispel doubts he has the resources to buy and run the team. In a statement released by his Meruelo Group on Thursday, Meruelo says he has "more than ample resources to purchase and operate the Hawks in a first-class manner." The California...

Sources: Sale of Hawks to Meruelo in jeopardy
The sale of the Atlanta Hawks to California developer and pizza chain owner Alex Meruelo is in jeopardy, according to sources close to the situation.

Ex-NBA ref sues Wilkins
A former NBA referee-turned-tailor accused Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins of assaulting him at a Hawks-Magic game in March after he demanded $12,000 for allegedly unpaid suits, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

Lynx sweep Dream, seize WNBA title
Seimone Augustus and the Minnesota Lynx completed a near-perfect postseason by beating the Atlanta Dream 73-67 on Friday night to complete a three-game sweep of the WNBA championship series.

Augustus leads Lynx to Game 2 victory
Seimone Augustus scored 36 points to lead Minnesota's second-half surge, and the Lynx moved within one win of their first WNBA title by beating the Atlanta Dream 101-95 in Game 2 of the league championship series on Wednesday night.

Lynx strike first in WNBA Finals
Rebekkah Brunson had 26 points and 11 rebounds and Seimone Augustus added 22 points to lead the Minnesota Lynx to an 88-74 victory over the Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the WNBA finals on Sunday night.

Police: Witness identified Crittenton as gunman
An Atlanta police detective said at a court hearing that an ex-NBA player was charged with murder in a drive-by shooting after a witness identified him in a photo lineup.

Witness identified Crittenton as gunman
An Atlanta police detective said at a court hearing that an ex-NBA player was charged with murder in a drive-by shooting after a witness identified him in a photo lineup.

Crittenton free on bond in Georgia murder case
An Atlanta judge has released ex-NBA player Javaris Crittenton on bond after he was charged with murder in a drive-by shooting.

Lakers' World Peace voted off 'Dancing'
Lakers forward Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, Tuesday night became the first athlete in 13 seasons of "Dancing with the Stars" to be the first voted out, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

Joe Barry Carroll loses racism suit (AP)
A jury has found that an upscale Atlanta restaurant did not violate the civil rights of an ex-NBA All Star and a friend who claim they were ousted from the bar because they were black. The panel of nine white members and three blacks deliberated just 15 minutes before deciding that Joe Barry Carroll and Joseph Shaw were not subject to racial discrimination.

Joe Barry Carroll loses racism claim
A federal jury on Friday found that an upscale Atlanta restaurant did not violate the civil rights of an ex-NBA All Star and a friend who claimed they were expelled from the bar because they were black.

Crittenton back in Atlanta, faces murder charge
Former Washington Wizards guard Javaris Crittenton has been returned to Atlanta to face a murder charge in the shooting death of a woman, police said.

Crittenton in Atlanta to face murder charge
Authorities say former Washington Wizards basketball player Javaris Crittenton has been returned to Atlanta from Los Angeles to face a murder charge.

Hawks owners, law firm settle malpractice suit
The group that owns the Atlanta Hawks and recently sold the Atlanta Thrashers has settled a $195 million legal malpractice lawsuit against the law firm King & Spalding.

Hawks owners settle $195M lawsuit (AP)
The group that owns the Atlanta Hawks and recently sold the Atlanta Thrashers has settled a $195 million legal malpractice lawsuit against the law firm King & Spalding. The Atlanta Spirit, which sold the Thrashers to a Canadian group in June and has an agreement to sell a majority stake in the Atlanta Hawks, settled the complaint last week, said attorneys involved in the dispute.

Hawks owner settles malpractice suit
The group that owns the Atlanta Hawks and recently sold the Atlanta Thrashers has settled a $195 million legal malpractice lawsuit against the law firm King & Spalding.

Crittenton to face murder charge
Former Washington Wizards basketball player Javaris Crittenton will be returned to Atlanta from Los Angeles on Thursday to face a murder charge, police said.

Ex-Wizards' Crittenton to face charge in Atlanta
Former Washington Wizards basketball player Javaris Crittenton will be returned to Atlanta from Los Angeles on Thursday to face a murder charge, police said.

Ex-NBA player's case being heard
A federal jury is hearing a lawsuit filed by a retired NBA All-Star who claims a ritzy Atlanta restaurant discriminated against him and a friend when waiters insisted they give up their seats to white women.

Joe Barry Carroll sues eatery for racism (AP)
A federal jury is hearing a lawsuit filed by a retired NBA All-Star who claims a ritzy Atlanta restaurant discriminated against him and a friend when waiters insisted they give up their seats to white women. Joe Barry Carroll in the 1980s played parts of 10 seasons in the NBA for several teams. He and attorney Joseph Shaw are suing the Tavern at Phipps.

Crittenton agrees to return to Atlanta
Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton has appeared in a Los Angeles court and waived extradition proceedings in connection with his arrest in a murder case in Atlanta.

Crittenton waives hearing, will be extradited
Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton has appeared in a Los Angeles court and waived extradition proceedings in connection with his arrest in a murder case in Atlanta.

Report: April robbery led to Crittenton shooting
New details are emerging about an NBA player charged in the shooting death of an Atlanta woman.

Crittenton arrested, to be charged Wednesday
Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton is expected to make his first court appearance in Los Angeles on Wednesday following his arrest in connection with a fatal shooting in Atlanta.

FBI has arrest warrant for ex-Wizard Crittenton
The FBI has obtained an arrest warrant for former NBA player Javaris Crittenton, who is wanted in Atlanta on murder charges in the shooting of a 22-year-old woman.

Ex-NBA player Crittenton arrested in California
Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton, who was suspended from the league for having guns in a locker room with teammate Gilbert Arenas, was arrested Monday in Southern California to face a murder charge in a deadly Atlanta shooting, an attorney said Monday

FBI: Crittenton arrested in California
Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton, who was suspended from the league for having guns in a locker room with teammate Gilbert Arenas, was arrested Monday in Southern California to face a murder charge in a deadly Atlanta shooting, an attorney said Monday.

Former Hawks coach Woodson joins Knicks staff
The New York Knicks have hired former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Woodson as an assistant to Mike D'Antoni.

Knicks add Woodson as assistant (AP)
The New York Knicks have hired former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Woodson as an assistant to Mike D'Antoni. Woodson led the Hawks to three playoff berths in his six seasons in Atlanta, but was let go after they were swept in embarrassing fashion by Orlando in the 2010 Eastern Conference semifinals. He was a candidate for the Detroit job that instead went to Lawrence Frank, so now will try to help...

Lawyer: Crittenton to surrender to police
An attorney says former NBA player Javaris Crittenton plans to surrender to authorities to face charges in a deadly shooting in Atlanta.

Attorney says Crittenton will surrender Tuesday
Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton, who is wanted in Atlanta on murder charges in the shooting of a 22-year-old woman, will surrender to police Tuesday morning, the player's attorney told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday.

Knicks add Woodson to coaching staff
The New York Knicks hired former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Woodson on Monday as an assistant to Mike D'Antoni.

FBI obtains warrant for Crittenton
The FBI has obtained an arrest warrant for former NBA player Javaris (jah-VAHR'-ihs) Crittenton, who is wanted in Atlanta on murder charges in the shooting of a 22-year-old woman.

FBI joins in hunt for Crittenton
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is helping police in Atlanta and Los Angeles search for a former NBA player wanted in the killing of a woman.

FBI continues hunt for ex-Wiz guard Crittenton
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is helping police in Atlanta and Los Angeles search for a former NBA player wanted for murder.

Former Wizard Crittenton still wanted for murder
Javaris Crittenton was wanted on a murder charge as police searched on Saturday for the former NBA player in Atlanta and Los Angeles.

Search on for murder suspect Crittenton (AP)
Javaris Crittenton was wanted on a murder charge as police searched on Saturday for the former NBA player in Atlanta and Los Angeles. Crittenton has been charged in the fatal shooting of 22-year Jullian Jones, a mother of four who was gunned down Aug. 19 on an Atlanta street. A spokesman with the Atlanta police said Crittenton was not in custody.

Ex-Wizard Crittenton charged with murder (AP)
Javaris Crittenton, the former NBA player once suspended by the league for bringing a gun into the Washington Wizards' locker room, has been charged with murder in the shooting of a woman on an Atlanta street. Police spokesman Carlos Campos said Friday night that police have secured a murder warrant for the arrest of Crittenton in connection with the shooting death of 22-year-old Jullian Jones...

Ex-Wizard Crittenton charged with murder (AP)
Police say former NBA player Javaris Crittenton has been charged with murder after a woman was shot on an Atlanta street. Police spokesman Carlos Campos says police have secured a murder warrant for the arrest of Crittenton, who played at Georgia Tech, in connection with the shooting death of 22-year-old Jullian Jones on Aug.

Ex-NBA player Crittenton charged with murder
Police say former NBA player Javaris Crittenton has been charged with murder after a woman was shot on an Atlanta street.

Crittenton suspected of killing woman
Police say former NBA player Javaris Crittenton has been charged with murder after a woman was shot on an Atlanta street.

Hawks' 2nd-round pick Benson will play in Italy
Atlanta Hawks draft pick Keith Benson is headed to play in Italy.

Hawks draft pick Benson to play in Italy (AP)
Atlanta Hawks draft pick Keith Benson is headed to play in Italy. The 6-foot-11 Oakland University product will join the Italian team Sassari. OU says Benson received an opt-out clause in his contract that would enable him to return to the Hawks once the NBA lockout is over. Atlanta took Benson in the second round, making him the first Oakland player ever taken in the draft.

Businessman has agreement to purchase Hawks
California developer and pizza chain owner Alex Meruelo has reached an agreement to purchase majority ownership of the Atlanta Hawks, the team has confirmed.

Businessman has agreement to purchase Hawks
Alex Meruelo vowed Monday to do everything he can to bring a championship to Atlanta if his agreement to purchase a majority share of the NBA's Hawks is approved by the league.

Source: Hawks to be sold, stay in Atlanta
The Hawks and Philips Arena will be sold to California developer and pizza chain owner Alex Meruelo, but the NBA team will remain in Atlanta, a person familiar with the deal said Sunday.

Reports: Hawks to be sold to Calif. businessman
The Hawks and Philips Arena will be sold to California developer and pizza chain owner Alex Meruelo, but the NBA team will remain in Atlanta, a person familiar with the deal said Sunday.

Hawks being sold, will stay in Atlanta (AP)

Michael Gearon Jr. (left) and Bruce Levenson (right) bought out former co-owner Steve Belkin's 30-percent share of the Hawks last year.

Alex Meruelo and the Atlanta Hawks are poised to make NBA history. The Hawks have scheduled a news conference for Monday to announce the team and Philips Arena are being sold to Meruelo, a person familiar with the deal said Sunday. The son of Cuban immigrants is a California developer and pizza chain owner.




Report: Pistons to interview Woodson
Former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Woodson will interview for the Detroit Pistons' job for a second time.

Hawks deny sale is imminent
The Atlanta Hawks were officially still looking for new investment Friday after denying a report that said the team was on the verge of being sold.

Hawks ownership group: Sale is not imminent
The ownership group of the Atlanta Hawks says the team will not soon be sold.

Hawks owners deny sale imminent (AP)
The ownership group of the Atlanta Hawks says the team will not soon be sold. SI.com reported Thursday that a sale is about to be consummated. The Atlanta Spirit issued a statement saying "we have spoken with a number of parties, but at this time, there is no deal in place, nor is there an exclusive negotiating agreement in place." Hawks spokesman Arthur Triche said Thursday the team had...

Hawks F Williams has surgery on back
Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams has undergone minor surgery on his lower back to alleviate the pain from a bulging disc.

Arenas fined by NBA for Twitter comments (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 28:  Gilbert Arenas #1 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Josh Smith #5 and Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 28, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Gilbert Arenas is in trouble with the NBA again. Arenas wrote on his Twitter page Wednesday that he was fined for comments he made on the social media site. NBA spokesman Tim Frank confirmed the Orlando guard had been fined, but declined to give the amount or the reason because it was not publicly announced.




Hawks F Williams undergoes back surgery (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 06:  Marvin Williams #24 of the Atlanta Hawks dunks against Derrick Rose #1, Joakim Noah #13 and Carlos Boozer #5 of the Chicago Bulls in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Phillips Arena on May 6, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams has undergone minor surgery on his lower back to alleviate the pain from a bulging disc. The outpatient procedure was performed Wednesday at Peachtree Orthopedic Clinics in Atlanta. The team says Williams walked out of the facility on his own and should be able to resume full basketball activities in six to eight weeks.




Ex-BYU star Fredette working on defense (AP)

HOUSTON - APRIL 03:  Jimmer Fredette of BYU receives the 2011 Naismith Trophy Presented by AT&T from David Christopher of AT&T during the NABC Guardians of the Game Awards Program on April 3, 2011 in Houston, Texas .  Joining them on stage are Eric Oberman (L) and Barry Goheen (R) of the Atlanta Tipoff Club.  (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Former BYU star Jimmer Fredette says people have been telling him his whole life he's not a good defensive player but he thinks he's on his way to proving them wrong as he works out for a series of NBA teams. The 6-foot-2 point guard who averaged 28.9 points per game last season had his first workout on Tuesday with the Indiana Pacers.




Hawks owners, Moores end exclusive talks (AP)

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 07:  Chris Thorburn #27 of the Atlanta Thrashers is checked during their game against the New York Rangers on April 7, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX ***

The owners of the Atlanta Hawks have ended their exclusive talks with a prospective buyer, but there is no indication that change will affect efforts for the same group of owners to sell the NHL's Thrashers. Michael Gearon Jr. said Monday the owners no longer are granting rights only to John Moores to buy the Hawks.




Heat present Bulls toughest test yet (AP)
Derrick Rose saw the talent, saw the attitude and saw no reason why this couldn't be a special season for the Chicago Bulls. Well, 62 wins and two playoff series victories later, it's still going strong. The Bulls knocked off Atlanta on Thursday and now comes their toughest test: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals.

Drew: Hawks close to taking next step (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks ended this season the same way they have the last two: losing in the second round of the playoffs. But coach Larry Drew and his players are encouraged about taking top-seeded Chicago to six games. The Hawks were certainly much more competitive against the Bulls than they were in sweeps by Cleveland in 2009 and Orlando a year ago.

Rose, James set to meet in East finals (AP)
Dwyane Wade is going home this weekend. Derrick Rose will be waiting for him. Get ready for a star-studded Eastern Conference finals. It will be No. 1 Chicago against No. 2 Miami for a spot in the NBA finals, their best-of-seven to decide the East crown set to start Sunday night. Chicago clinched its spot Thursday by beating the Atlanta Hawks 93-73, winning that series in six games.

Boozer, Rose lead Bulls' rout to eliminate Hawks
Carlos Boozer scored 23 points and MVP Derrick Rose had 12 assists, leading the Chicago Bulls to a 93-73 rout of the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night that finished off in the Eastern Conference semifinal in six games.

Bulls advance to East finals vs. Heat (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 12:  Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls waits for the ball to be inbounded against the Atlanta Hawks in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Phillips Arena on May 12, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Derrick Rose simply had to run the show. The MVP had plenty of help in this one, and the Chicago Bulls are off to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since M.J. was at the controls. Carlos Boozer scored 23 points and Rose doled out 12 assists, pushing Chicago out to a big lead in the first half that carried the Bulls past Atlanta 93-73 in the Eastern Conference semifinals Thursday...




Chicago TV sportscaster found dead in Atlanta
A 38-year-old TV sports anchor from Chicago was found dead Thursday morning in his Atlanta hotel room, where he was staying while covering the Chicago Bulls-Atlanta Hawks NBA playoff series.

Bulls take care of Hawks in 4th to seize 3-2 lead
Derrick Rose scored 33 points, Luol Deng added 23 and the Chicago Bulls beat the Atlanta Hawks 95-83 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Tuesday night to take a 3-2 lead.

Rose has 33 as Bulls go up 3-2 on Hawks (AP)

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 10: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls puts up a shot on his way to a game-high 33 points against the Atlanta Hawks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on May 10, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hawks 95-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Derrick Rose scored 33 points, Luol Deng added 23 and the Chicago Bulls beat the Atlanta Hawks 95-83 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Tuesday night to take a 3-2 lead. Taj Gibson had 11 points -- all in the fourth quarter. Rose also scored 11 in the fourth, and the Bulls pounded the Hawks 26-15 in the quarter.




Bulls beat Hawks to take 3-2 series lead
Derrick Rose scored 33 points, Luol Deng added 23 and the Chicago Bulls beat the Atlanta Hawks 95-83 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Tuesday night to take a 3-2 lead.

Ref admits mistake in no-call on Bulls' Rose
NBA official Bennett Salvatore admitted he made a mistake in ruling an inadvertent whistle rather than a foul on a three-point shot attempt by the Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose late in Sunday night's Game 4 against Atlanta Hawks.

Hawks' Hinrich: Injured hamstring getting better
Atlanta Hawks guard Kirk Hinrich says his ailing right hamstring is finally starting to show some improvement.

Hawks G Hinrich says hamstring improving (AP)

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 02: Injured player Kirk Hinrich of the Atlanta Hawks cheers on his team from the bench against the Chicago Bulls in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on May 2, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Hawks defeated the Bulls 103-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Atlanta Hawks guard Kirk Hinrich says his ailing right hamstring is finally starting to show some improvement. Hinrich was hurt in the closing minutes of a series-clinching win over Orlando. Second-year player Jeff Teague has filled in admirably, averaging 16 points a game against the Bulls with only five turnovers.




Bulls' Rose on his 32 shots: Not a good number
Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose went just 12-for-32 from the field during the Atlanta Hawks' 100-88 victory in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Sunday night, and even he admitted that he took more shots than he would have liked.

Ref admits blown call late in Hawks' win (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 08:  Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls waits to walk back in the game against the Atlanta Hawks in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Phillips Arena on May 8, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

NBA referee Bennett Salvatore acknowledged Sunday that he blew a call in the closing minutes of Atlanta's 100-88 victory over the Chicago Bulls, which evened the Eastern Conference semifinal at two games apiece. With 2 1/2 minutes remaining and the Hawks leading 90-84, Bulls star Derrick Rose went up for a shot beyond the 3-point stripe and appeared to be fouled by Jamal Crawford.




Ref admits he blew call in Hawks' win
NBA referee Bennett Salvatore acknowledged Sunday that he blew a call in the closing minutes of Atlanta's 100-88 victory over the Chicago Bulls, which evened the Eastern Conference semifinal at two games apiece.

Hawks knock off Bulls to even series
The Atlanta Hawks finally won a second-round playoff game at home.

Hawks knot Bulls series at 2 as Smith leads way
Josh Smith had 23 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists, and Jeff Teague came up with another big game to lead the Atlanta Hawks past the Chicago Bulls 100-88 Sunday night, evening the Eastern Conference semifinals at two games apiece.

Smith, Teague shine as Hawks even series (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 08:  Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls waits for play against the Atlanta Hawks in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Phillips Arena on May 8, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Josh Smith had 23 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists, and Jeff Teague came up with another big game to lead the Atlanta Hawks past the Chicago Bulls 100-88 Sunday night, evening the Eastern Conference semifinals at two games apiece. The Hawks snapped a nine-game home losing streak in the second round of the playoffs, their misery dating to a May 13, 1996, win against Orlando.




Bulls take on Hawks in Game 4 in Atlanta
Can Hawks contain MVP Rose in Game 4 to even series?

Hawks shuffle lineup for Game 4 (AP)

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 02: Jason Collins #34 of the Atlanta Hawks battles for a rebound with Omer Asik #3 of the Chicago Bulls in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on May 2, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Hawks have changed up their lineup for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Chicago Bulls. Coming off a blowout loss, coach Larry Drew returned Sunday to the lineup that worked so well in a first-round win over Orlando. Jason Collins will start at center, Al Horford moves to power forward and Josh Smith shifts to small forward.




Coach: Hawks were too easy on Rose, Bulls
Atlanta Hawks coach Larry Drew wants his team to be more physical for Game 4 Sunday night.



Bulls' Boozer: Best games are ahead of me
Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer said Friday he wants to play through the pain of his turf toe injury, despite his struggles in the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Atlanta Hawks.

Rose's career-high 44 get Bulls 2-1 lead (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 06:  Tom Thibodeau converses with Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Phillips Arena on May 6, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Finally, the real Chicago Bulls showed up in the playoffs. Naturally, Derrick Rose led the way. Looking every bit like an MVP, Rose sliced up Atlanta for a career-high 44 points as the Bulls seized control of the Eastern Conference semifinals with their best performance of the postseason, romping to a 99-82 victory over the Hawks in Game 3 Friday night.




Rose torches Hawks for 44, Bulls take 2-1 lead
Derrick Rose looked every bit like an MVP, slicing up Atlanta for a career-high 44 points as the Chicago Bulls seized control of the Eastern Conference semifinals, romping to a 99-82 victory over the Hawks in Game 3 Friday.

Crawford: If that was Bulls' best, Hawks are OK
Atlanta Hawks guard Jamal Crawford said if the Chicago Bulls gave their best shot in Game 2, the Hawks should be in good shape.

Hawks confident after split in Chicago (AP)

Atlanta Hawks players react as they watch their teammates play against the Chicago Bulls during the fourth quarter in Game 2 of a second-round NBA playoffs basketball series in Chicago, Wednesday, May 4, 2011. The Bulls won 86-73.

The Atlanta Hawks took heart from the way they played in the first two games at Chicago. And they're taking note of what's happening in the rest of the NBA playoffs. Undoubtedly, this postseason looks more wide open than it's been in years. Top-seeded San Antonio was knocked off in the first round, the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers are in serious trouble, and teams such as...




Bulls' Rose, Boozer expected to play vs. Hawks
Derrick Rose and Carlos Boozer participated fully in practice and are expected to be in the lineup for the Chicago Bulls in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.

Rose, Boozer expected to play in Game 2
Derrick Rose and Carlos Boozer went through the morning shootaround and are expected to be in the Chicago Bulls' lineup for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks.

Bulls beat Hawks in Game 2 to tie series (AP)

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 04: Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls rests at center court after a called time-out against the Atlanta Hawks in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on May 4, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hawks 86-73. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Newly crowned MVP Derrick Rose scored 25 points, Joakim Noah added 19 points and 14 rebounds, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Atlanta Hawks 86-73 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Wednesday night to tie the series. The top-seeded Bulls shook off a dismal performance in the opener and looked more like the team with a league-leading 62 wins, building a 14-point lead and ending the...




Bulls rebound, handle Hawks to knot series at 1
Newly crowned MVP Derrick Rose scored 25 points, Joakim Noah added 19 points and 14 rebounds, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Atlanta Hawks 86-73 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Wednesday night to tie the series.

Rose, Noah fuel Bulls to bounce-back win
Chicago beats Atlanta to even East semifinal series.

Boozer will try to play against Hawks
Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer says he will try to play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday against the Atlanta Hawks after being limited by turf toe on his right foot.

NBA mandates metal detectors for playoffs
In the aftermath of the death of Osama bin Laden, the Chicago Bulls will use metal detectors to screen all patrons entering the United Center before Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.

Bulls' Rose becomes youngest NBA MVP (AP)

Chicago Bulls ' Derrick Rose shoots over Atlanta Hawks ' Jeff Teague during the first quarter in Game 1 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series in Chicago, Monday, May 2, 2011.

Chiacgo Bulls star Derrick Rose is the NBA's MVP, becoming the youngest player in league history to win the award, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke Monday night on the condition of anonymity because a formal announcement has not been made. That could come Tuesday, with a formal presentation before Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.




NBA Playoffs: Chicago Bulls' Carlos Boozer practiced and expects to play vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Bulls' Carlos Boozer practiced on Monday and expects to play in Game 1 against the Atlanta Hawks.

Hawks beat top-seeded Bulls in Game 1 (AP)

Chicago Bulls ' Carlos Boozer , left, looks to a pass as Atlanta Hawks ' Jeff Teague defends during the third quarter in Game 1 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series in Chicago, Monday, May 2, 2011. The Hawks won 103-95.

Joe Johnson scored 34 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat Derrick Rose and the top-seeded Chicago Bulls 103-95 on Monday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. As if the loss itself wasn't bad enough, the Bulls got a major scare when Rose came up limping at the end of the game. Their MVP candidate stepped on Jamal Crawford's foot as he dribbled out the final seconds and was...




Johnson's 34 carry Hawks past Bulls in Game 1
Joe Johnson scored 34 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat Derrick Rose and the top-seeded Chicago Bulls 103-95 on Monday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Hawks leave Magic's Nelson tix to Game 1 (AP)
Jameer Nelson could have seen Derrick Rose in the second round, after all. With Atlanta facing Chicago in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Hawks spokesman Arthur Triche decided to have some fun at the Orlando point guard's expense and left him two tickets for Game 1 on Monday night. Triche says he "took a page" from former Falcons coach Jerry Glanville, who used to leave tickets for...

Bulls' Boozer, Hawks' Teague in lineups (AP)
Bulls forward Carlos Boozer and Hawks guard Jeff Teague were in the starting lineups for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between Chicago and Atlanta on Monday. Boozer had said after the morning shootaround that he was feeling "a lot better" after being limited by turf toe on his right foot and planned to suit up barring any setbacks during pregame warmups.

2011 NBA playoffs: Atlanta Hawks leave Game 1 tickets for Orlando Magic's Jameer Nelson
Since the Hawks eliminated his Magic on Thursday, Orlando point guard Jameer Nelson has some free time on his hands.

Bulls take extra security measures
Fans attending Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks on Monday night faced somewhat heightened security in light of the killing of Osama bin Laden.

2011 NBA Playoffs: Atlanta Hawks mull lineup changes for second round vs. Chicago Bulls
Injuries and matchup concerns have the Hawks considering multiple changes to their starting lineup for Monday's playoff series opener against the Bulls.

Hinrich may not play in series opener
Atlanta Hawks starting point guard Kirk Hinrich was rated doubtful Saturday to face the Bulls when the second-round playoff series tips off in Chicago on Monday.

Hawks' Hinrich doubtful for Bulls series (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks haven't won a second-round playoff game in 14 years. Their odds of ending that dismal streak became a lot more daunting when Kirk Hinrich collapsed on the court, holding his right leg. Hinrich brings the sort of leadership and lockdown defense the Hawks needed against MVP favorite Derrick Rose and the top-seeded Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Magic enter offseason full of questions (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 28:  Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic reacts after a turnover to the Atlanta Hawks during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 28, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This was supposed to be a defining season for the Orlando Magic. Coming off a trip to the NBA finals two years ago and the Eastern Conference finals last year, this was supposed to be the season they turned championship flirtation into reality. Instead, the Magic were ousted in the first round Thursday night by the Atlanta Hawks, their first opening-round exit since 2007.




2011 NBA playoffs: Atlanta Hawks point guard Kirk Hinrich is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Friday
Atlanta Hawks point guard Kirk Hinrich was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Friday after straining his hamstring in the series-clinching victory over the Orlando Magic on Thursday.

2011 NBA playoffs: Atlanta Hawks point guard Kirk Hinrich undergoes MRI Friday
Atlanta Hawks point guard Kirk Hinrich was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Friday after straining his hamstring in the series-clinching victory over the Orlando Magic on Thursday.

Hawks getting ready for top-seeded Bulls (AP)
For a team that comes across as emotionally fragile, the Atlanta Hawks sure showed plenty of toughness in the opening round of the playoffs. They'll have to dig even deeper this time around. After knocking off Orlando 4-2 -- winning all three homes games by a total of 10 points -- the Hawks are getting ready to face the top-seeded Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Boozer sits out practice with turf toe (AP)
Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer sat out Friday's practice because of turf toe on his right foot. Coach Tom Thibodeau says "it's hard to say" if Boozer will be ready for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Atlanta on Monday but "I'm thinking that he will be able to." Losing Boozer would be a big blow to the Bulls, even though he did have...

Hawks hold off Magic, close series in six games
Joe Johnson scored 23 points and came up with a huge offensive rebound, leading the Atlanta Hawks to an 84-81 victory in Game 6 on Thursday night, knocking Orlando Magic out of the playoffs.

Hawks eliminate Magic, get Bulls next (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 28:  J.J. Redick #7 of the Orlando Magic lays in a basket past Jamal Crawford #11 of the Atlanta Hawks during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 28, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Joe Johnson provided his usual offensive spark. His biggest play, though, was getting a hand on a missed shot. Johnson scored 23 points and came up with a huge offensive rebound, leading the Atlanta Hawks to an 84-81 victory in Game 6 on Thursday night, knocking the Orlando Magic out of the playoffs. The Hawks, who won the series 4-2, advanced to the second round for the third straight year, this...




Rose's 25 help Bulls finish off Pacers (AP)

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 26: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls claps while celebrating a play against the Indiana Pacers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 26, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Pacers 116-89. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Derrick Rose and the rest of the Chicago Bulls are breathing a little easier after clearing one hurdle. Now they're staring at another big obstacle. That would be Atlanta or Orlando in the Eastern Conference semifinals that will get under way in earnest next week. The Bulls disposed of Indiana in a tough first-round series Tuesday night.




J-Rich, Magic force Game 6 by crushing Hawks
Jason Richardson scored 17 points and J.J. Redick added 14 to help the Orlando Magic stay alive in the playoffs with a 101-76 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

Magic rout Hawks, push series to Game 6 (AP)

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 26:  A dancer of the Orlando Magic performs during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2011 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks on April 26, 2011 at the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Jason Richardson scored 17 points and J.J. Redick added 14 to help the Orlando Magic stay alive in the playoffs with a 101-76 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. The win kept alive the Magic's hopes of becoming the ninth team in NBA history to win a playoff series after trailing 3-1. If they can win Game 6 Thursday in Atlanta, they would host the decisive Game 7 on Saturday.




Pachulia back as Hawks can clinch series (AP)
When Zaza Pachulia showed up for practice Monday, one guy was really glad to see him. "I gave him a big hug," Hawks coach Larry Drew said. Atlanta's bruising center was suspended from Game 4 of the Eastern Conference playoffs after head-butting Orlando's Jason Richardson, a play that just added to the lore of a bench player who knows his role is to play physical, turn up the...

2011 NBA playoffs: Orlando Magic tab Quentin Richardson to replace suspended Jason Richardson for Game 4
The Orlando Magic will start Quentin Richardson in place of suspended shooting guard Jason Richardson Sunday night in Game 4 of their playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks.

Video: Atlanta grabs Game 4


Hawks take Game 4 for 3-1 lead on Magic
Jamal Crawford scored 25 points and Joe Johnson hit four big free throws in the final 20 seconds after Atlanta struggled most of the night at the line, leading the Hawks to an 88-85 victory over the Orlando Magic and a 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference playoff series Sunday night.

Hawks win 88-85, take 3-1 lead on Magic (AP)

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (12) vies for a loose ball with Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) as Magic's Hedo Turkoglu (15) watches in the third quarter during Game 4 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series, Sunday, April 24, 2011, in Atlanta.

Jamal Crawford scored 25 points and Joe Johnson hit four big free throws in the final 20 seconds after Atlanta struggled most of the night at the line, leading the Hawks to an 88-85 victory over the Orlando Magic and a 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference playoff series Sunday night. The Hawks will try to wrap up the best-of-seven series Tuesday night in Orlando.




Hawks, Magic each lose player for a game
Atlanta Hawks' Zaza Pachulia, Orlando Magic's Jason Richardson suspended one playoff game for fighting.

2011 NBA playoffs: NBA suspends Zaza Pachulia of Atlanta Hawks, Jason Richardson of Orlando Magic for scuffle
Orlando Magic guard Jason Richardson and Atlanta Hawks center Zaza Pachulia have been suspended for Game 4 on Sunday for their roles in an altercation in the final minutes of Friday's game at Philips Arena, the NBA announced Saturday.

Two suspended for Hawks-Magic Game 4
The NBA has suspended Atlanta's Zaza Pachulia and Orlando's Jason Richardson for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference playoffs after their altercation in the closing minutes of the third game.

Crawford's late 3 helps Hawks top Magic (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 22:  Jason Richardson #23 of the Orlando Magic walks off the court with Quentin Richardson #5 after being ejected for fighting with Zaza Pachulia #27 of the Atlanta Hawks during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 22, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Jamal Crawford banked in a 3-pointer with 5.7 seconds left to cap a brilliant second half, leading the Atlanta Hawks to an 88-84 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night and a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference playoff series. The Hawks led most of the game, but things got close and testy in the final minutes.




Crawford's 3 lifts Hawks as tempers flare in win
Jamal Crawford banked in a 3-pointer with 5.7 seconds left to cap a brilliant second half, leading the Atlanta Hawks to an 88-84 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night and a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference playoff series.

Crawford brilliant as Hawks beat Magic
Jamal Crawford banked in a 3-pointer with 5.7 seconds left to cap a brilliant second half, leading the Atlanta Hawks to an 88-84 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night and a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference playoff series.

NBA playoffs 2011: Josh Smith of Atlanta Hawks likely for Game 2 despite elbow
Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith is expected to play in Tuesday night's playoff game against the Orlando Magic despite receiving extensive treatment the past two days for a bruised elbow.

Howard's 33 helps Magic even series vs. Hawks
Dwight Howard had 33 points and 19 rebounds, and Jameer Nelson added 13 points and eight rebounds and the Orlando Magic held off the Atlanta Hawks 88-82 on Tuesday night.

Magic hold off Hawks to even series at 1 (AP)

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 19:  Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic drives as Zaza Pachulia #27 of the Atlanta Hawks defends during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2011 at the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Dwight Howard had 33 points and 19 rebounds, Jameer Nelson added 13 points and eight rebounds and the Orlando Magic held off the Atlanta Hawks 88-82 on Tuesday night. The Magic evened the best-of-seven series, with Game 3 Friday night in Atlanta. Orlando used a 10-1 run to close the third quarter to take an 11-point lead into the fourth and fought off a late Atlanta charge down the stretch.




Howard, Nelson help Magic draw even
Dwight Howard had 33 points and 19 rebounds, and Jameer Nelson added 13 points and eight rebounds and the Orlando Magic held off the Atlanta Hawks 88-82 on Tuesday night.

Magic take on Hawks in Game 2
The Orlando Magic host the Atlanta Hawks in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.

Howard wins third straight Defensive POY (AP)

Orlando Magic 's Dwight Howard (12) goes up for a rebound against Atlanta Hawks ' Al Horford , left, during the first half of Game 1 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, April 16, 2011.

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard is the first player to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award three straight seasons. Only Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace, with four each, have won the award more times. The league announced Monday that Howard received 585 points, including 114 first-place votes, from a panel of 120 sports writers and broadcasters.




NBA playoffs 2011: J.J. Redick of Orlando Magic will play in Game 1
After missing the past 17 games with injuries, Orlando Magic guard J.J. Redick was cleared to return to the lineup for Saturday night's playoff opener against the Atlanta Hawks.

Hawks overcome Howard's 46 to stun Magic (AP)

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 16:  Jameer Nelson #14 (left) and Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic battle for a rebound against the Atlanta Hawks during Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2011 at the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Hawks' dominance over the Orlando Magic this year is not just a regular-season phenomenon. For now, it also includes the postseason. Joe Johnson scored 25 points, Jamal Crawford finished with 23 and Atlanta beat Orlando 103-93 in Game 1 of their playoff series on Saturday, overcoming a monster night by Dwight Howard.




Howard's 46 not enough as Magic lose to Hawks
Joe Johnson scored 25 points, Jamal Crawford finished with 23 and the Atlanta Hawks beat Orlando 103-93 in Game 1 of their playoff series on Saturday, overcoming a monster night by Magic star Dwight Howard.

Howard scores 46, yet Hawks win big
Joe Johnson scored 25 points, Jamal Crawford finished with 23 and the Atlanta Hawks beat Orlando 103-93 in Game 1 of their playoff series on Saturday, overcoming a monster night by Magic star Dwight Howard.

Magic's Redick 'close' to practicing (AP)
Magic guard J.J. Redick says he will sit out Orlando's regular season finale, but is "really close" to being able to practice with Orlando set to tip off the playoffs this weekend against Atlanta. Redick is sitting out his 17th straight game with a lower abdominal strain Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers.

Magic G Redick close to returning
Magic guard J.J. Redick says he will sit out Orlando's regular season finale, but is ''really close'' to being able to practice with Orlando set to tip off the playoffs this weekend against Atlanta.

Hawks head into playoffs on 6-game slide (AP)

Atlanta Hawks ' Josh Powell (12) dunks as Charlotte Bobcats ' Matt Carroll (33) looks on in the second half of the Bobcats' 96-85 win in an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, April 13, 2011.

Gerald Henderson scored 20 points, D.J. Augustin added 17 points and seven assists and the Charlotte Bobcats sent the Atlanta Hawks to the playoffs on a six-game losing streak with a 96-85 victory Wednesday night. With no starter playing more than 25 minutes and only Kirk Hinrich (10 points) scoring in double figures, coach Larry Drew got the Hawks rest, but no momentum heading into their...




J.J. Redick of Orlando Magic to sit out finale, close to playoff return
J.J. Redick says he will sit out Orlando's regular season finale, but is "really close" to being able to practice with Orlando set to tip off the playoffs this weekend against Atlanta.

LeBron, Heat stifle Hawks' attempted comeback
LeBron James scored 34 points and Miami held on for a 98-90 win over the Atlanta Hawks, who nearly rallied from a 20-point deficit while playing their backups against the Big Three in the fourth quarter Monday night.

Heat move closer to 2nd seed, beat Hawks (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 11:  LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat reacts after a charge was given to the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on April 11, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

LeBron James scored 34 points and Miami held on for a 98-90 win over the Atlanta Hawks, who nearly rallied from a 20-point deficit while playing their backups against the Big Three in the fourth quarter Monday night. Miami was looking to lock up the No. 2 seed in the East and played its starters all the way.




Heat hold off Hawks, clinch No. 2 seed
LeBron James scored 34 points and Miami locked up the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 98-90 win over the Atlanta Hawks, who nearly rallied from a 20-point deficit while going with their backups against the Big Three in the fourth quarter Monday night.

Reeling Hawks routed by lowly Wizards (AP)

Atlanta Hawks guard Kirk Hinrich (6) shoots next to Washington Wizards guard John Wall in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, April 9, 2011, in Washington.

Next week, the Atlanta Hawks will face the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs. They couldn't be heading into the postseason in worse shape. The reeling Hawks lost their fourth straight game on Saturday, 115-83 against the Washington Wizards, and weren't even competitive. The loss was embarrassing and puzzling.




Wizards send Hawks to 4th loss in row
Next week, the Atlanta Hawks will face the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs. They couldn't be heading into the postseason in worse shape.

Blatche, Wizards send Hawks to 4th straight loss
Andray Blatche scored 23 points, John Wall had 19, and the Washington Wizards dealt the playoff-bound Atlanta Hawks their fourth straight loss, 115-83 on Saturday night.

Granger helps lead Pacers past Hawks (AP)

Indiana Pacers forward Tyler Hansbrough , left, is fouled by Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) while going up for a shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Friday, April 8, 2011. Indiana won 114-102.

As the playoffs approach, Darren Collison is developing into the point guard the Indiana Pacers hoped he would become. Collison had 16 points and 10 assists -- his second straight double-double -- as the Pacers beat the Atlanta Hawks 114-102 on Friday night. Danny Granger led the way with 28 points, but he said Collison has been the catalyst during the team's recent hot streak.




Playoff-bound Pacers stick with rotation and win
Danny Granger scored 28 points to help the Indiana Pacers beat the Atlanta Hawks 114-102 on Friday night.

Atlanta Hawks' Josh Smith will rest sprained knee vs. Indiana Pacers
Atlanta forward Indiana Pacers because of a sprained right knee.

Iverson gets snippy with police
Former NBA star Allen Iverson let loose against Atlanta police with a curse-filled tirade after a car belonging to him was pulled over for a traffic violation, according to a police report released Friday.

Magic clinch East's No. 4 seed with win (AP)
Dwight Howard had 18 points and 17 rebounds, Jameer Nelson scored 17 and the Orlando Magic beat the Milwaukee Bucks 78-72 on Tuesday night. Coupled with Atlanta's 97-90 loss to San Antonio, the Magic clinched the No. 4 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs. Orlando won three of four in the season series to improve to 16-5 in its last 21 meetings against the Bucks.

Parker lifts Spurs by Hawks to snap road skid
Tony Parker scored 26 points and San Antonio moved closer to home-court advantage in the playoffs by ending a four-game road losing streak with a 97-90 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

Parker helps Spurs end 4-game road skid (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 05:  Etan Thomas #36 of the Atlanta Hawks battles for a rebound against Matt Bonner #15 and Gary Neal #14 of the San Antonio Spurs at Philips Arena on April 5, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Tony Parker scored 26 points and San Antonio moved closer to home-court advantage in the playoffs by ending a four-game road losing streak with a 97-90 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. Manu Ginobili had 18 points and Tim Duncan had 17 for the Spurs, who had been 0-6 on the road against Eastern Conference teams which have clinched playoff berths.




Hawks C Collins sprains left ankle (AP)
Jason Collins left Atlanta's game against San Antonio with a sprained left ankle. Collins, who started at center, suffered the injury with 3:10 remaining in the first half of Tuesday night's game. Collins fell back when defending Tim Duncan and appeared to collide with teammate Al Horford. Collins was escorted to the Hawks' locker room.

Josh Smith of Atlanta Hawks sits out with swelling in right knee
The Hawks' Josh Smith will miss Tuesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs because of swelling in his right knee.

Martin's 35 keeps Rockets in West playoff race
Kevin Martin scored 35 points and Luis Scola added 12 of his 15 in the second half to lead the Houston Rockets to their seventh straight home win, 114-109 over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night.

Rockets extend home win streak to 7 (AP)

Houston Rockets ' Luis Scola , left, of Argentina slips and loses control of the ball while Atlanta Hawks ' Al Horford defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, April 3, 2011, in Houston. The Rockets won 114-109.

Kevin Martin scored 35 points and Luis Scola added 12 of his 15 in the second half to lead the Houston Rockets to their seventh straight home win, 114-109 over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night. Scola made a jumper from the top of the key with 1:32 remaining to make it 107-104. He buried another one from the same spot about a minute later to stretch the lead to 109-105.




Knee injury has Celts' Krstic day to day (AP)
Boston Celtics center Nenad Krstic has a bone bruise in his right knee and is listed day-to-day. Krstic injured his knee on Thursday night against San Antonio on Thursday and did not play against Atlanta the following night. He had an MRI on Saturday that was negative. Krstic was acquired from Oklahoma City at the trading deadline with Jeff Green in a deal that sent Kendrick Perkins to the Thunder.

Hawks rally past travel-weary Celtics (AP)

Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green , front right, separates Boston Celtics center Jermaine O'Neal (7) and Atlanta Hawks center Zaza Pachulia as tempers flare in the second quarter of an NBA basketball game on Friday, April 1, 2011, in Atlanta.

Al Horford capped his 35th double-double with a key tip-in with 7.9 seconds remaining and the Atlanta Hawks surged in the fourth quarter to beat the travel-weary Boston Celtics 88-83 on Friday night. The Hawks' lead was only three points when Horford tipped in a miss by Joe Johnson. Jamal Crawford had 20 points and Johnson had 19 despite making only 4 of 20 shots from the field.




Hawks come big late to trip up Celtics
Al Horford capped his 35th double-double with a key tip-in with 7.9 seconds remaining and the Atlanta Hawks surged in the fourth quarter to beat the travel-weary Boston Celtics 88-83 on Friday night.

Iverson's Lamborghini impounded in Atlanta
A Lamborghini belonging to Allen Iverson was held in an Atlanta police impound yard after the former NBA star was pulled over by cops, TMZ reported.

Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers pokes fun at Dominique Wilkins after scrap with ex-referee
Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Friday it was "unfortunate, obviously" that his friend and former Atlanta Hawks teammate Dominique Wilkins was involved in a fight this week that left another man with a swollen eye.

Celts' Rivers needles Wilkins for fight (AP)
Boston coach Doc Rivers said Friday it was "unfortunate, obviously" that his friend and former Atlanta teammate Dominique Wilkins was involved in a fight this week that left another man with a swollen eye. Otherwise, Rivers couldn't contain his glee as he poked fun at Wilkins' sudden fame as a fighter.

Dominique Wilkins attacked by fan after game, Atlanta Hawks say
The Atlanta Hawks say Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins was attacked by a fan after their victory over the Orlando Magic.

Johnson, Smith lift Hawks by Magic 85-82 (AP)

Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith , 5, walks off the court after their win over the Orlando Magic during an NBA basketball game in Atlanta Wednesday, March 30, 2011. ( AP Photo/Rich Addicks)

Joe Johnson's floating one-hander in the lane put Atlanta ahead with 55.4 seconds remaining and Orlando's Jameer Nelson missed two chances to tie it, allowing the Hawks to escape with an 85-82 victory Wednesday night in a likely playoff preview. Josh Smith led the Hawks with 26 points, and Johnson added 18.




Hawks best Magic in preview of potential playoff
Joe Johnson's floating one-hander in the lane put Atlanta ahead with 55.4 seconds remaining and Orlando's Jameer Nelson missed two chances to tie it, allowing the Hawks to escape with an 85-82 victory Wednesday night in a likely playoff preview.

Hawks escape against Magic for win
Joe Johnson's floating one-hander in the lane put Atlanta ahead with 55.4 seconds remaining and Orlando's Jameer Nelson missed two chances to tie it, allowing the Hawks to escape with an 85-82 victory Wednesday night in a likely playoff preview.

Williams' 31 lift Johnson-less Hawks (AP)

Atlanta Hawks ' Marvin Williams , right, drives past Cleveland Cavaliers ' Alonzo Gee in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 27, 2011, in Cleveland. Williams led the Hawks with 31 points in a 99-83 win.

Marvin Williams scored a season-high 31 points and Al Horford added 20, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 99-83 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night. Atlanta played without leading scorer Joe Johnson, but never trailed. Johnson, who averages 18.5 points, sprained his right thumb Saturday, but the Hawks didn't need him to defeat the Cavaliers, who have the worst record in the NBA.




Hawks G Joe Johnson (thumb) out against Cavaliers
Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson is out for Sunday's game against Cleveland because of a sprained right thumb.

Johnson hurt as Hawks make playoffs (AP)

New Jersey Nets guard Ben Uzoh (18) drives to the basket as Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) defends in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, March 26, 2011, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 98-87.

The Atlanta Hawks took control with 19 straight points early in the game and clinched a playoff spot by beating the New Jersey Nets 98-87 on Saturday night. Al Horford had 23 points and 12 rebounds for Atlanta, including six straight points late in the game to fend off a comeback attempt by New Jersey.




Hawks put away Nets early, clinch playoff spot
The Atlanta Hawks took control with 19 straight points early in the game and clinched a playoff spot by beating the New Jersey Nets 98-87 on Saturday night.

Joe Johnson of Atlanta Hawks leaves game with thumb strain
Hawks All-Star guard Joe Johnson has left the team's game against New Jersey with a strained right thumb.

Nets G Ross could miss rest of season (AP)
New Jersey Nets coach Avery Johnson says backup guard Quinton Ross will likely miss the remainder of the season because of a back injury. Johnson said before Saturday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks that Ross has "another disc situation" in his back. Ross missed 12 games earlier this season with a back injury.

Slumping Hawks on verge of unraveling? (AP)
The playoff-bound Atlanta Hawks appear to be unraveling as they continue to get pounded at an historic pace. They say they have become disjointed, too often playing as individuals instead of as a team. As a result, Atlanta has been blown out at home more often than any team with a winning record in NBA history.

Reserves help 76ers rally past Hawks (AP)

Philadelphia 76ers ' Lou Williams (23) goes up for a shot as Atlanta Hawks ' Kirk Hinrich (6) defends in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 23, 2011, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 105-100.

Lou Williams scored 17 points, and Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young each had 16 to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to 105-100 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. The Sixers opened the fourth quarter on a 25-6 run to send the Hawks to their second demoralizing loss in two nights. The Bulls won in Atlanta 114-81 on Tuesday night.




According to his Twitter post, Floyd Mayweather won over $37,000 on the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night
Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. posted a picture on his Twitter account Wednesday morning of a betting slip from the M Resort in Las Vegas that showed he won $37,272.75 on the Bulls, who faced the Atlanta Hawks the previous night.

Bulls rout Hawks, alone again atop East (AP)

ATLANTA - MARCH 22: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls drives against Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks on March 22, 2011 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Derrick Rose had 30 points and 10 assists, helping the Chicago Bulls move back in the Eastern Conference lead with a runaway 114-81 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. Chicago's starters sat out the final period after the Bulls set season highs with 41 points in the second period and 72 points in the first half.




Rose, Bulls embarrass Hawks in Atlanta
Derrick Rose had 30 points and 10 assists, helping the Chicago Bulls move back in the Eastern Conference lead with a runaway 114-81 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

Bulls rout Hawks, pass idle Celts for 1st in East
Derrick Rose had 30 points and 10 assists, helping the Chicago Bulls move back in the Eastern Conference lead with a runaway 114-81 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

Bulls look to earn some payback in Atlanta


Horford leads slumping Hawks by Pistons (AP)

Detroit Pistons ' Greg Monroe (10) goes the basket as Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) defends in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 20, 2011, in Atlanta.  Atlanta won 104-96.

Al Horford scored 18 points, Josh Smith and Joe Johnson each added 17, helping the Atlanta Hawks snap a two-game skid with a 104-96 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Rodney Stuckey missed two jump shots in the final 1:14 but still led the Pistons with 22 points in a reserve role. Reserve forward Chris Wilcox added 18 and Greg Monroe scored 17 for Detroit, which has lost seven straight on...




LeBron puts on amazing shooting display
LeBron can't miss in Atlanta.

LeBron's dominant 3rd quarter helps Heat romp
LeBron James scored 43 points, including 23 in a dominant third quarter, and the Miami Heat beat the Atlanta Hawks 106-85 on Friday night.

James scores 43 as Heat pound Hawks (AP)

Atlanta Hawks head coach Larry Drew pleads his case with a official after a foul call in the in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat Friday March 18, 2011 in Atlanta.  Miami won 106-85.

LeBron James scored 43 points, including 23 in a dominant third quarter, and the Miami Heat beat the Atlanta Hawks 106-85 on Friday night. Chris Bosh had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Dwyane Wade had 14 points as Miami rolled to the runaway win in its first visit of the season to Atlanta. James made 16 of 21 shots, including five 3-pointers.




LeBron goes wild during win over Hawks
LeBron James scored 43 points, including 23 in a dominant third quarter, and the Miami Heat beat the Atlanta Hawks 106-85 on Friday night.

Bibby back in Atlanta as Heat take on Hawks


Bibby going back to Atlanta as opponent


Bibby going back to Atlanta as opponent
Mike Bibby has already been back to Atlanta twice since the Hawks gave him away last month, grabbing clothes and other items from his house.

Nuggets still hot as Smith lights up Hawks in 4th
Nene scored 20 points, J.R. Smith added all of his 15 in the fourth quarter, and the Denver Nuggets ran away to another win, beating the Atlanta Hawks 102-87 Wednesday night.

Nuggets move to 9-2 since Anthony trade (AP)

Denver Nuggets ' Wilson Chandler drives to the basket in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks , Wednesday, March 16, 2011, in Atlanta.  Denver won 102-87.

Nene scored 20 points, J.R. Smith added all of his 15 in the fourth quarter, and the Denver Nuggets ran away to another win, beating the Atlanta Hawks 102-87 Wednesday night. It looked as if the game would go down to the wire when Zaza Pachulia flipped in a putback, pulling the Hawks to 72-69 with just over 10 minutes remaining.




Nuggets roll over Hawks on road
Nene scored 20 points, J.R. Smith added all of his 15 in the fourth quarter, and the Denver Nuggets ran away to another win, beating the Atlanta Hawks 102-87 Wednesday night.

Johnson shines as Atlanta clobbers Milwaukee
Joe Johnson scored 36 points -- 28 in the first half -- and the Atlanta Hawks romped to a 110-85 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in a makeup game Tuesday night.

Johnson scores 36 as Hawks rout Bucks (AP)

Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) scores in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks , Tuesday, March 15, 2011, in Atlanta. The Hawks won 110-85.

Joe Johnson came out sporting a new look. If his teammates have their way, he won't be changing it anytime soon. Wearing a black headband, Johnson scored 36 points -- 28 in the first half -- and the Atlanta Hawks romped to a 110-85 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in a makeup game Tuesday night. Johnson donned the headband to protect the back of his scalp after undergoing a procedure to treat a...




Johnson's huge 2nd half powers Hawks
Sporting a new look, Joe Johnson scored 36 points - 28 in the first half - and the Atlanta Hawks romped to a 110-85 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in a makeup game Tuesday night.

Atlanta Hawks' Al Horford (sore ankle) to play vs. Milwaukee Bucks
All-Star center Al Horford is back in the lineup for the Atlanta Hawks.

Teague's career night helps Hawks snap slide
Jeff Teague matched a career high with 24 points, Jamal Crawford added 20 and the Atlanta Hawks snapped a four-game slide with a 91-82 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night.

Undermanned Hawks snap 4-game skid (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) takes a shot against Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game at Philips Arena, Saturday, March 12, 2011, in Atlanta. The Hawks went on to win 91-82.

Jeff Teague matched a career high with 24 points, Jamal Crawford added 20 and the Atlanta Hawks snapped a four-game slide with a 91-82 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. LaMarcus Aldridge scored 22 and Wesley Matthews finished with 19 for Portland, which has lost two straight following a four-game winning streak.




Atlanta Hawks' Josh Powell arrested for refusing to move for ambulance
Atlanta Hawks reserve forward Josh Powell was arrested before Saturday's game for refusing to move his car for an oncoming ambulance, according to a team official.

Hawks' Powell arrested on traffic charge (AP)
Atlanta Hawks reserve forward Josh Powell was arrested before Saturday's game for refusing to move his car for an oncoming ambulance, according to a team official. The 28-year-old Powell was not at Philips Arena while the Hawks played the Portland Trail Blazers. "We are aware of the traffic incident concerning Josh and that he is not at the game tonight," Hawks spokesman Arthur Triche...

NBA vet arrested on traffic charges
Atlanta Hawks reserve forward Josh Powell was arrested before Saturday's game for refusing to move his car for an oncoming ambulance.

Atlanta Hawks' Al Horford sits vs. Portland Trail Blazers with sore ankle
Hawks center Al Horford is sidelined with a sore left ankle and will not play Saturday night against Portland.

Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer will not play against Atlanta Hawks
Chicago Bulls' Carlos Boozer will not play against the Atlanta Hawks.

Rose scores 34 to lead Bulls' charge past Hawks
Derrick Rose came on strong after a slow start to finish with 34 points, and the Chicago Bulls ran away with their 12th win in 14 games, beating the struggling Atlanta Hawks 94-76 on Friday.

Rose has 34, Boozer-less Bulls top Hawks (AP)

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 11: Rasual Butler #45 of the Chicago Bulls gets his first playing time and basket as a member of the Bulls against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on March 11, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hawks 94-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Derrick Rose came on strong after a slow start to finish with 34 points, and the Chicago Bulls ran away with their 12th win in 14 games, beating the struggling Atlanta Hawks 94-76 on Friday. The Bulls prevailed on a night when Carlos Boozer sat out with a sprained left ankle thanks to a strong third quarter.




Rose finishes strong in win over Hawks
Derrick Rose came on strong after a slow start to finish with 34 points, and the Chicago Bulls ran away with their 12th win in 14 games, beating the struggling Atlanta Hawks 94-76 on Friday.

Bulls' Boozer out, Deng starts instead
Carlos Boozer missed the Chicago Bulls' game against the Atlanta Hawks because of a sprained left ankle, while Luol Deng started despite a bruised left thigh.

Nightclub drops James from lawsuit (AP)
An Atlanta nightclub has dismissed a lawsuit against Miami Heat star LeBron James. The Opera nightclub had filed a complaint Monday in Fulton County Superior Court accusing James of canceling a March 17 appearance for which he was supposed to be paid $25,000. It also accused the owners of the rival Gold Room nightclub in Atlanta of instead arranging a visit there.

LeBron James of Miami Heat sued by Atlanta nightclub for backing out of appearance
An Atlanta nightclub is suing Miami Heat star LeBron James, accusing him of reneging on a promise to make a one-hour appearance later this month.

Atlanta nightclub sues Heat star James (AP)
An Atlanta nightclub is suing Miami Heat star LeBron James, accusing him of reneging on a promise to make a one-hour appearance later this month. The Opera nightclub's complaint filed Monday in Fulton County Superior Court says James canceled a March 17 appearance for which he was supposed to be paid $25,000.

Bryant 6th on scoring list, Lakers roll (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 08:  Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers waits for game introductions to face the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on March 8, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kobe Bryant scored 26 points to pass Moses Malone on the career scoring list and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Atlanta Hawks 101-87 on Tuesday night. The Lakers took a three-game losing streak into the All-Star break. Since then, they've won eight straight, a streak that began with a similar 104-80 home win over the Hawks on Feb.




Bryant now 6th on NBA scoring list (AP)
Kobe Bryant has passed Moses Malone for sixth place on the NBA's career scoring list. The Lakers 13-time All-Star, entered Tuesday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks 12 points from matching Malone's 27,409 points. Bryant passed Malone when he made three free throws with 2:05 remaining in the first half.

Lakers take seven-game win streak into Atlanta
Lakers take seven-game win streak into Atlanta.

Kobe passes Malone in rout of Hawks
Kobe Bryant scored 26 points to pass Moses Malone on the career scoring list and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Atlanta Hawks 101-87 on Tuesday night.

New York Knicks' Chauncey Billups (thigh bruise), a game-time decision Sunday at Atlanta Hawks
Chauncey Billups will be a game-time decision Sunday night when the Knicks face the Hawks.

Despite off night from Melo, Knicks drop Hawks
Amare Stoudemire scored 26 points, Landry Fields added 15 and the New York Knicks easily beat the Atlanta Hawks 92-79 on Sunday night.

Anthony held to 14 but Knicks beat Hawks (AP)

New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is tended to by team personnel after getting poked in the eye during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, March 6, 2011, in Atlanta.

Amare Stoudemire scored 26 points, Landry Fields added 15 and the New York Knicks easily beat the Atlanta Hawks 92-79 on Sunday night. Carmelo Anthony, who was poked in the eye in the first quarter and later hit in the head in the first half, finished with 14 points, his lowest total since New York acquired him in a Feb.




Billups out, Smith back for Knicks-Hawks (AP)
New York guard Chauncey Billups missed his third straight game, while forward Josh Smith returned for the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night. Smith, Atlanta's second-leading scorer, was out the last two games with a sprained right knee. Hawks coach Larry Drew said the team decided Smith would start after practice Saturday.

New York Knicks' Chauncey Billups (thigh bruise), Ronny Turiaf (sore left knee), Bill Walker (sore left knee) all questionable Sunday at Atlanta Hawks
New York Knicks point guard Chauncey Billups is questionable for the Knicks' road game against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night due to a bruised left thigh, according to a team spokesman.

Westbrook hits late 3 to lift Thunder past Hawks
Kevin Durant scored 29 points despite a sore ankle and Russell Westbrook hit a clinching 3-pointer, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 111-104 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.

Durant has 29 on sore ankle, Thunder win (AP)

Atlanta Hawks head coach Larry Drew directs his players during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Atlanta, Friday, March 4, 2011. Oklahoma City  won 11-104. Oklahoma won 111-104.

Kevin Durant scored 29 points despite a sore ankle and Russell Westbrook hit a clinching 3-pointer, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 111-104 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. Durant sprained his left ankle two nights earlier and wasn't cleared to play until an hour before the game, but the NBA's leading scorer turned in his usual performance.




Bulls end Magic's 4-game winning streak (AP)

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard (12) fights for a rebound against Chicago Bulls ' Omer Asik (3), of Turkey, and Taj Gibson (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Orlando, Fla., Friday, March 4, 2011.

Derrick Rose had 24 points and Luol Deng added 16 to help the Chicago Bulls hang on for an 89-81 win over the Orlando Magic on Friday night in a matchup of two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls bounced back from one of their worst games of the month against Atlanta on Wednesday to post their eighth victory in 10 games.




Kevin Durant (sprained ankle) to start against Atlanta Hawks
NBA leading scorer Kevin Durant is starting for Oklahoma City against the Atlanta Hawks despite a sprained left ankle.

Durant doubtful to play against Hawks
NBA scoring leader Kevin Durant was held out of practice Thursday with a sprained left ankle and Thunder coach Scott Brooks says it's doubtful he will play Friday night at Atlanta.

Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City Thunder held out of practice, doubtful for Friday
Kevin Durant was held out of practice Thursday with a sprained left ankle and Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks says it's doubtful he will play Friday night at Atlanta.

Down 19, Hawks rally past Bulls 83-80 (AP)

Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose (1) drives against Atlanta Hawks guard Kirk Hinrich (6) in the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 2, 2011 in Atlanta. Atlanta won 83-80.

With his Hawks trailing the Chicago Bulls 14-0 after missing their first seven shots, coach Larry Drew called a timeout and "just told the guys we were all right." Al Horford then showed he was better than that, delivering one of the best games of his career to lead a comeback that wasn't complete until the final minute.




Horford, Hawks use 2nd-half rally to edge Bulls
Al Horford matched his career high with 31 points, including a jam with 29 seconds remaining to give Atlanta its first lead, and the Hawks beat the Chicago Bulls 83-80 on Wednesday night.

Hawks storm back late to beat Bulls
Al Horford matched his career high with 31 points, including a jam with 29 seconds remaining to give Atlanta its first lead, and the Hawks beat the Chicago Bulls 83-80 on Wednesday night.

Josh Smith of Atlanta Hawks to get MRI on right knee
Kirk Hinrich is making his first start for the Hawks in his first home game in Atlanta, but the team is without injured forward Josh Smith against the Chicago Bulls.

Hawks' Hinrich to start, Smith sits out (AP)
Kirk Hinrich is making his first start for the Hawks in his first home game in Atlanta, but the team is without injured forward Josh Smith against the Chicago Bulls. Smith is having an MRI on his right knee on Wednesday night. He hurt his knee in Tuesday night's loss at Denver and the team said he suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament.

Crawford helps Hawks hold off Blazers (AP)

Portland Trail Blazers ' Wesley Matthews , left, defends against Atlanta Hawks ' Joe Johnson (2) in the second half during their NBA basketball game Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, in Portland, Ore. The Hawks defeated the Trail Blazers 90-83.

Jamal Crawford had 23 points, including a key 3-pointer with 1:36 left, and the Atlanta Hawks held off a late rally by the Portland Trail Blazers for a 90-83 victory on Sunday night. Joe Johnson added 22 points and Atlanta led by as many as 23 in the sixth of a seven-game road trip. The Hawks are 3-3 on the trip, which wraps up Monday night in Denver.




Revamped Nuggets win again by topping Hawks
Newcomers Raymond Felton and Wilson Chandler combined to score 31 points Monday night, helping Denver rally for a 100-90 win over the Atlanta Hawks for the Nuggets' third win in four games since the deal that sent Carmelo Anthony to New York.

Newcomers help Nuggets rally past Hawks (AP)

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 28:  Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks looks for the ball against the defense of Wilson Chandler #21 of the Denver Nuggets as Damien Wilkins #3 of the Hawks controls the ball against the defense of J.R. Smith #5 of the Nuggets during NBA action at the Pepsi Center on February 28, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets deafeated the Hawks 100-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Newcomers Raymond Felton and Wilson Chandler combined to score 31 points Monday night, helping Denver rally for a 100-90 win over the Atlanta Hawks for the Nuggets' third win in four games since the deal that sent Carmelo Anthony to New York. Felton had 16 points and Chandler added 15 as the Nuggets used a 8-0 surge early in the fourth quarter to pull away from the road-weary Hawks.




Danilo Gallinari of Denver Nuggets out with sprained left big toe
Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari will sit out Monday night against the Atlanta Hawks because of a sprained left big toe.

Nuggets' Gallinari out with sprained toe (AP)
Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari will sit out Monday night against the Atlanta Hawks because of a sprained left big toe. Gallinari stubbed his toe late in a loss to Portland on Friday night and Nuggets coach George Karl said the digit remains tender. Gallinari scored 30 points against the Blazers, one shy of tying his career high.

Smith's 26 help Hawks end 3-game skid (AP)

Atlanta Hawks ' Damien Wilkins , right, drives around Golden State Warriors ' Dorell Wright during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, in Oakland, Calif.

Josh Smith scored 26 points, Al Horford had 22 points and 12 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Golden State Warriors 95-79 on Friday night. Joe Johnson added 12 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Hawks (35-23), who snapped a three-game losing streak and won for the first time since the All-Star break.




Mike Bibby uncertain for Friday debut with Washington Wizards
Mike Bibby's availability for Washington's game in Miami on Friday is unclear, with the veteran guard saying some paperwork still needs to be completed following his trade from Atlanta.

Wizards may not have Bibby vs. Heat (AP)
Mike Bibby's availability for Washington's game in Miami on Friday is unclear, with the veteran guard saying some paperwork still needs to be completed following his trade from Atlanta. Bibby was with the Wizards for their Friday morning shootaround practice, but only watched from the sideline.

Fratello to coach Ukraine national team (AP)
Former NBA coach Mike Fratello has agreed to coach Ukraine's national team at the European Championship this year. The Ukrainian Basketball Federation says it has a verbal agreement with the former Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies coach. A contract will be signed in the next few days.

Lakers rip Hawks to snap 3-game slide (AP)

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22:  Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks loses control of the ball while being defended by Luke Walton #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Staples Center on February 22, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Hawks 104-80. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

All-Star game MVP Kobe Bryant scored 20 points, Pau Gasol added 14 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers easily ended their three-game skid with a 104-80 victory over the struggling Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. Shannon Brown scored 15 points as the two-time defending NBA champions got right back into form after stumbling into their hometown All-Star weekend with increasingly...




Hawks land Hinrich for playoff run
The struggling Atlanta Hawks acquired guard Kirk Hinrich from Washington in a five-player trade Wednesday, upgrading their backcourt for the playoff run.

Hawks close to getting Wizards G Hinrich (AP)
The struggling Hawks were finalizing a deal to acquire guard Kirk Hinrich from the Washington Wizards, upgrading the Atlanta backcourt for the playoff run, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced, said the Hawks would receive Hinrich and forward Hilton Armstrong in exchange...

Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards nearing five-player deal, sources say
The Atlanta Hawks are making progress toward their first move of note in the Eastern Conference arms race.

Report: Hawks close to acquiring Hinrich
A person with knowledge of the talks says the Atlanta Hawks are finalizing a deal to acquire guard Kirk Hinrich from the Washington Wizards.

Lakers start strong after All-Star break
All-Star game MVP Kobe Bryant scored 20 points, Pau Gasol added 14 points and 10 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers easily ended their three-game skid with a 104-80 victory over the struggling Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

Jarret Jack of New Orleans Hornets arrested for DUI near Atlanta
Police in an Atlanta suburb say Hornets' backup point guard Jarrett Jack has been arrested and charged with drunken driving.

Hornets' Jack arrested, charged with DUI (AP)
Police in an Atlanta suburb say New Orleans Hornets' backup point guard Jarrett Jack has been arrested and charged with drunken driving. Snellville Police Chief Roy Whitehead said in an e-mail Monday the 27-year-old former Georgia Tech star was pulled over early Sunday by an officer who clocked him at 66 mph in a 45-mph zone.

Hornets' Jack arrested, charged with DUI
Police in an Atlanta suburb say New Orleans Hornets' backup point guard Jarrett Jack has been arrested and charged with drunken driving.

Warriors' Curry wins Skills Challenge (AP)
Golden State's Stephen Curry beat Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook in the final round to win the Skills Challenge early on All-Star Saturday at Staples Center. A three-person team from Atlanta won the Shooting Stars competition in the first event at the NBA All-Star weekend's silly Saturday.

Amar'e returns as Knicks handle Hawks
Amare Stoudemire scored 23 points, leading the New York Knicks into the All-Star break with a winning record after a 102-90 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.

Knicks win, head into All-Star break over .500
Amare Stoudemire scored 23 points, leading the New York Knicks into the All-Star break with a winning record after a 102-90 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.

Knicks top Hawks, enter break over .500 (AP)

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 16:  Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots over Timofey Mozgov #25 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 16, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Amare Stoudemire scored 23 points, leading the New York Knicks into the All-Star break with a winning record after a 102-90 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. Wilson Chandler added 20 points and Danilo Gallinari had 17 for the Knicks, who at 28-26 matched their average victory total for the last five full seasons.




Atlanta Hawks' Al Horford on New York Knicks' Amare Stoudemire: 'Ain't nobody scared of him'
Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford doesn't know what Amare Stoudemire meant when he said Horford "don't want to see me" on the court during Wednesday night's Knicks-Hawks game at the Garden.

D'Antoni: Amar'e should return Wednesday
Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said Monday he believes Amar'e Stoudemire will play in Wednesday's first half of the season finale against the Atlanta Hawks and might be on the practice court Tuesday.

New York Knicks' Amare Stoudemire a go for Atlanta Hawks, unsure of All-Star Game
Amare Stoudemire is ready to face the Hawks on Wednesday but isn't sure about the All-Star Game.

Smith's 27 and 14 lift Hawks by Pistons (AP)

Atlanta Hawks guard Mike Bibby (10) shoots past the reach of Detroit Pistons forward Austin Daye (5) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in Auburn Hills, Mich., Monday, Feb. 14, 2011. Atlanta won 94-79.

The Atlanta Hawks knew the Detroit Pistons were going to start missing shots eventually. Once they did, the game was over. Detroit hit their first six 3-pointers while building a 15-point second-quarter lead Monday night, but the Hawks were back in front by halftime and went on to win 94-79. "They were making every shot in the first half, but we started helping each other out," said Josh...




Jackson's buzzer beater fuels Bobcats
Paul Silas kept telling his Charlotte Bobcats to just keep playing, no matter how bad their chances looked against the Atlanta Hawks.

Jackson's jumper at buzzer caps Bobcats' rally
Stephen Jackson hit a last-second jumper over two Atlanta defenders and the Charlotte Bobcats rallied after trailing by 22 points to beat the Hawks 88-86 on Saturday night.

Jackson caps Bobcats' rally at buzzer (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 12:  Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks waits for an inbounds pass by the Charlotte Bobcats at Philips Arena on February 12, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Stephen Jackson hit a last-second jumper over two Atlanta defenders and the Charlotte Bobcats rallied after trailing by 22 points to beat the Hawks 88-86 on Saturday night. Jackson, a former Atlanta player, scored 32 points, including the winning shot over Maurice Evans and Al Horford. Jackson hopped onto the scorer's table before running off the court yelling, "That's what I do!"...




Atlanta Hawks C Al Horford (back) to start against Charlotte Bobcats
All-Star center Al Horford is back in Atlanta's starting lineup after missing two games with a back injury.

Hawks' Horford returns from back injury (AP)
All-Star center Al Horford is back in Atlanta's starting lineup after missing two games with a back injury. Coach Larry Drew says Horford is starting in Saturday night's game against the Charlotte Bobcats. Horford was missed as the Hawks suffered an ugly 117-83 home loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Williams, Sixers pummel Horford-less Hawks
Elton Brand scored 13 of his 17 points in the first half and Philadelphia jumped out to a 20-point lead in the opening period and cruised to a 117-83 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

Surging 76ers win 117-83 in Atlanta (AP)

Philadelphia 76ers point guard Lou Williams (23) drives against Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game in Atlanta, Tuesday, Feb. 8,  2011. Philadelphia won 117-83.

Elton Brand scored 13 of his 17 points in the first half and Philadelphia jumped out to a 20-point lead in the opening period and cruised to a 117-83 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. Louis Williams, from South Gwinnett High School near Atlanta, had 20 points to lead six Philadelphia scorers in double figures.




Hawks C Horford out second straight game
The Atlanta Hawks are without All-Star center Al Horford for Tuesday night's game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

C Al Horford to miss second straight Atlanta Hawks game
The Atlanta Hawks are without All-Star center Al Horford for Tuesday night's game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Smith leads Horford-less Hawks to win (AP)

Washington Wizards guard John Wall , right, goes to the basket against Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, in Washington. The Hawks won 99-92.

Josh Smith scored 29 points and added a season-high 16 rebounds to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 99-92 win against the Washington Wizards Saturday night. Atlanta has won the last 12 meetings. Overall, the loss extended the Wizards' losing streak to eight, a season high. Washington hasn't beaten the Hawks since an overtime win in Atlanta on Jan.




Smith's double-double lifts Hawks past Wizards
Josh Smith scored 29 points and added a season-high 16 rebounds to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 99-92 win against the Washington Wizards Saturday night.

Atlanta Hawks C Al Horford (bruised back) out vs. Washington Wizards
All-Star center Al Horford will miss the Atlanta Hawks' game at the Washington Wizards due to a bruised back.

Horford FTs with 0.6 left lift Hawks over Clippers
Al Horford made two free throws with 0.6 seconds remaining following a flagrant foul by Blake Griffin, giving the Atlanta Hawks a 101-100 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.

Late Griffin flagrant helps Hawks win (AP)

Atlanta Hawks head coach Larry Drew, right, talks with Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson (2) during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Atlanta, Friday, Feb. 4, 2011. Atlanta won 101-100.

Al Horford made two free throws with 0.6 seconds remaining following a flagrant foul by Blake Griffin, giving the Atlanta Hawks a 101-100 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. Griffin sent Marvin Williams and then Horford to the floor with hard fouls in the final seconds. The last was the most costly, though Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro argued against the flagrant 1 ruling.




Hawks send Raptors to 13th straight loss (AP)
Joe Johnson has needed about 11/2 months to get his shooting touch back. Considering that he underwent right elbow surgery and missed nine games in December, Johnson believes his patience has paid off. "I've been taking my time," he said. "My body is feeling pretty good now." Johnson scored a season-high 37 points, Josh Smith had 18 points and 11 rebounds, and the Atlanta...

Johnson's season-high 37 points help Hawks roll
Joe Johnson scored a season-high 37 points, Josh Smith had 18 points and 11 rebounds, and the Atlanta Hawks beat Toronto 100-87 Wednesday night for the Raptors' 13th straight loss.

Hawks send Raptors to 13th straight loss (AP)

Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson (2) drives against Toronto Raptors forward Sonnny Weems (24) in the second quarter of an NBA basketball game in Atlanta, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011.

Joe Johnson scored a season-high 37 points, Josh Smith had 18 points and 11 rebounds, and the Atlanta Hawks beat Toronto 100-87 Wednesday night for the Raptors' 13th straight loss. The Hawks have won two of three and five of eight. Toronto's losing streak is the team's longest since it dropped 13 in a row from Feb.




NBA fines Josh Smith of Atlanta Hawks for obscene gesture
The NBA has fined Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith $25,000 for making an obscene gesture during a game.

Hawks G Smith fined $25K for gesture (AP)
The NBA has fined Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith $25,000 for making an obscene gesture during a game. The incident occurred with less than 4 minutes remaining in Atlanta's 111-102 win over the New York Knicks on Friday night. The league announced the fine on Sunday. It is the second penalty against the Hawks to be handed down from the game.

Hawks' Smith fined $25K
The NBA has fined Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith $25,000 for making an obscene gesture during a game.

Surging Mavericks defeat Hawks 102-91 (AP)

Atlanta Hawks center Zaza Pachulia (27) is fouled by Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) during the second half of their NBA basketball game in Dallas,  Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011. The Mavericks won 102-91. (AP Photo/LM Otero)1

Dirk Nowitzki scored 19 points, Jason Terry added 18 points and a season-high 11 assists, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Atlanta Hawks 102-91 on Saturday night. Jason Kidd had 12 points and eight rebounds, and Tyson Chandler also had 12 points for the Mavericks, who had seven double-figure scorers.




Knicks, Hawks trade punches
The Knicks' Shawne Williams faces the threat of a multiple-game suspension after an ugly final-minute altercation in New York's 111-102 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

Atlanta Hawks' Marvin Williams suspended two games, New York Knicks' Shawne Williams suspended one game for throwing punches
Atlanta's Marvin Williams and New York's Shawne Williams were ejected for throwing punches with less than a minute remaining in Friday night's game

Hawks, Knicks deal with brawl fallout
The Atlanta Hawks Marvin Williams has been suspended two games and the New York Knicks' Shawne Williams one game for throwing punches Friday night.

Atlanta Hawks sign Dominique Wilkins' nephew Damien for rest of season
The Atlanta Hawks have signed swingman Damien Wilkins for the rest of the season.

Johnson, Hawks thwart Knicks' comeback bid
Joe Johnson scored 34 points and the Atlanta Hawks turned back New York's late comeback to beat the Knicks 111-102 on Friday night.

Hawks hold off Knicks after altercation (AP)

Atlanta Hawks ' Joe Johnson (2) is fouled by New York Knicks ' Landry Fields , left, while driving to the basket in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, in Atlanta.  Johnson led all scorers with 34 points to help Atlanta win 111-102.

Joe Johnson scored 34 points and the Atlanta Hawks turned back New York's late comeback to beat the Knicks 111-102 on Friday night. Forward Marvin Williams made his first start since Dec. 29, giving the Hawks their original starting five for the first time in almost a month, but he may soon face an NBA suspension.




New York Knicks hold out Wilson Chandler against Atlanta Hawks with sore calf
Forward Wilson Chandler has a sore left calf and is not in uniform for the New York Knicks against the Atlanta Hawks.

Knicks F Chandler out with sore calf (AP)
Forward Wilson Chandler has a sore left calf and is not in uniform for the New York Knicks against the Atlanta Hawks. The Knicks said before Friday night's game Chandler is listed as day to day. He has had ongoing problems with the injury. Coach Mike D'Antoni says Shawne Williams is replacing Chandler in the Knicks' starting lineup.

Down 11 in 4th, depleted Bucks top Hawks (AP)

Milwaukee Bucks ' Andrew Bogut , left, defends against Atlanta Hawks ' Joe Johnson (2) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 98-90.

Earl Boykins scored 11 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, and the Milwaukee Bucks rallied from an 11-point deficit to start the period and beat the Atlanta Hawks 98-90 on Wednesday night. The short-handed Bucks, missing three starters, went on a 22-3 run to start the fourth and stopped Atlanta's road winning streak at six, one short of a franchise record.




Boykins rallies Bucks past Hawks in 4th quarter
Earl Boykins scored 11 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, and the Milwaukee Bucks rallied from an 11-point deficit to start the period and beat the Atlanta Hawks 98-90 on Wednesday night.

Hawks' Horford, Williams set to return (AP)
Atlanta Hawks coach Larry Drew says Al Horford and Marvin Williams are back from their injuries. Horford missed two games with a sprained right ankle, while Williams had a back bruise that cost him 11 games. Drew says both will play Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. Milwaukee, meanwhile, is still missing Brandon Jennings (left foot surgery), John Salmons (right hip) and Drew Gooden (left...

Surging Hornets cool off Spurs 96-72 (AP)

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 22:  Tiago Splitter #22 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks the ball over Emeka Okafor #50 of the New Orleans Hornets at the New Orleans Arena on January 22, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The Hornets defeated the Spurs 96-72.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

David West had 18 points and 10 rebounds, and the New Orleans Hornets earned their eighth consecutive victory and ended the San Antonio Spurs' eight-game winning streak, 96-72 on Saturday night. One night after winning by 41 at Atlanta, the Hornets led by as many as 31 against a Spurs team that has the NBA's best record (37-7), but which has also lost twice to New Orleans (29-16).




Hawks answer 41-point loss with rout of Bobcats
Joe Johnson scored 32 points and the undermanned but energized Atlanta Hawks bounced back from a humiliating defeat with a 103-87 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday night.

Johnson's 32 help Hawks bounce back (AP)

Charlotte Bobcats head coach Paul Silas, right, tries to make a point with NBA referee Steve Javie against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011, in Charlotte, N.C. The Hawks won 103-87.

Joe Johnson scored 32 points and the undermanned but energized Atlanta Hawks bounced back from a humiliating defeat with a 103-87 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday night. Josh Smith added 16 points for the Hawks, who a night earlier scored 59 points at home against New Orleans. Atlanta surpassed that total midway through the third quarter when it took control despite playing without...




Josh Powell of Atlanta Hawks suspended by coach Larry Drew
Hawks coach Larry Drew has suspended reserve forward Josh Powell for one game.

Hornets hold Hawks to all-time ATL low
Chris Paul scored 16 points and dished out eight assists in a laugher for the New Orleans Hornets, who took control late in the first half and held the Hawks to their lowest-scoring game in Atlanta history, a 100-59 rout Friday night.

Hornets hand Hawks historic 100-59 loss (AP)

Atlanta Hawks guard Maurice Evans goes up for a dunk as New Orleans Hornets point guard Jarrett Jack (2) looks on during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 21, 2011 in Atlanta.

Chris Paul scored 16 points and dished out eight assists in a laugher for the New Orleans Hornets, who took control late in the first half and held the Hawks to their lowest-scoring game in Atlanta history, a 100-59 rout Friday night. New Orleans cruised to its seventh straight win against a Hawks team that shot 29 percent and barely beat the franchise record for fewest points.




Hornets' Trevor Ariza out of lineup with ankle tendinitis
New Orleans forward Trevor Ariza is sitting out the Hornets' game against the Atlanta Hawks because of an ailing right ankle.

Hornets' Ariza sidelined with sore ankle (AP)
New Orleans forward Trevor Ariza is sitting out the Hornets' game against the Atlanta Hawks because of an ailing right ankle. Hornets coach Monty Williams says Ariza has been dealing with tendinitis for "a while," and the team decided to give him Friday night off and see how he's feeling Saturday.

Hawks' Horford may miss at least 2 games
Al Horford's sprained ankle could leave the Atlanta Hawks without two starters for at least two games, but there was no sense of panic Thursday.

Atlanta Hawks' Al Horford, Marvin Williams could miss 2 games
Al Horford's sprained ankle could leave the Atlanta Hawks without two starters for at least two games, but there was no sense of panic Thursday.

Hawks' Horford likely to miss 2 games (AP)
Al Horford's sprained ankle could leave the Atlanta Hawks without two starters for at least two games, but there was no sense of panic Thursday. The Hawks are confident they can withstand this latest test to the team's depth as they chase Miami in the Southeast Division. In fact, the Hawks believe their 93-89 win at Miami on Tuesday night was an important indicator they have better depth...

Atlanta Hawks sign Damien Wilkins to 10-day contract again
The Atlanta Hawks have signed swingman Damien Wilkins to a second 10-day contract.

Miami Heat's Chris Bosh out; LeBron James a game-time decision
Heat forward Chris Bosh has been ruled out of Miami's game against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, and two-time league MVP LeBron James remains a game-time decision.

Bosh out, LeBron questionable against Hawks
Heat forward Chris Bosh has been ruled out of Miami's game against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, and two-time league MVP LeBron James remains a game-time decision.

Hawks topple Heat in OT despite LeBron's return
Josh Smith made a go-ahead layup with 34.7 seconds left in overtime, Joe Johnson scored 19 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat Miami 93-89 on Tuesday night to send the Heat to a fourth straight loss.

Heat skid hits 4 with OT loss to Hawks (AP)

Atlanta Hawks ' Jamal Crawford (11) is congratulated by Joe Johnson , second from left, Maurice Evans (1), and Mike Bibby (10) after shooting a three-pointer in overtime during an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat in Miami, Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011. The Hawks defeated the Heat 93-89 in overtime.

Josh Smith made a go-ahead layup with 34.7 seconds left in overtime, Joe Johnson scored 19 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat Miami 93-89 on Tuesday night to send the Heat to a fourth straight loss. Johnson had a game-tying layup with 25.4 seconds left in regulation and two game-sealing free throws with 5.2 seconds remaining in overtime.




Hawks stun LeBron, Heat in overtime
Josh Smith made a go-ahead layup with 34.7 seconds left in overtime, Joe Johnson scored 19 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat Miami 93-89 on Tuesday night to send the Heat to a fourth straight loss.

Johnson lifts Hawks with 0.6 left (AP)

Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson (2) shoots over Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball basketball game Monday, Jan. 17, 2011, in Atlanta. Johnson was fouled on the play with less than a second remaining in the game, and made the two free throws. Johnson led all scores with 36 points to help the Hawks win 100-98.

Joe Johnson scored a season-high 36 points, including two free throws with 0.6 seconds remaining, and the Atlanta Hawks recovered after trailing most of the game to beat the Sacramento Kings 100-98 on Monday. Johnson drove past three defenders for layup with 23 seconds remaining to give Atlanta a 98-96 lead.




Hawks take down Kings thanks to Johnson's FTs
Joe Johnson scored a season-high 36 points, including two free throws with 0.6 seconds remaining, and the Atlanta Hawks recovered after trailing most of the game to beat the Atlanta Hawks 100-98 on Monday.

Kings F Garcia sits out against Hawks (AP)
Sacramento forward Francisco Garcia is not playing against the Atlanta Hawks because of a sore left calf. Garcia was not included on the team's pregame injury report and was expected to start in Monday's game before coach Paul Westphal decided to rest the fifth-year player. The injury is not believed to be serious.

Rockets rookie Patterson taken to hospital
Houston rookie Patrick Patterson was taken to Piedmont Hospital during the Rockets' 112-106 victory over Atlanta because of chest pain and congestion.

Rockets end Hawks' home win streak at 10 (AP)

Houston Rockets forward Luis Scola (4), of Argentina, sends Atlanta Hawks power forward Josh Smith to the paint on a fowl during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, in Atlanta.

Aaron Brooks had 24 points and 10 assists, Luis Scola added 20 points and the Houston Rockets beat the Atlanta Hawks 112-106 on Saturday night. Houston overcame a nine-point deficit in the third quarter after rookie forward Patrick Patterson left Philips Arena in an ambulance because of chest pain and congestion.




Patrick Patterson of Houston Rockets sent to hospital with chest pains
Houston rookie Patrick Patterson was taken to Piedmont Hospital during the Rockets' game against Atlanta because of chest pain and congestion.

Rockets' Patterson taken to hospital (AP)
Houston rookie Patrick Patterson was taken to Piedmont Hospital during the Rockets' game against Atlanta because of chest pain and congestion. Team spokesman Bob Schranz said Patterson left in an ambulance before the start of the third quarter. Schranz added that Patterson, the NBA's No. 14 overall draft pick, was experiencing flulike symptoms before the game.

Bibby's late 3, Crawford big night propel Hawks
Mike Bibby made a go-ahead 3-pointer with 8.2 seconds left, Jamal Crawford scored a season-high 36 points, and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Toronto Raptors 104-101 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory.

Crawford's 36 points lift surging Hawks (AP)

Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith , right, gets a leg up on Toronto Raptors forward Linas Kleiza (11), of Lithuania, during first half NBA basketball action in Toronto on  Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011.

Mike Bibby made a go-ahead 3-pointer with 8.2 seconds left, Jamal Crawford scored a season-high 36 points, and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Toronto Raptors 104-101 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory. Joe Johnson scored 26 points and Al Horford had 10 points and 13 rebounds for the Hawks, who have won nine of their past 11 meetings with the Raptors.




Winter storm may postpone Hawks-Bucks (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks are having hourly discussions with the NBA as they consider a possible postponement of Tuesday night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Ice and snow from a winter storm that hit north Georgia on Sunday night are making travel difficult around Atlanta. Portions of some roads are closed.

Bucks-Hawks game might be postponed
The Atlanta Hawks are having hourly discussions with the NBA as they consider a possible postponement of Tuesday night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Bucks-Hawks game postponed
With much of Atlanta snowed in two days after a harsh winter storm slammed the South, the Hawks postponed their game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.

Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta Hawks postponed by winter storm
Tuesday night's game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks has been postponed due to the winter storm that has locked down much of north Georgia.

Winter storm postpones Bucks-Hawks game (AP)
Tuesday night's game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks has been postponed due to the winter storm that has locked down much of north Georgia. The game has been rescheduled for March 15 at Philips Arena. Ice and snow from a winter storm that hit north Georgia on Sunday night are making travel difficult around Atlanta.

Hawks roll past slumping Pacers 108-93 (AP)

Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Joe Johnson (2) makes a no look pass in front of Indiana Pacers small forward Danny Granger (33) during the first half of their NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, in Atlanta.

Josh Smith scored 14 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter, Joe Johnson added 24 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Indiana Pacers 108-93 on Saturday night. The Hawks have won four straight and eight of 10. Indiana, which never led, has dropped three in a row and six of seven. Danny Granger scored 16 for the Pacers, who seemed to lose focus after coach Jim O'Brien's technical foul with...




Gay, Randolph lead Grizzlies over Jazz (AP)

Chilean miner Edison Pena reacts to receiving a team jersey as he is honored by the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz in Memphis, Tenn., Friday, Jan. 7, 2011.  Pena, an Elvis fan, was attending the team's annual Elvis Presley game, following a visit earlier in the day to Graceland.

Rudy Gay scored 28 points, Zach Randolph added 26 points and 11 rebounds and the Memphis Grizzlies won their third straight game, 110-99 over the Utah Jazz on Friday night. O.J. Mayo had 13 points for Memphis and Marc Gasol contributed 12 points. Paul Millsap, who missed Utah's 110-87 loss to Atlanta on Wednesday because of a sore hip, led the Jazz with 20 points.




Johnson's sharp-shooting helps Hawks roll Jazz
Joe Johnson scored 28 points, making five of seven 3-pointers, and Jamal Crawford added 26 off the bench as the Atlanta Hawks beat the Utah Jazz 110-87 on Wednesday night.

Hawks sink 14 3s, roll at Utah 110-87 (AP)

Atlanta Hawk's Jamal Crawford , center is helped up by Al Horford , left and Josh Smith after he was fouled in a game against the Utah Jazz during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Salt Lake City, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011. The Hawks beat the Jazz 110-87.

Joe Johnson scored 28 points, making five of seven 3-pointers, and Jamal Crawford added 26 off the bench as the Atlanta Hawks beat the Utah Jazz 110-87 on Wednesday night. The victory was the third straight on the road for Atlanta, which avenged a 90-86 loss Nov. 12 at home to the Jazz. Deron Williams and Andrei Kirilenko each had 19 points to lead the Jazz, who were without second-leading scorer...




Paul Millsap of Utah Jazz sidelined by bruised hip
Utah forward Paul Millsap is sitting out against Atlanta because of a bruised hip and Francisco Elson is making his first start in a Jazz uniform.

Jazz F Millsap out with bruised hip (AP)
Utah forward Paul Millsap is sitting out against Atlanta because of a bruised hip and Francisco Elson is making his first start in a Jazz uniform. The Jazz also made reserve center Mehmet Okur inactive for Wednesday night's game and said he will not make the next road trip to Memphis and Houston even though results of an MRI showed no significant differences in his lower back.

Atlanta Hawks release Damien Wilkins, nephew of Dominique Wilkins
The Hawks have waived guard/forward Damien Wilkins after one month on the team.

Crawford's season-high 31 lift Hawks over Kings
Jamal Crawford scored a season-high 31 points, Joe Johnson had 29 and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Sacramento Kings 108-102 on Tuesday night.

Crawford's season-high 31 lift Hawks (AP)
Jamal Crawford scored a season-high 31 points, Joe Johnson had 29 and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Sacramento Kings 108-102 on Tuesday night. The Hawks squandered a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter, but made 10 free throws in the final minute to earn their fourth victory in five games. Josh Smith had 14 points and 11 rebounds as Atlanta beat the Kings for the sixth straight time.

Hawks rally with big 4th quarter to top Clippers
Joe Johnson scored 11 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, Josh Smith added 22 and the Atlanta Hawks rallied to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 107-98 on Sunday.

Hawks rally from 16 down, top Clippers (AP)

Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Gordon (10) drives on Atlanta Hawks center Josh Powell (12) as he goes to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, in Los Angeles. The Hawks won 107-98.

Joe Johnson scored 11 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, Josh Smith added 22 and the Atlanta Hawks rallied to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 107-98 on Sunday. Johnson, who returned to the lineup on Dec. 17 after missing nine games following right elbow surgery, was 7 for 20 from the field after going 18 of 51 over his previous three games.




Hawks withstand Griffin's 31 in win
Joe Johnson scored 11 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, Josh Smith added 22 and the Atlanta Hawks rallied to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 107-98 on Sunday.

Durant, Westbrook lead Thunder by Hawks (AP)

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant shoots against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City, Friday, Dec. 31, 2010. Durant had 33 points as Oklahoma City won 103-94.

Kevin Durant hit a season-high five 3-pointers and scored 33 points, Russell Westbrook finished off a triple-double with his 10th assist in the final seconds and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Atlanta Hawks 103-94 on Friday night. Durant went 3 for 3 on 3s during a 16-6 run in the fourth quarter as the Thunder put the game away after Atlanta had pulled within two points.




Smith, Horford get double-doubles to lift Hawks
Josh Smith had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Al Horford had 21 points and 15 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Golden State Warriors 103-93 on Wednesday night.

Smith, Horford help Hawks beat Warriors (AP)

Golden State Warriors forward Reggie Williams (55) drives against Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Philips Arena, Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010 in Atlanta. The Hawks went on to win 103-93.

Josh Smith had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Al Horford had 21 points and 15 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Golden State Warriors 103-93 on Wednesday night. The Hawks have won two straight and four of five. Dorell Wright scored a career-high 32 points for Golden State, which missed a chance for its first four-game winning streak since Feb.




Bucks G Boykins suspended 1 game by NBA (AP)
Milwaukee Bucks guard Earl Boykins has been suspended one game without pay by the NBA for making intentional contact with a referee. Boykins was issued a technical foul, but not ejected after bumping Brian Forte with 5.3 seconds left in the third quarter of the Bucks' 95-80 home loss to Atlanta on Monday.

Back in Milwaukee, Hawks end road woes
Al Horford and the Hawks opened a huge early lead by knocking down shot after shot. The Bucks tried to rally, but Atlanta responded each time.

Hawks snap road skid behind Horford, Johnson
Al Horford had 18 points and 12 rebounds, Joe Johnson added 15 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Milwaukee Bucks 95-80 on Monday night to snap a five-game road losing streak.

Hawks snap 5-game road losing streak (AP)

Milwaukee Bucks ' John Salmons (15) puts up a shot while being defended by, from right, Atlanta Hawks ' Joe Johnson , Al Horford , Josh Smith and Jason Collins during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 27, 2010, in Milwaukee.

Al Horford had 18 points and 12 rebounds, Joe Johnson added 15 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Milwaukee Bucks 95-80 on Monday night to snap a five-game road losing streak. The Hawks (20-13) were back in Milwaukee for the first time since winning a pivotal Game 6 in the first round of the playoffs to send the series back to Atlanta where they won to advance.




Paul, Hornets erase halftime deficit, beat Hawks
Chris Paul scored 22 points -- 13 in the pivotal third quarter -- and the New Orleans Hornets beat the Atlanta Hawks 93-86 on Sunday night.

Paul helps Hornets get past Hawks (AP)

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 26:  Marcus Thornton #5 of the New Orleans Hornets grabs a rebound during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at the New Orleans Arena on December 26, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Chris Paul scored 22 points, 13 in the pivotal third quarter, and the New Orleans Hornets beat the Atlanta Hawks 93-86 on Sunday night. Paul was 10 of 17 from the field and also had eight assists. David West scored 18 points, Emeka Okafor had 14 points and 15 rebounds, Trevor Ariza added 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Jarrett Jack had 10 points.




Johnson leads balanced attack in Hawks' victory
Joe Johnson scored 23 points in his best game since his return from elbow surgery to lead the Atlanta Hawks past Antawn Jamison and the Cleveland Cavaliers, 98-84 on Wednesday night.

Healthy Johnson leads Hawks past Cavs (AP)

Michael Gearon, left, and Bruce Levenson attend an NBA basketball game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, in Atlanta. The owners of the Hawks and the Atlanta Thrashers have settled a long legal battle, resulting in Boston-based Steve Belkin's share being purchased by others in the group. Gearon and Levenson have emerged from the settlement as the managing partners of the Hawks, the Thrashers and Philips Arena, the home for the two teams.

Joe Johnson scored 23 points in his best game since his return from elbow surgery to lead the Atlanta Hawks past Antawn Jamison and the Cleveland Cavaliers, 98-84 on Wednesday night. Jamison had 23 points but the Hawks were stronger with their typically balanced attack in their eighth straight home victory.




Hawks owners settle long legal battle (AP)
Michael Gearon and Bruce Levenson have emerged as the lead owners of the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers following a long legal battle and ownership split. Gearon and Levenson confirmed Wednesday in an interview with The Associated Press they have purchased Boston-based Steve Belkin's 30-percent share of the NBA Hawks, NHL Thrashers and Philips Arena.

Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers owners settle long legal fight
The owners of the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers have settled a long legal battle, resulting in Boston-based Steve Belkin's share being purchased by others in the group.

Retooled Magic fall in Atlanta
Al Horford scored 24 points and the Atlanta Hawks rolled to a 91-81 victory over Dwight Howard and the reconstructed Orlando Magic on Monday night.

Hawks have no problem against new-look Magic
Al Horford scored 24 points and the Atlanta Hawks rolled to a 91-81 victory over Dwight Howard and the reconstructed Orlando Magic on Monday night.

Hawks roll past reconstructed Magic (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 20:  Gilbert Arenas #1 makes his Orlando Magic debut against the Atlanta Hawks on December 20, 2010 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Al Horford scored 24 points and the Atlanta Hawks rolled to a 91-81 victory over Dwight Howard and the reconstructed Orlando Magic on Monday night. Orlando, which hasn't had time to practice since acquiring Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu on Saturday, struggled to find an offensive flow all night.




Gilbert Arenas makes debut with Orlando Magic as a backup
Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy says Gilbert Arenas will play as a reserve in his first game with the Magic against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.

Arenas to come off bench in Magic debut (AP)
Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy says Gilbert Arenas will play as a reserve in his first game with the Magic against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. The high-scoring Arenas was acquired from Washington. Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu and Earl Clark were acquired from Phoenix on Saturday. Van Gundy says Richardson and Turkoglu will start.

Harris, Lopez lead balanced Nets past Hawks
Devin Harris had 22 points and eight assists, and Brook Lopez added 16 points to lead the New Jersey Nets to an 89-82 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.

Harris, Lopez lead Nets past Hawks (AP)

Atlanta Hawks ' Joe Johnson (2) reacts as New Jersey Nets ' Brook Lopez knocks the ball away during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010, in Newark, N.J. The Nets won 89-82.

The New Jersey Nets are growing accustomed to being led by the superb guard play of Devin Harris and the inside post play of Brook Lopez. Getting some help from the bench was a pretty nice bonus. Harris scored 22 points and had eight assists Sunday, and Lopez added 16 points as the Nets defeated the Atlanta Hawks 89-82.




Harris leads Nets to 2nd home win
Devin Harris scored 22 points and had eight assists Sunday, and Brook Lopez added 16 points as the Nets defeated the Atlanta Hawks 89-82.

Johnson sparks Hawks in return from injury
Joe Johnson scored 16 points in his return to the Hawks' lineup, Al Horford assisted on a crucial basket by Marvin Williams with just over a minute remaining, and Atlanta held off the Charlotte Bobcats 90-85 Friday night.

Johnson returns, helps Hawks top Bobcats (AP)

Atlanta Hawks head coach Larry Drew looks on from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball  game against the Charlotte Bobcats , Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, in Atlanta.

Joe Johnson scored 16 points in his return to the Hawks' lineup, Al Horford assisted on a crucial basket by Marvin Williams with just over a minute remaining, and Atlanta held off the Charlotte Bobcats 90-85 Friday night. Johnson was back on the court only 2 1/2 weeks after undergoing elbow surgery that was supposed to keep him out for at least a month.




Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson returns to lineup after elbow surgery
Hawks star Joe Johnson is back in Atlanta's starting lineup after missing nine games recovering from surgery on his right elbow.

Jamal Crawford of Atlanta Hawks out versus Boston Celtics with sore back
Hawks guard Jamal Crawford will miss Thursday night's game at Boston because of a sore back.

Celtics beat Hawks, extend win streak
Kevin Garnett had 17 points and 13 rebounds - one of three Boston players with a double-double - to lead the Celtics to their 12th straight win, 102-90 over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night.

Rondo-less Celtics win 12th straight (AP)

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 16:  Marvin Williams #24 of the Atlanta Hawks looks to pass as Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics defends on December 16, 2010 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Hawks 102-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Kevin Garnett had 17 points and 13 rebounds -- one of three Boston players with a double-double -- to lead the Celtics to their 12th straight win, 102-90 over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night. Paul Pierce had 15 points and 10 assists and Glen "Big Baby" Davis had 18 points and 10 rebounds.




Celtics' Rondo to miss a couple of weeks (AP)
Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo will miss a couple of weeks with a sprained left ankle. Rondo was helped off the court after he hurt his ankle early in the fourth quarter of Wednesday night's game against the New York Knicks. He returned and finished the game, then said afterwards he expected to play against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night.

Pistons trounce Hawks, end 4-game skid (AP)

Detroit Pistons ' Tracy McGrady pumps his fist after making a long pass to teammate Chris Wilcox for a dunk against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010, in Auburn Hills, Mich. McGrady scored 16 points and dished out three assists in the Pistons 103-80 win.

The Detroit Pistons had one of the biggest meltdowns in franchise history Saturday night. On Tuesday, they weren't going to let it happen again. In their first game since blowing a 25-point lead in an embarrassing loss to Toronto, the Pistons held off a third-quarter rally before pulling away for a 103-80 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.




Pistons snap four-game skid by pounding Hawks
Richard Hamilton scored 24 points and the Detroit Pistons ended a four-game losing streak with a 103-80 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

Smith, Horford power Hawks to win over Pacers
Josh Smith took care of his sore hamstring and then took care of the Indiana Pacers, scoring 21 points to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 97-83 win Saturday night.

Smith helps Hawks hold off Pacers (AP)

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 11:  Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks stands over Roy Hibbert #55 of the Indiana Pacers after fouling him at Philips Arena on December 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Josh Smith took care of his sore hamstring and then took care of the Indiana Pacers, scoring 21 points to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 97-83 win Saturday night. Smith was treated for cramping in his right hamstring before the game and showed no sign of being limited against the Pacers. He had consecutive three-point plays late in the fourth quarter, each time after Indiana cut Atlanta's lead to...




Spurs earn fourth straight win by ripping Hawks
Richard Jefferson and Manu Ginobili scored 18 points apiece, and the San Antonio Spurs won their fourth straight to keep the NBA's best record, beating the Atlanta Hawks 108-92 on Friday night.

Spurs improve to 19-3, roll past Hawks (AP)

Atlanta Hawks ' Al Horford (15) pulls down a rebound in front of San Antonio Spurs ' Tony Parker , of France, during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 10, 2010, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 108-92.

Richard Jefferson and Manu Ginobili scored 18 points apiece, and the San Antonio Spurs won their fourth straight to keep the NBA's best record, beating the Atlanta Hawks 108-92 on Friday night. Tony Parker added 17 points for the Spurs, who again denied the Hawks their first victory in San Antonio since 1997.




Nets rookie F Favors inactive vs. Mavs (AP)
New Jersey forward Derrick Favors missed the Nets' game Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks because of a bruised thigh. Favors, the former Georgia Tech star selected third overall in the June draft, was injured Tuesday night in a loss at Atlanta. "It's swollen," Nets coach Avery Johnson said.

Nets' road woes continue as Smith, Hawks roll
Josh Smith scored a season-high 34 points and the streaking Atlanta Hawks beat the New Jersey Nets 116-101 on Tuesday night.

Smith scores 34 to power surging Hawks (AP)

New Jersey Nets point guard Jordan Farmar (2) knocks the ball away from Atlanta Hawks point guard Mike Bibby (10) in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game basketball  game Tuesday, Dec. 7 2010 in Atlanta. Atlanta Hawks won 116-101

Josh Smith scored a season-high 34 points and the streaking Atlanta Hawks beat the New Jersey Nets 116-101 on Tuesday night. Smith, accurate with his outside jumper and inside game, made 14 of 16 shots from the field. When it was over, he blew kisses to the crowd. The Hawks are 4-1 since losing top scorer Joe Johnson for four to six weeks to a right elbow injury and have won seven of eight overall.




Magic healthy again but lose to Hawks (AP)

Orlando Magic 's Vince Carter (15) blocks a shot by Atlanta Hawks ' Marvin Williams during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Dec. 6, 2010.

Josh Smith had 19 points and 13 rebounds, Mike Bibby made a critical 3-pointer in the final minute and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Orlando Magic 80-74 on Monday night. Al Horford added 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Hawks, who have won six of their last seven. Jamal Crawford had 15 points and Bibby finished with 13.




Hawks hang on late to beat Magic
Josh Smith had 19 points and 13 rebounds, Mike Bibby made a critical 3-pointer in the final minute and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Orlando Magic 80-74 on Monday night.

Smith, Hawks edge past Magic on Bibby's late 3
Josh Smith had 19 points and 13 rebounds, Mike Bibby made a critical 3-pointer in the final minute and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Orlando Magic 80-74 on Monday night.

Heat pull away from Hawks late in win (AP)

Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) shoots as Atlanta Hawks guard Jamal Crawford (11) defends in the first quarter during an NBA basketball game in Miami, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010. At left are Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) and forward Marvin Williams (24).

LeBron James' new fan base in Miami had a response. So did his teammates. Chris Bosh scored 27 points, Dwyane Wade added 26 and the Miami Heat scored 11 straight points in the final minutes to beat the Atlanta Hawks 89-77 on Saturday night -- winning their fourth straight to move a season-high five games over .500.




Miami Heat grant 8-year-old Christian Liebert belated birthday wish
After this season's Heat-Magic preseason game was canceled, spoiling Christian Lambert's 8th birthday plans, the Miami Heat arranged for tickets for the Lambert family to see Saturday's game in Miami against the Atlanta Hawks.

Damien Wilkins signs with Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have signed six-year NBA veteran Damien Wilkins, the nephew of Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins.

Hawks sign swingman Damien Wilkins (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks have signed six-year NBA veteran Damien Wilkins, the nephew of Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins. The 30-year-old Damien Wilkins, the son of former NBA player Gerald Wilkins, adds depth as the Hawks adjust to losing star Joe Johnson for four to six weeks following elbow surgery. Wilkins, a guard/forward, played last season with Minnesota and was cut by Memphis in the preseason before...

Hawks close with 21-3 run to beat Sixers (AP)

Atlanta Hawks point guard Mike Bibby , left, dribbles the ball around the defense of Philadelphia 76ers point guard Jrue Holiday (11) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, Dec. 3, 2010, in Atlanta.

Al Horford's three-point play with 31 seconds remaining gave Atlanta its first lead and the Hawks beat the Philadelphia 76ers 93-88 on Friday night for their fifth straight win. The Hawks trailed 85-72 in the final quarter before closing out the game with a 21-3 run. Marvin Williams led Atlanta with 22 points.




Atlanta Hawks' Joe Johnson has surgery to heal right elbow
Hawks star Joe Johnson has had surgery on his injured right elbow and will be begin rehab on Friday.

Balanced Hawks beat Grizzlies 112-109 (AP)

Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson sits on the bench during an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies in Atlanta, Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010. Johnson did not play because of an injured elbow.

Al Horford scored 20 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Memphis Grizzlies 112-109 on Wednesday night after learning star Joe Johnson will have elbow surgery and miss four to six weeks. The Hawks had six players score in double figures, including a season-high 16 points off the bench by Josh Powell, to overcome the loss of Johnson, the team's four-time All-Star and top scorer.




Hawks G Johnson out 4 to 6 weeks (AP)
Hawks star Joe Johnson will be sidelined four to six weeks with an injured right elbow. Atlanta announced at the start of Wednesday night's game against Memphis that Johnson will need arthroscopic surgery to remove a "loose body" in the elbow. Johnson visited orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Alabama on Wednesday morning.

Atlanta Hawks' Joe Johnson (elbow) will miss Grizzlies game
Joe Johnson's right elbow is bothering him, sidelining the four-time All-Star for the Atlanta Hawks' game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Smith's triple-double powers Hawks by Raptors
Josh Smith had his third career triple-double, Marvin Williams added 17 points and 12 rebounds, and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Toronto Raptors 96-78 Sunday.

Smith's triple-double lifts Hawks (AP)

Atlanta Hawks ' Joe Johnson , center, drives between Toronto Raptors ' Sonny Weems and Jose Calderon , right, during first-half NBA basketball game action in Toronto, Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010.

Josh Smith had his third career triple-double, Marvin Williams added 17 points and 12 rebounds, and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Toronto Raptors 96-78 Sunday. Smith finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists as the Hawks won their third straight game after losing seven of the previous nine. Joe Johnson and Al Horford scored 16 points apiece and Jamal Crawford had 10.




Crawford, Hawks snap Knicks' 5-win streak
Jamal Crawford scored a game-high 21 points off the bench, and the Atlanta Hawks held off New York 99-90 on Saturday to snap the Knicks' five-game winning streak.

Hawks snap Knicks' 5-game win streak (AP)

Atlanta Hawks ' Jamal Crawford (11), a former Knick, blows on his hands during a timeout in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010.

Jamal Crawford scored a game-high 21 points off the bench, and the Atlanta Hawks held off New York 99-90 on Saturday to snap the Knicks' five-game winning streak. The former Knicks guard was helped out by 17 points and nine rebounds from Al Horford, and 14 points from Mike Bibby. Josh Smith added Marvin Williams had 13 each for the Hawks, who have won two straight after a three-game slide.




Crawford comes off bench to fuel Hawks
Jamal Crawford scored a game-high 21 points off the bench, and the Atlanta Hawks held off New York 99-90 on Saturday to snap the Knicks' five-game winning streak.

Hawks drop Wizards to end three-game skid
Joe Johnson scored 21 points, Josh Smith added 20 with 14 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Washington Wizards 116-96 on Thursday night to snap a three-game losing streak.

Hawks win 11th straight over Wizards (AP)

Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) draws a foul from Washington Wizards forward Hilton Armstrong (24) during a shot in the third quarter of an NBA basketball game at Philips Arena, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010, in Atlanta.

Joe Johnson scored 21 points, Josh Smith added 20 with 14 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Washington Wizards 116-96 on Thursday night to snap a three-game losing streak. Al Horford finished with 15 points and 13 boards for the Hawks, who won their 11th straight over Washington. They have lost seven of nine overall.




Johnson leads Hawks in rout of Wizards
Joe Johnson scored 21 points, Josh Smith added 20 with 14 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Washington Wizards 116-96 on Thursday night to snap a three-game losing streak.

Lopez scores 32 as Nets end 3-game skid (AP)

New Jersey Nets ' Kris Humphries , left, pokes the ball from Atlanta Hawks ' Jason Collins during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010 in Newark, N.J.

Brook Lopez scored a season-high 32 points and the New Jersey Nets snapped a three-game losing streak with a 106-99 overtime victory over the slumping Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. Devin Harris added 23 of his 27 points in the second half, Kris Humphries had 12 points and 14 rebounds, and Anthony Morrow had five of his 13 points in overtime in New Jersey's first home game in 10 days.




Lopez's big night carries Nets past Hawks in OT
Brook Lopez scored a season-high 32 points and the New Jersey Nets snapped a three-game losing streak with a 106-99 overtime victory over the slumping Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.

Robinson, Garnett help Celtics dominate Hawks
Nate Robinson had 16 points and 10 assists filling in for Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics blew out Atlanta right from the start, racing to a 26-point lead in the first quarter on the way to a 99-76 rout of the Hawks on Monday night.

Celtics come out strong in rout of Hawks (AP)

Boston Celtics center Shaquille O'Neal , right, is greeted by teammate Boston Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett after scoring in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks Monday, Nov. 22, 2010 in Atlanta.

Nate Robinson had 16 points and 10 assists filling in for Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics blew out Atlanta right from the start, racing to a 26-point lead in the first quarter on the way to a 99-76 rout of the Hawks on Monday night. This one was over before many of the fans even settled into their seats.




Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo sidelined for second straight game
Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo's sore left hamstring may be getting better, but it's not good enough for him to play against Atlanta.

Nowitzki, Terry lead Mavs past Hawks (AP)

Atlanta Hawks power forward Josh Smith (5) battles for a rebound with teammate Al Horford (15) against Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki , right, of Germany, during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010 in Atlanta.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 points, Jason Terry added 15 and the Dallas Mavericks snapped a two-game skid with a 98-93 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. Hawks guard Joe Johnson couldn't shake Tyson Chandler's tight defense and misfired on a 3-point attempt that would've forced a tie with 2.5 seconds remaining.




Dirk, Terry end Mavs two-game skid
Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 points, Jason Terry added 15 and the Dallas Mavericks snapped a two-game skid with a 98-93 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.

Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo day-to-day with strained left hamstring, will travel on road trip
Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo underwent treatment and is day-to-day for what the team termed a strained left hamstring Saturday afternoon, and he planned to travel with Boston on a two-game road trip to Toronto and Atlanta.

Smith's big game lifts Hawks past Pacers (AP)

Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith , front, is fouled as he shoots under Indiana Pacers center Solomon Jones in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010.

Josh Smith had 25 points, eight rebounds and seven blocks to help the Atlanta Hawks beat the Indiana Pacers 102-92 on Tuesday night. Mike Bibby scored 16 points and Al Horford added 15 for the Hawks, who won their second straight after a four-game losing streak. Danny Granger scored 22 points for the Pacers.




PG Collison, F Hansbrough out for Pacers (AP)
Indiana Pacers point guard Darren Collison and reserve forward Tyler Hansbrough will miss Tuesday's game against the Atlanta Hawks with sprained left ankles. Pacers coach Jim O'Brien says neither should be out for an extended period of time. Collison is third on the team with 15.1 points per game, leads the team in assists and shoots 92 percent from the free throw line.

Darren Collison, Tyler Hansbrough sit out for Indiana Pacers with ankle injuries
Indiana Pacers point guard Darren Collison and reserve forward Tyler Hansbrough will miss Tuesday's game against the Atlanta Hawks with sprained left ankles.

Hawks snap four-game slide by edging Wolves
Al Horford had 28 points and 10 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks beat Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves 111-105 on Sunday to end a four-game losing streak.

Hawks beat Wolves to end 4-game skid (AP)

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love (42) has his shot blocked by Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, in Atlanta.

Al Horford had 28 points and 10 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks beat Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves 111-105 on Sunday to end a four-game losing streak. Love had 22 points and 17 rebounds in his first game since posting 31 points and 31 rebounds in a win over the Knicks, the NBA's first 30-30 game since Moses Malone in 1982.




Pacers extend Cavs' struggles at home (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers ' Ramon Sessions (3) fouls Indiana Pacers ' Darren Collison (2) trying for a steal in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, in Cleveland. The Pacers won 99-85.

Danny Granger scored 34 points and the Indiana Pacers beat short-handed Cleveland 99-85 on Saturday night, handing the Cavaliers a four-game home losing streak for the first time since March 2003. The Cavaliers beat Boston in the season opener at Quicken Loans Arena, but have since lost to Sacramento, Atlanta, New Jersey and Indiana.




Jazz rally again for fourth straight win (AP)

Utah Jazz guard Deron Williams , front left, passes away form Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith (5) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Atlanta on Friday, Nov. 12, 2010.

Deron Williams would be happy if his Utah Jazz played a bit better in the opening half so the last-minute heroics wouldn't be necessary. Paul Millsap hit a corner jumper with 1:20 to play and the Jazz came back from a double-digit, second-half deficit for the fourth consecutive game to beat the Atlanta Hawks 90-86 on Friday night.




Jazz overcome fourth straight double-digit hole
Paul Millsap hit a corner jumper with 1:20 to play and the Utah Jazz came back from a double-digit, second-half deficit for the fourth consecutive game to beat the Atlanta Hawks 90-86 on Friday night.

Jazz use another rally to upend Hawks
Paul Millsap hit a corner jumper with 1:20 to play and the Utah Jazz came back from a double-digit, second-half deficit for the fourth consecutive game to beat the Atlanta Hawks 90-86 on Friday night.

Live: Jazz look to keep hot streak going in Atlanta


Bucks hand Hawks third straight loss (AP)

Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith sits on the bench in the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks during an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, in Atlanta. The Bucks defeated the Hawks 108-91.

Corey Maggette scored 20 points, Brandon Jennings added 19 and the Milwaukee Bucks continued their offensive awakening, beating the Atlanta Hawks 108-91 on Wednesday night. The Hawks have lost three straight, including two at home, after winning their first six. The Bucks struggled with their offense early in the season and were last in the league in scoring with only 89.6 points per game before...




Atlanta Hawks veteran Maurice Evans: Players don't agree with Commissioner David Stern's numbers
Atlanta Hawks veteran Maurice Evans said Tuesday NBA players aren't buying Commissioner David Stern's recent call for a one-third reduction in players' salaries.

Hawks' Evans: Stern's labor demands off (AP)
Atlanta Hawks veteran Maurice Evans said Tuesday NBA players aren't buying Commissioner David Stern's recent call for a one-third reduction in players' salaries. Stern said last month the league wants player costs to drop $750-800 million. "We definitely don't agree with those numbers," Evans said.

Magic PG Nelson out again vs. Hawks (AP)

Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson (14) goes up for a shot between Dallas Mavericks guard Dominique Jones , left, guard Jose Barea,second from right, of Puerto Rico, and center Brendan Haywood , right, during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010. The Magic won 101-76.

The Orlando Magic will be without starting point guard Jameer Nelson against Atlanta on Monday night because of a sprained left ankle. Nelson was hurt late in Friday's win against New Jersey and missed the team's win at Charlotte on Friday. Chris Duhon will again start in his place, and Jason Williams will serve as the backup.




Magic move to 11-1 in last 12 vs. Hawks (AP)

Orlando Magic point guard Jason Williams (44) and Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) vie for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Nov. 8, 2010. Orlando won 93-89.

New season. New coach. New venue. Same old result: The Atlanta Hawks still can't beat the Orlando Magic. Dwight Howard had 27 points and 11 rebounds, and the Magic extended their recent reign over the Hawks with a 93-89 victory Monday night in a rematch of last season's lopsided Eastern Conference semifinal.




Howard, Magic hand Hawks second straight loss
Dwight Howard had 27 points and 11 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic continue their recent reign over the Atlanta Hawks with a 93-89 victory Monday night in a rematch of last season's lopsided Eastern Conference semifinal.

Howard, Magic hang on to beat Hawks
Dwight Howard had 27 points and 11 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic continue their recent reign over the Atlanta Hawks with a 93-89 victory Monday night in a rematch of last season's lopsided Eastern Conference semifinal.

Richardson, Suns hand Hawks first loss of year
Jason Richardson scored 21 points, Steve Nash added 19 and the Phoenix Suns held off Atlanta's second-half comeback to beat the Hawks 118-114 on Sunday.

Suns deal Hawks first loss 118-114 (AP)

Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash (13) drives against Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Philips Arena, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, in Atlanta.

Jason Richardson scored 21 points, Steve Nash added 19 and the Phoenix Suns held off Atlanta's second-half comeback to beat the Hawks 118-114 on Sunday. The Hawks suffered their first loss after a 6-0 start. There were four ties in the fourth quarter but the Hawks, who trailed by 18 in the third period, could not take the lead.




Suns hand Hawks first loss of season
Jason Richardson scored 21 points, Steve Nash added 19 and the Phoenix Suns held off Atlanta's second-half comeback to beat the Hawks 118-114 on Sunday.

Crawford returns as Hawks remain undefeated
Jamal Crawford came back from a one-game absence due to a toe injury to score a season-high 22 points in his super-reserve role for the undefeated Atlanta Hawks in a 113-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Hawks remain only unbeaten team in East (AP)

Minnesota Timberwolves ' Wesley Johnson , left, looks on as Atlanta Hawks ' Josh Smith slams in two of his 20 points in the second half of an NBA basketball game  Friday, Nov. 5, 2010, in Minneapolis. The Hawks won 113-103.

Jamal Crawford came back from a one-game absence due to a toe injury to score a season-high 22 points in his super-reserve role for the undefeated Atlanta Hawks in a 113-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Josh Smith had 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists and five more blocked shots, and the Hawks improved to 6-0 despite a low-impact performance by star Joe Johnson for...




Gordon, Prince lead Pistons to first win (AP)

Detroit Pistons ' Will Bynum (12) looks to pass the ball against Charlotte Bobcats ' Tyrus Thomas , left, in the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 5, 2010, in Auburn Hills, Mich. The Pistons broke a five-game losing streak with a 97-90 win over the Bobcats.

Ben Gordon scored 20 points and Tayshaun Prince had 14 to lead the Detroit Pistons to their first win of the season, 97-90 over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday night. Detroit (1-5) was off to its worst start since going 0-7 in 1980, but never trailed against the Bobcats. Charlotte fell to 1-4. With Rodney Stuckey benched after ignoring head coach John Kuester during Wednesday's loss in Atlanta,...




Cavs F Jamison sits out against 76ers (AP)
Cavaliers forward Antawn Jamison sat out Friday's game against Philadelphia with a sore left knee. Jamison was inactive for the second straight game. He missed Tuesday's loss against Atlanta. Coach Byron Scott says Jamison is day to day. Scott says he won't know until Saturday if Jamison can play that night against Washington.

Hawks' Williams to miss at least 1 game (AP)
Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams is not traveling with the team for Friday night's game at Minnesota after injuring his right knee in Wednesday night's win over Detroit. The Hawks say Williams' knee will be examined on Thursday afternoon. Williams left Wednesday night's game in the fourth quarter after landing hard on his right knee in a battle with Greg Monroe for a loose...

Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams won't travel to Minnesota after injuring right knee
Hawks forward Marvin Williams is not traveling with the team for Friday night's game at Minnesota after injuring his right knee in Wednesday night's win over Detroit.

Hawks stay unbeaten with late surge
Joe Johnson was struggling, Jamal Crawford was watching in street clothes and the rebounds were falling away from Atlanta players.

Unbeaten Hawks rally by winless Pistons (AP)

ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 03:  Jeff Teague #0 of the Atlanta Hawks is fouled by Ben Gordon #7 of the Detroit Pistons at Philips Arena on November 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Al Horford had six straight points in an 18-4 run to finish the game and the undefeated Atlanta Hawks beat the winless Detroit Pistons 94-85 on Wednesday night. Josh Smith had 22 points and 11 rebounds as the Hawks (5-0) remained the only unbeaten team in the Eastern Conference. Ben Gordon had 22 points but it wasn't enough for Detroit.




Atlanta Hawks' Jamal Crawford (turf toe injury) won't play vs. Detroit Pistons
Hawks guard Jamal Crawford has a turf toe injury and is sitting out against the Pistons.

Hawks G Crawford held out vs. Pistons (AP)
Hawks guard Jamal Crawford has a turf toe injury and is sitting out against the Detroit Pistons. Crawford injured his right foot in Atlanta's win at Cleveland on Tuesday night. He was unable to put on his shoe Wednesday and was ruled out of that night's game. Crawford, chosen as the NBA's Sixth Man of the year last season, is averaging 15.8 points per game.

Hawks remain East's only unbeaten, paste Cavs
Marvin Williams scored 22 points, Al Horford added 16 and 12 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks remained the only undefeated team in the Eastern Conference by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 100-88 on Tuesday night for their fourth straight win.

Hawks remain only unbeaten team in East (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams acknowledges the cheers as he enters the NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks , making his season debut, in Cleveland on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010.

Marvin Williams scored 22 points, Al Horford added 16 and 12 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks remained the only undefeated team in the Eastern Conference by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 100-88 on Tuesday night for their fourth straight win. Jamal Crawford added 16 points and Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby had 15 apiece for the Hawks, who improved to 3-0 on the road and snapped a six-game losing...




Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams returns, forward Antawn Jamison out
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams was set to make his season debut Tuesday night against the Atlanta Hawks.

Cavs' Williams returns; Jamison out
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Mo Williams was set to make his season debut Tuesday night against the Atlanta Hawks.

Cavs' Jamison slowed by cranky knee
Cavaliers forward Antawn Jamison did not practice because of soreness in his left knee and could miss Tuesday's game against Atlanta.

Wall expects to play with sprained ankle (AP)
John Wall and Gilbert Arenas are both nursing right ankle injuries as the Washington Wizards prepare for their home opener. Wall sprained his ankle in Saturday's loss to Atlanta and was wearing a walking boot as a precaution Monday, but coach Flip Saunders said he thinks the No. 1 overall pick will play Tuesday against Philadelphia.

Antawn Jamison (knee soreness) could miss next game
Cavaliers forward Antawn Jamison did not practice Monday because of soreness in his left knee and could miss Tuesday's game against Atlanta.

Hawks' Horford gets $60M, 5-year deal (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks have agreed to a five-year, $60 million contract extension with All-Star center Al Horford. The team announced the deal Monday, beating a deadline that prevented one of their stalwart players from becoming a restricted free agent next summer. Horford confirmed the terms in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

Horford agrees to $60M extension
The Atlanta Hawks have agreed to a five-year, $60 million contract extension with All-Star center Al Horford.

Sources: Atlanta Hawks, Al Horford agree to $60M deal
On deadline day for contract extensions for former 2007 first-round picks, Al Horford and the Atlanta Hawks have reached an agreement on a new deal.

Johnson's finish helps Hawks remain unbeaten
Joe Johnson scored 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter and the Atlanta Hawks remained unbeaten, holding off Washington 99-95 in their home opener Saturday night.

Hawks stay unbeaten, hold off Wizards (AP)

Atlanta Hawks power forward Josh Smith (5) dunks as Washington Wizards center JaVale McGee (34) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, in Atlanta.

Joe Johnson scored 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter and the Atlanta Hawks remained unbeaten, holding off Washington 99-95 in their home opener Saturday night. After opening with wins at Memphis and Philadelphia, the Hawks gave the home fans their first look at a team that features largely the same roster as last year's playoff team but a new motion offense under rookie coach Larry...




Hawks hold off 76ers 104-101 (AP)

Atlanta Hawks ' Al Horford (15) blocks a shot by Philadelphia 76ers ' Jrue Holiday in the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Oct. 29, 2010, in Philadelphia.

Al Horford had 20 points and 12 rebounds, Joe Johnson scored 22 points and Jamal Crawford finished with 19 to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 104-101 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. Reserve Andres Nocioni, who scored 15 points, had his 27-footer partially blocked by Josh Smith as time expired, allowing the Hawks to move to 2-0 after wasting nearly all of a 15-point lead.




Johnson, Pachulia spark Hawks past Grizzlies
Joe Johnson scored 22 points and Zaza Pachulia provided a spark off the bench with 17 points and 11 rebounds, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 119-104 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night in both teams' season openers.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph leaves game after fall
Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph left the season opener against the Atlanta Hawks after taking a hard fall on his lower back.

Grizzlies F Randolph suffers back injury (AP)
Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph left the season opener against the Atlanta Hawks after taking a hard fall on his lower back. Randolph went up for a short shot in the paint when he was undercut by a stumbling Al Horford of the Hawks with 8:33 left in the first quarter. Randolph, an All-Star last season, fell hard on his right lower back.

Memphis Grizzlies' Marc Gasol (ankle) out for season opener
Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol will miss the season opener against the Atlanta Hawks with a sprained left ankle.

James ready for Heat debut in Boston (AP)

Miami Heat 's LeBron James goes up for a shot during the third quarter of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010. Atlanta won 98-89.

LeBron James is back in Boston, where his NBA championship quest ended twice in the last three years. The former Cleveland superstar was practicing at the TD Garden with his new team, the Miami Heat, in preparation for Tuesday night's NBA opener against the Celtics. James did not talk to the media, but when a dozen cameras surrounded him to film him icing his right knee, he said he felt like he...




Report: Knicks' workouts violated rules? (AP)
Yahoo! Sports is reporting that the New York Knicks have conducted secret workouts of college players that may have circumvented NBA draft rules. Three players who were involved in workouts told Yahoo! that Knicks director of East Coast scouting Rodney Heard coordinated and conducted them in suburban Atlanta.

James scores 38 but Heat lose to Hawks (AP)

Miami Heat forward LeBron James  is fouled by Atlanta Hawks center Jason Collins as he drives to the basket in the second quarter of a preseason NBA basketball game in Atlanta, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010.

LeBron James scored 38 points but the Miami star had too little help as Joe Johnson led Atlanta's more balanced attack with 27 points in the Hawks' 98-89 exhibition victory over the Heat 98-89 on Thursday night. Miami's Dwyane Wade was away from the team and Mike Miller was waiting to learn the severity of a thumb he injured in practice Wednesday.




LeBron scores 38 in loss against Hawks
LeBron James scored 38 points but the Miami star had too little help as Joe Johnson led Atlanta's more balanced attack with 27 points in the Hawks' 98-89 exhibition victory over the Heat 98-89 on Thursday night.

LeBron drops 38 in loss to Hawks
LeBron James scored 38 points but the Miami star had too little help as Joe Johnson led Atlanta's more balanced attack with 27 points in the Hawks' 98-89 exhibition victory over the Heat 98-89 on Thursday night.

Hawks waive Ricardo Marsh - Ricardo Marsh (F) Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks waived F Ricardo Marsh.

Hawks waive Richard Delk - Richard Delk (G) Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks waived G Richard Delk.

Hawks waive Richard Brock - Evan Brock (F) Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks waived F Richard Brock.

Bass, Howard keep Magic perfect in preseason
Brandon Bass had 17 points and eight rebounds and Dwight Howard added 14 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Orlando Magic to a 102-73 preseason victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.

Magic rip Hawks, now 6-0 in preseason (AP)

Orlando Magic center Marcin Gortat (13) goes to the basket as Atlanta Hawks center Jason Collins (34) defends in the fourth quarter of a preseason NBA basketball game Monday, Oct. 18, 2010, in Atlanta.

Brandon Bass had 17 points and eight rebounds and Dwight Howard added 14 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Orlando Magic to a 102-73 preseason victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. Jameer Nelson scored 17 points for the Magic (6-0), while Vince Carter had 13 points and three rebounds. "I think our defense right now is far ahead of our offense," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said.




Hawks give Drew first preseason victory (AP)
Joe Johnson scored 22 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat the New Orleans Hornets 84-74 on Saturday night to give Larry Drew his first preseason coaching victory. "It feels good to get a win and get Larry his first win as head coach," Johnson said. "I know he's happy about it even though it's preseason." Marvin Williams added 15 points, including 10 in the final 3 minutes...

Hawks hope standing pat enough (AP)
LeBron and Chris have joined D-Wade in Miami. Shaq's now in Boston, Amare's taken over New York and Carlos has moved to Chicago. The Atlanta Hawks? Pretty much the same ol' team. That's not necessarily a bad thing. After all, the Hawks finished third in the Eastern Conference last season behind Cleveland and Orlando.

Wizards fine Arenas for faking injury (AP)
Gilbert Arenas has been fined for faking an injury to keep from playing in the Washington Wizards home preseason opener. Coach Flip Saunders said Wednesday that Arenas was fined an undisclosed amount by the team for claiming to have a sore knee before the Wizards' game against Atlanta on Tuesday night.

Wall sparks Wizards to win in home debut (AP)

Washington Wizards center JaVale McGee (34) reaches out to high five a fan after scoring against the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter of an NBA preseason basketball game in Washington, on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010.

John Wall scored 19 points in his home debut Tuesday night and the Washington Wizards cruised to a 107-92 victory over the winless Atlanta Hawks. The overall No. 1 pick from Kentucky received loud cheers from a modest Verizon Center crowd eager to see the playmaking guard in his new home. After a slow start, Wall sparked Washington in the second quarter, when the Wizards took control of the game.




Wizards' Arenas to miss preseason game
Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas will be held out of a preseason game against Atlanta with a knee injury.

Wizards' Arenas misses preseason game
Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas was held out of Tuesday's preseason game against Atlanta with a knee injury.

Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas to miss game with knee injury
Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas will be held out of a preseason game against Atlanta with a knee injury.

Arenas out vs. Hawks with knee injury (AP)
Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas will be held out of a preseason game against Atlanta with a knee injury. Washington coach Flip Saunders said before Tuesday night's game that Arenas' knee was bothering him. "His knee is acting up and is a little sore, and it looks like he's going to sit this one out," Saunders said.

Stuckey, Monroe lead Pistons over Hawks (AP)

Atlanta Hawks guard Jordan Crawford (55) drives against Detroit Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince (22) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday Oct. 11, 2010, in Auburn Hills, Mich.

Rodney Stuckey scored 16 points and rookie Greg Monroe added 15 points and seven rebounds to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 94-85 preseason victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. Rookie Jordan Crawford, a Detroit native, led the Hawks with 20 points. After a slow start, the Hawks (0-2) got back into the game with a 32-point second quarter.




Down 21, Grizzlies defeat Hawks in OT (AP)

Memphis Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins yells to an official during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, in Atlanta.

Zach Randolph and Rudy Gay each scored 18 points, and the Memphis Grizzlies rallied from a 21-point halftime deficit to beat the Atlanta Hawks 115-111 in overtime on Thursday night in an exhibition game. The Grizzlies outscored the Hawks 42-18 in the third quarter to quickly erase the big lead Atlanta opened in its preseason opener.




Kings hire Abdur-Rahim as assistant GM (AP)
The Sacramento Kings have moved former assistant coach Shareef Abdur-Rahim to the front office as the team's assistant general manager. President of basketball operations Geoff Petrie made the announcement Thursday. Abdur-Rahim spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the Kings. He played 12 years in the NBA with Vancouver, Atlanta, Portland and Sacramento.

Jamal Crawford hoping for new deal with Atlanta Hawks
Jamal Crawford says every game in his first season in Atlanta felt like a concert. Now the winner of the NBA's Sixth Man Award last season is hoping for more than one encore with the Hawks.

Jamal Crawford hoping to stay with Hawks (AP)
Jamal Crawford says every game in his first season in Atlanta felt like a concert. Now the winner of the NBA's Sixth Man Award last season is hoping for more than one encore with the Hawks. Crawford will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. He had a quick answer when asked what he's looking for.

Van Gundy tries to connect with Magic (AP)
Stan Van Gundy took a few extra trips this summer. They weren't vacations to exotic destinations with five-star accommodations. The Orlando Magic coach just wanted to improve communication with players, so he traveled to some of their hometowns -- and in typical Van Gundy fashion. On one occasion this summer, Van Gundy flew to Atlanta to have lunch with Dwight Howard.

Nets sign veteran F Joe Smith (AP)
The New Jersey Nets have signed veteran free agent forward Joe Smith. The Nets did not disclose contract terms in announcing the deal Friday. The first pick overall in the 1995 draft, this will be Smith's 11th team in his 15-year NBA career. He appeared in 64 games with Atlanta last season, averaging 3.0 points and 2.5 rebounds.

Atlanta Hawks sign veteran center Etan Thomas
The Atlanta Hawks have signed free agent center Etan Thomas to add bulk in the frontcourt.

Hawks sign free agent C Etan Thomas (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks have signed free agent center Etan Thomas to add bulk in the frontcourt. The 6-foot-10 Thomas spent most of his career with the Washington Wizards but finished last season with Oklahoma City. He's averaged 5.8 point and 4.8 rebounds per game over his eight-year career, which includes 74 starts.

TBS drops appeal of ruling regarding sale of Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers
Turner Broadcasting System has dropped its appeal of a judge's order that required the company to pay a Texas businessman $281 million over the sale of the Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers.

Sources: Jamal Crawford to ask Atlanta Hawks for a trade
Frustrated the Atlanta Hawks have not offered him a contract extension, Jamal Crawford will ask the club to trade him, according sources with knowledge of the situation.

Blazers name assistant general managers (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers have named Bill Branch and Steve Rosenberry as assistant general managers to Rich Cho. Branch worked with Cho for the past three seasons in Oklahoma City. He will work closely with Portland's director of NBA scouting, Michael Born. Branch has 23 years of NBA experience. Rosenberry, an NBA veteran who spent the past two years with the Atlanta Hawks organization, will...

Atlanta Hawks re-sign backup center Jason Collins
Jason Collins, who saw little action at the end of Atlanta's bench under Mike Woodson last season, is returning as a backup center for the Hawks under new coach Larry Drew.

Hawks re-sign backup C Collins (AP)
Jason Collins, who saw little action at the end of Atlanta's bench under Mike Woodson last season, is returning as a backup center for the Hawks under new coach Larry Drew. The Hawks re-signed Collins on Thursday. Collins appeared in only 24 games last season, scoring 16 points and grabbing 14 rebounds while averaging only 4.7 minutes.

Hawks sign former Lakers F Powell (AP)
Josh Powell has signed with the Atlanta Hawks as a free agent after spending the last two seasons as a backup with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 6-foot-9 Powell was signed to provide depth behind Hawks center Al Horford and power forward Josh Smith. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Powell, from Riverdale High School in Atlanta, averaged 2.7 points in 63 games with the Lakers last season.

Jamal Crawford of Atlanta Hawks seeks extension, sources say
Jamal Crawford, the league's reigning Sixth Man of the Year, has requested a contract extension from the Hawks, according to league sources.

Hawks sign Powell for inside depth
Josh Powell has signed with the Atlanta Hawks as a free agent after spending the last two seasons as a backup with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Sources: Josh Powell set to leave Los Angeles Lakers for Atlanta Hawks
Lakers reserve forward Josh Powell is close to signing a free-agent deal with the Atlanta Hawks, according to sources close to the situation.

Thunder sign free agent G Ivey (AP)
The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed free agent Royal Ivey to add depth to their backcourt. General manager Sam Presti announced Wednesday that Oklahoma City had signed the 6-foot-4 guard, who has averaged 3.6 points in six NBA seasons with Atlanta, Milwaukee and Philadelphia. Presti says Ivey will bring a defensive mentality, competitive nature and professionalism to the team.

Suns get Childress, Turkoglu in 2 deals (AP)
Tense negotiations with the Atlanta Hawks sent Josh Childress to Greece two years ago and kept him there last season. The lanky swingman was all set to play a third season for Olympiakos when he received a call from his agent: We have a deal with the Phoenix Suns. Back to the NBA, on the West Coast no less?

Suns acquire swingman Childress
Swingman Josh Childress has been acquired by the Phoenix Suns in a sign-and-trade deal with the Atlanta Hawks.

Suns complete deal for Raptors' Turkoglu (AP)
The Phoenix Suns have acquired Turkish forward Hedo Turkoglu in a trade that sends Brazilian guard Leandro Barbosa and forward Dwayne Jones to Toronto. The deal gives the Suns a third forward in their attempt to replace free agent Amare Stoudemire. Phoenix signed swingman Josh Childress in a sign-and-trade deal with Atlanta earlier Wednesday and picked up Hakim Warrick in similar swap with Chicago.

Josh Childress traded to Phoenix Suns from Atlanta Hawks in sign-and-trade
Swingman Josh Childress has been acquired by the Phoenix Suns in a sign-and-trade deal with the Atlanta Hawks.

Suns acquire Childress from Hawks (AP)
Swingman Josh Childress has been acquired by the Phoenix Suns in a sign-and-trade deal with the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta will get the Suns' 2012 second-round draft pick as part of the deal. Childress has played the past two seasons in Greece. The 27-year-old previously spent four years with the Hawks.

Source: Phoenix Suns to offer deal to former Atlanta Hawk Josh Childress
The Phoenix Suns will make an offer to restricted free agent Josh Childress, a league source said, providing the former Hawks swingman an avenue back to the NBA after spending the last two seasons in Greece.

2010 NBA free agents: Joe Johnson officially signs six-year, $124 million deal with Atlanta Hawks
Joe Johnson has officially signed a six-year deal with Atlanta, giving the Hawks' four-time All-Star an average of more than $20 million each year.

Hawks sign Johnson for $123.7M, 6 years (AP)
Joe Johnson has officially signed a six-year deal with Atlanta, giving the Hawks' four-time All-Star an average of more than $20 million each year. Johnson's agent, Arn Tellem, says the deal is worth $123.7 million. Johnson and the Hawks agreed to the maximum contract on Monday. Thursday is the first day free agents can sign contracts.

2010 NBA free agency: Sources: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks express interest in Shaquille O'Neal
Even at 38 years old, Shaquille O'Neal is drawing plenty of interest on the free-agent market. Boston, Dallas and Atlanta have all expressed interest in O'Neal, according to league sources.

Johnson tells Hawks he'll accept team's offer
A big payday keeps Joe Johnson in Atlanta and puts him in full recruiting mode, FOX Sports South says.

NBA Free Agents: Agent says Joe Johnson sticking with Atlanta Hawks for NBA maximum contract
Free agent Joe Johnson is staying with the Hawks, his agent said in a blog published in the Huffington Post website on Sunday.

Joe Johnson to stay in Atlanta
The agent for Joe Johnson says the All-Star guard has agreed to stay with the Atlanta Hawks.

2010 NBA free agents: Sources say Joe Johnson undecided on Atlanta Hawks offer
Joe Johnson already has a six-year max offer from the Atlanta Hawks sitting in front of him, but he still hadn't committed to signing it Friday because he wants to see how things shake out with the other maximum-salary free agents.

Reports: Hawks offer Johnson max deal
The Atlanta Hawks have offered star Joe Johnson the maximum contract, FOX Sports South reports.

Report: Hawks expected to offer Johnson maximum contract
The Atlanta Hawks plan to offer free agent guard Joe Johnson a maximum contract when the team meets with him soon after the signing period begins, according to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution report.

2010 NBA free agents: Agent: Free agent Joe Johnson meeting with Atlanta Hawks
Joe Johnson's agent says the four-time All-Star is meeting with the Atlanta Hawks at the start of the free-agent negotiating period.

Hawks take little known Pape Sy in Round 2 - Pape Sy (F) Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks drafted little known small forward Pape Sy from France with the 53rd pick.

Nets take C Tibor Pleiss for Atlanta - Tibor Pleiss (C) Atlanta Hawks
The Nets drafted C Tibor Pleiss with the 31st pick in the draft, and he'll be moved to the Hawks.

Philips Arena chief Bob Williams named Atlanta Hawks president
Bob Williams, who has run Philips Arena since its opening in 1999, has been named president of the Atlanta Hawks, putting him in charge of the team's business operations.

Hawks owners don't plan to sell or move (AP)
The owners of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and NHL's Atlanta Thrashers say they continue to look for minority partners and have no plans to sell or move either team. There have been persistent reports that the Atlanta Spirit ownership group is strapped financially and may be looking to sell one or both teams.

Larry Drew officially named new coach of Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have officially named Larry Drew as their new head coach.

Drew officially named Hawks coach
The Atlanta Hawks have officially named Larry Drew as their new head coach.

Hawks to promote assistant Drew to coach (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks were poised to hire Larry Drew as their next head coach, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press Friday. Drew was picked after a search that also included interviews with former Minnesota coach Dwane Casey, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team was still working out details of the contract.

AP source: Hawks set to hire Larry Drew as coach
The Atlanta Hawks were poised to hire Larry Drew as their next head coach, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press Friday.

AP source: Atlanta Hawks set to hire assistan Larry Drew as coach
A person familiar with the situation says that the Atlanta Hawks are poised to hire Larry Drew as their next head coach.

Hawks owner fined $25,000 over comments (AP)
Hawks owner Michael Gearon was fined $25,000 Thursday for making comments that violated the NBA's anti-tampering rules. The fine was announced by Joel Litvin, the president of league and basketball operations, and was the third handed down in recent days for violation of the rules. Gearon was fined for comments that appeared in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on May 19, when he said he'd...

Atlanta Hawks owner Michael Gearon latest to be fined for LeBron James talk
Hawks owner Michael Gearon has been fined $25,000 for making comments that violated the NBA's anti-tampering rules.

Dallas Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey has second interview for Atlanta Hawks vacancy, following Avery Johnson
Like Avery Johnson, Mavs assistant Dwane Casey has interviewed twice with the Hawks.

Battered Magic on brink of elimination (AP)
From start to finish, the Orlando Magic were dominated by the Boston Celtics. It happened in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals Saturday night. And it can happen for the entire series if the Celtics complete a sweep Monday night. The team that rolled through the first two rounds against Charlotte and Atlanta without a loss was handed a 94-71 beating by the fiercely determined and energetic...

Source: Avery Johnson gets second interview with Atlanta Hawks
For the second time in less than a week, Avery Johnson has been interviewed by the Atlanta Hawks for their vacant coaching job.

Sources: Dallas Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey on Atlanta Hawks' radar
The Atlanta Hawks will interview Mavericks assistant coach Dwane Casey for their coaching vacancy in the next few days, according to NBA coaching sources.

Sources: Former Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson, current assistant Dwane Casey on Atlanta Hawks' radar
The Atlanta Hawks will interview Mavericks assistant coach Dwane Casey for their coaching vacancy in the next few days, according to NBA coaching sources.

Magic start slow in first playoff loss (AP)
Unbeatable in the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Orlando Magic apparently lost their rhythm somewhere before the start of the Eastern Conference finals. Just like that, their road back to the NBA finals has gotten considerably tougher. Showing the rust from nearly a week off -- or from barely being challenged by Charlotte and Atlanta in the first two postseason rounds -- the Magic never...

Magic F Barnes hurts back, plans to play (AP)
Magic forward Matt Barnes has missed practice because of back spasms but expects to start in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against Boston. Barnes said after Saturday's practice that he feels pain in the lower-left side of his back. The injury recently flared up after first occurring in Game 3 of the Magic's second-round sweep of Atlanta.

Hawks fire coach Woodson after 6 seasons (AP)
Mike Woodson is out as coach of the Atlanta Hawks after the team was swept in the second round of the playoffs by the Orlando Magic. General manager Rick Sund said Friday the team will not offer Woodson a new contract. He coached the Hawks for six seasons, and they improved their record every year after managing just 13 wins in his debut.

Hawks part ways with coach Woodson
Mike Woodson is out as coach of the Atlanta Hawks.

Hawks dismiss coach Mike Woodson after 6 seasons
The Atlanta Hawks have let coach Mike Woodson go after leading the team to their third straight playoffs.

Atlanta Hawks face uncertain future after being blown out of playoffs
The Atlanta Hawks may have reached their ceiling after five straight seasons of steady improvement, at least with star player Joe Johnson and coach Mike Woodson around.

Hawks face uncertain future (AP)
As Joe Johnson headed to the bench for perhaps the last time in an Atlanta uniform -- booed mightily by his own fans, his team on the way to another blowout loss -- it was hard to keep in perspective all the good things the Hawks did this season. Like winning 53 games. And finishing as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Magic finish off second straight sweep (AP)
The Orlando Magic are playing like a team that will settle for nothing less than its first NBA championship. Vince Carter scored 22 points to lead another dominating performance by the Magic, which finished off its second straight playoff sweep with a 98-84 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.

Magic blow out Hawks again, lead 3-0 (AP)
Orlando keeps on winning, even when Dwight Howard doesn't stand out. One more Magic victory will finish off the Atlanta Hawks. Rashard Lewis scored 22 points and the backups helped Orlando pull away early with Howard on the bench as the Magic romped to another playoff blowout, moving to the brink of their second straight sweep with a 105-75 victory over the Hawks on Saturday.

Hawks need 'perfect game' to beat Magic (AP)
Excuse the Orlando Magic if they have trouble remembering the last time they lost a game. The Magic has gone more than a month since their last defeat, a 112-100 setback at San Antonio on April 2. Orlando has won 12 straight since then, the last six of those in the playoffs. After sweeping Charlotte in the opening round, the Magic has a 2-0 lead on the Hawks as the series shifts to Atlanta for the...

Howard, Magic bring down Hawks for 2-0 lead
Dwight Howard came back from a bloody nose to finish with 29 points and 17 rebounds, and the Magic beat the Atlanta Hawks 112-98 on Thursday night to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Howard helps Magic go up 2-0 on Hawks (AP)
Maybe all the Orlando Magic needed after a slow start was a slap in the face. Dwight Howard came back from a bloody nose to finish with 29 points and 17 rebounds, and the Magic beat the Atlanta Hawks 112-98 on Thursday night to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series. Vince Carter had 24 points with some big shots late and Rashard Lewis finished with 20 points, leading...

Bucks' patchwork approach to continue (AP)
Bucks general manager John Hammond says he began to worry as soon as he boarded a plane bound for Milwaukee after a Game 7 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs. Hammond, a self-described "Nervous Nellie" who won the NBA's Executive of the Year award this season, is not sure how the Bucks will be able to replicate the success of a surprising 46-36 campaign and...

Howard helps Magic rout Hawks 114-71 (AP)
The Orlando Magic showed they could survive with Dwight Howard in chronic foul trouble. With him on the floor, they were dominant. Howard had 21 points and 12 rebounds in one of the most crushing playoff wins in Magic history, a 114-71 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal.

Pietrus hopes to play after spraining ankle
Orlando Magic forward Mickael Pietrus expects to play in the second-round series opener against Atlanta after missing practice with a sprained left ankle.

Orlando Magic forward Mickael Pietrus plans to play with sprained ankle
Orlando Magic forward Mickael Pietrus expects to play in the second-round series opener against Atlanta after missing practice with a sprained left ankle.

Magic F Pietrus expects to play Game 1 (AP)
Orlando Magic forward Mickael Pietrus expects to play in the second-round series opener against Atlanta after missing practice with a sprained left ankle. Pietrus sat out Monday after he sprained the ankle a day earlier in practice. But he said he would play Tuesday night in Game 1 against the Hawks, even if the ankle is a sore.

Andrew Bogut of Milwaukee Bucks active for Game 7 but won't play
Andrew Bogut was activated for Sunday's Game 7 against the Atlanta Hawks, but coach Scott Skiles said there was no chance Bogut would play.

Bucks G Bell benched for Game 7 (AP)
Milwaukee Bucks guard Charlie Bell won't play in Game 7 of the NBA playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks for disciplinary reasons. Coach Scott Skiles isn't discussing the reasons for the punishment, saying he doesn't want that to be the focus heading into the decisive game of the series. Bell has barely played against the Hawks, anyway -- a total of eight minutes in three games.

Hawks rip Bucks in Game 7, to meet Magic (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks weren't going to let another game slip away on their home court. After keeping their season alive with a gutty win in Milwaukee, the Hawks made sure the Bucks were in no position to duplicate their improbable Game 5 upset. Jamal Crawford scored 22 points, Al Horford put up a double-double and Atlanta pulled away for a 95-74 win Sunday that gave the Hawks a 4-3 triumph in the...

Hawks knock out Bucks early to seal series win
Jamal Crawford scored 22 points, Al Horford put up a double-double and Atlanta pulled away for a 95-74 win Sunday that gave the Hawks a 4-3 triumph in the tougher-than-expected series. It was the only series to go the distance in the opening round.

Hawks stifle Bucks on road, force Game 7 (AP)
Jamal Crawford saw the end to his series-long shooting slump coming, making a promise after the pregame shootaround: It'll be back tonight. Crawford then went out and finally played like the NBA's sixth man of the year in the playoffs, scoring 24 points to help the Atlanta Hawks beat the Milwaukee Bucks 83-69 on Friday night to force a seventh game in the first-round series.

Hawks bury Bucks to force Game 7 in Atlanta
Jamal Crawford broke out of a slump with 24 points, Joe Johnson added 22 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Milwaukee Bucks 83-69 on Friday night to force a seventh game in the first-round series.

Milwaukee Bucks' Jerry Stackhouse sings National Anthem
Milwaukee Bucks forward Jerry Stackhouse sang a soulful renedition of the National Anthem before Milwaukee took on the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 on Friday night.

Coach Mike Woodson says no contract talks with Atlanta Hawks
Hawks coach Mike Woodson said Tuesday there have been no talks on a new contract with Atlanta, even amid reports that he'll be a candidate to take another job after the season.

Hawks: No talks with Woodson yet (AP)
Hawks coach Mike Woodson said Tuesday there have been no talks on a new contract with Atlanta, even amid reports that he'll be a candidate to take another job after the season. The most persistent report is that Woodson could wind up as Philadelphia's coach, which is based on Larry Brown leaving Charlotte to become the 76ers' general manager.

Hawks' Crawford named Sixth Man of Year (AP)
Accepting a backup role for the first time in his career, Atlanta Hawks guard Jamal Crawford was rewarded for his unselfishness Tuesday by being named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year. Crawford won the award going away with 580 of a possible 610 points, including 110 out of 122 first-place votes. Jason Terry of the Dallas Mavericks finished second with 220 points and Anderson Varejao of the Cleveland...

Atlanta Hawks guard Jamal Crawford named NBA Sixth Man of Year
Hawks guard Jamal Crawford has been named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year.

Hawks' Crawford wins NBA Sixth Man award
Atlanta Hawks guard Jamal Crawford has been named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year.

Bucks get even with Hawks thanks to Delfino
Carlos Delfino scored 22 points with six 3-pointers and the Milwaukee Bucks pulled off their second straight playoff surprise, beating the Atlanta Hawks 111-104 Monday night to draw even in the first-round series.

Delfino's 6 3s help Bucks knot series (AP)
Carlos Delfino scored 22 points with six 3-pointers and the Milwaukee Bucks pulled off their second straight playoff surprise, beating the Atlanta Hawks 111-104 Monday night to draw even in the first-round series. Brandon Jennings scored 23 points and John Salmons added 22 for the Bucks, who survived a fourth-quarter surge led by Atlanta stars Joe Johnson and Josh Smith.

Hawks players OK after car crashes into team bus
A car collided with the Atlanta Hawks' bus as the team was leaving a shootaround session in downtown Milwaukee early Monday afternoon. A team spokesman says no one was injured.

Atlanta Hawks' team bus collides with car in Milwaukee; none injured
A car collided with the Atlanta Hawks' bus as the team was leaving a shootaround session in downtown Milwaukee early Monday afternoon. A team spokesman says no one was injured.

Hawks' bus in accident, no injuries (AP)
A car collided with the Atlanta Hawks' bus as the team was leaving a shootaround session in downtown Milwaukee early Monday afternoon. A team spokesman says no one was injured. Hawks spokesman Arthur Triche says the accident happened around 12:30 p.m. Monday as the team was leaving the Bradley Center.

Bucks roll past Hawks, trail series 2-1 (AP)
John Salmons let out a huge sigh at his locker before a wide grin crept across his face. The questions of whether the Milwaukee Bucks can hang with the Atlanta Hawks are over. Salmons scored 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting, Kurt Thomas had eight points, 13 rebounds and four stitches, and the Bucks never let up after a hot start in a 107-89 Game 3 victory on Saturday night after a three-day layoff.

Bucks roll past Hawks in Game 3
John Salmons scored 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting and the Milwaukee Bucks never let up after a hot start in a 107-89 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.

Salmons, Bucks ground Hawks in Game 3
John Salmons scored 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting and the Milwaukee Bucks never let up after a hot start in a 107-89 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.

Hawks F Smith takes shot at Milwaukee (AP)
First, Joakim Noah. Now, Josh Smith. The Atlanta forward is taking a jab at Milwaukee, saying "everybody knows there's nothing to do" in the city that will host the Hawks in Games 3 and 4 of the playoffs. Smith made his comments Thursday when someone asked him what he planned to do after the series shifted to the Bucks' home court.

Jennings: Bucks will fix flaws back home (AP)
The Milwaukee Bucks are certainly happy to be back home. Brandon Jennings hopes to benefit the most as Milwaukee tries to dig out of its 0-2 hole against Atlanta. The rookie point guard was phenomenal in Game 1 with 34 points, then crashed back down in Game 2 with nine points on 3 of 15 shooting from the field.

Hawks take care of business for 2-0 series lead
With Joe Johnson and high-flying Josh Smith leading the way, the Atlanta Hawks avoided another Game 2 letdown.

Johnson, Smith help Hawks take 2-0 lead (AP)
With Joe Johnson and high-flying Josh Smith leading the way, the Atlanta Hawks avoided another Game 2 letdown. Johnson took control in the fourth quarter to finish off a 27-point effort, Smith finished one assist shy of a triple-double and the Hawks ran away from the pesky but outmanned Milwaukee Bucks for a 96-86 victory in the Eastern Conference playoffs Tuesday night.

Jennings, Bucks try to even series in Atlanta


Hawks start fast, get by Bucks in Game 1 (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks are off to a good start in the playoffs, even though they barely showed up for the second half. The Milwaukee Bucks are short-handed but at least showed a little fight. Led by Joe Johnson and getting production from all their key players, the Hawks blitzed the Bucks early, survived a lackluster showing after halftime and held off Milwaukee 102-92 in Game 1 of the Eastern...

Healthy Hawks ready for banged-up Bucks (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks are feeling good and eager to show what they can really do in the playoffs. The Hawks were banged up a year ago when they took on Cleveland in a second-round series. Joe Johnson and Al Horford had sprained ankles, while Marvin Williams was hindered by a sprained shooting wrist. Not surprisingly, LeBron James and the Cavaliers swept Atlanta in four straight games.

Injured Bogut to support Bucks on road (AP)
Andrew Bogut's season is over, but the Milwaukee Bucks' big man still is hitting the road to support his teammates in their first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks beginning Saturday. In his first formal comments to reporters since being hurt earlier this month, Bogut says that as a leader, it's important for him to travel with the team and show support.

Cavs, Magic, Lakers open as favorites (AP)
Maybe Kobe Bryant is too beaten up to last through three playoff rounds against the rest of the West. Perhaps the aging Boston Celtics do have one more run in them, or the Atlanta Hawks are ready to take the next step. Sure, it's easy to think this year's NBA champion will be LeBron James and Cleveland, Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, or the Orlando Magic.

LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal of Cleveland Cavaliers to sit out finale vs. Atlanta Hawks
LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal will both sit out the final regular-season game for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

James watches Cavs top Hawks in finale (AP)
In what passed for nothing more than an exhibition game, rookie Jeff Teague set career highs with 24 points and 15 assists and the Atlanta Hawks cruised past the LeBron James-less Cleveland Cavaliers 99-83 in a regular-season finale Wednesday night that had plenty of star power -- on the bench. James finished up his end-of-the-season break, and the Cavaliers also gave Shaquille O'Neal the...

Hawks strengthen hold on No. 3 spot (AP)
If this was a preview of Atlanta's first-round playoff series, Joe Johnson gave the Milwaukee Bucks plenty to worry about. And he's certainly not the only concern for the Bucks, who have lost two straight games to potential first-round opponents and might finally be starting to feel the loss of injured center Andrew Bogut.

Johnson too much for Bucks; Hawks eye 3-spot
Joe Johnson scored 31 points to help the Atlanta Hawks beat the Milwaukee Bucks 104-96 in a matchup between potential first-round playoff opponents Monday night.

Shaquille O'Neal of Cleveland Cavaliers cleared to play, could appear with LeBron James in finale
Shaquille O'Neal has been cleared to return, leaving open the possibility he could appear with LeBron James in Wednesday's finale at Atlanta before the playoffs start over the weekend.

Shaq cleared to return, could play in Cavs' finale
Shaquille O'Neal has been cleared by team doctors and could play in Cleveland's regular-season finale Wednesday at Atlanta.

Shaq, James could return vs. Hawks (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal has been cleared by team doctors and could play in Cleveland's regular-season finale Wednesday at Atlanta. He might be joined by LeBron James, although Cavaliers coach Mike Brown hasn't made any decisions yet. The team will hold a contact practice on Tuesday, and depending how O'Neal fares, Brown could start him against the Hawks.

Crawford's 2nd-half surge whips Wiz in D.C.
Jamal Crawford scored 23 of his 28 points in the second half and the Atlanta Hawks snapped a six-game road losing streak with a 105-95 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.

Crawford helps Hawks stay 3rd in East (AP)
Jamal Crawford scored 23 of his 28 points in the second half and the Atlanta Hawks snapped a six-game road losing streak with a 105-95 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night. Joe Johnson scored 20 points to help the Hawks remain in third place in the Eastern Conference and sweep the season series with the Wizards.

Hawks reach 50 wins for first time in 12 years
Jamal Crawford scored 15 of his 25 points when Atlanta took the lead in the second period, and the Hawks beat the Toronto Raptors 107-101 on Friday night to reach 50 wins for the first time in 12 years.

Hawks climb to 3rd in East with 50th win (AP)
Jamal Crawford scored 15 of his 25 points when Atlanta took the lead in the second period, and the Hawks beat the Toronto Raptors 107-101 on Friday night to reach 50 wins for the first time in 12 years. The Hawks were sluggish in the opening minutes, matching their season low for points in a first quarter when they trailed 25-14.

Pistons without Hamilton, Stuckey (AP)
Guards Rodney Stuckey and Richard Hamilton were sidelined for the Detroit Pistons on Friday night against the Miami Heat. Stuckey injured his ribs in a win over Atlanta on Wednesday, while Hamilton has been bothered by ankle problems. They were joined by Chris Wilcox, who has a sore hamstring. Detroit did have Tayshaun Prince available Friday, after he sat out the previous game for personal reasons.

Brown may keep James out for season (AP)
LeBron James' regular season could be over. James was one of four starters missing for Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. With home-court advantage already clinched throughout the playoffs, coach Mike Brown didn't rule out his healthy superstar also sitting against Orlando on Sunday and Atlanta on Wednesday.

Injury-riddled Pistons stun Hawks 90-88 (AP)
Ben Gordon scored 22 points and made two key defensive plays in the final minute, leading the injury-riddled Detroit Pistons to a 90-88 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. The win came one night after the Pistons snapped an 11-game losing streak in Philadelphia. Detroit had lost 18 of its previous 20, dating to Feb.

Personal reasons keep Detroit Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince out vs. Atlanta Hawks
Detroit forward Tayshaun Prince missed the Pistons' game Wednesday night against Atlanta for personal reasons, according to coach John Kuester.

Hawks star Johnson to miss at least two games
Atlanta Hawks leading scorer Joe Johnson will miss at least the next two games with a sprained right thumb.

Atlanta Hawks' Joe Johnson out with sprained thumb
Atlanta Hawks leading scorer Joe Johnson will miss at least the next two games with a sprained right thumb.

Bobcats clinch first non-losing season (AP)
Gerald Wallace scored 28 points, Boris Diaw nearly had a triple-double, and the Charlotte Bobcats ensured their first non-losing season in their six-year history with a 109-100 victory over the banged-up Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. Diaw had 17 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, while a gimpy Stephen Jackson added 15 points for the Bobcats (41-36), who inched closer to their first playoff...

Hawks PG Bibby won't play vs. Bobcats (AP)
Atlanta point guard Mike Bibby has been sidelined with an ingrown toenail, leaving the Hawks without two starters against Charlotte. Leading scorer Joe Johnson didn't make the trip because of a sprained right thumb. Bibby was scratched after he said he couldn't participate in Tuesday's shootaround.

Hawks win 10th straight at home (AP)
Jamal Crawford scored 29 points, Al Horford added 20 points and 14 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Detroit Pistons 91-85 on Saturday night for their 10th straight home victory. The Hawks also handed Detroit its 11th straight loss, the Pistons' worst run since dropping 13 in a row Dec. 15-Jan.

Hawks down Pistons for 10th straight home win
Jamal Crawford scored 29 points, Al Horford added 20 points and 14 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Detroit Pistons 91-85 on Saturday night for their 10th straight home victory.

Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson out with sprained thumb
Atlanta guard Joe Johnson missed the Hawks' game Saturday night against Detroit because of a sprained right thumb.

Hawks G Johnson sits with sprained thumb (AP)
Atlanta guard Joe Johnson missed the Hawks' game Saturday night against Detroit because of a sprained right thumb. Johnson, the Hawks' leading scorer since joining the team in a 2005 sign-and-trade deal with Phoenix, injured his right hand in a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Anderson Varejao (hamstring) out against the Atlanta Hawks
Cavaliers reserve forward Anderson Varejao missed his third straight game with a sore left hamstring.

Cavs F Varejao misses third straight (AP)
Cavaliers reserve forward Anderson Varejao of Brazil missed his third straight game with a sore left hamstring. Cavs coach Mike Brown said the team decided to keep Varejao out of Friday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks as a precaution. Varejao, who injured his hamstring a week ago in a loss at San Antonio, could return for Sunday's game in Boston.

Hawks hand Lakers second straight loss (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks are looking to make a lengthy run in the NBA playoffs. Their bench sure appears deep enough for the long haul. Joe Johnson scored 25 points despite an aching thumb, but it was the Atlanta reserves who came up big against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. Maurice Evans scored 18, Jamal Crawford added 14 and Zaza Pachulia chipped in with his first double-double in more than a year, leading...

Hawks hand Lakers second straight loss (AP)
Joe Johnson scored 25 points, Jamal Crawford got plenty of help off the Atlanta bench and the Hawks handed Los Angeles its second straight loss, breezing past the Lakers 109-92 Wednesday night. Kobe Bryant scored 28 points but only eight in the second half as Los Angeles lost back-to-back games for just the fourth time this season.

Hawks bench rules as Lakers lose 2nd straight
Joe Johnson scored 25 points, Jamal Crawford paced another dominating performance by the Atlanta bench and the Hawks handed Los Angeles its second straight loss, breezing past the Lakers 109-92 Wednesday night.

Lakers sit Vujacic after coaching run-in
Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson says backup guard Sasha Vujacic hasn't played the last two games because of "a little run-in'' with the coaching staff. Jackson says the incident happened during last Friday's game at Oklahoma City. He says Vujacic didn't play at all in the next two contests at Houston and New Orleans because he "hasn't atoned himself for that error.'' Jackson refused Friday to give any more details about the incident. Vujacic says he doesn't know what his coach is talking about. The Lakers are wrapping up a five-game road trip at Atlanta.

Smith, Hawks snap Pacers' 5-game win streak
Josh Smith had 21 points and 13 rebounds, Al Horford added 18 points and 12 boards, and the Atlanta Hawks snapped the Indiana Pacers' five-game winning streak with a 94-84 victory on Sunday.

Hawks win eighth straight at home (AP)
Josh Smith had 21 points and 13 rebounds, Al Horford added 18 points and 12 boards, and the Atlanta Hawks snapped the Indiana Pacers' five-game winning streak with a 94-84 victory on Sunday. The Hawks, who had dropped two of three overall, increased their home winning streak to a season-high eight games.

Sixers' Iguodala has near triple-double (AP)
Andre Iguodala had 25 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, Jason Kapono and Elton Brand each added 14 points, and the Philadelphia 76ers won consecutive games for the first time in more than six weeks with a 105-98 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. Samuel Dalembert scored 14 points off the bench, while Jrue Holiday recorded his first career double-double with 13 points and career...

Hot Hawks clinch third straight trip to playoffs
Josh Smith swooped in to slam through Joe Johnson's missed shot just ahead of the buzzer and the Atlanta Hawks finally beat the Orlando Magic, clinching a third straight trip to the playoffs with an 86-84 victory Wednesday night.

Smith dunk at buzzer gets Hawks by Magic (AP)
Josh Smith swooped in to slam through Joe Johnson's missed shot just ahead of the buzzer and the Atlanta Hawks finally beat the Orlando Magic, clinching a third straight trip to the playoffs with an 86-84 victory Wednesday night. The Hawks bounced back from an early 15-2 deficit and overcame going 8:45 in the fourth quarter without a field goal against a division rival that had routed them...

Salmons' 32, late FTs get Bucks by Hawks (AP)
John Salmons scored 32 points, including the tiebreaking free throws with 21.8 seconds remaining, to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a come-from-behind 98-95 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. In a matchup of possible first-round playoff opponents, Salmons and Hawks All-Star Joe Johnson went back and forth down the stretch until the Milwaukee guard, who scored 16 in the fourth quarter,...

Hawks end skid vs. Spurs, make playoffs (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks didn't celebrate clinching their third straight playoff berth. The Hawks showed against the San Antonio Spurs that they have reason to aim for bigger goals than simply qualifying for the postseason. Marvin Williams scored 26 points to lead three scorers with 20 or more points and the Hawks beat San Antonio 119-114 in overtime on Sunday night for their first win over the Spurs...

Hawks down Spurs in OT, clinch playoff berth
Marvin Williams scored 26 points to lead three scorers with 20 or more points and the Atlanta Hawks beat San Antonio 119-114 in overtime on Sunday night to clinch a playoff berth.

Hawks' Johnson returns, hits OT winner (AP)
Joe Johnson missed every shot he took for three quarters, but he found his sweet spot for his most important attempt with only a tenth of a second to spare in overtime. Johnson sank a fallaway jumper over three Charlotte defenders just before time expired to lift the Atlanta Hawks past the Bobcats, 93-92 in overtime on Friday night.

Johnson beats buzzer in OT as Hawks top Cats
Joe Johnson sank a fallaway jumper over three Charlotte defenders just before time expired to lift the Atlanta Hawks past the Bobcats, 93-92 in overtime on Friday night.

Bosh's late basket gets Raptors by Hawks (AP)
Chris Bosh put a poor shooting performance behind him in a big way for the Toronto Raptors. Bosh hit a 16-foot jumper with 2.1 seconds left and the Raptors ended a five-game losing streak with a 106-105 victory over Atlanta on Wednesday night. "I shot it with confidence, and there wasn't a doubt in my mind that it (was) going in," said Bosh.

Bosh's late jumper helps Raptors stop Hawks
Chris Bosh hit a 16-foot jumper with 2.1 seconds left and the Toronto Raptors ended a five-game losing streak with a 106-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.

Bosh's late basket gets Raptors by Hawks (AP)
Chris Bosh hit a 16-foot jumper with 2.1 seconds left and the Toronto Raptors ended a five-game losing streak with a 106-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. Bosh was 6 of 19 from the field and finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. He made a second-quarter layup to become the first player in franchise history to reach the 10,000-point plateau.

Crawford's big 2nd quarter lifts Hawks (AP)
Jamal Crawford had one of those second quarters that made it a lot easier for the Atlanta Hawks to play without Joe Johnson for the first time this season. Crawford hit a 30-footer at the buzzer to cap his game-breaking, 15-point period and the Hawks ran away from the woeful New Jersey Nets, 108-84 on Tuesday night.

New Jersey Nets guard Devin Harris out with upper respiratory illness
Nets Point guard Devin Harris is going to miss the New Jersey's game with the Atlanta Hawks with an upper respiratory illness.

Hawks' sharp shooting stops Pistons' comeback
Joe Johnson scored 26 points and Atlanta Hawks had their best shooting game of the season but still had to hold off Detroit's late comeback to beat the Pistons 112-99 on Saturday night.

Hot-shooting Hawks rip Pistons 126-99 (AP)
Joe Johnson scored 26 points and Atlanta Hawks had their best shooting game of the season but still had to hold off Detroit's late comeback to beat the Pistons 112-99 on Saturday night. The Hawks took a 28-point lead in the second quarter but suffered a second-half letdown. Atlanta kept its lead in double figures from the 7:17 mark of the opening quarter until Detroit's Ben Gordon scored...

Crawford's 29 carry Hawks over Wizards (AP)
As he sits on the bench at the start of each game, Jamal Crawford analyzes the opposition, the defenses they are employing, and the flow of the game. The Atlanta Hawks are sure glad their sixth-man extraordinaire is a quick study. Crawford scored 29 points and the Hawks avoided a three-game losing streak by beating the Washington Wizards 105-99 Thursday night.

Replay, Chandler's block give Knicks win (AP)

Atlanta Hawks' Jamal Crawford attempts to split the defense of New York Knicks' Wilson Chandler, left, and David Lee, right, during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 8, 2010 at Madison Square Garden in New York.  The Knicks beat the Hawks 99-98.

Upon further review, the Atlanta Hawks still can't beat the New York Knicks. The Knicks beat the Hawks for the third time this season, holding on for a 99-98 victory Monday night when video replay showed Al Horford's basket came after the buzzer. Wilson Chandler blocked Josh Smith's drive to the hoop with 1.7 seconds to play and the ball bounced out to Horford in the lane.




New York Knicks' Tracey McGrady sits out against Atlanta Hawks because of soreness
Tracy McGrady is sitting out the Knicks' game against Atlanta because of soreness.

Knicks' McGrady sits with soreness (AP)
Tracy McGrady is sitting out the Knicks' game against Atlanta because of soreness. McGrady had played all nine games since New York acquired him from Houston at last month's trade deadline, but decided to rest Monday night in the Knicks' third game in four nights. McGrady is still trying to get in shape after playing only limited minutes in six games in December after returning from...

Miami Heat guard Rafer Alston suspended from team indefinitely
Miami Heat guard Rafer Alston, who did not attend Miami's home victory over Atlanta on Saturday night, is considering retirement, according to sources close to the situation.

Heat suspend PG Alston indefinitely (AP)
Rafer Alston's future with the Miami Heat is in serious doubt. The 11th-year point guard has been suspended by the team, which made the announcement about two hours after beating Atlanta on Saturday night. Alston was not at the arena for the game, with the Heat saying he was inactive for personal reasons and coach Erik Spoelstra only saying more details would likely be released Sunday.

Wade, Beasley fuel big 4th as Heat beat Hawks
Dwyane Wade scored 38 points, and Michael Beasley capped a big fourth quarter with seven consecutive points in the final two minutes, helping the short-handed Miami Heat beat the Atlanta Hawks 100-94 Saturday night.

Wade, Beasley lead Heat past Hawks (AP)

Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams (24) shoots as Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley, center, and Miami Heat center Jamaal Magloire (21) defend in the second quarter during an NBA basketball game in Miami, Saturday, March 6, 2010.

Dwyane Wade scored 38 points, and Michael Beasley capped a big fourth quarter with seven consecutive points in the final two minutes, helping the short-handed Miami Heat beat the Atlanta Hawks 100-94 Saturday night. Beasley scored 14 of his 22 points in the final period, and his late spurt gave the Heat a six-point lead.




Josh Smith helps Hawks hold off Warriors (AP)

Golden State Warriors center Ronny Turiaf (21)  pulls down a rebound against Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson (2) during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game at Philips Arena, Friday, March 5, 2010, in Atlanta. The Hawks won 127-122.

Josh Smith scored a season-high 29 points and Al Horford added 27 points and 15 rebounds as the surging Atlanta Hawks held off the Golden State Warriors 127-122 on Friday night. Atlanta, which has won four straight and six of seven, improved to 25-7 at home. The Hawks had six players in double figures, including Mike Bibby, who had a season-high 23 points, and Jamal Crawford, who scored 12 of his...




Smith, Hawks outlast Warriors, win fourth in row
Josh Smith scored a season-high 29 points and Al Horford added 27 points and 13 rebounds as the surging Atlanta Hawks held off the Golden State Warriors 127-122 on Friday night.

Wife of Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson files for divorce in Atlanta
The same day the Philadelphia 76ers announced that guard Allen Iverson would not return for the rest of the season, his wife filed for divorce in Atlanta.

Iverson's wife files for divorce (AP)
The same day the Philadelphia 76ers announced that guard Allen Iverson would not return for the rest of the season, his wife filed for divorce in Atlanta. In papers filed Tuesday in Fulton County Superior Court, Tawanna Iverson said their 8 1/2 -year marriage is "irretrievably broken." She asks for full custody of the couple's five children, child support and alimony.

Hawks win third straight, defeat 76ers (AP)

Atlanta Hawks' Mike Bibby, right, drives around Philadelphia 76ers' Lou Williams during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday,  March 3, 2010, in Atlanta.

Marvin Williams scored 21 points and Jamal Crawford added 20 to power the Atlanta Hawks to a 112-93 victory over the struggling Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Joe Johnson added 18 points, Al Horford had 12 and Mike Bibby 11 for the Hawks, who have won three straight and five of six. The 76ers, who have lost four in a row and seven of nine, were led by Lou Williams, who had 30 points.




Balanced Hawks soar over 76ers, win 3rd in row
Marvin Williams scored 21 points and Jamal Crawford added 20 to power the Atlanta Hawks to a 112-93 victory over the struggling Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.

Swollen knee may shelve Chicago Bulls' Luol Deng vs. Atlanta Hawks
Luol Deng will be a game-time decision against the Hawks.

Hawks pull away from short-handed Bulls (AP)

Chicago Bulls forward James Johnson soars over Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams to block his shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 1, 2010, in Chicago. The Hawks won 116-92.

Jamal Crawford scored 21 points, Josh Smith added 17 points and a season-high 18 rebounds, and the Atlanta Hawks beat the short-handed Chicago Bulls 116-92 Monday night for their fourth win in five games. Marvin Williams had 18 points as Atlanta pulled away down the stretch after its 18-point, second-quarter lead was cut to five early in the fourth.




Johnson takes over in OT to drive Hawks to win
Joe Johnson scored nine of his 24 points in overtime, Josh Smith had 22 points and 15 rebounds, and the Atlanta Hawks ended Milwaukee's winning streak at six with a 106-102 victory Sunday night.

Hawks snap Bucks' win streak in OT (AP)

Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut, left, of Australia, drives against Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Philips Arena, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, in Atlanta.

Joe Johnson scored ni