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Smith, Hawks win fifth straight on road

Feb 12, 2007 - 6:34 AM OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- Josh Smith and the Atlanta Hawks did not suffer a letdown.

Smith scored 29 points to lead the Hawks to a 106-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors for their fifth straight road win.

On Friday, the Hawks posted a 120-111 victory over the Phoenix Suns, who own the second-best record in the league.

"That's a sign of a young team still trying to learn how to win," Atlanta coach Mike Woodson said of his club. "We're learning how to win, but we were able to get the win and that's all that matters."

"The force was not with us tonight, but I am still proud of our guys," Golden State coach Don Nelson said. "They did give us a chance to win it in the end. This time, we didn't hit the shot at the buzzer."

Joe Johnson added 21 points for Atlanta, which has won five straight road contests for the first time since winning seven consecutive games from November 17 through December 22, 1993.

The Warriors trailed, 99-88, with 6:33 left in the fourth quarter before embarking on an 11-4 run to close the deficit to 103-99.

The Hawks led, 106-101, with 30 seconds left when the Warriors made their final run. Matt Barnes and Monta Ellis each hit layups to make it 106-105 with 33.5 seconds left.

Atlanta inbounded the ball to Josh Childress, whose layup was blocked by Barnes. He brought the ball downcourt and passed to Stephen Jackson in the left corner with six seconds left. Jackson hesitated before launching a desperation shot which glanced off the rim.

"I didn't want to take a shot and make it, and give them a chance to come back down and get another shot," said Jackson, who scored 15 points. "So I was trying to take the last shot but my legs weren't there and I couldn't get my legs under me. I got a look at it, but my shot was just short."

"I was just playing defense," Johnson said. "I guess he just took his time. I was surprised. I thought he was going to attack me quick, but he kind of took his time and shot a jump shot. I was surprised, but I'll take it."

Smith, who had 25 points in the victory over Phoenix, is averaging 23.5 points in his last four games.

"I am very impressed with Smith," Woodson said. "I don't think you can play this game scared when you are in foul trouble."

Smith went to the bench with his fifth foul with 4:09 left in the game. He returned with 1:03 left and sank two free throws with 41 to go left to give the Hawks a 106-101 advantage.

Ellis scored 21 points while Barnes finished with 17 for Golden State.

Atlanta beat Golden State for the second straight time. The Hawks scored a season high in a 115-94 defeat of the Warriors on January 31.

The Hawks go for their sixth straight road win against the Utah Jazz on Monday.

"It was a big win for us as far as confidence on this West Coast trip," Johnson said. "We have got to stay motivated, stay confident, and stick with the game plan. We couldn't make free throws down the stretch, so it definitely hurt us and got them back close. That's what made it a thrilling game."

The Warriors played their fourth consecutive game without leading scorer Baron Davis, who is averaging 20.7 points a game. Golden State is 2-2 in those four games.