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Wizards finally beat Hawks

Apr 10, 2011 - 3:39 AM Washington, DC (Sports Network) - For the first time in more than three years the Washington Wizards beat the Atlanta Hawks.

Andray Blatche finished with game-high 23 points and seven rebounds while John Wall posted 19 points, seven assists and five boards as the Wizards topped Atlanta, 115-83. It was Washington's first win over the Hawks since January 11, 2008, ending a drought spanning 12 games.

"Tonight we came out with a lot of energy," Blatche said. "Guys came off the bench and did their job and that's how we got a great lead."

Yi Jianlian scored 15 with nine boards in a reserve role, Othyus Jeffers added 13 points and 11 boards as Washington ended a two-game skid heading into its final two games of the season.

Al Horford paced the playoff-bound Hawks with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Joe Johnson added 16 points while Jamal Crawford scored 13 in a reserve role as Atlanta dropped its fourth straight.

"You just can't flip the switch," Hawks coach Larry Drew said of his teams skid. "You want to carry momentum as you finish the regular the season and move on into the playoffs."

The Hawks currently sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with two games remaining, and hold a 2 1/2 game lead over the idle New York Knicks, who have three games remaining on their schedule.

The Wizards controlled the game from the opening tip, taking a 29-18 lead after the opening 12 minutes and building a 61-46 advantage by the break.

Washington's lead reached 20, 73-53, on a Blatche jumper with 7:27 remaining in the third and never fell below 15 the rest of the way.

Game Notes

Atlanta turned the ball over 23 times...The Hawks were 13-1 in the previous 14 meetings...Atlanta holds a 20-20 record on the road this season...The Wizards will host the Celtics on Monday before finishing the season at Cleveland on Wednesday...Washington is 19-21 at home this season...Jordan Crawford, a former Hawk, finished with six points and eights assists for the victors...JaVale McGee scored 12 while both Maurice Evans and Larry Owens added 10 points in the win.