Warriors 85 - 82 Hawks
Final
  for this game

Hawks hope to have Johnson back vs. Warriors

Feb 29, 2012 - 3:51 PM (Sports Network) - Atlanta hopes to have All-Star Joe Johnson back on the floor tonight when it plays host to the Golden State Warriors at Philips Arena.

Johnson, who is struggling with tendinitis in his left knee, missed the final two games before the break and the All-Star weekend festivities with an eye toward returning for the second half.

The Hawks snapped a three-game skid last Thursday by opening up a four-game homestand with an 83-78 win over Southeast Division-rival Orlando.

Josh Smith had 22 points and 12 rebounds in that one for Atlanta. Jannero Pargo and Willie Green, who both got extra minutes in Johnson's absence, had 15 and 14 points, respectively.

"It's a great way to end that streak," said Hawks coach Larry Drew. "I think, coming into this game a little shorthanded, I didn't know what I was gonna get from the team."

The Hawks, who are 10-5 in the Peach State on the season, will also face Milwaukee and Oklahoma City on their residency.

The Warriors, meanwhile, returned from the break in losing fashion, getting routed in Indiana on Tuesday 102-78.

Ex-Pacer Brandon Rush and Monta Ellis each had 14 for the Warriors, who were held to their fewest points of the season and are now 1-1 on a six-game road trip. David Lee added 12 points in defeat.

Charles Jenkins, starting in place of the injured Golden State guard Stephen Curry, finished with two points and two assists.

Curry suffered a tendon strain in his right foot last Wednesday in Phoenix and it's uncertain when he will return.

"They just came out with a little more energy than we had. They just played harder than we did. And they had a lot of weapons," said Rush.

Golden State is now 4-9 as the visitor on the season and will finish its trek by visiting Philadelphia, Toronto and Washington.

The Hawks have won three straight over the Warriors.






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