Nets 84 - 93 Hawks
Final
  for this game

Hawks finish off homestand with Nets

Mar 23, 2012 - 2:49 PM (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Hawks hope to finish off a three-game homestand in winning fashion on Friday when they welcome the slumping New Jersey Nets to the Peach State.

After losing the opener of the brief residency to Boston on Monday, the Hawks rebounded with a thrilling 103-102 overtime win over Cleveland on Wednesday. Joe Johnson's 22 points included the game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer in regulation and the game-winning basket late in overtime in that one.

Josh Smith poured in 32 points and pulled down 17 rebounds, Zaza Pachulia donated 14 points and Jeff Teague had 12 for the Hawks, who have won three of four overall and are currently the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt.

"Yeah it was [a hard, tough game]," Smith said. "They jumped on us early. we responded in the second quarter, and then all throughout the second half it was a battle back-and-forth."

New Jersey, meanwhile, has lost four straight and six of seven after falling to Washington, 108-89, in Newark on Wednesday.

Kris Humphries finished with 13 points and 16 rebounds for the Nets. Deron Williams scored 17 points but was ejected in the third quarter, as was head coach Avery Johnson.

"Deron is one of the most competitive guys that I've been around," said Nets guard Anthony Morrow. "Any time you feel like you are playing hard or competing...calls aren't going your way, tempers tend to flare up."

Nets guard Jordan Farmar missed his fourth straight game against the Wizards with a strained right groin and remains doubtful for tonight. Center Brook Lopez also remains out with a sprained right ankle.

Atlanta has won four straight overall over New Jersey and six consecutive in the series at Philips Arena.






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