Jeff Teague and Joe Johnson star as Atlanta Hawks beat New Jersey Nets 105-98: NBA Recap
The Atlanta Hawks had bulldozed New Jersey Nets by 106-70 only last week. The two teams met again on Friday night with the Nets looking to avenge their defeat.
As expected, the Nets attacked full with throttle, but the Hawks were up to the challenge again and managed to squeak past, albeit with a close margin 105-98 this time.
Jeff Teague paced the Hawks with 22 points and 6 assists. Although he was satisfied with the win, but he too noticed the difference between Nets play in both the games.
"Guys were making shots for them," Teague said. "In the first game, they weren't making shots and made our defense look great. We played well, but I think we want to do a little better on the defensive end. I think everybody thought
that, but we got a win, so we can't complain."
Joe Johnson pounded 21 points on a near perfect shooting, knocking down 7 for 8 from the free throw line and 2 for 4 from outside the arc. Al Harford accumulated 12 while Marvin Williams and Zaza Pachulia both added 11 each.
For Nets, Deron Williams scored the game high 23 points and dished out 6 assists while the rookie MaRshon Brooks bundled 21 on 8 for 13 from the floor. Mehmet Okur had 15 while Kris Humphries was yet again phenomenal and completed
a double-double by scoring 10 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.
There was nothing much to differentiate between both the teams in shooting, rebounds and assists. It was all about the mental strength tonight, and Hawks outclassed Nets in that department.
Both teams battled out the first half gallantly.
An intense half came to end with a superb three from Marvin that ensured Atlanta held the upper hand, entering the second half ahead by 6 points 43-37.
Atlanta carried the momentum into the next frame and dominated the first 10 minutes. Two free throws by Jannero Pargo propelled the lead to 9 points 72-63, however, Nets were up to the task and finished the frame with a 9-4 run,
fuelled by Deron to get within a striking distance again at 72-76.
Nuggets kept themselves in the hunt by putting up a good fight until the last two minutes. They were only behind by 2 points 96-98 and needed just a moment of brilliance to seal the game. Unfortunately for them, it came from the
other end in the form of Johnson.
Johnson scored 7 quick points in the dying moments to lead his team to their third consecutive win of the season.
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