Josh Smith continues to ride hot as Atlanta Hawks rally late to beat New Jersey Nets – NBA Recap
Josh Smith was sensational on Wednesday when Atlanta Hawks came back from a 16 point deficit to sting the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime and on Friday night; the prolific forward posted yet another 30 point night to help the Hawks
edge past the New Jersey Nets.
Smith scored 13 of his game high 30 points in the fourth quarter as the Hawks recovered from a seven point third quarter deficit to carve out a 93-84 triumph.
Jeff Teague added 17 points on a 5-of-8 shooting and 6 assists; Joe Johnson had 16; Kirk Hinrich connected on 4-of-6 from distance for his 14 while Marwin Williams pitched in with 11 points on his comeback from injury.
The Nets, who have now lost their fifth game in a row, were led by 20 points and 8 assists from ace point guard Deron Williams while Kris Humphries had 17 points and 8 rebounds.
After a good performance in the first three quarters, the Nets melted down in the fourth. They made just 5-of-18 field shots in the frame and missed 8 of the first ten to allow the Hawks a game-changing 22-6 run. They also had
4 turnovers during that phase, which pretty much decided the matter.
Avery Johnson, the Nets coach however was satisfied by the effort his team put in the first three frames;
"I liked our focus. We had really positive energy with the exception of the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, we didn't start off well in the fourth. Some silly turnovers turned the game around, especially when we were trying to give
some of our starters some rest."
With nine points from Johnson, Atlanta managed to snatch a 21-20 lead after one, but then allowed the Nets a 10-2 right at the start of the second.
Keyed by Teague, the Hawks soared back with a 14-3 response for a 37-34 lead, only to surrender it three minutes later, 44-41. By the time, the first half ended, the Nets were leading by 44-43.
Atlanta got off to a quick start in the second half and with 5:20 to go in the third; they were leading by 60-53. What followed next though was a 16-2 run which gave the Nets a 69-62 lead going into the last 12 minutes.
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