ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks took control with 19 straight points early in the game and clinched a playoff spot by beating the New Jersey Nets 98-87 on Saturday night.
Al Horford had 23 points and 12 rebounds for Atlanta, including six straight points late in the game to fend off a comeback attempt by New Jersey. Josh Smith added 22 points for the Hawks, who are in the playoffs for the fourth straight season.
Atlanta lost five-time All-Star guard Joe Johnson with a strained right thumb in the third quarter. He returned to the bench after having X-rays, but did not return to the game.
Anthony Morrow had 25 points for the Nets, who have lost six of seven.
