Hawks 111, Hornets 81
Josh Smith scored 30 points and had 13 rebounds to lead the injury-riddled Atlanta Hawks to a 111-81 win over the visiting Charlotte Bobcats on Thursday night.
The victory for Atlanta (8-4) was overshadowed by the news that center Al Horford could miss the remainder of the reason with a torn pectoral muscle. He was injured in Wednesday's game against Indiana and is expected to be sidelined three to four months, but could return for the playoffs.
The Hawks also played without starting forward Marvin Williams (sprained ankle) and top reserve Tracy McGrady (back spasms).
Atlanta didn't have to be at full strength to send Charlotte (2-9) to its fifth straight loss. The Hawks never trailed and led the remainder of the game after breaking a 19-19 tie late in the first quarter.
Joe Johnson scored 23 points while Zaza Pachulia, starting in place of Horford, had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Center Byron Mullens, making his first career start, led the Bobcats with 21 points.
Leading 38-37 late in the second quarter, Atlanta finished the first half on a 19-10 run to take a 57-47 lead into the locker room.
The Hawks led by 19 points early in the fourth quarter before Charlotte cut the lead to 87-77. Atlanta scored the next 11 points to put the game away.