Nets at Hawks
THE STORY: The Atlanta Hawks look to complete a four-game season sweep of the visiting New Jersey Nets on Friday. Atlanta beat New Jersey three times over the first two weeks of the season, including a 37-point road trouncing. The Hawks have won three of their last four games after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime on Wednesday. The Nets have lost four consecutive games, including Wednesday’s loss to the Washington Wizards when guard Deron Williams was ejected.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, YES (New Jersey), SportSouth (Atlanta)
ABOUT THE NETS (15-33): New Jersey was walloped by 19 points at home against Washington as things disintegrated in the middle of the third quarter. Williams and coach Avery Johnson were both ejected during a run of 14 consecutive points by the Wizards. “I think we are all disappointed but we have to get back to playing some defense,” Johnson said. The Nets have allowed 100 or more points in nine of 12 March games and defense isn’t the only problem. New Jersey has scored under 100 points in five of its last six games.
ABOUT THE HAWKS (27-20): Guard Joe Johnson is on another hot streak, averaging 25.1 points over the last eight contests after a four-game absence due to knee tendinitis. Johnson scored 22 points and hit some key shots in the overtime win over the Cavaliers. He connected on the game-tying 3-pointer late in regulation and added the game-winning basket in overtime. Johnson hasn’t scored fewer than 18 points during the stretch and has twice scored 34 points. He is also 24 for 41 from 3-point range over the past six contests. The Hawks are 16-3 when Johnson scores 20 or more points.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Atlanta has won six straight home games against New Jersey dating back to the 2007-08 campaign.
2. Hawks forward Josh Smith had 32 points and 17 rebounds in the victory over Cleveland.
3. Nets guard MarShon Brooks is shooting just 24.3 percent (9 of 37) during the four-game losing skid.