Hawks 90, Bobcats 85
Joe Johnson had 16 points and eight assists in a surprise return to action to help the Atlanta Hawks to a 90-85 victory over the visiting Charlotte Bobcats on Friday.
Johnson missed nine games after elbow surgery and wasn’t expected back for at least another 10 days but tested the elbow in pregame warm-ups and elected to play.
Johnson played 37 minutes in his first action since Nov. 28 as the Hawks (17-11) ended a two-game losing streak. Al Horford added 16 points and nine rebounds.
Boris Diaw and D.J. Augustin scored 22 points apiece to lead Charlotte (9-17).
Charlotte played without second-leading scorer Gerald Wallace (ankle) while leading scorer Stephen Jackson had just nine points on 3-of-14 shooting while being hampered by a forearm injury.
Marvin Williams scored 16 points and Josh Smith had 12 points and 11 rebounds and for Atlanta.
Dominic McGuire grabbed a season-best 17 rebounds for the Bobcats.
Hawks sixth man Jamal Crawford missed his second straight game with back soreness.