Hawks Dismantle Raptors, Score Most Points in 16 Years, 146-115
After a rough week last week, the Atlanta Hawks soundly put the wheels back on track on Wednesday night, as they absolutely dismantled the slumping Toronto Raptors, 146-115.
Center Al Horford led the team with 24 points and nine rebounds, as he was one of nine Hawks in double figures in the game. It was the first time the Hawks had nine players in double digits since a game in 1987 against New Jersey, and the most points the team has scored in regulation since a Jan. 30, 1993 matchup with Philadelphia.
“It was fun. It was one of those nights where we couldn’t miss,” Horford said.
After a loss to Orlando on Thanksgiving Day, and a loss to lowly Detroit on Sunday, Hawks coach Mike Woodson started demanding more out of Hawks players in practice, and they responded accordingly.
“It got a little intense the last couple of days and we needed that,” Woodson said. “We had been lagging from a defensive standpoint and rebounding the ball.”
The Hawks blew the game open by halftime, having already broken open a 75-54 lead, which caused Raptors All-Star Chris Bosh to stay on the bench for most of the second half, with the game already well out of reach.
“I think everybody pretty much knows we’re an explosive team,” guard Joe Johnson said. “Our consistency is where we’re lacking. We’ve got to figure it out on the road instead of just bringing it at home.”
