Hawks can’t capitalize, fall to Suns

By Bud L. Ellis

A rotten night shooting from the field kept the Atlanta Hawks from gaining ground in the Southeast Division standings.

Shooting just 39.5 percent Friday night, the Hawks couldn’t hold a one-point halftime lead at Phoenix, slipping behind in the second half and falling to the Suns 88-80, on the second game of a four-game Western Conference road swing.

With division leader Orlando and Eastern Conference frontrunner Cleveland both losing, the Hawks were unable to capitalize and inch closer in both races. Atlanta remains 1 ½ games behind the Magic in the division and 7 ½ behind Cleveland in the conference.

Josh Smith led the Hawks with 21 points. Joe Johnson added 19 and nine rebounds. Jamal Crawford scored 11, and Al Horford added 10 points and nine rebounds.

Outside shooting doomed the Hawks on this night. Atlanta hit on just 30 of 76 attempts, including a paltry 3-for-14 from 3-point range.

The Hawks continue their road swing Sunday at Golden State and wrap up the road trip Monday at Utah. Atlanta returns home Wednesday to face Minnesota.

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Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 9:13 pm by bud

Tags: Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Jamal Crawford, Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Minnesota Timberwolves, National Basketball Association, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz