9 in double figures as Hawks trounce Toronto

By Ken Sugiura

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Every 1,338 games, something like this is bound to happen.

Wednesday night at Philips Arena, the Hawks mauled Toronto with an all-out ambush the likes of which the arena had never seen.

The Hawks won 146-115, scoring the most points in a game since the 1992-93 season. They did it despite no player scoring more than 24 points, center Al Horford. Nine different players reached double figures for the Hawks, which hadn't happened since the 1987-88 season.

"We were simply outclassed," Toronto coach Jay Triano said. "They just destroyed us."

The 12,272 at Philips Arena were witness to something of a perfect storm. The Raptors were on a four-game losing streak, playing their fourth game in six days and second in as many nights and are a weak defensive team. The Hawks had two days of rest and were ready to wash away the residue of an embarrassing loss on Sunday to Detroit and eager to return to the form that won them seven in a row.

Combined with the Hawks' comfort at Philips, a strong first quarter for the home team and one of the worst games of All-Star forward Chris Bosh's career, the Raptors had little chance.

Said Toronto guard Jarrett Jack, "The Hawks are playing great basketball, and I don't want to take anything away from them, but I know they don't average 140 points a game."

Defense, rebounding and free-flowing passing fueled the blowout. A concerted rebounding effort limited Toronto's scoring chances and opened up the Hawks' transition game. Hustle plays were in abundance. Forward Zaza Pachulia went into the stands after a loose ball. The Hawks had six blocks and five steals, evidence of their defensive intensity.

"The last few days in practice have been very intense," guard Joe Johnson said. "It definitely carried over into the game tonight."

The Hawks shared the ball in a way they hadn't since their seven-game winning streak ended against Orlando on Thanksgiving. They finished with a season-best 37 assists on their 52 baskets. Johnson led with a season-high 11 assists.

The Hawks moved well both in transition and in the half-court, enabling Al Horford to make 10 of 12 shots on a collection of drives to the basket, jump shots and dunks.

The Hawks reached 100 points with 3:40 left in the third quarter on a typical play for the night. Forward Joe Smith pump faked at the free-throw line, but passed up a shot to hit forward Marvin Williams cutting to the lane. Williams passed up another shot and found Pachulia at the basket for a dunk.

Said coach Mike Woodson, "Guys are sacrificing the basketball, and that's how it's got to be offensively."

Meanwhile, Bosh, the NBA's leader in double-doubles, barely managed a single-single. In foul trouble early, the former Georgia Tech star didn't score until 8:43 remained in the third quarter. He finished with two points and five rebounds.

The extended garbage time gave Woodson an opportunity to freely substitute. Five players got double-digit minutes off the bench, including rookie Jeff Teague, who clocked a season-high 22 minutes.