Hawks hold off Timberwolves

By Michael Cunningham

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

After a collapse at Golden State on Sunday and a rousing victory at Utah the following night, the Hawks returned to Philips Arena and offered something in between on Wednesday.

They probably had to work harder than they would like against the worst team in the Western Conference, but the Hawks avoided a major letdown by holding off Minnesota for a 98-92 victory.

“We were OK,” said Hawks guard Joe Johnson said. “It was nothing to really write home about.”

Josh Smith led the Hawks with 27 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Johnson added 20 points, and Al Horford had 13 points and 11 rebounds as the Hawks got their sixth victory in their past seven home games.

The Hawks were coming off a rare victory at Utah on Monday night to finish their West road trip at 2-2. But instead of using that as a springboard to dominate the Timberwolves, the Hawks needed more than 46 minutes to finish them off.

Still, the Hawks opened their three-game homestand with a victory and can look forward to playing host to West-contender Dallas at 7 p.m. Friday. (The game was scheduled for 8 p.m. but was changed.)

“It’s a good win,” said Hawks guard Jamal Crawford. “The first game at home after a long trip is usually a tough one.”

The Hawks won despite scoring only 20 points in the fourth quarter. They had 46 rebounds to 38 for Minnesota, and even with Crawford scoring no field goals, the Hawks' bench scored 22 points, led by Mo Evans’ 10.

Mike Bibby’s 12 points gave the Hawks a lift. His five field goals were his most since Jan. 18.

“We’re going to need Mike to make shots and run the team like he has the last two years,” Hawks coach Mike Woodson said.

Crawford was 0-for-7 and is 18-of-54 (33.3 percent) since returning from a sore left shoulder.

“It’s all right,” Crawford said. “It’s OK. I’m out there playing, so there’s no excuses.”

The Hawks led by as many as 10 in the second quarter and 50-42 at halftime. They looked to be in control after outscoring Minnesota 27-15 over eight minutes of the third quarter for a 76-61 lead.

But the Hawks couldn’t shake Minnesota. The Timberwolves opened the fourth quarter with a 10-0 run and trailed only 86-82 with 5:08 to play.

The Hawks led 88-82 with less than four minutes when Smith made a jump shot. Johnson’s two free throws and a three-point play by Smith put the Hawks up 95-84.

“As the game went along we picked it up,” Johnson said. “In the fourth quarter we had a mental lapse and they made their run, but we were able to finish it.”