Johnson back after three-game absence

By Ken Sugiura

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

After missing the past three games with a sprained right thumb, guard Joe Johnson returned to the lineup Friday night.

"It's all right," Johnson said of his thumb, which he injured last week in the team's win over the Los Angeles Lakers. "It's not where I really want it to be. It's still sore, but that soreness is going to be there for quite some time."

Johnson played with the thumb heavily wrapped in tape.

Hip treatment: Center Zaza Pachulia said he has been getting treatment for his right hip-flexor tendinitis since it kept him out of the second half of the Charlotte game Tuesday. His left hip has been bothering him since he injured it playing for the Georgia national team last summer.

"Since that time, I didn't have a chance to really get rest and get it right, because training camp started and the season started," Pachulia said.

Pachulia said he hopes to avoid surgery in the offseason, but would consult with doctors.

Another backup center, Jason Collins, will not dress through the end of the regular season, coach Mike Woodson said. Collins injured his right foot before the Charlotte game.

Record extension

Guard Jamal Crawford extended his NBA record with his 27th four-point play after getting fouled on a made 3-pointer by Sonny Weems in the second quarter. Crawford broke Reggie Miller's record of 24 earlier this season.