> ZONE ATTACK: The Hawks haven't employed a zone defense very often this season, but they needed one Saturday against Philadelphia.

Hawks coach Mike Woodson said he needed to find a way to slow down the tempo, especially after being run ragged by the 76ers the night before in a loss in Atlanta.

"I though it really helped us tonight," Woodson said. "We have to use it in certain situations. This being a back-to-back game, we had to use it to give ourselves a chance at dictating the pace.

"They tried to pressure us in the second half and force us into mistakes to maybe speed the game up. But we kept our composure and took care of business."

> SALIM SIGHTING: Hawks reserve guard Salim Stoudamire made a rare appearance in the first half Saturday, providing quality time off the bench in relief of Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson.

Stoudamire finished with six points and two assists. More important, he gave the Hawks good minutes off the bench that haven't been there in recent weeks.

"I had to be ready," Stoudamire said. "We're fighting for a playoff spot, and I just had to be prepared to help my team and not hurt them."

> NOTHING FREE ABOUT 'EM: The Hawks made only 19 of 27 free throws, ruining any chance they had to run away with a game they controlled for most of the night. The 76ers didn't fare much better, making 18 of 24.