Horford’s career night keeps Hawks unbeaten

Chicago — The years of tumult associated with the Hawks franchise is history to Al Horford.

It’s only something he has either heard others talk about with lament or something he’s read about.

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AP

Atlanta forward Al Horford (rights) pesters Chicago’s Tyrus Thomas in the Hawks win over the Bulls Tuesday night.

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His only season in a Hawks uniform ended with 37 wins, a playoff berth and a sterling performance in that seven-game series against Boston.

That’s why the fact the Hawks hadn’t won in the United Center since he was a senior in high school didn’t register with the second-year center Tuesday night.

It’s also why Horford had no problem making himself at home on the Chicago Bulls’ home court, imposing his will early and often on the home team as the Hawks slugged their way to a 113-108 victory.

It was the Hawks’ sixth straight win and first here since April 2004, snapping a seven-game losing streak.

Horford was all over the floor from the start, piling up 16 points, seven rebounds and a season-high tying five blocks … by halftime. He finished his night with 27 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks — season highs in every category — and countless other crucial plays that helped keep the Hawks perfect heading into tonight’s game against the Celtics at TD Banknorth Garden.

Since the Hawks are playing without starting power forward Josh Smith, Horford has been more active on the offensive end and as physical and nasty as ever on defense.

Horford had five blocks in Sunday’s victory over Oklahoma City but decided to top that in his first 20 minutes Tuesday night.

Playing on the same floor as his former Florida teammate Joakim Noah and former SEC rival Tyrus Thomas (LSU), Horford offered up a dominant one-man showcase akin to the ones he put on routinely while leading the Gators to back-to-back NCAA titles.

And just like when he was at Florida, his team thrived while feeding off of his steady energy on both ends of the floor.

Six Hawks had scored in double figures with just over three minutes to play in the third quarter. Mike Bibby scored 22 points, including four back-breaking 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help hold off the Bulls late. Mo Evans (17 points) nailed two late 3-pointers to help the cause. And with Hawks captain and All-Star Joe Johnson struggling through an uncharacteristically tough shooting night, Horford was there to provide the spark his team needed.

The biggest test for Horford, and the Hawks for that matter, will be seeing if they can do it again against the Celtics, another team whose home floor they haven’t won on since before Horford became a Hawk.