Hawks Sink Talons into Jazz

The Atlanta Hawks powered through four overtimes at the Philips Arena to silence the Utah Jazz, on Sunday. The result was the Hawks fourth positive outcome on the bounce, and Utah's first defeat since March 17
– seven games ago.

An impressive seven Hawks climbed into double figures on the night, as only one player (Jason Collins) in the team failed to grab a point. The game was a statistician's paradise, being the first four-overtime game in 14 years.

The free-scoring Hawks held a 55-40 lead at the halfway point, triumphing 139-133 overall. The win could appear remarkable, given that it was Atlanta's third game in three days – or their fourth in five.

Joe Johnson kept his name in lights on the scoreboard, claiming a game-high 37. Points from Josh Smith (22), Jeff Teague (18), and Marvin Williams (16) added the extras for the Hawks in a match with 19 score ties.

Zaza Pachulia added 15 and a huge 20 rebounds, while Kirk Hinrich and Willie Green stuffed 12 and 10 into the basket, respectively.

Al Jefferson held the lead for the most points scored for the Jazz, with 28. Paul Millsap grabbed 25, six more than Gordon Hayward, as 6ft 6in Texan, C.J. Miles, nabbed 17 for Utah. Derrick Favours ended on 14.

The Jazz had the dubious honour of being the team who lost the most starters to fouls, with Jefferson, Millsap, and Miles all misbehaving on the boards. Jefferson led on rebounds (17). Devin Harris contributed 10 assists.

Despite the Hawks' hectic schedule, Johnson said that he is not tired: “It's not really that exhausting like people would think. Winning cures everything. The more you win […] you tend not to hurt as much."

Atlanta's Smith, who eventually fouled out against the Jazz, said that last night's result showed “the resilience and the toughness of this ball club. I think we will appreciate this win more than any other win
during the season."

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