Atlanta 98, Cleveland 84

Joe Johnson scored 23 points, including consecutive 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach, and the host Atlanta Hawks defeated the reeling Cleveland Cavaliers, 98-84, on Wednesday.

Al Horford scored 18 points and Josh Smith had 14 and 10 rebounds for the Hawks, who have won three of four. Atlanta has held four consecutive opponents under 90 points.
 
The Hawks took the lead on a jumper by Maurice Evans with 9:38 left in the second quarter and never trailed again. They took command by hitting their first nine shots of the third quarter, extending the lead to as much as 13 points in the second half.

Antawn Jamison scored 23 points for the Cavaliers, who held a 22-17 lead after the first quarter. But Cleveland missed all six 3-pointers it attempted in the second period as Atlanta took control.

Mo Williams had 18 points and 11 assists, Daniel Gibson scored 12 points and Anderson Varejao had 13 rebounds for the Cavs, who have lost 12 of their last 13.

• Atlanta will play their next game on the road against New Orleans. The Hawks have a W/L % of .667 after a win and .538 after a loss.
• Cleveland will play their next game at home against Minnesota. The Cavaliers have a W/L % of .333 after a win and .250 after a loss.