Source: CCTV.com

12-05-2006 08:08

The Atlanta Hawks have defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in Oregon for the first time since 1997. Joe Johnson had 33 points to lead Atlanta to a 107-96 victory, snapping a nine-game overall losing streak to Portland that dated to 2002.

With Christmas approaching, the Atlanta Hawks were looking to spoil the festive spirit for the Trail Blazers.

Josh Smith pulled up at the arc, handed the ball over to Speedy Claxon who went to the net to put the Hawks up 8-2.

Atlanta transitioned up court to have Josh Smith slam the ball for a seven point Hawk lead.

The Trail Blazers had trimmed the lead to just two points in the second quarter when the Hawks' Tyronn Lue got the ball to Salim Stoudamire for the three-pointer and a 33-28 lead.

Joe Johnson sank a smooth jumper from just within the three point line to go up 62-52 in the third.

The Trail Blazers had cut their deficit back into single digits when Johnson went to the baseline facing Outlaw and sank the reverse lay-up. Johnson finished with a game-high 33 points.

The Hawks were leading 101-92 with just over a minute remaining in the game when Smith faked the jumper and went to the baseline before tucking the ball into the basket. Portland couldn't answer that and Atlanta went on to win 107-96.