The Atlanta Hawks continue to coast as they own the best record in the NBA. The 10-37 Philadelphia 76ers came to Philips Arena and many critics already had them losing to Atlanta before they even stepped in the building. Philly proved everyone wrong and gave Atlanta a run for their money in a losing 91-85 effort.
The Hawks did a great job of forcing steals in the first quarter and also went on a 8-0 run to close the period with a 22-10 lead. It was going to be a 25-10 lead but a made three by Mike Scott at the buzzer didn't go in on time.
Atlanta capitalized on their first quarter momentum and rode a 49-34 lead at halftime. Paul Millsap had 10 points and five rebounds for the Hawks at the half.
The Sixers came out fired up after the break. They were able to trim the deficit to nine with 10 minutes left in the quarter but Atlanta was constantly able to answer back after every possession. Philadelphia continued to fight and cut the lead to four with 30 seconds left in the third quarter. Atlanta led 71-66 at the end of the period.
The Sixers clawed their way for their first lead of the game at 83-81 with 2:43 left in the fourth quarter. A Dennis Shroeder three pointer helped Atlanta regain the lead at 86-83 with 1:35 left in the period. A huge mid-range shot by Al Horford put the Hawks up 88-83 with 46 seconds left and it sealed the game for Atlanta. He he had 11 fourth quarter points and totaled 23 points and 11 rebounds for the game.
The Hawks improve to 40-8 and still own the NBA's best record. They are riding a 19 game winning streak and are now the first team in NBA history to go undefeated in a month. Atlanta has also won 32 out of their last 34 games. They will face the 25-22 New Orleans Pelicans on February 2nd. The Sixers slip to 10-38 and will face the streaking Cleveland Cavaliers on the road on February 2nd. Cleveland has won 10 straight games and stand at 29-20.