NBA: Atlanta 98, LA Lakers 95
ATLANTA, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Joe Johnson hit four free throws in
the last 23 seconds Wednesday, lifting Atlanta to a 98-95 decision
over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Johnson scored 28 points and Josh Smith added 17 to help the
Hawks win their third straight game. Al Horford had a career-best 20
rebounds to go with his 15 points.
The Lakers, who had a three-game winning streak snapped, got
19 points from Lamar Odom and 17 from Derek Fisher. Kobe Bryant made
only four of 16 shots and scored 11 points while newly acquired
center Paul Gasol made just five of 14 for 12 points.
After Johnson put the Hawks in front by two with a pair of
free throws, Bryant was called for a backcourt violation with eight
seconds to play.
Smith then went to the line, but made only one of two, after
which Sasha Vujacic scored on a layup with 3.7 seconds left to get
the Lakers within 96-95. But Johnson made two more foul shots, after
which Fisher missed a desperation three-point attempt at the buzzer.
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