Led by Al Harrington’s 34 points, Zaza Pachulia’s strong work inside and the second-half defense of Josh Childress on Ricky Davis, the Hawks became the last NBA team to notch its first victory, outlasting the Boston Celtics 120-117 Wednesday night in Atlanta.
The Hawks won after losing their first nine games, the longest winless start in franchise history.
But before they could relish the win, the Hawks couldn’t help but cast an eye to a much longer streak without winning consecutive games.
While finishing last in the league with 13 wins last season, the Hawks did not win back-to-back games. They play at Indiana on Friday night.
“That’s my biggest goal now, two in a row,” Childress said. “Last year I said if we won two in a row I was cutting my hair. I’m not saying that now.”
For at least one night, the focus was on ending the winless streak.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Harrington said.
“It’s a big relief,” added Hawks coach Mike Woodson.
The Hawks’ nine straight losses came against Western Conference opponents.
Pachulia added 19 points and 13 rebounds for Atlanta.
Joe Johnson scored 13 points, all in the second half, and made three free throws in the final 30 seconds to help the Hawks protect the lead.
The Hawks, who were 27th in the league with their average of 88 points per game, reached 100 points for the first time.
Magic’s Francis misses game
Steve Francis missed Orlando’s game Wednesday night against the Washington Wizards because of bruised ribs.
Francis, the Magic’s leading scorer with 20 points per game, said he had been injured in a single-car crash just after Saturday’s home loss to New Orleans.
Thud!
After consecutive double-doubles, Utah rookie Deron Williams missed all eight of his shots Tuesday night as the Jazz beat Seattle 93-87.
WEDNESDAY’S GAMES
RESULTS, SYNOPSIS
Washington 83 at Orlando 91
Hedo Turkoglu had a season-high 23 pts and 7 rebs as Magic dealt Wizards 5th straight loss. Washington started 5-1. Leading scorer Gilbert Arenas had 19 pts, 9 asts but shot 6-for-19.
Boston 117 at Atlanta 120
Game no defensive masterpiece: Each team shot 54 pct in first half. They combined for 71 pts in 3rd period as Celtics shot 71 pct, Hawks 64 pct. Celtics G Delonte West (hip) sat out.
New York 95 at Charlotte 108
Gerald Wallace returned from wrist injury to score 24 pts (5-for-8 on 3-ptrs), grab 9 rebs for Bobcats, who won for only 2nd time in 9 games. Knicks’ Stephon Marbury scored 21.
Portland 79 at Miami 100
Heat’s Dwyane Wade scored 19 pts, tied personal high with 11 rebs for 23rd career double-double. Miami improved to 5-3 without injured center Shaquille O’Neal.
Denver 89 at Detroit 114
Richard Hamilton scored 19 pts, Chauncey Billups added 16 pts, 11 asts as Pistons ended Nuggets’ 4-game win streak. Detroit never trailed. Marcus Camby (15 pts, 10 rebs) led Denver.
Phoenix 100 at Houston 88
Shawn Marion, James Jones each scored 19 for Suns, who made 14 of 27 3-pters after sinking 8 of 42 over 2 previous games. Derek Anderson’s 23 pts led Houston, loser of 5 in row.
Philadelphia 97 at Milwaukee 108
Allen Iverson scored NBA season-high 45 pts, but Michael Redd had 32 to lead Bucks. Iverson was 13 of 30 from floor, 17 of 19 from line. Iverson’s 6th straight game with 30 or more.
Minnesota 80 vs. New Orleans 84
In Oklahoma City, Chris Paul scored 19 of his 21 pts in 2nd half to rally Hornets from 12-pt halftime deficit. He hit 3-ptr from left wing with 2:09 left to give Hornets 77-74 lead.
New Jersey at Sacramento, late
Nets, who’ve lost 3 in row, missing Vince Carter (back), their leading scorer (20.7 ppg). Nets still must visit Phoenix, Lakers and Denver on trip. Kings’ Peja Stojakovic (finger) returns.
San Antonio at Golden State, late
Spurs going for 5th straight win and 8th in 9 games. Warriors learned swingman Mickael Pietrus, averaging 10.5 ppg, expected to miss up to 4 weeks (knee).
Toronto at L.A. Clippers, late
Clippers (8-2) off to best start in franchise history, a half-game behind Spurs for top spot in West. Toronto has lost 9 of its first 10 despite solid play from Chris Bosh (20.5 ppg, 11.1 rpg).
