Hawks rally past Clippers

Los Angeles, CA (PhillySportsline.com) - Joe Johnson scored 27 points, and the Los Angeles Clippers blew a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter to fall to their third straight loss, 96-93, to the Atlanta Hawks.

Tim Thomas made a three with 4.9 seconds left that brought LA to within 94-93, but Johnson hit two free throws, and Corey Maggette's attempt to draw contact on his three-point attempt as the buzzer sounded failed, and the Hawks survived.

Josh Smith added 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Hawks, and Zaza Pachulia finished with 15 points and 12 boards. Josh Childress scored 13 points for Atlanta, which has won three of four entering the All-Star break.

Cuttino Mobley scored a season-high 31 points for the Los Angeles Clippers, and Chris Kaman added 20 points and 13 boards. Shaun Livingston scored 11 points for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Atlanta fought back into the game in the fourth quarter, tirelessly chipping away at the double-digit lead. Two James Singleton free throws put LA ahead 79-64 with 10:33 left in the game, but the Hawks came charging back. Atlanta ripped off a 12-2 run, pulling to within 81-76 on a Pachulia tip shot with 7:10 left.

Down 87-82 with just under five minutes left, the Hawks scored six straight, taking an 88-87 lead after back-to-back Smith baskets. A Chris Kaman free throw and a Shaun Livingston layup put LA up 90-88, but Atlanta scored six straight to take a 94-90 lead with 8.1 seconds left, setting up the finish.

The Los Angeles Clippers seemed to take control of the game in the third quarter, when The Los Angeles Clippers seemed to take control of the game in the third quarter, when they outscored Atlanta, 30-19. LA opened the quarter with a 12-6 stretch, opening up a 57-49 advantage on two Sam Cassell free throws with 7:31 left.

The Hawks closed the first quarter with five straight points, and a three- point play by Speedy Claxton with one second left sent Atlanta into the second quarter holding a 24-19 lead.

The Los Angeles Clippers quickly trimmed the Atlanta lead in the second quarter, though, and tied it up at 28 on a Mobley three with 8:12 left in the first half. LA took a 45-43 lead into the break. Game Notes

The Los Angeles Clippers fell for the first time this season when leading after three quarters. They had been 14-0...LA shot 6-for-21 in the fourth quarter, while the Hawks were 10-of-24.

 

 

See more at www.phillysportsline.com