Hawks, Wizards clash in Southeast battle
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(SportsNetwork.com) - The Washington Wizards will try to extend their winning streak to three on Tuesday night when they welcome the Atlanta Hawks to the Verizon Center.
The Wiz have won two straight since a three-point home loss to the Dallas Mavericks last Wednesday. Washington knocked off LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at home on Friday, then bested the Milwaukee Bucks on the road Saturday.
Paul Pierce had 25 points and 10 rebounds as the Wizards defeated the Bucks, 111-100, on Saturday night.
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John Wall posted 19 points, nine assists and five steals, while Marcin Gortat tallied 10 points and 13 boards for the Wizards, who have won five of their last six games.
Bradley Beal continued to come off the bench and scored 17 points in just over 34 minutes. Kris Humphries added 12 off the bench for Washington.
"Our defense created our offense," said Wizards head coach Randy Wittman.
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The Wizards held the Bucks under 43 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Milwaukee committed 15 turnovers, which was actually two less than Washington.
The Wizards have a rematch with the Cavs in Cleveland on Wednesday, then play the next four at home.
Atlanta stopped a two-game slide Friday night with a 10-point home victory over the Detroit Pistons.
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Jeff Teague had 28 points and six assists as the Hawks grabbed a 99-89 win at Philips Arena.
Paul Millsap had 15 points and 12 rebounds while Al Horford scored 14 points for the Hawks. Kyle Korver added 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting from the floor, including 2-for-3 from long range.
"The point of emphasis is getting rebounds, coach stressed, getting down and dirty," said Atlanta forward DeMarre Carroll. "We can be too soft sometimes. It has to be a team effort."
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The Hawks won the rebound battle by one. Carroll scored 10 points and pulled down seven rebounds in his first game back after a four-game absence for a groin strain.
Atlanta will play four in a row at home following the trip to our nation's capital.
The Wizards have won two straight and four of the last five against their Southeast Division rival. Washington has also won three in a row as the host in this series.