Sun Mar 30 18:56:54 2008

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Hawks improve playoff chances by edging Knicks

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Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Marvin Williams dropped 27 points and added 11 rebounds as the Atlanta Hawks increased their playoff chances with a 114-109 victory over the New York Knicks.

Atlanta extended its home winning streak to five games and now stand 2 1/2 games ahead of the New Jersey Nets for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Joe Johnson contributed 25 points and dished out 13 assists, while Al Horford grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds to go along with 18 points. Mike Bibby and Josh Childress each posted 16-point efforts in the victory.

Jamal Crawford exploded for 19 points in the third quarter, as his 39-point, eight-assist performance was not enough for the Knicks, who have lost seven of their last eight affairs. David Lee posted his fifth straight double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Nate Robinson came off the bench to chip in 12 points.

The Hawks stepped up their defensive pressure in the fourth quarter, especially on Crawford, and held the Knicks without a point for the first four minutes of the frame. The subsequent 8-0 run gave the Hawks a 92-80 advantage and the Hawks looked poised to run away with the decision.

The Knicks cut the lead to seven points with a minute remaining in regulation and had an opportunity to gain a possession on a jump ball. However, Horford won the tap and the ensuing Childress layup gave Atlanta a 109-100 edge.

Robinson single-handedly made things interesting in the final minute. The guard scored six straight Knicks points, including a three-point play to cut the deficit to 111-107 with 16.8 seconds remaining.

The Hawks responded by hitting three free throws down the stretch to hold on for the win.

Crawford drained all three of his tries from behind the arc in the first quarter, offsetting eight points apiece from Horford and Williams, and the Knicks trailed 26-23 after 12 minutes of play.

New York took its first lead of the game two minutes into the second stanza at 29-28. A mini 9-4 run by the Hawks several minutes later brought the lead back to Atlanta, which led 55-54 at intermission.

Crawford came out of the break on fire, hitting three straight from the field, including two three-pointers to put the Knicks ahead, 62-59 two minutes into the third. Atlanta again retook the lead at 69-68 on a Williams jump shot at the midway point, and led 84-80 heading into the final frame.

Game Notes

Atlanta hasn't made the playoffs since the strike-shortened 1998-99 campaign...The Knicks are 7-29 on the road this season...New York is 2-13 this month...Knicks forward Zach Randolph did not play due to flu-like symptoms...Atlanta is 3-0 against New York this season...Joe Smith pulled down 11 rebounds for the Hawks...Crawford hit seven of the Knicks nine three- pointers...Atlanta shot 51.8 percent from the field, while New York connected on 46.6 percent...Atlanta owned a 49-39 edge on the boards...There were 17 ties and 15 lead changes in the contest.