NBA: Atlanta 109, New York 98

NEW YORK, March 16 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Hawks' Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams and Josh Childress combined for 75 points Sunday in a 109-98 win over the New York Knicks.

Johnson had 28 points and eight rebounds, Williams 25 points and Childress 22, helping the Hawks gain a tie with idle New Jersey for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Knicks, losers of eight of nine games, were led by Nate Robinson's 23 points.

The game was close until a three-pointer by Childress with 3:31 left lifted Atlanta into a double-digit lead.