NBA: Atlanta 89, New Orleans 79

ATLANTA, March 9 (UPI) -- Joe Johnson scored 30 points Monday to carry the Atlanta Hawks to an 89-79 victory over the New Orleans Hornets.

The Hawks played without forward Marvin Williams, who had lower back pain.

Josh Smith had 13 points and 13 rebounds for the Hawks. Flip Murray added 14 points for Atlanta.

David West had 20 rebounds and 16 points for New Orleans, which had won seven straight games before Monday's action. Chris Paul had 24 points and 10 assists and Rasual Butler 18 points for the Hornets, who had a 28-20 lead after the first quarter.

The Hawks led 47-40 at halftime after outscoring New Orleans 27-12 in the second quarter.