NBA: Atlanta 95, Dallas 87

ATLANTA, March 19 (UPI) -- Joe Johnson's 24 points Thursday helped the Atlanta Hawks rally to record a 95-87 victory against the Dallas Mavericks.

It was their seventh win in a row.

Following a 29-23 first period deficit, Atlanta used a 33-16 second to build a 56-45 halftime advantage, and led the entire second half, maintaining their composure after Dallas closed to 76-72 after the third.

Ronald Murray's 19 points led five other Atlanta players in double figures.

Josh Smith scored 15 with nine rebounds.

Al Horford totaled 13 points, eight rebounds, four blocked shots and three assists, while Johnson added seven rebounds and four assists for the Hawks, who were a perfect 7-0 on a seven-game home stand.

Dirk Nowitzki's 23 points and 12 rebounds led Dallas.

Antoine Wright scored 16, Ryan Hollins 13 with seven rebounds, and Brandon Bass 10 with six rebounds for the Mavericks, who have lost four of their last six contests at Atlanta.