NBA: Atlanta 120, Charlotte 93

ATLANTA, April 4 (UPI) -- Josh Smith helped Atlanta break the game open in the second period Wednesday and the Hawks coasted to a 120-93 win over Charlotte.

Smith scored 24 points to go with nine rebounds and Atlanta moved within a half game of Orlando for the No. 5 spot in the Eastern Conference.

Jeff Teague and Willie Green both had 17 points for the Hawks, who turned a two-point lead after one period into a 17-point cushion at halftime.

Charlotte lost its ninth in a row, having come up with just seven victories all year.

Kemba Walker had 21 points for the Bobcats and Gerald Henderson scored 15. Guard D.J. Augustin left the contest in the second period with what the team said was tendinitis in his right knee.