ATLANTA, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- A jumper by Joe Johnson with 21 seconds left finally gave Atlanta some breathing room Friday and the Hawks fought off New Jersey 105-98.
Johnson's shot boosted Atlanta in front by four and he then made four free throws over the final 19 seconds to expand the Hawks' advantage.
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Atlanta remained unbeaten in its three games this season. The Nets have lost three straight after winning their season opener against Washington.
Jeff Teague led Atlanta with 22 points and Johnson had nine of his 21 in the fourth quarter. Al Horford chipped in 12 for the Hawks while Marvin Williams and Zaza Pachulia both had 11.
Atlanta is off to a 3-0 start for the second straight season.
Deron Williams paced the Nets with 23 points.
