ATLANTA, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Josh Smith boosted Atlanta to a 17-point halftime lead Thursday and the Hawks survived a dismal third period to defeat Orlando 83-78.
The Hawks, playing without Joe Johnson while he recovers from tendinitis in his left knee, ended a three-game losing streak. The Magic had won their previous two games.
Orlando managed only 10 points in the second quarter while Atlanta was building a 47-30 advantage. The Hawks then produced a mere 11 points in the third quarter to let the Magic back in it, but Orlando could never make it less than a two-possession game.
Smith made 8-of-22 shots from the field, but tallied 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Jannero Pargo added 15 points for the Hawks.
J.J. Redick lead Orlando with 13 points and Dwight Howard scored 12.
