ORLANDO, Fla., April 13 (UPI) -- Joe Johnson and Josh Smith ignited a quick Atlanta start Friday and the Hawks went on to demolish Orlando 109-81.
Atlanta built a 20-point halftime lead and coasted to the victory while shooting 50 percent from the field.
Both Johnson and Smith scored 16 points and rested during the second half while the bench took over the offensive load. Jannero Pargo had five of Atlanta's 14 3-pointers and scored 17 points in a backup role while Marvin Williams added 16.
Four Atlanta bench players reached double digits in scoring. The Hawks began the night tied with Orlando and Boston for fourth place in the Eastern Conference and the home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs that goes with that position.
Von Wafer scored 19 points for the Magic, who played their third straight game without Dwight Howard.
Howard reportedly went to Los Angeles Friday to obtain additional medical advice concerning his sore back.
