Shorthanded Hawks still beat Hawks

(The Sports Xchange) – – – -The Atlanta Hawks opted to rest four players, including two All-Stars, but were still strong enough to defeat the Miami Heat 93-91 on Saturday.

Coach Mike Budenholzer benched All-Star point guard Jeff Teague, starting small forward DeMarre Carroll, All-Star center Al Horford and reserve power forward Pero Antic.

Still, Paul Millsap scored 10 of his 22 points in the fourth and the Hawks (47-12), who have the best record in the Eastern Conference, won their fourth straight game.

Center Hassan Whiteside had 14 points and an equal career-best 24 rebounds for Miami (25-33), who also got 22 points from guard Dwyane Wade.

 

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Wizards 99, Pistons 95

 

John Wall scored 22 points and Nene had 21 as the Washington Wizards snapped a six-game losing streak with a victory over the Detroit Pistons.

Marcin Gortat had 16 points and 17 rebounds for the Wizards (34-26), who had lost five in a row following the All-Star break and 11-of-13 since Jan. 28.

Fortified with the return of guard Bradley Beal (right leg stress reaction) and forward Paul Pierce to the starting lineup, Washington dominated the first half and led by 68-47 but the Pistons rallied to move ahead in the fourth.