Jeff Teague scored 25 points and the Hawks beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 96-86, on Wednesday night at Atlanta to continue their strong play against Western Conference teams.
The Hawks, who have won six straight overall, have a nine-game winning streak against teams from the West. Atlanta has won 20 of 22 and has the best record in the Eastern Conference.
Teague helped the Hawks take control with a 10-0 run following an 84-all tie. Al Horford, who had 12 points, started the run with a jumper. Teague and Kyle Korver followed with 3-pointers and Teague added another basket for a 94-84 lead.
Mike Conley led Memphis with 17 points. Marc Gasol had 16.
Each team began the night with its best start in franchise history. This is the latest in the season the Hawks have led the Eastern Conference since the 1993-94 season.
at Charlotte 98, New Orleans 94: Kemba Walker scored 31 points, including a game-winning 11-foot jumper off the glass with 1.4 seconds left to lift the Hornets.
Houston 105, at Cleveland 93: James Harden scored 21 points and Dwight Howard had 17 points and 19 rebounds as the Rockets broke away with a 15-5 run in the fourth quarter.
Milwaukee 97, at Philadelphia 77: The Bucks shot 53.9% from the field in their fifth consecutive road win. The 76ers shot 30.1% from the field.
at Washington 101, New York 91: The Knicks lost their 13th game in a row, a franchise record for longest in-season losing streak surpassing the mark set at the end of the 1984-85 season. It was their 23rd loss in 24 games.
Boston 89, at Brooklyn 81: The Celtics won for just the second time in nine games by outplaying the Nets over the final three quarters after a slow start.
Utah 97, at Chicago 77: Derrick Favors had 20 points and 11 rebounds, and the Jazz held the Bulls to a season-low point total on just 28-of-84 (33.3%) shooting. The Bulls were averaging 103.1 points.
Detroit 108, at Dallas 95: D.J. Augustin scored 17 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, and the Pistons earned their seventh consecutive victory. Detroit outrebounded the Mavericks, 60-43.