NBA roundup: Hawks knock off Cavaliers

Al Horford scored 19 points and Kyle Korver made two big three-pointers in the fourth quarter after struggling much of the night, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 106-97 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night in a game that could be a preview of what’s to come in the playoffs.

LeBron James and the Cavaliers entered the season as the overwhelming favorite in the Eastern Conference, but the Hawks (49-12) are running away in the standings. They won their sixth in a row and for the 42nd time in the last 48 games.

Clearly inspired on a night when Hall of Famer and former Hawks star Dominique Wilkins was honored by the team, Atlanta got plenty of balance and showed again it might be capable of doing something that never happened during No. 21’s brilliant career — win a championship.

James was held to 18 points on five-of-13 shooting. He had eight assists and nine turnovers.

After building a 17-point lead with a blistering performance in the first quarter, the Hawks finished strong after leading 81-79 heading to the final period.

at Houston 103, Detroit 93: James Harden had 38 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists for his third triple-double this season and the Rockets ended a two-game losing streak.

at Charlotte 104, Toronto 93: Al Jefferson had 23 points and 13 rebounds and the Hornets won their fourth in a row in a game that had six technical fouls.

at Indiana 98, Chicago 84: The Pacers won a season-high fourth in a row to creep back into playoff contention as Solomon Hill scored 16 points and Ian Mahinmi had a season-high 14.

at Orlando 119, Sacramento 114: Victor Oladipo had 32 points, 10 assists and five steals (his second consecutive 30-point game) and the Magic ended a four-game losing streak.

Utah 89, at Philadelphia 83: Gordon Hayward scored 25 points to lead the Jazz, which has won eight of 11.

Phoenix 108, at Brooklyn 100 (OT): The Suns flirted with NBA infamy by missing their first 21 three-point attempts and trailed by 15 points midway through the fourth quarter. Brandon Knight shook off a poor shooting night to make two baskets in overtime.

Boston 104, at New Orleans 98: Isaiah Thomas scored 14 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and the Celtics won for the fifth time in seven games.

at Washington 99, Miami 97: Nene scored 20 points, Marcin Gorat added 14 points and 17 rebounds and the Wizards blew all but one point of a 35-point lead before holding off the short-handed Heat. Miami played without starters Dwyane Wade (sore right hip) and Luol Deng (right thigh contusion), and Goran Dragic left the game after a hard fall late in the third quarter.

at San Antonio 120, Denver 111: Kawhi Leonard had 25 points and Tony Parker added 24 as the Spurs survived a wild offensive pace for their fourth consecutive victory.

at Golden State 104, Dallas 89: Led by Stephen Curry (22 points), six Warriors scored in double figures.