Smith Unable to Help Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks finally got Steve Smith back for the first time in seven games, but even he couldn’t keep the Hawks from losing to Toronto for the first time in franchise history, 86-77, at Atlanta on Thursday.

Dee Brown scored 16 points and Vince Carter and Charles Oakley each added 14 for the Raptors, who entered the game 0-12 against Atlanta. Smith, playing for the first time since injuring his knee Feb. 20, had 13 points.

“It was terrible,” Smith said. “We’re definitely in no rhythm. We’re not executing.”

Phoenix 101, Seattle 93--Rex Chapman scored 23 points, Jason Kidd had 19 assists and the Suns held Gary Payton to nine points in a victory over the SuperSonics at Seattle.

Minnesota 102, Vancouver 93--Kevin Garnett scored 23 points as the Timberwolves survived a four-of-19 fourth-quarter shooting performance to defeat the Grizzlies at Vancouver, Canada.

San Antonio 95, Dallas 79--Tim Duncan had 26 points and 12 rebounds as the Spurs won for the 16th time in their last 17 trips to Reunion Arena.

Detroit 99, Cleveland 84--Grant Hill scored 28 points and shot a Gund Arena-record 19 free throws as the Pistons won their sixth in a row.

Charlotte 96, New Jersey 82--Chuck Person scored a season-high 21 points and made five three-point baskets to lead the Hornets to their first road victory.

Miami 95, Denver 87--Alonzo Mourning scored 27 points and the Heat won for the 10th time in 11 games.

Around the League

The Seattle SuperSonics put backup guard Moochie Norris on the injured list because of insomnia. Norris said in an interview a few weeks ago that he’s been unable to sleep more than an hour or two since his mother died in 1990. . . . Phoenix Sun reserve center Horacio Llamas underwent surgery on his left Achilles’ tendon and probably is lost for the rest of the season.