Hawks Slow Down Timberwolves, 97-89

The enigmatic Atlanta Hawks have another chance to dismiss a distinction that even the worst team in NBA history avoided.

Through 50 games, they’re still looking for their first winning streak.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim had 32 points, 14 rebounds and a key late steal to help the Hawks rally past the hot Minnesota Timberwolves, 97-89, Wednesday night at Atlanta. Minnesota lost for only the second time in its last 10 games.

“We’re a little immature, and we play to the level of our competition sometimes,” said Abdur-Rahim, whose steal from Kevin Garnett with 1 minute 30 seconds left led to the clinching free throws. “We need to get to the point where we always play like us, no matter who we’re playing.”

The Hawks are 0-15 following a victory this season. The 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers, who finished 9-73, won back-to-back games. Atlanta plays at Boston on Friday night.

Sam Cassell had 20 points, and Garnett had 17 for the Timberwolves. Garnett struggled throughout and finished seven of 24 from the field, including one of eight in the fourth quarter.

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New Jersey 99, Miami 88 -- Kenyon Martin had 24 points and 13 rebounds at East Rutherford, N.J., and the Nets remained unbeaten (5-0) under Coach Lawrence Frank in a game that included a flagrant foul and seven technicals. Lamar Odom had 27 points for Miami.

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Dallas 113, New Orleans 104 -- Dirk Nowitzki had 28 points at New Orleans to help the Mavericks extend the Hornets’ losing streak to four games. Darrell Armstrong had 27 points for New Orleans, which led by three at halftime.

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Houston 103, Milwaukee 89 -- Steve Francis, returning from a team-imposed one-game suspension for missing a flight, had 23 points at Houston as the Rockets ended a four-game skid. Brian Skinner had 17 points for Milwaukee.

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Memphis 103, Washington 101 -- James Posey had a season-high 31 points, and Pau Gasol made two clutch baskets in the final 70 seconds to lead the Grizzlies at Washington. Larry Hughes had 27 points for the Wizards.

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Toronto 110, Orlando 90 -- Donyell Marshall had 32 points, and the Raptors made 11 of 14 three-point attempts at Toronto. Juwan Howard had 22 points for Orlando, playing without Tracy McGrady, who had back spasms.

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Portland 101, Phoenix 97 -- Zach Randolph had 19 points at Phoenix as the Trail Blazers held off the Suns after leading by 22 points in the first half. Joe Johnson had 25 points for Phoenix.

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Chicago 95, Utah 79 -- Eddy Curry had 23 points and 12 rebounds to help the Bulls end a five-game losing streak. DeShawn Stevenson led Utah with 17 points.