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The Atlanta Hawks are on a roll of sorts, which is a good thing as they are seeking to stay within striking distance of the New Jersey Nets for the eighth and final playoff berth; Tuesday night’s contest against the Washington Wizards could perhaps be a step in that direction as Mike Bobby scored 23, leading the Hawks to a 105-96 win over the Nets at Verizon Center.

The Hawks shot a hot?55.4% from the floor and never trailed in the first half, shooting 58.3%, but Washington’s Brendan Haywood made 2 free throws at the start of the second quarter, giving the Wizards their first lead; however, Atlanta went into halftime leading by the slimmest of margins, 54-53.? The Hawks took a 58-57 lead on Marvin Williams’ jumper with 10:30 left in the third quarter and despite not having Josh Smith for most of the second half with 4 fouls, they managed to retain the lead for the rest of the period and led 84-77 going into the fourth quarter.

Atlanta’s Josh Childress would drain a 3-pointer with 10:09 remaining in the game to give the Hawks their largest lead, 87-77; both teams would trade baskets the rest of the way as Atlanta would hang on for the victory.? Atlanta’s leading scorer was the aforementioned Bibby with 23 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal, while Joe Johnson scored 18?with 4 rebounds, 10 assists and a blocked shot.? Smith added 17 with 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocked shots, while Childress chipped in with 16 with 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a blocked shot.? Al Horford recorded a double-double, scoring 12 with 15 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal and 2 blocked shots.?

Washington was led by Antawn Jamison with 25 points,?9 rebounds and 2 steals, while Haywood scored 16 with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a blocked shot; from off the bench, Roger Mason pitched in with 14 along with a steal.? Atlanta (29-38), with the victory, moves one-half game ahead of New Jersey; they hope to take advantage of this as they?take a journey to?New Jersey?to face the?Nets Wednesday, while Washington (33-33) flies south to Orlando to take on the Magic – also on Wednesday.