Slam Dunk Central

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The Atlanta Hawks as of late have been playing some inspired basketball, perhaps knowing that they can almost taste the playoffs; the Philadelphia 76ers are no less motivated and are no doubt looking for a better seeding in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt.? Saturday’s game between both teams hold significant importance - if for anything just the playoff seeding.? Atlanta had balanced scoring as 5 players scored in double-digits as they defeated Philadelphia 92-85 at Wachovia Center; the win gives Atlanta a 3 1/2 game lead over Indiana for the 8thand final Eastern Conference playoff berth.

The Hawks led by as many as 12 points in the first half and thanks to 56% shooting, they went into halftime with a 55-44 lead.? Atlanta led 70-57?after the third quarter and held the advantage into the fourth quarter.? But the Sixers chipped away at the lead and cut it to 90-85 on a 3-pointer by Rodney Carney with 1:20 left in the game; however, the Hawks soon sealed the victory on a jumper by Mike Bibby with 34 ticks left on the clock.

Atlanta was led by Joe Johnson with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and a block while Josh Smith and Marvin Williams scored 18 each - with Smith grabbing 10 rebounds, dishing out 2 assists, had a steal and blocked 3 shots while Williams grabbed 5 rebounds and dished out an assist; Al Horford recorded a?double-double, adding 10 with 12 rebounds.? Philadelphia was led by Andre Iguodala with9 rebounds and 2 assists while Andre Miller scored 18 with3 assists and 2 steals.? Atlanta (36-41) looks to put a stranglehold on the final playoff spot as they travel to Indianapolis to face the Pacers in a key matchup on Tuesday while Philadelphia (39-38) remains at home to host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.