Bibby Gets Double-Double As Hawks Soar Over Raptors 110-92

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap

The Atlanta Hawks have begun the 2008-2009 NBA campaign with a 4-0 start as they defeated the Toronto Raptors at Phillips Arena in Atlanta Friday night 110-92. Point guard Mike Bibby led the way for the hottest team in the Eastern Conference with a double-double. Atlanta shot 54.3% (44-81) from the floor, and 60% (12-20) from outside the arc. The Hawks are the only unbeaten team in the Eastern Conference, Utah (5-0) and the Lakers (4-0) are the only two teams in the West not to have suffered a loss.

Atlanta had a huge first half that was jump started by the veteran Bibby who had his best contest of the young season. The Hawks led at the end of the first quarter, 31-26. They had increased their advantage to 62-50 as the two opponents went to their respective locker rooms at the half. Toronto fell further behind by the end of the third as they trailed 83-69. The Raptors were never close to being a viable threat in the fourth.

Bibby shot 7-12 from the floor, 5-7 from outside the arc for 19 points, he dished off 12 assists, and 3 rebounds, in the Atlanta victory. Joe Johnson scored 17 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, Flip Murray continues to be a strong presence off the bench, as he had 16 points, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 rebound. The other key member of the bench brigade so far for the Hawks has been Maurice Evans with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, Marvin Williams scored 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals.

Chris Bosh led all scorers as the Toronto forward scored 26 points, 6 rebounds. Jermaine O’Neal had 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 assists, Jason Kapono came off the bench and put in 14 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds. Atlanta is now 4-0, while Toronto now has a record of 3-2.

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