February 19th, 2009 
Stephen Rhodes 
Posted in 
Atlanta Hawks point guard Mike Bibby had a homecoming of sorts as his team came to Arco Arena Wednesday to face an undermanned Sacramento Kings squad that is starting from scratch literally due to a major trade they participated in today. Bibby definitely made the most of the visit as he scored 29 points, leading Atlanta to the hard-fought 105-100 win over Sacramento.
Kevin Martin scored 16 points in the second quarter when the Kings managed to overcome a 13-point deficit to take the lead 59-55 at halftime; Bibby had 15 points at the half. Bibby would continue his hot shooting in the third quarter as he would score 10 in the period when the Hawks overcame a 4-point deficit to take an 83-77 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Both teams traded baskets in the final period as Atlanta managed to hold on for the win. Atlanta was led by the aforementioned Bibby with 29 points (including 4 three-pointers), 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals while Joe Johnson added 20 with 3 rebounds, 6 assists and a steal but committed 5 turnovers; Al Horford chipped in 18 with 18 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal and 2 blocked shots.
Sacramento was led by Martin with 32 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal while Beno Udrih added 18 with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal and a blocked shot; Francisco Garcia chipped in 15 with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocked shots while Spencer Hawes notched a double-double, scoring 10 with 14 rebounds. Atlanta (32-22) plays again on Friday when they make the trip up I-5 to take on the Portland Trail Blazers while Sacramento (11-44) flies to Memphis to face the Grizzlies – also on Friday night.
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