ATLANTA — Joe Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks feel they can beat anyone right now, even the NBA’s top teams.
Johnson scored eight of his 35 points in overtime and the Hawks solved Portland’s defense in time to beat the Trail Blazers 99-95 on Monday night.
The Hawks, who won at Portland on Nov. 3, swept the season series for the first time since the 1996-97 season.
Josh Smith had 20 points and 16 rebounds for Atlanta, which extended its winning streak to five with the victory in the matchup of division leaders. The Hawks’ streak also includes a win at Boston.
The Hawks snapped Portland’s six-game winning streak by rallying from deficits of 12 points in the third quarter and nine points, 67-58, at the start of the fourth.
“We were able to fight them off,” Smith said. “Maybe three or four years ago we wouldn’t have gotten the win.”
Rudy Fernandez led Portland with 19 points, including a buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of regulation.
“The play was for me for the last shot and I made it,” said Fernandez, who added two more 3s in overtime.
Atlanta enjoyed a 47-37 rebounding advantage. Al Horford overcame early foul trouble to total 15 points and 10 boards. Horford and Smith each blocked two shots.
Mavericks 115, Bucks 113 (OT)
MILWAUKEE — Dirk Nowitzki (32 points, 11 rebounds) hit a fallaway 18-footer as time expired in overtime to give the Dallas Mavericks the victory.
Magic 97, Bobcats 91
ORLANDO, Fla. — Rashard Lewis had 10 points in his first game back from a suspension, leading Orlando to the victory. Flip Murray tied a career high with 31 points, and newly-acquired Stephen Jackson had 13 points and nine rebounds for Charlotte.
Bobcats get Jackson
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Golden State Warriors found a home for the disgruntled swingman Stephen Jackson on Monday, sending him to the Charlotte Bobcats in a four-player deal that pairs him with coach Larry Brown. The Bobcats sent shooting guard Raja Bell and forward Vladimir Radmanovic to the Warriors for Jackson and guard Acie Law.
Grizzlies, Iverson part ways
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Allen Iverson experiment with the Memphis Grizzlies is over. Memphis announced Monday that the team has ended its one-year contract with the 10-time All-Star and former league MVP in what it called a mutual agreement. Iverson began an indefinite leave of absence on Nov. 7 to deal with a personal issue after playing only three games with the Grizzlies, all in California.
The Grizzlies will waive Iverson but the team had not done that as of Monday night.
Shaq doubtful for today’s game
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Shaquille O’Neal (shoulder) did not practice Monday and is considered doubtful for Cleveland’s game Tuesday against Golden State.
Walton has pinched nerve
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Lakers forward Luke Walton has been diagnosed with a pinched nerve. Walton was examined Monday by back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles. The Lakers say Walton is expected to be out at least six weeks.
MRI confirms Paul sprain
NEW ORLEANS — Further tests on Chris Paul’s ankle show nothing beyond a sprain, but there is no timetable for the star point guard’s return. The team says an MRI confirmed the sprain.
Paul twisted his left ankle in the Hornets’ loss Friday night to Portland. Team spokesman Dennis Rogers said Monday that Paul will be evaluated daily but remains out indefinitely.
In 10 games this season, Paul has averaged 23.8 points and 9.2 assists.
The Hornets are 3-8 and have lost three straight and five out of six. That span included the firing of coach Byron Scott and his replacement two games ago by general manager Jeff Bower.
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