Atlanta too much for Washington in second meeting

Al Horford (top) gave Antawn (bottom right) and the
Wizards a tough time tonight.  One day I'll spell his
name right. (AP Photo/Nick Wass).

Despite cutting down a 17 point lead for a 98-98 tie with about a minute left in the fourth, the Atlanta Hawks pulled away tonight on their way to a 102-98 victory over the Washington Wizards.

Washington was in it several times down the fourth, led by clutch shots by Caron Butler, who tied the game with 1:10 to go by making a shake-and-bake three pointer that went under review due to this season's new rule change, where shots are reviewed when there are game-altering circumstances.  Atlanta struck back, and an Al Horford old-fashioned and-one to the basket pretty much ended the Wizards chances of getting another lead.

In fact, on the Comcast telecast, Steve Buckhantz mentioned in the waning minutes of the fourth that the Wizards held a lead for only 62 seconds tonight.  62 seconds.

The Hawks Mike Bibby led his team with 21 points (they didn't get my memo), and all five starters on Atlanta's squad made double-digit point totals.  The Wizards had big production from Antawn Jamison and Butler, but JaVale McGee had a rough game and Dee Brown hasn't been a consistent offensive force this season.

Darius Songaila was big off the bench, with 16 points in under 24 minutes, but what will be remembered tonight is that with the score tied up, Antawn Jamison tried to force the ball to Darius for an easy basket, and the pass went awry and couldn't be caught.  After that, the rest is Atlanta Hawks history.

But Songaila is looking good recently, and the Wizards should take that into consideration while they think things over.  Also to note, Antawn Jamison tied his all-time streak of 8 double-doubles in a row tonight, as he netted 26 points and 13 rebounds.  Caron Butler also achieved a double-double in the loss.

Washington has lost two in a row to the Southeastern division, and are now 2-12 on the year.  They'll get a short rest and then head to New Jersey for a little rematch action as they try to find some way to obtain a win.