Hawks dump Griz to extend reign over West

Hawks Win Sixth Straight

VIDEO PLAYLIST

ATLANTA — Jeff Teague scored 25 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Memphis Grizzlies 96-86 on Wednesday night to continue their strong play against Western Conference teams.

The Hawks, who have won six straight overall, have a nine-game winning streak against teams from the West. Atlanta has won 20 of 22 and has the best record in the Eastern Conference.

Teague helped the Hawks take control with a 10-0 run following an 84-all tie. Al Horford, who had 12 points, started the run with a jumper. Teague and Kyle Korver followed with 3-pointers and Teague added another basket for a 94-84 lead.

Mike Conley led Memphis with 17 points. Marc Gasol had 16.

Korver had 14 points and Pero Antic added 13 for Atlanta.

Each team began the night with its best start in franchise history. This is the latest in the season the Hawks (27-8) have led the Eastern Conference since the 1993-94 season.

The Hawks were coming off three straight road wins over Utah, Portland and the Clippers. They continued the run against Memphis (25-10), which began the night third in the Western Conference.

The Hawks led by 13 at 70-57 late in the third quarter. Nick Calathes scored seven of the Grizzlies’ nine points in a fourth-quarter run, including his layup for a 76-all tie.

The Hawks, with 6-foot-10 Horford at center, are accustomed to size disadvantages, and 7-footers Gasol and Kosta Koufos gave the Grizzlies a dramatic edge. Memphis had only a 39-37 edge in rebounds.

Hawks guard DeMarre Carroll was knocked to the floor in the third quarter. Play was stopped as he staggered off the court and was escorted to locker room with a right eye contusion. He returned to the bench holding an ice bag over his eye and was back in the game late in the quarter.

TIP-INS

Grizzlies: Gasol was effective with short fallaway shots over Horford. He used his soft touch from a different angle early in the third quarter when he made a shot from behind the corner of the backboard. Fans reacted with gasps. .. Tayshaun Prince had 12 points off the bench. … Conley had a team-high nine rebounds and six assists.

Hawks: Teague set a career high by scoring at least 20 points in his sixth straight game. … Antic set a season high with three 3-pointers. … Korver made four 3-pointers.

UP NEXT

Grizzlies: At New Orleans on Friday.

Hawks: At Detroit on Friday.

Copyright by STATS LLC and The Associated Press

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