Crawford, Smith help Hawks rout Nuggets

By TOM SALADINO, For The Associated Press Nov 7, 10:29 pm EST

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ATLANTA (AP)—Josh Smith(notes) had a night to remember, especially after one he and the rest of the Atlanta Hawks would like to forget.

Jamal Crawford(notes) scored 25 points, and Smith had 22 points, nine rebounds, six blocked shots and seven assists in the Hawks’ 125-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.

The Hawks were coming off a 103-83 loss to Charlotte on Friday night.

“It’s a big statement. Having a letdown loss last night, and being able to come in and beat the number two or three team last year in the Western Conference. That’s a big boost of confidence,” said Smith, 8 of 10 from the field and 6 of 8 from the line.

“I had opportunities to succeed and I seized the moment. I have wonderful guys to pass the ball to and I was really looking to crash the boards.”

The Hawks had a season-high 125 points and 30 assists.

“It’s big, more mentally than anything else,” Crawford said. “We had tough loss against Charlotte last night,and we beat a tough Denver team. We didn’t lay down, and we fought. From start to finish, I thought we were really good as a team.”

The Hawks had seven players in double figures. Joe Johnson(notes) added 21 points, Marvin Williams(notes) had 14, Mo Evans 12 and Al Horford(notes) and Mike Bibby(notes) 11 each.

Carmelo Anthony(notes) had 30 points for Denver, and Chauncey Billups(notes) added 25. The Nuggets lost their second straight after winning their first five. Anthony was 7 of 21 from the field and 15 of 18 from the line.

“We didn’t have enough energy. We never did get a grip,” Denver coach George Karl said. “Crawford played great. Joe Johnson did a good job. Josh Smith had an incredible game. We didn’t respect his shot blocking. We needed an A game from a lot of guys, and we didn’t get it,” he said.

The Hawks scored the first 10 points of the second half to make it 70-50. Denver never got closer than 12 points—at 90-78 less than a minute into the final quarter.

The Hawks shot 52 percent, hitting 45 of 87 shots, including 8 of 19 3s. Bibby was 3 of 4 from 3-point range.

Both teams were coming off Friday night losses. The Hawks lost 103-83 at Charlotte, and the Nuggets fell 96-88 at Miami.

NOTES: The Nuggets were without forward Kenyon Martin(notes). He injured his leg Friday night. … Karl is still seeking win No. 939 to pass Red Auerbach for eighth place on the career victory list.

Updated Nov 7, 10:29 pm EST
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25 Comments

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  1. anonymous
    25. Posted by anonymous Sun Nov 8 6:07pm EST

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    Big surprise the wack lakers will be going to the finals. The hawks are inconsistent, but they have progress. Give props when props are due. There's no excuse of why the Nuggets played poorly. You didn't have that excuse, when they won 5 straight, did you? No. JUST GIVE HAWKS PROPS on dominating the game. These games are set this way. It's no excuse, it's flat out true. I give props when props are due. Lakers get baby too much. I admire Kobe for team effort, but besides that, I could give a rat's tail about the Lakers. I noticed the same teams go to the finals. Boston, Lakers, Orlando, Miami, San Antonio, etc. It's not so much the Lakers are "deep" but I am absolutely sure, most of their calls are based on favoritism, which gives a win 80% of the time. Besides having Kobe and Pau Gasol, they wouldn't be anything. This article is about the Hawks and Nuggets. Who cares about the Lakers and Celtics? I believe it will comes down to Eastern Division:Magic vs Celtics and Western Division:Lakers vs Nuggets. Let's be frank, it's too early to determine who's going to win. By the way, an eastern team will become a champion next year. The east is TOO serious and deep this year. There's no way a western team can win,unless, of course, the spoiled lakers pay off to win.
  2. Dian
    24. Posted by Dian Sun Nov 8 5:12pm EST

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    nugget is good if they play phisical. this lose is a prove of they runing out energy. I remember last year play off again new orlean, cp couldnt do nothing. but I dont worry because laker are big and strong. phil is gona fire them up.. go laker..
  3. D. Skin
    23. Posted by D. Skin Sun Nov 8 2:29pm EST

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    ...sleep on ATL if you Want To...we are gonna surprise a LOT of teams this year...
  4. C Bear
    22. Posted by C Bear Sun Nov 8 1:22pm EST

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    they need their offencive shooter back. Jr helps them win against playoff teams
  5. Dan
    21. Posted by Dan Sun Nov 8 12:59pm EST

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    you're all not so smart.. you didn't notice that josh smith scored 125 points? (Look in the article)
  6. Eloy Caesar
    20. Posted by Eloy Caesar Sun Nov 8 10:43am EST

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    hey, you think chauncey, nene, jr, can't be the #1 or #2 option on some of the other teams? and do you seriously think that bynum can bully nene? cmon! but anyway, i didn't say that they are sure to beat LA, i'm just pointing out that their bench is already deep as it is, deep and well-balanced. i actually agree that it's going to be boston and la come june but i think boston's going to win it all..but that's just me.
  7. Bryan N
    19. Posted by Bryan N Sun Nov 8 10:41am EST

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    Write your opinion on the news at nelsonnews1.webs.com! Become a member today!
  8. Saisen
    18. Posted by Saisen Sun Nov 8 2:24am EST

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    it's ok nuggs. just get back on the game.

    i know it is difficult, because you have 6 straight road games.

    just bounce back next game.

    MELO play hard, you're my favorite player.
  9. Jesse Kumin
    17. Posted by Jesse Kumin Sun Nov 8 1:14am EST

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    Denver was playing without JR Smith or Kenyon Martin tonight. Graham and Balkman aren't the same offensive threats or as good on defense. Martin's absence was reflected in how well Atlanta shot. It will be interesting to see how Denver plays when JR and Kenyon are both back. With Melo, JR, Billups, Nene and Kenyon, that's a fairly competitive team with a lot of offensive weapons. They still need work on their defense. The front court bench isn't as competitive as it should be. Ty Lawson is possibly a future all-star in a few years.
  10. <i>wjrudy</i>
    16. Posted by wjrudy Sun Nov 8 1:05am EST

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    "Go Back to Ireland" - I've noticed a few of your posts... you're really not the sharpest crayon in the box are you? Are you aware that the season is 82 games long with a multitude of variables that will play into the final outcome - many of which cannot possibly be imagined at this stage? Your comments do little more than betray your ignorance. Try filtering a few of your thoughts before writing them down. Unless, of course, you're a jr. high kid... is that true?
  11. Jack
    15. Posted by Jack Sun Nov 8 1:04am EST

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    just one hand down? commit to something man!!
  12. Jarrod
    14. Posted by Jarrod Sun Nov 8 12:27am EST

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    Denver is the best team in the NBA right now, hand down. So what they lost 2 straight even the best do that.
  13. Silas
    13. Posted by Silas Sun Nov 8 12:02am EST

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    Eloy (#12), Los Angeles has four players (besides Kobe) that would be the #1 or #2 option on most other teams. Gasol, Bynum, Artest, Odom. They have bench players that would be starters on other teams. Denver is a great team, don't get me wrong, I'm just saying that Anderson can't outplay Odom, Nene can't outplay Bynum, Kenyon can't outplay Gasol, and Artest will limit Melo to normal levels. The only edge DNV has is with Billups but with a PG tandom like Fisher, Farmar, and Shannon Brown LA will manage.

    And San Antonio? Those names you mentioned are good but really... They are NOT at LA's level. Again, Gasol, Bynum, Artest, Odom, oh and this small guy named Kobe Bryant... SA is good but not good enough. Remember this conversation in a few months when LA wins the series. What was it last season? 4-1...
  14. Eloy Caesar
    12. Posted by Eloy Caesar Sat Nov 7 11:52pm EST

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    atlanta added jamal crawford..dude! and look at jsmoove right now.. he's like..

    hmmm, jr smith, chris andersen, arron afflalo, ty lawson, anthony carter, renaldo balkman. that's a well-balanced bench right there, just the right amount of offense and defense plus a huge amount of hustle. but you're right, they are inconsistent..

    say what? SA doesn't have the offensive options to outscore a team? with manu, parker, duncan, jefferson, finley, bonner, mason? okay if you say so.
  15. Silas
    11. Posted by Silas Sat Nov 7 10:59pm EST

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    Henry, (#10) There is a difference between a realistic expectation and a fantasy. The truth is most of these teams have the same rosters as the last two years except for one or two players. The questions are:

    1) Have teams improved dramatically because of experience?
    2) Have the roster changes been enough to make a team better than another through the end of the season?
    3) What role will injuries play.

    Denver - they haven't made any changes. They are probably hungrier and Melo has improved but is that enough to beat LA?? Kobe seem very hungry still and adding Ron will surely add toughness.
    ATL - Are you serious?? What adjustments have they made?
    DAL - No killer instinct and while they are good adding Marion doesn't get them over the top.
    SA - Adding Jefferson helps but is it enough? They are probably the biggest threat to LA but they will get tired and they don't have the offensive weapons to outscore a team.

    Bottom line is: In order to get different results a team has to do something different. Have the teams done enough to outmatch LA? No. The only team with a system and ability to give LA problems over a series is Boston.
  16. Henry H
    10. Posted by Henry H Sat Nov 7 10:47pm EST

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    Long season. The ups and downs are just beginning. All your sure-thing predictions are laughable. An athletic team like Atlanta can win on most any night, not that they will necessarily win big all year long. Let's watch all these teams lace 'em up for another 25 games or so before we start talking dares and money as regards our predictions.
  17. Steve E.
    9. Posted by Steve E. Sat Nov 7 10:33pm EST

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    Clippers "Joke of the Decade?" Try decade times four. Speaking of which http://www.stupidgsa.com/american/newlywed-game/many-decades-your-husband-say-his-mother-has-lived
  18. Silas
    8. Posted by Silas Sat Nov 7 10:22pm EST

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    Denver is good but they are NOT championship material! They aren't deep enough and they are too inconsistent. I think only Billups and Melo have what it take but the rest are wack!!!

    SA - Not enough offense
    POR - Not enough experience
    NO - Not enough talent
    UT - Deron can't carry the team the whole way. They made no significant changes this year. And they expect different results??
    Clips? - Joke of the decade.

    Lakers versus Boston... I'll put money on it. LA in 6. They are too strong... Especially with Ron.

    ~I dare anyone to try and prove me wrong~
  19. RichardB
    7. Posted by RichardB Sat Nov 7 10:21pm EST

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    nuggets r the fifth best team in da west
  20. GO BACK TO IRELAND STUPID BOSTON KELTICS
    6. Posted by GO BACK TO IRELAND STUPID BOSTON KELTICS Sat Nov 7 10:03pm EST

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    THE THUGGETS GO FROM 1st IN THE WEST to 3rd. ha ha ha ja ja ja
  21. GO BACK TO IRELAND STUPID BOSTON KELTICS
    5. Posted by GO BACK TO IRELAND STUPID BOSTON KELTICS Sat Nov 7 9:58pm EST

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    Texas_hurricane is a retard!
  22. GO BACK TO IRELAND STUPID BOSTON KELTICS
    4. Posted by GO BACK TO IRELAND STUPID BOSTON KELTICS Sat Nov 7 9:57pm EST

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    Denver sucks! for all those people who said that the loss to miami was just 1 game, now its 2 games! the denver thuggets suck @ss. denver sucks against the east coast!
  23. Minch
    3. Posted by Minch Sat Nov 7 5:33pm EST

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    Go Hawks. You guys rock at home
  24. Brandon
    2. Posted by Brandon Sat Nov 7 8:27am EST

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    These nuggets need to pull off a win
  25. Joel D
    1. Posted by Joel D Sat Nov 7 5:01am EST

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    go nuggs
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Top Performers

 Top Performers
 Denver
C. Billups Chauncey Billups
10-22,  27 Pts
3 Rebs, 7 Assists
 Atlanta
J. Smith Josh Smith
8-10,  22 Pts
9 Rebs, 7 Assists

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