By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Hawks fall to Wall, Wizards, 108-101
1201Hawks1
Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) dribbles against Washington Wizards forward Nene (42), of Brazil, during the first half of Saturday's game in Washington. - photo by Nick Wass | Associated Press

WASHINGTON — John Wall had 26 points and 12 assists, Trevor Ariza scored 24 points and made five 3-pointers, and the Washington Wizards beat the Atlanta Hawks 108-101 on Saturday night.

The Wizards have won six of their last eight, and have won eight games in November for the first time since 1984.

Martell Webster added 19 points for Washington and also had five 3-pointers. Nene, who returned after missing Friday's game at Indiana with a right Achilles tendon injury, had 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Paul Millsap had 23 points and 10 rebounds for Atlanta, which cut an 18-point, third-quarter deficit to 81-79 with 9:42 left, but could not get closer.

Al Horford added 16 points and Jeff Teague had 15 for the Hawks.

Ariza scored eight points in the final 9:20 to help secure the win.

Atlanta came in as one of just three Eastern Conference teams with a winning record, but fell to 9-9.

"It's so early in the season," first-year Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer said. "I'm sure it will all balance out in time."

The Wizards, now 8-9, have one of the better records in the conference.

"Nothing in this league really surprises me," Washington coach Randy Wittman said. "There aren't a lot (of winning teams), so that's been good for us."

Washington took the lead early in the first quarter and led 28-20 after one. Thanks to two 3-pointers late in the second quarter by Webster, the Wizards led 54-44 at halftime.

Washington hit on five of its first six shots in the third quarter to take a 66-48 lead with 8:12 to play.

The Hawks answered with an 11-0 run to cut the lead to 66-59 with 4:20 to play, and Washington led 79-70 after three.

NOTES: Atlanta G Kyle Korver missed his third straight game with a bruised rib. . G Lou Williams didn't play because Budenholzer has chosen not to use him in back-to-back games as he recovers from ACL surgery. . The Hawks' next game is on Tuesday at San Antonio, where Budenholzer spent nearly 20 years as a video coordinator and assistant coach. "I'm not allowed to look ahead. You've allowed to ask, but I can't look ahead," Budenholzer said. "Tomorrow or the next day I can think about that, but right now I'm thinking about Washington." . F Al Harrington missed his ninth straight game with a right knee injury. . Wittman and Budenholzer were each assessed a technical foul in the second quarter for arguing a foul call.

Regional events