Hawks stomp Cavaliers

Johnson strong since return from elbow surgery

Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) goes up for a shot against Cleveland Cavaliers forwards Anderson Varejao, left, and Antawn Jamison, right, in the first quarter on Wednesday in Atlanta. - photo by By Dave Goldman

1223Hawks — Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) goes up for a shot against Cleveland Cavaliers forwards Anderson Varejao, left, and Antawn Jamison, right, in the first quarter on Wednesday in Atlanta. - photo by By Dave Goldman

ATLANTA — Joe Johnson scored 23 points in his best game since his return from elbow surgery to lead the Atlanta Hawks past Antawn Jamison and the Cleveland Cavaliers, 98-84 on Wednesday night.

Jamison had 23 points but the Hawks were stronger with their typically balanced attack in their eighth straight home victory.

Al Horford had 18 points, Marvin Williams added 17 and Josh Smith had 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Hawks. Mo Williams had 18 points and Daniel Gibson added 12 for Cleveland. The Cavaliers have lost 12 straight on the road and 12 of 13 overall.

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