Wall, Wizards defeat Hawks, 101-97

Atlanta Hawks guard Louis Williams (3) goes to the basket against Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) during the first half of Saturday's game in Washington. - photo by Nick Wass | Associated Press

0330Hawks1 — Atlanta Hawks guard Louis Williams (3) goes to the basket against Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) during the first half of Saturday's game in Washington. - photo by Nick Wass | Associated Press

WASHINGTON — John Wall scored 25 points, Drew Gooden had 26, and the Washington Wizards inched closer to their first playoff spot since 2008 with a 101-97 win over the free-falling Atlanta Hawks.

Washington entered the game needing a win and a loss by the New York Knicks on Sunday to make the playoffs.

Wall scored 13 points in the last 7:16 of the third quarter and the Wizards finally escaped the pesky Hawks, who have lost six straight and 20 of 26.

Jeff Teague scored 19 points and Paul Millsap 17 for Atlanta.

Washington followed up a 13-point win over Eastern Conference leader Indiana on Friday with a win over the Hawks, who lead the Knicks by 1½ games for the final playoff berth in the East.

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