Crawford, Smith lead balanced Hawks to 125-100 win over Nuggets

By TOM SALADINO , Associated Press

Last update: November 7, 2009 - 8:50 PM

ATLANTA - Jamal Crawford scored 25 points, and Josh Smith had 22 points, nine rebounds, six blocked shots and seven assists in the Atlanta Hawks' 125-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.

Smith was 8 of 10 from the field and 6 of 8 from the line.

Joe Johnson added 21 points, Marvin Williams had 14, Mo Evans 12 and Al Horford and Mike Bibby 11 each for the Hawks.

Carmelo Anthony had 30 points for Denver, and Chauncey Billups 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.

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. He injured his leg Friday night. ... Denver coach George Karl is still seeking win No. 939 to pass Red Auerbach for eighth place on the career victory list.

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