In Atlanta, the hosts clinched home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs by beating defending champ Dallas.
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Dallas Mavericks forward Yi Jianlian of China shoots over Atlanta Hawks forward Ivan Johnson in the second half of their NBA basketball game in Atlanta, Georgia April 26, 2012.[Photo/Agencies] |
Josh Smith scored 23 points for the Hawks, who raced to a 23-point lead in the first quarter and wrapped up the fourth-best record in the East and host fourth-seeded Boston on Sunday.
Dirk Nowitzki's 22 points led the Mavericks, who will open the playoffs on Saturday at Oklahoma City.
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Dallas Mavericks forward Yi Jianlian of China enters the game in the second half of their NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta, Georgia April 26, 2012.[Photo/Agencies] |