In Atlanta, the hosts clinched home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs by beating defending champ Dallas.
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.
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] |