NBA Game Summary - Atlanta at Memphis

Memphis, TN (Basketball News) - Chucky Atkins scored 19 points, including 4- of-4 from beyond the arc during a decisive third quarter run, as Memphis toppled Atlanta, 98-87, at FedEx Forum.

Mike Miller scored 18 points off the bench for the Grizzlies, who ended a three game losing streak and moved within 1 1/2 games of the Los Angeles Clippers for the fifth spot in the Western Conference. The Clippers play Sacramento on Sunday.

Pau Gasol added 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for Memphis.

Josh Smith led all scorers with 26 points for the Hawks, who lost for the seventh time in their last eight games. Smith also recorded seven boards, five assists and five blocks. Al Harrington tallied 15 points and pulled down 10 boards.

Holding on to a seven point lead, 49-42, at halftime, the Grizzlies seized control of the game with a 22-3 run to start the third quarter. Memphis was led during this spurt by Atkins, who drained four three pointers, including three-straight to cap the scoring and give the Grizzlies a 26 point lead, 71-45, with 5:25 left to play in the third quarter.

The Hawks got to within 15, 73-58, with just over a minute remaining in the third by way of a 9-0 run, capped by a Tyronn Lue three pointer.

Miller, though, converted a three pointer of his own to give Memphis an 18- point lead heading into the fourth quarter, 78-60.

Atlanta managed to score the last seven points of the game to cut the deficit to 11, but could not convert a basket over the last 1:14 to get within single digits.

Memphis outscored Atlanta by 10 in the first quarter to hold a 26-16 advantage at the end of the period.

The Hawks responded in the second quarter, rolling off a 23-5 run, capped by two straight baskets from Smith, to take their biggest lead of the game, 39-31, with 6:30 left to play before halftime.

Miller and Eddie Jones, though, nailed back-to-back treys to ignite an 18-3 Memphis run to finish the first half, giving the Grizzlies a seven-point lead at the break, 49-42.