Smith scores 32 to lead Hawks over Timberwolves

Zaza Pachulia had 16 points and 15 rebounds for the Hawks, who missed just one of 22 free throws, on their way to sweeping the season series from the Timberwolves. Josh Childress also scored 16 for Atlanta, which has won four in a row at home over Minnesota.

Kevin Garnett tallied 32 points and 11 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who lost for the eighth time in 10 games. Ricky Davis ended with 19 points, while Troy Hudson scored 10 in a losing cause.

Hudson’s three-pointer brought Minnesota within 93-91 with 1 1/2 minutes left, but Anthony Johnson drained a jumper at the other end.

Two Davis free throws had Minnesota within two again with just over a minute left, but Smith’s bucket expanded the margin to four with 51 seconds left.

Minnesota then faltered down the stretch, as Davis and Hudson missed three- point shots.

The Timberwolves led 25-22 after the opening quarter and widened the margin to 54-44 at the half. However, Atlanta outscored the Wolves 28-20 in the third and finally went ahead for good after Salim Stoudamire passed to Smith for a dunk and an 84-83 margin with 5:58 left.

Game Notes

Atlanta posted a 105-88 win at Minnesota on January 17...Marvin Williams scored 11 for the Hawks...This was Garnett’s 54th double-double of the season.