Hawks turn back Cavs
ATLANTA—In a preview of what might be to come in the playoffs, Atlanta beat Cleveland, 106-97, on Friday, as the NBA Eastern Conference leader denied the Cavaliers a chance to go top of the Central Division.
The victory kept the Hawks atop the overall standings, ahead of West leader Golden State, which kept up the pursuit with a victory over Dallas.
Golden State’s Stephen Curry was in relatively subdued mode, with 22 points and seven assists, as he led the Warriors to a 104-89 victory over Dallas.
Indiana continued its late surge toward playoff contention by winning, 98-84, against Chicago.
Houston’s James Harden had 38 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists for his third triple double of the season, powering the Rockets to a 103-93 win against Detroit.
OTHER RESULTS: Charlotte 103, Toronto 94; Washington 99, Miami 97; Memphis 97, LA Lakers 90; San Antonio 120, Denver 111; Boston 104, New Orleans 98; Phoenix 108, Brooklyn 100 (OT); Utah 89, Philadelphia 83.
