Hawks stun Magic in game 1
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The Atlanta Hawks' dominance over the Orlando Magic this year is not just a regular-season phenomenon.
For now, it also includes the postseason.
Joe Johnson scored 25 points, Jamal Crawford finished with 23 and Atlanta beat Orlando 103-93 in Game 1 of their playoff series on Saturday, overcoming a monster night by Dwight Howard.
Atlanta was eliminated by Orlando in last year's playoffs in the most lopsided four-game sweep in NBA history, but this one was much different. The Hawks led by as many as 18 points while running multiple bodies at Howard all night, and the rest of the Magic failed to step up.
"It's a seven-game series and anything can happen," Hawks coach Larry Drew said. "All I wanted us to come in here and do is play hard and maintain our composure. ... I could tell our guys were ready for tonight's game."
Howard tied a career high with 46 points, to go along with 19 rebounds. Jameer Nelson had 27 points but no other Orlando player reached double figures.
The Hawks had five players with at least 13 points, earning their fourth straight victory against the Magic and erasing the sting of a six-game losing streak to close the regular season.
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