ATLANTA (AP)- Joe Johnson scored 28 points and Josh Smith added 22 as the Hawks stunned the team with the best record in the NBA last year, 105-97.
The high-flying Hawks put on a show for the Philips Arena faithful as they continually hit dunk after dunk and took the momentum away from the Mavs.
\"We got the crowd into it and it gave us like a sixth man,\" Hawks forward Marvin Williams said. \"It was so loud, it was just unbelievable.\"
Williams tallied 12 points to go along with 9 rebounds off the bench. The Hawk bench was crucial in the game, as they helped the Hawks win by outscoring the Maverick bech, 34-16.
\"We got production from everybody and that was probably the reason we won,\" head coach Mike Woodson stated. \"They couldn\'t lock in on one guy without somebody else hurting them.\"
Joe Johnson and Josh Smith were the stars who shined brightest on this occassion, as the dynamic duo combined for 50 points. Johnson hit 5-8 from downtown and Smith was an incredible 11-13 from the field.
\"Those two were a thorn in our sides today and we just couldn\'t stop them,\" Mavs coach Avery Johnson told reporters after the game.
It is another step backwards for the Mavericks, after coming off being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs despite boasting a No. 1 seed and the best record in the NBA last season.
Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks with 25 points and 11 rebounds, while Josh Howard netted 21 points and 7 boards. Elusive point guard Devin Harris added 14 points and 8 assists.
The Hawks will look to continue their success when they head to the Palace of Auburn Hills to take on the always dangerous Pistons.
