Hawks put away Hornets

at Atlanta 89, New Orleans 79: Joe Johnson scored 30 points and the Hawks ended the Hornets’ season-best winning streak at seven games. Johnson had only 12 points in back-to-back games and was held under 20 points in four straight. Chris Paul had 24 points and 10 assists for the Hornets.

at Detroit 98, Orlando 94: Richard Hamilton scored 29 points and had a career-high 14 assists as the Pistons improved to 5-1 since Allen Iverson injured his back. Detroit also lost Rasheed Wallace to a calf injury late in the first quarter. Dwight Howard had 27 points for the Magic.

Houston 97, at Denver 95: Ron Artest scored 22 points and Aaron Brooks had 19 to lead the Rockets to their 11th victory in 13 games since Tracy McGrady’s season-ending knee injury. Chauncey Billups had 28 points for the Nuggets, who have lost eight of 11.

Washington 110, at Minnesota 99: Caron Butler had 27 points, 10 rebounds and six assists to help the Wizards end a losing streak at five games. The Timberwolves lost their 10th in a row and 15th in 16 games despite 16 points and 11 rebounds from Kevin Love.

at Portland 111, Lakers 94: The Lakers lost their third straight road game.