The Atlanta Hawks needed a strong finish to give them a 106-90 victory over the Washington Wizards, levelling their Eastern Conference semi-final playoff series 1-1.
The home side made a strong start to the game, with Paul Millsap and Al Horford leading the conference's top seeds to a 10-point advantage early in the second quarter.
Bradley Beal and Paul Pierce added a series of three-pointers for the Wizards to keep them in contention at the break, while two baskets from Ramon Sessions at the start of the third quarter left Washington just a point adrift.
The scores remained close throughout the third, with Otto Porter Jr getting the teams back on level terms at 71-71, although Dennis Schroder edged Atlanta back in front heading into the final 12 minutes.
Pero Antic helped the home side build the lead in the fourth quarter, while Horford added six of his 18 points in the final period to put the win beyond doubt for the Hawks.
The teams meet again in Washington on Saturday.
Sian Cowper
