NBA: Hawks thump 76ers and stretch win streak to 19

Atlanta Hawks centre Al Horford (15) drives against Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena on Jan 31, 2015. -- PHOTO: JASON GETZ/USA TODAY SPORTS 
Atlanta Hawks centre Al Horford (15) drives against Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena on Jan 31, 2015. -- PHOTO: JASON GETZ/USA TODAY SPORTS 

ATLANTA (AFP) - Al Horford scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to spark the Atlanta Hawks over Philadelphia 91-85 on Saturday, for the National Basketball Association overall leader's team-record 19th victory in a row.

The Hawks stretched their lead to 21 points in the second quarter and as large as 15 points in the third quarter, before the 76ers rallied to tighten the score late.

In the end, the Hawks held off Philadelphia to complete an unbeaten January run of 17 games while the 76ers stumbled to 10-38, the third-worst mark in the league.

Paul Millsap and reserve Dennis Schroder each scored 15 points while Kyle Korver added 14 more, connecting on 4-of-6 shots from three-point range.

Michael Carter-Williams, Luc Mbah a Moute and Jerami Grant each scored 13 points to lead six double-figure scorers for Philadelphia, who were trying to win their third in a row.

The Hawks (40-8), who have now won seven meetings in a row with the 76ers, have not lost an NBA game since Dec 26 at Milwaukee.

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