Hawks beat Nets, close in on playoff spot

NEW YORK -- Paul Millsap had 27 points and 10 rebounds, and the Atlanta Hawks moved to the verge of a playoff spot with a 93-88 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.

The Hawks could have clinched the final Eastern Conference berth had the Knicks lost in Toronto.

Instead, Atlanta remained two games up with three to play, needing just one more win or New York loss to secure its postseason place.

Jeff Teague added 22 points for the Hawks, who won for just the fifth time in 13 games and are only 36-43, but that might be good enough in the East. He frequently took advantage of a matchup with little brother Marquis, forced to play extended minutes while the Nets rested some regulars.