The Atlanta Hawks avoided a major issue on a night they celebrated a 115-89 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, reports the Associated Press. Star point guard Mike Bibby left the game in the fourth period last night with an injured left thumb. X-rays were negative, however, and it appears to be only a strain. That is good news for the Hawks, who held onto eighth in the East.
Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 28 points and Josh Childress had 20 as Atlanta stayed a half game ahead of ninth-place New Jersey. The Bucks, who were led by Andrew Bogut's 27 points and nine rebounds, fell to 6-29 on the road. Michael Redd also had 20 points, but 19 of those came in the first quarter. (More NBA stories.)