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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend December 4, 2006 Hawks finally find a way to beat Blazers By ANNE M. PETERSON The Associated Press PORTLAND — Atlanta's trouble with the Trail Blazers has ended for now. Joe Johnson had 33 points and the Hawks beat the Blazers, 107-96, Sunday night, snapping a nine-game losing streak to Portland. The Hawks had not won at the Rose Garden since Dec. 15, 1997. The nine-game losing streak dated to 2002. "To come into their house, it was big," Johnson said. Salim Stoudamire, a Portland native, hit a 3-pointer to put the Hawks up 87-70 in the third quarter for their biggest lead of the game. Advertisement Zach Randolph's hook shot for the Blazers narrowed it to 94-87 in the fourth, but Tyronn Lue hit two straight jumpers to put the Hawks up 101-88 and the fans at the Rose Garden booed the home team before streaming out. The victory snapped Atlanta's three-game road losing streak. "They were making some shots, but we came right back and countered them, that's a big thing on the road," Johnson said. "When they make a run you gotta make one right back. We played our hearts out tonight. We showed up tonight and got a big victory." The Hawks play Tuesday at Seattle, the second game of their five-game trip. After opening 4-2, the Blazers have lost five straight and 10 of 12, including a 91-89 defeat to visiting Orlando on Friday night. Randolph had 30 points for the Trail Blazers. Rookie Sergio Rodriguez added 11 assists off the bench. "For a month we were scrapping and doing some things," Blazers coach Nate McMillan said. "And now, as young guys, I think we're searching." Atlanta's Josh Smith left Friday's 106-95 loss at home to Cleveland after he was poked in the eye. Hawks coach Mike Woodson listed Smith as day-to-day, but he started Sunday wearing protective eyewear and had 13 points and 12 rebounds. Lue, who finished with 19 points, was full of praise for Johnson. "He's great. He can shoot the 3, post up, shoot off the dribble, handle it, pass, pick and roll, and defend," Lue said. "He's one of the top five two-guards in this league. He's carrying this team." Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com