Hawes Returns to Lead Philadelphia 76ers over Atlanta Hawks

Going into the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks, the teams had identical 16-7 records. Tonight the young Sixers accomplished a rare feat in the NBA. They won a game on the home court of a team with a winning record.  With Elton Brand out with a thumb injury, the Sixers started a lineup of average age less than 25.

After a tight first quarter, the Night Shift broke it open with a 37-point second quarter. After that the Hawks never got closer than nine points down.

Last night the Heat was dominant in the front court late in the game in their 20-point rout of the Sixers.  The Sixers' centers scored no points. Tonight, with Spencer Hawes returning to the lineup at center for the Sixers, the tables were turned. With the Hawks missing Jason Collins, who had been filling in for Al Horford at center, the Sixers two centers scored 29 points.

Six Sixers scored in double figures, including four members of the Night Shift. What has arguably become the league's best bench scored 54 points.

So tonight's road victory takes a little of the sting away from last night's loss to the Heat.  Hopefully with Hawes back, the Sixers can keep things going when three Western teams with winning records come to  come to town next week.