Atlanta, GA (My Sportsbook) - Joe Johnson poured in a game-best 30 points as the shorthanded Atlanta Hawks put an end to the Hornets' season-high seven- game winning streak with an 89-79 victory at Philips Arena.

"It means a lot," Johnson said of his scoring. "If I've got to score 30 for us to win from here on out I'll do my best. We want to do this collectively, it's not going to be an individual thing."

The Hawks were without forward Marvin Williams, who did not play due to lower back pain.

Josh Smith registered his 14th double-double on the year with 13 points and as many rebounds for the Hawks, who swept the two-game season series with New Orleans. Flip Murray and Mike Bibby scored 14 and 10, respectively, in the win.

David West set a career high with 20 rebounds to go with 16 points for New Orleans, which lost for the first time since a 102-88 setback to the Jazz on February 21.

Chris Paul had 24 points and 10 assists in defeat, while Rasual Butler scored 18.

The Hornets had a 28-20 lead after the first quarter. The Hawks, however, soared to a 47-40 advantage at the break after outscoring New Orleans 27-12 in the second stanza.

Atlanta's lead hovered around six points before West and Paul hit consecutive jumpers to cut it to 60-58 with 3:48 left in the third quarter.

Smith responded with a pair of free throws and Murray nailed a three to balloon Atlanta's lead to seven, and the Hawks were still up seven, 67-60, heading into the final 12 minutes.

West's jumper and Paul's basket brought the Hornets within 74-71 with just under seven minutes left to play.

Zaza Pachulia answered with a basket and, on New Orleans' ensuing touch, Smith had a steal that led to Johnson's fastbreak layup. After James Posey missed on a three, Smith added another bucket to make it 80-71 with about four minutes left.

The visitors failed to get within seven points down the stretch.

Game Notes

Johnson shot 4-of-8 from three-point range and Murray went 3-for-5 from beyond the arc...New Orleans opened a four-game road trip and will also visit the Wizards, Bucks and Bulls on the trek. The Hornets are 16-14 on the road this season...New Orleans had its longest winning streak since a nine-game run from January 11 - 28, 2008...Atlanta moved to 2-0 on a seven-game homestand and will also host the Jazz, Pacers, Blazers, Kings and Mavericks on the stretch. The Hawks are 22-7 as the hosts this season...The Hornets had won six of the past eight matchups with the Hawks, who had dropped the last two contests as the host between the teams.