Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) goes up for a basket against Portland Trail Blazers’ LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during their game Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, in Atlanta.ATLANTA — The Atlanta Hawks keep finding new ways to extend the longest winning streak in franchise history. This time, Kent Bazemore was the surprise star off the bench.
Atlanta overcame 37 points by Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge to win its 18th straight game by overpowering the Trail Blazers in the final period for a 105-99 victory Friday night.
The big lead for each team was only six points. There were four ties in the fourth quarter before the Hawks took the lead for good midway through the period on a basket by Al Horford, who had 17 points.
“We got stops when we needed to and really got into a rhythm offensively,” Horford said.
The Hawks overcame a sudden shortage of wing players to keep their streak alive before a sellout crowd.