The Atlanta Hawks (39 - 8) passed one of the toughest tests they've gotten during their remarkable 18 - game winning streak, fending off the Portland Trail Blazers (32 - 15) 105 - 99 Friday at the Philips Arena. When it appeared that Portland was storming back, Atlanta got a huge contribution from an unlikely source. Up by just one point with momentum swinging in Portland's direction, Mike Scott buried a three - pointer to give Atlanta a four point lead. From that point on, Atlanta allowed just eight points in the last 4:11 of the fourth quarter to capture its 12th straight win over a Western Conference opponent. Portland has now dropped the first two games of a quick Eastern Conference road trip after coming up short Friday in Atlanta. LaMarcus Aldridge nearly willed his team to victory with his 37 point, 11 rebound performance against the Hawks. Portland's shooting faltered down the stretch, however, and the Trail Blazers were unable to close the gap. The Trail Blazers will try salvage their road - trip Saturday in Milwaukee. Atlanta entered the game without its usual starting forward, DeMarre Carroll, who was sidelined with soreness. His replacement, Thabo Sefolosha, had to leave the game in the first quarter with a calf strain and did not return. Kent Bazemore was then called into action, where he contributed 12 points and five rebounds in a team - high 40 minutes on the floor. Atlanta will have a quick turnaround as well, finishing off its back - to - back set on Saturday against Philadelphia.
["PlayerStat(G,'LaMarcus Aldridge') has 37 Minutes played ,has 11 Points ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Kent Bazemore') has 40 Minutes played ,has 12 Points ,has 5 Total rebounds ."]