Usually, the sign of a very good NBA  team – in my opinion - is the quality of the bench that backs up the starters. While there are exceptions to the rule, a good bench will bail you out more often than not.

Wednesday’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks illustrated that in spades as Jamal Crawford led a potent bench attack – 48 points in all – as Atlanta shot 54 percent from the floor, easily disposing of Los Angeles 109-92 at Philips Arena.

The Hawks went ahead for good on a Crawford three-pointer with 1:35 left in the first quarter, stretching their lead to 55-45 at the intermission and were never seriously challenged for the balance of the game.

Kobe Bryant called it a night with about 2 1/2 minutes remaining in the game; meanwhile the Lakers showed their frustrations on the court as Ron Artest got rung up for a technical foul for placing an elbow in Maurice Evans’ face. Evans retaliated, and received a technical, as well.

Two minutes after that episode, Pau Gasol took a pass from Bryant and went in for a dunk, only to get fouled hard by Marvin Williams; Williams would get whistled for an intentional foul.

Seven Hawks players scored in double-digits, led by Joe Johnson with 25 points (including 5 three-pointers), 3 rebounds and 8 assists while Evans added 18 with 2 rebounds; Crawford chipped in 14 with 2 rebounds and 2 assists.

Bryant led the Lakers with 28 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists while Gasol and Jordan Farmar each poured in 16 – with Gasol grabbing 11 rebounds, dishing out an assist while Farmar drained 4 treys, grabbed 2 boards and dished out 2 assists. Artest chipped in 15 with 5 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal while Lamar Odom, despite scoring only 7, grabbed 10 rebounds in a losing effort.

Atlanta (48-26) plays again on Friday when they travel to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers while Los Angeles (54-21) returns home to host the Utah Jazz – also on Friday night.

Found on slamdunkcentral