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Hawks beat unhappy Nuggets

Joe Johnson scored 22 points and the Atlanta Hawks held off a late rally by the Denver Nuggets for a 104-93 victory on Tuesday night.

Denver, which trailed by 25 early in the third quarter, cut the lead to 101-93 on Carmelo Anthony's fallaway with 1:50 left. But Denver's Allen Iverson and J.R. Smith were ejected with 38.9 seconds left and the Nuggets could get no closer.

Iverson was called for turnovers on consecutive possessions. Iverson, hoping for a foul call on the second turnover, protested to officials and was ejected. Smith joined the argument, also earning his early exit.

Smith threw his headband and jersey into the crowd after leaving the court.

Anthony scored 36 points, Iverson had 27 and Smith 21. No other Denver player scored more than five points. Marvin Williams scored 19 and Josh Childress 17 as six Atlanta players scored in double figures.

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