ATLANTA _ It might be early to say the Nets' season is on the brink of collapse, but they definitely are on the brink of falling out of the Eastern Conference playoff race after a miserable defensive performance in a 141-118 loss to the Hawks, who are at the bottom of the conference standings, Friday night at State Farm Arena. It was the third straight loss for the Nets (26-32), who fell to the eighth and last playoff spot, half a game behind the Magic, who won at home over the Timberwolves.
The Nets were abominable on defense, allowing a season-high 108 points through three quarters. They pulled within six points early in the final period, but the Hawks put together a 12-2 surge for a 120-104 lead, and it was lights out for the Nets, who missed all eight of their field-goal attempts and committed one turnover during that span.
The Nets had no answer on defense for center John Collins, who led the Hawks (18-43) with 33 points and 13 rebounds, and they also got 26 points from Cam Reddish and 22 points and 14 assists from point guard Trae Young. The Hawks shot a torrid 48.7% from 3-point range (19 for 39).
