The Eastern Conference-leading Atlanta Hawks defeated the Sacramento Kings Monday, 103 to 100, setting a franchise record with their 23rd road win of the season.

"Winning on the road is something that's really hard in our league," said Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer, "I think it takes a little bit of mental toughness. You have to have more attention to detail; you have to be more together. Things are not going to always go your way on the road. It's important to establish that you can win on the road," the coach said, whose team has given themselves a chance to enjoy home court advantage throughout the entire playoffs.

"Ultimately, if you're going to have success in the playoffs, you're going to have to win on the road," he added.

Jeff Teague top-scored for the Hawks with 23 points, while fellow All-Star Paul Millsap added 19 points and 10 rebounds for an Atlanta team that has won 10 or their last 12 games, and 14 straight against the Kings.

Despite their impressive run, the Hawks still find themselves a half game behind the league-leading Golden State Warriors, who they will face in Oakland on Wednesday.

"We're looking forward to it," said veteran forward Elton Brand of the showdown between the best teams in the league, "Number one in the East against Number one in the West on national TV. It's going to be a lot of fun."

As noted by the AP report, the Hawks won 22 road games back in the 1986-1987 season, and had its longest win streak against one opponent with their win over the Kings. They won 16 straight games against the New Jersey Nets from 1986-1989.

The Hawks will not be at full strength when they face the Warriors. Kyle Korver underwent a procedure Monday to repair his broken nose, and has yet to be re-evaluated. The Hawks also lost key bench player Mike Scott for up to six weeks due to a fractured left toe.