Atlanta Hawks vs. Indiana Pacers
Atlanta started off with an undefeated record but went on a losing streak, since then, they have enhanced their performance. They gave the Pacers a run for their money at Conseco Field house, Indianapolis, 102 – 92.
A total number of 11,133 fans enjoyed the event and provided their teams with their full support, by the end Hawks’ victory was a glorious moment for their fans.
Prominent Players
At the Hawks end the game was played in a fantastic manner as six of the players scored points in double digits. Josh Smith had 25 points and eight rebounds, and Mike Bibby added 16 points along with seven assists. Al Horford contributed 15 points backed
by 3 assists and 6 rebounds.
Points in double digits were scored by 4 players of Indiana. Danny Granger scored 22 points to lead Indiana. Roy Hibbert scored 18 points, 3 assists and 15 rebounds. Mike Dunleavy added 14 points to the total score of the team.
Game Story
Indiana started the game with full control and had the Hawks by a 24-21 lead after the opening quarter. Hibbert scored five straight points near the midway point of the second quarter to put the Pacers up 38-32 with nearly 5 1/2 minutes left in the first
half.
But as usual the Hawks took over the game later on and played the rest of the game fantastically. Atlanta then scored nine a short time later. After Bibby hit a three-pointer, the Hawks held a 41-38 edge and were ahead 50-49 at the interval.
Ahead by three points, William contributed with a three–point play and a pair of free throws and the Hawks were ahead by 66–56 with 5: 24 left in the quarter. Atlanta was up 77-65 after three.
Pacers tried hard in the fourth quarter to cut down the deficit and Ford's jumper cut the Pacers' debit to five with 7:04 to play in the fourth, but Horford hit a jumper as Atlanta scored seven straight to go up 90-78 and the Hawks held on the rest of the
way and added 12 more points by the end of the game.
Quotable
Hawks coach, Larry Drew, was very pleased by the astonishing presentation and his team’s come back, as he said, "It was beautiful to watch. When we play and the guys move the ball and pass the ball like that, we become hard to beat".
"The deeper you are the better team you are. You have to consider who's going to come out and have a big night for the Hawks. That's a good problem to have", said Hawks center Al Horford.
Turning point of the game
Hawks started the game in a slow motion but later on they accelerated themselves in the fourth quarter of the play, but the key stretch came in the third quarter. Atlanta led 50-49 at halftime, but Smith fantastically scored 12 points on 4-for-6 shooting
and Williams followed him with seven points as Atlanta stretched the lead to 77-65 points at the end of the third quarter.
Significant move of the game
Hawks made an effort to force Hibbert to guard more pick and rolls in the second half, as a result he had four points in the second half after keeping Indiana close in the first.
Distinguished Player
Standing at 6'2", Hawks point guard, Bibby, was consistent throughout the game and he was 5-for-9 from the field and had seven assists.
Underprivileged performance
Hawks guard, Joe Johnson’s performance was not up to the mark as he shot 4-for-12 and 0-for-3 from 3-point range.
Up Next
Hawks will play their next match against Dallas on Saturday, November 20, 2010, at Philips Arena, Atlanta.
Indiana Pacers will take on Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, November 18, 2010, at Conseco Field house, Indianapolis.
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