- And The Challenger Is – 2023 AFC West Preview - September 7, 2023
- Tyrese Maxey Is Approaching Stardom Very “Fast” - November 15, 2022
- Three Hot Takes From The Hawks’ Impressive Win Over Knicks - November 3, 2022
Victor Oladipo and the balance scoring of the Indiana Pacers won in a blowout over the Atlanta Hawks. Indiana shot .48 percent from the field and Oladipo led them with 23 points going 8/15 from the floor.
The Atlanta Hawks coming off a win against the Miami Heaton Monday shot .43 percent from the field.
The Hawks started the game with crisp cuts to the basket highlighted by two Miles Plumlee emphatic dunks. The pick-and-roll also played a part in the fast start as they didn’t miss a beat when rookie John Collins came in for Plumlee and was the beneficiary of an alley hoop and two put backs.
Indiana picked it up mid-way though the first quarter sparked by Lance Stephenson energy which got the team going. They were able to take a 28-27 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Collins continued to be effective with the pick-and-roll by creating lanes for with Dennis Schroder and others to create easy scores. Schroder came alive in the second quarter with six of his eight first half points.
The Pacers scored more than half of their points in the paint and took a 53-51 halftime lead.
Atlanta seemed to get away from cutting to the basket and the pick-and-roll which kept them close in the game. the first half was a high level NBA game. I thought we were moving the ball well and making good reads. The second half we sputtered and didn’t get good looks,” stated coach Mike Budenholzer.
Because of Atlanta being stagnant on offense, Indiana was able to take advantage by getting fast break points and pushed the lead to eight.
Collins effort once again kept Atlanta in the ball game scoring six points off the bench and creating second chance points in the third quarter. Collins had a team high 19 points and nine rebounds.
The Pacers seemed too much for the Hawks as they took control of the game early in the fourth quarter by hitting two big three pointers. Oladipo and Corey Joseph got hot late taking turns hitting shots late in the fourth as they won 105-95.
It was evident that the Hawks was depleted as it was displayed through their play and body language.
Atlanta falls to 7-24 and the Pacers are now 18-14.
The Hawks host the Dallas Mavericks on December 23rd and the Pacers host the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday as well.
