Game Summary
In a thrilling matchup on Monday afternoon, the Atlanta Hawks triumphed over the Indiana Pacers with a commanding score of 132-116, marking their third consecutive victory. CJ McCollum led all scorers, contributing 23 points, while also showcasing his versatility with eight rebounds and seven assists.
Key Moments
The game took a decisive turn as the Hawks unleashed an incredible 17-0 scoring streak in the second half, shifting a 15-point Pacers lead into an Atlanta advantage. Dyson Daniels was pivotal for the Hawks, netting 22 points and dishing out nine assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 21 points.
Despite the Pacers initially holding a 92-85 lead late in the third quarter, Atlanta’s surge culminated in Luke Kennard nailing a three-pointer from the corner to extend their lead to 102-92, shifting the momentum dramatically in their favor.
Pacers Performance
For the Pacers, forward Pascal Siakam led with 26 points, supported by Aaron Nesmith who contributed 18 points, and Bennedict Mathurin who returned from a thumb injury with 16 points. T.J. McConnell also made his mark with 16 points.
Game Rescheduling
Originally scheduled for the evening, the game was moved to the afternoon due to the dangerous icy road conditions caused by a winter storm affecting parts of the South and Northeast.
Injury Updates
The Hawks faced challenges with injuries, as Kristaps Porzingis (left Achilles tendinitis) and Zaccharie Risacher (left knee bone contusion) remained sidelined for their ninth game. The organization indicated that Porzingis would undergo further evaluation in the week, while Risacher has a chance to return for the upcoming game.
Christian Koloko stepped up in their absence, delivering a personal best of 12 points off the bench, along with three blocks. Despite shooting struggles, Jalen Johnson managed to score 15 points, converting only 5 of 19 attempts from the field.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Pacers will host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, followed by a rematch at home against the Hawks on Saturday. Meanwhile, Atlanta is scheduled to visit the Boston Celtics on the same day.
