Hawks Vs. Sixers: Atlanta Falters In Second Half, Loses 90-76

The Atlanta Hawks offense never emerged from halftime as they turned a eight point advantage at the intermission into a 90-74 loss in the second half. The Hawks scored just 10 points in the third quarter and 29 in the second half as the 76ers found a rhythm and raced to the victory.

The third quarter was a nightmare for the Hawks who settled for long jump shots rather than forcing the issue in the paint. Philly got some run outs on those long misses and turned those into a big second half run.

There wasn't much to write about in the second half for the Hawks offensively. Former Sixer Willie Green ended up leading the team in scoring hitting 6-7 shots for 14 points. Jeff Teague finished with 12 points, six assists and five steals that all came in the first half. Josh Smith added 10 points but was just 5-15 from the field while Joe Johnson finished with eight points on 3-8 shooting.

Thaddeus Young led the Sixers with 20 points off the bench while Jrue Holiday finished with 16 points and 11 assists. Jodie Meeks chipped in 12 while Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand added 11 and 10 respectively. Brand was a monster on the glass finishing with 16 rebounds.

The loss snaps Atlanta's four game losing streak as they fall to 11-5 on the season. The Hawks return home for a matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.

For more on this game Hawks fans should head on over to Peachtree Hoops and Sixers fans should check out Liberty Ballers. For more NBA news and analysis stop by SB Nation's NBA page.

It didn't take long for all of the positives of the first half to disappear as Atlanta scored 10 points in the third quarter and now trail Philadelphia 64-57. Atlanta's offense bogged to a halt coming out of halftime as the Hawks fell in love with the jump shot. Those long shots led to run out opportunities for the Sixers who suddenly came alive.

Jodie Meeks was the biggest culprit hitting three of his four three-pointers in the game in the third and now has 12 points. Jrue Holiday also has 12 points to go along with seven assists and six rebounds. Thaddeus Young has 10 points off the bench for the Sixers.

Jeff Teague and Josh Smith lead Atlanta with 10 points. Willie Green has nine including a buzzer-beating three just before the third quarter ended. Tracy McGrady has eight points off the bench. Joe Johnson's struggles continue with just four points on 2-7 shooting.

For more on this game Hawks fans should head on over to Peachtree Hoops and Sixers fans should check out Liberty Ballers. For more NBA news and analysis stop by SB Nation's NBA page.

The Atlanta Hawks got defensive in the first half taking a 47-39 lead into halftime in their matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers. Philly came into tonight's game as the No. 3 scoring unit in the NBA but only scored 39 points in the half and shot just 34 percent from the field.

Jeff Teague led the defensive effort with five steals to go along with nine points and four assists. Josh Smith added eight points and four boards while Tracy McGrady led a good bench effort with eight points. Atlanta will need Joe Johnson to get going in the second after going 1-4 for two points in the first half.

Jrue Holiday led the Sixers with 10 points while Thaddeus Young scored eight off the bench. Elton Brand had six points and four rebounds in the first half. Atlanta native Lou Williams had a tough half scoring four points on just 1-7 shooting.

For more on this game Hawks fans should head on over to Peachtree Hoops and Sixers fans should check out Liberty Ballers. For more NBA news and analysis stop by SB Nation's NBA page.