The big first half for the Atlanta Hawks did not continue into the third quarter as the Orlando Magic furiously made a comeback in the third quarter to outscore the Hawks by 14 points to make the game 58-55 heading into the fourth quarter. The Hawks ultimately held of the Magic's run to win 83-78 and it snapped the Hawks three-game losing streak. The win also kept the Hawks within 1.5 games of the Magic for second place in the Southeast Division.
In the second half the Hawks were not hitting their shots and went from shooting near 50 percent in the first half to shooting 39 percent for the game. The Hawks were led by Josh Smith who put up 22 points on eight-of-22 shooting on the evening, and Jannero Pargo ended the night with 15 points but all of them came in the first half.
The Hawks also were able to contain Dwight Howard to only 12 points which is eight points below his average, but Howard did have 12 rebounds and five blocks in the losing effort.
For more on this game Hawks fans should check out Peachtree Hoops and Magic fans should visit Orlando Pinstriped Post. For more news and analysis from around the NBA head on over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.