The Atlanta Hawks grabbed a much needed win defeating the Indiana Pacers 97-87 to snap a three-game losing streak. The Hawks salvaged a game on their current four-game home stand after a solid first quarter gave them the early lead.
Atlanta led 32-21 after one quarter of play and extended that lead to as many as 21 points. Another third quarter swoon by the Hawks enabled the Pacers to hang around but Josh Smith and Joe Johnson never would allow them to fully threaten in the game.
Smith stuffed the stat sheet with 28 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, five steals and three blocks. He hit on 11-17 shot attempts and was 4-6 from the free throw line. Joe Johnson got off to a hot start and then cooled but still finished with 20 points, six rebounds and a team-high eight assists. Kirk Hinrich got some early playing time thanks to foul trouble by Jeff Teague and responded with his best game of the season scoring 17 points off the bench. Tracy McGrady was also a major factor off the bench for the Hawks and finished with 13 points.
Indiana struggled to find offense in the first half and by the time they did it was too late. Danny Granger led the Pacers with 21 points while David West and Tyler Hansbrough added 15 points each. Roy Hibbert finished with 10 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.
For more on this game Hawks fans should head over to Peachtree Hoops and Pacers fans should stop by Indy Cornrows. For more NBA news and analysis be sure to check out SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.