The Atlanta Hawks got off to a sluggish start but rebounded in the second quarter behind the strong play of its bench and lead the Charlotte Bobcats 48-36 at halftime. Atlanta trailed 23-19 at the end of the first quarter but answered back in the second outscoring the Bobcats 29-13.
With the bench playing well, Larry Drew stuck with them for the entire second quarter. Zaza Pachulia was the only starter to get any minutes in the second as he teamed with Ivan Johnson, Marvin Williams, Jannero Pargo and Willie Green.
Joe Johnson leads the Hawks with nine points in just 10 minutes of action. Pargo, Williams and Ivan Johnson all finished the half with eight points. Zaza Pachulia has eight rebounds at the break while Pargo handed out five assists. Josh Smith is off to a slow start going 2-10 in the first quarter for five points and three rebounds.
Byron Mullens scored nine of his team-high 11 points in the first quarter to lead the Bobcats. Cory Higgins added eight points off the bench. Atlanta held Charlotte to 37 percent shooting in the first half and hold a 26-18 rebounding advantage over the Bobcats.
For more on this game Hawks fans should visit Peachtree Hoops and Bobcats fans should check out Rufus On Fire. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.