Five observations from Hawks’ 116-101 win at the Grizzlies
The Hawks, in the middle of a grueling stretch, found themselves in a track meet with the Grizzlies.
They won.
The Hawks used a 21-10 run in the fourth quarter en route to a 116-101 victory over the Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum Friday night.
The Hawks (11-7) conclude their second stretch of four games in five nights (in four cities) on Saturday at the Spurs and are 2-1. Paul Millsap had another 20-point, 10-rebound game to lead the way.
Here are the key players and five observations on the game:
Three key players
Paul Millsap: He finished with 23 points, eight in the decisive fourth quarter.
Al Horford: He finished with 16 points, 10 in the fourth, including a run of seven straight points.
Jeff Teague: He finished with 20 points, seven in the fourth quarter.
Five observations
1. Long-range bombers
The Hawks shot a season-high 39 3-pointers. They took more 3-pointers than 2-pointers (36) in the game, a first in franchise history. The Hawks also tied the franchise record for 3-point attempts in a game – done twice before. The Hawks shot 35.9 percent (14 of 39) from long range.
2. Millsap strong — again
If the Hawks didn’t have Millsap they would be in big trouble. The power forward has been the team’s best player this season and he proved it again. He finished with a double-double of 23 points and 14 rebounds. It was Millsap’s ninth double-double in 18 games.
3. Bazemore is back
Kent Bazemore made an impact in his first game back after missing the past five with a right ankle sprain. He helped the Hawks out of a 0-for-6 start with two straight 3-pointers. He finished with 14 points.
4. Vincanity strikes
The Grizzlies shot an amazing 70 percent (14 of 20) in the first quarter. Still the Hawks trailed by just two points, 31-29, with 26 seconds left in the period. The Grizzlies ended the quarter with a pair of free throws by Mario Chalmers and a 61-foot 3-pointer at the buzzer by Vince Carter to take a comfortable margin. The Grizzlies led by as many as 12 points in the first half as Carter finished with 12 points of 4 of 6 shooting from 3-point range.
5. Korver in rare air
Kyle Korver moved into 10th place on the NBA/ABA all-time list for 3-point field goals with 1,761 as he made three Friday. He tied Peja Stojakovic (1,760) with his second long-range shot of the game. The shot came with 2:50 left in the second quarter on an assist from Lamar Patterson. Korver moved into 10th place alone with a third-quarter shot that tied the game at 61 with 10:16 left on an assist from Millsap. Coincidentally, when the Hawks play the Kings on Jan. 21 in Sacramento it’s Peja Stojakovic Bobblehead Night.
About the Author
Chris Vivlamore is the sports editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has served as reporter and editor at the AJC since 2003.
