The Hawks’ winning streak lives – but it nearly ended in miserable fashion.
The Hawks lost a 17-point fourth-quarter lead but rebounded for their sixth straight victory by defeating the Pelicans 121-115 Friday night.
The Hawks (6-1) have won all four road games this season and kept the Pelicans (0-5) winless.
Three key players
Kyle Korver: The shooting guard had his best game of the season. He finished with 22 points on perfect 8 of 8 shooting, including 4 of 4 from 3-point range. He was also 2 of 2 from the free-throw line.
Paul Millsap: The power forward recorded a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds. He scored 10 third-quarter points.
Anthony Davis: The Pelicans star finished with career-high 43 points, 10 rebounds, four steals and three blocks. He had 16 third-quarter points on 7 of 8 shooting. He scored 33 second-half points.
Five observations
Late run needed
With the game tied at 108, Korver drained a 3-pointer, his fourth of the game, to start a 7-0 run as the Hawks regained the lead. They were able to hold off the Pelicans as Jeff Teague and Millsap scored the Hawks’ final 10 points, eight from the free-throw line.
Best in the East
The Hawks moved into first place in the Eastern Conference – by a half game – with their sixth straight win. The Hawks (6-1) moved ahead of the Raptors (5-1), who lost to the Magic Friday night.
Push the pace
The Pelicans entered the game leading the NBA in pace of play. The Hawks were so concerned about the new up-tempo game under Alvin Gentry that it was at the top of the list of pregame instructions. It was the Hawks that pushed the pace for much of the game, catching the Pelicans in transition.
Sizzling second
The Hawks outscored the Pelicans 32-19 in the second quarter. They led by as many as 13 points. The Hawks were 13 of 20 from the field with 10 assists and had a remarkable eight different scorers in the quarter. At one point, the Hawks were 11 of 15. The Pelicans shot just 7 of 23 from the field, including 3 of 10 from 3-point range after going 4 of 9 in the first quarter. Through the first half, the Hawks held a 27-13 rebound advantage.
Ever seen this?
The Pelicans were hit with a technical foul to start the fourth quarter for having six players on the court. Gentry began arguing with officials before, during and after Korver hit the free throw. He was then hit with a technical foul. Korver hit that free throw as well.
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