The numbers are on the Hawks’ side for a major upset.
The Hawks took a 2-1 series lead over the Pacers with a 98-85 victory in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round playoff series Thursday night at Philips Arena. The eighth-seeded Hawks took a big step in upsetting the top-seed Pacers.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, in all-time best-of-seven series tied 1-1 the Game 3 winner has won 76.8 percent of the series (152-46). Since the 2002-03 season, when the first round became best-of -seven again, in series tied 1-1 the Game 3 winner has won 79.7 percent of the series (55-14). Only five times in NBA playoff history has an eight seeded ousted a one seed in the first round.
“Playoffs are long and the series is long,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said before the game. “Each game takes on a life of its own. It’s very early in the series. Obviously, the more you win the better. Game 3 is very early in a series.”
History favors the Hawks.
Jeff Teague hit a running off-balance 3-pointer with the shot clock about to expire with 2:50 remaining to give the Hawks an 87-80 lead. The play was reviewed by officials as it appeared Teague may have stepped out of bounds. When Kyle Korver drained a corner 3-pointer with 1:41 left the Hawks had a 92-80 lead.
Teague finished with a double-double of 22 points and 10 assists (a playoff career high). Korver had 20 points, including four 3-pointers. The Hawks also got double figures from DeMarre Carroll (17 points), Paul Millsap (14) and Lou Williams (11).
Lance Stephenson led the Pacers with 19 points. Luis Scola had 17 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter. Paul George was held to 12 points.
The Pacers pulled to within four points, 75-71, before Korver completed a four-point play with 7:18 remaining. The Pacers pulled back to within four points after back-to-back baskets by Scola. The Hawks answered with a 5-0 run. The final two points coming after Carroll stripped George Hill and started a fast break that ended with a Teague dunk. The Hawks led 84-75 with 4:46 remaining.
In a series where the opening two games were decided in the third quarter, the Hawks started the period with an 11-4 run. They led by as many as 10 points in the quarter as they started connecting from 3-point range. The Hawks made 6 of 12 from long range after a 2 of 16 start. Williams buried a 3-pointer in the closing seconds to give the Hawks a 67-58 advantage going into the fourth quarter.
The Hawks held a 39-38 lead after an ugly first half – for both teams.
The Hawks shot just 30 percent (12 of 40) through two quarters, including a woeful 12.5 percent (2 of 16) from 3-point range.
The Pacers shot 37.5 percent (15 of 40) in the first half. George was held scoreless on 0-for-2 shooting. He did have seven rebounds but also two fouls and three turnovers.
The Pacers controlled the opening tip but George was called for travelling with pressure in the corner by Carroll and Pero Antic. On the ensuing possession, George fouled Korver on a 3-point attempt.
The Hawks led nearly the entire first half and were up by as many as seven points. The Pacers closed late in the second quarter and grabbed their only lead, 38-37, on a David West basket with 54.6 seconds remaining. The lead lasted just 28.1 seconds as Millsap hit a pair of free throws with 26.5 seconds left.
Game 4 is Saturday afternoon.
