A look at the Hawks-Pacers Eastern Conference first-round playoff series:
Rosters
Hawks
Starters: Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, DeMarre Carroll, Paul Millsap, Pero Antic. Reserves: Elton Brand, Shelvin Mack, Cartier Martin, Mike Muscala, Dennis Schroder, Mike Scott, Lou Williams. Out: Al Horford, John Jenkins, Gustavo Ayon.
Pacers
Starters: George Hill, Lance Stephenson, Paul George, David West, Roy Hibbert. Reserves: Lavoy Allen, Rasual Butler, Chris Copeland, Solomon Hill, Ian Mahinmi, Luis Scola, Donald Sloan, Evan Turner, C.J. Watson. Out: Andrew Bynum.
Key stats
Hawks: They ranked second in the NBA in assists at 24.9 per game (trailing only the Spurs). They had 20 or more assists 74 times, 25 or more assists 41 times and 30 or more assists 13 times (compiling a 12-1 record in the latter games).
Pacers: They finished in the top five in the NBA in 11 defensive categories and led the league in opponent field-goal percentage (42.0), opponent assists per game (18.6), opponent points in the paint (35.7) and defensive rebounds per game (34.5).
Season recap
The Hawks and Pacers split their season series, with each team winning once on the other’s home court.
Hawks 97, Pacers 87. On Jan. 8 in Atlanta, the Hawks built a 25-point lead en route to the win, their 12th consecutive regular-season win over the Pacers at Philips Arena. The win over the Pacers, who had the best record in the NBA, came seven games after a season-ending injury to Horford. The Pacers scored only 12 first-quarter points as they started by shooting 1-for-13, and they committed five turnovers in the quarter. The Hawks opened with a 12-0 run and never trailed.
Korver led the Hawks with 17 points. They also got double-figures from Antic (16 points), Teague (15), Scott (15) and Carroll (11). Making the win more impressive was the fact that Millsap had more rebounds (six) and assists (five) than points (four). George had 28 points and 12 rebounds for the Pacers.
Pacers 89, Hawks 85. On Feb. 4, the Pacers finally won on the Hawks' home court. The Hawks shot only 26 percent in the first quarter and 30 percent in the third. The Hawks totaled only 12 third-quarter points as the Pacers opened a double-digit lead. The Pacers led by 16 points in the fourth quarter before a Hawks rally fell short.
Martin made a 3-pointer with 14.9 seconds left to pull the Hawks to within two points, 86-84. Watson made one free throw for the Pacers, and Millsap made only one free throw after being fouled on the ensuing possession. Granger iced the game with a pair of free throws with 3.8 seconds remaining.
Scott finished with 15 points, his 12th consecutive game in double figures off the bench, to lead the Hawks. Millsap was held to seven points on 2-of-11 shooting. In the first two games against the Pacers, Millsap was a combined 3-of-21 with 11 points.
Pacers 108, Hawks 98. On Feb. 18 in Indianapolis, the Pacers jumped to a 22-point lead in the first eight minutes as they made 13 of their first 14 shots to build a 31-9 advantage. The Hawks cut the deficit to three points in the second quarter, only to fall behind by 20 points again.
The Hawks played without Carroll (hamstring) and lost Ayon (right shoulder) and Williams (migraine) during the game and finished with eight healthy players. The injury to Ayon would be season-ending.
Korver led the Hawks with 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Millsap scored only seven points on 3-of-10 shooting. In three games against the Pacers, Millsap was a combined 6-of-31 from the floor. The Hawks were plagued by 22 turnovers.
Hawks 107, Pacers 88. On April 6 in Indianapolis, the Hawks drubbed the Pacers from the start to all but secure a playoff spot. The Hawks led by as many as 35 points. The Hawks led 33-11 after the first quarter, and the Pacers benched all five starters midway through the opening period. By halftime, the Hawks led 55-23. The 23 first-half points allowed represented two franchise marks. It was the fewest points allowed in a half in Hawks history and the fewest scored in Pacers history.
Teague led the Hawks with a game-high 25 points, including the team’s final 12. Antic had a career-high 18 points, and Millsap (17), Mack (13) and Korver (11) all finished in double figures. Millsap had 11 rebounds to complete a double-double.
About the Author
