A look at the Hawks’ 104-75 victory over the Pacers Sunday:
Five observations
1. Amazing run
The Hawks led by as many as 16 points in the first half. The game got a little close when the Pacers pulled within eight points, 59-51, early in the third quarter. The Hawks ended any thought of a comeback in a major way. They went on a 30-5 run to end the third quarter, starting with a 20-0 streak, to put the game far, far out of reach. The Pacers went 5:11 wihout a point in the drought. Coach Mike Budenholzer sent his starters to the bench after the dominant period as the Hawks took an 89-56 lead into the final 12 minutes. The Hawks outscored the Pacers 37-18 in the period as they shot 68.2 percent (15 of 22) from the field. Paul Millsap had 12 points in the quarter.
2. 3-point barrage
The Hawks were hot from 3-point range as they finished the game shooting 50 percent (15 of 30) from the distance. They were 7 of 11 from 3-point range in the third quarter alone. For the game, Kyle Korver made four 3-pointers and Kent Bazemore, Al Horford, Thabo Sefolosha and Millsap had two each. The Hawks were 54 percent (14 of 26) through three quarters.
3. Checking George
Pacers All-Star forward Paul George entered the game 10th in the NBA in scoring at 23.6 points and fourth in 3-pointers made at 178. The Hawks limited George to three first-half points on 1 of 8 shooting, including 1 of 2 from long distance. The Hawks used their forward combination of Bazemore and Sefolosha to hound George, who finished with seven points.
4. Checking Ellis
Pacers guard Monta Ellis had 26 and 25 points, respectively, in the first two games with the Hawks this season. He was held to 11 points in the third contest and the Hawks checked him early in the season finale. Ellis, guarding mostly by Jeff Teague early, had three first-half points on 1 of 3 shooting. Ellis finished with 10 points.
5. Fast start
The Pacers scored the first basket of the game. Before they made another, the Hawks led 16-2. The Pacers missed seven straight shots and had two turnovers during the Hawks’ 16-0 run. The Hawks kept up the double-digit advantage and took a 30-17 lead after the first quarter. The Hawks shot 46 percent. The Pacers shot 33 percent. Horford had nine points and Sefolosha had seven in the opening period.
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