Jeff Teague leading the Atlanta Hawks in scoring, that’s not a stunner. Even the point guard’s 28 points against the Washington Wizards didn’t offer shock value seeing as he tallied 28 in the previous game.
Mike Scott and Shelvin Mack sparking the decisive fourth quarter rally for a rare road win, now that’s a new wrinkle.
Scott and Mack scored every point during a 12-0 run that put the Hawks up for good in the overall sloppy affair. That surge provided enough breathing room in the 106-102 victory over the Southeast Division-leading Washington Wizards.
The reserve duo tallied 16 of Atlanta’s first 18 points in the final period and all but five points during the run that eventually reached 22-5 and gave the Hawks (7-5) a 92-78 lead with 4:03 remaining. Scott finished with 17 and Mack set a season-high with 13 points.
“When their number is called they’re always ready, always prepared,” Teague stated following Atlanta’s second straight win. “Tonight their number was called and they stepped up and made big plays.”
Atlanta fended off Washington’s final minute rally, improving to 2-4 on the road this season.
Leading most of the game and 68-67 entering the fourth, the Hawks found themselves trailing the back-and-forth battle 73-70 with under 10 minutes remaining. That’s when the offense finally found its rhythm. Scott and Mack drained 3-pointers during the 12-0 spurt.
“Teammates and everybody did a great job moving the ball. We were just able to knock down some shots,” Mack said.
That’s not something either team did most of the game. Atlanta had only four assists in the first half. Washington committed a season-high 25 turnovers. Then came the fourth quarter. Then came Scott and Mack.
Washington sank four 3-pointers inside the final minute and trailed 105-102 with 2.4 seconds remaining. Mack sank one free throw to seal the win against the team that drafted him.
“Earlier in the year we probably would’ve lost that game,” Mack said. “It’s great to get those wins on the road especially the team that’s leading the division.”
About the Author
