[embedded content]
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Indiana Pacers 119-117 in a preseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, October 10, earning a narrow road victory after holding off a late Indiana comeback.
Atlanta improved to 2-1 in the preseason and 2-0 away from home, while Indiana fell to 1-1 overall. The Hawks built their advantage through the middle quarters before the Pacers made a late push that kept the outcome in doubt until the final seconds.
Jalen Johnson led Atlanta with 20 points, seven rebounds and three assists in 25 minutes. He shot 8-of-12 from the field, including 2-of-2 from three-point range, and finished with a team-best plus-8 rating.
Onyeka Okongwu added 18 points, three rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes, making five of his 10 field-goal attempts and all six free throws. CJ McCollum contributed 12 points, five rebounds and two assists in 19 minutes, going 7-of-7 at the free-throw line.
Aaron Wiggins provided a spark off the bench with 13 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including three three-pointers. Atlanta also received eight points apiece from Jalen Wilson, Asa Newell and Kingston Flemings.
The teams traded baskets in a competitive first half. Indiana held a 32-31 lead after the opening quarter, but Atlanta responded with a 31-point second period to take a 62-60 advantage into halftime.
The Hawks extended their lead in the third quarter, scoring 34 points while limiting the Pacers to 26. Atlanta entered the final period ahead 96-86, appearing well-positioned to close out the game.
MORE FOR YOU
Indiana, however, refused to go away. Jay Huff scored eight points in the fourth quarter, including a three-pointer, while Jarace Walker and Jalen Slawson helped fuel the rally. The Pacers cut the deficit to two points in the closing stages, turning the finish into a tense battle.
Atlanta found enough offense to preserve its lead. RayJ Dennis scored seven of his points in the fourth quarter and made two free throws with 52 seconds remaining. Zuby Ejiofor added a dunk with 27.4 seconds left to give the Hawks a four-point cushion.
Rienk Mast answered with a three-pointer with 20.3 seconds remaining to make it 118-117. Dennis then split a pair of free throws with 15.2 seconds left, giving Atlanta a two-point lead. Indiana could not complete the comeback, and the Hawks escaped with the win.
For the Pacers, Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 13 points, while Pascal Siakam also finished with 13 points and four assists. Ivica Zubac recorded 11 points and five rebounds, and Andrew Nembhard added 10 points and three assists.
Indiana shot 51% from the field and 44% from three-point range, outperforming Atlanta’s 43% overall shooting and 29% mark from beyond the arc. However, the Hawks made 28 of 30 free throws, compared with Indiana’s 24-of-32 performance, helping them secure the two-point victory.
