Hawks-Pacers: Defense Was Not the Key for Joe Johnson, Al Horford, and Atlanta

It took the Atlanta Hawks three quarters until their defense finally showed up. Once they did, the Indiana Pacers offense went out the door giving the Hawks a 120-109 opening night win.

The Pacers and the Atlanta Hawks were at triple digits with nine minutes still left to play. However, Indiana would only score one point during the next six minutes, while the Hawks rolled off 10 unanswered points. Finally, Danny Granger ended the draught, hitting one of two free throws.

Granger had a game-high 31 points, but only had nine points in the second half. New teammate Earl Watson’s three-pointer with 9:04 left in the fourth gave Indiana their first lead of the quarter 101-100.

The Hawks’ point guard, Mike Bibby, quickly regained the lead for Atlanta on a three of his own. Bibby scored two straight baskets for Atlanta followed up by a thunderous slam by Horford.

During Atlanta’s 10-0, run the Pacers had seven possessions; three went for turnovers, three missed shots, and then Granger made the second of two free throws.

The Pacers had a total of 25 turnovers in the game, leading to 35 points for the Hawks.

The Pacers did trim the down lead to single digits with three minutes still on the clock. Granger nailed a three-pointer to cut it to 112-105, but Bibby answered again with a dagger three-pointer and got Atlanta their double-digit lead back.

Atlanta added five straight after that before Indiana picked up two meaningless baskets with under: 10 left in regulation.

All five of Atlanta’s starter scored double-digits. Bibby was the last one to get there after his three-pointer following Granger’s gave him 10 points. Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 25 points, while Al Horford got 24 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, as the game’s MVP.

Forwards Josh Smith and Marvin Williams had 18 and 14 points, while Maurice Evans chipped in 12 points coming off the bench.

Jeff Teague, Atlanta’s first round draft pick, made his Hawk debut with 5 points on 2 of 7 shooting, and 4 assists in 14 minutes.

It was an offensive battle in the first three quarters. At halftime the Hawks had a 66-65 lead and kept their one point lead at 95-94 to start the fourth.

It is a quick celebration for the Hawks who welcome the Washington Wizards on Friday.

The Wizards began their season with a 102-91 in Dallas. The Wizards were led by their point guard Gilbert Arenas who scored 29 points. Washington’s bench also led the Wizards to a win, center Andray Blatche had 20 points and guard Randy Foye had 19.