Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 97, Pacers 87
Here is the updated game story from the Hawks’ win over the Pacers, which snapped a three-game losing streak.
You can call it the Highlight Factory again.
The Hawks snapped a three-game losing streak – all at Philips Arena – with a 97-87 victory over the Pacers Wednesday night.
Josh Smith had 28 points and 12 rebounds to lead the much-needed effort for the Hawks (17-9). His one-handed dunk off a Marvin Williams’ missed 3-pointer punctuated his performance. Joe Johnson added 20 points as the team improved to 12-1 when he scores 20 or more points.
“We played like a desperate team,” Smith said. “That is how we have to play night in and night out, like we need to win.”
It wasn’t exactly easy.
The third quarter almost bit the Hawks again. The Pacers cut an 18-point halftime deficit to just eight points, 80-72. They would get as close as seven points in the fourth quarter before the Hawks pulled away.
“Energy, that was the difference,” coach Larry Drew said. “We are like night and day when we play with energy. We were able to sustain it. We came out and played energized basketball.”
Kirk Hinrich scored a season-high 17 points and Tracy McGrady added 13 points as the Hawks snapped a streak where they lost three times at home by a total of 39 points.
“Kirk came in early and was really, really energized,” Drew said. “Right now he is really trying to get his legs under him [after shoulder surgery]. This is still like training camp for him.”
Smith was 11-for-17 from the field, including making both his 3-point attempts, and had five steals and three blocked shots.
“He played just super,” Drew said of Smith. “I don’t think Josh gets the credit he deserves for what he brings to the table. He is a guy who can impact it on both ends. He was certainly a difference maker tonight.”
Danny Granger led the Pacers (17-8) with 21 points.
The Hawks led by as many as 21 points in the first half.
The lead was fueled by a 20-6 run in the second quarter after a scary moment involving Jeff Teague. The point guard drove the lane and took a nasty spill over the Pacers’ Tyler Hansbrough, hitting his head on the floor. However, the official ruled that Hansbrough was pushed by Ivan Johnson, who was called for a foul and then assessed a technical. Teague has an ice bag on his head during the ensuing timeout, but missed no time.
Teague said he also hurt his wrist in breaking his fall.
The ensuing run gave the Hawks a 55-34 lead. They kept the cushion until David West hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to cut the lead to 18 points at the break.
Johnson scored 16 first-half points while Smith added 13 and Hinrich added 11.
“I wanted to get us off to a good start,” Johnson said. “We haven’t gotten off to great starts as of late and I wanted to be aggressive, try to make plays and get other guys involved.”
The Hawks did come out fast, scoring 32 first-quarter points. It was their second highest point total in the opening stanza this season, a point shy of 33 points they scored against the Bulls on Jan. 7.
The Pacers failed early to take advantage of the height advantage at center in 7-foot-2 Roy Hibbert. He scored just four first-half points, both from outside the free-throw line. He finished with 10 points.
The Hawks out-rebounded the Pacers 45-33 as they showed a concerted effort on the glass and chasing down loose balls.
The Hawks are now 10-5 since losing Al Horford to a torn left pectoral muscle. Johnson acknowledge that most of the early success without the two-time all-star game against lesser opponents.
“Just to be realistic, the teams we were playing at first, those were subpar teams,” Johnson said prior to the game. “Those are teams you are supposed to beat whether I’m playing or whether I’m not playing or whether Al is not playing. These last three games we have played quality playoff teams and we’ve got to beat some of these teams. It’s no knock – I’m not saying we are a lot better than them. I just think the effort we’ve been putting out these last three games, we can get away with that against subpar teams. But against teams over .500, quality playoff teams, we’ve got to play hard and relentless for 48 minutes.”
The played with energy Wednesday in turning around their fortunes.
- Chris Vivlamore
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278 comments Add your comment
Slimjr
February 9th, 2012
5:28 pm
“every inch counts”
yea every inch of belly fat does count. just lay it on D12, that should push him out about 4-6 inches?
KevinM
February 9th, 2012
5:29 pm
Damp will wear #25.
He passed the physical.
I guess he’s ready.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 9th, 2012
5:32 pm
So does MC still write blogs or does he just tweet?
11 day contract
February 9th, 2012
5:34 pm
First round
Allen Iverson · Marcus Camby · Shareef Abdur-Rahim · Stephon Marbury · Ray Allen · Antoine Walker · Lorenzen Wright · Kerry Kittles · Samaki Walker · Erick Dampier · Todd Fuller · Vitaly Potapenko · Kobe Bryant · Predrag Stojaković · Steve Nash · Tony Delk · Jermaine O’Neal · John Wallace · Walter McCarty · Žydrūnas Ilgauskas · Dontae’ Jones · Roy Rogers · Efthimios Rentzias · Derek Fisher · Martin Müürsepp · Jerome Williams · Brian Evans · Priest Lauderdale · Travis Knight
Second round
Othella Harrington · Mark Hendrickson · Ryan Minor · Moochie Norris · Shawn Harvey · Joseph Blair · Doron Sheffer · Jeff McInnis · Steve Hamer · Russ Millard · Marcus Mann · Jason Sasser · Randy Livingston · Ben Davis · Malik Rose · Joe Vogel · Marcus Brown · Ron Riley · Jamie Feick · Amal McCaskill · Terrell Bell · Chris Robinson · Mark Pope · Jeff Nordgaard · Shandon Anderson · Ronnie Henderson · Reggie Geary · Drew Barry · Darnell Robinson
Dampier taken tenth overall in one of the deepest drafts ever
Kobe at 13, nash at 15, j oneal 17
We took priest laudrdale of course, whiffing as usual, but at least we tried a bigman with our first pick one of the few times we have ever done that
11 day contract
February 9th, 2012
5:40 pm
MC where can i buy my erick dampier 25 jersey?
doc
February 9th, 2012
5:41 pm
gdad, early nicholson was tops. the guy played with an attitude.
really hope josh makes all star because his total package of steals, blocks, rebounds and points measure up against all the power forwards in the east. his late slump may be his undoing. i think the last two years he has led the hawks in votes received for the all star game. of course other fan bases and national attention which josh doesnt seem to get and the way he acts aspire to gets in his way.
oh well, if he plays better angry then go for it. unfortunately we know it doesnt as he wears his emotions on his sleeve. besides if he does get the distinction, aj will blow a gasket and we will suffer. all star osh will rub many the way all star al seems. too bad both are really good players, just not queen nor bynum and never will be.
11 day contract
February 9th, 2012
5:42 pm
Dampier was a stiff when he came out, but began to flourish later in his career. A late bloomer.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 9th, 2012
5:43 pm
If for no other reason, I’d like to see Josh in the All Star game because those coast to coast trips he takes might actually result in spectacular dunks in an exhibition style game with no defense.
JaeEvolution
February 9th, 2012
5:49 pm
Right now we will rent an old washed up big, but looking toward the future the Hawks should do anything and everything to get Fab Melo if he comes out this year. He is the heart and soul of the Syracuse zone D, and reminds me a lot of Andrew Bynum on DEFENSE in the sense he is long, has a good strong base, and is athletic and can alter/block shots. If we get him along with a healthy Al back and re-sign some of these guys that are contributing, next year could be a big year for us.
prison mike
February 9th, 2012
6:00 pm
Laughing at this ninja being a temp worker. He’ll sign two ten days and we’ll have Twinkie Twin back.
Buddy Grizzard
February 9th, 2012
6:00 pm
Lang Greene’s puff piece notwithstanding:
http://www.hoopsworld.com/josh-smith-from-trade-bait-to-team-leader
My reason for hoping Josh makes it is purely pragmatic. It’s the best thing that could happen for the Hawks’ organization because it will either:
A. Make Josh finally feel appreciated and recognized for his talent, which potentially might make him want to remain a Hawk and try to finish what he started here.
or:
B. Dramatically increase Josh’s trade value, making it much more possible for the Hawks to get value in return.
The Lakers want to shake up their roster. I think Pau for Josh and Kirk is a real possibility.
northcyde
February 9th, 2012
6:30 pm
I want to see Josh make the All-star team because it will probably do wonders for his confidence. Conversely, if he doesn’t make it, the opposite effect may happen.
My reserves were
Rondo
JJ
Iggy
Smith
Pierce
Bosh
Hibbert
I think if it’s already been announced that guys like Allen or Deron Williams made it, that may be bad news.
Then again, the Hawks have usually announced by now if any of our guys have made it. So maybe both JJ and Smith are snubs.
Buddy Grizzard
February 9th, 2012
6:35 pm
I see Woj breaking news on the west reserves so far but no word on the east:
http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html
Iguodala selection was per 76ers front office.
northcyde
February 9th, 2012
6:38 pm
Woj just tweeted that Joe Johnson is in. Congrats again JJ.
No word on Smith
Other rumor is that Rondo did NOT make it.
Buddy Grizzard
February 9th, 2012
6:40 pm
Najeh… really good piece on Lin:
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/2/9/2786323/jeremy-lin-new-york-knicks-scouting-report
Buddy Grizzard
February 9th, 2012
6:46 pm
By the way Sund would have never considered bringing in Jeremy Lin because LD is unfamiliar with the pick and roll.
Slimjr
February 9th, 2012
6:48 pm
Unfortunately for Josh, looks like old habits do die hard..Too some afar (media), it may look like Josh does take nights off..
Tough to get a vote with that rep lingering in some voting minds…
J.J.M.
February 9th, 2012
6:51 pm
joe the only hawks that made it smh
doc
February 9th, 2012
6:52 pm
buddy did you read the lin kid is sleeping on his brothers couch who is going through med school?
11 day contract
February 9th, 2012
6:53 pm
Melo will back off injured paving the way for josh. Non story
Slimjr
February 9th, 2012
6:53 pm
Priest may have been the biggest bust and not just literately (7′4″) in Hawks history of drafting?
Buddy Grizzard
February 9th, 2012
6:57 pm
Honestly though, Lin may have never had an opportunity to show what he could do in the NBA if it hadn’t been for the specific, fortunate circumstances in New York… Amare and Melo down and he’s playing with Tyson Chandler, one of the best screeners in the league.
O'Brien
February 9th, 2012
6:58 pm
Based on rep, I think JJ makes it over Josh.
JJ is 5 times All Star, meanwhile there is a perception about Josh (whines, pouts, too many jumpers etc).
11 day contract
February 9th, 2012
6:58 pm
Slimjr
February 9th, 2012
6:53 pm
Priest may have been the biggest bust and not just literately (7′4″) in Hawks history of drafting?
LinkReport this comment
Not a chance. Priest was almost last pick in first round. Good calculated risk. I ont see much that came after him. We picked the wrong year to get our first ever #1 seed and low pick, typical hawks
O'Brien
February 9th, 2012
6:59 pm
Well, Iggy is in
Buddy Grizzard
February 9th, 2012
7:01 pm
“buddy did you read the lin kid is sleeping on his brothers couch who is going through med school?” – doc
Yeah why do the Knicks keep getting these stories? Before that it was John Starks bagging groceries before he made it in the NBA.
O'Brien
February 9th, 2012
7:05 pm
Buddy,
The Houston GM said he never should have let Lin go.
J.J.M.
February 9th, 2012
7:07 pm
All I know is paul pierce better not make it
Buddy Grizzard
February 9th, 2012
7:07 pm
Paul Pierce in.
J.J.M.
February 9th, 2012
7:07 pm
^^^you kidding right?
11 day contract
February 9th, 2012
7:08 pm
Childress over luol deng, iguodala, al jefferson
Adam keefe over spreewell, big shot bob, pj brown
O'Brien
February 9th, 2012
7:08 pm
Gotta root for Kevin Love. Not the most athletic guy, but he is determined to get the rebounds.
Buddy Grizzard
February 9th, 2012
7:12 pm
O’Brien that’s a great story too because Darrly Morey is the founder of the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, so he’s one of the guys on the forefront of using statistical analysis in judging basketball talent. Funny thing is, Lin’s ability is hard to quantify through numbers because he’s a cerebral player.. in post game interviews he can give you an estimate of how many pick and rolls they ran during the game. Lin is like a real-time statistical analyst on the court, making plays against a better athlete like John Wall because he’s so much smarter.
So advanced statistical metrics weren’t going to help Morey figure out Lin. What he needed was the eye test. What Lin did against Wall last night was EXACTLY what Lin did against Wall in the Vegas league two summers ago. But Houston wasn’t a good situation for Lin because they are strong in the back court. New York’s desperation for a point guard since they amnestied Billups created the perfect storm for Lin.
Buddy Grizzard
February 9th, 2012
7:13 pm
JJM:
Adrian Wojnarowski: Paul Pierce has been chosen to the Eastern Conference All-Star reserves, Doc Rivers says. 4 minutes ago
Buddy Grizzard
February 9th, 2012
7:13 pm
http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html
J.J.M.
February 9th, 2012
7:14 pm
how the hell did pierce make it with that record and ou with injuries
Buddy Grizzard
February 9th, 2012
7:15 pm
Wow Dirk an All-Star… what a joke… lifetime achievement award.
Buddy Grizzard
February 9th, 2012
7:16 pm
JJM the Celtics are 9-1 in the last 10 and the hottest team in the NBA. They’re like two games behind the Hawks.
northcyde
February 9th, 2012
7:17 pm
No Jennings. No Rondo. No grainger
So if Josh didn’t make it, either Boozer or Deng got his wild card spot.
J.J.M.
February 9th, 2012
7:17 pm
ok but josh has played every game and the hawks have a better record point blank
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 9th, 2012
7:18 pm
Joe is averaging 3.9 rebounds a game.
I don’t see LD calling him or Marvin out for being awful rebounders.
#MediocreHeadCoach
drmaryb.[*_*].
February 9th, 2012
7:20 pm
Alligator Arms!
“AJ, where’s Kevin Willis when you need him? lol” -Ra’mon-
__________
Ha Ha … I saw Kevin Williams at Super Target in Roswell, GA a few months ago. He looked awesome, alligator arms and all. Tall as a pine tree, very slim, he was alone wearing a checkered button down, pressed jeans and some gray running shoes. We talked for a minute about him and Nique’ from ‘86 and how I moved here from SC and became a fan of The Omni Hawks.
Kevin was very gracious and congenial. He looked about 30 years young. I bet he can still play too. I guess he lives in Roswell/Alpharetta, GA.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 9th, 2012
7:22 pm
FIRE SUND
ntrigue
February 9th, 2012
7:25 pm
They hated on Josh Again!!! At least he’s getting love from TNT cast!
drmaryb.[*_*].
February 9th, 2012
7:26 pm
* Willis. (Auto Correct … Grrrrr!!!)
Buddy Grizzard
February 9th, 2012
7:27 pm
Luol Deng deserved to be an All-Star the way he was playing before he got hurt.
ntrigue
February 9th, 2012
7:27 pm
Chris Webber said Josh was robbed!!! That the truth no way Pierce and DEng make it over him Crazy!!!
J.J.M.
February 9th, 2012
7:29 pm
dumb coaches dont understand its the all star game fans want to see highlights with dunks! paul pierce old ass cant do what josh can do!
Mark
February 9th, 2012
7:30 pm
Hooray!! Josh didn’t make it!
Agent 86
February 9th, 2012
7:30 pm
Code Zebra rush 22
now