In a game where the Hawks shot 60% from the floor and 48% from three, a late turnover and missed layup by Dejounte Murray brought the losing streak to three games as the Indiana Pacers outlasted the Atlanta Hawks 157-152 on Tuesday night during group play for the NBA In-Season Tournament.
It marked just the seventh time in NBA history where both teams scored at least 150 points in regulation. It was a record-breaking night for the Hawks as well as they scored 86 points in the first half – the most in franchise history. The Hawks’ 152 points are the second-highest point total at the end of regulation, just three points shy of the record (155 – Feb 11, 1970). The Pacers’ 157 points are a franchise record.
Trae Young controlled the offense with 38 points and eight assists. Murray added 28, and Bogdan Bogdanovic had 26 points on 10-for-15 shooting. Jalen Johnson continued his solid start to the season with 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
“Obviously both teams were hard to guard, and the scoreboard reflected that,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said. “There was a series of runs, which you’re going to have. It was a tough game. All losses are tough, but I felt like we competed.”
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton scored 37 points with 16 assists and Buddy Hield had 24 points, including a tie-breaking 3-pointer from the left wing in the final minute. Obi Toppin scored 21 points coming off the bench as the Pacers set an NBA season high for points.
Atlanta built a lead of 20 in the second quarter but the Pacers made an impressive run and finally tied it up at 107 when Haliburton knocked down a three-pointer with just under four minutes remaining in the third quarter. Haliburton scored 26 points in the period, and Indiana led 119-114 entering the fourth.
After taking the lead 155-152 on the Hield jumper, Murray was called for an offensive foul on a three-point attempt on the Hawks’ next possession. After a failed coach’s challenge from Snyder, Trae Young stole the ball from Haliburton but Murray opted to go for two and missed the layup.
A layup on the other end preceded the horn and another loss for the Hawks.
The Hawks (6-7) dropped to 1-2 in East Group A with one game left in group play.
Up next, the Hawks will welcome the Brooklyn Nets to State Farm Arena on Wednesday. The final game for Atlanta in the group stage of the In-Season Tournament will be on the road against the Cavaliers on Tuesday, Nov. 28th.
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