The Atlanta Hawks salvage the final game of their six-game road trip with a 112-110 win over the Utah Jazz. The Hawks snap a six-game losing streak and win for just second time in their last 16 games.
The Hawks stormed out of the gate behind the strong play of Kyle Korver and Paul Millsap. Atlanta led 28-22 after one but took control in the second quarter. A three-pointer by Millsap ignited a 12-0 run to put Atlanta up 40-27. The Hawks extended the lead to as many as 17 but settled for a 59-44 advantage at the intermission.
Perhaps Atlanta came out too complacent in the second half but for whatever the reason their defensive intensity quickly disappeared. Utah outscored the Hawks 36-19 in the third quarter and took an 80-78 lead into the fourth. The Jazz made 67 percent of their field goal attempts in the third including 4-4 from beyond-the-arc. Atlanta managed just 41 percent shooting and turned the ball over five times.
Atlanta caught a spark from Elton Brand early in the fourth. Brand scored four of his eight points in the fourth and also had two rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal in the quarter. He made several nice hustle plays and really kept the Hawks afloat early in the period.
Trey Burke hit a three to put Utah up 96-93 with 3:42 remaining. Atlanta responded with an 8-0 run to go back up by five. Atlanta led 109-100 with just 26 seconds remaining before Utah began to chip away at the end. Jeff Teague sealed the win with a pair of free throws with just over four seconds remaining.
Korver led all scorers with 26 points including 4-4 from three-point range. Millsap finished with 23 points, eight rebounds and three assists in his return to Utah. Trey Burke scored 21 of his 23 points in the second half to lead Utah.
Atlanta ends the trip on a good note and return home where they will play four of their next five starting on Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks.