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The Atlanta Hawks drop their second straight game losing on the road to the Indiana Pacers 114-103. Had you told Larry Drew before the game that his team would top 100 points against the East's best scoring defense he probably would have took it. However, the Pacers offense was on point scoring at least 111 points for the second straight game behind another big day from Paul George.
The Hawks jumped out of the gate and led 21-18 after one. They extended the lead in the second quarter to 12 points but saw the Pacers erase that with a run to end the half. Atlanta trailed 50-49 at the break but were outscored by 10 in the third quarter. Atlanta had their chance early but once the Pacers got up off the deck, they weren't going to let it slip back away at home.
Atlanta shot 44 percent from the field and out rebounded Indiana 39-37. However, the Pacers made more free throws (31) than the Hawks attempted (28) in the game. That combined with 18 turnovers by the Hawks proved to be too much to overcome.
Jeff Teague had a big game in his return home to Indiana finishing with 24 points and eight assists. Al Horford fouled out in 27 minutes and finished with 15 points and eight rebounds. John Jenkins pitched in 14 points off the bench while Kyle Korver and Johan Petro finished with 10 each.
Jenkins' 14 points came in just 20 minutes of action. He finished 2-5 from the field but was 9-10 from the free throw line. It begs to question whether there is a scenario where Jannero Pargo should ever be on the floor before Jenkins.
George led the Pacers with 29 points, five rebounds and four assists. David West and George Hill added 15 each while Lance Stephenson added 14. Indy ended up hitting 48 percent of their shots and recorded 28 assists on 36 made baskets.
The loss drops Atlanta to 26-21 on the season and just 7-10 since January 1. With the win, Indiana extends its home winning streak to 15 straight games and snaps a four game losing streak to the Hawks. Atlanta won't have long to dwell on the loss as they are right back at it on Wednesday when they host the Memphis Grizzlies at Philips Arena.