Hawks vs Pacers final score: Atlanta's season ends with 92-80 loss

A roller coaster ride of a season finally ended for the Atlanta Hawks with a 92-80 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of their first-round matchup.

As has been the case for much of the series one quarter swung the momentum. Atlanta trailed 24-23 at the end of the first but the Pacers clamped down in the 2nd outscoring the Hawks 23-13 while holding them to just 4-20 shooting in the period. Atlanta was 1-15 from the field over the last nine minutes of the period. The Hawks were lucky to be trailing by just 11 points at the intermission. Paul Millsap personified Atlanta's offensive struggles in the first half going 0-9 from the field.

As has been the case for much of the season, the Hawks refused to go away in the second half but without an offensive rhythm they had little realistic chance to come all the way back. Atlanta made a charge at the end of the third quarter thanks to some big shots from Shelvin Mack and Mike Scott and cut the lead to just eight points despite shooting just 32 percent.

In the fourth it was simply too much Pacers and too much Paul George who the Hawks had no answer for. Everytime the Hawks made a run, George was there with the answer. For those questioning the Pacers throughout the series, George delivered in the clutchest of moments.

Roy Hibbert came into Game 7 as the forgotten player for the Pacers after what has been a two month struggle. He rebounded when Indiana needed him the most and finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and five blocked shots. Those blocks in the lane might have been the best part of Hibbert's Game 7 as Indiana's defense finally stood up to the Hawks in the paint.

Kyle Korver led Atlanta with 19 points including five of the team's 11 made three-pointers. Atlanta became the first team ever to launch 40 three-point attempts in a regulation playoff game but finished just 11-44. Jeff Teague added 16 points while Mike Scott came off the bench to score 15.

George led the Pacers with 30 points and 11 rebounds. Lance Stephenson added 19 points, 14 rebounds and five assists and repeatedly flashed moments of brilliance along with questionable decision making. George Hill added 15 despite going just 3-10 from the field.

Indiana moves on to face the Washington Wizards in semifinals. Atlanta shifts into offseason mode but has to feel a bit of vindication for pushing the Pacers to the brink and not folding up the tent despite having ample opportunities to do so throughout the season.