Hawks come from behind to defeat Pelicans 103-93

The Atlanta Hawks reserves mounted a big second half comeback in a 103-93 win over the New Orleans Pelicans Friday night in Jacksonville.

The Hawks got off to a sluggish start offensively and trailed 23-15 at the end of the first quarter. Atlanta went 4-16 from the field in the opening period and committed six turnovers which helped to throw them out of rhythm. The offensive struggles continued into the second quarter but Atlanta was able to get to the free throw line enough to stay within striking distance.

Atlanta shot just 31 percent from the field in the first half but were 14-18 from the free throw line and only trailed the Pelicans 49-42.

The Hawks kept attacking in the second half and some shots finally started to fall for them. Paul Millsap and Dennis Schröder combined for 13 of Atlanta's 30 third quarter points that gave them a 72-70 lead heading into the fourth. Atlanta poured it on in the fourth knocking down 4-6 three-point attempts including a pair from Lamar Patterson. All eight of Walter Tavares' points came in the fourth quarter as Atlanta pulled away for a 103-93 win.

The Hawks ended the game with balanced scoring across the board. Schröder led the way with 11 points while Kyle Korver, Al Horford and Kent Bazemore finished with 10 each. Millsap, Tiago Splitter and Mike Scott all finished with nine. Anthony Davis led all scorers with 20 points while Tyreke Evans added 17 off the bench.

After struggling offensively in the first half, Atlanta outscored New Orleans 61-44 after halftime while shooting 60 percent from the field and going 7-13 from three-point range. The Hawks finished the game at 45 percent from the field and were 26-36 from the free throw line.

The Hawks will now return home to get in some more practice before hosting the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday at Philips Arena.