Hawks vs Pacers final score: Late Indiana run buries Atlanta 111-92

The Atlanta Hawks recent struggles continued again Thursday night in a 111-92 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Atlanta has now dropped two straight and four of their last five games.

After a back and forth first quarter, the Hawks found themselves trying to dig their way out of an early hole. Indiana used a 12-2 run in the second quarter to push the lead to 42-32 with 6:54 remaining. Atlanta clawed their way back in it and entered halftime trailing 51-44.

The Hawks were dealt a critical blow in the second quarter when Paul Millsap left the game due to an ankle injury. Millsap was originally listed as probable to return but the ankle didn't feel right when he attempted to warm up for the second half and was later scratched from the lineup.

Atlanta made one of several pushes in the third quarter. Mike Scott tied the game at 63-63 on a baseline jumper with 5:41 remaining. The Pacers recovered, and took an 82-75 lead into the fourth.

Indiana scored the first four points of the fourth before Atlanta went to back work again. A pair of free throws from Kent Bazemore tied the game at 88-88 with 6:32 remaining. Al Horford put Atlanta in front 90-88 one possession later.

The good feelings of that run quickly disappeared for the Hawks as the Pacers once again answered swiftly. Indiana finished the game with a 23-2 run over the final five minutes and sent Atlanta home once again searching for answers.

Jeff Teague led Atlanta with 20 points and five assists. Al Horford finished with 14 while Thabo Sefolosha chipped in 13 off the bench. The Hawks shot 40 percent from the field and were 7 for 28 from three-point range. The Pacers' Monta Ellis led all scorers with 25 points while rookie Myles Turner added 20.

Atlanta returns home for a couple of off days before heading back out on the road Sunday to face the Miami Heat.