Indiana Pacers Squeeze By Atlanta Hawks in Game 4

Apr 6, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) plays defense against Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) during the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

What if I told you that the Atlanta Hawks went into an early deficit in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacer? What if I told you that the Hawks would rally to eventually tie and lead at halftime? Sounds like an ESPN 30-For-30 documentary.

In front of a sold-out crowd in Philips Arena, everything looked all good in the neighborhood for the Hawks. After outscoring the Pacers in the 2nd quarter 26-13, it was almost smooth sailing. Key 3-pointers from Paul George and David West helped the Pacers get past the Hawks 91-88.

Paul Millsap lead the Hawks scoring 29 points, going 10-18 from the field and 3-6 from 3 point land. Jeff Teague (14 points 5-15 FG) and Kyle Korver (15 points, 4-9 FG) took an eight-point lead in the 4th quarter with 7:31 left on the clock.

Atlanta almost took back the lead after Kyle Korver was fouled in the corner and knocked in 3 free throws to bring the Hawks but George answered back with an offensive rebound to set up George Hill for a shot with 56 seconds left. Millsap sloppy turnover gave the back right back to the Pacers. Korver, who is not known for his defense, then tipped the ball away from Lance Stephenson and Carroll dove on it for the officials to call a jump ball. Hawks gained possession with 13.3 left in the game.

Millsap missed his mid-range shot and Pacers gained possession with 8.1 left. Carroll, who thought to have won a clean steal, was then called for a foul in which George missed both free throws with 6.9 left in the 4th. After the called timeout, Atlanta’s remaining possession landed in the hands of Pero Antic’s hand for the game-tying 3-pointer.

Game 5 will be in Indiana on Monday, April 28th at 8:00pm on NBA TV.