Atlanta Hawks open with preseason win over Pelicans

The Highlight Factory was open for business for the first time this season and fans got a first hand look at the new retro paint job that adorned the floor.  The New Orleans Pelicans came to town fresh off their preseason opener against the Heat on Saturday in which they won 98-86. This was the opening game of the 2014-15 campaign (albeit preseason) for the Atlanta Hawks and most of the big boys including Horford, Korver, Bazemore, and Antic all sat out as they get back into the routine of the nightly grind of the NBA schedule.

The Hawks came out hot early and put up 34 pts in the first quarter to give them a quick 16-point lead after the 1st.  Both teams shot well in the 2nd quarter as the Pelicans cut the lead to 11 at half.  Then, the third quarter arrived.

It was ugly for both sides.  The Hawks only managed to score one bucket inside the paint and and only put up 19 total in the 3rd.  The odd part about that was they actually increased their lead by 4 with the Pelicans only scoring 15. The Hawks would hold on in the 4th and take the game 93-87.

Atlanta was led by Mike Muscala who had a double-double with 10 pts and 10 rebounds as well as 1 steals, 2 blocks, and 2 assists. The Pelicans were led by Ryan Anderson who collected 14 points and 6 boards.

The Hawks next travel to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies on Saturday as the Pelicans head home to take on the Wizards on Wednesday.