Pacers defeat Atlanta, remain perfect at home against the East
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment.)
INDIANAPOLIS — When Paul George and George Hill combine for 17 points on 6-for-23 shooting, you’d think the Pacers would be in for a long night against a good team like the Hawks. Instead, Monta Ellis and the Pacers bench led the Pacers to an impressive victory over Atlanta, 93-87 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. With the win, the Pacers remained perfect at home against the Eastern Conference this season (9-0).
Monta Ellis has been battling a sore right knee, and was a game-time decision. Fortunately for the Pacers, he was able to go. “I wasn’t feeling good at shoot-around but was able to get loose before the game,” Ellis said. “It was a total team effort. A lot of guys contributed to this win.”
Ellis scored 26 points, the most he’s tallied in a Pacers uniform. He has now scored over 20 points in three consecutive games. “My body is coming along,” Ellis said. “Once my body feels better I’m able to attack the basket like I want to.”
Coach Frank Vogel praised Ellis for his recent play: “He’s getting the ball a little more, and I think he recognizes that Paul (George) is struggling a little bit right now. He’s trying to carry some of the scoring load.”
After a slow start, the Pacers put together one of their best quarters of the season in the second frame. They outscored the Hawks 31-13, and forced eight turnovers in those 12 minutes. “I thought that was maybe the best defensive quarter we’ve played all year,” Vogel said.
For the game, the Pacers forced 22 Atlanta turnovers, which was the most for the Hawks in a game all season.
Solomon Hill and Chase Budinger both played well with C.J. Miles sidelined. They each scored 10 points and made big plays. The Pacers bench combined to score 14 of the team’s 19 points in the fourth quarter.
After Indiana took a 90-80 lead, the Hawks went on a 7-0 run and had the ball with the chance to tie. George Hill came up with a big steal. Ian Mahinmi then pulled down two consecutive offensive rebounds, and a tip-in bucket to seal the victory for the Pacers.
The Pacers will face two divisional opponents later this week: In Chicago on Wednesday, and back home on New Year’s Eve to face the Milwaukee Bucks.
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