Game Rewind: Pacers 107, Hawks 90, Game 1

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Game Rewind: Pacers 107, Hawks 90, Game 1

All week the Pacers insisted they were focused, dialed in and ready to go come playoff time. Behind a triple-double from Paul George, just the second in franchise playoff history, along with a strong showing from a handful of others, the Pacers outworked the Atlanta Hawks and took Game 1 in the best-of-seven series, 107-90, on Sunday afternoon at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Related: Paul George Delivers Historic Performance »

The Hawks went ahead 11-6 in the early moments, hitting five of their first six shots. The Pacers withstood that early charge and responded with a 17-4 run to go in front, 23-15. George Hill connected on all five of his attempts and had 13 points at the end of the first, as the Pacers, who shot 62 percent and had just two turnovers, led by eight.

Atlanta attacked the lane in the second and for the most part had their way inside the paint. The Pacers’ big men got out of position on many pick-and-rolls and couldn’t slide over to help. This led to the Hawks getting far too many layups and chances at the rim, good for 20 points in the paint in the second quarter alone. On the positive side for the Pacers, they hit all 15 of their free-throw attempts, including 10 from Paul George, and led 58-50 at the break.

The Pacers extended their lead to 17 in the third period as they received contributions from a number of players. George made a living at the free-throw line, ultimately attempting a career-high 18 and nailing all but one. Roy Hibbert hit three shots and pulled down five rebounds and Lance Stephenson had six. Unlike the second quarter, the Pacers limited the Hawks' inside game, keeping them to just four points in the paint. Entering the fourth, the Pacers’ advantage was 15.

Related: Stephenson Aces First Test »

Atlanta narrowed the gap in the final period, getting to within eight on a three-pointer from DeShawn Stevenson. Help came for the Pacers off the bench, as Tyler Hansbrough provided the boost and energy that the team needed to put the game away. As usual, his hustle was there and proved to be contagious.

A couple of minutes later, George secured his triple-double in a fitting way. He chalked up the rebound he needed by hustling to a long rebound and passing it to Lance Stephenson, who found David West who converted the bucket and got fouled in the process. That began a 9-2 run which put the Pacers over the century mark and an exclamation mark on the game. Game 1 belonged to Indiana in convincing fashion.

With 23 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists, Paul George recorded his second career triple-double and just the second in Indiana’s NBA playoff history. Mark Jackson tallied the last one – 22 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists back in 1998 – in a second round series against the New York Knicks.

Six Pacers – all five starters – finished in double figures. George Hill scored 18, Roy Hibbert had 16 points and eight rebounds and both Lance Stephenson and David West added 13.

Playing in his hometown, point guard Jeff Teague led the Hawks with 21 points and seven assists. Josh Smith had 15 and Al Horford scored 14, but just six of their combined 29 points came in the second half.

Atlanta shot 50 percent in the game. Entering the game, the Pacers hadn’t won this season (0-7) when their opponent shot 50 percent or better.

“Good win for our guys. We understand that it’s just one game and in the playoffs you got to hold serve and take care of your home court. We understand that’s all we did and we have to come back and get game two.” – Frank Vogel

“I thought our defense was much better in the second half than the first half. We were gambling a little too much in the first half and gave up 30 points in the paint. [That’s] very uncharacteristic. We tightened the screws in the second half and held them to eight points and that was a big difference in the game.” – Frank Vogel

“We got to play with passion. When we play with passion and energy on both ends of the court, we’re pretty good. That shows up the most in who’s getting lose balls and who’s making energy plays.” – Frank Vogel

“He was all over the place tonight. That’s who Paul George is. He makes the All-Star team not because he’s averaging 28 a game like [Kevin] Durant or Carmelo [Anthony] but he’s one of the most complete players in the game. He impacts the game in so many different ways.” – Frank Vogel on Paul George

“I said before this playoff run I’m leaving everything on the floor. I know as a team what is expected of me now. I want the pressure. I’ll do whatever it takes. I don’t want to be known as a scorer or defender. I want to be [known as] a ballplayer.” – Paul George

“Anytime I go in the game I try to impact the game a little bit. Tonight, it was rebounding, some steals or defensive plays. It was big and that’s just what I was trying to do.” – Tyler Hansbrough

“We buckled down. We learned from out mistakes in the first half and just played better basketball…In the first game, you try to feel out the opposing team and what type of changes they make.” – Roy Hibbert on their second half

“I thought they clearly played with more of a blue collar style than we did. They came up with a lot of big plays on loose balls and offensive rebounds. It seemed like right when we were ready to get into a groove or rhythm, they struck back.” – Hawks coach Larry Drew

The Pacers went 30-of-34 from the foul line – they made their first 24 – and they outscored the Hawks at the stripe 30-7.

Game 2 is on Wednesday, April 24th at 7:30 PM EST (on FSI and NBA-TV). Find Tickets »

Good seats are still available for the Pacers' First Round series versus the Hawks. Find Tickets »

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