The Atlanta Hawks are attempting to rebound after a Game 1 loss to the Indiana Pacers. The entire team was essentially a non-factor in their 107-90 defeat. The team must try and mix things against a Pacers team that spent much of Game 1 in the Hawks' faces.
Head coach Larry Drew was none too pleased with his team's effort. He felt they were not competitive from a physical standpoint and the team must come out play with more effort. They will get a fresh opportunity on Wednesday. If the team can earn a win on the road, they head back to Atlanta for Game 3 and 4 with the series tied up. The Pacers look to take the second game in order to have a nice series lead on the Hawks who play well at home.
The Hawks exceled with plays in transition during most of the regular season. Indiana never gave them a chance to get in their comfort zone during Game 1. Atlanta only managed 14 fast-break points as Indiana only committed 14 turnovers. Both teams shot well from beyond the arc. The Hawks went 7 of 17 while the Pacers went 7 for 19. They looked even from that standpoint.
Atlanta spent too much time worrying about getting foul calls and not enough time worrying about keeping the ball in their possession. The team was outrebounded 48-32. They were called for 26 fouls. Josh Smith struggled in the first game, managing only 15 points. He is expected to be back on the court Wednesday, after missing Monday's practice.
Paul George enters Wednesday's game as the newly crowned Most Improved Player. In Game 1, he recorded 23 points along with 12 assists and 11 rebounds. He noted that his team must not worry about getting the right foul calls, instead just continue to play smart defense.
The Pacers have lost 11-straight games in Atlanta, dating back to the 2004 Eastern Conference semifinals. A 2-0 lead in the series would be crucial before entering into a hostile environment where they struggle. Drew hopes the Hawks match the intensity that the Pacers were showing in the first game.
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