The Atlanta Hawks looked like a different team in Game 3 of their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. A return to home court was exactly what the Hawks needed to get an important win to bring the series to 2-1 overall. Ivan Johnson and Al Horford were the stars as the Hawks pulled out a 90-69 win.

Johnson set up a physical tone of play of Atlanta. He played over 26 minutes coming off the bench, racking up seven points and seven rebounds. Johnson is known for his aggression, but not on the basketball court. He has received a lifetime ban from South Korean basketball after flashing an obscene gesture during a playoff game. While he is not a marquee name, he established his presence in Game 3. His tough defensive presence was what ultimately helped Atlanta in the blowout win. He assisted in freeing up Horford who could focus on making shots. As a result, Horford put up 26 points along with 16 rebounds. Atlanta hopes that style of play will even the series on Monday.

The Pacers followed up two home games where they average 110 points per game with an extremely poor performance in Atlanta. They shot 27 percent and recorded 22 turn overs that led to 24 Atlanta points. They had built up a promising lead in Game 3 before missing 30 of their next 36 shot attempts. That matched the lowest-scoring first half in franchise history. Paul George was held to a disappointing 16 points after he averaged 26 points in the first two games. Roy Hibbert only managed 8 points.

The Hawks will likely start Johan Petro at center again while moving Josh Smith down to small forward. Petro is still recovering from injuries, so if he is unable to go, the Hawks will have issues. Johnson could make the start at center, something head coach Larry Johnson would like to avoid. 

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