Hawks hold off short-handed Pacers for 108-104 win in Indianapolis

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Indiana Pacers 108-104 on Monday night at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Hawks faced a decimated opponent that entered the contest with only six available players. All six of those Indiana players averaged fewer than 20 minutes per game before this matchup.

The Pacers played the final 58 seconds with just five men on the floor after one of their available players suffered an injury. The Hawks controlled the closing seconds to secure the win. Onyeka Okongwu hit a hook shot with 10.2 seconds remaining to put the game out of reach. He caught an inbound pass just outside the three-point line, dribbled toward the basket, and pulled up at the dotted line. Okongwu released the shot with 0.4 seconds left on the shot clock.

The Hawks led by as many as 11 points in the first half. They built that advantage early in the second quarter. Indiana fought back to close the gap, but the Hawks maintained a lead for most of the final frame. The visitors held a double-digit lead entering the final two minutes. The Pacers stayed within striking distance late, but could not force a tie.

The Hawks shot 41 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range. They also shot 91 percent from the free-throw line. The Pacers shot 39 percent from the field and 31 percent from deep. Atlanta committed 14 turnovers while Indiana had 11. The Hawks outrebounded the Pacers 48-41 on the night.

Trae Young led Atlanta with 22 points, five assists, and three rebounds. Young also recorded a steal and a block in the win. He hit a three-pointer with 4:33 left in the game. The shot came after he drove from the left wing and found a passing lane. The bucket gave the Hawks a 20-11 lead at the time.

Alperen Sengun added 18 points and seven rebounds for the Hawks. Jalen Brunson scored 16 points and dished out six assists. The bench provided 28 points for Atlanta. The Hawks will travel to face the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. They will play at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Coaches praised the team's execution in a difficult environment. They noted the need to stay focused against a limited roster. The Hawks will continue their road trip with their next contest against Detroit. The game is scheduled for Wednesday evening.