FINAL
(23-14) 83 – 80 (20-17)
Key Performers:
K. Korver (ATL): 20 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl
J. Harden (HOU): 25 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast
[FULL BOX SCORE]
The Rockets jumped out to an 11-0 lead in the first quarter, but Mike Scott responded with eight first quarter points to keep the Hawks within a reasonable distance. The Hawks then won the next two quarters 55-42 to take a 65-60 lead into the fourth quarter. In the fourth, the Hawks used a DeMarre Carroll three-pointer to take a 79-78 advantage that they would not relinquish as four free throws from Kyle Korver iced the game in favor of the Hawks. The win gives the Hawks 20 on the season as they improved to 14-5 in Philips Arena.
Reaction grades [assessed 0-10]:
Paul Millsap: After four very rough games for Millsap, he was able to respond against Houston. His jumper was still a little off, but he did get a couple of three-pointers to fall. His four offensive rebounds were very important, as that was one of the keys that pushed the Hawks to victory despite a 37.2% shooting night from team. 7/10
DeMarre Carroll: DeMarre’s night kind of reminded me of Pero’s game against Charlotte. He was doing the little things throughout the game, but he could not hit a shot to save his life. Finally, with the Hawks trailing 78-76, he got a three to fall. 6/10
Pero Antic: Not a very good night for Pero, who finish with four points on eight shots. On defense, he wasn’t doing completely terrible, but Dwight was simply too physical for Pero on some possessions. The result was Pero getting into foul trouble and a minutes increase for Elton Brand. 4/10
Jeff Teague: Teague was outplayed by both Lou-Will and Shelvin tonight. Dwight Howard’s defense probably gave Jeff the most difficulties of any ATL player, as Jeff just couldn’t do what he wanted in the lane. Outside of the lane, Jeff was consistently short on his jumper, which is very reminiscent of how he was shooting the ball at the beginning of the season. 4/10
Kyle Korver: Kyle Korver has been the team’s top performer in consecutive wins against Indiana and Houston. Korver was 6-for-11 from the field and his three three-pointers in the third quarter were huge for the Hawks being able to take the lead. Korver also played very strong defense in the second half, as his digs and activity caused problems for Houston’s big and their guards. 9/10
Elton Brand: Elton Brand! Elton Brand!!! ELTON BRAND!!!!!!
Ok, enough of that. Elton didn’t score, but he was freaking awesome. He played some of the best defense on Dwight Howard that I’ve seen in the past six years. The switch in Dwight’s attitude when Elton came in for Pero was just shocking; Dwight wanted absolutely NOTHING to do with Brand in the post. E.B. also contributed with 11 huge rebounds and three swatations for the game. 10/10
Mike Scott: Let it be known that Mike Scott saved the Hawks for this game. His 12 first half point were huge, not just for the team, but his dunks helped keep the crowd in the game. He didn’t play much in the second half as Coach Bud stuck with Millsap for most of the time, but Mike impact on this game was enormous. 8/10
Lou Williams: With Teague’s play being “meh”, the Hawks relied on Lou’s distributing off of the bench. Lou had eight assists and no turnovers. Would have been nice to see him shoot a little better though, as he got quite a few open looks and just bricked them. That said, Lou was a team high plus-18 for the game. 8/10
Shelvin Mack: Shelvin just played an average game, which was more than enough to out-play Teague on the night. His defense was better, he didn’t turn the ball over… you get the deal. 7/10
Mike Budenhozler: Best decision by Budenholzer on the night: keeping Brand in the game for 24 minutes and riding him late in the game for his defensive effort. Really that decision alone allowed the Hawks to win the game. 9/10
Opposition: After getting out to such a quick start, the Rockets couldn’t get anything going. They were forced into a lot of late clock situations and Harden could only do so much without Parsons in the game. 5.5/10
Next: Atlanta vs. Memphis, Sunday, January 12th