Alexander-Walker’s 34 points lift Hawks past six-player Pacers
Nickeil Alexander-Walker put up a season-best 34 points as Atlanta beat a depleted Indiana team 108-104 on November 2 in Atlanta. The Pacers, with only six players available, nearly pulled ahead late.
Atlanta’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker made nine 3-pointers and totaled 34, his best mark of the season, as the Hawks held off the Indiana Pacers 108-104 on November 2. CJ McCollum added 13 points and 11 assists for Atlanta, which was without Jalen Johnson because of an ankle sprain.
Indiana dressed just six players, its fewest in a game this season. Eleven Pacers were out, including Tyrese Haliburton, who is recovering from a hamstring strain. The absences included players sidelined by injuries as well as Pascal Siakam, who was being rested for the team's second game on successive days. Coach Rick Carlisle described the situation before the game as “injury management.”
The short-handed Pacers stayed within reach throughout, never trailing by more than 15. Jay Huff led Indiana with 22 points, while rookie Braden Smith recorded 19 points and 10 assists in his first career start. Quenton Jackson scored 20, and all six Indiana players finished in double figures.
Jackson brought Indiana within two points with a layup at 1:36 remaining, but missed a 3-pointer that could have given the Pacers the lead. Atlanta’s Onyeka Okongwu made a jumper with 10.2 seconds left to secure the win. The loss was Indiana’s fifth straight.
Both teams are scheduled to play on the road on November 4: Atlanta visits Washington, and Indiana travels to Memphis.