Nickeil Alexander-Walker poured in 34 points as Atlanta built a 12-point halftime lead and held on for a 108-104 road win.
Atlanta seized control early, scoring 37 in the first quarter and 31 in the second to take a 68-56 halftime lead. Indiana won both second-half quarters, outscoring the Hawks 48-40, but could not fully erase the gap. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led Atlanta with 34 points on 12-of-25 shooting, including 9-of-15 from three, and added four rebounds, four assists, four steals, no blocks and four turnovers. Luguentz Dort supplied 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including 4-of-6 from three, with two rebounds, no assists, one steal, no blocks and no turnovers. Jay Huff paced Indiana with 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting, eight rebounds, two assists, no steals, two blocks and four turnovers. Quenton Jackson had 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting, seven rebounds, three assists, four steals, two blocks and five turnovers, while Braden Smith added 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting and 10 assists. Indiana cut the deficit to four by winning both second-half quarters, but Atlanta’s early cushion held for a 108-104 victory.
Key Performers
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, ATL: 34 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL; 12/25 FG, 9/15 3P Jay Huff, IND: 22 PTS, 8 REB, 2 BLK; 8/14 FG Quenton Jackson, IND: 20 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST, 4 STL, 2 BLK; 7/16 FG
Standings Impact
Atlanta improved from 3-4 to 4-4, while Indiana fell from 2-5 to 2-6 and remains winless at home at 0-4. The Hawks are 3-2 on the road; Atlanta ranks 19th and Indiana 23rd in the power index.
DYMA Insight
Alexander-Walker’s nine threes powered Atlanta’s fast start. Indiana outscored the Hawks after halftime but couldn’t overcome the 12-point deficit.