Hawks escape six-man Pacers 108–104 after record-tying first half

November 3, 2026

The Atlanta Hawks overcame a depleted Indiana Pacers squad in a hard-fought 108–104 win, surviving a late rally despite playing without key contributors. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the charge with a career-high 34 points, hitting nine of his 15 three-point attempts, while CJ McCollum nearly recorded a triple-double with 13 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds.

Onyeka Okongwu added 13 points and 10 rebounds, but the Hawks’ offensive momentum stalled after halftime, allowing the Pacers—playing with just six players—to mount a furious comeback. Atlanta’s record-tying 15 three-pointers in the first half set the tone, but inconsistent shooting and foul trouble in the second half forced a tense finish.

Rookie Zuby Ejiofor made his NBA debut, scoring his first career points with a three-pointer, while injuries and suspensions further limited Atlanta’s depth, with Jalen Johnson sidelined by an ankle sprain and Kingston Flemings suspended for a game. Despite the victory, concerns linger over the Hawks’ ability to sustain offensive flow beyond the opening quarter, where they shot 60% from the field and 70% from three-point range.

The Pacers, though outmanned, showcased resilience with a 7–0 run in the third quarter and a late 9–0 surge in the fourth, nearly pulling off the upset before Atlanta held on by a single possession.