Hawks vs Blazers Game Recap: Horford, Teague Save Game in 4th Qtr

Nov 12, 2012; Portland, OR, USA; Atlanta Hawks power forward Al Horford (15) shoots against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Garden. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-US PRESSWIRE

THE RESULT

The Atlanta Hawks improve to .500 and snap a two game losing streak after narrowly defeating the Portland Trailblazers at the Rose Garden 95-87.

Atlanta’s defense proved to be the difference maker Monday night, as they forced 20 turnovers and held Portland to 36.1% from the field and 26.1% from three on the night.

This game pushes the Blazers losing streak to four, although the final score is not indicative of just how close a game this was down to the wire.

TURNING POINTS

Monday night’s win was anything but pretty despite the Hawks stellar 9-0 start out of the gate and the momentum in their favor as they lead 56 to 47 at the half.

#ATLHawks moving the ball very nice…1st timeout of the quarter with 6:47 left in the 1st quarter Hawks lead 18-7.

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 13, 2012

A stretch in which the Hawks actually got out and thrived in transition, posting a staggering 51-86-46 from the field and 10 steals.

Unfortunately coming out of the break the Hawks appeared entirely disjointed and it’s ball movement fell stagnant. It went on to mark the fourth straight contest in which Atlanta has been outscored in the third quarter.

Their lack of momentum in the third carried into the fourth as the Hawks fell victim to a four minute, 15-2 run. Ultimately allowing Portland, who had trailed by as much as 15 points, to take its first lead of the game 82-80 with just under six minutes left in the game.

Thankfully after two minutes of questionable shot selections(2-6FG) and hero ball from Josh Smith, Al Horford took over with three minutes remaining.

He went on to score three straight bucks in under a minute, setting the stage for a clutch drive and finish from Jeff Teague with 42 seconds on the clock to seal the game.

Al Horford playing grown man basketball down the stretch….#ATLHawks lead 89-87

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 13, 2012

HAWKS PLAYERS OF THE GAME

Al Horford: 15 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 6-10FG

Josh Smith: 19 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 Block, 1 Steal, 9-22FG

Jeff Teague: 13 points, 8 assists, 3 steals , 4-11FG

HAWKS KEY ROLE PLAYER

Kyle Korver: 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 5-8Fg, 4-6 from deep

HAWKS X-FACTOR

Lou Williams: 11 points, 4 steals

BLAZERS PLAYER OF THE GAME

J.J. Hickson: 19 points, 18 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 8-14FG

GAME REACTIONS

”This was a really gutsy win by our guys. We fell into a similar situation last night in L.A., where we played well for three quarters and then in the fourth quarter collapsed. Tonight we weathered the storm.” – Larry Drew (via Yahoo Sports)

Nice Win for us on the road vs Portland. Much better effort tonite. Go Hawks!

— Al Horford (@Al_Horford) November 13, 2012

”We knew they were going to go on a run, but it just shows you how this team is a veteran team. We didn’t get rattled, we took our time even when they took the lead, and we figured out a way to score the basketball down the stretch.” – Josh Smith (via Yahoo Sports)

NEXT UP

The Hawks will take on the Golden State Warriors Wednesday Nov. 14th at ORACLE Arena.