RECAP: Hawks 108, Magic 76

FINAL

  (15-37) 76 – 108 (29-22)

Key Performers:

J. Smith (ATL): 30 pts, 10 rebs, 5 asts, 2 blk
A. Nicholson (ORL): 10 pts, 6 rebs, 1 ast
[FULL BOX SCORE]

What a way to go into the All-Star break. Atlanta started the game shooting just 1-of-10, but controlled the boards from the tip and jumped out to an early 25-19 lead after the first. Led by Al Horford and Josh Smith, the Hawks would score 30 or more points in back-to-back quarters as they ran away with their most lopsided victory of the season.

Reaction Grades: [assessed 0-10]

Josh Smith: For the third time this season, Smoove had a 30-point, 10-rebound and five-assist night, joining LeBron James as the only player in the NBA to do so at least three times. Smith was unstoppable, showing his range all across the floor. Oh his 13 made shots, only two came from 3-point range as Josh really controlled the offensive end along with teammate Al Horford. 9.5/10

Al Horford: For the second-consecutive game Horford and Smith led Atlanta to a strong win. Horford got it going early, ending the first quarter with six of his 26 points and seven of his 12 total rebounds. Horford and Smith dominated a young frontline of Andrew Nicholson and Nikola Vucevic up and down the floor, stepping out for midrange jumpers and forcing the duo into a combined four turnovers. 9/10

Anthony Tolliver: The forward has been respectable in the starting lineup, giving Atlanta depth off the bench and providing a big body on the boards. Tolliver was solid once again, scoring seven points and grabbing three rebounds in 25 minutes on the floor. This is Atlanta’s third win in four games with Tolliver in the starting lineup. 6/10

Jeff Teague: There isn’t much Teague needs to do on the offensive end when Smith and Horford have it going like they did Wednesday. He did dish out 11 assists along with his seven points and only committed one turnover. He wasn’t anything special on defense, but got the job done against Jameer Nelson. 7/10

Devin Harris: It really could have been an ugly night with the way Harris played. He missed all six shots he took, allowed Arron Afflalo and JJ Redick to get pretty much whatever they wanted on the offensive end and couldn’t find any sort of consistency, turning the ball over three times. The silver lining was his five assists and three rebounds. 3/10

DeShawn Stevenson: He was pretty decent on both ends of the court, but didn’t jump off the screen with his play. 5/10

Kyle Korver: It was close, but Korver continued his streak of 45 straight games with a 3-pointer made. He got a bit of a break, coming off the bench and playing just 23 minutes in the win. In his limited time, Korver scored seven points, snagged six rebounds and dished out four assists. 7/10

Zaza Pachulia: Zaza’s size and hustle off the bench was at it’s best Wednesday as the big man notched eight points and six rebounds in 17 minutes.  6/10

John Jenkins: Johnny J shot 3-of-5 from 3-point land and scoring nine points. The rookie is still working his way into his increased role with the Hawks, but has done a solid job of acclimating to the position. 5/10

Mike Scott: Scott grabbed five rebounds over 12 minutes in the outing. 2/10

Johan Petro: Petro, like Anthony Morrow, took the floor for the final six minutes of the blowout. He attempted a 3-pointer. That’s about all you need to know about his night. 2/10

Anthony Morrow: Morrow was unleashed for the final six minutes of the game. Of course he hit his first shot since December 26. 2/10

Larry Drew: LD is seems to have found a lineup he likes. It’s not flashy on paper, but inserting Tolliver into the starting lineup is looking brilliant. Having Korver off the bench, paired with Zaza’s energy, gives Atlanta scoring and size from the pine. It was a great team effort for the Hawks heading into the break with on a two-game winning streak. 8/10

The opposition: The frontline of Orlando has a lot of growing up to do, and quickly. Horford and Smith worked seamlessly through the paint, getting easy looks at the rim and cleaning the glass efficiently. Even Redick, Orlando’s lone star, struggled to find his shot, registering a -24 in plus/minus. 3/10

Next: Atlanta vs Miami, Wednesday, November 20