The Atlanta Hawks took care of business at home in a 106-95 win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday at Philips Arena.
Many looked at the Hawks (3-0) as a project coming into the year, but they remain one of few undefeated teams in the league. The Kings (2-2) actually took a lead into the fourth quarter, but Atlanta outscored Sacramento 27-14 over the final 12 minutes to come away with a win. Free-throw shooting was the difference, as the Hawks went 29-for-47, while the Kings went 13-for-19. Sacramento committed 34 fouls in the defeat, as their starters were in foul trouble all game long. Atlanta won this game despite allowing Sacramento to shoot better from the field, the free-throw line and from three-point range.
Sacramento has put an emphasis on defense this season and that showed once again here. In fact, they forced the Hawks to shoot under 42 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range. The fouls can be indicative of their new defense, as they were a far more aggressive unit with their 34 fouls. DeMarcus Cousins scored his lowest total of the season, but recorded his first double-double of the year. Cousins finished the game with 14 points and 12 rebounds on 6-for-16 shooting. Rudy Gay once again led the team in scoring, tallying 22 points, three rebounds and five assists in the defeat. Matt Barnes and Ben McLemore provided 26 combined points off the bench.
All five starters scored in double figures for Atlanta, with no player scoring more than 18 points. That player was Dwight Howard, who totaled 18 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in the win. Kyle Korver was second on the team with 17 of his own. Paul Millsap stuffed the stat sheet once again, accumulating 12 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and three steals in the victory. Dennis Schroeder went just 5-for-14 from the field, but finished with 17 points, three rebounds and five assists.
Sacramento has a quick turnaround for their next game, as they travel to Miami to play the Heat. Atlanta, on the other hand, returns to action on Wednesday when they host the Los Angeles Lakers.
