The Atlanta Hawks (6-1) out gunned the New Orleans Pelicans (0-6) in this high scoring affair 121-115. This loss was the Pelicans’ sixth in a row to start the season.
This was a high scoring game from the start and stayed that way all the way through. Atlanta scored 30 or more in the second, third and fourth quarters, while the Pelicans did so in the third and fourth. The Pelicans led 28-26 after one quarter but were out-gunned the rest of the way.
Anthony Davis did everything he could to keep his injury-ridden team from tallying another loss, but his efforts were not enough. Davis scored an incredible 43 points on 14-23 shooting; he also made 14-16 free throws. Davis had 10 rebounds, three assists, four steals and three blocks, to go along with his 43 points. Eric Gordon played well, shooting 8-15 and scoring 22 points. Rookie Ish Smith has been taking advantage of some extra minutes and contributed eight points, 11 assists and four rebounds in 34 minutes off the bench. Ryan Anderson chipped in 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and 2 blocks in 30 minutes off the bench.
The Hawks have not missed a beat after last season's play off exit and are atop the East once again. Despite losing swingman DeMarre Carroll in the offseason Kent Bazemore has since stepped in as starting small forward and has been fitting in just fine. Bazemore had 10 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Atlanta was led in scoring by Kyle Korver with 22 points including going 4-4 from deep, and Paul Millsap who had 22 points as well, along with 11 rebounds. Jeff Teague led the team in assists with seven while scoring 19 points. The Hawks, just like last season, continued to move the ball very well and ended up with an impressive 30 team assists on 41 made field goals.
The Hawks get right back to business Saturday as the Wizards come to town for a Southeastern division battle. The Pelicans will also be right back in action on Saturday as they will be looking for their first win this season when they visit Dallas.
