The Atlanta Hawks beat the Indiana Pacers 107-97 on Monday night to edge ahead in their Eastern Conference playoff series.
A dominant second quarter from the Hawks made the difference as they took a 3-2 lead over the Pacers at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
The first period was predictably tight as the Pacers led by one heading into the crucial second quarter, in which Atlanta were inspired by an impressive run from Mike Scott.
All of Scott's 17 points came in the quarter as he found the net with five three-point efforts to guide the Hawks to a 61-40 advantage at half time, with 40 points coming in the 12-minute phase of play before the interval.
Led by Paul George, who recorded 26 points and 12 rebounds, the Pacers produced a response to make it a nervy finish to the game for Atlanta.
However, the Hawks remained stubborn in defence even after seeing their lead reduced to nine as they held on for the win, which means they are just one victory away from the second round.
Callum Mulvihill
