Young has 34 as Hawks crush trade-depleted Pacers, 133-112

Published Feb. 8, 2022 9:57 p.m. ET

Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) — Trae Young scored 34 points and the Atlanta Hawks regained their 3-point touch, overwhelming the trade-depleted Indiana Pacers 133-112 on Tuesday night.

After making only 5 of 25 3s in Sunday’s 103-94 loss at Dallas, the Hawks sank 17 of 33 long-range shots.

John Collins added 20 points as the Hawks regrouped after losing two straight games and three of four. Young, Collins and most starters sat out the fourth quarter.

Chris Duarte led the Pacers with 25 points. Lance Stephenson had 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in his first start of the season.

The Pacers had only eight healthy players. Thursday's six-player trade sent three players, including two-time All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis, to Sacramento.

Indiana also traded forward Justin Holiday, guard Jeremy Lamb and a second-round draft pick to Sacramento. The Pacers received point guard Tyrese Haliburton, 3-point specialist Buddy Hield and Tristan Thompson, whose experience in the post will be important following the exit of Sabonis, from the Kings.

Before the game, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle confirmed “there was a major trade, at least in principal.” Carlisle said he couldn't comment on the players coming to Indiana until the deal becomes final.

The Hawks, who are 10th in the Eastern Conference, answered a challenge from coach Nate McMillan. He said before facing the Pacers “it's definitely that time of the season” for the Hawks to improve their playoff standing.

Atlanta delivered one of its best offensive games of the season. The Hawks set a season high for points in any half by taking a 76-50 halftime lead. Their 36 assists, including 22 in the first half, also set season highs.

Young was 6 of 9 on 3s after missing each of his six in the loss at Dallas. Young, who will start in the All-Star Game, was announced on Thursday as a participant in the 3-point contest at the All-Star weekend.

TIP-INS

Pacers: G Malcolm Brogdon (right Achilles soreness) and F Isaiah Jackson (right ankle sprain) were held out with injuries. ... Terry Taylor had seven points and 10 rebounds. Oshae Brissett had 15 points.

Hawks: Young had 11 assists for his third consecutive game against the Pacers with at least 30 points and 10 assists. ... Atlanta made 10 of 14 3s in the first half. ... Clint Capela had 12 rebounds.

UP NEXT

Pacers: Host Cleveland on Friday night.

Hawks: Host San Antonio on Friday night.

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