Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 34 points, including nine three-pointers, as the Atlanta Hawks held off the depleted Indiana Pacers 108-104 on Monday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Atlanta improved to 4-4, while Indiana fell to 2-6 after its fifth consecutive loss.
The Pacers dressed only six players because of injuries and rest, yet pushed Atlanta to the final seconds. Jay Huff led Indiana with 22 points and eight rebounds, Quenton Jackson added 20 points, and Braden Smith recorded 19 points and 10 assists.
Indiana had a chance to take the lead after Jackson stole the ball from Alexander-Walker and converted a layup to make it 106-104 with 1:36 remaining. Jackson missed a potential go-ahead three-pointer with 43.1 seconds left, however, before Onyeka Okongwu secured the victory with a jumper with 10.2 seconds remaining.
Alexander-Walker shot 12-of-25 from the field and 9-of-15 from three-point range. CJ McCollum contributed 13 points and 12 assists, while Okongwu finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Jarace Walker scored 15 points for Indiana, and Kobe Brown added 16 off the bench. Jalen Slawson, another two-way player, contributed 12 points as the Pacers relied on a severely limited rotation.
Indiana was without several regulars, including Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, T.J. McConnell, Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith. Kelly Oubre Jr. was also a late scratch with a bruised knee, while Atlanta was missing Jalen Johnson because of a sprained left ankle.
The Pacers trailed for most of the game but stayed within 15 points. They cut a three-point deficit to two late in the fourth quarter, only for Atlanta to withstand the final push.
The Hawks visit the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, while Indiana travels to face the Memphis Grizzlies that night.
