Hawks down Pacers for first Summer League victory, 87-67

Three down. Two (or more) to go.

After a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday and a one-day break (except for on the transaction front) on Monday, the Atlanta Hawks returned to the floor in Las Vegas on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers. Unfortunately, the game did not feature the presence of No. 4 overall pick De’Andre Hunter as a result of a sore knee, but the Hawks were able to get on the board with their first Summer League victory by a final score of 87-67.

Things went well for Atlanta in the early going, headlined by a (very) impressive pull-up jumper from No. 34 pick Bruno Fernando.

The Hawks took a 20-14 lead after the first quarter, with contributions across the board.

Part of Atlanta’s first-half avalanche, peaking with a 15-point lead, was the play of Jordan Sibert and Charlie Brown. Sibert converted four (!) consecutive three-pointers and Brown, making his Hawks debut, provided offensive pop in his own right.

The Hawks took an eight-point lead into the break and, after the half, fan favorite Tahjere McCall extended things with a strong reverse finish.

Greg Foster’s team pushed their advantage to 62-50 at the end of three quarters, and that lead proved to be safe. Sibert continued to bomb away, burying seven of his first eight three-point attempts, and the Hawks were never seriously challenged on the way to their first Summer League victory.

On an individual basis, there were a few bright spots for the Hawks. Sibert bounced back from a dismal performance on Sunday with 21 points and 7 of 9 from three. In support, McCall finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, with Brown scoring 18 points in his first action.

The Hawks will complete their “regular” schedule of Summer League on Thursday with a match-up against the Wizards at 6:30 pm ET.

Stay tuned.