Hawks fall short in overtime
Al Horford scores 27 points as Atlanta loses 117-110 to Orlando.
ATLANTA — Nikola Vucevic scored 25 of his 28 points after halftime, and Orlando rallied from 20 points down to beat Atlanta 117-110 in overtime on Monday night, helping the Magic beat the Hawks for the second time in two nights.
Orlando, which trailed by 20 in the opening period and by 18 in the third, took its first lead at 96-94 on Mario Hezonja’s 3-pointer with 3:33 remaining in regulation.
Orlando scored the first six points of overtime, including a jumper by Vucevic, who also had 13 rebounds. Kyle Korver’s 3-pointer pulled the Hawks to 112-110, but Evan Fournier answered with a 3 for the Magic.
Al Horford led Atlanta with 27 points and Paul Millsap had 22 points and 13 rebounds.
Elfrid Payton had 20 points for Orlando.
Millsap made one of two free throws to tie the score at 101 late in regulation. Millsap blocked a shot by Victor Oladipo, leaving the Hawks with 1.2 seconds.
Millsap took the inbounds pass, took a step back and sank a short jumper — but it came after the buzzer, sending the game to overtime.
The Hawks’ confidence early in the game showed in their shots — and their dance moves. J
eff Teague did a little shimmy as he stood all alone in the corner after catching a pass in the first period. Teague paused, did a little shake, and then sank the 3-pointer for a 22-8 lead as fans roared.
Atlanta trailed 30-19 after the first quarter of Sunday’s 96-94 loss at Orlando. One day later, the Hawks flipped the script and led 30-18 after one period.
Vucevic scored 12 points in the third period, including the last two baskets in an 11-0 run.
Even Harry was hot
Things went so well for the Hawks in the first half that even their mascot couldn’t miss. During a timeout, Harry the Hawk hit nothing but net on a half-court shot — with his back to the basket.
Harry celebrated by dabbing on his way off the court.