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Teague, Hawks shrug off Pacers, take 2-1 series lead

Brett Davis / USA Today Sports

Jeff Teague!

He wasn't the whole story but he was the key player late as the Atlanta Hawks once again stunned the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, winning 98-85 to take a 2-1 series lead. The adjustments Indiana made late in Game 2 seemed for naught in Game 3, and the Hawks have now looked the better outfit in five of the series' six halves. Indiana, marred in turmoil late in the season and into the playoffs, now have their backs against the wall.

Tegaue's shrug following a late, crazy, off-balance three (he stepped out of bounds but the officials couldn't overturn it because there were more than two minutes left) says it all:

[Courtesy: NBA TV]

Star Performer

Teague finished with game-highs of 22 points and 10 assists, but he earns this nod for his fourth-quarter performance. In the game's final frame, Teague shot 3-of-7 and was perfect at the line for 11 points, adding a pair of dimes for good measure. He's now averaging 21.3 points and 6.3 assists in the series.

Turning Point

Whenever Roy Hibbert lost what makes him tick. Whether it's been Pero Antic pulling him away from the basket (despite not actually hitting many threes), fatigue from a long season, or a confidence issue, Hibbert had a terrible outing for the second time in this series. He scored four points on 2-of-9 shooting with two rebounds and zero blocks, coughing up easy passes and making Larry Bird do this:

Hibbert is now shooting 28 percent in the series, averaging six points and 4.7 rebounds while being held without a block.

Highlight Reel

Can you blame Teague for the shoulder shrug above when he's making plays like these?

Quotes of the Night - What If?

Series at a glance

Game 1: ATL 101, IND 93 (Hawks lead 1-0)
Game 2: IND 101, ATL 85 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: ATL 98, IND 85 (Hawks lead 2-1)
Game 4: Saturday, April 26 - 2 p.m. ET
Game 5: Monday, April 28 - 8 p.m. ET
Game 6*: Thursday, May 1 - TBA
Game 7*: Saturday, May 3 - TBA

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