The matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Atlanta Hawks always delivers exciting NBA action. Their January 26, 2026 game was no different.
The Hawks defeated the Pacers 132–116 in a high-scoring contest at State Farm Arena. The game featured standout performances from players like Pascal Siakam, CJ McCollum, and Dyson Daniels.
Many articles online only list raw numbers. They rarely explain what those numbers mean, how the game shifted, and which players truly impacted the result. This guide goes deeper.
You’ll see:
- Complete Pacers vs Atlanta Hawks match player stats
- Key player performances
- Quarter-by-quarter game flow
- Tactical insights most competitor articles miss
- Clear analysis of what decided the game
Pacers vs Atlanta Hawks Game Overview
Final Score
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Indiana Pacers | 116 |
| Atlanta Hawks | 132 |
Game Details
- Date: January 26, 2026
- Arena: State Farm Arena
- Competition: NBA Regular Season
- Attendance: 12,210 fans
The Pacers started strong and even built a 15-point lead in the third quarter. However, the Hawks flipped the momentum with a 17-0 scoring run, which changed the entire game.
Atlanta dominated the final quarter 37–24, sealing the victory.
Quarter-by-Quarter Score
| Quarter | Pacers | Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 38 | 34 |
| 2nd | 26 | 26 |
| 3rd | 28 | 35 |
| 4th | 24 | 37 |
| Final | 116 | 132 |
Key takeaway:
- Pacers controlled the first half
- Hawks dominated late-game scoring
This shift highlights how momentum can completely change an NBA matchup.
Indiana Pacers Player Stats
Here are the top performers for the Indiana Pacers.
Pascal Siakam
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 26 |
| Rebounds | 9 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Blocks | 3 |
| FG | 8-21 |
Pascal Siakam led Indiana in scoring and rebounds. He attacked the paint consistently and was effective at the free-throw line.
Despite his strong performance, the Pacers struggled defensively late in the game.
Aaron Nesmith
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 18 |
| Rebounds | 2 |
| Assists | 4 |
| 3PT | 3-6 |
Aaron Nesmith provided valuable perimeter scoring and helped stretch the Hawks’ defense.
Andrew Nembhard
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 6 |
| Assists | 13 |
| Rebounds | 5 |
| Turnovers | 4 |
Andrew Nembhard controlled the offense with 13 assists, the highest in the game.
His playmaking kept the Pacers competitive early.
Jarace Walker
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 12 |
| Rebounds | 7 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Steals | 5 |
Jarace Walker delivered one of the most active defensive performances of the night with 5 steals.
Bennedict Mathurin
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 16 |
| Rebounds | 2 |
Bennedict Mathurin added scoring depth from the bench and helped Indiana maintain offensive pressure.
Atlanta Hawks Player Stats
The Atlanta Hawks produced a balanced offensive performance with multiple players scoring over 20 points.
CJ McCollum
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 23 |
| Rebounds | 8 |
| Assists | 7 |
| 3PT | 5-7 |
CJ McCollum led the Hawks in scoring and was extremely efficient from three-point range.
His shooting sparked the comeback.
Dyson Daniels
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 22 |
| Assists | 9 |
| FG | 10-15 |
Dyson Daniels played an outstanding all-around game. His ability to drive, pass, and defend helped Atlanta take control.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 21 |
| FT | 6-6 |
Nickeil Alexander‑Walker delivered clutch scoring during the second-half run.
Onyeka Okongwu
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Rebounds | 10 |
| Double-Double | Yes |
Onyeka Okongwu controlled the paint and provided strong interior defense.
Team Stats Comparison
| Category | Pacers | Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 46% | 50% |
| Three-Point % | 29% | 42% |
| Assists | 31 | 35 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 46 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 14 |
Key insights:
- Hawks shot 42% from three
- Atlanta had more rebounds and assists
- Pacers committed more turnovers
These statistical advantages helped Atlanta dominate the final quarter.
The Turning Point of the Game
The biggest moment came late in the third quarter.
The Pacers led 92-85, but Atlanta suddenly exploded with a 17-0 scoring run.
This run included:
- Multiple three-pointers
- Fast-break baskets
- Strong defensive stops
After that run, the Hawks never lost control again.
Tactical Analysis: Why the Hawks Won
Most competitor articles simply list stats. They don’t explain the basketball strategy behind the result.
Here are the real reasons Atlanta won.
1. Superior Three-Point Shooting
The Hawks made 18 three-pointers, while the Pacers hit only 10.
Three-point efficiency created huge scoring swings.
2. Better Ball Movement
Atlanta recorded 35 assists, showing excellent teamwork and offensive flow.
Players consistently found open shooters.
3. Defensive Adjustments
In the second half, the Hawks:
- Pressured the Pacers’ guards
- Forced turnovers
- Limited transition opportunities
This defensive shift fueled the comeback.
4. Fourth Quarter Dominance
The Hawks outscored Indiana 37-24 in the final quarter.
That scoring burst turned a close game into a comfortable win.
Player Impact Rankings
Based on overall influence:
Top 5 Players of the Game
- CJ McCollum — scoring and leadership
- Dyson Daniels — all-around performance
- Pascal Siakam — Pacers’ best player
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker — clutch scoring
- Andrew Nembhard — elite playmaking
These players shaped the game’s rhythm and outcome.
Head-to-Head Rivalry Context
The Pacers and Hawks have faced each other many times in NBA history.
Key traits of this rivalry:
- Fast-paced offensive games
- High scoring totals
- Strong guard performances
This game continued that pattern with 248 total points.
What This Game Means for Both Teams
For the Atlanta Hawks
The victory showed:
- Offensive depth
- Strong perimeter shooting
- Ability to overcome large deficits
These traits are crucial for playoff contention.
For the Indiana Pacers
Despite the loss, the Pacers showed positives:
- Efficient offense early
- Strong playmaking
- Solid performances from young players
However, their defense and consistency remain concerns.
Key Takeaways
The Pacers vs Atlanta Hawks match provided several important insights:
- The Hawks used elite three-point shooting to secure victory.
- The Pacers controlled early momentum but collapsed late.
- CJ McCollum and Dyson Daniels led Atlanta’s comeback.
- Pascal Siakam carried the Pacers offensively.
It was a perfect example of how quickly momentum can change in NBA basketball.
FAQs
Who scored the most points in Pacers vs Hawks?
Pascal Siakam scored 26 points for the Pacers, while CJ McCollum led the Hawks with 23 points.
What was the final score of the Pacers vs Hawks game?
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Indiana Pacers 132–116.
Who had the most assists in the game?
Andrew Nembhard recorded 13 assists, the highest total in the match.
What was the turning point of the game?
Atlanta’s 17-0 run in the second half completely shifted momentum and gave the Hawks the lead.
Which team shot better from three-point range?
The Hawks shot 42% from three, compared to the Pacers’ 29%.
Conclusion
The Pacers vs Atlanta Hawks matchup delivered everything NBA fans expect—fast offense, impressive individual performances, and a dramatic comeback.
The Pacers showed strong early execution, but the Hawks’ superior shooting and second-half adjustments ultimately decided the game.
With players like CJ McCollum, Dyson Daniels, and Pascal Siakam performing at high levels, future matchups between these teams promise to be just as exciting.
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