NBA: Paul George helps Indiana Pacers beat Atlanta Hawks
Paul George managed a triple-double to help the Indiana Pacers defeat the Atlanta Hawks 107-90 in game one.
Last Updated: 21/04/13 9:59pm
Despite going just three-for-13 shooting, George finished with a game-high 23 points thanks to making 17 of his 18 free-throw attempts for the Central Division champions in the Eastern Conference showdown.
He also contributed 11 rebounds and 12 assists, making him the first Pacer to register a triple-double in the post season since 1998.
George Hill weighed in with 18 points, including making his first six shots in a row, despite being hampered by a groin injury. Indeed, all five of Indiana's starters reached double digits, while Gerald Green contributed 11 points in as many minutes on the floor.
The Hawks - who had not beaten their opponents in their two meetings in the regular season - always looked up against it when they found themselves trailing 34-26 after the first quarter.
They did cut the gap to just four points in the second, only for the Pacers to end the half with a 9-5 run; that was to be as close as Atlanta would get, despite 21 points from Jeff Teague.
Game two of the best-of-seven series takes place at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Wednesday.