Hawks Turn Up Defensive Pressure to Take Game 3

In a thrilling Game 3 of their best-of-5 series, the Atlanta Hawks matched the lowest-scoring playoff game in NBA history with a 96-64 win over the Charlotte Hornets. The Hawks, fueled by their defensive play, held Glen Rice to a season-low eight points, stifling the Hornets' offense and securing a crucial victory.

Key Takeaways:

• The Hawks' defensive pressure was a game-changer, holding the Hornets to their lowest score in playoff history and limiting Rice's production.
• Tyrone Corbin was instrumental in shutting down Rice, using a combination of individual defense and team rotations to limit his scoring opportunities.
• The Hawks' ability to rotate quickly and effectively was a key factor in their defensive success, as they consistently seemed to be a step ahead of the Hornets.
• Steve Smith led the Hawks with 15 points, one of six players in double figures for the team.
• The series now shifts to Charlotte, where the Hornets will look to recapture their momentum and even the series at 2-2.

Statistics:

• 96: The final score of the Hawks' 96-64 win over the Hornets.
• 8: Glen Rice's season-low number of points in the game.
• 3-13: Rice's field goal percentage in the game, a season-low for him.
• 15: The number of points scored by Steve Smith, one of six Hawks players in double figures.
• 64: The lowest score by the Hornets in playoff history, matching the record set by Portland at Utah in 1996 and equalled by Orlando against Miami last year.

Sources:

• "Hawks turn up defensive pressure to take Game 3" (exact source not provided)
• [No additional sources cited]