Pistons blow huge lead early and Hawks capitalized, winning 94-79

The Atlanta Hawks knew the Detroit Pistons were going to start missing shots eventually.

Once they did, the game was over.

Detroit hit their first six 3-pointers while building a 15-point second-quarter lead Monday night, but the Hawks were back in front by halftime and went on to win 94-79.

Josh Smith, who had 27 points and 14 rebounds for the Hawks.


Atlanta held the Pistons to just 28 percent shooting in the second half, including 3 for 16 in the fourth quarter.

The Pistons were booed by the small crowd of 11,844 as they left the court.

Detroit had five players score in double figures, but Tracy McGrady led the Pistons with just 14. Detroit coach John Kuester played 10 players for at least 6 minutes in the second half, but couldn’t prevent a fourth loss in five games.