2 Studs, 1 dud from Indiana Pacers' high-scoring win over Atlanta Hawks

Stud - Buddy Hield

For the first time this season, Buddy Hield was inserted into the Indiana Pacers’ starting lineup. He replaced Bennedict Mathurin, who reentered the bench role that he was in for the majority of his rookie season.

And despite having a relatively rough shooting season compared to his career average (40.1%), Hield returned to form in the Pacers’ win over the Atlanta Hawks.

Hield finished the game with 24 points, two rebounds, and one assist while shooting 9-of-11 from the floor and an incredible 6-of-6 from beyond the three-point line.

It wasn’t just a hot shooting night for Hield, though. It was a night where the Pacers were significantly better with the veteran shooting guard on the court.

Indiana only won this game by five points, but in his 30:53 of playing time (third-most on the team), Hield was a team-high +20. The second-best mark was Isaiah Jackson’s +8.

Also, an honorable mention needs to go to Obi Toppin, who also had a great game against the Hawks. He was also moved into a bench role, just like Mathurin.

Toppin ended the night with 21 points, one rebound, six assists, one steal, and one block while shooting 9-of-16 from the floor and 1-of-6 from behind the three-point line.