Evans scores 27 to lead Hawks over Grizzlies 111-96

Evans lifts Hawks over Grizzlies

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Maurice Evans, playing for the first time in the preseason, scored 27 points to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 111-96 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.

Evans, who was nursing an injured left knee during the Hawks’ first three preseason games, connected on 8 of his 10 shots from the field in 27 minutes to lead Atlanta.

Al Horford added 14 points for the Hawks. Rookie Jeff Teague scored 13 and had four assists, while reserve center Courtney Sims, a training camp invitee, added 12 points.

Zach Randolph had 18 points and eight rebounds for Memphis, while Marc Gasol and Rudy Gay scored 13 each, although Gay was only 4-of-12 from the field.

DeMarre Carroll had 12 for Memphis, and O.J. Mayo contributed 10.

Horford was the only Atlanta starter to play more than 20 minutes. It wasn’t necessary for the regulars to play extended minutes to dispatch the Grizzlies, who finished with 24 turnovers.

Atlanta led 71-51 at halftime behind 21 points from Evans, and a terrible display of ballhandling by Memphis. Even a Memphis rally to open the second half couldn’t get cut the lead under double digits.

The Hawks made 10 of their first 13 shots from the field and Memphis kept pace, missing only four of its first 12.

The Hawks’ percentage was understandable as Atlanta was easily getting inside for uncontested layups and dunks. But Atlanta was also hitting from the outside, connecting on all three of its 3-point attempts in the first quarter.

Both teams finished the quarter shooting well above 60 percent.

Memphis continued its recent trend of poor ballhandling, which offset the Grizzlies’ accurate shooting. By the midway point of the second quarter, Memphis had committed 10 turnovers.

The miscues helped Atlanta build a 21-point lead in the second quarter. And while both teams were still shooting about 60 percent at halftime, Memphis had taken 10 fewer shots because of the turnovers.

Memphis opened the second half with a 14-5 run. But despite Memphis outscoring the Hawks 26-18 in the quarter, Atlanta still led 89-77 entering the final period.

NOTES: The NBA on Wednesday handed down a $25,000 fine against Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins for comments he made after Monday’s loss to Orlando. The technical reason for the fine was “improper conduct towards game officials.” Memphis G Allen Iverson, who has not played in the preseason because of a partial tear in his left hamstring, did not play, but G Mike Conley, who has a sprained right ankle, and F Rudy Gay, dealing with a left calf contusion, both started. Hawks C Zaza Pachulia did not dress because of a sore hip. Atlanta G Mike Bibby drew a technical in the first quarter for questioning a call and Mayo also got a tech in the third.