Kyle Korver scores 21 to help Hawks past resilient Nets in Game 1

It wasn't easy, but the Atlanta Hawks managed to take the early edge against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.

Hawks sharpshooter Kyle Korver posted 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists to lead Atlanta past Brooklyn 99-92 in Game 1. Korver was the only consistent shooter on an off-night for Atlanta's offense. The Hawks shot just 43 percent from the floor and just 33 percent from deep.

The Nets' defense was strong enough to keep Brooklyn in the game despite a poor showing from their offense. Brooklyn trailed by four points with less than two minutes to go, but a string of poor defensive possessions ultimately sunk the resilient Nets.

Turning Point

The Nets were threatening to make a comeback late in the fourth. A pair of Joe Johnson free throws shaved the Hawks' lead to just five points with three minutes remaining.

But that's when Korver stepped up into the spotlight. Korver ran around a series of screens and found himself open from deep. His defender, Nets shooting guard Bojan Bogdanovic tried to recover, but Korver took one hard dribble to his right before rising up for his fifth triple of the night. That pushed the Hawks' lead back to eight, a margin they would not relinquish.

Star Performer

As usual, the Hawks won on the backs of their team play. Four starters scored in double-digits, paced by Korver's 21 points. 

But it was Al Horford who emerged as the hero.

Horford sustained a dislocated pinkie finger early in the fourth but managed to return after a four-minute absence. The Philips Arena erupted into an ovation when the center checked in midway through the fourth. Horford had his fingers taped and finished the game with 10 points and 10 rebounds in 34 minutes.

Highlight Reel

Korver is so unselfish

All of the Hawks are so unselfish

Series at a Glance

Game 1: Hawks 99, Nets 92
Game 2: Wednesday, April 22, 7 p.m. ET
Game 3: Saturday, April 25, 3 p.m. ET
Game 4: Monday, April 27, TBD
Game 5*: TBD 
Game 6*: TBD
Game 7*: TBD