The Atlanta Hawks were in action on Wednesday evening to face the New Orleans Pelicans. With all the noise going on before the game, getting a win here would be big for the Hawks, and it would be even bigger
getting it against the Pelicans, who they have the rights to their 2026 first-round draft pick.
Trae Young was out once again for the Hawks, and at this point, it seems like he may not suit up for the team again as the trade rumors continue to get hotter.
Nonetheless, there was a game that had to played.
It was a fast start for the Hawks, as they got some three-pointers to go, as well as some easy points in the paint.
The Hawks built a double digit lead, and it was thanks to Zaccharie Risacher and his hot shooting.
Kristaps Porzingis came in off the bench and was instant offense for the Hawks.
The Pelicans were able to cut down their deficit a little, but the Hawks had a few answers of their own. Luke Kennard knocked down a three late in the quarter to extend the lead, and were up 37-26 going into the second.
Mouhamed Gueye was active on the boards to start the second, and he was rewarded with an and-one.
The Hawks continued to put the pressure on the Pelicans, creating good shots and getting stops on the other end. Nickeil Alexander-Walker was able to finish through contact on this play and get the and-one.
Down the stretch, it was the Zion Willliamson show for the Pelicans, and he drove down the lane on almost every possession and made the shot. That helped them cut their deficit down to single digits at a point, but the Hawks were able to weather the storm. Johnson and Risacher helped close out the half for the Hawks, and they went into the locker room, leading 65-53.
Gueye started off the quarter with his strong defense, and went coast to coast for this block.
The Hawks continued to build their lead, and Risacher kept knocking down three-pointers.
The ball movement was immaculate in the third, and a few passes led to an open Porzingis jumper.
Gueye was a part of more big defensive plays, and Alexander-Walker joined in on the fun.
It proved to be a great defensive quarter for the Hawks in general, as they held the Pelicans to only four made field goals and 13 points. Going into the fourth, the Hawks led 89-66.
Kennard started the quarter with a three-pointer.
Though the Hawks had built a comfortable lead, they took their foot off the gas just a little late in the quarter, and the Pelicans cut down their deficit.
The Hawks were able to string some scores together to keep them afloat and extend their lead, ultimately giving them the win in the end.
Risacher finished with 25 points, Johnson finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, Alexander-Walker finished wit 17 points, and Gueye finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Hawks will be back in action on Friday against the Denver Nuggets.
