The Hawks traveled to Memphis for their final road trip of the preseason, and they trotted out their probable starting lineup for the regular season: Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, and Kristaps Porzingis.
For the Grizzlies, many of their key players were missing due to injury including Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Hawks came out with crisp ball movement, more than once finding Risacher for a wide-open corner three.
The first quarter was a competitive affair until Keaton Wallace ran a solo theft ring.
In between the parade to the free throw line, the Hawks managed to separate themselves to the tune of a 34-26 edge at the first break.
Zaccharie Risacher built upon his strong first quarter with some inside finishes in the second quarter. This nifty flip finish was part of his double-digit scoring half.
The Hawks were firmly in control of this game — as they should have been given who was available for both teams. Atlanta was able to turn the corner and get downhill almost at will, and the referees obliged in handing out fouls for every minor infraction.
After one half, Jalen Johnson tallied 14 hard-earned points and Risacher added 12 more.
The starting lineup came out for the Hawks in to begin the second half in a change from the previous game against the Houston Rockets.
Kristaps Porzingis also had a coming out party of his own, flashing his tools in a big way in the third quarter. This cut was well-timed and paid off his effort.
Jalen Johnson’s night appeared finished after three quarters — three quarters in which he put up a 20-point, seven-rebound, two-assist and two-steal stat line. Risacher finished with 16 points and Porzingis added 13 points.
The final quarter was seen out by the deep bench mob of Vit Krejci, Mouhamed Gueye, Asa Newell and others. Olivier Maxence-Prosper and Memphis’ end of the bench made it a close game, but some clutch buckets by Newell and Keaton Wallace finally put them to bed, 122-116.
The Hawks next play at home against the Miami Heat on Monday, October 13.
