Four in a row!
The Hawks dominated the Toronto Raptors with a 136-107 victory in their first game on a six-game road trip.
The Hawks’ largest lead of the game was 31 points, outscoring the Raptors in fastbreak points 30 to 10. It was also the Hawks’ fourth straight win — led by Trae Young, who had 34 points and 10 assists. Young continues to impress this season as he became the second youngest and second fastest in NBA history to score at least 11,000 points and 4,000 assists in this game. He continues to lead the league in assists per game with 12.1.
The Hawks’ defense was impressive against the Raptors as they had a team season-high 22 steals in this game. In fact, the 22 steals were the most the team has had in a game since 1997. It was a major accomplishment for the team as they were without the NBA steals leader Dyson Daniels, who continues to recovery from an illness.
“It’s actually interesting. He was in here in spirit, because I think people talk about Dyson’s impact impact defensively to the extent that our whole team is embracing that. I know we are not going to be perfect, but usually it means we are shifted, we’re helping each other. And that leads to some deflections. Good to see,” said head coach Quin Snyder.
Rookie Zaccharie Risacher had a nice all-around game with 14 points and seven rebounds. He is now averaging 10.8 points per game and is improving and learning how to be a pro in his first year in the league.
“I think Zacch’s understanding that that’s a process. He’s going to have nights where he scores 31. He’s going to have other nights where he scores seven. But his impact on the game, I think he understands. Defending, going to the offensive glass, making the right play. All those things. He knows how to play, and he’s talented, and he cares. That’s a pretty good combination,” continued Snyder.
Onyeka Okongwu was very efficient in his return back to action, finishing the game with 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting. De’Andre Hunter had another 20-plus points night from off the bench as he scored 22.
The Hawks will next be in action against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday as they move forward on their road trip.