Three-game winning streak now.
The Atlanta Hawks won their third straight game as they defeated divisional opponent Charlotte Hornets, 107-104. The road win against the Hornets continued to building on the momentum from the back-to-back wins against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Young added 14 points and five assists while Zaccharie Risacher chipped in 14 points. Young struggled some from the floor as he was 4-for-9 on field goals.
The Hornets were without the NBA second leading scorer in LaMelo Ball, however Brandon Miller scored 32 points as he was 7-for-19 on three-pointers.
Behind a stellar defensive effort led by Dyson Daniels, they limited the Hornets to one of their lowest-scoring game of the season. Daniel also contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The team’s ability to adapt to different styles of play has become a hallmark of their winning streak. The offense continues to play aggressive and score in the paint. The Hawks shot 27 free throws compared to the Hornets’ 19 and shot 78% at the line. They also had 56 points in the paint led by Onyeka Okongwu, who had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
The Hawks have been very efficient and effective this season as they rank in the top ten in several major categories such as ninth in points with 116.6 points per game, 42.6% field goal shooting percentage (8th), assists per game at 29.9 (3rd), 45.1 in rebounds per game (8th), 10.0 steals per game (3rd), and 5.5 blocks per game (9th).
Offensively, the team has been lights-out, shooting 39% from three-point range over the last three games. Their ability to spread the floor and capitalize on open looks has been critical in their ability to build and sustain leads.
De’Andre Hunter had another solid game for the Hawks scoring 18 points off the bench. Having Hunter come off the bench seems to be the best strategy for the Hawks as he has averaged 18.3 points per game in his last 10 games.
Jalen Johnson scored a team-high 20 points and nine assists. His consistency across the board continues to be remarkable. On the offensive end, Johnson has been both a dynamic scorer and a facilitator, orchestrating his team’s attack with pinpoint passes and clutch buckets. Defensively, his ability to secure rebounds and initiate fast breaks has added an extra dimension to his game. Johnson has allowed head coach Quinn Snyder to rest Trae Young longer periods because of his ability to lead the team.
The Hawks will continue to keep this momentum going as the face the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday at State Farm Arena.