Jalen Johnson led the Atlanta Hawks to a thrilling 107-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets with 20 points and nine assists. De’Andre Hunter also played a key role, contributing 18 points to the win. This victory marked the Hawks’ third consecutive win, showcasing their strong form on the court.
Onyeka Okongwu had a solid performance with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Trae Young and Zaccharie Risacher each added 14 points to the scoreboard. The Hornets, on the other hand, were led by Brandon Miller with an impressive 32 points, supported by Josh Green with 17 points.
The game came down to the wire, with Miller’s 3-pointer narrowing Atlanta’s lead to just one point. However, Hunter stepped up for the Hawks, sinking two crucial free throws with 9.7 seconds remaining. Despite Charlotte’s efforts to tie the game, they fell short as Miller missed a challenging 3-point shot. Okongwu secured the victory for the Hawks by making two free throws in the final moments of the game.
The absence of centers Mark Williams and Nick Richards had been a challenge for the Hornets in recent games, but Richards’ return provided a boost to the team. Although Richards came off the bench, he made an impact with 12 points and five rebounds before fouling out late in the game.
Both teams faced their own struggles during the game, with Young initially committing four turnovers in the first quarter for the Hawks. The Hornets, missing LaMelo Ball due to injury, had difficulty finding scoring opportunities. Despite these challenges, the game remained competitive and exciting for fans.
Looking ahead, the Hawks are set to host the Pelicans in their next game on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Hornets will conclude their five-game homestand against the 76ers on Tuesday night. Moussa Diabate’s impressive performance in keeping possessions alive for the Hornets highlighted his importance on the court.
The matchup between the Hawks and the Hornets showcased the talent and determination of both teams, providing an entertaining game for basketball fans. As the season progresses, both teams will continue to strive for success on the court, building on their strengths and addressing areas for improvement. Fans can look forward to more exciting games and fierce competition in the NBA.
