The Atlanta Hawks were at home to face the Houston Rockets in their final preseason game before they get things started next week against the Toronto Raptors. After a thrilling win against the Miami Heat on Monday with none of the regular rotation playing, the Hawks had them back in the finale, with the exception of Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels (Quin Snyder said they’re both fine).
As for the Rockets, they didn’t have their regular rotation starting in their final preseason game.
Both teams came out slow to start the game, with the Rockets having more of an advantage. Nickeil Alexander-Walker got the Hawks on the board with a 3-pointer, and Trae Young followed with his own 3-pointer.
The Hawks had a few turnovers halfway through the first quarter, but they began to settle in as time went on. Zaccharie Risacher was one player who started to get into a rhythm, and he made his presence felt in the paint with a few good drives.
Asa Newell got some early burn, and he showed off his athleticism after Alexander-Walker found him for an alley-oop.
To end the quarter, the Hawks trailed the Rockets 31-27. Going into the second quarter, Risacher continued to find his groove, knocking down this 3-pointer and then also hitting a fadeaway mid-range jumper.
Kristaps Porzingis knocked down a 3-pointer minutes later.
Young decided to join in on the fun.
The offense started to get into a flow state at this point, and Young got his patented nutmeg to go through Josh Okogie’s leg to find Risacher, and he found Porzingis for an even better shot.
To end the first half, the Hawks led the Rockets 61-60.
The Rockets came out with their foot on the gas to start the second half and throughout the third quarter. The Hawks played behind for most of the quarter, but they tried to keep it close. Young turned defense into offense, getting a steal and then finding Alexander-Walker for an easy layup.
The Hawks turned it up a little on offense toward the end of the third, but were only able to put a little dent into their deficit, trailing 95-87 going into the fourth. That also ended Young, Alexander-Walker, Porzingis, Okongwu, and Kennard’s night.
Risacher continued his strong night to start the fourth, and he found Newell for a nice pass in the paint.
The Rockets’ backcourt had been a problem all night for the Hawks, and they continued to make things hard in the fourth, extending their lead. In the end, the Hawks were not able to make a comeback, and the Rockets walked away with the win.
Risacher finished the game with 24 points and seven rebounds, Porzingis finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds, Alexander-Walker finished with 17 points, and Young finished with 12 points and 10 assists.
The Hawks will be back in action for their season opener next Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors.
See More:
* [Atlanta Hawks Preseason](/atlanta-hawks-preseason)
* [Recaps](/recaps)