Despite going on a 16-2 run in the third quarter, the Atlanta Hawks still had to defend until the last possession to get a tight 113-110 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
Despite not having Kristaps Porzingis and Trae Young, the Hawks managed to get their second win in a row — this time at State Farm Arena — led by 28 points and 11 rebounds from Jalen Johnson, who keeps establishing himself as one of the best rising stars in the NBA. To go with Johnson's productivity, Dyson Daniels — who recently signed a 4-year, $100 million extension with the organization — keeps showing why the organization put so much trust in him, recording 22 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals.
Nickeil's X-Factor
Nickeil Alexander-Walker also showed his value with a big defensive play in the final seconds of regulation, and although he struggled from the free-throw line, he secured the win for the Hawks. Over the last five games, “NAW” is averaging 24.2 points, four rebounds and four assists while shooting almost 52% from the field.
“We know what kind of defender he is, and when you have guys that have that ability, there are times in the game where they raise that level,” Coach Quin Snyder said about Nickeil’s defense late in the game.
This was also the Hawks’ seventh win in their last nine games, showing that it takes more than individual efforts to get back in the win column.
Hornets end
On the other end, the Hornets extended their losing streak to six games, but their biggest positive is that they were led by rookie Kon Knueppel with 28 points. He also set a Hornets rookie record with seven made 3-pointers.
Charlotte struggled with no LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Grant Williams available for today’s game, as the Hawks secured a weekend sweep — recording back-to-back wins against the New Orleans Pelicans on the road and now the Hornets at home.