Hawks Game 28: Dec. 19, 2024
Atlanta Hawks at San Antonio Spurs
Final Score in Overtime: ATL 126 – SAS 133
The Atlanta Hawks fell short in overtime against the San Antonio Spurs in their first game after the NBA Cup. This contest had everything, from highlight dunks to clutch shotmaking to start-studded performances. Atlanta had no answer for Victor Wembanyama. He totaled 42 points with seven triples, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and four blocks. Trae Young dropped 23 points and 16 assists, while Jalen Johnson had 22 points, nine boards, two steals and three blocks.
De’Andre Hunter continued his red-hot shooting with 27 points. Larry Nance Jr., who takes over the backup center position with Onyeka Okongwu out for at least a week, put in a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double. Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan also dropped 23 and 20 points, respectively, for the Spurs.
While the Hawks shot 47% from the field and 42% from deep, they turned the ball over 22 times. They were down 29-36, even with eight turnovers in the first frame. Atlanta dominated the second quarter, 37-24, because they took advantage of six San Antonio miscues and limited their own to just two. Wembanyama went scoreless in the third quarter, but Sochan and Vassell picked up the Spurs’ scoring load to give their squad a 90-87 lead heading into the fourth.
With the game tied at 112 and just over one minute left in regulation, Young, Vassell, Johnson, and Chris Paul, who got fouled on the play, knocked down four straight threes. Wembanyama hit a free throw to give the Spurs a two-point lead, but Hunter drove to the basket and tied the game with a ferocious slam over the Spurs’ star.
DE’ANDRE HUNTER POSTERIZES WEMBY 🤯
BOTH PLAYERS RECEIVE TECHS ‼️ pic.twitter.com/thvVHIe53V
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 20, 2024
Paul’s poor post-entry pass gave the Hawks a chance to win on the final possession, but Young could not the game-winner over Wembanyama’s outstretched arm. Wembanyama dominated the extra period for eight of the Spurs’ 13 points, including two threes and a block.
Game 29: Dec. 21, 2024
Memphis Grizzlies at Atlanta Hawks
Final Score: MEM 128 – ATL 112
Whenever the Memphis Grizzlies and Hawks match up, Ja Morant and Young capture the spotlight. However, both star guards missed this game due to injury. It was up to the supporting cast on both sides to step up.
Memphis took control of this game early in the first quarter and did not look back. The Grizzlies’ largest lead sat at 29 points in the second half. Atlanta never led due to several reasons. The home team turned the ball over 25 times. On a night when Memphis shot 18-41 from beyond the arc, those numbers will result in a lopsided loss on most nights. Atlanta has been the team to dominate the points in the battle lately; however, the Grizzlies flipped the script, winning 62-46 in that category.
Memphis is 8-4 on the season without Morant, largely due to Scotty Pippen Jr. He shot 9-12 from the field for 22 points with nine assists, and Desmond Bane led his squad with 23 points on four triples. Jake LaRavia converted four of his five threes for 16 points off the bench.
Hunter had another offensive explosion with 26 points on 9-14 shooting off the bench. He has reached the 20-point mark in nine of his last 11 games, making a strong case for Sixth Man of the Year. Dyson Daniels collected six steals and 15 points but had five turnovers.
Bad News for the 2023 First-Round Pick
The Hawks announced that K0be Bufkin will undergo season-ending surgery to “address right shoulder instability.” The 15th pick in last year’s draft has been plagued with injuries over his first two campaigns. Vít Krejčí has stepped into the backup point guard role with Bufkin sidelined. However, the offense has struggled with Krejčí in this position. Look for Atlanta to scour the trade and a free agent for a backup point guard to right the ship.
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