The Atlanta Hawks had their three-game win streak snapped Wednesday night in a 149-148
overtime loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Despite their valiant effort and
all-around contributions from several players, they fell just short, as they could not overcome 36
and 44-point nights by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, respectively, as they led the way
for the Knicks.
The Hawks got off to a slow start, trailing by as much as 18 late into the first half. However, led
by four-time all-star point guard Trae Young, they trailed by just three entering the final frame.
Young ended the quarter with a highlight reel-worthy logo three-point shot.
With the Hawks trailing by three with just over eight seconds remaining in regulation, Dyson
Daniels came up with a timely steal and was fouled. After missing his second free throw,
Onyeka Okomgwu came up with the offensive rebound and kicked the ball out to Young, who
was then fouled by Josh Hart with two seconds left. Young would make both free throws, and
the game would head to overtime.
The Hawks had multiple chances to win the game in overtime but, unfortunately, let the game
slip away. They missed eleven free throws as a team, including two by trade deadline
acquisition Caris LeVert in overtime. After a go-ahead jump shot by Brunson with 11 seconds
remaining, Atlanta had one final opportunity to steal the game. After Young missed a highly
contested layup, Okongwu grabbed another crucial offensive rebound and kicked the ball out to
Georges Niang, another deadline acquisition who, like LeVert, came to Atlanta from the
Cleveland Cavaliers as a part of the DeAndre Hunter trade. Niang, a career 40 percent
three-point shooter, had an open look but was unable to convert as time expired.
The Hawks enter the All-Star break with a lot of positives to take away from this game:
● The team’s 43 assists were their most in a single game since 1993.
● Young finished the night with 38 points and 19 assists, putting forth another stellar
performance at the Garden to the ire of the New York faithful and once again showing
why he deserves the opportunity to represent the Hawks on All-Star weekend for the
fourth time in his career.
● Atlanta showcased a brand of team basketball offensively, as five different Hawks scored
20 or more points (Young, Daniels, LeVert, Okongwu, and Niang.
● It was another productive outing for 2024 first-overall draft pick Zaccharie Risacher, who
finished the night with 16 points, two rebounds, and one assist.
● Atlanta’s bench outscored New York’s 48-14. It’s a very small sample size of games, but
acquisitions of LeVert and Niang seem to have paid dividends, providing the Hawks with
much-needed depth and scoring off the bench.
● The Hawks have played a league-leading 31 road games. They will play 18 of their 28
remaining regular season games at home.
The Hawks enter the break with a 26-29 record and will host the Orlando Magic at State Farm
Arena on Thursday, February 20, for their first game back from All-Star Weekend.
