Key Highlights
- The Atlanta Hawks secured a second consecutive victory on their Western Conference road trip against the Golden State Warriors.
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 24 points in a strong performance.
- Luke Kennard contributed significantly off the bench, scoring 22 points and shooting 60% from three-point range.
- The game was marked by effective defensive strategies employed against Stephen Curry, limiting his impact to just 31 points on 52% shooting.
- CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert made their debuts with the Hawks but struggled in this match, scoring a combined 14 points between them.
The Atlanta Hawks’ Triumph Over Golden State Warriors
Atlanta’s road trip through the Western Conference continued on Sunday night as they secured a decisive victory over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. The Hawks entered the game with high hopes, looking to build momentum from their previous win and prove their mettle against one of basketball’s elite teams.
A Balanced Team Effort
Leading the charge for Atlanta was Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who showcased his versatility by scoring a robust 24 points. Jalen Johnson added 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Luke Kennard provided a significant spark off the bench with 22 points, including six three-pointers.
Despite their collective effort, the Hawks faced an early challenge as Golden State took a 14-4 lead in the opening stages. However, a swift response from Atlanta led to a 7-0 run that brought them within striking distance. By halftime, they had built up a six-point cushion thanks to key contributions from Alexander-Walker and Kennard.
Defensive Focus on Curry
The Warriors entered the game as leaders in three-point attempts per game but struggled significantly against Atlanta’s defensive strategies. Head coach Quin Snyder emphasized the team’s focus on limiting Stephen Curry, who managed 31 points despite shooting just 23.9% from beyond the arc (10-of-42).
Curry faced a formidable defense, with multiple Hawks players rotating to guard him throughout the game. Vit Krejci, Dyson Daniels, and Alexander-Walker all played crucial roles in limiting Curry’s scoring opportunities.
Newcomers McCollum and Kispert
The debuts of CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert with the Hawks were underwhelming against Golden State. Both players struggled to adjust to their new surroundings, with McCollum scoring 12 points on 5-of-14 shooting and Kispert managing just two points in 13 minutes.
Kispert reflected on his adjustment: “It’s the first time I’ve ever been traded. I have no idea what to expect, what to do.” His comments highlighted the challenges of stepping into a new environment with a new system and team dynamics.
Conclusion
The Hawks’ win over Golden State was a testament to their resilience and defensive prowess. With three straight wins on their Western Conference road trip, Atlanta has proven that they are a formidable opponent in the NBA. As they continue their journey, the team will need to build on this momentum while integrating new players like McCollum and Kispert into their roster.
Looking ahead, the Hawks face an exciting challenge as they prepare for Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. This upcoming match could provide valuable insights into how well Atlanta can perform when playing on home soil after a grueling road trip.
Stay tuned for more updates from the world of basketball!