Hawks Soar High in Season Opener, Subdue Nets 120-116
Atlanta Hawks Kick-Start NBA Season with a Thrilling Victory over the Brooklyn Nets
In a high-octane NBA season opener, the Atlanta Hawks claimed a thrilling 120-116 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. Hawks’ star Trae Young led the charge with an impressive 30-point display, alongside a commendable 12 assists. With a mere two seconds remaining on the clock, Young sealed the deal with a pair of free throws, securing the Hawks’ win.
Okongwu Shines Bright with Career-High 28 Points
Onyeka Okongwu, another standout player for the Hawks, turned in a career-best performance, scoring 28 points. Okongwu was on fire, making 11 of 12 field goal attempts and sinking all six free throws, surpassing his previous best of 22 points.
Meanwhile, the Nets’ Cam Thomas put up a valiant effort with a high-scoring 36 points. Despite Thomas’s performance, it wasn’t enough to clinch a win for Jordi Fernández on his NBA head coaching debut.
Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher Make Significant Contributions
Jalen Johnson, fresh off a $150 million contract extension with the Hawks, contributed a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Zaccharie Risacher, the first overall pick in the NBA draft, made his opening 3-point shot but ended the game with a modest seven points on 2-of-8 shooting.
Key Takeaways from the Game
The Nets’ Cam Thomas emerged as a potential star for the rebuilding team, which currently lacks significant firepower. On the Hawks’ side, Dyson Daniels, the No. 8 pick in 2022, showed promising signs of a breakthrough. After two underwhelming seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Australian guard put up 15 points and snatched five steals on Wednesday night.
Game-Changing Moment
A turning point in the game came when Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton was ejected with just over eight minutes left in the game. Claxton delivered a clothesline shot to Daniels’ neck while the latter was driving for a layup. The incident fired up the Hawks, contributing to their eventual victory.
Key Statistics and What’s Next?
The Hawks struggled at the foul line, finishing 33 of 46, missing multiple opportunities to extend their lead. Looking ahead, the Nets will face the Orlando Magic on Friday night, while the Hawks host the Charlotte Hornets in their next game.
