The Atlanta Hawks eliminated the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night, with a 132-103 victory at home, keeping their hopes alive for the NBA Playoffs. The opening minutes gave the impression that this game would be back-and-forth, but it was quite the opposite. The Hawks used the Hornets’ early foul trouble to their advantage and took the lead halfway through the first and never looked back from there.
Uncharacteristically, Trae Young started this game 1-of-9 from the field, but ended up finishing with another double-double of 24 points and 10 assists. It was Young’s teammates, whom helped build the lead the Hawks coasted on for the night.
It was another game that saw all five Hawks starters finish with double-digit scoring, including sixth-man, Bogdan Bogdanovic. Atlanta rode a 42-point third quarter to an easy victory and blow this game open. De’Andre Hunter had 16 points in the third frame alone, finishing with 22 points, and elite defense as expected. Arguably, one of the best stretches Hawks fans have seen from Hunter this season.
Clint Capela continued his strong play that has been very reminiscent of the 2021-Clint, who was a Defensive Player of the Year Candidate and walking double-double. Capela finished with a 15-point and 17-assist double-double, also chipping in with three blocks.
The Hornets had a tough time containing the Hawks. The commentators pointed out the lack of rim-protecting and effort from the Charlotte squad. Charlotte shot a putrid-38.2% from the field and trailed by as many as 33 points. Hornets forward, Miles Bridges, was ejected following back-to-back technical for angrily-confronting the official.
The Hawks now shift gears and turn their focus to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Atlanta is 3-1 against the Cavaliers this season, but will be on the road for this one. Cleveland is coming off a loss against the Brooklyn Nets, and this is both team’s final chance to enter the Eastern Conference playoff-picture, officially.
Keep an eye out for an official preview for Friday night’s game against the Cavaliers.
