The Atlanta Hawks edged the Oklahoma City Thunder, 137-132, on Wednesday night. Atlanta held a 15-point and 13-point lead in the fourth quarter that evaporated to a 1-point game with just 15.1 remaining in the game.
First-year Hawk, Dejounte Murray, matched up with OKC’s, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with 10 seconds remaining in a 3-point game, following two John Collins’ made free throw’s. Murray blocked SGA’s first shot attempt, SGA got the offensive board and was forced into a tough shot and miss by Murray again. Murray corralled the loose ball with 2.1 remaining and sealed the game for Atlanta with two free throw’s.
This was a high-scoring affair from the jump as both teams shot above 50% from the field (59.5% for Atlanta/52% for OKC) for the entire game. Both teams scored a season-high, 77 points, in the first-half alone.
With so little defense, there were numerous offensive performances worth mentioning. Trae Young, the Oklahoma-native, put on a show finishing with a healthy double-double of 33 points and 11 assists. Young had an efficient shooting night, going 10-20 from the field and 3-6 from three.
The Hawks’ front court duo of John Collins and Clint Capela combined to finish with 37 points and 20 boards. Murray finished with 21 points, but went 1-8 from beyond the arc. Bogdan Bogdanovic looked like he snapped out of his shooting slump, getting the start for De’Andre Hunter, finishing with 20 points on 63.6% shooting from the field.
OKC’s attack was spearheaded by SGA, who is third in the NBA in points per game at 30.8, as he finished with 36 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds. Jalen Williams for the Thunder had a great all-around game with, 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals.
Atlanta climbs back above .500 and will have a couple day’s rest before they tango with the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday at State Farm Arena. The Hawks have now won their last 6 of 8 and look to make it two straight against the Clippers. Tip-off for Saturday’s game is at 7:30 p.m. eastern.
