The Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Clippers displayed some offensive fireworks on Monday night’s matchup of inter-conference teams. The Clippers outlasted Atlanta 149-144, but it was a back-and-forth affair the entire night.
The trio of Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Paul George, proved to be too much for the Hawks to handle, as they combined for 84 points. Russell Westbrook played a great game off the bench as well, finishing with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block. The Clippers have now won their last 17 of their last 20 games, but Atlanta gave them all they can handle. Albeit in a loss, an impressive showing by Atlanta, and truly, the better team won.
De’Andre Hunter in his second game back from injury was unconscious from the field. On his way to 27 points, shooting 10-12 overall in just 19 minutes of play! He also chipped in 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Onyeka Okongwu started in place of Clint Capela and put together another strong performance, finishing with 18 points on 8-10 shooting.
The backcourt of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray finished with 25 and 21 points respectively. They both also combined for 19 assists. As good as Jalen Johnson has been all year, this might have been his worst performance of the season, shooting 3-14 from the field and looking discombobulated at times on the court.
Atlanta heads north for a two-game road trip against the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. The Hawks are now 22-28 on the season, and will look to improve that and climb the Eastern Conference Standings.
