The Atlanta Hawks dismantled the Utah Jazz at home in a wire-to-wire blow-out victory of 124-97. It was John Collins’ first game back against the former club and the second game without star point guard, Trae Young, for Atlanta. Both seemed to be footnotes, as the Hawks played maybe their most complete game of the season.
The Hawks put together a touching tribute for Collins and his time here in Atlanta, following the game’s first timeout. But, it was the play of his replacement, Jalen Johnson, that solidified what the Hawks have in the young forward. Johnson finished with 22 points (9/14 FG, 2/4 3PT), 13 rebounds and 6 assists in 35 minutes of action. Compared to his predecessor, Collins struggled from the field, ending with 5 points (2-8 FG, 0/3 3PT), 10 rebounds and 2 assists.
Dejounte Murray steadied the Hawks’ group as the primary point guard for the second straight game and second straight win. He finished with 17 points, 11 assists and 2 blocks. It should be noted that the EVERY Hawks player, starter or bench, finished with a positive +/- rating.
De’Andre Hunter also continued his stellar play off the bench. He was able to get to the line 9 times, converting 7 free throw’s, on his way to 20 points (6/10 FG, 1-3 3PT). It is Hunter’s fourth 20-point game in his last five games.
The Hawks improved to 26-32 on the season, firming up that 10th spot in the East, trailing the Chicago Bulls by one game and leading the Brooklyn Nets & Toronto Raptors by four games. Believe it or not, Atlanta has looked good in its first two games with Young absent, as they look to tread water or better, before Young’s potential return in late-March or early-April.
Atlanta will head to Brooklyn to play back-to-back games against the Nets on Thursday and Saturday. This could be very important in climbing the standings and creating even more distance between a struggling-Nets squad. Tip-off for Thursday’s game is at 7:30 pm eastern from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
