Led by Immanuel Quickley, the Toronto Raptors were able to outlast the Hawks on the road, for a 123-121 victory. Quickley had a game-high six three’s on his way to 24 points, 5 assists and 7 rebounds. The Raptors also outscored Atlanta 24-9 on the fast-break, and led by as many as 16 in this one.
Atlanta started the game very slowly, falling behind, 20-7, early in the first quarter. Dejounte Murray did his best to keep the Hawks in it with 8 first quarter points, in addition to the balanced play in the second quarter, Atlanta trailed by only one at the half, 65-64.
From their it was a see-saw affair, but the Raptors did enough to pace out a victory and get an important ‘W’ in the standings and play-in tournament. Both benches played great, with Toronto scoring 54 points, and Atlanta scoring 51. The Raptors had 8 players score in double-digits, and the Hawks had 7 players score in double-digits themselves.
Atlanta may have been able to eek one out, if Trae Young, were to shoot a clip better. The All-Star rust was showing a bit as Young finished with 11 points on 4-13 shooting (2-6 3PT) and 7 assists. Clint Capela also had little impact with 5 points, as him and Bruno Fernando (12 points & 4 rebounds) had to step up with Onyeka Okongwu out.
Not the start Atlanta wanted out of the break, but they will now turn their attention to the Orlando Magic Sunday, in a pivotal divisional match-up. The Hawks are 2-1 against the Magic this season, and this will be their final meeting. The Hawks still currently hold the 10th spot in the East, barely clinging on to the final play-in berth.
