Hawks Rely on Late Scoring Burst to Defeat Nets 124-121
Atlanta overcame a 12-point deficit and an injury to Onyeka Okongwu to secure a win over Brooklyn on Saturday night.
By Tunde Bailey ·
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 124-121 on Saturday night, erasing a 12-point deficit in the final minutes of the game.
The Hawks did not hold the lead until 1:26 remained in the fourth quarter. They trailed by double digits for much of the contest after starting center Onyeka Okongwu left the game with a knee injury. The injury forced the Hawks to rely on rookie Zuby Ejiofor at the center position for a period of time. This lineup change contributed to the early struggles that defined the first three quarters.
A 20-7 scoring run in the final three minutes gave the Hawks the momentum they needed to secure the victory. The surge allowed them to overcome the lapses that had plagued them for the previous 46 minutes and 34 seconds.
Jalen Johnson led the scoring effort for Atlanta with 30 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in his return to the starting lineup. Aaron Wiggins contributed 20 points and six assists coming off the bench. Dyson Daniels recorded a versatile performance with nine points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, six steals, and one block.
The turning point occurred when the Nets led by 12 points early in the fourth quarter. The Hawks remained in a position to win the game after the injury to Okongwu, who had a knee injury. The team managed to stay competitive despite the absence of their starting center.
The Hawks will next face the Minnesota Timberwolves at the United Center in Chicago on Monday night.
