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Okongwu Honored with Jason Collier Memorial Trophy ahead of 134-116 Victory vs Wizards

By Chicks Into Sports / April 7, 2023

Atlanta returned to home court on Wednesday, April 5., and defeated the Washington Wizards 134-116 at State Farm Arena. The win secured the regular season series against the Wizards, 3-1, Atlanta have now won six of its last seven contests against Washington .

Ahead of Wednesday matchup Atlanta was coming off a 123-105 victory over the Chicago Bulls where the team held the Bulls to shooting just .226% from three-point land (7-31 3FGM) on Tuesday, 4/4, at the United Center.

The matchup between the Hawks and the Wizards was the fourth and final time during the 2022-23 regular season.

The Hawks handed out 30 assists marking the ninth time in the last 11 games the Hawks have handed out 25-or-more helpers.

Atlanta held Washington to shooting 6-28, marking the third game in a row, and 26th such game of the season, the Hawks have held their opponent to less than .300% from deep.

Over those 11 contests, Atlanta is averaging 26.7 assists per game, making it the 10th time this season the club has dished out at least 30 dimes, improving to 7-3.

Atlanta had six players score in double digits.

Trae Young led the way with 25 points, behind 16-18 from the free throw line, 16 assists and two rebounds in 39 minutes.

Big man John Collins dished out 23 points, recording his 900 career free throws made.

Dejounte Murray netted 19 points, while Jalen Johnson tied his career-high for the second-straight night, with his 16 points.

AJ Griffin collected 16 points on a career-high tying four three pointers (4-6 3FGM), three rebounds and one assist in 23 minutes off the bench, marking his 100th three-pointer of the season in tonight’s game, becoming only one of four Hawks rookies to knock down at least 100 from deep in a rookie season, joining Trae Young (156), Kevin Huerter (136) and De’Andre Hunter (108).

Saddiq Bey rounded off the scoring efforts with 10 points, and 4 rebounds.

Third year player Onyeka Okongwu grabbed his first rebound of the game, capturing his 1,000th career rebound. The USC alum is one of only eight players in franchise history to grab his first 1,000 boards with the club prior to turning 23 years old, joining John Collins, Al Horford, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, Mike Sojourner, John Drew and Bob Pettit.

Before the game Okongwu was awarded the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy for the 2022-23 season. The award is earned annually by the Hawks player who best exemplifies the characteristics of a community ambassador displayed by Collier, the late Atlanta center who passed away in 2005.

 

The forward center has championed for and given back to underserved families. As part of the Hawks’ Season of Giving events, in December 2022, Okongwu invited three single mothers and their families from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta to a Hawks game and presented them with Christmas gifts, including technology, clothing, gift cards and more. In addition, Okongwu has participated in multiple events through Kate’s Club, an Atlanta-area nonprofit which empowers children and teens who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver. As a result of his demonstrated desire and commitment to impacting his community, the organization recently named him their 2022 Mourning Glory Gala Honoree.

Okongwu became the 16th player to receive the award.


Up Next: The Hawks are returning back to home court for the final home game of the regular 2022-23 season to face off against the 76ers. Tip off is at 7:30 PM

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