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Atlanta Hawks Edge Brooklyn Nets 120-116 in Season Opener

By Yakiri Thomas / October 24, 2024

The Atlanta Hawks kicked off their 2024-25 NBA season with a thrilling 120-116 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in a closely contested matchup at State Farm Arena.

Here’s a breakdown of the key moments and performances that defined the game:

Team Highlights:

The Hawks recorded 25 assists in the game, continuing their excellent ball movement from last season when they notched 25+ assists in 52 games. This marks their 50th consecutive game at State Farm Arena with 20+ assists, the third-longest streak in franchise history.

Defensively, Atlanta tallied 12 steals, marking their 17th game with 10+ steals dating back to last season. The Hawks capitalized on Brooklyn’s 19 turnovers, scoring 17 points off those mistakes.

Atlanta’s strong presence on the boards was evident as they grabbed 12 offensive rebounds, leading to 19 second-chance points. Last season, the Hawks ranked third in offensive rebounds per game.

Top Performers:

Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points, including clutch free throws in the final seconds to secure the win. He recorded his first double-double of the season, dishing out a game-high 12 assists, marking his 205th career point/assist double-double. Young is now just one double-double away from tying Josh Smith for seventh-most in Hawks history. He also extended his streak of 5+ assists to 162 consecutive games, the third-longest in NBA history, trailing only John Stockton and Isiah Thomas. This marked Young’s 78th career game with 30+ points and 10+ assists, tying him for fifth-most such games in NBA history. His leadership and playmaking were key in maintaining Atlanta’s lead down the stretch.

Onyeka Okongwu delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-high 28 points on an ultra-efficient 11-of-12 shooting. He also contributed eight rebounds, three blocks, and one assist in 28 minutes. Okongwu became just the seventh player in franchise history to score 28+ points while shooting over 90% from the field. His dominance in the paint and his ability to finish around the rim provided a constant offensive spark for the Hawks throughout the game.

Key Game Moments:

The game remained tight from start to finish, with both teams trading runs. Atlanta jumped out to a strong start, but Brooklyn kept fighting back, led by Thomas’ explosive performance.
A pivotal moment came when Nets’ center Nic Claxton was ejected after committing a Flagrant 2 foul on Hawks’ rookie Dyson Daniels. The ejection swung the momentum in Atlanta’s favor, as Brooklyn struggled to maintain defensive stability without their big man.

Rookie Debut:

Zaccharie Risacher, the Hawks’ first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, made his much-anticipated NBA debut. He hit a 3-pointer for his first points and finished with 7 overall, providing flashes of the potential that made him the top pick.

“I thought he did a really good job,” Snyder said postgame, commenting on Risacher’s performance. “He played within himself, made some key shots, and showed flashes of what he can become in this league. For a young player in his first game, he was composed and contributed in important moments.”

Clutch Free Throws:

In the final moments, Trae Young’s calmness at the free-throw line sealed the game for Atlanta. With Brooklyn threatening to complete a comeback, Young iced the game by sinking a pair of free throws with only seconds remaining, ensuring the Hawks’ victory.

Halftime Entertainment:

Adding to the excitement of the night, Atlanta’s own Gucci Mane delivered a high-octane halftime performance during the Hawks “Caa-CaAaW” Opening Night, merging the city’s love for basketball with its iconic hip-hop culture.

Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Hawks; Gucci Mane performed during the halftime show at the award winning State Farm Arena for the season opener of Hawks vs Nets.
Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Hawks; Gucci Mane performed during the halftime show at the award winning State Farm Arena for the
season opener of Hawks vs Nets.

Fans were treated to a setlist featuring Gucci’s classics like “I Think I Love Her” alongside newer hits such as “Wake Up in the Sky,” showcasing his enduring presence in the trap music scene.

This performance encapsulated the perfect blend of sports and entertainment, energizing the crowd and solidifying the Hawks’ tradition of fusing music with the game-day experience. Gucci Mane’s appearance added another layer of excitement to the Hawks’ season opener, continuing the NBA’s growing trend of incorporating hip-hop into major events.

Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Hawks; Gucci Mane performed during the halftime show at the award win State Farm Arena for the season opener of Hawks vs Nets.
Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Hawks; Gucci Mane performed during the halftime show at the award winning State Farm Arena for the
season opener of Hawks vs Nets.

The evening was also highlighted by giveaways, including special t-shirts and pins, creating a memorable experience for both die-hard fans and new attendees, and further emphasizing Atlanta’s vibrant cultural and sports scene.

Looking Ahead:

Both teams demonstrated strengths and weaknesses in their season opener. The Hawks showcased their offensive firepower but will need to tighten their defense, while the Nets displayed resilience despite missing key players. As both teams adjust to their new lineups, the stage is set for a competitive season.

This hard-fought win sets a positive tone for the Hawks as they aim to build on this momentum in the coming weeks.

Next up: The Atlanta Hawks are set to face the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, October 25. in what will be their second game of the 2024-25 NBA season.

#TruetoAtlanta

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