Hawks Fall to OKC 128-104 Behind Dominant Fourth Quarter

The Thunder secured a commanding 128-104 victory over the Hawks on Sunday in Oklahoma City. While the game remained competitive through the first three quarters, a dominant fourth-quarter surge by OKC put the game out of reach for Atlanta.

Scoring and Standout Performances

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder, delivering a stellar performance with 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. His well-rounded play highlighted his scoring and playmaking abilities. Chet Holmgren also made a significant impact, contributing 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 blocks, underscoring his defensive presence. Jalen Williams added 20 points and 9 rebounds to complete a strong team effort.

Key Moments

The game was decided in the final period, where the Thunder outscored the Hawks 39-18. OKC’s shooting efficiency (14 of 23 from the field) in the fourth quarter was a stark contrast to Atlanta’s struggles, as the Hawks hit only 6 of their 20 attempts. A critical 13-0 run by the Thunder late in the game sealed their control and ensured the victory.

Hawks’ Performance

For Atlanta, Trae Young led the scoring with 24 points and 8 assists, but his offensive production was limited to 14 field goal attempts due to tough defense from OKC. Garrison Mathews followed as the second-highest scorer for the Hawks, finishing with 14 points. Although Atlanta held a slim lead at halftime (58-57), they were unable to sustain their momentum as the Thunder intensified their defensive efforts.

In his first career start, Zaccharie Risacher delivered an impressive performance. He posted 13 points on 6-of-12 shooting,6 rebounds,2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, in 27 minutes of action. Risacher showcased strong defensive effort, smart decision-making, and efficiency around the rim. While he made a few rookie mistakes, his overall play demonstrated clear potential, especially on the defensive end, where his activity and positioning stood out

Defensive Breakdown

The Thunder’s defense played a pivotal role in their victory, forcing the Hawks into 26 turnovers. Oklahoma City’s defensive intensity, combined with their high energy and ability to disrupt Atlanta’s offensive rhythm, was a key factor in the win.

Game Flow

Atlanta managed to stay competitive through the first three quarters, even briefly holding the lead. However, the Thunder’s fourth-quarter dominance and ability to capitalize on Hawks’ mistakes proved to be the deciding factor, as they pulled away with ease.

Conclusion

Both teams are still finding their rhythm in this early part of the season, but Oklahoma City demonstrated their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity, positioning themselves as a team to watch.

Up next: The Hawks will look to bounce back as they face the Washington Wizards on Monday, October 28 at State Farm Arena. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. ET.