Atlanta Hawks Triumph Over Los Angeles Lakers in OT Thriller to Extend Win Streak to Six

The Atlanta Hawks returned to the award-winning State Farm Arena on Friday, Dec. 6, to face the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time this season. Riding a five-game winning streak—their longest since the 2022-23 season—the Hawks aimed to solidify their position as one of the Eastern Conference’s hottest teams.

First Quarter: Lakers Take a Narrow Lead

The game opened with an evenly matched first period, but turnovers and timely shooting from the Lakers gave the visitors a slight edge. Atlanta trailed 26-29 at the end of the quarter.

•       Key Performances:

•  Trae Young facilitated effectively with four assists but struggled offensively, missing all attempts from beyond the arc.

•  Anthony Davis dominated inside with nine points and four rebounds, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.

•  Jalen Johnson energized the Hawks with a three-pointer and a fast-break layup, contributing five points.

•  LeBron James delivered a key steal, block, and a clutch three-pointer to give the Lakers momentum.

Halftime Deadlock: 64-64

The second quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading runs. Jalen Johnson tied the game with a floating jumper at the buzzer, sending the teams into halftime tied at 64.

•       Notable Plays:

•  Johnson’s alley-oop dunk early in the quarter ignited the Hawks’ offense.

•  De’Andre Hunter contributed critical rebounds and clutch shooting, while Young’s trips to the free-throw line kept Atlanta in contention.

•  The Lakers’ Anthony Davis continued to assert himself in the paint, and LeBron James showcased his playmaking with assists and scoring versatility.

Third Quarter: Hawks Narrow the Gap

Atlanta entered the third period trailing but stayed within striking distance thanks to their grit and timely contributions.

•       Highlights:

•  Young hit a crucial three-pointer and converted several free throws.

•  Onyeka Okongwu was a force inside, grabbing rebounds and scoring on putbacks.

•  Hunter knocked down a key three-pointer to keep the Hawks in the game.

The Lakers leaned on Davis and James, whose steady play pushed the Lakers ahead 97-94 going into the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Drama Unfolds

The final period was a seesaw battle filled with clutch moments.

•       Key Moments:

•  Hunter hit a three-pointer with 27 seconds left to put the Hawks up 119-117, but James tied it with a layup in the final seconds, forcing overtime.

•  The Lakers’ Max Christie denied Atlanta a late-game opportunity with a pivotal block, while Davis’ defensive rebounding kept Los Angeles alive.

Overtime: Hawks Prevail in a Nail-Biter

Atlanta emerged victorious in overtime, edging the Lakers 134-132 in a thrilling finish.

•       Clutch Plays:

•  Young delivered a floater and a dagger three-pointer with just eight seconds left to secure the win.

•  Defensive intensity defined the period, with Dyson Daniels recording two crucial steals and Okongwu providing key stops.

Head coach Quin Snyder emphasized the importance of maintaining winning habits:

“The biggest thing we want to focus on is understanding why we’re playing well and sticking to those habits. I’m glad it turned out the way it did tonight.”

Player of the Game: Trae Young

Young led the charge with leadership and timely scoring 31 points.

“My confidence comes from the work I’ve put in over the years,” he said after the game.

Looking Ahead

With their sixth consecutive win, the Hawks now shift their focus to Sunday, Dec. 8, when they take on the Denver Nuggets, aiming to extend their streak to a lucky seven.