Hawks’ Defensive Tenacity Shines Despite Loss to Trail Blazers

The Atlanta Hawks may not have come away with the win against the Portland Trail Blazers, falling 127-113 last night, but their defensive intensity was nothing short of historic. Atlanta’s relentless hustle on the defensive end resulted in 12 steals, marking their 46th game this season with 10 or more thefts. This feat ties the franchise’s second-highest single-season record (set in 1992-93) and stands as the most in the NBA this season.

Even more impressively, the Hawks racked up 10 steals in the first half alone, marking the fifth time this season they’ve hit double-digit steals in a single half—more than any team in franchise history since play-by-play tracking began in 1996-97. Their defensive pressure has been a defining trait all year, leading the Eastern Conference with an average of 9.84 steals per game, the second-best mark in the entire league.

Defensive Disruption at Its Finest

Atlanta’s aggressive defense forced 17 Portland turnovers, which translated into 17 second-chance points. The Hawks have forced 15 or more opponent miscues in 51 games this season—the highest total in the Eastern Conference and second-most in the NBA, trailing only Oklahoma City (55). They continue to make life difficult for opponents, averaging 16.2 forced turnovers per game, a mark tied for the second-highest in the league.

Trae Young’s Historic Night

Four-time All-Star Trae Young delivered yet another masterful performance, leading Atlanta with 29 points, 15 assists, four rebounds, and two steals in 36 minutes. His 188th career game with at least 20 points and 10 assists puts him at eighth all-time in NBA history for such performances.

Young also made history by surpassing Paul Millsap (496) for 14th place on the Hawks’ all-time steals leaderboard. Additionally, with his fourth assist of the night, he became the first player this season to dish out 800 assists, cementing his status as the league’s premier playmaker.

Dyson Daniels’ Defensive Prowess

Dyson Daniels was a force on both ends of the court, notching 22 points on an efficient 11-of-13 shooting (.846 FG%), along with 10 rebounds, two blocks, and three steals. His ninth double-double of the season further showcases his growing impact, as he has now scored in double figures in nine consecutive games and in 19 of his last 21 outings.

Daniels’ defensive dominance is rewriting history books. His NBA-leading 43rd game with three or more steals is the most in a single season since Chris Paul in 2008-09. By reaching 216 steals this year, Daniels now shares the highest single-season total since 2008-09 with Paul. His 12-game multi-steal streak is the longest active streak in the league. Adding to his all-around brilliance, Daniels became the first player since Scottie Pippen (1994-95) to record 200+ steals and 50+ blocks in a single season—an elite defensive milestone.

Looking Ahead

While the loss to Portland stings, the Hawks’ defensive intensity and historic achievements this season prove that they are a team built on effort, resilience, and disruption. With Young orchestrating the offense and Daniels leading the defensive charge, Atlanta continues to establish itself as one of the toughest, grittiest teams in the NBA.

Atlanta looks to bounce back tonight when the team heads to Dallas to take on the Mavericks. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Hawks’ ability to force turnovers, disrupt passing lanes, and ignite fast breaks could be a game-changer. If they continue this level of defensive excellence, they have all the tools to make a deep postseason run.