Hawks Wrap Up Preseason at State Farm Arena, Turn Focus to Regular Season Opener

The Atlanta Hawks closed out their 2025 preseason Thursday night at State Farm Arena, falling 133–115 to the Houston Rockets, who finished their exhibition slate unbeaten (4–0).

Rookie Zaccharie Risacher continued to turn heads with another confident performance, scoring 24 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including a pair of three-pointers. The 19-year-old showed poise and versatility, attacking the rim and spacing the floor with energy on both ends.

Kristaps Porziņģis was dominant inside, posting 23 points and 13 rebounds while knocking down a three and converting six of eight from the line. The veteran big man’s inside-out skillset gave the Hawks steady offense in the paint and beyond the arc.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 17 points, going 6-of-15 from the floor, while Trae Young tallied 12 points and 10 assists, orchestrating Atlanta’s offense with his usual pace and creativity. Onyeka Okongwu contributed 5 points and 7 boards, and Luke Kennard connected from deep for 8 points off the bench.

N’Faly Dante brought hustle and size in limited minutes, finishing with 7 points and 7 rebounds, while Keaton Wallace, Jacob Toppin, and Asa Newell added solid contributions in the rotation.

For Houston, Reed Sheppard led the way with 29 points and 6 assists, showing impressive confidence for a rookie. Josh Okogie added 28 points, Jabari Smith Jr. posted 20 points and 8 rebounds, and Alperen Şengün notched 16 points and 8 boards. Veterans Fred VanVleet, Kevin Durant, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela were all DNPs (Coach’s Decision) as the Rockets rested key players ahead of the regular season.

Despite the loss, Atlanta’s preseason offered a strong look at the team’s depth and emerging chemistry. The Hawks finished the exhibition slate 2–2, with plenty of positive takeaways — including Risacher’s growth, Porziņģis’ fit in the frontcourt, and Young’s continued leadership at the helm.

Now, all focus shifts to Opening Night presented by State Farm, as the Hawks host the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at State Farm Arena. The night will feature a halftime performance by Quavo, a special player walkout led by 2 Chainz, and “WE Different” black shirts for all fans in attendance.