Hawks Continue Assist-Heavy Attack Despite Back-to-Back Losses

The Atlanta Hawks wrapped up a tough stretch with Chicago earlier this week, closing out their two-game set against the Bulls on Tuesday, Dec. 23. Atlanta dropped a 152–150 decision in a high-scoring pre-Christmas Eve matchup at State Farm Arena, after also falling 126–123 in a narrow contest to Chicago on Sunday afternoon.

The Hawks were back in action today (12/26), taking on the Miami Heat, but came up short once again, falling 126–111.

Despite the result, Atlanta continued to lean into its offensive identity. The Hawks recorded their 20th game of the season with 30-or-more assists, the most such performances by any team in the NBA this year. Ball movement was crisp from the opening tip, as Atlanta handed out 14 assists in the first quarter, the most assists in a single quarter this season and their highest since March 21, 2024, at Phoenix.

Jalen Johnson anchored the Hawks once again, finishing with 24 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks in 39 minutes. The outing marked Johnson’s 20th double-double of the season and 60th of his career, while extending his streak to 11 consecutive double-doubles, the longest active run in the NBA. His 20 double-doubles lead all Eastern Conference players and rank second in the league overall, trailing only Nikola Jokić.

Trae Young added 22 points and 15 assists, along with two steals, in 31 minutes of action. It marked his second game this season with at least 20 points and 15 assists, the most by any player in the league, and the 195th time in his career he’s recorded at least 20 points and 10 assists—eighth-most in NBA history.

Rookie Asa Newell continued to make an impact off the bench, scoring 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three, while adding seven rebounds, two steals and a block. Newell is now shooting .514 from beyond the arc, leading all rookies this season. Vit Krejci also provided a spark, pouring in 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting, knocking down five three-pointers to go along with three rebounds and two assists, tying for the most games this season by a reserve with five-or-more triples.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 21 points, highlighted by 12 first-quarter points, the most he has ever scored in an opening frame. Zaccharie Risacher rounded out the balanced effort with 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal, marking his 18th game of the season scoring in double figures.

The Hawks will look to regroup quickly as they wrap up their homestand tomorrow night against the New York Knicks at State Farm Arena, with tipoff set for 8:00 pm.