Hawks Dominate Nuggets Behind Fourth-Quarter Surge, Continue West Coast Road Trip

The Atlanta Hawks sent a clear message on the road Friday night, rolling past the Denver Nuggets 110–87 on January 9, 2026, behind a dominant fourth-quarter surge that left no doubt.

In a matchup featuring depleted rosters on both sides, Atlanta saved its best basketball for last. The Hawks erupted for a 36–12 fourth quarter, turning a tightly contested game into a runaway victory and sealing one of their most complete performances of the season.

The turning point came late in the third quarter, when Atlanta flipped the switch. After briefly falling behind, the Hawks closed the frame and opened the fourth on a 23–3 run, completely swinging momentum and never looking back. The defensive intensity ramped up, shots began to fall, and the Hawks imposed their will on both ends of the floor.

Dyson Daniels led the charge with an all-around masterpiece, recording a triple-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Daniels controlled the pace, made the right reads, and set the tone with his energy, continuing to show his growing impact as a two-way presence.

Jalen Johnson was the game’s top scorer, pouring in 29 points with authority, attacking downhill and punishing mismatches throughout the night. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added a strong supporting effort with 22 points, providing timely scoring that helped stretch Denver’s defense.

For the Nuggets, Peyton Watson finished with a team-high 25 points, but Denver struggled to find consistent offense. The Nuggets were severely short-handed, playing without Nikola Jokić (knee), Jamal Murray (ankle/illness), Jonas Valančiūnas (calf) and Spencer Jones (ankle). The absence of key contributors showed, as Denver was held to its lowest point total of the season, snapping a two-game road winning streak.

Friday night also marked a notable moment for Atlanta, as it was the Hawks’ first game since trading All-Star guard Trae Young. While the roster continues to adjust, the performance in Denver reflected a team leaning into defensive toughness, ball movement and collective effort—especially when it mattered most.

By the final horn, Atlanta had turned a competitive contest into a statement win, closing the game with force and confidence. The Hawks didn’t just beat the Nuggets—they overwhelmed them, proving that this group is capable of rising together amid transition.

The road trip continues as the Hawks take on the Golden State Warriors today (Sunday, Jan. 11), followed by a matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, Jan. 15. Atlanta will then return home to State Farm Arena on Saturday, Jan. 17, to face the Boston Celtics.

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