Hawks Handle Business in First Game Without Trae

Atlanta controlled the game from start to finish, pulling away with a dominant 36–12 fourth quarter to secure the 23-point road win. Despite both teams missing key players, the Hawks’ energy, ball movement and defensive focus stood out.

Dyson Daniels led the way with a complete performance, recording a triple-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. His poise and control set the tone, especially late, as Atlanta closed the door emphatically.

Jalen Johnson continued to look every bit like the cornerstone of the franchise, pouring in a game-high 29 points while anchoring the offense during the decisive run. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 22 points, giving Atlanta another steady scoring option on the wing.

Denver, severely shorthanded without Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Jonas Valančiūnas and Spencer Jones, was led by Peyton Watson’s 25 points, but struggled to keep pace. The loss snapped the Nuggets’ two-game road win streak and marked their lowest-scoring output of the season.

The Hawks’ 23–3 run spanning the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth flipped the game completely and served as a statement: this group is ready to compete, even amid change.

What Atlanta Is Gaining

CJ McCollum arrives in Atlanta as one of the league’s most respected veterans and consistent scorers. Through 35 games this season, he’s averaging 18.8 points on 45.4% shooting, including 39.3% from three on seven attempts per game. He’s scored 10 or more points in 27 straight games, with 13 outings of 20-plus points during that stretch.

Across his 13-year career, McCollum owns averages of 19.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists, and ranks 11th among active players in three-pointers made with 2,085. He’s one of just four active players with 2,000+ threes while shooting at least 39.5% from deep — elite company.

Corey Kispert brings shooting, size and versatility on the wing. In his fifth season, he’s shooting nearly 40% from three, with career averages of 10.9 points while ranking among the top shooters from his 2021 draft class. His movement without the ball and floor spacing fit seamlessly with Atlanta’s evolving identity.

Saying Goodbye to a Franchise Icon

Trae Young leaves Atlanta as one of the most accomplished players in team history. Acquired on draft night in 2018, he appeared in 493 games (all starts) for the Hawks, averaging 25.2 points and 9.8 assists, while leading the franchise to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals.

A four-time All-Star and 2022 All-NBA Third Team selection, Young departs as the Hawks’ all-time leader in assists (4,837) and three-pointers made (1,295), ranking among the top ten in multiple statistical categories.

His impact on the city, the culture and the franchise is undeniable — but Friday made one thing clear: Atlanta is already focused on what’s next.

Looking Ahead

The Hawks continue their road trip Sunday, Jan. 11, against the Golden State Warriors, followed by stops in Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and Portland on Thursday, Jan. 15. Atlanta will return home to State Farm Arena on Saturday, Jan. 17, to take on the Boston Celtics.

A new era is officially underway in Atlanta — and if Friday night was any indication, the Hawks aren’t easing into it. They’re embracing it.

#TrueToAtlanta