ATLANTA — Basketball is officially back in the A.
The Atlanta Hawks opened their 2026 preseason Monday night at State Farm Arena, falling to the Memphis Grizzlies 132-123. (NBA.com)
Atlanta came out with plenty of energy, jumping ahead early behind Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu. The Hawks built an 11-point advantage in the opening quarter and carried a 35-32 lead into the second. Alexander-Walker led Atlanta with 10 points in the opening period, while Okongwu provided an early spark on both ends of the floor.
But the second quarter completely changed the game. Memphis caught fire offensively, shooting 69.6 percent from the field and 72.7 percent from three during the period. The Grizzlies outscored Atlanta 49-26, turning a three-point Hawks lead into an 81-61 halftime deficit.
Atlanta’s starters saw limited preseason minutes. Alexander-Walker finished his night with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, while Johnson added eight points, five rebounds and three assists. Okongwu contributed eight points and four rebounds.
The second half became an opportunity for Atlanta’s younger players and reserves to make their case.
And they responded. The Hawks put together their best stretch of the night in the third quarter, outscoring Memphis 37-29 while shooting 60.9 percent from the floor. Corey Kispert caught fire, scoring 10 points in the quarter, while RayJ Dennis added eight points and Asa Newell continued making his presence felt around the basket.
Kispert was one of Atlanta’s biggest offensive bright spots, reaching 19 points through the opening three quarters while knocking down four three-pointers.
Newell also made the most of his opportunity. The young forward finished the night with 12 points and 12 rebounds, leading Atlanta on the glass.
Atlanta continued to battle in the fourth, cutting into a Memphis lead that had once reached 23 points. Jalen Wilson knocked down back-to-back three-pointers during the comeback push, and the Hawks pulled within single digits late before Memphis ultimately closed things out.
The final score may not count in the standings, but that’s exactly what preseason basketball is about — evaluating combinations, getting young players meaningful minutes and seeing who can make the most of an opportunity.
For Atlanta, there were certainly some things to clean up, particularly after allowing 49 points in the second quarter. But there were also flashes of what this roster could bring, especially from the young guys and second unit.
Next up: The Hawks continue their preseason schedule Thursday, Oct. 8, on the road against the San Antonio Spurs.
