Hawks Hold Off 76ers Late, Win Seventh Straight vs. Philadelphia

The Atlanta Hawks closed the door late Sunday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 120–117 at State Farm Arena after holding a narrow 94–91 lead entering the fourth quarter. The win marked Atlanta’s seventh straight victory over Philadelphia and completed a 2–0 season sweep of the 76ers.

Atlanta set the tone early, exploding for 39 points in the opening quarter to take a 39–29 advantage. The Hawks pushed the pace, attacked the paint, and generated quality looks through ball movement. Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu brought early energy on both ends, while Vit Krejčí knocked down timely threes to help Atlanta build separation.

Philadelphia responded in the second quarter behind the steady shot-making of Paul George and the interior presence of Joel Embiid, trimming the Hawks’ lead to 59–55 at halftime. The game remained physical, with both teams trading momentum swings.

The third quarter turned into a grind. Atlanta leaned on transition offense and second-chance opportunities, with Daniels finishing at the rim and Okongwu burying a corner three to keep the Hawks in front. Rookie Asa Newell provided a spark off the bench, throwing down a dunk and later hitting a clutch triple as the 76ers continued to apply pressure. Despite late pushes from Philadelphia, Atlanta closed the quarter strong and carried a 94–91 edge into the final frame.

The fourth quarter was tightly contested from start to finish. The Hawks answered every Philadelphia run with poise, using offensive rebounds, timely shot-making, and defensive activity to stay in control. Daniels’ putback layup, Okongwu’s fourth-quarter three, and clutch free throws down the stretch helped Atlanta withstand a late surge led by George. Philadelphia had chances in the final seconds, but Atlanta’s defense held firm to seal the 120–117 victory.

Atlanta finished the night with 30-plus assists for the 17th time this season, the most by any team in the NBA, and recorded 10 steals, improving to 11–1 this season when forcing double-digit steals.

Dyson Daniels led Atlanta with a career night, pouring in 27 points on 13-of-19 shooting, to go along with 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and a steal in 39 minutes. It marked his fourth double-double of the season and extended his streak to 11 straight games scoring in double figures.

Jalen Johnson posted 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, recording his fourth consecutive triple-double, tied with Nikola Jokic for the longest streak in the NBA this season. Johnson now owns eight career triple-doubles, the most in franchise history, and has recorded at least seven points, rebounds, and assists in 16 straight games.

Onyeka Okongwu delivered a dominant all-around effort with 20 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, knocking down five three-pointers in the win. Vit Krejčí added 19 points off the bench, shooting 6-of-9 from the field and 4-of-6 from deep, while Zaccharie Risacher chipped in 15 points on efficient shooting. Asa Newell contributed nine points in limited minutes and continues to shoot over 52 percent from three on the season.

Paul George led all scorers with 35 points for Philadelphia, while Joel Embiid finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds.

The Hawks will head on the road Thursday, December 18, to take on the Charlotte Hornets, before returning home on Friday, December 19, to face the San Antonio Spurs as they continue a busy stretch of games.