The Atlanta Hawks suffered a tough 133-126 overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs in their first game since the NBA Cup on Thursday. Despite a valiant effort, the Hawks couldn’t overcome their offensive struggles and turnovers, which ultimately proved costly.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. In fact, no team had more than an 8-point advantage in the entire second half or more than a 6-point lead in the fourth quarter. This close contest set the stage for a dramatic finish that unfortunately didn’t go the Hawks’ way.
One of the key factors in the loss was the Hawks’ offensive performance, particularly after halftime. While they shot well from three-point range (42%), their overall offensive rating of 110 was below average. The second half and overtime saw the Hawks score just 60 points on 61 possessions, resulting in a sub-100 offensive rating.
Ball security was a glaring issue for Atlanta, with 23 turnovers leading directly to 35 points for the Spurs. This proved to be a crucial statistic in such a tightly contested game. The Hawks’ inability to take care of the ball negated their strong rebounding performance and ultimately cost them the possession battle.
Despite the loss, there were some bright spots for the Hawks. Trae Young dished out 16 assists, and four players scored 20 or more points. De’Andre Hunter continued his strong performance as a play finisher, showcasing his offensive prowess.
Defensively, the Hawks held their own against a Spurs team that had their third-best shooting night of the season. San Antonio knocked down 19 of 42 three-pointers, including a season-high seven threes from Victor Wembanyama. The Hawks’ defense contested many of these shots, but the Spurs’ hot shooting proved too much to overcome.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Hawks’ performance against the Spurs, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
• Trae Young’s ankle scare and its impact on the game
• The Hawks’ upcoming four-game homestand
• Individual player breakdowns and standout performances
