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A Roller Coaster Victory in Sacramento
Nov 18, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) dunks the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (9) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images|Sergio Estrada/Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks pulled off a nail-biting 109-108 victory against the Sacramento Kings on Monday, marking their first win on the second half of a back-to-back this season. The game was a roller coaster from start to finish, with the Hawks initially leading by 16 points in the first quarter, only to find themselves trailing by 11 later in the same half. Despite the ups and downs, the Hawks managed to claw back and secure a win, thanks in part to a strong defensive effort in the fourth quarter.
Key Defensive Plays
The Hawks’ defense was pivotal in the final moments, holding the Kings to just 15 points in the fourth quarter. Dyson Daniels made a game-saving defensive play by stripping the ball from De’Aaron Fox, ensuring the Hawks’ narrow victory. This defensive stand was crucial, especially considering the Hawks’ tired legs from the back-to-back games.
Offensive Highlights and Challenges
Offensively, the Hawks had a mixed performance. They shot well from beyond the arc, hitting 16 threes with a 42.1% accuracy, their best mark of the season. De’Andre Hunter, Garrison Matthews, and Zaccharie Risacher all contributed significantly from three-point range. However, the team struggled with offensive rebounds, managing only six, though they capitalized on these opportunities with 15 second-chance points.
Despite the offensive challenges, the Hawks’ ability to outrun the Kings in transition was notable, especially given the rest disadvantage. The Kings were without several key players, including Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Malik Monk, which leveled the playing field somewhat. The Hawks’ resilience and ability to adapt to the changing roster dynamics were evident throughout the game.
The surprise absence of Jalen Johnson, coupled with key returns
The game saw the return of key players for the Hawks. Bogdan Bogdanović made his first appearance since the season opener, returning earlier than expected from a hamstring injury. His presence on the court is vital for the team’s offensive dynamics. Additionally, Kobe Bufkin made his season debut, and De’Andre Hunter returned to action, having sat out the previous game for knee management. These returns bolstered the Hawks’ lineup, although they faced a late scratch with Jalen Johnson sidelined due to left lateral lower leg inflammation.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Atlanta Hawks’ thrilling victory and upcoming challenges, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
- Analysis of the Hawks’ defensive strategies against the Kings
- Impact of Bogdan Bogdanović's return on the team’s performance
- De’Andre Hunter’s role and contributions in the game
- Upcoming matchup preview against the Golden State Warriors
- Detailed breakdown of the Hawks’ offensive and defensive plays
The Sixers are no longer just bad, they’re cornered
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center|Photo by Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Look, I held off as long as I could, told myself it was only an awkward start. I looked to silver linings, to the tendency that things going wrong for this long tend to right themselves. I looked to the surrounding conditions for clues and when none revealed themselves, I decided to stay positive but now, it’s time: time to talk about the Philadelphia 76ers.
Beyond what Sixers fans know intimately and don’t need reiterated (things are bad), the mood around the franchise is starting to feel closer to cornered than merely frustrated. Last night, after a third quarter collapse against the Heat in Miami, the Sixers held a postgame meeting that lasted over an hour. The game already had a bizarre feel to it, Philly led by 19 before being down 20, and Joel Embiid went from being listed as doubtful to starting. No one on the Sixers roster looked especially comfortable, a trend that’s emerged throughout the team’s first full month of regular season play.
Slipping now to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with a record of 2-11 I still feel the need to double check as I write this, one thing has become abundantly clear — the Sixers don’t have room to hedge.
There’s no scapegoat to pin the team’s shoddy performance on, not this early in the season. Even when healthy, and Embiid, George and Maxey are on the floor together, it’s been for naught. Both the teams wins came in arduous overtime, one without George and both without Embiid. The Sixers win against the Hornets was missing Maxey completely.
Here’s a problem I’ve wondered about since Daryl Morey landed George in what was declared an undisputed win for the franchise and the best move of the offseason — what about Philadelphia’s role players? To clear the books for cap space enough to sign George, Daryl Morey liquidated the team’s working roster — 13 of the team’s 15 man squad became free agents. Tobias Harrias and Nicolas Batum may not be spring chickens in NBA terms, but they provided the mechanical support the Sixers are now woefully lacking. This isn’t the Sixers only problem, that much has been made clear, but it’s a big one.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Are the Hawks already out of the playoff hunt? ESPN ranks the teams that should be most worried.
Roster The Hawks roster is full of young, hungry players. And as Peachtree Hoops points out, they all work together.
Biz Former NBA stars Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady are looking to buy a minority stake in the NFL’s Buffalo Bills (CityTV)
Must Read Knicks forward OG Anunoby says he’s tired of being known for his defensive prowess. (The Athletic, subscription required)
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hawks podcasts.
Hawks bounce back with roller coaster win over Kings The show focuses on Monday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Sacramento Kings, including the surprise absence of Jalen Johnson, the return of Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kobe Bufkin, a lights-out start, a three-point shooting barrage by Sacramento, De’Andre Hunter’s strong play, Trae Young’s passing brilliance, Dyson Daniels sealing the game, and much more.
Third quarter disaster, turnover issues doom Hawks in road loss to Blazers The show focuses on Sunday’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Portland Trail Blazers, headlined by a disastrous third quarter and widespread turnover issues for Atlanta. Topics also include rough late-game execution, defensive rebounding problems, the return of Vit Krejci, and much more.
Hawks get revenge game win over Wizards, stay unbeaten in NBA Cup The show focuses on Friday’s win for the Atlanta Hawks over the Washington Wizards. Topics include another dynamic game from Dyson Daniels, NBA Cup considerations, the return of De’Andre Hunter and Trae Young, and much more.
