Brad Rowland here, the host of the daily Locked On Hawks podcast, with your daily Locked On Hawks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Hawks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read.
A Resilient Home Win for the Hawks
Jan 14, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Garrison Mathews (24) reacts with guard Vit Krejci (27) after making a three point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine/Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks returned to action at home on Tuesday evening, securing an impressive 122-117 victory over the Phoenix Suns. This win was particularly notable given the Hawks’ shorthanded roster, missing key players in Jalen Johnson and DeAndre Hunter.
Despite being underdogs at tip-off, the Hawks showcased their resilience and team-first mentality. Trae Young led the charge with a 43-point performance, adapting his game to become more of a scorer than a distributor in this setting.
Arguably the other major story of the night was the outstanding play of Onyeka Okongwu. Coming off the bench, Okongwu made history as the first Hawks reserve player to record a 20-20 game, finishing with 22 points and a career-high 21 rebounds. His energy and effort on both ends of the floor were instrumental in securing the win.
The Hawks’ strong offensive performance was built on their dominance in two key areas: three-point shooting and offensive rebounding. The team shot an impressive 41.5% from beyond the arc, with Young, Garrison Matthews, and Vit Krejci combining for 14 three-pointers. On the offensive glass, the Hawks were relentless, grabbing an astounding 40% of their missed shots.
Defensively, while not perfect, the Hawks showed grit and determination. They managed to contain the Suns’ supporting cast, despite strong performances from Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The team’s ability to win the possession battle, taking 14 more shots than the Suns, proved crucial in securing the victory.
This win was particularly significant given the Hawks’ upcoming schedule, which features numerous road games. It also extended their impressive streak of 11 consecutive home victories against the Suns, dating back to March 2014.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Hawks’ victory over the Suns, tune into the Locked On Hawks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Hawks Podcast:
• Injury updates on Jalen Johnson and DeAndre Hunter
• Breakdown of individual player performances
• Analysis of the Hawks’ rotation and lineup decisions
Have potential contenders figured out the Celtics?
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) fouls Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half at TD Garden. | Paul Rutherford/Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It’s always risky, doubting the Celtics. Not for Celtics fans, but for the rest of us. On Friday night, at home, Boston fans booed their team as they let the Kings take an uncontested rebound and take (then make) the same 3-point attempt. The Celtics lost, recording their 11th of the season. That’s only four games more than this time last year.
Going back, Boston recorded most of their losses last season in the winter stretch leading up to All-Star Weekend, the same stretch they’re in now. I would chalk a lot of those losses up to fatigue and deft competition who could sense the Celtics easing up on the gas, if briefly. The Nuggets, Bucks, Cavaliers and (then) white hot Pacers took advantage of those minor slumps. The losses now, though coming this season within the same stretch with the same fatigue taking a portion of the toll, have to do more with opponents figuring out how the Celtics tick.
This season, the Celtics are a known quality. Their brand of basketball last year overwhelmed the majority of their opponents, teams not built to withstand a barrage of incessant 3-point shooting backed by a quick and smothering defence without a moment to recalibrate or catch their breath. Most teams spent entire games, and all their energy, trying to chase Boston off the line. This season the Celtics have slipped to a 7th overall (from 3rd) defensive rating, and are currently 3rd overall (from 1st) in offence — teams have figured them out.
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 The Hawks have a perfect chance to follow in the footsteps of the 2024 Indiana Pacers. This season’s strategic moves and player development indicate a promising future for the team. (Soaring Down South)
Rumor Onyeka Okongwu might be a key piece for the Hawks as the trade deadline approaches. His potential trade value and performance history will be closely watched. Okongwu’s trade value could influence the Hawks’ decisions. (Soaring Down South)
Roster Examining who is truly untouchable for every team ahead of the 2025 NBA trade deadline reveals strategic insights for the Hawks. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Hawks head to Chicago to take on the Bulls tonight at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Trades Here’s the latest on the NBA trade deadline and rumblings around the league. (The Athletic)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hawks podcasts.
Emergency Pod: Jalen Johnson’s Season is Over Episode 1898 reacts to the news that Jalen Johnson’s season is over. Topics include Johnson’s breakout in 2024-25, what the Atlanta Hawks can do to weather the storm without him, impact on the upcoming NBA Trade Deadline, and much more.
Shooting drought continues for Hawks in close-fought loss to Rockets Topics include another shooting-challenged loss for the Hawks, encouragingly strong defense, Atlanta’s bizarre roster situation with Bogdan Bogdanovic and Clint Capela, and much more.
Undermanned Hawks fall short in Minnesota despite strong defense Episode 1896 outlines the undermanned nature of the Hawks roster without Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and Dyson Daniels, a slow start against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a tremendous scoring night for De’Andre Hunter, potent defense after halftime, offensive struggles, and much more.
