Alexander-Walker, Landale Lift Hawks to Thrilling Buzzer-Beater Win Over Jazz 121-119
Thursday night at State Farm Arena wasn’t just a basketball game; it was a testament to resilience, unexpected heroes, and the chaotic beauty of the NBA. In a contest that saw lead changes, career highs, and a frantic final minute, the Atlanta Hawks managed to scrape together a 121-119 victory over the Utah Jazz, capped off by a moment of pure ice-cold execution from Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
With the game tied at 119 and the clock melting away, the play didn’t go to a superstar. It went to Alexander-Walker, who isolated, rose, and buried a short jumper with just 1.3 seconds remaining. It was the dagger that ended a night of back-and-forth drama, securing Atlanta’s second consecutive win and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
A dramatic finish in Atlanta
The fourth quarter was a masterclass in tension. The Hawks seemed to have control until the Jazz’s rookie sensation, Ace Bailey, decided to take matters into his own hands. Bailey, who finished with 20 points, drained a clutch 3-pointer with nine seconds left on the clock to knot the game at 119-119.
It was the kind of shot that usually breaks a home team’s spirit. Instead, Atlanta responded with composure. The ensuing possession saw Alexander-Walker find his spot and deliver the game-winner. While Alexander-Walker finished with 23 points, his final two were undoubtedly the most significant of the night.
Jock Landale’s revenge game powers the Hawks
While Alexander-Walker hit the winner, the story of the night arguably belonged to Jock Landale. The NBA is often a business first, and Landale was reminded of that this week. Recently part of an eight-player shuffle that sent him from Memphis to Utah, he was immediately flipped by the Jazz to Atlanta for cash considerations.
On Thursday, facing the team that traded him away before he could even unpack his bags, Landale played like a man possessed. Starting in place of the injured Onyeka Okongwu—who remains out with a dental fracture—Landale erupted for 26 points. But it wasn’t just volume scoring; it was efficient and lethal. He knocked down a career-high five 3-pointers, stretching the floor in ways the Jazz defense couldn’t account for.
Landale was everywhere, filling the box score with four blocks and five assists. His go-ahead 3-pointer with 45 seconds remaining set the stage for the final dramatic sequence. For a player acquired essentially for cash, Landale paid immediate dividends for the Hawks.
Jalen Johnson joins elite company
While new faces made headlines, Jalen Johnson continued to prove he is the engine of this Hawks team. Johnson recorded his third consecutive triple-double, a stat line that is becoming frighteningly routine for the forward. He posted 22 points, ripped down 16 rebounds, and dished out 15 assists.
To put that into perspective, Johnson now has 10 triple-doubles on the season, trailing only Nikola Jokic league-wide. His ability to facilitate the offense while dominating the glass kept Atlanta afloat during Utah’s surges. In a post-Trae Young era for Atlanta, Johnson is rapidly cementing himself as the franchise cornerstone.
Jazz rookies push Atlanta to the brink
Despite the loss, the Utah Jazz showed tremendous fight for a team that has dropped 17 of its last 21 games. Utah is a team in transition, playing without key pieces like Keyonte George and waiting on reinforcements like Jaren Jackson Jr.
However, their young core played heavy minutes. Isaiah Collier was an absolute ironman, playing all 48 minutes for the second game in a row. Collier finished with 25 points and 11 assists, refusing to come off the floor. Kyle Filipowski was a force in the paint, grabbing 17 rebounds to go with his 15 points.
The Jazz played an eight-man rotation and nearly stole a win on the road, a credit to the grit of their young roster.
New additions finding rhythm for the Hawks
Beyond Landale, other recent acquisitions are starting to settle in. Corey Kispert, acquired in the trade that sent Trae Young away 12 games ago, had his best outing in a Hawks uniform. Kispert poured in 20 points, providing the floor spacing and perimeter shooting that Atlanta desperately needs.
The win moves the Hawks to 26-27, keeping them in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff hunt. They will look to extend their winning streak to three when they host Charlotte on Saturday night.
