Atlanta Hawks Storm Back, Defeat Philadelphia 76ers 125-116

The Atlanta Hawks hosted the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. The Hawks defeated the 76ers 125-116 at State Farm Arena. Atlanta improved to 33-31 while Philadelphia fell to 34-29.

In Case You Missed It

The Atlanta Hawks beat the Milwaukee Bucks 131-113 at the Fiserv Forum on Wednesday. Nickell Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 23 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

The Philadelphia 76ers narrowly beat the Utah Jazz 106-102 at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Wednesday. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 25 points, 2 rebounds, and 6 assists. Keyonte George led the Jazz with 30 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists.

After the game, 76ers two-way Forward Jabari Walker told the media that everybody in the 76ers’ rotation has been called up at some point. Walker added that he just wanted to be an asset to the team and be ready when his name is called.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Starters

Atlanta’s starting lineup featured Dyson Daniels, CJ McCollum, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu.

Atlanta ruled out Jonathan Kuminga (left knee inflammation).

Philadelphia’s starting lineup featured Maxey, Quentin Grimes, Adem Bona, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Dominick Barlow.

Philadelphia ruled out Johni Broome (lateral torn meniscus), Joel Embiid (right oblique strain), and VJ Edgecombe (lower back contusion).

Hawks vs. 76ers Recap

Atlanta sought its sixth straight win after Okongwu shone on both ends of the court in Wednesday’s game. He finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks on Wednesday.

Philadelphia celebrated Tyrese Martin’s 26th birthday. Martin is a two-way guard for the 76ers and the 76ers’ G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. Philadelphia entered the game with just 13.7 turnovers per game to become the fifth-fewest turnovers in the NBA.

Both teams average 9+ steals per game, ranking fifth and sixth in the NBA. The Hawks began a season-long, five-game homestand while riding a season-high-tying five-game winning streak. Walker came off consecutive 20-point games for the first time in his four-year NBA career.

Both teams played competitive basketball to open the first quarter. Alex Reese made an early bucket. Johnson soared for a one-handed dunk. Philadelphia took a 22-18 lead with less than five minutes left in the first. Philadelphia took a 38-28 lead to end the first.

Daniels recorded an assist to become the fourth-youngest player in NBA history to reach 2,000+ points, 1,000+ rebounds, 1,000+ assists, and 450+ steals. Daniels, 22, trails just LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Chris Paul.

Both teams played strong basketball to open the second quarter. Zaccharie Risacher hit an early three-pointer. Grimes made a quick basket. Cameron Payne recorded five assists in seven minutes. Philadelphia’s efforts shifted into a short-lived 10-point lead. Philadelphia took a 73-66 lead into halftime.

Atlanta took the lead in the third quarter. Alexander-Walker hit three three-pointers. Philadelphia tied the score at 102 apiece midway through the fourth quarter, but Atlanta picked up the pace. Trenton Watford made a game-tying bucket. Risacher hit a three-pointer, and so did Jalen Johnson. Atlanta won 125-116 in regulation.

Final Thoughts

The Atlanta Hawks continue their five-game homestand against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. Atlanta can improve its defense to limit Dallas’ offensive rebounds, increase its passing game, and expand its physicality on the glass to beat Dallas.

The Philadelphia 76ers conclude a two-game road trip against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Philadelphia can use strong performances, show resiliency, and maintain offensive momentum to defeat Cleveland.