L.A. Lakers Fall To Balanced Atlanta Hawks Attack, 122-102
Mouhamed Gueye’s 21 points led seven Hawks in double-figures as Atlanta topped the Los Angeles Lakers 122-102 on Saturday. The Hawks scored 36 points off of 19 Laker turnovers. Both teams were missing several key players due to injuries. Here’s a look at what went down in Atlanta.
The Hawks’ Balanced Attack
It was next man up for the wounded Hawks, but step up they did. Playing without Trae Young, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson and Kristaps Porzingis, Atlanta got major points and minutes out of the role players thrust into action. Gueye, in his third year out of Washington State, not only scored a career-high 21 points, but he also added seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block.
Zaccharie Risacher (19 points, four assists), Asa Newell (17 points, five rebounds, four steals) and Vit Krejci (17 points) also stepped up big. Dyson Daniels (10 points, eight boards, 13 rebounds, one steal) and Onyeka Okongwu (12 points, eight boards, four assists, three steals, two blocks) rounded out the Hawks’ well-rounded attack. Daniels’ steal gave him at least one steal in 62 consecutive games, to set a new franchise record.
The Hawks’ Seal It In The Third Quarter
Already up 68-54 at the half, Atlanta outscored the Lakers 30-18 in the third quarter to go up 26 points heading into the final frame. The team was able to coast to victory the rest of the way. Seven of the Lakers’ 19 turnovers came in the third quarter.
Doncic Leads Lakers In Defeat
Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 22 points and 11 assists. Jarred Vanderbilt had a big game off the bench, contributing 12 points and 18 rebounds. Dalton Knecht (14 points) and Jake LaRavia (13 points, five rebounds) also played well for an L.A. team that was missing Austin Reeves (groin) for a third straight game. LeBron James (sciatica) still has not played this season.
What’s Up Next?
After breaking their five-game winning streak, the Lakers (7-3) now head to Charlotte for a Monday game with the Hornets (3-6). Next up for the Hawks (5-5) is a trip to L.A. for a Monday night matchup with the Clippers (3-5).
