In a thrilling matchup on Sunday night, the Atlanta Hawks soared past the Los Angeles Clippers with a resounding 110-93 victory, putting an end to their recent three-game losing streak. The dynamic duo of Dejounte Murray and De’Andre Hunter led the charge, showcasing their prowess on both ends of the court.
A Dominant Display
Dejounte Murray lit up the scoreboard with 21 points, supported closely by De’Andre Hunter’s impressive 20-point contribution. Their stellar performance was complemented by Jalen Johnson’s 18 points and 12 rebounds, along with Clint Capela’s 15 points and 13 rebounds, securing a well-rounded effort from the Hawks.
“We were all on the same page. Everybody was hungry to do better, and I think we did that from the first guy all the way down, was talking to each other, was helping each other,”
remarked Murray, reflecting on the team’s cohesive effort. Murray’s exceptional shooting included five 3-pointers, marking a career-high fifth consecutive game with at least four shots from beyond the arc.
“We were active the whole game, and I think that was important for this great team win.”
Clippers’ Struggle
Despite a valiant effort from Kawhi Leonard, who delivered 28 points, and Paul George’s 26-point performance, the Clippers found themselves unable to match the Hawks’ intensity. Los Angeles, currently in fourth place in the Western Conference, has stumbled with four losses in their last five games.
“If you don’t play hard and compete and you don’t take care of things you need to take care of on a nightly basis, you can lose. And so tonight was one of those nights,”
expressed Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, acknowledging the team’s shortcomings.
Hawks Take Control
Atlanta seized control early in the game, finishing the first quarter with a narrow 31-29 lead. However, they turned up the heat in the second quarter, outscoring the Clippers 30-15 to establish a commanding 61-44 lead at halftime.
The Hawks’ efficient shooting (11 of 23 from the field) contrasted sharply with the Clippers’ struggles (6 of 23, including 1 of 10 on 3-pointers) in the second quarter.
Clint Capela was a force to be reckoned with in the first half, contributing 10 points and 10 rebounds to Atlanta’s dominance. Leonard’s explosive start with 17 points in the first quarter was countered by Atlanta’s strategic adjustments, leading to a pivotal 10-point surge for the Hawks.
Defensive Brilliance
Hawks coach Quin Snyder commended his team’s tenacious defense, which forced 16 turnovers and limited the Clippers to a meager 37.8% shooting rate from the floor (28 of 74).
“Our players said some things to each other that we need to do on defense and trying to be really focused on doing those things. And then, offensively really attacking this group. They’re a very good team, so I was happy with how we played,”
Snyder remarked on Atlanta’s defensive prowess.
Hunter’s Dagger
As the game progressed, De’Andre Hunter delivered a crucial 3-pointer, extending Atlanta’s lead to a formidable 91-62 early in the fourth quarter. Although the Clippers mounted a late 24-9 run, they could not narrow the gap, ultimately succumbing to the Hawks’ relentless offensive and defensive efforts.
Harden’s Return
In a notable return to action, James Harden, who missed the Clippers’ last two games due to a left shoulder strain, contributed nine points and nine assists in 36 minutes of play. His presence added depth to the Clippers’ lineup, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Hawks’ determined performance.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Atlanta Hawks have reinvigorated their playoff aspirations, currently sitting in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. As they harness the momentum from this impressive win, they aim to build upon their success and continue their pursuit of postseason glory.
The Atlanta Hawks’ electrifying victory over the Los Angeles Clippers not only marks a significant turning point in their season but also highlights the resilience and determination of this talented squad.
With Dejounte Murray and De’Andre Hunter leading the charge, supported by a stellar team effort, the Hawks have once again proven their mettle on the hardwood. As the NBA season unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling performances from this dynamic Atlanta team.
