The Atlanta Hawks put on a basketball clinic Monday night, dominating the Memphis Grizzlies 146-107 with a well-rounded offensive display and relentless tempo at State Farm Arena.
From the get-go, Atlanta (40-32) took charge, never relinquishing control as they outscored Memphis in every quarter except the fourth. The Hawks shot with precision and shared the scoring load, establishing a double-digit lead before halftime. A jaw-dropping 45-point third quarter turned what was a solid lead into a full-blown blowout.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the charge for Atlanta with 26 points, shooting an impressive 8-of-11 from the field, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, while dishing out six assists. Onyeka Okongwu and Jonathan Kuminga each added 16 points, combining for 10 rebounds and bringing energy on both ends of the floor.
Veteran guard CJ McCollum was the maestro of the offense, racking up nine assists alongside 15 points, ensuring the ball kept moving and the Hawks maintained their offensive flow. Multiple players hit double figures, with Dyson Daniels (12 points), Corey Kispert (11), and Zaccharie Risacher (11 points, eight rebounds) all making significant contributions.
The depth of Atlanta's roster was on full display, as the bench unit kept the momentum going. Jock Landale chipped in 11 points, and Keaton Wallace added nine, helping the Hawks shoot over 50 percent from the field and excel from three-point range.
On the flip side, Memphis (24-47) was paced by GG Jackson’s 26 points, with Tyler Burton adding 20 and Ty Jerome contributing 17. However, the Grizzlies struggled to defend and couldn’t match Atlanta’s offensive surges, especially in the second and third quarters.
The Hawks jumped out to a 32-22 lead after the first quarter and stretched it to 71-46 by halftime. Their explosive 45-point third quarter crushed any hopes of a Memphis rally, pushing the lead well beyond 30 points.
This performance from Atlanta highlighted their offensive potential with slick passing, efficient shooting, and a collective effort from the entire lineup. It also underscored their improved defensive activity, as they forced turnovers and disrupted Memphis’ rhythm throughout the game.