The Atlanta Hawks hit the road Wednesday night and came away with a narrow 124-122 win over the Memphis Grizzlies - a result that might look like just another midseason game on paper, but had plenty of layers underneath the surface.
Both teams came into this one sitting five games under .500, each looking to pivot their season in the right direction. The stakes weren’t about playoff seeding - not yet - but about momentum, pride, and, in one player’s case, a little something personal.
That player? Luke Kennard.
The sharpshooting guard, who spent the last two seasons with the Grizzlies, returned to Memphis in a Hawks uniform and didn’t just show up - he showed out. Kennard delivered one of his most efficient and impactful performances of the season, torching his former team from the moment he stepped on the floor.
Kennard’s arrival in Atlanta this past offseason flew a bit under the radar. After the Hawks made bigger headlines by trading for Kristaps Porzingis and signing Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Kennard deal - a one-year, $11 million contract - didn’t dominate the news cycle. But it’s proving to be one of the more quietly effective moves of the summer.
And while Kennard has had a steady climb this season in terms of usage and shooting percentages, Wednesday night was the first time in a while where it all came together. He didn’t just shoot well - he was electric.
In just four minutes of first-quarter action, Kennard dropped seven quick points, going a perfect 3-for-3 from the field, including a smooth triple. That early spark was just the beginning.
The second quarter is where he really caught fire. Kennard drilled all three of his attempts from beyond the arc, staying perfect from the field and keeping Atlanta’s offense humming. He wasn’t just spotting up - he was moving with confidence, attacking closeouts, and even getting downhill when the Grizzlies tried to chase him off the line.
By halftime, it was clear: Kennard wasn’t just playing well - he was playing with purpose.
And if you were in the building - or even just following along online - you could feel the energy. Kennard wasn’t shy about letting the Grizzlies’ bench hear it. According to multiple reports, he was chirping throughout the first half, letting his former teammates know exactly how he felt about being let go.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, Kennard had already done the damage. He entered the final frame with 18 points on a pristine 7-for-7 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from deep.
Memphis finally managed to slow him down late, but the damage was done. His early scoring barrage gave the Hawks the cushion they needed to hold off a late Grizzlies surge.
In a game where both teams were desperate for a win, Kennard made the difference. His shot-making helped Atlanta build and maintain a lead, and his energy - both on the floor and in the huddle - gave the Hawks a spark they’ve been missing in some of their tighter contests.
For Memphis, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Letting a shooter like Kennard walk in free agency always carries risk, especially when he’s capable of nights like this. And while the split may have seemed mutual at the time, Kennard’s performance on Wednesday made it clear: he had this one circled.
The win bumps Atlanta a step closer to .500 and gives them a much-needed jolt as they continue to navigate a crowded Eastern Conference. As for Kennard, this was more than just a strong shooting night - it was a statement.