The Atlanta Hawks came into their January 29 matchup against the Houston Rockets riding high off a strong win over the Boston Celtics. But whatever momentum they hoped to carry from that 117-106 victory didn’t make the trip to State Farm Arena. The Rockets, fresh off a loss to the Spurs, came in and took control in the second half, handing Atlanta a 104-86 loss that exposed some familiar concerns - most notably, depth, defense, and rebounding.
No Jalen Johnson, Big Problem
Let’s start with the obvious: Jalen Johnson’s absence loomed large. The versatile forward sat out due to calf tightness, and for a player averaging 23 points, 10.4 boards, and nearly eight assists a night, that’s a massive hole to fill.
Without him, the Hawks’ offense sputtered in the second half. Johnson’s ability to initiate offense, push the tempo, and create mismatches has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s attack this season - and without it, they struggled to generate consistent looks.
That said, the backcourt tried to pick up the slack. CJ McCollum poured in 23 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 20 of his own.
Corey Kispert chipped in 17, giving Atlanta three players in double figures. But once the Rockets tightened the screws defensively, the Hawks couldn’t keep pace.
First Half Fight, Second Half Fade
The first half was competitive. Atlanta kept things close, trailing by just one at the break, 43-42.
The guards were aggressive early, pushing the pace and finding seams in Houston’s top-five-ranked scoring defense. But as the game wore on, Houston’s defensive identity took over.
The Rockets clamped down, forcing tough shots and dominating the glass.
The turning point came in the third quarter, where the Hawks' offense stalled and Houston began to pull away. Atlanta just didn’t have the firepower - or the size - to counter Houston’s second-half push.
Durant, Sheppard, and Smith Jr. Take Over
Kevin Durant was the difference-maker. The veteran forward reminded everyone why he's still one of the most unguardable scorers in the league, dropping 31 points on an efficient 12-for-22 shooting night.
Atlanta had no answer for him, especially with Durant operating from the mid-post, where he’s lethal and difficult to double. Head coach Quin Snyder noted postgame that doubling Durant at the nail “makes it very difficult” to rotate and rebound effectively - and that played out in real time.
Durant wasn’t alone. Reed Sheppard added 13 points and was a steady presence in the backcourt, while Jabari Smith Jr. made his presence felt on both ends, finishing with five blocks and helping Houston dominate the paint.
Rebounding Woes and Missing Size
The rebounding numbers told the story. Houston outrebounded Atlanta 59-46, and it felt even more lopsided than that.
Without Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, Zaccharie Risacher, and Kristaps Porzingis, the Hawks were severely undersized - and it showed. The Rockets controlled the glass, extended possessions, and limited Atlanta’s second-chance opportunities.
Snyder pointed out postgame that both Okongwu and Johnson are among the Hawks' better players, and not having them - especially against a team with Houston’s length and physicality - made the difference in the rebounding battle.
Looking Ahead
The Hawks fall to 24-26 with the loss, sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference. They’ll face the Indiana Pacers next, and while the schedule doesn’t get easier, the path forward is clear: they need to get healthy. Johnson’s playmaking, Okongwu’s interior presence, and the length of Risacher and Porzingis aren’t luxuries - they’re necessities for a team trying to stay in the playoff mix.
Atlanta has shown flashes this season, but without their core intact, the margin for error is razor-thin. The second half of the season is here, and if the Hawks want to make a run, it starts with getting their guys back on the floor.