Atlanta Hawks Fall to Pels in First Preseason Game Amid Turnover Barrage

A quick recap of the Atlanta Hawks falling to the New Orleans Pelicans in the team’s first preseason game.

The Atlanta Hawks were run off their home court against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night by a final score of 133 to 109. The Pels were helped by their scintillating depth and youthful vigor with a variety of vaunted rookies, young veterans and older veterans.

The Pels and Hawks exchanged early salvos before New Orleans dropped a 46-point second quarter on the Atlanta Hawks, ultimately ending the game and never looking back after taking the lead in the second quarter.

Of course, the main highlight of this game was the preseason debut of #1 overall draft pick Zion Williamson. Don’t forget: Williamson would’ve been a member of the Hawks had the old draft lottery format remained. C’est la vie.

As it stands, Zion put his stamp on this game for sure, finishing with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 assists in 27 minutes of action. His athleticism was on full display throughout, though it was typified by this thunderous, early-game dunk:

Elsewhere, the Pels got 12 points off the bench for Zion’s fellow rookie Nickeil Alexander-Walker and 21 points from starting point guard Jrue Holiday – who was easily the best player on the court in this contest.

We will get to a full reaction in terms of Atlanta Hawks performers tomorrow, but when the team turns the ball over 29 times in a game, there is very little chance of winning unless you’re playing flawlessly on defense. Knowing this team, it’s safe to say that did not happen.

Still though, it’s just the preseason, and there was plenty of room for hope and tons of time for hype. Both first-round rookie for Atlanta showed plenty of flashes as did second-round stud Bruno Fernando.

The Atlanta Hawks regular season will be here before you know it. Get excited!