Atlanta Hawks Explode to Rout Wizards 152-133

Recapping the Atlanta Hawks’ Sunday afternoon meeting with the Washington Wizards.

The Atlanta Hawks took on the Washington Wizards on Sunday, defeating them by a score of 152-133.

The game started in unusual fashion, with the two teams swapping violations to start the game. This was to honor the tragic passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who was involved in a fatal helicopter crash earlier in the day. The Hawks won the tip, took an 8-second back court violation before the Wizards responded with the 24-second shot clock violation. Bryant wore numbers 8 and 24 during his career.

Trae Young honored one of those numbers by starting the game wearing a number 8 on his back.

After the tribute, play resumed as normal between the two division rivals. After a fairly routine 1st period, the Hawks exploded offensively in the 2nd quarter.

They were for nearly 50, 47 to be exact, in a quarter that saw the Wizards leading early on. Trae Young was at the head of it all, scoring and dishing the ball at a high rate. For the 2nd time in his career, he amassed a double-double in a single half, going into the half with 21 points and 10 assists.

Lackluster defense kept the Wizards in the game despite the huge offensive output, but they were able to pull away in a bit in the 2nd half.

Atlanta rode a big run into a 25-point lead, one of their biggest leads of the entire season, which the Wizards shortened with a 8-0 run midway through the 3rd.

In the end, the Hawks were able to score 40+ points for a 2nd straight quarter, going into the final frame with a 119-102 advantage.

The Hawks coasted in the 4th, although it wasn’t all good. John Collins fouled out and Bruno Fernando (who had a career night) limped off the court with an apparent calf injury. Kevin Huerter also shared one side of a double-technical with Bradley Beal.

Before fouling out, JC went on a mid-game dunk contest, skying for the below put back seconds before slamming home a fast break score.

Trae Young hit a couple late threes to put some more points on the board, ending up with that 19 point margin of victory. He finished with 45 points, 14 assists and 6 rebounds.

Tonight marked just the 6th time in franchise history the Hawks scored 150 or more points in a game. It probably could have been more as well, considering they scored 88 combined in the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

Box Score Notes:

• We mentioned briefly that Bruno was having a career night, which is true and after perhaps his career worst night on Friday. Before leaving with injury Bruno had 14 points on 7-9 shooting, adding 12 rebounds.
• Fellow rookie De’Andre Hunter also had a good night, finishing with 25 points on 8-11 shooting.
• 8th time this season Trae has scored 40 or more points, just the 3rd time he’s scored 45 or more however.
• Both teams scored at least 30 points in every quarter, combining for 285 points. Pretty much expected in a match up between two of the worst defensive teams in the league.

Atlanta moves to 12-35 on the season, moving real close to getting out of the Eastern Conference basement.

They next play on Tuesday up in Canada.