Atlanta Hawks Shed Double-Digit Deficit to Defeat Dallas

Recapping the Atlanta Hawks’ comeback victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

The Hawks came into the game on fire in State Farm Arena. They won five of their last six at home, averaging over 127 points per game. That stretch is impressive, but there was nothing impressive about the start of this game.

Atlanta shot 7/27 from the field, 1/11 from three in the first period, scoring just two in the final 3:19. John Collins hit back-to-back threes to start the second quarter to get things turned around. While the Hawks were able to improve offensively, their defense seemed to get worst somehow. Even without Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis the Mavs had 50 points on the board eight minutes before the half.

Lloyd Pierce was trying everything to stop the Mavs defensively, with the Hawks even rolling out a 3-2 zone defense look, which helped them cut the lead down to single-digits.

Meanwhile, Dallas was running a “anyone but Trae” defense, doubling and tripling the guard after his 50-point night. This opened up scoring oppurtunites for John Collins and Cam Reddish, who combined for 37 first half points. Still the Hawks went into half down eight.

The third quarter was more akin to the first than the second for the Hawks’ offense, falling back behind by double-digits. The lead hung around 12 for most of the third into the early fourth, with the Hawks hanging around just enough. A nice little run with nine to play cut the deficit to two with seven minutes remaining.

After the Mavs’ fifth turnover of the quarter a Trae Young lay in tied the game. They took their first lead of the game at the 5:24 mark.

Trae, who’d been quiet all night, finally turned into Ice Trae late in the game, hitting three from deep, drawing what would have been a four-point play to take the lead, but he missed the extra free throw.

Later, the Hawks controlled up two, with less than thirty seconds to go. Trae called an iso, went to hit a contested scoop lay up, which was originally called a goaltend, but after a lengthy review was reserved to be a block. Because a John Collins’ put back was started before the whistle was blown, it counted, giving the Hawks a four point lead with eight seconds to go.

That 111-107 score ended up being the final, with the Hawks holding on to their comeback win.

Box Score Notes:

• Trae Young had 17 2nd half points after one of his lesser first-half performances. He added 10 assists to complete the double-double.
• John Collins made 13 of 18 shots to tie his career-best 35 points. He missed three free throws that would have given him a new high in that field. Collins also grabbed a game best 17 rebounds.
• Cam Reddish played 39 minutes, recording 20 points but missing all six of his threes. His breakaway dunk was a true momentum-shifter.
• Kevin Huerter had a terrible night from the field, shooting 1-11 and 1-8 from three. He made up for that on defense, poking away four steals and hustling all night.
• The Hawks held the Mavs to 41 points in the 2nd half after giving up 66 in the first half, 35 in the first quarter.

It was easily one of the Hawk’s most exciting games of the season and the double-digit win keeps them undeafted since the All-Star Break.

They’ll look to keep things rolling on Monday, when they leave the ATL to play the Sixers in Philly. Atlanta will carry their 17-41 record into that one, which is scheduled for 7:00 Eastern.