The Atlanta Hawks capitalized on the Los Angeles Lakers’ fatigue following the Lakers’ game in Houston the previous night to secure a decisive 138-122 victory during Wednesday’s NBA action. Trae Young led the Hawks with a dynamic 26-point performance, including a flawless start from beyond the arc, as Atlanta dominated the matchup from the outset.
Young explained the strategy of pushing the pace against the weary Lakers, which paid dividends as the Hawks rapidly extended their lead in the second half, compelling Los Angeles to call an early timeout.
“We knew they played last night, so we knew we needed to get up and down and run, play in transition, and play fast,” Young said. “We knew as the game would go on, they would tire down. That’s what they did.”
The Hawks continued to press their advantage, effectively quashing any hopes of a Lakers comeback. The Lakers, missing Anthony Davis due to injury, fell to a record below .500 at 24-25.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Austin Reaves stepped up with 28 points, and LeBron James contributed 20, but their efforts were insufficient against the energized Hawks. James acknowledged the Lakers’ inconsistency this season, reflecting their underwhelming record.
“We could, on any given night, beat any team in the NBA,” James said. “But, on any given night, we can get our (butt) kicked by any team in the NBA. What’s our record? Under .500? There you go.”
Dejounte Murray of the Hawks, amidst trade speculation, delivered a solid 24-point performance, including key mid-range jumpers that dashed any Lakers resurgence hopes. Jalen Johnson, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Saddiq Bey played significant roles for Atlanta, with seven players scoring double figures. The team’s sharpshooting was on display, hitting 16 of 38 from 3-point range and shooting 52% overall.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Lakers missed Davis not only in scoring but also on the defensive end, a gap James noted requires more communication and teamwork in Davis’ absence.
“You’ve got to have more communication through the course of the possession because you’re gonna have a little slippage,” James said. “When A.D. is out there, he protects us on that third line of defense. When he’s not out there, there has to be constant communication.”
Amidst rumors of possible roster changes before the trade deadline, the Hawks showed what they can do with a balanced and effective offensive display.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The return of De’Andre Hunter from injury is also a positive sign for the team, as Young expressed optimism for more consistent performances moving forward.
“We were making shots,” Young said. “Sometimes, when you don’t make shots, it allows them to stay in the game, have a rhythm, feel good about themselves. But nights like tonight, when you make shots, they can’t have that feeling.”
Looking ahead, the Lakers will face the Boston Celtics in their ongoing road trip while the Hawks prepare to host the Phoenix Suns.
