In a thrilling contest that came down to the final seconds, the Atlanta Hawks edged out the Sacramento Kings 109-108 on Monday night, overcoming a late-game surge by the Kings.
De’Andre Hunter delivered a strong offensive performance, scoring 24 points, while Dyson Daniels made a crucial defensive play in the game’s final moments to seal the victory. Daniels, who had four blocks on the night, blocked De’Aaron Fox’s potential game-winning shot with mere seconds remaining, showcasing his defensive prowess and poise under pressure.
The Hawks, who have been dealing with injuries of their own, were bolstered by the return of key contributors. Trae Young orchestrated the offense with a remarkable 19 assists, leading the team to a balanced attack despite scoring only seven points. Clint Capela, who has been a consistent force for Atlanta, finished with a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds, including the game’s final three points to give the Hawks a 109-106 lead with under two minutes left.
Sacramento, meanwhile, was playing without several key players, including Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Malik Monk, all of whom were sidelined due to injuries. Despite their shorthanded lineup, the Kings put up a fierce fight, with Keon Ellis stepping up in a big way. Ellis, who came into the game averaging just 5.3 points per game, exploded for a career-high 33 points, including an impressive nine three-pointers.
Daniels’ Clutch Block and Capela’s Key Free Throws
The game was tight throughout, and it was Daniels who provided the defensive stop that ultimately sealed the win for the Hawks. With just seconds left on the clock, Fox drove to the basket in search of a potential game-winning shot. Daniels, however, timed his block perfectly, stripping the ball from Fox as he went up for the layup, denying Sacramento one last chance to steal the game. The 21-year-old guard, who entered the game with 12 consecutive games with a steal, also contributed 14 points and eight rebounds in a well-rounded performance.
The Hawks had managed to hold on to a narrow lead thanks to Capela’s late-game heroics. After Sacramento had trimmed the lead to just three points, Capela calmly sank two free throws and then added another point on a subsequent trip to the line, pushing the lead to 109-106 with less than two minutes remaining. The Kings would have one final opportunity after Daniels’ block, but they couldn’t capitalize, falling just short of an upset win.
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Sacramento’s Offensive Fireworks Led by Ellis
Despite the loss, Sacramento’s offense was led by a scorching performance from Ellis, who hit his first six three-pointers and went on to finish with a career-high 33 points. The second-year guard was nearly unstoppable from beyond the arc, becoming the fifth player in Kings’ history to make nine three-pointers in a game. His hot shooting kept the Kings in the game, especially after they had fallen behind early, trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half.
Ellis’ red-hot shooting kept the Kings within striking distance, but the absence of their stars—Sabonis, DeRozan, and Monk—was felt throughout the game. While Fox (20 points) and Malik Beasley (17 points) did their best to lead the team, Sacramento’s offense lacked the balance and firepower they typically rely on. The Kings, who were down at halftime 66-64, fought back in the second half, but couldn’t hold off the Hawks’ surge in the final minutes.
Hawks Get Key Contributions, Despite Young’s Quiet Night
Despite a relatively quiet night from Young, who scored just seven points on 3-of-7 shooting, the Hawks were able to close out the win with solid contributions from other players. Young, typically known for his scoring, was in more of a facilitating role, dishing out 19 assists, just one shy of his career high. His playmaking was a key factor in keeping the offense flowing, as he set up Hunter, Capela, and Daniels for crucial baskets throughout the game.
Hunter, who had been efficient all night, continued to be a consistent source of scoring, while Capela’s double-double effort helped solidify the Hawks’ dominance on the boards. The team also got a boost from the return of Bogdan Bogdanovic, who had missed several games due to injury. Bogdanovic, playing in his first game since the season opener, contributed six points in his return, while Kobe Bufkin, who hadn’t been active this season, chipped in five points in a limited role.
Key Moment: Daniels’ Game-Sealing Block
The key moment of the game came with just seconds remaining, when Daniels came up with his game-changing block on Fox. With the Kings in desperate need of a bucket to keep their hopes alive, Daniels denied Fox’s driving layup, ensuring that the Hawks would escape with the win. This defensive play highlighted Daniels’ growing importance to the Hawks’ rotation, as he has been a defensive disruptor all season long.
The Impact of Injuries on Both Teams
While the Hawks are not immune to injury struggles, with Banchero sidelined for the night, it was the Kings’ injuries that proved to be a more significant hurdle. With Sabonis, DeRozan, and Monk all unavailable, Sacramento was forced to rely heavily on Ellis and Fox for scoring, but they couldn’t get enough help from the rest of the roster. The Kings’ lack of depth was evident, as they couldn’t close out the game despite Ellis’ historic shooting performance.
For the Hawks, the return of Bogdanovic and Bufkin provided a welcome boost, giving Atlanta more depth and options off the bench. The Hawks were able to manage their minutes effectively, avoiding over-reliance on any single player and leaning on a balanced team effort to secure the win.
Key Stat: Hawks’ Depth and Balanced Attack
One of the most impressive aspects of the Hawks’ performance was their ability to win despite an off night from Young. With just seven points, Young was able to focus on facilitating for his teammates, and the Hawks’ offense didn’t skip a beat. The balanced scoring effort, with Hunter’s 24 points, Capela’s double-double, and contributions from Daniels and others, allowed Atlanta to get the job done without needing a huge scoring night from their star point guard.
Up Next: Hawks Hit the Road, Kings Return Home
Both teams will be back in action on Wednesday. The Hawks will travel to Golden State to take on the Warriors, while the Kings will return home to face the Los Angeles Clippers. The Hawks will look to build on their victory and maintain their strong play, while the Kings will attempt to regroup and get back on track after a tough loss.
Conclusion: A Hard-Fought Win for the Hawks
In the end, the Hawks pulled out a hard-fought win, surviving a late rally from the Kings and holding off Sacramento’s offense with key defensive plays and clutch free throws. While Sacramento showed flashes of brilliance, particularly from Ellis, the Hawks’ balanced attack and Daniels’ timely block proved to be the difference. The victory helps Atlanta stay competitive in a crowded Eastern Conference and serves as a reminder of their potential when all parts of the team are clicking.