The Atlanta Hawks kept their perfect NBA Cup record intact with a 129-117 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night, fueled by a stellar performance from Dyson Daniels.
The young guard continued his recent scoring surge, contributing 25 points, 6 steals, and shooting 10-of-14 from the field. His all-around game was a key factor in Atlanta’s second straight win to start the NBA Cup, solidifying their position as one of the early favorites in the tournament.
Daniels, who had just posted a career-high 28 points in a thrilling 117-116 win over the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics on Tuesday, showed no signs of slowing down. His defensive efforts were also on display, as he consistently disrupted the Wizards’ offense with his six steals, furthering his reputation as a dynamic two-way player. The Hawks are benefiting from Daniels’ breakout performance, and with his scoring touch continuing to evolve, Atlanta’s offense is becoming more balanced and unpredictable.
Jalen Johnson also played a pivotal role for the Hawks, contributing 18 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. His all-around effort gave Atlanta the versatility they needed to match Washington’s offensive firepower. Trae Young added 18 points and nine assists, continuing his role as the floor general for Atlanta, setting up his teammates for open looks and contributing to the team’s fluid ball movement. With both Young and Daniels clicking, the Hawks’ offense became a difficult puzzle for the Wizards to solve.
The Wizards, despite strong individual performances from their stars, were unable to break their losing streak, dropping their seventh straight game. Kyle Kuzma led Washington with 24 points, and Jordan Poole added 22, but it was a rough night for the Wizards as they were outpaced by Atlanta’s offensive explosion. Rookie Alex Sarr also impressed with a career-high 20 points, but his efforts weren’t enough to prevent the Wizards from falling to 2-9 on the season, with both of their wins having come against Atlanta in the opening four games of the year.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Sarr, who was selected No. 2 overall in this year’s NBA Draft, showed flashes of his potential, adding seven rebounds and four steals to his scoring effort. Alongside Sarr, Kuzma and Poole have consistently provided the bulk of Washington’s offense this season, but the team’s inability to stop opponents on defense continues to be a major issue. Despite the trio’s scoring contributions, the Wizards couldn’t find a way to slow down the Hawks, and their defense continues to be a liability.
The key moment of the game came midway through the second quarter, when the Wizards had built a 39-29 lead. That’s when Atlanta exploded with a 12-0 run, capped by a three-point play from Jalen Johnson that gave the Hawks a 54-43 advantage. Washington was outscored 30-11 in the second period, allowing the Hawks to seize control of the game. From that point on, Atlanta never looked back, taking a commanding lead into the second half and eventually securing the win.
In the third quarter, Trae Young made a milestone assist that highlighted his continued evolution as a playmaker. Early in the period, Young set up Daniels for a 3-pointer, marking his 4,000th career assist. This accomplishment placed Young firmly in the history books, passing Doc Rivers last season for the most assists in Hawks franchise history. Young’s vision and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates were on full display throughout the game, and his leadership continues to be a driving force for Atlanta.
Despite the loss, the Wizards showed that their young players have promise. Sarr, the highly touted rookie, was particularly effective, showing he can be a versatile piece for the team moving forward. While Washington’s defense remains a concern, the performance of their young stars like Sarr and Poole gives hope that there’s potential for growth. The key for the Wizards will be finding ways to put together consistent defensive efforts while continuing to rely on their offense to stay competitive in games.
For the Hawks, this win was a continuation of the positive momentum they’ve built early in the NBA Cup. With two solid wins under their belt, Atlanta is proving that their mix of young talent and established stars can carry them through tough games. The return of De’Andre Hunter, who scored 22 points in just 21 minutes, adds another dimension to the team. Hunter had missed 10 games due to a combination of injury management and personal reasons, but his return provides Atlanta with a much-needed boost in both scoring and defense.
Hunter’s absence had been felt in the early part of the season, but with him back in the fold, the Hawks have more depth and versatility in their rotation. His return allowed rookie Zaccharie Risacher to move back into his natural small forward position, where he scored 11 points in the game. Atlanta’s ability to integrate Hunter back into the lineup without missing a beat is a promising sign for the team’s future, especially as they prepare for the remainder of the NBA Cup and the regular season.
Looking ahead, the Hawks will continue their NBA Cup journey with a visit to Portland, where they’ll look to extend their perfect record in the tournament. For the Wizards, they return home to face the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, hoping to snap their losing streak and get back on track. Washington will need to make adjustments, particularly on the defensive end, if they hope to avoid further struggles and remain competitive in both the NBA Cup and the regular season.
In the end, the Hawks’ 129-117 win over the Wizards on Friday night was a statement performance, highlighted by strong individual and team play. Daniels’ continued scoring surge, combined with contributions from Young, Johnson, and Hunter, make Atlanta a team to watch in the NBA Cup. For Washington, while the individual performances of their stars like Kuzma, Poole, and Sarr are encouraging, they’ll need to make significant improvements on the defensive end if they want to turn their season around. As both teams move forward, the Hawks are trending upward, while the Wizards are in desperate need of a turnaround to right their season.
