The Atlanta Hawks held their composure in the clutch, overcoming a stellar performance from Brandon Miller to secure a nail-biting 107-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night.
With this win, the Hawks extended their streak to three games, while Charlotte found itself sinking deeper into trouble with a fifth consecutive loss.
Jalen Johnson led the charge for Atlanta, delivering a strong 20-point, nine-assist performance that showcased his growing confidence. De’Andre Hunter followed closely with 18 points, including two critical free throws in the final seconds that sealed the outcome. Meanwhile, Onyeka Okongwu continued to be a force in the paint, contributing a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, along with two clutch free throws in the dying moments.
Despite the loss, Brandon Miller turned heads with a career-high 32 points for the Hornets. Josh Green chipped in 17 points, and Nick Richards, returning after a 14-game absence, added 12 points and five rebounds off the bench before fouling out late in the game. However, even Miller’s late-game heroics weren’t enough to lift a Charlotte team struggling to find its rhythm.
Late-Game Drama
In the final stretch, Miller’s deep 3-pointer brought Charlotte within one point. But Hunter responded under pressure, sinking two free throws with 9.7 seconds remaining to extend Atlanta’s lead. Charlotte had one last opportunity to tie the game, but Miller’s off-balance 3-point attempt missed the mark, and Okongwu secured the rebound to ice the contest at the charity stripe.
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Injury Woes and Struggles in the Paint
Charlotte continues to feel the absence of key contributors, with LaMelo Ball sidelined for at least two weeks due to a calf injury. Although Richards provided a temporary boost in his return, the Hornets’ lack of depth in the frontcourt has made life difficult. Moussa Diabate’s relentless effort on the boards — highlighted by eight offensive rebounds — was one of the few bright spots for Charlotte.
Hawks Overcome Early Turnovers
Atlanta didn’t start the game smoothly, with Trae Young committing four turnovers in the first quarter. Young, who finished with 14 points, found his groove later and delivered a key defensive play late in the game. His steal in the closing seconds, followed by an assist to Hunter for a statement dunk, gave the Hawks the breathing room they needed.
Takeaways
For the Hawks, Johnson’s ability to command the offense and contribute across the board is an encouraging sign. Atlanta continues to demonstrate depth, with solid contributions from Okongwu and rookie Zaccharie Risacher, who added 14 points. Meanwhile, the Hornets are still searching for consistent scoring options to fill the void left by Ball’s absence.
Key Moment
The pivotal sequence came in the final 30 seconds when Hunter appeared injured after a layup that gave Atlanta a narrow lead. With a five-on-four advantage, Charlotte squandered its chance by turning the ball over. Young capitalized on the miscue, setting up Hunter for a game-sealing dunk that electrified the Atlanta bench.
Up Next
The Hawks return home to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, hoping to build on their winning streak. Meanwhile, the Hornets will conclude their five-game homestand on Tuesday against the Philadelphia 76ers, desperately seeking a way to snap their skid.
With Atlanta riding high and Charlotte reeling, the contrast between these two squads couldn’t be clearer. As Jalen Johnson continues to shine, the Hawks appear to be trending upward, while the Hornets face an uphill battle to reclaim their footing in a competitive Eastern Conference.
