Trae Young continued to showcase his playmaking prowess, notching 12 points and 15 assists to secure his 15th double-double of the season as the Atlanta Hawks defeated the struggling New Orleans Pelicans 124-112 on Monday night.
The victory marked Atlanta’s fourth consecutive win, further solidifying their place as one of the league’s hottest teams this season.
De’Andre Hunter provided a spark off the bench, leading the Hawks in scoring with 22 points on his 27th birthday, while Atlanta’s balanced offensive attack featured seven players scoring in double figures. The Hawks’ teamwork was on full display, with 31 assists helping them shoot an efficient 51% from the field.
McCollum’s Effort Falls Short
For the Pelicans, CJ McCollum led all scorers with 29 points, falling just one shy of his season high. Despite his efforts, New Orleans continued their downward spiral, suffering their ninth straight loss and falling to a league-worst 4-18 record. Injuries have plagued the Pelicans all season, with stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram sidelined and the team struggling to find answers in their absence.
Dejounte Murray Returns to Atlanta
Dejounte Murray, in his first game back in Atlanta since being traded last offseason, was greeted warmly by the Hawks faithful. While his stat line—seven points and 10 assists—reflected his ability to facilitate, it wasn’t enough to lift the Pelicans, whose season is slipping further out of control. The loss dropped New Orleans to an abysmal 1-11 on the road.
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Key Turnaround: Third Quarter Surge
The game hung in the balance until late in the third quarter, with Atlanta leading by just three points. That’s when Young stepped up, hitting a critical three-pointer with 2:46 remaining to stretch the lead to 80-73. Moments later, Hunter drained another from deep, giving the Hawks their first double-digit advantage and energizing the home crowd.
From that point on, Atlanta never looked back. Their offense found its rhythm, and their defense tightened up, keeping the Pelicans at bay as they cruised to a comfortable victory.
Hawks Continue Their Passing Streak
Atlanta’s commitment to ball movement has been a hallmark of their recent success. Their 31 assists against New Orleans marked the 14th consecutive game with at least 25 dimes—a franchise record. The Hawks’ unselfish play has unlocked opportunities for their role players, including Saddiq Bey and Bogdan Bogdanovic, who both made key contributions in the win.
Pelicans Show Glimpses of Life
While the loss added to the Pelicans’ mounting frustrations, there were flashes of promise. New Orleans bounced back from their season-low 85-point outing against New York on Sunday, showing more offensive cohesion. However, their defensive struggles and lack of depth continue to be glaring issues, particularly without Williamson and Ingram in the lineup.
The Birthday Boost
Hunter’s performance stood out not only for his scoring but also for his timing. The forward’s ability to step up on his birthday gave the Hawks a critical edge, especially when their offense sputtered early in the game. Hunter’s leadership and energy off the bench have been instrumental during Atlanta’s winning streak.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Looking ahead, the Hawks face a tough challenge on Wednesday as they visit the Eastern Conference-leading Milwaukee Bucks. Atlanta will need to bring their A-game to extend their streak against one of the NBA’s elite squads.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans return home to host the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. With their season hanging by a thread, New Orleans desperately needs to regroup and find a way to halt their skid. Whether or not they can do so without their stars remains to be seen.
A Tale of Two Teams
The Hawks’ victory underscores the stark contrast between the two franchises. Atlanta appears to be hitting their stride, blending dynamic guard play with a balanced roster. In contrast, the Pelicans are struggling to stay competitive, with injuries exposing the cracks in their roster depth.
As Atlanta climbs the standings, New Orleans faces an uphill battle to salvage their season. If Monday’s game was any indication, the Hawks are ready to take the next step, while the Pelicans remain stuck in neutral.
