Trae Young hit a clutch three-pointer with 7.4 seconds left in overtime, propelling the Atlanta Hawks to a dramatic 134-132 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.
The win marked Atlanta’s sixth straight, as they continue their hottest stretch of the season.
Young delivered a stellar performance, finishing with 31 points and showcasing his knack for big moments. His late-game heroics overshadowed a massive outing from the Lakers’ stars, as LeBron James poured in 39 points and Anthony Davis added 38. Despite their combined dominance, Los Angeles fell short, dropping its third straight game and seventh in the last nine contests.
Lakers’ Missed Opportunities
The Lakers had a chance to steal the win in overtime, but James missed a deep three-pointer in the final seconds. Earlier in regulation, with the score tied at 119, Los Angeles squandered another opportunity. Young’s potential game-winning three was blocked by Max Christie, but a collision between James and Davis while chasing the loose ball left James briefly hobbled.
Despite the scare, the 39-year-old returned for the extra session, continuing to battle in a game that showcased his resilience. However, the Lakers couldn’t capitalize on critical moments down the stretch, a recurring theme in their recent struggles.
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Hawks’ Grit and Depth Shine
While Young’s decisive shot stole the headlines, the Hawks’ win was a team effort. De’Andre Hunter led Atlanta’s reserves with 26 points, while Bogdan Bogdanovic chipped in 20. The Hawks’ bench dominated their Lakers counterparts, outscoring them 65-17 — a key factor in the game’s outcome.
Defensively, Dyson Daniels made crucial plays in the closing moments of overtime. His steal and subsequent jump ball against Davis set the stage for Young’s game-winner, highlighting the Hawks’ determination to close out tight games during their win streak.
Takeaways
For the Lakers, the loss offered a glimmer of hope despite the result. After two historically lopsided defeats by a combined 70 points, this game showed their ability to compete against a surging Hawks team. However, their inability to convert late-game opportunities continues to haunt them, raising questions about execution under pressure.
Meanwhile, the Hawks extended their winning streak to six games, their longest since a seven-game run in January 2022. Atlanta is finding its rhythm at the perfect time, with Young leading the charge and their bench providing critical support.
Key Moments: Daniels and Young Deliver
Daniels’ defensive impact in overtime was a game-changer. With under a minute left, his steal disrupted a Lakers possession, and his tie-up with Davis forced a jump ball. Although Davis won the tip, James knocked the ball out of bounds in a scramble with Hunter. That extra effort by the Hawks set up Young’s dagger three-pointer, sealing the win.
Key Stats
Atlanta’s depth proved pivotal, as their reserves outscored the Lakers’ bench by a staggering 48 points. Hunter and Bogdanovic combined for 46 points, giving the Hawks the firepower needed to keep pace with the Lakers’ star-driven offense.
What’s Next
The Lakers return home to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night, hoping to snap their losing streak and regain momentum. Meanwhile, the Hawks will host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, looking to extend their streak to seven games and solidify their standing in the Eastern Conference.
The Hawks’ thrilling victory not only highlights their growing chemistry but also underscores their ability to close out high-pressure games. For the Lakers, the loss is another tough pill to swallow in a season full of ups and downs, leaving them searching for answers as they navigate a challenging stretch.