Hawks Pick Up Much-Needed Win Over Wizards
Summary
The Atlanta Hawks need every win they can get to improve their Play-in Tournament positioning. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards are eliminated and shutting down their best players. As expected, Atlanta demolished Washington 134-116 on Wednesday night.
Washington was without most of their starting lineup, so Daniel Gafford led the way with 25 points and ten rebounds. However, the absence of Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma, and Kristaps Porzingis was sorely felt. Washington settled for too many threes, only making 6-28 (21.4%) attempts and failing to get to the foul line consistently.
Atlanta was not without their own health problems. Trae Young was back in the starting lineup, leading the team with 25 points and 16 assists. But Bogdan Bogdanovic was out with load management, while De'Andre Hunter (bone bruise and muscle strain) remains out.
For the second straight night, Atlanta filled it up on offense. They shot an impressive 51.8% from the field and 43.3% from deep. Atlanta's lead ballooned to as much as 21 points early in the second half, and they never looked back.
Atlanta improves to 41-39, while Washington falls to 34-36 on the season. The Hawks have the day off tomorrow before hosting the Philadelphia 76ers in the last home game of the season on Friday night.
Stats
Hawks Leaders
Trae Young - 25 PTS, 16 AST
John Collins - 23 PTS, 3 REB
Dejounte Murray - 19 PTS, 7 REB
Wizards Leaders
Daniel Gafford - 25 PTS, 10 REB
Johnny Davis - 20 PTS, 7 REB
Kendrick Nunn - 15 PTS, 4 AST
