Hawks Soar Past Depleted 76ers with Dominant 132-119 Victory

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks delivered a commanding performance against the Philadelphia 76ers, winning 132-119 on Sunday night at State Farm Arena. The victory marked the Hawks’ third consecutive win as they aim for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

The Hawks played their second game in as many nights, following a decisive win over the Golden State Warriors. Despite facing a depleted 76ers team missing 10 rotation players, Atlanta demonstrated its offensive prowess, shooting 55% from the field and hitting 17 three-pointers.

Leading the charge was Hawks guard Trae Young, who scored 28 points and recorded 12 assists, setting a new career high for total assists in a single season with 742. Young’s contributions were crucial as he also acted as a decoy, allowing his teammates more opportunities to score. “As long as we score, I’m happy,” Young said. “I love being out there on the floor while my teammates can eat.”

Rookie Zaccharie Risacher added to the Hawks’ offensive success, contributing 22 points and showcasing his skills with a highlight-reel dunk. After receiving a pass from Young, he maneuvered past a defender before finishing emphatically. “I was looking to shoot, but when I saw the gap, I took it to the rim,” Risacher said.

Dyson Daniels also made history during the matchup, achieving his 200th steal of the season, a milestone that made him the youngest player in the NBA since at least 1973-74 to attain 200 steals in a single season. “It’s cool, obviously, hitting that milestone, but there’s more work to do,” Daniels stated.

In the first half, the Hawks surged ahead, leading by as many as 18 points. Despite a minor comeback from the 76ers, the Hawks maintained control through the third quarter when Risacher exploded for 16 points, helping the team lead 107-82 entering the final period.

The 76ers fought back in the fourth, narrowing the gap to 115-100 with 6:39 remaining. However, Atlanta’s offense, fueled by critical shots from Georges Niang, who finished with 20 points including five three-pointers, managed to keep the 76ers at bay.

Hawks coach Quin Snyder praised his team for their strong execution throughout the game. “We focused on getting better every game, and tonight was a reflection of that dedication,” Snyder said.

The Hawks’ performance not only showcased their scoring ability but also highlighted their depth, as several players stepped up, including Dominick Barlow with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Onyeka Okongwu‘s contribution of 14 points.

The Hawks (35-36) are now poised for their upcoming three-game road trip, beginning with a matchup against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday. The Rockets have been on a hot streak, presenting a new challenge for Atlanta.

The 76ers will attempt to regroup as they wrap up their six-game road trip against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. The Hawks, fresh off this victory, will look to maintain their momentum as they push for a favorable playoff position.