Hawks escape Charlotte Hornets in 107-102 victory

The Hawks defeated the Hornets in Charlotte on Saturday night. The starters were the usual: Young, Daniels, Risacher, Johnson, and Capela. The Hornets would be without their phenom Lamelo Ball among others.

The first timeout was called with 8:09 remaining in the first while the Hornets led 12-11. Risacher had found his way to the paint twice for two made field goals, while Jalen Johnson made the first three-pointer of the game. The Hornets had already attempted six three-pointers, sinking three of them.

Trae Young threw an early four turnovers, bringing the Hawks’ total to six before the end of the first. The Hornets took advantage by taking a 29-20 lead. The first quarter ended 32-29 in the Hornets’ favor, with Brandon Miller’ scoring a game high 14 points.

After trailing for the majority of the second, Trae Young tied the game at 44 with the Hawks’ third made three-pointer of the contest. Shortly after, De’Andre Hunter nailed another three that would put the Hawks on top.

The Hawks ended the first half leading 55-50 with a balanced effort from the roster. Risacher led the way with nine points, while Johnson and Okongwu each scored eight.

The score was 67-62 halfway through the third quarter as both teams started to find their stride offensively. The Hawks would surrender the lead just after as Josh Green knocked down his fourth three-pointer of the game.

The Hawks had a 77-76 lead entering the fourth quarter. They continued to dominate the paint, taking a 89-81 lead after Okongwu scored a layup. The Hawks were winning the points in the paint battle 50-20 at this point in time. The Hornets stayed within striking distance down the stretch, cutting the lead down to just two with just over two minutes left. A pair of free-throws from Young made it a two possession game again.

After the Hornets tied the game at 99, De’Andre Hunter gave the Hawks the lead again with a tough layup, and then got out in transition to extend the lead to four.

Up four points, they surrendered a fadeaway three to Brandon Miller that cut the lead to one point. On the other end, Hunter sank both of his free throws to make the score 105-102 with 9.7 seconds remaining and Hornets’ possession. The Hornets failed to score and the Hawks snuck away with the win.