The Hawks visited the new Intuit Dome and their giant fan wall for the first time. Sadly, Jalen Johnson and Bogdan Bogdanovic were ruled out of this contest after both played against the Lakers last night.
It was another first on the other side as well — the first game of the season for Kawhi Leonard. He was reportedly on a minutes restriction, but he’s often been a thorn in Atlanta’s side in recent matchups, so the team was on high alert.
The Hawks used some defense early to generate points in transition.
But they otherwise couldn’t get stops. Things really started to go downhill when Trae Young first left the game, as Atlanta soon coughed up the ball on five straight possessions. That stretch was part of an ugly 16-0 run for the Clippers — one that put the Hawks up against it almost immediately.
This Garrison Mathews four-point play broke the drought.
That big three spurred a much, much needed 14-0 run for the Hawks to pull within one at the end of the first quarter.
This big triple from Trae helped.
After one quarter, the Hawks miraculously trailed 29-28.
Los Angeles quickly stretched the lead back out to double-digits again, putting the Hawks’ backs against the wall (pun intended) once again.
Things only got uglier from there. The Hawks kept fumbling the ball to the Clippers, who were absolutely clinical in transition offense.
At the half, the Clippers led by 20. Atlanta gave the ball away a stunning 13 times, and Los Angeles cashed that in for 22 points off those very turnovers.
Listen, here’s where I’d put more words up recapping the second half action, but it’s academic. All you need to know is the Hawks never seriously challenged to get back in the game. Sim to end. Fin. Hawks lose 131-105.
Trae Young finished with 20 points and 14 assists.
The Hawks try to pick up the pieces at the Utah Jazz on Monday.
