ATLANTA (AP) — Trae Young had a standout night with 25 points and 10 assists, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 124-115 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. This win at the packed State Farm Arena marked the Hawks' second consecutive victory and their sixth in the past seven games, adding to their push ahead of the playoffs.
Young’s performance was bolstered by Onyeka Okongwu, who contributed 22 points and 12 rebounds, achieving his fourth consecutive double-double. Coach Quin Snyder praised Okongwu’s evolving game, stating, “I think Onyeka has given us a different look when he’s coming out and making some shots.” His coaching reflects a growing trust in the team's ability to capitalize on potential scoring opportunities.
Also shining for the Hawks was Georges Niang, who scored 23 points off the bench with a remarkable shooting night, making 8 of 11 attempts and hitting 6 of 9 from beyond the arc. Niang’s sharpshooting in the second half helped the Hawks maintain their lead, and he noted the cohesion within the team since his arrival: “The trust that Quin has built with this group...allows for everybody to fit into a role on this team.”
The game saw the Hawks initially take a commanding lead, going up by as much as 22 points in the first half. Despite this, the Warriors staged a fourth-quarter rally, reducing the deficit to as little as seven points, hitting several key shots as they pushed to close the gap. Throughout the game, Young emphasized the importance of discipline and focus, remarking, “When we get down in this part of the season, every possession is important.”
A key factor in holding the fort for the Hawks was defense, particularly from guard Dyson Daniels, who had three steals during the game. Daniels is approaching an impressive milestone, nearing 200 steals for the season and maintaining a streak of 41 consecutive games with at least one steal, tying him with franchise legend Mookie Blaylock.
The Warriors, missing their star guard Stephen Curry due to injury, were nonetheless competitive. Jimmy Butler led Golden State with 25 points, while Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski added 20 and 19 points, respectively. Their efforts, however, were not enough to upset the Hawks during this crucial matchup.
As the regular season progresses, building consistent habits is a primary focus for the Hawks. Young addressed the need for improvement, especially late in games, indicating, “The first three quarters is how we want to play in the fourth is, is how we don’t. So we just we got to be better.”
The Hawks' recent success has placed them strategically within the playoff picture, currently holding a slim lead over their conference rivals. After the game, the focus quickly shifted to their next challenge as they prepared to face the Philadelphia 76ers at home on March 23, eager to continue their streak.
This upcoming match against the 76ers will test the Hawks further as they seek to solidify their position before the playoffs begin. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM at State Farm Arena.
