The Atlanta Hawks were back in action on Wednesday evening to take on the Washington Wizards. Though it’s not considered a big game, the major story coming in was the return of Trae Young. He didn’t play, but he did speak to the media before the game, and also came out to put some shots up.
The other big storyline was Jonathan Kuminga being available for the first time being traded to the Hawks, and many were wondering what he would look like on the floor with hs new teammates.
The Hawks started the game off strong, turning defense into offense.
The Hawks made their presence felt early on the boards, and it led to second chance points.
Kuminga came in for the first time as a Hawk and made an immediate impact, doing what he does best, and that’s run the floor.
He got another easy bucket minutes later, Kuminga got in the open lane and got an easy slam.
Not only did he make plays for himself, but he made plays for others. He finished the quarter with four assists.
The Hawks did suffer some injury news in the quarter, as Jalen Johnson went to the locker room with a hip flexor and was listed as questionable to return. Going into the second, the Hawks led 35-20.
The Hawks maintained their lead to start the second, as they continued to get most of their points in transition. Midway through the quarter, it was announced that Johnson was ruled out for the rest of the game, which meant the rest of the team would have to step up.
Also during the quarter, Young was given his tribute video.
The Hawks didn’t shoot the ball well in the quarter, but luckily for them, the Wizards weren’t shooting any better. Going into halftime, the Hawks did have a 60-43 lead.
The Hawks found a better rhythm to start the third, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker popped it off.
Dyson Daniels sliced his way to the rim on this play.
Kuminga continued his strong play in his debut, knocking down a three then turning to look at the Wizards’ bench.
Daniels got the steal on this one, and dumped it off to Kuminga for a dunk.
Gabe Vincent caught some ankles in third.
This has offically became a Kuminga highlight recap story.
With how well the Hawks played in the third quarter, they led by as much as 36 points, and went into the fourth with a 100-64 lead.
It was much of the same for the Hawks in the fourth, as they continued to maintain their large lead. Corey Kispert got on the board with a three-pointer.
The Wizards hit a few shots in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough to overcome their large deficit. It was an ugly quarter for the Hawks, as they were barely to get much offense going, but luckilu they had a big enough lead to work with.
In the end, the Hawks were able to walk away with their second straight home win.
Kuminga finished the game with 27 points and seven rebounds, Alexander-Walker finished with 16 points, and Okongwu finished with 10 points and 10 rebouds.
The Hawks will be back in action on Thursday for a rematch against the Wizards.
