Important victory for the Atlanta Hawks against one of their direct rivals this season, the Brooklyn Nets (115-122). Nate McMillan’s team managed to overcome a historic performance by Kevin Durant. The Nets star set the single-game scoring record at State Farm Arena with a career-high 55 points, breaking Allen Iverson’s record of 53 points in 2005.
The first quarter was very disputed and would end up opting for the Nets for a minimal two-point advantage. Durant made his intentions clear from the start. In the first bars it became clear that it would not be another night for Kevin. His 15 points in the first quarter helped keep the Nets ahead despite De’Andre Hunter’s strong start for the Hawks.
The Hawks bench was a turning point in the game. The substitutes stretched the lead to double figures and Atlanta led 65-50 at halftime. Apart from Durant, who arrived with 25 points at halftime, the Nets could not find a fluid offensive rhythm. Trae Young, with 13 points and six assists in the first half, along with Danilo Gallinari, who had scored 11 points, were the local stars.
After the break the match continued at a similar pace. The Hawks did not escape and the Nets could not come back. However, a 21-13 run to close the quarter brought Steve Nash’s team closer. Durant’s 19 points in this period promised an exciting finale between two rivals who were playing for their place in the standings.
In the most tense moment, Trae Young’s coldness reigned. The last quarter was competitive until the end. However, the Hawks would hit the jackpot when Young drew the dagger and hit a game-winning 3-pointer in the closing moments. Trae finished the game with 36 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, who did his best to get his team to victory, finished with 55 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists.
knock on the table
With this victory, the Atlanta Hawks stay with a 41-37 record and surpass the Brooklyn Nets in the standings. Those of McMillan are now eighth in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Steve Nash’s men are relegated to tenth position with four games remaining. Without a doubt, a position that a team with the individual quality of the Nets did not expect to occupy.
“We didn’t play a good game. I really can’t sugarcoat it,” said the ever-optimistic Steve Nash, used to seeing the bright side of even the worst losses. Nets players also showed signs of disappointment after the loss. “This is just a metaphor, but you have to load all the ammunition and prepare for war,” Irving ruled in reference to the final stretch of the season.
(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)