Peachtree Hoops: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks narrowly defeat San Antonio Spurs, 137-135

[Hawksquawk]

Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night. The Hawks’ starters included Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, De’Andre Hunter, Saddiq Bey, and Clint Capela, while the Spurs started with Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham, Zach Collins, Jeremy Sochan, and Victor Wembanyama.

Less than four minutes into the game, Quin Snyder called his first timeout after an 18-7 start favoring the Spurs. Subsequently, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Garrison Mathews entered the game, replacing Trae Young and Saddiq Bey.

Mathews made a crucial three off the bench, and a putback layup by Clint Capela brought the score to 24-18 just over six minutes in. By the end of the quarter, the Spurs led 35-26, with Julian Champagnie hitting three shots from beyond the arc, and Victor Wembanyama scoring 10 points.

The second quarter saw a unique strategy from the Hawks as Onyeka Okongwu and Clint Capela shared the floor to counter Victor Wembanyama.

- - pic.twitter.com/3YrWMYENDb

— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) December 1, 2023

The Hawks cut the deficit to one point three times in the third quarter. Firstly, Wes Matthews drained a three, followed by De’Andre Hunter and Saddiq Bey. Despite these efforts, the Hawks didn’t seize the lead. At halftime, they trailed 66-62 after outscoring the Spurs by five points in the second quarter. Trae Young led the Hawks with 12 points and seven assists on 4-for-13 shooting. Dejounte Murray and De’Andre Hunter each contributed nine points. Wembanyama scored only two points in the second quarter but, alongside teammates Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan, reached double-figure scoring.

The Hawks swiftly tied the game at 69 in the third quarter and took the lead with a noteworthy mid-range shot by Dejounte Murray over the outstretched Wembanyama.

DJ puts one wayyy up and over pic.twitter.com/JVXgWnYpn6

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 1, 2023

However, the Spurs dominated towards the end of the third quarter. An and-one play from Devin Vassell put them up by double digits with about three minutes remaining. Just a minute later in gameplay, Quin Snyder received his second technical of the year while arguing a foul called on De’Andre Hunter.

Following this incident, Trae Young erupted with a 12-point streak, bringing the Hawks within four of the Spurs by the end of the quarter. Young scored 20 points in the third quarter alone, accumulating a total of 32 points entering the fourth.

Scored 12 points in the last two minutes of the quarter. pic.twitter.com/RRC4eIRCJY

— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) December 1, 2023

Vassell and Champagnie maintained their momentum, knocking down multiple threes. Following some back-and-forth action, De’Andre Hunter managed to tie the game with a three close to midway through the quarter. Unfortunately, Hunter fouled out with three minutes and 33 seconds remaining in the contest.

In the final stretch, Trae Young showcased clinical play, scoring when needed, distributing assists seamlessly, and delivering incredible buckets precisely when the Hawks needed them most.

not tall enough pic.twitter.com/7wF09MlAYv

— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) December 1, 2023

The Hawks secured a multiple-possession lead, but the Spurs refused to surrender. Following Trae Young’s 1-of-2 performance at the free-throw line, Keldon Johnson’s second-chance layup narrowed the lead to just two points. Following a timeout, the Hawks committed a turnover on the inbounds play. During the ensuing transition, Trae Young drew a charge, providing the Hawks with possession and securing the victory.

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