Peachtree Hoops: Hawks bury 5-game losing streak, Raptors, 125-104

[Hawksquawk]

Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images

The Atlanta Hawks came into tonight’s game reeling from a 5-game losing streak. As a result, Quin Snyder responded by deploying a two big lineup with the absences of Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter. Onyeka Okongwu and Clint Capela were tasked with countering the size and length the Toronto Raptors offered.

Capela logged the first four points for the Hawks with some bully ball.

CC starts us off with back-to-back buckets in the paint pic.twitter.com/ev8ksVbJOe

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 16, 2023

The Hawks engaged in a scrappy battle, desperate for a win and they passed the lead back and forth with the Raptors to entirety of the fourth quarter. But Atlanta managed to pull away late in the quarter and take a 30-24 lead.

A quick 6-0 run by the Raptor early on in the second quarter brought the game to within one possession once again. But the Hawks hung in there and remained competitive throughout.

Bogdan Bogdanovic continued his hot shooting ways with 15 first quarter points. He even brought his archery gear with him north of the border.

Bogi is slinging. pic.twitter.com/ESDyEGvdX2

— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) December 16, 2023

The Hawks clamped down on Toronto late in the second quarter and made things tough for the home team. Atlanta was able to stretch the game out to a 10-point contest at the break, 59-49. Bogdanovic led all scorers with his 15 points off the bench.

After half, the Hawks didn’t let off the pedal. The Hawks ran a nice set with Trae setting an up screen before popping for a triple.

Dejounte sets the table for Trae@DejounteMurray | @TheTraeYoung pic.twitter.com/s11op24JAJ

— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) December 16, 2023

Young finished with 16 in the quarter and 25 total through three quarters. Atlanta looked to protect an 87-78 lead heading into the final period.

The backcourt duo of Young and Bogdanovic continued to cook early in the fourth period.

Treacherous Twins pic.twitter.com/u2Ai6boRBt

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 16, 2023

The Hawks used a 15-4 run to take a 107-90 lead as they began to cruise in a feel-good game. Even an occasional zone defense could barely slow the Hawks down in this contest. Atlanta sped to the finish with a flurry of good ball and player movement and both teams closed with end-of-bench players, including Seth Lundy who saw his first NBA action and recorded his first NBA points in the last minute of the game.

The Hawks saw the game through to pick up their first win in the last six contests, 125-104. Young checked out with 38 points, 11 assists and five rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic added 20 points and six assists. Clint Capela contributed with dirty work all game long, finishing with 18 points and 15 rebounds.

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