Peachtree Hoops: Atlanta Hawks defeat 76ers 139-132 in overtime thriller

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Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 139-132 on Wednesday night, in a game that went to overtime. Clint Capela, De’Andre Hunter, Wes Matthews, Garrison Mathews, Vit Krejci, and Mouhamed Gueye were unavailable for the Hawks, while Joel Embiid and Robert Covington were unavailable for the 76ers. The starting lineups were Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, Saddiq Bey, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu against Tyrese Maxey, De’Anthony Melton, Tobias Harris, Paul Reed, and Nicolas Batum.

Trae Young logged four assists in the first 5:13 of the game, finding Onyeka Okongwu early and often.

0:15 into the game and Trae is already dropping jaw-dropping assists. pic.twitter.com/yEWBYoPqP2

— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) January 11, 2024

The Hawks led 34-31 after one quarter, with most of their points coming in the paint. Okongwu put in 11 points, with Trae Young assisting all three of his made field goals.

The Hawks were outscored 33-27 in the second quarter. Three-pointers were not falling in abundance. At halftime, the 76ers led 64-61. The 76ers were 7-for-19 from beyond the arc, while the Hawks were just 4-for-14. Murray accounted for three of the four makes.

Lines at half

Okongwu: 13 pts, 6 reb
Johnson: 5 pts, 10 reb, 5 ast
Murray: 13 pts, 3 reb
Young: 7 pts, 7 ast

— joe schmidt (@Joe_Schmidt07) January 11, 2024

Both teams scored 34 points in the third quarter, bringing the Hawks to a 98-85 deficit entering the fourth quarter. Murray was 5-for-6 from three, while the rest of the team was 3-for-16.

The Hawks showed some life to start the fourth, going on a 15-6 run to take a six point lead. The Hawks maintained this lead until time dropped below the two minute mark, when a Tobias Harris layup gave the 76ers a 120-119 lead.

Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris combined for 16 straight points, and five straight from Maxey gave the 76ers a 125-121 lead. A successfully converted and-one dunk from Jalen Johnson then cut the lead to one. With 12.6 seconds left, Trae Young went to the free-throw line down one point. He hit one of his two attempts to tie the game. Then, this defensive play by Trae Young then forced overtime.

Give him the DPOY pic.twitter.com/OfSc1PI161 https://t.co/hqI1I0XbPW

— Jake (@SuperiorNBA) January 11, 2024

Overtime was thrilling, and Jalen Johnson finished the game for the Hawks. He hit a huge three-pointer to take a three point lead, Okongwu blocked a shot, and then Johnson hit two free throws after being fouled on an attempt at the rim.

Dejounte finds Jalen for 3! pic.twitter.com/myQxD1H2Xx

— Bally Sports: Hawks (@HawksOnBally) January 11, 2024

The Hawks went on a 10-0 run to finish this game, while Jalen Johnson logged a career high in rebounds and assists.

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