Atlanta Hawks Triumph Over Injury-Hit Pelicans, Chalk Up 126-111 Victory

Jalen Johnson’s 29 Points Lead Hawks to Break Four-Game Losing Slide

Jalen Johnson spearheaded the Atlanta Hawks’ charge, dropping 29 points to end their four-game losing sequence with a 126-111 win over a depleted New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night. The Pelicans were missing their key player, Zion Williamson, who was sidelined due to a tight right hamstring, leaving only Brandon Ingram from the regular starting lineup. Even with Ingram’s 32-point contribution, the Hawks proved too strong with six players scoring double digits.

Trae Young contributed 23 points, while ex-Pelican Dyson Daniels, back after a two-game injury hiatus, chipped in 16 for Atlanta. Larry Nance Jr. made his presence felt against his former team with 14 points. The Pelicans’ lineup was further compromised with the absence of starters Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, and Herb Jones, as well as key bench player Trey Murphy III.

Hawks’ Resilience Shines Despite Missing Key Players

The Hawks were also playing with a limited lineup as De’Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Vit Krejci and Kobe Bufkin were all benched due to injuries.

Daniels and Nance Revel in Victory Against Former Club

Daniels and Nance found particular pleasure in performing against the team that traded them away in the previous offseason. Nance even sent a kiss to the Pelicans’ bench after sinking a 3-pointer late in the third quarter, while Daniels celebrated a 3-pointer with a playful hand gesture towards the Pelicans’ bench.

Pelicans’ Young Reserves Show Grit But Fall Short

Despite the brave efforts of the young reserves, the Pelicans failed to keep pace with the Hawks. Jordan Hawkins, the stand-in starter, managed 19 points, while bench players Brandon Boston Jr. and Jamal Cain each added 14.

Key Moment and Stat

The Hawks cemented their victory with a 14-0 run mid-way through the last quarter, stretching their lead to 116-97. David Roddy fired the starting shot with a 3-pointer, and Johnson added three dunks to the run. The Pelicans were outscored 66-32 in the paint, a statistic that underscored the Hawks’ dominance.

What’s Next?

The Hawks are set to host the reigning champions, Boston Celtics, on Monday night, while the Pelicans will face off against Portland in their second game in two nights.