The Atlanta Hawks hosted the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night, looking to get back on track after two straight losses at home to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks. In the first half, the home team was certainly still off track, and in the end, the bad start cost them a 102-94 defeat.
The Hawks had their lowest score in the first quarter since the 2013-2014 season, scoring just 11 points in the opening period. In the first 12 minutes, Atlanta hit just 22.7% of the ground and 1 in 10 from a distance of three points, fighting hard.
Thus, the team lost 27-11 towards the second half, without any rhythm in the opening minutes. That unfortunately did not change in the second quarter.
They lost 59-40 in the interval, shooting 34.9% from the ground and 22.2% (4 of 18) of three. Defensively, there was little resistance on the way to the edge, with Charlotte scoring 22 points in the painting and hitting 15 free throws in the first half.
Gordon Hayward led all scorers with 23 points in the first half, while John Collins led Atlanta with 14 points and nine rebounds at halftime. Trae Young fought hard, taking seven turns and only two points in the first half. Kevin Huerter dropped three points in half.
Atlanta failed to recover much at the start of the third, as they still lost 70-53 at the 6:31 mark in the third. Apart from Collins getting to the edge, there was little consistency worthy of note.
The Hawks did a mini-race to return to a ten-point game briefly behind the second unit at the end of the third, but lost 81-67 to the fourth.
The Hawks regained the disadvantage to just seven at the 9:17 mark with a goal from Clint Capela. Atlanta had a 9-2 run to start the final period, leading the Hornets to a timeout.
Collins converted one and one to give the Hawks the lead with 5:22 remaining, making the race 19-4 overall. Charlotte responded however, with Hayward’s three-point play giving them a 90-86 lead with 3:24 to play.
From there, Atlanta was unable to regain control, falling 102-94.
Collins set Atlanta’s pace with 23 points and 11 rebounds, in what was a really ugly offensive performance by the home team. Young never managed to stick to that, shooting just 2 out of 9 and making seven spins.
Huerter made 5 of 12 from a distance, scoring 19 points off the bench, but missing some crucial looks later. De’Andre Hunter had 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Hayward led all scorers with 44 points and seven rebounds in victory. LaMelo Ball scored 16 points, eight rebounds and five assists off the bench.
Atlanta will travel to Charlotte for a rematch with the Hornets on Saturday night.