Hawks Rally to Beat Nets 117-112 Despite Trae Young Injury
UPDATE: The Atlanta Hawks have secured a thrilling 117-112 victory over the winless Brooklyn Nets on October 25, 2023, in New York, despite losing star player Trae Young to a knee injury.
In a dramatic turn of events, Young suffered a sprained right knee after a collision with teammate Mouhamed Gueye just before the end of the first quarter. He managed to score six points in just seven minutes before exiting the game, leaving the Hawks in a precarious position after falling behind by 12 points early on.
However, the Hawks rallied, thanks in part to a stunning performance from Jalen Johnson, who scored 23 points and electrified the crowd with a dunk from near the foul line with 8:06 remaining in the game. Johnson’s highlight reel moment gave the Hawks a commanding 104-92 lead and proved pivotal as they fought to maintain their advantage.
The Nets, struggling with their own issues, now face a dismal start to the season with five consecutive losses, marking their worst opening since the 2015-16 season when they lost their first seven games. Michael Porter Jr. led all scorers with 32 points for Brooklyn, while Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton contributed 19 and 18 points respectively.
Despite the Hawks’ strong performance off the bench, contributing a total of 59 points, the Nets kept the pressure on throughout the game. They managed to close the gap to just three points at 115-112 after a pair of free throws from Porter with 1:28 left on the clock. However, missed opportunities haunted the Nets as Claxton failed to convert two critical layups in the closing moments.
The Hawks initially struggled, giving up the first twelve points of the game but quickly regrouped to end the first quarter with a 34-27 lead. They continued to build on this momentum, heading into halftime with a 13-point advantage.
As the game progressed, the Nets attempted to claw back, narrowing the deficit to 77-71 in the third quarter, but Atlanta proved resilient, extending their lead to 15 points shortly after.
The dramatic finish saw the Hawks hold firm despite several late-game misses, including a crucial block by Alexander-Walker on a last-minute attempt from Thomas. With 26.2 seconds left, Kennard sealed the win with two free throws, ensuring the Hawks could celebrate a hard-fought victory.
Looking ahead, the Hawks will need to assess Young’s injury as they prepare for their next matchup. The Nets, on the other hand, must find a way to turn their season around before it slips away entirely. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the drama unfolds in the NBA.
