Atlanta, GA — Nickeil Alexander-Walker delivered a team-high 28 points as the Atlanta Hawks continued their winning ways, holding off the Washington Wizards 139-132 in NBA Cup action Friday night.
Atlanta extended its winning streak to three games while completing a home-and-home sweep of Washington with its second consecutive victory over the Wizards.
The matchup also marked Trae Young’s first appearance in Atlanta as a visiting player since his departure last season following more than seven years with the Hawks. Young finished with 23 points and 10 assists but committed a season-high eight turnovers.
The Hawks received important contributions throughout their lineup. Onyeka Okongwu added 22 points, while Aaron Wiggins provided a spark off the bench with 19. Dyson Daniels, who spent much of the night defending Young, recorded 13 points and 12 assists.
Lu Dort finished with 25 points and delivered a key moment late in the fourth quarter, knocking down a corner jumper just before the shot clock expired to help Atlanta maintain its advantage.
Washington put together a strong offensive effort of its own, led by Kyshawn George’s game-high 33 points. Tre Johnson contributed 23 points, including five three-pointers, but the Wizards could not overcome Atlanta’s offensive production.
The Hawks established an aggressive tempo from the opening minutes and finished with a season-best 139 points. Their offensive efficiency was reflected in their shooting numbers, as they connected on 52 of 98 attempts from the field (53%) and made 16 of 38 shots from three-point range (42%).
Washington remained within striking distance by finding success beyond the arc. The Wizards knocked down 11 of their first 15 three-point attempts in the second half and finished the night shooting 18-for-34 (53%) from long distance. Despite that shooting performance, Atlanta managed to withstand the late pressure.
The Wizards were without Anthony Davis, who missed the game with a sprained right ankle. Overall No. 1 draft pick AJ Dybantsa finished with 11 points but struggled from the field, making just three of 13 attempts.
Atlanta was also missing a key contributor, with forward Jalen Johnson sitting out his third consecutive game because of a left ankle sprain.
The Hawks’ balanced scoring and ability to make critical plays down the stretch proved decisive as they secured another victory and continued building momentum.
Up Next:
Washington travels to Oklahoma City on Saturday to face the Thunder.
Atlanta returns home Saturday to host the Brooklyn Nets.
