Nickeil Alexander-Walker delivered the decisive moment, knocking down two free throws with 1:26 remaining to give Atlanta its first lead of the contest. The Hawks then held off Brooklyn’s late push to secure their fourth consecutive victory.
Jalen Johnson led Atlanta with 30 points in his return to the lineup after missing three games with a left ankle sprain. Alexander-Walker and Aaron Wiggins contributed 20 points apiece, while Onyeka Okongwu added 16 points to help the Hawks complete the comeback.
Atlanta’s fourth-quarter performance proved to be the difference. After trailing for most of the evening, the Hawks outscored Brooklyn 36-26 over the final 12 minutes to take control of the game.
Brooklyn appeared to be in command early, building a 31-14 advantage behind an impressive shooting performance. However, Atlanta gradually worked its way back into the contest, cutting the deficit to 70-66 by halftime.
The Nets continued to maintain their advantage through much of the second half, but the Hawks refused to go away. Brooklyn saw its lead shrink to a single point on four separate occasions in the fourth quarter before Atlanta finally completed the comeback.
Michael Porter Jr. paced the Nets with 25 points, while rookie Nolan Traore and Julius Randle finished with 19 points each. Rookie Mikel Brown Jr. also made an impact, scoring 18 points and connecting on three 3-pointers during the fourth quarter.
Brooklyn had an opportunity to steal the game late, but Atlanta made the necessary plays down the stretch.
Danny Wolf knocked down a three-pointer with 1.5 seconds remaining, pulling the Nets within two points. Atlanta immediately called timeout to organize its final possession.
Okongwu was then sent to the free-throw line and converted one of two attempts, giving the Hawks enough separation to secure the 124-121 victory.
Sharpe Records First Career Triple-Double
Despite the defeat, Brooklyn received an impressive individual performance from Day’Ron Sharpe, who recorded the first triple-double of his NBA career.
Sharpe finished with 12 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds, providing production across the board for the Nets.
Brooklyn entered the matchup looking to build on Wednesday night’s 114-104 victory over Charlotte. The Nets had struggled early in the season, dropping six of their first seven games before defeating the Hornets.
Saturday’s loss prevented Brooklyn from putting together consecutive victories for the first time this season.
Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez also provided an injury update on guard Egor Demin, who has been sidelined with a bone bruise in his right leg. Demin, who started Brooklyn’s first four games, will miss at least one additional contest before his status is reevaluated.
Up Next:
Brooklyn Nets: Continue their road trip Sunday night against the Dallas Mavericks.
Atlanta Hawks: Return home Monday night to host the Los Angeles Lakers as they look to extend their winning streak to five games.
