The Atlanta Hawks put up a strong fight against what many consider the best team in the league, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Despite falling 135-119, the Hawks continue to see themselves as a team on the rise—something their star guard, Trae Young, addressed after the game.
The Hawks showed flashes of promise, and Young remains focused on the bigger picture. “At the end of the day, right now, we’re just hoping we’re clicking at the right time,” Young said postgame. “The record is what it is; we can’t change it, can’t go back and do over games. For me personally, I just hope that we can connect and click at the right time. We have a few more games, obviously, to get it going, and we played a really good team tonight that challenged us and gave us something to learn from.”
Atlanta put together a strong team effort, with Young contributing 19 points and 12 assists, Onyeka Okongwu adding 23 points and 13 rebounds, and Caris LeVert providing a big boost off the bench with 23 points. However, it wasn’t enough to slow down Gilgeous-Alexander, who poured in 31 points to lead the Thunder to victory.
Caris LeVert on Hawks’ performance
LeVert, one of the Hawks‘ standout performers on the night, spoke about the importance of ball control and how experience plays a key role in managing the flow of the game.
Caris LeVert #3 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts in the second half against the New York Knicks
Turnovers were a major factor in the loss, as the Hawks committed 19, allowing the Thunder to control possession. LeVert acknowledged that limiting mistakes is something the team must improve moving forward.
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“Quin [Snyder] said it after the game, we gotta do a better job of taking care of the ball,” LeVert said. “I know myself, I had like three turnovers, but we can’t give them the possession game. Something I’ve learned being in the league is that you have to win the possession battle, especially when you’re playing a talented team. You have to come out of the game with more possessions.”
Hawks looking to build winning habits
Throughout the game, Atlanta would string together small runs, only to see mistakes on the other end halt their momentum. Facing a team like the Thunder gave the Hawks a glimpse into what it takes to consistently compete at the highest level.
“We’re trying to lean on good habits,” LeVert said. “Being in the right spot defensively, communicating, playing hard, playing the right way. I think that translates to whatever team you play on.” While the Hawks continue to navigate a challenging season, their ability to learn from games like this could prove valuable down the stretch.
