Hawks Triumph Over Jazz; Suns and Raptors Secure Victories

Post by : Mara Rahim

On Thursday, the Atlanta Hawks achieved a thrilling 132-122 victory against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. Onyeka Okongwu delivered an impressive performance, scoring a career-high 32 points, while Jalen Johnson matched him with 31 points, also a personal best. This victory marks Atlanta's sixth road win this season, reinforcing their status as a leading team in the Eastern Conference.

Jalen Johnson's standout performance was historic, as he recorded his third career triple-double with 18 rebounds, 14 assists, and seven steals alongside his 31 points. Onyeka Okongwu complemented his efforts with 11 rebounds. Additionally, Vit Krejci contributed off the bench with six 3-pointers, amassing 20 points. The Hawks showcased their shooting prowess, sinking 24 three-pointers and achieving an impressive 51.1% success rate from beyond the arc.

Despite the defeat, Lauri Markkanen from Utah made his mark by scoring 40 points. Rookie Ace Bailey added his career-high of 21 points, with Keyonte George contributing 19 points. The Jazz have faced challenges recently, losing four out of the last five games. Despite their fighting spirit, they fell short against the Hawks’ scoring depth.

In another NBA matchup, the Phoenix Suns triumphed over the Indiana Pacers with a decisive 133-98 victory. Devin Booker spearheaded the attack with 33 points, including 16 in the third quarter. Dillon Brooks added 32 points, with 24 coming in the first half. Oso Ighodaro had a notable night, scoring a career-high 17 points along with seven rebounds, while Grayson Allen chipped in 12 points before leaving the game due to a quad injury.

The Pacers struggled to keep pace with the Suns' offensive onslaught, with Andrew Nembhard scoring 21 points and providing eight assists, while Pascal Siakam added 19 points. Unfortunately, Aaron Nesmith had to exit the game in the third quarter due to knee soreness as Indiana faced their sixth consecutive defeat.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors took down the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-113 in an exciting Eastern Conference competition. Scottie Barnes shone with 28 points, alongside 10 rebounds, eight assists, and five blocks. Immanuel Quickley added 25 points, and Jakob Poeltl contributed 20 points. The Raptors now hold a commendable record of 6-1 since their last victory over Cleveland on October 31, sitting comfortably above .500 for the season.

On the Cavaliers’ side, Donovan Mitchell led with 31 points from 17 free throw attempts. Nae’Qwan Tomlin added 18 points, while De’Andre Hunter posted 16. Despite these efforts, the Cavaliers faced their second loss in seven games, struggling to match Toronto’s offensive balance and depth.

The Hawks continue to solidify their leadership in the Eastern Conference, while the Suns are on fire with five consecutive wins. The Raptors exhibit a solid performance on the road, leaving teams like Utah and Cleveland to reassess after their recent setbacks. Noteworthy individual displays from Okongwu, Johnson, Markkanen, and Booker are defining the current NBA season.