The Atlanta Hawks hosted the Houston Rockets in their final preseason matchup before the regular season kicks off next week against the Toronto Raptors. Following an exciting victory over the Miami Heat earlier in the week, the Hawks showcased their regular rotation, with the exception of Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels, both of whom were confirmed to be healthy by head coach Quin Snyder.
The contest commenced with both teams experiencing a sluggish start, but the Rockets quickly seized an early advantage. Nickeil Alexander-Walker opened the scoring for the Hawks with a 3-pointer, soon followed by a shot from Trae Young.
In the first quarter, the Hawks struggled with turnovers but gradually found their rhythm. Zaccharie Risacher made notable contributions, creating opportunities with powerful drives to the basket. Asa Newell also impressed early in the game, showcasing his athleticism through an alley-oop courtesy of Alexander-Walker.
As the first quarter concluded, the Hawks were trailing the Rockets 31-27. Risacher continued to shine in the second quarter, confidently sinking a 3-pointer followed by a fadeaway mid-range jumper. Kristaps Porzingis also joined the scoring party, hitting a 3-pointer, which set the stage for Young to unleash his creative flair, including a spectacular pass through Josh Okogie’s legs to set up Risacher.
By halftime, the Hawks managed to turn the tables, leading 61-60. The second half saw the Rockets return with unmatched intensity, maintaining a lead for much of the third quarter. Although the Hawks attempted to close the gap, they found themselves trailing 95-87 as they entered the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Risacher continued to make an impact, threading a pass to Newell for an easy basket. However, the Rockets’ backcourt proved to be a relentless challenge, pushing ahead and ultimately securing victory over the Hawks.
Individually, Risacher delivered an impressive performance, scoring 24 points and securing seven rebounds. Porzingis contributed significantly with 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Alexander-Walker added 17 points and Young recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists.
Despite the loss, the Hawks showcased promising moments, particularly from their younger players like Risacher and Newell, suggesting an optimistic outlook for the upcoming season. The strong performances provide a solid foundation for the team as they prepare for their season opener.