The Hawks’ five-game win streak came to an end Tuesday despite their competitive endurance deep into the game. They fell to the Pistons 118-112 in their first game back at State Farm Arena in a week, following their four-game western trip.
Quick stats: Hawks forward Jalen Johnson had 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 24 points. Onyeka Okongwu scored 21 points.
Turning point
The Hawks cut the game to 99-98 on a floater from Dyson Daniels that forced the Pistons to call timeout. It reset them and the Pistons went on a 9-0 run, forcing the Hawks into a turnover and getting into the paint. They took a 108-98 lead with 3:48 to play.
Alexander-Walker looked to have a repeat of Sunday’s heroics, hitting a 3-pointer, drawing a three-point play and sinking a pair of free throws to bring the Hawks within three.
But Cade Cunningham put the stamp on the game with a clutch midrange jumper and layup.
Highlight play
The game had a few ugly possessions, but the Hawks collected some highlights along the way.
Hawks guard Keaton Wallace looked to get the Hawks rolling at the end of the first quarter as the Pistons looked to assert their will. Wallace raced downcourt as the clock quickly wound down and pulled up at the logo with 0.3 seconds on the clock and banked in a 3-pointer.
There were too many moments during Tuesday’s game to limit to just one highlight. Hawks center Okongwu had played well in the Hawks’ last stretch of games. And that carried over into Tuesday.
With 1:07 to play in the second quarter, Daniels found Okongwu driving to the basket on an inbounds pass. Okongwu gathered and put Pistons center Isaiah Stewart on a poster.
What they said
“I think it was at the time when they were making some runs. So, that was huge for us to, kind of, like, settle us down every time you make shot like that. You know, it kind of settles the team a little bit.” — Vit Krejci on Keaton Wallace’s bank shot.
“I think his ability to whatever you throw at him, he’s seen a lot of different coverages, and he’s capable of passing the ball. This takes going for three levels.” — Hawks coach Quin Snyder on what makes guarding Cade Cunningham tough.
Up next
The Hawks head back on the road where they take on the Spurs. Big man Victor Wembanyama and guard Stephon Castle have already been ruled out for the game by the Spurs.
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