Hawks Dominate Hornets in Blowout Victory
The Atlanta Hawks asserted their early-season dominance, dismantling the Charlotte Hornets 128-81 at the Spectrum Center. Establishing control with a 13-point advantage in the opening quarter, Atlanta never relented, building a 25-point lead by halftime (68-43) and extending it to 35 entering the final frame (97-62). The Hawks' offensive efficiency was on full display, shooting 51% from the field (48/95) compared to Charlotte's 34% (30/87), and they connected on 18-of-45 three-pointers. While Hornets' Moussa Diabate grabbed 8 rebounds and Tidjane Salaun chipped in 11 points, Atlanta's superior depth proved decisive, with their bench outscoring Charlotte's 61-46. Jalen Johnson orchestrated the offense with 19 points and 8 assists, complemented by Dyson Daniels' near triple-double, which included 11 points, 9 rebounds, and a remarkable 7 steals, stifling any Hornets' momentum. This commanding win keeps the Hawks atop the Eastern Conference at 2-0, leaving Charlotte at 1-1.