Hawks Lean on Defense to Extend Winning Streak Against Nets

The Atlanta Hawks have developed a reputation during their recent surge for finding ways to win late, and Thursday night provided another example. Facing the Brooklyn Nets in Atlanta, the Hawks once again leaned on their resilience in the closing minutes to secure a 108–97 victory.

The result marked Atlanta’s eighth consecutive win, continuing a strong run that has helped improve its standing in the tightly contested Eastern Conference playoff race. While the final score suggested a comfortable margin, the path to victory was far from smooth.

Atlanta struggled offensively throughout much of the contest, shooting just 39 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range. Those numbers forced the Hawks to rely heavily on their defense and effort plays to stay within striking distance.

Ultimately, it was that defensive intensity—particularly during a pivotal stretch in the fourth quarter—that shifted the momentum and allowed the Hawks to pull away from Brooklyn late in the game.

1. Defense Sparks the Fourth-Quarter Surge

The turning point came early in the final period when Atlanta tightened its defensive pressure. With roughly nine minutes remaining, the Hawks began forcing turnovers and disrupting Brooklyn’s offensive rhythm. Guards and wings stepped up defensively, including Nickeil Alexander-Walker, whose activity helped ignite the shift in momentum. Alongside him, forward Mouhamed Gueye played a key role by generating steals and contesting shots. Those defensive stops created transition opportunities for Atlanta, helping the team regain control despite its shooting struggles earlier in the game. Each successful possession added to the pressure on Brooklyn’s offense. Alexander-Walker emphasized after the game that maintaining defensive focus is essential when the offense stalls. For him, the mentality is simple: if he cannot score, he will do everything possible to prevent the opposing team from scoring as well.

2. Offense Finds Its Rhythm Late

While defense sparked the comeback, Atlanta’s offense eventually began to respond as well. Once the Hawks established a rhythm through stops, their confidence on the offensive end started to return. Several players contributed key baskets during the decisive stretch, turning defensive opportunities into points. The combination of stops and efficient possessions allowed Atlanta to steadily build separation. Forward Jalen Johnson played an important role in that sequence. Known for his versatility, Johnson has continued to improve as a perimeter shooter, and his catch-and-shoot opportunities became increasingly valuable as the Nets focused on protecting the paint. Head coach Quin Snyder noted that Johnson’s readiness to take open shots has been a key development in his offensive growth. When defenders give him space, Snyder said, Johnson has shown the confidence to make quick decisions and capitalize.

3. Hustle Plays Keep Hawks Competitive

Even before the fourth-quarter run, Atlanta managed to stay within reach thanks to relentless effort on the boards. Rookie forward Zaccharie Risacher provided a particularly important boost with his work on the offensive glass. Risacher finished the game with seven offensive rebounds, repeatedly creating second-chance opportunities for a team that struggled to convert its initial attempts. His effort plays helped keep possessions alive and prevented Brooklyn from building a larger lead. The rookie credited his aggressive approach on the glass as a point of emphasis throughout the season. By consistently crashing the boards, he aimed to provide energy and extra opportunities whenever shots went up. Snyder praised Risacher’s performance, noting that his rebounding made a significant difference in a game where Atlanta’s shooting numbers were far from ideal. In tightly contested matchups, those types of contributions can prove decisive.