In a surprising twist, the Atlanta Hawks—despite being depleted by multiple absences—handily beat the Los Angeles Lakers 122-102, ending the Lakers’ five-game win streak.
Atlanta was without key players like Trae Young (MCL), Kristaps Porziņģis (illness), Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson and Luke Kennard. Yet the Hawks rallied around rising stars: Mouhamed Gueye exploded for a career-high 21 points, while Zaccharie Risacher added 19, combining for 40 points. The team boasted seven players in double figures—including rookie Asa Newell with 17—highlighting their depth.
The Lakers, meanwhile, came into the game riding a streak but found little rhythm. Super-star Luka Dončić scored 22 points in the first half but went scoreless in the third quarter and sat out the fourth as the contest slipped away. He also tallied 11 assists and five rebounds, but turned the ball over five times. Key Lakers contributors such as LeBron James and Austin Reaves were unavailable.
The Hawks built a commanding lead early (37-29 after one quarter, 68-54 at halftime) and turned a near rally into a blow-out with a 22-4 run in the third. The win marks Atlanta’s third straight victory over Los Angeles in Atlanta.
For the Lakers, the loss is a wake-up call. A promising streak now ends as they head deeper into their five-game road trip. The Hawks, on the flip side, showed what resilience looks like when role players step up and fill holes.
