Hawks Win Season Opener Against Nets with Young and Okongwu's Strong Performances
- Trae Young scored 30 points and provided 12 assists for the Atlanta Hawks in their season opener.
- Onyeka Okongwu contributed a career-high 28 points to secure a 120-116 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
- The win marked a successful start for the Hawks, showcasing key performances despite struggles at the foul line.
The Atlanta Hawks kicked off their NBA season on October 23, 2024, with a dramatic 120-116 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The match, held in Atlanta, highlighted the talents of Trae Young, who not only scored 30 points but also provided 12 assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. Young's performance was critical in sealing the win for his team, especially with crucial free throws in the closing moments of the game. Onyeka Okongwu emerged as another star, achieving a career-high 28 points. He recorded an incredible shooting percentage, making 11 of 12 attempts from the field and converting all six of his free throw attempts. His standout performance was vital in outweighing the scoring efforts of the Nets' Cam Thomas, who led his team with an impressive 36 points. The game was intense, particularly highlighted by a key moment when Brooklyn's Nic Claxton received an ejection after a foul on Hawks guard Dyson Daniels. Claxton's ejection ignited a surge in momentum for the Hawks, who were able to capitalize on the emotional energy of the moment to maintain their lead. Despite their victory, Atlanta struggled at the foul line throughout the match, finishing with 33 successful attempts out of 46. However, the team's ability to hold off the Nets and the emergence of new talents set the stage for what looks to be an exciting season ahead for the Hawks.