RayJ Dennis has been playing for the Hawks on his two-way contract for about two months now, the longest stretch of stability he’s had this season. Although the season started anything but calm, Dennis’ unwavering belief in himself in the pursuit of his NBA dream was what kept him focused.

“I’m living out a dream, so it’s always a blessing,” Dennis told ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview. “I’ve been able to be on two-way contracts, so I’m beyond blessed and just trying to take it day by day and keep getting better. Honestly I’m just grateful. Grateful for the opportunity in Indiana, grateful for the quick stint with the Clippers and grateful that Atlanta is believing in me.”

Dennis’ start in the NBA came ahead of last season when he signed with the Clippers. He used a strong summer league performance to earn an invite to training camp, but he was cut just a few days after camp began. He latched on with the Washington Wizards on a two-way contract, but was cut before the start of the regular season.

His first official stint on an NBA regular season roster didn’t come to fruition until January 2025 when the Pacers signed him to a two-way contract. Dennis had been putting up numbers for the Clippers’ San Diego affiliate in the G League, and the Pacers added him for backcourt depth.

Dennis played in a total of 11 games for the Pacers last season. While his time with the team was ultimately cut short, he was still able to pick up important habits as far as finding success in the NBA amid the Pacers’ run to the NBA Finals.

“I think it’s the little things,” Dennis said. “It’s the little things, I think it’s the confidence and I think the camaraderie of our team was really good. Obviously we had the talent, the horses to do it, but I think those three things were super important for success.”

RayJ Dennis developing game with Hawks

Since signing the two-way contract with the Hawks, Dennis has only appeared in one game with the team. That was a blowout loss to the Boston Celtics in which he logged a little over four minutes and finished with four assists. He may have gone scoreless, but that playmaking aspect of his game is what’s going to get him NBA minutes eventually.

Amid the Pacers’ injury woes to start the season, Dennis was cast into immediate duty. He responded with games of six, five, five and five assists, respectively, in his first four games of the year. He played over 25 minutes in each of those games as well. Fine-tuning those playmaking reps boils down to the game starting to slow down.

“I think the biggest thing for me is the game is slowing down a little more every day. Day by day it’s slowing down, reads are little easier,” Dennis said. “It’s about making the reads, making the right reads, being sharp, making shots and staying out of foul trouble.”

In addition to learning how to be a ball-handling guard in the NBA, Dennis has to get used to the constant shuffle that’s part of the nature of a two-way contract. He’s limited in terms of the number of NBA games he can play in. Since signing with the Hawks, he’s spent a good portion of the season with their affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.

Dennis has appeared in 21 games with College Park thus far, at a little over 37 minutes per game. He’s averaging 24.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 10.4 assists and 2.5 steals while shooting 45.4 percent from the field, 38.4 percent from the 3-point line and 76 percent from the free-throw line.

Whether he’s with the Hawks or with College Park, the key to staying ready and focused is by understanding that it’s an opportunity to take advantage of regardless of the situation.

“The G League is where you get your reps, two-ways when you go up,” Dennis said. “There have been some guys who have been playing a lot this year as two-ways. Normally, you don’t play ton, you don’t really know your routine and rhythm. The G is where you get all your reps. You get to work on everything you’ve been working on. I’m grateful for the G.”

The Hawks have around 20 games remaining in the regular season. Should they reach the postseason, Dennis would not be able to play as his two-way contract renders him ineligible for the playoffs.

Dennis has yet to appear in meaningful minutes for the Hawks save for the lone game against the Celtics back in January, but he’s confident that if his number is called, he’ll be able to make an impact.

“I think I can be a true point guard,’’ Dennis said. “I think I can brink an energy spark, I think just somebody who can contribute to winning and kind of do everything. Just be a point guard. I think I can be a high-level point guard and I’m excited to show that one day.”

The post Exclusive: Hawks’ RayJ Dennis navigating whirlwind of a season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After unveiling a surprise collaboration with Magic City on Thursday, the Hawks listed their “Forever 404 Magic City Peachtree Hoodie” for sale on the team’s official website. The hoodie is priced at $125 and is currently available for pre-order, with two days remaining in the pre-sale window. The organization has also placed a limit of two hoodies per order.

The partnership announcement introduced “Magic City Night,” a themed promotion tied to Atlanta’s March 16 home matchup against the Orlando Magic. The social media reveal quickly circulated online and led to a significant spike in ticket demand, with reports indicating average list prices surged shortly after the news broke.

Former Hawks guard Lou Williams publicly voiced his support for the collaboration Friday during an appearance on FanDuel’s Run It Back. Williams, widely known by his nickname “Lemon Pepper Lou,” praised the franchise for embracing Atlanta culture and expressed approval of the partnership. His comments followed Thursday’s official announcement and came as merchandise interest intensified heading into the weekend pre-sale.

The Atlanta Hawks are now selling “Magic City Monday” hoodies for $125.

Wild times. pic.twitter.com/6vs5mr8nJ2

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 28, 2026

Hawks-Magic City collaboration fuels merchandise surge

The collaboration has positioned the Hawks at the center of a broader cultural conversation, blending basketball and one of Atlanta’s most recognizable nightlife institutions. The co-branded hoodie features Magic City’s name across the chest alongside the Hawks’ logo, aligning with the team’s “Forever 404” branding tied to the city’s area code.

On the court, Atlanta (30-31) sits ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hawks secured their third consecutive victory Thursday with a 126-96 win over the Washington Wizards and will host the Portland Trail Blazers (29-31) on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.

With merchandise now available for purchase and ticket demand rising, the Hawks’ collaboration continues to generate momentum beyond social media. The pre-sale launch Saturday marks the latest step in a rollout that has extended from Thursday’s announcement to Friday’s player support and into the weekend’s merchandise push, as Atlanta prepares for its upcoming home stretch.

The post Hawks selling Magic City inspired hoodies after viral announcement appeared first on ClutchPoints.

According to Yahoo Sports, the average list price for the Hawks’ March 16 home game rose approximately 300 percent following the team’s social media announcement of the partnership.

Yahoo Sports shared on X, formerly known as Twitter:

“The Hawks and Magic City are teaming up for the ultimate collab

The average list price rose 300% after the team’s social media announcement”

The promotion, dubbed “Magic City Night,” is scheduled for when Atlanta hosts the Orlando Magic. The franchise also unveiled co-branded merchandise, including a hoodie featuring Magic City’s name across the chest alongside the Hawks’ logo. The collaboration quickly generated national buzz and widespread discussion across social media platforms.

The Hawks and Magic City are teaming up for the ultimate collab

The average list price rose 300% after the team’s social media announcement pic.twitter.com/Xr6xxOdkit

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 27, 2026

Former Hawks guard Lou Williams — widely known by his nickname “Lemon Pepper Lou” — publicly voiced his support for the partnership during an appearance on FanDuel’s Run It Back. Williams, who previously played in Atlanta and has longstanding ties to Magic City, framed the collaboration as an authentic reflection of the city’s culture.

His connection to the venue dates back to 2020, when a visit to Magic City during the NBA’s Orlando bubble led to quarantine protocols and the popularization of his “Lemon Pepper Lou” moniker, referencing the club’s signature wings. Williams later embraced the nickname as part of his personal brand.

Atlanta (30-31) currently sits ninth in the Eastern Conference standings and enters the promotion riding a three-game winning streak. Whether driven by curiosity, cultural significance or social media momentum, the Hawks’ announcement has translated into immediate marketplace impact, with ticket demand surging in the wake of the Magic City collaboration.

The post Hawks see massive spike in ticket prices after Magic City Night announcement appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Williams spoke during Friday’s episode of Run It Back, calling the partnership a genuine celebration of Atlanta culture.

“We’re working some details out but I’m in full support of this. Shout out to my good people and the relationships that I have over there at Magic. I love that Atlanta is embracing some of our culture in the city. This is a cool link up… I know a lot of people won’t understand it. It’s a lot of people that don’t understand it but I’m glad this is going global because now y’all understand me. This is what we do in Atlanta. I know some of y’all imaginations run wild but this is what we do in the city. So shout out to the Hawks. Shout out to my good people over there at Magic. I love to see them come together and put them on this stage.”

The Hawks unveiled the collaboration Thursday, revealing “Magic City Monday,” a themed promotion tied to their March 16 home game against the Orlando Magic. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the broadcast set for NBCSN and Peacock. The team also revealed a co-branded hoodie featuring Magic City’s name across the chest beside the Hawks’ logo.

“I’m glad this is going global because now y’all understand me. … I know y’all imaginations run wild.”

Lou Williams on the Hawks paying tribute to ‘Magic City’, Atlanta’s famed strip club when they host Orlando next month

(via @RunItBackFDTV)pic.twitter.com/OGPxM2OHyR

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 27, 2026

‘Lemon Pepper Lou’ legacy resurfaces as Hawks lean into Atlanta culture

The pairing has drawn extra attention because of Williams’ own history with the club. He earned the nickname “Lemon Pepper Lou” after a widely publicized incident during the NBA’s 2020 COVID-19 bubble in Orlando, when he exited the restricted environment to visit Magic City and was photographed with rapper Jack Harlow before returning. The league imposed a quarantine on Williams, costing him time with the Los Angeles Clippers at that point, and fans began referring to him by the moniker tied to the club’s signature lemon pepper wings. Williams later embraced the phrase, even securing a trademark on “Lemon Pepper Lou” as part of his personal brand.

On the court this season, Atlanta (30-31) sits ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hawks secured their third consecutive victory Thursday with a 126-96 win over the Washington Wizards and will look to continue their momentum Sunday when they host the Portland Trail Blazers (29-31) at 6 p.m. ET.

Whether celebrated or criticized, the Hawks’ partnership with Magic City has thrust a local cultural touchstone into the national spotlight, with Williams stressing that the move reflects something authentic about Atlanta.

The post What Lou Williams said about Hawks’ surprising Magic City partnership appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Two days later, the Wizards faced off against the Hawks again, but this time, it was about the two guys that were traded for Young: CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. Both played well in the rematch, and they helped the Hawks to a 126-96 win.

After the game, both players spoke about their time with the Wizards, and each had a different expression of how their experience was.

Kispert was drafted by the Wizards with the 15th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He’d been with the team since then before he was traded to the Hawks in January.

“I spent my whole career competing against these guys in practice,” Kispert said to reporters after the game. “And to do it in a different uniform now felt funny, especially two days ago. Today felt a little bit more normal. I have unbelievable relationships with the guys on the other side. I felt like it was seeing old friends that I’ve missed since the trade.”

Kispert was able to see the development and growth of the guys who are still on the team, and it felt like a bittersweet moment for him to play against them and have a good game.

On the other hand, McCollum was traded to the Wizards this past offseason and only played with the team for a few months. Ironically, his best game as a Wizard was against the Hawks in November, when he scored 46 points. That’s probably the only thing he remembers from that tenure.

“It was just another game,” McCollum said. “I was there for 120 days, but it was a great time. I enjoyed my time there. The organization was great to me. Staff was great, front office, players, but I’ve moved on, and I think they’ve moved on too, and wish them nothing but the best. But just another game that we needed to win.”

It was the second time in McCollum’s 13-year career that he had been traded. He knows the business of the game having been the president of the National Basketball Players Association at one point. The trade probably felt like another day at the office for him.

“I think this game meant more to [Corey], he’d been there for a long time,” McCollum said. “For me, I had a cup of coffee and tea there. I had to figure out the directions on how to get to the facility without a GPS, and then I got traded.”

As for Kispert, this was the first trade of his career, and there were some emotions that came with it all.

“Saying goodbye to people that you had built relationships with for four and a half years is really difficult,” Kispert said. “In the blink of an eye, I’m in a new city and playing with a new team. I felt like I was drinking out of a fire hose for a long time.”

It’s safe to say Kispert is more comfortable a month after the trade, and he had the best game of his career against his former team tonight, finishing with 33 points. The funny thing is that no one knew he was close to his career high during the game except for Kispert himself.

“I didn’t expect anyone to know, I wanted to keep it on the low. Knock on wood kind of stuff,” Kispert said.

For both players, they’ve left a situation where the organization is focused on building their young guys, and this was going to be a bridge year for them. They’re now with a team that is also building around their young players but looking to compete. McCollum and Kispert offered two sides of the same coin, and they can be satisfied with where they are now.

The post Hawks’ CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert offer two sides of the same coin after Wizards trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Perhaps in an effort to add to the intrigue, on Thursday, the Hawks announced a “Magic City Monday” night for an upcoming home game against the Orlando Magic, in partnership with the famous local strip club, Magic City.

As part of the promotion, the Hawks marketed a sweatshirt with the Magic City name on the front.

Magic on a Monday? @MagicCity pic.twitter.com/xwWrGyVE20

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 26, 2026

Needless to say, fans in the comment section on X, formerly Twitter, were losing it.

“We are out of pocket and I love it,” wrote one fan, alongside a laughing emoji.

“An nba team doing a collab with a strip club. I done see it all,” added another.

“James Harden has requested another trade,” joked another, referencing the Cleveland Cavaliers guard’s well-documented affinity for nighttime entertainment.

The Hawks have never been shy about securing partnerships with companies that fans may not necessarily associate with NBA teams, including hosting a Tinder “Swipe Right” night several years ago, allowing fans to matchmake in real time at a game, among other promotions.

At some point, Atlanta will have to hope that the product on the court will be enough to generate interest in the team. Currently, Atlanta sits two games under the .500 mark, on pace to finish in the play-in tournament for a mind-boggling fifth straight season.

However, the addition of Kuminga could go a long way in giving the Hawks another potential building block going forward, and the emergence of Jalen Johnson this season has been something to behold.

In any event, the Hawks will next take the floor on Thursday for a home game against the Washington Wizards at 7:30 pm ET.

The post Hawks partnering with infamous Magic City strip club has fans losing it appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Johnson is listed on the injury report with left hip flexor irritation. The Hawks are closely monitoring his status.

Here’s everything we know about Jalen Johnson’s injury heading into tonight’s game vs. the Wizards.

Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Jalen Johnson’s injury status vs. Wizards

According to the NBA injury report, Johnson is listed as questionable to play.

The Hawks enter play with a 29-31 record. They are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Wizards, meanwhile, are 16-41 and in 13th place in the East.

When it comes to the question of if Jalen Johnson is playing tonight vs. the Wizards, the answer is maybe.

Hawks’ injury report

The Hawks have six players listed on the injury report.

• Jalen Johnson (left hip flexor irritation): Questionable
• Zaccharie Risacher (right hip contusion): Questionable
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker (left foot sprain): Questionable
• RayJ Dennis (G League two-way): Doubtful
• Caleb Houstan (G League two-way): Doubtful
• Așa Newell (G League on assignment): Doubtful

Wizards’ injury report

The Hawks have seven players listed on the injury report.

• Kyshawn George (left knee contusion): Questionable
• Tristan Vukevic (left hip impingement): Questionable
• Anthony Davis (left finger sprain): Out
• Alex Sarr (right hamstring strain): Out
• Trae Young (right MCL sprain, quad contusion): Out
• D’Angelo Russell (not with team): Out
• Cam Whitmore (right shoulder, deep vein thrombosis): Out

The post Is Jalen Johnson playing tonight? Hawks vs. Wizards injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

On the Mind the Game podcast in January, LeBron James spoke about Johnson. LeBron James set Johnson’s ceiling as the six-time champion.

“I’ve mentioned Scottie Pippen, man. Obviously, he has a long way to go, but as far as the talent. You look at a guy with long arms, 6-(foot)-9 (or) 6-10, runs like a deer, super athletic. He’s improved his outside touch.

James added, “Putting pressure on the rim. His ability to rebound. He can guard (positions) one through five for the majority of (opposing) ones and fives … And his playmaking. I see that he is going to continue to improve.”

Now, Hawks legend and broadcaster Dominique Wilkins is the latest to compare Johnson to Pippen. In an interview with Casino.org, Wilkins competed against the Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen-led Bulls during his time with the Hawks in the mid-’80s and sees the resemblance.

“Well, I must say he’s a little bit of Scottie Pippen as far as being a point forward. Pippen was a point forward, and was very effective at the position. This guy Jalen, he brings even another element, because the way he rebounds, the way he passes, and he flirts with a triple-double every single night.

Johnson is currently averaging 23.4 points per game, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists. He is now seen as the number one option on the team following the Hawks’ decision to trade Trae Young to the Wizards.

The post Jalen Johnson earns eye-opening Scottie Pippen comparison from Dominique Wilkins appeared first on ClutchPoints.

State Farm Arena in Atlanta was packed on Tuesday night for Young’s first game back since the trade. Even though the All-Star guard wasn’t officially taking the floor and has yet to play with the Wizards, this was still an emotional return for Young, especially since his love and appreciation for the fans will never cease to exist.

Standing ovation in Atlanta for Ice Trae pic.twitter.com/tRSrZmBxoK

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 25, 2026

“I just wanted the Hawks fans to know how much I love and appreciate them,” Young said before Tuesday night’s game, via Josh Robbins of The Athletic. “Getting drafted, obviously the (draft night) trade … I still found a way to make a name for myself, make a name for my team, and try to put this city on the map where people were talking about us. You can’t do that without the fans. The fans showed us so much love.

“I’ve got so much love for this city and these fans.”

Change is always a weird feeling, especially for professional athletes like Young, who have never played for another team before in their careers. This feeling of “returning home” is new for Young, but he isn’t sad that his time with the Hawks is over. Instead, he continues to celebrate his accomplishments and hold Atlanta close to his heart.

After all, this is the city that gave him his start as a professional basketball player, and you can’t tell the story of his career without first talking about what he meant to the Hawks franchise.

“It’s been crazy; it’s been different,” Young stated regarding his return to Atlanta. “From everything, I’ve just been, to be honest, trying to soak everything in since I’ve been back, just the new experiences and things like that that, obviously, I’m not used to. It’s super unique and something that I’ve been thinking about these past few weeks.”

Between an emotional tribute video before the game and being showered with love from the Hawks’ fans who filled the arena, Young’s return to Atlanta was certainly overwhelming. While he would’ve loved to make his official return to the court against his former team, Young acknowledged that it simply wasn’t meant to be this time around.

However, the star guard made it clear he will have many more chances to compete in Atlanta. Only this time, it will be as a member of the Wizards and not as the face of the Hawks.

The post Why Trae Young’s Wizards trade won’t change how he truly feels about Hawks, fans appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Before facing the Wizards, the Hawks played a nice tribute video for the 2021-22 All-NBA Third-Team selection, which featured his biggest shots, a nutmeg on Kevin Durant at the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, and of course, his famous bow in Madison Square Garden after eliminating the New York Knicks in the playoffs. Fans flooded the building with applause and gratitude. Young reciprocated the love, but he still needed some time to process his emotions after the homecoming.

He took to X after Washington’s 119-98 loss. “Still gathering my thoughts,” the No. 5 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft posted. “My love for Atlanta is everlasting.”

Young is still sidelined with an MCL sprain and quadriceps contusion, so he had the luxury of truly basking in the crowd’s appreciation throughout the evening. The 2024-25 assists champion is dedicated to helping the Wizards compete in the East moving forward, but he will forever be linked to the ATL.

Trae Young led the team to an improbable trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2022, something the Hawks have achieved only one other time since moving to Atlanta in 1968. He is also the all-time franchise leader in 3-pointers made (1,295) and assists (4,837). The city is optimistic for this new era of hoops, but it is obviously grateful for the heavy workload that No. 3 carried during his eight years with the squad.

And he clearly feels the same way. Following this moment of closure, both sides will now turn the page to what they hope is a promising chapter of their respective NBA journeys.

The post Wizards’ Trae Young sends heartfelt message to Atlanta after tribute video appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The athleticism. The downhill driving. The unselfishness.

Forget about all the things that happened in his final months of being traded by the Golden State Warriors. Kuminga has always had the skills to impact winning, but he wasn’t given much of a chance to do that at some point. With the Hawks, he’ll be able to do that, and he showed it in his debut.

His first shot came in transition, as he sidestepped his defender and drove to the lane for a layup. His next make was a dunk in transition. From there, he got into a groove and started knocking down three-pointers over defenders.

Jonathan Kuminga's first bucket as a Hawk! pic.twitter.com/xY2hhDBrJ2

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 25, 2026

Kuminga ended the game with 27 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. No Hawk had ever finished a debut with 25+ points in fewer than 30 minutes.

“I got confidence from my teammates,” Kuminga said to reporters after the game. “They told me not to worry about anything. Just go out there and be you. Everything will fall through. I just had so many people in my ear telling me to go be you, go play basketball. The first two minutes I was just thinking about it, but after that, everything was cool.”

Head coach Quin Snyder always speaks about the basic things the Hawks need to do in order to win games. Pass the ball, defend and run. Kuminga hit all of those benchmarks in his debut.

“The things that we’ve talked about as a team clearly were a focal point, Snyder said. “Playing with the pass, which you’ve heard me say since October, and he really demonstrated that right away to the point where I told him it’s okay to shoot too. But he let himself in the game, how he connected with his teammates, and just let the game come to him. Which I think shows a lot of maturity on his part and how he feels about the group.”

His teammates had been raving about playing with him over the past few days, and he didn’t disappoint them. All four of his assists came in the first quarter, and there were a few times where he could’ve taken the open shot, but instead, he sent the extra pass.

“Another person that’s going to put pressure on the rim, get in the paint,” Nickeil Alexander-Walker said. “His willingness to pass and just fit in within the system. Having fun with everybody. He was always locked in and vocal throughout the whole game, so it was cool for him to come out and do that.”

With all the noise that had been surrounding Kuminga, he easily shut down every rumor and every negative report about him for one night. If there was a stat for smiles, Kuminga would’ve led the night in that category by a landslide.

“People that really know me, all my teeth are out. I stay smiling, I stay laughing all the time,” Kuminga said. “Being around the guys, I created a bond with them since I got here. Good people, good crew. We all want to win. Winning comes with joy, so as long as we’re all having fun out there enjoying, it’s going to help us win games.”

It was just the start, but it was a good start for Kuminga. Somtimes in order for people to really thrive, all it takes is a change of scenery for them to become the best version of themselves. It sounds like that’s what Kuminga needed, and he may be with the team that can help him get to where he wants to go in his career.

Kuminga isn’t going to score 27 points in 24 minutes every game. He’s not going to have 12 shot attempts. He knows that, but all he’s focused on is winning.

“It doesn’t matter if I got out there and shoot two shots, Kuminga said. “As long as it’s impacting us to win, that’s all that really matters.”

The post What led to Jonathan Kuminga’s historic debut with Hawks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

This also allows the Hawks to shift into more of a defense-first identity, with the team handing over the keys to the franchise to nascent star Jalen Johnson. But Young’s departure was so abrupt that everyone scarcely had a chance to say their goodbyes.

On Tuesday night, with the Wizards visiting the Hawks, Young finally got his well-deserved public farewell. The Hawks gave Young a tribute video, prompting an emotional response from the multiple-time All-Star.

Via ClutchPoints beat reporter Malik Brown and Hawks.com reporter Kevin Chouinard:

Trae Young tribute video + Trae’s reaction pic.twitter.com/ZHXl8v715a

— Malik Brown (@_MalikATL) February 25, 2026

Trae Young reacts to his tribute video pic.twitter.com/mJ2xF5H6eT

— Kevin Chouinard (@KLChouinard) February 25, 2026

Young did play some of his best basketball for the Hawks, and the city of Atlanta embraced him as one of their own. It may not have worked out in the end in Atlanta for Young, but that doesn’t diminish anything he did for the team in his seven and a half seasons with the team.

Trae Young, Hawks start anew

The Hawks did get a fresh start, but so did Young. Young has been scapegoated for so long due to his defensive shortcomings, but in the nation’s capital, he will have more help on that end of the floor than ever, especially when Anthony Davis becomes healthy.

Losing Young was not an easy decision for the Hawks, but Johnson’s emergence as a point forward and the team’s improved depth could bode well for their future — especially when they have a likely top-five pick in this year’s draft.

The post Trae Young gets emotional after tribute video from Hawks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Kuminga, in just 24 minutes off the bench, put up 27 points on 9-12 shooting from the field, leading all players in scoring in the process. If Johnson were to miss time for the Hawks, Kuminga would be called upon to take on a bigger scoring load, and based on the early returns, he’s more than capable of doing so for a team looking to establish itself as a playoff team.

As a result of Kuminga’s brilliant first game in a Hawks uniform, some Warriors fans expressed their dismay that head coach Steve Kerr could not make it work in Kuminga’s five seasons with the team, especially when Golden State just lost a close game against the lifeless New Orleans Pelicans.

“Will never forget what Kerr did to Kuminga,” X user @__pettyhardaway wrote.

“As sure as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, some folks are going to say, ‘well Kuminga didn’t do this for Golden State…’. Well, to that I say this, it’s hard to do anything from the bench,” @Rickygreeneyze added.

“I see Kuminga had 27 tonight for ATL…glad that GS decided they had no real use for that kind of athleticism, scoring, or perimeter shooting,” @klewis1123 furthered.

“Kuminga with 27 points on 12 shots in only 24 minutes… uber talented but Kerr wanted to force him into being a corner sitting screen setter,” @RookieHigh pointed out.

“Warriors could’ve used Kuminga tonight but at least they have Porzingis.. wait… Porzingis doesn’t play…” @NinerGangManny joked.

The post Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga’s huge debut will have Warriors fans shook appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Snyder is embracing the struggle, tackling the situation head-on rather than searching for shortcuts. The core had to play and develop some hard-won chemistry while the team dealt with Trae Young trade negotiations.

“It’s kind of the dog days, right?” Snyder quipped. “We’ve got four guys that are in the top 25 in minutes and their positions. No other team has more than two.”

The heavy workload was bound to lead to some fatigue, though the kind of exhaustion may vary. Champions have to push through the psychological barriers eventually, which is an obstacle tougher than any bench press test.

“So, whether it’s physical, it might be more mental than anything, especially with younger players. There is more of a possibility that you hit that wall when you haven’t been through it before, but I don’t know if there is a magic pill with it,” explained Snyder. “It’s just a question of continuing to prepare and to grind and be passionate about your craft.”

While the respected head coach dismisses the idea of a panacea, the schedule offers the reshaped squad a chance to breathe. The Hawks won two of their first three games coming out of the NBA All-Star break and are navigating a relatively forgiving stretch. From February 23 through March 30, Atlanta plays just five road games. Of the 14 home contests during that span, seven opponents are already focused on tanking for the 2026 NBA Draft.

For a team trying to steady itself without relying on a quick fix, the friendly confines of State Farm Arena might be the closest thing to relief they’re going to get.

The post Why Play-In bound Hawks stopped hunting for ‘magic pill’ to solve grinding issues appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After a long absence because of a knee issue, Kuminga made his debut in a Hawks uniform on Tuesday against the visiting Washington Wizards at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. He was not part of Atlanta’s starting unit, but he provided an immediate positive impact on the Hawks off the bench.

Kuminga’s first bucket as a Hawk was one for the highlights, as he made a sweet move in traffic for a lay-up with under five minutes left in the first quarter.

You can watch that play here:

Jonathan Kuminga scores his first bucket as a Hawk

pic.twitter.com/ZE7Ki5P73F

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 25, 2026

It did not take long before Kuminga struck again in transition, as he took a pass from second-year forward Zaccharie Risacher on the break before throwing it down hard for a vicious finish at the rim, quickly prompting the Wizards to call a timeout.

Here’s a look at that beautiful play:

Jonathan Kuminga SLAMS IT HOME

pic.twitter.com/aiSNLKmBE9

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 25, 2026

Those buckets from Kuminga were glimpses of what he can bring to the table for the Hawks. His blend of size, speed and athleticism makes him a huge threat to opposing teams on the open court. He is also a versatile defender, able to cover different positions.

The 23-year-old Kuminga was acquired by the Hawks along with Buddy Hield in a swap with the Warriors in exchange for big man Kristaps Porzingis just before the February trade deadline.

Kuminga, selected seventh overall by the Warriors in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft, entered the Wizards game with season averages of 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

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Reports indicate that Johnson, who is 24 years old, suffered a left hip flexor during the game, according to NBA Insider Brett Siegel. The Hawks listed him as questionable to return.

“Hawks say Jalen Johnson has a left hip flexor injury and is questionable to return against the Wizards.”

The injury occurred during the first six minutes of the matchup against the Wizards. Jalen Johnson left the court after recording five points, three rebounds, and two steals on 50.0% shooting from the floor. After a quick trip to the locker room, Atlanta ruled Johnson out for the remainder of the game, per Siegel.

“Jalen Johnson will NOT return to tonight’s game due to his hip injury.”

Jalen Johnson grabs a rebound, reaches for his hip, hits a shot when the defense retreats, then asks Quin Snyder to get him out. pic.twitter.com/XQEHMy3bzM

— Kevin Chouinard (@KLChouinard) February 25, 2026

Hopefully, it’s not a serious injury, and Johnson can bounce back sooner, rather than later. He’s emerged as one of the go-to stars for the Hawks, as he entered Tuesday’s contest averaging 23.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 49.4% from the floor and 34.3% from beyond the three-point line. He earned an All-Star nod this season for the first time in his career.

Newly acquired forward Jonahan Kuminga could see some extra playing time with Jalen Johnson out against the Wizards. Zaccharie Risacher could also see an expanded role. Either way, those are the two players most likely to step up for the Hawks if Johnson were to miss time due to the hip injury.

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That’s what head coach Quin Snyder recently did, inserting CJ McCollum into the starting lineup and bringing Zaccharie Risacher off the bench. This is not new territory for McCollum, as he’s been a consistent starter throughout most of his career. He was recently asked about the lineup change at Hawks’ shootaround.

“It’s a part of the game. I’ve played in 840 games in my career,” McCollum said to reporters. “I’ve obviously started for 10 years straight, and I’m comfortable with that. I told them when I got here, whatever you need me to do, I’ll do. I’ve played a lot of different roles in my career. I’ve been a DNP guy to start. I’ve been at 7th, 8th, and 9th man. I’ve been a starter. So whatever is necessary to help the team, I’ll do.”

For what McCollum has brought to the Hawks since he was traded, they’d like to have it in the starting lineup now rather than coming off the bench. At the same time, Risacher hasn’t played particularly well in his second season, and it was time for a change.

“That group of guys that finished the game, their net rating is 10 points above any other combination,” Snyder said after their game against the Brooklyn Nets. “It’s our best lineup. Not starting CJ gives us ball handling and some scoring punch off the bench. But we don’t get that lineup as much.”

This move should not only help the Hawks start games off strong, but it could also give Risacher a chance to regain his confidence in a new role.

“I think the biggest thing, it doesn’t reflect in any way on our and my personal belief in Zacch,” Snyder said. “I thought it actually could be a positive for him to be in the game at a different stage against different matchups with different guys. And I was happy to see that I think that was the case. He looked relaxed, and he competed. Zacch’s about all the right stuff. His development is something that’s going to continue to happen whether he’s starting or coming off the bench.”

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Jalen Johnson is one of them.

“JK is a great player,” Johnson said to reporters at practice. “I think he’s somebody that’s hungry, and we need that on our team. Adding him is only going to do good things for us. I’m excited to get up and down with him in transition. He’s great defensively. So just being able to add another young guy to the group, I’m excited about it, and I know he’s excited about it.”

Kuminga showed with the Warriors that his athleticism is one of the best traits in his game, and he uses it to get to the basket with ease. That skill will only help make things easier for the Hawks and possibly get them easier shots.

CJ McCollum has seen Kuminga more times than many, and he also knows what he can bring to the floor.

“I’ve played against him being in the Western Conference for a long time,” McCollum said. “He’s athletic, explosive, and a very talented player. I think he got dealt a bad hand in Golden State. I don’t know that situation, to pay him $20 million and not play him is interesting, but I think looking at this situation is a new opportunity for him to grow and develop as a player.

“Obviously, his talent is unquestioned. It’s about joining a team that has so many changes in the last month and a half, us getting familiar with everybody, and going from there.”

With the Warriors, Kuminga didn’t have much room to make mistakes as the team was always looking to compete. With the Hawks, Kuminga should have room to make those mistakes.

Just like with any player joining a new team, there will be an acclimation period for Kuminga to learn his teammates and where he should be when he’s on the court. Head coach Quin Snyder will also have to find lineups that work with Kuminga and give them the best chance to utilize his talents.

With the Hawks looking to make a playoff push in the second half of the season, adding Kuminga to the fold should help their chances, and the hope is that he can prove to be not only a key piece for the next two months but for the future as well.

The post What Jonathan Kuminga’s new teammates think of his potential before Hawks debut appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Atlanta Hawks host the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night as they attempt to build on their recent victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The Wizards have also won two of their last three games but have a lengthy injury list to worry about.

For the Hawks, Jonathan Kuminga is listed as questionable on the official injury report due to a left knee bone bruise that has kept him sidelined since his arrival in Atlanta. However, his status was recently upgraded from out, suggesting that he may as well see some minutes for the first time since leaving the Golden State Warriors.

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Jonathan Kuminga injury status vs. Wizards

Kuminga has for the first time a very real chance of suiting up and making his highly anticipated debut for Atlanta. The 23-year-old forward has been sidelined since the Feb. 4 trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Bay Area.

This matchup against a battered Wizards squad (16-40) provides an ideal landing spot for Kuminga to integrate into head coach Quin Snyder’s system, especially due to the players Washington is missing. Atlanta (28-31) has been finding its footing lately, ranking first in the NBA in assists per game (30.3) despite a middle-of-the-pack offensive rating.

Kuminga is expected to absorb much of the void left behind by Trae Young alongside Jalen Johnson, who is currently averaging 23.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game for Atlanta. Regardless, Kuminga is on the injury list alongside several role players, even though all have a chance of featuring.

Hawks injury report

Jonathan Kuminga: Questionable (Left Knee; Bone Bruise)

RayJ Dennis: Doubtful (G League – Two-Way)

Caleb Houstan: Doubtful (G League – Two-Way)

Asa Newell: Doubtful (G League – On Assignment)

Wizards injury report

Justin Champagnie: Questionable (Right Knee; Tendinopathy)

Tristan Vukcevic: Questionable (Right Hand; Contusion)

Leaky Black: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Anthony Davis: Out (Left Finger; Sprain)

D’Angelo Russell: Out (Not With Team)

Alex Sarr: Out (Right Hamstring; Strain)

Cam Whitmore: Out (Right Shoulder; Deep Vein Thrombosis)

Trae Young: Out (Right Knee; MCL Sprain; Quad Contusion)

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For Snyder, the initiative is a no-brainer in an industry that has become increasingly global. The NBA’s efforts to strengthen ties with international markets are a positive development for everyone.

“I think the (NBA Europe project) is terrific,” Snyder told ClutchPoints. “The league is global and has players from all over the world. So playing in Europe, whether it be in London, Paris, or Berlin, there could be games everywhere right now. You hear a lot about European players watching the NBA before they come over here, and I think more and more American kids are aware of basketball internationally.”

Snyder pointed to the long pipeline of European talent entering the league as evidence of basketball’s growing international roots, while noting the influence flows in both directions.

“You usually see a spike in that during the World Cup or the Olympics,” added Snyder. “The more the game expands internationally, the better it is for everybody in the NBA. So, teams and players going over there, there are a lot of benefits. Whether it’s cultural benefits or just raising awareness about other parts of this world we live in.”

As the decision-makers look to capitalize on the sport’s global momentum, the increase in endorsements reflects a growing sentiment among coaches and players that the league’s future success relies heavily on its ability to think beyond borders. For Snyder, the strategy is straightforward; the more the NBA invests abroad, the stronger the league becomes at home.

The post Why Hawks’ Quin Synder supports ‘terrific’ NBA Europe events to push expansion appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Winning the Eastern Conference’s sixth seed and avoiding the NBA Play-In Tournament altogether is still a long-shot possibility after trading Trae Young. Still, a new starting lineup of Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, CJ McCollum, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu has provided offensive balance without sacrificing too much defense. McCollum is the only real target-point, but the other four are doing a decent job of protecting the rim and keeping opponents out of the paint. The ninth-placed Hawks (28-31) have shown improvement in points in the paint allowed over the past five games, for example.

It shows that this squad is still playing with pride and commitment to improving. Wins should follow, given the schedule situation. Snyder truly believes they could pull off some postseason upsets along the way, especially if McCollum catches fire for a few pivotal games.

“We’re in a bit of a fight. We’ve played without a point guard this season, and we’ve played without a pure center this season. So the influx of a guy like CJ that gives us another ball handler, another pick and roll player, can be really valuable to everyone,” Snyder explained. “We’re going through the process of integrating those guys, and we’re going to keep grinding.”

Though the offensive hierarchy remains a work in progress, Snyder is measuring success beyond the win column.

“I’m really more focused on how we’re playing, how we’re growing, and how we’re coming together,” stated Snyder. “We want to win every game, but to an extent. You anticipate some rough sailing anytime your team changes. Hopefully, we’ll play in a way that we can replicate and will be successful.”

The Hawks, now no longer employing Young, have been operating without a single traditional floor general. Instead, Snyder has distributed playmaking duties across the roster, a shift he described as born of circumstance. What has emerged is a multi-headed approach to playmaking that distributes creation across the roster rather than routing everything through a single lead guard.

CJ McCollum helps Hawks

A 22-year-old Australian has been the most visible example of that evolution. Originally acquired for his defense, Dyson Daniels has grown into a primary ball handler by circumstance and, according to Snyder, has embraced the challenge.

“Necessity can be the mother of invention,” Snyder noted. “Dyson has really evolved into that (point guard) role, which has been great to see him progress. He is making plays for other people, handling the ball, and guarding that position. (Daniels) has really filled that role for us and grown as a player.”

Johnson has been allowed to stick with what’s comfortable, with great success. Thankfully, the Hawks have their young face of the franchise in-house already, share a clear development plan, and know how to best use that future MVP-caliber talent now.

“Jalen, again, he is unique in his ability to pass and handle the ball, particularly in the open court. (Johnson) is not in a position where we are asking him to quote-unquote run the team, but there are a lot of things we do where he starts with the ball,” admitted Snyder. “We put him in the pick-and-roll as much as any other player. That is a big key for us. That versatility with a number of players and having multiple playmakers is something that we really feel like is important for us and that we try to take advantage of. Jalen is at the front of that list.”

The result is an offense without a rigid hierarchy. Daniels organizes the attack, Johnson initiates actions from the frontcourt, and McCollum provides scoring punch. Nickeil Alexander-Walker rounds out the playmaking picture as an unconventional but effective contributor. Snyder has encouraged the 26-year-old guard to be more aggressive offensively over the next few months.

“As far as the playmaking goes, you know (Alexander-Walker) can get in the lane,” Snyder said. “He is not your typical playmaker, but I think he is unselfish and willing to get off the ball when he is guarded…We’ve tried to encourage him to really be aggressive in shooting. Even some contested shots from three.”

With McCollum adding another reliable pick-and-roll operator and a veteran scoring option off the wing, the Snyder’s rotations are generating enough offense to stay competitive, even as the roster continues to find its footing. With a soft schedule ahead and a newly minted offensive identity, the Hawks are betting that necessity-driven invention leads to the NBA Playoffs. That test will show the front office just what is needed to chase down the top four seeds next season.

The post How Quin Snyder’s Hawks ‘invented’ new offensive hierarchy after CJ McCollum trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Kuminga is now being listed as questionable against the Wizards, a good sign that he is close to returning to the court.

Last week, the Hawks noted that Kuminga was progressing well from his bone bruise and that he would be re-evaluated in a week, with his status being updated as well.

Kuminga was seen getting some shots up during the Hawks’ practice, which was a good sign of where he could be as far as getting on the floor.

Adding Kuminga to the Hawks’ rotation could help improve their wing rotation, and his skill set could open up things for the rest of the team as well. His ability to drive and get into the lane will be key for the Hawks, whether he’s making the shot or finding an opponent teammate on a kick-out.

The Hawks recently made a lineup change, inserting CJ McCollum in the starting lineup and bringing Zaccharie Risacher off the bench. Head coach Quin Snyder noted after their win against the Brooklyn Nets that the Hawks are statistically better when McCollum is on the floor with Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu, which proves why they made the move.

With Risacher being a wing, it will be interesting to see how those minutes off the bench are allocated when Kuminga is healthy, and whether they could be on the floor at the same time.

The post Jonathan Kuminga status upgrade for Wizards game hints at Hawks debut appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The 27-year-old guard is no longer a complementary piece hiding in the margins. NAW is a primary option, a go-to scorer, and increasingly, one of the most compelling breakout stories of the NBA season. Averaging career-highs of 19.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals has Alexander-Walker in line for some NBA Most Improved Player votes.

Snyder saw the jump coming, but it all started with being trusted to make the right decision regardless of who was getting the extra attention.

“As far as the playmaking goes, you know (Alexander-Walker) can get in the lane,” Snyder stated. “He is not your typical playmaker, but I think he is unselfish and willing to get off the ball when he is guarded.”

Alexander-Walker is also shooting 37.2% from three-point range on 8.2 attempts per game. That’s nearly double the volume with almost the same efficiency despite an increase in other responsibilities. Hawks GM Bryson Graham, who was with the New Orleans Pelicans when Alexander-Walker was drafted, made the bet that all of the extra shooting work would eventually pay off somewhere.

“I think that we saw that at such an early point in (Alexander-Walker’s) career,” noted Snyder, “and now you can tell where it came from. It’s the person that he was, the competitor that he was. I think in Minnesota, he really established himself as a defender and a knockdown three-point shooter, particularly from the corners. We’ve tried to encourage him to really be aggressive in shooting. Even some contested shots from three, I think, his confidence propels him.”

That aggression is precisely what the Hawks need as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Play-In race. With every game carrying heightened stakes, Snyder has found a reliable scoring option who can stretch defenses to their breaking point.

However, what makes Alexander-Walker particularly valuable in Snyder’s system is his unconventional approach to playmaking. He’s not a traditional point guard who dominates the ball, yet NAW is creating offense in ways that keep defenses off-balance. Jalen Johnson appreciates someone else stepping up to ease the offensive burdens.

As for Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s late-20s trajectory? Well, he arrived in the NBA with a defined skill set, worked to expand it, and now finds himself in a system that actively encourages him to do more. The Hawks have leaned into what Alexander-Walker does best and then pushed him further. Shoot the contested three. Get downhill. Trust yourself. That’s the perfect kind of home for his prime years.

And by nearly every measure, he has responded. Whether that translates into a Play-In berth or perhaps something more will define the rest of this season. But Alexander-Walker’s breakout has already answered a question that lingered for years. Given the right environment and the right voice in his ear, what could he become? The answer, it turns out, is a 20-point scorer on a playoff team.

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Jordi Fernandez’s squad appeared in control after taking a 102-91 lead with eight minutes remaining. The Hawks then outscored them 24-2 to close the game during the Nets’ ugliest collapse of the season.

Brooklyn shot 1-of-15 from the field with five turnovers during the game-deciding stretch.

“Unacceptable,” Fernandez said. “We played well, a very good brand of basketball, connected, defending, taking the lead as a team with the first and the second group… But we’ve got to find a better way to close games. I trust the starters. I know how good they are, and this is not what I want from them. We played a great game until 5:30 to go, and then it goes away. So, it’s tough because wins in the NBA matter. You have to play to compete and win, and it didn’t happen.”

Following solid starts, Brooklyn’s rookie backcourt of Nolan Traore and Egor Demin struggled significantly down the stretch. However, Sunday’s collapse shone a light on Michael Porter Jr.’s late-game shortcomings as the Nets’ No. 1 option.

Michael Porter Jr. disappears down the stretch during Nets’ ugly collapse vs. Hawks

Porter posted 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting with six assists and two turnovers through three quarters. However, he was invisible in the final frame, going scoreless on 0-of-3 shooting without an assist as rookies Demin and Traore handled most of Brooklyn’s on-ball responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Hawks star Jalen Johnson took over down the stretch, scoring 14 of his 26 points in the final frame on 6-of-8 shooting.

While Porter has kept the Nets’ offense afloat for extended stretches, he’s struggled as a closer. In 65 clutch minutes this season, the star forward has shot 12-of-38 (31.6 percent) from the field and 4-of-24 (16.7 percent) with two assists and four turnovers.

Porter’s limitations as a ball-handler and self-creator have been most glaring down the stretch of tight games, when defenses are the most engaged and primarily switching. Without a high-level shot creator alongside him, Brooklyn’s offense has sputtered when it matters most.

The Nets have posted the league’s worst clutch record (5-19) and second-worst clutch offensive rating (96.0).

Following encouraging early performances, Traore and Demin also fell apart down the stretch on Sunday. Through three quarters, Traore posted 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting with five assists and two turnovers. Demin had tallied 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting with four assists and zero turnovers.

However, the rookie duo combined to shoot 0-for-7 while committing four turnovers in the final frame.

“You go through the experience, and you learn,” Fernandez said of Traore and Demin’s late struggles. “Some of the rushed shots and turnovers… You gotta learn how to be composed. You gotta learn how to put everybody in [the right] place, how take good shots, and we just didn’t. So next game it is.”

While Sunday’s loss undoubtedly stung in Brooklyn’s locker room, it continued the team’s climb in a tightly contested tank race. Following four straight losses, the Nets have gained sole possession of third place in the draft lottery standings. They’re tied in the win column and two games back in the loss column of the Indiana Pacers, who sit in second.

If the season ended today, Brooklyn would have a 14.0 percent chance of landing the No. 1 pick, a 52.1 percent chance of landing in the top four, and a 93.0 percent chance of being in the top six. The third lottery slot cannot drop lower than the seventh pick.

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“That group of guys that finished the game, their net rating is 10 points above any other combination,” Snyder said. “It’s our best lineup. Not starting CJ gives us ball handling and some scoring punch off the bench. But we don’t get that lineup as much.”

Though some could see this as a demotion for Risacher, Snyder believes that this could help the second-year player find a spark in his game.

“I think the biggest thing, it doesn’t reflect in any way on our and my personal belief in Zacch,” Snyder said. “I thought it actually could be a positive for him to be in the game at a different stage against different matchups with different guys. And I was happy to see that I think that was the case. He looked relaxed, and he competed. Zacch’s about all the right stuff. His development is something that’s going to continue to happen whether he’s starting or coming off the bench.”

In their win against the Nets, Risacher finished with seven points and started off his first stint in the game strong. For the players, they don’t see it as a big difference with who is in the starting lineup, as long as everybody continues to do their job.

“I think guys just come in and play their roles,” Dyson Daniels said. “Zacch was really good coming off the bench. He came in and he was kind of an energy boost for us. Came in and hit a big shot. Whoever starts, whoever comes off the bench, it doesn’t really matter. Guys have to come in and play their roles, and guys have to start the right way.”

After averaging 12.6 points per game last season, Risacher is averaging 10.3 points this season. There have been moments where he’s looked good, but there have also been times where he’s struggled to find a consistent rhythm on either side of the ball.

On the other hand, the lineup of McCollum, Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu had a +18.7 point differential coming into the Nets game.

“In this case, it’s just at a point where it made sense with CJ out there,” Snyder said. “I think he settles us in some ways, too. And the additional ball handling is helpful for us. We’ve had some really tough starts lately, and you get to a five, six-minute mark when you know you’re going to get that lineup.”

With the Hawks looking to make a run in the second half of the season, a lineup change that will help them should come as no surprise.

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It became less of a fight in the first half of the fourth quarter, where the Nets went up 11 points, and the Hawks didn’t have an answer for anything they did. Luckily, a flip switched, and the Hawks woke up with less than six minutes remaining in the game.

The Hawks finished the game on a 24-2 run, and after being down 11 points at one point in the fourth, they walked away with a 115-104 victory over the Nets.

“We turned the aggression up in the last six minutes,” Dyson Daniels said. “We had no choice, we were down 11, we had to change something. Everybody turned it up. We were more physical on the ball; we were able to create turnovers, get stops, and get out and run. We have to be better at the start of the game if we want to beat good teams and give ourselves a chance this year.”

Daniels had three steals in the fourth, one of which came from guarding the inbound and catching the ball mid-air.

“He kind of threw it low,” Daniels said. “I knew he had the ball for already three or four seconds, so it was coming soon, and I just timed the jump.”

It’s obvious the defense was key for the Hawks to help them come back late, and it started with the guards and flowed through the entire team.

“Collectively, we did a good job of stopping them,” Jalen Johnson said. “Nickeil [Alexander-Walker] and Dyson set the tone with that, and the rest of the guys followed the lead. Dyson got a few steals, and that shifted the momentum.”

“Defense wins games,” Jock Landale said. “I think we did a good job of that in the fourth quarter. CJ turned it on and made some big shots. [Jalen] did a good job figuring out where he wanted the ball and getting to his spots. That was a mature game to close that out.”

As much as the defense mattered, the Hawks had to come back and score on the other end. It was Johnson who led the way in that category, as he scored 14 points in the fourth and sealed the game with some key buckets in the end. CJ McCollum, who moved to the starting lineup, also hit a big three-pointer to give the Hawks the lead late in the game.

From there, the Hawks never looked back, and they were able to get the win as they continue their homestand.

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With the team in need of a spark, Snyder benched 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher for veteran guard CJ McCollum. Risacher showed promising signs as a rookie, but he has had a rocky second season as the pressure of being a former top pick has started to mount.

McCollum started alongside Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu. That five-man lineup came into Sunday’s game with a +18.7 point differential, the best mark on the team according to Lauren L. Williams of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

In a similar line of thinking, Snyder hinted at potentially making this change after Atlanta’s 31-point loss to the Miami Heat on Friday night, via Hawks beat writer Kevin Chouinard.

“That is, by far, our best lineup from a plus-minus standpoint,” Snyder said. “You could make an argument that we should start that lineup … How can we best use CJ?”

McCollum came over to the Hawks in one of the most notable moves of the season when Atlanta sent star point guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards. There was some thought that McCollum may be bought out when he got to Atlanta, but he has been a quality contributor for the Hawks since the trade.

Before Sunday, McCollum had appeared in 18 games for the Hawks and is averaging 19 points for game in both even 30 minutes of action a night. Without Young on the team anymore, Atlanta desperately needs the scoring punch that McCollum provides as they try to hold their position in the play-in tournament.

On the other side of the coin, moving to the bench will hopefully take some pressure off of Risacher and allow him to start playing his best basketball like he was starting to do last season. If he can rediscover that form, Atlanta will be a scary team coming into the postseason.

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Williams played 22 minutes during Thursday’s 112-84 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the Nets ruled him out for Friday’s 105-86 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder due to personal reasons.

Williams has played a featured role with Brooklyn’s second unit this season. He’s logged the seventh-most minutes on the team, averaging 9.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game on .407/.313/.859 shooting splits across 39 appearances.

Ziaire Williams remains sidelined for Nets vs. Hawks due to personal reasons

Ochai Agbaji has seen extended minutes in the Nets’ second unit over the last two games during Williams’ absence. The trade deadline acquisition recorded his best performance of the season on Thursday vs. the Cavs. He posted 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and a block on 5-of-8 shooting from the field and 3-of-6 from three in 28 minutes.

Nic Claxton will return from a two-game absence vs. Atlanta due to an ankle injury. The Hawks, who have dropped four of their last five games, will be without Jonathan Kuminga due to a knee injury.

The Nets have moved into third place in the draft lottery standings following three straight losses. They’re tied in the win column and two back in the loss column of the Indiana Pacers for second.

Brooklyn will return home for matchups with the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively, following Sunday’s game against the Hawks.

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Brooklyn is in significant need of frontcourt reinforcements following back-to-back blowout losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Nets’ offense sputtered during their first appearances out of the All-Star break. Jordi Fernandez’s team averaged 85.0 points on 35.5 percent shooting from the field and 23.3 percent from three with 16.5 turnovers per game across the pair of defeats.

Nic Claxton returning from injury for Nets following back-to-back blowout losses

With Claxton sidelined, Day’Ron Sharpe was Brooklyn’s only available center. Rookie first-round pick Danny Wolf, who has spent the majority of the season on the wing, filled the backup center minutes.

Claxton should provide a significant offensive boost upon his return. The veteran big man has put together the most productive offensive season of his career, averaging 12.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists on 59.0 percent shooting across 50 appearances.

Wins in upcoming matchups against the Hawks and Dallas Mavericks would undo some of the recent progress Brooklyn has made in the tank race. The Nets have moved into third place in the draft lottery standings following three straight losses. They’re one game behind the Indiana Pacers for second.

Ziaire Williams will be sidelined for Brooklyn on Sunday due to personal reasons. Atlanta will be without Jonathan Kuminga due to a bone bruise in his left knee.

The Hawks have lost four of their last five games, including a blowout 128-97 defeat to the Miami Heat on Friday.

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It’s the home games where they tend to slip up (10-16 record), and that was the case in their 128-97 loss to the Miami Heat. The Hawks came out flat to start the game, while the Heat were clicking on both sides of the ball.

It was the second quarter where the Hawks came alive, and with a run that started with Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum, they saw a 15-point deficit disappear.

“We played with better pace,” McCollum said. “We got out and ran. I think the first quarter, we kind of got our sea legs back and didn’t get out and run. Didn’t get stops. 

“Second quarter, we got out and ran. Corey got a dunk and a transition three. Got some rim pressure, got some kick out threes from eyes out. I think that was the difference.”

The Hawks went into halftime down 57-51 and with a little momentum. Unfortunately, they went back into their old habits, and the Heat didn’t look back in the second half, grabbing a 34-point lead in the fourth quarter.

“They went to zone to start the fourth quarter, and I think that changed the game,” McCollum said. “They took advantage of some turnovers and missed shots. I don’t think we did enough to win. [Tyler] Herro got off. He got too much freedom, too much space in his pick and roll, and too much space in his pull-ups. I think a lot of guys hurt us tonight, and I think we didn’t deserve to win this game.”

The Heat had 72 points in the paint to the Hawks’ 38. They were outrebounded 58-46. Plus, they had 20 points off of their turnovers. The only thing that went well for the Hawks in this game was that they shot 42% from the three-point line, but that still wasn’t good enough to win.

“I think when we’re consistent with the game plan, and we come out and execute the game plan, that’s when we’re at our best. I don’t think we did a good job of executing the game plan tonight,” Jalen Johnson said.

The Hawks were coming off a back-to-back, but they didn’t use that as an excuse for the loss.

“I would’ve liked to go to sleep before 3 am last night, but they beat us,” McCollum said. “It is what it is. They came out, they played better than us. They got off to a good start. They got points in transition, they got threes, they got rim pressure. They did whatever they wanted tonight. So back-to-back or not, they did enough to win, and we didn’t do enough.”

The Hawks have four straight games to right their wrongs for their home woes this season, and they come against opponents who haven’t played the best this year.

“The chances are right in front of us. We just got to go out there and get it. We got another chance on Sunday to regroup, and tomorrow for us to watch film and get better,” Johnson said.

The post Why CJ McCollum believes Hawks didn’t deserve to beat Heat appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Currently the ninth seed, the Hawks have a chance to gain some ground when looking at the teams above them, but they could also fall in a matter of no time, with the Charlotte Hornets behind them.

After their win against the 76ers, Johnson shared what the Hawks will need to do to continue to climb the standings as the season continues.

“If we continue to play all 48 minutes, we’ll put ourselves in the position to win every night. I know the guys in that locker room, the coaching staff and everybody, we believe in one another,” Johnson said. “So if we continue to believe in one another, I think we’ll make a good push.”

The Hawks apparently had a team meeting the night before the game, and Johnson said one message rang clear throughout the group.

“We’re ready for the second half of the season. Our mindsets are all aligned, and I think we understand what it takes and what needs to be done,” Johnson said.

It’s been an interesting season for the Hawks, as they’ve had several iterations of this team throughout the year. Six new players have been added to the team via trades, and it’s obvious that this isn’t the same group that the Hawks started with this season. With that, they’ve had to build chemistry with the new guys, while the new guys are also trying to find out where they fit.

In the end, the Hawks still have a solid enough group that can win games, and they’re still in a position to get a better seeding before the end of the season. After playing the most road games in the league in the first half of the season, the Hawks get a break in the second half, and they have one of the easier schedules as far as opponent win percentage.

As Johnson said, if they can continue to play all 48 minutes, they can give themselves the best chance to keep winning games.

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“I’m not that into soccer, but I’ll be going to the World Cup,” Dyson admitted to ClutchPoints. “That’ll be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’ll go to a game in Atlanta. I’ve got to go see Australia play the USA in Seattle. That environment seems pretty cool.”

Atlanta will host a Round of 32, a Round of 16, and a semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, giving Daniels prime access to elite matches right on his doorstep before reporting back for Hawks training camp. The marquee fixture for the Socceroos is a Group D showdown against the host United States on June 19 at Lumen Field in Seattle, one of the loudest and most passionate soccer venues in North America.

Hawks focused on hardwood

For now, the focus remains on the task at hand. Daniels is enjoying a career-best season, averaging 11.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and a stellar 6.3 assists per game while providing his signature lockdown defense. If the Hawks can navigate the Play-In gauntlet and secure a playoff berth, the summer vacation will have been well earned. Thankfully, locker room bonding has been easier because the roster reads like a United Nations roll call.

“When you have a lot of Europeans on the team, a lot of international guys, I think we have eight or nine on this (Hawks) team, so we’re trying to just play as one under (Quin Snyder),” Daniels shared. “We’ve all got different experiences, different backgrounds. Everyone has their own story. We’ve come up under different situations. We are enjoying this journey together.”

“That’s how basketball is cool,” added Daniels. “It brings us all together, brings people from all over the world together so see things, get perspectives. (Nickeil Alexander-Walker), (CJ McCollum), and I had similar experiences in New Orleans, we’ve chatted about, and then lots of international guys we all have similiar experience as well. It’s helped us.”

That same spirit of basketball as a connector has Daniels excited about the NBA’s expanding global footprint. The NBA’s push into international markets is something he has watched with particular interest, both as a global ambassador for the sport and as an Australian who knows firsthand what it means for a country to feel connected to the league.

“Yea I think it’s really cool. Basketball is a worldwide sport. It was great for Europeans to get to experience (NBA regular season) games,” Dyson explained. “They’ve got a growing culture over there, so NBA games really help.”

While his former team, the New Orleans Pelicans, toured Australia for preseason games, Daniels is hopeful that the Land Down Under will soon get the same treatment as Europe.

“Europe got regular-season games. Australia got preseason games, but hopefully, the NBA gets some regular-season games there soon,” suggested Daniels. “Some teams are kicking off their seasons overseas, partnering with international teams. (Other countries) getting to experience those regular-season games really means something. It’s special.”

It’s a fitting summer for a player who has come to embody exactly what makes the modern NBA so compelling. Whether the postseason journey ends in the NBA Play-In Tournament or a few weeks later, Dyson Daniels plans to ride the wave of momentum. With Alexander-Walker, Daniels, Asa Newell, and Jalen Johnson leading the way, the Hawks finally have something ‘special’ down south that could contend for a conference finals appearance next season.

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Kuminga has yet to step on the floor for the Hawks due to his bone bruise and knee hyperextension, and they recently offered an update on his status.

“Forward Jonathan Kuminga, who sustained a left knee bone bruise while playing for Golden State at Dallas on Jan. 22, is progressing in his rehabilitation. He will be re-evaluated in approximately one week and an update will be provided at that time,” the Hawks wrote.

Just because Kuminga will be re-evaluated in a week, it doesn’t mean that he will return at that time period. There will probably be more benchmarks that he has to clear before he gets back on the floor, but the good news is that he is progressing.

When Kuminga is ready to play, he should be a nice addition to the Hawks’ rotation, as he showed during his time with the Warriors that he can use his athleticism to get anywhere on the floor. Unfortunately, his role with the Warriors was not very clear, and it seemed like tensions were rising between the two sides over the past few seasons.

With the Hawks, the hope is that Kuminga can find a consistent role for the rest of the season, and if he plays well, they could accept his team option and keep him for the future.

There’s a good chance that he’ll be playing behind Jalen Johnson, but there could also be some scenarios where head coach Quin Snyder decides to put them on the floor together.

The post Hawks’ Jonathan Kuminga to miss at least 1 more week after Warriors trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“The Atlanta Hawks are converting shooting wing Caleb Houstan to a contract for the remainder of the season, sources tell ESPN. Houstan, 23, is in his fourth NBA season and shot 40% from 3 over the last two years in Orlando and 40% in the G League this season,” Charania wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Houstan has played a few games for the Hawks this season, but he’s spent most of his time with their G League affiliate, College Park Skyhawks, where he averaged 15.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.

Houstan’s superpower is his three-point shooting, and that could be beneficial for the Hawks in the last two months of the season.

With Houstan now signed with the Hawks, they have a full 15-man roster, which means someone will have to be waived in order to make space for him. That person happened to be Nikola Djurisic, who was a second-round pick for the Hawks in 2024. Djurisic spent his entire season with the Skyhawks after signing a deal with the Hawks last summer.

The Hawks have now added another wing to the roster, and though he may not get many minutes, it’s good depth to have for the rest of the season. They’re still waiting for Jonathan Kuminga to make his debut for the team after being acquired at the trade deadline from the Golden State Warriors.

Kuminga is currently dealing with a bone bruise and knee hyperextension.

The post Hawks makes rest-of-season contract decision after All-Star Game appeared first on ClutchPoints.

One of Edwards’ teammates for the game was Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson, who caught up with Edwards after the game in a moment that quickly went viral on social media.

In a leaked video, Edwards could be heard telling Johnson that he “Can’t wait to come home,” per PlayoffJalen on X, formerly Twitter, via Basket News.

BREAKING: A new video has surfaced around NBA twitter of Anthony Edwards telling Jalen Johnson he “can’t wait to come home”

Could we see a potential ANT to ATL??!

pic.twitter.com/c7CT7Zvqh7

— 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗝𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻 (@PlayoffJohnson) February 16, 2026

Edwards hails from the Atlanta area and could be seen pointing to his Atlanta-themed hat when his name was announced prior to the start of the All-Star game.

Johnson, meanwhile, has established himself as the man in Atlanta after the team traded point guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards earlier this year, using his combination of playmaking and athleticism to turn himself into one of the best young forwards in the game today.

While Edwards has seen some great success with the Timberwolves so far, it’s not out of the question that things could become untenable if they have a playoff disappointment in 2026. Minnesota has made it to the conference finals in each of the last two seasons, but was uncompetitive in both of those series, first against the Dallas Mavericks in 2024 and then against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2025.

If Edwards were to ever request a trade or threaten to leave in free agency, the Hawks would be a landing spot that would likely be floated by fans and pundits alike due to his connection to the area, as well as the recent exchange with Johnson.

In any case, the Timberwolves will next hit the floor on Friday vs the Dallas Mavericks.

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It is always nice to see players taking a breather from the NBA’s frenetic schedule and enjoying themselves by being spectators for a change.

In the third quarter, Johnson was interviewed from the crowd and was asked if he could volunteer for the Slam Dunk Contest in the future. His answer was pretty clear.

“I will be in the dunk contest one day,” said Johnson.

As usual, ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson tried to stoke the fire further, hilariously at that, with some reverse psychology.

“I just want to say that I don’t think that he has enough bounce to be in the Dunk Contest,” said Jefferson.

“It sounds great. We’ll see when the time comes,” replied Johnson with a smile.

“I will be in the dunk contest one day.”

– Jalen Johnson
pic.twitter.com/lyYwCLE0Zq

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2026

It earned a laugh from Jefferson, who then turned serious with his praise for the high-flying forward, calling him “one of the most talented young men in the entire league” and touting his growth over the years.

The 24-year-old Johnson has definitely displayed his dunking ability, and it would be cool to see him show off his creativity in the Slam Dunk Contest one day.

He will play in his first All-Star Game on Sunday. He will suit up for Team Stars, along with Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, Detroit Pistons teammates Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren, and Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey.

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There was one report claiming that the Warriors informed Jonathan Kuminga that someone in his family or group was taking too much food from the family room. Williams used that report as a way to give the 23-year-old forward a warm welcome during Friday’s episode of “Run it Back.”

“Chandler and I have both played for the Atlanta Hawks,” said Williams. “The food is amazing in the back…and if you can’t get your food in the back, I know a place.”

Lou Williams has a message for Jonathan Kuminga

"Chandler and I have both played for the Atlanta Hawks. The food is amazing in the back…and if you can't get your food in the back, I know a place." – LW

"Facts." – CP@MichelleDBeadle | @ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/qLHIpMOWPd

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 12, 2026

The place Williams knows is likely the Magic City strip club in Atlanta, as the 39-year-old former guard was famously caught visiting the establishment in 2020 to get a plate of lemon pepper wings during the COVID-19 lockdowns. That incident led to a 10-day quarantine, which also gave him the “Lemon Pepper Lou” nickname. Additionally, the club created a menu item called the “Louwill Lemon Pepper BBQ” wings.

So, at the very least, it doesn’t appear food will be an issue for Jonathan Kuminga in Atlanta. A fresh new start with the Hawks seems to be an ideal situation for the five-year veteran. His time in Golden State seemingly ran its course, and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr even admitted that it was difficult finding playing time for Kuminga while the team was competing for championships.

Kuminga has yet to make his debut with the Hawks, as he is currently dealing with a bone bruise in his left knee. In the 20 games he has played this season with the Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds (career-high), and 2.5 assists (career-high) per game while shooting 45.4% from the floor and 32.1% from beyond the three-point line.

The post Hawks legend Lou Williams hilariously welcomes Jonathan Kuminga to Atlanta with food take appeared first on ClutchPoints.

As for the Hawks, they could be missing some players as well due to injury. Jalen Johnson is on the injury report with left inflammation, Dyson Daniels with right ankle inflammation, and Zaccharie Risacher with a left quad contusion.

Here is what their status is going into the game.

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Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher’s injury status

All three players have been listed as questionable against the Hornets, and their status will most likely be updated closer to game time. Johnson and Daniels did not play in the Hawks’ last game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to their injuries, and with the break coming up, it would not be a surprise if they sat out again.

As for Risacher, he was seen hobbling a little bit during the Timberwolves’ game, and it’s not certain how serious his injury is. Risacher was just added to the Rising Stars Game for All-Star weekend, and if his injury is something to take note of, they’ll probably have to find somebody to replace him.

Johnson will also be at All-Star weekend, as he’ll be participating in the Shooting Stars challenge and then the actual All-Star Game the next day.

As for the Hawks, they’re currently the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference, and the Hornets are tracking right behind them. It would go a long way if they were healthy in this matchup against the Hornets to gain a little ground.

The post Hawks’ Jalen Johnson among 3 key players questionable for Hornets game before All-Star break appeared first on ClutchPoints.

While Zaccharie Risacher will represent the Hawks in the Rising Stars competition, Jalen Johnson will partake in two events over All-Star Weekend. He will make his first All-Star debut as part of the main event on Sunday afternoon, as well as participate in the return of the Shooting Stars competition.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Risacher finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting last season behind only Stephon Castle. This year, however, Risacher has not quite taken the expected leap in year two that one might expect from a No. 1 pick.

Risacher has dealt with some nagging injury issues this season so that could possibly play a role in his production. He’s appeared in 41 of the Hawks’ 55 games so far, at a little over 24 minutes per game. He recently missed 11 consecutive games last month before making his return to the lineup on Jan. 31.

Risacher has played in five games since his return, with his best output coming on Feb. 7 during a loss to the Charlotte Hornets. He finished with 18 points, three rebounds and three blocked shots in a little over 26 minutes.

He’s been averaging 10.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists with splits of 45.1 percent shooting from the field, 35.2 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 62.5 percent shooting from the free-throw line. Risacher also saw his name in trade rumors surrounding the Hawks’ reported interest in Anthony Davis.

The post Zaccharie Risacher selected as replacement for Rising Stars game appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Reid took exception to Gueye’s physicality; just as the Timberwolves center was about to set a screen, the Hawks forward seemed to give him a shove. As expected, the Timberwolves big did not take too kindly to this. He then confronted Gueye about the matter, and Gueye was unfazed, leading to a fracas between the two. Reid had grabbed a fistful of Gueye’s jersey, and it took a good minute or so before everyone was able to separate the two.

ANOTHER FIGHT TONIGHT

Naz Reid vs. Mo Gueye

Both players have been ejected from Timberwolves-Hawks.pic.twitter.com/n0GEKcMFJm

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 10, 2026

It wasn’t quite clear if Reid did indeed throw a right hand as the commentators put it. This fight wasn’t quite as violent as the Hornets-Pistons one, which is for the best. Julius Randle did a good job of breaking up Reid’s stranglehold on Gueye’s jersey, preventing everything from escalating even further.

Both Reid and Gueye were ejected in the aftermath of their tussle. This did not have a significant impact on the outcome of the game, as the Timberwolves waltzed to victory over the Jalen Johnson-less Hawks in the end.

Timberwolves overcome Hawks rather easily amid all the extracurriculars

Winning on Monday night was always going to be difficult for the Hawks, as they were without their best player in Johnson and they were on the road. The Timberwolves took care of business rather easily as a result.

They led by 25 at the half and did not look back. Seven different players scored in double figures for the Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, who put up 30 points.

The post Naz Reid, Mo Gueye ejected from Timberwolves-Hawks after altercation appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Alexander-Walker played three seasons for the Timberwolves before signing with the Hawks in the offseason on a four-year deal worth $62 million in a sign-and-trade.

NAW wanted to stay in Minnesota, but the team’s lack of financial flexibility forced him to seek a better contract in the open market.

In his first return to Target Center since joining the Hawks, Alexander-Walker was presented with a video tribute, as shared by The Minnesota Star Tribune’s Christopher Hine.

The 27-year-old guard also received a loud ovation from fans when he was introduced before tip-off.

The Timberwolves' tribute video for Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

(via @ChristopherHine)pic.twitter.com/3vaWsi4CBc https://t.co/pnZxlIxch7

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 10, 2026

The Timberwolves trampled the Hawks, 138-116.

Alexander-Walker had a fine showing with 23 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

Minnesota improved to 33-22, while Atlanta fell to 26-29.

Alexander-Walker barely played for the New Orleans Pelicans and the Utah Jazz in his first few years in the NBA. He eventually carved out a role when he was shipped to the Timberwolves in 2023. He played significant minutes off the bench, including during the playoffs.

His solid play gave him leverage to ask for a bigger paycheck. Unfortunately, the Timberwolves could not do it.

Now with the Hawks, Alexander-Walker is enjoying a breakout campaign, averaging career-highs of 20.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals. He is one of the early frontrunners for Most Improved Player.

NAW is a big part of the new vision in Atlanta in the post-Trae Young era, along with Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu.

The post Watch Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s touching tribute video before Timberwolves-Hawks clash appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Timberwolves just took a tough loss against the Los Angeles Clippers, so they’re going to come out with a lot of urgency, and if the Hawks don’t have two of their key players, they could be in trouble.

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Jalen Johnson’s injury status vs. Timberwolves

Johnson is listed as questionable against the Timberwolves, and it may come down closer to warmups to see if he’s available. Daniels is also listed as questionable heading into the matchup.

With the All-Star break coming up, the Hawks may not want to force anything with Johnson, but at the same time, it would be nice if they could close out these next two games with wins before the break. The Hawks are currently in the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference, and they could easily fall the way things are close in the standings. The Charlotte Hornets are one of the hottest teams in the league, and they’re looking to make a jump.

Johnson has been the catalyst for the Hawks’ success this season, and he’s been doing everything for the team. It shows in his stats, as he’s currently averaging 23.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game.

The Hawks have also added a few players to the team at the deadline, and the hope is that they can get acclimated quickly so they can make a run in the second part of the season.

The post Hawks’ Jalen Johnson gets injury update for Timberwolves matchup appeared first on ClutchPoints.

With Johnson blossoming into one of the best playmaking forwards in the NBA, the Hawks pivoted to acquiring many valuable role players who can provide spacing for the nascent 24-year-old wing. They pulled off a total of five trades, including Young’s move to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, and these moves indicate that Atlanta believes in its young nucleus’ potential to make waves in the East for years to come.

On that note, here are individual grades for each trade the Hawks made, which would then add up to an overall grade for their busy trade deadline.

Hawks end the Trae Young era on a whimper

Hawks acquire: CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert

Wizards acquire: Trae Young

The Hawks’ inability to get a first-round pick or any of the Wizards’ young prospect for their best player of the past seven or so years is telling of how the market perceives undersized guards like Young. Young also has well-documented defensive shortcomings, and it’s become increasingly difficult to build a team around someone with his flaws, especially when he’s making as much money as he is ($46.4 million this season, player option for nearly $49 million for next).

Plain and simply, the Hawks did not want to pay Young what it would take to keep him on the team for the long haul. With the doubts they had as his viability as their franchise star, it was only correct for Atlanta to try and sell on the star guard.

However, there’s an argument to be made that the Hawks waited too long to trade Young. He was so close to free agency (barring the unlikely outcome that he picks up his player option for next season) that other interested teams couldn’t fork over more quality assets for a four-time All-Star.

The Hawks could only get McCollum and Kispert, and as helpful as those players are, it’s difficult not to feel as though Atlanta sold low on a perennial 20 and 10 point guard.

The good news is that this trade gives the Hawks room to maneuver for the next few years, as McCollum’s contract is about to expire at season’s end. Kispert is a plug-and-play movement shooter who should now have an established role on the team following Atlanta’s other trade deadline deals.

Grade: B-

Atlanta ends the Jonathan Kuminga era in Golden State

Hawks acquire: Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield

Warriors acquire: Kristaps Porzingis

Acquiring Porzingis was a huge gamble on the Hawks’ end; the end to his Boston Celtics tenure inspired little confidence that he’d be healthy moving forward, as he was dealing with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) — a condition in which transitioning from lying down to standing up causes dizziness, an unusually fast heart rate, and fatigue.

The Hawks knew this and brought him in since the reward was immense; for all of Porzingis’ health issues, he’s still an incredible offensive player and rim protector when healthy. Alas, Porzingis was rarely healthy for the Hawks, suiting up in just 17 games for Atlanta. This left them incredibly thin in the frontcourt, with Onyeka Okongwu having to log heavy minutes nightly given how thin they were at the position.

The bright side was that Porzingis’ contract was expiring, so if the Hawks were to decide to move on, they could very easily do so. However, they decided to trade him to the Warriors for Kuminga and Hield — adding more depth to a team that’s in a sort of limbo at the moment.

Kuminga is one of the most enigmatic players in the NBA; he’s only 23 years of age and he can put points on the board in bunches. But he did not fit the system in Golden State, as Steve Kerr relied on ball and player movement around Stephen Curry to generate easy buckets. Kuminga, on the other hand, needed the ball in his hands and was a very sufficient shot-creator for himself.

Can he turn his career around in Atlanta? He’ll be playing behind Johnson, so Kuminga has to accept being a microwave scoring option alongside McCollum for the Hawks. Considering how the Hawks have given the keys to Johnson, it’s not likely for Kuminga to break out in his new team, as his fit alongside the team’s best player is iffy at best.

Hield is coming in as a sharpshooter with one more year on his contract, so he’s another trade piece for the Hawks come offseason time in their never-ending bid to upgrade the roster.

Considering how Porzingis didn’t suit up often for the Hawks, trading him away in another gamble, this time on Kuminga’s potential and perhaps the effect of a change of scenery on him, could be worth it. And if all else fails, the Hawks can always decline his team option for next season to free up even more space.

Grade: B+

Hawks address center need with trade for Jock Landale

Hawks acquire: Jock Landale

Jazz acquire: Cash considerations

For a team that was in dire need of additional center depth, getting a solid backup option in Landale without having to give up any assets other than cash cannot be construed as anything other than a huge win for the Hawks.

Landale has been more than solid this season during his tenure for the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 11.3 points and 6.5 boards as he held the fort for them amid Zach Edey’s absences. He provides some toughness in the paint and he can space the floor on occasion, shooting 39.6 percent from three on three attempts per game.

Nonetheless, Landale will be a free agent at season’s end, so it’s understandable that the Hawks got him for a bag of chips. The Jazz will certainly need a cash infusion as they endure a plethora of losses to end the season to try and keep their 2026 first-round pick.

Grade: A+

Hawks trade two snipers in two separate trades

Trade one

Hawks acquire: Gabe Vincent, 2032 second-round pick

Lakers acquire: Luke Kennard

Trade two

Hawks acquire: Duop Reath (later waived), 2027 and 2030 second-round picks

Blazers acquire: Vit Krejci

The Hawks acquired Kispert and Hield in separate trades, which meant that Atlanta had more sharpshooting specialists on the wings than they needed. This makes their decision to trade Kennard and Krejci to the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers, respectively, that much more understandable.

When news of Krejci’s move to Portland broke, many Hawks fans found the move confusing as Krejci has blossomed into one dangerous threat from beyond the arc. He’s shooting over 42 percent from deep with Atlanta at the time of his move, and he had two more years left on his deal at such a bargain price (total of $5.6 million in the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons).

Getting two second-rounders, however, can now be seen as a win now that the Hawks managed to acquire similar players that will help cover for his departure.

Meanwhile, getting a 2032 second-round pick for Kennard, who will be a free agent, is an understandable move for Atlanta as well seeing as they now have Hield and Kispert filling his role as a high-level marksman.

It will hurt the Hawks to lose a bit of Kennard’s playmaking. Krejci’s contract was too valuable that the Hawks could have kept him instead. But these aren’t huge losses for Atlanta in the context of all the moves they made prior to the trade deadline.

Grade: B-

Hawks’ overall trade deadline grade: B

The post Hawks 2026 NBA trade deadline grade after 5 deals appeared first on ClutchPoints.

If you looked at the game, you wouldn’t think that the Hawks were too far apart from the Hornets; they just missed a lot of shots when it mattered the most. Pick up the stat sheet, and you see one of the biggest tipping points of the matchup was the rebounding.

The Hornets had a +19 advantage on the boards, and that’s what ultimately doomed the Hawks for the entire game.

“The rebounding was a huge thing coming into the game,” Jalen Johnson said. “I just don’t think we did the best job on the glass tonight. I gotta be better on the glass, but we also gave up a lot of open looks, and that was a part of it too. Overall, I think we played a solid game.”

“I thought in the beginning of the game we did a really good job on the glass, and we were able to get out,” Quin Snyder said. “I think we were playing well during that point. A lot of it, you just have to grind on it, on both ends, to the extent that we can close that gap with us getting more offensive rebounds. That’s another way to address it, it’s the possession game. It’s something that’s been a focal point for us from Day 1, whether it’s taking care of the ball, crashing, or giving up offensive rebounds.”

Moussa Diabate had 15 rebounds, and five of them were offensive. Ryan Kalkbrenner only had five rebounds, but four of them were offensive.

In total, the Hornets had 16 offensive rebounds, and the Hawks finished with just five.

It’s been an area that the Hawks have struggled at since the beginning of the season, and they’re near the bottom of the league in that category. Nonetheless, in this game, the Hawks still gave themselves a chance near the end to win. It started with Jalen Johnson, who finished with 31 points, with 25 of them coming in the second half.

Though he didn’t have it going in the first half, he still found a way to make an impact on the game.

“I might miss my first couple shots in the game, and other guys might have it going, so that opens up for me to playmake,” Johnson said. “Obviously, when the time is right, I pick my spots, I’ll be aggressive when I need to be, and that approach has helped me to stay even keel when I’m not shooting the ball well to start the game.”

Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to reel the Hawks to the victory, and they’ll get another chance when they play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Feb. 9.

The post Hawks’ Jalen Johnson reveals ‘huge’ factor that caused loss vs. Hornets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The mask made the 25-year-old center look like Bane, a villain in the Batman universe. The Hawks even played into the Bane character in its post on X, formerly known as Twitter, by sharing a quote from the famous character from “The Dark Knight Rises” film starring Tom Hardy (Bane) and Christian Bale (Batman).

You think darkness is your ally? You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it. pic.twitter.com/CWOJkrfUZ4

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 8, 2026

Atlanta is glad to have Okongwu back in the lineup. He’s primed for a key role after the Hawks traded Kristaps Porzingis away to the Golden State Warriors. Onyeka Okongwu has emerged as a star for the franchise, as he’s averaging 16.3 points (career-high), 7.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists (career-high), 1.2 steals (career-high), and 1.0 blocks per game. He’s also shooting 48.2% from the floor and 36.7% from beyond the three-point line.

The injury Okongwu sustained looked horrific. He took a hard shot from Celtics star Jaylen Brown, as Browns’ elbow connected with Okongwu’s mouth. The Hawks star suffered a dental fracture that appeared to knock several of his teeth loose. Onyeka Okongwu was forced to undergo surgery on his mouth soon after the injury.

His return is ideal for the Hawks, as the team is right in the mix of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. It’s a close race, though, as a winning streak from Atlanta could potentially catapult the club up the rankings.

The post Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu debuts Bane mask before Hornets showdown appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker is one of the players who has been a constant for the Hawks, and his career year has been huge for what they’ve done. Alexander-Walker is coming from a team that made the Western Conference Finals two seasons in a row, and there’s no doubt he wants that same success with the Hawks.

When asked what his goals were for the remainder of the season, Alexander-Walker kept it simple.

“Try to make the playoffs,” Alexander-Walker said. “If we can avoid the Play-In, I know that’s where we’ve been for the past few years, and try to secure a seed and hopefully make a run. We’re building, and we have guys like [Jalen Johnson] who’s playing phenomenal. Dyson [Daniels] is figuring it out and making shots now, and myself and CJ [McCollum] are slowly building together with that communication that we have.

The Hawks made several moves at the trade deadline, adding five new players. They acquired Jock Landale from the Utah Jazz, traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Golden State Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, and traded Luke Kennard to the Los Angeles Lakers for Gabe Vincent.

“Adding guys like Jock [Landale], Buddy [Hield], and Jonathan [Kuminga], it’s going to be exciting just to see how they come in,” Alexander-Walker said. “As we all kind of get rolling, the goal is to make the playoffs and try to make a run. I want to win, and I want to compete.”

The Hawks are currently the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference, but are just a few games from climbing up the standings. At the same time, they’re also a few games from sliding out of the Play-In, so it will be important for them to stay on their Ps and Qs in the second half of the season.

Luckily for the Hawks, they have one of the easiest remaining schedules in the league, but it won’t mean much if they don’t go out and win those games. The hope is that with the new guys coming to the team, they can establish chemistry early and go on a run.

The post Hawks’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker has eyes set on one goal for second half of season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Hawks (26-27) host the Hornets (24-28) at 7:00 p.m. ET to close out a two-game homestand, but veteran guard Buddy Hield remains listed as questionable on the team’s latest injury report due to a trade pending designation. Charlotte enters the contest as the hottest team in the league, riding an eight-game winning streak that has pushed them back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

Hield was acquired by Atlanta earlier this week in a trade with the Golden State Warriors. The 33-year-old guard last appeared in Golden State’s 113-94 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night, finishing with nine points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals in 28 minutes. He shot 4-for-11 from the field and went 0-for-4 from 3-point range in the loss.

For the season, Hield is averaging eight points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 43.3% from the field and 34.4% from beyond the arc. He has appeared in 44 games with three starts, logging 17.5 minutes per contest in a reserve role.

Atlanta acquired Hield along with forward Jonathan Kuminga in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis, a move that reshaped the Hawks’ rotation ahead of the stretch run. Kuminga, however, will not be available Saturday. The 23-year-old forward is listed as out with left knee bone bruising and a trade pending designation.

Buddy Hield trade status uncertain as Jonathan Kuminga remains out

Kuminga is averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 45.4% from the field and 32.1% from 3-point range across 20 games this season. He has made 13 starts and is averaging 23.8 minutes per game. His last appearance came Jan. 22 in Golden State’s 123-115 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, when he logged nine minutes before suffering the injury. In that outing, he posted 10 points, two assists, two steals and one rebound while shooting 3-for-3 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

While Kuminga remains sidelined and Hield’s availability is uncertain, the Hawks did receive positive news elsewhere on the injury report. Veteran guard Gabe Vincent, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers at Thursday’s trade deadline along with a second-round pick in exchange for Luke Kennard, will be available Saturday.

Vincent, 29, is averaging 4.8 points and 1.3 assists per game this season while shooting 34.6% from the field. He is posting career highs of 36.9% from 3-point range and 90.9% from the free throw line across 29 games with seven starts, averaging 19.3 minutes per contest.

His most recent appearance came Tuesday in the Lakers’ 125-109 win over the Brooklyn Nets, when he finished scoreless but added two steals, one rebound and one assist in 16 minutes.

Charlotte, meanwhile, enters Saturday’s game playing its best basketball of the season. The Hornets’ eight-game winning streak has been fueled by improved defensive consistency and balanced scoring, making them a difficult test for an Atlanta team still integrating new pieces into its rotation.

The post Is Buddy Hield playing tonight after trade? Hawks vs. Hornets injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

He then has to get off the plane and wait for the word on where he’s going. He finds out it’s the Atlanta Hawks, and they offered to send him a plane to get him to the team the same day of their game, ironically against the Jazz. Landale opted against that to get to the team as soon as possible, and he packed his truck up to drive five and a half hours to Atlanta.

To make it even more special for him, he was inserted into the starting lineup in his first game, and he may have had the best debut that anyone could ask for.

Landale finished the game with 26 points and 11 rebounds, and hit a big three-pointer to give the Hawks the lead late in the game. The Hawks were able to pull off a win, and for Landale, he was learning on the fly as the game went on.

“Anytime you have a team that puts trust in you on short notice, it says volumes about them,” Landale said. “It was a game that was probably a little bit structureless for us, and you start adding new pieces over the next couple of weeks. You’re just adjusting on the fly, so they’re calling plays I’ve never heard of in my life. And I’m just being told where to go on the fly. They’ve given me a playbook I haven’t looked at yet.

“It’s just going to be playing basketball, which is fun, reacting and playing off a bunch of intelligent hoopers. It’s a freeing place to be to just let the game come to you and figure it out on the fly. I had a lot of fun in game one. I would love for it to be like this every night.”

Landale did everything that the Hawks wanted out of their center play. He started the game with three offensive rebounds and made his presence felt in the paint. He knocked down five of his eight three-pointers. He made plays for others, which led to his five assists.

It may have taken a lot to get to that moment, but it looks like he was ready for whatever was being thrown at him. Going forward, there would be no surprise that Landale will be a key piece in the frontcourt alongside Onyeka Okongwu when he returns.

The post Jock Landale describes ‘fun’ experience starting for the Hawks after being traded appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Then you have Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who has had his fair share of moments throughout the season and has shown he’s never afraid of the moment. Against the Utah Jazz, he was tasked with the opportunity once again.

With ten seconds left and the game tied after Ace Bailey knocked down a three-pointer, the Hawks had two timeouts to spare. Quin Snyder elected not to call one, and the ball was given to Alexander-Walker off the inbound.

“They were cross-matched, and they were kind of scurrying to get back. As I was bringing it up, I could tell that they hadn’t really declared a pick-up point on the ball,” Alexander-Walker said. “In that moment, it was, ‘Okay. Try to get to the basket.’

“I saw a lot of space behind me, tried to go left to get to the basket, and then once I realized he had cut me off, immediately I just got into ‘What is the counter that I work on in this moment?’ I was able to put myself in the practice facility again in that moment and just go through the reps of what I practiced every morning.”

It was a turnaround jumper that Alexander-Walker settled for. The ball made two bounces before it rolled in. It gave the Hawks a two-point lead with 1.3 seconds left, and they were able to get a stop on the other end to win the game.

NAW buckets pic.twitter.com/FPRl0AguEA

— Malik Brown (@_MalikATL) February 6, 2026

Before Alexander-Walker came to the Hawks, he didn’t have to take those shots because there were other players tasked to do so. This season, he’s having the opportunity to have the ball late in the game to make a decision, and the team trusts him to do so.

“All that I’ve been through in my career, it’s really cool to finally work to gain that trust from somebody,” Alexander-Walker said. “In late-game [situations], playing with [Anthony Edwards], playing with guys like [Brandon Ingram], Donovan [Mitchell], Zion [Williamson], like so many guys that had the ball late game and were trusted to make plays to go out there and honestly carry the team in a possession, so to speak.”

“For me, it’s pretty cool cause I worked for those moments, and today was a shot that everyone kept saying to me that we seen so many times, knowing that I work on that stuff. It’s more relieving that it went in because of the work that I put in and how many times I’ve shot it before, and in that moment, it’s really cool to see it go in and to know that the work also translates.”

Snyder knows that he has options when it comes to late-game situations now, and it seems like these are situations they talk about a lot.

“If those guys have an advantageous situation that they can get to sometimes, you can call a timeout and get a great play and score that way,” Quin Snyder said. “There’s a chance that you do that, and someone misses, but whatever you decide to do as a team is something that we’ve covered. It does go to you having confidence in those guys, and you know how hard they work. We talk about it, and they’re behind each other, and you want to get a good shot.”

There’s no doubt that Alexander-Walker is going to get more opportunities as the season continues to seal games for the Hawks, and the more he makes them, his confidence will only continue to skyrocket.

The post Hawks’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker gives heartfelt reflection after sinking Jazz with game-winner appeared first on ClutchPoints.

They weren’t done there, and when the morning rose, they acquired Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick from the Los Angeles Lakers for Luke Kennard.

Kennard was one of the prized free agent acquisitions for the Hawks this past summer, which crowned the team as having one of the best offseasons in the league. Everybody knows what Kennard can do, as he’s at the top of the league when it comes to three-point percentage.

When the season started, Kennard rarely showed what he could do. When he got the ball, it was either a pump fake, a drive to the basket, or a pass. Yes, he may be underrated as a passer, but the Hawks signed him because he could shoot the ball at a high level. Coinciding with Kennard not shooting was the Hawks losing games, and after a December loss at home against the Miami Heat, the team had a players-only meeting.

It’s not known what was said in that meeting, but since then, Kennard has been the player the Hawks wanted all along. Unfortunately, around this time of the season, expiring deals get traded more than often, and Kennard’s one-year, $11 million contract was put to use.

Now, the Hawks have landed Vincent, who is not the shooter that Kennard is, but can knock them down if need be. Also, Vincent is a solid defender, which should help the Hawks on that side of the ball.

His role with the Lakers seemed to be up and down this season, and with guards such as Marcus Smart and Austin Reaves ahead of him, there wasn’t much need for what he brings.

As far as the assets and financial side of things, the Hawks were able to get a second-round pick out of the deal and were able to create a $11 million trade player exception. It’s not certain if that is of big significance for the Hawks, but it’s still something to keep an eye on.

In all, this move gives the Hawks a solid defender and shooter, which should help their guard depth, and this can’t be looked at as a loss on their end. It does hurt to give up one of the best three-point shooters in the league, but with how the Hawks have been wheeling and dealing over the past 24 hours, they have players to replace him.

Hawks trade grade: B

The post Hawks trade grade for Gabe Vincent-Luke Kennard deal with Lakers appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Porzingis was one of the moves that was bound to take the Hawks to the next level. Fast forward to the trade deadline, and he’s only played in 17 games after left Achilles tendinitis sidelined him for the past several weeks, and the POTS illness forced him to miss games as well. In all, the experiment was a low-risk, high-reward move, but the risks shone more than the reward.

To erase that from their memory, the Hawks decided to make another low-risk, high-reward move, and that was trading Porzingis to the Golden State Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.

For weeks, Kuminga’s trade request has flown under the radar, as other stars took the spotlight. It’s been evident since last season that he and the Warriors needed a divorce, but with no suitor giving Golden State what they wanted, Kuminga stayed on the team with 16 straight DNPs at one point this season.

Kuminga has shown flashes throughout his young career, and his athleticism is the first thing that pops out to many. He has games where he’s efficient at the rim, and he’ll even hit a jumpshot or two. He’ll use his size to make sure his defender doesn’t get past him. It’s all the things that the Warriors expected from him when he was drafted.

Then, you have the moments when he’s struggling, and for the Warriors and Steve Kerr, those were the times where, apparently, he didn’t need to be on the floor. Now, Kuminga comes to a team where it’s uncertain what his role will be, but for the Hawks, it doesn’t have to look perfect. And that’s okay.

After a few weeks of having CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert after the Trae Young trade, it’s safe to say that things are clicking for the Hawks. They’ve also added some much-needed center depth with Christian Koloko and, just recently, Jock Landale. The one thing the Hawks did need was more wing depth, and they got that with Kuminga.

No, he’s not the best shooter, but he can definitely drive the ball at a high rate. The Hawks already have enough shooting specialists in Kispert and now Buddy Hield. Also, almost everybody on the team can shoot from the perimeter. Kuminga is shooting 32% from the three-point line this season, and he’s barely getting them up because that’s not his game. When you’re surrounded by average to above-average shooters, driving to the basket should be a luxury, and that’s what Kuminga has been good at since being around players like Stephen Curry throughout his career.

That part of his game can help the Hawks, but what could take it to the next level is if he improves his passing. Kuminga has been labeled as a ballstopper, which is probably why things didn’t work out well with the Warriors, where their game thrives off of constant ball and player movement. He’ll be coming into a similar system with the Hawks, and they’ve excelled at it as the No.1 team in assists this season.

The hope is that he can buy into the system, while also knowing that it can help him get easy shots at the basket. As far as defense, he has the tools, but he has to use them consistently.

In all, this could be a move for the Hawks where they took a swing at a young player, and it all worked out. He has a team option worth $24 million next season, and if the Hawks believe that he can be a piece to help them moving forward, all they have to do is accept it.

If he doesn’t turn out to be a good fit for the team, and the reasons why he fell out of the Warriors’ lineup seep into the next few months with the Hawks, all they have to do is decline the team option after the season, and they’ll still have cap space to work with in the offseason. It’s that simple.

The Hawks don’t have to be tied to Kuminga if they don’t want to. In fact, they were able to fill another need on the team with the move, and it’s better to have a durable player on the roster than someone who you just don’t know if or when they’ll be able to suit up.

The post Hawks’ Jonathan Kuminga trade gamble has little downside after Kristaps Porzingis move flops appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Warriors are trading Kuminga and guard Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for stretch big Kristaps Porzingis, as first reported by ESPN.

The trade marks an end to a tumultuous and tenuous five-years between Golden State and the 23-year-old forward. Disagreements about the 2022 No. 7 overall pick’s playing time and role in coach Steve Kerr’s roster marred much of his time in the Bay Area, leading to angst and frustration from both sides.

And after a heated contract negotiation last summer, which only raised tensions between his camp and the organization, it seemed like things cooled down when Kuminga found himself in Kerr’s starting lineup, with stable minutes and the support of the vets.

But as all things tended to happen with Kuminga and the Warriors, the situation collapsed. The Warriors started losing, and Kuminga’s play became the sacrificial lamb in their attempts to solve their woes. His playing time shrank, injuries popped up, and the situation ultimately devolved into the young forward catching DNP-CDs.

There was speculation that Kuminga would remain with the Warriors if their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo fell short. However, with this trade coming on the eve of the deadline, it’s clear the unease purgatory both parties found themselves in could not persist.

Grading the Warriors’ trade on the eve of the deadline

Warriors Receive: Kristaps Porzingis

Hawks Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield

From a basketball perspective, the Warriors did well for themselves. In theory.

Porzingis encapsulates the kind of player Golden State has sought for quite a while– a stretch five who can shoot and defend at a high level. In 17 games with the Hawks this season, Porzingis has averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 36.0% from 3-point range.

At his best, Porzingis is a dynamic big man who fits nicely next to Draymond Green (if the Dubs keep him past the deadline), whose offense has cratered as age catches up to him. Those few showings for the Boston Celtics’ gentleman’s sweep of the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals are the best-case scenario for the Warriors. A rim-protecting, 3-point shooting 7-footer who can change a game in minutes.

But notice the word “few,” and notice how the Celtics’ championship was two years ago. Porzingis has been plagued by injury and illness since Boston won the title, making his playing time on the court few and far between. Since the 2024 championship, Porzingis has only played in 59 games. Just about everything in his legs, from hamstring injuries and knee injuries to quads and ankles and calves, plus a mysterious illness in the 2025 playoffs, has forced him to miss time.

For as enticing as the best-case scenario seems, the worst-case scenario is a player whose health issues prevent him from helping out this middling Warriors team on the verge of collapse after Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury.

Still, the risk of Porzingis is, for the most part, a safe one. Kuminga was giving Golden State nothing with his DNP-CDs and a quietly frequent injury history. And while Hield’s locker room presence was lauded by Kerr, his shooting numbers tanked this season. Hield’s shooting a career low 34.4% from the arc, for a career-low of 8.0 points a game. Even if Porzingis ends up a dud, that’s just about equal to what the Warriors were getting from Kuminga and Hield.

It’s also important to point out that Porzingis’s $30 million salary expires after this season. That gives Golden State some wiggle room to make a move in free agency if it doesn’t pan out.

This trade does signal that the Warriors are out of the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, given how vital Kuminga was for that trade scenario. But based on the reporting, it seems like the Warriors weren’t close to a deal with the Bucks, hence the pivot to an avenue like Porzingis.

Overall, it’s a solid trade for the Warriors with high upside. Could they have gotten more for Kuminga if they dealt him sooner? Probably. And maybe from a broader perspective, it’s an underwhelming move that doesn’t solve their predicament. Some would even say an admittance of defeat on multiple levels, from an asset management standpoint, a Steph Curry’s final years standpoint, and a two timelines failure standpoint.

But this at least gives them something to work with right now if Porzingis can stay healthy.

Trade Grade: B-

Grading the Hawks’ side

For the Hawks, they turn Porzingis’s expiring $30 million into an opportunity to see Kuminga up close and personal. The rest of this season will be an evaluation of how the young, intriguing forward fits into their core next to budding star Jalen Johnson. However, it doesn’t exactly seem like a seamless fit for Kuminga and the Hawks on paper.

Kuminga is a ball-dominant forward whose biggest strength is the pressure he puts on the rim. His defense comes and goes, and the same with his rebounding. Next to a wing like Johnson, who also needs the ball to operate and would benefit more from being surrounded by shooting, it makes for a clunky fit.

But from a glass-half-full perspective, the Hawks could use another ball-dominant player who can create their own offense. Aside from Johnson, Atlanta is made up of sturdy secondary players who do not have that ability. Best-case scenario, Kuminga becomes the change-up 1-2 punch for Johnson, easing his burden. And they’re certainly getting a motivated Kuminga, a player who’s been dying for a change of scenery and a place where he will have the runway to prove his worth.

The Hawks wouldn’t make this trade if they were willing to give him the minutes. How those minutes shakeout, we’re going to find out. All in all, it’s a good acquisition for a distressed young asset that they can cut bait on at any time. Kuminga has a team option this summer that would allow the Hawks to either cut his $23.4 million altogether, extend him on a reasonable contract given the control they have over him, or accept his team option and use the salary in a trade for something big.

It’s a good flyer with little risk.

Trade Grade: B+

The post Jonathan Kuminga, Kristaps Porzingis trade grades for Warriors-Hawks deal appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Warriors also traded Buddy Hield, getting Kristaps Porzingis in return, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Wednesday.

Kuminga demanded a trade from the Warriors after growing more discontented with his minimal role in coach Steve Kerr’s rotation. Kerr has repeatedly touted Kuminga’s potential, but has remained apprehensive about giving him more playing time, citing bad on-court habits.

Fans had similar comments following Kuminga’s move to the Hawks, saying he’s finally free.

“Happy to see Kuminga is a free man. What a waste of talent in Golden State,” said @krunasty.

“So happy for Jonathan Kuminga. Finally free!” echoed @CoachSDuke.

“I’m happy for Kuminga that he’s free, and now he will get to go play. I’m definitely going to continue to support him and root for him,” wrote @ceejaytalksball.

“My boy Kuminga is free at last,” posted @realclash11.

@PMR777200542481 had the perfect meme to sum it up.

Kuminga’s immediate reaction to finally being free from the Shawshank Warriors… pic.twitter.com/y05lh9j3k8

— PMR (@PMR777200542481) February 5, 2026

The 23-year-old Kuminga will join the youth movement in Atlanta and team up with the core of Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu.

The Warriors had high hopes for Kuminga when they drafted him as the seventh overall pick in 2021. He, however, didn’t pan out, as Kerr chose to stick with more experienced players.

While the draft is always better in hindsight, it’s worth noting that Golden State chose Kuminga over Johnson, Franz Wagner, Alperen Sengun, and Trey Murphy III.

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But before acquiring the big man out of St. Mary’s, the Hawks and Dallas Mavericks were in talks about a possible Daniel Gafford trade. But both sides could not come to an agreement. The Mavs were reportedly looking for a first-round pick, according to Marc Stein. Atlanta countered with a second-round selection, but was not going to budge.

That led the Hawks to pivot to the 3-team deal.

In Landale, Atlanta gets a young, talented big man who has shown some improvement in his fifth NBA season. After struggling to get minutes with the San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets, the Australian center finally played meaningful minutes in Memphis this season.

He averaged 11.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in just over 23 minutes per game. Additionally, he showed off his range, knocking down 38% of his threes this season on 2.9 attempts per game.

The depth in the paint was much needed for the Hawks. Kristaps Porzingis has barely played all season, for one reason or another. That signing is looking worse by the day. Onyeka Okongwu has finally been given starters’ minutes, and he has shone. But beyond him, there is very little depth.

The Mavericks are clearly in rebuild mode. Earlier on Wednesday, they agreed to trade Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards. Gafford certainly holds some trade value, particularly with him being under contract through the 2028-29 season. But it appears the Hawks found a much cheaper, younger, depth piece.

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“The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Lonzo Ball and two second-round picks to the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN. Ball’s agent Rich Paul and the Jazz are expected to discuss his future soon,” reported ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania on X, formerly Twitter.

Charania also clarified what will be in store for Ball with Utah.

“The Jazz are expected to waive Lonzo Ball, allowing him to be a free agent, sources tell ESPN,” he reported.

Ball was widely expected to be a trade candidate for the Cavs this year after his shooting numbers had cratered significantly since joining Cleveland via a trade with the Chicago Bulls.

Now, he will be free to sign with another team after being waived by the Jazz.

Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints later confirmed that this was part of a larger deal with the Atlanta Hawks that sent Jock Landale to Atlanta.

“…this Lonzo Ball to Utah trade is a 3-team deal that also involved Jock Landale going to the Hawks. Cavs are sending second-round picks in 2028 and 2032 to Utah, who will be waiving Ball,” reported Siegel.

Meanwhile, the Cavs recently added to their backcourt bench depth by acquiring both Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for De’Andre Hunter, meaning they won’t have a void left by Ball in terms of backup point guard minutes.

It remains to be seen whether the Cavs will look to make any more moves before the deadline, but as it is, the team will already look much different the next time they take the court.

The NBA trade deadline is set for Thursday afternoon at 3:00 pm ET.

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There really isn’t a trade package out there that the Spurs would even consider, not even one with more draft picks and star talent than ever seen before in a prior trade. Here are the only three trades that would even get the Spurs to think about it for a split second, before they would ultimately shut these proposals down.

Atlanta Hawks

Hawks receive: Victor Wembanyama, Harrison Barnes

Spurs receive: Jalen Johnson, four first-round picks, three second-round picks

The Atlanta Hawks opened the floodgates of trade season. Atlanta traded Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. It was an underwhelming return for a former All-Star, but the Hawks found it necessary to move on from Young and kick off a new era.

The Hawks might not be done tinkering with their roster, though. As of now, Jalen Johnson is leading the team ahead as the face of the team. Johnson is emerging as a star. He is an athletic specimen who can finish above the rim, and he is averaging career highs across the board. Johnson is scoring 23.1 points and shooting 36% from deep. Most notably, though, the point forward has displayed his playmaking prowess by averaging eight assists per game.

Despite how great his future looks, the Hawks would certainly trade him for Wembanyama. However, even with a surplus of picks coming on top of Johnson, the Spurs aren’t going to give up their prized possession.

Memphis Grizzlies

Grizzlies receive: Victor Wembanyama, Kelly Olynyk, Jeremy Sochan

Spurs receive: Ja Morant, six first-round picks, three second-round picks

The Memphis Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane in the offseason. They just sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, too. Now they have 12 future first-round picks and seem primed to trade Ja Morant next. Morant and the Grizzlies have been butting heads for quite some time. The point guard has been suspended on numerous occasions, and his play has really regressed in recent seasons. It is honestly a surprise that Bane and Jackson were traded before him.

Morant is still a former All-Star who is just 26 years old, and a change of scenery could get him back on track. While trading for Wembanyama would be next-to-impossible, the Grizzlies could try to lure the Spurs into a trade with a bunch of the picks they’ve acquired, in addition to the promise that Morant will turn things around.

For the Spurs, trading Wembanyama would be dumb, but adding another point guard would be just as questionable. San Antonio already has De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper on the roster.

Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers receive: Victor Wembanyama

Spurs receive: Austin Reaves, one first-round pick, four first-round pick swaps

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off the impossible last year when they traded for Luka Doncic; perhaps they can do the same for Wembanyama. All it took was Max Christie, one first-round pick, and an aging star in the form of Anthony Davis to acquire Doncic. The move was arguably the most shocking trade in NBA history.

Lakers fans now think that their team can get away with anything, regardless of how unrealistic it is. The Lakers have three offensive-minded ball handlers in Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. Flipping Reaves for Wembanyama would be even crazier than the Doncic trade, but the French big man would fit impressively on a roster with James and Doncic. His rim protection would make up for the defensive limitations of James and Doncic, and he’d receive a lot of alley oops and open shots because of the playmaking of those two.

Wembanyama won’t be traded, but everybody said that about Doncic before the Lakers got their hands on him.

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Kristaps Porzingis’ injury status vs the Heat

Despite being available to return, Porzingis will not play against the Heat.

The Hawks have ruled the Latvian out for the meeting with Miami due to illness, the team announced over an hour before the game.

Porzingis has been out of the lineup for a few weeks due to the issue, and before that, he had been sidelined for a similar amount of time due to an illness, all of which caused immense frustrations for Hawks fans hoping to see their prized trade acquisition on the floor.

Atlanta will still be without Onyeka Okongwu, who will remain out of the lineup after suffering a vicious elbow from Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown last week.

For the Heat, Tyler Herro will miss this game due to a rib injury, while Norman Powell is doubtful due to personal reasons that have kept him out the last two games. Andrew Wiggins is questionable with hamstring tightness.

The Hawks recently went on a four-game winning streak to help get them back in the mix in the Eastern Conference but have since dropped two straight games, including to the lowly Indiana Pacers on Saturday evening in frustrating fashion.

Hawks power forward Jalen Johnson was recently named an All-Star for his efforts so far this season, and Hawks fans are hoping that the rest of the team is able to improve their level of play as the All-Star break approaches.

Tipoff between Atlanta and Miami is set for 7:30 pm ET.

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James Harden’s season has carried both production and pressure. He is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 44 games while shooting over 90 percent from the free throw line. Those numbers still demand respect. They also fuel questions about fit. The Timberwolves want a veteran guard beside Anthony Edwards. The Hawks once made sense when Trae Young ran the show. That door closed fast when Young was sent to the Wizards. The moment passed. The window narrowed.

James Harden reality check for Timberwolves and Hawks

Stein and Fischer report that Minnesota’s focus has shifted elsewhere as the deadline draws near, with the franchise prioritizing a different superstar pursuit. Atlanta, meanwhile, has cooled on bold moves after reshaping its roster. A Harden swap no longer matches its direction. The Clippers also showed no interest in a Harden-for-Young scenario before Young’s exit. Momentum faded before it ever formed.

ClutchPoints sources add that the Timberwolves have discussed Harden with the Clippers, along with the Cavaliers, but talks have not gained traction. The Raptors and Pelicans checked in as well. Harden had no desire to join either team. That matters. Player preference shapes every deadline story now.

The Clippers sit at 23–26 after a stunning turnaround from a 6–21 start. They have won 17 of their last 22 games. Stability suddenly feels possible. Yet Harden’s name still floats through league circles like unfinished business.

Under the bright arena lights, rumors carry weight. Some paths close. Others wait. With the NBA trade deadline approaching fast, one question hangs in the air for fans everywhere: does Harden stay put, or is another shock still coming?

The post NBA rumors: James Harden also interested trade to Timberwolves, Hawks. Are they interested in him? appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Dealing Doncic was seen as a terrible decision right away, and hindsight has only proven that true, especially because the Mavericks received an underwhelming package in return. It only took an aging and injury-prone Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and just one first-round pick to acquire Doncic.

The trade proved that anything really is possible in the NBA, but fans may be even more confident now that Doncic won’t be traded at the 2026 NBA trade deadline. The Lakers not only enjoy having Doncic on their roster, but they also saw firsthand the scrutiny the Mavericks received for making a dumb trade that will forever impact their franchise. If the Lakers pulled a trick from the Mavericks’ playbook and did end up trading Doncic for reasons that couldn’t be explained or justified, where could he be traded? Here are four unrealistic trade proposals for Doncic.

Orlando Magic

Magic receive: Luka Doncic

Lakers receive: Franz Wagner, Anthony Black, Tristan Da Silva, 2032 first-round pick, three second-round picks

The Orlando Magic made a huge trade in the offseason, sending away four first-round picks and a pick swap to bring in Desmond Bane. The move added much-needed shooting to Orlando’s rotation. It also left them relatively thin when it comes to draft capital going forward. Their 2032 first-round pick is their only tradable first-rounder, which makes a trade for Doncic nearly impossible, but it took just one star and one first-round pick for the Lakers to trade for Doncic last year.

Paolo Banchero burst onto the scene after the Magic made him the first overall pick, but he has actually somewhat disappointed this year. Orlando hasn’t taken an expected step forward, and Banchero has really struggled to shoot the long ball, which has led to some even pinning Franz Wagner as the team’s best player, rather than Banchero. That makes Wagner the prized addition in this trade.

Wagner is averaging 22.2 points per game in his own right. While Wagner’s shooting numbers are up this season, he was below 30% from deep in each of the prior two years. Trading him may help Banchero get back to form, as they both demand the ball and prefer to slash. The Magic still need more shooting even after adding Bane. Doncic is, of course, one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA. The Magic have enough defense to cover for him, and he could be the missing piece that gets the team over the hump.

The Magic would also have to part with Anthony Black and Tristan Da Silva in this deal. Black, in particular, has emerged as a really good player this season, and Da Silva is a solid rotation piece. While the Lakers wouldn’t and shouldn’t make this trade, it is a better deal than what the Mavericks received for Doncic last year, even despite only one first-round pick being included yet again.

Miami Heat

Heat recieve: Luka Doncic

Lakers receive: Tyler Herro, Davion Mitchell, two first-round picks, two second-round picks

Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro are the Miami Heat’s two stars. They have craved a third star ever since Jimmy Butler requested a trade out of town. However, a deal for Doncic would likely mean parting with Herro. The Heat may just be okay with that, though. Herro has been above 20 points per game in each of the past five seasons, and he made the All-Star Game last year. Those numbers qualify Herro as a star, but the team has, at times, played better without him.

The Heat made it to the NBA Finals in 2023 largely without Herro, and they’ve performed better than expectations this year despite the shooting guard being limited to 11 games played. The team is 4-7 in games in which Herro has suited up this year, too. Whether or not Herro can contribute to a winning style of play has to be questioned.

If the Heat could flip him for Doncic, a similarly limited defensive player, but an offensive force as talented as any NBA player before him, Miami would have to do it. Doncic would thrive as the primary scorer and playmaker in Miami, where Austin Reaves and LeBron James wouldn’t be stealing touches away from him.

The Heat are known for their “Heat Culture,” too, so they would surely be able to get the best out of Doncic. Players are required to play with maximum effort on both sides of the court in Miami, so Doncic could reach levels that fans haven’t even seen out of him yet.

Detroit Pistons

Pistons receive: Luka Doncic

Lakers receive: Jaden Ivey, Tobias Harris, Ron Holland, three first-round picks, six second-round picks

While the Detroit Pistons can stand pat and contend for years because of their young core, they are in a great spot to make a splash if they want. The team is currently in first place in the Eastern Conference standings. If there is a time to pursue a blockbuster trade, it would be this year while the conference is wide open due to injuries to Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum, as well as the inevitable trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

A Doncic-Cade Cunningham pairing could be enough to win a championship this year, especially since the Pistons would hold onto Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson if they made this deal. From an age perspective, it is possible that Cunningham and Doncic haven’t even hit their primes yet, so this duo could help Detroit contend for years to come.

Despite their current success in the standings, the Pistons have young assets and plenty of draft capital, so they could outbid teams for a star like Doncic. Jaden Ivey and Ron Holland were recent first-round picks who have flashed serious potential. That would be relatively intriguing for the Lakers, even though it is a stretch to think they’d even consider this deal. Three first-rounders and six second-round picks has to be enticing for a team that has James’ retirement on the horizon, though.

Atlanta Hawks

Hawks receive: Luka Doncic

Lakers receive: Zaccharie Risacher, Kristaps Porzingis, two first-round picks, two second-round picks

During the 2018 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks traded pick number three to the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas selected Doncic, and the Hawks took Trae Young with the fifth pick they acquired in the trade back. It is a move that fans have looked back at ever since. Young, like Doncic, became one of the best offensive engines in the NBA, but a lack of defense and winning playstyle led to the Hawks trading him to the Washington Wizards for next to nothing.

Doncic was also traded for a minimal return, so the connections between these two are undeniable. It would be quite ironic if Doncic were eventually traded to the team that originally passed on him on draft day. A trade to Atlanta could make some semblance of sense, though. The Hawks are clearly moving into a new era of basketball. Doncic could take over as their lead guard who runs the offense.

While trading for another defensively deficient player would be questionable at first glance, a lot of Young’s issues stemmed from a lack of size, whereas Doncic is a 6-foot-8 jumbo guard. For the Lakers, a stretch big like Kristaps Porzingis would actually fit quite well alongside James. While building around James doesn’t make a lot of sense considering he only has so many games left in the NBA, the all-time great has historically had a lot of say in what his teams do in the trade market. It wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if James requested that the Lakers get him a stretch big who he can kick the ball out to. Of course, Porzingis’ health would be a big concern when making this deal.

Zaccharie Risacher would be the biggest appeal of this trade, though. While Risacher was taking in a weak draft class, it still means a lot to be a number one overall pick. He’d play a huge part in Lakers’ life after James’ retirement.

Ultimately, the Lakers are going to hold onto Doncic; plain and simple. The aforementioned trades all have a degree of logic, though.

The post 4 Luka Doncic blockbuster trades that will never happen appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Anthony Davis’ hand injury, with a projected return timeline putting him closer towards the end of February, hasn’t quite dissuaded the Hawks from pursuing a trade with the Mavericks by the deadline, only that it’s lowered their offer. The current package it’s believed the Hawks have on the table for Davis is Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard and their own, middle of the draft, first round pick.

In his limited availability for the Mavericks this season, Davis has averaged 20.4 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.7 blocked shots with splits of 50.6 percent shooting from the field, 27 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 72.8 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

The Hawks pulled off a minor trade over the weekend, sending Vit Krejci, who was on a team-friendly contract, to the Portland Trail Blazers for Duop Reath and two second round picks.

The team’s desire for a big man at the deadline stems from the disappointing season from Porzingis. He’s been limited to only 17 games for the Hawks amid both injury and illness concerns. He’s averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 blocked shots with splits of 45.7 percent shooting from the field, 36 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 84 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

If the Hawks have concerns about Davis’ health, it’s possible they could end up pivoting to another Mavericks big man in Daniel Gafford. Gafford has reportedly been on the trade block, and with the Mavericks reportedly looking to move Klay Thompson’s contract, both could be an option for the Hawks.

The post NBA rumors: What Hawks’ Anthony Davis trade offer looks like right now appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Reports indicate that the Hawks are adding Reath and two future second-round picks, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. The team is sending guard Vit Krejci to the Trail Blazers.

“The Atlanta Hawks are trading guard Vit Krejci to the Portland Trail Blazers for Duop Reath and two future second-round picks, sources tell ESPN.”

Charania also explains how this move opens up roster space for the Hawks, as Reath suffered a season-ending injury. The 29-year-old center underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot on January 29. Duop Reath played 32 games this season before sustaining the injury, averaging 2.9 points and 1.2 rebounds while shooting 44.6% from the field and 41.8% from beyond the three-point line.

Reath joins a Hawks team that is dealing with several kinds of injuries in the center position. Starting center Onyeka Okongwu is expected to miss some time after suffering a serious mouth injury that requires surgery. Additionally, Kristaps Porzingis has been dealing with problems all season, most recently an Achilles injury that has sidelined him for multiple weeks.

Despite the roller coaster of a season so far, the Hawks are still potentially in the mix for a playoff spot. Atlanta is in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. However, due to the state of the roster, the front office might be looking to sell for more draft capital to build for the future.

The post Hawks acquire Duop Reath, draft capital in Trail Blazers trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Johnson is halfway through the fifth season of his NBA career with the Hawks. He has transformed into the Hawks’ franchise star overnight, taking over the top spot when the franchise sent Trae Young to the Washington Wizards earlier this season.

Johnson embraced the responsibilities and hasn’t looked back. He doubled down on that fact with his latest performance against Indiana. In 36 minutes of action, Johnson finished with a triple-double of 33 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists to go along with three steals. He shot 12-of-29 from the field, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, and 6-of-8 from the free-throw line.

This marked his eighth triple-double of the season. As a result, he set a new Hawks franchise record for most triple-doubles in a single season.

How Jalen Johnson, Hawks played against Pacers

Despite Jalen Johnson’s remarkable efforts, the Hawks fell short in a 129-124 road loss to the Pacers.

Both teams traded blows throughout the course of the game, but Indiana landed the biggest one with 45 points in the second quarter. Their performance in that period allowed them to control the lead for the remainder of the game, keeping Atlanta at bay.

Six players scored in double-digits for Atlanta in the loss, including Johnson. Nickeil Alexander-Walker had a solid showing with 21 points, five assists, three rebounds, one steal, and one block. He shot 7-of-17 overall, including 3-of-7 from downtown, and 4-of-6 from the charity stripe. CJ McCollum came next with 18 points and four rebounds, Mouhamed Gueye had 15 points and four rebounds, while Corey Kispert and Luke Kennard provided 11 points each.

Atlanta fell to a 24-27 record on the season, holding the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee Bucks while trailing the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat.

The Hawks will look to bounce back in their next matchup, remaining on the road. They face the Heat as tip-off will take place on Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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Jalen Johnson’s injury status vs. Pacers

Johnson has missed five games in his fifth season, including the Hawks’ 104-86 loss to the Houston Rockets on Thursday. He sat out of that game, which was the second leg of a back-to-back, with a calf injury, and head coach Quin Snyder noted that his team really suffered from Johnson’s absence.

The Hawks were also without Onyeka Okongwu in the loss, which Snyder also despised. Atlanta started Christian Koloko and Vit Krejci in place of its two absent forwards, who combined for just 15 points.

Atlanta will hope to have Johnson back with Okongwu already ruled out for Saturday’s game. The 25-year-old remains sidelined with a dental fracture after taking an elbow to the face from Jaylen Brown on Wednesday.

Before Thursday, Johnson had not missed a game since late December. Calf injuries should never be played with, but the timing of his hiatus seemed more like a precaution than anything. Consider Johnson on the right side of questionable to return on Saturday.

Zaccharie Risacher’s injury status vs. Pacers

While Johnson has missed just one game, Risacher has not played for the Hawks since Jan. 7. The former No. 1 overall pick has been sidelined with a knee contusion, but he did travel with the team to Indianapolis and is questionable to return after missing the last 11 games.

The Hawks have been experimenting with different starting lineups sans Risacher, but they appear to have settled on Corey Kispert as their stand-in starter. Atlanta acquired Kispert as part of the Trae Young deal shortly after Risacher’s injury. Kispert is coming off back-to-back strong efforts, scoring 13 points in a win over the Boston Celtics and 17 against the Rockets.

Risacher has been listed as questionable for the last few games, making it difficult to gauge his true progress. If he returns on Saturday, it would be his first time playing with the new-look Hawks since they sent Young to the Washington Wizards for C.J. McCollum and Kispert.

Hawks injury report

N’Faly Dante — OUT, torn ACL

RayJ Dennis — Doubtful, G League

Nikola Djurisic — Doubtful, G League

Caleb Houstan — Doubtful, G League

Jalen Johnson — Questionable, left calf tightness

Onyeka Okongwu — OUT, dental fracture

Kristaps Porzingis — OUT, left Achilles tendinitis

Zaccharie Risacher — Questionable, left knee contusion

Pacers injury report

Tyrese Haliburton — OUT, torn Achilles

Taelon Peter — Doubtful, G League

Ethan Thompson — Doubtful, G League

Obi Toppin — OUT, right foot stress fracture

The post Are Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher playing tonight? Hawks vs. Pacers injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Trading Trae Young trade and a surprising bounce

The Hawks’ 2025–26 season will forever be defined by January 7, 2026. That was the day the franchise traded cornerstone Trae Young to the Washington Wizards. At the time of the deal, Atlanta sat at a middling record. The move felt like an admission that the previous era had hit its ceiling. Yet in the weeks since, the Hawks have experienced an unexpected ‘post-Trae’ bounce. They have climbed to 24–26 and remain firmly in the Play-In mix at ninth in the East.

Under head coach Quin Snyder, Atlanta has pivoted away from a heliocentric offense. Now, they are sporting a faster, more egalitarian system that ranks sixth in the league in pace. The trade return of CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert has supplied veteran steadiness and reliable perimeter shooting. This has allowed the Hawks to stay competitive without building everything around one ball-dominant guard. Defensively, the team has shown modest improvement, too. They dont’s seem burdened with hiding a small guard at the point of attack.

Jalen Johnson’s leap

The true headline of Atlanta’s season, however, is Jalen Johnson. Now the undisputed face of the franchise, Johnson has exploded into All-NBA territory. He is currently averaging 22.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game. He has become a nightly triple-double threat, blending power, vision, and pace. His performance has validated the front office’s decision to reset the roster around him.

There are still cracks, of course. The arrival of Kristaps Porzingis added elite rim protection and spacing. However, his frequent absences have left Atlanta vulnerable in the paint. Rebounding remains a weakness, too. The roster lacks long-term certainty beyond Johnson. Still, with roughly $70 million in potential cap space projected for the summer, the Hawks are positioned to build patiently. That’s if they resist the urge to chase shortcuts.

Flexibility meets temptation

Since the Young deal, Atlanta has become the epicenter of NBA trade dialogue. General Manager Onsi Saleh has publicly signaled a Johnson-centric future. Yet, the rumor mill hasn’t slowed. High-stakes speculation has linked the Hawks to names like Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s largely because Atlanta controls the most favorable first-round pick between Milwaukee and New Orleans in 2026. It’s a true ‘golden ticket’ asset.

More grounded reporting paints a different picture. Atlanta has reportedly explored sustainable depth upgrades to address rebounding and rim protection. They can potentially dangle Porzingis’ $30.7 million expiring contract while monitoring targets such as Nick Richards, Ivica Zubac, or Jeremy Sochan. The stated goal is to improve the margins without sacrificing summer flexibility. The nightmare begins when that plan is abandoned.

The Anthony Davis panic-buy

Despite the youth-movement rhetoric, rumors persist linking Atlanta to AD. He is reportedly available via the Dallas Mavericks. On paper, the idea is intoxicating. The Hawks can pair a generational defender with Johnson and leapfrog the rebuild. In reality, it’s the fastest way to sabotage it.

The disastrous trade

Hawks receive: Anthony Davis

Mavericks receive: Onyeka Okongwu, Zaccharie Risacher, 2026 Pelicans unprotected first-round pick

This is the nightmare.

Why this move would derail Atlanta’s future

1. Dumping the future before it develops

Trading Risacher after around half of the season would be a catastrophic admission of failure. As the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, he represents patience, projection, and internal growth. Moving him so quickly signals organizational whiplash and would reset the reset before it has a chance to mature.

2. Building a “glass” core

Pairing Davis with Porzingis creates a frontcourt that’s dominant on paper and unreliable in practice. Both have extensive injury histories. Atlanta would be committing its future to a lineup that could look elite in October and nonexistent in April. That’s more denial than risk tolerance.

3. The cap-space illusion

The Young trade was all about flexibility. Davis’ contract would immediately consume the cap room Atlanta worked so hard to create. That would force the Hawks into a top-heavy roster with minimal depth. For a team still learning how to win around Johnson, that’s a suffocating structure.

Johnson’s timeline matters most

Johnson is ready to lead, but the roster around him isn’t finished forming. Atlanta’s advantage right now is optionality. They have cap space, picks, and a system that empowers growth. Spending that flexibility on a 30-something star with durability concerns compresses the timeline artificially and invites the same problems that plagued the Young era.

The Hawks already made the hard decision. They cannot afford to trade clarity for nostalgia. The nightmare scenario is undoing that clarity with a panic-buy that looks bold and ages poorly. Atlanta doesn’t need another headline. What they need are patience, depth, and time to build properly around its new star. Trading Trae Young opened a door. Obtaining AD would be slamming it shut too soon. That would be the real disaster.

The post Hawks’ nightmare 2026 NBA trade deadline scenario after already trading Trae Young appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Hawks were without Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu in this matchup, and it was obvious by the end of the first quarter.

“Not having Jalen and Onyeka is substantial,” Quin Snyder said after the game. “Their ability to create advantages, it’s something that we rely on offensively. When we did get into the paint, we were trying to challenge shots, and then we were taking the ball. It was [the Rockets’] tempo in part because of the offensive rebounds, which makes it more challenging for us.

“Those two guys are two of our better players.”

Though they were without two key players, the Hawks were able to keep it close heading into halftime. Both teams looked like they were out of it.

“Back-to-backs are tough; you just gotta push through, try to lock into the game plan,” CJ McCollum said. “Take care of your body, take care of your mind. Obviously, it’s a tough back-to-back for them as well. They flew in on the day of the game, tried to get settled, and it looked like we both played yesterday.”

What was a close game in the first half turned into the complete opposite for the Hawks in the second half. The turnovers led to easy points for the Rockets. They couldn’t grab a rebound, which led to 22 offensive rebounds for the Rockets and many second-chance opportunities. To make matters worse, Kevin Durant remembered who he was.

“When he’s at the nail at the foul line, it’s very difficult to double-team him there, and a lot of times he’ll shoot it before the double comes,” Snyder said. “When you do commit two players to him, that’s when you get hurt on the glass. He’s clearly an elite player. But we did a good job on some of the other guys.”

The Rockets had a double-digit lead in the third quarter, and they upped the score in the fourth quarter. The Hawks tried to give it their all for a potential final push, but they didn’t have enough manpower on offense and couldn’t get enough stops on defense.

“They got a little bit of everything. It went from down two, to seven, and then it got up to like 15. And it was hard to come back, especially in a low-possession game where they’re getting offensive rebounds,” McCollum said.

“The way we play, we should be able to generate [offense] on our own,” Corey Kispert said. “Houston does a good job of putting their hands on you and slowing you down. There were periods of time during the game you kind of had that flow going, but missing a guy like JJ or O, it takes a while to get used to that. We just couldn’t get it out of the mud today.”

Corey on not having Jalen or Onyeka tonight:

“The way we play, we should be able to generate [offense] on our own. Houston does a good job of putting their hands on you and slowing you down.

“Missing a guy like JJ or O, it takes a while to get used to that.” pic.twitter.com/WOOnlDSTks

— Malik Brown (@_MalikATL) January 30, 2026

Yes, it was a rough day at the office for the Hawks, but they had a lot of things working against them. A second night of a back-to-back, plus missing two key players, is not ideal. The good news is that they shouldn’t find themselves in that predicament very often moving forward.

The post Hawks’ Quin Snyder points at ‘substantial’ absence as factor in Rockets loss appeared first on ClutchPoints.

At present, the Hawks are still a middling team, still finding its day-to-day identity in the aftermath of trading the star point guard who led the team from 2018 to 2025. The pieces they have in place indicate that they are leaning towards a defense-first identity, and having a superstar who can excel on both ends of the floor is a must. Young simply could not be that guy due to his deficiencies on defense.

And the good news for the Hawks is that they have the draft assets, the young players, and the rising stars that any team would want in a potential trade for a superstar talent. There’s no surprise that the Hawks have been mentioned as one of the likeliest destinations for Giannis Antetokounmpo now that the Milwaukee Bucks, as per reports, have become more open to trading their superstar more than ever.

It always takes talent to acquire talent, which means that the Hawks have to accept that they will have to part ways with a few of their best assets if they were to bring in Antetokounmpo or a player of a similar caliber. However, even Atlanta has to recognize that there are some risks that come with acquiring the Greek Freak.

Hawks’ dream trade deadline: Acquire Giannis without giving up Jalen Johnson

A superstar of Antetokounmpo’s caliber, a 30-point, 10-rebound a night freak of nature who’s unstoppable in the paint and has improved his midrange game exponentially, rarely becomes available on the trade market. Luka Doncic is an exception. Traded almost a year ago to this date, the Dallas Mavericks shopped Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers without even drumming up league-wide interest. The Bucks are not making the same mistake.

Antetokounmpo will presumably enter free agency at the end of the 2026-27 season, which means that any team that wants to acquire him runs the risk of seeing him walk if they don’t meet his expectations. The Hawks don’t reside in the most glamorous market in the world, and Atlanta isn’t among one of his preferred trade destinations, the three of which being the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Toronto Raptors, at least according to reports.

But in terms of team fit, the Hawks won’t ever find a better superstar to lead the way for them than Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo thrives when he’s on a team with many athletic defenders, and the Hawks’ strength certainly lies in having many rangy wings or guards that can cover so much ground.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels are a fierce defensive pairing in the backcourt; they may be no prime Jrue Holiday in hounding the ballhandler, but they do the job incredibly well nonetheless. Alexander-Walker’s emergence on the offensive end as well makes him a rather high-level guard to fit alongside Antetokounmpo, as he has shown a better capability of handling a huge scoring workload.

Onyeka Okongwu has become quite the stretch five, making two threes a ballgame on 36.4 percent shooting — a more than acceptable number for a starting center. Antetokounmpo thrives alongside a center who can shoot, and Okongwu is a solid fit to pair with him on the frontcourt.

But no Antetokounmpo trade would be worth it for the Hawks if it meant that they’d give up Jalen Johnson in the process.

Johnson’s blossomed into one of the best all-around players in the NBA, and he’s destined to make his first All-Star Game in a few weeks. He’s currently averaging 22.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, and he still impacts the game even when he’s not scoring the rock simply by being an athletic presence who has excellent court vision and much-improved ballhandling skills.

Only 24 years of age, the sky is the limit for Johnson. But he’s been the Hawks’ 1A guy this season and they’ve struggled to climb the .500 mark, which means that being the number one option may not be the best for him and his team with regards to playing winning basketball. He’s much more of a supporting player, a second option, on an elite team.

Trading him away for Antetokounmpo may give them a short-term boost, but it kind of defeats the purpose of bringing in Giannis if it meant that they’d be down one of the best forwards in the league to flank him.

Having Antetokounmpo on the roster would make life so much easier for Johnson; for starters, opponents will be devoting more defensive attention to Giannis, freeing up Johnson to take on a smaller defender. He can either overpower those smaller defenders, or if they decide to put a slower guy on him, he has more than enough foot speed and leaping ability to be a headache.

And then there’s the matter of Johnson’s defensive impact shining yet again. The increased offensive burden on his shoulders has rendered him more of a passenger on that end of the court, but he has the athletic tools to be a much more disruptive and steady defensive contributor than he’s been this season. Not everyone can be LeBron James — a do-it-all forward who was a DPOY-caliber defender at one point — and that’s okay.

The Hawks should be much more inclined to trade away the New Orleans Pelicans’ unprotected first-round pick in 2026 if it comes to that; as tantalizing as Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer may be, none of them are as sure of a thing as a 24-year-old Johnson is at present.

A package built around Kristaps Porzingis’ expiring contract, Zaccharie Risacher, Luke Kennard, the unprotected Pelicans pick, and all the other draft assets the Bucks may demand should be as far as the Hawks go. Trading away CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert would also have been acceptable, but there currently are trade restrictions preventing Atlanta from aggregating those players with other contracts to bring in someone making more money.

The post Hawks’ dream 2026 NBA trade deadline scenario after already trading Trae Young appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jalen Johnson, Alperen Sengun playing status for Hawks vs Rockets

Given their questionable designations on the injury report, there is currently some doubt as to whether or not Johnson and Sengun will be able to suit up on Thursday night. Perhaps contributing to their questionable status is the fact that both the Hawks and Rockets are on the second leg of a back to back, with Atlanta having won against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, while Houston lost at home to the San Antonio Spurs.

Joining Johnson on the Hawks’ injury report is big man Onyeka Okongwu, who is out after taking a vicious elbow from Jaylen Brown on Wednesday. Zaccharie Risacher and Kristaps Porzingis will also remain out of the lineup.

Meanwhile, Rockets wings Dorian Finney-Smith and Tari Eason will miss this contest with various injuries.

Overall, if Johnson is unable to go, the Hawks will be woefully shorthanded in the frontcourt, and will likely have to rely heavily on players like recent signee Christian Koloko to play big minutes.

The Rockets will also be depleted on the wings in this one, and may have to rely on Clint Capela to have a big game in his return to Atlanta, considering that Steven Adams was recently ruled out for the year due to an ankle injury.

In any case, the Hawks and Rockets are slated to tip off at 8:00 pm ET on Thursday night from downtown Atlanta.

The post Alperen Sengun, Jalen Johnson land on NBA injury report with Rockets, Hawks on back-to-backs appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“The early indications are that Atlanta has not joined the Giannis chase and does not intend to,” they wrote. “The Hawks do have control of Milwaukee’s picks in the next two drafts but have shown no interest to date in surrendering control of them. The Hawks are likewise said to be unwilling to surrender Jalen Johnson in a theoretical Antetokounmpo deal … even though Johnson’s agent Rich Paul said in one of his recent podcasts that the Milwaukee native is precisely whom the Bucks should target.”

Johnson is set to be the cornerstone of the Hawks, and with the way he’s been playing, there’s no surprise that they’d be willing to trade him. As far as the picks that they own from the Bucks, those can end up being valuable pieces for the Hawks, especially if Antetokounmpo is traded.

In the event that the Hawks could keep Johnson and pair him with Antetokounmpo, the Hawks still don’t have any interest in a deal.

“Sources say that Atlanta has some level of reservation regarding the skillsets of Antetokounmpo and Johnson and how they would match after trading away Young in early January to make the 24-year-old their new centerpiece,” Stein and Fischer wrote.

In the end, it doesn’t look as if the Hawks want to be bothered in making a deal for Antetokounmpo, and are more focused on staying flexible financially, making smart deals, and building through the draft.

The post NBA rumors: Why Hawks won’t be trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Okongwu then got up and went immediately to the locker room. After some time, the referees decided to review the play, and Brown was assessed a flagrant foul. Okongwu had to come back out and shoot the free throws, and many could see blood over his mouth, while also missing some of his top teeth.

Okongwu then went back to the locker room and was ruled out for the game. Luckily, the Hawks were still able to win the game. Following the game, Okongwu shared a picture of what his mouth looks like, and it is not pleasant.

DAMN Onyeka Okongwu straight got his teeth knocked out by Jalen Brown pic.twitter.com/UAJuSGf43c

— TheTruth (@TheTruth8240) January 29, 2026

Though he was missing a few teeth, he still seemed joyful in the locker room.

Still smiling Good Win pic.twitter.com/bgPV0mnW8A

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 29, 2026

Brown also spoke about the incident.

Jaylen Brown on his collision with Onyeka Okongwu:

“I know from my own experiences with a fractured face and chipped teeth that shit is a hassle. So, wasn't intentional. I know it’s gonna be a long day at the dentist. Hopefully he has a good recovery.” pic.twitter.com/SVss0gt6sd

— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) January 29, 2026

Quin Snyder knows that Okongwu is going to need some work on his mouth, and he also kept his players’ spirits up with a nice compliment.

“It’s a good thing that dentistry as a profession is, I don’t know what he’s gonna need, but he’s pretty banged up. He took quite a shot. I told him, he’s still handsome, but it’s a good thing that people can repair his teeth,” Snyder said via Lauren Williams of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

At this point, it’s uncertain if Okongwu will miss any time, but it would not be a surprise. The only question is if he will have to miss extended time or if it will just be a few games.

The post Hawks’ Onyeka Okongwu shows off graphic picture of bloody mouth with missing tooth appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Anthony Davis is another big name that’s come up in trade rumors in recent weeks, and count former NBA player Chandler Parsons as one of the proponents who believes the Hawks should make a play for the Mavericks All-Star. During a recent episode of ‘Run It Back’ on FanDuel TV, Parsons laid out the case as to why the Hawks should pull the trigger on a Davis trade.

“If I’m Atlanta, and I’m kind of the middle of the pack, I just got rid of Trae Young and I got my future guy, regardless of if we bring in Anthony Davis or not, in Jalen Johnson, I think I’m okay with swinging for the fence here and going with, and making this splash,” Parsons said. “If it works, great. If it doesn’t then at least we shot our shot and went to get an all-world type player. It’s a lot to give up, but I think I would do it.”

The trade scenario proposed on the show had the Hawks trading Kristaps Porzingis, Zaccharie Risacher, Vit Krejci and a first round pick to the Mavericks for Davis. That is a lot to give up for Davis who is currently sidelined due to a hand injury. Risacher was last season’s No. 1 pick, and it’s possible the Hawks’ pick ends up in the lottery.

When Davis is healthy, he’s proven he can be a difference-maker. He’s appeared in only 20 games this season for the Mavericks, at a little over 31 minutes per game. He is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.7 blocked shots with splits of 50.6 percent shooting from the field, 27 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 72.8 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

However, according to recent reports, it’s increasingly likely that Davis stays put with the Mavericks at the NBA trade deadline.

The post Why Chandler Parsons thinks Hawks should make Anthony Davis trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Both players received updates on their status moving forward, and they’re continuing to progress.

“Kristaps Porzingis, who has missed the last eight games due to left Achilles tendinitis, is participating in basketball activity and will be re-evaluated in approximately one week. Zaccharie Risacher, who has missed the last eight games due to a left knee bone contusion, is continuing to progress in his recovery. He will be out for today’s game vs. Indiana and his status is day-to-day moving forward,” the Hawks wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Risacher seems to be further along than Porzingis, and that may be good news for the Hawks as they’ve needed more wing depth over this stretch. He was recently assigned to the College Park Skyhawks to probably practice with the team, and the Hawks recalled him the next day.

As for Porzingis, it sounds like he’s progressing as well, but he needs some more time to get back on the court. When Porzingis has played this season, he has given the Hawks a boost on both sides of the ball, but the problem is that he’s only been available for 17 games.

Porzingis missed time throughout the season because of an illness, which could be connected to the POTS illness he’s been dealing with since late last season with the Boston Celtics.

It’s been hard for the Hawks to stay fully healthy this season, and with the new additions of CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert after trading Trae Young, they don’t know what they look like at full strength yet.

The post Hawks’ Kristaps Porzingis, Zaccharie Risacher injury updates as trade deadline nears appeared first on ClutchPoints.

This affects the Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets.

Here’s the NBA’s announcement via the league’s communications department on X (formerly Twitter):

SCHEDULE UPDATE FOR MONDAY, JAN. 26: The Indiana Pacers at Atlanta Hawks game will now tip off at 1:30 p.m. ET due to inclement weather. The Philadelphia 76ers at Charlotte Hornets game will now tip off at 3 p.m. ET due to inclement weather.

The Pacers are set to play Atlanta for the final game of their five-game road trip at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Indiana lost three in a row before snapping its skid with a stunning 117-114 upset victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Hawks are coming off back-to-back victories over the Memphis Grizzlies on the road and against the Phoenix Suns last Wednesday and Friday, respectively. In the first meeting between the Pacers and Hawks this season, Atlanta topped Indiana on Oct. 31 to the tune of a 128-108 score.

After a frustrating loss to the New York Knicks at home on Saturday, the 76ers are looking to bounce back right away in this matchup at Spectrum Center in Charlotte against the Hornets.

Charlotte has been playing well of late, having won three of its last four outings, including its last two against the Orlando Magic and the Washington Commanders, respectively. The Hornets are also itching to avenge their 125-121 loss in the City of Brotherly Love at the hands of the Sixers on Oct. 25.

The post NBA’s Pacers-Hawks, 76ers-Hornets schedule changes due to bad weather appeared first on ClutchPoints.

For a three-game stretch, Jalen Johnson hadn’t looked like the same player he did that had many people raving about him this season. The easy shots weren’t falling, which seemed to lead to a lot of pressing. There may have even been a little bit of indecisiveness at times, which turned into turnovers and gave the opposition a chance to attack.

Over the course of this week, it’s safe to say that the slump is over, but most importantly, the late game-execution has improved. Against the Memphis Grizzlies, Johnson had the ball in his hands late to seal the deal for the Hawks, and he was successful. The same story happened against the Phoenix Suns, with Johnson having the chance to get the team a second-straight win, and he did so.

Yes, the ball stopped moving down the stretch when Johnson had the ball. It’s not the recipe for the Hawks’ success, but when you have a mismatch, the only thing you can do is take advantage of it. Against the Grizzlies, it was Ja Morant, and this time around, it was Grayson Allen. Both were too small to guard Johnson one-on-one.

“[Jalen’s] challenge is to feel those situations,” Quin Snyder said after the game. “That’s a responsibility that he has, and I think he’s embraced and is continuing to work on that. Playing without the ball, running, and doing a lot of the things he’s doing for us. It’s a huge part of who we are as a team, and he’s pivotal to that. 

“So we want both. I want everything from Jalen.”

There’s no doubt Snyder got everything from Johnson in the win, as he finished with 23 points, 18 rebounds, and nine assists. It’s a statline that most have been accustomed to seeing from Johnson this season, and the three-game slump was something that never bothered him.

“It was three games where I didn’t play my best,” Johnson said. “I stay consistent with my work, so I had no doubt it was going to come back around. I trust my work, I trust that a lot. I knew it was going to come around, so I just have to continue to stay consistent with my work and let those things continue to take care of themselves.”

Hawks win clutch game against the Suns

The Hawks and Suns were pretty much even throughout the first half of the game, and the Hawks were able to pull away just a bit going into the second half. They built a double-digit lead early in the third quarter, but saw it quickly evaporate due to several turnovers.

The Hawks ended the quarter with more turnovers (9) than field goals made (7).

“We didn’t know what we wanted to get into on the offensive end,” Johnson said. “There were a few possessions down the court where we were unorganized, and sometimes when we’re unorganized, it makes us more sloppy on that end. I think when we’re going down and knowing what we want on that end, knowing what mismatch we want to attack, or whatever it looks like. I think when everybody is on the same page, that kind of takes back on the turnovers.”

Despite the turnovers, the Hawks only trailed by seven points going into the fourth quarter, and they were able walk the Suns down late with consistent stops on the defensive end, and clutch buckets on the other end.

“I like how we guarded, particularly down the stretch,” Snyder said.

It looks like the Hawks may have found a rhythm again, but they’ll need to continue to play this way if they want to keep stacking wins.

The post Hawks’ Quin Snyder praises Jalen Johnson’s late-game execution: ‘I want everything’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The two teams that had been connected to Davis ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline were the Atlanta Hawks and the Toronto Raptors, both of which might have backed off any talks. Fischer wrote for The Stein Line that both Atlanta and Toronto “have been signaling that they are no longer involved” in discussions with Dallas.

“It’s a struggle, frankly, to find any active trade scenarios involving Davis at the [moment],” Fischer wrote. “In recent days, both the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors — teams previously described as the most ardent Davis suitors — have been signaling that they are no longer involved in significant trade talks with the Mavericks. The interest in Davis has seemed to cool since last week’s announcement that the 32-year-old will be sidelined for at least six weeks due to ligament damage in his left hand.”

Anthony Davis’ injury history is impacting stock with the Mavericks

With Davis now dealing with a hand injury, when announced a week ago, the report was that the ligament damage in his left hand would keep him off the court for six weeks. As his trade stock before the deadline will seemingly cool down, this has been reported by ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel that with what Dallas is looking for Davis, he doesn’t see a deal going down.

“They’re not just going to sell him for nothing,” Siegel said last Thursday on Clutch Scoops. “They want to try to get some value back, not just a salary dump move. So, probably not going to get that at the trade deadline right now. I don’t see that happening where a team is going to give up multiple draft picks or young talents for a guy like Anthony Davis, who has played what, 15, 20 games since joining the Mavericks?”

At any rate, it remains to be seen what will happen to Davis, but it seems likely he will remain on the Mavericks, looking to recover from another injury.

The post NBA rumors: Anthony Davis trade talks dead with Hawks, Raptors backing off appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Johnson nailed the go-ahead basket with 46.1 seconds left to help the Hawks improve to 21-25. They snapped their four-game losing streak.

The high-flying forward tallied game-highs of 32 points and 15 rebounds and added eight assists. He shot 10-of-21 from the field and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line.

The 24-year-old Johnson also achieved a personal milestone, joining Hawks legend Bob Pettit as the only players in franchise history to record multiple games of at least 30 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists.

Jalen Johnson put on a CLINIC in Memphis to lead Atlanta to a win

32 points
15 rebounds
8 assists

Jalen joined Bob Pettit as the only players in Hawks franchise history to record 30+ PTS, 15+ REB, and 8+ AST in multiple games!

(via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/fMTqQ28wQd

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 22, 2026

Johnson’s latest performance only made his case stronger to be named to his first-ever All-Star Game. While the Hawks’ record does not bode well for him, his all-around showing in his fifth year should speak for itself. He is averaging career-bests of 23.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 8.0 assists.

The exit of Trae Young signaled that Johnson is now the face of the Hawks. With his consistent improvement since being drafted as the 20th overall pick in 2021, the front office has grown confident enough to hand the keys to Johnson.

It is now a youth movement in Atlanta, with Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker leading the charge. They will have growing pains as expected, but if they keep pushing, the Hawks could be a real problem in the near future.

Okongwu had 18 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks against the Grizzlies to provide support for Johnson. Luke Kennard came up big off the bench with 18 points, four rebounds, and two steals.

The post Hawks’ Jalen Johnson dominates Grizzlies, joins Bob Pettit in history appeared first on ClutchPoints.