Atlanta Hawks defeats Brooklyn Nets 108-97
Atlanta Hawks Soar Past Brooklyn Nets, 108-97
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 108-97 at State Farm Arena on March 12, 2026, in a tightly contested matchup. Atlanta leveraged a strong first quarter and a decisive fourth to secure the victory, improving their regular season record. The Hawks demonstrated resilience against a determined Nets squad, ultimately proving too much for Brooklyn to handle.
Game Flow
The Atlanta Hawks came out firing in the first quarter, establishing an early lead with aggressive play and efficient shooting. Q1: 30-21. The Nets responded in the second quarter, tightening their defense and finding some offensive rhythm, briefly challenging the Hawks' dominance. Q2: 27-29. The second quarter saw a shift in momentum, with Brooklyn outscoring Atlanta. The third quarter continued the back-and-forth nature of the game, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to pull away significantly. Q3: 25-29. Brooklyn actually took a brief lead midway through the third, but Atlanta remained composed. The fourth quarter proved to be the turning point. Atlanta’s defense intensified, forcing crucial turnovers and limiting Brooklyn’s scoring opportunities. They went on a 15-4 run to start the quarter, effectively regaining control of the game and holding off any late Nets comebacks. Q4: 26-18. Key to the Hawks' success was their ability to maintain composure when the Nets threatened to take over, and their ability to close out strong in the final minutes.
Highlight Players
Trae Young led the Hawks with an impressive performance, finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. He orchestrated the offense masterfully, showcasing his playmaking ability and clutch shooting. Young’s ability to penetrate the defense and find open teammates was instrumental in Atlanta’s victory. He also shot 6-of-12 from the three-point line.
Dejounte Murray was another key contributor for Atlanta, adding 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Murray provided a consistent scoring threat alongside Young, and his defensive intensity disrupted Brooklyn’s offensive flow. He showcased a well-rounded game, contributing on both ends of the court.
For the Nets, Cam Thomas stood out, putting up a valiant effort with 26 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Despite the loss, Thomas demonstrated his scoring prowess, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Atlanta’s balanced attack. He was the primary offensive option for Brooklyn, but struggled with efficiency against the Hawks’ defense.
Team Stats Breakdown
The Atlanta Hawks shot efficiently from the field, boasting a FG% of 51.7% compared to the Nets’ 42.5%. Atlanta dominated the glass, securing 48 rebounds to Brooklyn’s 38. The Hawks also showcased excellent ball movement, racking up 27 assists, exceeding the Nets’ 22. Turnovers were relatively even, with Atlanta committing 14 and Brooklyn 16. A significant difference came in points off turnovers, with Atlanta scoring 20 points to Brooklyn’s 12. Atlanta also controlled the paint, scoring 52 points in the paint compared to Brooklyn’s 40. The Hawks also benefited from 15 second chance points, compared to the Nets' 8. Atlanta’s bench contributed 35 points, providing a valuable spark off the bench. The Nets struggled from three-point range, shooting only 30.8% from beyond the arc, while the Hawks connected on 38.5% of their three-point attempts. Free throw shooting was also a factor, with Atlanta shooting 83.3% from the line compared to Brooklyn’s 75%.
Next Game Preview
The Atlanta Hawks will next face the Milwaukee Bucks at State Farm Arena on March 14, 2026. This promises to be a challenging contest against a top Eastern Conference contender. The Hawks will need to maintain their strong offensive rhythm and defensive intensity to secure a victory against the Bucks, who are known for their powerful inside game and perimeter shooting. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST. The Hawks will need to focus on containing Giannis Antetokounmpo and limiting the Bucks’ three-point shooting to have a chance at winning.