Atlanta played with pace, balance and control from the opening tip, rolling past the New Orleans Pelicans 117-100 on Wednesday night behind a game-high 25 points from Zaccharie Risacher.
Jalen Johnson finished with 19 points, and the Hawks had seven players score in double figures as they snapped a two-game losing streak. Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 17 points off the bench, while Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard and Dyson Daniels each scored 13. Mouhamed Gueye added 10 to cap Atlanta’s balanced attack.
The victory came on a day of major roster news for the Hawks. Trae Young, sidelined with a quad contusion, did not play and watched from the bench in street clothes as reports surfaced that Atlanta agreed to trade the four-time All-Star to Washington. The deal, which is pending league approval, includes veteran guard CJ McCollum heading to Atlanta, along with Corey Kispert, according to a person with knowledge of the agreement.
Atlanta seized control early, jumping out to a 37-26 lead after one quarter and carrying a 63-53 advantage into halftime. The Hawks put the game out of reach in the third period, stretching the margin to 89-66 and never allowing New Orleans to mount a serious challenge.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 22 points on 10-of-15 shooting, recovering from a scoreless first quarter to fuel a second-half push. He also had eight rebounds and six assists. Jordan Poole scored 21, Bryce McGowens added 20, and Micah Peavy and Jeremiah Fears finished with 11 points each.
New Orleans, which has now dropped nine straight games, shot 44 percent from the floor and struggled from deep, connecting on just 8 of 28 attempts. The Pelicans were without Trey Murphy due to a back injury.
Up next:
Pelicans visit Washington on Friday.
Hawks open a four-game road trip Friday at Denver.
