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Trae Young powers surging Hawks over reeling Cavaliers
ATLANTA — Trae Young scored 30 points and the surging Atlanta Hawks never trailed while beating the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers 131-107 on Thursday night to clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.
Cedi Osman led Cleveland with 21 points. Darius Garland had 18 points and eight assists while sitting out the final quarter of the blowout loss.
Cavaliers standout rookie Evan Mobley missed his second consecutive game with a sprained ankle. Cleveland has lost two straight and five of six as it attempts to keep the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference.
Young had nine assists as the Hawks’ fourth consecutive win clinched no worse than the No. 10 spot in the Eastern Conference and a berth in the play-in tournament.
Kevin Huerter continued his strong finish to the regular season with 23 points, his fourth consecutive game with at least 20 points. Clint Capela added 12 points with 14 rebounds.
Cavaliers coach B.J. Bickerstaff said before the game “we’re searching at this point” for a playing rotation due to injuries. Guard Rajon Rando (ankle) missed his 10th consecutive game. Center Jarrett Allen missed his 12th straight with a finger injury.
Bickerstaff said he respected the Hawks’ “firepower” and said “they have the ability to blow you out because of that.”
The Hawks delivered on Bickerstaff’s assessment.
Atlanta took its first double-digit lead at 29-19 on Bogdan Bogdanovic’s 3-pointer with 3 minutes remaining in the opening period. The Hawks stretched the lead to 20 points, 73-53, early in the second half on Young’s 3 and extended the advantage to 30 points in the final period.
Bickerstaff said playing through a stretch of two sets of back-to-back games within five days with a depleted roster “is tough, to be honest with you. … Other guys out there are banged up and doing their best.”
Tip-ins
Cavaliers: Mobley did not travel to Atlanta and is “headed in the right direction,” according to Bickerstaff. … Guard RJ Nembhard was converted to a standard NBA contract. … Center Moses Brown had 15 points and 13 rebounds in his second consecutive start after he was signed to a two-way contract.
Hawks: Center Onyeka Oknogwu had 17 points and 12 rebounds. … There is no update on forward John Collins almost two weeks after the team announced he would be out indefinitely with a plantar fascia tear in his right foot and a right finger sprain. Coach Nate McMillan said Collins “is not doing anything as far as running and jumping” but added “we’re not saying he’s shut down.” … In a pregame ceremony, Young was presented the team’s Jason Collier Memorial Trophy for community service. The award is given each year in honor of the late Atlanta center who died in 2005.
Up next
Cavaliers: Continue a stretch of three games in four days when they visit the New York Knicks on Saturday.
Hawks: Remain home to play the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday.
Preview: Thunder vs. Hawks | NBA.com
TV: Bally Sports Oklahoma | Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC
By Paris Lawson | Broadcast and Digital Reporter | okcthunder.com
Following a two-game road trip, the Thunder returns to Paycom Center to tip off its final home stand of the season. The four-game stint begins with a series finale against the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday night. OKC is coming off one of its best offensive performances of the season where the team posted season highs in points, assists and field goal percentage against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Lots of Offense – In its game against Portland on Monday, the Thunder posted a season-high in points (134) and field goal percentage (53.3%) while tying season highs in 3-pointers made (20) and assists (32). As a result, seven players scored in double figures for the first time this season.
Meanwhile, the Hawks have posted back-to-back games scoring 120 points or more and rank seventh in the league overall in points per game. While the Thunder works to carry over the offensive momentum from its matchup against Portland, there could be an exchange of high-scoring offense against the Hawks who hold the third best offensive rating in the league.
The Difference from 3 – The 3-point line could play a big factor in Wednesday night’s matchup. After sinking 20 3-pointers against the Blazers on Monday, OKC has now logged 11 straight games with 10 or more made 3-pointers – good for the third-longest streak in OKC history.
Defending the 3-point line will be key for the Thunder as the Hawks tend to find the most success when the threes are falling. For the season, Atlanta averages a 40.5 percent clip from the 3-point line in wins but drops down to an average of 33.7 percent in losses. In its last meeting with the Thunder, Atlanta made 14 3-pointers at a 41-percent clip to help fuel its 113-101 victory.
Containing Trae – In addition to the 3-point line, expect the Thunder’s defense to prioritize Atlanta’s leading scorer in Trae Young. The former Sooner averages 28 points and 9.6 assists per game while shooting at a 45 percent clip from the field and 38 from deep. Young also leads the league in point-assist double-doubles this season after tallying his 38th such outing in the Hawks’ most recent matchup against the Pacers.
Thunder rookie Aaron Wiggins posted a career-high 28-point performance on Monday against the Trail Blazers which marked the seventh game of the season where a Thunder rookie has scored 25 or more points. That tally ties for the most such games in a season in OKC history. Wiggins has recorded two 25-plus point games, rookie Tre Mann has racked up four and Josh Giddey has one.
“The Thunder way is everything that the coaching staff preached from Day 1: playing hard, respecting your opponent, trusting the process, trusting the hard work. We’re not playing for playoff position, but every game is an opportunity to go out there and be better.”
—Thunder forward Isaiah Roby on what it means to play The Thunder Way
The Thunder hosts the offensive-minded Atlanta Hawks (38-37) who tout the third-best offense in the league that averages 113 points per game while turning the ball over just 12 times per contest – the lowest mark in the league. Young serves as the engine to the Hawks’ offense with his 28 points and nine assists per game but is surrounded by dangerous offensive threats who average double-digit scoring each night. In its most recent matchup against the Pacers, Atlanta had three players score 20 or more points: Bogdan Bogdanovic racked up 29 as Kevin Huerter and Clint Capela added 22 each. Meanwhile Young dished out 16 assists, his second consecutive game with 15 or more dimes.
Rockets vs. Hawks – Game Recap – December 13, 2021
ATLANTA — — Eric Gordon scored 32 points, D.J. Augustin added 22 and the Houston Rockets handed the Atlanta Hawks their fifth straight home loss, rallying from 19 points down for a 132-126 victory Monday night.
Houston won on the road for only the second time this season, overcoming a 41-point performance by Trae Young.
The Rockets trailed most of the game and were down 101-88 heading to the final quarter.
But Augustin hit a 3-pointer with 3:31 remaining that gave Houston its first lead, 121-119, since the opening quarter. David Nwaba set up the basket by stealing a pass from Young.
After Clint Capela missed a pair of free throws, Gordon scored on a drive to the basket. He tacked on a 3 pointer that made it 126-121.
Young connected on a 3 of his own with 23.9 seconds remaining, cutting the Houston lead to 126-124. But the Rockets, the worst free-throw shooting team in the league, knocked down four straight from the line to seal the victory.
Seven players scored in double figures for Houston, which has won eight of 10 since a 15-game losing streak.
“This was a great way for this team to show growth. We were down the whole game, but different guys stepped up,” Gordon said. “When multiple guys are doing that, you always give yourself a chance to win.”
The Hawks scored a season-high 69 points in the first half, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Rockets.
Houston outscored the Hawks 44-25 in the final period, hitting 16 of 25 shots — including 8 of 11 from 3-point range.
It’s been quite a turnaround for the rebuilding Rockets, who started the season 1-16.
“It doesn’t matter who’s on the floor for us,” Augustin said. “Everybody is ready for their opportunity.”
Coming into the season with high hopes after a surprising run to the Eastern Conference final, the Hawks keep breaking down in the fourth quarter.
They have lost five of their last seven — all at home — to slip to 13-14 on the season. All five of those defeats have been by single digits.
“We scored enough to win tonight,” Young said. “We just didn’t get enough stops. We’ve got to figure it out.”
Young, who also had nine assists, was essentially a one-man team. He hit 14 of 22 shots, including five 3-pointers.
John Collins added 14 points for the Hawks and no one else had more than 12. Capela did have 16 rebounds, but the Hawks were outrebounded 45-40.
NWABA STEPS UP
The Rockets got a big contribution from Nwaba, who scored 10 points, grabbed six rebounds, doled out three assists and had that big steal in 11 1/2 minutes.
Nwaba has played sparingly in recent weeks, including a stretch of six straight games in which he never left the bench.
But he was a big key to the comeback. The Rockets outscored the Hawks by 17 points while he was on the court.
“I’m the guy who brings energy,” Nwaba said. “I think I showcased that tonight.”
STREAK ENDS
Young just missed extending his streak of games with at least 25 points and 10 assists.
He’s already in pretty good company.
Young joined Michael Jordan and Russell Westbrook as the only players to pull off that feat in at least five consecutive games since the NBA-ABA merger.
TIP-INS
Rockets: Improved to 2-12 on the road. … Gordon returned after missing the previous game at Memphis with a groin injury. … Shooting a league-low 69.9% from the foul line, Houston made 21 of 27.
Hawks: G Bogdan Bogdanovic missed his sixth straight game with a sprained right ankle. While there is still no timetable for his return, he has stepped up his rehab to include individual on-court workouts. … C Onyeka Okongwu is also moving closer to returning from shoulder surgery. He’s on a rehab assignment with the G League’s College Park Skyhawks, where he had 10 points and 15 rebounds in his first game since last season’s conference final.
UP NEXT
Rockets: Wrap up a three-game trip Wednesday night at the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Hawks: Travel to Orlando to face the Magic on Wednesday night.
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Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at https://twitter.com/pnewberry1963 and find his work at https://apnews.com/search/paulnewberry
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Rockets vs. Hawks – Game Recap – December 13, 2021
ATLANTA — — Eric Gordon scored 32 points, D.J. Augustin added 22 and the Houston Rockets handed the Atlanta Hawks their fifth straight home loss, rallying from 19 points down for a 132-126 victory Monday night.
Houston won on the road for only the second time this season, overcoming a 41-point performance from Trae Young.
The Rockets trailed much of the game and were down 101-88 heading to the final quarter.
But Augustin hit a 3-pointer with 3:31 remaining that gave Houston its first lead, 121-119, since the opening quarter.
After Clint Capela missed a pair of free throws, Gordon scored on a drive to the basket. He tacked on a 3 pointer that made it 126-121.
Young connected on a 3 of his own with 23.9 seconds remaining, cutting the Houston lead to 126-124. But the Rockets, the worst free-throw shooting team in the league, knocked down four straight from the line in final 21.8 seconds to seal the victory.
Seven players scored in double figures for the Rockets, who have won eight of 10 since a 15-game losing streak.
The Hawks scored a season-high 69 points in the first half, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Rockets.
Young, who also had nine assists, was essentially a one-man team. He hit 14 of 22 shots, including five 3-pointers.
John Collins scored 14 points and no one else had more than 12. Capela did have 16 rebounds, but the Hawks were outrebounded 56-47.
TIP-INS
Rockets: Improved to 2-12 on the road. … Gordon returned after missing the previous game at Memphis with a groin injury. … Kevin Porter Jr. (thigh), Jalen Green (hamstring), Danuel House Jr. (ankle), and John Wall were inactive. … The Rockets, who were shooting a league-low 69.9% from the foul line, made 21 of 27.
Hawks: G Bogdan Bogdanovic missed his sixth straight game with a sprained right ankle. While there is still no timetable for his return, he has stepped up his rehab to include individual on-court workouts, signaling that he’s moving closer to rejoining the lineup. … C Onyeka Okongwu is also moving closer to returning from shoulder surgery. He is on a rehab assignment with the G League’s College Park Skyhawks, where he had 10 points and 15 rebounds in his first game since last season’s Eastern Conference final. … Atlanta dropped to 8-2 against teams with a losing record coming into the night, compared with a 5-12 mark vs. teams that were .500 or better.
UP NEXT
Rockets: Wrap up a three-game trip Wednesday night at the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Hawks: Travel to Orlando to face the Magic on Wednesday night.
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Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at https://twitter.com/pnewberry1963 and find his work at https://apnews.com/search/paulnewberry
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River Hawks Take on Northeastern in Weekend Tilt
November 20 at Northeastern (FloSports – 2 p.m.)
Watch | Live Stats | Game Notes
LOWELL, Mass. – The UMass Lowell women’s basketball team (1-2, 0-0 AE) will travel to Boston, Massachusetts to take on the Northeastern Huskies (2-1, 0-0 CAA) on Saturday, November 20. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at the Cabot Center.
LOOKING AT UMASS LOWELL
The River Hawks enter Saturday after falling to No. 13 Michigan on Tuesday night. Junior Jaliena Sanchez led the River Hawks with nine points and four assists. Sanchez surpassed 500 career points after Saturday’s game, the second River Hawk to reach the milestone this season (Solis vs. Bryant). Fellow junior Laura Vaida made her first start of the season, picking up six points, four rebounds, and one assist.
SCOUTING NORTHEASTERN
The Huskies enter Saturday’s contest after beating the University of New Hampshire Wildcats 78-52 on November 17. Kendall Currence leads the team with 38 points, averaging 12.7 points per game. Three other Huskies are averaging at least 10 points a game. As a team, Northeastern has outrebounded their opponents 105-95 through three games this season.
A WIN WOULD
A win would be the second all-time victory against Northeastern. The River Hawks would improve to 2-2 on the season and win their first road game of the season.
MATCHUP HISTORY
The River Hawks and Huskies have met just once before Saturday, with UMass Lowell coming out on top with a 69-59 victory on December 16, 2020. Senior Kharis Idom and junior Denise Solis each scored 13 points. Idom added seven rebounds, while Solis grabbed six boards. Jaliena Sanchez and junior Kaylen Banwareesingh each scored 12 points in the win.
UP NEXT
UMass Lowell will return home for a matchup with Central Connecticut State University on Wednesday, November 23. Tip-off is slated for 1:00 p.m. at the Costello Athletic Center.
River Hawks Set to Face Michigan Tuesday Night
November 16 vs. Michigan (B1G+ – 6 p.m.)
Watch | Live Stats | Game Notes
LOWELL, Mass. – The UMass Lowell women’s basketball team (1-1, 0-0 AE) will travel to Ann Arbor, Michigan to take on the University of Michigan Wolverines (2-0, 0-0 Big 10) on Tuesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the Crisler Center.
LOOKING AT UMASS LOWELL
The River Hawks enter Tuesday after winning their first game of the season and home opener, beating Bryant 68-54. Jaliena Sanchez led all scorers, tying her career-high, with19 points and added three assists and six rebounds.
SCOUTING MICHIGAN
The Wolverines enter Tuesday’s contest after beating St. Francis Brooklyn 82-46 for their second win of the season. Naz Hillman is averaging a team-high 24.5 points per game so far this season. Hillman and Emily Kiser each average double-digit boards already, with 10 and 10.5, respectively.
A WIN WOULD
A win would be the first victory against Michigan. Tuesday’s matchup is the first time UMass Lowell and Michigan will meet.
POINTS IN THE PAINT
The River Hawks dominated the play in the paint last time out against Bryant, outscoring the Bulldogs 32-16. UMass Lowell also outrebounded Bryant and was able to pick up nine offensive boards. The River Hawks will look to continue to score in the paint against a Michigan team with plenty of size.
GOOD SHOOTING
After shooting 24-54 (44%) against Bryant, the River Hawks hope to continue their success from the field. UMass Lowell limited Bryant to shooting just 18-49 and will look to shut down the Wolverine offense on Tuesday.
Booker, Suns rally in 4th quarter for 121-117 win over Hawks – The Washington Post
Booker, Suns rally in 4th quarter for 121-117 win over Hawks The Washington Post
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Clarkson scores 30, Mitchell-less Jazz rout Hawks 116-98
Ingles scores 19 points as Utah hands Atlanta first loss in four games at State Farm Arena this season.
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) drives as Atlanta Hawks forward Cam Reddish (22) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta • Jordan Clarkson was coming off one of his worst games.
His teammates told him to keep shooting.
That confidence sure paid off on a night when the Utah Jazz didn’t have their leading scorer.
Clarkson scored 30 points and the Jazz blew away the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter for a 116-98 victory Thursday night despite the absence of Donovan Mitchell.
“Everybody just coming up to me and saying, ‘J.C., keep shooting, keep shooting. It’s gonna happen,’” Clarkson said. “That’s why I love this team. I love my teammates, I love the coaching staff, I love this organization. They believe in me and believe in what I can do. It’s beautiful.”
Mitchell did not dress because of a sprained right ankle, but last season’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year winner got hot at just the right time to give the Jazz their eighth victory in nine games.
It was tight through the first three quarters, with the Jazz heading to the final period up 75-74. But Utah blew away the home team in the final 12 minutes, knocking down eight 3-pointers while hitting 13 of their final 22 shots.
Clarkson was coming off a miserable game Tuesday night, going 0 for 11 from 3-point range and 1 of 13 overall to finish with just two points in a victory over Sacramento.
It was his second straight game without a 3 after making at least one from long range in 99 consecutive games.
It took another half to finally break out of his slump. Clarkson missed five more 3-pointers over the first two quarters, stretching his drought beyond the arc to 23 consecutive shots.
Finally, just past the midway point of the third period, Clarkson pulled up from 27 feet and got one to drop. He kept right on firing and made three more 3-pointers, finishing with a season high in points on 10-of-19 shooting.
“We know how aggressive he is coming off the bench,” said Joe Ingles, who started in place of Mitchell. “We expect him to do that every night.”
Trae Young scored 21 points for the Hawks, who shot just 42.7% from the field, including 7 of 28 on 3-pointers. It was Atlanta’s first loss in four games at State Farm Arena this season.
After an unexpected to run to the Eastern Conference finals, the Hawks are off to a sluggish start.
Coach Nate McMillan was livid at his team after the Jazz scored 77 points in the second half — even without Mitchell.
“We need a spark,” McMillan said. “We need some guys that will go out there and defend.”
Mitchell was a surprise scratch. He injured the ankle in closing seconds of the first half against the Kings but returned to finish with a season-high 36 points.
Mitchell insisted the injury wasn’t serious or related to a severe ankle sprain last season that caused him to miss the final 16 games of the regular season and the playoff opener.
But the Jazz were taking no chances. Ingles filled in just fine with a 5-of-6 showing from outside the stripe and 19 points.
TIP-INS
Jazz: Bojan Bogdanovic scored 23 points. … Rudy Gobert had 15 rebounds to go along with 13 points, helping the Jazz dominate the boards 47-32. … Mike Conley dished out 11 assists. … Utah outscored the Hawks by 29 points during the 31 minutes when Clarkson was on the court.
Hawks: Have lost four of their last five to slip 4-5 on the season, the first time they’ve been below .500. … After a strong start to the season, Cam Reddish has scored just six points in the last two games on 2 of 12 shooting — including 0 for 6 from the 3-point line.
CHAMPIONS HONORED
The Hawks paid tribute to the World Series champion Atlanta Braves during the break between the first and second quarters.
Braves players Freddie Freeman, Joc Pederson and A.J. Minter were sitting courtside, Pederson was wearing a Hawks jersey and the strand of pearls he made fashionable during the Braves’ improbable run to the championship.
A parade is planned Friday to honor the team. Pederson grabbed a mic and spoke briefly to the crowd.
“We love you guys,” he said. “We can’t wait to see you tomorrow at the parade. Go Hawks!”
UP NEXT
Jazz: Travel to Miami to face the Heat on Saturday in the second of three straight road games.
Hawks: Begin a four-game Western road trip against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.
Mobley has double-double, Cavs beat Hawks 101-95 for 1st win
CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie Evan Mobley collected 17 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots, helping the Cleveland Cavaliers rally for their first win of the season, 101-95 over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.
Ricky Rubio had 23 points and eight assists, and Jarrett Allen added 11 points and 14 rebounds for Cleveland, which trailed by 13 points in the second quarter. The Cavaliers had lost their first two games, both by 11.
“We’re definitely really happy about our first win, it felt great,” Mobley said. “But we don’t want to just settle on it. We want to keep winning and growing from here.”
Mobley, the No. 3 overall selection from USC, scored seven points during a 21-0 run that put Cleveland ahead 67-58 in the third. Atlanta went scoreless for 4:28 after Trae Young made a layup with 46 seconds left in the second quarter.
“As Evan kept making plays, we kept giving him the ball,” Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “He’s got that straight face, but his skill set is diverse and versatile. Evan has earned our trust because of how quickly he’s picked things up.”
Young paced the Hawks with 24 points and seven assists, while Cam Reddish scored 19 points off the bench and Clint Capela had 10 points and 14 rebounds. Atlanta was not credited with a fast-break point in the second half.
The Hawks, who lost to NBA champion Milwaukee in the East finals last season, won their opener 113-87 over Dallas two days earlier.
“They outworked us and were the aggressive team throughout the second half,” Atlanta coach Nate McMillan said. “We weren’t getting stops, so we couldn’t get out in transition like we have to.”
The Hawks pulled within 99-95 in the final minute, but missed a pair of shots before Lauri Markkanen sealed the win by making two free throws with 15 seconds remaining. Young finished 8 of 22 shooting and didn’t make a 3-pointer after the first quarter.
“I’ve got to do better,” Young said. “I will do better. I’ve just got to find the rhythm.”
Collin Sexton, Markkanen and Kevin Love each scored 12 points for Cleveland, which committed a season-low 10 turnovers. The Cavaliers’ 21-point run was their longest since Dec. 11, 2019 against Houston, when they scored 24 in a row.
Mobley played 35 minutes in his third straight start. The 7-foot power forward is averaging 15.7 points and 8.3 rebounds with a .563 field goal percentage.
“Evan is going to be a guy who can get a double-double every night,” Love said. “He’s got a huge future and he’s going to make a number of All-Defensive teams in his career.”
A 3-pointer by Bogdan Bogdanovic gave Atlanta its largest lead at 43-30, but Rubio answered with six points in the final 3:03 of the second quarter to pull the Cavaliers within 55-53 at intermission.
Young scored nine points in the first quarter and Reddish had five off the bench as Atlanta held a 27-24 lead after the first.
LOVE IN THE AIR
Love looked comfortable for the first time in his new role coming off the bench. The five-time All-Star had 12 points, six rebounds and three assists in 24 minutes. “Kevin knows who he is and what is important to us,” Bickerstaff said. “He played to win.” In Cleveland’s first two games, Love had 10 total points and missed 11 of his 14 field goal attempts.
TIP-INS
Hawks: G Lou Williams (left hip soreness) was active and available, but the 17th-year pro did not play. … F Danilo Gallinari (left shoulder soreness) and F Onyeka Okongwu (right shoulder recovery) remain out and have not made their regular season debuts.
Cavaliers: Starting G Darius Garland (left ankle sprain) missed his second straight game after being hurt in the opener at Memphis. … G Dylan Windler (right hip strain) has been inactive for each game. He will travel with the team on its five-game road trip.
UP NEXT
Hawks: Host Detroit on Monday. Atlanta is in the midst of four road games in a five-game stretch that ends Oct. 30.
Cavaliers: Visit Denver on Monday. Cleveland will not return home again until Nov. 3 against Portland.
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