TheNew Orleans Pelicans, despite the much-anticipated return of stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, fell short against the Atlanta Hawks, losing 123-105. Trae Young and the Hawks, riding the momentum of a winning streak, found their stride in the second half, leaving the Pelicans scrambling for answers on defense. Young, with a double-double of 22 points and 12 assists, orchestrated an Atlanta offense that the Pelicans simply couldn’t contain.
New Orleans, coming off a win against Detroit, hoped the return of their All-Stars would bolster their performance. Instead, they encountered a surging Atlanta team that outpaced and outscored them, marking a continued ascent in the Hawks’ mid-season rally.
The Pelicans started strong, buoyed by Williamson’s dominance, which included a stunning windmill dunk that energized the team. Williamson finished with 25 points, and Ingram added 16, but their contributions weren’t enough to thwart the Hawks’ offensive onslaught. Atlanta’s ability to extend possessions through offensive rebounds—19 in total—proved too much for New Orleans.
The Hawks capitalized on these second-chance opportunities, scoring 24 additional points that underscored the Pelicans’ defensive woes. Pelicans coach Willie Green expressed his disappointment in the post-game, emphasizing the need for a stronger defensive mindset—a call to action for a team looking to climb back into a competitive position.
The Hawks’ rally was marked by a collective effort, with contributions from De’Andre Hunter, John Collins, and the high-flying Onyeka Okongwu, whose alley-oop dunk highlighted the team’s dynamic play. The Pelicans showed flashes of resistance, with rookie Jordan Hawkins delivering a career-high 15 points off the bench, including a pair of threes that briefly closed the gap.
However, Atlanta’s consistent firepower kept the game out of reach. As the Pelicans set their sights on their next challenge in Denver, they must regroup and address the defensive lapses that have hampered their ability to contend with high-scoring opponents like the Hawks.
