The Atlanta Hawks delivered an explosive offensive performance to secure their fourth consecutive victory, overpowering the Utah Jazz 132-122 in a thrilling NBA matchup played on Thursday night (Friday, November 14, 2025, Philippine time).
Historic Night for Hawks' Young Stars
Jalen Johnson produced a career-defining performance, recording his third career triple-double with spectacular numbers: 31 points, 18 rebounds, 14 assists, and seven steals. The rising star set personal bests in both points and assists while nearly achieving a rare quadruple-double.
Teammate Onyeka Okongwu provided equally impressive fireworks, draining eight three-pointers on 14 attempts to finish with a career-high 32 points. His shooting display shattered his previous single-game record of four three-pointers and demonstrated remarkable improvement in his outside shooting.
Record-Breaking Three-Point Barrage
The Hawks established a new franchise record by connecting on 15 three-pointers during the first half alone, attempting 25 shots from beyond the arc. This remarkable shooting clinic was spearheaded by Vit Krejci, who began the game with a perfect 5-for-5 performance from long range. Krejci ultimately contributed 20 points to the winning effort.
Atlanta's final tally of 24 three-pointers represents the highest total by any NBA team this season, highlighting their exceptional shooting prowess despite missing several key players.
Jazz Fightback Falls Short
The Utah Jazz, led by Lauri Markkanen's impressive 40-point performance on 15-for-25 shooting, mounted a significant comeback after trailing by as many as 18 points. Markkanen's three-pointer early in the fourth quarter gave Utah a brief 106-103 advantage, threatening to snap Atlanta's winning streak.
However, the Hawks responded immediately with an 8-0 run sparked by crucial steals from Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Johnson's free throws extended Atlanta's lead to 127-118 with just over three minutes remaining, effectively sealing the victory.
Rookie Ace Bailey contributed a career-best 21 points for the Jazz, while Keyonte George added 19. Despite these individual efforts, Utah failed to secure back-to-back victories yet again this season, dropping their record to 4-8.
Hawks Thrive Despite Absences
Atlanta continued to demonstrate impressive depth, earning their eighth victory against five losses while missing multiple key contributors. Star guard Trae Young remained sidelined with an MCL sprain, while Kristaps Porzingis sat out for rest purposes.
Without their primary playmaker, the Hawks emphasized ball movement throughout the game, finishing with 36 total assists. This team-oriented approach proved highly effective against the Jazz defense.
The game experienced an unusual delay of more than 10 minutes when officials halted play for repairs to one of the baskets, adding an unexpected element to the contest.
Around the NBA
In other NBA action, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-113 behind Scottie Barnes' 28 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and five blocks. Immanuel Quickley added 25 points as Toronto secured their sixth victory in seven games.
The Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to five games with a dominant 133-98 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Devin Booker scored 33 points while Dillon Brooks contributed 32 in the lopsided contest.
Indiana, last season's Eastern Conference champion, continued to struggle, falling to a disappointing 1-11 record after suffering their sixth consecutive defeat.
