Hawks Defeat Raptors, 136-107

The Atlanta Hawks delivered a commanding performance against the Toronto Raptors, clinching a 136-107 victory on Sunday night. This win marks the beginning of a six-game road trip for Atlanta, while the Raptors suffered their tenth consecutive defeat.
Hawks' Offensive Strategy
Trae Young was instrumental in the Hawks' success, scoring 34 points and providing 10 assists. His shooting was particularly noteworthy, as he connected on 7 of 13 attempts from three-point range, matching the total number of three-pointers made by the entire Raptors team, which shot 7 for 24. De’Andre Hunter also made a significant contribution with 22 points, while Clint Capela added 11 points and 13 rebounds, helping the Hawks maintain control throughout the game.
Raptors Struggle Continues
Despite a valiant effort from Scottie Barnes, who scored 19 points, and RJ Barrett with 17 points, the Raptors fell behind early and were unable to recover. This loss marked the second consecutive game in which Toronto allowed over 130 points, following a franchise-worst 155-point concession in their previous matchup against Memphis. The Raptors' defense struggled to contain Atlanta's offensive onslaught.
Key Player Returns
Toronto welcomed back Bruce Brown, who made his season debut after recovering from knee surgery, scoring 12 points in 19 minutes, including a highlight dunk shortly after entering the game. Additionally, center Jakob Poeltl returned from a groin injury, contributing 13 points. However, the Raptors' overall performance was hindered by turnovers, finishing with a season-high 31 mistakes, including 10 in the first quarter.
Game Momentum Shift
The turning point of the game occurred in the third quarter when Atlanta expanded their six-point halftime lead to a 22-point advantage. This surge was fueled by a remarkable 40-point third quarter, with Young scoring 12 points during this period. The Hawks' defensive effort was also prominent, as they recorded a season-high 22 steals, including 10 in the first quarter alone.
Looking Ahead
As the Raptors prepare for their next game against Boston on Tuesday, the Hawks will travel to Denver for a matchup on New Year’s Day. Both teams will need to address their recent challenges as they navigate through the season.